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CC - Minutes - 05-28-13Minutes of the City Council Meeting May 28, 2013 The regular meeting of the Rosemead City Council was called to order by Mayor Low at 7:00 p.m. in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council Member Ly INVOCATION: Mayor Low PRESENT: Mayor Low, Mayor Pro Tern Alarcon, Council Members Armenta and Ly ABSENT: Council Member Clark STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Allred, City Attorney Richman, Assistant City Manager Hawkesworth, Community Development Director Ramirez, Director of Parks and Recreation Montgomery-Scott, Public Works Director Marcarello, and City Clerk Molleda 1. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE John Martin — introduced himself as Rosemead's representative of the Pasadena City College and invited Council Members and the community to their board of trustees meeting taking place at the El Monte Rosemead Adult School on June 19, 2013 at 6 p.m. He explained that this would be a great opportunity to represent the needs of Rosemead and urged attendees to suggest that as a location for a satellite campus for Pasadena City College since the El Monte Rosemead Adult School will be closing soon. Dolores Weidermann — inquired if anything had been done in regards to shopping carts on the streets. City Manager JeffAllred — explained that the City has a contract with a company that picks them up, and that the City has been trying to work with shopping centers where the violations are occurring. He then stated that the problem lies within the citizens that are taking the carts and leaving them in their neighborhoods. Ms. Weidermann — inquired about lock brakes on carts. Public Works Director Chris Marcarello — stated that new facilities like Walmart and Target do have locking mechanisms installed on their carts. He then stated that the new shopping center across the street just purchased the bright blue carts which don't have locking mechanisms, and that the City will be in touch with them to follow up on this issue. Mayor Pro Tem Bill Alarcon — agreed about the multitude of carts. He stated that the supermarket on Rosemead Blvd. and Garvey Ave seemed to be the biggest offender but that store is located in South El Monte. He then stated that the City must evaluate this issue and force bigger stores to use the locking mechanism since it contributes to blight. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of May 28, 2013 Page 1 of 10 Council Member Sandra Armenta — stated that the majority of phone calls she receives have to do with shopping carts, but it's almost impossible for code enforcement officers to catch people in the act. She then stated that a code enforcement officer follows the street sweepers and documents where these carts are. She stated that Chris Marcarello is working hard and looking at alternatives and the City has put up signs in every shopping center stating, in both English and Chinese, that it is a violation to remove shopping carts. Lanny Aplanalp — stated his frustration and disappointment over the issue of shopping carts in the City and stated that the code enforcement officer who follows around the street sweeper should be doing a better job. He then suggested hiring a company who can study what has to be done to fix the problem. Council Member Armenta — suggested that residents use the Rosemead Round the Clock section on the website. She stated that any concern, such as graffiti, shopping carts, or abandoned vehicles, can be submitted and the user will receive an email with the date and time it was completed. Mr. Aplanalp — suggested that the City hire somebody that can make a daily run to pick up shopping carts. Public Works Director Marcarello — stated that they use a service that goes through the City every day of the week, but due to the amount of funding that is available, only a certain number of carts can be picked up. He then explained that the budget has been enhanced for the future so that it is more expanded and they have increased the amount of money that can be spent. He then commented that the City is currently working on code revisions that are in tune with the code enforcement department which will address the issue. Council Member Steven Ly— urged residents to report these instances. Mayor Pro Tem Alarcon — stated that the City needs to educate residents about the availability of hand carts that can be bought and used for transportation purposes. Juan Nunez — inquired about the Affordable Healthcare Act. City Attorney Richman — explained that it's complicated and public comment wouldn't be the proper forum for this question. She stated that the application of the Act to the City wouldn't be the same as for a resident. Mr. Nunez — inquired who he can talk to in order to get more information. Council Member Armenta — stated that he should contact Congresswoman Judy Chu. Rosemead Science Olympiad Team from Muscatel Middle School The Rosemead Science Olympiad Team from Muscatel Middle School is the Southern California State Champion and finished 9th among 60 teams at the national competition held at Wright State University, in Dayton, Ohio on May 17 -18. The team also received First Place Gold Medal in the event of Water Quality. The team also received three silver medals in the events of Disease Detectives, Experimental Design, and Shock Value, one bronze Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of May 28, 2013 Page 2 of 10 medal in the event of Meteorology, and two 4th place medals in the events of Anatomy and Heredity. This is the 6th time in 12 years that the team has won the state championship and represented Rosemead, Los Angeles County, and the state of California at the Science Olympiad National Tournament. • "Support and Encourage Award" from the National Guard and Reserve City Manager Allred introduced the Rosemead Science Olympiad Team from Muscatel Middle School, and Mayor Low introduced special guests Superintendent of Rosemead School District Amy Enomoto, Muscatel Middle School principal Dawn Rock, Faculty Advisor Jun Lugue, and Rosemead School Board Member Ron Esquivel. Mr. Lugue helped introduce all coaches and team members. Each student on the Rosemead Science Olympiad Team received a personalized certificate and an In -N -Out gift card. Council took a photo with the entire Team and one of the students spoke on behalf of the Team, thanking the City for their support. Council Member Armenta — congratulated the team and mentioned that she is an alumna of Muscatel. Mayor Polly Low— praised the students and encouraged them to get involved with the City. 3. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Minutes March 26, 2013 — Regular Meeting B. Claims and Demands Resolution No. 2013 — 25 Recommendation: to approve Resolution No. 2013 — 25 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $619,148.01 NUMBERED 81149 THROUGH 81306 INCLUSIVELY C. Senior Executive in State and Local Government Program /Harvard Kennedy School — June 3b — June 21st— Cambridge, MA The City Council will consider authorizing the attendance of Council Member Sandra Armenta to the Senior Executive in State and Local Government Program in Harvard Kennedy School — Cambridge, MA, on June 31d — June 215 Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of May 28, 2013 Page 3 of 10 Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the attendance, at City expense of the air flight only, of Council Member Sandra Armenta to the Senior Executive in State and Local Government Program in Harvard Kennedy School — Cambridge, MA. D. National League Cities Summer Policy Forum — June 27th — June 29th — Washington, DC The City Council will consider authorizing the attendance of Council Member Margaret Clark to the National League of Cities Summer Policy Forum in Washington, DC, on June 27th — June 29th. Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the attendance, at City expense, of Council Member Margaret Clark to the National League of Cities Summer Policy Forum in Washington, DC. E. Annual Comprehensive Fee Resolution Update The City provides various "individualized" services (i.e., inspections, permits, variances, etc.) that are not of general benefit. Historically, many of these services have been provided at a city cost greater than the price being charged for them thus resulting in the subsidies of the remaining costs of service from the general taxpayers. As a matter of routine fee maintenance and to keep pace with increasing costs of individualized services, the fees charged to users need to be reviewed on a regular basis, preferably each year. In the interest of being responsive to the service needs of Rosemead residents and businesses, not all fees need to be adjusted and some are controlled by statute. Consequently, not every fee is being recommended for an adjustment this year. Recommendation: That the City Council approve Resolution No. 2013 -16, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE COMPREHENSIVE SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES Interim Budget Amendments During the fiscal year, financial needs and opportunities may arise which require Council approval of amended appropriations. Without them various auditors could make an adverse finding in the annual audit reports. Additionally, the Consolidated Annual Financial Report provides a comparison of budget verses actual, and provides regular updates to the budget to demonstrate that careful oversight of the budget has been undertaken is important for transparency and sound financial practice. At this time there are a couple budget clean -up items that need to be made to adjust for expenditures that were unanticipated in the original budget. The adjustments are for projects or services that have been previously approved by the City Council. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of May 28, 2013 Page 4 of 10 Recommendation: That the City Council approve Resolution No. 2013 -21, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING VARIOUS APPROPRIATIONS G. Approval of Fireworks Stand Locations Council will consider the approval of 12 applicants, who have requested a permit to sell fireworks. Like past years, it is being recommended that all applicants be required to pay the firework permit fee of $250, along with a $300 refundable deposit, and that the electrical permit fee be waived. Once approved by the City Council and prior to issuance of the fireworks permit, all applicants will be required to pay the firework permit fee, submit a refundable deposit fee, and provide a copy of their certificate of insurance naming the City as an additional insurer. Recommendation: That the City Council approve the 12 applicants and their stand locations, and waive the electrical permit fee. H. Approval of License Agreement with County of Los Angeles for Construction and Operation of Proposed Downtown Plaza As part of the City's Capital Improvement Program, funding has been included to create a new public plaza space adjacent to the Rosemead Public Library, City Hall, and Rosemead Community Recreation Center. The new Downtown Plaza will create a welcoming public space and include decorative paving, three (3) water features, new landscaping, and new lighting fixtures. Once complete, the space will connect with the Civic Center and create a gateway to commercial uses along Valley Boulevard. The proposed plaza will be located on land owned in fee by both the City and the County of Los Angeles. As such, the County Public Library has partnered with the City to design the space and ensure its safe and proper operation once built. Prior to initiating construction, it is necessary to approve a license agreement between the City and County that will formalize these elements. Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Manager or designee to execute a license agreement with the County of Los Angeles for the construction and operation of the new Downtown Plaza. Hellman Avenue /San Gabriel Boulevard Intersection Improvements — Award of Contract As part of the City's Fiscal Year 2011 -12 Capital Improvement Program, the City Council approved a project to improve the intersection of Hellman /San Gabriel with concrete paving. The project consists of the conversion of this intersection to Portland Concrete Cement (PCC) from asphalt as crosswalk, traffic signal, signage and striping improvements. This high volume intersection is a major access route into the City from the Interstate 10 Freeway Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of May 28, 2013 Page 5 of 10 and it will benefit from the durable PCC surface. This project will also complement previous off -ramp landscaping improvements and resurfacing work that was completed two (2) years ago. Funding in the amount of $330,000 was obtained from the Federal Surface Transportation Local Funds (STP -L) account through the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA). Recommendation: That the City Council: 1. Approve the plans and specifications for the Hellman /San Gabriel Intersection Improvements Project, and; 2. Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with PTM General Engineering in the amount of $428,824.30. In addition, authorize an amount of $42,883 (10 %) as a contingency to cover the cost of unforeseen construction expenses. J. Mission Drive Resurfacing Project, Phase II —Award of Contract As part of the City's Fiscal Year 2011 -12 Capital Improvement Program, the City Council approved the "Mission Drive Resurfacing Project, Phase II ". The project consists of asphalt concrete overlay and reconstruction of road pavement, and repairs to damaged sidewalk, curb and gutter along Mission Drive from Rosemead Boulevard to Valley Boulevard. This is a continuation of the resurfacing of Mission Drive that began in Fiscal Year 2012 -13 when the street was resurfaced from the West City Limit to Rosemead Boulevard. This project is being funded through Measure R Funds. Recommendation: That the City Council: 1. Approve the plans and specifications for the Mission Drive Resurfacing Project, Phase II and; 2. Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Gentry Brothers, Inc. in the amount of $467,528. In addition, authorize an amount of $70,128.90 (15 %) as a contingency to cover the cost of unforeseen construction expenses. Council Member Steven Ly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Sandra Armenta to approve the Consent Calendar. Vote resulted in: Yes: Alarcon, Armenta, Low, Ly No: None Abstain: None Absent: Clark Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of May 28, 2013 Page 6 of 10 4. MATTERS FROM CITY MANAGER & STAFF A. California HERO Program — Financing for Renewable Energy and Water Efficiency Improvements Participation in this program, which is endorsed by the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SCVCOG), will enable property owners to obtain low interest loans for renewable energy and water efficiency improvements. Loans obtained by property owners will be repaid through an assessment on annual property tax bills. Participation by property owners is 100% voluntary. This program has no financial impact on the City Recommendation: That the City Council take the following actions: 1. Approve Resolution No. 2013 -20, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE AMENDMENT TO A CERTAIN JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT AND CONSENTING TO INCLUSION OF PROPERTIES WITHIN THE CITY'S JURISDICTION IN THE CALIFORNIA HERO PROGRAM TO FINANCE DISTRIBUTED GENERATION RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES, ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS AND ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE 2. Authorize the Mayor to execute an amendment to the Western Riverside Council of Governments Joint Powers Agreement adding the City of Rosemead as an associate member, which will allow the residents and businesses of Rosemead to participate in the California HERO Program. Community Development Director Michelle Ramirez reviewed the Staff Report. Council Member Sandra Armenta made a motion, seconded by Council Member Steven Ly to approve Resolution No. 2013 -20 and authorize the Mayor to execute an amendment to the Western Riverside Council of Governments Joint Powers Agreement adding the City of Rosemead as an associate member. Vote resulted in: Yes: Alarcon, Armenta, Low, Ly No: None Abstain: None Absent: Clark Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of May 28, 2013 Page 7 of 10 B. City Hall Interior Improvements — Conceptual Design The City Council will review and discuss proposed interior improvements which include an expanded public counter area, new flooring /painting, office reconfiguration, and new furniture and storage systems. These proposed upgrades will be a continuation of the improvements made to the City Hall lobby and public counter this past year. Funding for these modifications is included in the City's Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Recommendation: That the City Council review the conceptual designs and provide input on the proposed City Hall interior improvements. Director of Public Works Marcarello presented a brief overview on the continuation of improvements in City Hall. Designer Daniela Carter went over a Powerpoint Presentation. Presentation is available in the City Clerk's Office and on the City's website. Council Member Ly— inquired if the counter was being moved up and by how much. Ms. Carter — answered that it would roughly be moved up by 6 feet. Council Member Ly— inquired if the wall in the lobby would still be closed during Council meetings. Ms. Carter — answered that it would be closed and secured after hours. Council Member Armenta — expressed concern over handicap accessibility in the lobby area and the notion of a proposed plan versus reality. Public Works Director Marcarello — stated that this will be treated like a brainstorming session, and that they would like input from Council in regards to these proposed plans. Council MemberArmenta — inquired about issues with the Brown Act if they were planning on creating one big Council room for all five Council Members. City Attorney Richman — stated that the room itself doesn't pose any issues, but if there are three or more members in the room together, they should be wary of topics discussed. Mayor Low— stated hesitation over the perception residents might have. City Manager Allred — stated that this concept is common in most other cities, and typically all five would not be there at the same time. Council Member Ly— echoed the concerns that were raised and agreed that it's about the perception that the public might have. He then stated his preference for barriers or doors in order to make their individual space separate if they wanted to. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of May 28, 2013 Page 8 of 10 Council Member Armenia — agreed and stated that she would not want to ask another Council Member to leave the room if she is having a meeting. Public Works Director Marcarello — suggested a closed off conference area in the room. Mayor Low— stated that given a choice between individual private offices or the meeting area, she would choose the privacy option. Council Member Ly— stated that he preferred the meeting area idea. Council Member Armenta — suggested dividing the room by having two computer workstations on separate sides of the room. Ms. Carter — discussed the Administrative area, and commented that construction would begin in October and probably take about a month. Council Member Ly— stated that working on it some more and bringing the matter back would be ideal especially since Council Member Clark is absent. City Manager Allred — stated that the matter would be worked on and brought back in June. 5. MATTERS FROM MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL A. Opposition to the SCAQMD Proposed Rule Prohibiting Burning in Fire Rings on Beaches Council Member Steven Ly has requested that the City Council consider taking a position in opposition to the South Coast Air Quality Management District's Proposed Amended Rule 444 (Open Burning Prohibited on Beaches), and authorize the Mayor to send a letter to SCAQMD on this topic. Recommendation: City Council direction is required. Council Member Ly presented the staff report and stated that the City of Rosemead should be opposed to this Amended Rule because bonfires are traditionally an American custom and should continue. Council Member Armenta — inquired if Huntington Beach residents were opposed to this Amended Rule. Council Member Ly— answered that they were opposed, and stated that the Resolution prepared by staff recommends that each beach city make up their own rules in regards to bonfires, whether they allow them or not. He also requested that a letter be sent to Mike Cacciotti in regards to the City's position. Council Member Steven Ly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Sandra Armenta. Vote resulted in: Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of May 28, 2013 Page 9 of 10 Yes: Alarcon, Armenta, Low, Ly No: None Abstain: None Absent: Clark 6. COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL Council MemberArmenta — stated that she has been accepted to and will be attending the Harvard Kennedy School for their Senior Executive in State and Local Government Program from June 3 — June 21, and is looking forward to bringing back information she has learned and applying them to the City. Council Member Ly— stated that looking through the Comprehensive Fee Schedule, he noticed that the City Clerk's office provides copies of tapes of Council Meetings for a fee. He commented that cassette tapes are used as a backup system for meetings and were approved seven years ago, but seem obsolete and are getting harder to find. He recommended switching over to a digital system. He then thanked Staff for their report on setting up a community foundation, and discussed developing a master plan for underground power lines in the City. He commented that this would eliminate blight and increase property values. He then discussed the "wireless everywhere" program, and urged the need to have hubs of free wireless access throughout the City that will help improve telecommunication infrastructure and help market the City, bringing quality development by providing a nice amenity. Finally, he commented on seeing a lot of trash on the Rosemead Blvd freeway off ramp and asked if the City can clean it up, even though it is the responsibility of Cal Trans. He stated that the perception of people is that it belongs to Rosemead, and he would like to keep all off and on ramps clean. Mayor Low— informed residents that swimming season is starting soon, and the pools are opening up on June 22, 2013. VM- , l DaLd11:Lh414L The meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m. The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled to take place on June 11, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. C/ Polly o Mayor ATTEST: Gloria Molleda, City Clerk Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of May 28, 2013 Page 10 of 10 STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS. CITY OF ROSEMEAD 1 I, Gloria Molleda, City Clerk for the City of Rosemead, do hereby certify that the meeting minutes from May 28, 2013, was duly and regularly approved and adopted by the Rosemead City Council on the 9m of July 2013, by the following vote to wit: Yes: Alarcon, Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly, No: None Abstain: None Absent: None "'ACIA'AAw. Gloi a Molleda City Clerk