Loading...
CC - Minutes - 10-11-2022MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 11, 2022 The regular meeting of the Rosemead City Council was called to order by Mayor Dang at 7:03 p.m., in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. PRESENT: Mayor Dang, Mayor Pro Tem Ly, Council Members Armenta and Clark ABSENT: Council Member Low PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Mayor Dang INVOCATION was led by Council Member Armenta STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Kim, City Attorney Richman, Assistant City Manager Bruckner, Director of Finance Chau, Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking, Director of Public Works Chung, and City Clerk Hernandez PUBLIC COMMENT Sue Yamamoto Rosemead Library Manager, invited the public to participate in upcoming Rosemead Library events such as the Bookmark Contest, Horror Story Time, and the 2022 Community Feedback Survey. She reported the library continues to provide antigen COVID-19 tests to the public, and a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic was scheduled for November 3, 2022. Erica Estrada emailed her comment stating that as a teacher for Montebello Unified School District, she was concerned about a charter school on Potrero Grande. She asked the City not to zone the area to allow a charter school to be built, as it would devastate the community. Urged the City Council to take action. Christine Dimas emailed her comment, stating that as a concerned citizen of the Montebello Unified School District community, she opposed a charter school entering the community. Added that a charter school would take away from public schools with funding and resources. Urged the Council to take action and not rezone the area on Potrero Grande for the charter school. Council Member Armenta clarified that the Potrero Grande corridor is in the unincorporated area that is serviced by the County of Los Angeles and not the City of Rosemead. She asked City Clerk Hernandez to follow up with the concerned citizens and provide the appropriate contact information to address their concerns. 2. PRESENTATIONS A. Proclamation Declaring the Month of October 2022, as "Fire Prevention Month" in the City of Rosemead Rosemead City Regular Meeting Minutes of October 11, 2022 Page l of 10 The City Council thanked firefighters as first responders and the first to be at any fire and medical emergency. Fire Station No. 42 personnel were in attendance to accept the proclamation. B. Presentation Overview by Republic Services on SB 1383, Mandatory Organics Recycling Susan Ayala -Gonzalez, Municipal Relations Manager at Republic Services, briefly explained Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383). She explained that SB 1383 requires all California cities and counties to implement organic recycling programs beginning January 1, 2022, to reduce waste and combat climate change caused by releasing methane gases from landfills. The environmental impact goal is to reduce organic waste disposal by 75% by 2025; recover 20% of the amount disposed of edible food; reduce food insecurities and decrease fossil fuel emissions by converting landfill gases from the organics program into renewable natural gas to power trucks. Ms. Ayala Gonzales noted that Rosemead residents and businesses had received mass notifications about SB 1383 through robocalls, letters, and brochures via mail and personal visits to businesses and multifamily residential properties to provide awareness about SB 1383 requirements. Janel Bustamante, Recycling Coordinator at Republic Services, also explained that the mandatory organics recycling law is meant to divert food and green waste materials previously destined for landfills. Both residential, commercial, and multi- family complexes have begun to recycle organic waste such as yard waste, food waste, food -soiled paper, and paper bags. Republic Services continues to provide educational pamphlets to customers in various languages through direct mail, newsletters, and their website. Council Member Clark appreciated Republic Services' work on this complicated issue and hopes people continue learning how to recycle to divert food and green waste properly. Council Member Armenta stated there had been a halt on compliance with SB 1383 and asked how that would affect the City or how we would implement compliance going forward. Ms. Ayala -Gonzalez explained they have their recycling coordinators working on Assembly Bill (SB) 1826, which is the organics recycling. Branching out of those residential and commercial accounts, they plan on signing up their SB 1383 customers. Republic staff is working on the waivers and other compliances with the City. Council Member Armenia stated the City is moving forward with SB 1383; although there may be some halts, we don't want to be caught with not having enough time to comply. Ms. Ayala -Gonzalez stated they are trying to get all their cities to comply by the end of the year. Rosemead City Regular Meeting Minutes of October 11, 2022 Page 2 of 10 Council Member Armenta asked about the kitchen pail and if they would be implemented in the City of Rosemead. Ms. Ayala -Gonzalez explained that during negotiations, the City was not interested in implementing the kitchen pail for food waste. Council Member Clark inquired about the difference between AB 1826 and SB 1383. Ms. Ayala -Gonzalez explained that SB 1383 requires all cities and counties to implement an organic recycling program. AB 1826 is a commercial recycling organic mandate. Mayor Dang asked about the recovery of 20 percent of edible food disposed of that could be diverted for human consumption by 2025, of the presentation slide. Ms. Ayala -Gonzalez stated there is a food diversion program. For example, Food Savers is a non-profit organization that helps collect food waste from a restaurant that is still edible and can be sent to shelters or donated to other organizations for homeless programs. Council Member Armenta explained that food is not allowed to be taken out of school cafeterias because of the state guidelines; food is thrown away. These companies, like Food Savers, come by and are able to collect consumable food. 3. PUBLIC HEARING A. Public Hearing to Consider and Adopt a Resolution to Approve the Full Cost Analysis of User Fees Prepared by Willdan Financial Services and Amend and Augment the City of Rosemead Fee Schedule On October 27th, 2020, the City Council authorized staff to contract with Willdan Financial Services for the purpose of examining and updating the City's existing user fee schedule. The intent of the exercise was to determine the full cost of providing certain municipal services and resulted in the creation of an updated Comprehensive Fee Schedule. Willdan Financial Services completed a User Fee Study and an updated Comprehensive Fee Schedule for City Council's consideration. Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2022-56, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD TO APPROVE THE FULL COST ANALYSIS OF USER FEES PREPARED BY WILLDAN FINANCIAL SERVICES AND AMEND AND AUGMENT THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD FEE SCHEDULE Director of Finance Chua reported the proposed User Fee Study prepared by Willdan Financial Services examines and updates the City's existing user fee schedule to Rosemead City Regular Meeting Minutes of October 11, 2022 Page 3 of 10 identify potential fee deficiencies and full cost recovery. A user fee is a payment for a requested service, such as an inspection, plan check, swim lessons, or rental of facilities that are not a general benefit to the community as a whole, which a local government provides. Taxes, on the other hand are paid to the City through property taxes, sales of taxable goods, and other taxes, which are used mainly for the general benefit of all residents in the City, such as police services, streets maintenance, parks. Many suggested fee increases have been limited to a maximum increase of 25 percent to reduce the burden on the residents and businesses. Council Member Clark asked if the comparisons with neighboring cities were included in the report for Council to view. Director of Finance Chua replied the cost comparisons of the five significant fees were not included in the report but would provide to the Council. Council Member Armenta thanked the Director of Finance, Chua, for his presentation and for explaining the increase in fees for the residents to understand what it costs to run city programs. Mayor Dang inquired about the 25 percent limit over the current fee amounts Director of Finance Chua explained that due to some fees that were not increased since 1992, those user fees were not increased past a 25 percent threshold. The City continues to subsidize a portion of those fees not to impact the residents drastically. Mayor Dang asked about the debit and credit transaction costs. Director of Finance Chua clarified the City is not charging any transaction fee for the use of debit cards. However, by passing on the 3 percent transaction fee to the customer, the $5,000 limit amount of each credit card transaction could be reviewed and increased. Council Member Armenia asked what fees were last updated in the 90's he mentioned during his presentation. Director of Finance Chua stated the plan site review fee was one of few fees that was not updated since 1992. Other fees were increased slightly throughout the years. Council Member Armenta thanked Mr. Chua for looking into all fees, so they are properly increased in increments, and the City is still charging a lower fee compared to surrounding cities. Mayor Dang opened the Public Hearing for comments. There being no comments, closed the Public Hearing. ACTION: Motion by Council Member Armenta, seconded by Council Member Clark to adopt Resolution No. 2022-56, by title: Rosemead City Regular Meeting Minutes of October 11, 2022 Page 4 of 10 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD TO APPROVE THE FULL COST ANALYSIS OF USER FEES PREPARED BY WILLDAN FINANCIAL SERVICES AND AMEND AND AUGMENT THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD FEE SCHEDULE The motion was carried out by the following roll call vote AYES: Armenta, Clark, Dang, and Ly; NOES: None; ABSENT: Low 4. CONSENT CALENDAR ACTION: Moved by Council Member Clark and seconded by Council Member Armenta to approve the Consent Calendar Items A, B, C and D. The motion was carried out by the following roll call vote AYES: Armenta, Clark, Dang, and Ly; NOES: None; ABSENT: Low A. Claims and Demands • Resolution No. 2022-55 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $947,350.72 CHECKS NUMBERED 112414 THROUGH NUMBER 112504, DRAFTS NUMBERED 5981 THROUGH NUMBER 6013 AND EFT NUMBERED 51273 THROUGH NUMBER 51300 INCLUSIVELY Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2022-55. B. Approval of Minutes Recommendation: That the City Council approve the regular meeting minutes of September 27, 2022. C. Adopt Resolution No. 2022-57 Reauthorizing the Need for Teleconferencing Option for City Council and Commission Meetings Pursuant to Assembly Bill No. 361 The City Council will consider continuing implementing provisions of Assembly Bill No. 361, providing an alternative to the public meeting teleconferencing requirements of Government Code Section 54953(b)(3) as long as there is a state of emergency, and the Legislative Body makes certain findings regarding the state of emergency. Resolution No. 2022-57 makes the required ' findings under AB 361, and if adopted, it will allow the City to continue teleconference accessibility for public meetings for the next 30 days. Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2022-57, entitled: Rosemead City Regular Meeting Minutes of October 11, 1022 Page 5 of 10 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA AUTHORIZING THE NEED FOR TELECONFERENCING OPTION FOR CITY COUNCIL AND COMMISSION MEETINGS PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL NO. 361 AND MAKING FINDINGS AND DETERMINATIONS REGARDING THE SAME D. Purchase Agreement with Intelesys Communications for the Citywide Server Upgrade and Migration Project The City needs to replace outdated servers that have reached their life expectancy. To ensure that City operations are not impacted by failed equipment and to remain compliant with modern security practices and industry standards, it is crucial to upgrade the existing servers to increase server efficiency, reliability, and security. On August 25, 2022, the City released a Request for Proposals ("RFP") and received a total of two (2) proposals from qualified vendors. After a comprehensive review of the proposals with the City's Information Technology contractor, Intelesys Communications ("Intelesys") was determined to be the most qualified proposal. Recommendation: That the City Council authorize and direct the City Manager to execute a Purchase Agreement with Intelesys Communications Company in the amount of $53,474.48 for the replacement of City servers and migration of data and related services. 5. MATTERS FROM CITY MANAGER & STAFF A. Report and Discussion Regarding the Public Works Department Fiscal Year 2023 Work Plan The Public Works Department is responsible for the City's day-to-day engineering and public works services, including oversight of the following areas: Capital Improvement Program (CIP), public transportation, solid waste collection, street sweeping, stormwater quality management, development reviews within public right- of-way, traffic operations, and maintenance and repair of City infrastructure, parks, and facilities. Public Works has several initiatives underway to implement the City's CIP and deliver public services to the community. This update is intended to serve as a summary of those efforts for the current fiscal year. Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file this report. Director of Public Works Chung reported on the Public Works Department Fiscal Year 22-23 Work Plan to provide the City Council an update on major public projects and services. Mr. Chung shared that the Department is currently working on many Capital Improvement Projects, including streets, transportation, utilities, parks, and facilities, with a total program budget of $36 million. Significant projects include developing and constructing the Garvey Dog Park and resurfacing Walnut Grove Avenue and Valley Boulevard. In addition, in alignment with the Strategic Plan, both Rosemead City Regular Meeting Minutes of October 11, 2022 Page 6 of 10 resurfacing street projects will evaluate bike lanes' implementation. Another project is the rapid improvement of the Rosemead Boulevard and I-10 freeway to improve congestion. The Rosemead Park Restroom renovation and Delta Sidewalk Gap Closure Project. Additional projects include maintenance and repair projects through the public services division, such as upgrading irrigation systems at parks, leveling ballfields at parks in the sports complex, irrigating parks landscaping, developing an annual striping and marking maintenance schedule, and various traffic and street maintenance and repair. Lastly, the Department is also working on city events, graffiti removal programs, city tree and sign maintenance, and city facility repairs. Council Member Clark asked if staff surveyed if dog parks are leash -less or leashed. Director of Public Works explained there was no survey conducted. However, typically at dog parks, dogs are left loose to run freely. Council Member Clark asked about the city's risk on liability if a dog bites a child if a dog is not on a leash. Director of Public Works Chung replied that a dog owner would be liable. City Manager Kim added that dog parks usually have two separate areas depending on their size. City Attorney Richman explained that dog parks are very common, and the dog owner assumes the risk-taking of their dog to a dog park. If a dog bites someone, then the risk falls strictly on the dog owner. Council Member Armenta stated that parents have to be more protective about their kids going into a dog park. She asked if there are plans to redo the intersection adjacent to the UFC Gym on Glendon Way and the I-10 Freeway on and off the ramp. She stated that it's challenging to make a left turn on Glendon Way at the same time there are vehicles exiting the I-10 freeway off -ramp. Director of Public Works Chung stated staff is looking into the design and looking at the scope to develop several options for the southbound exit and the northbound exit to manage and improve traffic in that area. Council Member Annenta asked if there was a privacy wall in the design of the Rosemead Park Restroom renovation project. Director of Public Works Chung stated they were extending a wall that would serve as a privacy wall. Council Member Annenta commended City Manager Kim for having each City Department highlight their projects before the City Council. Mayor Pro Tem Ly stated he looked forward to completing the Dog Park. Rosemead City Regular Meeting Minutes of October 11, 2022 Page 7 of 10 Mayor Dang commended the Public Works staff and the Department for all their hard work. He inquired why the two resurfacing projects were being merged. Director of Public Works Chung replied that the two resurfacing projects were very similar in their scope of work and that bidding them separately would cost more for a similar type of work in construction and timing. By combining the projects, there is a cost saving on staff time and resources. Mayor Dang commended the Director of Public Works, Chung, for looking into improving Rosemead Boulevard near the I-10 freeway to improve traffic congestion. He asked about the proposed reduction of lanes on Rosemead Boulevard near the I-10 freeway and whether those improvements would go beyond that intersection. Director of Public Works Chung stated the project scope focuses on the intersection only; however, the design team has discussed making additional improvements on Rosemead Boulevard within the City. City Manager Kim noted that on the list of 44 Capital Improvement Projects, there are 22 active projects being worked on between the Public Works Director and City Engineer. 6. MATTERS FROM MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL A. Consider Reestablishing the Youth Advisory Committee As included in the City of Rosemead's "Imagine Rosemead" 2030 Strategic Plan, Goal B: Responsive and Inclusive City, the plan identified the action of research and evaluate the creation of a Youth Advisory Commission. In the evaluation phase for the commission, staff identified the existence of the Ad -Hoc Youth Committee formed by Resolution No. 2009-07 on February 10, 2009. City Council amended the resolution and adopted Resolution No. 2013-34 on June 25, 2013, amending the requirements for membership. Recommendation: That the City Council support the reestablishment of the Ad -Hoc Youth Advisory Committee per Resolution No. 2009-07 and per Resolution No. 2013-34. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking reported that staff started to evaluate the commission. It was identified that there was an existence of an ad-hoc youth committee formed by resolution 2009-07 on February 10, 2009. The city council then amended the resolution and adopted Resolution Number 2013-34 on June 25, 2013, amending the requirements for membership. The membership requirement of the commission of the committee shall consist of seven voting members appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the City Council. Committee members shall be selected at large. All committee members should be current seventh through 12th graders, ages 13 to 18, and reside within the city boundaries. The establishment of the advisory committee will be responsible for matters about youth, promoting efforts to improve the welfare of Rosemead youth, and educating the community regarding youth - Rosemead City Regular Meeting Minutes of October 11, 2022 Page 8 of 10 related issues. Members will set measurable goals for the committee to accomplish each year. The committee will provide annual feedback to the City Council regarding the progress and accountability of this committee. Council Member Armenta stated she was unaware the program was initiated before she was elected to the Council. She recalled going to Rosemead schools to promote civic engagement with the students and looking forward to returning to the youth committee. Mayor Pro Tem Ly stated the Rosemead youth is about 40 percent of the Rosemead population and should have some representation in the city. He stated the resolution had just passed before he got into the City Council, and in 2013 an amendment to the resolution was approved to provide participation at -large and recalled removing the AD -Hoc name on the Youth Committee. Ask if a vote is needed to proceed with resuming the Youth Committee. City Attorney Richman stated that staff was seeking confirmation from the City Council that they could proceed with resuming the Youth Committee per the approved resolutions. Mayor Dang inquired about the structure of the Youth Committee. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking explained there would be a Parks and Recreation Supervisor overseeing the committee and himself. They will meet once a month and go dark during July and August. Any projects will also go through a committee and bring back to the City Council. ACTION: Moved by Council Member Clark and seconded by Council Member Armenta to support the reestablishment of the Ad -Hoc Youth Advisory Committee per Resolution No. 2013-34. The motion was carried out by the following roll call vote AYES: Armenta, Clark, Dang, and Ly; NOES: None; ABSENT: Low B. Council Comments Council Member Clark stated she attended a zoom call with the National League of Cities Energy, Environmental and Natural Resources Committee that provided cyber security information and would share it with City staff. She asked if there was a HAM Radio program that Public Works staff could also get trained. Added she attended the CA Contract Cities Association (CCCA) Fall Education Seminar, which was all about emergency preparedness. The City of Lakewood has a HAM Radio program and suggested that the City could contact to get more information. Council Member Armenta clarified the City does have a HAM Radio Team that Public Safety Supervisor of Emergency Preparedness Mandy Wong oversees. She also stated she would forward information on emergency preparedness obtained at the CCCA conference. Also, LA County Fire is initiating a program called Listos, similar to the Cert program. Lastly, she thanked Parks and Recreation staff for their work on the Fall Fiesta event. Rosemead City Regular Meeting Minutes of October 11, 2022 Page 9 of 10 Mayor Pro Tem Ly requested two items for future agenda to discuss possibly realigning with the November election cycle. Also, the relinquishment of Rosemead Boulevard to make beautification and mobility improvements. Mayor Dang stated there has been an increase in break-ins with the business community and asked Temple Station Sheriff Sergeant Marquez if there was a plan to deter crime. Sergeant Marquez reaffirmed that the Sheriffs Department has been looking into ways to deter break-ins and other crimes in the community. 7. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Dang adjourned the meeting at 8:47 p.m. The next regular City Council meeting will take place on October 25, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Rosemead City Hall Council Chamber. Rosemead City Regular Meeting Minutes of October 11, 2022 Page 10 of 10 Ericka Hehii6dez, Clerk