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PC - Minutes - 09-16-24Minutes of the PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING September 16, 2024 The regular meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order by Chair Berry at 7:00 PM PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Commissioner Ung INVOCATION — Commissioner Lopez ROLL CALL — Chair Berry, Vice -Chair Escobar, Commissioner Lopez, Commissioner Tang and Commissioner Ung are present. STAFF PRESENT — Director of Community Development Valenzuela, City Clerk Hernandez, Assistant Planner Do, and Commission Liaison Lam ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE — Commissioners Emma Escobar and Lana Ung Chair Berry announced that the Oath of Office will begin for the Commissioners that have been reinstated. City Clerk Hernandez administered the Oath of Office to Commissioner Escobar. Commission Liaison Lam administered the Oath of Office to Commissioner Ung. REORGANIZATION — Chair and Vice -Chair will be elected Chair Berry commenced the process of electing a new Chair and Vice -Chair. Chair Berry nominated Vice -Chair Escobar for Chair. Commissioner Tang seconded the nomination. Seeing no other nominations, Chair Berry called for a motion for Vice -Chair Escobar to be instated as Chair. ACTION: Commission Liaison Lam took a verbal vote for the nomination for Commissioner Escobar as Chair. Vote Resulted in: Ayes: Berry, Escobar, Lopez, Tang and Ung Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: None Roll call vote resulted in 5 Ayes, 0 Noes and 0 Abstain. Chair Berry nominated Commissioner Ung for Vice -Chair. Commissioner Lopez seconded the nomination. Seeing no other nominations, Chair Berry called for a motion for Commissioner Ung to be instated as Vice -Chair. ACTION: Commission Liaison Lam took a verbal vote for the nomination for Commissioner Ung as Vice -Chair. Rosemead Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of September 16, 2024 1 of 14 Ayes: Berry, Escobar, Lopez, Tang and Ung Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: None Roll call vote resulted in 5 Ayes, 0 Noes and 0 Abstain. EXPLANATION OF HEARING PROCEDURES AND APPEAL RIGHTS City Attorney Rachel Richman presented the procedure and appeal rights of the meeting. 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE There being no comments, Chair Escobar opened and closed the Public Comment period. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. PLANNED DEVELOPMENT (DP) 23.01— Maryvale has submitted a Planned Development application, requesting to legalize and expand land uses consisting of transitional and supportive housing, mental health services, administrative services, early education, daycare, religious and institutional uses, and open space and recreational uses offered at 7600 Graves Avenue, thereby changing the permissible uses of the site. The project's scope of work entails tenant improvements to both the ground floor and second floor of Laboure Hall to adapt its previous use as an orphanage to transitional and supportive housing; these tenant improvements include, but are not limited to, the reconfiguration of existing kitchen spaces and conversion of dormitory -style suites with communal bathrooms to individual family suites with private bathrooms. No physical expansion of the existing buildings onsite is proposed as a part of the Planned Development application. Section 17.24.040(E) of the City of Rosemead's Municipal Code (RMC) states that "changes in the use shown in the Development Plan shall be considered in like manner as changes in the Zoning Map and shall be made in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Title, except such changes may be accomplished by a resolution rather than by ordinance." The site consists of one parcel (APN: 5285-016-020) that encompasses a total lot area of 594,594 square feet (13.65 acres) and is located at 7600 Graves Avenue in the Planned Development (P -D) zone. CEQA— Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines exempts projects falling under Class 1 Categorical Exemption are detailed in CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(a) -(p). P -D 23-01 qualifies as a categorical exemption, as it aligns with CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(a), which includes "interior or exterior alterations involving such things as interior partitions, plumbing, and electrical conveyances." Accordingly, P -D 23-01 is classified as a Class 1 Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines. Rosemead Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of September 16, 2024 2of14 STAFF RECOMMENDATION — It is recommended that the Planning Commission ADOPT Resolution No. 24-09 with findings (Exhibit "A"), recommending that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 202448 (Exhibit "B") for the approval of Planned Development 23-01, subject to the 63 conditions. Assistant Planner Do presented the staff report. The applicant's representative, Reuben Duarte, stated his name and introduced himself as the Director of Planning for the Samos Group of Los Angeles. Mr. Duarte gave his presentation. Commissioner Berry asked if the applicant will be gaining or losing units by remodeling the building. Mr. Duarte replied that they will essentially be losing more units because these units will be suites -like units. Commissioner Berry asked Mr. Duarte to explain the benefits of these suite -like units rather than the dorm -like units. The applicant's President and CEO, Steve Gunther, stated his name. He explained that the program that they are looking to expand is called the Seton House program, a temporary housing program for single moms with small children. They are trying to create a suite with an attached bathroom to accommodate a small family during the time they are in the program. There will be five units in each wing, a total of twenty units in the building. Commissioner Lopez asked how many the security officers are onsite. The applicant's Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Michael Couchman stated his name. He explained that staff perform security functions during business hours, and they have a roving security guard during after-hours and weekends. Commissioner Lopez further asked if there are multiple security guards onsite, one patrolling the grounds and the other watching the surveillance videos. Mr. Couchman replied that they have one security guard patrolling the grounds and watching the surveillance videos. The cameras are located throughout the campus. The security guard has a video monitoring wall, so they can review the footage for 90 days. Commissioner Lopez asked in the past year if there has been any concerns of activities or incidents in that vicinity. Mr. Couchman responded that there have been no incidents in the past year. Commissioner Tang further asked if there is one security guard is onsite during normal business hours. Mr. Couchman answered that the security officer is onsite during after-hours, such as nights, weekends, and holidays. During normal business hours, staff on campus acts as security. Commissioner Tang asked if they had special events recently on campus. Mr. Couchman replied that they had a special event this past Saturday, Harvest of Hope. Commissioner Tang asked staff if Maryvale had to go through the standard permit process for a special event like any other businesses in the City. Rosemead Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of September 16, 2024 3of14 Director Valenzuela responded that they do go through the same process. They did obtain a special event permit for their event that they recently had. In the future, it is conditioned that they must obtain a special event permit for these events. Commissioner Tang asked Mr. Couchman to please clarify that Seton is a Program and an actual building facility itself. Mr. Couchman replied that there are eleven buildings on campus, one of those buildings is for the Seton House program. There are nine rooms dedicated to that program. Commissioner Tang asked if they are seeking to expand to Laboure Hall. Mr. Couchman answered yes, it is a larger building. Commissioner Tang asked Mr. Duarte to confirm that Laboure Hall could have up to twenty units. Mr. Duarte confirmed that is correct. Commissioner Tang commented that in Laboure Hall, occupancy is 374 potentially at its peak. How does 20 units accommodate for 374. Mr. Duarte replied that Commissioner Tang may be referring to building code occupancy; how many people can fit inside the building. As in term of the units, it is intended for single mothers and their children. Commissioner Tang asked staff if it is required to have a special certification or a special requirement from the State to operate as a mental health facility. Attorney Richman replied that the application is not for a mental health facility necessarily, but if they do have that, they must require State approval and there are certain uses that would require licensing. She added it would not go through the City, but go through the State and potentially, it's the County that issues the permits. Commissioner Tang further asked would the City need to put a condition if the applicant were to operate as a mental health facility, that they would have to obtain proper State permits to operate. Attorney Richman responded that the City does have a condition that requires applicants to comply with all State, Federal, and local laws for any uses. They are aware that they must comply with all those laws and any uses that may occur. Commissioner Tang asked if we could hear from the Sheriffs Team regarding incidents in the last three to four years near the vicinity or onsite. Assistant Planner Do answered that Sergeant Perez was present to answer any questions the Commissioners may have. Staff also routed the plans to the Chief of Police, and he did not have any notable concerns. All the conditions are listed in the conditions of approval if that is what Commissioner Tang is asking. Commissioner Tang replied that he did see the list of conditions and was just curious if they received any calls for any law enforcement service. Rosemead Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of September 16, 2024 4of14 Assistant Planner Do replied that the Chief of Police did not state that they receive any calls, however, Sergeant Perez can clarify. Sergeant Perez stated his name and that he was with the Temple City Station, Rosemead SAO Team. He joined the Rosemead SAO Team two years ago and has been with Temple City Station for three years. He said, in the last three years, we have not received any calls. He added, in checking the records, we did not receive any calls around the vicinity any more than the usual. Commissioner Tang asked when Maryvale was operating at its peak, how many participants were onsite. Mr. Gunther answered that he can only speak for the last 15 years, and they are licensed by community care licensing because they were serving minors. They were licensed up to 72 children during that time, in addition to the children enrolled in the early education programs. Commissioner Tang further asked if the participants in the early education program were residing onsite. Mr. Gunther replied that they were not residing onsite. These children were from the community and would arrive onsite during the day, Monday through Friday. Commissioner Tang asked how many staff they would have onsite when they were operating at peak level. Mr. Gunther responded that when they were operating the residential treatment program, they had about 100 residential staff. The ratio for that program was one staff to twelve and one to eight, clinical staff and directors. When they closed the program, they let go 150 staff. Commissioner Tang asked what policies and programs are in place to monitor substance abuse. Mr. Couchman replied that they have policies written in place regarding absences and disallowance on any substance abuse on campus and around the campus. Anyone that arrives on campus to the program intoxicated will be dealt with case-by-case basis; from medical attention to not being allowed on campus to participate in the programs. Commissioner Tang further asked if there are any policies in place to hold accountability if the participants are abusing substance. Mr. Couchman answered that the policies are program specific and if there are suspicions, Maryvale reserves the right to conduct random drug testing. Commissioner Tang asked if it would be possible to allocate or preferable treatment for unhoused mothers with young children to Rosemead residents. Mr. Couchman replied that this program is not "street to housing program". Maryvale works through other agencies and the participants are referred to the Seton House Program. They are looking for participants who have stabilized in the agency's programs and meet the criteria to qualify for the Seton House Program. They cannot reserve the spaces in the program for Rosemead residents. Commissioner Tang commented that City of Rosemead has a homeless outreach program called LA CADA and one of the challenging issues that they expressed is the lack of vacancy. He wondered if that would be an easy solution to direct LA CADA to Maryvale. Rosemead Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of September 15, 2024 5of14 Mr. Couchman responded that he would love to work with LA CADA and speak to them about their programs to see who may qualify and who is appropriate for their programs that they offer at Maryvale. Commissioner Tang asked if the children go to school onsite or do they attend school in the local community. Mr. Couchman responded forthis program, they can cross -referral into early education program, if they are age eligible, which is from zero to five years old. If they are in elementary school, they can enroll them in their local schools, unless they are already involved in a school and their mothers wish to continue transporting them. Commissioner Tang asked if they received feedback from these school districts. Mr. Couchman replied that they have not received any feedback, positive or negative. They enroll like any community member and their parents participate in their education. Commissioner Tang asked how these participants in these programs get to school at East Los Angeles College (ELAC). The applicants Co -Founder and Executive Director for End Homelessness, Mel Tilleveratne, stated his name. The transportation for these students is voluntary. They connect these students with ELAC or Pasadena City College (PCC), and they provide them with free TAP cards. Commissioner Tang asked if the students have curfew. Mr. Tilleveratne confirmed that these students do have a curfew. Their curfew is from Sunday through Thursday night from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Commissioner Tang commented and asked if they are allowed one year stay, plus three six-month extensions, contingent on performance. He questioned what would occur after the two and a half years. Mr. Tilleveratne explained these students that are in the program were able to transfer to a four-year university. Commissioner Tang asked if they keep in contact with these students. Mr. Tilleveratne answered that they do keep in contact with these students and there are students here tonight. He further explained that they not only encourage academics, but also encourage employment that will allow these students to live independently. Commissioner Tang asked if they have a one hundred percent success rate. Mr. Tilleveratne replied that they would not say they have a one hundred percent success rate, but they do have a good success rate. Some of the students are not able to transfer to a four-year university, therefore, they have extensions in place. They also have explored the option of a trade school if a four-year university is not a fit for the students. Commissioner Tang asked if there are metrics in place to determine if these students are on track. Mr. Tilleveratne responded that they do have a system in place to gauge every student weekly. The students are also submitting assignments weekly on how many hours of work they are performing a week. Rosemead Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of September 16, 2024 6of14 Commissioner Tang asked the applicant about the noticing outreach, since they extended the notice of the hearing to a 500 -foot radius and questions the number of households reached. Mr. Duarte replied that he did not know how many households it reached, but he can find out. Commissioner Tang asked how many doors they canvased. Mr. Duarte answered that he did not know the exact number, but he believed it would be in the dozens. Commissioner Tang commented that he has heard from several constituencies that they could not be here tonight because they were not aware of this public hearing. He further added that it is not per the City code, but since this project is more sensitive, it warrants a greater engagement with the local community, so that they also have a voice in this matter. Mr. Duarte agreed that they could look into supplementing the notification efforts. Commissioner Ung asked if the funding that they received from HUD is that primarily going towards the remodel of Laboure Hall or to be used for maintenance. Mr. Duarte replied that the HUD Grant is for the remodel of Laboure Hall. Commissioner Ung asked if the funds would be sufficient or would they be expecting to receive other types of funding. She also questioned if the project would need to be phased. Mr. Gunther answered that they received a combination of funding that Congresswoman Chu has obtained for Maryvale. Some are from their own fundraising, and some are from reserves that they have set aside. They do have the funds in place, so that if they receive the final approval and the permits, they will be ready to begin the project. Commissioner Ung asked with the change of use of the building, how often do they expect the program to last since the impetus change land use. Mr. Gunther expressed that the intention of the program is to meet the need of the community and there is a significant need in the community. They are focusing on a particular population in the community, so they do not see an immediate change coming soon. They believe that the application is intended to allow changes, and some things need to be changed to meet the need of the community. Commissioner Ung asked if the building improvements will impact the parking at Maryvale. Mr. Gunther answered that they have plenty of parking spaces; they have 167 parking spaces on campus. Commissioner Ung asked if the new units be accessible or will they be primarily non -accessible. The applicant's architect, David Goodale, stated his name. He responded that these units are not accessible because these units are renovations, and they are not required. However, there are accessible public bathrooms. Commissioner Ung asked Mr. Goodale questioned if the Federal funding coming from HUD, would require the units to be accessible. Mr. Goodale confirmed that it is not required. Rosemead Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of September 16, 2024 7of14 Commissioner Ung asked if there are other transportation services that the campus provides for these mothers if they have jobs or after school programs for their children. Mr. Couchman replied that depending on the program and the current program, many of these mothers have their own vehicles. If not, Maryvale connects them to public transportation and in certain cases, they offer services such as Uber or Lyft. There being no further comments or questions, Chair Escobar opened the floor for the Public Testimony. Rosemead resident, Courtney Ta, stated her name and address. She said that she was not informed about this meeting until two hours ago. She is concerned about this project and the possible influx of crime rates in the community. She further expressed that homelessness is a multi -faceted factor with mental health issues, and mental health services is provided at the facilities. She added that there is a question of relapse, and it would take a toll on the residents. In the City of Rosemead, we are sharing the Sheriffs Department with the residents of Temple City. Rosemead resident, Lisa Chan, stated her name and address. She also indicated that she was not notified about this public hearing until about two hours ago. She said she notified her neighbors about this meeting, so they can also be here tonight. She informed the Commissioners that she will be translating for her neighbors, since they do not speak English too well. She stated that she also worked for a government agency, CaIWORKs, so she does deal with a lot of participants who are gang affiliated and they also have mental health programs. She expressed that she loves Rosemead, and she has been a resident for over 30 years. She has contacted the Sheriffs Department numerous times over the years and there is always police activity by Maryvale. She has cameras installed at her home and she has surveillance videos of these young girls walking past her home or being very loud outside her home at 3:00 am. She further added that she recently placed an advertisement for a unit available and the person who responded to the advertisement was a Maryvale participant. The participant expressed to her that she wants to leave because the environment at Maryvale was chaotic. She has recently contacted Public Works and the Sheriffs Department because of the rising numbers of trash dumped in front of her home from transients. She expressed that Asian Community is afraid to contact the police and she has explained to her neighbors that it is important to voice your opinions because many of the Asian Community are not aware of this project; they are opposing this expansion at Maryvale. She further expressed her concerns about security at Maryvale because there is only security during the weekends and afterhours. The following comments are professionally transcribed from Cantonese to English: Wang Huan Lai: I'm living in the 2459 Stevens Avenue, Rosemead, California 91770, but my English is not good only with... My name is Wong Huan Lai. Mrs. Chan: you say your name, you say your name. Say it to me, and I will say it to them for you. Mrs. Lai: I... I'm very concerned about the safety in our community, which is getting worse right now. The situation is we have kids at home... and we're afraid that if there are homeless people living nearby, their presence... being so close, when we go in and out of our homes... will impact our lives. Mrs. Chan: Okay, so what she was saying is that she was very nearby Maryvale. And she has kids, and you know with you know, the rise of homelessness and all these, you know, crimes, mainly is the crimes that they're worried about, right? And a lot of these... I'm going to try to rephrase... paraphrase, is that her concern is that they go in and out and you know, she is very nearby there. She's not even aware about this expansion and she's very concerned. And many of us have been in the city of Rosemead for decades. We don't want to have to move because of this situation. We are very concerned; we love our city. And as it is right now, there's nothing we can do. But now to Rosemead Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of September 16, 2024 8of14 expand it, its a very concern for her, living there as a resident. And that's what she is concerned about. And especially the mental health and all these, because you know that its a multifaceted that you guys mentioned earlier, many of these folks have a lot of issues and they have domestic violence boyfriends and things... Mrs. Chan said that she is paraphrasing. She translated to Mrs. Lai that she is telling them that there are many homeless people, and there are some husbands because they are all moms ... (inaudible) so you... and you told them... you say it to me, what concerns you the most about those people living there. Mrs. Lai: So we now have a safety issue in the area, with many strangers lingering around, and we are very worried. Mrs. Chan: Um, she is saying that, again, as I said earlier, that she's very concerned about the safety because lately she's been seeing more and more stranger people walking through the neighborhood. I'm just translating that... Mrs. Chan: OK, do you have more to say? Ask these ladies if they have anything else to say? You guys need to come up, if you don't you won't have a chance to speak. Say your name and your address. Most importantly, say your name. You say you're... Mei Lai: My name is Mei Lai, the address is 7539 Garvalia Avenue, Rosemead. Mrs. Chan: So, what worries you now? Mrs. Mei Lai: I am worried about the safety... and those people, bad people hanging around in our neighborhood, yeah. A person in the room asked if this is an official translator. I understand that, but it seems she is organizing and bringing in people. City Attorney Richman: Yes? It does not have to be an official translator under the Brown Act, but she can translate for this person. Yes. She can absolutely offer to people who are not comfortable speaking in English. I... its very important that those people understand that they can make a public comment, and this is a public hearing, so its very important we get whatever testimony is here. We won't be disqualifying anybody just because she's asking them in a different language. Thank you. Mrs. Chan: Lost my train of thought. Okay, so same thing. She was concerned. She's also a resident of Rosemead, and that you know, she's concerned for safety, and also a lot of, you know, stranger people that are just... hang around the neighborhood, especially where we're at. And it's true, because I live near there too. Mrs. Chan: so, you worried about those people hanging around, right? Mei Lai: Yes, and there are times when we go to work and nobody's home, we worry about being burglarized and things like that. Mrs. Chan: Okay... Okay? So she's saying that, you know, there are times they go to work, they're not home, and they're concerned that, you know, the house will be burglarized or breaking into. End of Translation. City Attorney Richman explained that there are public speakers that filled out speaker request forms, and the Chair will call up members of the public to speak to have order in this meeting. When the Chair calls up someone to speak and they would like assistance, that is when Mrs. Chan will translate. Mrs. Chan does not decide who comes up to speak. Rosemead Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of September 16, 2024 9of14 A former Maryvale participant, Kalei Gray, stated her name and address. She expressed that she benefited greatly from this program. This program provided her with trust, stability, and mental health services that has changed her and her son's life for the better. Maryvale provided her with life skills, so she was able to build and secure home for her son. Her son is enrolled at Maryvale's preschool, and he has benefited immensely through this program. In March of 2024, she was employed by Maryvale as a teachers aide on campus. She added that she was a former participant in this program and students are not allowed to be outside of the campus at 3:00 a.m. There is a strict curfew to be home at 10:00 p.m. Case Manager for Hope Housing for Students, Sage Moloney, stated his name and address. He stated that having their basic needs being met such as food and shelter, they can safely discover who they are and what their values are. He works with these students every day, and these students have shown tremendous growth that cannot be measured. He also added that there are students who are not the traditional success story of transferring to a four-year college, but who has shown so much growth through this program. Mr. Tillekeratne stated that he understands the concerns of the residents of the community. Maryvale does provide trash service on campus, so there is no reason why these students would take their trash outside of the campus. He added, he has been working with this program for two years, these programs are difficult to be accepted into. In this program, the students must maintain a 2.0 GPA average while working 15 hours per week. Mr. Gunther and Mr. Couchman's students are single mothers who are in a program to find Section 8 housing; they would not jeopardize this opportunity. He also added that when you give a person a purpose, you give them a reason to stay in a program. They have strict programs because they hold them accountable. These students want to better themselves and their children. The expansion of the program will not impact the community negatively. A student from Hope Housing for Students, Gisell Muniz, stated her name. She confirmed that the programs are very difficult to qualify for and to be accepted into the program. She applied four times for Hope Housing for Students, and she was finally accepted on her fourth attempt; she has been in this program for one year. She confirmed that they consistently check-in with the student's grades and work hours. She expressed that being an immigrant in America is already difficult because of the language barrier and that it has also made her feel isolated. These programs gave her confidence because she was part of a community that provided her guidance. A student from Maryvale, Pamela Hernadez, stated her name and address. She is a student that has living been on campus for the past six months; she never seen suspicious activities or felt like she was in danger. She is grateful to be in the program because they provide her with tutoring for her classes and mental health services. She confirmed that they do have chores, and they do have curfew. She added that they have weekly meetings with their Case Managers. A previous student from the Hope Housing for Students, Faith Buice, stated her name and address. She is one of the students that recently moved out. She confirmed that this program has helped her tremendously with her confidence and confirmed that they do weekly check -ins with the Case Managers to ensure they are on track to achieving their goals. Not only do they provide food and shelter, but this program also created a community that allows the students to have the space to develop and grow. She fully supports this project and believes that this program will be a great benefit for single mothers. Executive Director for San Gabriel Valley Consortium on Homelessness, Scott Chamberlain, stated his name and address. He works with the entire region to address and educate the communities to find a solution. The communities that implement their conference of development plans, housing elements, and building out RHNA numbers that are required by the State; those are the cities that are successful and can address their unhoused population. These communities provide options for permanent housing, built outs for the market rate and have affordable rate. Maryvale has been operating successfully for decades, in the similar number when they had residential care. From a permanent Rosemead Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of September 16, 2024 10 of 14 perspective, it is not a massive expansion; it is a whole development plan that they are able to continue operating successfully. He added that when cities implement this program, the City are economically successful. The City will see less unhoused families and individuals in the community because there are options. He encourages the City to support this development. A therapist from Maryvale, Lynn Tansey, stated her name and address. She believes that residents and Maryvale have a lot in common; they want to get people off the streets. She interviews candidates for these programs, and they do not admit anyone who is a drug addict because they want to be sure that they will be successful. She shared two success stories of the students in the program. Client Advocate and Board Member of Guadalupe Pregnancy Services, Judith Seki, stated her name and address. She explained that they service mothers and babies from pregnancy until the child is three years old. They provide counseling services, education, community resources, and provide them with baby supplies free of charge. Majority of their clients reside in Maryvale, and the participants speak very highly of Maryvale. She can see how much progress these young mothers had made through the programs that they offer at Maryvale. She added that Maryvale wants to modify and improve their programs accordingly to accommodate with the modem times and she fully supports it. A student from Hope Housing for Student in Los Angeles, Daniel Hernandez, stated his name and address. He expressed how much this program has helped him; how has the staff goes above and beyond their job description. Because of these programs he is employed, he is in the process of moving out, and he can focus on school uninterrupted. He asked the Commissioners to keep in mind while they deliberate that this program has such a positive impact on his life and everyone else in the program. Rosemead resident, Lan Bui, stated her name and address. She commented that she used to go to Maryvale for Sunday Mass, and she loved it. She is aware of the programs at Maryvale, but she does not know the details of the programs that they offer there. She was not aware of this meeting and their plans of the expansion until her neighbor notified her. She further commented that if they community is not aware and they do not know enough about the project, the community will oppose the project, especially if the project is about a homeless shelter or housing; the residents will be concerned about their safety. She understands that Maryvale has great programs for helping young girls and young mothers, but the community does not know enough about Maryvale. A member of the Rosemead Chamber of Commerce, Ray Jan, stated her name and address. She commented that residents do have right to be concerned about their safety for families. She expressed that the business community feels that they do not have a voice, but they do. These businesses invested their time and money into the City, and they want it to grow. She added that perhaps in the future, Chamber of Commerce will work with Maryvale to start a job training program for these young ladies to apply for jobs with local businesses in the community; it would have a positive impact in the City. Chair Escobar closed the public hearing Commissioner Lopez asked can any of the participants leave the campus easily after 10:00 p.m. Mr. Gunther replied that the mothers are responsible for their children, so they are not going to be out after curfew. It is a set curfew, failure to comply to program requirements leads to dismissal from the program. Commissioner Lopez confirmed that Maryvale is providing a secured place, and it would be foolish forthese participants to not comply because it will jeopardize their future. Rosemead Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of September 16, 2024 11 of 14 Commissioner Tang stated for full transparency, that he did meet with Maryvale one on one, because he could not make it to the open house, and he wanted to learn more about Maryvale. He wanted to be educated as much as possible to be able to make the right decision for the community. He added since residents are uneasy with the expansion of Maryvale, he wonders if Maryvale can conduct meetings to inform the residents about their programs to assure them that they have proper security in place. He asked if the other Commissioners are open to tabling the project so that it will provide an opportunity for the residents and Maryvale to find a mutual solution. He also asked City Attorney Richman if the City put a six-month review, since this project is such a sensitive use. During that time, the City could see how the project is impacting the community. City Attorney Richman answered that the City always has the ability, and it is stated in the conditions to review a project. Recently, the City had the Friendly Inn placed under a six-month review. Once there were issues with Friendly Inn, staff brought the project in for a hearing, and that is when they began the six-month review. Typically, the City would allow the applicant to meet its conditions before requiring a review. She added, if there are problems, staff will bring the applicant in for a revocation hearing, amending the conditions and adding the six-month review condition. Commissioner Tang commented that the City has placed a six-month review before and after businesses has been approved. Director Valenzuela responded that its not common, unless issues with the business have existed Commissioner Tang is requesting to table the project because the community needs more time to understand this project and to discuss further with the Planning Commissioners. Vice Chair Ung commented that part of the problem is that there is immigrant population in the community, and they may have not read the notices or answered the doors. It may be hard for the residents to understand what the program is about. After hearing the testimonies from current participants and past participants on how much these programs have changed their lives for the better and how these programs are difficult to get into, she does not want to table the project. Tabling it will not change her prospective and believes it is a positive addition to the City. Commissioner Lopez agreed that it is unnecessary to table the project now. If there is an issue in the future, the City will hold another meeting with Maryvale. He understands the concerns with the community and suggested that Maryvale invite the community into the campus to show what the programs are about. Commissioner Berry asked staff if notices that the City sends out are available in different languages. Assistant Planner Do replied that the notices are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Chinese. Commissioner Berry asked if the notices can be sent out electronically and if the Agenda goes out in different languages. Director Valenzuela responded the Agenda does not. However, over the last few years, the notices have been sent out in different languages. Originally the notices were just in English, but as directed by the City Council, the notices are now translated in Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese. The notices are also posted on the City website and mailed out in all four languages. Commissioner Berry asked if there is an option on the City website to navigate in multiple languages Director Valenzuela answered that there is an option on the website to alter languages. Rosemead Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of September 16, 2024 12 of 14 Commissioner Berry wanted to confirm that Maryvale is not expanding the building but remodeling the building and reducing the number of units there. He added that the number of occupancies in the building will remain the same or less; not necessarily an expansion of the lot that more people will be on campus. Commissioner Berry stated how important these programs are and most of these participants do not have any kind of help or anywhere to go. He further expressed how critical it is to educate these participants and perhaps they will become residents and employees of the City to contribute back to the overall wealth and well-being of the City. There being no additional questions or public comments, Chair Escobar closed the hearing period and requested a motion and a second motion. ACTION: Commissioner Berry motioned to approve the project and Commissioner Lopez seconded the motion. Vote resulted in: Ayes: Berry, Escobar, Lopez, and Ung Noes: None Abstain: Tang Absent: None Vote resulted in 4 Ayes, 0 Noes, and 1 Abstain, 0 Absent. 4. CONSENT CALENDAR PC MINUTES 08.05.24 Chair Escobar requested motions to approve the minutes. ACTION: Commissioner Berry motioned to approve, and Commissioner Lopez seconded the motion. Vote resulted in: Ayes: Berry, Escobar, Lopez, Tang and Ung Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: None Vote resulted in 5 Ayes, 0 Noes, and 0 Abstain, 0 Absent. 5. MATTERS FROM STAFF Director Valenzuela updated the Commissioners on the Rosemead Place Signage; the signage will be repaired by this week. Commissioner Tang asked if the City could help the owners with their signage, if there are funds available to help the owner with their signage maintenance. Rosemead Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of September 16, 2024 13 of 14 Director Valenzuela replied the owner takes full responsibility of the maintenance of the signage on the property. The owner has not asked for any assistance. The owner is looking at different options to mitigate the issue, however, the issue is the height and the type of signage. It is very costly to make the modifications. Commissioner Berry asked who the owner of the property is. Director Valenzuela replied that it belongs to a private developer, they are managed by Beacon Properties. 6. MATTERS FROM THE CHAIR & COMMISSIONERS Vice -Chair Ung asked if there are any major Public Works projects happening or any future for one. Director Valenzuela responded that she does not have the list with her, but she can email the Commissioners with that information. Commissioner Lopez congratulated the Chair Escobar and Vice Chair Ung on their new positions. Commissioner Berry congratulated Chair Escobar and Vice Chair Ung as well. Chair Escobar thanked staff for all their hard work. ADJOURNMENT Chair Berry adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m. The next Planning Commission Meeting is scheduled for October 7, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. ATTEST: Linda Lam Administrative Assistant Rosemead Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of September 16, 2024 14 of 14 iL 14 Emma Escobar Chair