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CC - Minutes - 02-12-19 Special MINUTES 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 Tem Clark STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Molleda, Assistant City Manager Tsujiuchi, City Attorney Richman, Chief of Police Kusayanagi, Director of Community Development Kim, and City Clerk Hernandez 1. WORKSHOP A. Mobility On Demand Program Presentation by Metro Tito Corona, Senior Community 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 On Demand Sandbox Grant; stated the pilot program launched on January 28th, will carry-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 day; noted if you add a tap card to your account, fare will be $1.75 no matter what time of day, and if you do not have a tap card, it will be $3.70. In response to Council inquiry,Mr.Corona explained LIFE is Metro's Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) program, which offers subsidized lower rates for participants that meet certain requirements; stated ridership has decreased as Metro has not changed their routes for over 25 years; noted Metro is in the middle of completing workshops in effort to increase ridership and provide better services, including ways to address 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. 111 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 I 1 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. B. Virtual Neighborhood Watch Program Presentation City Manager Molleda stated the neighborhood watch program is a crime prevention and education program to identify and report suspicious activities in a neighborhood; explained the virtual neighborhood watch program is an added tool to the traditional neighborhood watch program, using technology through open source platform and community policing via social media; further stated this program brings community members together to establish control of the neighborhood, and increase quality of life and reduce the crime rate by fostering neighbor-to-neighbor communication; indicated staff gathered data from other cities regarding their virtual neighborhood watch programs, resulting in the 111 following two most popular applications:Neighbors 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 program, 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 Ring 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 place, 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 Sheriffs 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 Februaiy 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 Sheriffs 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$30 a month, but rather$30 a year. Chief of Police Kusayanagi asserted the pilot program must be manageable, therefore it will start with four to five cameras, and no more than nine 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 program comes across very Big Brother watching over 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 not flattering and possibly resulting in the footage being released; encouraged staff to evaluate the residents' rights to privacy. City Manager Molleda noted that staff has taken Mayor Ly's concerns into consideration. Chief of Police Kusayanagi reiterated the goal of this program is to report suspicious activities and prevent crime on the streets, not to invade upon surrounding residents' property or privacy. Mayor Ly 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 meeting. 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 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Council Member Armenta INVOCATION was led by Mayor Ly STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Molleda, Assistant City Manager Tsujiuchi, City Attorney Richman, Chief of Police Kusayanagi, Director of Community Development Kim, Director of Public Works Alfonso,Director of Finance Lieu, and City Clerk Hernandez 2. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Ly opened the Public Comment period. Speaker Carla Contreras, Outreach Coordinator, Housing Right Centers indicated they are partnering with the City of Rosemead and Library to provide a free Housing Rights Workshop on February 20th,from 6:00-7:30 p.m.,at the Rosemead Library,which will include repairs and rental increases. Speaker Vikki Ng strongly urged the City Council to continue their efforts in opposing the City of El Monte's marijuana facility; thanked Council for adopting Ordinance No. 983; noted as a high school teacher of 17 years, she has witnessed students lose their drive to learn as they choose to use drugs; asked who will convince home buyers that Rosemead is still a safe place to purchase a home; pleaded with Council to protect Rosemead from this threat. • Mayor Ly emphasized since this is a legal matter under litigation,the Council and staff is very 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 27t`, 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 Armenta 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. 3. PRESENTATIONS A. Presentation by Los Angeles County Temple Sheriff Station to Recognize Target Store for the Pack-A-Patrol Car Toy Drive Mayor Ly noted representatives from Target could not attend tonight's Council meeting, as a result the Certificate will be presented at a future time. 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS -None 5. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Claims and Demands • Resolution No. 2019-07 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1,508,747.97 NUMBERED 102218 THROUGH NUMBER 102344 INCLUSI*VELY Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2019-07. • Resolution No. 2019-08 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $623,081.06 NUMBERED 102345 THROUGH NUMBER 102449 INCLUSIVELY Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2019-08. B. Approval of Minutes Recommendation: That the City Council approve the special meeting minutes of September 27, 2018, special meeting minutes of October 9, 2018, and special and regular meeting minutes of October 9, 2018. 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 Budget,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 the following actions: 1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Hardy & Harper, Inc., in the amount of$97,022 for the Annual Street Resurfacing Project; and 2. Authorize the Director of Public Works to approve change orders up to $9,700 (up to 10% of contract amount)for this project; and 3. Appropriate $2,000 from the Gas Tax Fund to cover the full 10% contingency if necessary; and 4. Take such additional,related action that may be desirable. Mayor Ly opened the Public Comment period. Speaker Brian Lewin expressed concern that the City is investing into resurfacing Ellis Lane from Temple City Boulevard to Guess Street when it is only disintegrating and after a storm will inevitably result in another pothole. Director of Public Works Alfonso addressed Mr. Lewin's concern; asserted that this resurface project consists 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 solve the pothole issue on that section of Ellis Lane as it essentially is creating a new street for the next 15-20 years. There being no further comments, Mayor Ly closed the Public Comment period. ACTION: Moved 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: Clark 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 2018-2020 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 Armenta indicated she pulled Item No. D to ensure transparency for the different classifications of the analysts' salary range. City Manager 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 approve Consent Calendar Item D. Motion was carried out by the following vote AYES: Armenta,Dang,Low,Ly ABSENT: Clark 6. MATTERS FROM CITY MANAGER& STAFF A. Proposed Agreements for Animal Shelter and Care Services Recommendation: 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 11-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 a111 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 having visited the facility was impressed by the large number of volunteers. • D&D Disposal Services for deceased animal disposal. • Emergency Pet Hospital of Glendora for off-hour veterinary care. • City of Rosemead Community Service Officers 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 they are eligible for approval at the City Manager's level. Council Member Armenta 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 8of11 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. Speaker 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 has gone above and beyond to take care of the Rosemead animals; stated due to concerns for the lack of proper care afterhours, she and other residents volunteer to pick up stray animals and take them to the Humane Society; opined City staff is not properly trained to pick up injured animals;questioned why Rosemead animals are being taken to the Rowland Heights facility rather than a closer one 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 certain 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 to 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 invite whichever entity she feels necessary. Assistant City Manager Tsujiuchi reiterated that the City has an on-call Community Service Officer to pick up 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 injured animal are transported to the Glendora Emergency Hospital. There being no further comments, Mayor Ly closed the Public Comment period. Council 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. ACTION: Moved by Council Member Low and seconded by Council Member Dang to 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 11-month period covering the period January 31, 2019 to December 31, 2019. Motion was carried out by the following vote AYES: Armenta, Dang, Low, Ly ABSENT: Clark 7. MATTERS FROM MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL A. City Council Comments Council Member Dang wished everyone a Happy Chinese New Year. Council Member Armenta 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 Mayor Ly adjourn the meeting at 10:08 p.m. The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled to take place on February 26, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. in the Rosemead City Hall Council Chamber. Ericka Hemand�,iity Clerk APPROVED: Margare lark, Mayor Rosemead City Council Special&Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of February 12, 2019 Page 11 of 11