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CC - Minutes 09-14-10Community Development Commission Housing Development Corporation, and City Council Meeting Minutes September 14, 2010 The regular meeting of the Rosemead Community Development Commission, Housing Development Corporation and City Council was called to order by Mayor Taylor at 6:03 p.m. in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. FLAG SALUTE: Chair /Mayor Taylor INVOCATION: Vice - Chair /Mayor Pro Tern Ly PRESENT: Chair/ PresidenU Mayor Taylor, Vice- ChairNice- President/ Mayor Pro Tern Ly, Commissioner/ Directors/ Council Members Armenta, Clark and Low STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Allred, Agency AttorneyRichman, Community Development Director Wong, Director of Finance Brisco, Director of Parks and Recreation Montgomery- Scott, Economic Development Administrator Ramirez, Public Affairs Manager Flores, Deputy Public Works Director Marcarello, and City Clerk Molleda 1. ORDINANCES READ BY TITLE ONLY State law requires that all ordinances be read in full prior to the City Council /Agency Board taking action; however, by motion, unanimously adopted, the City Attorney can be instructed to read all ordinances by title only. Recommendation: That the City Attorney be instructed to read all ordinances which appear on this agenda by title only, and that further reading be waived. Mayor Pro Tern Steven Ly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Sandra Armenta, to approve ordinances read by title only. Vote resulted in: Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly, Taylor No: None Abstain: None Absent: None 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE Daniel Garcia expressed concern with homeless shelters, he showed a list of homeless shelters that were not accessable to disabled people; ask the Commission to write a letter of concern. Rosemead City Councit, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 1 of 64 3. COMMISSION /CORPORATION CONSENT CALENDAR A. Claims and Demands • Resolution No. 2010 — 32 Recommendation: to approve Resolution No. 2010 — 32, entitled: RESOLUTION NO. 2010 — 32 FOR PAYMENT OF COMMISSION EXPENDITURES IN THE AMOUNT OF $235,997.24 DEMAND NO. 10090 AND DEMAND NOS. 11326 THROUGH 11337. Vice- Chairman Steven Ly made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sandra Armenta, to approve Commission/ Corporation Consent Calendar. Vote resulted in: Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly, Taylor No: None Abstain: None Absent: None 4. HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION PUBLIC HEARING — CONTINUED A. Power Purchase Agreement for a Solar Power System at Angelus and Garvey Senior Housing Levine Management Group, the management company of the two senior complexes owned by the Rosemead Housing Development Corporation (RHDC), has proposed installation of solar panels at the Angelus Senior Complex and the Garvey Senior Complex. Their interest in investigating the possibility of installing solar electricity systems at the buildings arose as the result of the availability of significant rebates offered by Southern California Edison (SCE). SCE is a participant in the Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) Program that provides up to 60% of the cost of solar systems. The MASH Program has been designed specifically to facilitate the acceleration of solar power in the affordable housing sector in California. The proposed project will produce an alternative source of energy for the Angelus Senior Complex and the Garvey Senior Complex. The goal is to enter into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for both complexes so the RHDC will have a secure energy source alternative that will be below the cost spent for that same amount of energy purchased from SCE over the life of the PPA's. Recommendation: That the Housing Development Corporation Board continue this item to their September 28, 2010 meeting. Daniel Garcia spoke in favor of the solar power system. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 2 of 64 Executive Director Allred stated the public hearing was continued from last meeting and staff has meet with the party proposing the agreement. The Agency Attorney recently received new documents regarding the agreement; Mr. Allred asked that this public hearing be moved to the following meeting. President Taylor opened Public Hearing 6:14 p.m and continued the Public Hearing to the next meeting. Vice -Chair Steven Ly made a motion, seconded by Director Sandra Armenta to continue the public hearing to the next Housing Development Corporation meeting. Vote resulted in: Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly, Taylor No: None Abstain: None Absent: None 5. MATTERS FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR A. Loan Agreement with the Rosemead Chamber of Commerce On June 1, 2010, the Rosemead Chamber of Commerce approached the City regarding the need for a loan in order to help them fund the implementation of a new business plan. Per the direction from the City Council, the Promissory Note and Negative Pledge Agreement will provide for $25,000 loan to be repaid by 2015. The terms of the loan include annual payments on July 1st of each year commencing by July 1, 2012 with an interest rate of zero percent (O %). Payments not made by July 10th of each year would accrue penalties at the rate of three percent (3 %). The loan will be secured by a Negative Pledge Agreement, which will be recorded with the County on the Chamber's offices located at 3953 Muscatel Avenue. Recommendation: That the Community Development Commission authorize the loan of $25,000 to the Rosemead Chamber of Commerce and execute the Promissory Note to be secured by the Negative Pledge Agreement. Executive Director Allred reviewed the staff report Agency Attorney Richman explained that it's something that needs to be recorded on the property, so if there are any attemps to sell the property the loan would appear on the title; and they are not permitted to sell the property unless they have paid the loan back and the Commission would then grant the approval. Commissioner Low asked about the terms of the loan, in which the principal is payable in four installments of $6,000. The loan is $25,000 and the installment payments only give us $24,000. Chairman Taylorclarified that it also states the last payment will make up any difference into the fourth year Commissioner Clark asked if the agreement was acceptable to the Charmber. Executive Director Allred replied yes. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 3 of 64 Commissioner Margaret Clark made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Polly Low, to approve the Community Development Commission to authorize the loan of $25,000 to the Rosemead Chamber of Commerce and execute the Promissory Note to be secured by the Negative Pledge Agreement. Vote resulted in: Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly, Taylor No: None Abstain: None Absent: None B. Update on Status of Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) for the Sale of the Glendon Hotel On May 25, 2010, the Rosemead Community Development Commission approved an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with the Qiao Garden Group Real Estate Company, Ltd. (Qiao Garden Group) for the development of a Purchase and Sale Agreement of 8832 Glendon Way (Glendon Hotel). On July 27, 2010, the ENA was extended to November 20, 2010. Over the last few months, staff has been working with the Qiao Garden Group on the development of a Purchase and, Sale Agreement for the Glendon Hotel. There have been several requests made by both parties that need to be completed before a Purchase and Sale Agreement can be finalized. It is projected that these tasks will take longer to complete than the 90 calendar days provided for in the amended ENA. Therefore, it is recommended that the Commission extent the ENA with the Qiao Garden Group until April 13, 2011. Within ten (10) days of the ENA approval, Qiao Garden Group will make a $100,000 deposit to the Commission. Recommendation: That the Community Development Commission extend the Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with Qiao Garden Group Real Estate Company, Ltd. for the development of a Purchase and Sale Agreement of the Glendon Hotel until April 13, 2011. Chairman Taylor asked for this item to be deferred to next meeting for closed session. He asked staff to bring back a report for clarification of what has happened in the past five weeks. The agreement started as a 90 day, then it got extended, and now another extension for 11 months. Executive Director Allred stated that this item could) still got to closed session and added that on the next meeting there will be a 30 minute presentation by Brenda Honeymiller from the area D Emergency Prepareness, a requirement that the City Council has to have. Chairman Taylor reiterated that he did not understand what has happened in the last five weeks. Several requests have been made by both parties and would like that clarified as to why the agreement is being extended for almost a year. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 4 of 64 City Council Meeting Agenda The regular meeting of the Rosemead City Council was called to order by Mayor Taylor at 7:03 p.m. in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. FLAG SALUTE: Mayor Taylor INVOCATION: Mayor Pro Tern Ly PRESENT: Mayor Taylor, Mayor Pro Tern Ly, Council Members Armenta, Clark and Low STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Allred, City Attorney Richman, Community Development Director Wong, Director of Finance Brisco, Director of Parks and Recreation Montgomery- Scott, Economic Development Administrator Ramirez, Public Affairs Manager Flores, Deputy Public Works Director Marcarello, and City Clerk Molleda 6. PRESENTATION • Emergency Preparedness Month Proclamation Mandy Wong, Public Safety Coordinator was presented with a Proclamation for Emergency Prepareness. Ms. Wong invited Council and the community to attend a free safety workshop at the Public Safety Center with special guest speaker, April Kelcy. • Tanya Cusick — Target Manager City Council presented Tanya Cusick, Target Manager a certificate of appreciation and recognition for their continued support of the City of Rosemead's National Night Out celebration, partnership on the 50th Anniversary, 4th of July Parade and September 11 Memorial project. • Lady Hawks Recognition City Council presented a certificate of recognition to the California Lady Hawks. Lisa Carraso, Team Cordinator thanked City Council, staff and parents for their support. Council Member Armenta stated that they are very proud of the California Lady Hawks and she was given a pen where it commemorates the Team for the past 20 years. The Lady Hawks have helped girls go to college with the scholarships available. Mayor Taylor stated it was nice to see a group of young people participating in sports. Also added, three full time employees go through the city removing graffiti and it's pleasing to see young people participating in sports or something that is very constructive. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 5 of 64 • California Contract Cities Association - President Laura Olhasso Laura Olhasso President of Contract Cities and Council Member of La Canada Flintridge thanked council for their membership. Ms. Olhasso stated there are 70 member cities who contract for their municipal services. The purpose of the association is to service those cities through education, advocacy, networking, and organization administration. Council Member Clark spoke in appreciation of Contract Cities Association and reiterated that one of the reasons why Rosemead is doing all right is because the city contracts for police and fire services. Ms. Olhasso stated that cities that contract for services usually pay less legal fees. Council Member Armenta commended the association for their hard work and dedication and was honored to be part of the executive board. 7. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE Dolores Weideman expressed concern with a property located on Mission and Walnut Grove on the west side, which is Edison property. Ms. Weideman stated that it's an eye sore and its unacceptable the way Edison has not maintained the property and residents have expressed concern as well. Mayor Taylor stated that city staff will look at the situation and see why its not being cleaned up. Daniel Garcia spoke about the emergency preparedness proclamation and asked if people were prepared for an emergency such as people with disabilities, schools, hospitals, and seniors. Mayor Taylor replied the city is trying to provide the services they can; there are 57,000 people living in Rosemead . Mr. Taylor clarified that the city did not have jurisdiction in hostpitals and they are aware of earthquake situations; also we have sheriffs department, the fire department and there is only so much any city can do. We try to advise people that have different functions, once a month trying to get community involved. The city tries to do preparedness, there are senior citizens groups, the community centers where they come together and flyers are available; the city is doing best they can. Mr. Garcia reiterated that there should be a protocol that involves people with disabilities and seniors. Mayor Taylor requested that item IOA, High Speed Rail be moved up for discussion. Council Member Armenta made a motion, second by Mayor Pro Tern Steven Ly, to move up agenda item 10A— High Speed Rail Authority Update for discussion. Vote resulted in: Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly, Taylor No: None Abstain: None Absent: none Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 6 of 64 10. MATTERS FROM MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL A. California High Speed Rail Authority ( CHSRA) Update The City Council will review and discuss recent information and dialogue concerning the California High Speed Rail project that is proposed to be constructed through the San Gabriel Valley. Two of the four proposed alternative routes being considered by the CHSRA would pass through Rosemead. (One alternative route through Rosemead would be along the 1 -10 Freeway and the other alternative route would be along the SR -60 Freeway.) At the request of the City of Rosemead, neighboring cities and the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, the CHSRA has agreed to address various concerns that have been expressed by holding a community meeting, which has been scheduled as follows: Date: Wednesday, October 6t^ Time: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Location: Grace Black Auditorium 3130 Tyler Avenue El Monte At this community meeting citizens will have an opportunity to obtain information and voice their concerns. City representatives will also attend the meeting. Recommendation: That the City Council determine whether any additional actions are needed at this time. City Manager Jeff Allred — Mayor, members of the City Council this is an update on the California High Speed Rail Authority project and we have with us tonight Valerie Martinez with the California High Speed Rail Authority. She is the Director of Communications for the Southern California area. She would like to make a few comments and a brief presentation before we take comments from the public and the Council. Valerie Martinez — Good evening; thank you so much for inviting us to come down; inviting me and my crew to come down and provide information about the California High Speed Rail System. Before we get started, frankly with my few comments that I am going to make, I'm really hoping.... I brought a video with us because typically the question we have is, "what's it going to look and feel like ?" So we brought a short video that will kind of give you a visual representation of what the piece, what the system will look like. It will also give you some background on the system from the State wide level. Video was played and the audio was as follows: `7n 2000 Californians made more than half billion trips between the State different regions. By 2030 the number will double to nearly one billion. (Inaudible) on our roads, our airports, ever increasing some population and economy growth. With the passage of Proposition 1A in November 2008, California established itself as the leader for building America's first world class environmentally friendly transportation alternative for the 21 Century. A truly high speed system rivaling the best known systems already operating in 11 countries around the world. Traveling in speeds of up to 220 miles per hour over an 800 mile route; it will whisk riders from Downtown Los Angeles to Downtown San Francisco in just over 2 and % hours. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 7 of 64 California's High Speed Train System will be the largest public works project undertaken in the State in 50 years. Building this state of the art network will create more than 600 thousand construction jobs and another 450 thousand permanent jobs. (Inaudible) electrically powered high speed trains will also provide crucial environmental benefits by using just 113 the energy per passenger of airplanes and 115 the energy per passenger of automobiles. High speed trains will help California meet long term goals by reducing green house gases; eliminating as much as 12 million pounds per year and reducing the State's demand for oil by 12.7 million barrels annually. With trains carrying up to one thousand passengers departing as frequently as every 5 minutes during peak hours; high speed trains will carry as many as one hundred million passengers per year by 2030. About 10% of the State's interregional traffic. Train stations will be developed to connect with local and regional transits systems and airports. Locating stations within an existing transportation corridors will continue to promote transit oriented development within urban centers; helping ease urban (inaudible) and lose of open space. The first step in building California's high speed train is design an environmental review. State and Federal law require a full environmental analysis to assure that all significant environmental impacts are identified and mitigated with alternatives fully considered. In 2005, the California High Speed Rail Authority completed the first level of environmental review for the full State wide system. Now the Authority is preparing detailed project level environmental review reports for each individual section of this system. Those sections are San Francisco to San Jose; San Jose to Merced; Merced to Sacramento; Merced to Fresno; Fresno to Bakersfield; Bakersfield to Palmdale; Palmdale to Los Angeles; Los Angeles to Anaheim; Los Angeles to San Diego via the Inland Empire. In addition, the Authority and Regional Partners are pursuing a passenger rail improvement project in the (inaudible) corridor connecting Stockton and San Jose. Each of these sections will undergo a separate detailed environmental review, public input from individual residents who live along the proposed high speed line, to local governments, and non - governmental organizations is part of the planning process. Community meetings are held to provide citizens with details about the projects in each section and to listen, answer questions, and seek input. Next a draft environmental impact report and statement will be issued identifying preferred routes through each section. A second round of public input and review will occur before a final analysis is completed and route selection is made. While construction of local projects necessary to support the system could begin as early as 2010, construction of peak components of the high speed train are expected to begin in earnest by 2012. High speed train systems are among the most sophisticated engineering projects in the world. To build a high speed train route California will draw the expertise and experience of those who already built other high speed train systems. Building the bridges, tunnels, track acquire for high speed train travel will create hundreds of thousands of jobs. Early benefits will be evident as existing conventional train corridors are upgraded with electrification, improve track, separated grades that eliminate crossings and bell safe automatic stop safety control systems. As construction continues California's first high speed train will begin running out of designated test station. Engineers will fine tune the many complex systems that make high speed train travel the safest in the world. By 2020 passenger service will begin on the Anaheim /Los Angeles to San Francisco backbone of the system, a route of roughly 500 miles, the Merced /Sacramento and Los Angeles to San Diego sections will then come into service several years later; completing the entire 800 mile system. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 8 of 64 The California High Speed Rail Authority's Board of Directors, appointed by the Governor and the Legislature, is committed to managing the project at the highest level of fiscal accountability. An independent and qualified paid review committee will also review the planning, engineering, and financing of the California High Speed Rail Authority's plans. Periodic audits will be performed by the State Auditor. California is on track to the future, clean electrically powered high speed trains are the best means for meeting Californian's mobility to man in the 21st Century and will put Californians at the forefront of the emerging green economy. By providing unprecedented, safe, comfortable, environmentally sustainable travel from city center to city center, California is leading the way to America's future. The future begins now." Valerie Martinez — Well that gives you a high level overview of the project from the State wide perspective, talking about the fact, what the system looks like what the train will look like. I now have a very brief PowerPoint presentation that brings it down to the local area. One of the things I really want to emphasize, as Matt is calling up that presentation, is some of the timing, you saw there was a phase 1 — phase 2 component in there. L.A. to San Diego via the Inland Empire, which includes this portion along the San Gabriel, within the San Gabriel Valley, is phase 2 and one of the things they did say in the video is that we are several years down the road from even beginning construction for this phase. So some of the timelines you saw there, that is specifically from L.A. to Anaheim, I'm sorry, for San Francisco to L.A. and Anaheim, it does not include L.A. to San Diego. So we can go over some of that right now. Just again, briefly going over what you just saw. This is an 800 mile systems steel wheel on steel rail, hundred percent clean electric power, reducing pollution. We are building to a maximum of operating speed of 220 miles per hour, mind you that 220 is what we will be hitting in say the Central Valley and in very low populated areas and urban areas will be hitting probably about 110, 125. Note that high speed rail in Europe and in Asia typically is about 130, 140 miles per hour, so in California the system that we are building is state of the art. It will actually be faster than what we have seen in other countries. It is safe dedicated tract and it is faster, cheaper, and more convenient than air travel. Why we need it? Jobs... you saw the numbers in the video, six hundred thousand full time one year construction related jobs of equivalence, five thousand permanent operations and maintenance jobs, four hundred and fifty thousand economy wide jobs by 2035. So that includes, jobs that are related to the system, as well as, various conference and business bureau type job, restaurants, hotels that will be created, specifically in or in centers where there are stations as well. As I said there is, this is a phase approach to construction. This is that first phase that we are looking at right here... it is this portion up here to San Francisco to through the Central Valley, into Palmdale, into Union Station, and then down to Anaheim. The two sections down here L.A. to San Diego via the Inland Empire, this includes the San Gabriel Valley, and this portion right here and of course this area over here that we've talked about, including Merced to Sacramento and the.....corddor is phase two and is several years down the road. And frankly can only move forward with... if the funding is in place to do so. Now focusing on L.A. to San Diego.via the Inland Empire, again this is this purple section right here. Where we are at right now is we are really trying to work with our partner agencies, develop MOU's, develop... gather information. We are kind of in a fact finding mode right now for this particular section, which is why we're working with these particular entities, as well as, going to various cities and working directly with city staff and with city council. To get feedback to get information about what is happening in particular cities. What don't we know, what do we need to know. We are putting some occasional informal lines on paper, saying okay what if we did this, and kind of getting some feedback, that's where we are at right now. One of the entities that we are really hoping we are going to be adding to this group, sooner than later, is the San Gabriel Valley COG, we have been meeting with Nick Conway .... we met with him yesterday and it was a very positive meeting and I think that's a very critical component to Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 9 of 64 ensuring that we are communicating appropriately with San Gabriel Valley cities. We've been working with Metro... in fact Alex Clifford is here from Metro. They have been working frankly as a liaison to help us in terms of addressing transportation issues and connectivity. As well as communication with cities to gather this information in order to move forward with our environmental process. The coordination for an 800 mile system, as you can imagine, is tremendous. We need to work with a lot of offices, with a lot of agencies, just for this one section, for L.A. to San Diego and this is only from L.A. to San Diego; we have three Caltrans districts, four counties, nearly 100 cities, and alignments through 19 congressional districts, 23 state senate districts, 31 state assembly districts... this is important and here is why. We are, this project is absolutely being designed in coordination with cities and this is why. All of our funding is coming from the State, from the Feds and you know, a lot of it is public funding in additional to... in addition to a lot of P -3 funding, public private partnership funding. The only way we're going to get private - public partnership funding is if in fact we get this initial public funding. The only way we are going to get the public funding is if in fact we are working in a very, very collaborate manner with our partner cities and again in addition to the funding frankly as you can imagine with an 800 mile system in the hundreds of cities and communities that we're working with, if in fact we just kind of storm troop these communities, we are going to end up in court for many, many, many years and frankly, we want to build this system. So it is absolutely in everyone's best interest as we build this system that we work very specifically with the communities... that we're looking at alignments through to ensure that we're building appropriately. Again, right now just from L.A. to San Diego, this is 170 mile corridor; however, we are looking at alignments that equate to 515 miles, okay so that means, I'll show you a map in just a moment, that just through the western part of the San Gabriel Valley what that looks like. We need to find eight stations, in order to find eight stations we are looking at 18 different candidate sites. And there are 18 cities frankly that are fighting for these stations; they want these stations badly because of the economic development that this brings. So we are meeting with stake holders, we are working through technical working groups, and doing briefings throughout these corridors to try to determine what these alternatives can look like. This is the map that I was just talking about and in the western portion of the San Gabriel Valley; right now we have basically four different alignments that we are looking at, This is Boyle Heights right here, I'm going to move away from Boyle Heights for just a moment because that's a whole different ball of wax. Basically all the red lines in here are potential alignments through the San Gabriel Valley. Here we have, if you see it's a double red line, it's because they are two different alignments; one of them is along the U -P, which is an existing right -of -way, Union Pacific. The other one is an adjacent U -P adjacent right -of -way, again this is Union Pacific adjacent, it does goes through a variety of cities. But this is .... yes? Ch I'm sorry. Council Member Clark— the adjacent track or property Valerie Martinez — right... Council Member Clark — who owns that? Valerie Martinez — right now, it is owned by a variety of entities, including mostly private entities and some of it public. Council Member Clark— so it's not Union Pacific that owns the.... Valerie Martinez — no, this right here... U -P adjacent is not Union Pacific. But Union Pacific does have a certain amount of control over it because they have .... the way rights are determined is within a certain number of feet outside of their own right -of -way, they still have a say so about how that property can be utilized. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 10 of 64 Council Member Clark— so how much of the adjacent do they Valerie Martinez — I can look that up...I think it's a 100 feet but again that is something I'd have to go look at for you. Council Member Clark— so if they said no, where could you still do it in the right -of -way. Valerie Martinez — if they said no, it would be a real challenge. Council MemberArmenta — Mr. Mayor, if I may, have they not already said no Valerie Martinez — they've said no a number times. Council MemberArmenta — ok, so its not a potential, its not a potential route then Valerie Martinez — well it is a potential route at this point because we haven't been able to take it off but you are absolutely right, you're absolutely right and I was going to get there. In fact U -P has been very, very, clear about the fact that they do not want us either on the right -of -way or adjacent to it. Another potential route that we are looking at is along the SR -60, okay, and there another potential route that we are looking at is along the 1 -10 corridor and that of course is the corridor that would have a potential impact on the City of Rosemead. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— actually Mr. Mayor if I may.... Mayor Taylor— yes Mr. Ly, Mayor Pro Tem Ly— I actually know that the SR -60 does have impact to our city as well... Valerie Martinez — oh that's right all the way to then end... Mayor Pro Tem Ly— on the southern end Valerie Martinez — you're right, you're right, I'm sorry I forgot about that portion that goes right by Montebello. Council Member Low— Mr. Mayor, question... Mayor Taylor— yes, Mrs. Low. Council Member Low— those two, the white dots there, those are the potential stations? Valerie Martinez — these are the potential stations. There's two different... very close, obviously, station options here. This is in El Monte, this is the transit center, where there they not only currently have the bus center but they want to create a more expanded transit village. I think they are calling it Gateway El Monte now and then here's another option down here, I believe there's a Metro Link station there. Again the primary element that we are looking at when we are talking about potential station cities is that we need to have connectivity. We really don't want to create a situation where we're putting more cars on the freeway; we want to create opportunities for folks to get on high speed train via bus, via Metro Link, via light rail, other Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 11 of 64 options, and you know, that's why right here we have a Metro Link station. There's an opportunity there and here you have a lot of opportunity because you do have the buses, the Metro Link station nearby, umm etcetera. Now the reason this map looks like this, let me also say that I'm not going to get into any more detail than this, is because frankly this is where we are with our planning, there are a lot of, you know, maps that perhaps our engineers pulled together when they meet with city staff because again, we are really trying to drill down and say okay, well you know, what does this mean if we do this, if we do that. At this point this is as far as we've gone; however, as we've talked to a number of cities, as we've talked to city managers, as we've talked to community groups, as we've talked to Nick Conway at the San Gabriel Valley COG, consistently, consistently, what we are being told is that .... cause initially we were saying well we don't know how we'd go through along the 1 -10, we don't know if we'd be north of it, south of it or within the median. Consistently we are being told that there is no option frankly the only way the San Gabriel Valley cities will tolerate high speed rail coming through on the 10 would be in the median or where there are absolutely minimum impacts to any of the communities along the route. And that has absolutely been heard; there's a decision making process here, where as we continue on, as part of the environmental process things will become more solidified, at this point, as you said the U -P is still on here even though they have said that they are not interested in having us anywhere near them; however, as I told you earlier this system is absolutely committed to ensuring that as where design that we are doing so in cooperation, in collaboration with the cities that we are working with and what the cities are telling us along the 1 -10 is that there is no other option than the median option. Mayor Taylor— how many cities have told you that? Which cities are they? Valerie Martinez — uum, Alhambra, San Gabriel... Mayor Taylor— San Gabriel has made that commitment? Valerie Martinez — their, their commitment right now is informal but that's coming. Mayor Taylor— we haven't seen their official Valerie Martinez — yes. Mayor Taylor— Alhambra we know about. Valerie Martinez — yes, West Covina. Again several of them have been unofficial; all of them frankly I would tell you that unofficially all of them have been very, very clear that we need to stay within the existing right -of- way to ensure that there are little or no impacts at all to homes and to businesses, and to commercial properties along the existing right -of -way. And depending on what city, obviously, you have different impacts right.... Mayor Taylor— how do we go about getting an official statement from those cities... other than, Alhambra has written a letter is that correct? Valerie Martinez — Yes, and the COG has also written a letter. And several other cities are in fact writing letters that basically are speaking to the fact that the most logical, most... the only tolerable option going through the San Gabriel Valley along the 1 -10 is through the median. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 12 of 64 Mayor Taylor— all right, thank you. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— Mr. Mayor... Mayor Taylor —yes, Mr. Ly Mayor Pro Tem Ly— I should also point out that the city of Rosemead in February took that same action as well. Valerie Martinez — yes you did. Council MemberArmenta — Mr. Mayor and I believe that tonight we are going to take a vote as far as to either change the verbiage of that letter. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— well I don't know if that letter was actually... was that letter actually written Mr. Allred? I believe we had a position...I don't know that we actually had a letter. Council Member Armenta — well I believe that today we are going to motion or actually propose that a letter, a formal letter be written to the High Speed Rail Authority. Mayor Taylor— Mr. Allred, do you remember a letter going out? It didn't come with my signature. Jeff Allred — I'm not sure we sent a letter; we are going to have to research that.... back in February I think. Mayor Taylor— yes. Valerie Martinez — and I'll be honest with you, I remember... I'm going off the fact that I read the newspaper article that spoke to the position being taken by the Council and I can't remember seeing a letter. That doesn't mean it didn't go to Sacramento cause every once in a while they forget to send me ... forward me this letters. So, but I was aware that in fact the Council had taken a position and this had been reported in the newspaper. Council Member Clark— unfortunately the position was to support if it's in the median. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— no, I believe the position was to oppose. Council Member Armenta — no. Council Member Clark— no, we're on record, support if it's in the median. Council Member Armenta— and we all know that they don't hear the if.... Council Member Clark — because that was at the request of the SR -60 coalition; they didn't want it going down the 60 and at the time we didn't have any idea that there would be any chance of going... taking homes on the north or south side. Council Member Armenta — right. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 13 of 64 Council Member Clark— so I'd have never supported that if I thought there was any chance... Valerie Martinez — I think the message that was received by the Authority and I honestly, as we just said that I can't remember how that was framed, was definitely that the city of Rosemead was in favor of the benefits that the project will bring, as long as, it minimized impact despite being in the median... that was definitely, however it was worded, that was the impression that was left with the Authority. Council MemberArmenta — well at this point we, there's impacts of going down the median also that I would like you to elaborate a little bit on because when you were showing the video it showed... Valeria Martinez — yeah, there's that one that has the really big arks, I think they were designed to look pretty but they are not necessary cause if you saw in most of the other visual... most of the other visualizations, you see the canopy but you don't see those big sloops, its just the first visualization that you see; its that big, it's that big bridge, and I think it's design to look pretty, which I personally think that it misses but that's just me (laughter). Mayor Taylor— I don't see anything in your proposal right here explaining the 50 foot wide deck that will run with the rails. Valerie Martinez — you're talking about if in fact we're in the median and if there would bean elevated structure. Mayor Taylor— yes, there would be 50 foot wide elevated deck running along side of the tracks. I don't see that here anywhere. Valerie Martinez — because there's, there's nothing in any of our materials that ...because there are no decisions, there are no proposal that would actually have that moving forward in that way. In fact, if we are in the center median, one of the options is to be an elevated track , there are other options as well that can be looked at. There can be trenching, there can be tunneling, there are other vertical, that's call the vertical alignment.... Mayor Taylor— yeah Valerie Martinez — there are other options. The goal is to ensure that we don't build in such a way that we are impacting outside of the right -of -way so we are not impacting homes to the north or the south and you know if in fact we are in an elevated structure that does ensure that we do not impact homes north or south. Because obviously, you know, you have the narrow beams that the structure is actually able to sit upon and it's the structure on top of that. It's kind of similar to what you might see if you go along the 110 and you have that structure in the middle of the of the freeway. I think, is that Metro Link or is that a light rail. Mayor Taylor— that's the rails that go between the.... Valerie Martinez — it's very similar to that. Mayor Taylor— alright. Council Member Clark— but I was told by one of your representatives that the poles are 20 feet wide. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 14 of 64 Valerie Martinez —the poles themselves? Council Member Clark— yeah, that would support weight above... so is there room within the median? Valerie Martinez — oh there is definitely room within the median. Council Member Clark — for two tracks or just one? Mayor Taylor— I think you are talking about two different things. The median down at rail level .... that 20 foot wide shouldn't applied down there at ground level? Council Member Clark— no, I'm talking about aerial. Valerie Martinez — if in fact we have an aerial structure, obviously, we are going to have beams that are going to be holding it up. Mayor Taylor— columns.... Valerie Martinez — thank you columns, I'm not sure what those columns.... what the diameter is. I don't believe it is 20 feet wide but again I can get those numbers for you. What I can tell you is that based on the surface engineering and let me be clear about how we are at one or two percent at this point, we're at one or two percent engineering. Council Member Clark— what do you mean by that? Valerie Martinez — well when you talk about engineering design and, and my engineers unfortunately have trained me to think in terms of percentages... when you are ready to build you are at 100% in design, right? But all along the way you keep doing more and more engineering so for instance, first you see, okay can it, can this corridor sustain this okay. Then you start to say okay now as we begin to build can this corridor still sustain this based on this new information that we have as we continue to move forward with the designing and engineering. And you kind of keep asking that question over and over so that when we get to the point that we have our draft environmental impact report that's 30% design. When in fact we go to design build then we have a contractor that will do the design build component. At 30% you have an alignment and you're clear about the various impacts are along that alignment. Then from there you actually design on paper or on a computer at this point, what that would look like; at 30% is where you're actually clear about what all those kind of details are. Right now we're at 1 % Council Member Armenta — Mr. Mayor if I may; I know when I attended the Alhambra Council Meeting, they showed a similar map and the gentleman that was speaking on behalf of the California Rail Authority said that everything in red was going to aerial. Valerie Martinez — he said that, I was there and I agree he said that. And afterward we had a clear conversation about how we're not sure that's absolutely the case. Because I have the experience of working on three sections including L.A. / San Diego but also L.A. to Anaheim and L.A. to Palmdale and L.A. to Anaheim is one of our sections that is moving the fastest where when we applied for stimulus funding that was one of those sections that that qualified for stimulus funding cause it was perceive as shovel ready, okay, Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 15 of 64 there at I say 20 -25% design at this point, okay so huge difference. And there's a huge change, there have been a lot of changes, even just within the last year, of what that corridor looks like. My friends the engineers, who have made very clear comments a year ago about what the system would look like are kind of eating crow now because it has changed a lot, based on community input. Council Member Armenta — What's the probability that you find that it will go aerial or above grade? Valerie Martinez — I honestly don't know, I think, I think it's going to have to be a collaborate effort with the city based on what the city knows versus what high speed rail knows based on the math and science. And the goal here is to build a system that is appropriate for the corridor and appropriate operationally; operationally functional, okay so again, as we build and we build appropriately for the corridor it will, it will absolutely be a collaborate effort to determine what the most appropriate elevation is, if we decide to move through the 1 -10 corridor, which again it's still a big if. Council MemberArmenta — Mr. Mayor if I may? Mayor Taylor— yes, Ms. Armenta. Council MemberArmenta — although I appreciate the video that you presented, nowhere on the video did you show a close proximity to homes on a high density area. Valerie Martinez — right. Council MemberArmenta — you know we need to see that as well to see how the impacts are going to be to our residents and to our community. Valerie Martinez — right, well you are absolutely correct and part of what we do through the environmental process is begin to drill down on if in fact we're aerial, if in fact we're in a trench, if we're in a tunnel, what are those impacts to the local communities. Again, the goal is to build in a way that is appropriate for the communities because again a variety of reasons; one, fiscal, you know, financial — one of them just from the time stand point of it, we don't want to be in, in court you know for the next 20 years. We want to actually build the system so it's absolutely critical that as we design that we design in a manner that is appropriate to the communities, while also ensuring that we're building an appropriate system, I mean, at the same time, right? We don't want to do one of those things that one of L.A. City Council Member consistently likes to hold up the green line. We're all familiar with the fact that the green line actually stops a mile from LAX so that you can't take the green line to and immediately hop on a plane. It takes a variety of changes and actually it's easier to take the bus from Downtown L.A. to LAX than it's actually to go from the green line and make the transitions over to LAX, you know, so no one of course wants to create that sort of situation. We want to build a system that is appropriate and functional but also that it's appropriate for the communities we are going through. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— Mr. Mayor Mayor Taylor— yes Mr. Ly. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— I believe the green line is often referred to as the line to nowhere because it is the line to nowhere. My concern and I believe the whole Council has shared this concern because when we initially took this issue up in February and we were talking to the SR -60 Coalition about... their concern of course and Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 16 of 64 same as Rosemead's concern is that if you were going to build along the 60 freeway, it would totally impact the Gold Line, light rail line that would either go down either along the 60 freeway or into Whittier and it went on the 60 freeway it would be a significant benefit to our community benefiting a huge commercial corridor in our area. So we were going to take the issue up on the 10 freeway and that's when we noticed that initially if it went on the north or south end it would impact homes and that's something that I know for this Council it's not tolerable; it's not tolerable at all. We do not support eminent domain, we do not support the elimination of any of our residential homes, if it went along the south and it would certainly impact a lot of our public right -of- way, as well as, our homes. If it's on the north end, a lot of our homes, I believe you gave us a map that we saw that would show if it (inaudible) 250 feet what that would look like and from here you know, along Rosemead, all of Olney is gone... Council MemberArmenta — actually that was submitted by our staff. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— okay, well thank you Chris, I believe, I'm sure did it... Council Member Armenta — yeah, Chris is actually who did it. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— well on this map all of Olney would be gone, as well as a good portion of our Target Center, as well as, a good portion of our UFC Gym, which just opened. As well as, portions of our Glendon Inn Hotel, which actually is demolish, might not be a bad thing but that's another story for another day, so that itself is intolerable I think. And in fact I read an article today in the Mercury News about San Jose taking up the issue and right now for them their big debate is whether they should get an aerial track or an underground track and their concern of course in undergrounding it is that its 2.5 billion dollars more expensive and the likely of that happening, you know won't happen, is basically what it's saying. But something that they mentioned was really interesting and I think you mentioned this as well is the L.A. to Anaheim route; how portions of that you are talking about undergrounding the tunnels, you're talking about sharing tracks with Metro Link, you know these are things that this Council, at least, for myself have been pushing for. Especially with the sharing of the tracks with Metro Link, which would really reduce impact to the community, would put it at grade, and would also, I believe, potentially improve that area. I know that Alhambra mentioned at their meeting, like Council Member Armenta mentioned, that along the area there were discussions about how Metro Link had potential vibration, as well as, potential noise and that one of the benefits of building... if it's shared track with high speed rail then you would have to mitigate... well you wouldn't have to but I would hope you would want to mitigate those issues on your EIR. So those are definitely some, I believe, some concerns that if L.A. to Anaheim you're looking at undergrounding, you're looking at sharing Metro Links tracks then you should be looking at this region as well. Of course, politically at what I'm looking at, here's what I'm seeing... Anaheim, the Mayor of Anaheim is Curt Pringle, who's the chairman of the Authority, is he getting special treatment here? Portions of the Palmdale to L.A. route, I believe you are also looking at undergrounding as well, Richard Katz, represents that area, former assemblyman, former assemblyman I believe in that area, you know he's on the Metro Board; he's a friend of the Westside, he's not necessarily a friend of the San Gabriel Valley. I don't think that the San Gabriel Valley or the Inland Empire has a real representative on the High Speed Rail Authority and that's the biggest concern that I have with the High Speed Rail Authority is, this Council answers to constituency; the people out here voted us in, we serve them, we serve their will. The High Speed Rail Authority has no constituency, they serve the governor and they serve the two appointees of the Speaker of the Assembly as well as the Senate Pro Tem... the problem is the Governor has been quite clear that this is a priority of his, the high speed rail will be built, regardless the anything else that happens. Both candidates for governor have voiced the same position as well so I guess, I understand the concern of our community out here as well as the concerns of this Council that how do we Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 17 of 64 know that the Rail Authority will actually work with us regardless of what position we take, they will work with us, to make sure that no matter what route you chose you are mitigating the impact, we are not talking about eminent domain, we are not talking about eliminating Rosemead homes to commercial corridors, what can you do to guarantee that? Valerie Martinez — well there's two things. One the comments that I made earlier, about the fact that we, need to answer to the Congressional Members and the Assembly Members and Senate Members, along your corridor and let me be clear that your members of Congress and your Assembly Members and Senators have been very, very, clear with us about the fact that, and those are part of those some of those voices are absolutely saying if you are going to go along the 1 -10 then you need to go along the median because you are not going to take homes. Congressman Chu has been very clear about what that reality is. So there's that, the other element is that this right -of -way is actually owned by Metro, okay now, you are clearly represented by Metro and if in fact we are building in a way that is inappropriate then Metro as the owner of the property can actually tell us that we cannot build within that right -of -way. So there is checks and balances in the system. Again, the culture of the High Speed Rail Authority and frankly the examples that you're giving are very clear examples of how this project has tried to conform to the needs to the individual communities by finding areas where in fact there's no other choice, we have to tunnel, other areas where there's no other choice, we have to trench, is some areas we have to share a track. And we've done so in a manner that hopefully at the end of the day, you know, the goal is to have a system that's appropriate. This section is nowhere near, as far along as say L.A. / Anaheim so I can't at this point hold up clear engineering changes but what I can hold up as a demonstration of the desire by the Authority to work with communities are a couple things. Initially, we were going to go to the Authority Board in September to try and get our preliminary alternatives analysis out, that is kind of that high level, this map only more refine, it begins to say, okay U -P doesn't want us, maybe we need to take the U -P off maybe we don't but the Authority, this is like an unofficial map. We don't have an official map yet because there has not been a map that has been voted on by the Authority, if that makes sense. This is the map we're using, it's unofficial but it's all we have, I know I need to show you something, so this is what we're working off. If in fact we had gone to the Authority in September this map might have looked different, okay the residents in the community.... well and, and Nick Conway and the various cities within the alignment within the San Gabriel Valley basically we're the ones who initially brought up the problem with that timeline, in addition to Metro. Saying, moving this quickly before we've had an opportunity to even though this is so preliminary, have that first hearing with some of our Council is a problem. So initially, we pushed the meeting back to or the presentation for the Board back to October. As a result of ongoing discussions; we've now pushed it back to what we are calling TBD (to be determine) it's not yet posted, we are not clear when that's going to move forward. It may be February based on a request by the San Gabriel Valley COG. You know, based on the discussions that we've had that makes a lot of sense, okay, but that's one thing I can point to. The other thing I can point to is the fact that the COG has said we need; we need more community meetings so that in fact the community is aware of what's going on. So that the Councils have the opportunity to speak to the community and air it and so you can get not just form City Managers and transit agencies but from, you know, real residents what their thoughts are about these maps. And so, in fact, we have set up a meeting, I think I saw this listed on the agenda explanation but also I have that slide that talks about the fact, we are going to have a community meeting in El Monte on October 6th; that's the first meeting we've set up. Since then we've had further discussions, again, one of them yesterday with Nick Conway but also with Metro and other stake holders throughout the corridor was to set, just doing it out in El Monte is not appropriate. The San Gabriel Valley demands that in fact you go to as many cities as possible to make it convenient for local residents and as of yesterday.... so this is kind of breaking news, one of our deputy directors said okay you know what I get it, let's do it. So there is that responsiveness you are seeing already, I can't point to engineering elements but I can speak to again changes in timeline. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 18 of 64 Mayor Taylor— you made a comment a minute about one of your directors says, he or she gets it... now. Valerie Martinez — well... Mayor Taylor— what is that in reference to... now let's let the public know what's going on? Valerie Martinez no, no, no. There... it's, it's more along the lines of different sections have different... the San Gabriel Valley has more cities than most other sections, right? L.A. to Palmdale has Glendale, Burbank; I think Santa Clarita, San Fernando and then there's L.A. Mayor Taylor— but you say you have no plan at this time of what's going to happen? Where the rail is going or which route is going to take and yet on October the 6th, this is something I was just surprised to see here, this is what was passed out in Alhambra, it says.... Valerie Martinez — that's that same map. Mayor Taylor— it says September the 13th, okay but it has notes on it, the blue squares. Valerie Martinez — yeah, the blue squares shows various minor adjustments that has started, frankly, the blue squares speak to the fact that we need to stay within the, the median in, in, in, specifically the 1 -10. Mayor Taylor —it's so small and blocked in blue and black don't blend together, so.... Valerie Martinez — if I had giving this to you it would have looked better but I didn't.... Mayor Taylor— my point here now is the legend of this it states, 'all areas in the red line to be aerial structures'. So when Ms. Armenta and the comments made, the proposal right now since you have nothing specific, I have to assume that you're going on the pretence by that I don't mean to retract from it, but on the assumption that everybody's talking aerial because this is the map that was out last night. Is the same going to go... Valerie Martinez — I think that was just the map that was printed recently Mayor Taylor— its dated September the 13th. Valerie Martinez — right cause I'm sure that's when it was printed. There's probably a thing on there that says that this is the date that it was last printed. Mayor Taylor— well all I have is, as of September the 13th, last night, this was your map. Valerie Martinez —when ... when we finished our program level, EIR, which was in 2005, okay we basically said we're going to develop... it, it determined what the footprint of the system would look like; it basically said that we're going to go through these various cities, the major cities throughout California and now we're going to figure out how we are going to connect them, okay. At that program level if you're just talking, if we're all just talking about okay how would we do that; the program level is everything is at grade and we are just connecting the dots.... Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 19 of 64 Mayor Taylor— okay when was that meeting in Alhambra? Council Member Armenta — it was back on August the 17th. Mayor Taylor— August 17th; you printed up this map as of last night, September the 13th; where did this come from as of last night? It's still aerial route. Valerie Martinez — and, and it shouldn't be. Mayor Taylor— that's why we are so cautious about it because we get told what we want to hear. And this is something one day old and it's still the aerial the map, explaining these different notes, what you're going to do; how's it going to be done in the median so that's why a lot of apprehension is. And I'm not putting you on the spot, you are here to do a job but there's how many people that are on this board that are going to vote on it. Valerie Martinez —A nine. Mayor Taylor— nine? Valerie Martinez —yes. Mayor Taylor— and those are the ones that are going to make the decision; well which wheel was squeaking the most; which one gets the oil, in other words, if we don't have a big enough issue then well forget Rosemead let's go to a bigger city. City Attorney Rachel Richman — and Mayor if I can say because that is something I had; this was sent to a staff person from the COG today so that's where that came from, just for clarification. Mayor Taylor— I'd like to get back to another point in here, it states on the staff report here on page 1, 'the project will cost some 40 billion dollars and funds are being sought from Federal Government and the private sector to fill the substantial gap. Attachment A is a list of facts regarding this project.' Who printed out attachment A? Where did that come from? City Manager Jeff Allred — that was received from the City of Alhambra. Mayor Taylor— okay, well I don't know where Alhambra got it from but let me read this here. 'The proposed design could be at grade, above grade, or a 50 foot wide deck set on top of 35 foot high post every 100 feet.' And that's what I'm questioning is, as far as, 50 foot wide is almost as wide as this room. So you have a 50 foot deck up there, 35 feet high and we're trying to figure out... it's like a shell game. We got this information, we got other information, what's what, we don't know, there's no definite plan but its moving right along. We've learn over the past that if we don't start speaking up, they're going to say, well why didn't you raise that before. Council Member Armenta — exactly. Valerie Martinez — and what you are speaking of is exactly what I would encourage you to do. Mayor Taylor— but this is our little house right here. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 20 of 64 Valerie Martinez — right. Mayor Taylor— this isn't the board hearing down there or the public hearings that are official and such... so and again I'm not referring this on you because you're here to tell us something but the word is a snow job that somebody higher than you just keep pushing it. Keep moving it, moving it, and moving it ... the other thing that hasn't been mentioned is in Rosemead, the north side of the freeway, I went down there over the weekend and measured, this says, I believe it stated 250 foot wide on the... as that what the map says there? 250 foot wide? Council Member Armenta — yes. Mayor Taylor— I went down, I measured 215 feet; I think at the last meeting maybe if I listen to the tape, maybe I misunderstood 215 and 250. But coming up to 215 feet if it's 250; that's 35 feet more, that would be another whole row of houses from the City limit to San Gabriel and I went down all the way to the City of San Gabriel, the south side of the freeway and take down those measurements and we have over 300 homes that would need to be taken for this. And if its 350 thousand dollars low price maybe medium price, make it 333 thousand; that's 3 homes per million dollars. We have 300 homes that's 100 million dollars just to go through the two and half miles of Rosemead. Take San Gabriel, take Alhambra, where's all the math on this, of how many homes are going to be taken. And then when it's done and it's built, if it's in the median even, you've got this 35 foot similar to landing field up there with a 50 foot wide deck... I'm really... where's all the facts at? When is it going to be presentable so that people have something to really look at and not have to pick up the shells and not keep trying to find what's under them. Valerie Martinez — well as I mentioned before we are at one percent design and at one percent it's conceptual and that's the tough part ..... Mayor Taylor— everything you are talking about, the one percent is aerial Valerie Martinez — everything that you just read actually speaks to the fact that it could be elevated, it could be in a trench, it could be this, it could be that... Mayor Taylor— so then that's the shell game, which one is it under? Valerie Martinez — its conceptual.... but see that's, that's the tough part of where we're at on this process. Where we're at a conceptual point where we are trying to get information from you and what you are telling us is that it needs to be at the very least be within the existing right -of -way and not have impacts to the houses, right? That's what you're telling us. Mayor Taylor— that's right, I kind of made my point so I'll let the rest of the Council go and then we still have the public to hear from. Valerie Martinez — ok. Council MemberArmenta — Mr. Mayor if I may, you mentioned, where is all this money going to come from. Well, thanks to Ms. Fairbanks I received an email that Arnold Swarchezenegger is in China right now with Curt Pringle soliciting funds from private investors. So this is going to happen and it's going to happen fast Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 21 of 64 because before Arnold leaves he wants, this is his pet project, we all know it's his pet project and he has until November. So he is trying to solicit as much money as he can from China because according to the article Swarchezenegger says, 'he is open for some creative financing'. Okay and 'from Asia to help lower cost and help California get its proposed High Speed Rail lines up and running'. So there are going to be up and running and there are going to be up soon and we all know this because.... Valerie Martinez —the L.A. to San Diego section is several years down the road. Mayor Taylor— that money comes in it will be quicker than that. Valerie Martinez — there's. there's no physical way that... given the fact that we need to go through CEQA and NEPA that there's no physical, legal way that this project for this section can be built any sooner than 2022, 2023. Mayor Taylor— well typically what happens with your CEQA regulations and such Valerie Martinez — well if I can continue, I will actually go through the process.... Mayor Taylor— if you do it in different zones though, different districts, San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino does not have to have the same EIR that we have here. Valerie Martinez — that's not true. Mayor Taylor— it will be done Statewide... Valerie Martinez — no... Mayor Taylor— but each area has to be checked out. Valerie Martinez — well, we've divided the project into sections, into nine different sections, but they all fall under the same CEQA and NEPA provisions that require this evaluation to criteria that I have here. Mayor Taylor— I don't know about you but you wanted to go ahead with your... Valerie Martinez — no, no, no, no problem. Mayor Taylor— ok. Valerie Martinez — So, so, as we go through for again the L.A. to San Diego section just like every other section. This is the evaluation and the criteria that we need to look at; it is very clear that, that community disruption impacts is one of those criteria, that constructability is one of those criteria, we need to ensure that right -of -way constraints are those criteria. As we build, as we design, this project needs to be designed per CEQA, per NEPA, per the culture of the project because I've mentioned before using these evaluations in measures and given the comments you were making earlier Mr. Mayor, in regard to the number of houses that would be impacted if we were outside of the right -of -way, you're right... commend sense says that that can't work. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 22 of 64 Mayor Taylor— okay, keep in mind though that's just Rosemead. You got a thousand through San Gabriel, Alhambra.... that's just in our local area. We're not talking West Covina.... Valerie Martinez — that's correct, that doesn't makes sense, it doesn't make sense. Mayor Taylor— well we'll have to find out October 6th. Valerie Martinez — October 6th we're not going to the board; we've in fact pushed it off to another date to be determine. Mayor Taylor— no, I'm talking about Grace Auditorium, in El Monte. Valerie Martinez — oh I'm sorry. Mayor Taylor— we'll have to see what is being taught there. Valerie Martinez —the presentation will be pretty much the same presentation I'm giving you here Mayor Taylor— ok Council MemberArmenta — Mr. Mayor, if I may, can you explain to our residents the type of meeting or community outreach that you're doing because it's actually a carousel meeting. Where there's actually going to be stations so it's not going to be a presentation. It's going to be stations where people are going to be able to go speak to the representatives.... Valerie Martinez — you're right. Council MemberArmenta— and ask them questions and my understanding is that they are suppose to record these comments, correct? Valerie Martinez — that's correct. Council Member Armenta — so it's not going to be a presentation, it's going to be a carousel meeting Valeria Martinez — right and the boards that are part of that meeting are reflective of what's in this presentation. It provides an opportunity for people, for instance, this, this slide right here that speaks to the environmental review process, it provides an opportunity for literally a one on one discussion to explain the environmental review process. So for instance right here I'm about to tell you for CEQA and NEPA in particular we are required to do scoping, have a draft EIR, and a final EIR. Mayor Taylor— when does the scoping take place? Valerie Martinez — the scoping took place about a year ago and that's... what we want to do in this section from specifically Union Station and the 605; the 605 is we want to have a similar meeting and we are doing it exactly the same as our scoping meetings to ensure the residents along this corridor are very, very clear and are able to provide input on exactly what... residents and business owners what the concerns are, what the issues are, what they like, what they dislike, all those sorts of things. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 23 of 64 Mayor Taylor— how many scoping meetings do you plan on having? Valerie Martinez — well what we're going to do is we have, where we have this one plan, with the one on the 6th in El Monte and based on the conversation that we had yesterday with -Nick Conway, with one of our deputy directors, there's a commitment to do more. We're going to talk to the various cities and with again the COG to determine exactly what that means. Frankly I know that there is an interest in Rosemead to have a community meeting and I believe that that's something that we definitely should do. Council MemberArmenta — Mr. Mayor if I may, there's four already set, four scoping meetings already set; one in Monterey Park, one in West Covina, one in El Monte, and one in Pomona. Mayor Taylor— when? Council MemberArmenta — those are in October and there scoping meetings for... Valerie Martinez — no. Council MemberArmenta — yes they are, I.... Valerie Martinez — those are the scoping meeting that took place last year. Council MemberArmenta — oh that's interesting cause it doesn't say the date, it doesn't say the year it just states the date. Oh, so these scoping meetings took place and... Valerie Martinez — in 2009. Council MemberArmenta — so these scoping meetings took place in El Monte, Monterey Park, Pomona, and West Covina, why wasn't the City of Rosemead notified. Mayor Taylor— now we went through a real battle down here when our Wal -Mart was built and we had a scoping meeting.... Valerie Martinez — I remember it Mayor Taylor— okay, we had a scoping meeting; that scoping meeting became the document that was based on what we did with the EIR and what the people were told. It was all transcribed in the minutes what happened at that meeting so we're moving right along and you're saying its one percent done but you're doing official requirements right now. These scoping meetings are official. Valerie Martinez — the scoping meetings are official, the draft EIR is actually I believe what you are talking about was the meeting that was actually held for the Wal -Mart where there actually was a discussion, the draft EIR is actually where you have the official hearings where the residents are able to come out... Mayor Taylor— that's based on the draft, based on what the people were told and that's what I'm afraid that all these scoping meetings that we're talking about that creates the foundation that starts the rest of the EIR Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 24 of 64 and the reports. What did you go out and tell the people, what did you get back, are there any reports, copies of these scoping... Valerie Martinez — yes there is a copy of this scoping report that is online and I can go ahead and get that for you. I will get it and deliver it to you. Mayor Taylor— and how many scoping meetings if they were done in 09 and Ms. Armenta is mentioning four or five. Valerie Martinez — I believe there were four in the San Gabriel Valley. Council Member Low— Mr. Mayor, I just want to ask a couple questions. I just want to thank you for coming out and sharing information; I think it's very important for our community to understand what's going on. I think a couple questions I have, is, actually back to, you show a different route so what happens if all four routes are not acceptable? Meaning that the community doesn't want it; what would you do? Valerie Martinez — we'll have to find another route or we eliminate the section going through, from L.A. to San Diego. Council Member Low— okay, and also you mentioned about the scoping meeting last year. At that time were you able to get the sense of what the community really doesn't want the aerial or the type of design. Was that information collected back then? Valerie Martinez — again it was very conceptual, it's very, very conceptual just in terms of, you know, higher level, this is what high speed rail is, these are the, the potential routes that we're looking at taking. Basically a similar map to what you just saw was presented and again, let's be very, very clear that at one percent we don't know what all the impacts are, we don't know what to mitigate at this point. So the good thing, the positive thing is that we're out here early and this is extremely early talking to Councils and to the community about the project. The downside to that is that I don't have a lot of answers to questions, which I'm sure it is very frustrating for you as you can imagine it is for me too because you then think I'm hiding things; I'm really now, I just don't have those answers. Council Member Low— I just want to say that I totally understand your position. I just appreciate you for coming out and talk to us; I think you heard very clear that definitely, I just want to echo some of the comments that were said on the Council here, is definitely any impact on residents' property is not tolerable for this Council and we will do anything to come out and fight that. There's no eminent domain, we don't want any property being taken. In terms of aerial versus you know on grade, I think it is very important for us to understand the impact. I think right now I'm kind of looking at well if you tell me that there are other sections that's possibly are going to go either underground or on grade I can say well why not us, Rosemead city should also have that opportunity, right. I think it is also important for us to voice that, that would be preferable to our community so I think that is very important. Valerie Martinez — well and as we move forward, you know again side by side with the city. Sometimes, sometimes folks say well here's what we want but as you study it further more you realize unintended impacts and then you say wait a minute that's not what we want, we want something different, I don't know, so that's why again, we really want to work side by side with the city to as we design this to, if in fact we chose, the I- 10 corridor, if, again there's a big possibility we may not. If we do then in fact we are able to do... build, design a system that is completely appropriate to the communities that we are going through. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 25 of 64 Council Member Low— and I think that statement is very important to us and very important to our community that we the city is able to work with you to come up with the design that is the least impact to our residents. I think that is very important. Council Member Armenta — Mr. Mayor if I may. Mayor Taylor— yes Ms. Armenta. Council Member Armenta — I think the frustration that many of us have here on the Council is the fact that, I received this from or I actually took this down from the website, it was my .... not looking or taking for granted that it was not the 2010 but it actually does say no comments no later than November 20, 2009. 1 took it for granted that it was for 2009; 1 am appalled and I'm going to say that very clear appalled at the fact that Rosemead was not notified that we had these scoping meetings and I'm going to quote you what the website said, 'the Authority is issuing the NOP, which is the Notice of Preparation to solicit public and agency', City of Rosemead, 'agency input into the development of the scope of the IRR, I'm sorry EIR, EIS and to advice the public that outreach activities will be conducted by the Authority and it's representatives in preparation of the joint EIR, EIS.' Where is the, you want to work with us we want to work with you but when you are not being transparent, you know, that kind of brings a lot of issues on hand because again, I'm very appalled of the fact that we were never notified. Los Angeles County, Wednesday, October the 21 sl.... Valerie Martinez — are you sure you weren't notified as a city? Council Member Armenta — we were not notified. Valerie Martinez — are you sure you weren't notified as a city? Council Member Armenta —we're we notified? Jeff Allred — it was almost a year ago so.... Mayor Pro Tem Ly— Mr. Mayor, I don't remember Monterey Park or El Monte but I do remember receiving a postcard about West Covina during that period of time but not Monterey Park or the other ones. Council MemberArmenta — I don't remember receiving anything. Valerie Martinez — the good part about this process, if I can actually go through the Environmental process is that there are many, many, many opportunities to comment. Scoping is so preliminary, it's important but it is extremely preliminary. What we've done again, with both the NEPA and CEQA; NEPA being the Federal environmental process and CEQA being the California State environmental process; we've actually blown it up. CEQA and NEPA call for scoping and then a draft EIR and then a final EIR; typically with both NEPA and CEQA the first time you're seeing a map at all is here at the draft EIR. What we've done is we've blown it up and we've developed these alternatives analysis process. Okay so here is scoping, which requires, you know, agency and community outreach, draft EIR, public and agency outreach, final EIR, public and agency outreach but we've also inserted all these alternatives analysis process. Okay, with an 800 mile system we have to go the extra mile, shall we say, okay so we've actually inserted these other three components in here where we can have the concept alternatives, which is what, again, you're looking at. The concept Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 26 of 64 alternatives, then the preliminary alternatives analysis that's the first time we're going to go to the board where I said we are going to have that first official map. And then the supplemental because when we have the concept and we do the public and agency outreach, we refine it to get the preliminary again we do more public input and agency outreach so that we get the supplemental. Okay at the supplemental again we do more public and agency outreach until we get to the draft EIR. All of that outreach is design as I've said to work side by side with the communities so that as we're designing by the time we get to the draft EIR this project should be ... the system should be refined so that what you are seeing in the draft EIR specifically reflects the comments from the city; you should see your fingerprints all over it. Where, you know, in another five years you can look back and say, 'gosh, remember when that woman came to us and she had no answers and we thought we were going to lose two to three hundred homes in Rosemead', and in another five years you'll be able to look at it and say, 'you know what, the system is working, we like the way this process is working, we like the fact that this design... we like this design'. That's my hope, that's the goal. Mayor Pro Tern Ly— Mr. Mayor Council Member Low — Mr. Mayor Mayor Taylor— let's take up a couple more minutes because we've expressed an awful lot of here and we have a lot of speakers that... that's what we want to hear from some information too.... Council Member Clark— why don't you let her finish? Mayor Taylor— yes, go ahead. Mr. Ly and Mrs. Low had comments... Valeria Martinez — I'll run through; I swear I will .... just to put this in perspective if in fact we have money for this section, that's if, we don't even have money for all the other sections that are part of phase one. Okay, if we build phase one and get to phase two; we by 2013, maybe 2014, probably 2014, might have an Environmental document, okay so again, this is the timeline we're looking at. I can almost guarantee you, almost that this thing is going to slip even farther, okay because again, it's based on funding for this section so in addition to the fact that you still have many, many more steps. We still have to gather the funding and move it forward so we are many, many years out. Again just putting that current emphasis on public education and also getting information from the communities and from the agencies in order to form the design. This is the information for the public meeting we're planning for on October 6th in El Monte, again and you are right it will be as you referred to as a carousel meeting; where in fact you can go and have one on one conversations with our engineers to ask very specific questions, ask pointed questions, all the questions that you want, our goal there is literally one by one to have folks understand exactly what this process is and what we are doing but in addition to this we're also definitely going to be having other meetings within the community, including hopefully Rosemead. That is something that I am definitely interested in and I know that your City Manager Mr. Allred has been very, very clear with us that that's an expectation that he has. And if you want to get in touch with us feel free to call us, my name is Valerie Martinez and you are always welcomed to call me. Mayor Taylor- alright, thank you. Mrs. Low you had a comment. Council Member Low— yes, my comment is, I understand ... I think it's great that you're going to have multiple outreaches to the community; I think it would be useful if you had a little bit more information, such as, maybe as noise. That's one of the things that I think residents really care; if you're going to build this next Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 27 of 64 to my house well tell me how noisy this is going to be. I think that with that type of information it will help kind of shape what the community will accept and not accept. I think that without that information it is hard; all you are going to get is, no I don't want this in my backyard. Valerie Martinez — two quick comments; it's about that one about the noise. What I can tell you and I can try and get some study numbers for you, it's actually much quieter than diesel so it's much quieter than Metro Link, much quieter than Metro Link cause it's electrified. It's quieter than if in fact you live next to the freeway, it's actually quieter than the freeway. Council Member Low— one thing I noticed, because Rosemead would be close to the El Monte Station, if we are going to have one there, so I would be interested is, as it slows down and as it picks up, is that more noise..... Valerie Martinez — it's quieter Council Member Low— or if it's more quieter; those are the things and information that would be useful for all of us to know. Valerie Martinez — the other element I just want to throughout there is, again, yesterday we met with the San Gabriel Valley COG representative Nick Conway. One of the most interesting things that he said, among the many interesting things honestly he was a great man meeting, but one of the compelling things that he said is that a lot of the cars on the freeway that are... that make up the congestion on the 10 are people coming in from the east valley and from San Bernardino, from Ontario, from Pomona in order to get to jobs in Downtown L.A. or to get to jobs on the west side of the County; if in fact the system does go along the 10 this is one of the few areas where you actually definitely have some mitigation for the traffic and congestion along the 10. Because if you are coming from the east side of whether it be San Bernardino County or the east side of L.A. County; how easy would it be to jump on the train at Ontario Airport and swing in 20 minutes to Downtown L.A. I grew up in the Valley; I grew up in the San Gabriel Valley, I know how the congestion has changed. Mayor Taylor— are you saying that's going to be cheaper than taking the Metro Link that goes all the way out there right now. Valerie Martinez — the prices are still to be determined but there is an argument to be made for a pass print; for instance for commuter, it's not, the system is not necessarily designed for that but given the structure for this particular corridor it's definitely something that should be looked at and if I were Rosemead that might be something that you might be pushing for, if in fact, the 1 -10 corridor is chosen. Because how much nicer would it be to have less freeway traffic. Mayor Taylor— you made a comment earlier about the stations there where they would be leaving 5 minutes apart, in that video tape. Valerie Martinez — that's at a point where everything is completely built out. The beauty of the train system, any train system, is that it is a very dynamic system. So you can have one train leaving, a small train leaving, once an hour or you can have a train leaving with five cars every five minutes. Mayor Taylor— that's what caught my ear. There are five minutes per train coming through; that's a lot of engines and a lot of cars and its almost hard... even Metro Link doesn't run that schedule. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 28 of 64 Valerie Martinez — exactly and so in fact what they were talking about is what we have to built toward because of course we don't want to build toward a system that can't be expanded, right? What you want to built for is, you know, an optimal system that 50 years, 100 years down the road; we are actually accommodating the population.... Mayor Taylor— there is something wrong with that quote; every five minutes a train will be moving out of the station. Our buses don't run that fast; Metro Link doesn't run that fast. Valerie Martinez — the system needs to have the capacity to operate at that level. Mayor Taylor— I agree with you 100 percent 50 years down the road. Council Member Clark — and I don't want to kill the messenger, I really appreciate you coming but I'm very frustrated. The meetings that were last year were they carousel meetings? Valeria Martinez — yes. Council Member Clark— that is just .... I'm sorry it is outrageous because a carousel meeting, you go and meet with a staff person and you ask them a question; well you've admitted yourself, and no offense, that this is all conceptual so far, that you don't know the answers. So how is anybody that is concerned about losing their home going to be able to go up to somebody and say... and ask a meaningful question and get a meaningful answer? I mean, what we did during the Wal -Mart fight, and I mean it was hard, I got that scar ok, we had packed auditoriums, we had to go to the Rosemead High School because so many people were concerned and we didn't sneak out with a carousel meeting. We had people getting up there and telling us that we were sold out to the devil if we approved Wal -Mart, ok. So those are just copouts, I'm sorry, you're not getting the input from the people that are scared to death that their property values are going down, that they're going to lose their homes; they don't know what the future is. So if you want to have a meaningful public meeting, you need to have one where people give their input. This happened just last week with the SR60, they had carousel, I went because l wanted to hear what the people were going say; they did let a few people speak but it was not agendized. It was just because the Mayor of Montebello made a (inaudible). But I mean, in other words, you need to hear what the people have to say; they need to be able to hear what other people say so that they understand what the project might be and so that the Board gets the message. You've gotten the message, I can tell but how do we know that all those comments at every carousel pocket is going to get back to that Board. And some of the other things, if I may, I just have to say this; the issue .... the thing... a lot of this is backwards, in other words the voters were given this thing, oh let's do a high speed rail, and they voted... they said well it's not coming out of my pocket so I'll just go for it; okay, they didn't realize it's coming out of their grandchildren's pocket but they didn't have, where it was going and what was going to happen with some of the impacts. So, and I can tell from the clip that you played, and again it is not you, but it said, 'it's faster and cheaper than air travel', I just booked a flight to Sacramento, next month, for $56 and... now there is no way it's going to cost $56 without huge public subsidies, so it's not going to be cheaper. Okay secondly, I am really, really concerned about the public /private partnership aspect and the fact that our governor is over getting money from China and, and the Mayor of Anaheim is there also. Because I am not going to sit by and let my residents lose their homes so that people can get faster from the Bay area to Disneyland. And what really bothers me about last year is, we had no idea that there might even be a chance of homes coming through Rosemead being taken so when they say this all... this scopings were done last year, I'm sorry that was disingenuous. What bothers me also about the mitigating in the EIR, it's been said that we'll just mitigate (inaudible) even the COG letter I have a little bit of concern for because it says, 'it Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 29 of 64 adopted a position to oppose any alignment of the high speed rail project that does not minimize what is the impact on properties in the San Gabriel Valley', okay now, minimize the impact, what does that mean? Does that mean homes not taken or does that mean noise levels, as Councilman Low mentioned. You know we have all done projects, I have been on this Council for almost 20 years, ok, we have done projects where you do the environmental impact report and when you cannot mitigate that problem you make a statement of overriding considerations. Which basically says, we looked at it, we tried, I'm sorry but we're going to have to do it anyway because we believe in the project. So if this is what's going to happen to... in this kind of thing, 'oh we tried but I'm sorry you're out of here', this is not acceptable... and I think that is all I had there. Mayor Taylor— I'd like to make a comment on what you said Mrs. Clark about I don't think the people are really aware of it but China has about a trillion dollars extra. It's almost a trillion dollars that they got money to come over and invested in American product, in American companies and I can only say their entitled to invest their money .... we buy so much merchandise from China that's where we are way out of whack right now. Our imports and exports but the fact is that they have the money, they are entitled to spend it an our governor and the chairman of this board is over there trying to get the finance for that from, ... they are the second richest country in the world is what it looks like it's coming to be. So keep in mind where this money is going to come from and they'll be more than happy to invested here; they're already doing it in different projects so we have to be very careful when you say you don't have the money, when the money gets here it's going to be a snowball. It's just going to roll down the hill... any other comments. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— Mr. Mayor. Mayor Taylor — Mr. Ly Mayor Pro Tern Ly— thank you, I had a couple questions; first is, you .... we didn't really get to it in our presentation but there are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 potential stops you're looking at in the San Gabriel Valley, if its along the 10 corridor in the west San Gabriel Valley, you're looking at the El Monte Transit Center, the El Monte Village you are talking about... that's the only station I can see that can provide any tangible benefits from high speed rail... Mayor Taylor— where's that Mr. Ly? Mayor Pro Tern Ly— the Transit Village is right off (inaudible)... Mayor Taylor— my understanding is you have to be at least 12 miles apart. Mayor Pro Tern Ly— and that's what I'm trying to get at right now... how is the Authority.... is there a standarc the Authority has made to determine where the stops are going to be at. Does it have to be 12 miles apart, is it shorter than that, is it longer than that, how are you guys determining that because for our residents.... my concern is this if it goes along the 10 freeway Rosemead has the .... we have the concern both in our south and north end, it affects us because the freeway is both in those areas. So if it goes through this area, you know, I'm trying to look at ways that, you know, where would this line be of any benefit to this community and the only way I can see it is at the Transit Village stop because that puts us within a mile and a half. What's likely to be going there or what's likely to be going into West Covina, Pomona, or Cal Poly Pomona instead. Valerie Martinez — well those are the options ... just for the entire San Gabriel Valley it effectively would be either El Monte or West Covina or Cal Poly Pomona or Pomona. It's going to .... a variety of factors are going Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 30 of 64 to be the determining factors. Ridership, okay what's the ridership going to look like, what's the connectivity, what are the transit oriented development opportunities that are being provided for the city. There are a lot of components, how does it affect the entire region that's why all of those options are still on the table. Now from the stand point of how close do they need to be we are .... based on Prop 1A we are mandated to only have eight stations in this entire alignment from L.A. to San Diego, okay that means that obviously that we have to be very judicious and obviously all these cities are kind of fighting for these stations. If in fact for instance the El Monte is chosen there would be a couple different operational models that I can envision; okay one would be that trains stop of course in El Monte and they continue along to Ontario; Ontario is one of those stops that is clearly going to happen... Mayor Taylor— and that's 40 miles from L.A.; it sounds reasonable. Valerie Martinez — right, right, cause otherwise you don't have a high speed train system.... Mayor Taylor— El Monte is the hub of the spoke of the wheel... spokes all come out of El Monte bus terminal and they can go anywhere in the San Gabriel Valley so it's logical what they are doing. Valerie Martinez — another model would also have a skip stop situation if it were in El Monte so that there would be some trains that would skip El Monte and go directly to Ontario. Some would have express trains so that it would skip all of the other stations in between L.A. and San Diego so that you can... cause we are also mandated to get between L.A. and San Diego in an hour — twenty. Mayor Taylor— you mentioned two things there... you said it would be the ... let's say the regular high speed and then the express train would stop in .... so there are two different systems running? Valerie Martinez — no, no, no; the express train would be the same system it would just not stop at of the other stops. Mayor Taylor— okay but that's two different trains; if it's a long distance it's going to go through El Monte and then the express would stop in El Monte. Valerie Martinez — look at this as if you were taking United say to D.C.; you can get that one way flight that, that.... Mayor Taylor— yes Valerie Martinez — .... will get you there with no stops or you can get the flight that will stop you in Chicago, right, because maybe you need to stop in Chicago or maybe it's cheaper to stop in Chicago or maybe that's the one that gets you from the timing perspective. Same type of airplane, same type of operation it's just that this model or that particular model for that particular flight you have to stop in Chicago. Mayor Taylor— you are using two different models. That model plane will stop over in .... short stop and you have the long flight that continues on through. Valerie Martinez — but it's the same plane Mayor Taylor— okay well.... Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 31 of 64 Mayor Pro Tem Ly— Mr. Mayor. Mayor Taylor —go ahead Mr. Ly Mayor Pro Tem Ly— the way I'm looking at El Monte Transit Village .... in fact, yesterday I was at my San Gabriel Valley Metro service meeting and the big discussion was the fact that the Silver Line, which is the Metro Line, bus way line, that connects you from El Monte to Downtown L.A. basically has 5000 riders a day on that line and so... I'm looking at if it goes anywhere that the El Monte Transit Village is the only one that would really benefit near the San Gabriel Valley, anywhere else I just don't see that benefit. Valerie Martinez — that may be one of those things if you feel strongly about it that you want to weigh in on as a city. That in fact... and frankly from an economic development stand point, you can weigh that out that maybe one of those things that in addition to the fact that you think the system should be within the median and should be developed in such a way that we, you know, we don't take houses... there should also be a component if in fact you are interested you could also say, not should be, but you could also include a component that says, we believe that El Monte would be our... the great preference for a station. Council MemberArmenta — Mr. Mayor if I may. Mayor Taylor— yes Ms. Armenta. Council MemberArmenta — I know earlier you made a comment saying that this is a very safe form of transportation. What data do you have since it's going to be faster than the high speed rails that are going through Asia and Europe? Do you have any data because if this is going to be a faster... Valerie Martinez — there have been no deaths on a high speed rail as a result of a derailment or any form of system breaking down. Council MemberArmenta— but this is going to be faster than those so what data do you have because... Valerie Martinez — not through the San Gabriel Valley. Council MemberArmenta— not through the San Gabriel Valley? Valerie Martinez— it will be operating at about, somewhere between 110, 125 through this area..... Council MemberArmenta — actually no because when you go through the (inaudible) in Alhambra it has to be 50 miles per hour. Valerie Martinez — you're right, it has to be .... well but it also has to be slower if it in fact we're, you know in fact we go into a station in El Monte it will actually have to be slower because it has to stop in El Monte and we need about, between one or two miles in order to stop the system. Council MemberArmenta — also going back to the public scoping meetings that took place last year, I know that in August no mentioned of the 1 -10 was on your website but it's surprising that even though no mentioned of the 1 -10 was on the website you had all these scoping meetings in the San Gabriel Valley among the 1 -10. So where is the transparency there? Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 32 of 64 Valerie Martinez — we're at one percent engineering Council Member Armenta — I understand the percentage but..... Valerie Martinez - ... and we've developed this whole alternatives analysis process in order to be transparent the problem is that because we are being so transparent I don't have all the answers for you. Council Member Armenta — oh very transparent, if I may Mr. Mayor, if ... you're not even advertising or even allowing people to know that it's going .... the possibility of it going down the 1 -10 and you make scoping meetings along the 1 -10. 1 think the Authority knew that, that was a big potential but you just not want to let the residents know. Valerie Martinez — why would we do that? Council MemberArmenta— I don't know .... that's the question. That's a very good question because when you're not..... Valerie Martinez — the entire culture of this system thus far has been to work side by side with the communities. That has been the consistent culture, consistent..... Council Member Armenta — consistent... so then you have Valerie Martinez — when it comes to engineering, when it comes to developing meetings, when it comes to moving the entire project forward we've scheduled where ever possible in order to accommodate community meetings and community schedules. So believe when I tell you there's no, there's no hidden agenda; it is an iterative process, where the system is being designed along... in a very public way alongside the community and yes things are going to change, you know, in six months from where they are now that doesn't mean that I was lying today. That means that as a result of community input we've changed it and I would think that that would be a good thing. Council MemberArmenta — well no, it's very good but that fact that if it wasn't for Alhambra letting us know what was going on we would never have know this. Mayor Taylor— alright at this point I would really like to ... we can still ask our questions after the public gets to put their input to it. We've been going for an hour and a half on this and I don't mean to cut it off but we will be coming back after the public speaks we can still do it but they've been patient, there sitting for an hour and a half so I would like to give them an opportunity to speak. Alright .... at this time we have probably 10 to 12 speakers... trying to think of ... well anyway I have them in the best order than I can as far as who gave them in but .... Marion Fairbanks and representing Christel Fairbanks. Could you give your name and address please. Marion Fairbanks — good evening, Marion Fairbanks, Mayorship, distinguish City Council Members, Madam City Attorney, and Mr. City Manager. My name is Marion Fairbanks, my mother Christel Fairbanks. Christel Fairbanks — my name is Christel Fairbanks and I live on 9555 Olney Street in Rosemead, corner of Ellis Lane and Olney Street. I have lived here 43 years at this address, I have worked here as a realtor for 38 years, I have many of my clients, neighbors, and friends here ..... (inaudible) some of them had to leave. We love Rosemead, we love our homes, they're our houses. We put our hard effort, our hard love into our Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 33 of 64 homes, we get along fine, why destroy us, why built? I'm for progress, why have progress to take an innocent person's livelihood, everything they have worked for and they have loved. And I oppose the rail if it would consider to be eminent domain, thank you. Marion Fairbanks —Valerie Martinez wants your approval, she wants your approval with lots of 'ifs" and "maybes" and "possiblys" and "transparencies" the tricks about it is I guess the property, her property is not being impacted. This beautiful (inaudible) video that was shown with the rail in Europe, in Europe just recently in Germany a rail was put in, it went thru Nuremberg, thru Leipzig, they went out of their way to not impact the homes and so.....1 brought this up last week and I'm going to say it one more time because there's lots of people in here, the situation is I am also a realtor and the real estate is already been impacted. Respectively Mr. Mayor the properties are not worth $320 thousand they are worth a lot more than and at $320 thousand that would be a bargain and they would love doing that. The houses are worth a lot more money that people are deserving of more money but the reality is your home and all of the homes north of Olney Street are going to be impacted. Because Marshall is going to be impacted as well, who wants to have a rail that is going back and forth, now every five minutes, well you just might as well live in front of a transition station in the middle of New York. I mean this is just horrible; I just have to tell you and .... that there are people on my mom's street and neighbors that have come over to her and had said should we stop our remodel, what should we do? Do I replace my front door? I mean people are so worried that they are not even having lives anymore. When you look at these rails, and I have looked at a lot of this, and of course I'm a (inaudible) person when it comes to this situation but the truth be told, why doesn't everyone just stick together and go after and have the UP get force to it. Why, because they have billions of dollars, why cannot all the cities just push and say Mr. Governor Swarchezenegger and Cringle and whoever you are and push it down that way. Why do all these people have to be impacted so I just respectfully ask you to please vote no; not vote no with a possibility of an overhang or possibly under tunnel. Push it somewhere else, push it out of Rosemead and push it down to another area that doesn't impact the homes; thank you. Mayor Gary Taylor— I made my comment about the $333 thousand only as an example.... Woman in the audience — sorry.... Mayor Gary Taylor— no, seriously I know it can be 4 to 5 hundred thousand dollars but for the example that I was making it's a hundred million dollars at the low figure, take it up another $150 now it becomes 150 million dollars; that's just to buy the property. Okay, our next speaker is Julie Gentry. Julie Gentry — Julie Gentry, 8915 Nevada Avenue in Rosemead. This is November 2008, this measure was on the ballot; I didn't vote yes, I never even thought about it again till now. Almost without exemption the measures and propositions are purposely design to confuse us and you know don't know what you really voted for until it's too late. The worst case scenario of this measure is that it puts homes along the right -of- way in danger of eminent domain even now in the northern town of Atherton there's litigation going on between Atherton and the High Speed Rail Authority. You might ask why would I stand up here and fight when it doesn't affect my home and my property directly because in the summer of 2008, 2 years ago, my property and the other houses to the west of me were in danger to be zone commercial. This makes a person terribly nervous, like the other lady said; you know should I put a new door .... it messes up your whole life, really. We fought against it and we were then zone low density residential and this is what motivates me to speak up right here right now and for the record and ask the Council to recommend whatever it is that would prevent this horrible thing... that's all I have to say but I wanted to get it into the record that there are people who, you know what, they are going to fight; thank you. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 34 of 64 Mayor Gary Taylor— thank you Mrs. Gentry. Our next speaker is Mira Wirsching. Mira Wirsching — hello, my name is Mira Wirsching and I have a property down the street 3629 Muscatel Avenue and I think it's just around the curb, is that the Glendon Hotel or is it the Rosemead Inn or ... it's very confusing. It just seems like every time I pass by that hotel the color has changed or the name has changed so you know... either I'm disoriented or I don't know what's going on. Mayor Pro Tern Ly — you're not. Mira Wirsching — anyways, I'm just curious in this room how many of you take the train to work? One.... Council Member Armenta — well cause you work for Metro. Mira Wirsching — one person... cause I do take the train to work and.... actually I take the gold line from Sierra Madre Station and to be quite honest it is very tedious, it takes really long and it goes through neighborhoods that...I would say this every single day, that I hope that a train would not go through my neighborhood, to be quite honest. And I'm sure you've spoken a lot, I'm sorry, but I really think you need to commute and take the train to really know the feeling how it is that a train goes through a neighborhood because honestly I'm really, really annoyed at all the misinformation or no information that the community has gotten. And I did vote for Arnold Swarchezenegger and I'm sorry so... but anyways my question is, you know the other thing also, is with the economy and the homes crashing and there's a lot of disclosures so .... I'm sure that anytime you go through a re -fi or sales; there would have to be a disclosure on that, I'm talking presently, and so in the future if you are planning on selling the property or whatever I'm going to need that. And that's really going to impact my possibilities of the house being appraised for a lot more than what it's worth so .... that's my huge concern also. So ... I mean I recently went to New York actually in July and the subways are really excellent, I mean if you are looking in terms of being underground but when I heard about the huge beams and this and that, I was like oh no, this cannot be happening so I'm definitely going to fight and make sure that, you know, any possibilities is just going to be a no. Okay, thank you. Mayor Gary Taylor— thank you, Ms. Fairbanks you both had a request in so you okay on that? Audience — (inaudible) Mayor Gary Taylor— all right next one is Jitti Parinayakosol ... it's P.A. R. I.N.A.Y.A.K.O.S.O.L . Audience — they had to leave but they were opposed. Mayor Gary Taylor— all right, next is Jon and Irene Pinedo. Audience — they had to leave too; they were opposed too. Everyone is opposed. Mayor Gary Taylor— opposed to high speed rail.... Audience — (inaudible) Mayor Gary Taylor— okay our next is Leticia and Kimberly Sanchez. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 35 of 64 Leticia Sanchez — Hi everybody. We live in 9560 just behind the freeway and this is my daughter and we didn't know. We didn't know what was going on and I told my husband and he said this is not happening; this is not happening because we were living here almost 18 years. We came from another place that was supposed to be a better place to come here and now .... this is terrible, this is terrible for us because we want a house. We don't want no one to get there business... they make money from our... I'm so upset I'm sorry. We're opposed. Mayor Gary Taylor— okay. Leticia Sanchez — we're opposed and that's what we want.... Mayor Gary Taylor— okay, and we understand just go ahead and speak. Leticia Sanchez — we don't want our house to be torn off; we want our house, we want to live here in Rosemead. Mayor Gary Taylor —okay, thank you. Leticia Sanchez — thank you that is all Kimberly Sanchez — H I my name is Kimberly Sanchez and me and my mom came here... we wanted ... we had a lot of questions and I don't think with this presentation any of our questions we had were answered, if anything we're more baffled. Mayor Gary Taylor— well we'd like you to go ahead and ask the questions so.... Kimberly Sanchez — well I mean the same questions you guys had.... Mayor Gary Taylor— okay, well I mean it is important that you do express.... Kimberly Sanchez — what's going to happen to our house and it's just like; it's so much at stake, you know, like my mom had said we put so much into the house. My parents working two jobs for it and to have, you know, somebody come in and be so casual about it, it's just... it's nerve wracking you know. It bothers us a lot and that is why we are very much opposed to it. Mayor Gary Taylor— all right, I appreciate that, thank you. Okay we have Jose Cruz Diaz. Audience — they had to leave too.... Mayor Gary Taylor— alright, Daniel Garcia... he was here earlier I guess he left also; all right Angel. Art Angel — Mr. Mayor and Council Members good evening. I hear how this presentation; I was at the Alhambra also and I see a lot of discrepancies on this project. It upsets me because they are playing with people's feelings and they are not presenting something that is professional. There's a lot of missing information and it's like a waste of time for me and the Council Members I believe. They have no facts, no studies, no socio- economic impacts, no environmental impacts, no definite plans as to where there firm routes are going to be. To me it is a total waste of time because there is no facts, nothing concrete. No Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 36 of 64 studies, not even a budget for it. I don't oppose progress but there's a lot of issues here and liabilities like the real estate... they presented. There's a lot of disclosures that have to be exposed and they don't even know; people don't even know if this is official or not; if the disclosure has to be from now, is it official, we don't know, we don't hear from the City that... those issues. And my position on this is just to be plain to them and say we want the less impact if it's going to be built. If they ever get any budget for it but the main thing is to get some facts, you know, present it to the city. So that you can vote on something that is firm not some... something that seems to me that's like science fiction; it's only a wish list for them they don't have anything that is concrete. So that is just my position. Mayor Gary Taylor— all right, thank you Mr. Angel. Art Angel — thanks. Mayor Gary Taylor— I saw .... did anyone else wish to speak on this? Mayor Pro Tem Ly — Victor.... Mayor Gary Taylor— yes, I know Victor came up and handed a paper but...I lost it, did I pass by it? Now go ahead Mr. Ruiz, I don't have... Victor Ruiz —thank you Mr. Mayor... Council Members I urge you tonight to vote on what Sandra Armenta proposed at the last meeting. It is important that this City Council unifies because as you have heard of the comments of the residents that are going to be impacted very strong. I myself will be one of the first ones to go as you know I'm right off Temple City Boulevard and Olney; I'm 90 feet from the Caltrans boundaries there and you know I've lived here 32 years and I have really enjoyed living here. I raised my kids here, they all went to Savannah, they all went to Muscatel and Rosemead High and they are great kids and they love it. Now I'm raising my granddaughter, together with my daughter and my son -in -law, in that same home cause I built on this home. I have a big home, something that I couldn't build anywhere else or couldn't afford to move to Arcadia or Temple City, you know, but when I came to this City I liked it because it was small; it was really neat, 57,000 people that's all we have. We're still small but we are a community; a community of people that are really, really united and tonight you have seen that. Now what I dislike about the presentation tonight, just like the gentleman said earlier, there is nothing no information. It was (inaudible), you know something that they can draw pretty pictures and graphics, I know that because I do that, okay, I mean that was my job for the County to be able to do all these things. Not only that, the conceptual, everything is conceptual and we're at 1% so in reality let's read between the lines; are they telling us the truth? Okay, that's the question, are they really telling us the truth. I don't think so, I think that they have something up their sleeve because if you...I studied the map on the Pacific, that Union Pacific map rail, down the south why don't they push for that. I mean I went over it I Google it and I went over it very clearly at 150 feet, I think is what the satellite image gives you, everything is industrial. Why don't they use that, why don't they push for that? That's logical; if you're going to do 125 miles an hour you can do that at a straight shot. Come on let's be realistic, you want a speed rail put it where there's no people or it's all industrial. That's what I would do but something, they are not telling us something. Okay, the people that sit on that board upstairs are hiding something. So I think that this City Council needs to vote on Sandra Armenta's proposal and we need to stick together with Alhambra; we need to stick together with San Gabriel because there are many homes that are going to be impacted, many. Right now my house is probably worth, I would say, $550 thousand and I won't let it go for not less than that. And if they want to come in and take eminent domain I'm going to sit on it and I'm going to get more and they are going to have to move me out. Okay, they are going to have to pay 10% on top of that Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 37 of 64 because I know they can do it but I'm not going to, I don't want that, I love Rosemead. I love it, I'm going to raise my grandkids here and I am going to die in that home. Okay, that's all I have to say. Mayor Gary Taylor— alright, thank you Mr. Ruiz. That's all the speaker requests that I have at this time so I will go back to the Council unless there is anyone else that I may have missed. All right, well go back to the Council discussion. Council Member Low— Mr. Mayor... Mayor Gary Taylor— yes Mrs. Low Council Member Low — I have a question for Ms. Valerie; so I think we have heard from the community tonight there's a great concern about their homes being taken. That is a major, major concern not just the community but also the Council; is there any way that we can get a letter, get some assurance from the board saying if, and even if, if they chose the 1 -10 route that there be no homes taken away. Is there any way that we can have that in writing to give our residents some comfort? Valerie Martinez — I can't do that tonight but it's part of the process and what .... I will .... what we'll do is .... let me see what I can do for you. Council Member Polly Low— I think tonight I'm not asking for an answer, I think that's a little unfair. Can you bring that back, I think that would give our residents a big comfort and also I want to (inaudible) to what Mr. Ruiz said that there are four routes; what is the chance of taken the UP route. And I think to be fair I'd like to understand why we couldn't. Valerie Martinez — it's a combination of issues. The overwhelming issue being the use of right -of -way in the same way that Metro along the 10 is the owner of the right -of -way, in the same way that Caltrans is the owner of the right -of -way along the 60. UP is the owner of the right -of -way along their UP alignment and as railroad they have .... back when they created the transcontinental railroad, railroads were given enormous amount of power and it's beyond .... the power that exceeds just about any other entity. And so that creates a situation with specific railroads in particular that if in fact they say that you cannot use our railroad rail right -of -way it creates a problem for us where we cannot impose ourselves upon that right -of -way. Council Member Low— I understand, I think what we're trying to do is do the right thing ... I think I do support the high speed rail but I think it is very important in terms of transportation but the more I think about it, especially tonight looking at the project, it goes so fast past the City that I question how much the City benefits other than if the stop is going to be over at El Monte. So part of me is saying well if the City doesn't benefit that much then in a way we should look into other routes, such as the UP route, I understand they have a lot of power but I think someone needs to work with them to look at what makes sense for the community for the State. I think there might have to be more dialogue so we can see and work something out. I understand we are putting you in a very tough position but that is the information that I am hearing and as a Council I would like to ask for your help. Valerie Martinez — absolutely and I will definitely have discussion with the administration of the High Speed Rail Authority, as well as, the Authority Board Members about that. I know other cities have brought that up; now I want to also note that the perception is that it is all either industrial or you know, it's not built out in that area, actually there are a number of cities in that community along that alignment. So all that .... the only Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 38 of 64 reason I say that is that you know in the same way you know folks along the 60 might say well we don't want it here move it to the 10, you know, folks along the 10 might say we don't want it here move it to the 60 or the UP alignment. Mayor Gary Taylor— in the discussions that you've had, what about the Pomona freeway, what's the hang - up with Golden Line, is it? The Gold Line... Valerie Martinez — the Gold Line... I'm going to invite Alex Clifford, who's with Metro to come up and actually address the Gold Line element because that's a separate system. Mayor Gary Taylor— okay but who owns that right -of -way down there? I understand there's more property available down there than there is on the 1 -10. Alex Clifford — that I don't know, I'm not in that project myself personally. I will tell you that the issues with the 60 are that it's one of the alternatives and the Gold Line extension; it's not the locally preferred it's one of two alternatives still being studied, Washington is also being studied so it, light rail hasn't been chosen yet for the 60. There's also Superfund site on the 60 that creates some complications to move the system through but I think most important to point out is that we are at this extremely early stage in the entire environmental process, it's the early stage, it's the stage where you don't really have any answers at all. And it's premature to start deleting alternatives and so the 60 still has the same stature right now in this process as the 10 does. Now there is no favoritism to the 10 versus the 60; the UP and the UP adjacent are still in their process today although they look like they may have to be eliminated down the road because of the things that Valerie said and because of the UP saying go away we're not letting you in our right -of -way. UP adjacent is potentially problematic because looking at taking that entire squat of railroad, what we know is the Riverside Line that Metro Line operates on, and taking another 50 foot adjacent to that all the way down that corridor that's huge impact to residential properties and industrial properties; it has a lot of challenges. But as of today where we stand right here today in front of you all of those corridors are still in their process and of equal stature right now. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— Mr. Mayor... Council Member Clark— I have question, can I ask a question? Mayor Taylor— yes, go ahead. Council Member Clark— on the Superfund site... where is that? I mean I know where it is but is it both sides of the freeway or is it the south? Alex Clifford — I don't want to speak out of turn I can only tell you I believe it is on both sides but mostly on one side of the..... Council Member Clark— so the freeway bisected the landfill there? Alex Clifford — it'll be better for us to check that out first and get the right answer to that. Council Member Clark— I'd like to know that. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 39 of 64 Alex Clifford — sure. Council Member Clark— cause I'd like to know how the freeway through..... Mayor Pro Tem Ly— Mr. Mayor another concern with the 60 is that on the north end of the 60, like what you have on the 10 freeway 200 homes that would have to be eminent domain in order for it to be built and it's on the north end, I believe that might affect the Don Bosco area in our City so that would be an impact to our community as well. Alex Clifford — if I can just add one other thing; these corridors it doesn't matter where you put these things in railroad right -of -ways or freeways, these are all very complicated corridors. They are all different, they all have a different set of dynamics I mean you look at the 10, the 10 is not a straight freeway by any measure. It curves and so the curvy it is the more tendencies of engineers at a very early stage like this is for them to try and draw the straightest line; they want to get from point A to point B as fast as they can. But as Valerie has mentioned several times tonight what they initially draw on a map to try to get from point A to point B as fast as they can does not end up being the prevailing thought; there's a lot of work that has to be done and through the effort with the COG, through these meetings with your cities it is our hope at this very early stage in this process that you'll assign technical folks to help us to help me as sort of your ombudsman working with the Authority to resolve these issues to try to see how we can make this thing fit and what we have to do both on the horizontal alignment and on the vertical. You're right we shouldn't be saying in anything that is presented right now that it'll be in an aerial structure through the freeway corridors; we should not be saying that. There is a tendency for engineers to say that because that's the quickest way to get from point A to point B and when you are in a freeway corridor you have some complications trying to be at grade but there are some at grade opportunities, there's some elevated opportunities that work, and there maybe some trench and some underground opportunities that work. All I can tell you at this point sort of trying to help you through this process is from a Metro perspective that we want everything to be on the table at this early stage. And that's the point we'll keep reinforcing as you are doing here tonight that's important to document that the 10, just closing, that the 10 has additional complications not only do you have the Metro Link in the center medium but you have the bus way through to El Monte, which is an important, you know for Metro a transit transportation perspective, we're going to be very protective of the Metro Link in the right -of -way, we're going to be very protective of the bus lane and as you well know we have the hot lanes is under construction right now too. So how do you do all of that within this right -of -way and say these outer limits of what Caltrans owns today are the outer limits of this project; how do you do all of that and put these columns down if it's aerial, if you go underground or you trench; how do you do all of that, we don't know. But those are the kind of questions you're asking and we're asking and they are part of this process going forward. Valerie doesn't have those answers because it's just way too early; this is what we have to hear from you is that you want these things studied that you're not here tonight to say we will take an aerial structure cause you're not going to say that and we've heard that load and clear. And we're going to go back and we're going to keep asserting with their engineers that they have to keep thinking outside the box and looking at ways to approach this through your cities. Mayor Taylor— may I have your name again sir? Alex Clifford — I'm Alex Clifford, I'm the Executive Officer of High Speed Rail. Mayor Taylor— Alex Clifford? Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 40 of 64 Alex Clifford — Clifford, C.L.I.F.F.O.R.D, just like the big red dog. Mayor Taylor— all right, big red, thank you. Alex Clifford — so Executive Officer of High Speed Rail, I work for Metro not for the High Speed Rail Authority; they don't pay my check. My assignment under (inaudible) is to try and assist all of the cities from L.A. to Anaheim, L.A. to Palmdale, and L.A. to San Diego and resolving their issues, their community impacts and to try and get a project that works for you and to the extent that we can mitigate. Mayor Taylor— okay, thank you for your comments. Anything else from the Council? Do we have a motion on this particular item. - Council Member Armenta — Mr. Mayor if I may. Mayor Taylor— yes, go ahead. Council Member Armenta — I motion that we oppose any rail alignment along the 1 -10 Freeway that would directly or indirectly impede on the properties of Rosemead, which would include, aerial, north side, south side of the 1 -10. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— Mr. Mayor. Mayor Taylor— yes Mr. Ly. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— I will second that if the Council Member will allow one... hopefully will be a friendly amendment, which is I know that we want a letter to go along with if we adopt the spirit... if we adopt a letter in the spirit of the Alhambra City Council I can second that motion. Council Member Clark— what do you mean by spirit of? Mayor Pro Tem Ly— well this letter... Council Member Clark— I read it but what do you mean? Mayor Pro Tem Ly— if we adopt this letter I am very comfortable with what this letter says, I'll read the letter out but before I do I just want to say that I'm very comfortable with this letter and how it talks about the different issues that this Council has brought about so far. Mayor Taylor— well that particular letter you are going to add Rosemead's conditions not duplicate that letter. Council Member Armenta — exactly and I want it to include aerial. Mayor Taylor— otherwise it's just redundant but we have our own special concerns that need to be added to that letter. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— well if I may... that's because in paragraph 3 of the Alhambra letter it mentions the aerial and the concerns that go along with the aerial route but I mean... that's what I would like to see happen. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 41 of 64 Mayor Taylor— well what about our 300 homes that will be taken if it's on the north side. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— oh yeah I know that's part of the oppose any... that's why I'm seconding Council Member Armenta's position on that the only amendment, it's not even an amendment, the only thing I would add to that motion is since we are drafting a letter I like the letter to reflect what the Alhambra letter said. I'll read what it says, 'they voted to oppose any rail alignment along the 10 freeway that would directly impact on the properties of, in this case we would say Rosemead residents, and significantly affect the quality of life in our community. Mayor Taylor— and you are going to reaffirm that what could happen with Rosemead. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— if you want to add the lines of eminent domain, north, south, etcetera, etcetera absolutely I am in agreement with that. Mayor Taylor— well explain that .... it's 300 homes I counted them. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— oh no, I know.... Mayor Taylor I want to point out that before this issue... when this issue was first brought up I was the first one on this Council that mentioned concern. I was the first one to say wait a minute before we jump the gun and make the motion and adopt what SR60 that north or south side it would significantly affect our communities so I understand the concern and I definitely understand that we need to take a position strongly and let High Speed Rail Authority know that we will not allow any eminent domain of our homes. Mayor Taylor— and this letter should just go to Alhambra. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— no, no, no, absolutely this letter is going to the High Speed Authority; what I mean is to adopt.... Mayor Taylor— yes, okay. Council Member Armenta — just so we clarify we're going to include that we oppose the north side, the south side, and aerial. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— as long as paragraph 3 of the Alhambra letter is in there, where it specifically discuss what the concerns are about aerial. Council MemberArmenta — but I want the verbiage to say aerial opposed. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— that's fine as long as paragraph 3 is in there. Mayor Taylor— yes City Attorney. City Attorney Rachel Richman — would it be acceptable if we drafted a letter that we can bring back for your review? Because we've gotten specifics, we've got this letter and then we can work on it and you guys can see it. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 42 of 64 Mayor Taylor— well what about our 300 homes that will be taken if it's on the north side. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— oh yeah I know that's part of the oppose any... that's why I'm seconding Council Member Armenta's position on that the only amendment, it's not even an amendment, the only thing I would add to that motion is since we are drafting a letter I like the letter to reflect what the Alhambra letter said. I'll read what it says, 'they voted to oppose any rail alignment along the 10 freeway that would directly impact on the properties of, in this case we would say Rosemead residents, and significantly affect the quality of life in our community. Mayor Taylor— and you are going to reaffirm that what could happen with Rosemead. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— if you want to add the lines of eminent domain, north, south, etcetera, etcetera absolutely I am in agreement with that. Mayor Taylor —well explain that.... it's 300 homes I counted them. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— oh no, I know .... Mayor Taylor I want to point out that before this issue... when this issue was first brought up I was the first one on this Council that mentioned concern. I was the first one to say wait a minute before we jump the gun and make the motion and adopt what SR60 that north or south side it would significantly affect our communities so I understand the concern and I definitely understand that we need to take a position strongly and let High Speed Rail Authority know that we will not allow any eminent domain of our homes. Mayor Taylor— and this letter should just go to Alhambra. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— no, no, no, absolutely this letter is going to the High Speed Authority; what I mean is to adopt.... Mayor Taylor— yes, okay. Council MemberArmenta — just so we clarify we're going to include that we oppose the north side, the south side, and aerial. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— as long as paragraph 3 of the Alhambra letter is in there, where it specifically discuss what the concerns are about aerial. Council MemberArmenta — but I want the verbiage to say aerial opposed. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— that's fine as long as paragraph 3 is in there. Mayor Taylor— yes City Attorney. City Attorney Rachel Richman — would it be acceptable if we drafted a letter that we can bring back for your review? Because we've gotten specifics, we've got this letter and then we can work on it and you guys can see it. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 42 of 64 Mayor Taylor— I don't think they are going to do anything in the next two weeks. Council Member Low— I think that's better. Rachel Richman — in the next two weeks will that be okay. Mayor Taylor— that's fine. Jeff Allred — and in the letter it will also have the signature block of all the Council Members. Rachel Richman — right. Jeff Allred — much like the Alhambra letter. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— I would gladly sign a letter like that. Mayor Taylor— alright, the letter will be Council Member Clark— so it's coming back to be approved again? Rachel Richman — well only because it's the .... we can sit here and try and draft the letter but that would take a long time and because there's some different comments from everyone I don't think it's useful for us to try and... Council Member Armenta —okay well let's vote on my proposal. I'm proposing that we oppose it if we go north side, south side, and aerial that's what my position is on the table. So we have to .... that's fine if you want to do a subsequent motion but that's still on the table. Mayor Taylor— so you can also have with letter to follow to the board. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— my understanding is that what we are approving tonight when this was first brought up we talked about sending a letter there. That's the reason why, you know, if that's the case that's why I want to talk about the letter right now because I thought that's what we were talking about. Mayor Taylor— it would be more appropriate to draft that letter and then discuss it; they're not going to do anything in two weeks Mr. Ly. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— I agree Mayor Taylor— we just want to incorporate so that there is a paper trail, we voted on it and we also have a letter to support what we were doing. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— I guess my concern is and I stressed this at the last Council meeting was that.... definitely there're significantly concerns about aerial but until we see the EIR I don't know what those issues would be. However, in paragraph 3 it mentions exactly what those concerns would be from the City's end and if that's the case I'd be very comfortable saying hey, yes we oppose aerial right now, because these are the issues that we're concern with. For the 50 foot wide concrete structure, with the 35 foot high elevation, etcetera. Okay place 100 feet, you know, these are things would be pretty unacceptable if that's Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 43 of 64 what we are talking about and if that's the case absolutely aerial is not a preferred route. So that's the reason why I want paragraph 3 in there. Council Member Clark— so are you okay if they made the aerial different; are you leaving wiggle room in there? Mayor Pro Tem Ly— well what I'm saying is and this is what Valerie mentioned earlier was that they are at 1 % right now and she said .... well it may not be 50 foot, it may not be 35 feet; we don't know exactly what it's going to look like. Well okay, great you know don't what it's going to look like we don't know what it's going to look like; what we do know is that in paragraph 3 this is what we are really concerned about. In paragraph 3 this is what we are most concern by, and for the audience I apologize, paragraph 3 specifically mentions the 50 foot concrete structure and the 35 high... sorry.... Mayor Taylor— they're called pilasters Mayor Pro Tem Ly— pilasters, as well as the, well I would add the place 100 feet in there; that's what would give me peace of mind in the motion that's all I'm asking. Council MemberArmenta — Mr. Mayor if I may; so Mr. Ly you are saying that what if they change it to 40 feet. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— then... Council Member Armenta — what if they change it to 30 feet.... Mayor Pro Tem Ly — then... Council Member Armenta — then are you for aerial? Mayor Pro Tem Ly— no then we come back and we oppose those. Council Member Armenta — when we can just say we oppose aerial and just leave it at that. Council Member Clark— yeah, I think I agree .... Mr. Mayor I tend to agree with Ms. Armenta because we can always come back and change. We can always come back and say okay this looks good, we can change our position but I don't want to leave wiggle room in now. I think we need to be very... Mayor Pro Tem Ly— the motion, your motion opposes aerial. Council Member Clark— okay so let's just leave it. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— all I'm asking is that paragraph 3 be put in there on the specific concern that we have about aerial Mayor Taylor— well Mr. Ly that paragraph is saying we're opposing the aerial route. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— correct, yes. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 44 of 64 _ Mayor Taylor— by putting that in you are defining what you do not want to for the aerial. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— no, what paragraph 3 reads is, why the community understands the purpose of the project is to alleviate traffic and congestion and improve . the quality of our environment the matter becomes extremely personal to the residents near the route because of the possible displacement of their homes and other devastating consequences. Not only do the residents on Ramona Road have great apprehensions but many others also noted that their property values would be affected and that they would be unable to sell their properties. It is difficult for the community to imagine that a 50 foot concrete structure set 35 foot high could add any other affect than to denigrate the esthetics of surrounding neighborhoods, more ever, there are also strong concerns about the excessive speed, noise, and possible vibrations of the trains would cause with many residents stating that they are already affected by loud freeway noise. Other suggestions concerns over the lost of travel lanes are parking near the Ramona Road and the effect the trains would have on the nearby schools and students. Mayor Taylor— you told me that you're oppose to a 50 foot wide platform, you're oppose to a 35 foot tower ... or pilasters so what we're going to do is were going to make it 33 feet and go back to 40 feet in depth. Council Member Armenta — that's exactly what I said. Council MemberClark — that's what I'm afraid of. Mayor Taylor— realistically this is the wiggle language; well we had to alter it down we reduced it 2 feet. All I'm saying is that what you read was fine except defining what measurements you were objecting to. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— I'm simply stating that as of right now I am opposed to aerial in concept. Mayor Taylor— we've already said that; the letter says that very clearly but you just .... you put a fly in the ointment by saying 35 feet and 50 feet, just oppose the aerial. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— because that's the specific language that we are seeing right now; that was the aerial that we're talking about, that's the aerial that we were arguing with Ms. Valerie on. Mayor Taylor— I'm beginning to agree with Mrs. Clark, its wiggle room what you're putting in there. By taking those numbers out, leave the letter the way it is, I mean you've got a very valid point it's still 99% of it affective. But by putting those dimensions in its wiggle room. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— how about we say it's difficult for the community to imagine a concrete structure that could have any affect other than denigrate the esthetics of surrounding neighborhoods. Mayor Taylor— fine. Council Member Clark— that's just explaining why we don't.... Mayor Pro Tem Ly— then that's fine by me if that paragraph can be in there and if you don't want the numbers in there that's fine by me as well. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 45 of 64 Mayor Taylor — we can still approve the motion with the approval of the letter to follow. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— that's fine as long as it's understood that paragraph 3 is going to be in there. Council MemberArmenta— as long as it states that we are opposed if it goes north side, south side, and aerial regardless of the dimensions, regardless of changing it back, scaling back two feet what have you opposing aerial. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— as long as paragraph 3 is in there.... Council MemberArmenta — but wait it's my motion I'm not.... Mayor Taylor— you're both almost there. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— I know I'm asking for a friendly amendment I believe it could be done and both sides can be happy with the motion, that's all I'm trying to get. I would like to sign the letter too at the end of the day. Rachel Richman —can you then clarify what you would... with that change of not having the numbers in there, what would that language be that you would like to see? Mayor Taylor— you read something earlier Steven. Jeff Allred — I understand him.... Mayor Pro Tem Ly— it's difficult for the community to imagine a concrete structure that could have any effect other than denigrate the esthetics of surrounding neighborhoods. Mayor Taylor— is that alright Ms. Armenta? Council MemberArmenta — that's fine as long as it states that we are opposing aerial. Mayor Pro Tem Ly — yes. Mayor Taylor — that's your motion and the second Mr. Ly. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— yes, if Council Member Armenta agrees with that friendly amendment. Council Member Armenta — as long as it states..... Mayor Pro Tem Ly— yes it is in there. Council MemberArmenta — I'm just making sure. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— it would state that north side we oppose that south side we oppose, we oppose eminent domain of any homes as well as aerial because we do not believe that an aerial structure could have any other affect than denigrate the esthetics of surrounding neighborhoods. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 46 of 64 Council Member Armenta —I agree Council Member Low — Mr. Mayor I think it is important for us as Council to have that kind of message to the board. I think it was quite clear tonight; if we haven't said it like ten times already. I think in the beginning I was like aerial we should be okay but then the more I listen to the comments the more I've been thinking about it since the last two hours I'm willing to support not having the aerial. I think we should do the best we can to push for not having the aerial and see where that goes. Mayor Taylor— I believe we are trying to make it the strongest we can because that 9 member board can overrule anything we say. Council Member Low— true... Mayor Pro Tem Ly— Mr. Mayor. Mayor Taylor— yes Mr. Ly. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— I apologize, I'd like to ask for one more friendly amendment.... Council Member Armenta — oh here we go... Mayor Taylor— go ahead. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— for us to oppose any rail alignment that would directly impede or impact our community that's because if it's on the 60 freeway especially on the north side we are talking about eminent domain 200 homes. Council Member Armenta — no I said directly or indirectly. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— yeah I know but I wasn't sure was the motion just the 10 freeway or Mayor Taylor— that was my understanding. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— because if it's along the 60 freeway again one not only does it destroy the Gold Line east side extension for us which would be a huge economic gain but if it's on the north side we're talking about eminent domain 200 homes. Council Member Armenta —of all Rosemead. Council Member Low — Mr. Mayor. Mayor Taylor —yes Mrs. Low. Council Member Low— can I ask if the vote is just on the idea of how to draft this letter and I would like to see the letter next time before we make a motion to approve that because.... there's a lot of good ideas bouncing along but I would like to see the letter in front of me. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 47 of 64 Mayor Pro Tem Ly— we're not talking about the letter right now we are just talking about the actual motion. Council Member Clark— yeah, we need the motion because otherwise we're going to be... it's going to take forever. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— yeah right now I'm not talking about the letter yet at all. Mayor Taylor— clarify your motion again. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— the motion would be to oppose any rail alignment along Rosemead that would directly impede the properties of Rosemead residents... MayorTaylor — excuse me you said on Rosemead... Mayor Pro Tem Ly— in Rosemead, I apologize wrong proposition, oppose any rail alignment in Rosemead that would directly impede the properties of Rosemead residents and significantly affect the quality of life in our community and that includes north of the 10 freeway, south of the 10 freeway, and.... Council Member Armenta —and aerial... Mayor Pro Tem Ly— and aerial in any situations in which eminent would be use on our residents with the language that says it's difficult for the community to imagine an aerial structure that could have any other effect other than denigrate the esthetics of surrounding neighborhoods. Mayor Taylor— now this is the motion? Mayor Pro Tem Ly— that's the motion, I apologize. Mayor Taylor— alright, it will also be in the letter that comes back. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— I would hope it would be. Council Member Low— yes the letter will come back before it goes out, please. Mayor Taylor— alright so shall we vote? Council Member Armenta — before we vote .... Ms. Martinez I know that you're the messenger and you are only giving us the information that the Authority is given you. We really appreciate you coming here and having the opportunity to speak to you; it's just you have to understand that a lot of us are passionate of Rosemead especially having lived here since I been... since I been 6 ... wait that doesn't even make sense... ever since I was 6 years old. And a lot of these are my neighbors because that's my home on Olney Street, my house is actually goes back to the retaining wall so that's why it's very ... this issue is very dear to our hearts and we're very passionate but we do appreciate that you came down and to try and explain but you would understand why we are a little... passionate of where we stand. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 48 of 54 Mayor Taylor— I would also like to make a comment we may have sounded harsh about it is not a personal attack on you at all because you're not a voting member. I mean you're sent here to try and explain and we understand that...I just want to make it clear that it's nothing personal, it has to go to that 9 member board and they'll vote however they want to vote but anyway all we can do is get it on the record. Okay you called for a motion on it. Mayor Pro Tern Ly— call for the question. Mayor Taylor— alright. Council Member Sandra Armenta made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Steven Ly, to oppose any rail alignment in Rosemead that would directly impede the properties of Rosemead residents and significantly affect the quality of life in our community and that includes north of the 10 freeway, south of the 10 freeway, and aerial in any situations in which eminent would be use to on our residents with the language that says it's difficult for the community to imagine an aerial structure that could have any other affect other than denigrate the esthetics of surrounding neighborhoods. Vote resulted in: Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly, Taylor No: None Abstain: None Absent: None Mayor Taylor— now we are not quite done with this; I'd like to make the motion that this conversation for the last two and a half hours be in the minutes verbatim because this is the biggest project that ever hit Rosemead and we are going to be.....we are going to be ... someone is going to be in court. And we tried our best to get everything in the record and such. Now that board, the 9 member board, as I said, they are free to vote however they want but at least if a lawsuit comes we have some basis that we tried. Mayor Pro Tem Ly— so moved. Council Member Armenta — seconded. Council Member Low— Mr. Mayor. Mayor Taylor— yes, we have a motion and a second; Mrs. Low. Council Member Low— like you said... the last two hours to have to produce the minutes verbatim, that's a lot of work. I mean we have a tape.... Mayor Taylor— Mrs. Low you have no concept of what's going on here. Council Member Low— I have the concept .... I have the concept of it's being tape.... Mayor Taylor— you have no concept.... this is a 40 billion dollar project, this is the biggest thing that's ever happened in the City. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 49 of 64 Council Member Low — we have a tape and everything is recorded..... Mayor Taylor— no, no, no, no, no ..... that phony excuse isn't going to float. Council Member Low —why is that? Mayor Taylor— because people.... everybody out here can get a copy of the minutes and not come in here and gee okay line up out here and we'll all watch the movie. That is the most subtle thing you can do is to try to cover it over.... Council Member Low— we are not covering I'm saying..... Mayor Taylor— I've been her 37 years, you know how many things have been covered over Council Member Low— okay.... Mayor Taylor— that's what I've learn to do, put it in the record so that everybody can see it. (Applause from the audience.) Council Member Low— it is in the record. Mayor Taylor— all right, we'll call for the motion. Council Member Low— Mr. Mayor can I ask .... I'm pretty much curious by now how long would it take for staff to do verbatim. Mayor Taylor— I have no idea but if its 10 hours or 15 hours I'm not interested in that. We've done it in the past to protect the residents of this City.... Council Member Low — no, no, no, Mayor Taylor— not because you think that staff has to spend some time... Council Member Low— can I ask staff to,collect how long does it take to... Mayor Taylor— okay my motion stands. I call for the questions if you want it or not, the minutes will be verbatim. Mayor Pro Tern Steven Ly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Sandra Armenta to transcribe the High Speed Rail portion of the minutes verbatim. Vote resulted in: Yes: Armenta, Clark, Ly, Taylor No: None Abstain: Low Absent: None Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 50 of 64 Mayor Taylor— its 4/1 abstain. Mrs. Low I've learn something up here after all these years that there better be a paper trail. 8. CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR A. Minutes September 8, 2010 —Special Meeting B. Claims and Demands • Resolution No. 2010 — 62 Recommendation: to approve Resolution No. 2010 — 62, entitled: RESOLUTION NO. 2010 — 62, FOR PAYMENT OF CITY EXPENDITURES IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,440,311.34 NUMBERED 100966 THROUGH 1, INCLUSIVELY. E. Authorization to Solicit Bids for Construction of the Rosemead Aquatic Center and the Garvey Aquatic Center Projects As part of the City's Fiscal Year 2010 -11 Capital Improvement Program, the City Council has approved the complete renovation of the Rosemead Park and Garvey Park Aquatic Centers including pools and other aquatic play amenities, bath houses, and mechanical facilities. Architectural designs as well as construction plans and specifications have been prepared for these significant improvement projects. Recommendation: That the City Council authorize staff to advertise and solicit bids for the Rosemead Aquatic Center Renovation Project and the Garvey Aquatic Center Renovation Project. Hellman Avenue Street Resurfacing Project — Award of Contract As part of the City's Capital Improvement Program, the City Council approved a project to resurface Hellman Avenue, which consists of asphalt concrete overlay, sidewalk repairs, traffic striping, signage installation, curb ramps construction, traffic signal upgrades, and appurtenances. The limits of this project are from Jackson Avenue to Walnut Grove Avenue. Funding for this project is available through Traffic Congestion Relief funds. Recommendation: That the City Council: 1. Approve plans and specifications for this improvement project: 2. Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Sully - Miller Contracting for the Hellman Avenue Street Resurfacing Project in the amount of $475,771.62; and Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 51 of 64 3. Establish an amount equal to the contract amount ($47,577), as a contingency, to cover the potential cost of unforeseen site conditions. H. Emergency Generator for City Hall — Authorization to Solicit Bids As part of the City's Fiscal Year 2010 -11 Capital Improvement Program, the City Council approved funding to replace the existing undersized and inadequate standby generator at City Hall with a new 250 kW engine emergency generator. The existing backup generator at City Hall is 13 kW and only backs up a limited number of operational activities. Several electrical outlets /utilities are not currently tied to the existing generator, including the majority of facility lighting, air conditioning system, computers and telecommunications devices. Upgrading the existing generator would allow City operations to be fully operational during a power outage or an emergency, for up to 72 hours. Recommendation: That the City Council authorize staff to advertise and solicit bids to complete the construction and installation of a new generator for City Hall. Council Member Sandra Armenta made a motion, second Council Member Clark, to approve City Council Consent Calendar. Vote resulted in: Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly, Taylor No: None Abstain: None Absent: None C. Ordinance 901 — Second Reading: Amending Title 17 (Zoning) of the Rosemead Municipal Code to Revise the Regulations for Flag Lot Development On August 24, 2010, the City Council reviewed Ordinance No. 901, approving municipal code amendment 10 -05, amending Title 17 ( Zoning) of the Rosemead municipal code to revise the regulations for Flag Lot Development. Ordinance No. 901 is now before Council at the required second reading for adoption . Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 901, at its second reading, entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT 10 -05 AMENDING TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE ROSEMEAD MUNICIPAL COE TO REVISE THE REGULATIONS FOR FLAG LOT DEVELOPMENT Mayor Taylor inquired about appendix A, it did not mention the rear yard set backs to the homes to the subdivisions of the lot. Mr. Taylor reiterated that it states the rear yards,set backs, front yards, side yards and of the subdivided land but it does not mention how far the subdivided portion must be. What is the separation of the front house and the second house. It tells you what the side yard is for the new lot but not what the back yard has to be for the front house. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 52 of 64 Principal Planner Bermejo explained that the actual text of the municipal code goes through the set back requirements for each lot within the flag lot subdevelopment ordinance. Appendix A, is meant to deal with lot area requirements to try to depict a difference between net lot area and gross lot area an actually illustrate what the requiments are for the street frontage of the enterior lot, main lot and what the minimum frontage is for the access leg. Mayor Taylor stated that the minimum frontage for the access, you can take the front of the rear house can be perpendicular to the front street. The house facing the street, the front of it would be parallel with the street. Principal Planner Bermejo replied it was correct Mayor Taylor continued that in the front of the house it can turn 90 degrees and face the access. Mr. Taylor refered to page 3, and inquired about the side lot. Principal Planner Bermejo stated that the purpose of that standard plan P6 in appendix A, is to give direction to both commission, developers and staff on how front yards may be determined in a flag lot subdivision. Mayor Talylor asked what did the code state as far as side yard should be. Principal Planner Bermejo explained that side yard requirement is ten percent of the lot width or five feet or which ever is greater for the first lot. Mayor Taylor asked if it cannot be under five feet. Principal Planner Bermejo replied it cannot. Mayor Taylor reiterated that clarifies the new subdivided lot. He asked what is the rear yard of the existing building in the front yard. Principal Planner Bermejo stated that rear yard is dependant upon what zone is in. For example, if it's in R1 it's going to be 25 feet. Mayor Taylor asked that to be clarified because the drawings did not indicate that. Mr. Taylor expressed that he wanted to be sure and verify that it's 25 feet and the neighbor can be five feet because now that is a side yard. Economic Develoment Director Wong replied correct. Mayor Taylorcontinued how can we make sure it's going to be a 25 foot set back from the front house. Principal Planner Bermejo stated that the text of the ordinance, for rear yard, states, "those rear yard set back requirements contained within the underlying zone shall apply ". Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 53 of 64 Mayor Taylor stated that item 4E was just one sentence, "those rear yard setback requirements contained within the underlying zone shall apply ". Principal Planner Bermejo stated that it meant, you can do a flag lot subdivision in both R1 and R2 zone and the developer, property owner will need to look to the R1 or R2 zone to find our what their rear yard requirement will be. Mayor Gary Taylor made a motion, second Mayor Pro Tern Steven Ly, to adopt ordinance 901 on its second reading. Voted in: Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly, Taylor No: None Abstain: None Absent: None D. Assignment of Rosemead Zoning Ordinance Update Contract to Civic Solutions, Inc On July 15, 2010, the Community Development Department issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to seek a qualified land use consultant to assist Planning Division staff with the update of the City's Zoning Ordinance. Section 65860 et seq of the California Government Code states that a zoning ordinance shall be consistent with the city general plan if the city has officially adopted such. plan and the various land uses authorized by the ordinance are compatible with the objectives, policies, general land uses, and programs specified in the plan. City Council adopted a comprehensive update of its General Plan earlier this year about how to best plan Rosemead's future. The General Plan now establishes clear policy direction for revitalizing commercial districts, focusing mixed -use development projects, and maintaining the quality and charter of residential neighborhoods, and strengthening the industrial base. To implement Rosemead's General Plan policy direction, it is recommended that a comprehensive Zoning Ordinance update be completed in accordance with planning, land use, and zoning laws. Recommendation: That the City Council take the following actions: 1. Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract assignment to Civic Solutions, Inc. in the amount of $45,000. 2. Establish an amount of $5,000 as a contingency to cover the potential cost of unforeseen update and environmental review conditions. Mayor Taylor expressed concern that the lowest bidder Hogle Ireland was $44,900.70, Civic Solutions is $45,000; when they go out and bid a job they are entitled for the lowest bid. On page 2 states, "Although Hogle Ireland recently completed the city's general plan update and provided the lowest cost estimate, their proposal required the most amount of staff time dedicated to preparing the new ordinance ". How can that be if the people who did the general plan are familiar with everything they did with the city and we picked Civic Solution. Mr. Taylor felt that if you are familiar with a document you helped prepare you are more proficient Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 54 of 64 and faster to correlate what you are doing. Principal Planner Bermejo stated out of seventeen proposals three came back and two of the three that came back proposed scopes of work that was a share work effort between both the consultant and staff. Based on the budget of $45,000 staff looked at how much of the work to update that code would require staff time; Hogle Ireland's proposal included that staff would be responsible for updating all the developments standards, zones, permited uses and updating the definitions with the municipal code and attending two public hearings. Civic Solutions is going to work on all those items and attend more public outreach meetings and offer more techincal assistance. Mayor Taylor stated that meant that they will be puffing in more to do it; Hogle Ireland has been through the whole procedure and staff knows who they are. City Manager Allred commented that the basis for going with Civic Solutions was because they were going to do more work and not rely upon staff. Our planning staff is very small and the principal planner, who heads the division, will be leaving on maternity leave at some point and we will be less staffed. Mayor Taylor stated that he has seen different proposals and always knew that the subs were credible because they knew the internal working on what is going on. Mr. Taylor asked if there were some staff that were around when the General Plan was updated. On page 2, 4th paragraph, Civic Solutions also has recent experience working in the City of Rosemead. In 2007 the firm contracted to develop mixed use development guidelines. These guidelines were adopted by the City Council on September the 25th, 2007 and in 2008 were contracted to work on mixed use. Mr. Taylor reiterated that has be done and they will have to go back and re -learn what has been done. Hogle Ireland has that knowledge. Council Member Low stated that staff felt it's costing more to the city; in addition to the cost from the company that is also the cost of staff time. Staff time cost more if we go with Hogle Ireland. Mayor Taylor stated that they are both using the same documentation. Council Member Low replied that's what the proposal is. Mayor Pro Tem Ly stated that Hogle Ireland would require staff to do more work. Hogle Ireland all would do at the end of the process is to would compile everything. Whereas, Civic Solustion will participate in some of the work. Even though we are paying Civic Solutions a little bit more it's because they will be able to take on more work. Council Member Clark expressed that she had the same concerns that Mr. Taylor stated. She did not want somebody to come in and change everything with their own opinion. Mayor Taylor stated that Civic Solution did the opposite and the way we did it and they will rewrite into the new. Council Member Clark stated that Hogle Ireland worked with Ms. Low and herself in a subcommittee and know what the concerns were and incorporated them in the new General Plan. Mayor Pro Tem Ly stated that he belived staff shares the Council's position on mixed use develpoment and Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 55 of 64 General Plan; they will be reviewing the process and he is confident they will enforce the will of the Council Council Member Clark stated that if you got a consultant coming in that doesn't know our concerns and pushing for something we dont want they are going to redo it. Mayro Pro Tem Ly stated that the Planning Department has two part time employees, two full time employees and one employee who will leave on maternity leave soon; that leaves one full time planner. Mr Ly reiterated that he would like to make sure that they are confortable with the consulatnt they are hiring so they can get the work done because it's an important project. Council Member Clark stated that we are bringing our zoning code to conform with the General Plan and are not going to make many changes becuase we already have the General Plan. Council Member Low agreed with Council Member Clark, that we do have the General Plan and are working in getting our zoning code to match what is in the General Plan. Ms. Low reiterated that we just need to find someone to do the work and in the case of Civic Solutions, they do more work instead of having a company do some of the work and staff do the other. Community Development Director Wong stated that the city has an outdated zoning and staff will be working closely with Civic Solution. Mayor Taylor asked why can't Hogle Ireland do that since they are familiar with the General Plan. Community Development Director Wong replied that we are short staffed and we feel comfortable with Civic Solution. Mayor Taylor reiterated that Hogle Ireland knows what has been done. Council Member Low stated that did not mean they're not charging more Council Member Armenta wanted to clarify that the two companies have worked with the city before and a consultant in the past said in 2008 that cars would be obsolete one day. When the previous council majority was here they had a consultant come in they were revisiting the general plan. Mayor Pro Tem Ly clarified that this was when they were talking about the valley vision plan. Mayor Taylor reiterated that he had reservations about switching over to somebody that will come in and analyze the work that has been done by somebody else when you have the option of letting that consultant come in and go right to the documents. Civic Solutions is going to have to analyze all that was done before and he belives that its not going to be cheaper. If somebody knows what they are looking for and knows where it is they can do it much faster, rather than the other one having to analyze what the other one did and clarifying definitions and explanations and that is when they can put their definition. Mr. Taylor felt that being the lowest bidder and what has Hogle Ireland done and more knowledge. Council Member Low stated that Civic Solution's proposal is $45,000 that is the maxium rate. the City will not pay any more if it takes them longer to do the work. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 56 of 64 Mayor Pro Tem Ly stated that it has a $5,000 contingency fee. Community Development Director Wong stated that there is a $50,000 budget with a $5,000 contingency. Mayor Taylor asked if Hogle Ireland would be able to do the same. Community Development Director Wong replied yes. Council Member Low stated that the price could go up to $49,000. City Manager Allred stated that planning staff proposed to work with Civic Solution for several reasons. First, efficiency and staff believes they will get more work out of Civic Solutions. Mayor Pro Tem Ly stated that after talking to staff, he wants to make sure that who ever gets the contract staff can best work with them on this important project. For example, we have a a new height intensity commercial area which the city finds very important; and how those things get defined and get implemented in the zone map is very important. Council MemberArmenta stated that she belives the city has a department that is really looking for the best of the city; they dont have a hidden agenda. Ms. Armenta reiterated that the department is here for the betterment of Rosemead and if they feel this company is going to be more efficient and cost effective we should listen to what they have to say. Mayor Pro Tem Steven Ly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Polly Low, to approve authorize the City Manager to execute the contract assignment to Civic Solutions, Inc. and establish $5,000 as a contingency. Vote resulted in: Yes: Armenta, Low, Ly No: Taylor Abstain: Clark Absent: None Council Member Clark asked that staff monitor what the consultant is proposing. G. Interstate 10 and Del Mar Avenue Landscape Improvements — Award of Contract As part of the City's Fiscal Year 2010 -11 Capital Improvement Program, the City Council approved a project to improve freeway off ramp areas adjacent to the Interstate 10 Freeway at Del Mar Avenue. This project includes a complete landscape makeover, which includes ground cover, trees, shrubs, and color splashes (roses and perennials) on off ramp slopes and adjacent areas. Recommendation: That the City Council: 1. Approve the landscape plans and specifications; and 2. Adopt Resolution No. 2010 — 67, authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 57 of 64 with Eco Logic Inc. for the 1 -10 /Del Mar Avenue Beautification Project (using the State of California Department of Transportation Contract No. 07- 166814) in the amount of $59,846.50 and establish an amount of $8,977 (approximately 15 %) to cover the cost of any unforeseen construction expenses. Resolution No. 2010 -67 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD REGARDING CONTRACTING FOR LANDSCAPING IMPROVEMENTS AT THE INTERSTATE 10 FREEWAY OFF RAMP AREAS ADJACENT TO DEL MAR AVENUE City Manager Allred reviewed the staff report Mayor Taylor asked why is the city doing the landscaping if it's Caltrans property. City Manager Allred replied that Clatrans does not do a good a job and we want to have it more beautiful Mayor Taylor inquired about page 2, that there are approximately $500,000 for Beuatification improvements and we are doing Del Mar, San Gabriel, Walnut Grove, Rosemead, why are we doing Caltrans job. Mr. Taylor objected that at first it started out that we were going to paint these bridges there was one cost, adn $160,000 for the painting and now there is a potential that we are up to $500,000 because now we are paying for Caltrans landscaping. City Manager Allred stated that we are going to upgrade the landscaping because they do such a poor job. On Wlanut Grove on the west side by the 1 -10, or the 1 -10 and Rosemead Boulevard is an example of the very poor jobs Caltrans does and we can significantly upgrade the appearance of the City. Mayor Taylor expressed concern that the projects that we are doing on phase I are coming out at over $23 million dollars. we have $9.4 million in the bond sale and $5 million left in the redevelopment account. City Manager Allred stated yes it's that about $14 million. Mayor Taylor continued that $14.4 million, we still have to come up with another $9 milliom dollars. City Manager Allred stated that's over 15 years. Mayor Taylor replied no, the project are going on right now in phase I this year. City Manager Allred stated that they are paid for. Mayor Taylor spoke about a presentation in the past where it was talked about saving half of the labor cost and how we cut our labor expenses back. Mr. Taylor asked for an explanation for that in the past, and Mr. Brisco came back and stated it was a computer glitch that was $3 million that no one caught. City Manager Allred reiterated that our budget this year includes significant capital improvement projects that are funded. Mayor Taylor stated that Mr. Allred gave Council three pages of what has been accomplished and to add the dollars at the end. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 58 of 64 Mayor Pro Tern Steven Ly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Polly Low, to authorize City Manager to enter into a contract with Eco Logic Inc. for the 1-10/Del Mar Avenue Beautification Project. Vote resulted in: Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly No: Taylor Abstain: None Absent: None Mayor Taylor stated that he voted no on this item because we are now taking over the landscaping for the State of California that will be a couple of thousand dollars. City Manager Allred stated that Caltrans informed him that they do maintenance on their right -a -ways once every six months. Mayor Taylor stated that we just assumed all the maintenance and the landscaping for the State of California and not send them a bill. Public Works Director Marcarello explained that staff is undertaking a significant amount of maintenance. Mayor Taylor asked what kind of status report do we have as far as what we have been doing. City Manager Allred stated that we are doing it with our in house staff that is able to perform the work and its going to make a huge difference in the City of Rosemead. Mr. Allred added that residents will be proud to live in this town and right now the Caltrans areas are horrible. 9. MATTERS FROM CITY MANAGER & STAFF A. State Ballot Measures 19 and 26 Opposition The League of California Cities (League) has taken a position of opposition on Proposition 19 and 26, which are scheduled to be included in the November 2010 Statewide Election. The League has also requested its members to adopt resolutions opposing these propositions. Recommendation: That the City Council approve Resolution No. 2010 -58, and Resolution 2010 -59 in opposition to Propositions 19 and 26, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL OPPOSING PROPOSITION 19, THE REGULATE, CONTROL AND TAX CANNABIS ACT OF 2010 A RESOLUTION OF THE ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL OPPOSING PROPOSITION 26, PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT: STATE AND LOCAL FEES AND CHARGES; VOTE REQUIREMENTS AND LIMITATIONS Council Member Clark asked to bifurcate and oppose 19 and tabled 26. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 59 of 64 Margaret Clark made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Steven Ly, to approve reolution 2010 58 which opposes proposition 19 to regulate, control and tax cannabis act of 2010. Vote resulted in: Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly, Taylor No: None Abstain: None Absent: None Mayor Pro Tem Ly expressed concern with proposition 26 explaining that it closes loop holes in terms of fees and taxes in how they can be raised. California being the highest taxed State, opposing 26 essentially amounts to raising taxes. Mr. Ly reiterated that he could not support the League's position on 26. Mayor Taylor stated that he was puzzled why this item was on the agenda when the rule of three applies. Mayor Pro Tem Ly stated that staff took the position of the California League of Cities and he has been in opposite end with the League on some issues. City Manager Allred stated that the reason why it's on the agenda is because the League requested that all their members Cities take this position. Mayor Pro Tem Ly stated that it's the League's prerogative and he does not support their position. Mr. Ly clarified that he did support proposition 26, but the League opposes proposition 26. City Manager Allred stated that the League has asked cities to oppose it as well. Mayor Taylor clarified that staff is asking to oppose it. City Manager Allred stated the League is recommending it as well, since the City is a member of the League and have asked other cities to support their position; however Council Member Ly does not agree. Mayor Pro Tem Ly asked to table proposition 26. Mayor Pro Tem Steven Ly made a motion, seconded by Margaret Clark, to table proposition 26. Vote resulted in: Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly No: Taylor Abstain: None Absent: None B. Parks, Recreation, and General Facilities Master Plan Last year, City Council authorized the development of the City's first -ever Parks, Recreation and General Facilities Master Plan. MIG, Inc. working with several other specialist consultants has completed the final draft of the Master Plan. It is being presented to City Council for acceptance as a road map to future development, renovation, and programs. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 60 of 64 Completion of the Master Plan accords with the City of Rosemead's Strategic Plan Goal 1: "Beautify community infrastructure and improve public facilities," and Goal 2: "Enhance public safety and quality of life." Further, the plan is consistent with the challenge set forth in Rosemead's General Plan regarding the "availability of quality park, recreation, and open space facilities to meet the needs of all Rosemead residents." Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the Parks, Recreation, and General Facilities Master Plan. City Manager Allred stated that staff is recommending that council does not take any action on this matter because there has been some concerns and asked that this item be deffered to a future meeting. 10. MATTERS FROM MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL B. Resolution No. 2010 -66 — Nominating Council Member Clark to Represent Cities without Prescriptive Water Pumping Rights of the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Resolution No. 2010 -66, is for nominating the city's vote for Council Member Clark to another term on the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Board. Council Member Clark has been a Charter Member of the Board since it was established in .1992. Recommendation: That the City Council approve Resolution No. 2010 -66, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA NOMINATING COUNCIL MEMBER MARGARET CLARK TO REPRESENT CITIES WITHOUT PRESCRIPTIVE WATER PUMPING RIGHTS OF THE SAN GABRIEL BASIN WATER QUALITY AUTHORITY Council Member Sandra Armenta made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Steven Ly, to nominate Council Member Margaret Clark to represent cities with our prescriptive water pumping rights of the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority. Vote resulted in: Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly, Taylor No: None Abstain: None Absent: None Mayor Pro Tem Ly asked Ms. Clark, what does that mean for us to not have pumping rights. Council Member Clark replied that the city does not own the wells in the city and we have seven different water companies. Monterey Park for example owns their own water company. Mayor Pro Tem Ly asked why does the city not own the water wells, has it been like this historically. Council Member Clark commented since the founding fathers. Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 61 of 64 Mayor Pro Tem Ly asked that he would like to see an ordinance regarding organizations that use city facilities for free to have the City's name represented. For example the Monterey park Angels use city facilities and they are using the name Monterey Park. Council MemberArmenta stated that she spoke to Mr. Rubino, and under their non - profit their title says Monterey Park Angels and in December they are supposed to change that. Mayor Pro Tem Ly stated that the Lady Hawks gave some pens to Council and they noted Rosemead California. He was proud that the Lady Hawks use city facilities and represent Rosemead. Council MemberArmenta stated that the Lady Hawks do not have a non - profit number because it's a very small team and so they have to pay. Mayor Pro Tem Ly asked if the city gave them a waiver Council MemberArmenta replied no, not for non - profit. they are paying and staff should look into. Unfortunately, since the founding fathers have left Mr. Quezada is the only person holding the team together; he does not have the time nor the means to get the non - profit and therefore has to pay. Ms Armenta stated that she has seen the banner they take everywhere and it says Lady Hawkes Rosemead California. Just because they do not have a non -profit number they are required to pay for city facilities. Mayor Pro Tem Ly stated that he was on a Metro meeting and they have a bus service sector for the San Gabriel Valley, a committee which he sits on to represent Rosemead, Monterey Park, and Montebello. An issue they spoke about is eliminating one of those lines, 177 which connects Pasadena. The representaives from La Canada and Sierra Madre fought on that and basically by delaying implementation of that line cut, Metro has said there will be service cuts; one of those lines that they are talking about for service cuts is line 70 which brings everyone from El Monte Transit Village to Union Station via Garvey. This will have a significant impact to our communities. Mayor Taylor suggested that this be brought for dicussion in a future meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Ly commended parks and recreation staff and Mr. Montgomery-Scott for their work on the 911 ceremony and 5k run. Also asked staff to look into some needed asphalt repairs that need improvements. Council MemberArmenta thanked Mr. Montgomery-Scott for a well organized event and thanked staff, Sheriffs department and UFC for partnering for the event. Also asked staff to bring back the discussion regarding the Lady Hawks, they are not a non - profit organization and they are a team that represents the city of Rosemead. Council Member Low congratulated Mr. Montgomery-Scott and staff for the event. Council Member Clark commended staff for the event and loved the t- shirts. Mayor Taylor asked staff if they got a Governors Tax reform proposal, if the rest of the Council recived this? Mayor Taylor stated it was disturbing what is the sale tax between Rosemead and El Monte, Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 62 of 64 Assistant City Manager Hawkesworth replied they are both different ones. Mayor Taylor asked how does the State say they are going to cut the sale tax. Assistant City Manager Hawkesworth stated that out of our 9.75 percent, the Stated percentage of that is the 5 percent. They get 5 percent of the 9.75 percent, and the city gets 1 percent. Mayor Taylor stated that we voted to get the transit tax refunded to the cities; and asked if we have a tax like that we voted on. Mr. Taylor asked for more information regarding Measure R. City Manager Allred clarified that it's Measure R . Assistant City Manager Hawkesworth stated that out of the 9.75 percent, the city gets 1 percent, the State gets 5 percent and the rest of it is the portion to various areas like Prop A, Prop C, Measure R is an assesment on that, the County gets some of the sales tax. Mayor Taylor asked for a memo from staff clarifying with more information Assistant City Manager Hawkesworth asked it Council wanted a memo on how the 9.75 pecent sales tax is broken up for Rosemead. Mayor Taylor replied as far as how we get 1 percent cash back for the city. Mr. Taylor spoke about the Governors proposal to start taxing all services. Reading that the Governor's proposal states, "accomodations and related" such as hotels, that's where we have a ten percent transit occupancy tax, he wants to add that. On utilities, we don't have that and now they want to charge on the water, gas, phone, electric on top of everybody's State water, not just Rosemead. There are 25 items that they want to start taxing and also telecommunications, like cable television, satellite television. Household services they would start taxing ten percent as well as health care. Council Member Clark asked if Prop 26 would stop that. Mayor Pro Tem Ly stated that health care would include doctor visits. Mayor Taylor stated that they want to add sales tax on that and people will not spend thousands of dollar going to the doctor. Mr. Taylor continued reading on what other sales tax for services are being proposed in the Governor's proposal. Council Member Low asked what would Council want to do with the information. Mayor Taylor asked to find out where is the status of the proposal is at and also asked what is going on with the governor's budget and the high speed rail. Assistant City Manager Hawkesworth spoke to Michael Coleman, who is the financial and fiscal analyst for the League. He will meet him on Friday and they will be talking about this issue. Mayor Taylor stated that there is a lawsuit going on for Freedom of Information Act with the Bloomberg News, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citi Bank and other two that they issue funds out for their debt of $12 Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 63 of 64 trillion and are being sued. It's a refence point on what is going on and ask that staff find out what they can and bring it back. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10:57 p.m. The next regular joint Community Development Commission, the Rosemead Financing Authority, and City Council meeting is scheduled to take place on September 28, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., respectively. z i.��L� 'Ga Tayl / Mayor ATTEST: . Gloria Molleda, City Clerk Rosemead City Council, Community Development Commission, and Housing Development Corporation Joint Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2010 Page 64 of 64 STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS. CITY OF ROSEMEAD ) I, Gloria Molleda, City Clerk for the City of Rosemead, do hereby certify that the minutes from September 14, 2010, were duly and regularly approved and adopted by the Rosemead City Council on the 9th of November 2010, by the following vote to wit: Yes: Armenta, Low, Ly, Taylor No: None Abstain: None Absent: Clark Gloria Molleda City Clerk