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CC - Minutes - 06-14-21 SpecialMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION SPECIAL JOINT MEETING JUNE 14, 2021 The special meeting of the Rosemead City Council and Housing Development Corporation was called to order by Mayor Low at 7:03 p.m., in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. PRESENT: Mayor Low, Mayor Pro Tem Dang, Council Members Armenia, Clark, and Ly (teleconferenced) ABSENT: None PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Council Member Clark INVOCATION was led by Mayor Pro Tem Dang STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Molleda, Assistant City Manager Kim, City Attorney Richman, Chief of Police Lt. Hernandez, Director of Community Development Frausto-Lupo, Acting Director of Public Works Ansari, Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking, and City Clerk Hernandez 1. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Low opened and closed the Public Comment period, there being no comments. 2. PRESENTATIONS A. Presentation by the San Gabriel Council of Governments on the Regional Housing Trust to Support Regional Solutions to Affordable and Homeless Housing in the San Gabriel Valley Becky Shevlin Vice -Chair, San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust and Councilmember for the City of Monrovia, provided a brief presentation on the program. The San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust (SGVRHT) is a Joint Powers Authority formed by SB 751 (Rubio) to fund and finance the planning and construction of affordable and homeless housing projects. The SGVRHT is governed by a nine -member Board of Directors and as of date 22 cities have joined the SGVRHT. SGVRHT was awarded $1,000,000 from the California Department of Housing and Community Development as part of the Local Housing Trust Fund (LHTF) program to support the development of 71 new units of affordable housing across two projects. Future project funding such as the San Gabriel Valley Project Pipeline serves as the first step to receiving a funding award from SGVRHT. Projects must be located in a member city and have member city support. Currently there are 18 projects on the pipeline, totaling over 1,000 units. Funding awards are made based on the availability of funds and the requirements of available sources of funding. The pipeline enables the SGVRHT to demonstrate the need for affordable and homeless housing in the region and define the gap financing Rosemead City Council & Housing Development Corporation Special Joint Meeting Minutes of June 14, 2021 Page 1 of 20 required. Studies will be used to address the affordable and homeless housing needs within the San Gabriel Valley through the identification of potential sites for affordable and homeless housing development, provision of technical assistance to member cities, and exploration of opportunities to leverage land as a capital resource. Council Member Armenta stated Senator Rubio is leading a $30 million budget request for the San Gabriel Valley Regional housing trust from the entire San Gabriel Valley Legislative Caucus. Ms. Shevlin stated the Senator has been a huge advocate and thanked her for all her hard work and support in funding the Housing Trust to help with affordable Housing. Council Member Clark commented that Council Member Armenta works for the Senator and appreciates all the work they are doing to help with the San Gabriel Valley COG. Mayor Pro Tem Dang referenced slide no. 6 regarding the City of El Monte's Back Home Initiative project; asked if the Trust provided revenue or partial revenue to build the 150 ADUs for qualifying homeowners? Ms. Shevlin explained that is the goal, however it depends on availability of the Trust's funds and the status of a project. It can help fund a gap request of a project, but not necessarily fund the entire project. Mayor Pro Tem Dang stated I think the main common denominator is that there isn't very much land around the San Gabriel Valley; opined even for those that have large vacant pieces of land, developers aren't really inclined to pursue this type of project. And the latest issue with the pandemic is that a lot of our adult children are moving back home and having children of their own, so these households aren't very big, and that nest egg seems to outgrow its original form. Ms. Shevlin stated this list provides a very wide variety of projects and opportunities such as the ADUs. So, we will hopefully have the funds going forward, through the efforts of Senator Rubio, the members' dedication to the permanent local housing allocations and a bonus that the regional housing trust can go out to gather private donations and contributions. Mayor Pro Tem Dang asked if more information could be provided regarding the City of Duarte's project titled Duarte Park Apartments, which consists of 100 units of senior housing at risk of expiring covenants. Ms. Shevlin stated I do not have any specific information; asked if her associate could provide more details. Rosemead City Council & Housing Development Corporation Special Joint Meeting Minutes of June 14, 2021 Page 2 of 20 Brielle Acevedo, Administrator, SGV Regional Housing Trust, responded that Duarte's project is in its pre -development phase, so she does not have much detail to provide at this time; asserted the benefit of getting on the project pipeline is so that the Trust is aware of the need for funding for a project in your jurisdiction; noted some of these projects are further along in their development timeline. Ms. Shelvin opined when it states "expiring covenants", there is a covenant which was used for either affordable or senior housing; emphasized the importance of taking advantage of that as there is a risk of the covenant expiring. Ms. Acevedo added that this could be an opportunity to re -syndicate the project. Mayor Pro Tem Dang stated he interpreted this to mean that these funds can also be used to renew the covenant for an existing building; added it's particularly interesting is because it seems like this is an existing building. Ms. Acevedo replied typically when covenants are expiring, you might get a new developer that comes in or the current developer forms other ownership entities and they can apply to the state to secure tax credits and re -syndicate the project and then make sure it is affordable for another 15 or 55 years depending on their funding structure; indicated this project does not have an entity set up yet, so it's earlier in the pre -development phase, but making sure that housing stays affordable is definitely something that is of importance to the Trust. Ms. Shevlin stated I assume there is some upgrades that would be made as a part of that process as well. Ms. Acevedo concurred, there's usually a per unit minimum threshold for upgrades. Council Member Armenia suggested to place the Regional Housing Trust on a future agenda, so Council has the opportunity to thoroughly discuss, ask questions and then decide if the city wants to become a member. Mayor Low thanked Ms. Shevlin for the presentation. 3. PUBLIC HEARING - None 4. CONSENT CALENDAR Council Member Armenia requested to pull Agenda Item 4C for separate discussion. ACTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Dang and seconded by Council Member Clark to approve Consent Calendar Items A, B, D and E, with the exception of Item C. The motion was carried out by the following roll call vote AYES: Armenta, Clark, Dang, Low, Ly NOES: NONE Rosemead City Council & Housing Development Corporation Special Joint Meeting Minutes of June 14, 2021 Page 3 of 20 A. Claims and Demands Resolution No. 2021-21 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1,347,018.11 CHECKS NUMBERED 109001 THROUGH NUMBER 109066, DRAFTS NUMBERED 5071 THROUGH NUMBER 5103, AND EFT NUMBERED 50564 THROUGH NUMBER 50590 INCLUSIVELY Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2021-21. Resolution No. 2021-02RHDC A RESOLUTION OF THE ROSEMEAD HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $85.00 NUMBERED 1623 THROUGH NUMBER 1624 INCLUSIVELY Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2021-02 RHDC. B. Approval of Minutes Recommendation: That the City Council approve the regular meeting minutes of May 12, 2020. D. Contract Extension for Professional Services Agreement with Lance, Soll & Lunghard, LLP for Auditing Services In 2018, the City Council awarded a three-year contract with two additional one- year extensions to Lance, Soll & Lungard, LLP for auditing services. The City has completed the initial term of the contract and staff recommends the acceptance of the two additional one-year extensions. Approval of the extension would extend the contract through the FY 2021-22 audit period. Recommendation: That the City Council take the following actions: 1. Accept and approve the two additional one-year extensions provided within the current auditing service contract with Lance, Soll & Lunghard, LLP; and 2. Authorize the City Manager to sign any required contract extension documents. Rosemead City Council & Housing Development Corporation Special Joint Meeting Minutes of June 14, 2021 Page 4 of 20 E. City Network and Communication Infrastructure Upgrades — TPx Communications The City's network and communication infrastructure system (intemet and VoIP phone) is over ten years old and is near "end -of -life" (i.e., equipment is no longer sold and/or updated). During this period, the City made incremental updates but the overall system requires a substantial upgrade to maintain the necessary connection, speeds, and network protections to operate efficiently. TPx Communications (formerly TelePacific) has been the service provider since 2010 and the current service agreement expires between April -October 2022 (depending on the facility location). As the City plans to fully reopen from COVID-19, staff has been working with TPx to develop a comprehensive network and communication system plan that would improve and protect the City's infrastructure. The proposed recurring monthly charge of $12,941 per month will increase the monthly service cost by approximately $3,000 and has been incorporated in the FY 2021-2022 budget. Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute the proposed Service Agreement with TPx for upgrades and services to the City's network and communication infrastructure. ITEMS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION F. Assignment of Professional Services Agreement to Levine Management Group, Inc. for Property Management Services The Rosemead Housing Development Corporation operates two senior apartment communities: Angelus Senior Housing located at 2417 Angelus Street and Garvey Senior Housing located at 9118 Garvey Avenue. Angelus was built in 1994 and is comprised of 51 residential dwelling units. Garvey was built in 2002 and is comprised of 72 residential dwelling units. Both senior apartment communities are currently managed by Levine Management Group, Inc. The Rosemead Housing Development Corporation entered into the agreements with Levine when both projects were under construction in 1994 and 2002, respectively. Both agreements are "evergreen" and are automatically renewed annually. Since the City's current Purchasing Policy does not allow contracts to exceed (5) years in duration, it was necessary to release a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit bids from qualified firms and enter into a new agreement for property management services. Recommendation: That the City Council, sitting as the Rosemead Housing Development Corporation Board of Directors, take the following actions: 1. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Levine Management Group, Inc. to provide property management services for two senior apartment communities — Angelus Senior Housing and Garvey Senior Housing — at a cost of $49.00 per unit per month with an annual cost of living increase in the management fee based on the annual change in the "All Urban" Consumer Price Index (CPI -U) increase for the Los Angeles County Area; and Rosemead City Council & Housing Development Corporation Special Joint Meeting Minutes of June 14, 2021 Page 5 of20 2. The term of the agreement shall be for three (3) years with two (2) one-year options beginning on July 1, 2021. Director of Community Development Frausto-Lupo reported there was a Request for Proposal for Property Management Services for the senior housing apartments; indicated one proposal was received from Levine Management Inc. Council Member Armenta stated she pulled the item to note that she receives complaints throughout the year regarding who gets chosen to reside in the senior housing; emphasized for the record that there is no preferential treatment for anyone, it is not bias and nobody is bringing in their relatives; opined the senior housing is popular, however, there are very limited units and the only time there seems to be a vacancy is unfortunately when someone is ill or passes away. Mrs. Armenta indicated there is a waiting list that determines who will receive the next available unit. Director of Community Development Frausto-Lupo confirmed there is a waiting list which opened in 2013 and is comprised of approximately 80 people; asserted since then the waiting list was closed in 2016 due to the very low turnover. Council Member Armenta reiterated that she wanted to make sure the public understood there is no preferential treatment by the management company on renting the units, and availability is given to those on the waiting list. Mayor Low asked if there was any oversight by the city to make sure the management company is following the process. Director of Community Development Frausto-Lupo replied yes, through the Request for Proposal and the agreement, we are requiring an updated management plan which will provide their policies and resident selection process. In our current management plan and resident selection plan, we have a preference for Rosemead residents. The waiting list is updated every year by the management company to ensure the applicants are still interested. Council Member Clark inquired about the mention of "preference for Rosemead residents"; stated when the senior housing was built, it was mandated that they are Rosemead residents and all we could require is that they resided in Rosemead for 6 months. If you recall, there were mobile home parks that were closing, and we wanted to help those who had lived there for a long period of time to get the first place available. Mrs. Clark emphasized why should we be taking people from other cities when our own residents need housing. Mayor Low asked if staff could provide a presentation explaining the selection process at a future Council meeting. Council Member Armenta stated there have been occasions where the resident did live in Rosemead for 20-30 years but had to move in with a relative outside the city Rosemead City Council & Housing Development Corporation Special Joint Meeting Minutes of June 14, 2021 Page 6 of20 due to the housing crisis; noted we are seeing that occur especially now during the pandemic; inquired if there is a covenant for those able to prove that they are or were at some point a long time Rosemead resident. Mayor Low clarified that the agenda item is to consider approving the property management and that staff bring back a presentation at a future agenda about the process. Director of Community Development Frausto-Lupo affirmed staff will schedule it for a future agenda. ACTION: Moved by Council Member Armenta and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dang to take the following actions. 1. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Levine Management Group, Inc. to provide property management services for two senior apartment communities — Angelus Senior Housing and Garvey Senior Housing — at a cost of $49.00 per unit per month with an annual cost of living increase in the management fee based on the annual change in the "All Urban" Consumer Price Index (CPI -U) increase for the Los Angeles County Area; and 2. The term of the agreement shall be for three (3) years with two (2) one-year options beginning on July 1, 2021. The motion was carried out by the following roll call vote AYES: Armenta, Clark, Dang, Low, Ly NOES: NONE 5. MATTERS FROM CITY MANAGER & STAFF A. Adoption of Resolutions Approving the City of Rosemead's FY 2021-22 Operating Budget, Capital Improvement Program Budget, Financial Policies, Establishing the FY 2021-22 Appropriations Limit, Amending the FY 2020-21 Appropriations Limit, and Approving the Rosemead Housing Development Corporation FY 2021-22 Annual Budget The following summarizes the City's overall financial plan for the 2021-22 Fiscal Year. The City's Operating Budget totals $35,360,800 with $25,514,200 dedicated to General Fund Operations. The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) totals $8,092,000 and provides funding to 12 new, annual, and additionally funded projects. The FY 2021-22 budget for the Housing Development Corporation is proposed at $917,400. A budget workshop was held on May 25, 2021, to present the proposed budget and answer questions. As discussed during the workshop, revenue estimates for Gas Tax and Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation funds have been updated based on new information. Rosemead City Council & Housing Development Corporation Special Joint Meeting Minutes of June 14, 2021 Page 7 q(20 Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the following resolutions approving the FY 2021-22 budgets, entitled: • Resolution No. 2021-25 RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ADOPTING THE CITY'S OPERATING BUDGET AND FINANCIAL POLICIES FOR THE 2021-22 FISCAL YEAR; • Resolution No. 2021-26 RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ADOPTING THE CITY'S CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) BUDGET FOR THE 2021-22 FISCAL YEAR; • Resolution No. 2021-03 RHDC A RESOLUTION OF THE ROSEMEAD HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021-22; • Resolution No. 2021-27 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AN AMENDED APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2020-21; and • Resolution No. 2021-28 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AN APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2021-22 Interim Finance Director Chamberlain reported there were five resolutions for adoption for the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Operating and Capital Improvement Program budgets. Resolution No. 2021-25 adopts the City's Operating Budget and sets appropriations for all funds at $35.4 million. This amount includes $25.5 million for the General Fund. She noted there were no positions or reclassifications within the proposed budget, but it does provide for step increases that are due within a year, and then minimum wage increase that is due January 1, 2022. In addition, the General Fund is balanced with estimated revenues, equal to proposed appropriations, and does include the $1.5 million plan transfer from the American Rescue Plan to make up for lost revenues. Resolution No. 2021-26 adopts the 2021-2022 Capital Improvement Program at $8.1 million for the new Rosemead City Council & Housing Development Corporation Special Joint Meeting Minutes of June 14, 2021 Page 8 of 20 ' year and affirms the $36 million active project list for a total Capital Improvement Program at $44.3 million. Resolution No. 2021-03 RHDC adopts the Rosemead Housing Development at $917,000, which is funded 52% by rental income, and 48% by the Successor Agency Subsidy. Resolution Nos. 2021-27 and 2021-28 adopt the appropriations limit for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 and corrects the limit for Fiscal Year 2020-2021. Council Member Armenta stated she has a backpack giveaway event funded through donations received every year; noted in the past all donated funds have a line item under Emergency Preparedness General Supplies which rolled over from past years. Asked why the backpack giveaway line item in the budget is shown as a Public Safety Emergency Preparedness General Supplies; expressed it makes it appear as if the City is funding the program, which is misleading. She suggested a separate independent line item be allocated for the Backpack Giveaway Program. Also inquired why staff must wait until July I` to spend the donated funds if they were rolled over from past years. Interim Finance Director Chamberlain explained that most donations are deposited in a revenue account and then the expense would be an expense account because that's how governmental accounting works. Opined she may have a solution for that and will be happy to look into this matter. ACTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Dang and seconded by Council Member Armenta to adopt the following resolutions approving the FY 2021-22 budgets, entitled: • Resolution No. 2021-25 RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ADOPTING THE CITY'S OPERATING BUDGET AND FINANCIAL POLICIES FOR THE 2021-22 FISCAL YEAR; • Resolution No. 2021-26 RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ADOPTING THE CITY'S CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) BUDGET FOR THE 2021-22 FISCAL YEAR; • Resolution No. 2021-03 RHDC A RESOLUTION OF THE ROSEMEAD HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ADOPTING THE ' ANNUAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021-22; Rosemead City Council & Housing Development Corporation Special Joint Meeting Minutes of June 14, 2021 Page 9 of 20 • Resolution No. 2021-27 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AN AMENDED APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2020-21; and • Resolution No. 2021-28 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AN APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2021-22 The motion was carried out by the following roll call vote AYES: Armenta, Clark, Dang, Low, Ly NOES: NONE B. Adoption of Resolution No. 2021-30 Approving the FY 2021-22 Comprehensive Fee Schedule In FY 2020-21, the City entered into an agreement with Willdan and Associates to undertake a complete review of the City's user charges and development impact fees. The work is progressing, but the new fees will not be ready for implementation by July 1. Staff is therefore presenting an interim Fee Schedule to be used until the study is finalized and accepted by the City Council. Very few changes are proposed at this time, but highlights include the restoration of business license fees that were temporarily reduced for FY 2020-21 and charges for credit card acceptance. Recommendation: That the City Council approve Resolution No. 2021-30, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A COMPREHENSIVE SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES FOR FY 2021-22 Interim Finance Director Chamberlain reported that the City has a current contract with Willdan to update the City's Comprehensive Fee Schedule. A draft report will be presented to the City Council by September or October. The current Fiscal Year 2021-22 has the following proposed changes that are immaterial corrections and clarifications: 1) A Specific Plan Amendment fee was added on page five to be consistent with the Rosemead Municipal Code amendment fee; 2) A candidate nomination filing fee was added, which is set by the Elections Code to clarify and specify the candidate statement deposit amount. The current schedule refers you to another schedule, so we are trying to get a comprehensive schedule. 3) It reinstates the full business license fees that were reduced by half for Fiscal Year 2021 due to the pandemic. 4) It corrects business license late fees that were changed in 2019 but not updated in the schedule, and adds existing firework stand fees omitted in prior schedules. Rosemead City Council & Housing Development Corporation Special Joint Meeting Minutes of June 14, 2021 Page 10 of20 Mrs. Chamberlain spoke about the current credit card processing fees. We have been working on enhancing our services to our customers and one of those is to allow for people to do their recreation programs online. Recreation is ready to roll out this new service, but we do have an issue of who pays for the credit card fees. Currently the city pays 3% of the transaction cost and $1.25 convenience fee. Rolling out the new credit card acceptance program for online recreation requires new rates and convenience scale. The system that recreation will be using is not compatible with our current system as they require their own vendor; noted their own fees, their transactions are on a sliding scale, zero to $149 is 7.3% plus $0.50 cents. The transactions between $150 and $499, or 3.9% and $5, and the transaction is $500 a grade or 2.8%, plus $10. Recreation also currently charges for acceptance of an electronic check at 1.5%, and currently the customer pays that. The maximum credit card transaction allowed by city policy is $5,000 so it does somewhat limit how much we would be paying. The fiscal impact depends on who pays, but in Fiscal Year 2021-22 we budgeted $40,000 for the credit card fees should the City Council decide that they want the city to assume those costs rather than the customer. Mayor Low asked for clarification about the extra cost; interpreted it to mean if a customer chooses to pay online or by credit card that will be the charge. Mrs. Chamberlain explained that if Parks switched to the new software that does all their programing online, they'll be on the new scale. If a customer comes in to pay at City Hall with credit card, they will pay the 3% and the $1.25 convenience fee. But for recreation type programs, then they will pay on the higher scale. Council Member Clark ascertained that the credit card company is charging customers for using a credit card; however, there is no extra cost if you write a check. Mrs. Chamberlain replied that is correct. If you use your credit card for any store, you are paying a credit card fee. If you pay by check, there is no additional fee. Council Member Clark opined if someone is paying online, we are saving on staff time and paper in processing the credit card payment; expressed she did not agree in charging the public the additional fees. Council Member Armenta concurred with Council Member Clark; expressed concern for adding these convenience fees because many times this is the only class that people can afford, and these fees, even if they are minor, adds up. I would hate to see our residents not able to afford a class. Inquired if there is a reason why we are charging a fee of 1.5% for an electronic check. Mrs. Chamberlain stated those fees are charged by the bank that is being passed on to the customer. Again, it's up to the City Council if they prefer for the city to absorb the fees as we did budget $40,000 for FY 2021-2022. We are able to track it if the Council wants to try it out for a year and review the process at a later date. Rosemead City Council & Housing Development Corporation Special Joint Meeting Minutes of June 14, 2021 Page 11 of20 Mayor Pro Tem Dang expressed concerns about charging the additional fees to the public. He explained that by paying by credit card, we are reducing staff time, so it does not make sense that there is no charge when someone pays with a check but there is for a credit card transaction. Mr. Dang indicated he did not understand the scale fee, involved with paying by credit card for Parks programs. Mayor Low asked who is charging the credit card fees and convenience fee. Interim Director of Finance Chamberlain stated that the credit card company is charging the fee. Mayor Pro Tem Dang opined the sliding scale fees is complicated. Asked if the Parks and Rec have a contract with the bank that only works with the software provider? So, the vendor that was picked to create this software for Parks program and the inhouse bank charges the credit fee. Mrs. Chamberlain explained the software provider links with the credit card company to process their credit cards. Council Member Armenta so when the software program was decided upon, was any of this taken into consideration or were other options vetted? Mrs. Chamberlain replied staff would have looked at software packages that would have been best for the city, not necessarily based on cost, but to see what is going to work best and is more convenient for the customer to use and compatible with the finance system. She noted a lot of cities and vendors just absorb that cost. Council Member Armenta concurred that cities do absorb the additional cost. Council Member Clark stated the budget includes $40,000 appropriation for credit card fees, so it's already included in our budget that we will pay and not make the customer pay for it. I would like to make the motion that we at least try this for the year, especially with people hurting financially coming out of COVID. Council Member Armenta stated I would like to second that motion. She expressed that there are people that want their children to participate in outdoor extracurricular activities, but they can't afford it and they don't have the cash. Either way, they are still having to pay through a credit card. Mayor Low asked if the online payment system has been implemented yet? If not, then would it be possible for staff to look at other options with different companies? Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking explained the city has been using the software ActiveNet for 18 years. The advantage of this software is the maintenance fee is only $3,000 per year, which is the main reason why we still have it. A new software service is approximately between $15,000 to $25,000 a year for services. We chose to stay with the software provider that we are using now because of the Rosemead City Council & Housing Development Corporation Special Joint Meeting Minutes of June 14, 2021 Page 12 of 20 pandemic and looking at what would be best for not only the city but for the residents; reiterated that those fees must be passed along somewhere. He emphasized that no matter what system we go with, there are credit card fees. ActiveNet is a little higher, but not extremely high, and the justification with staying with is the fact that we only pay $3,000 a year to use their registration software. Mayor Low asked if the credit card fee structured was from ActiveNet. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking replied correct, ActiveNet is not compatible with the city's credit card processors. Mayor Pro Tem Dang asked if a system could be built to make it easier and cost effective for online payments. Mayor Low opined that will take time. Council Member Armenta stated for the motion to include that the city will absorb the credit card fees and ask staff to look into other means to a credit card system. Mayor Pro Tem Dang suggested that staff look into developing an inhouse credit card system. Mayor Low asked if the Council wants to continue to absorb the City Hall transaction fee. Council Member Armenta agreed with Mayor Pro Tem Dang to ask staff to look into an inhouse system during the year. Council Member Clark inquired about the boarding house fees; asked if her friend who wants to take in a friend will get charged for doing so? Interim Director of Finance Chamberlain replied she did not know and would have to research more about the fee. City Manager Molleda stated that staff can include more information about the boarding fee in the Weekly Update. ACTION: Moved by Council Member Clark and seconded by Council Member Armenta to approve Resolution No. 2021-30, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A COMPREHENSIVE SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES FOR FY 2021-22; and authorize the City to absorb the credit cards fees for a year, and direct staff to look into another credit card payment system. The motion was carried out by the following roll call vote AYES: Armenta, Clark, Dang, Low, Ly NOES: NONE Rosemead City Council & Housing Development Corporation Special Joint Meeting Minutes of June 14, 2011 Page 13 of20 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 provided an update on the State's blueprint to reopen for a safer economy while entering into a new face of COVID-19 pandemic. The New Order replaces the prior health order; it removes the local capacity limits on business and other sectors, local physical distancing requirements, and many other previous requirements of safety modifications. Businesses are no longer required to prepare and post protocols or in most instances submit plans or notifications of events to LA County Department of Health. Ms. Molleda stated as of today, there have been 4,969 COVID-19 positive cases and 151 death cases reported in Rosemead. We also received a report that 33,431 residents have been vaccinated in Rosemead, which is 72.7% of our entire community. She reported that City Hall and the Public Safety Center will open at full capacity starting Monday, June 21 st. City Attorney Richman stated as the State reopens, there is concern regarding cities and public entities having time to figure out the protocols to bring the public and, in some cases, Council Members back to in person meetings. She explained the Governor's Order holds our ability to continue with teleconferencing, and having the public call in, until September 30th. So that gives us an opportunity to plan and prepare, but we also do not have to wait until September 30th if ready sooner. It just means that you need to have everything back open again no later than September 30th. Council Member Armenta shared that she received a couple of complaints that not all amenities are open at the parks; asked the City Manager to explain to residents why the city is choosing to remain closed when other cities have opened their park amenities. City Manager Molleda indicated Rosemead has sided on the safe side of reopening; stated we can be safer but not more restrictive than the orders. Given the order today, we will have to consider opening the basketball courts. Also, the conversation about hiring a guard at the park, there was a miscommunication as we do not have staff to enforce those orders. Council Member Armenta stated she brought this up because if one person called me then there may be other people wondering the same thing as to why Rosemead is being on the safer side. She also asked if there is a waiting list for the use of the picnic shelters. Ms. Molleda replied yes, the Parks and Recreation does have a waiting list; indicated she will speak with the Director of Parks and Recreation to further discuss reopening the picnic shelters. Rosemead City Council & Housing Development Corporation Special Joint Meeting Minutes of June 14, 2021 Page 14 of20 Council Member Armenta suggested that maybe the Mayor should be part of those conversations since Council does set policy and because the decisions may not align with the Council as a whole. Mayor Low agreed and would be happy to take part of the conversations. 6. MATTERS FROM MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL A. Discussion on a Procedure for Issuance of Proclamations At the May 25, 2021, City Council meeting, a discussion was held regarding the issuance of proclamations. The City Council directed City staff to bring back a procedure on how proclamations should be issued. To facilitate the process, City staff compiled a list of routine proclamations that can be approved on an annual basis. By approving a list annually, staff can coordinate proclamation presentations with ample time. Any item not on the list will be presented to the City Council for discussion and approval before officially declaring the proclamation. Recommendation: That the City Council discuss and approve the list of proclamations. Council Member Clark declared that she plans to vote against this item. As you know, I brought a resolution that I thought was more in line with what our mission statement was, which is the goals of ensuring continued financial viability by actively pursuing quality economic development, beautifying residential neighborhoods and commercial corridors, and enhancing public safety and quality of life. Mrs. Clark reiterated my big concern was last year during the pandemic and after the tragic death of George Floyd, I had a phone call from an employee of Black Lives Matter who requested that we pass a resolution that would defund the police. In the conversation with him, I made it very clear that I totally disagreed with his request; stated in normal times when people can fill our Council Chambers, it could have triggered a very controversial meeting, or the argument could have been made that we did a resolution honoring Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month but never honored Black History Month. The proclamation denouncing hate crime and discrimination against Asian Pacific Islanders would still be appropriate because we had a terrible incident in our own city. Council Member Clark opined it is opening a can of worms if you want to proceed with it, as more staff time will be needed; emphasized I plan to vote against this one and such future resolutions. Mayor Low explained Council directed staff at the last meeting to bring back this item to present the proclamation procedure and a list of proclamations that are routine in nature for regional and statewide events or regulations; stated any proclamation on the list will be automatically agendized under the presentation; indicated any new proclamation request not on the provided list will be agendized for consideration and if approved, then presented at the next City Council meeting. So those items will also be added to the annual proclamation list. Rosemead City Council & Housing Development Corporation Special Joint Meeting Minutes of June 14, 2021 Page 15 q(20 Council Member Armenta stated I would like to move forward as we are in different times and need to embrace the diversity in our city; opined if there is a new one to for Council to consider, there is very little staff time involved to accommodate a proclamation. City Attorney Richman reiterated staff's recommendation is for the City Council to approve the two bullet point procedures and the list of proclamations provided. Council Member Ly suggested in addition to the two bullet point procedures, having verbiage to the effect of, if an item aligns with our Legislative and Policy Platform that those can be also considered for approval for proclamations. Mayor Low expressed that just because a proclamation may align with the Legislative Policy Platform, a council member may still have concerns with it. Mayor Pro Tem Dang stated he is not up to date with a lot of these legislative goals and objectives, so he prefers to have a short introduction of the proposed proclamation at a meeting prior to outline its purpose. Council Member Ly reiterated my point is that we already use the Legislative and Policy Platforms as an established guideline when determining if Council will approve to sign a letter supporting a specific idea or issue. Mayor Low opined it makes sense to proceed with the provided list and procedure to bring any new proclamation to Council for discussion. ACTION: Moved by Council Member Armenta and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dang to approve the proclamation process outlined in the Staff Report and the list of proclamations. The motion was carried out by the following roll call vote AYES: Armenta, Dang, Low, Ly NOES: Clark B. Discussion of a Proclamation for Pride Month The City received a request to issue a Pride Proclamation for the month of June. The proposed proclamation is being brought before the City Council for discussion and direction. If approved the proclamation will be agendized for the following City Council meeting. Recommendation: That the City Council discuss and provide further direction to staff. Council Member Armenia stated she received an email from a young gentleman indicating that he and his husband, who are lifelong Rosemead residents, are going to be married in June; noted the resident asked if the city would entertain the motion to commemorate this with issuing a Pride Proclamation. Rosemead City Council & Housing Development Corporation Special Joint Meeting Minutes of June 14, 2021 Page 16 of 20 Mayor Low expressed support for the Pride Proclamation, stating she has a lot of friends that are a part of the LGBT community and emphasized we need to love everyone the way they are. Council Member Armenta shared that we are one of the only cities that have an LGBT married couple serving as appointed Commissioners at the same time; stated she is really proud of our city to be forward thinking and embrace the LGBT community. Mayor Low echoed Council Member Armenta's sentiment that we embrace everyone and encourage all residents willing to serve the city to do so. Mayor Pro Tem Dang expressed he is fully supportive of the Pride Proclamation to celebrate diversity; noted he has relatives and friends that are LGBT. Council Member Clark reiterated she would be voting no on this proclamation. ACTION: Moved by Council Member Armenta and seconded by Mayor Low to approve a Proclamation for Pride Month and presenting at the next City Council meeting. The motion was carried out by the following roll call vote AYES: Armenta, Dang, Low, Ly NOES: Clark C. Discussion on the State's New Organic Law Senate Bill 1383 — Short -Lived Climate Pollutants This item is presented to the City Council at the request of Council Member Sandra Armenta. She would like to discuss how the City will follow compliance with regards to Senate Bill 1383. The City's waste hauler, Republic Services will be providing a presentation on the item. Recommendation: That the City Council discuss and provide further direction. Council Member Ly requested to defer Agenda Item 6C to the first meeting in July to have additional time to review the item. Council Member Armenta expressed concern that the implementation and compliance is coming up. Mayor Low asked City Manager Molleda if there was any issue with deadline concerns if we postpone the item to the July 13th meeting. City Manager Molleda responded there are some items that have to be implemented beginning January 2022; however, staff can work with Republic Services and bring back a comprehensive Staff Report. Council Member Ly requested preliminary information before the July 13th meeting to have as much time to review. Rosemead City Council & Housing Development Corporation Special Joint Meeting Minutes of June 14, 2021 Page 17 of 20 City Manager Molleda stated staff will prepare information to include for Council's reference in the City Manager's Weekly Update and agendize for the first meeting in July. Council Member Clark asked if Republic Services is available to present at the July meeting; noting they have already prepared twice for this presentation and have not been able to. Tania Castaneda, Municipal Manager, Republic Services, replied she could present at the July meeting. D. Council Comments Mayor Pro Tem Dang stated he was notified by residents there has been a spike in vehicle vandalism and break-ins in the Garvey Avenue area; asked the Chief of Police to briefly speak about the matter. Chief of Police Lt. Hernandez stated we had our weekly crime meeting with the teams and the Detective Bureau, along with the captain; indicated we did see a spike, so we have some operations that are already in the works to address this. Mayor Low also reiterated that Garvey Avenue corridor seems to have more problems; asked if the deputies could make their presence known with extra patrolling in that area. Chief of Police Hernandez responded yes, we will increase the patrolling, and I will discuss the saturation. Council Member Clark stated she would appreciate the extra patrolling as she is only one block off Garvey Avenue. Council Member Armenta shared that the community is invited to the "Coffee with the Chief' event, being held tomorrow, June 15`h, at 6 p.m., at the Rosemead Community Recreation Center; encouraged residents to attend as this is a great opportunity not only to meet the Chief, but to also understand how to combat the increase of crime; expressed she is looking forward to the event. Council Member Armenta stated since the city is not having our annual fireworks display or festivities, can we ensure whatever enforcement would have been used at our event are patrolling our streets to cite the people lighting illegal fireworks; noted cities that have banned safe and sound fireworks have as much illegal fireworks as the cities that do allow it. Chief of Police Hernandez stated we had a meeting with Code Enforcement and the City Manager discussing this matter; asserted we will be patrolling and enforcing for illegal fireworks throughout the week and even more so during the weekend to ensure the community is having a safe holiday. Rosemead City Council & Housing Development Corporation Special Joint Meeting Minutes of June 14, 2021 Page 18 of20 Council Member Armenta inquired if residents could call in anonymously to alert the Sheriff Station of illegal fireworks; asked if we could have a press release or flyer prepared to inform residents of how they can report illegal fireworks. City Manager Molleda stated residents can also submit tips ahead of time or report illegal fireworks on the city's website so that Code Enforcement can address the concern; indicated a press release was already sent out last week, as well as a social media post, but we will post again before the actual holiday. Mayor Low asked if we should also include the fine so people are fully aware. Ms. Molleda responded the fine is displayed on our website and included in the Press Release and social media posts. Council Member Clark asked if we could pass an ordinance to charge more for repeated offenders of illegal fireworks in effort to deter them in the future. City Attorney Richman noted typically the way it works, violations of the same law can be increased within a 12 -month period; however, we can look to see if we can do something different. City Manager Molleda responded we can bring that item to a future agenda for Council to discuss. Council Member Clark noted an item related to the support for actions to further strengthen local authority and control of local zoning and housing issues was brought to Council at the December 8, 2020 meeting; stated there was discussion and direction to bring back the item at the next meeting, but it still has not been agendized. Council Member Clark referred to Council Member Ly's statement made earlier tonight that we use the Legislative and Policy Platforms to sign letters supporting a specific idea or issue aligned with the city's mission statement; inquired if we could move forward with the local control item through the Legislative and Policy Platform. City Manager Molleda replied the Legislative Platform is agendized for the first meeting in July, so we can discuss it then with our lobbyist Gonsalves present. Council Member Clark asked if we could move the item up to our next meeting this month to help move the process along. City Manager Molleda stated it was scheduled for the next meeting in June, however Council Member Ly asked that it be moved to July since he will not be present at the June meeting and would like to be part of that discussion. Rosemead City Council & Housing Development Corporation Special Joint Meeting Minutes of June 14, 2021 Page 19 of 20 7. ADJOURNMENT a Mayor Low adjourned the meeting at 9:03 p.m. The next regular scheduled meeting will take place on June 22, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the Rosemead City Hall Council Chamber. Ericka Hernandez, City Clerk Rosemead City Council & Housing Development Corporation Special Joint Meeting Minutes of June 14, 2021 Page 20 of 20