CC - Minutes - 05-30-17 Special MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
MAY 30, 2017
The special meeting of the Rosemead City Council was called to order by Mayor Low at 6:04
p.m. in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead,
California.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Council Member Armenta
INVOCATION was led by Council Member Clark
ROLL CALL: Mayor Low, Mayor Pro Tern Ly, Councilmembers Alarcon,Armenta, Clark
Mayor Pro Tem Ly arrived at 6:06 p.m. to the meeting.
1. PUBLIC COMMENT
Dr. Tom Williams representing the Sierra Club Transportation Committee stated he had
been helping the City of Los Angeles prepare projects as submissions. as part of a
transportation supply management and transportation demand management alternative to
the 710 freeway gap. He explained the City of Rosemead connects with Metro's gold line
north and gold line south along Rosemead Boulevard. However, the interest between the
710 freeway completion and the City was monetary. Mr. Williams added there were
concerns where the funds from MTA will go as they continue to generate funds for other
projects.
Brian Lewin inquired to the City Attorney what actions constitute a reportable action to
be announced in open session, regarding litigations discussed during closed sessions.
City Attorney Richman explained an initiation of action is typically not going to yield a
reportable action, only direction from City Council. Usually when an action related to
litigation is being reported in open session, is when the City has decided to settle the
matter and there are no more negotiations required by both parties. In general, most
closed session discussions are about strategy and direction.
Mayor Low announced to the public that comments for agenda item 3A could be made
prior to the City Council going to closed session.
Dr. Williams also representing Citizens Coalition for Safe Communities submitted a
public records request for information regarding the 710 freeway. He expressed concern
with the City entering into contract for representation to handle the 710 gap matter.
2. CLOSED SESSION
The City Council will meet in Closed Session to discuss the following items:
Rosemead City Council Special Meeting
Minutes of May 30, 2017
Page 1 of 3
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—INITIATION OF LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section: 54956.9(d)(4)
Number of Cases: I
B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1)
Case Name: Tan vs. Rosemead
Case Number: CJP038818RM
C. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section
54956.9(d)(2)
Number of Cases: 2
Mayor Low recessed the meeting at 6:13 p.m. and reconvened back to open
session at 8:00 p.m.
City Attorney Richman announced there was no reportable action taken in closed
session.
3. MATTERS FROM CITY MANAGER& STAFF
A. Consideration of contract with the law firm of Blank Rome LLP to analyze legal
issues associated with State Route 710 (SR 710) Project.
Recommendation: That the City Council consider the contract with the law firm
of Blank Rome LLP.
Brian Lewin stated he supported the City entering into contract with the law firm
Blank Rome LLP because there are impacts to the City of Rosemead corridor
relating to the 710 freeway completion matter. He added there is funding that
should be the City's and other cities may get that funding instead.
Mayor Pro Tem Ly stated the lack of the completion of the 710 freeway has been
a significant detriment to the Rosemead community as well as to the region. The
city needs to analyze options on how to deal with Metro; and making sure the
$730 million is still allocated to Measure R, which was designed to complete the
710 freeway gap.
ACTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tern Ly and seconded by Council Member
Alarcon to authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the law
firm Blank Rome LLP. Motion was carried by a unanimous vote: AYES:
Alarcon, Armenta, Clark,Low, and Ly
4. MATTERS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
A. Council Comments
Rosemead City Council Special Meeting
Minutes of May 30, 2017
Page 2 of 3
Council Member Armenta expressed concern staff cancelled the annual Public
Works Event without notice to the City Council.
City Manager Manis stated he would address Council Member Armenta's concern
with the Public Works staff on the cancellation of the event and assure the event
would continue in the future.
Mayor Low commended staff for a successful Memorial Day event. She reported
out on the attendance of the ICSC conference in Las Vegas with Mayor Pro Tern
Ly and staff.
Council Member Armenta reported out on the City Council attendance at the
California Contract Cities Annual Municipal Seminar in Indian Wells and noted
she was reappointed as the Secretary Treasurer on the Executive Board.
Council Member Clark noted the conference was productive and informative on
important issues.
5. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned in memory of Council Member David A. Spence from the City of
La Canada Flintridge at 8:09 p.m. The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled to
take place on June 13,2017, at 7:00 p.m. in the Rosemead City Hall Council Chamber.
/_
Marc )onohue, City Clerk
APPROVED:
Polly Low, Ma or
Rosemead City Council Special Meeting
Minutes of May 30, 2017
Page 3 of 3