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CC - Minutes - 01-14-2025MINUTES 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 Members Dang and Low ABSENT: Council Member Ly PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Council Member Low INVOCATION was led by Council Member Dang STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Kim, City Attorney Richman, Assistant City Manager Chua, Director of Public Works Gutierrez, Director of Community Development Valenzuela, Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking, and City Clerk Hernandez 1. PUBLIC COMMENT - None. 2. PRESENTATIONS 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 greatly to the City's Engineering Division in the Public Works Department. Interim City 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 they 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 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 Annenta 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 Armenia. 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 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 Pro Tem Sandra Armenta, and Outgoing Mayor Steven Ly The following state and local offices presented certificates of recognition to Mayor Clark, Mayor Pro Tem Armenta, and Outgoing Mayor Ly. • Representative Mauricio Lopez from the office of Assemblymember, 491h 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 • EI Monte Union High School, Trustee Qui Nguyen • Rosemead School District, Superintended Philip D'Agostino, Board President Diane Benitez, Board Clerk Nancy Armenia, 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 the widespread suffering people are facing and gave special recognition to Senator Susan Rubio for her unwavering dedication to the community. She expressed that the Senator's work in Sacramento inspires her to keep going' calling her an outstanding leader. She also acknowledged the hard work of the city's directors, law enforcement and fire personnel, who worked tirelessly during the emergency at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), ensuring the safety of Rosemead residents despite the destructive winds. She praised their efforts in managing the situation and limiting damage. Finally, she expressed her heartfelt sympathy to those who lost their homes. Council Member Low congratulated Mayor Clark and Mayor Pro Tem Armenta for their leadership in the City over the years. She expressed excitement about working with them in the coming year, confident that they will accomplish great things for the City. Mrs. Low also took the opportunity to thank all the staff members who participated in the EOC during the windstorm. Council Member Dang expressed gratitude to all the staff for their hard work and thanked the elected officials for their time and cooperation. He appreciated State Senator for attending and acknowledged her ongoing efforts in recovery, especially in the San Gabriel Valley. Mr. Dang praised Mayor Clark for her exceptional leadership over 33 years and valued the historical insights she provides. Lastly, he expressed support and solidarity with Mayor Pro Tem Armenta, acknowledging the challenging year 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 Tem 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 THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1,976,205.63 CHECKS NUMBERED 118236 THROUGH NUMBER 118364, DRAFTS NUMBERED 7726 THROUGH NUMBER 7750 AND EFT NUMBERED 52926 THROUGH NUMBER 52973 INCLUSIVELY Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-01. B. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-03: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Rosemead Ratifying Director of Emergency Services Resolution No. 2025-02 Proclaiming the Existence of a Local Emergency, and Confirming the Continued Existence of the Local Emergency The National Weather Service has been tracking and projecting High Winds with predicted destructive damage to occur on January 7 through January 10, as well as likely high winds early in the week of January 13, in the Los Angeles County region and the City of Rosemead. The windstorm will have the potential for causing extensive damage to life and property within the geographic area of the City of Rosemead and poses an immediate threat. On January 7, 2025, 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 EMERGENCY SERVICES OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD PROCLAIMING EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY 2. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-03, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD RATIFYING DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY SERVICES RESOLUTION NO. 2025-02 PROCLAIMING THE EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY, AND CONFIRMING THE CONTINUED EXISTENCE OF THE LOCAL EMERGENCY C. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance on General Plan Amendment 23-01 and Zone Change 23-01 — Housing Element Rezone Efforts On December 10, 2024, the City Council of the City of Rosemead introduced for first reading, by title only, Ordinance No. 1024, approving Zone Change 23-01, amending the Zoning Map to implement the Housing Element rezoning efforts for the 2021-2029 planning period. Recommendation: That the City Council approve the second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 1024, by title only, entitled: 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 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 E. Density Bonus Application for 7660 Garvalia Avenue SLSD Design, on behalf of Nick and Jennifer Lee, has submitted a Density Bonus Application pursuant to California Government Code §65915 (State Density Bonus Law) for the construction of four duplexes, for a total of eight residential units, three of which will be designated for very low-income households. As part of this application, the applicant is also requesting concessions, for the relief of two development standards (side yard setback and minimum first floor area) in the Light Multiple Residential (R-2) zone. The applicant is also proposing to construct two accessory dwelling units (ADUs), however, the ADUs will be reviewed and approved administratively. The subject site is located at 7660 Garvalia Avenue. Per Rosemead Municipal Code Section 17.84.140, before a density bonus granted by the City Council is effective, the developer must execute a density bonus housing agreement with the City. The agreement must be reviewed and approved by the Community Development Director prior to City Council approval and the City Council shall direct execution and recordation of the agreement. Recommendation: That the City Council take the following actions: 1. Approve the Density Bonus Application with the two requested concessions. 2. Direct City staff to execute and record 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. F. Approval of HQE Systems, Inc., Access Control and Security Camera System for the Public Safety 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, 1015 Page 6 of 12 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 seven (7) bids. Based on staff s comprehensive bid analysis, the bid submitted by Best Contracting Services, Inc. in the amount of $488,425.00, is determined to be the lowest responsive bid. Recommendation: That the City Council take the following actions: 1. Approve the plans and specifications for the Roof Replacement at Public Works Office and Warehouse Building, Project No. 31031; and 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a construction contract with Best Contracting Services, Inc., in the amount of $488,425.00. In addition, authorize an amount of $48,842.50 (10%) as a contingency to cover the cost of unforeseen construction expenses, for a total construction budget of $537,267.50. 5. MATTERS FROM CITY MANAGER & STAFF A. Report on the Activation of the Emergency Operations Center in Response to the Winstorm and Fires The City Manager will provide a report on the proclamation of a local emergency in the City of Rosemead and the activation of the Emergency Operations Center in response to the windstorm and fires impacting Los Angeles County since January 7, 2025. Recommendation: That 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 staffs 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 9, 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. Council Member Low asked if this was the first time the City activated the EOC. Public Safety Supervisor Wong mentioned that the City activated the department's EOC during a rainstorm in 2010, with Chief of Police Murakami, Code Enforcement, Officers and Community Services Officers conducting assessments. While they logged everything, it 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 explained, to declare an emergency, at least three City Council Members are typically required. However, if it's not possible to gather three Council Members, as in the case of that night's last-minute situation, the Director of Emergency Services, the City Manager, can make the declaration fust. The Council would then need to ratify the emergency declaration through a resolution within seven days. Council Member Dang asked if West Coast Arborist was part of the emergency plan for the woodchippers, or if they were simply contacted 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 woodchipper 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 Assistant City Manager Chua about the after-action report, specifically the "burn rate", which tracks how much the City spent financially. Assistant City Manager 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 Calendar Year Each year, a listing of City Council Member appointments to a variety of Regional and State committees and boards is prepared and submitted to the Mayor. The City Council and Mayor will discuss and consider appointments for the 2025 calendar year. Once the appointments have been made, the City Clerk's office will prepare the Agency Report of Public Official Appointments Form 806, as required by the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), file the form with the FPPC, and post it on the City's website. Recommendation: That the City Council discuss, appoint and approve the Mayor's Appointments for the 2025 Calendar Year and direct the City Clerk to prepare and file Fair Political Practice Commission Form 806. The mayor opened for discussion on what unfilled committees the City Council would like to be appointed. Mayor Pro Tem Armenta mentioned that no name was listed for the CA JPIA Committee, and if no other council members expressed interest in being the delegate, she was willing to sign up. Polly Low expressed 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 Tem 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 Tem 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 appointed to Southern California Association of Governments and the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments to be able to retain = her committee seats. -- ACTION: Move by Council Member Dang and seconded by Council Member Low to approve the 2025 Mayor's Appointments. Motion was carried out by the following roll call vote: AYES: ARMENTA, CLARK, DANG, AND LOW NOES: NONE ABSENTLY B. Council Comments Mayor Pro Tem Armenta expressed her heartfelt thoughts and prayers for those who lost their homes, lives, and livelihoods. She highlighted that many gardeners and housekeepers lost their jobs, which added to the devastation for these families. She also praised California's response, noting that the state's strength was evident when operation centers were overwhelmed with donations. She thanked the staff for their efforts and wished everyone a Happy New Year, as well as many blessings for the upcoming Lunar New Year. Council Member Dang asked if there were any City staff affected by the fires and windstorms. City Manager Kim shared that a staff member who moved to Altadena in October lost everything in the recent fire. The City has already provided assistance and is continuing to explore additional ways to support affected staff. Other staff members have also been impacted by evacuation notices and the fire's effects on their families. The executive team is working on a plan to offer further help to the Rosemead community. 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 11 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. APPROVED: Margare Clark, Mayor Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025 Page 12 of 12