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CC - Minutes - 02-11-2025MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2025 The regular meeting of the Rosemead City Council was called to order by Mayor Clark at 7:06 p.m., in the Rosemead City Hall Council Chamber, located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. PRESENT: Mayor, President Clark, Mayor Pro Tem, Vice -President Armenta, Council Members, Board Members Dang and Low ABSENT: Council Member, Board Member Ly PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Council Member Low INVOCATION was led by Mayor Pro Tem Armenta 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 - None 3. PUBLIC HEARING - None 4. CONSENT CALENDAR Council Member Dang requested to pull Consent Calendar Item 4.1) for separate discussion. City Clerk Hernandez announced there was two comments submitted for Item 4.G. ACTION: Moved by Council Member Low, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Armenta to approve the Consent Calendar Items A — F, with the exception of Items D and 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. 2025-08 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $917,246.56 CHECKS NUMBERED 118466 THROUGH NUMBER 118574, Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes offebruary II, 2025 Page I of 9 DRAFTS NUMBERED 7821 THROUGH NUMBER 7881 AND EFT NUMBERED 53003 THROUGH NUMBER 53045 INCLUSIVELY Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-08. B. Minutes Recommendation: That the City Council approve the regular meeting minutes of January 14, 2025 and special meeting minutes of January 28, 2025. C. National League of Cities 2025 Congressional City Conference —March 10th -12th — Washington, DC The City Council will consider authorizing the attendance of any Council Member and City staff who wishes to attend the 2025 National League of Cities Congressional City Conference in Washington, DC from March 10 — March 12, 2025. Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the attendance and finance of any Council Member and City staff that attends the 2025 National League of Cities Congressional City Conference in Washington, DC from March 10 — 12, 2025. D. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 1026 - Amending Chapter 12.36 of the Rosemead Municipal Code Relating to Unlawful Camping and Personal Property in Public Places On January 28, 2025, the City Council of the City of Rosemead introduced for first reading, by title only, Ordinance No. 1026, amending Chapter 12.36 of the Rosemead Municipal Code addressing the regulation of camping and the storage of personal property in public spaces within Rosemead. Recommendation: That the City Council approve the second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 1026, by title only, entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 12.36 OF THE ROSEMEAD MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO UNLAWFUL CAMPING AND PERSONAL PROPERTY IN PUBLIC PLACES Council Member Dang inquired about the storage and posting parameters from a previous meeting in the ordinance. City Attorney Richman explained there were additional questions regarding the anti - camping ordinance and personal property storage policy. The current policy requires unclaimed personal property to be held for 90 days, but proposed policy suggests reducing it to 60 days with a recommendation to keep it at 60 days to comply with state law. Furthermore, the question about posting, involved reducing the required 48-hour notice before cleanup begins to 24 hours, which would be legally permissible if the Council chooses to proceed. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of February 11, 2025 Page 2 of 9 Council Member Dang stated that the 60 -day personal property storage period was reasonable and aligns with state law, so would support that. Given the City's limited storage capacity and the ADA concerns created by encampments on public sidewalks, forcing residents to walk into the streets, a 24-hour notice for cleanup is preferred over the current 48-hour notice. City Manager Kim added staff could do the 24-hour notice. City Attorney Richman also explained that she would research the question whether an encampment prohibition could extend 500 feet beyond the cited location. It was recommended to adopt the ordinance as is and consider amendments later, as changes now would delay implementation due to the reintroduction and adoption process. Council Member Dang agreed to adopt the proposed ordinance as it is for staff to have a tool box. ACTION: Moved by Council Member Dang, seconded by Council Member Low to adopt the second reading of Ordinance No. 1026. Motion was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: ARMENTA, CLARK, DANG, AND LOW NOES: NONE ABSENT: LY E. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 1027- Adding Chapter 9.36 to the Municipal Code to Prohibit Targeted Residential Picketing Citywide On January 28, 2025, the City Council of the City of Rosemead introduced for first reading, by title only, Ordinance No. 1027, amending the Rosemead Municipal Code adding Chapter 9.36 — relating to targeted residential picketing. Recommendation: That the City Council approve the second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 1027 by title only, entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE ROSEMEAD MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO TARGETED RESIDENTIAL PICKETING F. Acceptance of Annual Audit Reports for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2024 The certified public accounting firm of Lance, Soll & Lunghard, LLP (LSL) was engaged by the City Council to perform an audit of the financial statements and perform compliance testing of the City of Rosemead of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. LSL conducted the audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and issued an unmodified (clean) audit opinion on the financial statements. This report provides a summary of the audit report to be used as a companion to the published Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. Also included in the audit are the Rosemead Housing Development Corporation Financial and Compliance Report, and other documents related to the financial audit. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of February 11, 2025 Page 3 of9 Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the City of Rosemead Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, the Rosemead Housing Development Corporation, Annual Financial Statements, and other related audit reports for fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. G. Del Mar and Glendon Way Community Garden Services — Award of Contract The City seeks to contract with CultivaLA, Inc. to provide garden support services for the Del Mar Community Garden and the Glendon Way Community Garden. CultivaLA, Inc. offers a variety of programs designed to enrich the lives of local residents and enhance the experience of Community Garden users. This agreement aims to support the ongoing development and educational programming at the Del Mar Community Garden and Glendon Way Community Garden. Recommendation: That the City Council approve the proposed agreement with CultivaLA, Inc. and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract on behalf of the City. City Clerk Hernandez read for the record comments submitted via email. Terumi Garcia -Sandoval wrote that as a California Climate Action Corps Fellow at CultivaLA advocates for contracting services with CultivaLA to support the Del Mar and Glendon Way Community Gardens. These gardens serve as vital urban green spaces, fostering biodiversity and providing a habitat for wildlife such as Cooper's Hawks, monarch butterflies, and hummingbirds. Beyond environmental benefits, the gardens promote community building and resilience, where members exchange homegrown produce, share recipes, and connect. CultivaLA has been instrumental in stewarding these spaces, and continued partnership would ensure their growth and sustainability. Michael Naka teacher in the Garvey School District and advisor of the Kiwanis Builders Club of Garvey, shared his support for CultivaLA and the Rosemead Community Garden. For the past three years, students have volunteered at the garden, receiving mentorship from CultivaLA leaders and learning skills such as soil preparation, planting, maintenance, and harvesting. He believes that adding an orchard would further enhance learning opportunities, teaching students about tree care, fertilization, trimming, and harvesting. His students are enthusiastic about the possibility of planting and caring for trees, fostering long-term engagement and environmental stewardship. ACTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Armenta, seconded by Council Member Dang to approve the agreement with CultivaLA, Inc. and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract on behalf of the City. Motion was carried by the following call vote: AYES: ARMENTA, CLARK, DANG, AND LOW NOES: NONE ABSENT: LY Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of February 11, 2025 Page 4 of 9 Mayor Pro Tem Armenta stated that there is a lot of learning occurring at the gardens and great opportunities for the students to learn. Mayor Clark also added that it's important for children to learn where there food comes from and importance of trees and the environment. Mayor Clark shared about a book called "Last Child in the Woods" by Richard Loev, where he discusses concern for kids being addicted to video games and not spending enough time outside. It was referred to as nature deficit disorder where there can be effects on their brains 20 years from now. 5. MATTERS FROM CITY MANAGER & STAFF A. Los Angeles County Sheriff Update on Proposition 36 and New District Attorney Goals In the November 5, 2024, General Election, California voters approved Proposition 36, which authorizes felony charges and longer sentences for certain drug and theft offenses. Additionally, voters elected a new Los Angeles County District Attorney. The Los Angeles County Sheriff, Temple Station Captain, and Rosemead Chief of Police will provide an update on the passage of Proposition 36 and outline the goals of the newly elected District Attorney. Recommendation: That the City Council discuss and provide direction if necessary. Mayor Pro Tem Armenia stated she requested an update on how the Sheriffs Department is aligning with the new Los Angeles County District Attorney, including efforts to adapt to policy changes. Captain Meza, LA County Sheriff Temple Station reported that Community concerns continue to focus on issues like homelessness, theft, and public safety, with the biggest concern being accountability for crimes. Since taking office, District Attorney Hochman has taken immediate action by rescinding previous directives, particularly those related to misdemeanor case management. Under the prior administration, many misdemeanor crimes were dismissed in the interest of justice, but with the new leadership, these policies are being reversed to ensure greater accountability. Prop 36, passed in November by California voters, introduces measures aimed at improving public safety and law enforcement effectiveness. Under this proposition, after two drug-related convictions, a third conviction allows the court to mandate drug rehabilitation or mental health treatment. If successfully completed, the case is dismissed, and the arrest is legally erased, incentivizing treatment completion. However, failure to complete treatment, reoffending, refusing treatment, or committing another crime can result in jail time. Additionally, a fourth drug conviction leads to a state prison sentence. The goal of Prop 36 is not to overcrowd jails but to hold individuals accountable while offering them a chance to turn their lives around. Prop 36 also includes the Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of February 11, 2025 Page 5 of 9 Alexandria Law, which warns those convicted of drug sales or transportation of hard drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, that selling these substances is dangerous and can result in murder charges if linked to a fatal overdose. This law specifically targets repeat offenders, particularly those dealing with fentanyl, which has contributed to a significant number of overdose deaths in communities. Another change brought by Prop 36 deals with repeat theft offenders. If someone has two prior theft convictions, including petty theft, their third offense will be considered a felony. The court may impose diversion programs, such as drug or mental health treatment or jail time, depending on the severity. Additionally, when these offenses are elevated to felonies, offenders will undergo a magistrate review, in which they may be held in jail or have bail imposed until their court hearing, unlike before when they would simply be issued a citation and released. This change adds consequences for repeat offenders of theft and drug-related crimes. Under Prop 36, 11 arrests have been made for theft and theft -related crimes, with eight in Rosemead. Additionally, eight arrests were made for drug-related offenses, with three in Rosemead. A habitual offender from a neighboring city, previously frequently in contact with police, was arrested for a death -related crime and accepted a plea deal for 500 days in jail. This marks a shift from the previous administration's approach, where many of these cases would have been rejected. The approach to the homeless population, many of whom face substance or mental health issues, will remain compassionate by offering services while also enforcing laws when necessary. Public safety is a collective effort that involves collaboration between the City Council, City Manager, residents, and the District Attorney. Chief of Police Lieutenant Tiwari stated that a meeting was held a couple of weeks ago with the City Manager, Captain, Sergeant, City staff, and operations staff to discuss public safety goals for Rosemead in 2025. One of the key topics was graffiti reduction, focusing on the associated costs and time required. With the use of the graffiti tracker, the goal is to collaborate with Public Works to address this issue more effectively. Under the previous district attorney, graffiti offenders would only be cited without facing charges. However, with the implementation of Prop 36, there is now a stronger framework for arrest, detention, and potential prosecution, which could include jail time, diversion, or other court decisions aimed at accountability. The city may also explore offering restitution for graffiti -related costs. With the graffiti tracker, the city now has access to detailed data showing the square footage, cost, and time associated with each graffiti incident, allowing for a clearer reduction in staff time and costs. Since the COVID pandemic, theft -related crimes have increased. As a result, the goal of Prop 36 is to reduce theft, providing deputies with a tool that could effectively help lower theft rates in the city. Furthermore, Prop 36 in relation to homelessness, Chief of Police Lt. Tiwari emphasized they were not criminalizing homelessness but aiming to reduce it. With the new trespassing ordinance and the ability to issue citations for trespassing along Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of February 11, 2025 Page 6 of 9 with drug-related offenses, they hope to see a reduction in homelessness. This, combined with recent laws, grants, and the newly passed ordinance, should contribute to the effort. Captain Meza added that the efforts to reduce drug-related crimes should yield positive results over time. The third conviction for drug-related offenses will elevate the charge to a felony, which may discourage further crimes. Additionally, the new district attorney's approach to case management, including the rescission of previous directives for misdemeanor crimes like trespassing, is already showing progress. Their office is now focusing on addressing low-level crimes and quality -of -life issues, which will help further reduce offenses. Mayor Pro Tem Armenta stated that she appreciated the Rosemead Team's hard work, but it was disturbing to hear that some people felt the team wasn't doing enough. She reiterated that the deputy were restricted from arresting due to directives from the then District Attorney's Office. Thanks to Captain Meza and his team, there is a better understanding of Prop 36, which helps address such issues. Prop 36 was overwhelmingly approved by voters because it focuses on accountability and providing tools for individuals who want to change their lives, rather than punishing them. However, some repeat offenders are not interested in change, which leads to frustration from the community, who want to feel safe while still offering people a chance to improve. The goal is to give people the opportunity to change, but if they don't take it, there's little that can be done. The Rosemead Team's hard work is appreciated and valued. Council Member Low thanked Captain Meza and his team for their patience over the past few years. The implementation of Prop 36 is long overdue, and the community has been frustrated by the inability to keep residents and businesses safe. Despite the challenges, the team continued to work hard and apprehend offenders, even knowing they might be released quickly. Now, with the right tools in place, we can finally protect our community and feel safe in our homes. A big thank you to the Rosemead team and city staff for their continued efforts. Council Member Dang expressed gratitude to Captain Meza, Chief of Police Lieutenant Tiwari, and City Manager Kim for their commitment to keeping Rosemead safe. He commended the staff for developing a 2025 goals plan aimed at continuous improvement and appreciated the weekly meetings between the Chief and the City Manager, which ensure alignment with the city's expectations. The discussion tonight centers on Prop 36, highlighting the importance of accountability while also offering support to those willing to accept it. Although law enforcement often encounters individuals who refuse help, Prop 36 shifts the balance of power to the authorities, while still maintaining a compassionate approach. Individuals are given the opportunity to change, but if they choose to continue harmful behaviors, they will face the appropriate consequences, in line with the broader message. Mayor Clark asked Chief of Police to explained what the bait package was. Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of February 11, 2025 Page 7 of 9 Chief of Police, Lieutenant Tiwari explained the bait package was used to apprehend an individual who was stealing amazon packages. A resident assisted by providing video surveillance of an individual riding a bike, but the suspect's identity was unclear due to a mask. A plainclothes deputy worked with the resident to set up a package with a tracking device purchased by the city manager. Once the package was placed outside the resident's door, it sent real-time signals and video to the team's phones when moved. The GPS and video allowed the team to track the suspect, identify him, and make an arrest. The individual was charged with stealing expensive car parts worth over $950, leading to a successful resolution thanks to the technology. Mayor Pro Tem Armenta praised City Manager Kim, for his leadership, highlighting his proactive approach to finding solutions. She emphasized that the city manager's ability to envision new ways of tackling crime, particularly through technology, sets him apart as a great leader. City Manager Kim expressed gratitude for the team effort, acknowledging Chief of Police Lieutenant Tiwari's great ideas, the Captain and Executive City staff. He emphasized the importance of supporting these ideas and providing all available resources to help reduce crime in the city. Council Member Low also agreed with Mayor Pro Tem Arnenta, adding that she had also approached the city manager with concerns about improving the city's safety at night. One issue was a series of break-ins on Valley Boulevard. She worked with the city manager, who quickly came up with the idea of having city staff assist the sheriffs department with night patrols. This solution has been successfully implemented and continues to this day. Mayor Clark agreed with Mayor Pro Tem Armenta and Council Low of the work the City Manager has been doing in his efforts and proud of the voters for passing Prop 36 and the importance of holding people accountable. She emphasized the importance of helping individuals by providing treatment for drug addiction and mental illness. She also expressed passion for the issue, noting that tools like the Grants Pass Ordinance are vital. Before June of last year, the Boise decision prevented people from being removed from public property without available beds. However, the Grants Pass decision reversed this, allowing for greater control over public spaces, reflecting voter concerns about homelessness. She further shared that during a 10 -hour city council meeting where voters were misled into thinking there would be 400 drug addict beds and a homeless shelter, which was not the case. the meeting highlighted the frustration of the community regarding homelessness, particularly with people sleeping in front of businesses, causing fear and safety concerns. She hopes to use available tools to help the homeless access treatment and address these issues. Mrs. Clark shared a personal story about their church taking in a family in need, only to discover that the two adult sons were drug addicts. Tragically, one son overdosed and passed away, while the other gave drugs to a 12 -year-old boy, Fernando, whom Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of February 11, 2025 Page 8 of 9 the community loved. She was deeply affected by this loss, emphasizing the importance of addressing drug addiction and its devastating impact. Council Member Dang asked about the camera purchase used for the arrest Lt. Tiwari spoke about. With the cost of the camera being $1,300, he asked for clarification whether the replacement package covers damage if the camera is broken during a stint it will always be replaced. Chief of Police Lieutenant Tiwari confirmed yes, the camera would be replaced as part of the cover package. Council Member Dang asked if the camera service -tracker subscription was on an annual basis. Chief of Police Lieutenant Tiwari replied that the camera service -tracker is on an annual basis. He noted that the devices are like an iPad and a camera equivalent. City Manager Kim thanked the City Council for their support. In addition, the commitment of $2.4 million, for the Public Safety Center upgrade will be done by mid-May or June. Once completed the Rosemead Team and patrol will be able to spend more time there rather than going to Temple Station to do their reports, improving the response time in the city. Captain Meza, commended Chief of Police, Lieutenant Tiwari, City staff and the City Council for their partnership and support to law enforcement to better serve the city of Rosemead. 6. MATTERS FROM MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL A. Council Comments Council Member Dang wish everyone a Happy Lunar New Year. 7. ADJOURNMENT The next City Council meeting will take place on February 25, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Rosemead City Hall Council Chamber. Ericka Hernandez, City C18r34 .� APPROVED: Margard Clark, Mayor Rosemead City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of February 11, 2025 Page 9 of 9