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CC - Item 4B - Minutes of the March 9, 2021 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MARCH 9, 2021 The regular meeting of the Rosemead City Council was called to order by Mayor Armenta at 7:18 p.m., in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. PRESENT: Mayor Armenta, Mayor Pro Tem Low, Council Members Clark, Dang, and Ly (teleconference) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Council Member Dang INVOCATION was led by Mayor Armenta STAFF PRESENT: Assistant City Manager Kim, City Attorney Richman, Chief of Police Lt. Duong, Director of Community Development Frausto-Lupo, Director of Public Works Daste, Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking, and City Clerk Hernandez 1. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Armenta opened the Public Comment period. Public comment was received via telephone from an anonymous Rosemead resident stating, as a citizen of Rosemead, requested the City Council address the City's homelessness issue. While at the Dry Cleaners store, located at 8877 Mission Drive, witnessed a middle-aged homeless man dropped his pants exposing his bottom to where children could have seen, and started defecating right outside on a small area of grass in the parking lot. The homeless man clearly needs help, as do a lot of the homeless in the City. Wanted to bring the issue to the attention of the City Council and to address the homelessness issue. Lu Cruz, Special Education Teacher for the Montebello School District, expressed concerns with charter schools entering the City of Rosemead. Mrs. Cruz reiterated that charter schools do not accept all children with disabilities as public schools do. School districts are experiencing some financial hardships but have continued many programs such as the dual language and coding programs. Urged the City Council to work with school districts not to allow charter schools to enter and place a moratorium on charter schools. There being no further speakers, Mayor Armenta closed the Public Comment period. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2021 Page 1 of 20 AGENDA ITEM 4.11 2. PRESENTATION A. Proclamation Declaring the month of April 2021 as "DMV/Donate Life Month" in the City of Rosemead Mayor Armenta read the proclamation declaring the month of April 2021 as DMV/Donate Life Month in the City of Rosemead. Rachel Bennett StgM, on behalf of One Legacy, ambassador to the City of Rosemead thanked and accepted the proclamation for DMV Donate Life for the Month for April. Mrs. Steury spoke about her bo ney as a kidney donor and the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation Mourage civic officials to join in make a difference by joining the m the DMV, or online at Donate Life Mayor Armenta stated she 1 Annual Rose Parade Float to Council Member ( a friend from Nai brother was killed, Council Dang em so 3. PUBW HEARIN she of who have checked Yes at org. opportunity to plat , rose at One Legacy's hose who had donated`,#i z organs. One Legacy' does and shared Environment Committee, his for §lpg her story on donating her for her work with One Legacy. on her commitment to the cause and ng and increase the quality of lives of A. Pub Hearingt© Consider Amendment to the CDBG and HOME Citizen PartiSip"" Platy end Substantial Amendment to FY 2019-2020 and FY 2020- 2021 Ali" A66 n Plans The purpose of this public hearing is to provide the public with an opportunity to comment on the Amendment to the Citizen Participation Plan and Substantial Amendments to the City's FY 2019-2020 and FY 2020-2021 Annual Action Plans. Amendment to Citizen Participation Plan U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires participating jurisdictions to adopt a citizen participation plan establishing policies and procedures for citizen participation. As required by HUD regulations found at 24 CFR 91.105, the Citizen Participation Plan sets forth the City of Rosemead's Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2021 Page 2 of 20 policies and procedures for providing citizens and other interested parties with opportunities to participate in an advisory role in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs. Staff is revising and clarifying process and procedural requirements to the Citizen Participation Plan. Substantial Amendments to Action Plans In accordance with the HUD 24 CFR Part 91.505, and the Citizen Participation Plan of Rosemead, Substantial Amendments to fiscal year (FY) 2019-20 and FY 2020- 2021 Annual Action Plans are required. The Subantial Amendments are needed to: (1) Cancel CDBG and Community D9ye�ppment Block Grant -Coronavirus _- - - _(CDBG=CV1)-activities:-and-(2) Re=allocft�d, increase funds -to CDBG,-HOME and CDBG-CV1 programs to existing activities Recommendation: That the City,,0606il take the f611`pwing actions: k 1. Conduct a public hearing and xeceive public testimony 2. Approve the Amendment to the City of Rosemead Citizen R,adticipation Plan; and 3. Approve the Substantial Ai&fidmepts to the,,.,X 2019-2020 and FY 2020-2021 Annual Action Plans. Director of Comf4 ty Deve`Iopnienf'Frausfo `lam po reported the Public Hearing was to rovlde the u1 1c with an gpportunity to comment on the Amendment to the Citizen `$Oiciflan ands tantial Amendments to the City's FY 2019- 202Q and FYZ1J 01 nnualgtan Plans. The U.S. Department of Housing and Uhrha.Develapment (HUD)egu7aons also require the adoption of an Annual Action pl?to pr`iivaide a summary of the activities, programs, and the specific funding that- it be 6049 address the priority needs and specific goals identified ,14 the Consow, d P1afi Ahe proposed changes to the Fiscal Year 2019-20, and %cAl Year 20*1 Annual Action Plans, meet the definition of a substantial cliapge for the City-` Citizen Participation Plan, and therefore requires a substantial ameiim'ent. Tho Substantial Amendments are needed to Cancel CDBG and Commuiuty,�cv opment Block Grant -Coronavirus (CDBG-CV1) activities, and reallocate;3increase funds to CDBG, HOME and CDBG-CV1 programs to existing activities. Staff is proposing to cancel the Summer Youth Employment Program, because the Parks and Recreation Department was not able to implement the program due to COVID-19. Mrs. Frausto-Lupo explained the funds used for the Summer Youth Employment Program, were being transferred to supplement the Senior Nutrition Program for FY 2020-21. Cancel the proposed CDBG-CV 1 funds to the Senior Nutrition Program, because seniors could not document that they were impacted financially by COVID-19, which was a requirement by HUD. Cancelling the Emergency Utility Payment Program, the City is not canceling the program entirely, the program was still available through the Rental Assistance Program and the HOME funds. Staff initially requested to allocated $10,000 to Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2021 Page 3 of 20 provide personal protection equipment (PPE) to sub recipients. However, due to the generosity of various groups, sub recipients have sufficient PPE, therefore requiring the cancellation of those funds. Increase in HOME funds in Fiscal Year 2019-20, were proposed to provide rental assistance to residents. Staff is also proposing to increase the business assistance program through the CDBG-CV 1 funds. Lastly, the Commercial Facade program, is being cancelled for Fiscal Year 2020-21, because businesses have had it difficult to take loans to make improvements to store fronts during the pandemic. Mayor Armenta opened the Public Hearing. There being no comments were submitted, closed Public Hearing. Development Frausto-Lupo about Program. She expressed concerns. homes must be $500,000 or less _S amount to meet inflation in the lion; dt' the pr sked if it market. Director of Community DeveloprnWW Fr Clark was referring ","Down Down Payina" item on the agenda, bb #a&rovided Cour previously. She explaQR a ire uest to price, currently at $522,000'�ouldm de Plan. Tem 1' referred`tQ nage-3 of roll for Fiscal Y -W, finds were bannote es to the 1 w N�,. to"e the funds Mayor Plan. 4 irector of- -Community Time Home Buyer Loan 's current limit states that to increase the cap stated thi"ouncil Member nce Program; which was not an ber Clark with some information increase the cost of the purchase he revision to the Annual Action report and inquired about the the Fe;l Year 2019-20, since it had passed. ,lo in&—~rausto-Lupo explained when staff works on Ef I A6 programs and allocates funds to specific catia&& $25,000 of funds in the Annual Action Plan the Summer Youth Employment Program. Since the in 1~fk4Year 2019-20, the program must be canceled, making 019-20 allocated funds. The City has up to five years I Year 2� ase them. w asked what the differences were of the current Citizen and the proposed draft amendment of the Citizen Participation Director of Community Development Frausto-Lupo replied Attachment A was the current Citizen Participation Plan which was done in 2015. Although HUD does not require a new Citizen Participation Plan, staff wanted to expand the Citizen Participation Plan in more detail. The proposed draft amendments include identifying all the required documents, listing them in the new updated Citizen Participation Plan, and then listing what the Citizen Participation Plan is for each document. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2021 Page 4 of 20 Mayor Pro Tem Low asked if there were items that HUD required to be in the proposed draft Citizen Participation Plan. Director of Community Development Frausto-Lupo stated the reason why staff decided to amend the Citizen Participation Plan, was not only to clarify and identify the programs and the requirements, but also due to a change in percentage from 25 percent to 50 percent in the amount of a particular activities budget. CDBG & HOME Consultant Priscilla Davila, of Priscila Davila & Associates explained the new Citizen Participation Plan breaks down all the documents required by HUD such as the 5 -Year Consoled Plan, Annual Plan, CAPER R j report, and other documents. There is sc timeframes, explanations, and how they can make comments on the Mayor Armenta reiterated that ��� —the Summer``�o th Employment Program funds were not used for 2020, t funds could be re ted to the Fiscal Year ....=, 2020-21. Asked if the City open cihties and resumes prog ins and the Summer Youth Employment Program funder k taker vay, can the b , an allocation to resume the Summer Yfh EmploymmP rtn. F4 T Director of Community Vdlo went Fra us o explained since the funds were not used, and the fiscal qAr eninJune, staull bring back in April with the Annual APlan to m��de the S " _= er Yoithmployment Program to be fundedzamoscal YIN' w ski begins July 1. Counc t mber inquired about how the Senior Nutrition Program was funded and vu y the aga m need to be supplemented with more funds. DireafQ of Coni i ity Devia—qm r�1FFrausto-Lupo explained the Senior Nutrition Programs nde4t��-JCDBG Furies at $60,000. Due to the Pandemic, the City received aci H" nal s' l funds called Coronavirus Funds through the CDBG �Ys� Xogram, which gas nof,� d. The seniors were not able to document the financial i= ct, as req uuei by ISD. However, through the regular Senior Nutrition Pr a :, , Parks ;Recreation did see an increase in seniors using the program. There, staff ' proposing to increase the funding request through a substantial amen drrly 3A,885, which reallocates from the Summer Youth Employment Programiii �tdition to the regular $60,000. Mrs. Davila added the Senior Nutrition Program received regular CDBG funds of $60,000 and in addition received $14,946 in CDBG-CV 1 funds. The regular CDBG funds for 2019, were used, but not the CDBG-CV 1 funds. Council Member Dang reiterated the Senior Nutrition Program would be funded at $94,085 since the Summer Youth Work Program funds of $34,885 was being added to the regular CDBG funds for Senior Nutrition Program. CDBG & HOME Consultant Priscilla Davila replied correct. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2021 Page 5 of 20 Council Member Dang asked if the Summer Youth Employment Program funds could be used to fund the City's graffiti abatement program. Director of Community Development Frausto-Lupo replied no, since the graffiti abatement program was not originally part of the Annual Action Plan, the Summer Youth Employment Program funds could not be dedicated for graffiti abatement. ACTION: Moved by Council Member Clark and seconded by Council Member Dang to approve the Amendment to the City of Rosemead Citizen Participation Plan and approve the Substantial Amendments to the FY 2019-2020 and FVl020-2021 Annual Action Plans. The motion was carried out by the following roll calf vote AYES: Armenta, Clark, Dang, Low, Ly NOES: NONE- - - - - — �j 4. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Armenta announced A-6da Item 4C and 41{ %mere pulled for separate discussion. >. ACTION: Moved by Mayo 1'xo Tem Low said 9&6nded by Coufii- :'Member Dang to approve Consent CalendiH-lpf , B, Daid with an exception on C and F. The motion was carried out by roll c 1 AYES: Armenta, Clark, Dang, Low, Ly NOES: NONE A. Claim and Deman s x • `Ielution 2021 08 A REC)rofION SOF TIT CITY COUNCIL OF THE .,.r1- jy OSEAMbl, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING E TAIK AIMS `AND DEMANDS IN THE F a SU1VI $4�8��05 69 NUMBERED 108424 THROUGH NUM 108 F : Adopt Resolution No. 2021-08. • `Molutioi2%To. 2021-09 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1,333,058.87 NUMBERED 108509 THROUGH NUMBER 108597 Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2021-09. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2021 Page 6 of 20 B. Approval of Minutes Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the regular meeting minutes of March 24, 2020 and January 26, 2021. D. Resolution Authorizing the Application for Grant Funds from the California Department of Parks and Recreation The City of Rosemead has another opportunity to apply for grant funds through the Statewide Park Program (SPP) competitive grants, made available through Proposition 68, will create new parks and new ro4eation opportunities in critically underserved communities across Californiaxgible projects include creation of — -- _- ------------new-parks, expansion- or-exrstmg-pai requests can range from $200,000 to Grant applications are due March 1V E. Recommendations: That the A RESOLUTION OF TH CITY OF RQ�EAD, C STATE O ALIFOF APPLICATION ­5�' QR, DEVELOPMENT`= � 3 RENnA.LIZATIO ROG. K with no match requirement. adopt Resolu` o , o. 2021-10, entitled: [TY Q"CIL OF THE 1TTrq`F LOS ANGEM�i ��PPROVING THE St WIDE PARK 'r COMMUNITY gress Reports California ertim Code § 6S Q, requires the filing of both a General Plan and mag Ele nual�r�agress amort by April 1st of each year, for the prior ca7endFa� dear, r the Stade WW&c of Planning and Research (OPR) and the Departmf Hoy' ' and Counity Development (HCD). State law also requires tha Anna ogress Reports be presented at a public meeting before !,he City Coun �.{ here ii2bers of the public are given an opportunity to comment Qnthe City's pr ss. This agenda item meets these statutory requirements. The dik.Kal Plainual Progress Report (Attachment "A") summarizes the status of the Plan and progress in its implementation. The Housing Element Aria Progress Report (Attachment "B") summarizes low- to above moderate -income residential building activity; Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) progress; and progress of the housing program implementation for the 2020 calendar year. The Housing Element Annual Progress Report was prepared on forms provided by HCD, using definitions adopted by HCD. Recommendation: That the City Council take the following actions: 1. Receive and file the 2020 General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Reports; and Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2021 Page 7 of 20 2. Direct the Community Development Department to transmit the 2020 General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Reports to the Governor's Office of Planning and Research and California Department of Housing and Community Development. The following agenda items were pulled for separate discussion. C. Compensation Resolution for Full -Time Employees Amending Resolution No. 2020-41 Resolution No. 2020-41 established the cgognsation levels for Full -Time Classifications effective July 1, 2020. The �cil will consider the approval Recommendation: That the City No. 2021-07, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF T TSE CITY COUNCtMQF THE 91 CITY OF ROSEMEAE a CALIFORNIA, A1V H NG RESOLUTION NO. 202 4 ESABLISHING " E COMPREHF�N IVE SALARY ' _0 ULE FOR AFL FULL-TIMEU-SSIFICATIOWIN THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD s r �F Mayor Arr��texpressedcerns ���_e Offi ecialist position showing as apartirrre pa t o and as a-tim9�osrt'��'�� another document. Explained that the Git Council =roved th Year RO #42021 budget part-time position with 11'1 ours uni� the City ger and 1200 hours under Human Resources Department efe he Sept er 22, 2020 staff report, where the position is ri �d as a full # os " . d m iscal Year 20-21 Budget, the Summary of � g Authored full - osition�' t e Specialist was not approved as a full-time position � ditio staff re also indicates a Management Analyst position starting at X02 to 470, when the February 12, 2019 staff report shows a starting salary X4,689; ch is the only position that had a different starting pay. WVjko Armenta bled the item to a future meeting and requested further clarim nfor- "record on the positions for Office Specialist and Management Analyst. h a °how the Office Specialist position was approved as a part-time position int x 2020-2021 Fiscal Year Budget and now shows as a full-time position in Resolution 2020-41. Secondly, asked for clarification on the mid -management professional confidential services salary range for Management Analyst that is listed as $4,689. Third, asked for clarification on the funding sources of the Office Specialist position. Assistant City Manager Kim reiterated Mayor Armenta's request for clarification on the discrepancies for the Office Specialist and Management Analyst positions and salary range would be brought at the next meeting. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2021 Page 8 of 20 Mayor Armenta reaffirmed her questions and noted she did not have a chance to speak to staff about her concerns prior to the City Council meeting. It was reiterated that responses to her questions should be shared with the rest of the City Council at a future meeting. F. City Council Designation and Appointment of Interim Finance Director/Treasurer as a Retired Annuitant Position The City has been trying to recruit a permanent Finance Director for the past year. However, with the current COVID-19 issues and other factors, the City has been unable to fill the position. Until the City can fi1LtWosition, staff requests the City Council appoint a Retired Annuitant tp�Y" position of Interim Finance 7522.56 and 21221(h) and to emergency. Recommendation: That the Citycil take the 1. Approve the position of Interif°i� position as a R Annuitant Sections 7522.52 1 h • a 2. Approve the appoi. on be f the 3. ; and o.2021 SECTION X1221 th staffing during this state of or/Treasdr ,,and authorize the California �&ernment Code Manager to sign the agreement lain as the Interim Finance z OF THF CITY COUNCIL OF THE 5EMW A#POINTING A RETIRED TO TRW POSITION OF INTERIM �TOR/TREASURER FOR A LIMITED TRUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE Coun l Iemb(_ )P'ang asked to pull the item for discussion and clarification on why Dro�ler was not able to continue as the Interim Finance Director. City Attorney Richman explained the City had not yet been able to find a permanent Finance Director, therefore, found another retired annuitant who would serve in that interim position. Dr. Scott Miller's contract expired and PERS has rules that all retirees mush follow or they can be reinstated as an employee and lose their retirement benefits. Assistant City Manager Kim stated that Paula Chamberlain is an experienced Finance Director with a number of years in the municipal sector. Mrs. Chamberlain references were strong and understands the City's needs and goals. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2021 Page 9 of 20 Council Member Dang asked how the position was advertised. Assistant City Manager Kim replied Mrs. Chamberlain was referred to the City and as an experienced professional that was available to assist the City, while a permanent Finance Director is recruited. Mayor Pro Tem Low asked how long the City has been soliciting for a Finance Director. Assistant City Manager Kim stated the City hired a recruiter to assist with the Finance Director recruitment. There was one cWi'date that tentatively accepted, but later declined the position. Council Member Dang asked if there v4a asliart'ge of Finance Directors within the industry. F Assistant City Manager Kim r�W there are several actively recruiting for Finance Directors or Assistance'&ance Manaaers. y Council Member Clerk asked if tft was offering a fan parable salary compared to other cit Assistant City Manager al ary teys are done with surrounding in cities. ACTION M1i�e�'d by Nr& Pro Td ovv'and seeded by Council Member Dang to approve th = itie appointer �of Interim Finance Director/Treasurer and u r authorize the posT JT. was a etd Ann a t Position per California Government Code Se 56 ark , 11, tYLo Pff ; �rizd-- City Manager to sign the agreement on �EVb ofhe �y with`Ptla Chambelan as the Interim Finance Director/Treasurer; and t Resolutioh�1, 202,The moionrwas carried out by the following roll call vote Armenta,C`Irk, Da,ow, Ly NOES: NONE 5. MATTERS FROM C1CfiM MAN GER & STAFF A. Appi,.9f ThWAmendment to City Manager Employment Agreement On Februa6W 2021, the third amendment to the City Manager employment agreement went before the City Council for approval. The City Council tabled the item for further discussion. The City and the City Manager entered into an Employment Agreement ("Agreement") on January 16, 2018. The Contract was extended and amended in February 2019 and February 2020. Section 3 of the Agreement permits the City Council to conduct performance evaluations and grant increases in salary. Pursuant to Section 3 (a)(i)(1) of the Agreement, the City Council conducted the City Manager's performance evaluation on January 26, 2021. The City Manager received an "exceeds expectations" review with a 4.0 rating. An exceeds expectations review entitles the City Manager to a 4% salary Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2021 Page 10 of 20 increase. A 4% increase would bring the City Manager's total annual salary to $232,998.27. The City Council is also being asked by the City Manager to change the current severance of 9 -months pay and benefits to 12 -months pay and benefits in the event of a not for cause termination by the City Council. Recommendation: That the City Council consider approving an amendment to the City Manager's Employment Agreement granting a 4% salary merit increase for an "exceeds expectations" performance evaluation to $232,998.27 effective February 9, 2021; and consider approving an amendingti would change the current severance of 9 -months pay and benefits to 12=amvriths pay and benefits. Mayor Armenta reported City N pay, which brought her salary to a total 12 -months' severance pati Council Member Clark reque f&d because she had concerns with grant are so many peopleting. Durin worried about theireal,and amending her contract ibe separation in the event;W a riot Reiterateftl not supphe meiemt)lov-not bee i lolve is the. 'son she Council City Atto eX 1 merit increeaa� 1Q go from 9 c6tract, that i was armed to for Lolled#Mas requesting a 4% increase in .27. In�adaGion, she was also asking for furcate the two items for consideration a ra. e luring the pane emic, when there (�?=19, people are `Io ng their jobs, h# about staying alive. Additionally, r pay, would kick in if there is a auselination by the City Council. severaaraae pay due to issues involving Mm the employees unionizing, that .anagg!salary increase. on how the two items were being diwa explained tie two items on the staff for approval was the 4%. econd item was the consideration to amend the contract hs to 12 months severance pay. The first item is described in the e process the contract provides for, if you give the exceeds gt the 4%. That comes back because that's the process, and that 1 the City Manager. The second item was not part of the ation, therefore a separate item. Mayor Armenia reiterated the recommendation for consideration was for approving an amendment to the city manager's employment agreement, granting a 4% salary merit increase for an "exceeds expectations performance" evaluation to $232,998.27 effective February 9, 2021. Council Member Clark stated she was not in favor and that a City Manager at another city had turned down a raise twice for the last two years and its unprecedent at this time to give raises. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2021 Page 11 of 20 Mayor Armenta stated that former City Manager Jeff Allred, did not take his merit increases when entering an economic recession. Although Ms. Molleda earned her 4.0 merit increase rightfully, the Council needs to take in consideration the total amount. The total amount is more than what the President of the United States makes, but that is the average of a City Manager's salary. They should not be faulted, but you can't compare somebody that isn't even making $50,000 to $232,990.27. Noted there are other surrounding cities where the City Manager has taken a 10% pay cut, even though that person received high marks on their evaluation. ACTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Low and seeded by Council Member Dang to approve an amendment to the City Manager's 4i '�� g ent Agreement granting a 4% effective February 9, 2021. The motion was � d`o��y the following roll call vote AYES: Dang, Low, Ly NOES: Armenta end `Clark Mayor Armenta opened the iogr for Council com`rnt in in on approving an amendment that 40d change the current syrace from 9 -months pay and benefits to 12 months paylWenefits-���� Council Member Lys had no isii ,with the request and +understood that the City Manager's job bo acted by election and that job security was important. In the past, t c ha tqfbeep conte i� with other City Managers like Frank Tripe end Bill We 18 fths severance pay in their Counciliftber Cl� stated she -Ws shocked to see this put on the agenda because the issues ea re ou§ly broughi ft, and she has not seen any progress on the h�alleg ��romprne of the�mloyees. And she did not feel that this would elp ielve�issue. sec%concerns with the requested additional three months' s�* ance`� a , during i s challenging times she could not support the recommenc�a�`F Xak cil Member U ang as what the severance amount of time is normally in a OMR s City Attftgcaiman replied the law allows for up to 18 -months maximum. � When you ftrVstart at a City, you might start at six months but as you put in your time, you might ask for more. Mayor Pro Tem Low stated she was okay with the request to increase severance pay, as other City Managers have had up to 18 -months in their contract. Clarified the severance pay only kicks in when there is a separation and usually at no fault of the City Manager, but maybe for political reasons. Noted there was no intention of letting her go, she has been doing a fine job in managing the City through the COVID-19 pandemic and the team. Reiterated she was okay with approving the 12 -month severance request. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2021 Page 12 of 20 Mayor Armenta expressed her concerns about approving a 12 -month severance pay as requested by City Manager Molleda. She warned about increasing the severance pay, like it was done for past City Manager Oliver Chi at 18 -months and shortly separated from the City. Referenced retired City Manager Jeff Allred's contract section C on Severance Pay stating, "the City Manager shall accrue an additional one (1) month severance pay, and an additional one (1) month of severance pay every June 15th, thereafter, up to a total of nine months of severance pay". Then reference section J of the prior City Manager Bill Manis' contract, "The City agrees to continue to compensate the city manager at his then current rate of pay, as severance pay, for a total of six months, including all benefits, and accrue leaves". Both City Managers had between six to nine M of severance pay. the severance pay increase for Oliver had an additional 3 -months severance Manager, there have been situatip , to her direction. Thanked May��r"o between her and the City Manage that City Manager Molleda took M the 6 -month severan Continu( internally in the City r_ ux e felt g Mayor Armenta of prior Cha he hadlfo'iyait a thereforeFt � 1 :)r Pro Tef are based was pay ou�n the -community -on the -timing -of G! este f that each amendment request has p� wK increase der experiences with the City fere the City After has been insubordinate Tem Low for med many conversations felt there were no A occurring. Added _ ted it, aware of tract and dit were too man n s happening �`�� g pP g year severance pay was too much. she h4 d Council Member Dang a copy F� 4vwhich if lie record. ;larifi'e�d�t iat retire& WManager Jeff Allred's contract, year foch one (1) month increase in severance pay, e vears t to nine months from six months. th�xcomments were clear as to why she was not City I fgkv er s 12 -month severance pay request. sta�edat City Manager contracts do not have to be the same, FF -�; at they negotiated with the City. The range in severance pay the experience of a City Manager and on every individual. .ent to make this work and not need to exercise the severance �med fair. Mayor Armenta explained that retired City Manager Jeff Allred was recruited from the City of Norco and had much more experience. Bill Manis had never been a city manager and therefore his severance pay was at six months. City Manager Molleda had never been a city manager other than what she has learned at the City of Rosemead. Council Member Dang asked if what City Manager Molleda was requesting on her contract was legal. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2021 Page 13 of 20 Mayor Armenta replied yes, she can ask but it is at the discretion of the City Council. This is not part of her contract, it is an additional item on her contract she is asking. Mayor Pro Tem Low asked for clarification on what is being amended on City Manager Molleda's contract. City Attorney Richman explained her current contract provides for 9 -month severance pay, and she's asking for an amendment to her contract to increase the severance pay to 12 -months. Mayor Armenta reiterated the amendment new. - for the 12 -months is Council Member Clark stated that rgft City Ma -q' Jeff Allred never asked for "�Ssion, and trying to come an amendment to his contract Hvue �e m during theyout of it, and it's very similar wCOVID-19 situai% $he cautions the optics for people out there looking, if TNnftas granted , a Council Member Ly q cd he also r b� ie past City Ma > r contracts and indicated historically�y Chas granted' onths severance pay. City Manager Molleda asking for 1 everance�p�was reasonable. Noted that earlier lenges�incruiting a Finance Director had in the meeting,the conve tion'a to with the q, not competion enotot grothe most senior employee g µ �A�e r t, puts f �Crtyf lvantage when recruiting for other a reasg positns,�' He reit^m` ed that ma eager Nl da has managed the City during COVIL3 14i during ssful times nd has been loyal to the City even during her time as Ci erke11412-mo was fair to grant to City Manager Molleda. CMMNUibemb - ng stated t � �f ionths was average and was reasonable to grant.edt ,N-_ a recess and COVID-19 are two different things that should not b ipari N the reason to not grant City Manager Molleda's request. He indicatedW a 124h severance pay is an industry average and does not ee firing without` cause. He stated he understood Ms. Molleda is just eriswb`una herselfits within reason. Mayor Pi 'U ow added that she agreed with Council Member Ly, that Ms. Molleda iso dedicated to the City and although she was on vacation, she always responses to her emails and phone calls. Appreciated her work and the long hours she invests to take care of City business. Mayor Armenta respectfully disagrees with Mayor Pro Tem Low and stated Mrs. Low was blessed because she had not had the same experience. Reiterated that her comments are due to the experiences she is having, as Mayor her job has been stifled. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2021 Page 14 of 20 ACTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Low and seconded by Council Member Dang to approve an amendment to the employment contract severance of 9 -months pay and benefits to 12 -months pay and benefits. The motion was carried out by the following roll call vote AYES: Dang, Low, Ly NOES: Armenta and Clark Mayor Armenta stated she voted no with a no confidence of the City Manager. B. Update on Garvey Park Dog Park and Founder's Park This item is to provide the City Council a progress update for the proposed Dog Park at Garvey Park and Founder's Park. At 1 h&ection of the City Council and as a part of the Rosemead 2016-2018 Strateg-- staff was asked to evaluate the -----development of a dog -park -and- additionajkace-within-the-City. Recommendation: That the City C'o1 1. Review the Garvey Park IIM tp and 2. Receive and file the= -Founder's P Director of Parks an&V4W, __ki Founders Park. In 2019,x' 1A, park located Lthe Souther and Well0 9§9 e st of W as n for diffrz roj applying four , gram pfoject, based the a nroiect at $7lnilli th6lblltowina actions: conceptual degi, d provide feedback; T agiBoeckin��dated the City Council on the ffra004 gkt beforet�City Council an idea for a new x alifoin�sl on C�i�dor, between Mission Drive i jit Gro` g2 =w ie The -property is approximately 7.4 t Nftu�becadWa grant opportunity through the )me11W Community Revitalization program, known t the did not receive the grant, the City received WE, app c -tion and possibly another opportunity for hram. Approximately $395 million is available ighof the State of California. City staff would be Founders Park again, for funding through that grant qual, that was approved, with the approximate cost of Mr. Asking cconued to speak on the updates for the Garvey Park Dog Park. Located side of Garvey Park around the tennis courts, which is located just northpaig lot and Emerson Place. The City contracted with David Volt's Design Landscape Architect to develop a design and plans for the proposed dog park. The conceptual design is the second draft of the conceptual, the first draft was taken to the Parks Commission to provide feedback. The bottom the south entrance, the main entrance of the dog park would be on the south side located right off the parking lot. You will then enter into a common gated area, like the staging area for the dogs, close the gate behind them, and then they will have an option between a small dog area which is located, on the west end of the park, or go into the big dog area, which is the walkway that proceeds on the north side. The two areas will have shelter with tables and benches. The primary surface of the dog park would be decomposed granite pathways and then. Decomposed granite will fill a great Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2021 Page 15 of 20 portion of the area of the dog park. A decorative fence will be placed along the existing tennis courts to limit distraction from the tennis players and dogs. Amenities will consist of three shaded areas, benches, drinking fountains, dog bag dispensers and a dog wash station. The next steps include taking feedback from the City Council, finalizing the design plan and estimated cost, getting some feedback from the residents by putting out a survey. Council Member Ly stated he understood the needs and desires for park and park amenities. Praised the design of the parks and thanked Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking for his presentation and making sure his vision comes to fruition for the community as he promised duri9 s election campaigns. will that be up to the residents. Director of Parks and Recreati in, just as the normal monitor users themselves will have to h Council Member D asked if the granite surface. Director of Parks and RWM atioi showed thud composed "fifes in Maya o Tem LAW --stated park 'Wised co " ,j,!",'yns on pick up ir ticking replied ft-` would be staff checking the park has. Howe pr, residents and parks enforce the rules. a , sr.#Wll ia°a for dogs will hae' a decomposed yes and explained the design green colors was turf. inking"'Bard to taking her dogs to the dog rules would be enforced so that dog owners Dir"Rf�of Pard Recreate B$ecking stated there would be signs posted, communr y x liciii'WW those res d pts using the area will try to enforce tithe rules. There are o cZW- ties that have dog committees, an idea that the Park Commission rti want fa 1�k into. City staff will be monitoring when they are at asked if there are any defecation ordinances regarding pets at park. City Attorney Richman stated it may be in the park rules. Mayor Armenta stated she attended the grand opening of the Pomona dog park, they have apparatuses for the dogs, asked if there were plans to include apparatuses at the Garvey Park Dog Park. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking replied there is not a lot of space, but definitely something that can be looked at in adding some additional amenities. Mayor Armenta asked to discuss the Founders Park. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2021 Page 16 of 20 Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking explained the conceptual, that was approved and submitted from 2019. The Edison property will have the amenities such as a rose garden, a meditation garden, walking trials, and small picnic areas but no shelters. Since it's an Edison property, activities are limited and therefore it will be a passive park space. In addition, a potential small amphitheater style where kids could use. The parking area, as well as an entrance would be on the north side off of Mission Drive, off of Wells Street. Council Member Ly suggested to incorporate the history of Rosemead, the history of the land Rosemead has been on. Asked if there was a way to have plaques that detail the history from Savannah Park Cemeteryt4K insmore House which is in the vicinity, adding something with an the City he would like to find ways Capital Improvement Projects. Mayor Armenta stated many y�- resident Ernie Rios created a c Savannah Park Cemetery. It was a and suggested to con kit Mr. Rios Council Member the park. 6. MATTERS This iteigll She would TO � , and( ANI MAYOR & to the park. Noted he tact irk with general funds or with ;o there was d Hoc committee and for a mural tDosed to be for the UNCIL ne mural ods x° emead's history his work and likes the design of the park's design was good. the CityWuncil at the request of Mayor Sandra Armenta. the Rosemead Park field use. ity Council discuss and provide direction. Mayb �4� menu ted she was contacted by a resident who felt he was being harass ` intimidated by the organized teams that utilize Rosemead Park ball fields as told the teams arrive early and start to tell anybody using the fields to leave, the so the team used the field before their design time. Stated she had been working with Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking to figure out what is happening. She noted that she has been mentioning about the need of supervision at the parks. She indicated she used to work at Garvey Park and ensured the park was always secured, there were no incidences that occurred when there was a presence known that a staff member was supervising. Added she gets a lot of complaints of illegal drugs being used at the skate park. If there was supervision, the public can notify a staff and maybe certain situations would not happen. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2021 Page 17 of 20 Mrs. Armenta stated she was told by the City Manager that Community Service Officers are walking around in the park, which she has not seen. Mayor Pro Tem Low asked if she was suggesting monitoring parks at the same time all day or having staff going around and monitor parks. Mayor Armenta stated there was a dedicated staff at each park. When David Montgomery- Scott was the Director of Parks and Recreation, he only had one staff dedicated and rotated between the parks. Stated she was not sure now how the coverage was done, due to COVID-19 and staggered schedules. Stated she was concerned other incidents keep occurring at the Vis, there needs to be supervision at the skate park and there could be staff s� '4 ng 4 to 5 hours a day. Thanked 1601 supervised. are Director of Parks and Recreatioll taking explaine&E- ,A l ere is part time staff that goes in at four o'clock each - 1Vlonday through Fri %, �who roam each park location. Since this incident ".up a couple months agog the first incident happened with this gentleman, aaWN CQ, OMNI, -19 hap The parks shut F down and activities. w that parks ha),ip d again there hagl*n one incident with the gentleman. � ��,rre is staff g am ` in at four o'clock and their first stop is Rosemead Park, toM e sers are field, and groups are staying off the field until their desig e dti the weds, Saturday and Sunday, there are multi a � , , s of staf o are �� and`o���oaming the parks. Clarified there is=cc e�ated staff arve*arkk_mg softball games or tournaments. Whei eplay s and co a��iofi has $B�allowed, somebody will be there during Eto times.' Council that there is some type of supervision it is not a dedicated staff. Lent MmindedR the City Council to limit their interaction between on it�ft not listed on the current agenda. Councilfleffl.e Nark requested to adjourn the meeting in memory of Ernie and Virginiaa�a Ernie Salas was the leader of the Gabrieleno Band of Mission 77 Indians' Kizh nation. Both Ernie and Virginia Salas passed away a week from each other. Mayor Pro Tem Low first, thanked Mayor Armenta for acknowledging the current discrimination towards the Asian Community during the invocation. Encourages the public to say something if they witness a hate crime happening. Secondly, announced Wealth by Health donated over 4,000 bottles of hand sanitizers to the community, which will be distributed to the business community, school districts, and Sheriffs Department. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2021 Page 18 of 20 Mayor Armenta thanked Mayor Pro Tem Low for her kind words. Expressed frustration of the current rise in crime against people because of their race, religion, or ethnicity. Hopes to see a presentation by the Chief of Police on the situation on crimes regarding the Asian population and how we can protect the community. Suggested a resolution about denouncing hate crimes within the community. She also stated she received five letters from residents, and submitted letters to City Clerk Hernandez for the record, all expressed safety concerns about lighting in the neighborhood on Earl Street, Muscatel Avenue, and Fendyke Avenue. Requested a light assessment on streets, possibly using lighting funds if available. Mayor Armenta spoke about the two i trucks and expressed interest Employee Thomas. She requested the M df-the�employees assigned to graffiti abatement and how they abate graffrtShe alsoessed concerns there was no �- COVID-19 update on the agenda asked when Clall was going to open for Um the public. She stated, now th ' os Angeles Couritygts moving from purple tier to a red tier, there needs to NApdiscussion on wheAU n s , all will open. Mrs. Armenta also expressed concerns re a street sw g citations. She stated that on Marchl1 she mentio she street sweepg matter was a Council decision an&% ecision. Noted she would bring back T-1 . the street sweeping dis Win= , future daft discussion. Mayor ApNM§poke at d�,Parks sionlWng regarding the Rosemead Park W1. Explaihe tht had'the rules on what was not allowii the w trails oved. ThO*il did not allow for an wheeled sports _ ' 'ties su as bikes rollerblades. Requested information on who authorize 5%, re the sig- because now people are using wheeled sport ftmities on a trail, �ch changes the usage of the walking trail. Reiter : e the council il° of a e any changes to the usage of the walking trail. `�� spoke ab- he Sk North Corridor Mobility Improvement Project that vitt out to bid did nol"need to go before the City Council since it was under th�fteshold o� e City Manager. Expressed concern that Transtech also subrrRV4 ; a bid the SR -710 North Corridor Mobility Project, as they already oversee�ineer projects for the City. Requested clarification on the scope of services a`�e project management services of the SR -710 project and Transtech scope of services in their contract. Also referenced the Rosemead Park Walking Trail and asked why the City hired another contractor to do the design, if Transtech Engineering was contracted to performing work related to a specific Capital Improvement Project (CIP) such as design. Reiterated her request on why there was a need to go out to bid for the SR -710 North Corridor Mobility Improvement Project and what is the difference of the scope of work than what Transtech's contract already states. Lastly, asked when the opening of the Community Garden was going to be. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2021 Page 19 of 20 7. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned in memory or Ernie and Virginia Salas at 10:18 p.m. The next regular meeting will take place on March 23, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. in the Rosemead City Hall Council Chamber. City Clerk Sandra Armenta, Mayor Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2021 Page 20 of 20