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CC - Minutes - 04-14-20 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AND HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION REGULAR JOINT MEETING APRIL 14, 2020 The regular meeting of the Rosemead City Council was called to order by Mayor Armenta at 7:04 p.m., in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. PRESENT: Mayor Armenta, Mayor Pro Tem Low (teleconferencing from 1039 La Presa Avenue), Council Members Clark (teleconferencing from 3109 N. Prospect Avenue), Dang and Ly ABSENT: NONE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Council Member Ly • INVOCATION was led by Mayor Armenta STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Molleda, Assistant City Manager Kim, City Attorney Richman, Chief of Police Duong, and City Clerk Hernandez 1. PUBLIC COMMENT No comments were received by the public. 2. PRESENTATION A. Introduction of Newly Appointed Chief of Police Lieutenant Tony Duong Captain David Flores, Los Angeles County Temple Sheriff Station, introduced the newly appointed Chief of Police Tony Duong. Lieutenant Duong will serve as the new Chief of Police for the Rosemead community. He brings 20-years of law enforcement service and has extensive experience as an investigator and administrative background. Also, introduced Sergeant Carbajal to the Rosemead Team. Sergeant Carbajal is a 26-year veteran of the U.S. Army and served in Desert Storm Iraqi Freedom; he was then retired as 1st Sergeant. He was also a training officer for the Gang Detective Unit in Temple City. Chief of Police Lieutenant Duong expressed gratitude and appreciation to the City Council for the opportunity to serve and protect the City of Rosemead, as Chief of Police. Sergeant Carbajal thanked the City Council and looked forward to serving the Rosemead community. Rosemead City Council, Housing Development Corporation and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of April 14, 2020 Page 1 of 10 Mayor Pro Tem Low welcomed both Lieutenant Duong and Sergeant Carbajal for taking on the task of protecting the citizens and businesses of Rosemead. Council Member Dang welcomed and congratulated both Lieutenant Duong and Sergeant Carbaj al. Council Member Clark was delighted and thanked the Sheriff Temple Station for singing happy birthday to 6-year-old Hunter on Easter. Council Member Ly stated their kind gesture is an example of the traditions and leadership the City of Rosemead stands for. Mayor Armenta thanked Lieutenant Duong and Sergeant Carbajal by welcoming them to the Rosemead family; stated Rosemead is family-based and singing happy birthday to resident Hunter was a perfect example of that. 3. PUBLIC HEARING -None 4. CONSENT CALENDAR In reference to Item No. 4.E, Mayor Armenta thanked staff for initiating the Garvey Park Gym Cooling system project, which will make a difference during the hot summer days. ACTION: Moved by Council Member Ly and seconded by Council Member Dang to approve Consent Calendar items A through E. Motion was carried out by the following vote AYES: Armenta, Clark, Dang, Low and Ly ABSENT: None A. Claims and Demands • Resolution No. 2020-11 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1,277,921.70 NUMBERED 105966 THROUGH NUMBER 106168 INCLUSIVELY • Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2020- 11.Resolution No. 2020-03 RHDC A RESOLUTION OF THE ROSEMEAD HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $20.00 NUMBERED 1616 INCLUSIVELY Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2020-03 RHDC. Rosemead City Council, Housing Development Corporation and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of April 14, 2020 Page 2of10 • Resolution No. 2020-06 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 $246.00 NUMBERED 10289 INCLUSIVELY Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2020-06 SA. B. Approval of Minutes Recommendation: That the City Council approve the regular meeting minutes of July 23, 2020. C. Authorized Signers on Bank Accounts and the Local Agency Investment Funds (LAIF) for the, City and the Successor Agency for the Rosemead Community Development Commission The City of Rosemead (City) and the Successor Agency for the Rosemead Community Development Commission (Successor Agency) require several different bank accounts to efficiently operate financial matters. The City also invests in the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) and has established accounts with them as well. While current authorized staff signers on both the City's and the Successor Agency's accounts include the City Manager (Board Executive Officer)and the Assistant City Manager(Assistant Executive Officer),the Director of Finance and the Finance Manager need to be added by Resolution of the City Council. When new individuals replace incumbents, bank signature cards must be completed with authority given to the City Manager for addition or deletion of signers due to staff replacements. Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the following resolutions authorizing the City Manager (Board Executive Officer), and the Assistant City Manager (Assistant Executive Officer) and adding the Director of Finance and the Finance Manager as Officers of the City and signers on the City's bank accounts at Bank of the West and LAIF; In addition, authorize the City Manager and the Director of Finance to remove previous staff incumbents who are no longer part of the City and Successor Agency. Resolution No. 2020-12, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING THE CITY MANAGER, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER, THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND THE FINANCE MANAGER AS OFFICERS OF THE CITY Rosemead City Council, Housing Development Corporation and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of Apri114, 2020 Page 3 of 10 Resolution No. 2020-13, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, THE ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER, THE FINANCE DIRECTOR AND THE FINANCE MANAGER AS SIGNERS ON THE CITY'S BANK ACCOUNTS AT BANK OF THE WEST and Resolution No. 2020-07 SA, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE ROSEMEAD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION, ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR, MAYOR PRO TEM, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS, THE CITY MANAGER, THE ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER, THE FINANCE DIRECTOR AND THE FINANCE MANAGER AS SIGNERS ON THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY'S BANK ACCOUNTS AT BANK OF THE WEST D. Display of the Vietnamese American Heritage and Freedom Flag with the Untied States of America Flag Along Valley Boulevard as a Symbol of Freedom and Democracy The Vietnamese Refugee Community of Los Angeles County is again requesting 111 that the City Council support the Vietnamese American citizens of the Rosemead community, by authorizing the display of the Vietnamese American Heritage and Freedom Flag along with the United States of America Flag,as a symbol of freedom and democracy, on Valley Boulevard from Saturday, April 25, 2020, through Sunday, May 3, 2020. The display of the flags together, side-by-side is consistent with the protocol specified in the United States Flag Code. Recommendation: That the City Council approve the request of the Vietnamese Refugee Community of Los Angeles County to display the Vietnamese American Heritage and Freedom Flag side-by-side with the United States of America Flag along Valley Boulevard from April 25, 2020, through May 3, 2020, in accordance with the protocol specified in the United States Flag Code. E. Garvey Park Gym Cooling System Project No. 310019—Rejection of All Bids As part of the City's Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Capital Improvement Program and the City's Annual Action Plan for CDBG activities, the City Council approved the Garvey Park Gym cooling project. On March 18, 2020, bids were received and reviewed for the project. Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council take the following111 actions: Rosemead City Council, Housing Development Corporation and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of April 14, 2020 Page 4 of 10 1. Reject all bids received for this project and direct staff to re-advertise the project for new bids; and 2. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable. 5. MATTERS FROM CITY MANAGER& STAFF A. Pay and Benefits for City Employees to Comply with the County's Safer at Home Order On March 4, 2020, the Governor declared a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 epidemic. On March 13,2020,the City Council adopted a Proclamation of Local Emergency. On March 21, 2020, the County of Los Angeles adopted a "Safer at Home" Order". Recently, President Trump extended the Federal social distancing guidelines to April 30th The County's March 21, 2020 Order requires that until April 19th, unless extended, to the greatest extent possible, individuals should stay at home unless they were providing "Essential Services" as the Order defined it. To be in compliance with the Order the City Manager directed the Department Heads to review each of their operations and services to assess which employees needed to report to work and those that could stay at home. Consistent with the City Manager's powers as the Director of Emergency Services, beginning March 23rd, City "Essential employees" have continued to work and "Non-Essential employees"have been directed to stay at home but remain available to report for work if required. Some employees have also been able to work from home being provided needed equipment to do so. All employees have been receiving their usual pay and benefits. Recommendation: That the City Council confirm to the City Manager that all employees receive their usual pay and benefits and that such practice will continue until Sunday, May 3,2020,unless the City Manager so determines changes need to be made. City Manager Molleda reported President Trump extended the Federal social distancing guidelines to April 30th. To comply with the Order, City Department Heads were asked to review each of their operations and services to assess which employees needed to report to work and those that could stay at home. As the Director of Emergency Services (City Manager), beginning March 16th, City "Essential employees" have continued to work, and "Non-Essential employees" have been directed to stay at home but remain available to report for work if required. Some employees have also been able to work from home. All employees have been receiving their usual pay and benefits. Rosemead City Council, Housing Development Corporation and • Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of Apri114, 2020 Page 5 of 10 Mayor Pro Tem Low asked staff if the City is financially able to proceed with the Safer at Home Order and continue paying benefits to employees. City Manager Molleda advised at this time that the City does have the funds and 111 noted it would not be extended past May 15th, which will be reviewed for discussion at a later time. Mayor Armenta commented that cities such as Santa Monica asked employees to leave their positions voluntarily. Therefore, she's grateful for businesses like Target and Walmart that bring revenue to the City and maintain a good financial standing during a time when sales and sales tax revenue is being diminished. ACTION: Moved by Council Member Ly and seconded by Council Member Dang to extend and confirm that employees continue receiving their usual pay and benefits until Sunday, May 3, 2020, unless the City Manager determines changes needed. Motion was carried out by the following vote AYES: Armenta, Clark, Dang, Low, Ly ABSENT: None B. COVID-19 Update This is a recurring item that will be on the agenda to update the City Council on items related to COVID-19. Recommendation: That the City Council discuss and provide further direction. City Manager Molleda reported that to comply with Governor Newsom's Order,for all individuals living in California to stay at home in efforts to stop spreading COVID-19, the Los Angeles County Department of Health extended the "Safer at Home" Order to May 15th, 2020. City Manager Molleda reaffirmed that City facilities and parks would remain closed. In addition, the County has ordered all essential business employees to wear cloth mouth coverings when in contact with other employees and the public. Council Member Ly commended City staff for addressing and enforcing the new safety measures with a positive attitude. In effort to clear up any confusion by the public, he asked that informational flyers be made available on what is recommended and what is required when out in public. City Manager Molleda reported that staff is also looking into CDBG funds to provide some stimulus assistance to hurting businesses in the City. Mayor Armenta agreed with Council Member Ly and clarified, although the Los Angeles Mayor may address the County of Los Angeles, each City has its own Council to make the right decisions based on what the health department pushes forward. Rosemead City Council, Housing Development Corporation and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of Apri114, 2020 Page 6of10 Council Member Dang expressed concerns with senior homes having a higher Coronavirus exposure. Mr. Dang suggested City staff reach out to senior home facilities to check up on vulnerable seniors if any necessities are needed. City Manager Molleda reported City staff has reached out to senior home facilities to provide up-to-date Coronavirus information and resources. Council Member Dang asked how City staff handles sanitizing procedures, to ensure cleanliness and prevent contamination when working with seniors during the Lunch Program. City Manager Molleda noted that Lunch Program participants are provided with disposable masks during distribution. City staff is also practicing proper safety procedures and social distancing, wearing face masks and gloves at all times. City staff continues to add more names to the City senior contact list to ensure they are doing well during the pandemic and providing information resources in respective languages. City Attorney Richman announced the County of Los Angeles had amended its ordinance to extend the rental order from six months to twelve months. The new order would allow tenants, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, to repay backed- up rent during a twelve-month grace period. Mrs. Richman explained the City of Rosemead passed a similar ordinance, which requires the City Council to review. Council Member Clark shared that Jack Zhou of EDI Media has disposable masks for donation if the City was interested. Mrs. Clark reported she was in a conference call with Mayor Garcetti, stating cities should be documenting COVID-19 related costs to receive a 75%reimbursement. City Manager Molleda confirmed City staff has been documenting all expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 6. MATTERS FROM MAYOR& CITY COUNCIL A. COVID-19 Count on Positive Cases in Rosemead This item is presented to the City Council at the request of Mayor Sandra Armenta. She would like to discuss this issue. Recommendation: That the City Council discuss and provide further direction. Mayor Armenta expressed concern about her daily request to notify City Council members and Rosemead residents of positive COVID-19 case counts. She reiterated if there is no change in numbers, then no notification would be sent out. After taking it upon herself to provide the Council with emails regarding the COVID-19 numbers, she noted it was important and transparent to provide its residents with COVID-19 positive counts when numbers change. Mayor Armenta Rosemead City Council, Housing Development Corporation and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of April 14, 2020 Page 7 of 10 opined not knowing how many positive cases may give a false sense to residents as there are low number of COVID-19 cases in the City. Council Member Dang addressed if there is difficulty in providing the information that Mayor Armenta is requesting. City Manager Molleda reported there was no difficulty accessing the information, just a slight confusion in the numbers provided by the County, which is why requesting COVID-19 positive counts to be made only on Mondays. Council Member Dang reiterated the reports are made at the beginning of the day, and sometimes numbers change in the middle of the day. Council Member Ly explained that statistic reports might change due to factors like age groups. Mayor Armenta reported after a conference call with the Los Angeles County Public Health Department, she explained the numbers changes depending on where a person lives, not where they contracted the virus. She further explained that the reason the COVID-19 positive counts change is if a case was reassigned after the County confirms the correct residency of the individual. Council Member Ly requested that clarification be addressed on the press release should the number of cases change. Mayor Armenta affirmed the number count is provided each day on the County's website after noon; opined the confirmed count should be shared with the residents since other cities are providing the same County report number to its residents. Council Member Ly acknowledged the County report is easily accessible and recommends the link should be included in press releases. Mr. Ly's primary concern is the press release accuracy and if a letter of confirmation from the County Public Health Department could be included to provide residents with accurate numbers and asked if HIPAA law applied to COVID-19 cases. Council Member Clark agreed it is important to release the information to Rosemead residents and suggested the following blurb be added to the press release, "These are numbers from the County and may be subject to clarification." City Attorney Richman stated there is no HIPAA issues being violated by using the numbers in the Los Angeles County Public Health Depaitment's report. The City is just passing on the information to the public. Council Member Ly reaffirms his concern with the accuracy of the press release. Mr. Ly agrees an asterisk would help in clarifying the source of the published report. He also addressed City staff to notify residents Monday through Thursday, with weekends off. Therefore, residents should understand that the numbers will not change on the weekend. Rosemead City Council, Housing Development Corporation and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of April 14, 2020 Page 8 of 10 Mayor Armenta agreed to withdraw the daily press release as long as residents are notified via social media Monday through Thursday. Council Member Ly recommended the update of positive COVID-19 count report be posted at the end of each day on all social media platforms with the direct link to the County's website. City Manager Molleda affirmed an update of positive COVID-19 counts will be provided to residents Monday through Thursday via social media. Mayor Armenta concurred with the new direction. B. Council Comments Council Member Clark requested that a resolution be brought before the Council regarding water regulation, stating the City is not subject to total maximum daily loads, and the resolution would need to go to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board. Council Member Ly requested to bring back before City Council a discussion on renaming the Public Safety Center after Undersheriff Tim Murakami. Second, sought support from the City Council for City staff to look into a local stimulus plan for the business community using CDBG funds and to use reserves. Council Member Dang acknowledges the goodwill and charities of the community and suggested those acts should be promoted on social media. Mayor Pro Tem Low reaffirmed Council Member Dang's recommendation, and she has been working with an organization wishing to donate masks to the City of Rosemead. Mayor Armenta relayed a message from Republic Services that waste hauling services are not interrupted during the pandemic for the City. Secondly, she received a message from a resident on the increase of hate crimes against the Asian community due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Mrs. Armenta reassured the resident that the City follows the law of the land and will hold criminals to the fullest extent of the law if they commit a-hate crime. Mrs. Armenta suggested a possible task force to address hate crimes within the Asian community. Mayor Pro Tem Low asked if there were any hate crime cases reported recently. Chief of Police Lieutenant Duong stated he has not heard of hate crimes in Rosemead but will look at statistics and if any reports have been made in the City recently. Mayor Armenta addresses the economic impact on hotels not generating revenue; advised City staff to look into any outstanding funds owed to the City. Rosemead City Council, Housing Development Corporation and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of April 14, 2020 Page 9 of 10 7. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Armenta adjourned the meeting at 8:28 p.m., in support of all essential workers and in memory of those that have passed from the COVID-19 illness. The next regular scheduled City Council meeting will take place on April 28, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the Rosemead City Hall Council Chamber. ./i cy Ericka Hernandez, City Clerk APPROVED: 14 LJL./ l 4 .r/ Sandra Armenta, May r Rosemead City Council, Housing Development Corporation and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of April 14, 2020 Page 10 of 10