CC - Item 4B - Minutes of February 12, 2019 Special & RegularMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL AND REGULAR
JOINT MEETING
FEBRUARY 12, 2019
The special meeting of the Rosemead City Council was called to order by Council Member
Armenta at 6:23 p.m., in the Rosemead City Hall Conference Room located at 8838 East Valley
Boulevard, Rosemead, California.
PRESENT: Mayor Ly (arrived at 6:25 p.m.), Council Members.Armenta, Dang and Low
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tern Clark
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Molleda, Assistant City' Manager
Richman, Chief of Police Kusayanagi, Director of Coznzziunity.
City Clerk Hernandez
1. WORKSHOP
A. Mobility On Demand Program Presentation by Metro
City Attorney
nt Kim, and
Tito Corona Senior.Communit °Relations Officer ''Metro, provided an overview
of the Mobility On Demand Program, in partnership with Via, which offers a lower
fare to help increase ridership; indicated there is $1.35 million funding from the
FTA Mobility OnDemand Sandbox Grant; stated the pilot program launched on
Janttary 28th, will can -out over a 12 month period with a possibility of extending
for another year, asserted to further assist.low income riders, Metro removed surge
.pricing, meaning unlike Uber or Lyft, the fare will not change, no matter what time
of
wl
' In
Fa
lif you add 'a aap card to your account, fare will be $1.75 no matter
day, and if you do not have a tap card, it will be $3.70.
is Easy(
meet cer
ged their
:shoos in
ways
Duncil mqq ry, Mr. Corona explained LIFE is Metro's Low -Income
FE) program, which offers subsidized lower rates for participants
m requirements; stated ridership has decreased as Metro has not
iites for over 25 years; noted Metro is in the middle of completing
'fort to increase ridership and provide better services, including
security issues.
Council'Member Low asked if ridership has decreased as a result of Metro riders
being charged to park in certain lots.
Mr. Corona replied even with Metro charging at stations, they are still at capacity.
Council Member Dang suggested Metro consider adding landmarks such as
Rosemead High School to the map.
Rosemead City Council
Special & Regular Joint Meeting
Minutes of February 12, 2019
Page 1 of 11 AGENDA ITEM NO. 4.11
Mayor Ly expressed concern that this program is beneficially very limited to the
City, as it is open to less than 16% of Rosemead residents.
In response to Council Member Armenta, Mr. Corona assured he would have
appropriate staff fix the error on the map, removing Rosemead Adult School and
correcting it to El Monte Adult School.
Mr. Corona affirmed if an elderly person would like to utilize this program, a smart
phone is not needed as they can simply call to arrange pick-up and drop offs; stated
that ideas are still being developed and the pilot program will be reevaluated within
the next 6 months; confirmed he will inform Metro and Via of Council's concerns
and suggestions.
Virtual Neighborhood Watch Pro
City Manager Molleda stated . the neige
prevention and education program to ident
neighborhood; explained the virtual neighb
to the traditional neighborhood watch prc
source platform and c&mmunity policing
program brings community member
neighborhood, and increase quality of
neighbor -to -neighbor communication;:
cities regarding. their virtual neighb(
and
0
watch program is a crime
,)ort susnicious activities in a
watch program is. an added tool
using technology through open
)tial media; further stated this
s=to establish control of the
I ktheo crime rate by fostering
staff gathered data from other
tch ` programs, resulting in the
rs and Nextdoor.
Director of Community Development Kim presented the proposed Virtual
Neighborhood Watch Program and responded to Council inquiry; stated Ring is a
Subsidy partnership prograim,.which will give residents $50 off a Ring doorbell or
security, camera, and the City will =match the $50 (total of $100 to the resident);
noted there is no cost to. use the app itself; emphasized the Ring device is not limited
only to the Ripg app, explained the app is customizable where neighbors can set
the boundary area and emphasized it is very focused on crime prevention.
Chief of Police Kusayanagi opined while it is better to have any security device in
plaee,;the problem with doorbell cameras is the videos received are of bad quality
or bad ' placement, meaning a very singular and narrow view; stressed the
importance of strategically placing a minimum of 4 cameras on each corner of the
street so. that law enforcement will have a beneficial resource; noted the Sheriff's
Station was able to solve a couple of crimes in surrounding cities based off of the
video provided; emphasized this program would serve as an additional tool to
bridge the gap, but would not take the place, rather is tied in conjunction with good
solid community policing, neighborhood watch program.
City Manager Molleda advised Council that staff is proposing a 6 -month pilot
program to provide data in effort to assist our Deputies in crime prevention.
Rosemead City Council
Special & Regular Joint Meeting
Minutes of February 12, 2019
Page 2 of 11
In response to Council Member Low, Chief of Police Kusayanagi answered that
while other cities have utilized the Ring app, no other city at this point has tried to
combine the Ring app with a social media platform.
Council Member Dang inquired if a resident participating in the program is required
to provide law enforcement footage captured pertaining to a crime or if they can
decline to share due to concerns of personal safety.
Chief of Police Kusayanagi indicated that he understands residents are afraid to
report a crime, so he will never force that issue, emphasized the Sheriff's Station
always makes safety a priority and handles each case with confidentiality.
In response to Council Member Armenta's inquiry to help, subsidize the fees for
low income residents, Director of Community Development Kim clarified the
membership fee for the app is not $V a month, but rather $30 a year.
Chief of Police Kusayanagi asserted the pilot program must be - manag
therefore it will start with four to five cameras; and no. more than nme to ten.
City Manager Molleda 'stated there is no set number of cameras to install at one
block as each block's needs will have to be evaluated separately.
Council Member Low indicated support for the pilot program.
Mayor Ly stated while the pilot program is a good idea, he has major concerns to
express; for the record; opined this programcomes across very Big Brother
watching oyer you based; emphasized people will have the capacity to look at
public streets, parks etc., creating a risk for innocent bystanders to be captured
doing something that is 'hot flattering "and possibly resulting in the footage being
released;,.encouraged staff to evaluate the residents' rights to privacy.
City Manage Molleda noted that staff has taken Mayor Ly's concerns into
Mayor Qy asserted that he respects the Public Safety and City staffs' efforts to help
reduce crime; clarified he is not worried about the technology being utilized; rather
he is worried about the people that implement the technology; opined that it takes
one individual to violate the rights of someone by abusing data and trying to capture
too much; ensured his opinion is duly noted for the record so that when residents
complain about their rights being violated, he will refer to his comments at
this rneeting:
Rosemead City Council
Special & Regular Joint Meeting
Minutes of February 12, 2019
Page 3 of 11
Council Member Armenta stated the residents participating in the pilot program are
aware of the stipulations in place to ensure people's privacy is adhered to..
There being no comments, Mayor Ly opened and closed the Public Comment
period.
The regular meeting of the Rosemead City Council was called to order by Mayor Steven Ly at
7:32 p.m., in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 88318 East Valley Boulevard,
Rosemead, California.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Council Member Armeita
INVOCATION was led by Mayor Ly
STAFF PRESENT City Manager Molleda, A:
Richman, Chief of Police Kusayanagi, Director"
Public Works Alfonso, Director of Finance Lieu,
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Ly opened the
Speaker
they are
Housing
Library;;
opposing the C
Ordinance. No.
students` lose
convince hong
pleaded with.0
int City Manager Tsujii.khi, City Attorney
'ommunity Development Kiri, Director of
'ublc Comment period.
with the
ousing Right Center, indicated
end Library to provide a free
shop on February 20`h, from'6:00-7:30 p.m., at the Rosemead
elude repairs and rental increases.
rongly urged the City Council to continue their efforts in
k1 Monte'. s„marijuana facility; thanked Council for adopting
oted as a high school teacher of 17 years; she has witnessed
1ve to learn as they choose to use drugs; asked who will
-&i.-that. Rosemead is still a safe place to purchase a home;
to protect Rosemead from this threat.
Ly emphasized since this is a legal matter under litigation, the Council and
veru limited in what can be said.
Speaker' Mary Helen _Estrada expressed concern for the City of El Monte's
marijuana facility as she works in El Monte as an ESL teacher; implored the City
Council to do all that they: can to show El Monte that Rosemead does not stand with
them, but against them.
Speaker Daniel Luevanos; Ambassador, One Legacy/Donate Life, urged the
community to register to donate to save and heal lives; invited all to participate in
Donate Life's 17th Annual Run/Walk on April 27h, at Cal State University
Rosemead City Council
Special & Regular Joint Meeting
Minutes of February 12, 2019
Page 4 of 11
Fullerton; requested the City issue a Proclamation to declare April as "Donate Life
Month."
Council Member ATmenta thanked Donate Life for their efforts to ensure the
important message to donate is brought to the community.
There being no further comments, Mayor Ly closed the Public Comment period.
Rosemead City Council
Special & Regular Joint Meeting
Minutes of February 12, 2019
Page 5 of 11
C. Annual Street Resurfacing Project — Ellis Lane from Temple City Boulevard to
Guess Street - Project No. 21023 Award of Contract
As part of the City's Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Bridget, the City Council approved the.
Capital Improvement Program that included an Annual Residential Street
.Resurfacing project. The City Engineer prepared bid specifications and advertised
the project for bids on January 10, 2019..On January 23, 2019, staff received six
bids and is recommending the award of contract to Hardy & Harper, .Inc., of Santa
Ana, CA, in the amount of $97,022.
Recommendation: That the City Council take tl
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a.o
in the amount of $97,022 for the Annual-.Sti
2. Authorize the Director of Public Works to a
(up to 10% of contract amount) f this prof
actions:
dy & Harper, Inc.,
Project; and
-ove change orders up to $9,700
and
this resurface projectconsists of a rubberized asphalt overlay, which will grind off
the current 2; inches of the asphalt and replace with a renewed 2 inches; emphasized
this project will,olve the pothole issue on that section of Ellis Lane as it essentially
is creating a neW;;street foir the next 15-20 years.
comments, Mayor Ly closed the Public Comment period.
ACTION Mova.by Council Member Low and seconded by Council Member Dang to
approve Consent Calendar Items A, B, and C. Item D was pulled for separate discussion
by Council Member Armenta. Motion was carried out by the following vote AYES:
Armenta, Dang, Low, Ly ABSENT: CIark
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION
D. Adoption of Middle Management, Professional and Confidential Unit Salary
Benefits Resolution No. 2019-09
Rosemead City Council
Special & Regular Joint Meeting
Minutes of February 12, 2019
Page 6 of 11
The purpose of the annual salary and benefits Resolution is to ensure transparency
and to implement modifications to the City's compensation system. Amendments
to the Resolution include addition of the Administrative Analyst and Planning and
Economic Development Manager classifications and their respective salary range
adjustments and removal of the City Planner classification. The amendments to
Resolution also include clarifying language that was approved in the 2015-2020
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Rosemead Employee
Association.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the Middle Management,
Professional and Confidential Unit Salary and Benefits Resolution No. 2019-09,
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 OF
THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD
Council Member Arriienta indicated she
pulled Item. No. D to ensure transparency
for the different classifications. of the analystssalary range.
City M, anager Molleda responded that staff conducted a survey of surrounding
cities for the classification of the Administrative Analyst, Management Analyst,
Senior Management Analyst, and Executive Assistant to the City Manager.
_ACTION. Moved by; Council Member Low and seconded by Council Member Dang to
a ,prove`Consent Calendar Item D Motiodwas carried out by the following vote AYES:
Armenta, Dang, X.,ow, Ly ABSENT: Clark
6. MATTERS FROM WY MANAGER & STAFF
A. Proposed Agreements for Animal Shelter and Care Services
Recomiendation: That the City Council take the following actions:.
1. Execute an agreement with Rosemead Animal Hospital for an 11 -month period
covering the period January 31, 2019 to December 31, 2019; and
2. Execute an agreement with Volunteers in Defense. of Animals for an I1 -month
period covering the period January 31, 2019 to December 31, 2019.
Assistant City Manager Tsujiuchi indicated on December 17, 2018 an RFP for
Animal Control, Sheltering, and Care Services was issued to four entities that
Rosemead City Council
Special & Regular Joint Meeting
Minutes of February 12, 2019
Page 7 of 11
provide services to the surrounding San Gabriel Valley area; noted the San Gabriel
Valley Humane Society (SGVHS) provided the sole response at $210,000 over a
12 -month period; informed Council that staff was able to negotiate and obtain
separate agreements from the following entities in order to maintain compliance
with State laws and provide equivalent services, and in some instances improve
upon existing services:
• Rosemead Animal Hospital for temporary/short-term kenneling and
veterinary care.
• Volunteers in Defense of Animals (VIDA) for long-term kenneling, adoption,
and veterinary care. The Rowland Heights facility has over 30 kennels;
19 dog kennels and 8 cat kennels will be dedicated for Rosemead pets; VIDA
places priority on adoption. Staff baving`visited the facility was impressed by
the large number of volunteers
• D& D Disposal Services for deceased animal disposal
• Emergency Pei Hospital of Glendora
• City of Rosemead Community Sery
for off -hour vetei
for daily and off -'hour field
response services..
• City of Rosemead Public Safety staff for. animal licensing services; residents
will be able to renew pet licenses online.
In response to Council Member Low, Mr. Tsujiuchi affirmed that the other entities
were not presented to Council for consideration as the. 'are eligible for approval at
the City Man4ger's level.
Council Member Arnenta emphasized these fees not only affect. Rosemead, but
widespread across the Los Angeles County; read the following for the record: "The
California Contract Cities .Association 'advanced its proud tradition of advocating
for cities on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, with the Los Angeles County Board of
Supervisors (LACBOS). Contract Cities' staff and representatives from 13
member cities attended the LACBOS meeting in support of Item No. 7 `Contract
Cities Services -:and Billing Practices', which directs the Department of Animal Care
and Control (DACC) to suspend its proposed rate increases for animal care. As
many of you know, DACC is considering rate increases for sheltering animals
across the County, which would double or quadruple the cost to 47 cities over the
next. six 'years, The severity of the proposed cost increases would put significant
strains on already tight city budgets, and ultimately reduce public services for
residents California Contract Cities Association has been working with the County
Supervisors to address the significant increase in fees.
In response to Council Member Dang's inquiry, Assistant City Manager Tsujiuchi
affirmed. if staff finds a dog that was hit by a car and it is then transported to the
Rosemead Animal Hospital, medical services will be rendered to the injured
animal; further stating funding is in place so that the licensed veterinarian will
provide an immediate assessment, stabilization and. comfort, in addition to time for
staff to find the pet's owner; reiterated the agreement with the.Rosemead Animal
Rosemead City Council
Special & Regular Joint Meeting
Minutes of February 12, 2019
Page 8 of 11
Hospital limits the City to not exceed $65,000 during a 12 -month period; explained
if additional funding is needed; then this item would have to come back to the City
Council for consideration.
Mayor Ly opened the Public Comment period.
Sneaker Brian Lewin withdrew his request for Public Comment.
Speaker Ines Jauregui indicated she spoke to Public Safety Supervisor Wong on
February 5th, to inquire why the contract with San Gabriel Valley Humane Society
was not renewed when she feels that the SGVHS las gone above and beyond to
take care of the Rosemead animals; stated due to concerns for the lack of proper
care aftezhours, she and other residents volunteer to pickup stray animals and take
them to the Humane Society; opined qty staff is not properly trained topick up
injured animals; questioned why Rosemead animals are being taken to the Rowland
Heights facility rather than a closet oue such as the El Monte facility; requested a
copy of the SGVHS contract, as well as how much revenue was brought in for the
dog licenses; asked for a meeting with the SGVHS,"herself and the Council.
Mayor Ly responded that. the contract with the SGVHS was not renewed because
they offered the City a ceAt number and came back only to change to a higher
number; emphasized that the quality of care dropped and -,that residents were being
overcharged; acknowledged that no matter what title staff has, training never ends;
asserted that the other local facilities (Pasadena and. El Monte) were reached out to
during the proposal process, however none of them expressed interest in serving
Rosemead; advised Ms. Jauregui Io speak with, City Clerk Hernandez to submit a
records request for the contract and any other information she is seeking; welcomed
her to schedule a meeting with the City Manager and Assistant City Manager, and
to mite whzclaever
entitk.she,.:feels necessary.
Assistant City Manager Tsujiuchi zeiterated that the City has an on-call Community
Service Officer to pickup animals during afterhours; emphasized that the SGVHS
does not offer 'any alternative service, they too have staff for on-call services;
clarified that stray animals are transported to the Rosemead Animal Hospital and
in jured animal ai; transported to the Glendora Emergency Hospital.
There being no further comments, Mayor Ly closed the Public Comment period.
Couneil. Member Armenta apologized to Assistant City Manager Tsujiuchi for the
fact that his integrity was wrongfully being questioned; attested to Mr. Tsujiuchi's
diligence in. ensuring Rosemead's animals receive the utmost proper care; noted the
City has been very open, meaning this is not the first time that this. matter has. come.
before the City Council.
Mayor Ly emphasized 10 years ago, the City Council at that time decided to not
renew the contract and withdraw from the SGVHS' care for the same reasons as
Rosemead City .Council
Special & Regular Joint Meeting
Minutes of February 12, 2019
Page .9 of 11
now; thanked staff for their efforts in ensuring the pets of this community are well
taken care of.
Council Member Dang expressed appreciation to staff and the City Manager for
finding ways to improve the animal care and shelter program, especially at no cost
to the residents.
Council Member Low suggested putting a link to the Volunteers in Defense of
Animals (VIDA) website on the City's website to. -,:.share adoption options with
the community.
Couxlcil Member Armenia echoed. wishes for a prosperous, healthy, and love wishes
for a Happy Lunar New Year.
Mayor Ly recessed the regular meeting at 8:46 p.m., in memory of Angelina
Pinedo, 27 year old, who was a Rosemead resident killed in a hit and run. in the
Redondo Beach area.
8. CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- EXISTING LITIGATION
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(d)(1)
City of Rosemead and City of Temple City v. City of El Monte; LASC
Case Number # 19STCP00254
B. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Government Code Section: 54957
Title: City Manager
Rosemead City Council
Special & Regular Joint Meeting
Minutes of February 12, 2019
Page 10 of 11
City Attorney Richman stated the following reportable action was provided. for Closed
Session Item B.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Armenta and seconded by Council Member Dang
to provide a "5 — Substantially Exceeds Expectations" for the City Manager's performance
evaluation, warranting a 5% increase (which will come back at a future meeting for a
contract amendment). Motion was carried out by the following vote AYES: Armenta,
Dang, Low, Ly ABSENT: Clark.
9. ADJOURNMENT
Rosemead City Council
Special & Regular Joint Meeting
Minutes of February 12, 2019
Page 11 of 11
Clerk