Loading...
CC - Minutes - 08-14-12Minutes of the City Council Meeting August 14, 2012 The regular meeting of the Rosemead City Council was called to order by Mayor Armenta at 7:00 p.m. in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Pro Tem Low INVOCATION: Council Member Alarcon PRESENT: Mayor Armenta, Mayor Pro Tern Low, Council Members Alarcon, Clark, and Ly STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Allred, City Attorney Richman, Assistant City Manager Hawkesworth, Community Development Director Ramirez, Director of Parks and Recreation Montgomery- Scoff, Public Works Director Marcarello, and City Clerk Molleda PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE The City Council will receive public comments on matters not listed on the agenda. Sue Yamamoto — from the County of Los Angeles Public Library addressed Council regarding their upcoming August events. Material is available in the City Clerk's office. Brian Lewin — stated he appreciated Council's efforts for the past 5 year for bringing more commercial development into the City; however, he believes there is a danger when the sole focus is getting the development in place and worrying about the City not being business friendly. He reference Rosemead Place and stated that when that location was built in the late sixties -early seventies there were different driving styles and different concepts in terms of traffic safety issues. He stated that with the new uses entering the Rosemead Center it is overdue for staff to look into at what the new traffic and pedestrian issues are within that center. He added that he had made a request to the Planning Commission to consider including a Condition of Approval for that site to be evaluated at by a Traffic Engineer and assist in improving pedestrian safety issues; however, they decline to do so. He proceeded to state that because of the Planning Commissions' decline to include a Condition of Approval he would like to appeal the decision and recommendation of the Planning Commission. City Manager Allred clarified that it was not sufficient to announce his appeal during a Council meeting and that Mr. Lewin had to file the proper paperwork with the City Clerk's office and pay the fee requirement as well. Mr. Allred also reminded the City Council that the property Mr. Lewin was referring to was private property owned by a businessman who had hired a property management company to work with the City in bringing the new businesses into that site. He stated the property management company was very responsive and worked well with the City; he stated he did not want them to think the City was not business friendly. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of August 14, 2012 Page 1 of 11 City Attorney Richman stated she did not want Council to get into ad iscussion on this matter especially if there was going to be an appeal. Jack Jackson — spoke in regards to the resolution that Council had approved regarding charging Rosemead residents a fee for trapping animals. He felt this fee should not be charged because residents were helping the community, as well as, this issue being a health matter. He stated residents had never been charged and to suddenly impose a $10 fee was wrong. He added that in the past 12 months he had personally trapped 36 cats and was not willing to pay the $10 fee. MayorArmenta clarified to Mr. Jackson that this issue had been brought to Council in April 24th and there had been an agenda published on a timely manner. Ms. Armenia explained that if residents took these stray cats directly to the Humane Society they would not be charged a fee; however, if residents brought these cats to the City then the City is charged $100 when delivering these cats to the Humane Society. She clarified there was a reasoning for the $10 fee and this had not been suddenly impose on residents. Mr. Jackson stated he understood that; however, the said the cities or the counties have always taken care of this issue because it benefits the community. Council Member Clark stated she wanted to revisit this issue because she was not aware that the County was charging $100 for this service. She stated she was under the impression this was being done in house. Mr. Allred clarified that it was actually $120 that the County was charging the City. Chief of Police Murakami explained that there was a difference between feral cats and cats that belong to neighbors, who by nature rom around their homes. He stated that if neighbor's cats were being captured by Mr. Jackson; as he had stated 36 cats, that was costing the City about $4500 and the $10 fee impose was only a very minimal recovery fee. City Attorney Richman suggested that this item be brought back to City Council on a future date for discussion. Mrs. Clark agreed that this item should be brought back because typhus was a very dangerous disease, which unfortunately her granddaughter had but had recovered from the illness. Council Member Ly reiterated Mr. Jackson's comments regarding taxes. He asked the City Manager to explain the difference between taxes collected by the City and fees. Mr. Allred replied that often times residents think their property taxes pay for City services; however, that is not the case for Rosemead. The City only collects 6 cents to the dollar and everything else is distributed to the County. Mr. Allred explained that with the money collected it is not even enough to pay for the Sheriff's Department contract and that money needs to be supplemented. He stated it was a false statement to indicate that residents' property taxes cover for these types of services'because it certainly did not. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of August 14, 2012 Page 2 of 11 Michael Saccaro — stated he wanted to repute Mr. Lewin's appeal to the Planning Commission's approval of the projects in the Rosemead Center. He stated Mr. Allred had already explained why the City should not be involve in the matters brought up by Mr. Lewin; however, he wanted to give the Planning Commission's reasoning behind approving these projects. Mr. Saccaro explained that City staff along with the property management company were already addressing the parking situation and the pedestrian issues. He stated that if they found measures needed to be taken to address these items then they would be addressed during those discussions. 2. PRESENTATIONS • Ladyhawks recognition for their participation in the Triple Crown World Series in Nevada and in the USSSA Nationals in West Covina. The Ladyhawks were not present to receive their certificates; however, this item was moved to the September 11th City Council meeting. • The Wilderness Society presentation on San Gabriel Mountains Nathalie Barnica — Coordinator of the Wilderness Society presented a PowerPoint on the San Gabriel Mountains. She passed out material on this matter and it is available in the City Clerk's office. Ms. Barnica asked Council to approve a Resolution in support of preserving the San Gabriel Mountains. Council Member Clark presented a letter given to her by the COG, dated in 2009. (Mrs. Clark read the letter into the record and is available in the City Clerk's office.) She asked that this item be brought back to Council in writing so that they know exactly what it is they are approving. Council Member Ly stated he thought this was a great idea and felt that it was important for the City of Rosemead to support these efforts given that the City has a deficit in open space. He stated this was evident when Director of Parks and Recreation Montgomery-Scott presented the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Since then the Council has worked hard to develop open space, such as, the Jay Imperial Park, and feels this is a good step to continue those efforts. Mr. Ly stated that Mrs. Clark's concerns were valid and should be address; however, he just wanted to state he was very much in support of this concept. Council Member Clark stated she also was in support and explained she had just returned from the Sierra Mountains. Mayor Armenta explained that Council was in support of this concept; however, they could not adopt a Resolution without seeing all the information before them; she stated that the earliest Council could render a decision on this matter was in September 25th. 3. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Minutes July 24, 2012 — Special Meeting Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of August 14, 2012 Page 3 of 11 B. Claims and Demands • Resolution No.2012 -46 Recommendation: to approve Resolution No. 2012 —46 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $617,062.11 NUMBERED 78131 THROUGH 78273 INCLUSIVELY C. National League of Cities Summer Policy Forum — September 13th — 95th North Little Rock, AR The City Council will consider authorizing the attendance of Council Member Margaret Clark at the National League of Cities Summer EENR Steering Committee meeting, which will take place in North Little Rock, AR. Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the attendance of Council Member Margaret Clark, at City expense, to attend the EENR Steering Committee meeting in North Little Rock, AR. D. Consideration to Cancel the August 28, 2012 City Council Meeting Due to upcoming scheduling conflicts and no scheduled business items, the City Council will consider action to cancel the August 28, 2012, City Council meeting. The next regular scheduled City Council meeting is set for September 11, 2012. Recommendation: That the City Council cancel the August 28, 2012, City Council meeting. E. Probation Officer Contract Renewal The City contracts with the Los Angeles County Probation Department for a Deputy Probation Officer (DPO) for juvenile prevention and intervention programs. The DPO works full -time with Rosemead youth who have been identified as at -risk or arrested for minor criminal offenses. These juveniles may have problems ranging from school performance and attendance to vandalism, theft and drug arrests. The DPO's authority allows him to work closely with the juveniles and their families to implement a variety of programs and services to help correct their behavior. The agreement shall be effective from July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013 with a total cost of $68,000. Recommendation: That the City Council approve the agreement with the Los Angeles County Probation Department and authorize the City Manager to sign any necessary documentation. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of August 14, 2012 Page 4 of 11 F. Installation of Red Curb at three Locations — Access to EPA Mandated Groundwater Extraction Wells The Traffic Commission recently reviewed a request to install parking restrictions at three locations in conjunction with a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) groundwater cleanup effort. The El Monte Operable Unit (EMOU) is a portion of the EPA/San Gabriel Valley Superfund Project — a legally mandated groundwater cleanup effort in several locations throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Such cleanup activities are being conducted as a result of years of illegal dumping of toxic materials into nearby waterways, which ultimately contributed to the contamination of both shallow and deep groundwater supplies. As part of these court- mandated activities, former polluters are being required to fund efforts to install cleanup extraction wells that are designed to remove contaminated ground water. The City is not a participant in the cleanup activities. However, due to the location of the contaminated groundwater, it is necessary to permit the installation of cleanup wells within the City in order to effectively remove the contamination. Based on these cleanup efforts, the EPA /EMOU will install three groundwater cleanup extraction wells in the City. Once installed, these wells will be located in public right -of -way areas (sidewalk or parkway areas) and will require regular access from maintenance vehicles and personnel. Due to these access requirements, red curbing is requested to allow maintenance vehicles uninterrupted availability to each well site. Recommendation: That the City Council approve the Traffic Commission's recommendation to install red curbing — adjacent to 3787 Brookline Avenue, 9326 Ralph Street, and 9448 Guess Street upon installation of groundwater cleanup wells. G. Resolution No. 2012 -48 Approving the Application to the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District for First Supervisorial District Excess Funds for Tree Planting in Parks and Right of Way The County of Los Angeles, 1n Supervisorial District recently made grant funds available to local communities for tree planting and other "greening" projects. Such funds will also be directed to San Gabriel Valley communities that suffered significant damage as a result of the heavy windstorms that hit the area in late 2011. A total of $1.8 million is available to 15f District cities, with a cap of $100,000 per grant application. It is anticipated that two applications will be prepared, including one to help recuperate losses related to tree damages incurred during the 2011 windstorm and another to plant new trees in public areas, including the proposed Jay Imperial Part site. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of August 14, 2012 Page 5 of 11 Recommendation: That the City Council approve Resolution No. 2012 -48, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE APPLICATION TO THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FOR FIRST SUPERVISORIAL DISTRICT EXCESS FUNDS FOR TREE PLANTING IN PARKS AND RIGHT OF WAY H. Adoption of the Updated 2012 Congestion Management Program and 2012 Local Development Report The Congestion Management Program (CMP) is a state mandated program that helps address the impact of urban congestion in local communities. The CMP requires that cities in Los Angeles County file a Local Development Report (LDR) indicating the City's actions taken to reduce traffic congestion in the region. In order to meet its requirements, the City must adopt a resolution finding the City of Rosemead in compliance with the CMP for Los Angeles County and also submit a Local Development Report. Recommendation: That the City Council: 1. Adopt Resolution No. 2012 -47, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD CALIFORNIA, FINDING THE CITY TO BE IN CONFORMANCE WITH THE CONGESTION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (CMP) AND ADOPTING THE CMP LOCAL DEVELOPMENT REPORT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65089 2. Adopt the 2012 Local Development Report and authorize staff to submit the CMP Local Development Report to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Authority. Council Member Steven Ly made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Polly Low to approve the Consent Calendar. Vote resulted: Yes: Alarcon, Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly No: None Abstain: None Absent: None Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of August 14, 2012 Page 6 of 11 4. MATTERS FROM CITY MANAGER & STAFF A. Garvey Avenue Master Plan The City Council will consider approval of the Garvey Avenue Master Plan, between New Avenue and the Garvey Bridge. The Garvey Avenue Master Plan addresses aesthetic and parking issues that property and business owners face in planning commercial and retail improvements. It is intended to be used as a reference point for expectations for quality development. The principal design criteria and architectural styles represented in the plan are not intended to be restrictive; they are meant to assist in the design, development, and implementation of quality architecture and site planning. On July 16, 2012, the Planning Commission was presented with the Draft Garvey Avenue Master Plan and adopted Resolution No. 12 -10 recommending approval of Resolution No. 2012 -34 to the City Council. Recommendation: That the City Council approve Resolution No. 2012 -34, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE GARVEY AVENUE MASTER PLAN Assistant Planner Lily Trinh reviewed the staff report. Council Member Ly thanked staff in their hard work for putting this plan together, as well as, the committee that reviewed this plan. He stated this plan was very clear and well written. Council Member Clark stated she liked the suggestions on the plan and asked what would happen if a developer does not follow the guidelines. City Manager Allred explained that these were not regulation but simply guidelines and the developers would be notified of that. Council Member Steven Ly made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Polly Low to approve Resolution No. 2012 -34 approving the Garvey Avenue Master Plan. Vote resulted in: Yes: Alarcon, Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly No: None Abstain: None Absent: None Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of August 14, 2012 Page 7 of 11 B. Agreement for Crossing Guard Services The City Council will consider authorization of an agreement with All City Management Services, Inc. (ACMS) for the provision of crossing guard services in conjunction with the Rosemead School District and the Garvey School District. It is the City's intent to partner with the local school districts by sharing the costs for these services equally with each of the school districts. Funds to cover the City's share of the annual costs, which total just over $50,000, are contained in the City's Budget for the current 2012 -13 Fiscal Year. Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to: 1. Execute an agreement with All City Management Services, Inc. for the provision of crossing guard services; and 2. Execute agreements with the Rosemead School District and the Garvey School District authorizing participation as an equal partner in funding the Crossing Guard Program for the 2012 -13 Fiscal Year. City Manager Allred reviewed the staff report. Council Member Ly stated that he liked the fact that the contract with All City Management Service, Inc., stated they will the current crossing guards an opportunity to interview for these new positions. MayorArmenta stated she echoed Mr. Ly's comment. Council Member Steven Ly made a motion, seconded by Council Member William Alarcon to authorize the City Manager to execute and agreement with All City Management Services, Inc., and execute agreements with the Rosemead School District authorizing participation as an equal partner in funding the Crossing Guard Program for the 2012.13 Fiscal Year. Vote resulted in: Yes: Alarcon, Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly No: None Abstain: None Absent: None C. Proposed Rosemead 5K Run/1-Mile Fun Walk Representatives of the Pasadena Marathon are asking that the City of Rosemead consider co- sponsoring a 5K Run and 1 -mile Fun Walk in 2013. While a number of details must still be worked out, they tentatively propose to conduct the event on Saturday, February 9, 2013, with the start and finish of the race located at Rosemead Park. The event would be at minimal cost to the City of Rosemead. Recommendation: That the City Council approve co- sponsorship, with Pasadena Marathon, of the proposed 2013 Rosemead 5K Run /1 -Mile Fun Walk event. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of August 14, 2012 Page 8 of 11 Director of Parks and Recreation David Montgomery-Scott reviewed the staff report Council Member Steven Ly stated he was very passionate about this issue. He added that when the City first conducted its first 10K and 5K run for the 9/11 memorial fundraiser he was excited to promote the City and kids to be active. He concluded by stating that he was happy to see this event and excited to participate in it as well as the other council members if the city did decide to host the event. Mayor Pro Tern Polly Low felt this was a great idea and asked if the City had reached out to the Pasadena Marathon organization or if it had been the other way around. Mr. Montgomery-Scott responded that Israel's parents, the representative of the Pasadena Marathon organization, currently live in the City of Rosemead and as a result he desired to see something come back to the community and intern he approached the city with the idea. Mayor Sandra Armenta felt this was a great idea and thanked Israel for bringing this event back to the City of Rosemead. She stated this is a very important event that will help people get healthy and on the right path. Council Member Steven Ly made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Polly Low to approve co- sponsorship with the Pasadena Marathon of the proposed 2013 Rosemead 5K Run/1-Mile Fun Walk Event. Vote resulted in: Yes: Alarcon, Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly No: None Abstain: None Absent: None 5. MATTERS FROM MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL A. City of Rosemead Chinese Name Standardization Currently within the Chinese speaking community, there are multiple transliterations used to identify Rosemead. The City Council will consider standardization of Rosemead's Chinese transliteration. For Rosemead, it is proposed that the Chinese characters INWIF (lu6 sl mi) be authorized as the official Chinese version of the City of Rosemead's name. The Chinese characters that are proposed to represent Rosemead put forth a dignified and professional image for the City. This particular selection of characters MWIN (tub sl mi) also appears in the widely circulated Chinese American and Chinese Canadian newspaper World Journal as the Chinese transliteration of Rosemead. Recommendation: That the City Council approve WTI` (lu6 si mi) as the City of Rosemead's standardized Chinese transliteration. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of August 14, 2012 Page 9 of 11 Administrative Intern Allison Lew reviewed the staff report. Juan Nunez — stated that he hoped this did not change street numbers as well. Mayor Pro Tern Low stated she thought Allison had done an excellent and extensive analysis on this report. Mrs. Low said she recognized the characters being recommended by staff and stated she was aware that these characters are also being utilized by a very well -known worldwide newspaper. She stated her only concern was the character that translated to the word "soft', which is also commonly used. City Manager Allred stated that Daniel Deng, who is a Rosemead business owner, and James Wong, President of the Chamber of Commerce had been contacted on this matter as well. They both agreed that the best characters to use should be lub sl mi, which is what staff was recommending. Mrs. Low reiterated that one of the translations meant "soft as honey" and that was the reason she had brought this issue up for Council's review. She added she wanted to use the characters that translated into a more professional manner so that when it is printed on business cards it does not read "our city is soft as honey" but rather have a more professional ring to it. She stated she agreed with staffs recommendation; however, she still wanted to give the business community an opportunity to review this further and give the city any additional input. Mrs. Low asked that staff send a press release to the newspapers to make the public aware of what is being proposed. Mayor Pro Tern Polly Low made a motion, seconded by Council Member Steven Ly to postpone this item until the September 25th City Council meeting. Vote resulted in: Yes: Alarcon, Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly No: None Abstain: None Absent: None 6. COMMENTS FROM CITY COUNCIL Mayor Pro Tern Low asked Director of Community Development Ramirez and Director of Public Works Marcarello to elaborate more on the comments Mr. Lewin had made earlier regarding the Rosemead Place. City Attorney Richman stated she preferred that no comments or opinions be made at the time since Mr. Lewin had stated he would be appealing the Planning's Commission recommendation. 7. CLOSED SESSION A. Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation Government Code Section 54956.9 (a): 2 matters CAL Poultry Vikon, Inc., et al. v. City of Rosemead, et al. Case No. CV 12.02409 DMG (MANx) Tammy Gong, and L &G Rosemead Garden, LLC v. City of Rosemead and John Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of August 14, 2012 Page 10 of 11 Tran - Case No. BC487865 MayorArmenta recessed to closed session at 8:33 p.m. and reconvened back at 9:02 p.m. City Attorney Richman stated there was no reportable action taken in closed session. 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:09 p.m. in memory of long time Rosemead resident Sharon Esquivel. The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled to take place on September 11, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. y ' �� , �rf �� I Sandra Armenta Mayor ATTEST: IVA Gloria Molleda, City Clerk Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of August 14, 2012 Page 11 of 11 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 meeting minutes from August 14, 2012, was duly and regularly approved and adopted by the Rosemead City Council on the 26th of February 2013, by the following vote to wit: Yes: Alarcon, Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly, No: None Abstain: None Absent: None .y 1A 0j 0" Gloria Molleda City Clerk