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CC - Item 4B - Minutes of January 15, 2025MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 14, 2025 The regular meeting of the Rosemead City Council was called to order by Mayor Clark at 7:04 p.m., in the Rosemead City Hall Council Chamber, located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. PRESENT: Mayor Clark, Mayor Pro Tem Armenta, Council ABSENT: Council Member Ly PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Council INVOCATION was led by Council Member STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Kim, Cit3 Director of Public Works Gutierrez, Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking, and City Clerk l 1. PUBLIC COMMENT - 2. PRESENTA bers Dang and Low of Finance Chua, zuela, Director of A. Service Recognition of Albert Leung as Acting Director of Public Works and Interim City Engineer City Manager ,Kim ' announced it was a, pleasure to have had Interim City Engineer Albert Leung be part of the Rosemead, team for over a year. He was an asset, contributing,., areatly to the citv's engineering division in the Public Works Interim Engineer Leung reflected on his work with the City, noting the unusual times and significant events they experienced together. He expressed pride in being part of the Rosemead team and stated that he would continue to support the city's future successes as if thev were his own. The City Council presented a plaque to Mr. Leung, expressing their gratitude for his leadership, dedication, and problem -solving abilities. The City Council also acknowledged Mr. Leung's significant contributions to the Public Works Department, leadership as both Acting Director of Public Works and Interim City Engineer were deeply appreciated. B. Administration of the Oath of Office to Margaret Clark to Assume the Position of Mayor Tim Clark administered the Oath of Office to Incoming Mayor Margaret Clark. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Page 1 of 12 AGENDA ITEM 4.11 Pastor Tim Clark expressed pride of his mother, Margaret Clark, for her dedication and service on the City Council, including her upcoming eighth term as Mayor. He acknowledged the challenges the community faces, such as wildfires and personal losses, including the passing of his father. He also shared his appreciation for his mother's strength and commitment and emphasized her faith in the Lord as a source of rest and resilience. C. Administration of the Oath of Office to Sandra Armenta to Assume the Position of Mayor Pro Tem Senator Susan Rubio administered the Oath of Office to Incoming Mayor Pro Tem Sandra Armenta. Senator Susan Rubio expressed honor, in being at the event, reflecting on her connection to the community she -represented for nearly six years. She praised Mayor Pro Tem Armenta for her dedication to education, particularly, special education, and her long-standing commitment to the ,community and City Council. Senator Rubio acknowledged Mrs. Armenta's family for their support and expressed pride in her work. In addition, Senator Rubio presented certificates of recognition to Mayor Clark and Mayor Pro Tem Armenta. D. Recognition of Council Member `Steven Ly as Outgoing Mayor City Clerk Hernandez announced that outgoing Mayor Steven Ly was currently on military; duty and therefore absent from f the meeting. Staff would ensure certificates of recognition would be saved and given to Mr. Ly upon his return. E. Presentations and Commendations for Newly Appointed Mayor Margaret Clark, Mayor Pr© Tem Sandra Armenta, and Outgoing Mayor Steven Ly llowing state and local offices presented certificates of recognition to Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Armenta, and Outgoing Mayor Ly. • ' Representative Mauricio Lopez from the office of Assemblymember, 49tn District, Mike Fong • Representative Gigi Lee from the office Congresswoman Judy Chu • City of Alhambra, Mayor Noya Wang • City of El Monte, Councilmember Sheila Crippen-Thomas • City of Monterey Park, Mayor Vinh Ngo • Pasadena City College, Board of Trustee Ryan Liu • Garvey School District, Superintended Anita Chu, President Paul Duran and Board Member John Nunez • El Monte Union High School, Trustee Qui Nguyen • Rosemead School District, Superintended Philip D'Agostino, Board President Diane Benitez, Board Clerk Nancy Armenta, Board Trustees Veronica Pena and John Quintanilla Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Page 2 of 12 • Rosemead Chamber of Commerce, Board Members Paul Chang, Minh Wong, and Albert Chang • Republic Services, Sustainability Advisor Janelle Bustamante Mayor Clark expressed gratitude to everyone for attending, including friends, family, and church family. Mayor Pro Tem Armenta expressed gratitude to everyone present, especially her family, including her father, sister, aunt, nephews Eli and Jonas, and godson Christian. She thanked them for their support, which has been a source of strength for her during a difficult year, alongside -her colleague Mayor Clark. She acknowledged the love and support that has motivated her to continue her work in the City, dedicating herself to remembering" her late husband. She thanked her council colleagues for trusting her to lead as Mayor Pro Tem during such a challenging time. Mrs. Armenta also highlighted tl special recognition to Senator c community. She expressed that tl going, calling her an outstanding city's directors, law enforcemen the emergency at the Emergenc; Rosemead residents despite th managing the situation and lim svmnathv to those who lost their their leader with them it City. Mrs. participated Council Me thanked the Senator for in the 'San leadership c expressed, s challenging widespread suffering people are facing and gave san Rubio for her unwavering dedication to the Senator's work in Sacramento„inspires her to keep ;ader. She also acknowledged the hard work of the and fire personnel, who worked tirelessly during Operations Center (EOC), ensuring the safety of destructive winds. She praised their efforts in ng damage. Finally, she expressed her heartfelt r Low congratulated Mayor Clark and Mayor Pro Tem Armenta for in the City over the years. She expressed excitement about working corning year, confident that they will accomplish great things for the r ' also took the onnortunity to thank all the staff members who ,bang expressed gratitude to all the staff for their hard work and W officials for their time and cooperation. He appreciated State Jing and acknowledged her ongoing efforts in recovery, especially -iel ;;Valley. Mr. Dang praised Mayor Clark for her exceptional 3 years and valued the historical insights she provides. Lastly, he t and solidarity with Mayor Pro Tem Armenta, acknowledging the and offering help during this time. Mayor Clark announced a memorial for Fred Olea, who worked for Garvey School District over 24 years; she recognized all his family and friends in attendance. Mr. Olea is survived by his wife Julie, son Nicholas, daughter Aubrey, and three granddaughters. Mayor Pro Tem Armenta expressed gratitude for working with Mr. Olea during her time as a teacher at Garvey School District and thanked him for his dedication and contribution to the Garvey family. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Page 3 of 12 Mayor Clark recessed the meeting at 8:00 p.m. and reconvened to Open Session at 8:31 p.m. 3. PUBLIC HEARING - None 4. CONSENT CALENDAR ACTION: Moved by Council Member Low, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Armenta to approve the Consent Calendar Items A - G. Motion was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: ARMENTA, CLARK, DANG, AND LOW NOES: NONE ABSENT: LY A. Claims and Demands • Resolution No. 2025-01 A RESOLUTION OF OF ROSEMEAD, CAL AND DEMANDS IN NUMBERED 118236 NUMBERED 7726 NUMBERED 52926 TH Recommendation: �M the likely high w and the City and E -CITY COUNCIL `OF THE CITY ZNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS E, I SUM OF $1,976,205.63 CHECKS ZOUGH NUMBER 118364, DRAFTS DUGH NUMBER 7750 AND:: EFT GH NUMBER 52973 INCLUSIVELY WNJ o. 2025-03: A Resolution of the ,City Council of the City of Director of Emergency Services Resolution No. 2025-02 stence of a Local Emergency, and Confirming the Continued -r Service has been tracking and projecting High Winds with damage to occur on January 7 through January 10, as well as ly in,the week of January 13, in the Los Angeles County region ,emead, The windstorm will have the potential for causing life and property within the geographic area of the City of an immediate threat. On January 7, 2025j' at approximately 7:30 pm, 68 mph winds kicked up and many tree branches and trees fell throughout the city, impeding the public right away. To protect the safety of the community, the City of Rosemead proclaimed a local emergency under the direction of Director of Emergency Services, Ben Kim, and a Level 2 (minimal staff) Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated at 8:30 p.m. to assist with windshield surveys, in coordination with and in support of our field responders with windstorm related responses. In the morning on January 8, the winds were calmer, and the clean-up efforts continued. As the city recovery begins, the EOC remains activated at a Level 3 (monitoring only). Recommendation: that the City Council ratify Resolution 2025-02 and adopt Resolution No. 2025-03, confirming the continued existence of a Local Emergency. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Page 4 of 12 1. Ratify Resolution No. 2025-02, entitled:. A RESOLUTION OF THE DIRECTOR OF SERVICES OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY 2. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-03, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUN OF ROSEMEAD RATIFYING EMERGENCY SERVICES RESOLUT: PROCLAIMING THE EXISTENCE' EMERGENCY, AND CONFIRMING EXISTENCE OF THE LOCAL EMERGE C. Second Reading and Adoption Zone Change 23-01 — Housing On December 10, 2024, the City reading, by title only, Ordinance the Zoning Map to implemer. 2021-2029 planning period, Recommendation: That the of Ordinance No. 1024, by EMERGENCY PROCLAIMING IL OF THE CITY ARECTOR OF )N NO. 2025-02 OF A LOCAL 3E CONTINUED f Ordinance on General Plan Amendment 23-01 and ;'lenient Rezone Efforts Council of the City of Rosemeadintroduced for first No. 1024, approving Zone Change 23-01, amending t the Housing Element rezoning efforts for the 'second reading and adoption AN,ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF,,, LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, FOR THE APPROVAL OF ZONE CHANGE 23-01, AMENDING THE- ZONING MAP TO IMPLEMENT THE HOUSING ELEMENT REZONING EFFORTS FOR THE 2021-2029>;PLANNING PERIOD D. Second; Reading and'Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 3.24 (Purchasing System) and Amending Chapter 3.28 (Public Works Bidding Procedure) to the Rosemead Municipal Code On December 10, 2024, the City Council held the first reading of Ordinance No. 1025, which amended and restated both Chapter 3.24 (Purchasing System) and Chapter 3.28 (Public Works Bidding Procedure). Recommendation: That the City Council approve the second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 1025, by title only, entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING ROSEMEAD Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Page 5 of 12 E. 11 MUNICIPAL CHAPTER 3.24 (PURCHASING SYSTEM), AMENDING CHAPTER 3.28 (PUBLIC PROJECT BIDDING PROCEDURES) TO PROVIDE INFORMAL BIDDING PROCEDURES UNDER THE UNIFORM PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION COST ACCOUNTING ACT (SECTION 22000, ET SEQ. OF THE PUBLIC CONTRACT CODE) AND OTHER RELATED ACTIONS Density Bonus Application for 7660 Garvalia Avenue SLSD Design, on behalf of Nick and Jennifer I Application pursuant to California Government Law) for the construction of four duplexes, for a of which will be designated for very, low -in application, the applicant is also requesting development standards (side yard setback and m Multiple Residential (R-2) zone.. The applicant accessory dwelling units (ADUs), however, the administratively. The subject site is located at 7( Municipal Code Section 17.84.140, before a, Council is effective, the developer must execute with the City. The agreement must be Development Director prior to City C direct execution and recordation of the the Citv Council take ee,has submitted a Density Bonus erode §65915 (State Density Bonus total of eight residential units, three .ome households. As part of this oncessions, for the relief of two nimum. first floor area) in the Light is also proposing to construct two DUs will be reviewed and approved 50 Garvalia Avenue. Per Rosemead .ensity bonus granted by the City a density bonus housing agreement I, and approved by the Community ,proval and the City Council shall actions: 1. Approve the Density Bonus Application with the two requested concessions. the Affordable Housing Agreement; and 3. Find that the Project is exempt from CEQA review pursuant to Class 32, Section 15332 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. of HQE Systems, Inc., Access Control and Security Camera System for the 'ety Center Upgrade Project On September 1, 2022, the City Manager's Office issued Request for Proposal No. 2022-25 'requesting proposals for qualified vendors to furnish and install an integrated Access Control and Camera System at twelve (12) City Facilities. On October 25, 2022, the City Council approved the Construction Contract with HQE Systems Inc. for the Access Control and Camera System Upgrade Project at eleven (11) City Facilities, and postponed upgrades at the Public Safety Center until the completion of the facilities renovation project. Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a construction contract with HQE Systems, Inc., for the Public Safety Center Access Control and Security Camera System Upgrade Project in the amount of $58,906.50. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Page 6 of 12 5. G. Award of Contract for Roof Replacement at Public Works Office and Warehouse Building — City Project No. 31031 As part of the City's Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Capital Improvement Program, the City Council approved the Roof Replacement at Public Works Office & Warehouse Building Project. The Project consists of removal and replacement of existing deteriorated metal roof at the Public Works Office & Warehouse Building. The existing metal roof has not been replaced since the City purchased the property twenty years ago. Over the years, the existing metal roof has become brittle and has deteriorated. Staff from Public services have also reported concerns about water leaks at this facility. On November 20, staff published,,a Notice Inviting Bids and on December 18, 2024, the City received comprehensive bid analysis, the bid submit the amount of $488,425.00, is determined tc Recommendation: That the City Council take the 1. Approve the plans and specifications for Office and Warehouse Building, Project 2. Authorize the City Contracting Service,, an amount of $48,84 \/_ : "R The City Manag the City of Ros response to th January 7, 2025. Manager to execu Inc., in the amount 50 (10%) as a cont fora total constm AGER & STAFF of the Emeraencv 1 (7) bids. Based on staffs Best Contracting Services, Inc. in lowest responsive bid. actions: 031; and at Public Works a construction contract with Best ' $488,425.00. In addition, authorize ency, to cover the cost of unforeseen in'budget of $537,267.50. Operations Center in Response to the ide a report on the proclamation of a local emergency in the activation of the Emergency Operations Center in ri- and fires impacting Los Angeles County since the City Council discuss and provide direction if necessary City Manager Kim stated the briefing would be given by Public Safety Supervisor Mandy Wong. He acknowledged the Rosemead Team for their quick and effective response during the windstorm event. Furthermore, staff monitored the situation all day and prepared for the event. When needed, the EOC (Emergency Operations Center) was activated, despite being in a temporary location due to renovations at the Public Safety Center. Over 20 staff members worked throughout the night, with code enforcement actively managing hazards like downed trees and branches. By 7:00 a.m. the next morning, the Team cleared many areas, and expressed pride in the staff s dedication and teamwork, and praised Public Safety Supervisor Wong for leading the operation. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Page 7 of 12 Public Safety Supervisor Wong expressed condolences to those affected by the January 7, 2025, wildfire caused by the windstorm. The National Weather Service had predicted severe winds from January 7-10, which posed a significant threat to the City of Rosemead. In response, the City took steps to ensure safety, including monitoring weather reports, activating communication plans, and preparing emergency response equipment. On January 7, 2025, 68 mph winds caused widespread damage, power outages, and downed trees, leading the City to declare a local emergency. The EOC was activated, and staff worked through the night to assess and address the damage. Within three hours, 33 damage reports were generated, and cleanup efforts focused on public safety hazards. Press releases were issued to update the community on the situation, and by January 8, 46 damage reports were addressed. Due to poor air quality, City staff worked remotely on January % and free KN95 masks were distributed to the public. Cleanup efforts continued, including roof repairs at Rosemead Park. The City remains committed to monitoring the situation 'and sharing updates as recovery continues. Council Member Dang expressed gratitude to Ms. Wong and City staff for their hard work during a challenging +day and their strong,performance in the first role play. He emphasized the importance,of having a lesson -learned plan to identify both successes and areas for improvement. He raised a concern about downed power lines, suggesting the City should have a dedicated liaison to contact Edison at any time, especially during off hours. He 'also mentioned the potential need for a partnership with the gas company; citing the importance of being prepared for situations like the Palisades fire. In emergency management, he stressed the need for continuous preparation to ensure a quick and effective response. first time the City activated the EOC. Public Safety Supervisor Wong mentioned that the City activated the department's EOC during a rainstorm in 20.10, with Chief of Police Murakami, Code Enforcement, Officers and Community Services Officers conducting assessments. While they logged everything, if wasn't a full EOC activation. The current activation is the first real EOC activation in the 16 years she has been with the City. Council Member -Low expressed gratitude to everyone involved, mentioning that she thought about the team. Mayor Pro Tem Armenta expressed deep gratitude to Public Safety Supervisor Wong and all the directors, praising their dedication to the City of Rosemead. She acknowledged City Manager Kim, for keeping everyone updated, and highlighted the team's hard work, late into the night. She mentioned the 2011 windstorm and how preparation like assessing and replacing trees minimized damage. Mayor Pro Tem Armenta emphasized the value of the City's employees and assured that their efforts would be recognized. She also commended the City's focus on emergency preparedness, noting that Rosemead is a leader in this area. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Page 8 of 12 Mayor Clark expressed appreciation for everyone's efforts and emphasized the importance of being prepared for future emergencies. She shared her experience of being out of town in Sacramento during the storm, where she faced flight issues due to severe winds. Reflecting on the surreal situation, she compared it to the 9/11 experience when she was stuck in the same hotel. Despite the challenges, she thanked everyone for their hard work and hoped the wind would not return. Council Member Dang mentioned he felt confident in the city's management, especially with City Manager Kim in charge. He trusted that everything would be handled. He then raised a question about the protocol for declaring a city emergency, specifically whether three Council Members need to be present or if the Mayor has the authority to call an emergency. Public Safety Supervisor Wong City Council Members are typic three Council Members, as in Director of Emergency ServiceE The Council would then need to i within seven days. Council Member Darig asked if West for the woodchippers, or if they were iined,,to declare an emergency, at least three equired. However, if it's not possible to gather ase of that night's . ast-minute situation, the City Manager, can make the declaration first. through a resolution was part of the emergency plan ;d on the spot. Public Safety Supervisor Wong responded that West'Coast Arborists was contacted at some ,point to help with some large trees that had fallen. City Manager Kim clarified that'the, City owns a woodchipper machine, which was used by the public , works crew to properly remove debris during the emergency. Unlike some'cities that might just move debris to the side temporarily, the crew was actively chipping and permanently removing debris to ensure safety and cleanliness. As a result, the streets were clear and safe the next day. Public Works Director Gutierrez explained that in preparation for the windstorm, they, ensured the woodchippef machine was ready and filled with fuel. They used their own chipper, and the following day, they brought in West Coast Arborist for additional assistance: Mayor Pro Tem, Armenta reiterated her earlier point, emphasizing that the lessons learned from, the 2011 windstorm and the City's preparedness helped Rosemead experience very little destruction the following morning. Council Member Dang asked Finance Director Chua about the after -action report, specifically the "burn rate", which tracks how much the City spent financially. Finance Director Chua mentioned that he spoke with Public Safety Supervisor Wong, who prepared an initial damage estimate. He believed, the estimate was around $500,000, which includes costs for the Rosemead Park roof, staff time, debris removal, chipping, fuel, and roof -related damage. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Page 9 of 12 Council Member Dang suggested that if West Coast Arborist was called in afterward, those costs should be included as well. He emphasized the importance of thorough record -keeping, including timekeeping, invoices, and documentation, as FEMA reimburses based on this information. He praised the staff for being ahead of the curve and noted that, from past experience with the 1994 earthquake, cities with strong record -keeping were reimbursed more quickly, while others received less. He also highlighted the disaster code system used by many cities to track time and expenses, stressing the importance of preparation and planning. 6. MATTERS FROM MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL A. Mayor's Appointments for 2025 Each year, a listing of City and State committees and 1 Council and Mayor will di year. Once the appointments have been Agency Report of Public,,Official i Political Practices Commission (FT the City's website. Recommendation: That the City,,C( Appointments for the'2025 Calend, file Fair Political Practice Commiss Polly ke to be appointed Pro Tem. Armentc ttee, and if no other ; willing to sign up. Tember appointments to a variety of Regional -epared and submitted to the Mayor. The City consider appointments for the 2025 calendar ade, the City Clerk's office will prepare the )ointments Form 806, as required by the Fair file the form with the FPPC, and post it on -il discuss,. appoint and approve the Mayor's 'ear and direct the City Clerk to prepare and Form 806. unfilled committees the City Council ned that no name was listed for the CA JPIA members expressed interest in being the delegate, interest in being the alternate to the CA JPIA. Council Member Dang expressed interest in continuing being the delegate to CA JPIA Committee. He noted they do emergency management type of workshop discussion that interest him. Council Member Low asked if there was any interest in the Legislative Advocacy Committee. Mayor Pro Tern Armenta asked City Clerk Hernandez if Council Member Ly still wants to remain appointed to the Legislative Advocacy Committee. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Page 10 of 12 City Clerk Hernandez stated that Council Member Ly had not provided his preferred appointments. Further explained that at the discretion of the City Council they could reappoint Mr. Ly to the Legislative Advocacy Committee. Mayor Pro Tern Armenta suggested that Mr. Ly remain on the Legislative Advocacy Committee since he has been part of the ongoing communication with the state lobbyist and City staff. Council Member Dang supported to reappoint of Mr. Ly in the Legislative Advocacy Committee. In addition, he requested to be appointed to the Commercial Task force with Council Member Low. Mayor Clark requested to be apl Governments and the San Gabriel V her committee seats. ACTION: Move by Council Member Dang and to approve the 2025 Mayor's Appointments. Moi roll call vote: AYES: ARMENTA, CL;ARK,, D ABSENT: LY B. Council Comments Mayor Pro Tem Ar lost their homes, Ii housekeepers lost t'. also praised Califon lost have also been mpai The executive team community. California Association of rnments to be able to retain onded by Council Member Low was carried out by the following G, AND LOW NOES: NONE nta expressed her heartfelt thoughts and prayers for those who and livelihoods. She highlighted that many gardeners and r jobs, which added to the devastation for these families. She s response, noting that the state's strength was evident when overwhelmed with donations. She thanked the staff for their ;ryone a Happy New Year, as well as many blessings for the Year. if there were any City staff affected by the fires and hared that a staff member who moved to Altadena in October recent fire. The City has already provided assistance and is additional ways to support affected staff. Other staff members ted by evacuation notices and the fire's effects on their families. is working on a plan to offer further help to the Rosemead Council Member Dang inquired about the distribution of masks to the public and any leftover hand sanitizers. City Manager Kim confirmed that masks were distributed to the public, with over a thousand masks initially available. The City was able to roll out the masks quickly, thanks to having a stockpile. In addition, they reached out to local school districts, Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Page I of 12 offering them thousands of masks through the City's resources. As for the hand sanitizer, staff would investigate what is leftover and if it's not expired. 7. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Clark adjourned the meeting in memory of Fred Olea at 9:15 p.m. The next City Council meeting will take place on January 28, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Rosemead City Hall Council Chamber. City Clerk Margaret Clark, Mayor Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Page 12 of 12