CC - Minutes - 02-14-17 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL,HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION AND THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE
ROSEMEAD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
FEBRUARY 14,2017
Workshop
The workshop meeting of the Rosemead City Council was called to order by Mayor Armenta at
6:04 p.m. in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard,
Rosemead, California.
PRESENT: Mayor Armenta, Mayor Pro Tern Low, Council Members Alarcon, Clark, and Ly
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Maths, City Attorney Richman, Assistant City Manager
McKinney, Director of Community Development Ramirez, Director of Finance Lieu, Director of
Parks and Recreation Chacon, Director of Public Works Garcia, and City Clerk Donohue
Council Member Ly requested to add an emergency item under Matters from Council to discuss
and take action to send a letter regarding Assembly Bill 287 Holden. The proposed bill by
Assembly Member Holden bans the tunnel option for the 1-710 freeway.
City Attorney Richman clarified the item would be added to the agenda as an emergency item
because an action was being requested prior to the next council meeting and staff became aware
of the issue after the agenda was posted.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Ly and seconded by Council Member Clark to add
emergency item AB 278 Holden to Matters from City Council on the agenda. The motion carried
by the following vote: AYES: Alarcon, Armenta, Clark, Low,Ly
1. WORKSHOP
A. Rosemead Chamber of Commerce Business Plan
Robert Oehler, President of Rosemead Chamber of Commerce presented a
PowerPoint presentation requesting a one-time grant of $200,000. The grant
would allow the Rosemead Chamber of Commerce to stabilize and increase its
capacity. He talked about the Rosemead Chamber of Commerce enhancing
community and education activities, serving as a visitor-tourism center,
facilitating business relations and business deals within the city, promoting the
quality of economic development, and serving as a liaison agent within the San
Gabriel Region. In addition, the Rosemead Chamber of Commerce could assist on
the Military Banner program.
Mayor Armenta informed Mr. Oehler, in the past the Chamber of Commerce was
in charge of the military banner program before the program dissolved.
Rosemead City Council, Housing Development Corporation and the Successor Agency
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Minutes of February 14, 2017
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Mr. Oehler continued with the presentation adding the Rosemead Chamber of ..-..
Commerce also desires to develop a Business Improvement District.
Paul Chen, Board of Director for the Rosemead Chamber of Commerce added the
Chamber would like to be involved with the banner program to assist families in
paying for the military banners through fundraising efforts with local businesses.
Mayor Armenta reiterated in previous years the Rosemead Chamber of
Commerce coordinated the banner program by having local businesses sponsor
the banners. The banner program dissolved at one point, therefore the City
decided to take the program back.
Mayor Pro Tem Low asked what the financial status of the Rosemead Chamber of
Commerce was.
Mr. Chen replied the Chamber of Commerce has had a deficit of $29,000 in the
last five years.
Mr. Oehler added the cumulative debt for the past five years is less than
$100,000. The financial profile for the current fiscal year had a total gross income
of$141,000 with expenses of$171,156 resulting in a$29,236 deficit.
Ray Jan, Executive Director for the Rosemead Chamber of Commerce stated the
events and programs being proposed in the coming years are professional
development, workshops in a foreign language to assist the business community,
larger scale resource fair,job fair, training for business members and community
members. A health fair is being proposed to cater to the Rosemead community, as
well as a street fair to highlight the hospitality industry, restaurant industry, and
their services.
Mayor Armenta asked Mr. Oehler what the expected return was for the city from
the requested grant.
Mr. Oehler replied there may be no monetary profits, but increase in quality
issues such as transportation services. Furthermore, meetings with hotels and
motel owners indicated adding stops at shopping centers, would make it more
attractive for tourists staying in the city.
Ms. Jan explained tourists from China are shuttled or bussed to Focus Plaza in the
City of San Gabriel. The Chamber of Commerce would like to assist business
establishments like the Square Supermarket to create a welcome package for
tourists and facilitate communications with bus operators to bring guests to shop
and spend money in the city.
Mayor Armenta inquired if the proposal from the Chamber of Commerce ^�
included the use of a city shuttle.
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Ms. Jan answered affirmatively, with the possibility of adding an additional stop
near a motel.
Mayor Pro Tem Low stated the use of a city shuttle could increase cost to the
city.
Mr. Chen explained to the Council in order to add additional stops using a city
shuttle, the Chamber of Commerce would have to expand its resources and staff
for the proposal to work.
Mayor Armenta expressed concerns on granting the Chamber of Commerce
request for funding and adding shuttle stops at motels or hotels. She asked for an
explanation on how the Chamber of Commerce would coordinate hotel stops.
Mr. Chen stated in order to embark on bigger projects the Chamber of Commerce
would have to expand its resources.
Mayor Armenta expressed concerns if the Chamber of Commerce would fall back
into a financial deficit in the next five years.
Mr. Oehler stated ifs the obligation of the Chamber of Commerce to improve its
performance with the additional capacity and reduce the structural deficit.
Mayor Armenta requested the Chamber of Commerce to provide additional
detailed information on their financial numbers and provide a plan on how they
would operate with the grant to maintain financial liability.
Council Member Ly stated the City and residents could benefit if the Chamber of
Commerce does an overall structure of the development of a visitor and
convention bureau. He suggested the Chamber of Commerce to demonstrate how
they are going to spur economic development, tourism, visitors lodging at hotels
to increase revenue on transient occupancy tax; and or increase sales tax revenue.
He continued to explain the City is located thirty minutes from major attractions
and has a dense Asian population which attracts more tourism. He also
recommended the Chamber of Commerce to speak with people in China and or
people in Taiwan who are business owners who may have the capacity to build
hotels. The shuttle idea is a good idea for the city to invest; however, there needs
to be more information than just the plan to hire two more people.
Mayor Pro 'fern Low asked Mr. Oehler if part of the grant request was going to be
used to pay off debt. She expressed concerns with seeing payroll expenses of
$150,000 and not leaving much money to work with.
Mr. Oehler replied there would be a reserve of$50,000 which would be used to
pay some of the debt.
Rosemead City Council Housing Development Corporation and the Successor Agency
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Mr. Chen stated the professional staff would be staggered depending on how
much additional capacity is needed; in addition, they would help build additional
money generating events.
Ms. Jan explained the additional professionals will be dedicated full-time
employees to help create the hospitality program to build up the visitor center.
One person will go to each member and help them with marketing. The other
professional will focus on plans for current business members. Ms. Jan stated the
Chamber of Commerce could submit a new proposal with more information
before the Council at a future meeting.
Mayor Armenta advised the Chamber of Commerce to consider a business plan to
detail how they will use the grant. A business plan would allow the Council to
explain to the community what the city is investing in.
Council Member Ly stated the concept was worth the investment because it
would involve economic development, a key item in the City's Strategic Plan. He
reiterated the key success for the Chamber of Commerce and economic
development is the ability to push on hospitality and tourism because we have
location and demographics.
Mayor Pro Tern Low noted the items proposed by the Chamber of Commerce are
similar to what the City already does with economic development.
City Manager Manis described the Chamber of Commerce as a membership
organization and the City is a service driven organization. The city's goal is to go
out and speak with companies and do business retention and business
development outreach; as well as helping to solve safety issues or potholes in
front of a business. While the Chamber of Commerce supplements services, as far
as networking and serving the business community.
Mayor Armenta stated the City Council needs more information to justify the
Chamber of Commerce funding request. She suggested to Mr. Oehler to include
more detailed information on the presentation.
Mayor Pro Tem Low advised the Chamber of Commerce to have a low risk plan
to be successful.
Council Member Clark asked the Chamber of Commerce if they have done any
polling of the business district.
Mr. Chen replied polling businesses would be part of the projects to do if the
grant request is given.
Mr. Oehler thanked the City Council and stated the Chamber of Commerce would
come back with additional details and address the City Council's comments.
Mayor Armenta ended the workshop and recessed the meeting at 7:03 p.m.
Rosemead City Council, Housing Development Corporation and the SSuccessor Agency
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Minutes of February 14, 2017
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RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING
7:00 PM.
The regular joint meeting of the Rosemead City Council, Housing Development Corporation and
Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission was called to order by Mayor
Armenta at 7:10 p.m. in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley
Boulevard, Rosemead, California.
PRESENT: Mayor/Chair/President Armenta, Mayor Pro Tern/Vice-Chair/ Vice-President Low,
Council Members/Board Members/Directors Alarcon, Clark, and Ly
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Mayor Pro Tern Low
INVOCATION was led by Councilmember Ly
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Monis, City Attorney Richman, Assistant City Manager
McKinney, Director of Community Development Ramirez, Director of Finance Lieu, Director of
Parks and Recreation Chacon, Director of Public Works Garcia, and City Clerk Donohue
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
Inez Juaregui recommended requiring pet owners to spay and neuter their dogs.
She also suggested fundraising money to assist in improving the Public Safety
Center's animal control truck which only has a cage on the back.
Mayor Armenia advised Ms. Juaregui to speak to Assistant City Manager
McKinney, who oversees the Public Safety Center,to address her concerns.
Ms. Juaregui reiterated her suggestion to mandate residents to have their pets
spayed and neutered.
Mayor Armenta explained to Ms. Juaregui staff will speak to the City Attorney to
look into the city's current animal ordinance and to possibly survey the public.
Ms. Juaregui stated she could assist in surveying residents to collect the necessary
signatures.
Dr. Edward Zinuga, Superintendent to the El Monte Union High School District
introduced himself and commended the City for their continued support on
programs such as the School Resources Officer. He invited the City Council to the
Los Angeles Philharmonic music event hosted by the El Monte Union High
School District at Rosemead High School on March 196
.
Council Member Ly welcomed Superintended Zuniga to the El Monte Union
School District and commended Rosemead High School teacher Eric Bridges on
the achievements with the Academic Decathlon team winning various medals.
Mayor Armenta stated the City would like to recognize the students in the future.
Rosemead City Council, Housing Development Corporation and the Successor Agency
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Minutes of February 14, 2017
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Heather Shotke, teacher at Muscatel Middle School invited the City Council to
their Gram March Festival on March 4th at Rosemead Park.
Mayor Pro Tern Low thanked Ms. Shotke for her work with the students on the
importance of written communication.
Daniel Luevanos, representing One Legacy Donate Life, spoke on the importance
of organ donation and procurement. He stated one person can save the life of
eight people and enhance the lives of fifty or more people by tissue and
eye donations. He invited the public to attend the run/walk event on April 29th, as
part of Donor Awareness Month. He thanked the City Council for their support to
the organization.
James Berry, resident, spoke on the illegal dumping of bulky items on public
right-of ways. He asked if the city could identify key areas of popular illegal
dumping sites and maybe have the Beautification Committee more involved in the
process. In addition, he addressed the increase of abandoned shopping carts in
public areas.
Mayor Armenta stated she had previously spoken to staff about the ongoing issue
of abandoned shopping carts. She added that the Parking Enforcement Officer
following the street sweeper during street sweeping days, should be reporting any
abandoned shopping carts.
Mr. Berry explained he reports abandoned shopping carts via the city's website.
In addition, he addressed the lack of reporting bulky item pick-up at residential
streets.
Mayor Armenta reiterated when parking enforcement should be addressing any
abandoned shopping carts left on the streets during street sweeping routes. Ms.
Armenta requested staff to look into the Target shopping carts being removed
from their property.
City Manager Manis stated the staff has implemented a program to clean up
public right-of-ways and will focus on picking-up abandoned shopping carts.
Mayor Armenta suggested reminding the public there are fines associated with
taking shopping carts from commercial properties.
John Lowrey shared his concerns on the attempt to eliminate Wal-Mart's annual
review. The Planning Commission voted four to one to keep Wal-Mart's annual
review and he inquired as to why the City was considering eliminating the review
condition.
3. PRESENTATIONS-None _-..
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Rosemead City Council, Housing Development Corporation and the Successor Agency
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Minutes of February 14, 2077
Page 6 of 16
A. Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2017-18 Annual Action Plan for Federally-
Funded Programs
Recommendation: That the City Council conduct a public hearing and take public
testimony on the Annual Action Plan covering the period July 1, 2017—June 30,
2018. No further City Council action is necessary.
Community Development Director Ramirez reported the public hearing was being
held to allow citizens input into the city's Annual Action Plan for Federally
Funded Programs. In addition, the city has been advised by the U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development to expect a decrease in funding on home
allocations for the upcoming fiscal year.
Mayor Armenta opened the Public Hearing at 7:57 p.m.
Steve Cooper with Rio Hondo Community Development Corporation stated they
have partnered with the City since 2008 and hopes to continue working with the
City to provide low income housing to residents.
Chancela Al-Mansour with the Housing Rights Center thanked the City for the
ongoing funding support to assist landlords and tenants on their rights and
responsibilities under Fair Housing laws.
Mayor Pro Tem Low asked staff how much CDBG and HOME funding would be
decreased for the next fiscal year.
Community Development Director Ramirez stated the Federal Government has
not released any information. She stated staff would be working with the current
funding numbers and if the funding amount received is less than the current
amount, an amendment would be submitted before the Council for a new Annual
Action Plan to HUI).
Mayor Armenta closed the public hearing at 8:00 p.m.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Claims and Demands
• Resolution No. 2017-03
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS
AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $632,221.57 NUMBERED
95114 THROUGH NUMBER 95238 INCLUSIVELY, WHICII IS
ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2017-03
Rosemead City Council, Housing Development Corporation and the Successor Agency
to the Rosemead Community Development Commission.Joint Meeting
Minutes of February 14, 2017
Page 7of16
• Resolution No. 2017-03 SA
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD AS THE
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE ROSEMEAD COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND
DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $2,000. NUMBERED 10201
INCLUSIVELY, WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AND
MADE A PART HEREOF
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2017-03 SA
• Resolution No. 2017-03 RHDC
A RESOLUTION OF THE ROSEMEAD HOUSING
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ALLOWING CERTAIN
CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $207,800.00
NUMBERED 1588 TIIROUGII NUMBER 1589 INCLUSIVELY,
WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART
HEREOF
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2017-03 RHDC
B. City Council Meeting Minutes
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the minutes from the regular
meeting on January 24, 2017.
C. Rosemead Park Pedestrian Lighting Project—Award of Contract
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve the plans and specifications for the Rosemead Park Pedestrian
Lighting Project; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Green Giant
Landscape, Inc. as the lowest responsive bidder in the amount of$429,000. In
addition, authorize an amount of$42,900 (10%) as a contingency to cover the
cost of unforeseen construction expenses.
D. Temporary Appointment to Los Angeles County Sanitation District No. 15 Board
of Directors
Recommendation: That the City Council appoint Councilmember Margaret Clark
as the temporary alternate representative on the Los Angeles County Sanitation
District No. 15 Board of Directors for the meeting on January 25,2017.
Rosemead City Council, Housing Development Corporation and the Successor Agency
to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting
Minutes of February 14, 2017
Page 8 of 16
E. Consideration of a Resolution Urging Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit
Authority to Ensure Jobs for Rosemead Residents Considering the Passage of
Measure M
Recommendation: That the City Council (1) adopt Resolution No. 2017-04,
urging Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority to ensure jobs for
Rosemead residents considering the passage of Measure M; and(2) Direct staff to
transmit an executed copy of the resolution to the Metro Chief Executive Officer,
Philip A. Washington and his administrative staff members
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, STRONGLY URGING LOS
ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN IRANSIT
AUTHORITY TO ENSURE JOBS FOR ROSEMEAD
RESIDENTS CONSIDERING THE PASSAGE OF MEASURE
M
F. Beverage Container Recycling Payment Program Application
Recommendation: That the City Council approve Resolution No. 2017-05,
authorizing the submittal of a Beverage Container Recycling Payment Program
Application to the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery.
A RESOLUTION OF TAE CITY COUNCIL OF 7HE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE
SUBMITTAL OF A BEVERAGE CONTAINER RECYCLING
CITY/COUNTY PAYMENT PROGRAM APPLICATION AND
RELATED AUTHORIZATIONS
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Ly and seconded by Council Member
Alarcon to approved Consent Calendar Items 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, and 5F. The
motion unanimously carried by the following vote: AYES: Alarcon, Armenta,
Clark,Low,Ly
6. MATTERS FROM CITY MANAGER& STAFF
A. Rosemead Skate Plaza—Additional Improvements
Recommendation: That the City Council approves Option 1 for the installation of
landscape and appurtenances in the area around the perimeter of the Skate Plaza.
Public Works Director Garcia reported the original plans for the Skate Plaza did
not include landscaping, only turf around the skate plaza. The newly installed
iron fence changed the grounds of the plaza; stats therefore is proposing
additional landscape.
Rosemead City Council, Housing Development Corporation and the Successor Agency
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Minutes of February 14, 2017
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City Engineer Fajardo described option 1 to include drought tolerant landscape, .-..
synthetic turf, a bench, and garbage enclosures; which cost approximately
$40,000. He suggested using a tree funding of $20,625 for the proposed
improvements. Secondly, staff proposed installing concrete as option 2; however
there are further liability concerns.
Council Member Ly stated he has been thanked by residents and skaters utilizing
the skate plaza. He stated installing trash cans, concrete or turf would make the
skate plaza safer for the public. He expressed concerns with installing benches
within the skate area which could potentially be used as obstacles. In addition,
installing foliage could get destroyed by the public use of the skate plaza.
City Manager Manis explained staff is proposing to install Mondeo grass, a
clumpy type of foliage which could be stepped on and hold on better than
shrubbery.
Council Member Ly asked if by installing the wrought iron fence, staff did not
anticipate there being a buffer on the skate plaza.
Public Works Director Garcia clarified the addition of the wrought iron fence
increased the slopes around the skate plaza.
City Engineer Fajardo replied the wrought iron fence is approximately the same ..a.
distance from the original proposed fence. He explained staff encountered an
issue with the fence distance and trying to avoid the roots of the Jacaranda tree; ,.., .
therefore, relocated the fence further around from the skate plaza, which was not
taken in consideration from the original design.
Mayor Pro Tern Low agreed with Council Member Ly on option l; however not
to include the benches on the skate plaza.
Council Member Clark also agreed with option 1 and requested to not include the
Thornless Agave as part of the landscape.
Mayor Armenta expressed there is a high lability on the proposed benches in the
skate plaza. She asked how much experience the landscape architect has with
working with skate plazas and the design cost.
City Engineer Fajardo replied he believed the landscape architect did not have any
experience working on skate plazas and the cost of the design was $1,300.
Mayor Armenta stated she requested information of the skate plaza which she
received the day of the City Council meeting. She addressed according to changes
in orders the contractor went over the 100 days of completing the project and
there is no certificate of completion filed. She suggested staff look into colleting ^'
liquidated damages of $500 a day from the contractor, which could potentially
pay for any additions on the skate plaza. •
Rosemead City Council, Housing Development Corporation and the Successor Agency
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Minutes of February 14, 2017
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Mayor Pro Tern Low asked why the skate plaza designer did not include
landscape designs in addition to the original design.
Public Work Director Garcia replied the skate plaza designer only worked on
what was included in the contract of the design of the skate plaza.
Mayor Armenta specified enclosed skate plazas do not have any vegetation and
the enclosed fence is usually right next to the skate plaza. In addition, she asked
City Attorney Richman, if without a certificate of completion, could staff
calculate how much liquidated damages the construction company owes the City.
City Attorney Richman explained liquidated damages requires the City to file a
certificate of completion. In addition, when the work has ended on a project for a
certain period, such as 60 days, you could run the days as far as what is
considered delayed.
Mayor Armenta asked if it's common in other agencies to have change orders
with added days so the contractor is not penalized.
City Attorney replied she could not speak to that because she does not review
change orders.
Council Member Ly explained a Gantt chart is used to know the timeline of a
project to complete. Once you have a critical path, theoretically you could see
how long a project should take to complete. Issues could arise when there are
change orders and the critical path gets changed, you have to account for the
additional days you have to complete the project.
Mayor Armenta referenced a change order for the wrought iron fence, stating the
contractor did not add days to the change order to complete the installation; as a
result they owe the city. She suggested collecting liquidated damages of$50,000
which could he put back into the skate plaza and go with an option proposed by
staff without the benches. She asked staff of the total cost of the skate plaza up to
date and if it was all public record.
City Engineer Fajardo replied he only has the total construction cost of the skate
plaza, which is, $517,118.20 and would get back to Council with the complete
cost of the entire project, which is available for public review.
City Attorney Richman explained under the Public Records Act staff has ten days
to reply to requests with the understanding that staff may be working on other
projects and reviewing the requested information to make sure it is disclosable.
Mayor Armenta requested staff look into liquidated damages and see how much
the City could get back from the construction contractor. Lastly, staff was asked
to provide to the total cost of the project.
Rosemead City Council, Housing Development Corporation and the Successor Agency
to the Rosemead Community Development Commission.Joint Meeting
Minutes of February 14, 2017
Page II 04 16
City Attorney Richman clarified to the City Council she would look into Mayor
Armenta's request and bring back information before the City Council at a closed ..�
session meeting.
Council Member Ly agreed with Mayor Armenta to pursue the liquidated damage
and suggested the council choose the option staff is proposing for the skate plaza.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Ly and seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Low
to select option 1 with the exception of the benches, Thornless Agave foliage, and
directed the City Attorney to review the construction contract,timeline and report
options to pursue liquidated damages. The motion unanimously carried by the
following vote: AYES: Alarcon,Armenta,Clark,Low, Ly
7. MATTERS FROM MAYOR& CITY COUNCIL
A. Parks Commission Ordinance(Requested By Councilmember Ly)
This item is presented to the City Council at the request of Councilmember Ly.
Councilmember Ly would like to discuss Parks Commission options with the City
Council.
Council Member Ly stated in the last twenty years the City has only had one new
park come to fruition. The community averages .5 acres of park space for every a—.
1,000 residents when the recommended average acres per park space are four to
live acres per every 1,000 residents. He explained both the city's regional parks may.
Garvey Park and Rosemead Park are used over capacity and there is opportunity
to increase park space within the City.
Mr. Ly proposed to create a Parks Commission to focus on identifying potential
park space and park amenities. For example, the Commission could discuss open
areas from Southern California Edison right-of ways. There are vacant lands such
as in Hellman Avenue and Stallo Avenue with two open lot areas which are not in
use. The Commission could also discuss joint agreements with school districts, in
addition to needed amenities such as a dog park. Iie reiterated a Parks
Commission is needed to foster and develop recommendation to the City Council
on park projects.
Mayor Armenta asked if the proposed Parks Commission would be a paid
commission.
Council Member Ly recommended the five member commission receive a stipend
like the Traffic Commission and only meet once a month.
Mayor Armenta suggested the Beautification Committee, which has been in
existence since 2013, be considered as a commission as well.
Council Member Ly expressed support and suggested the City Council could
discuss the Beautification Committee at a future meeting.
Rosemead City Council, Housing Development Corporation and the Successor Agency
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Minutes of February 14, 2017
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Mayor Pro Tern Low asked if there were additional duties Mr. Ly envisioned for
the Parks Commission and suggested to include the Beautification Committee to
also focus on parks.
Council Member Ly replied the Parks Commission would work on identifying
park space and park amenities. However, the Beautification Committee does a lot
in the City on Beautification projects. Mr. Ly spoke about a previous meeting
where Council spoke to Southern California Edison representative about lighting
poles, cleaning right-of ways, and Jay Imperial Park. If the City had a commission
properly staffed, those items would be talked about monthly. He requested to
direct staff to bring back a draft ordinance to amend the municipal code to include
the Parks Commission as a five member board, two year stagger term and meet
once a month.
Mayor Armenta also requested staff to look into changing the Beautification
Committee to a Commission.
Council Member Clark suggested in expanding the duties of the Beautification
Committee,rather than creating a separate Commission. She requested staff bring
back more information on the commission topic.
Mayor Pro Tem Low asked Council Member Ly if residents would address the
Parks Commission for items related to recreation centers or recreation programs.
Council Member Ly replied the Parks Commission would only focus on open
spaces.
Council Member Clark stated park information would require staff to conduct
research and a commission would not be in direct contact with Southern
California Edison to discuss items.
Council Member Ly reiterated the Commission would serve as an advisory board
like the Traffic Commission and the Council will make the final decisions. The
Commission will have perspectives as residents of Rosemead.
Mayor Pro Tern Low asked for clarification between a commission and a
committee.
Mayor Armenia explained a committee does not follow the Brown Act or Roberts
Rule of Order and it's a more informal board. For example, the Beautification
Committee has their own bylaws they follow.
City Attorney Richman stated it is important to know if there will be a committee
or a commission because the Brown Act will apply to a commission. The law
looks at a group to see if they are subject to the Brown Act and how formal of an
organization it is. To show it is a commission subject to the Brown Act, it is
required to codify and give specific responsibilities.
Rosemead City Council, Housing Development Corporation and the Successor Agency
to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting
Minutes of Februaty 14, 2017
Page 13 of 16
Mayor Armenia stated since the Beautification Committee posts agendas and has „T
bylaws they should qualify as a commission.
City Attorney Richman explained the law looks at the actual responsibilities that -
have been delegated to the commission under the municipal code. The
Beautification Committee goes out to the community as volunteers. Typically, a
commission or ad-hoc committee is given specific direction, they meet in a
designated place, take public comment, and give final actions or advice to the
City Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Low suggested having a Parks Committee first, rather than a
Parks Commission.
Council Member Ly stated it was important to address park deficiency in the city
by forming a Parks Commission. He added the increase in mixed-use
developments do not have yards or parks like amenities. Also, the Development
Impact Fees collected, there is a potential to buy more park space now rather than
later.
Council Member Clark suggested starting with a parks ad-hoc committee and
requested Council Member Ly provide a list of the items involving the Parks
Commission.
Council Member Ly stated the Parks and Recreation Department would be in
charge of the Parks Commission. „.
Mayor Armenta noted it took three years to get a good Beautification Committee
on board. She added people are more willing to invest more of an effort, if they
are given a stipend.
Mayor Pro Tem Low suggested Council Member Ly work with staff to provide a
list of more responsibilities for the commission and asked if an agenda would be
produced by the commission.
Council Member Ly stated discussing potential park space and park amenities
will take a lot of the Commission's time. Staff or commissioners will bring items
to the commission to discuss, as well as residents.
Council Member Clark expressed concerns about the potential of a commissioner
speaking to the school district about partnering on the Duff School property.
Council Member Ly clarified negotiating with the school district is a duty that is
performed by the City Manager. He explained when he got elected to the City
Council, everything became an opportunity to promote and improve the
community.
Council Member Clark requested staff to bring back more information on options
of commissions versus ad-hoc committees.
Rosemead City Council, Housing Development Corporation and the Successor Agency
to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting
Minutes of February 14, 2017
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City Manager Manis reiterated staff would bring more information back on
different options as far as a commission versus an ad-hoc and outline the duties.
Mayor Pro Tem Low expressed concern on creating a new commission, because
sometimes there are people who just want to obtain the title and business cards,
and may take advantage of the title. She requested language on the ordinance to
give the City Council the opportunity to remove the commission if the board is
not serving its purpose.
City Attorney Richman clarified if the City Council adopts an ordinance, they can
repeal an ordinance as well.
Council Member Clark suggested including in the options for additional proposed
duties the Beautification Committee could take on.
Council Member Ly stated he did not support Council Member Clark's request
because the Beautification Committee should only focus on beautification issues.
City Attorney Richman reiterated the City Council's direction for staff will bring
back those duties that have been identified. In addition, discuss the option of an
ad-hoc committee.
B. AB 287 Holden
Council Member Ly reported State Assembly Member Holden representing
Pasadena/South Pasadena area, along with State Senator Anthony Portantino are
proposing a ban of the tunnel option and a potential completion of the 710
freeway gap. He requested the City Council support and sign a letter to oppose the
proposed assembly bill by Assembly Member Holden.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Ly seconded by Council Member Clark to
send a letter opposing AB 287 Holden. The motion unanimously carried by the
following vote: AYES: Alarcon,Armenta, Clark,Low,Ly
C. City Council Comments
Mayor Armenta reported the street sign at Rio Hondo Boulevard and Marshall
Avenue was not mounted correctly. She reminded employees, who have city
issued phones, should also have their city cell phone number on their business
cards. Furthermore, she asked staff to look into conducting a class and
compensation survey with salaries and benefits to determine what positions are
warranted. Lastly, asked staff to look into new city plaques with the city tile or
engraved emblem for Council to present at events.
City Manager Manis stated staff has received new plaques to formalize
certificates for presentations.
Rosemead City Council, Housing Development Corporation and the Successor Agency
to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting
Minutes of February 14, 2017
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Mayor Annenta asked for clarification on the dates for the City Council
reorganization and swearing in ceremony. She reiterated the reorganization ....
usually takes place on the second meeting of March, and the installation of the
new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem on the first meeting of April.
Council Member Ly reaffirmed Mayor Armenta comments, the City Council
reorganization will take place on March 28th and the installation ceremony on
April 11th.
Mayor Armenta asked staff to look into having the reorganization on March 28`h
and the swearing in on April 11th.
8. CLOSED SESSION
The City Council will meet in Closed Session to discuss the following item:
A. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Government Code Section: 54957
Title: City Clerk
Mayor Armenta recessed the meeting at 9:37 p.m. to closed session.
City Attorney Richman announced there was no reportable action taken in closed ^+
session.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:33 p.m. The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled
to take place on February 28, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. in the Rosemead City Hall Council
Chamber.
Marc Donohue,—City Clerk
APPROVED:
(%a11.k. `i iN1171-)
Sandra Armenta, Mayor
Rosemead City Council, Housing Development Corporation and the Successor Agency
to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting
Minutes of February 14,2017
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