CC - Minutes - 10-08-13Minutes of the
City Council Meeting
October 8, 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 Armenta
INVOCATION: Council Member Clark
PRESENT: Mayor Low, Mayor Pro Tern Alarcon, Council Members Armenta, Clark, and Ly
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Allred, City Attorney Richman, Assistant City Manager Hawkesworth,
Director of Community Development Ramirez, Director of Parks and Recreation Montgomery- Scott, Director
of Public Works Marcarello, and City Clerk /Director of Communications and Information Molleda
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE - None
2. PRESENTATIONS
• In recognition of the Ladyhawks placing 3rd in the USSSA Western World Series, 2nd in
the Las Cruces New Mexico, and Champions at the NSA Western World Series.
Jose Quezada — Coach for the Ladyhawks thanked the City Council for their ongoing support.
Council Member Armenta congratulated the Ladyhawks for their success and long standing representation
of the City of Rosemead.
Mr. Quezada - introduced and presented certificates of recognition on behalf of the City Council to the
Ladyhawks.
Council Member Clark congratulated the Ladyhawks for their championship.
• Joint Proclamation declaring the month of October as "Breast Cancer Awareness
Month" and November as "End Domestic Violence Month ".
No one was present to receive the Joint Proclamation.
• Crime Prevention Month
Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes of October 8, 2013
Page 1 of 15
Public Safety Coordinator Mandy Wong spoke about crime prevention efforts in promoting awareness
through variety of educational programs. Mrs. Wong stated that the City was hosting a Community Academy
for residents and collaborating with the Asian Pacific Center to host a workshop on alcohol and substance
abuse awareness.
Mayor Low thanked the Sheriff's Department for their commitment to the City of Rosemead.
3. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Comprehensive Zoning Code Update
(Municipal Code Amendment 10 -07, Zone Change 13 -01, Proposed Amendment to the
City's Single - Family Residential Design Guidelines, and Proposed Local California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines)
This item consists of City initiated amendments to the Zoning Code (Title 17 of the
Rosemead Municipal Code) to enhance the quality of life in Rosemead, to implement
General Plan policy and to add provisions mandated by State and Federal law. Revisions to
the City's existing Zoning Map and Single - Family Residential Design Guidelines are
proposed to ensure that these documents are consistent with the proposed Comprehensive
Zoning Code Update project. Amendments to the City's existing Home Occupation business
license regulations (Title 5 of the Municipal Code, Chapter 5.41 — Home Occupations) are
included in the project for the purpose of allowing Cottage Food Operations (CFO's) as home
occupations in residential zoning districts in accordance with State law. The project also
proposes the adoption of "City Procedures for Implementation of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)," as State law requires that each city adopt its own
procedures for evaluating projects under CEQA) guidelines within its jurisdiction.
On September 16, 2013, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 13 -11,
Resolution No. 13 -12, and Resolution No. 13 -13 recommending that the City Council adopt
Ordinance No. 931, Ordinance 932, and Ordinance No. 933 approving the Comprehensive
Zoning Code Update without any deletions, additions, or modifications.
Recommendation: That the City Council take one of the following two (2) actions
1. (a) Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2013 -45, entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A NEGATIVE
DECLARATION (STATE CLEARINGHOUSE NO. 2013081031)
FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING CODE UPDATE
PROJECT (MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT 10 -07, ZONE
CHANGE 13.01, REVISIONS TO EXISTING SINGLE - FAMILY
GUIDELINES, AND ADOPTION OF LOCAL CEQA
GUIDELINES)
Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes of October 8, 2013
Page 2 of 15
1. (b) Move to Introduce First Reading, by title only, Ordinance No. 931, entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING MUNICIPAL CODE
AMENDMENT 10 -07 AMENDING THE CITY'S ZONING CODE
(TITLE 17 OF THE ROSEMEAD MUNICIPAL CODE) AND
CHAPTER 5.41 — HOME OCCUPATIONS (TITLE 5 OF THE
ROSEMEAD MUNICIPAL CODE) TO IMPLEMENT GENERAL
PLAN POLICY AND TO ADD PROVISIONS MANDATED BY
STATE AND FEDERAL LAW AS PART OF THE
COMPREHENSIVE ZONING CODE UPDATE
1. (c) Move to Introduce First Reading, by title only, Ordinance No. 932, entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING ZONE CHANGE 13-
01 AMENDING A PORTION OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD
ZONING MAP TO IMPLEMENT THE CITY'S GENERAL PLAN
AS PART OF THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING CODE UPDATE
1. (d) Move to Introduce First Reading, by title only, Ordinance No. 933, entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO
THE CITY'S EXISTING SINGLE - FAMILY DESIGN GUIDELINES
AS PART OF THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING CODE UPDATE
1. (e) Approve City Council Resolution No. 2013 -50, entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING LOCAL GUIDELINES
FOR IMPLEMENTING THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT (PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE 21000 ET SEQ.)
KIL
2. Continue this public hearing item to the City Council meeting date of Tuesday, October
22, 2013.
City Planner Sheri Bermejo reviewed the staff report and presented a PowerPoint presentation, which is
available in the City Clerk's Office.
Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes of October 8, 2013
Page 3 of 15
Council MemberArmenta asked if a cottage food business would be required to obtain a business license,
and would the City be liable if someone became ill.
City Planner Bermejo replied cottage foods businesses would need to obtain a Los Angeles County health
permit and a city business license.
Mayor Low opened the Public Hearing at 7:24 p.m.
Brian Lewin — expressed concern with parking give away for outdoor dining. He stated that by giving parking
away, over flow on parking would occur into residential streets. Mr. Lewin suggested that Council add a
provision that conditions the availability of parking benefit for outdoor dining parking. Secondly, he suggested
that the Planning Commission review the outdoor dining as part of the conditional use permit for impact of
aesthetic and interaction with walkable environments. Mr. Lewin stated that even though automotive repair
shops create aesthetic and environmental issues, they should not be placed in isolated places. He stated that
flag lot issues should be addressed with design requirements, maintenance responses and other regulatory
approaches.
Mayor Low closed the public hearing at 7:34 p.m.
Council Member Armenta responded to Mr. Lewin's comments stating that the Council wants to make
Rosemead a better place for residents.
Council Member Clark asked about the proposed window bars in the code.
Director of Community Development Ramirez explained staff made a change to the code that would allow
residents to have a screen door in their property and install bars in the interior of their windows. She added
that since permits do have to be obtained by residents from the Building and Safety Department, there has
been an increase of installed bars in interior windows.
Council Member Clark clarified that the residents that already have exterior bar windows installed are
grandfathered into the code.
City Manager Allred stated that the bar window issue was addressed by the Council during the strategic plan
update about two years ago. Mrs. Clark added that she was opposed to eliminating flag lots but since the
State mandated cities to allow for second residential units on a lot that has enough square footage, she was
withdrawing her opposition. Mrs. Clark requested to add to the code that all mixed -use development projects
come to the City Council for final review. She asked that the City Council delete the line that states, "with the
exception of the City Council shall approve or disapprove such project upon receiving a recommendation
from the Planning Commission" and made a motion.
Council Member Ly asked to make a motion on resolution 2013 45 if there were no changes.
City Attorney Richman explained that if there are changes to any recommendations, we have to make sure
that the California Environmental Quality Act is still consistent.
Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes of October 8, 2013
Page 4 of 15
Council Member Ly made a motion on Resolution No. 2013 -50 and clarified that Mrs. Clark's motion should
state that Ordinance No. 931 be approved with an amendment.
Director of Community Development Ramirez stated that the motion should mention that amendments should
be made in all appropriate areas of the code.
City Attorney Richman clarified Council Member Clark's motion for Ordinance No. 931 item 1 B, would make
all mixed -use projects go to the City Council for review.
Mayor Pro Tern Alarcon seconded Council Member Clark's motion.
Council MemberArmenta stated that the City Council appointed Planning Commissioners, who are
educated and knowledgeable and suggested that the Commission send recommendations to the City Council
on mixed -use projects.
Mayor Low stated that by amending the code and singling out a mixed -used project to be sent to the City
Council for review, would delay the project. She explained that the Council has the ability to request any
project for Council review that is approved by the Planning Commission.
Council Member Clark explained that before, projects reviewed by the Planning Commission would come to
the City Council. She added that the previous City Council approved a mixed -use project that the residents
did not want and that is why mixed -use projects should come to the City Council for review automatically.
Council Member Ly asked what type of projects from the Planning Commission, come to the City Council for
approval.
Director of Community Development Ramirez replied that projects involving zone changes, general plan
amendments, and variances go to the City Council for approval.
Council Member Ly stated there are four nodes in the City for mixed -use projects, two for high density and
two for medium density nodes. He asked what would be the ramifications if the Council denies a mixed -use
project.
City Attorney Richman explained the code states that there are development standards within a node.
If a developer meets all those requirements then there is no basis upon the Council to deny that project. The
Council could get exposed to litigation for not following the code. However, if the project did not meet the
requirements in the code, Council could make other discretionary approvals.
Mayor Low reiterated City Attorney Richman's comments that if a developer came and followed all the
guidelines established, the City Council could not deny the mixed -used project.
City Planner Bermejo stated that the Planning Commission makes findings for compatibility in architectural
designs to protect the neighborhoods and environment.
Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes of October 8, 2013
Page 5 of 15
Council Member Clark reiterated that those are the reasons why mixed -used projects should come to the
City Council for review.
Council Member Armenta asked how long a project would be delayed, if it had to come to the City Council.
Director of Community Development Ramirez explained that depending on the Planning Commission and the
City Council meetings it could delay a project from two to four weeks. In addition, the applicant would have to
pay for public hearings each at $500.
Council Member Ly commended staff in updating the nodes standards that will protect the residents.
City Attorney Richman stated that the City Council could see what the Planning Commission reviews when
density is involved in a project. However, the City Council cannot make changes based on the guidelines but
only review design, location, site configuration, affect or proposed on surrounding developments, standards
of review, compatibility, and architectural designs.
Mayor Pro Tem Alarcon stated that the projects that the Planning Commission reviews could be reviewed
by the City Council by request.
Council Member Steven Ly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Sandra Armenta to adopt
resolution 2013 -45. Vote resulted in:
Yes: Alarcon, Armenta, Low, Ly
No: Clark
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Council Member Steven Ly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Sandra Armenta to
introduce first reading of Ordinance No. 931. Vote resulted in:
Yes: Alarcon, Armenta, Low, Ly
No: Clark
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Council Member Steven Ly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Sandra Armenta to
introduce first reading of Ordinance No. 932. Vote resulted in:
Yes: Alarcon, Armenta, Low, Ly
No: Clark
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes of October 8, 2013
Page 6 of 15
Council Member Steven Ly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Sandra Armenta to
introduce first reading of Ordinance No. 933. Vote resulted in:
Yes: Alarcon, Armenta, Low, Ly
No: Clark
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Council Member Steven Ly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Sandra Armenta to adopt
Resolution No. 2013 -50. Vote resulted in:
Yes: Alarcon, Armenta, Low, Ly
No: Clark
Absent: None
Abstain: None
B. Comprehensive Fee Resolution Update for New Community Development — Planning
Division Fees
The City is pursuing a comprehensive update to the City's Zoning Code (Title 17 of the
Rosemead Municipal Code) to further enhance the quality of life in Rosemead, to implement
General Plan policy, and to add provisions mandated by State and Federal law. The
Comprehensive Zoning Code Update project establishes several new land use development
application procedures. A revised fee resolution is proposed for the purpose of covering
costs for individualized services and for enforcing the new procedures in the Zoning Code by
the collection of application fees. This update does not include any changes to existing fees
listed in the City's existing Comprehensive Fee Resolution.
Recommendation: That the City Council take one of the following two (2) actions:
1. Approve City Council Resolution No. 2013 -46, entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ADDING NEW COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT (PLANNING DIVISION) FEES
m
2. Continue this public hearing item to the meeting of the City Council on Tuesday, October
22, 2013.
City Planner Bermejo reviewed the staff report.
Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes of October 8, 2013
Page 7 of 15
Council Member Steven Ly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Sandra Armenta to approve
Resolution No. 2013 -46. Vote resulted in:
Yes: Alarcon, Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly
No: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Mayor Low opened the Public Hearing at 8:41 p.m. There being no comments the public hearing closed at
8:42 p.m.
City Attorney Richman stated that there being no public comments, the prior vote of the City Council did not
change.
Council Member Sandra Armenta asked that item C be pulled for separate vote.
Council Member Steven Ly asked that items G and H be pulled for separate vote.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Minutes
September 10, 2013 — Regular Meeting
September 24, 2013 — Special Meeting
B. Claims and Demands
ResolutionNo.2013 -54
Recommendation: to approve Resolution No. 2013 — 54 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
IN THE SUM OF $1,775,874.48 NUMBERED 82528 THROUGH
82701 INCLUSIVELY
D. National League of Cities National Summit— November 12th —14th — Seattle, WA
The City Council will consider authorizing the attendance of Council Member Margaret Clark
to the National League of Cities "National Summit on Your City's Families" in Seattle, WA, on
November 12th — November 14th.
Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes of October 8, 2013
Page 8 of 15
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the attendance of Council Member
Margaret Clark, at city expense, to the National League of Cities "National Summit on Your
City's Families" in Seattle, WA.
E. Merit Salary Adjustment — City Manager
On September 24, 2013, the City Council conducted an annual review of the City Manager's
job performance and provided a rating of Substantially Exceeds Expectations. The City's
established policies and procedures for merit salary adjustments apply to the City Manager
in the same manner as all other full -time employees. Under the City's compensation system,
a performance rating of Substantially Exceeds Expectations equates to a merit salary
adjustment of 5% within the established salary range. For the previous Fiscal Year (2012-
13), all City employees agreed to forego salary increases including the City Manager. During
the current 2013 -14 Fiscal Year employees are eligible to receive merit salary increases
based on job performance. However, in conjunction with this merit salary increase, the City
Manager will begin to pay an amount equal to 2% of salary as a payroll deduction towards
the employee's contribution to the California Public Employees' Retirement System
(CaIPERS). It is envisioned that all employees who are enrolled as members of CalPERS
will likely incur the same 2% CaIPERS payroll deduction beginning in July of 2014 in
compliance with state law.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the merit salary adjustment of 5% within
the salary range in accordance with the city's established policies and procedures for all full -
time employees.
F. Contract Extension with International City Management Association Retirement
Corporation (ICMA -RC) to Provide Deferred Comprehensive Program Services
The City Council will consider an action to extend the agreement with the City's existing
deferred compensation program provider.
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a five (5)
year contract extension with ICMA -RC.
Garvey Gymnasium Restroom Maintenance and Repairs
In September 2013, the City Council reviewed the existing conditions of the Garvey
Gymnasium and determined there is an imminent need for maintenance and repair work at
the building. The facility was built prior to the incorporation of the City and is in significant
need of repair. During the discussion, the Council identified three key maintenance needs
for the gym including restroom facilities, window replacement, and exterior improvements.
Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes of October 8, 2013
Page 9 of 15
The existing gymnasium restroom facilities were identified as a priority for maintenance and
repair work due to existing plumbing, ventilation, and fixture deficiencies. As such, informal
proposals were solicited to repair the plumbing, replace fixtures, and update flooring, tiling,
and paint. Repairs will also address existing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
deficiencies in the facility.
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into an
agreement with CEM Construction in the amount of $104,500. In addition, authorize an
amount of $15,675 (15 %) as a contingency to cover the cost of unforeseen expenses.
Council Member Sandra Armenta made a motion, seconded by Council Member Steven Ly to approve
the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Items C, G, and H. Vote resulted in:
Yes: Alarcon, Armenta, Clark, Ly, Low
No: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
C. NALEO — National Policy Institute on Emergency Response and Management
November 22nd — 24th — Orlando, FL
The City Council will consider authorizing the attendance of Council Member Sandra
Armenta to the NALEO — National Policy Institute on Emergency Response and
Management in Orlando, FL, on November 22nd — November 24th. The NALEO organization
has granted an Educational Fund to Council Member Armenta and the City will only cover
the expense of a one day hotel stay.
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the attendance of Council Member
Sandra Armenta to the NALEO — National Policy Institute on Emergency Response and
Management in Orlando, FL.
Council MemberArmenta announced that the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed
Officials organization would pay for expenses during her attendance to the conference and she would receive
a certificate of completion course ICS 402 from the U.S Department of Homeland Security.
Council Member Ly asked if NALEO would reimburse Council Member Armenta for unexpected expenses.
Council MemberArmenta replied that NALEO will only pay for the airfare, hotel and the conference.
Council Member Ly suggested that the Council still authorize the payment of any unexpected cost.
Council Member Steven Ly made a motion, seconded by Mayor Polly Low to approve the attendance
of Council Member Sandra Armenta to the National Policy Institute on Emergency Response and
Management in Orlando, Florida. Vote resulted in:
Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes of October 8, 2013
Page 10 of 15
Yes: Alarcon, Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly
No: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
G. Installation of Red Curb at Intersection of Hellman Avenue and Isabel Avenue
The Traffic Commission recently reviewed a request from several residents in the vicinity of
Hellman Avenue and Isabel Avenue to install red curbing at the intersection in order to
improve the visibility of motorists making turns onto Hellman Avenue from Isabel Avenue.
The residents indicated that the lack of sight visibility in this area causes safety concerns
when turning from northbound Isabel Avenue on to Hellman Avenue in either direction. Staff
investigated the site and recommended to the Traffic Commission that parking restrictions
(red curbing) be installed along the south side of Hellman Avenue, extending twenty -five (25)
feet to the West of the intersection at Isabel Avenue. Based on this information, the
Commission concurred with these findings.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the Traffic Commission's
recommendation and authorize staff to install red curbing along the south side of Hellman
Avenue extending twenty -five (25) feet to the West of the intersection at Isabel Avenue.
Council Member Ly requested to remove the Traffic Commission's recommendation wording, because the
City Council agenda was published prior to the Traffic Commission meeting. Mr. Ly stated that the
recommendation should read as follow, "that the City Council authorize staff to install red curbing along the
south side of Hellman Avenue extending twenty -five (25) feet to the West of the intersection at Isabel
Avenue ".
Director of Public Works Marcarello explained that the agenda item was brought to the City Council to
expedite the work. Staff received a late item request to place on the Traffic Commission agenda for their
recommendation and in order to avoid delays, staff also brought the item to the City Council along with the
Commission's recommendation.
Council Member Ly stated that Traffic Commission items are advisory recommendations and goes to the
City Council for approval.
City Attorney Richman reiterated the Traffic Commission actions are strictly advisory.
Council Member Ly recommended that in the future staff not anticipate the Traffic Commission's
recommendation and place the same item in a City Council agenda prior to the Commission's meeting.
Council Member Clark asked if the property owners on Isabel Avenue were notified about installing a red
curb in front of their property.
Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes of October 8, 2013
Page 11 of 15
Director of Public Works Marcarello replied that the property owners requested the red curb for traffic safety
purposes.
Council Member Steven Ly made motion, seconded by Council Member Sandra Armenta to authorize
staff to install red curbing along the south side of Hellman Avenue extending twenty -five (25) feet to
the West of the intersection at Isabel Avenue. Vote resulted in:
Yes: Alarcon, Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly
No: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
H. Installation of Keep Clear Markings — Lorica Street at Temple City Boulevard
The Traffic Commission recently reviewed a request from residents to review traffic
conditions and access to Lorica Street at Temple City Boulevard. Temple City Boulevard is
currently serving as a main detour for north -south traffic, due to the temporary closure of
Baldwin Avenue, resulting in increased traffic volumes. The increased traffic volumes and
traffic backup on Temple City Boulevard have created access difficulties for residents coming
and going from Lorica Street. Staff received numerous requests from residents to install a
"Keep Clear" zone to improve residential access to Lorica Street at Temple City Boulevard.
Based on the information provided, the Traffic Commission concurred with the
recommendation of staff to install a "Keep Clear' zone.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the Traffic Commission's
recommendation and authorize staff to install approximately 50 feet of "Keep Clear'
pavement markings, with limit lines, in the southbound travel lanes of Temple City Boulevard
at the intersection with Lorica Street.
Council Member Steven Ly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Sandra Armenta to
authorize staff to install approximately 50 feet of "Keep Clear" pavement markings, with limit lines, in
the southbound travel lanes of Temple City Boulevard at the intersection with Lorica Street. Vote
resulted in:
Yes: Alarcon, Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly
No: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes of October 8, 2013
Page 12 of 15
5. MATTERS FROM CITY MANAGER & STAFF
A. Underground Electrical Utility Projects — Planning and Prioritization Policy
The California Public Utilities Commission provides three rules relative to utility
undergrounding projects within the State, Rule 20A, Rule 20B, and Rule 20C. These
programs offer several benefits to communities, including helping to enhance community
aesthetics and providing more reliable utility services to customers. The difference among
these three rules involves the funding source used to pay for undergrounding project costs.
Historically, the City's electric utility undergrounding projects have been funded through Rule
20A and have focused on major thoroughfares or near areas of public interest. In each
project, the City utilized several criteria to evaluate streets as potential undergrounding
locations. These criteria focused on enhancing safety, improving aesthetics, and timing
undergrounding improvements to coincide with other planned street construction
improvements.
An underground planning and prioritization policy is a commonly used tool in other cities that
helps evaluate locations for future undergrounding projects. The creation of such a policy
will help the City in planning for future capital improvement projects and undergrounding
efforts. Based on the comments provided by the Council at its July 231d meeting, the policy
has been modified to include information relative to alternative funding sources available for
future undergrounding projects. Among these alternatives is the potential for
undergrounding in conjunction with future private development.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the Underground Utility Planning and
Prioritization Policy to help guide future undergrounding projects in the City.
Director of Public Works Marcarello reviewed the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tom Alarcon asked if the underground planning and prioritization policy would include utility
poles that are located inside residential back yards.
Director of Public Works Marcarello explained that residential utility poles could get under grounded
depending on Southern California Edison's determination as far as they can go out. Also, if the City would
want to supplement Southern California Edison in their funding to include any immediate adjacent utility
poles, it would have to be on a case by case basis.
Council Member Armenta stated that there have been some problems on Rosemead Boulevard with
underground lines. She asked staff what preventive measures are available.
Director of Public Works Marcarello explained that the Rosemead Boulevard problem was due to a
maintenance issue of the underground vault. Mr. Marcarello stated that Southern California Edison does
perform regular maintenance and repairs of their underground vaults and transformers.
Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes of October 8, 2013
Page 13 of 15
Council Member Clark stated she had the same concerns as Council Member Armenta, however indicated
that underground transformers would take longer to fix. Mrs. Clark asked if Rule 20A funding was already
paid by the ratepayers and placed in a fund. Mrs. Clark added that she would vote for Rule 20A only.
Director of Public Works Marcarello explained that the proposed policy was a broad framework for future
projects such as resurfacing roads or facility improvements and a master plan is created. He added that the
policy did not bind the City to anything and every project would go to the City Council for approval of specific
locations of a project.
Council Member Clark expressed concerns with Rule 20B and Rule 20C funding, because it would put the
cost on tax payers.
City Manager Allred explained that Rule 20A, 20B, and 20C are different types of funding that are available
Council Member Ly explained that the City was already utilizing Rule 20C to underground part of a project
on Walnut Grove Avenue. He added that by using Rule 20B and 20C the cost will not necessarily go to the
developer or residents, but means it is the rule that is used to do a project.
Mayor Low stated that once there is a project to be executed, the item would come back to the City Council
for funding approval.
City Manager Allred clarified that the proposed policy shows the potential options for future underground
projects.
Council Member Ly stated that staff focuses in undergrounding the north and south side of the City. Mr. Ly
suggested that staff look into amending the City's general fund reserves and surpluses and annually allocate
money towards undergrounding power lines along major areas of the City.
City Manager Allred stated that any surplus from the current year has been a one -time surplus and added
that during the strategic plan workshop staff will look into budget deliberations for the next fiscal year
Council Member Steven Ly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Sandra Armenta to receive
and file the report. Vote resulted in:
Yes: Alarcon, Armenta, Low, Ly
No: Clark
Absent: None
Abstain: None
6. MATTERS FROM MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL - None
7. COMMENTS FROM CITY COUNCIL
Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes of October 8, 2013
Page 14 of 15
Mayor Pro Tem Alarcon invited the City Council to attend Saint Anthony's Church Fall Festival on October
11th.
Council MemberArmenta announced that the first Beautification Committee meeting will be on October 16th
and invited the public to volunteer in beautifying the City.
Council Member Clark commended staff for a successful Fall Fiesta event.
Mayor Low thanked staff for making the Fall Fiesta a fun and exciting event for the community.
Council MemberArmenta reported out from the Contract Cities Fall Seminar she attended on topics, such
as, water, water bonds, water grants, energy and the environment.
Council Member Ly commended staff for the Fall Fiesta event.
Council MemberArmenta introduced El Monte Union High School District Board Member Carlos Salcedo,
who was attending the meeting.
8. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:06 p.m. The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled to take place on
October 22, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. in the Rosemead City Hall Council Chamber.
Polly L
Mayor
ATTEST:
oria Molleda
City Clerk
Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes of October 8, 2013
Page 15 of 15
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 October 8, 2013 was duly and regularly approved and adopted by the Rosemead
City Council on the 12th of November 2013, by the following vote to wit:
Yes: Alarcon, Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly,
No: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Gloria Molleda
City Clerk