CC - Minutes - 06-09-15 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, HOUSING DEVELOPMENT.CORPORATION,
AND THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE ROSEMEAD
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
JOINT MEETING
JUNE 9, 2015
The Rosemead City Council Closed Session Meeting was called to order by Mayor Clark at 6:05
p.m. in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard,
Rosemead, California.
PRESENT: Mayor Clark, Mayor Pro Tern Armenia, Council Members Alarcon and Ly
ABSENT: Council Member/Board Member Low
1. CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Richman announced that the City Council would recess to Closed Session to
conference with Legal Council on the following issue:
A. Conference with Legal Counsel— Existing Litigation
1. City of Rosemead v. Beneficial Patient Group, Inc. et al.; Los Angeles
County Superior Court Case EC 063589
Pursuant to Government Code Section 65956.9 (d)(1)
City Council recessed to closed session at 6:06 pm.
Regular Business Meeting Minutes
City Attorney Richman announced that no reportable action was taken in closed session at
which time Mayor Clark called the joint meeting of the Rosemead City Council, Housing
Development Corporation and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community
Development Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located
at 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE—was led by Council Member Ly
INVOCATION—was presented by Mayor Clark
PRESENT: Mayor/Chair/President Clark, Mayor Pro TemNice-ChairNice-President Armenta,
Council Members/Board Members Alarcon, Ly; Council Member/Board Member Low was
present via teleconference.
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, Public Works Manager Sullivan, City Clerk Molleda.
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Minutes of June 9,2015
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2. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE "'
Brian Lewin announced that the City of Alhambra would be holding its annual 710 Day on June -
10, 2015, on the corner of Valley Boulevard and Fremont in Alhambra to raise awareness that
July 6th was the final day to receive public comments on the 710 Freeway EIR/EIS alternatives.
He advised what events would take place. He also advised an additional public hearing would
be held on Saturday, June 20'h at V.W. Griffith Middle School Auditorium, 4765 E. 4`" Street, Los
Angeles, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
3. PRESENTATIONS
Muscatel Science Olympiad Team
Jim McGoy thanked the City Council for honoring the Muscatel Olympiad Team who won its 11th
Los Angeles County Championship Title and its 8'" California State Championship Title. The
team also competed at the United States National Science Olympiad National Tournament last
month, and placed 81"overall out of 60 competing teams and also medaled in ten out of 25
competition events including a team record of three First Place event finishes at the National
Finals. He introduced four of the coaches who displayed three trophies the team earned and
introduced the team members. The City Council presented each of the student team members
with a $5 gift card to In and Out Burger and paused for photographs with the team, coaches and
school principal.
Thereafter, the City Council acknowledged the Science Olympiad Team and expressed pride in ...
the Team's accomplishments.
Scholarship Recipients— Rosemead Residents ..
The City Council recognized three students from Rosemead High School who were recipients of
scholarships. Michelle Ong received the Cal SOAP Scholarship and would be attending UCLA
in the fall; Allison Nguyen received the UC Berkeley Regents Scholarship and would be
attending MIT in the fall; and Joseph Pham received the El Monte Unified School District
Scholarship and would be attending California Polytechnic Institute at San Luis Obispo in the
fall. The City Council presented each of the students with a $5 gift card to In and Out Burger
and paused for pictures with the students.
Mayor Pro Tern Armenta expressed her pride in the students and hoped the students would
aspire to become the City's future leaders.
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Municipal Code Amendment 15-02 —Amending Chapters 17.04 and 17.72 of
Title 17 of the City of Rosemead Municipal Code Relating to Regulations for
Nonconforming Uses, Structures, Lots, and Parking Facilities
Recommendation: That the City Council: (1) Conduct the noticed public hearing and
receive public comment; (2) Approve the Negative Declaration of Environmental Impacts
finding that the project will not have a significant adverse effect on the environment; and (3)
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Move to INTRODUCE FIRST READING, by title only Ordinance No. 951, entitled: AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT 15-02, AMENDING CHAPTERS 17.04
AND 17.72 OF TITLE 17 OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING
TO REGULATIONS FOR NONCONFORMING USES, STRUCTURES, LOTS, AND
PARKING FACILITIES
City Planner Sheri Bermejo provided the staff report advising this was a city-initiated
amendment to revise some of the regulations in the City's nonconforming ordinance. She
explained the ordinance was originally drafted for the purpose of allowing the addition of new
conforming residential structures on R-1 and R-2 Zone lots that include existing legal
nonconforming structures. She advised the item was presented to the Planning Commission on
April 6, 2015 and upon hearing written and oral testimony, the Planning Commission directed
staff to omit the language that would actually allow the addition of new and nonconforming
residential structures on R-1 and R-2 lots. They directed staff to bring back the revised
ordinance on May 18`h, and at that meeting the Planning Commission adopted a resolution
recommending the City Council adopt an amendment without the proposed standards allowing
the addition of the new structures on properties with existing legal nonconforming structures.
After a PowerPoint presentation, Ms. Bermejo advised the City Council that since the Planning
Commission's decision on the ordinance at their May 18th meeting, the Mayor discussed the
issue with City staff and the Mayor would like the Council to be aware that she was in favor of
the original proposed ordinance. It was the Mayor's opinion that if a residential exception were
to be adopted, it could be reviewed within a year to see if it created any unintended
consequences.
The Mayor opened the Public Hearing
Huey Chea addressed the Council explaining his inability to build a new home on his large lot
because his existing home did not meet the code. He advised that the new home would be in
the front of the lot and the old house would not be seen. He hoped the City Council would
amend the code so he could build a new structure on the empty portion of the lot without having
to tear down his small home to do so.
Molly Sun explained to Council that in order for them to conform to the code, the existing home
which was 900 square feet, would have to be cut in half. She stated at the time they bought the
home, it was conforming and they did not have the money to build. Now that they were able to
get a loan, the City changed the code and they could not afford to make the changes to the
existing home so they could build a new home.
A gentleman (name inaudible) addressed Council regarding mixed use, zoning issues and lot
sizes.
Huang Lam bought a lot that was 60 x 220 and allowed two houses, but the City changed the
zoning and he could no longer have two houses on his lot.
City Manager Allred interjected that residents could still build two houses on a 12,000 square
foot lot.
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Mr. Chea addressed Council to explain what Mr. Lam was trying to explain to Council.
Brian Lewin expressed his support of the ordinance as it was presented to the City Council. He
felt that if people were going to be allowed to build two houses on lots of that size, the condition
that existing houses on the lot be brought up to code was good because it allowed the City to
improve its housing stock. He felt the ordinance was a benefit to the City and he asked the
Council to approve it as presented.
Molly Sun addressed the Council again expressing her disagreement with Mr. Lewin's
comments.
There being no further comments, Mayor Clark closed the public hearing.
Council Member Ly asked staff what the previous code was that members of the audience
alluded to; if their lot was nonconforming but had the setbacks were they allowed to build a
second unit or not.
Ms. Bermejo explained that the Zoning Code prior to the comprehensive update did not allow
the addition of additional units. The standards were vague and allowed exemptions that could
be approved by the Community Development Director but there were no findings that could be
made. The language was reviewed with the City Attorney and it was decided that standards be
included in the ordinance to protect the City. She said it could be that the code was interpreted
unevenly in the past but as soon as the attorney brought it to staffs attention, staff no longer
made exemptions.
The City Council and staff entered into a lengthy discussion regarding the legal nonconforming _
structures, the language in the comprehensive Zoning Code Update and allowing for
exemptions. Ms. Bermejo stated that there was a provision in the current Zoning Code through
the comprehensive Zoning Code update. She cited an example of a home that was built too
dose to a property line, it would be taken care of administratively with the Community
Development Director through a minor exception process in which the adjacent property owners
were noticed.
Mayor Clark expressed her desire that the language deleted by the Planning Commission be
placed back into the ordinance for a year, revisit it and see what unintended consequences
might happen. She felt that was fair to the people who bought before the code was changed so
they could build that second house and not be deprived of building a house they saved their
money to build.
Mayor Pro Tem Armenta commented that she did not think the City changed the rules, the City
updated its zone and in updating the zone, things changed.
Council Member Low said if Council included the language that the Planning Commission
omitted, it might increase additional units. After talking to some residents she realized a lot of
residents who might want to remodel and don't have a lot of money to change their existing
home to comply with the current code so they can remodel. She realized the goal was to have
all residences be conformed to the current code in the long term.
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Council Member Steven Ly expressed his understanding of the issue and recommended
allowing for minor exception, but only under certain conditions. One, because a setback affects
the neighbors, the neighbors would have to sign off on it; and two, it would require Planning
Commission approval in a public hearing. He thought that if those two conditions were made a
part of the minor exception, he would be comfortable with putting a minor exception based on
those criteria.
Community Development Director Ramirez advised the City Council that both of the
suggestions made by Council Member Ly were already in the minor exceptions policy.
City Attorney Richman advised this was within the City Council's powers if that was the process
by which the City Council wanted to allow nonconforming uses to be approved, then it was
legal.
Thereafter, Council discussed this issue in depth including various ways in which neighbors'
signatures of approval could be obtained and the need to go before the Planning Commission
for approval; the responsibility of the City Council to adjudicate land use matters; and the
Council's desire to balance what was best for the City with the rights of the residents, and
reviewing the ordinance in a year to determine if any unforeseen problems resulted from adding
the language back into the code.
Community Development Director Ramirez, added that if this was the direction of the City
Council then staff would like to have the neighbors' signatures be a notarized statement that
they were the actual owners, to prevent the possibility of forged signatures.
ACTION: Council Member Ly moved, and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Armenta to
continue the public hearing to June 23, 2015 and to bring the ordinance back
allowing for minor exceptions with the approval of the neighboring property
owners and Planning Commission approval at a public hearing. The motion
unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers
Alarcon, Low, Ly, Mayor Pro Tern Armenta, and Mayor Clark.
B. Design Review 14-03: Garvey Garden Plaza Mixed Use Project 8408 Garvey
Avenue
Recommendation: That the City Council: (1) Conduct the noticed public hearing and
receive public comment; (2) The City Council approve Resolution No. 2015-29, entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD
APPROVING DESIGN REVIEW 14-03 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW
RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT TOTALING 11,860
SQUARE FEET OF RETAIL/OFFICE SPACE AND 46 APARTMENTS. THE PROJECT
INCUDES A DENSITY BONUS APPLICATION. THE SUBJECT SITE IS LOCATED
AT 8408 GARVEY AVENUE IN THE C-3 MUDO-D (MEDIUM COMMERCIAL WITH A
MIXED USE AND DESIGN OVERLAY)ZONE (APN:5283-005-028); and (3) The City
Council adopt the Mitigation Negative Declaration and file the Notice of Determination for
the project.
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Associate Planner, Lily Valenzuela presented the staff report indicating Garvey Garden Plaza
has submitted an application requesting Development of a residentiaVcommercial mixed use
development totaling 11,860 square feet of retail/office space and 46 apartments. She noted
that parking was proposed on the surface and one level of the basement parking. She said that
access would be provided off of Delta Avenue. The project included a density bonus under
Senate Bill 1818 and was located at the southeast corner of Delta Avenue and Garvey Avenue
in the C-3 MUDO-D (Medium Commercial with a mixed use and design overlay) zone. She
recommended the City Council conduct a Public Hearing to receive public testimony, adopt
Resolution No. 2015-29 with findings and subject to 90 conditions; adopt the Mitigated Negative
Declaration and file the Notice of determination for the project.
The Mayor opened the public hearing.
Mike Lewis representing the applicant, highlighted the project. He emphasized the residential
was rental units not for sale. The size of the lot was approximately 49,000 square feet, 1.1
acres after a four foot dedication for Delta Avenue. He noted the commercial area was almost
12,000 square feet of space, which provided the required 48 parking spaces. He brought
copies of the elevations for the City Council to review. The residential portion of the building
was 46 units, 27 of which were two-bedroom units, 18 were three bedroom units and a one-
bedroom manager unit. The required parking for the residential was 92 spaces and they were
proposing 98. He emphasized the project was an affordable project in that seven of the units
were available for rent to low income individuals or families with a density bonus of 35%. He
advised the affordable component of the project allowed the applicant two incentives. The
applicant was requesting the ability to build four stories within 45 feet rather than three stories -ow
within 45 feet which was what the code allowed. The second incentive request was the ability to
modify the residential to commercial ratio from 67% residential and 33% commercial as required
by the code, to 81% residential and 19% commercial, which is what the project proposed.
Mr. Lewis advised the traffic consultant hired by the City determined that the project would not
cause any of the intersections studied to exceed the current level of service. He advised the
City Council on the various soils testing that was completed and based on all of the tests, it was
determined that the soil at this location was non-liquefiable and would not liquefy under earth
movement circumstances. The City also hired two additional soils consultants, who reviewed
the reports and looked at the calculations. The second consultant suggested adding conditions
for retaining walls and a particular design around the foundation which was included in the
permit.
Mr. Lewis stated that if the project was approved and went into the plan check process there
would be much more design done and further review by the City's engineers and the applicant's
engineers to determine the exact configuration of the foundation to make sure there were no
issues with the design and construction with regard to earth movement.
Mr. Lewis discussed the design elements of the project emphasizing the project provided new
housing opportunities for young families, and he felt it could bring a new generation to
Rosemead. He felt this was a good project for Rosemead, set a good standard; and he
encouraged the City Council to approve the project.
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Council Member Alarcon asked how far down the project went on Delta. Mr. Lewis advised
that it abuts a very deep lot that had several apartments on it.
George Chen who owned a construction company in Rosemead was in support of the Garvey
Garden Plaza which would bring in more job opportunities.
James Wang, owner of the used car lot on Garvey and Delta was in support of this project.
Tung Duonq was in support of the project because it meant more jobs in the City and more
taxes for the City.
There being no one further wishing to speak, Mayor Clark closed the public hearing.
Council Member Ly stated the project was aesthetically pleasing and staff has done a
wonderful job working with the developer and making sure several key amenities were included.
He was happy to see the open space on the second floor. He asked the applicant if he would
be willing to contribute to the traffic study being performed on Garvey as part of the Specific
Plan to assist in evaluating how the project might affect the entire corridor.
Mr. Lewis responded yes and noted that when the project went before the Planning
Commission, the Commission added two conditions: one that there not be any restaurants and
that a post traffic analysis be performed after the project was built. He did not think a post traffic
analysis made sense, the applicant would be more than willing to contribute to the City's
broader traffic study instead. After being asked by Council Member Ly about contributing
$12,000 to the traffic study, Mr. Lewis agreed that the applicant would be willing to do that.
The City Council expressed their pleasure with the project and the design.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Ly, and seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Armenia, to
approve Resolution No. 2015-29, removing Condition of Approval 30 and
authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Agreement with the Applicant to
accept a donation for the Comprehensive Traffic Study along Garvey Avenue.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Council Member
Alarcon, Council Member Low, Council Member Ly, Mayor Pro Tern
Armenta, and Mayor Clark.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Ly, and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Armenta, to
adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and file the Notice of Determination.
The motion unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Council
Member Alarcon, Council Member Low, Council Member Ly, Mayor Pro
Tem Armenta, and Mayor Clark.
C. Resolution No. 2015-28—A Resolution of the City Council of the City of
Rosemead Ordering the Vacation of the Alley between Brighton Street and
Del Mar Avenue
Recommendation: That the City Council approve Resolution No. 2015-28, entitled: A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ORDERING
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THE VACATION OF THE ALLEY BETWEEN BRIGHTON STREET AND DEL MAR
AVENUE
.
Mayor Clark opened the public hearing:
Imelda Hiiar spoke in opposition to vacating the alley because the alley was used to exit the
street since it was difficult to make a left hand turn on Garvey. She also addressed the issue of
delivery trucks taking up parking on the streets as a result of the new project.
Gerardo Hijar spoke in opposition to vacating the alley.
There being no further public comments, Mayor Clark closed the public hearing.
Council Member Ly expressed his understanding of the residents' concerns, adding that part
of Garvey Avenue was currently a much blighted area. He noted some of the problems in that
area stating the project would help to clean up Garvey; however, the issue at hand was whether
to vacate the alley and it was his understanding that all the individuals who have direct claim to
the alley were in agreement with the vacation. He thought the alley should be vacated.
Council Member Armenta asked if someone could address the delivery truck issues raised by
Ms. Hijar.
Community Development Director Ramirez stated that conditions were placed against the
project that specifically addressed the truck deliveries, loading zones and the limited hours for P'+k
loading and un-loading. If those conditions were violated the applicant would be going against
the CUP at which point the City had several options including the issuance of citations.
Council Member Low stated that for a project like this to work, the alley would have to be
vacated. She said the City has been waiting for a project like this for a long time.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Low, and seconded by Council Member Ly, moved to
approve the Resolution 2015-28.
Further discussion regarding the purpose of an alley was held in which Assistant City
Manager/Acting Public Works Director Hawkesworth advised that the original intention of the
alleys were to provide a location for trucks to have loading access to the businesses. It was not
meant as a thoroughfare for traffic. Discussion also focused on the parking issue in that area
and whether the project would impact street parking.
ACTION: The motion unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Council
Member Alarcon, Council Member Low, Council Member Ly, Mayor Pro
Tem Armenta, and Mayor Clark.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Clark pulled Items B and C from the Consent Calendar For discussion and separate
action.
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A. Claims and Demands
• Resolution No. 2015-37
Recommendation: to approve Resolution No. 2015-37, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND
DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF$630,846.28 NUMBERED 88866 THROUGH 89000
INCLUSIVELY
• Resolution No. 2015-12
Recommendation: to approve Resolution No. 2015- 12, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD AS THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY OF THE ROSEMEAD
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND
DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF$88,911.25 NUMBERED 10130
D. Resolution Authorizing the Release of Unclaimed Checks Pursuant to
Government Code Section 50050 through 50056
Recommendation: That the City Council approve Resolution No. 2015-27, entitled: A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA,
AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF UNCLAIMED CHECKS PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 50050 AND 50053 TO THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD
E. Deputy Probation Officer Annual Contract Renewal
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the agreement with the Los Angeles
County Probation Department and authorize the City Manager to sign any necessary
documentation.
F. Used Oil Payment Program Grant Application
Recommendation: That the City Council approve Resolution No. 2015-33, entitled: A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA,
AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF AN USED OIL PAYMENT PROGRAM
APPLICATION AND RELATED AUTHORIZATIONS
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Ly, and seconded by Council Member Alarcon, to
approve Consent calendar Items A through F, excluding Items B and C. The
motion unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Council
Member Alarcon, Council Member Low, Council Member Ly, Mayor Pro
Tem Armenta, and Mayor Clark.
ITEMS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
B. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 949: Adoption of Development Impact Fees
(DIF)and Resolution No. 2015-07, Approving the Final Draft DIF Study
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Recommendation: That the City Council: (1) Adopt Ordinance No. 949 at its second •�
reading, entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE ROSEMEAD MUNICIPAL CODE BY
REPEALING SECTION 12.44.020 (PARK AND RECREATION IMPACT FEE)OF TITLE
12, CHAPTER 12.44 AND ADDING ARTICLE 7(DEVELOPMENT FEES), CHAPTER
17.170(DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES)TO TITLE 17 TO ESTABLISH DEVELOPMENT
IMPACT FEES FOR NEW RESIDENTIAL AND NONRESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT; (2)
Approve Resolution No. 2015-07, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ADDING DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES TO
THE CITY'S COMPREHENSIVE FEE SCHEDULE TO IMPLEMENT THE DEVELOPMENT
FEE PROGRAM ESTABLISHED BY ORDINANCE NO. 949
Lee Lieberg, Government Affairs Director of the West San Gabriel Valley Association of
Realtors expressed his concern that the increase in Development Impact Fees would be
passed through to the consumer and the proposed fee seemed quite excessive compared to
some of the neighboring cities, citing the amount of some of those cities' fees. He urged the
City Council to reconsider the fees. Thereafter the City Council, City Manager, and staff
discussed the discrepancies between the amount of fees Mr. Lieberg quoted for neighboring
cities and the amount of fees staff provided. Mr. Lieberg was also advised that the City
reduced its fees at the last meeting in accordance with discussions with the Building Industry
Association and were phasing the fees in over three years. Further discussion ensued
regarding the fees being adopted by the resolution being lower than the fees proposed in the
study. ,,,,
Tom Berge, President of the West San Gabriel Valley Association of Realtors, requested the ..
City Council to reconsider the adoption of Ordinance No. 949 as written because impact fees
increased the costs of new development especially for residential projects and consequently
would reduce the number of projects that were economically feasible. The increased costs
resulting from such impact fees may make it harder for low and moderate income households
to afford to purchase residential units in new developments. Impact fees often result in higher
costs for existing homes making all homes less affordable.
ACTION: Council Member Ly moved, and seconded by Council member Alarcon, moved to
adopt Ordinance No. 949 at its second reading. The motion unanimously carried
by the following roll call vote: AYES: Council Member Alarcon, Council
Member Low, Council Member Ly, Mayor Pro Tern Armenta, and Mayor
Clark.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Ly, and seconded by Council Member Alarcon to
approve Resolution No. 2015-07. The motion unanimously carried by the
following roll call vote: AYES: Council Member Alarcon, Council Member
Low, Council Member Ly, Mayor Pro Tem Armenta, and Mayor Clark.
C. Annual Salary and Benefits Resolutions
Recommendation: That the City Council approve Resolution No. 2015-31, entitled: A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA,
ESTABLISHING ANNUAL SALARY RANGES AND BENEFITS FOR CLASSIFICATIONS
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IN THE GENERAL SERVICE UNIT OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD; Resolution No. 2015-
32, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD,
CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING ANNUAL SALARY RANGES AND BENEFITS FOR
CLASSIFICATIONS IN THE MIDDLE MANAGEMENT, PROFESSIONAL, AND
CONFIDENTIAL SERVICE UNIT OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD; Resolution No. 2015-
34, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD,
CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING ANNUAL SALARY RANGES AND BENEFITS FOR
CLASSIFICATIONS IN THE MANAGEMENT SERVICE UNIT OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD; and Resolution No. 2015-35 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING ANNUAL
SALARY RANGES AND BENEFITS FOR THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD
Mayor Pro Tem Armenta stated she did have some questions, but she was able to get those
questions resolved before the meeting.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Ly, and seconded by Council Member Low, to
approve Resolutions 2015-31, 2015-32, 2015-34, and 2015-35. The motion
unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Council Member
Alarcon, Council Member Low, Council Member Ly, Mayor Pro Tern
Armenta, and Mayor Clark.
6. MATTERS FROM CITY MANAGER & STAFF
A. Enhanced Watershed Management Program (EWMP)for Compliance with Federal
and State Storm Water Regulations
Recommendation: That the City Council; (1) Receive and file this report; and (2) Approve
Resolution No. 2015-38, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ROSEMEAD,CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A POLICY OF IMPLEMENTING GREEN
STREETS BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Public Works Manager Sullivan introduced the City's consultant, Elroy Kiepke from Willdan
Engineering. Mr. Sullivan then advised the City Council that in November 2012, the California
Regional Water Quality Control Board of Los Angeles Region adopted and updated the
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System or MS 4 Permit for the Los Angeles area. 84 of the 88
cities in Los Angeles County were a party to the permit which outlined compliance measures for
the individual permit fees to comply with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES). NPDES was focused on removing pollutants from storm water and urban runoff prior
to its discharge into the waterways. Under the updated permit which was effective December
28, 2012, all cities were given two identified methods of permit compliance. Comply with the
permit as adopted or to develop and implement a Watershed Management Program.
Mr. Sullivan advised that City staff and the technical consultant determined that the
development of an Enhanced Watershed Management Plan (EWMP) was the desired path for
the City's NPDES compliance. The Enhanced Watershed Management Plan was a plan that
identified water quality priorities and developed control measures that emphasized the
infiltration of all non-storm water runoff and 85%of storm water into the ground. The program
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included certain control measures or best management practices including low-impact
development, green streets and regional projects targeted at reducing storm water pollution.
In June 2013, the City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding for the City to enter
into a group led by the City of Los Angeles to develop an Enhanced Watershed Management
Plan. The group included 17 cities and two Los Angeles County entities. Of the 84 cities
subject to this permit, 74 cities were pursuing some type of group effort to develop a watershed
management plan, four cities have approved individual plans, two cities who had individual
plans rejected by the Regional Board have made late efforts to join established watershed
management plan groups and one city has opted for compliance with the permit with no plan in
place. The Enhanced Watershed Management Plan has been developed by the City of Los
Angeles serving as the lead agency in helping to coordinate the activities of the other 16 cities
and two county entities within the group. The group is known as the Upper Los Angeles River
Watershed Management Group. The plan was developed by a consultant team and would be
submitted as a draft for the Regional Board's review prior to June 28, 2015. The Enhanced
Watershed Management Plan included a battery of Best Management Practices implemented
both on the local and regional level that will achieve the City's compliance with both the MS 4
permit in pre-existing total maximum daily loads that the City was subject to. The estimated
cost for implementation of the Enhanced Watershed Management Plan for the Upper L.A. River
Group from now through its termination date in 2037 was approximately$6 billion. This was the
end date for bacterial TMDL that all of the Los Angeles River Cities were subject to. The cost
figure devised for this plan was one technical opinion of the total cost of implementing the entire
Enhanced Watershed Management Plan over a long period of time. As is typical, cost
estimates are often subject to change. The City of Rosemead's estimated cost for the
implementation of the Enhanced Watershed Management Plan through 2037 was ,...,
approximately$110 million. This cost included the implementation of low impact development,
best management practices, that include infiltration at local and regional facilities and the
addition of green streets.
Mayor Clark asked why the 23-page letter from the environmental groups (NRDC) Natural
Resources Defense Council and Heal the Bay was not mentioned in the staff report. The letter
came out on June 2ni and it clearly said they did not like the large management plans and they
were planning to sue. When she voted to enter into the study with the other cities it was
conditioned that it would work out. Council was led to believe over the past two years, that if the
City did this, the environmental groups, who have been pushing for the cleanup, would get us
off the hook. She noted they weren't willing to say safe harbor, but the implication was that if
the city put all this money in, and cleaned up the ground water, and do what we were supposed
to be doing. The letter from the environmental groups was extremely vitriolic. They do not like
the Enhanced Watershed Management Plan (EWMP) therefore she could not understand why
the City would want to enter into a process for$110 million when the City could be sued and the
money wasted.
Her other concern was, if you look at the map, the plan the City was in goes all the way to the
western end of Los Angeles. The City was in a contract with most of the City of Los Angeles and
Rosemead was a relatively small city. Rosemead was in Reach 2 of the Rio Hondo and
according to the figures the total maximum daily loads that the City was being told to remove
were bacteria and coliform and things like that. The larger Reach that the City joined has
metals and a long list of pollutants that have to be removed. She questioned whether the City
was underwriting the pollution that other cities had to cleanup when Rosemead would not have .w.
to. She stated that was a problem for her and pointed out that the plan was to create infiltration
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basins so that the water doesn't go to the ocean and infiltrates into the ground water. She said if
you look at the map, the City was recharging the Raymond Basin and the Central Basin and not
the San Gabriel Basin, where the City gets its ground water from. She had a real problem with
this EWMP. She said the fact that the environmental groups wanted to sue, she would like to
withdraw from the group and have the City do its own storm water management plan where if
pollution was found at the City's outfall the City would take care of it, the cost could not possibly
be anywhere near$110 million. She hoped the Council would join her in the City preparing its
own storm water management program and she would make that motion.
Council Member Ly advised the Mayor that he thought there was a public speaker's request
and she had a question for staff and he would like to hear staff's response regarding the letter
and also their position on the EWMP.
Mr. Sullivan responded regarding the letter from the environmental groups it was staffs
understanding in working with Mr. Kiepke as well as other folks who were familiar with the storm
water system, the letter was the position the environmental groups have taken since the permit
was issued by the Regional Board in 2012. The direction of the environmental groups was not
that they were upset with the cities for choosing the approach, but were upset with the Board for
offering this option as permit compliance. The issue with the environmental groups was not
directed at the City but more at the governing bodies for allowing cities this approach to comply
with the storm water issue. The environmental groups would rather see a system of strict
numeric compliance with the water quality issues and strict fining and retribution. The issue with
the environmental groups was that they would rather see the City do the strict compliances the
permit allows for and fail rather than taking 'These easy road approaches" going through a
EWMP group.
Mr. Kiepke confirmed what Mr. Sullivan said stating that the environmental groups would be
suing the Regional Board or the State Board, depending on the State Board's adopted motion
which was coming up on June 16`". The environmental groups have been working on their
position for nine to twelve months. The State Board was supporting the Los Angeles Board's
adoption of the permit with the Watershed Management Plan and the Enhanced Watershed
Management Plan because they know that if the cities don't get additional time, there was no
way the cities would get strict compliance. The State and Regional Boards were making the
effort to allow cities to show progress toward the end goal and as you know you can't spend
money you don't have. Like every other city in Los Angeles County, they don't have the money
to spend $6 billion in the Upper L.A. River Watershed. So there is a funding mechanism that is
going to have to be developed and the City will be a part of the effort to develop that funding
source. And if in the worst case, the residents come back and said no, and the City did not
have the money, the City would have to go to the Board and say the residents don't want to give
us money is there was another source for the money. If not, this program was impossible to
fund.
Mayor Clark said they would not accept that we cannot afford it. She emphasized that the
environmental groups may be suing the Regional Board and the State Board and if they won in
court, and the City was in the Ninth Circuit, they would turn around and invalidate the EWMP
and the City could be left holding the bag. It was the Regional Board and the State Board that
has to approve the City's permit. If they win in court and throw it out, then all the money the City
has put into this was wasted.
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Mr. Sullivan advised that at this point the development of the Plan was done on a group cost
share basis. The total consulting costs was about $1.7 million for the development of the Plan,
but when split by land area over the 17 participating cities, the L.A. County Flood District, and
the L. A. County unincorporated area, the City at this time has spent approximately$16,000 for
the development of the EWMP.
Mayor Clark said she understood that, and that was why she voted for it because she knew
that was all it would cost to see what it was going to do. Noting she had the minutes in front of
her, she said at that time, that if it was found to be too expensive or it wasn't practical the City
could back out and the City Attorney confirmed the City could back out as long as the City paid
its fair share, which is what the City did. In her opinion, we have found out that this was way
more expensive and the City had absolutely no guarantees that this would do what we wanted it
to do. She still could not understand why, when the City was in Reach 2 of the Rio Hondo, the
City joined such a large area group that had a lot more pollutants to remove than the City did.
She would much rather take care of what the City had to do incrementally through the iterative
process and that was why she was very passionate about not moving forward with this.
Council Member Ly reminded the Mayor that he thought there was a request to speak card.
Mike Lewis representing the Construction Industry Coalition on Water Quality advised the City
Council that this was a subject he knew something about. He advised that he chaired a
committee at BISFD of stakeholders who were deeply involved in the discussion that took place
at the county over creating a funding source for all of the storm water effort and that included
approximately 70 stakeholders from the private sector who were very concerned about what this •■
was going to mean in terms of the things they have to do in order to comply. He has been
reviewing, along with his colleagues in the construction industry, the EWMP documents that .. .r.
have been developed by all of these groups. He noted that obviously they had a particular
interest as to whether there would be any construction jobs in all this money that was being
spent; and frankly there weren't a lot of construction projects being proposed at this point. He
said the problem with storm water was it knew no boundaries, it goes downhill. For the City of
Rosemead to be included in a group of cities that were in a watershed, or where water was
going to move from one area to another, made a certain amount of sense at this stage of the
game for a number of reasons. He advised that we were still in the infancy when it came to this
regulatory scheme and what it was really going to cost. He said the $110 million the City
thought it would cost, which it was assumed $90 million would come from private activity on
private property was probably just the tip of the iceberg. Because what wasn't in place right
now was the remainder of the regulatory scheme that would require removal of copper out of
storm water; zinc out of storm water; or several other pollutants for which has not yet been set
specific standards have not been set and for which there wasn't any affordable technology to do
that. Regional BMPs as referred to in the report, this idea that cities get together and direct their
storm water to a facility where it could be captured, treated, and infiltrated and returned to the
storm drain as clean water made a lot of sense and they have been pushing that idea when
nobody was. Now everybody thinks this idea is the only way to go because capturing storm
water on the larger scale is the only way that makes sense. At some point, a funding source
was needed to pay for all of this because it would not happen otherwise. The Slate Board and
the Regional Boards realized that, and the environmentalists realized that as well.
Unfortunately, the scheme we were in now, the cities were left with the responsibility for
implementing a plan to clean up storm water which in most cases cities have no control over
other than the fact it runs in the streets and into a storm drain system but the pollution it picks up
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along the way, the City would be responsible for and the regulation allows for citizen
enforcement. That means water keeper groups could go out to the City's driveway apron during
a storm and take samples of the water running off of the parking lot and file an enforcement
action against the City for a violation or an exceedance. He explained an exceedance which
wasn't a violation has also been the focus of a lot of these enforcement activities. He provided
an example of the ADA lawsuits in which citizens filed hundreds of lawsuits against businesses
then offered to settle for a lump sum of$5,000. He said that was currently happening in storm
water, but the average settlement would be $100,000.
He suggested that if the City decided to go alone, the City could be standing as an easy target
and won't have the resources to support an effort if attacked by the environmental
organizations. Right now the environmental groups have to sue the State Board or the Regional
Board who have very deep pockets. He thought it made sense for groups of cities to join
together because ultimately the City would want to direct the water to facilities that were
common to the City and allow the City to share the cost of the treatment and ultimately disposal
of that water, whether it was infiltrated or put back in the storm drain. He added one more
thought, a decision has not yet been made as to who owns the water and at some point soon
that would happen. It may be determined that the cities or the property on which it lands were
the owners and it may well be determined that it was the water rights owners that own that
water. That will change the complexion or the fashion in which we approach the cleanup of that
water because of its ownership. That discussion was being experienced now with the Sanitation
District Bill that would allow the Sanitation Districts to begin taking some of the storm water and
dry weather flow and treat it through their sanitation plant. He fell the City was in the safest
place even though there was uncertainty and it was very expensive. Thereafter followed a
discussion regarding Senator Hernandez' bill on ownership of water.
Mayor Clark asked Mr. Lewis what happens if the cities began infiltrating with drainage swales
everywhere and all these programs, and the water rights people say this was their water, and
cities have spent all this money to solve the problem. Mr. Lewis responded that was a
discussion that would have to be had. He mentioned the private water companies in the San
Gabriel Valley have insisted as part of Senator Hernandez' bill that they own that water and no
one else has a right to do with it as they please. He believed some language was agreed to that
would go into Senator Hernandez' bill and he wasn't sure that once that language became law
that there would be any incentive for anybody to capture storm water because someone else
owns it. He also mentioned that in the San Fernando Valley the Department of Water and
Power claims what was called "Pueblo Rights" where the minute the water hits the ground they
say it's theirs and that was based on the original Pueblo establishment. It hasn't gotten to the
point that things have gotten so tight that everybody has to work this out
Mayor Clark reiterated her concern about entering into agreements and take these steps only
to have it fall apart and waste tax payers' money. Mr. Lewis did not believe the regulatory
scheme was going to go away, the City was still going to have to clean up storm water,
somehow and someway. He felt the things the City was doing at this stage were the simple
things—green streets, requiring new development to capture storm water—all of which was
helpful but what would the City do for the remaining 99% of the region that was already built and
would not be doing anything that would require them to treat their storm water.
Mayor Clark said that wasn't the City's problem, the City's problem was Rosemead. Mr. Lewis
said there was water that ran down streets from adjacent cities, storm drain channels that run
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through the City and in his view, the City could not stand alone because the City would become �T
a much easier target.
Mayor Clark pursued by stating tell me what we have to do to clean it up and that's what we will
do. These agreements we are entering into are everyone else's problems. Mr. Lewis stated he
wished he could answer that, but the problem was the regulatory scheme wasn't finished yet
and what was being done now was just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what they really want.
The environmentalists want to get there a lot faster and they want to have a lot more leverage
over cities to be able to force cities to do it. They want numeric, which he thought was a very
bad thing because it would be very difficult to achieve. Once a numeric level has been set, the
next thing they will do is start to lower the numeric level. He reiterated that it was going to be
very expensive and very costly and the residents of this state were going to have to decide how
much money they want to spend on this.
Council Member Ly expressed his view that if the city failed, it failed as a group meaning, we
all went in together, we all thought this was the best plan, the accepted plan, all the experts told
us it was the best plan and the State Board and the Regional Board was the ones that made the
mistake and were the ones that put the City in this position. It may not be a consolation and we
still may have to pay a price on that endeavor, but at least it was a shared price and it was
something where we all went in together. His concern was that if we go in alone, we might be
doing something that we do not know if it was a good plan or not and there might be bitter
consequences that comes with it. We talk about$100 million plus, and as stated by Mr. Lewis,
water comes from everywhere, and if they ding us for Temple City's particulates and yes we can
fight the State board and we can fight the environmentalists, but the cost of fighting them plus
the fines may not be $100 million, but if it was$15 million there goes the reserves in one hit and
he did not want to take that risk. While he understood Mayor Clark's concern, he would
propose the City continue doing what Mr. Lewis called the "easy stuff" and he felt the City
should continue doing the easy stuff like everyone is doing and continue to monitor. If it looked
like the State Board's and the Regional Board's actions decided the EWMPs were not doable,
then the City Council can come back at that time and make a determination then. He wanted to
stay the course and monitor to see if there were no unintended consequences from leaving
because it was his understanding that once the City left the group, it would be very difficult to
get back in.
Public Works Manager Sullivan said that that was his understanding confirming for Council
Member Ly that the City of West Covina prepared and individual plan, submitted it to the Board
for approval and their plan was ruled insufficient which meant they reverted back to the
alternative option of strict compliance of the permit as adopted including all numeric limitations.
The City of West Covina looked at that option versus the option of joining a EWMP group and
he understood that they joined an already established Enhanced Watershed Management
group in the upper San Gabriel Valley. He did not know what it cost West Covina to enter
because their Council hasn't taken action so he did not have an actual number but he heard it
was well into the six figures just for the development of the plan; that didn't include any of the
implementation but they have made an investment of over$100,000 just to get in on the
development.
Council Member Ly said the concern was that it would be much more expensive to get in .�
whereas if we stay in for now and continue to monitor; recognizing that Mayor Clark knows more
about storm water than anyone else on the Council. He felt the City needed to be risk adverse.
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Thereafter followed a brief discussion between Mayor Clark and Council Member Ly regarding
the cost to go back into the EWMP.
Mayor Clark said if the City was going to be in a group, she would rather be in a group that was
adjacent to the City so that if the projects were done, the City would be infiltrating the good
water into the San Gabriel Basin. More discussion ensued regarding the group the City was in,
and joining a group with Arcadia and some of the San Gabriel Cities.
Public Works Manager Sullivan noted the group the City was in was the largest EWMP group
there is and it was spearheaded by the City of Los Angeles and incorporates 17 cities and it did
stretch far to the west but it also encompasses every city that borders Rosemead with the
exception of El Monte. He listed the Cities included in the group: Alhambra, San Gabriel,
Temple City, South El Monte, Monterey Park, Montebello, Pasadena, South Pasadena, and all
the adjacent unincorporated Los Angeles County area.
Council Member Ly asked what it would cost to be associated with the EWMP group Arcadia
and some of the San Gabriel cities were in.
Mr. Sullivan advised he did not have the cost figures and he assumed that EWMP would
probably include Arcadia, Monrovia, and the adjacent cities along the foothills.
Mr. Kiepke advised Council that the Regional Board established the City's group because the
City drained to a common source, the Los Angeles River and although the City was a long way
away from the Los Angeles River, the Rio Hondo was the route the water took to get to the Los
Angeles River. The upper San Gabriel Group, which was adjacent to the City, drained into the
San Gabriel River and that group probably would not want the City in their group because that
would open them up to the Los Angeles River standards. The Los Angeles River has the metal
TMDL, bacteria TMDL and these TMDLS were not part of the San Gabriel River; and while they
were getting bacteria and metal, they do not have it now so it would introduce a level of
complications that that group would not want.
Mr. Kiepke, in response to Mayor Clark's query about researching which group would be better,
said that research could always be done but as mentioned all of the surrounding cities were in
the Upper Los Angeles River Watershed. He explained these cities drain to the same Rio
Hondo River that the City did. When a regional project was put together sometime in the future
because right now there was no funds involved. The City has not developed a Memorandum of
Understanding for implementing the EWMP. That would be something that would occur over
the next year while the Regional Board was reviewing and approving the proposed EWMP.
Mayor Clark confirmed that staff was not asking for . . .
Mr. Kiepke said there was no money Involved.
City Manager Allred added that tonight's action was to receive and file and a resolution to adopt
a Green Streets Best Management Practices Policy which the City needed to do anyway.
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Mayor Clark said the problem she had with the Resolution was the references to the EWMP. If "
those could be taken out because the implication was that the City was endorsing the EWMP
and she did not want to do that.
Council Member Ly stated that the City was in the EWMP and by that fact the City has
endorsed the EWMP.
Mayor Clark responded that she did not endorse the EWMP, she approved going in to see
what it was going to do and she specifically said she would like to be able to get out of this if we
wanted.
Council Member Ly argued that if there comes a time when the City decided that it did not want
to be in a EWMP at a later date, the Council could always go back and revise the resolution and
take out those portions of it. But until then the fact that we voted to join a EWMP means that we
endorsed the EWMP, that's the nature of being a part of something.
Mayor Pro Tern Armenta asked what the repercussions would be if the City withdrew.
Mr. Sullivan advised that if the City withdrew now, the City would be held by the Regional Board
to strict compliance with the permit as adopted (a binder which was about three inches thick)
which included a number of minimum control measures and a number of numeric limitations
regarding water quality standards that the City, on its own would be responsible for immediately,
plus the additional TMDLs that were encompassed in the EWMP that were assigned strictly to
the City of Rosemead. So we have the control measures, we have the numeric limits for ^^
monitoring standards as well as the four TMDLs the City was responsible for regardless of
whether the City participated in a EWMP based on the permit for four TMDLs that would require
extensive best management practices and expenses over the life of those TMDLs.
Mayor Pro Tern Armenta reminded the City Council that the City had two toxic plumes running
through the City which originated from the City of El Monte. As stated, storm water didn't have
boundaries nor does any other toxic plume or toxic water and that concerned her. How many
other times has the City joined other cities to fight the state or county? She felt in numbers, the
City could win; standing alone, the City can't. So let's remember the times that the City has
joined other entities to protect Rosemead and its residents and the tax base. Thereafter
followed a brief discussion regarding the toxic plumes in which Mayor Pro Tem advised that it
became the City's responsibility to clean up those plumes and it was done in partnership. In this
case the City would be standing alone and have to pay for all of this if the City did not join in
with others.
Mayor Clark said she wasn't necessarily saying the City should stand alone, she thought the
City could join another group and the City needed to look into it. She thought the group the City
was in was way too expensive and the City was taking on liability and pollution that the other
cities had that Rosemead did not and the City would be taking on their liability as well. The City
was only responsible for coliform, some of the bacteria, and the other cities have all kinds of
metals, and while joining them were we taking on their liability. That was concerning to her.
Mayor Pro Tern Armenta asked Mayor Clark what she would propose if the other entities
rejected the City and did not want the City to join them.
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Mayor Clark responded that she wasn't sure, possibly go back to this EWMP, she just did not
want to be going into this because she really did not think this was a good decision in light of the
fact the environmentalists were going to sue and the Regional Board may have to throw this out.
Council Member Ly said that if that happened, all the cities would be the same and reminded
her that even though the City was taking on their pollutants they were also taking on the City's
pollutants and the cost would be divided between all the cities. He said he was only
comfortable with staying in the EWMP; that he was willing to monitor and he was willing to learn
more about the other WMPs because the Council needed more information and more in depth
discussion about storm water issues since it was going to affect the City whether the City liked it
or not. For now, he was only comfortable with the City staying with this EWMP and continuing
on these items which we know so far are at a much lower cost than if the City went on its own.
The City also did not know the ramifications of joining another WMP.
ACTION: Council Member Ly moved to adopt Resolution No. 2015-38.
Mayor Clark asked if Mr. Ly would include in his motion to delete Item 4 in the resolution, "to
implement the Green Streets Best Management Practices according to the Enhanced
Watershed Management Plan and the USEPAs Managing Wet Weather with Green,
Infrastructure Municipal Handbook Green Streets."
Assistant City Manager/Acting Public Works Director Hawkesworth suggested the third
Whereas paragraph could be modified and changed to"the implementation of the MS 4 permit"
rather than "implementation of the Enhanced Watershed Management Plan."Then No 4 in the
Therefore clause would be changed to read, `The Public Works Department will implement the
Green Streets Best Management Practices according to the MS 4 permit and the USEPA's
Managing Wet Weather with Green Infrastructure Municipal Handbook Green sheets."
ACTION: Council Member Ly said he was comfortable with that, and after a brief discussion,
also modified the second Whereas to read, "The City of Rosemead elected to comply
with the provisions of the MS 4 Permit, and . . ." The next Whereas would read,
"Whereas the implementation of the MS 4 Permit requires cities . . " and the forth
part of the Therefore would change the "Enhanced Watershed Management Plan"to
the "MS 4 Permit." He restated his motion to approve Resolution No. 2015-38, as
amended, and also direct staff to bring back information on the other WMPs.
After some discussion as to whether receiving and filing the report would be committing the City
to the EWMP, City Attorney Richman clarified that the report was not committing the Council to
anything further than they have already committed. The report was about adopting the Green
Street policy and the background on the WMP.
Assistant City Manager/Acting Public Works Director Hawkesworth added that before this very
large document would be implemented and we would be on the hook to spend any money on it,
there would be a new MOU Council would have to approve before this is implemented. So we
were not obligating ourselves tonight to implementing this EWMP. We're just continuing on
through the development and draft process. He reiterated there would be another MOU before
implementation that the Council would have to take action on.
Council Member Ly asked when staff thought the document would come before the Council.
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Mr. Sullivan advised that the draft was being submitted to the Board prior to the end of this
month and staff was anticipating, based on their review and comment period as well as the
public comment period, it would be a year before the document would be approved by the
Regional Board.
Mr. Kiepke in response to Mayor Pro Tern Armenta's question as to whether the City would be
incurring any additional costs by approving the resolution, stated the City was not incurring any
more fees on the EWMP. The City paid the$16.000 and that was the City's obligation for the
EWMP. In June of last year they submitted the Coordinated Integrated Monitoring Plan that the
City was obliged to do one way or another, individually, or as a group and that was being
approved by the Regional Board at this time. The City of Los Angeles will have an
Implementation Plan for that. He believed it was for the group as a whole, with the City paying
1.8%or whatever the percentage of the City of Rosemead's obligation was, and that fee would
be approximately$4 million over the next three years.
Mr. Hawkesworth added that this had to be done by the City regardless of whether the City was
alone or part of the group. The City had to do that. In response to Mayor pro Tern Armenta's
inquiry that the City would not have to pay any more fees as part of the EWMP, Mr.
Hawkesworth stated that was correct; but the City would still have to continue to do storm water
projects such as the catch basins, clarifying that the City would not spend any more on this but
we will continue to spend money on other things the city was required to do.
ACTION: Mayor Pro Tern Armenta seconded the previous made motion. The motion "s
unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Council
Member Alarcon, Council Member Low, Council Member Ly, Mayor Pro . .�
Tern Armenta, and Mayor Clark.
B. Adoption of the City of Rosemead Appropriations Limit
Recommendation: That the City Council approve Resolution No. 2015-36, entitled: A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA,
ADOPTING AN APPROPRIATION LIMIT FOR THE 2015-16 FISCAL YEAR
City Manager Allred advised the City Council that the annual appropriation limit for the
upcoming fiscal year was $41 million and the appropriations that were subject to the limit were
only$15 million. The City was under the limit by$26 million and was well within the constraints
of the appropriation limit.
ACTION: Council Member Ly moved, and seconded by Council Member Low, to approve
Resolution No. 2015-36. The motion unanimously carried by the following roll
call vote: AYES: Council Member Alarcon, Council Member Low, Council
Member Ly, Mayor Pro Tern Armenta, and Mayor Clark.
C. Adoption of the 2015-16 Fiscal Year Budget
Recommendation: That the City Council: (1) Approve Resolution No. 2015-30, entitled: A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA,
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ADOPTING THE ANNUAL OPERATING AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET FOR
THE 2015-16 FISCAL YEAR, and (2)Approve Resolution No. 2015-06, entitled: A
RESOLUTION OF THE ROSEMEAD HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
ADOPTING THE ANNUAL OPERATING AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET FOR
THE 2015-16 FISCAL YEAR
City Manager Allred advised that following the budget workshop staff implemented the changes
the City Council asked staff to make and the budget was being presented for approval. He
described each of the changes made to the budget as a result of Council's direction in the
workshop.
Council Member Ly noted that skateboard development of$500,000 out of RDA bond
proceeds and asked if staff anticipated revising this amount due to increasing costs.
Assistant City Manager/Acting Public Works Director Hawkesworth replied that in speaking with
the consultant when the Request for Proposal was prepared, he was confident that that was a
workable number.
City Manager Allred summarized by stating that it was a very good budget with a surplus that
would be transferred into capital projects.
ACTION: Council Member Ly moved, and seconded by Council Member Low, to approve
Resolution No. 2015-30 the Annual Operating and Capital Improvement Budget.
The motion unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Council
Member Alarcon, Council Member Low, Council Member Ly, Mayor Pro
Tem Armenta, and Mayor Clark.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Ly, and seconded by Council Member Low, to adopt
Resolution No. 2015-06 the Housing Development Corporation Annual Operating
and Capital Improvement Budget. The motion unanimously carried by the
following roll call vote: AYES: Council Member Alarcon, Council Member
Low, Council Member Ly, Mayor Pro Tem Armenta, and Mayor Clark.
D. Adopt Urgency Ordinance No 953 Amending Municipal Code Section 13.04
concerning water Conservation
Recommendation: That the City Council: (1) Adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 953, entitled:
AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTERS 13.04.040, 13.04.050, 13.04.060 AND 13.04.080
OF THE ROSEMEAD MUNICIPAL CODE CONCERNING WATER CONSERVATION, and
(2) Approve Resolution No. 2015-24, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA DECLARING A PHASE III WATER
SHORTAGE WITH MANDATORY WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES
Assistant City Manager/Acting Public Works Director Hawkesworth reminded the City Council
that in November 2014 the Council adopted a resolution implementing a Phase II Water
Shortage. On April 1, 2015, Governor Brown issued an Executive Order mandating additional
water conservation of 25% statewide compared to 2013 usage figures. Based on those
Rosemead City Council. Housing Development Corporation,
and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community
Development Commission Joint Meeting
Minutes of June 9, 2015
Page 21 of 24
requirements and staffs recent meetings with the six water purveyors in the City of Rosemead,
it was determined that the code section regarding water conservation for Sections 13.04 were
not sufficient to meet the Governor's requirements. As such, staff was proposing an urgency
Ordinance No. 953 Amending Chapters13.04.040, 13.04.050, 13.04.060 and 13.04.080 of the
City's regulations to make them stricter to be in compliance with the Governor's regulation
requirements and working in partnership with the water companies.
He said part of the ordinance required the adoption of a resolution and staff was recommending
approval of Resolution No. 2015-24 declaring a Phase Ill water shortage with mandatory water
conservation measures. The key point of Stage Ill water conservation was to reduce irrigation
down to two days per week. Staff was proposing that even numbered addresses be allowed to
water on Mondays and Thursdays and odd numbered addresses be allowed to water on
Tuesdays and Fridays. He said staff has worked to the best of their ability to make the City's
regulations match the regulations of the water companies; and the regulations would match five
of the six companies. San Gabriel Valley Water Company was proposing even addresses on
Monday and Wednesday and odd addresses on Tuesday and Thursday. He explained to
Council why staff did not propose San Gabriel Valley Water Company's regulations. Thereafter
followed a brief discussion about the City receiving complaints about water violations and the
actions staff was taking when residents violate the regulations.
Joy Garnett addressed the City Council advising that she attended a Cal AM Water meeting on
May 20'" and several water companies were there. At that meeting it was announced that the
water companies were implementing Phase II of the Governor's plan on June 1s'. She
mentioned she spoke to Sean Sullivan last week who advised her that the City would Implement
Stage II and if the 25% reduction was not met by October of this year, the City would implement
Stage Ill. She expressed her concern because she had a large piece of property and has quit
watering the parkway on Arica. All the City planted along the parkway were dying. She asked
why the City was implementing Stage III now rather than October.
City Manager Allred informed Ms. Garnett that the City's Phase III occurred when the City's
purveyors were notified that a conservation of more than 20% was required. Thereafter
followed a lengthy conversation between Ms. Garnett, staff, and the City Council regarding the
trees along the parkway, Ms. Garnett being erroneously cited for washing her car on the grass
four years ago, and never receiving reimbursement for the citation, where it was posted that
Phase Ill allowed watering two days a week, and the reason the City recommended washing
cars at the car wash.
A discussion ensued between Mayor Pro Tem Armenta and staff regarding notification letters
being sent to the school district directing the school district to the City's website for information
and the information not being available on the website.
Brian Lewin addressed the Council stating more outreach needed to be done especially
translating the requirements into various languages. He mentioned some issues that needed to
be clarified such as watering on an allowable day when it rained the day before and more
information as to whom to contact when water leaks or wasted water was identified by a --
resident.
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and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community
Development Commission Joint Meeting
Minutes of June 9, 2015
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In response to Council Member Low's question regarding fire hydrants, City Manager Allred
explained that the regulations were limiting the use of fire hydrants for fighting fires only and
prohibiting flushing fire hydrants during the drought.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Low, and seconded by Council Member Ly, to adopt
Urgency Ordinance No. 953. City Attorney Richman Read Ordinance No. 953
into the record as follows: AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD,CALIFORNIA, AMENDING
CHAPTERS 13.04.040, 13.04.050, 13.04.060 AND 13.04.080 OF THE
ROSEMEAD MUNICIPAL CODE CONCERNING WATER CONSERVATION.
The motion unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Council
Member Alarcon, Council Member Low, Council Member Ly, Mayor Pro
Tem Armenia, and Mayor Clark.
ACTION: Moved by Council member Ly, and seconded by Council Member Low, to adopt
Resolution No. 2015-24. The motion unanimously carried by the following roll
call vote: AYES: Council Member Alarcon, Council Member Low, Council
Member Ly, Mayor Pro Tern Armenta, and Mayor Clark.
7. MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL
Council Member Low ended the teleconference at 11:02 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Armenta announced that she attended a Latino Policy Forum last Saturday
regarding technology stating that the City of Rosemead was ahead of most cities in technology
because of Granicus and Rosemead Around the Clock. She advised there were links on the
City's webpage that go to a blank page when clicked and asked if those links could be removed.
She asked staff to look at the young trees that were planted throughout the City. She noticed
several of those trees were leaning and were not growing straight. She expressed concerned
about the trees as they matured.
Council Member Ly asked for an update on the cart containment program for the shopping
centers. He continued to see shopping carts on the streets and especially those belonging to
Rosemead Market. He wanted to see what the City was doing in terms of enforcing the
containment program.
Mayor Pro Tem Armenta announced that the Beautification Committee Clean Up would be
held on Saturday, June 27`h, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon at the Savanah Cemetery, contingent on
whether or not there was enough volunteers. Lunch would be provided.
Council Member Ly advised this would be his last meeting in person. He would be calling in for
the next meeting after which he would be leaving for training with the U.S. Army for a couple of
months.
Rosemead City CounciL Housing Development Corporation,
and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community
Development Commission Joint Meeting
Minutes of June 9, 2015
Page 23 of 24
8. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Clark adjourned the `
meeting at 11:10 p.m. The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled to take place on
June 23, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the Rosemead City Hall Council Chamber.
It awl
Carol Cowley, In • im City Cleo'
APPROVED:
v
Margare lark, Mayor
Rosemead City Council. Housing Development Corporation,
and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community
Development Commission Joint Meeting
Minutes of June 9,2015
Page 24 of 24