CC - 05-29-07011 0
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL
May 29, 2007
The special meeting of the Rosemead City Council was called to order by Mayor Tran at
6:40 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, at 8838•E. Valley Boulevard,
Rosemead, California. The meeting recessed at 6:41 to finish out the Community
Development Commission meeting and came back into session at 6:53 pm.
The pledge to the flag was led by Mayor Tran and the invocation was delivered by
Councilmember Taylor.
ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS:
Present: Councilmembers Clark, Low, Taylor, Mayor Pro Tern Nunez and
Mayor Tran
Absent: None
1. PRESENTATIONS
A. Certificates of Appreciation for Students and Donors for "Rebuilding
Together" West San Gabriel Valley Affiliate
Planning Services Administrator Brad Johnson presented a slide show documenting the
group's project in Rosemead. Sponsors of the project included: The City of Rosemead,
Panda Restaurant Group, Wal-Mart, Countrywide, Paint Depot and Consolidated
Disposal. Volunteer groups involved in the project included: The Kana Kai Club of San
Gabriel High School, Countrywide and a local fraternity from Cal State LA. Certificates
of appreciation were presented to volunteers and sponsors in attendance. Mayor Tran
and Councilmembers Clark and Low expressed appreciation for their efforts.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT FROM THE AUDIENCE
Ana Ly from the Asian Pacific Family Center presented the City with a Certificate of
Appreciation for hosting alcohol-free events. Councilmember Clark and Mayor Tran
expressed appreciation for the work the group is doing.
Agnes Tham from the Asian Youth Center presented the Council with an update
since the passage of the Smoke-Free Parks Ordinance last year. Seven ads were
placed in Asian newspapers to educate the public about the Ordinance; they were
submitted to the City Clerk. Ms. Tham announced the Asian Youth Center purchased 10
additional signs from the County at no cost to the City which will be placed near the
Children's playground areas.
City Council Minutes: Special Meeting 5-29-07
Page 1 of 15
• e
Nancy Eng from the Asian Community Advisory Committee invited Council and
community members to a Graffiti workshop on June 5th hosted by the Los Angeles
County Sheriffs Department, Temple Station and the Asian Community Advisory
Committee. Translation in Chinese and Vietnamese will be provided.
Ron Esquivel, residing at 8722 Loftus Drive, thanked the Fire and Sheriffs departments
for their exemplary and prompt service.
Frances Chavez, residing at 4721 Bartlett Avenue, suggested the City charge for
overnight street parking. She also urged Code Enforcement staff enforce the prohibition
of business trucks parked in residential driveways.
Juan Nunez, residing at 2702 Del Mar, expressed concern about trash at a property at
Garvey and Del Mar. City Manager Lazzaretto indicated staff would look into the issue.
Marlene Shinen, residing at 8447 Drayer Lane, South San Gabriel, expressed
dissatisfaction with Councilmember Clark's distribution of a postcard with a misprint to
residents about design guideline changes and her direction to staff to issue the Wal-
Mart Certificate of Occupancy earlier than planned resulting in a Brown Act violation.
Ms. Shinen also spoke against the possibility of 24-hour Wal-Mart operating hours and
the possibility of selling guns at Wal-Mart.
Councilmember Clark clarified that she followed the City Attorney's guidelines when she
made the motion to issue the Wal-Mart Certificate of Occupancy.
Councilmember Taylor spoke in support of Councilmember Clark and cautioned that
some of Ms. Shinen's facts were distorted.
Barbara Murphy, residing at 9125 Bentel, commented about law enforcement activity
on her street pertaining to a drug house. Ms. Murphy also complained about bulk items
that are not picked up on trash day; she suggested Consolidated Disposal send out a
notice in relevant languages advising residents about bulk pick-up procedures.
The Council directed staff to contact Consolidated Disposal regarding Ms. Murphy's
suggestion.
Ruby Ratterree, Rosemead resident, discussed some improvement regarding noise
issues at Casa Latina but indicated more needed to be done. She also spoke against
big trucks going down Muscatel. Mayor Tran asked staff investigate Ms. Ratterree's
complaints.
Alejandro Gandara, Rosemead resident, suggested the City might assist residents
close to Casa Latina with double pane windows. Mr. Gandara also suggested and
volunteered for an Election Committee to promote voter participation and settle
procedures in case of tie. He also spoke in support of the July 4th parade.
City Council Minutes: Special Meeting 5-29-07
Page 2 of 15
•
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
D. Single-Family Residential Design Guidelines
On April 10 and May 8, 2007, staff presented proposed single-family
residential design guidelines and municipal code text amendments to the
City Council for adoption during the required public hearing. Due to
several requests made for additional design issues to consider by both the
public and members of the City Council, the public hearing item was
continued to May 29, 2007.
The City Council by unanimous decision at the May 8, 2007 public hearing
directed the staff to leave in place the existing standards related to front
yard fencing. Therefore the ordinance and design guidelines have been
modified from previous versions to leave the existing requirements in
place with the exception of a "no fee permit" review process that would still
allow for a City review of any new proposed front yard fencing in R-1 and
R-2 zones.
Staff has carefully reviewed and considered each of the comments
received regarding the proposed single-family residential design
guidelines and municipal code text amendments. Revisions have been
made to both the guidelines and ordinance where determined appropriate
and where directed by the City Council. This report has been prepared to
review the revisions and address each of the issues that were raised at
the previous public hearings.
Recommendation: That the City Council take the following action:
1) Adopt Ordinance 851 -Amending subsections 17.12, 17.16, 17.20,
and 17.112 of the Rosemead municipal code relating to single-family
residential design standards.
2) Adopt the proposed Single-Family Residential Design Guidelines.
3) Adopt a negative declaration finding that the project will not have a
significant adverse effect on the environment.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson gave a presentation regarding the item and
announced that front yard fencing guidelines were modified to leave in place the current
4' height after public comment at the last hearing. Mr. Johnson asked for direction on
items the Council brought up in the previous meetings: square footage threshold that
will trigger a Conditional Use Permit, parking restrictions in front yard areas, second
floor design standards and mirrored windows. Mr. Johnson summarized requests made
by members of the public and discussed staff recommendations for each of the
requests.
City Council Minutes: Special Meeting 5-29-07
Page 3 of 15
0 0
The public hearing opened at 8:00 pm and closed at 8:20 pm. The following Rosemead
residents spoke:
Juan Nunez, residing at 2702 Del Mar, requested clarification on the fence heights.
Todd Kunioka, residing at 8400 Wells Street, spoke in support of the Design
Guidelines, suggested the trigger square footage be kept at 3,000 sq. ft. and spoke
against reflective screening.
Brian Lewin, residing at 9501 Ralph St., spoke in support of keeping the CUP trigger
point at 2,500 sq. ft. and against reflective screening.
Jim Flournoy, residing at 8655 Landisview Lane indicated screens are available that
keep the heat out, but are not reflective.
Barbara Murphy, residing at 9125 Bentel spoke against mansion-sized homes.
A resident, who only identified himself as a refugee from Vietnam and a Rosemead'
resident, spoke in support of design guidelines.
Valerie Basquette, residing at 4509 Walnut Grove, suggested fireworks not be sold due
to the severe drought this year and resulting fire hazard.
Mayor Tran reminded Ms. Basquette that the current discussion involved Design
Guidelines.
Councilmember Clark suggested the CUP trigger and parking restrictions be pulled for
separate consideration aside from the remainder of the Ordinance.
Councilmember Taylor raised concerns about Section 17.12.70, regarding the
registration of non-conforming buildings/uses and approving Design Guidelines prior to
the General Plan update in a few months.
Mayor Pro Tern Nunez suggested the registration of non-conforming buildings be
revisited in six months. Councilmember Clark suggested the item be taken out of the
Ordinance, but felt the requirement was a good one for commercial buildings.
City Attorney Garcia suggested the non-conforming building registration be changed to
apply to zones other than R-1 and R-2 (residential).
Councilmember Taylor asked for clarification about additional design changes for R-1
and R-2 zones homes that are 20% larger than a neighbor's adjoining property.
He also requested information about site plan review costs, application process and
mutton window treatments.
City Council Minutes: Special Meeting 5-29-07
Page 4 of 15.
0
Mayor Tran requested clarification regarding properties that are close to entitlement.
City Attorney Garcia suggested he work with staff to come up with a fair and equitable
effective date for the new guidelines.
Councilmember Clark asked for clarification about the architectural review committee.
Mayor Tran discussed Councilmember Taylor's concerns that design incentives would
unfairly penalize residents. Planning Services Administrators Johnson clarified that
incentives are in place for nicer home enhancements; however, residents will not be
penalized for modest, inexpensive enhancements.
Mayor Pro Tern Nunez made a motion, with a second by Councilmember Low to
approve the staff recommendation with four changes:
1) To amend 17.12.070 to state that non-conforming building registration applies
to zones other than R-1 and R-2 (residential);
2) Exclude Section F on 17.16.240;
3) Exclude for separate consideration the CUP square footage trigger point; and
4) Exclude for separate consideration - driveway parking restrictions.
Vote resulted:
Yes: Clark, Low, Nunez, Tran
No: Taylor
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Councilmember Clark made a motion to keep the Conditional Use Permit (CUP)
threshold trigger at 2,500 sq. ft. The motion died for a lack of a second.
Mayor Pro Tern Nunez made a motion with a second by Councilmember Low to
accept the staff recommendation of a 3,000 sq. ft. trigger for a CUP. Vote resulted:
Yes: Low, Nunez, Tran
No: Clark, Taylor
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Mayor Pro Tern Nunez made a motion, with a second by Councilmember Low to
clarify the wording on the section on driveway parking restrictions to start the
sentence with the term "Corner Lots" rather than have the term in the middle of
the sentence. Vote resulted:
Yes: Clark, Low, Nunez, Taylor, Tran
No: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
City Council Minutes: Special Meeting 5-29-07
Page 5 of 15
• 01
B. Appeal of Design Review 05-132; Zone Variance 05-330 and Zone
Variance 06-340 - Modifications to Conditions of Approval
As part of the entitlement process for the properties located at 8815-8855
Valley Boulevard, two conditions were placed on both the property owner
of the shopping center (Bob Nguyen) and the owner of the Universal Bank
structure (Eric Lee). The first condition required the two owners to submit
an agreed upon parking lot striping plan for both parcels. The second
condition required each owner to submit a written agreement that the
adjacent property owner is allowed to develop their property according to
the designs approved by the Planning Commission.
On May 7, 2007, the Planning Commission denied a staff initiated
recommendation to remove and modify the conditions of approval that
were originally placed on the entitlement approvals for parking variances
and design review applications for the properties located at 8815-8855
Valley Boulevard.
On May 14, 2007 the City Clerk's office received an appeal letter from a
member of the City Council, appealing the decision of the Planning
Commission and requesting that a hearing take place before the full City
Council.
Recommendation: That the City Council take the following action:
1) Delete condition 44 and 45 of PC Resolution 06-26 and condition 33
and 34 of PC Resolution 06-27.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson announced property owner Bob Nguyen and
his lawyer requested the public hearing be continued to a later date and then went on to
summarize the project stalemate between the two property owners.
The public hearing opened at 9:35 pm and closed at 9:45 pm.
Rosemead residents Jim Flournoy, Barbara Murphy, Brian Lewin, Jerry Quirk and Juan
Nunez addressed the Council regarding the design review appeal. Topics discussed
included concern about the number of parking spaces and potential city liability.
Councilmember Clark made a motion, with a second by Councilmember Taylor to
continue the hearing as requested by one of the property owners.
After discussion, Mayor Pro Tern Nunez made a substitute motion with a second by
Councilmember Low to accept the staff recommendation to delete condition 44
City Council Minutes. Special Meeting 5-29-07
Page 6 of 15
•
01
and 45 of Planning Commission resolution 06-26 and condition 33 of Planning
Commission Resolution 06-27. Vote resulted:
Yes:
Low, Nunez, Taylor, Tran
No:
Clark
Abstain:
None
Absent:
None
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Resolution No. 2007-16 Claims and Demands
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2007-16, for payment of City
expenditures in the amount of $1,436,540.16 demands 57148 through
57373.
C. Approval of Riding Lawn Mower Specifications and Authorization for
Staff to Solicit Bids for a New Mower
The existing riding lawn mower used to mow all of the City's parks is over
thirteen years old and is beginning to require additional repairs. As part of
this year's budget, $27,000 was allocated to purchase a new riding lawn
mower. In addition, bids will be opened on June 25, 2007, therefore, the
funds will need to be carried over to the next fiscal year.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the specifications and
authorize staff to solicit bids for a new riding mower.
D. Approval of Rubber Play Surface Specifications and Authorization
for Staff to Solicit Bids for New Rubber Play Surface at Sally Tanner
Park
Sally Tanner Park is one of the last facilities that uses sand underneath
the play equipment as a cushioning material. It is proposed that the sand
be replaced with a resilient rubber surface.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the specifications and
authorize staff to solicit bids for the installation of a rubber play surface at
Sally Tanner Park.
E. Release of Bond - Parcel Map 64210
9213 Marshall Street
A Faithful Performance Bond and a Labor and Material Bond were
required to guarantee construction of new curb and gutter, sidewalk,
City Council Minutes: Special Meeting 5-29-07
Page 7 of 15
driveway, and sewer laterals for Parcel Map 64210. In lieu of bonds, a
Certificate of Deposit was issued to the City in the amount of $10,500.
Recommendation: That the City Council accept the public improvements
and release the Certificate of Deposit.
F. Approval of Amendment to 2006 Engineering and Traffic Survey
On March 20, 2006, the City Council adopted the 2006 Engineering and
Traffic (E&T) Survey which provides recommendations for the posted
speed limits on forty-two city street segments. The California Vehicle
Code (CVC) requires each city to complete an E&T Survey every seven
years in order to continue using radar for traffic speed enforcement. The
change in traffic conditions on Rush Street and Walnut Grove Avenue due
to the installation of new traffic signals serving the Wal-Mart Store requires
a resurvey of the posted speed limits for two affected street segments.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve an amendment to the
2006 Engineering and Traffic Study.
J. League Of California Cities 2007 Mayors and Council Members
Executive Forum & Advanced Leadership Workshops-July 25-28, 2007
The League of California Cities is sponsoring a Mayors and Council
Members Executive Forum and Advanced Leadership Workshops taking
place from July 25-28 in Monterey. Conference sessions will include:
Greening Municipal Buildings; Using,Eminent Domain in the Post
Kelo/Prop 90 Era; Planning Public Forums; Dealing with State Housing
Mandates; Affordable Housing and Market Rate Housing; California
Ethnic & Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Media; Disabled
Access Construction Requirements; Local Ballot Measures and
Successful Campaigns; and Mobile Home Parks Issues:
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize any Council Member,
the City Attorney, the City Manager, or a staff designee to attend the event
at City expense.
Councilmember Low, with a second by Mayor Pro Tern Nunez made a motion to
approve Consent Calendar items A, C, D, E, F, and J. Vote resulted:
Yes: Clark, Low, Nunez, Taylor, Tran
No: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
City Council Minutes: Special Meeting 5-29-07
Page 8 of 15
B. Minutes
April 3, 2007 - Special Meeting
Councilmember Clark made a motion, with a second by Councilmember Taylor to
approve the minutes with two minor corrections submitted by Councilmembers
Low and Clark. Vote resulted:
Yes: Clark, Low, Nunez, Taylor, Tran
No: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
G. Compliance with Senate Bill 53 (SB 53) - Ordinance 853: Second
Reading
In 2006, the Governor signed Senate Bill 53 (SB 53) into law. This new
measure requires every city and county with a redevelopment agency to
adopt an ordinance by July 31, 2007 that describes all programs "to
acquire real property by eminent domain."
By approving Ordinance No. 853, the City would come into compliance
with SB 53. The proposed ordinance merely restates what is in the
Redevelopment Plans for Project Area No. 1 and Project Area No. 2. Ir
addition, the Ordinance reiterates existing law, including that the
Commission's authority to use eminent domain has expired in Project
Area No. 1 and is scheduled to expire on June 27, 2012 in Project Area
No. 2, unless the time limitations are extended by amendment to the
Redevelopment Plans or as authorized by state law.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve Ordinance No. 853 on
second reading complying with requirements of Senate Bill 53.
Resident Juan Nunez spoke against the process of eminent domain in general;
Councilmember Taylor clarified the Ordinance was a legal requirement and eminent
domain would only be implemented after due process.
Mayor Pro Tern Nunez made a motion with a second by Councilmember Low to
approve Ordinance 853 on second reading. Vote resulted:
Yes: Clark, Low, Nunez, Taylor, Tran
No: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
H. Comprehensive Planning Services Contract Agreement
City Council Minutes: Special Meeting 5-29-07
Page 9 of 15
• •
On March 28, 2007 the City received an application from a developer who
is proposing to construct a 205,000 square-foot mixed use development
with 30 attached condominiums at 7419-7459 E. Garvey Avenue. Given
the scope of this proposed project staff worked with the developer to send
out requests for proposals (RFP) for environmental planning services to
assist with the preparation of required California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) studies. The cost to hire the consultant will be paid for in full by
the developer.
Recommendation: That the City Council take the following action:
1) Authorize the Mayor to execute the contract agreement with CPS.
2) Direct staff to obtain a deposit from the developer to cover the full cost
for contract services prior to authorizing the consultant to proceed.
Resident Jim Flournoy suggested seismic faults in area be considered for this project as
well as for future zoning maps.
Mayor Pro Tern Nunez made a motion, with a second by Councilmember Low to
accept the staff recommendation as stated above. Vote resulted:
Yes: Clark, Low, Nunez, Taylor, Tran,
No: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Phil Martin & Associates Inc. Contract Agreement
The City has received an application from the DoubleTree Hotel proposing
to expand the size of the hotel by 70,000 square feet. Given the scope of
this proposed project, staff worked with the developer to send out requests
for proposals (RFP) for environmental planning services to assist with the
preparation of required California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
studies. The cost to hire the consultant will be paid for in full by the
developer.
Recommendation:
That the City Council take the following action:
1) Authorize the Mayor to execute the contract agreement with PMA.
2) Direct staff to obtain a deposit from the developer to cover the full cost
for contract services prior to authorizing the consultant to proceed.
Councilmember Taylor questioned why it was necessary to require a CEQA study for an
existing property to expand.
City Council Minutes: Special Meeting 5-29-07
Page 10 of 15
•
•
Planning Services Administrator Johnson explained the scale of the renovation and
possible impact to the community mandated the CEQA requirement.
Mayor Pro Tern Nunez made a motion with a second by Councilmember Low to
approve the recommendation as stated above. Vote resulted:
Yes: Clark, Low, Nunez, Tran
No: Taylor
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Councilmember Taylor stated for the record he supported the project but the reason he
voted "No" was because he could not justify the extra cost to developers for a CEQA
study.
5. MATTERS FROM MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL
A. Vietnamese American Heritage and Freedom Flag
The Vietnamese Refugee Community of Los Angeles County is requesting
that the Rosemead City Council support the Vietnamese American
citizens of the City Rosemead by adopting Resolution No. 2007-17
acknowledging the Vietnamese American Heritage and Freedom Flag as
a symbol of freedom and democracy in Vietnam.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve Resolution No. 2007-17
acknowledging the Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom Flag as a symbol
of freedom and democracy in Vietnam.
This item was moved for discussion after Public Comment at the request of Mayor Tran.
Resident Juan Nunez expressed his support for the item with the caveat that the
Vietnamese flag not be flown higher than the American flag.
Long Nguyen, of the Vietnamese Refugee Community of Los Angeles County,
addressed the Council to ask for their support.
Mayor Tran and Mayor Pro Tern Nunez spoke in support of the item. Mayor Pro Tern
Nunez made a motion, with a second by Councilmember Clark to approve
Resolution 2007-17. Vote resulted:
Yes: Clark, Low, Nunez, Taylor, Tran
No: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
City Council Minutes: Special Meeting 5-29-07
Page 11 of 15
Councilmember Clark requested certificates or plaques for recently retired Planning
Commissioners be presented at the next meeting.
Councilmember Low asked for an update on strategic planning goals.
6. MATTERS FROM CITY MANAGER & STAFF
A. Garvey Bridge: Status Update
Resident Jim Flournoy indicated he supported research on seismic faults out of the
University of Oregon.
Public Works Director Rukavina reported that the Caltrans and County review of the
geotechnical report is complete. The Caltrans review of the structural design is also
complete. The County and Caltrans were consistent in their comments about the
geotechnical report; no major issues were identified that will impact the design or
construction. Willdan Arroyo will address each of the comments by next week's end.
B. Fourth of July Parade Consideration
Recently, members of the City Council have requested that staff explore
the possibility of organizing a 4th of July Parade this year. Over the past
several weeks, we have been working to develop some initial projections
regarding the possibility of undertaking such an initiative. Based on this
initial review and the timeframe within which the event would have to be
organized, it could potentially be possible for the City to host a limited 4th
of July Parade. However, a significant amount of staff time and resources
would have to be invested in order for this project to be carried out and
there is no guarantee that the event can be sufficiently coordinated.
Recommendation: That the City Council receive this report and provide
direction regarding the 2007 Fourth of July Parade.
Resident Brian Lewin stated his preference to hold a parade, even if it is a small one
this year. He recommended Holly Knapp be chosen as Grand Marshall.
Councilmember Low expressed support for the parade. Councilmember Taylor asked if
a route had been chosen yet. City Manager Lazzaretto presented the discussed route
options.
Mayor Tran asked why staff had not started working on the parade earlier, especially
since the Parade was requested last year. Councilmember Taylor pointed out that
resident volunteers have not stepped forward. Mayor Pro Tem Nunez indicated staff
had not contacted volunteers identified last year.
City Council Minutes: Special Meeting 5-29-07
Page 12 of 15
Pi
City Manager Lazzaretto indicated he knew the Mayor was in favor of the parade, but
pointed out the Council did not place the parade on the agenda to direct staff.
Councilmember Low reported she has called residents who have indicated they are
interested in volunteering.
Councilmember Clark asked why staff did not follow through on her request made to the
City Manager to contact potential participants to gauge interest.
City Manager Lazzaretto updated the Council on staff progress and community
response thus far; he asked Deputy City Manager Chi to elaborate on details. Mr. Chi
indicated staff has made preliminary calls to local schools and reported there is interest
in participating in the parade if the Council approves it. Mr. Chi reiterated Mr.
Lazzaretto's assertion that staff was waiting to receive Council direction before officially
contacting community groups.
Mayor Tran made a motion, with a second by Councilmember Low to approve the
parade and appoint Mayor Tran as the Committee Chair with assistance from
Councilmember Low, staff and volunteers. Vote resulted:
Yes: Clark, Low, Nunez, Taylor, Tran
No: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
7. CLOSED SESSION
A. Conference with Labor Negotiator
The City Council will recess to a closed session pursuant to Government
Code Section 54957.6. Labor Negotiations
Negotiator for the City: Oliver Chi. Employee Unit: Rosemead
Employee Association
The Council recessed to Closed Session at 10:35 pm and came back to open session
at 12:55 pm.
Mayor Tran announced the reportable action: Councilmember Clark made a motion,
with a second by Councilmember Low to approve in concept the Memorandum of
Understanding with the Rosemead Employee Association. Vote resulted:
Yes: Clark, Low, Nunez, Tran
No: None
Abstain: Taylor
Absent: None
City Council Minutes: Special Meeting 5-29-07
Page 13 of 15
•
•
Councilmember Taylor stated he is not against employees, but abstained because he
wanted additional information.
8. OTHER MATTERS
A. Closed Session: Potential Litigation
B. Ordinance from the City Attorney Conferring Certain Oversight
Authority to City Manager with Respect to Application of the Fire
Code - First Reading
Recently, the issue of restoring a certain measure of local control and
accountability over rules and decisions concerning the application of the
fire code, which were promulgated by officials of the County of Los
Angeles ("County") who have been contracted to provide fire
protection services to the City, has become a concern for City residents.
In order to ensure that the interests and concerns of local property and
homeowners are considered, staff proposes that oversight authority
be given to the City Manager to grant him or her the ability to review,
modify, and amend regulations promulgated by County officials within the
City's boundaries.
The City's "fire prevention code" is contained in Chapter 8.24 of the
Rosemead Municipal Code ("RMC"). Through RMC section 8.24.010, the
City previously adopted by reference the "Fire Code" of the County of Los
Angeles ("County') as the "fire prevention code" of the City. RMC
section 8.24.040 presently gives "general supervision" over essentially all
matters that relate to fire protection to the Los Angeles County Fire
Department and the Consolidated Fire Protection District.
At present, the provisions of the County Fire Code, as adopted by the City,
gives the County fire chief blanket authority to promulgate rules,
regulations, and decisions respecting the Fire Code as applied to the City.
As it presently stands, no elected or appointed official of the City has
any oversight authority over how such rules, regulations and decisions are
applied to the City. Essentially, the County fire chief, who essentially
serves as the contract fire chief for the City, is not accountable to any
City elected or appointed official. While the work of the County Fire
Department and the Fire Chief are held in high respect by the City and its
residents, the issues of local control and local accountability are likewise
important to the residents of the City.
Recommendation: That the City Council hold the noticed public hearing,
receive public comment, and introduce Ordinance No. 853.
City Council Minutes: Special Meeting 5-29-07
Page 14 of 15
•
0
Mayor Pro Tern Nunez made a motion, with a second by Councilmember Low to
introduce Ordinance 853 with a second reading scheduled to take place on June
12, 2007. Vote resulted:
Yes: Clark, Low, Nunez, Tran
No: Taylor
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Councilmember Taylor stated for the record and asked the following be included:
"Not withstanding Section 8.24.040 of this code and for any other provision of this
code, the fire code of the County as adopted by the City of Rosemead, all
interpretations, recommendations, rules, permits, regulations, applications and
decisions, made by any official of the Consolidated Fire Department District, Fire
Protection District or by any Fire Marshall, or by the Fire Chief, that are made
pursuant to or with respect to the Fire Code and as applied to and within the
boundaries of the city, may be subject to review, modification, amendment,
waiver, and/or nullification by the City Manager."
Councilmember Taylor felt this was an extreme burden on the City Manager.
Mayor Tran asked his comments also be reflected in the minutes. He stated the
Ordinance based on Regulation 27 was in response to the LA County Fire Chiefs letter
to the City stating that new properties cannot be built within 50 feet of the trajectory line
and 100 feet radius of the strip line. This affects residential homeowners and possibly
makes their homes legal non-conforming properties. In the event their house is burnt or
if modifications are desired, property owners would not be able to move forward.
9. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Tran adjourned the meeting at 1:00 am and announced a special meeting will
take place on Wednesday, June 61h at 5:00 pm for the purpose of conducting a City
Manager evaluation. The Council was also reminded a Budget Study session will take
place on June 12, 2007 at 4:00 pm. The next regular meeting is scheduled to take place
on June 12, 2007 at 7:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted:
~ & dj"do
Nina Castruita
City Clerk
APPROVED:
City Council Minutes: Special Meeting 5-29-07
Page 15 of 15
•
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS.
CITY OF ROSEMEAD
•
I, Nina Castruita, City Clerk for the City of Rosemead, do hereby certify that the
minutes from May 29, 2007, were duly and regularly approved and adopted by the
Rosemead City Council on the 17th of July,2007, by the following vote to wit:
Yes: Clark, Low, Nunez, Taylor, Tran
No: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
~ L lylai4-
Nina Castruita
City Clerk