CC - Minutes - 05-26-20MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
SPECIAL JOINT MEETING
MAY 26, 2020
The special meeting of the Rosemead City Council was called to order by Mayor Armenta
at 6:08 p.m., in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard,
Rosemead, California.
PRESENT: Mayor Armenta, Mayor Pro Tem Low (teleconferenced), Council Members Clark,
Dang, and Ly (teleconferenced)
ABSENT: NONE
1. WORKSHOP
A. Budget Workshop
Discussion and overview of the preliminary City Budget for Fiscal Year 2020-2021.
Dr. Scott Miller, Finance Consultant, presented an overview of the Fiscal Year
2020-2021 proposed operating and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget; noted
the Council will not be taking any formal actions at tonight's meeting, and the Budget
will be brought back to Council to provide feedback at the June 9th meeting and
approved at the June 23rd meeting. Because of the economic situation occurring
nationwide, particularly in Southern California, there is a sudden decrease at such a fast
pace in the economy and local government revenues. Rosemead is blessed with ample
reserves; our goal is to save money and keep those reserves as high as possible.
Council Member Clark asked if the budget is considered a balanced budget even though
it is decreasing.
Dr. Miller responded we will not have enough revenues to meet the expenditures,
so we treat the transfer of reserves as a revenue, which will give us a balanced budget
of zero at the end of the year.
Mayor Armenta explained the reason it is not considered a deficit is because we have
the saving in the reserves.
Dr. Miller discussed the General Fund Revenue Assumptions as follows:
• The City's Economic Environment will continue to slump from FY 19-20 into
first 2-3 quarters of FY 2020/21
• Hardest hit revenues are Sales Tax, TOT and Permits/Plan Checks; average total
decrease of approximately 12%-20%.
Rosemead City Council and Successor Agency to the Community
Development Commission Special Joint Meeting
Minutes of May 26, 2020
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• Possibility of Federal Aid is still unknown at this point.
• State of CA and LA County are also in very difficult budget positions in FY 20-21.
• At this point, no one can accurately determine when a material recovery will occur
and at what level.
Council Member Dang asked if there is a more refined decreased number for the permits/
plan checks.
Dr. Miller replied we completed estimates of the future based off average numbers
from the past.
Finance Consultant Miller discussed the following significant changes to each
department's FY 20/21 Expenditures:
• City Clerk/City Attorney: State Legislative Lobbying efforts were reduced to
save money.
• City Manager: IT Division was moved under the City Manager's Office.
• Public Safety: Total L.A. Sheriff contract increase of approximately $500k or in
FY 20-21 of $9,248,000, with a 5.5% increase in the cost of a Deputy Sheriff Service
Unit and an 11.5% increase in the Liability Trust Account; The Code Enforcement
Division was consolidated into the Public Safety Department; An additional
Code Enforcement position was created and supervisor was upgraded to a manager
position to increase efficiency and effectiveness of City code enforcement and
public safety efforts.
• Public Works: Increased Labor Costs; General Fund dollars saved from transferring
certain administrative costs from the General Fund to Special Revenue Funds.
• Parks and Recreation: All summer programs were cancelled, and pools were closed
due to LA County's COVID-19 regulations and cleaning requirements; Possible
enhanced Fall/Spring Programs depending on COVID-19 requirements and impact;
Replacement of old portable stage; Senior Lunches to continue; Pool Manager
Position was deleted, and 3 Assistant Pool Managers were added for better
flexibility and efficiency; Broader use of CDBG funds for infrastructure needs as
allowed by law.
• Finance: Reduction in General Fund Ca1PERS Assessment by almost $500,000;
Update of software for Finance system and additional software for capabilities to
provide almost paperless purchasing process; Increase finance capabilities to handle
on-line and over the phone financial transactions for certain City fee programs;
Reclassify a Senior Accounting Technician position to Management Analyst
position with total General Fund cost increase of $4,012; Go out to bid for Banking/
Depository Services; Added a part-time account position for professional accounting
work for a cost to the General Fund of $42,000.
• Human Resources: Reduction in Summer Programs and closing of pool - possible
changes in fall and spring programs due to COVID-19 issues.
• Community Development: The Code Enforcement Division was moved to the
Public Safety Department; Additions to CDBG dollars and rules.
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Minutes of May 26, 2020
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Mayor Armenta inquired why summer programs and pools was included under changes
to the Human Resources.
Dr. Miller stated Human Resources assists with the hiring of part-timers.
City Manager Molleda clarified those items were included under Human Resources
because it is a reduction of the actual recruitment cost.
Finance Consultant Miller noted the proposed staff changes are: 1) To eliminate a Parks
and Recreation Manager; 2) Eliminate the Public Works Inspector, Associate Civil
Engineer, and Civil Engineering Assistant as these services are being provided under the
contract with Transtech Engineering; 3) Eliminate Housing Project Coordinator as this
position is not needed at this time; and 4) Add one full-time Code Enforcement Office
position and eliminate certain part-time staff.
Mayor Pro Tem Low noted she was interested in bringing an in-house Building Official.
City Manager Molleda stated she has that information, however it was not included in the
Budget since it was not brought up at a Council meeting; noted that the Cities of Azusa,
Monterey Park, San Gabriel and Temple City were surveyed as they have their own
Building Official with salary ranges from $7,259 to $10,200; shared that 27% would be
added on top of that for benefits and retirement, which brings the monthly salary between
$9,219 to $12,954. Ms. Molleda indicated that Interwest's rate is $130 per hour but we
based this on the permit/plan check fees that they bring in and get 47% back which is how
we pay for the current Building Official. If we did move forward with adding a Building
Official, we would have to renegotiate the contract with Interwest as it expires next year.
Council Member Clark expressed she would not be in favor of hiring a new full-time
position or paying for their benefits, especially during these uncertain times; stated it would
be much wiser to continue with a contract at this time.
Mayor Pro Tem Low stated it would be beneficial to have the salary information ready
in case Council decides to move forward with an in-house Building Official.
Council Member Clark asked staff to explain why there is a proposed reduction of State
Legislative Lobbying efforts.
City Clerk Hernandez responded she does not recall adding that item.
City Manager Molleda stated it was most likely a typo, as it should have been in reference
to the city not conducting an election next year.
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Minutes of May 26, 2020
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Council Member Clark stated there was a typo regarding the total of the L.A. Sheriff
contract, which indicated an "increase of approximately $500k or in FY 20-21 of
$9,248,000"; asserted it should state "an increase of approximately $500k in FY 20-21
total of $9,248,000".
Dr. Miller concurred it was a typo that will be fixed.
Council Member Dang indicated he also asked the City Manager to gather information
about hiring our own Building Official; stated economic growth starts with the Planning
and Building Department, since COVID-19 has affected the way we do things, it is a good
time to reexamine and realign the City's and County's construction guideline. Provided the
following examples how the City's guidelines do not align with the County's: The County
exempts soil analysis reports from the fees, which run between $1,000 to $3,000, and the
City charges residents that fee; and our City requires a licensed soils engineer to complete
a compaction report when pools are demolished and backfilled.
Mayor Armenta expressed concern that the 0.5% deferment of lability trust fund will affect
the budget projection; asked if we know how long the deferment will last?
City Manager Molleda replied Contract Cities met with the County who confirmed the
0.5% liability will be deferred only for a year.
Mayor Armenta agreed with Council Member Clark that we need to be mindful when
considering hiring a full-time position at this time; suggested staff analyzing whether there
is an actual need for the Public Safety Manager since we have survived over a year without
that position. Mrs. Armenta expressed concern why we are moving Code Enforcement
Division back to the Public Safety Department.
City Manager Molleda clarified Code Enforcement Division will not physically be moving
back to the Public Safety building, they will still be located at City Hall;
Council Member Clark asked if moving Code Enforcement will cost us anything.
Ms. Molleda replied no, we are simply moving those same funds from Community
Development to the Public Safety Department.
Council Member Ly noted in the past Code Enforcement reported to the Chief of Police
when it fell under the Public Safety Department; asked who Code will be reporting to now
that they are being moved back to that department.
City Manager Molleda stated the Code Enforcement will be reporting to the Assistant
City Manager.
Mayor Armenta thanked Dr. Miller for a very detailed presentation.
Rosemead City Council and Successor Agency to the Community
Development Commission Special Joint Meeting
Minutes of May 26, 2020
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Mayor Armenta adjourned the special meeting to the regular meeting at 7:08 p.m.
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Ericka Hernandez, City Clerk
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Rosemead City Council and Successor Agency to the Community
Development Commission Special Joint Meeting
Minutes of May 26, 2020
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MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
MAY 26, 2020
The regular meeting of the Rosemead City Council was called to order by Mayor Armenta
at 7:15 p.m., in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard,
Rosemead, California.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Council Member Dang
INVOCATION was led by Council Member Clark
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Molleda, Assistant City Manager Kim, City Attorney
Richman, Director of Community Development Frausto-Lupo, Director of Public Works Daste,
Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking, and City Clerk Hernandez
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Armenta opened the Public Comment period.
Mayor Armenta read the Public Comment received via email from Silvia Rodriguez,
regarding Motel 6 being used for Project Roomkey.
Dear Mayor and City Council. I am a mother of five children, three who are under the age
of 15 and I do not wish to have child predators so close to my children, these homeless
people who most likely are or will be males have been or are sex offenders. So, NO
I am against this. There will not be a criminal background check done on any of these
individuals. NOT OK, with this. Why bring these men to our community? There are
big projects like this one in Los Angeles, where they will be monitored and have security
on the premises. These men, will not be supervised, and they can come and go as
they please and they are not even going to be tested for COVID? This is totally, not
safe for anyone. Thank you for your time - From a very concerned Parent and Citizen of
this community.
There being no further speakers, Mayor Armenta closed the Public Comment period.
3. PRESENTATIONS — None
4. PUBLIC HEARING — None
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
ACTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Low and seconded by Council Member Dang
to approve Consent Calendar Items A and B. 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 May 26, 2020
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A. Claims and Demands
• Resolution No. 2020-18
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING
CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF
$1,519,542.34 NUMBERED 106400 THROUGH
NUMBER 106497 INCLUSIVELY
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2020-18.
• Resolution No. 2020-10 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 $7,150.00
NUMBERED 10292 THROUGH NUMBER 10293
INCLUSIVELY
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2020-10 SA.
B. Approval of Minutes
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the regular meeting minutes of
April 14, 2020, and special meeting minutes of May 8, 2020.
6. MATTERS FROM CITY MANAGER & STAFF
A. The San Gabriel Valley Superfund Site, El Monte Operable Unit - West Side,
Shallow Zone Expansion Project
The San Gabriel Valley Superfund site is divided into eight sub -areas or operable
units. Of these, the El Monte Operable Unit (EMOU) is divided into two portions,
based on the responsible parties involved in their remediation: the west and east
sides of the EMOU. The West Side EMOU is situated within the city boundaries of
the City of El Monte, the City of Temple City and the City of Rosemead. Within
this portion of the EMOU, groundwater contains elevated concentrations of volatile
organic compounds (VOCs), such as trichloroethene (TCE) and tetrachloroethene
(PCE), perchlorate, hexavalent chromium, and 1,4 -dioxane.
Over the past 25 -years, led by Hermetic Seal, a subsidiary of Ametek, there has
been a significant amount of site investigation, sampling, planning, design,
and construction to contain contaminated groundwater. These efforts culminated
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in 2012 when construction of a groundwater treatment system (GWTS) was
completed and began operation. The GWTS includes a series of pumping extraction
wells located to the west of the areas where contamination was released.
Groundwater is pumped in buried pipes (located in the right-of-way) to above-
ground treatment equipment that is located at the Ametek facility on Temple City
Blvd. The treatment equipment removes contamination from the groundwater and
then discharges the treated water into Eaton Wash in compliance with a National
Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by the Los
Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board.
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file report.
Michael Ackerman, City Engineer, introduced Raymond Chavira, EPA
Representative, who will be presenting this item.
Raymond Chavira, EPA Remedial Project Manager, stated the San Gabriel Valley
Superfund site is divided into eight sub -areas or operable units; noted each site
conducts an investigation, sampling, planning, design, and construction to contain
contaminated groundwater, which will ensure the drinking water well is safe to use.
We currently have four systems pumping and treating water in the El Monte
Operable Unit; indicated about 65% of the water being used in the San Gabriel
Valley is groundwater, which is why it is important to protect it.
Council Member Clark asked if nothing will be above the sidewalk level?
Mr. Chavira stated the electrical panel will be on the sidewalk, however all the other
infrastructure of the well and well capture, will be belowground.
City Engineer Ackerman responded anything that can be belowground should be
belowground as the city does not want any aboveground utilities if possible.
Sometimes it is unavoidable, but we look for the best location where there is a wide
sidewalk for pedestrians and ADA access.
Council Member Dang asked if staff could provide a plot plan that shows where
the control panels fit in the property.
City Engineer Ackerman confirmed that staff will provide Council a plot plan, as
well as photos of exhibits of aboveground utilities at the next presentation.
Council Member Dang expressed concern for the placement and visibility of the
control panel as there is an alley behind Rio Hondo Avenue and Valley Boulevard,
also that residents live along that alley.
Mr. Ackerman asserted that the site distance is cleared; asked Mr. Chavira to
confirm that the item was going on the cul de sac.
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Minutes of May 26, 2020
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Mr. Chavira responded the control panels are typically 2 ft (wide) by 3 ft (tall),
if we need to put those below grade that is something we can do.
Council Member Dang opined since the panels are taller, there should not be any
visibility issues.
Mayor Armenta expressed frustration that we have been dealing with this since
2009, we have two toxic wells; stated three of our residents had to have these wells
put in front of their homes; opined we need to look at where that source came from
and how is that city being held accountable.
Mr. Chavira concurred with Mayor Armenta that it is unfortunate that the public is
affected by this; we have held the responsible parties and businesses liable all along
Temple City Boulevard, regardless of jurisdiction. My job is to see that they do
these mandated plans according to EPA standards. Asserted we have turned the
corner to ensure this issue is remedied.
Council Member Dang inquired the Magellan Gateway project is a huge piece of
land and development — how were they able to get the building permit if they had
to submit it through EPA clearance?
Mrs. Armenta stated it started in 2008, one side of the contamination was on the
left side and the other was on the right side of Temple City Boulevard, but one was
able to move forward and the other was not, even with the same contaminant.
Mr. Chavira responded it was a different EPA regulatory regime at that time;
explained EPA diligently works to ensure regulatory is enforced.
Mayor Armenta thanked City Engineer Ackerman and Mr. Chavira for this update.
By consensus, the City Council reviewed and filed this report.
B. Rosemead Local Economic Stimulus Plan in Response to Coronavirus
(COVID-19) Revised
On May 12, 2020, the Rosemead City Council, considered implementing a local
economic stimulus plan to serve as a catalyst for the local economy in Rosemead
to recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Presented were several activities for a
potential plan. Council directed staff to return with estimated costs on specific
activities and projects primarily focused on capital improvement and infrastructure
to bring construction and quality jobs to the City and further minimize the impact
to Rosemead residents and businesses.
Recommendation: That the City Council take the following actions:
1. Discuss the activities and projects including the use (and purchase) of Rule 20A
Funds for a Local Economic Stimulus Plan submitted as Attachment A;
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Minutes of May 26, 2020
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2. Direct staff to return with a Resolution for reduced business license fees,
if appropriate; and
3. Provide further direction to staff, as necessary.
Mayor Armenta opened the Public Comment period.
Mayor Armenta read the Public Comment received via email from Jim Clouet.
Dear Mayor and City Council. It might be time to address the probability of
capacity restrictions on restaurants in the city upon reopening and consider
allowing, in advance, expansion of seating onto adjacent outdoor areas. Recent
actions by the Huntington Beach City Council seem to present a prudent course
that would help expedite the economic recovery of our eateries. Shared the
following article from LA Times: https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-
pilot/news/story/2020-05 -19/huntington-beach-city-council-votes-to-expand-
outdoor-dining. Thank you.
There being no further speakers, Mayor Armenta closed the Public
Comment period.
Council Member Ly inquired if a low-interest or no -interest loan program is not
an option.
Mrs. Frausto-Lupo responded staff in Community Development and Finance, as
well as CDBG consultants, had extensive discussions on this item, noted it is
concerning as there will be costs for the City to process the loans; indicated staff
spoke with the City of San Marcos that implemented an in-house loan program,
which was quite an extensive project and only possible as their City Council allotted
$3 million from their reserves; shared that when San Marcos staff was asked if they
would redo this project again, there was hesitation, which is telling.
Council Member Ly replied he understood. Asked for clarification on Rule 20A
Fund Expenditures shown in Attachment A.
Mrs. Frausto-Lupo stated as of January 2021, the City does not have any Rule 20A
credits and we were in the negative; if we were to purchase Rule 20A credits from
another municipality, it may cost us more.
Director of Public Works Daste asserted that the going rate is generally $0.55 on
the dollar for it; noted there have been cities that have traded Rule 20A credits for
heavy equipment, depending on what the going rate is and if there is some
competition for it.
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Minutes of May 26, 2020
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Council Member Ly opined he would like to see us find a way to maximize
purchasing Rule 20A credits and focus as much money as possible on those
potential Capital Improvement Projects; stated he noticed the potential Rule 20A
projects are all above the I-10 Freeway, noting we should try to have at least one
project that is south of the Freeway. Suggested a fagade program so we can help
businesses with upgrades of equipment, and this way we can avoid having to go
with a bank or loan company.
Mayor Pro Tem Low emphasized there should be an understanding that having all
these potential projects listed does not mean they are going to be completed within
a year; asked that additional staff will not be needed to implement these projects.
Director of Community Development Frausto-Lupo responded the costs that you
see on the Unfunded CIP projects are estimated costs for the projects itself,
not for staff.
City Manager Molleda responded that we hired Transtech to manage these projects
and we would issue an RFP to move forward with any of these projects.
Mayor Armenta inquired if the design fee is included on the line items presented.
Director of Public Works Daste stated it depends on the size and scope of the project
as to whether Transtech manages it; clarified there is a design fee and a contingency
that is included in the cost.
Council Member Clark expressed concern with the low-interest bank loans;
concurred with Council Member Ly that the potential Rule 20A project should
include at least one project that is south of the I-10 Freeway.
City Manager Molleda affirmed Council Member Ly's request from the previous
meeting was noted and that change will be made.
Council Member Dang asked for clarity on line items 12 through 15, we are using
General Fund money to negotiate to purchase Rule 20A credits; inquired if the $3.4
million is that out of the General Fund or is that the equated amount of the dollar
of the Rule 20A fund.
Mr. Daste responded the total amount of the project is $3.4 million, so it depends
on how we get there. If we wanted to purchase Rule 20A credits to get to $3.4
million, we would have to see if any cities are selling them and hope to get that
$.055 on the dollar for it.
Council Member Dang referenced the asterisk to line item 1- Low Interest Bank
Loan, " *Loans would be guaranteed by the City (if delinquent, unpaid, etc.) and
other bank fees may apply." He thought at a previous Council meeting, it was
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Minutes of May 26, 2020
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expressed by Mayor Pro Tem Low and himself that we guarantee an interest, but
this is saying the City pays.
Dr. Scott Miller, Finance Consultant, an interest buydown, I've never seen a
financial institution that is willing to do that with a municipality, so I cannot
say whether it would be successful; the City could be liable for the 20 -year term
of interest.
Council Member Dang reiterated his support for these Capital Improvement
Projects, which will last for decades.
Mayor Armenta asked why there is a scoreboard referenced in CIP line item 11
when there is not one at Rosemead Park.
City Manager Molleda responded that there is no scoreboard at Rosemead Park;
clarified the scoreboard is at Jess Gonzalez Sports Complex and this line item can
be removed as we were able to find CDBG funding to replace that at a lower cost
than listed as well.
Mayor Armenta referenced the public comment from Jim Clouet, asked if adjacent
outdoor patios would even be possible as we are already limited in parking; noted
Rosemead place comes to mind as it has a two-story parking structure, suggested
reaching out to Beacon Property who manages that property, to see if that is
something they would be interested in.
Director of Community Development Frausto-Lupo responded cities with outdoor
patios have more traditional downtowns, where it is easier to block off some of the
street parking because they have nearby parking structures; opined not sure if
Rosemead has the right streets for this type of project.
Council Member Clark shared that she had seen on tv some cities are allowing their
restaurants to serve customers their food in their cars in the parking lot.
City Manager Molleda stated Beacon Property has not reached out to us, but we
can look into this suggestion.
Council Member Dang noted the picture included in the article about Huntington
Beach's outdoor dining was not a recent picture as it was taken in 2019;
indicated support for outdoor eateries to support local businesses. Mr. Dang
emphasized even if we have the infrastructure, we will still need to get a Health
Department permit and keep in mind that restaurants with ABC licenses are very
restricted in drinking outside the perimeter.
By consensus, the City Council approved staff to move forward with line item 4
through 10 under the Capital Improvement Projects.
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Minutes of May 26, 2020
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Mayor Armenta asked what the desire of Council is for the potential projects under
the business and resident assistance.
Council Member Dang stated regarding line item 1 Low Interest Bank Loan,
let's have staff reach out to banks to negotiate a partnership and incentivize the
institution by '/2a percent and we the city would guarantee the interest on the loan,
not the principal as the principal would still have to be paid back to the institution.
Mayor Pro Tem Low asked if we know if the banks are even willing to do that? We
need to give clearer direction to staff as what we want.
City Manager Molleda responded no; we would have to contact the banks to see if
they would be interested in partnering with the city.
Dr. Scott suggested Council direct staff to go to the banks in Rosemead and gather
information to see what the best deal they can offer, what they are willing to do or
not do, and then report back to Council.
Council Member Clark expressed opposition to committing to a $300,000 loan,
especially during these unprecedented times; indicated Council can make the
motion and she will vote no.
Council Member Ly stated my goal is that we offer some type of support, I'm not
married to $25,000 bank loan, but we need to take a range to the bank.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Dang and seconded Council Member Ly
to direct staff to negotiate with banks in Rosemead in a not -to -exceed amount of
$300,000 to start a subsidize program and report back to Council with those results.
Motion was carried out by the following vote AYES: Armenta, Dang, Low, Ly
NOES: Clark ABSENT: None
Mayor Armenta asked how Council would like to proceed with the remaining
potential projects under the business and resident assistance.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Ly and seconded Council Member Dang
to approve staff s recommendation to proceed with the projects under line item 2 —
Business License Reduction and line item 3 Rental/Mortgage Assistance Program.
Motion was carried out by the following vote AYES: Armenta, Clark, Dang,
Low, Ly ABSENT: None
Mayor Armenta asked for a motion on the potential projects under Rule 20A
Fund Expenditures.
Council Member Ly suggested directing staff to negotiate a purchase amount of
$6 million of Rule 20A funds.
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Minutes of May 26, 2020
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Council Member Clark stated she is okay with the motion as long as we are not
committing to any projects at this time.
Council Member Ly emphasized we are not committing to purchasing anything or
to any projects, we are simply inquiring what our options are.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Ly and seconded Council Member Dang
to direct staff to negotiate a purchase amount of $6 million of Rule 20A funds and
report back to Council with those results. Motion was carried out by the following
vote AYES: Armenta, Clark, Dang, Low, Ly ABSENT: None
C. COVID-19 Update
This is a recurring item that will be on the agenda to update the City Council on
items related to COVID-19.
Recommendation: That the City Council discuss and provide further direction.
City Manager Molleda stated we are starting to look at reopening City Hall with
modified hours of Monday through Thursday, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and
staff would have staggered schedules; noted we will reevaluate the hours of
operation as the Safer at Home Order changes.
Council Member Ly asked if it would be possible to open City Hall on Fridays in
addition to the suggested modified hours.
City Attorney Richman stated most cities are going from 5 days to 4 days as the
idea is to limit the amount of exposure during this time; explained that we cannot
just impose that on the employees, it is their right that we meet and confer with
them since it deals with their work hours.
Council Member Ly opined residents are counting on us to provide essential
services, so we need to be open to the public in early morning or later evening.
City Manager Molleda clarified the employees will be working all day at City Hall;
however, we are proposing opening from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Council Member Ly proposed opening to the public Monday through Thursday,
from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., closing from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., and reopening to the
public from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
City Manager Molleda affirmed that would be fine.
Ms. Molleda reported the following: 1) Staff helped Savannah Cemetery cleanup
the grounds and assist with placement of American flags to prepare for Memorial
Day; 2) Republic Services and the City's Food Drive has tentatively been moved
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Minutes of May 26, 2020
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to Saturday, June 6h. Ms. Molleda shared that the city is talking to the School
Districts on doing drive by parades for the High School seniors who graduated but
were not able to have their regular ceremony due to the pandemic; noted Public
Safety would be helping with traffic control; stated the Parks and Recreation
Department is also working on lawn signs for the seniors to display at their homes.
Mayor Armenta noted Senator Susan Rubio is partnering up with Baby -to -Baby,
who will be donating diapers and baby wipes for 300 families at the Drive event.
City Attorney Richman reported that we adopted an eviction moratorium ordinance
for the months of March, April, and May, and gave residents 6 months to pay that
back, which is up at the end of this month; stated the County notified City staff that
their interpretation of our ordinance is once the City's eviction moratorium ends
that the County's moratorium would kick -in; asserted that she will keep Council
posted as she receives updates.
7. MATTERS FROM MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL
A. Discussion on Draft Policy for Naming and Renaming City Facilities
This item is presented to the City Council at the request of Mayor Pro Tem
Polly Low. She would like to discuss a policy and process for naming and
renaming City facilities.
Recommendation: That the City Council discuss and provide direction.
Mayor Armenta opened the Public Comment period.
Mayor Armenta read the Public Comment received via email from Barbara
Murphy, noting it applied to both Agenda Items 7A and 7B.
Dear Mayor and City Council. IMHO city facilities and parks should not be named
after people. They should be named with a street identification. I doubt there are
more than 5 people in Rosemead who know who Sally Tanner was, nor who
Jay imperial was, nor who Tim Murakami is. The Safety Center could be
named Garvey Safety Center or South Rosemead Safety center. The proposed
Edison land park on Mission could be named Mission Wells Park, or Mission
Walnut Grove Park or any combination of the 3 streets names. Naming a city edifice
or park, other than a President of the USA, makes no sense.
There being no further speakers, Mayor Armenta closed the Public Comment
period.
Mayor Pro Tem Low expressed she is not in favor of setting a precedence of
naming a city facility after any particular person; explained many people have made
significant contributions to the community and had a long-standing affiliation
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with the City; emphasized we need to focus on establishing a policy that is clear
and a Council Member cannot suggest naming a facility after someone simply
because they are friends.
Council Member Clark suggested adding another Provision to the draft
Administrative Policy No. 50-09 stating that "Naming a city facility after
an individual should only be considered postmortem."
Council Member Ly shared a quote former Council Member Jean Hall used to say,
"flowers are for the living", meaning we want to honor people while they are still
alive and can feel appreciated.
Mayor Armenta noted she has attended ribbon cutting ceremonies in other cities
for facilities named after individuals, and the pride that the individual and their
families feel after receiving that tribute is beautiful to see.
After further discussion, Council Member Clark withdrew her suggestion to add
a postmortem provision to the Policy.
Council Member Ly indicated support for the draft Policy as current or
future Council Members and/or the subcommittee will have flexibility to change
the Policy as they see fit at that time.
Council Member Clark inquired if Agenda Item 713 could still be approved since it,
was not taken to the subcommittee as stated in the Policy.
City Attorney Richman clarified the City Council can approve the next agenda item
as Provision I states only "If no consensus is reached by the City Council on a
name for a City facility, then the City Council may create a subcommittee to review
and provide recommendations."
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Ly and seconded Mayor Pro Tem Low
to approve Administrative Policy No. 50-09 "Establishing Policy and Procedures
for Naming and Renaming of City Facilities". Motion was carried out by the
following vote AYES: Armenta, Clark, Dang, Low, Ly ABSENT: None
B. Renaming Public Safety Center Discussion
This item is presented to the City Council at the request of Council Member
Steven Ly. He would like to discuss renaming the Public Safety Center to the
Tim Murakami Public Safety Center.
Recommendation: That City Council discuss and provide direction.
Council Member Ly stated he believes the Public Safety Center should be
renamed after Tim Murakami because he was our first-ever Chief of Police
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and revolutionized the office; noted Mr. Murakami is a testament that you can work
your way up as he did from Lieutenant to Captain and now, he is the Undersheriff,
the number two in charge at the Sheriffs Station. His rise is a story that we can
tell to inspire youth of the community that want to join law enforcement.
Undersheriff Murakami continues to remember his roots in Rosemead and
supports us as he attended the City's first-ever Responders Day even though he is
a busy professional.
Council Members Clark and Dang concurred and indicated support to rename the
Public Safety Center after Tim Murakami.
Mayor Pro Tem Low echoed her earlier sentiment that she is not in favor of
naming a city facility after any person; duly noted that this has nothing to do
with Tim Murakami as she agrees that he has done a lot for the city, however I have
to stick with my gut.
Council Member Ly stated since there is no urgency on this item, he proposed
forming the subcommittee and invited Mayor Pro Tem Low to join him in
reviewing this request; noted if there is a way we can bring Mayor Pro Tem Low
to a consensus that we can all live with then I say we push this item until it is
brought back to Council when the remodeling at the Public Safety Center is started.
Mayor Pro Tem Low accepted Council Member Ly's invitation to serve on
the subcommittee with an open mind.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Ly and seconded Mayor Pro Tem Low
to form a subcommittee comprised of Mayor Pro Tem Low, Council Member Ly
and City staff appointed by the City Manager, to review the request to rename the
Public Safety Center to the Tim Murakami Public Safety Center. Motion was
carried out by the following vote AYES: Armenta, Clark, Dang, Low, Ly
ABSENT: None ,
C. Small Lot Division Discussion
This item is presented to the City Council at the request of Council Member
Sean Dang. He would like to discuss small lot division matters.
Recommendation: That the City Council discuss and provide direction.
Council Member Dang presented a PowerPoint, explaining a small lot division is
a type of development in areas zoned for multi -family that constructs free-standing
townhome style single-family homes on lots that are smaller than conventional
single-family lots; indicated this will create new homeownership opportunities;
noted there is no homeowner's association since the ordinance does not allow for
common foundation or walls between these units, which provides a cost savings,
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as well as lower liability and insurance rates; asserted this will attract homebuyers
instead of apartments and condos developers, in addition, give flexibility to sell the
units individually like a condominium; opined this is a powerful tool that will not
require much changing in the Zoning Code and asks for Council's support to have
staff do more research and present at a future Workshop.
Mayor Pro Tem Low asked if our current Code does not allow small lot divisions.
Council Member Dang responded that our current Code allows you to do
condominiums, but they do not give you protections from lawsuits or liability.
Council Member Ly inquired how does a shared driveway (as pictured in
PowerPoint) work in a small lot division; asked since there is no homeowner's
association, what happens if the driveway gets damaged.
Council Member Dang responded the residents would sign an ingress/egress
agreement, a standard driveway easement; noted a maintenance agreement would
also be signed to cover common areas like driveways or open spaces.
Mayor Armenta expressed concern for a shared driveway, indicated the residents
of Flaglot experienced issues and complained to City staff.
Council Member Clark asked if small lots are allowed in all zones.
Council Member Ly responded no, only in R-3 zones.
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to work with Council Member Dang
on doing more research and to present a future workshop on small lot divisions.
D. Council Comments
Council Member Dang thanked the Public Works Department for cleaning
Savannah Memorial Cemetery as it was a nice way to honor the pioneers of
Rosemead; noted City staff also helped remove a tree that had fallen there.
Mayor Armenta thanked Chief of Police Lieutenant Duong for his efforts to
brighten residents days during the pandemic by participating in drive-by birthday
parades; stated with preparing to open our city, we needed to look into different
sanitizing options; shared that Ozone is the safest method to sanitize as it is a
nonchemical and earth friendly solution; noted it was brought to her attention
that parents are allowing their children to still play on the park equipment even
though it is taped off for public safety; urged the community to not disregard safety
protocols in place.
City Manager Molleda asked if Mayor Armenta is suggesting an RFP process.
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Mayor Armenta responded first we need to know if there is a budget — can we use
our CDBG — COVID-19 funds?
City Manager Molleda replied we will look into the sanitizing options.
Council Member Ly stated in regard to the budget, we need to be very judicious
and careful of the full-time positions we make; 2) Some building items are behind
schedule, suggested looking at a contract or RFP to specifically focus on updating
those building policies rather than hiring a full-time employee to do so. Hoped
everyone had a safe Memorial Day weekend and time to reflect on those who have
given their lives for us.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Armenta adjourned the meeting at 10:55 p.m., in memory of Michelle Foster,
who worked for Garvey School District for over 15 years and had the pleasure of
working with her. The next regular scheduled City Council meeting will take place on
June 9, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the Rosemead City Hall Council Chamber.
Ericka Hernandez, ity Clerk
Polly
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