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CC - Minutes - 09-09-14MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, AND THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE ROSEMEAD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION JOINT MEETING SEPTEMBER 9, 2014 The joint meeting of the Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission was called to order by Mayor /Chair Alarcon at 7:01 p.m. in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: was led by Mayor /Chair Alarcon INVOCATION: was led by Council Member /Board Member Clark PRESENT: Mayor /Chair Alarcon, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice -Chair Clark, Council Members /Board Members Armenta, Low and Ly STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Allred, City Attorney Richman, Assistant City Manager /Acting Public Works Director Hawkesworth, Community Development Director Ramirez, Director of Parks and Recreation Montgomery-Scott, and City Clerk/Director of Communications Molleda 1. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE Todd Palmauist - Executive Director for the San Gabriel Valley Consortium for Homelessness, spoke on the programs they offer to the public. Mr. Palmquist requested the City declare November as Homelessness Month. Rainbow Yeung — representing the South Coast Air Quality Management District invited the City Council and the public to the Drive Electric week event on September 20`", and the Clean Air Awards luncheon ceremony on October 3 Ms.. Yeung stated that tips and information for the public such as the Check Before You Burn program, which discourages residents from burning wood, were available on the Air Quality Management District website. Sue Yamamoto — Library Manager announced that their summer reading program was very successful with the community. Ms. Yamamoto announced upcoming events at the library and encouraged students to submit their art for the Student Art Project program. The library is hosting a Latino Cultural event in October to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month. Council Member /Board Member Lythanked Library Manager Sue Yamamoto for offering reading programs to the youths and commitment to the community. Derik Young — expressed concerns with miscommunication between the citizens and the Planning Division and the need to have more bilingual staff. City Manager Allred explained that there are staff members who do speak Cantonese, Mandarin and Vietnamese to assist the public. He asked Mr. Young to meet with him and staff to address any of his concerns. Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of September 9, 2014 Page 1 of 13 Felicia Santilian — expressed concern with the old auto auction property on Garvey Avenue and suggested a Jesus Center location in Rosemead to help the homeless. Council Member /Board Member Armenta explained that the City does not own the auto auction property. 2. PRESENTATION • Introduction of Public Safety Supervisor Michael Reyes Chief of Police Lieutenant Ignacio Somoano introduced the new Rosemead Public Safety Supervisor, Michael Reyes. Michael Reyes thanked the City Council for the opportunity to serve the community and was eager to bring his enthusiasm and knowledge to the City. Council Member /Board Member Armenta welcomed Public Safety Supervisor Reyes to Rosemead. 3. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Claims and Demands • Resolution No. 2014 — 34 Recommendation: to approve Resolution No. 2014 — 34, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $640,217.72 NUMBERED 85770 THROUGH 85775 AND 85796 THROUGH 85820 INCLUSIVELY • Resolution No. 2014 — 35 Recommendation: to approve Resolution No. 2014 — 35, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $536,655.55 NUMBERED 85768 THROUGH 85769 AND 85776 THROUGH 85795 AND 85821 THROUGH 85900 INCLUSIVELY e Resolution No. 2014 — 36 Recommendation: to approve Resolution No. 2014 — 36, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $168,967.98 NUMBERED 85901 THROUGH 8590_5 AND 85942 THROUGH 85960 INCLUSIVELY Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of September 9, 2014 Page 2 of 13 • Resolution No. 2014 — 37 Recommendation: to approve Resolution No. 2014 — entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1,656,843.27 NUMBERED 85906 THROUGH 85941 AND 85961 THROUGH 86099 INCLUSIVELY • Resolution No. 2014 —15 Recommendation: to approve Resolution No. 2014 —15, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD AS THE ROSEMEAD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1365.00 NUMBERED 10094 INCLUSIVELY • Resolution No. 2014 —17 Recommendation: to approve Resolution No. 2014 —17, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD AS THE ROSEMEAD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $3,244.00 NUMBERED 10095 THROUGH 10096 INCLUSIVELY B. Approval of Parcel Map No. 71692 — 8929 Emerson Place Recommendation: That the City Council approve Parcel Map No. 71692 and direct the City Clerk to arrange for the recordation of the map. C. Request to Install Parking Restrictions — Walnut Grove Avenue & Abilene Street Recommendation: That the Cit Council approve the Traffic Commission's recommendation to install approximately 10 feet of red curbing along the southeast corner of Walnut Grove Avenue and Abilene Street. D. Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter Replacement Project — Award of Contract Recommendation: That the City Council: (1) Approve the plans and specifications for the Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter Replacement Project; and (2) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Kalban, Inc. in the amount of'$125,000 and authorize a contingency of $18,750 (approximately 15 %) to cover the cost of any unforeseen constructions expenses. E. Traffic Signal Painting Project — Award of Contract Recommendation: That the City Council: (1) Approve the plans and specifications for the Traffic Signal Painting Project; and (2) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contrad with Bithell, Inc. in the amount of $78,355 and authorize a contingency of $20,000 Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of September 9, 2014 Page 3 of 13 (approximately 25 %) to cover the cost of any unforeseen constructions expenses or to complete additional intersections. F. Award of Contract for WI-F1 Hardware and Services Recommendation: That the City Council approve Resolution No. 2013 -39 allocating $20,000 from General Fund reserves for the installation of Wi -Fi at City Hall, the Rosemead Community Recreation Center and the Public Plaza. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD APPROVING VARIOUS APPROPRIATIONS G. Award Copy /ScanfFax Machine Contract Recommendation: That the City Council award the contract for Copy Machine Services to Ricoh Americas Corporation and authorize the City Manager to sign any necessary documentation. City Manager Allred stated that Resolution No. 2104 -15 had a typographical error in the amount of $1,365 and the correct amount should state $365 on the agenda. ACTION: Moved by Council Member /Board Member Ly, and seconded by Council Member /Board Member Armenta to approve the Consent Calendar Items A through G excluding item H, which was pulled for discussion and separate action, and with the amendment to Resolution No. 2014 -15 for the amount to state $365.00. The motion unanimously carried by the following vote: AYES: Alarcon, Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly H. Federal Safe Routes to School: Walnut Grove Avenue Enhancement Project - Award of Contract Recommendation: That the City Council: (1) Approve the plans and specifications for the Federal Safe Routes to School Walnut Grove Avenue Enhancement Project; (2) Approve the Traffic Commission's recommendation that parking restrictions be installed along the West side of Walnut Grove Avenue between Valley Boulevard and Marshall Street; and (3) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Sully - Miller Contracting Co., Inc. in the amount of $692,308 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $130,800 (approximately 15 %) to cover the cost of any unforeseen construction expenses. City Manager Allred reviewed the staff report. Assistant City Manager Hawkesworth explained that the Department of Transportation had informed staff that an overriding master agreement resolution had to be adopted. According to the Department of Transportation, the City did not have a master agreement resolution on file because there was no previous pass through grant from the Federal Government. Mr. Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of September 9, 2014 Page 4 of 13 Hawkesworth asked that the City Council add Resolution No. 2014 -41 to the agenda to authorize the City Manager and the Director of Public Works to sign any agreements. Brian Lewin — thanked the City Council for adopting the project and other Safe Routes to School projects that have improved the community appearance of neighborhoods and safety. Mr. Lewin stated that on Walnut Grove Avenue between Garvey Avenue and the 10 freeway the street is in need of repairs and asked that Council direct staff to look into improvements. City Manager Allred stated that staff will look at the status of the Walnut Grove Improvement project and report back to the City Council. ACTION: Moved by Council Member /Board Member Ly, and seconded by Council Member /Board Member Low to approve Staff's recommendation and include Resolution Number 2014 -41 as recommended. The motion unanimously carried by the following vote: AYES: Alarcon, Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly 4. MATTERS FROM CITY MANAGER & STAFF A. Amendment to Resolution No. 2014 -12 Establishing Annual Salary Ranges and Benefits for Classifications in the Middle- Management, Professional and Confidential Service of the City Recommendation: That the City Council approve Resolution No. 2014 -38, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2014-38 ESTABLISHING ANNUAL SALARY RANGES AND BENEFITS FOR CLASSIFICATIONS IN THE MIDDLE - MANAGEMENT, PROFESSIONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL SERVICE OF THE CITY City Manager Allred reviewed the staff report. ACTION: Moved by Council Member /Board Member Ly, and seconded by Council Member Armenta to approve Resolution No. 2014 -38. The Motion unanimously carried by the following voter: AYES: Alarcon, Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly B. Development Impact Fee Progress Report Recommendation: That the City Council review and comment on this matter. A staff report presented by Community Development Director Ramirez The City Council took no action. C. Possible Amendments to Rosemead Municipal Code Section 10.24 Regarding Private Bus Ordinance Recommendation: That the City Council consider and provide further direction on this matter. Rosemead City Council and the SuccessorAgency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of September 9, 2014 Page 5 of 13 City Manager Allred reviewed the staff report. Amy Wong — expressed her concern for the safety of the seniors that use the casino buses. Ms. Wong stated that she went to City Hall to help the bus operators obtain permits; however, there were always more requirements. She expressed her frustration with the experience. City Attorney Richman advised Mrs. Wong that her comments should focus on the bus ordinance. Mr. Niranian - supported resident Amy Wong and her efforts to bring in casino buses. Nancy Eng - stated that she had just learned about what resident Amy Wong has been trying to do to help the seniors stay safe in the City. She expressed support of the ordinance because it was in the interest of the residents' safety. Furthermore, casino buses should not be banned from the city because it's a means of transportation for many seniors. Based on Mrs. Wong's efforts, there were three potential parking locations where casino buses could park, Rite -aid, Jack in the Box, and Walgreens. Council Member Lowthanked resident Amy Wong for all her efforts to keep the residents safe. She referenced, Section 10.24.000 where it indicates that bus companies have to prove to the City that the property owner will allow them to park on their property. Although, some property owners are overseas, they still need to have a written letter to prove that the owner is authorizing the agent. Mrs. Low reiterated that staff did not intend to shut out casino buses, but the ordinance was being modified to assist with the process. Council Member Clark asked staff what the problems were with the locations Mrs. Wong had proposed. City Manager Allred explained that the Walgreens parking lot was reviewed by the City Planner and determined that the parking lot is under parked. It would not be prudent under the City's code to allow parking where there are not enough spaces for a bus to park. Council Member Ly stated that there were not enough parking lots along Garvey Avenue. City Manager Allred stated that parking was the essential problem, however there were other problems circulating where buses would take up more parking spaces. Although, the parking may appear to not be overly used, there is not enough parking per the City's municipal code. Mrs. Eng - stated that the issue wa&loading and unloading passengers safely and not about parking. Council Member Ly explained to Mrs. Eng that a bus will take up a few parking spots in an area that does not have enough parking in its requirements. Mrs. Eng - reiterated her concerns and asked how bus operators can load and unload passengers, avoid parking on city streets, and extend the time limit restrictions to casino buses, just like the tour buses, if they comply with the requirements. Rosemead City Council and the SuccessorAgency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of September 9, 2014 Page 6 of 13 Council Member Ly stated the casino buses were not complying with the City's requirements which mandates enough parking for the customers that are there for that business. Garvey Avenue and other major arterials are significantly jammed and there was not enough parking. Council Member Clark asked Ms. Eng if she was aware that casino buses were parking near the residents' homes and people were parking along residential areas to load onto the buses which causes the streets to be congested and trashed. Mrs. Clark clarified that was the reason the City introduced the bus ordinance. She stated a hotel bus brought tourists to the shops and restaurants, therefore it's not the same issue. City Manager Allred stated that the City recently approved an agreement for a casino bus or other buses to park on a private parking lot on Valley Boulevard. That parking lot has enough parking and room for loading and unloading passengers. Staff is working with companies to find adequate locations where it won't exacerbate problems with parking and loading. Community Development Director Ramirez stated that one of the sites mentioned is the parcel next to Rite -aid, where a bus company brought in an agreement with the owner. The problem was that the property owner did not legally own the property; it was still in escrow. Staff could not accept an incomplete escrow. Once the escrow was complete, the buyer came in and applied for a permit and its actually making its way through the process right now. Jack in the Box is also going through the process, and has not been approved or denied. Mrs. Ramirez continued to explain that the process must be reviewed by various departments, Community Development for Planning review, Public Works to confirm buses can make the right radius turns within the parking lot, and then to Public Safety, and the final review by the City Manager. Council Member Armenta expressed she was saddened about Mrs. Wong's issues because she has done a lot for the community; however, there are reasons why laws exist in the City. She stated that a person previously got hurt because a tour bus operator knew they were not allowed to pick up residents at a certain time and were making passengers hurry up. Bus companies know what the laws are and some still refuse to comply. Recently, a bus company gave a letter to Mrs. Wong that was not written by the City for a specific address and they used that letter to trick the City's Code Enforcement Officers stating that they had permission to park. She suggested that staff have a pre- approved list of properties where bus operators could park. Ms. Armenta clarified to Mrs. Eng that general managers of businesses can sign off on applications if the property owners are overseas or live in other parts of the country. She added that the new ordinance will have changes to find solutions to issues. Council Member Ly commended resident Amy Wong for doing a lot on behalf of the residents and championing their cause. He stated that the City Council is passionate about the issue because it affects the lives and safety of the residents. Mr. Ly clarified that his priority as a Council Member will be to protect the residents over everybody else's interest. He would like to see the ban on casino buses to operate on private properties in the City. The buses have been nothing but detrimental to the community and continue to hurt residents and do not bring a positive value to the community. He reiterated Mayor Pro Tern Clark's comments on the tourist buses, which are not the same as casino buses, and the ordinance needs to be stronger in regards to safety. Lin Lee - representing Gary's express bus company explained about the letter Council Member Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of September 9, 2014 Page 7 of 13 Armenta referenced. Ms. Lee stated that she had spoken to staff about applying for a license on June 17 before the law became effective July 10 She explained that she obtained the property owner's permission and applied for the business license, which was granted. She asked staff if the license was transferable to other locations in the city, and staff replied yes. Ms. Lee clarified that staff then contacted her regarding a conditional license to allow customers to park at Jack -in- the -Box where they were going to be picked up. The conditional license was initially for the furniture store. She explained that she was later told that the conditional license was not good. City Attorney Richman stated that the discussion on the agenda is for amendments to the ordinance and not about personnel activities. Council Member Low suggested that staff along with the City Manager meet with the bus operator. Council Member Lystated that in order to make an informed decision, and address the ordinance in the future, there needs to be clarifications on some misconceptions. Management Analyst Pat Platt explained that each site would need approval from the owner and the tenants. An application was submitted by the bus company, in which the person giving permission to operate on the property was in escrow. He stated that Community Development Director Ramirez explained to him that since the escrow was not completed the letter was void. After contacting the bus company and informing them that the letter was not good, it was assumed the bus company was clear they were not allowed to park at the Jack -in- the -Box parking lot. Code Enforcement stated the bus company was parked at the Jack -in- the -Box location and were given a warning notice. Community Development Director Ramirez clarified that when the bus ordinance first went into effect the bus company had to get a background check which could take two weeks to a month. Staff did not want to put a bus company out of work for that long so staff was told that if the application had the signature of the property owner, to give the bus company a temporary permit during the background check process. The bus company would receive a letter instead of a permit from the City stating that if they did not pass the background check, the letter would be revoked. Ms. Ramirez reiterated that staff had previously met with the potential buyer of the property in question and knew that the escrow had not closed which is why the letter to the bus company was void and that was when they used the letter for Jack -in- the -Box, which they were not allowed to do. Council Member Ly asked if the letter stated that the bus company could go anywhere to park. Community Development Director Ramirez replied no, that was not stated in the letter that was given to the bus company. Ms. Sheri on behalf of Qi Ge stated their customers were inbound tourists who come to their store in the afternoon. Since the new ordinance was enacted buses cannot stop to drop off and pick up tourists on the street and their business has dropped. The tour buses stopped going to their store, which has become a problem for the business. She requested the City Council reconsider a way to solve the problem and modify the ordinance to allow street parking at certain times. The buses that come to their store only stop for one minute to drop off the tourists and return in an hour after the tour guide calls the bus driver to return. She requested the City Council reconsider Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of September 9, 2014 Page 8 of 13 the amendments to the ordinance to assist their business. Mayor Pro Tem Clark asked Ms. Sheri how many people come to their shop at a time and at what time. Ms. Sheri replied that depending on the tour bus coming in, they may have ten to twenty passengers and usually arrives after 4:00 p.m. City Manager Allred stated that staff is looking for direction from Council as to whether they would like staff to bring back the ordinance with modifications at the next meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Clark stated that she was contacted by Damien Nevarez who could not come to the meeting. He asked that the Council postpone taking action on this ordinance for six months to see how things were going. Mrs. Clark added that she just returned from a conference and the hotel where she stayed had shuttles that would take the guests wherever they wanted to go. She asked if the City was doing this for the hotels'so tourists can come to shop and enjoy Rosemead, is there a way the City can place a limit on the size of the bus like the size of a shuttle and have bigger buses obtain permits. City Manager Allred explained that the committee studied the issue relating to the size of tour buses noting that the size of tour buses bringing tourists in to gift shops and restaurants vary on size. Limiting the size and restrictions does not solve the problem because hundreds of companies send buses through Rosemead. He added the Committee also reached out to the community including tour companies who confirmed that that was not the way to go. Thereafter followed City Council discussion regarding the size of the buses and why the buses couldn't be limited to size and that way the Code Enforcement officers could patrol them, asking what the hours of code enforcement officers were. City Manager Allred stated that it's the Community Service Officers who patrol and they are scheduled seven days a week in shifts and also during the evenings. Assistant City Manager /Acting Public Works Director Hawkesworth stated that the concern was that if the City allowed 30 passenger buses and not 58 passenger buses, then casino buses would have 30 passenger buses; they will do whatever it takes to get in. He explained that the State of California lumps all buses in one category, there is no casino bus category. Staff has talked to various travel companies and they indicated that they will let several bus companies know if they need a bus operator on a certain day, and they will get a response from whatever bus operator that is available. It may be different each day depending on who is available. City Manager Allred explained that the three modifications staff is proposing will work and will provide the relief needed for the restaurants and gift shops. It doesn't mean that some casino buses may not come during the proposed hours, but staff does not think it will be a significant problem. Council Member Lystated that staff's recommendation has key enforcement measures as well. He reiterated that staff is trying to preserve the intent of the ordinance to its fullest. The ordinance focuses on making sure to alleviate the pressures that currently exist in shopping centers and Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of September 9, 2014 Page 9 of 13 public streets. Secondly, the intent and design of the ordinance was-to make sure we did not hurt the tour buses and tourism in the City. It is the City's obligation to address issues and continue to follow the full intent of the ordinance where it limits and improves parking and traffic flow in the City by restricting where casino buses can go, and make sure that we preserve where tour buses and tourism can thrive in the City. Council Member Lowstated that she supports the additions and it was important to protect the businesses in the City. She also did not want to wait six months to take action. Council Member Ly stated that for clarification the amendment to the ordinance will require two readings and then have to wait 30 days for the ordinance to go into effect probably not until mid - November. City Attorney Richman stated that was correct. Staff is seeking direction as to what to bring back in the ordinance. Mayor Pro Tern Clark requested that once the ordinance was adopted, staff bring it back for Council review to see how it is working. Council Member Armenta agreed with Council Member Low's and Ly's comments. She liked the idea of bringing the ordinance back for review, and felt waiting six months to take action was too long. She said we need to protect our businesses and if there was a way to facilitate the hours when it's the busiest that would be beneficial. City Attorney Richman asked for clarification on the hours stating Council Member Ly suggested 10:00 pm so staff knows what to bring back for the first reading. Council Member Ly said the time was currently 9:00 pm and he believed 11:00 pm would be a more accurate time to go with. Council Member Low was in agreement. Council Member Clarkexpressed concern extending the time past 10:00 pm. because of the impact on nearby residential areas. The Council concurred to extend the time to 10:00 pm. Mayor Alarcon recessed the City Council meeting at 8:45 p.m. and reconvened back at 8:55 p.m. 5. MATTERS FROM MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL A. Request for Nomination to the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority Board Recommendation: That the City Council approve Resolution No. 2014 -40, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD NOMINATING MAYOR PRO TEM MARGARET CLARK TO REPRESENT CITIES WITHOUT Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of September 9, 2014 Page 10 of 13 PRESCRIPTIVE WATER PUMPING RIGHTS TO THE SAN GABRIEL BASIN WATER QUALITY AUTHORITY Mayor Pro Tern Clark asked for the Council's support of her nomination to the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Board. ACTION:, Moved by Council Member Ly, and seconded by Council Member Armenta to approve Resolution No. 2014 -40. The motion unanimously carried by the following vote: AYES: Alarcon, Armenta, Clark, Low, and Ly B. Gold Line Eastside Transit Corridor Phase 2 Project — SR 60 Coalition Funding Project Request Recommendation: Rosemead City Council representatives to the SR 60 Coalition, Mayor Alarcon and Council Member Ly, recommend that the City Council: (1) Reaffirm its strong support of the Gold Line Eastside Transit Corridor Project along the SR 60 Freeway corridor as the locally preferred alternative; and (2) Authorize the expenditure of $18,750 to the SR 60 Coalition for legal services for review and analysis of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and Environmental Impact Study (EIS). Council Member Ly explained that the SR 60 Coalition is requesting funding because Metro's recent release of the Draft Environment Impact Report has been completed and is out for review. There is a need to hire legal counsel to review the Draft Environment Impact Report and protect the cities. The SR 60 Coalition is looking to retain a firm that would cost each member city $18,750, which would be paid through Measure R funds. Mr. Ly asked that the City Council also direct staff and the Mayor to draft a comment letter detailing the benefits of the station's location at Montebello Town Center and the ride along the 1 -60 freeway. Council Member Low asked if the fees were at a discounted rate for the legal counsel. Council member L,v replied that the fees were at a discounted rate. Omar Hernandez - thanked the City Council and City Manager for their support to the SR 60 Coalition. Mr. Hernandez explained that the draft Environmental Impact Report has a comment period for 60 days. The SR 60 Coalition has launched a website with information for the public and School Districts are drafting resolutions in support. Metro's executive summary of the impact report states that the SR 60 alignment with the north is the best environmentally superior alternative. That is the reason why the SR 60 Coalition is seeking legal representation and the political support to move the project forward. Council Member Gonsalves - stated that it is important to have a firm that has the knowledge and experience at looking into and challenging Environmental Impact Reports. Mr. Hernandez - stated the website to generate the letter of support to Mayor Garcetti and Metro is at www.sr- 60.com. ACTION: ,Moved by Mayor Pro Tern Clark, and seconded by Council Member Ly to reaffirm its strong support of the Gold Line Eastside Transit Corridor Project along the SR 60 Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of September 9, 2014 Page 11 of 13 Freeway corridor; and authorize the expenditure of $18,750 to the SR 60 Coalition for legal services. The motion unanimously carried by the following vote: AYES: Alarcon, Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly C. Review of Issues Related to Potential Development of Dog Park and Skate Park Recommendation: That the City Council provide direction regarding this matter. Director of Parks and Recreation Montgomery-Scott reviewed the staff report and presented a power presentation. Council Member Ly asked if the City owned any other recreation land besides the Duff site. Director of Parks and Recreation Montgomery-Scott replied that the Duff site was the only school in which the City owned land. Council Member Lystated that his first priority is the skate park for the youth and his goal for a skating location. Mr. Ly suggested that the City obtain more grants and a combination of general fund to purchase property for the skate park in the future. As for dog parks, Mr. Ly stated that residents have asked for a dog park and he would like to see that project in the plans. Council Member Low stated that the City should focus on priority one and two before the skate park plan and expressed concerns with taking money from the reserves. Mrs. Low suggested that an option for a dog park could be cornering off a section in the park for residents to let their dogs loose. Council MemberArmenta expressed support for the stake park because there are skateboarders skating in the Civic Center. She stated that there were kids waxing the edges to skate on, which can be a liability if a senior falls due to the waxed edges. 6. COUNCIL COMMENTS Council Member Armenta requested the City Council meeting be adjourned in memory of a long time resident. Council Member Ly stated that near the Montebello Town Center there is a homeless gentleman that has been causing trouble at some shops in the area. He requested more patrol to address the homelessness in that area. Mr. Ly thanked staff for providing the grant reports and asked if the City can obtain requests for qualifications for firms who can do grants. Council Member Low thanked staff for working with Sing Tao on the Moon Festival event. Mrs. Low expressed concerns with rising crime in the San Gabriel Valley and asked what the City can do. City Manager Allred stated that the City has implemented the Area Watch Program which will be held on September 18th. Lieutenant Somoano and the Public Safety Center are on the right track to combating crime by getting people involved and informed. Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of September 9, 2014 Page 12 of 13 Council Member Low asked if the City collaborates with other neighboring cities to prevent crime. Chief of Police Lieutenant Somoano replied that the Sheriffs do have area meetings with other agencies especially on crime trends. Mayor Pro Tem Clark reported that she attended the League of California Cities Environmental Quality Committee and they had the resolution on. the.marijuana growers, which was set to get approved at the League of California Cities general meeting. Mrs. Clark also reported that she attended a conference at Fort Collins in Colorado with the National League of Cities Energy Committee and discussed climate change. 7. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned in memory of Mr. Rodriguez at 9:33 p.m. The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled to take place on September 23,,2014 at 7:00 p.m. in the Rosemead City Nall Council Chamber. / v r Interim City Clerk APPROVED: William Allarcon, Mayor Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of September 9, 2014 Page 13 of 13