Loading...
CC - Item 3A - Minutes of November 12, 2013Minutes of the City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting November 12, 2013 The joint meeting of the Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission was called to order by Mayor Low at 6:01 p.m. in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. PRESENT: Mayor /Chair Low, Mayor Pro TemNice -Chair Alarcon, Council MemberslBoard Members Armenta, Clark, and Ly Mayor Low recessed the meeting to closed session at 6:02 p.m. 1. CLOSED SESSION A. Conference with Real Property Negotiator— Government Code 54956.8; Property Descriptions: 9201 Lower Azusa Road and 2562 River Avenue, Rosemead City Negotiator: Jeff Allred, City Manager Matt Hawkesworth, Assistant City Manager Chris Marcarello, Director of Public Works Negotiating party: Coldwell Banker Commercial, CA Lic. No. 01237757 (Barbara Lyle) Brand Realty, CA Lic. No. 00882330 (Ronna Brand) Under Negotiation: Price and Terms Minutes of City Council and Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Mayor /Chair Low reconvened the regular meeting at 7:01 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council Member /Board Member Ly INVOCATION: Mayor /Chair Low Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of November 12, 2013 Page 1 of 12 ITEM NO. PRESENT: Mayor /Chair Low, Mayor Pro Tem /Vice -Chair Alarcon Council Members /Board Members Armenta, Clark, and Ly STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Allred, City Attorney Richman, Assistant City Manager /Finance Director Hawkesworth, Community Development Director Ramirez, Director of Parks and Recreation Montgomery- Scott, Public Works Director Marcarello, and Assistant to the City Clerk Hernandez. City Attorney Richman announced that there was no reportable action taken by the City Council during closed session. 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE Brian Lewin — thanked the City Council for the continued support in offering the Cert program to residents. Mr. Lewin suggested periodic hands on sessions for residents related to the Cert program. Council Member /Board Member Clark commended residents who attended the Cert training. Ron Esquivel — expressed his appreciation and thanked staff on the beautification improvements done around the City. Council Member /Board Member Ly commended Mr. Esquivel and the Rosemead School District for improving their school sites. Council Member /Board MemberArmenta thanked Public Works Director Marcarello and his staff for all their work in the City. 3. PRESENTATION Water Supply Update and Conservation Programs Presentation by Charles Trevino Charles Trevino presented a PowerPoint presentation and introduced General Manager Shane Chapman. Presentation is available in the City Clerk's Office. Council Member /Board MemberArmenta asked if the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District works with the six water companies servicing the City of Rosemead will all residents receive the same rebate incentives. Mr. Chapman — replied yes, the water district will work closely with all water companies within the City of Rosemead. Council Member /Board Member Clark inquired about the new Senate Bill that will require the reduction of water usage by 2020 and asked if residents will have to reduce water usage. Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of November 12, 2013 Page 2 of 12 Mr. Chapman — explained that the bill could affect a city that has a retail water department and provides more than 10,000 connections. If they do not meet the reduction target, they would not qualify for State grants. Council Member /Board Member Clark expressed concerns regarding water conservation mandates when other cities have already been conserving water. Mr. Chapman — stated that recycled water also counts as water conservation under the Senate Bill. 4. PUBLIC HEARING A. City of Rosemead Housing Element 2014 — 2021 State housing law requires local governments to adequately facilitate the improvement and development of housing to meet the existing and projected housing needs of all economic segments of the community. As the official housing policy document of the City of Rosemead (City) — one of the mandatory elements of the General Plan — the City of Rosemead 2014 -2021 Housing Element (Housing Element) analyzes existing housing conditions, describes existing and future housing needs, and identifies opportunities for improving and expanding the City's housing supply. The City has been working with GRC Associates in preparing the proposed Housing Element. As part of the Housing Element adoption process, the City has conducted two public workshops to receive comments on the Housing Element. In addition, as required by State housing law, the Housing Element was submitted to the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) on June 6, 2013 for review and comment. Based on this submittal, HCD has conditionally approved the Housing Element and has indicated in its letter dated July 30, 2013 that the draft Housing Element will comply with State housing element law (Article 10.6 of the Government Code) when adopted and submitted to HCD, pursuant to Section 65585(g). This item was presented to the Planning Commission for consideration on October 21, 2013. At that hearing, the Planning Commission reviewed the draft Housing Element. No members of the public testified for or against the draft Housing Element. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No 13 -18 approving the City of Rosemead Housing Element 2014 -2021 and Negative Declaration; and recommended that the City Council adopt the City of Rosemead Housing Element 2014 -2021 and authorize submittal to HCD for State certification Upon City Council adoption of the Housing Element, HCD will certify Rosemead's Housing Element. Recommendation: That the City Council the following action: Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of November 12, 2013 Page 3 of 12 1. Approve Resolution No. 2013 -57, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ADOPTING THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD 2014 — 2021 HOUSING ELEMENT AND APPROVING THE NEGATIVE DECLARATION (SCH # 2013091013) 2. Authorize submittal of the City of Rosemead Housing Element 2014 -2021 to HCD for State certification. Community Development Director Michelle Ramirez reviewed the staff report and introduced John Oshima of GRC and Associates. PowerPoint presentation is available in the City Clerk's Office. Council Member /Board Member Alarcon asked if the Housing Element would need to be updated periodically once approved. Community Development Director Ramirez replied that an annual review would have to be conducted, unless there any major changes. Council Member /Board Member Armenta asked for clarification on the requested letters of recommendation. Community Development Director Ramirez explained that the letters are standard for all projects, which are sent to agencies for their review on conditions they place on a project. Council Member /Board Member Alarcon commended staff for the work on the Housing Element report. Mayor Low opened the public hearing at 7:29 p.m. There being no comments, the public hearing closed at 7:30 p.m. Council Member/Board Member Sandra Armenta made a motion, seconded by Council Member/Board Member Steven Ly to approve Resolution No. 2013 -57and authorize the submittal of the City of Rosemead Housing Element 2014.2021. Vote resulted in: Yes: Alarcon, Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly No: None Absent: None Abstain: None Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of November 12, 2013 Page 4 of 12 5. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Minutes September 24, 2013 — Regular Meeting October 8, 2013 — Regular Meeting October 22, 2013 — Regular Meeting B. Claims and Demands • Resolution No.2013 -56 Recommendation: to approve Resolution No. 2013 — 56 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1,886,350.72 NUMBERED 82835 THROUGH 83013 INCLUSIVELY • Resolution No. 2013 — 60 Recommendation: to approve Resolution No. 2013 — 60 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1,240,859.52 NUMBERED 83014 THROUGH 83138 INCLUSIVELY • Resolution No.2013 -03 Recommendation: to approve Resolution No. 2013 — 03 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE ROSEMEAD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $862.50 NUMBERED 10065 C. The United States Conference of Mayors — January 22nd — 24th — Washington, D.C. The City Council will consider approval of the attendance of Mayor Polly Low to the United States Conference of Mayors on January 22nd — 24th in Washington, D.C. Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of November 12, 2013 Page 5 of 12 Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the attendance, at City expense, of Mayor Polly Low to the United States Conference of Mayors on January 22nd — 24th, 2014. D. Consideration to Cancel the November 26, 2013 and December 24, 2013 City Council Meetings Due to the upcoming holidays, the City Council will consider action to cancel the November 26th and the December 24th, City Council meetings. The next regular scheduled City Council meeting is set for December 10, 2013. Recommendation: That the City Council cancel the November 26, 2013 and December 24, 2013, City Council meetings. E. Rosemead Park North Playground Project The existing playground at the north end of Rosemead Park, adjacent to the preschool was installed in the 1990s. Given its age, the equipment is in disrepair, no longer meets ADA standards, and the manufacturer no longer provides replacement parts. Additionally, the existing poured -in -place safety surfacing is ripped and is pulling away from the curb resulting in trip hazards. As City Council is aware, this project was included in the Parks & Facilities Master Plan Projects List and in the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS) submitted to the California Department of Finance (DOF) to be paid for using Rosemead's bond proceeds. This project is also included as part of the Rosemead Park Improvements project in the 2014 City of Rosemead Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The current project includes the replacement of the playground with a new, ADA compliant play system, swings, and rubber mulch safety surfacing. Further, to accommodate the preschool program, a 6' steel perimeter fence will be installed. The project will be completed by Miracle Playground (the local agent for Miracle Recreation Equipment Company, Inc.) at an estimated cost of $97,645.70. Additionally, given the age of the existing playground, we will provide for a 10% ($9,764.57) contingency to address any unforeseen circumstances. Miracle is the sole source provider of all City of Rosemead playgrounds and provides services under GSA pricing. Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Miracle Recreation Equipment in an amount not to exceed $107,410.27 for the completion of the Rosemead Park North Playground Project. Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of November 12, 2013 Page 6 of 12 F. Resolution No. 2013 -58 — For Traffic Measures along California State Route 19111osemead Boulevard to Accommodate the Rosemead 5K At its regular meeting on September 10, 2013, the City Council approved co- sponsorship of the Rosemead 5K with Pasadena Running Company on July 4, 2014. The proposed route occupies several lanes on California State Route 19 /Rosemead Boulevard from Lower Azusa Road to Marshall Street. Given the early start time, this should create minimal traffic impacts, but CalTrans must approve any traffic measures and may require an encroachment permit. As part of the approval process, CalTrans requires that the City adopt a resolution supporting the Rosemead 5K and accepting responsibility and maintenance for detoured traffic from Rosemead Boulevard. Additionally, CalTrans requires use of licensed traffic control company to perform any detours. All costs would be the responsibility of Pasadena Running Company. Recommendation: That the City Council approve Resolution No. 2013 -58, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD AUTHORIZING THE ROSEMEAD 5K RACE ROUTE G. Resolution Amending the Current CaIPERS Contract to Reduce the Employer Paid Member Contribution for the City Manager from 8% to 6% On October 8, 2013, the City Council approved an amendment to the City Manager's employment agreement, which included the initiation of an employee contribution of two - percent (2 %) towards CalPERS retirement benefits. Since this is the first time that an employee is contributing to CaIPERS for service retirement from the City, changes have to be made to both the City's financial system and the CalPERS online reporting system. It is anticipated that the required changes will be completed shortly and the deductions will begin as soon as possible. Through consultation with CaIPERS, staff was made aware that a resolution must be adopted to document the new deduction. Resolution 2013 -61 reflects a reduction from the previous eight - percent (8 %) employer paid member contribution to six - percent (6 %). Recommendation: That the City Council approve Resolution No. 2013 -61, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD IN THE MATTER OF AMENDING THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN REGARDING EMPLOYER PAID MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of November 12, 2013 Page 7 of 12 Juan Nunez — asked for clarification on the employee paid contribution. City Attorney Richman explained the City Manager would pay two percent contribution to the Public Employees Retirement System therefore, reducing the City's contribution on his behalf. Council Member /Board MemberArmenta stated it was commendable that the City Manager volunteered to contribute into the employee retirement system and hopes that other City Managers will do the same. Council Member/Board Member Steven Ly made a motion, seconded by Council Member/Board Member Sandra Armenta to approve the Consent Calendar. Vote resulted in: Yes: Alarcon, Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly No: None Absent: None Abstain: None 6. MATTERS FROM CITY MANAGER & STAFF A. Guidelines for Shopping Cart Containment and Abatement — Municipal Code 9.12.080 Under Rosemead Municipal Code Section 9.12.080, the abandonment of a commercial shopping cart upon any public street, alley, sidewalk, public place or private property is prohibited. Historically, the City has opted to combat the issue of abandoned shopping carts through a prevention and abatement approach as opposed to aggressive enforcement. Some of the City's efforts include public outreach, contracting with a shopping cart retrieval service, and the conditioning of new businesses to require utilization of shopping cart containment mechanisms. The City has not pursued aggressive enforcement as most of the offenders of this code are among the community's most vulnerable citizens, especially senior citizens. On September 24, 2013, the City Council discussed several options to enhance the City's shopping cart containment and abatement programs. Based on this discussion and input from the public, a revised version of the City's Municipal Code section 9.12.080 has been developed. Recommendation: That the City Council: 1. Introduce and conduct the first reading of Ordinance No. 934, entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD AMENDING SECTION 9.12.080 OF CHAPTER 9.12 OF TITLE 9 OF THE ROSEMEAD MUNICIPAL CODE Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of November 12, 2013 Page 8 of 12 2. Approve Resolution No. 2013 -59, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ADOPTING AN ADMINISTRATIVE FINE SCHEDULE FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE ROSEMEAD MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 9.12.080 Management Analyst Sean Sullivan reviewed the staff report. Lanny Aplanap — suggested having a staff member be posted on locations where carts are being taken from and warning people about removing shopping carts out of these locations. Mr. Aplanap asked what happens to shopping carts after they are picked up. Management Analyst Sullivan explained the State Business and Professional Code gives a clear cut policy for impounding shopping carts, in which, the carts need to be held for a number of days, the owners need to be notified, and it does allow for cost recovery. City Manager Allred asked about the shopping cart warning cards. Management Analyst Sullivan stated that multilingual flyers have been created for citizens and business owners notifying them that it is illegal to remove shopping carts from a premise. City Manager Allred added that a shopping cart offender would be subject to a fine of $50 and a second offense to a fine of $100 if shopping carts are removed from any premise. Juan Nunez — expressed concern with people taking shopping carts and leaving them on public streets. Council MemberArmenta announced that the Beautification Committee will be conducting outreach efforts in notifying residents and passing out the shopping cart flyers in market locations. Council Member Clark agreed with Mr. Aplanap in having somebody stationed near markets passing out warning flyers. Mayor Low commended staff for working on this ongoing shopping cart issue in the City. City Attorney Richman read the ordinance by title only. Council Member Sandra Armenta made a motion, seconded by Council Member Margaret Clark to introduce by title Ordinance No. 934 and approved Resolution No. 2013.59. Vote resulted in: Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of November 12, 2013 Page 9 of 12 Yes: Alarcon, Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly No: None Absent: None Abstain: None 7. MATTERS FROM MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL A. Request by Lucheng District of Wenzhou, China to Build a Relationship with the City of Rosemead The City Council will review and discuss a request from the Lucheng District of Wenzhou City in the Zhejiang Province to build a relationship with the City of Rosemead for the purposes of economic, cultural and educational exchange. Wenzhou City is located along the East China Sea and touts itself as a business oriented- oriented town with exports distributed to over 100 countries and regions of the world. There is a large population of people in Southern California who hail from Wenzhou City, and a U.S. Wenzhou Association is headquartered in the West San Gabriel Valley with an office on South El Monte. The Rosemead Sister City Committee has considered this request and recommends that the City Council take affirmative steps towards initiating an exploratory process that could potentially develop into a future Sister City relationship. Recommendation: The Rosemead Sister City Committee recommends that the City Council authorize actions leading towards the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Lucheng District of Wenzhou City, China to explore the potential for the ultimate establishment of a Sister City relationship. City Manager Allred reviewed the staff report. Robert Oehler expressed support of a sister city relation with the City of Wenzhou in China. Vincent Pao — stated that establishing a sister city relation with the City of Wenzhou will benefit the City of Rosemead financially. Daniel Deng — business owner in Rosemead expressed support for a sister city relation with the City of Wenzhou, China. Sheri Li — Thanked the City Council and the Sister City Committee in expressing interest in establishing a sister city relationship with the City of Wenzhou, China. Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of November 12, 2013 Page 10 of 12 Thomas Li — President of Wenzhou Association expressed support for the sister city relationship with the City of Wenzhou, China. Xiaowei Zhang — Member of the Wenzhou Association stated the importance of supporting a sister city relationship with the City of Wenzhou. Jia Wang — native of Wenzhou, China expressed support of a sister city relation with Wenzhou because it can bring financial benefits to the City of Rosemead. Austin Lin — expressed support of the sister city relationship with the City of Wenzhou. Ricky Hu — expressed support for a sister city relationship between the City of Rosemead and Wenzhou. City Manager Allred clarified that the recommendation by the Sister City Committee is to authorize a memorandum of understanding with Lucheng District of Wenzhou, China for the potential to establish a sister city relationship in the future. Council Member Clark expressed concerns in supporting the Sister City Committee's recommendation to establish a sister city relationship with Lucheng District of Wenzhou City, China. She stated that she could not support China's human right violations and policies such as one child policy, labor, social and environmental regulations. Mrs. Clark reiterated more concerns in which China has missiles aimed at Taiwan, a sister city and stated she would not support the Sister City Committee's recommendation. Council Member Armenta stated the letter from the Managing Deputy District Mayor read, "to establish a sister city relationship" while the U.S Wenzhou Association letter read, "to build friendly relationships" and asked that the memorandum clarify the Sister City Committee's recommendation to explore the potential in establishing a sister city relationship. Ms. Armenta expressed that one city should not be penalized because of the form of government the Country has. Council Member Steven Ly disagreed with Council Member Clark's comments and stated that the engagement with main land China is a sensitive issue. He added that the Federal Government regards China and has open communications. Mr. Ly agreed with Mrs. Clark's comment on Taiwan and added that the Sister City Committee for Taiwan has expressed an interest to endorse a relationship with Wenzhou City. Council Member Clark asked for clarification in regards to related travel expenses for the Sister City Committee. City Manager Allred explained that the policy states that there would be no city expenditures for travel to or from a sister city with taxpayer dollars. Council Member Alarcon stated that there would also be financial benefits from people traveling from China to the City of Rosemead. Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of November 12, 2013 Page 11 of 12 Mr. Aplanap — expressed opposition with the sister city relationship with China because of their human rights violations. Council Member Steven Ly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Sandra Armenta to approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the Lucheng District of Wenzhou City. Vote resulted in: Yes: Alarcon, Armenta, Low, Ly No: Clark Absent: None Abstain: None 8. COMMENTS FROM CITY COUNCIL 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned in the memory of the victims of the typhoon in the Philippines at 8:32 p.m. There is a Strategic Plan Workshop special meeting scheduled to take place on November 19, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at the Garvey Community Center. The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled to take place on December 10, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. in the Rosemead City Hall Council Chamber. Polly Low Mayor ATTEST: Gloria Molleda City Clerk Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of November 12, 2013 Page 12 of 12