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CC - Minutes 12-14-10Minutes of the Community Development Commission and City Council Regular Meeting December 14, 2010 The regular meeting of the Rosemead Community Development Commission and City Council was called to order by Mayor Taylor at 6:01 p.m. in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. FLAG SALUTE: Vice - Chair/ Mayor Pro Tern Ly INVOCATION: Commissioner /Council Member Armenta PRESENT: Chair/ Mayor Taylor, Vice - Chair/ Mayor Pro Tern Ly, Commissioner/ Council Members Armenta, Clark and Low STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Allred, City Attorney Richman, Assistant City Manager Hawkesworth, Community Development Director Wong, Director of Finance Brisco, Director of Parks and Recreation Montgomery- Scott, Economic Development Manager Ramirez, 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. Vice - Chair /Mayor Pro Tern Steven Ly made a motion, seconded by Commissioner /Council Member Polly Low, to approve ordinance by title only. Vote resulted in: Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly, Taylor No: None Abstain: None Absent: None 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE - None Rosemead City Council and Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of December 14, 2010 Page 1 of 16 3. PRESENTATION • CRM Demonstration: The City Council will be provided with a demonstration of the City's new Citizen Relationship Management (CRM) customer service program. Assistant City Manager Hawkesworth gave a PowerPoint presentation. PowerPoint presentation is available at the City Clerk's Office. City Manager Allred stated the Citizen Relationship Management program is a direct result of the strategic plan which the City Council adopted to improve customer service. Assistant City Manager Hawkesworth continued with the presentation. Mayor Taylor asked if residents can call as anonymous when reporting graffiti and how would staff verify the inquiry. Assistant City Manager Hawkesworth replied yes residents can report all inquiries anonymously and are assigned a case number. An anonymous resident can check the status of the case by providing the case number. Council Member Low asked if the completion date was a standard date. Assistant City Manager Hawkesworth replied that most dates are set up as a default for ten days and staff has the ability to change the dates depending on the nature of the inquiry. Council Member Clark inquired about anti - graffiti coating if it would be a useful tool. Assistant City Manager Hawkesworth stated it would be useful because it can be mapped to see where requests are originating from. Mayor Taylor inquired if the graffiti chart is updated monthly. Assistant City Manager Hawkesworth replied that the chart is live and all reports run automatically every Thursday and graffiti reports will continue to be in the green sheet. Mayor Taylor asked if the chart changes up or down when the kids are out of school. Assistant City Manager Hawkesworth replied when more data is entered into the CRM staff hopes to track the trends and they are able to run reports in any time frame. Mayor Taylor reiterated that he would like to see comparisons and navigate different months. Council MemberArmenta requested that Council have access to the information in the CRM and see what complaints are submitted. Rosemead City Council and Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of December 14, 2010 Page 2 of 16 Assistant City Manager Hawkesworth replied each Council Member will have an account and email alerts of all inquiries submitted may be setup. He added that since the program has commenced in October 4th to November 30th there have been 684 requests and as of today over 900 requests have been documented. Mayor Taylor stated that Council would like to see more detail information to see what are the more active periods on a monthly period. Assistant City Manager Hawkesworth explained that all reports may be viewed monthly or specific type of reports with specific time frames. Council Member Armenta asked how an anonymous person can check the status of their case. Assistant City Manager Hawkesworth reiterated that by providing the case number any staff member may access the CRM system and check the status of a case. Council Member Low stated that the CRM is a useful tool to evaluate staff power. Council Member Clark asked if reports relating to barking dogs be sorted for review and what can be done to resolve the issue. Public Safety Supervisor Rodriguez explained that usually a code officer is sent to the property where the dog is barking to make an assessment of the situation. Then the dog owner is warned about their dog, however if the dog is disturbing the peace in the middle of the night the Sheriffs Department should be called. Code Enforcement Officer Co also explained that after an assessment is made proper steps are taken until the case is resolved. 4. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR A. Claims and Demands Resolution No. 2010-38 Recommendation: to approve Resolution No. 2010 — 38, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE ROSEMEAD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $30,460.55 DEMAND NO. 10097 AND DEMAND NOS. 11395 THROUGH 11404 Rosemead City Council and Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of December 14, 2010 Page 3 of 16 Resolution No. 2010 — 40 Recommendation: to approve Resolution No. 2010 — 40, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE ROSEMEAD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $92,874.24 DEMAND NO. 10098 AND DEMAND NOS. 11405 THROUGH 11416 Vice - Chair /Mayor Pro Tern Steven Ly made a motion, seconded by Commissioner /Council Member Sandra Armenta, to approve the Commission Consent Calendar. Vote resulted in: Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly, Taylor No: None Abstain: None Absent: None The Commission recessed the meeting at 6:53 p.m. Rosemead City Council and Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of December 14, 2010 Page 4 of 16 Minutes of the City Council Meeting 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: Vice - Chair/ Mayor Pro Tern Ly INVOCATION: Commissioner /Council Member Armenta PRESENT: Chair/ Mayor Taylor, Vice - Chair/ Mayor Pro Tern Ly, Commissioner/ Council Members Armenta, Clark and Low STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Allred, City Attorney Richman, Assistant City Manager Hawkesworth, Community Development Director Wong, Director of Finance Brisco, Director of Parks and Recreation Montgomery- Scott, Economic Development Manager Ramirez, Public Works Director Marcarello, and City Clerk Molleda 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE Juan Nufiez — expressed concern with a neighbor's dog that barks excessively. Mayor Taylor directed Mr. Nunez to the Citizen Relationship Management (CRM) customer service program. 6. PRESENTATION • Garvey Beautification Project: The Public Safety Department Code Enforcement Division will provide the City Council with an update on the status of this project along the Garvey Avenue corridor. Public Safety Supervisor Rodriguez gave a Power Point presentation. Mr. Rodriguez showed before and after pictures of the Garvey Beautification Project. City Manager Allred stated that barb and razor wire are not prohibited in the City's zoning code and staff will look into the issue when updating the zoning code. Mr. Rodriguez continued with the presentation and clarified that barb and razor wires are banned on commercial areas near a residential area. Code Enforcement Co continued the PowerPoint presentation. Mr. Rodriguez mentioned there are currently 46 empty business locations on Garvey Avenue. Also, 140 code enforcement cases have been open in an eight month period and currently only 29 cases remain open. Rosemead City Council and Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of December 14, 2010 Page 5 of 16 Council Member Armenta commented that in the binder Council was provided, it had been updated with all the new progress and to see where the City was to where it's going was amazing. Council Member Low congratulated the Public Safety Center for their work. She asked if the Planning Department could work with new businesses when applying for permits to remove old signage from previous businesses and make it part of the process. City Manager Allred agreed and stated that the new process could be part of the Certificate of Occupancy permit process. Mayor Taylor agreed with Ms. Armenta and asked if there are before and after material that can be included in the binders to demonstrate the effectiveness of the program. Mr. Rodriguez replied yes and material will be available to Council soon. 7. PUBLIC HEARING A. The Adoption of California Building Laws and Fire Code as Amended by Los Angeles County Every three (3) years the City of Rosemead adopts the California Building Laws and Fire Codes as amended by Los Angeles County. Both the State of Califomia and County of Los Angeles have completed their adoption process and the City will now adopt the County Codes — Titles 26 through 32. To ensure that the new codes will be in place on January 1, 2011, the City Attorney recommends that the City Council adopt an Urgency Ordinance 908 and introduce Ordinance 909. Recommendation: That the City Council: 1. Introduce and Adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 908, entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ADOPTING BY REFERENCE, PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 50022.2, THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE (TITLE 26 LOS ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING CODE), THE CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE (TITLE 27 LOS ANGELES COUNTY ELECTRICAL CODE), THE CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE (TITLE 28 LOS ANGELES COUNTY PLUMBING CODE), THE CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE (TITLE 29 LOS ANGELES COUNTY MECHANICAL CODE), THE CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE (TITLE 30 LOS ANGELES COUNTY RESIDENTIAL CODE), THE CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING CODE (TITLE 31 LOS ANGELES COUNTY GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS Rosemead City Council and Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of December 14, 2010 Page 6 of 16 CODE), CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE (TITLE 32 LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE CODE) AND ADOPTING LOCAL 2. And introduce Ordinance No. 909 for first reading, entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ADOPTING BY REFERENCE, PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 50022.2, THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE (TITLE 26 LOS ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING CODE), THE CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE (TITLE 27 LOS ANGELES COUNTY ELECTRICAL CODE), THE CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE (TITLE 28 LOS ANGELES COUNTY PLUMBING CODE), THE CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE (TITLE 29 LOS ANGELES COUNTY MECHANICAL CODE), THE CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE (TITLE 30 LOS ANGELES COUNTY RESIDENTIAL CODE), THE CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING CODE (TITLE 31 LOS ANGELES COUNTY GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE), CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE (TITLE 32 LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE CODE) AND ADOPTING LOCAL AMENDMENTS THERETO City Manager Allred reviewed the staff report. Mayor Taylor opened Public Hearing at 7:26 p.m. There being no comments Mayor Taylor closed Public Hearing at 7:26 p.m. Council Member Low asked for an explanation for the purpose of having two separate ordinances with the same wording. City Attorney Richman explained because the City is adopting the County's code, there was a waiting time for the County to adopt their code. The City is required by State law to have the codes adopted and effective by January 1, 2011. Mrs. Richman continued that in order to meet the deadline the City adopts an urgency ordinance which is effective immediately; however, an urgency ordinance can always be challenged if there are insufficient findings for urgency and therefore, as an abundance of caution a second ordinance is introduced. Also, added that the motion will include setting a public hearing for January 11, 2011. Council Member Sandra Armenta made a motion, seconded by Council Member Margaret Clark, to Adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 908. Vote resulted in: Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly, Taylor No: None Rosemead City Council and Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of December 14, 2010 Page 7 of 16 Abstain: None Absent: None Council Member Sandra Armenta made a motion, seconded by Council Member Margaret Clark, to introduce Ordinance No. 909 and notice a Public Hearing for January 11, 2011. Vote resulted in: Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly, Taylor No: None Abstain: None Absent: None 8. CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR A. Minutes July 13, 2010 — Regular Meeting October 12, 2010 — Regular Meeting October 26, 2010 — Regular Meeting Mayor Taylor asked for corrections on the minutes of July 13, 2010 page 22 which showed Council Member Clark's vote as yes and abstain. Council Member Clark confirmed she voted to abstain. B. Claims and Demands Resolution No. 2010 — 82 Recommendation: to approve Resolution No. 2010 — 82, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1,504,553.79 NUMBERED 101059 THROUGH 101071 AND 71806 THROUGH 71915 INCLUSIVELY • Resolution No. 2010-84 Recommendation: to approve Resolution No. 2010 -84, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1,566,748.57 NUMBERED 101072 THROUGH 101087 AND 71916 THROUGH 72060 INCLUSIVELY C. Ordinance No. 902 — Second Reading: Amending Chapter 10.04.040 of the Municipal Code — Vehicle Code on Private Property Rosemead City Council and Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of December 14, 2010 Page 8 of 16 On November 23, 2010, the City Council introduced Ordinance No. 902, General Plan Amendment 10 -01 and Municipal Code Amendment 10 -06. Ordinance No. 902 is now before Council at the required second reading for adoption. Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 902, entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT 10.06, AMENDING CHAPTER 17.04, CHAPTER 17.84, AND CHAPTER 17.112 OF TITLE 17 OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO HOTEL AND MOTEL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS D. Award of Bid for a Finance /HR Hardware and Software System At the August 24, 2010 City Council meeting staff was directed to request proposals for replacement finance and human resources software. As explained at that meeting, the City's current software is inadequate for City purposes due to age and functionality. Requests for proposals (RFP) were sent and five vendors responded. The vendors were subjected to several levels of evaluation including: a) an initial screening of the company profile, b) responses to functionality questions included in the RFP, c) product demonstrations, d) determination of the company's financial strength and e) reference checking. Recommendation: That the City Council: 1. Award the contract for finance /human resources hardware and software to Tyler Technologies — Incode and authorize the City Attorney to negotiate final approval of the contract language; and 2. The City enter into a five year lease /purchase agreement with Bank of the West to pay for the hardware and software and authorize the City Manager to execute all required documents to effectuate the above actions. City Manager Allred requested that agenda item 8C be moved to the next council meeting because of a mistake on the heading of the title. Council Member Sandra Armenta made a motion, seconded by Council Member Polly Low, to approve City Council Consent Calendar with corrections to the minutes of July 13, 2010 and the Exception of item C. Vote resulted in: Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly, Taylor No: None Abstain: None Absent: None Rosemead City Council and Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of December 14, 2010 Page 9 of 16 E. Interstate 10 and San Gabriel Boulevard Landscape Improvements — Contract Award As part of the City's Fiscal Year 2010 -11 Capital Improvement Program, the City Council has approved a project to improve freeway off ramp areas adjacent to the Interstate 10 Freeway at San Gabriel Boulevard. This project will provide a complete landscape makeover, which will include 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. 2. Adopt Resolution No. 2010 -83, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, REGARDING CONTRACTING FOR LANDSCAPING IMPROVEMENTS AT THE INTERSTATE 10 FREEWAY OFF RAMP AREAS ADJACENT TO SAN GABRIEL BOULEVARD Mayor Taylor expressed his objection on contracting for landscaping improvements when it's the State's responsibility. Council Member Armenta stated she received phone calls from residents expressing happiness that the City is doing an outstanding job in beautifying Rosemead. Ms. Armenta added that it takes money to do projects and gives the City the ability to attract people and businesses to Rosemead. Mayor Taylor added that he agreed with the improvements themselves but overall the project cost is a half a million dollars and does not see how the State will reimburse the City. Mayor Pro Tem Ly stated that driving on northbound on Walnut Grove on the left side of the bridge there is some rusting marks and asked staff to take a look. Mayor Pro Tern Steven Ly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Polly Low, to approve the landscape plans and specifications and Resolution No. 2010 -83. Vote resulted in: Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly No: Taylor Abstain: None Absent: None 9. MATTERS FROM CITY MANAGER & STAFF A. Southern California Housing Rights Center Rosemead City Council and Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of December 14, 2010 Page 10 of 16 For over 15 years the City has contracted with the Southern California Housing Rights Center (HRC) to administer a federally mandated Fair Housing Program for our community. The Fair Housing Program functions to meet federal mandates as follows: a. Serve as a central source for fair housing information and education; b. Investigate and conciliate housing discrimination complaints; and c. Make referrals to appropriate sources for the formal resolution of discrimination complaints when informal conciliation efforts fail. In the last two months, the City has received two (2) separate complaints from owners of rental units claiming harassment by the HRC. Both complainants' stories are similar. They both received a call from someone claiming to be looking for an apartment to rent and inquiring about the owners "Pet Policy ". Both owners told the caller that pets were not allowed. Then, the caller informed the manager /owner that they have a disability that requires them to have a "companion pet ". The first owner stated that his manager told the caller she would need to speak to the owner and call her back. That manager forgot to check with the owner or call the caller back as the unit had already been rented. The second owner claims that he told the caller that he would accept pets as an accommodation for disability but would need a note from a medical doctor. In both cases, the owners were advised by the HRC that attendance of a "class" on housing discrimination would be required at a cost of $150. One of the rental unit owners has complained to the City Council of harassment by the HRC. Recommendation: No action is recommended at this time. Economic Development Manager Ramirez reviewed the staff report. Council MemberArmenta inquired that a letter was sent to a property owner in Rosemead from the Housing Rights Center and a section stated that the property owners were required to attend a meeting for $150 per person. If the property owner did not attend the meeting then other repercussions would take place. Ms. Armenta asked if that is a standard issued letter or is it the law which property owners must abide by. Stephanie Kanapik - Assistant Executive Director of the Housing Rights Center stated that HUD requires that Cities that have Community Development Block Gant Funds are required do an analysis of impediments study. Ms. Kanapik stated that the rental audit testing found areas of discrimination when they called ten random places; five out of the ten places were categorized to have discrimination. Testers pose as home seekers to see if Fair Housing Laws are being followed. Ms. Kanapik added when laws are not being followed then the Housing Rights Center conducts an investigation and a case analyst worker then contacts the property owner. She clarified that a letter is sent and it does not demand that the property owners take the training. Ms. Kanapik also added that the certified training costs $150 because it's taught by attorneys. When property owners do not want to take the trainings, then the Housing Rights Center has a mandate to make sure Fair Housing Laws are being followed and refer the case to the Employment and Fair Housing or to HUD. Mayor Taylor asked how many complaints have been filed. Rosemead City Council and Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of December 14, 2010 Page 11 of 16 Ms. Kanapik - presented to City Council statistics and other audits tests that showed discrimination. Mayor Taylor stated that he could not recall cases being filed against the City or residents. Ms. Kanapik - stated that it depended where the cases are filed, with the Department of Fair Employment, Housing or the Housing Rights Center may file a law suit which has not filed any law suits in the past. She added there were 14 cases of discrimination in 2009 -2010 that were investigated by the Housing Rights Center and ten of those cases were from the audit study and four were complaints. Council Member Low asked what types of signs of discrimination was the Housing Rights Center looking for and what are the types of protected classes. Ms. Kanapik - explained that protected classes include race, religion, national origin, physical disability, familial status, and gender. She added that different municipalities and different cities go further than the Federal Law and the State of California has an arbitrary delineation. Council Member Low asked if most of the complaints were related to the no pet policy unless they have a doctor's note. Economic Development Manager Ramirez stated that the note did not need to be from a medical doctor it could be from a psychologist. Ms. Kanapik - explained that in past years most of the calls received had been regarding physical or mental disabilities in discrimination. Council Member Low asked if the Housing Rights Center had outreach programs offered to residents. Ms. Kanapik — replied that the Housing Rights Center does have outreach programs for residents and offers a quarterly report and yearly reports that are available to everyone. She added that the HRC staff provided her with five years of outreach program information in which showed 600 people attended the workshops and distributes over 103,628 of literature that deals with all protective classes. Economic Development Manager Ramirez stated that the HRC hosts two workshops in the spring and the fall. Some of the workshops are specifically geared to Tenants or Landlords which are hosted at the Garvey Community Center in Rosemead and the City also advertises information at the senior houses, city website, library, city hall and it's done twice a year. Mayor Taylor stated that there is no trail of abuse as a City, but as far as the filed complaints and violators is not part of the statistics. Ms. Kanapik - added that her staff provided numbers for the Fair Housing certification trainings that are taught by attorneys, four people attended within the last five years and three asked to take the training. Ms. Kanapik added that the HRC provides the lowest cost of training and may need to increase fees next year. Rosemead City Council and Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of December 14, 2010 Page 12 of 16 Economic Development Manager Ramirez stated that because the wide jurisdiction HRC assist in 15 different languages. Mrs. Ramirez referred to attachment B which indicated if the property owner or landlord did not attend the training there could be possible law suits. She added that she was not satisfied with the wording and asked HRC to indicate on the letter what the consequences would be. Mayor Taylor asked if the property owners, landlords, and management who attended the trainings in the last five years of the statistics report were all from the City of Rosemead. He added that there are a couple of violations in the past 15 years and it's a good record. Mr. Taylor also asked if the situation was getting out of control with the property owner in question and what else can the City do. Ms. Kanapik - explained regarding Mr. John Thai's issue, that there were no complaints regarding transsexuals. John Thai — stated that during the testing calls the individual stated that Mr. Thai or his brother discriminated against the potential tenant. Also, that the individual stated that they were disabled and required a companion pet, Mr. Thai stated that was false. He stated that the individual stated assumptions on what ifs. Mayor Taylor asked Mr. Thai who actually had the conversation with the individual at the Housing Rights Center. Mr. Thai - replied he and his brother both spoke to someone in a three month period. Economic Development Manager Ramirez stated that the testing took place with Mr. Thai's brother. Mr. Thai — stated that he did not agree with the test, which was subjective and the HRC testers are contracted only. Ms. Kanapik - replied that the testers are volunteers who are trained, have back ground checks and have no monitoring interest of the outcome of any tests. Mr. Thai — stated that he spoke to the Housing of Urban Development and the Fair Housing Department and obtained information on how testing's are performed. They indicated that there is no standard in testing and based on that he felt it's appropriate that the individual testing the landlords are briefed by the organization. Mayor Taylor asked Mr. Thai if he had any of the information in writing and documented. Mr. Thai replied yes he had all information in writing and obtained information from the U. S Department of Housing Development. He added that the test performed on Mr. Thai's brother was a telephone test in which the tester claimed they were disabled, which was incorrect. The conversation lasted seven minutes in which the tester assumed to be interested in the apartment and asked several questions. Mr. Thai continued that the seven minute conversation with the tester also asked what if he was blind and required a companion dog. He replied that what if is an assumption and documentation would be needed because pets are not allowed. Mr. Thai added that he spoke to Ms. Salgado of the Housing Rights Center and she stated that there was indication of discrimination. Mr. Thai presented two years of activity reports from the Housing Rights Center. Rosemead City Council and Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of December 14, 2010 Page 13 of 16 Economic Development Manager Ramirez stated that the reports are monthly reports showing the Fair Housing Development monthly activities. Mayor Taylor asked what further actions can the City take. Mr. Thai — inquired about Ms. Kanapik's comments on the 10 audits. Ms. Kanapik -reiterated that 10 were audits and 4 were inquiries from people and audits do not have actual complaints and are done at random. Economic Development Manager Ramirez stated that the Housing Rights Center at this point will probably refer the case to the State and allowed them to do their own investigation. Mayor Pro Tem Ly asked for the Housing Rights Center to take a look at the issue and possibly get a better assessment on the situation and the City should continue to monitor on further developments on the issue. City Attorney Richman stated that depending on what the Housing Rights Center decides they can refer the case to the Department of Fair Housing and Employment and that would be a confidential investigation. The City Council would not be involved or the investigators may question city staff or just follow up questions to the Housing Rights Center or may decide there is no further investigation needed. Mr. Thai - reiterated that the Housing Rights Center and their staff have used verbal threat to force landlords to take their courses. Mayor Taylor stated that the State will have to determine the issues and asked what authority City Council has. City Attorney Richman stated that the City Council did not have the authority to determine if there has been any discriminatory activity. She reiterated to Mr. Thai that Council can suggest to allow the case to go to the third party and make the complaints to the Fair Housing and Employment. Mr. Thai - felt that the city is not getting involved because it's an individual matter. Mayor Taylor reiterated that the City would do something if they knew the basis of the situation and for 15 years there are no other documented complaints, over 500 people have attended the workshops, and ten recent contacts that were made to determine if any violation have been made, and the City has limited authority. Mayor Pro Tem Ly stated that the City does not have any legal authority in the matter and whether or not any violations were made, the Council cannot determine and can only refer it to the Department of Fair Housing. Mayor Taylor agreed with Mr. Ly and added that the City has a responsibility to listen to the residents and the Housing Rights Center. Rosemead City Council and Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of December 14, 2010 Page 14 of 16 Mr. Thai - expressed concern how residents, who own property, may understand that they can file a complaint and who oversees the Housing Rights Center. Mayor Taylor stated that the City contracts with HRC and if there were numerous complaints the City cannot make decisions. Council Member Low asked if the conversations the HRC is having with property owners are being taped. Ms. Kanapik - replied the conversations are not being recorded because that is illegal. Juan Nunez — asked if a person is not disabled at the moment and then becomes disabled, can that person request for proper accommodations. Economic Development Manager Ramirez stated that tenant can request for proper accommodations but would have to pay for it themselves. Council MemberArmenta stated that a friend who was a tester had to have background checks, training on approaching people when renting. Mayor Taylor asked if a landlord can no longer restrict bachelor apartments to one person but they can bring a family in. Economic Development Manager Ramirez replied its State Law, in the analysis impediment showed that needs to be fixed in the City's municipal zoning code. B. Request for Proposal (RFP) for Financial Audit Services The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recommends, as a "best practice ", replacing city auditors every five years. The City has had the same audit firm for the last four years and with the forthcoming conversion to new financial software, this year is an opportune time to seek a new auditor. Recommendation: That the City Council authorize staff to issue a RFP for City, Community Development Commission and Housing Development Corporation audit services. City Manager Allred reviewed the staff report. Mayor Pro Tem Ly requested previously that staff look into the auditor because the current auditors are currently working with the City of Bell. Council Member Low agreed with Mr. Ly about doing an RPF for audit services. Rosemead City Council and Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of December 14, 2010 Page 15 of 16 Council Member Polly Low made a motion, second by Mayor Pro Tern Steven Ly, to authorize staff to issue an RFP for audit services. Vote resulted in: Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly, Taylor No: None Abstain: None Absent: None 10. MATTERS FROM MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL Mayor Pro Tern Ly expressed it is important that the City take a look at all its vendors and see who else does business with the City of Bell. He also mentioned and appreciates the quick response of the Citizen Relationship Management program. Council Member Clark stated that she attended a National League of Cities Conference and that she participated in a workshop where they packed items that were no longer being sold at stores and were donated to charities. Mrs. Clark asked for staff to look into the program. Council MemberArmenta thanked everyone who attended that Pool Ground Breaking Ceremony. Mayor Taylor asked staff to check into the deadlines to submit material and information to the California High Speed Rail Authority's meeting in March of 2011. He added that the public must have a chance to review the documents that will be'voted on. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m. The joint Community Development Commission and City Council meeting scheduled for December 28, 2010 was cancelled due to the holiday season. The next regular joint Community Development Commission and City Council meeting is scheduled to take place on January 11, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., respectively. z4vGary twor, Mayor ATTEST: l Yi& Ql Gloria Molleda City Clerk Rosemead City Council and Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of December 14, 2010 Page 16 of 16 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 December 14, 2010, were duly and regularly approved and adopted by the Rosemead City Council on the 25th of January 2011, by the following vote to wit: Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly, Taylor No: None Abstain: None Absent: None Gloria Molleda City Clerk