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CC - Minutes - 02-25-20 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, 111 AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR JOINT MEETING FEBRUARY 25,2020 The regular meeting of the Rosemead City Council was called to order by Mayor Clark at 7:03 p.m., in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. PRESENT: Mayor Clark, Mayor Pro Tem Armenta, Council Members Dang, Low and Ly ABSENT: NONE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Council Member Ly INVOCATION was led by Mayor Pro Tem Armenta STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Molleda, Assistant City Manager Kim, City Attorney Richman, Sergeant Fielder, Director of Community Development Frausto-Lupo, Director of Public Works Daste, Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking, and City Clerk Hernandez 1. PUBLIC COMMENT There being no speakers, Mayor Clark opened and closed the Public Comment period. 2. PRESENTATIONS A. Recognition of Rosemead Residents Chipaul Cao and Millie Cao for their Oscar Nominated Documentary Short Film, "Walk, Run, Cha-Cha" The City Council recognized Chipaul and Millie Cao, Rosemead residents, for producing the Oscar Nominated Short Film "Walk Run Cha-Cha", which takes place right here in the San Gabriel Valley! A video clip of the short film was played for the public; the documentary shares the story of Chipaul and Millie Cao, refugees from Vietnam forced to rebuild their lives as they immigrated to the United States, who spend most of their spare time pursuing a passion for ballroom dance and are rediscovering themselves on the dance floor. 3. PUBLIC HEARING A. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 992—Adopting by Reference the California Building Standards Code 2019 and Other Codes as Amended and Adopted by Los , Angeles County Rosemead City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2020 Page 1 of 20 Recommendation: That the City Council approve the second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 992 by title only, entitled: 111 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ADOPTING BY REFERENCE, PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 50022.2, THE 2019 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS AND THOSE CODES AS AMENDED AND ADOPTED BY LOS ANGELES_ COUNTY AS NOTED INCLUDING; THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE-VOLUMES 1 AND 2 (TITLE 26 LOS ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING CODE), THE CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE (TITLE 27 LOS ANGELES COUNTY ELECTRICAL CODE), THE CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE (TITLE 28 LOS ANGELES COUNTY PLUMBING CODE),THE CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE (TITLE 29 LOS ANGELES COUNTY MECHANICAL CODE), THE CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE (TITLE 30 LOS ANGELES COUNTY RESIDENTIAL CODE), THE CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING CODE (TITLE 31 LOS ANGELES COUNTY GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE), THE CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDINGS CODE (TITLE 33 LOS ANGELES COUNTY EXISTING BUILDING CODE), THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, THE CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDINGS CODE, ADOPTING LOCAL AMENDMENTS, AND DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF Assistant City Manager Kim stated on January 14, 2020, the City Council introduced for first reading, by title only, Ordinance No. 992, by adopting by reference, pursuant to Government Code Section 50022.2, the 2019 California Building Standards; indicated in order to remain consistent with the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County and other local jurisdictions, every three (3) years the City of Rosemead adopts the California Building Codes as amended by Los Angeles County; asserted the City of Rosemead's Building Division has initiated implementation of the 2019 California Building Codes as required by State Law, which were effective as of January 1, 2020. There being no speakers, Mayor Clark opened and closed the Public Hearing. ACTION: Moved by Council Member Ly and seconded Council Member Dang to approve the second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 992 by title only. Motion was carried out by the following vote AYES: Armenta, Clark, Dang, Low,Ly ABSENT: None Rosemead City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2020 Page 2 of 20 4. CONSENT CALENDAR City Attorney Richman advised that a new State law requires we verbally state for the record what changes are made to Department Heads' agreements; indicated the following changes were made to the City Manager's Employment Agreement pertaining to Item C: total annual salary changed to $224,033.51 and the current severance of 6-months pay and benefits to 9-months pay. Mayor Pro Tern Armenta requested to pull Item D for separate discussion. ACTION: Moved by Council Member Ly and seconded Council Member Low to approve Consent Calendar Items A through C, and Item D was pulled for separate discussion. Motion was carried out by the following vote AYES: Armenta, Clark, Dang, Low, Ly ABSENT: None A. Claims and Demands • Resolution No. 2020-05 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $747,650.46 NUMBERED 105577 THROUGH NUMBER 105719 INCLUSIVELY Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2020-05. • Resolution No. 2020-03 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 $487,788.34 NUMBERED 10281 THROUGH NUMBER 10283 INCLUSIVELY Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2020-03 SA. B. Approval of Minutes Recommendation: That the City Council approve the regular meeting minutes of April 9, 2019. Rosemead City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2020 Page 3 of 20 C. Approval of Second Amendment to City Manager Employment Agreement The City and the City Manager entered into an Employment Agreement on January 16, 2018. Section 3 of the Agreement permits the City Council to conduct performance evaluations and grant increases in salary. Pursuant to Section 3 (a)(i) of the Agreement, the City Council conducted the City Manager's performance evaluation. The City Manager received a "substantially exceeds expectations" review with a 4.9 rating. A substantially exceeds expectations review entitles the City Manager to a 5% salary increase. A 5% increase would bring the City Manager's total annual salary to $216,457.50. The City Council is also being asked to consider an additional 3.5% salary increase to the City Manager's salary to help close the gap between her current salary and the current labor market. In 2017, a salary survey was conducted in which results indicated that the City Manager's compensation is 17.3%behind the labor market. An additional 3.5% increase this year would bring the City Manager's total annual salary to $224,033.51. Lastly,the amendment would change the current severance of 6-months pay and benefits to 9-months pay and benefits in the event of a not for cause termination by the City Council. Recommendation: That the City Council take the following actions: 1. Consider approving an amendment to the City Manager's Employment Agreement granting a 5% salary merit increase for a "substantially exceeds expectations" performance evaluation as well as an additional 3.5% salary increase to make her current salary more reflective of and competitive with the labor market for city managers; and 2. Consider approving an amendment that would change the current severance of 6-months pay and benefits to 9-months pay and benefits. ITEMS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION D. Consider and Approve the Purchase of Two Buses to Increase Transit Services Fleet in the Amount of$232,091 The City of Rosemead's public transit program offers both a fixed route bus system, the Rosemead Explorer, and a curb to curb Dial-A-Ride service for individualized transportation needs. The City's transit services operate with the use of up to five buses daily in peak service. The City currently maintains ownership of a public transit fleet consisting of five propane-powered buses. In evaluating transit services contract requirements and long-term transit system costs, there is a recognized benefit to purchasing two additional buses outright. Rosemead is a California Association for Rosemead City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of Februmy 25, 2020 Page 4 of 20 Coordinated Transportation (CaIACT) member, which allows the City to secure fleet vehicles at large volume purchase pricing through a negotiated State General Services Contract. Creative Bus Sales, an approved vendor under the CaIACT purchase program, has prepared quotes for the purchase and propane conversion of two (2) transit buses in the amount of$232,091. The recommended purchase will help to maintain the City's current level of service and provide operational cost savings for the City's transit program. The purchase of the transit buses will be drawn from the City's Proposition A fund as part of the adopted Fiscal Year 2019-20 Budget. • Recommendation: That the Council authorize the purchase of two (2) transit buses in the amount of$232,091 from Creative Bus Sales per specifications and quotation obtained through CaIACT Vehicle Purchasing Cooperative. Director of Public Works Daste stated staff believes it is in the City's best interest to purchase two transit buses rather than leasing them as buses have a useful life of seven to ten years and leases typically last about five years; emphasized the ability to maintain a City-owned transit fleet allows the City to realize the entire useful life of a bus beyond the standard term of a transit services contract which amounts to a transit services operational cost savings. Mayor Pro Tern Armenta expressed concern that the City is purchasing two additional buses when we just purchased a fleet of buses less than five years ago. Mr. Daste responded we have two buses specifically that will be past the useful life and it takes a significant amount of time to purchase them; noted we would like to eliminate the need for our new transit provider to provide spare buses,which will also assist in cost saving. City Manager Molleda noted the Staff Report indicates that the City last purchased five (5) CaIACT Type C-Gasoline Cutaway ADA Buses from Creative Bus Sales in 2015. Mrs. Armenta reminded Council that when the contract was awarded to Southland Transit,we purchased five gas fueled buses which were changed to propane;further stated that Southland also lent the City two additional buses and all we had to do was purchase the insurance; indicated all fleet was purchased the same day. Roy Glauthier, Consultant for transit analysis and procurement services for the City's transit program, affirmed that Mrs. Armenta is correct that the City purchased five vehicles in 2015 coinciding with the awarding of the previous contract with Southland Transit; reiterated that buses have a useful life of seven to ten years or a 100,000 miles; explained that two of the five vehicles purchased are used specifically for the Explorer service which run more than the Dial-A-Ride Rosemead City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2020 Page 5 of 20 vehicles and is why we will need to replace those two vehicles soon; stated right now we are relying on the contractor to provide two spares which were required under the contract and have not been provided for the last year. Council Member Ly clarified since the City broke the contract with Southland Transit and switched to MV Transportation,we lost the lease of the two spare buses that were lent to us and are now just operating with the five purchased vehicles. Council Member Low inquired if the two spare buses that the City borrowed from Southland Transit were the same year as the other five vehicles we purchased. Mr. Glauthier responded no as they were Southland Transit's older vehicles that were not gas fueled as requested by Council; explained that adding these two new vehicles will serve as spares to the current five, bringing a total of seven fleet and will allow the City to start replacing the older fleet. Mayor Pro Tem Armenta asked if this purchase will increase ridership or the availability of ridership as we will have seven vehicles as opposed to only five; posed the question what happens to the two buses that will be phased out. Director of Public Works Daste clarified that we are not increasing the-number of drivers, simply will be providing better service by making ourselves a lot more reliable. Mr. Glauthier asserted if you are operating up to five vehicles then you need to have a spare or two to serve as backup to be able to take them out for service; opined they are hoping a new contract for the management and operation of the Rosemead Transit system will increase ridership. ACTION: Moved by Council Member Ly and seconded Council Member Dang to authorize the purchase of two (2) transit buses in the amount of$232,091 from Creative Bus Sales per specifications and quotation obtained through Ca1ACT Vehicle Purchasing Cooperative. Motion was carried out by the following vote AYES: Armenta, Clark, Dang, Low, Ly ABSENT: None 5. MATTERS FROM CITY MANAGER& STAFF A. Rule 20A Utility Underground Program Discussion In 1967, the California Public Utilities Commission established tariff rules to what is now commonly referred to as The Rule 20A Utility Undergrounding Program. This statewide program was created to eliminate the concentration of overhead electric and telecommunication lines and wooden utility poles along major arterial streets,public areas of scenic value, and the downtown or civic center core. Rosemead City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of Februamy 25, 2020 Page 6 of 20 Rule 20A allows cities and counties to receive an annual allocation of monetary credits that accumulate for the eventual expenditure and benefit of undergrounding unattractive overhead wires in their community. This program is financed by the rate payers under the Public Purpose Program. When a city's Rule 20A balance is adequate enough to finance the cost of a utility undergrounding project, the selected Rule 20A project for utility undergrounding fund both eligible soft and hard costs and is deducted from an agency's Rule 20A balance. Recommendation: That the City Council discuss and give policy direction to staff on the City of Rosemead's Rule 20A strategy options: 1. Accumulate credits and commence on a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) in a similar fashion like the undergrounding work on Walnut Grove Avenue; 2. Accumulate credits as well as purchase credits from other agencies in order to expedite Rule 20A CIP projects; or 3. Sell accumulated rule 20A credits to other agencies to increase the City of Rosemead's General Fund. Director of Public Works Daste stated the City of Rosemead's Rule 20A project is currently the undergrounding of utility wires on Walnut Grove Avenue, costing approximately $2 million, and the project used Rule 20A credits, which were accumulated over the course of several years; noted the City of Rosemead's current Rule 20A credit balance is at a negative of$157,732, however, this is a moving target depending upon the final construction costs. The credits will accumulate at approximately $155,000 per year. The final allocation is determined by the amount of money given to Southern California Edison for the Rule 20A fund by the CPC. That money is calculated into an algorithm based on several things including the amount of overhead wire meters a city may have. The amount fluctuates each year. Mr. Daste informed Council that Rule 20A credits are transferrable from one municipality to another, provided the following example — the City of Oxnard's City Council recently approved the sale of$3.8 million in credits to the City of Laguna Beach for $2.1 million in cash, in which the proceeds went into the City of Oxnard's general fund. While cities may negotiate the terms, the general rule of thumb is 55 cents to one-dollar ratio. In other words, if a city had $100 in Rule 20A credits, the selling city would net $55 in cash for the $100 in Rule 20A credits. Mayor Clark inquired why the City's current Rule 20A credit balance is at a negative. Rosemead City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2020 Page 7 of 20 Council Member Ly clarified Rule 20A regulations permits cities to borrow up to three years in advance to complete undergrounding projects resulting in the City's negative credit balance; referenced the Staff Report, Attachment A - Exhibit A "Project Priority List—July 2013",which consists of 12 identified projects,with an estimated 9.55 miles and total cost of$25.21 million; indicated identifying Rule 20A projects is challenging as they must be in commercial corridors and are limited on the residential side. Mr. Ly shared that these underground projects were a campaign promise he made to residents when running for Council, so this is something he intends to deliver while he is still on Council; opined even if our surplus is not that great this year, we should still look into purchasing Rule 20A money from neighboring cities to get the first priority project listed going — Rosemead Boulevard (I- 10 Freeway to North City Limit); stated this will allow us to focus on one of our goals to beautify our city. Council Member Low expressed support to move forward with this, stating while it is costly, it is also a worthwhile long-term goal of the City. Mayor Pro Tem Armenta echoed Council Member Ly's sentiment, that at some point, we need to stop promising goals and start seeing them through. Council Member Dang stated he likes the idea of buying money at a discounted rate; suggested making it a Capital Improvement project by changing the traffic signals and putting them underground. Mayor Clark opined it's a win-win all the way around as us purchasing credits will help those cities that need the money. Council Member Ly reiterated with neighboring cities having tight budgets, it puts us in a very strong position as we may be able to get an even better deal out of the local cities; asked if this is something we need to make a motion for or just provide direction to staff City Attorney Richman advised Council to make a motion so they can direct staff on any specific projects. Mr. Ly suggested identifying one or two projects for staff to look into pursuing; emphasized being cognizant of looking in to two projects, one on the north side and the other on the south side of town. ACTION: Moved by Council Member Ly and seconded Council Member Low to direct staff to pursue purchasing Rule 20A credits through our personal funds for the following priority projects: 1)Rosemead Boulevard(I- 10 Freeway to North City Limit) at $3.43 million; and 2) Walnut Grove Avenue (Garvey Avenue to Mission Drive) at $4.62 million. Motion was carried out by the following vote AYES: Armenta, Clark, Dang, Low, Ly ABSENT: None Rosemead City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2020 Page 8 of 20 Mayor Pro Tern Armenta requested staff to look into seeing what Caltrans can provide to the City since Rosemead Boulevard is a state highway. City Manager Molleda affirmed staff will reach out to Caltrans. B. Consideration of Award of Contract for Operation of the City Transit Services The City of Rosemead Transit system includes the Dial-A-Ride and Rosemead Explorer Fixed Route services. The City's Transit system has been providing local transportation services to residents since the 1980's. and currently operates with the use of five City-owned propane fuel buses. Since the inception of City transit • services, independent contractors have been utilized to provide full "turn-key" management and operation services, The current management,and operations contract is held with MV Transportation, Inc., whose Agreement was for a one (1) year period that was set to expire on February 15, 2020. However, on February 11, 2020, the Agreement was extended by the City Council to March 31, 2020. Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement for the management, operation, and maintenance of the Rosemead Transit system with First Transit, Inc. for a base term of three(3)annual years,plus two one-year annual option terms. Director of Public Works Daste stated following a comprehensive Request For Proposal (RFP)process which included a thorough vetting of each proposal, and an interview with each company, staff is recommending the City award a contract for City transit services to First Transit, Inc., for a base term of three (3) years, plus two one-year option terms;noted First Transit representatives are present to answer any of Council's questions. Mayor Pro Tern Armenta asked First Transit the following: How many dispatchers are there, and if there is one specifically designated for Rosemead calls?Also,what is the hold time for calls?Mrs. Armenta expressed that customers being put on hold for a long time was a prior concern with the previous provider, noting she experienced this firsthand waiting 14 minutes while assisting a resident with scheduling an appointment. She inquired what type of training do the drivers have to maintain? Zack Deukmajian, Project Manager, First Transit, Inc., stated their dispatch office consists of four dispatchers and one lead dispatcher, totaling five that will be answering the phones at all times; asserted that leveraging the services they have will better serve Rosemead rather than having only one designated dispatcher; indicated their hold time is between three to four minutes — shared that monthly reports will be provided to the City, which will include the average hold time, length of calls, dropped calls, and whatever other information the City desires. Mr. Deukmajian stated drivers must complete a total of 70 hours of professional training consisting of driver maneuverability, ADA wheelchair and customer service. Rosemead City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of Februamy 25, 2020 Page 9 of 20 Mayor Pro Tern Armenta indicated when we purchased the five vehicles,there was supposed to be a GPS system and cameras;asked if First Transit will be maintaining these cameras? Project Manager Deukmajian explained what comes with the City's vehicles (i.e., cameras)First Transit will be maintaining under our PMI; stated once we take over the buses, we will be adding innovative technology such as Geotab (measures fleet performance based off real-time data), DoubleMap (a GPS bus tracking system), and CTS TripMaster (a computer-aided tool for scheduling, dispatching, and reporting fleet management); indicated that Dial-A-Ride buses will have a Mobile Data Tablet (MDTs) which allows for the flexibility of accepting same-day scheduling and adjustments through communication with the drivers. Council Member Dang inquired if there will be additional factory costs for installing the equipment in the vehicles? Rashidi Barnes, Director of Business Development, First Transit, Inc., replied the costs included in the Staff Report are the same from our proposal which cover the added technology; affirmed the costs will not change for the first three years. Mrs. Armenta asked how many buses are dedicated to Dial-A-Ride? Mr. Deukmajian responded based on the City's RFP issued, there are two for Dial-A-Ride, and two for Explorer, with the fifth bus only being driven during peak hours. Mrs. Armenta inquired if that fifth bus typically used for peak hours can be used for Dial-A-Ride as there is a heavy demand for Dial-A-Ride. How are peak hours determined? Also, do the rates go up for the bus being used for peak hours or are they included in our contract? Mr. Deukmajian explained peak hours are determined based off the analytical information gathered from our scheduling system, which will provide reports as to what time of day and month had an increase in ridership. Mr. Barnes replied their rates are based off the City's services and number of hours provided in the RFP's specifications. Mayor Pro Tem Armenta opined staff should have had this conversation prior to requesting two additional vehicles, especially now learning that the fifth bus will remain idle if there are no peak hours; expressed concern of the bus drivers speeding especially in residential areas,noting the previous provider could not track the speed of bus. Mr. Deukmajian asserted that will not be an issue as Geotab not only tracks the mileage, but also the speed of vehicle. Rosemead City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2020 Page 10 of 20 Council Member Ly emphasized the importance of the speed and safety of vehicles, timeliness and friendliness of the dispatchers and drivers; inquired what are the dispatchers' language capabilities. Mr. Deukmajian stated Spanish and English are currently offered, and they are looking to secure Mandarin as well. Council Member Dang suggested also making Vietnamese available as that is another primary language of Rosemead residents. Mr. Barnes indicated customers can call into another line that has multiple languages readily available. Council Member Low asked that First Transit strive to provide good service to our residents, especially by being mindful of not keeping the customers waiting long. Council Member Dang referenced page 5 of 6 of the Staff Report, inquired if First Transit determined the fueling cost provided; asked when fuel costs increase as they inevitably do each year, will the City get tabbed for the extra cost. Mr. Barnes reiterated these are the fixed costs that we have assessed and fuel volatility was taken into consideration of overall price cost; stated we are not saying there will never be a time where we may need to ask the City for additional, all depending on any unforeseen State ordinance. Mayor Pro Tern Armenta expressed concern for residents that live in the southern part of Rosemead that are heading to the hospital, as they are not able to take the Dial-A-Ride due to the fixed five miles limitation. Roy Glauthier, Consultant, stated if we refer to the medical policy, one of the objectives of this contract is to clearly specify the service policies to ensure they are followed; clarified the five miles starts outside of the city's boundaries. Mrs.Armenta thanked Mr. Glauthier for clarifying;reiterated we want to make sure that everyone that lives in Rosemead has the same advantages. Mr. Deukmajian stated First Transit looks forward to providing Rosemead with the highest level of quality transportation services. ACTION: Moved by Council Member Ly and seconded Council Member Dang to authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement for the management, operation,and maintenance of the Rosemead Transit system with First Transit,Inc., for a base term of three (3) annual years, plus two one-year annual option terms. Motion was carried out by the following vote AYES: Armenta, Clark, Dang, Low, Ly ABSENT: None Rosemead City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2020 Page 11 of 20 6. MATTERS FROM MAYOR& CITY COUNCIL A. Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) Cycle Discussion This item is presented to the City Council at the request of Mayor Margaret Clark. On Monday, February 24, 2020, the RHNA subcommittee discussed and recommended the approval of the Final RHNA Methodology and the 6th Cycle RHNA appeals procedures. Recommendation: That the City Council discuss and provide further direction. Mayor Clark stated at the Southern California Association of Governments' (SCAG)meeting yesterday,the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) informed us that we the region must provide zoning for 1.3 million housing units; indicated staff came up with the apportionments based off the land use, land available, job housing and projective growth. Mrs. Clark informed Council that at the October RHNA Subcommittee meeting,the Mayor of Riverside came up with his own plan which drastically changed the numbers, and shifted the housing allocations from the areas that have the land to those that are already built out; noted his motion died at that same meeting,however it came back at the November RHNA Subcommittee meeting and passed 43-19; opined it was interesting that everyone that voted in favor of it either had a huge decrease or even zero to 2% decrease; expressed she was curious how so many people came to the meeting and knew to vote that way. Mayor Clark voiced frustration as they took a fair distribution and dumped the numbers on cities that are already built out specifically in the San Gabriel Valley and Orange County; noting these SGV cities increased as follows: Alhambra 108%, Montebello 81%, Monterey Park 73%, and Rosemead 49%; shared that many cities sent in letters requesting to revisit this matter and that the City of Cerritos came up with an alternate plan which was better and more equitable; urged Council to send a letter expressing our concerns and supporting those affected cities. Mayor Pro Tern Armenta asked when did our numbers change and if this is in addition to the amount that was already supposed to increase? Council Member Ly replied the original numbers came out in October and the Bailey proposed numbers (from Mayor of Riverside) came out a month after in November; affirmed it is an additional 49% increase as we went from 3,000 units to now having to build to 4,600 units. Director of Community Development Frausto-Lupo stated so many cities are upset with the numbers because it's a set number, so once it is adopted in October, there will not be any other consideration. Mayor Pro Tem Armenta inquired with the Census approaching, what if our population decreases, will our RHNA number decrease as well? Rosemead City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2020 Page 12 of 20 Council Member Ly stated the RHNA numbers are not based off the Census results. Planning and Economic Development Manager Valenzuela reiterated the Census results would not change the RHNA numbers;explained the RHNA numbers derive from the data collected from Connect So Cal, the regional transportation plan and sustainable communities strategy,the household growth numbers,job accessibility, high quality transit areas. Mayor Pro Tem Armenta suggested they utilize the numbers collected from the Census to determine the RHNA numbers;indicated with the defeat of SB 50, Senate Pro Tem Atkins stated there will be a housing bill passed; inquired if a housing bill comes to fruition, would that affect the RHNA number as well? Council Member Ly responded the RHNA is what we must zone for versus the housing bill which is what we must build. Mayor Clark emphasized this is an important matter; noted she appreciates Senator Rubio voting against SB 50. Mrs. Armenta indicated she would relay the appreciation note to Senator Rubio. Mr. Ly asked what is the timeline, so staff knows when to submit the letter? Mayor Clark indicated the sooner it is sent, the better. Mrs. Valenzuela confirmed the upcoming meetings are as follows: March 5th, at 10 a.m.,the Community Economic and Human Development(CEHD) Committee, then at 12:15 p.m., it is going to the Regional Council; noted the Cerritos methodology is only being presented to the CEHD. Council Member Ly asked if staff can read the draft letter out loud for Council to hear. Director of Community Development Frausto-Lupo read the draft letter for the record regarding: A Request by the City of Rosemead to Amend the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) Methodology for the 6th Cycle. "The City of Rosemead respectfully requests that the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) amend the Draft RHNA methodology to reinstate local input as a factor in the existing need. The City of Cerritos recently submitted a proposal dated February 4,2020,which recommends that household growth forecasts be reintroduced back into the calculations for the existing need as follows:household growth(33.3%),job accessibility(33.3%),and population within high quality transit areas (33.3%). These household growth projections Rosemead City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2020 Page 13 of 20 are an important factor in that it takes into consideration the unique characteristics of each jurisdiction. Moreover, these growth projections more closely aligns the RHNA with the development pattern established within Connect SoCal as required by State statute. Additionally, as stated in the staff- recommended RHNA methodology staff report for the November 7, 2019, Regional Council meeting, the reintroduction of household growth into the existing need would further the five objectives of State housing law. Furthermore, the City of Rosemead is also requesting that SCAG again object the regional determination of 1,341,827 housing units to the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) in that they did not follow state law with the regional determination [see Government Code Section 65584.01(a)]. Even the Department of Finance recently updated its population projections and show a significant decrease since their previous forecast. Governor Newsom has also stated that his commitment to building 3.5 million homes by 2025 was a"stretch goal" and that the state would soon be releasing a more pragmatic estimate of the housing needs by region. The regional determination combined with an inequitable RHNA methodology are setting up local jurisdictions for failure to comply with state housing law. The City of Rosemead requests that the RHNA Subcommittee, CEHD Policy Committee, and Regional Council consider these two recommendations prior to the adoption of the RHNA. We recognize that there are time constraints established by state law; however, the RHNA will have significant impacts on jurisdictions over the next decade. Therefore, it is imperative that the RHNA be finalized in a way that is equitable and attainable in responding to the housing crisis. Please feel free to contact the Director of Community Development, Angelica Frausto-Lupo at(626) 569-2261 or by email afrausto-lupo@cityofrosemead.org if you have any questions regarding this letter. Sincerely, Margaret Clark, Mayor Gloria Molleda, City Manager" Mayor Clark expressed appreciation to staff for preparing the letter and handling this urgent matter. ACTION: Moved by Mayor Clark and seconded by Council Member Ly to direct staff to send the draft letter entitled"A Request by the City of Rosemead to Amend the Regional Housing Needs Assessment(RHNA) Methodology for the 6th Cycle" to the Southern California Association of Governments. Motion was carried out by the following vote AYES: Armenta, Clark,Dang, Low,Ly ABSENT: None Rosemead City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2020 Page 14 of 20 B. Discussion on the Topics to Address in the Advocacy Meetings During the Annual National League of Cities Conference in Washington, DC On January 14, 2020, the City Council held a workshop presented by David Turch and Associates regarding an update on federal public affairs, new legislation and grant opportunities. At the same workshop it was agreed that staff would bring back a list of topics to be addressed in the Council's advocacy meetings during the upcoming National League of Cities Conference in Washington, D.C. Recommendation: That the City Council discuss and approve the listed topics that will be addressed during the advocacy meetings. The list of potential topics is as follows: 1. Homelessness 2. Veteran Housing 3. Public Safety 4. Affordable Housing 5. Transportation Council Member Ly asked Council to narrow down each subject further and to have a specific ask for all five topics; inquired which Council Members will be attending the advocacy meetings. City Manager Molleda stated Mayor Clark and Council Member Ly will be attending on behalf of the Council. Mayor Pro Tem Armenta expressed a big concern in oversea investors that landbank, noted it may be more of a federal issue, but still worth asking for their thoughts on the issue; opined there are no opportunities for development because of the landbank, such as the auto auction site. Management Analyst Guerrero stated we are applying for a couple of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants, currently the anti-methamphetamine program, and we will look into possibly getting funding for hiring security or paying for an additional officer to patrol City facilities;noted applications for grants are due next month. Council Member Low requested we ask what can we do regarding homelessness within our City? City Manager Molleda replied we joined 6 cities amongst the COG and are currently working together on a homeless plan. Council Member Ly recommended removing homelessness from the list of potential topics since we do not have anything specific to ask for. Rosemead City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2020 Page 15 of 20 Mayor Clark expressed she does not want to remove homelessness because they will not be able to discuss the matter then; suggested asking the federal government to provide more money for mental health treatment and drug addiction. Council Member Ly echoed support for the ask; requested staff ensure we have a meeting set with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Council Member Dang reminded Council that in a prior meeting the Director of Veterans Affairs indicated the VA Office will not directly give grant funding to a city,but they will endorse or give the grant to a nonprofit for a project that a city can partner with; suggested looking into possibility of getting money with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), aswhenever you use public funding ADA always kicks in. Mr. Ly inquired if we are still operating a first-time home buyer program? Assistant City Manager Kim affirmed we are with the annual action plan; this year the allocation is around $100,000 or$150,000. Director of Community Development Frausto-Lupo ascertained the first-time home buyer program has not been used for several years, so the funds just sit there as the cost of housing is very high and there is a maximum amount that can be used;noted the cap is about$75,000 loan and the maximum value for a home is $522,000. 111 Mr. Dang suggested setting a target price of$522,000 for veteran housing. Mr. Ly stated there are certain rules in order to qualify as affordable housing; indicated he believes the threshold is even less than$522,000. Mayor Pro Tern Armenta suggested allocating that money for affordable housing or veteran housing and then restarting the first-time home buyer program again. Mrs. Frausto-Lupo affirmed that is what she was thinking, and if at any time the home values start to decline then we can always bring the program back. Mr. Ly asked if there is a need to have a prior discussion with HUD or Department of Veterans Affairs for any possible issues. Mrs. Armenta inquired if any of this funding can be used for wraparound services by connecting with nonprofits to see if they can provide services to veterans. Mr. Kim opined it's always good to meet with the Department of Veterans Affairs because they may have other funding available; shared about the Veterans Housing Development Corporation that has completed several projects in California, the most recent being in the City of Santa Clarita. Rosemead City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of Februafy 25, 2020 Page 16 of 20 Council Member Ly asked if there is anything specific that Council would like to address for affordable housing? Assistant City Manager Kim suggested discussing for educational research what the timeline and budget will look like for tax credits. Also,what the funding source will be and how much? He noted a lot of affordable housing developers use tax credits as a funding source. Mr. Ly affirmed we can discuss this matter with HUD. Mayor Pro Tem Armenta inquired if the tax credit is considered an incentive. Mr. Kim stated that it would be.considered a financial incentive. Mayor Clark concurred that we need to discuss any possible incentivizes for developers to build affordable housing, as we do not have the tools to assist us. Council Member Low asked if developers are aware that there are tax credits available for affordable housing. Mr. Kim confirmed most are as it is one of the main funding sources with the dissolution of redevelopment. Mr. Ly opined some developers do but there are first-time developers that may not necessarily know about the tax credits. Council Member Dang stated earlier we discussed RHNA numbers and zoning for higher densities; inquired if there is are any grants for RHNA purposes. , Mr. Ly clarified RHNA will be state level, not federal. Mrs. Low asserted the specific ask for transportation is to address the traffic congestion issue of freeway on and off ramps, also to get funding to redesign the on and off ramps. City Manager Molleda indicated Council Member Low's request would require a study and staff can bring back to Council a rough estimate. Council Member Dang stated in addition to the freeway ramps,we need to bring to the federal attention the repercussions we are facing from the two massive distribution facilities bringing large amazon trucks in to the San Gabriel Valley; suggested talking to DOT and the EPA to see if there any grant funding to repair the roads, or monitor the air quality. Mayor Pro Tern Armenta recalled in 2010,that the City of El Monte made the City of Arcadia bring in some money for a project that they had in Arcadia as they were Rosemead City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2020 Page 17 of 20 going to be utilizing their corridors and had to put in funding for maintenance of that street; indicated when she heard about this, she asked our then City Manager where are our asks of the neighboring cities when they develop in Rosemead? Mrs. Armenta stated when those warehouses were built in 2008 there was nothing in place, but now we are able to put something in place. Council Member Dang asserted the application was only for a warehouse and not - a distribution facility. Council Member Ly recommended we direct the Public Works Department to gather some data, then in about six months we can discuss specifics with DOT on our Lobby Day. Mr. Dang concurred with Mr. Ly that having data and points of discussion will make a bigger impact. Mr. Ly asked the City Attorney if the best way to proceed is to codify this with a motion so we do not need to create an official agenda. City Attorney Richman stated it is up to Council if they want to have something more specific,but if you feel comfortable as a Council that you have clear direction; indicated there are no issues as far as the Brown Act as only two Council members are going; noted if there were three of you going, we would need proper notice that a majority of Council is meeting to discuss matters within its jurisdiction. Mr. Ly inquired what if they are not able to post an agenda at a private facility such as the DOT. City Attorney Richman responded the agenda must be posted in an open area so it is at least known where the meeting is being held;emphasized there is no exemption when meeting with legislation, even if it is for federal purposes. By Consensus, the City Council approved the following list of topics that will be addressed during the advocacy meetings: 1. Homelessness 2. Veteran Housing 3. Public Safety 4. Affordable Housing 5. Transportation C. Strategic Plan Subcommittee City Manager Molleda stated on January 13, 2020, the City released a Request for Proposal for professional services for the facilitation of strategic planning workshops and development of a Strategic Plan 2020-2030. The objective of the Rosemead City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2020 Page 18 of 20 development of a strategic plan is to provide a roadmap that is consistent with the City Council's vision to identify best practices and continuous improvement strategies to improve efficiencies and enhance both internal and external operations and customer service in a manner that adapts to the ever changing and evolving long term goals of the City. Staff received six (6) proposals on February 6, 2020 and is ready to move forward with interviews. There has been some interest from Council Members to participate in this process. Recommendation: That the City Council discuss and create a Strategic Plan Subcommittee be created by appointing two Council Members to said - - subcommittee. =_ .'-Council Members Dang and Ly volunteered to serve on the Subcommittee. ACTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Armenta and seconded by Council Member Low to appoint Council Members Dang and Ly to the Strategic Plan Subcommittee. Motion was carried out by the following vote AYES: Armenta, Clark, Dang, Low,Ly ABSENT: None D. Council Comments Council Member Ly brought to Council's attention that the list of Subcommittees, particularly the Garvey Avenue Specific Plan, needs to be updated as their appointees are no longer able to serve in that same capacity. Mr. Ly pointed out the following: 1) James Berry is listed as representing the Traffic Commission, however he has recently been appointed to the Planning Commission—We need to remove him and appoint a current Traffic Commissioner; and 2) A member of the Beautification Committee is also supposed to serve on the subcommittee, however the Beautification Committee has been dissolved and is now the Beautification Commission—We need to update verbiage to reflect a member of the Beautification Commission and appoint a current Commissioner. City Attorney Richman suggested bringing this item back to Council for further discussion and consideration. Mayor Pro Tern Armenta noted she leaves Saturday to DC for American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) meeting with Democrats and Republicans on policy issues; indicated she has received a couple of complaints pertaining to the water companies, stressed that all staff and contractors are here to be of service to the residents, who should be treated accordingly; shared that Senator Rubio is having a Women Inspiring the Next Generation of Sisterhood (WINGS) Seminar 111 on March 14th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Rosemead Highschool, focusing on empowering young women from the 7th grade to high school. Rosemead City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2020 Page 19 of 20 Council Member Dang stated there was a watermain break, which they patched up but seemed like asphalt was used;asserted he will touch base with the Public Works Director regarding this matter. 7. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:52 p.m. The next regular scheduled City Council meeting for March 10,2020 is cancelled due to lack of quorum.The next regular scheduled City Council meeting will take place on March 24, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the Rosemead City Hall Council Chamber. Ericka Hernandez, City Clerk APPROVED: - ted A i A 411.x!-L Sandra Armenta, Mayor 0 Rosemead City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2020 Page 20 of 20