CC - Item 3A - Minutes of 05-12-09Minutes of the
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
May 12, 2009
The regular meeting of the Rosemead City Council was called to order by Mayor Clark at 7:00 p.m.
in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead,
California.
FLAG SALUTE: Council Member Low
INVOCATION: Council Member Ly
PRESENT: Mayor Clark, Mayor Pro Tern Taylor, Council
and Council Member Ly.
OFFICIALS PRESENT: Interim City Manager Stev3art',
Manager Saeki, Assistant City Manager Hawkesworth,
Parks and Recreation Montgomery-Scott, Economic D
Public Works Officer Marcarello, and CityiClerk Molleda.
1. PRESENTATIONS
A.
No one was presE
to the appropriate
I Member Low,
Attorney Montes, Assistant City
=inance Brisco, Director of
Administrator Ramirez, Deputy
Clark asked staff to please mail them
Control Presentafion - Robert Bruesch
Mr: Bruesch - thanked Council for letting tiim serve on the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector
Control bo6d again. In addition; he clarified a few misconceptions the public might have about the
bee population,~~ I
6. MATTERS FROMWAYOR & CITY COUNCIL
A. Funding the IRS Penalties of the Rosemead Youth Association
Council Member Armenta made a request at the City Council meeting on April 28,
2009, for staff to bring back an agenda item regarding the contribution of funds
from the City to pay off the Internal Revenue Service penalties assessed to the
Rosemead Youth Association (RYA). Staff contacted the RYA Treasurer, Desiree
Tuyia, and found that the RYA currently owes $9,890.43 in penalties for not filing
the necessary annual financial data on time with the IRS for the years of 2004,
2005, and 2007.
Rosemead City Council Meeting
Minutes ofMay 12, 2009
Page I of 18
Recommendation: That the City Council provide direction regarding the
contribution of funds to the Rosemead Youth Association.
Juan Nunez - asked why the RYA was behind on their takes and asked who was keeping their
books.
Mayor Clark stated it was her understanding it was the previous (RYA) administration.
Desiree Tuyia - RYA treasurer explained that the previous board had not filed the league's 2004
and 2005 taxes and had stolen money from the league. Furthermore, thereason why the 2007
taxes were not file was because an extension was riot file with the IRS: the-IRS took money from
the league for penalties for unfiled taxes for 2004 and 2005 and the money owed now also
included penalties for 2007.
Mr. Nunez asked again who takes care of the books
anyone else coming to the city to ask for a bale out.
be held accountable for not paying those taxes. G
Ms. Tuyia responded that she was not sure of what kind
have to go through but stated that since 2007 the league
making $500 payments a month to the IRS,.,;, ,
fiat he did'not`want the RYA or
that the Drev ousmembers should
s the previous board would
their books and has been
Mayor Pro Tem Taylor stated that on the repbft it showed'a payment?of $500 and another of $650
but it did not say those payments were monthly.
Ms. Tuyia responded that she believed the $650 was an initial payment and the $500 was a
monthly payment and allthr e years had been combine to one monthly payment.
Mayor Pro Tem-Taylor stated`he thought Council would have to do something about this situation
because this was'drainmg all assets'they RYA might have. Mr. Taylor reiterated that the previous
board,members were negligent and were-no longer on the board. He asked Ms. Tuyia if she was
aware that the previous city,
obligation and'had promised
Ms. Tuyia
issue,
to help the RYA last year as a pro bono
and she had only become part of the board in April of this year.
Mayor Pro Tem Taylor;stated he understood that Ms. Tuyia would not be aware of that information
given she was new to the board; however, he would like to find out if the previous city attorney had
try to help the league. Mr. Taylor also clarified that the city has no control over the internal
business of the RYA and the league is not an organization of the city.
Mayor Clark asked if the previous city attorney made any attempts to contact the RYA (pro bono)
or made any pleadings to the IRS for them. Mrs. Clark also stated that she is aware of situations
when people or organizations make pleads for forgiveness to the IRS and their penalties are
dissolved.
Rosemead City Council Meeting
Minutes of May 12, 2009
Page 2 of 18
President of RYA responded that the associations had sent many letters to the IRS to the point that
they asked them to stop sending letters. He explained that the reason why the 2007 taxes were
not filed was because the IRS had taken the money from their account and the league at that point
no longer had money to pay their accountant, by the time they were able to collect funds to file their
2007 taxes the IRS had added another $3,200 of penalty fees. He also clarified that the league
does not pay any actual tax if they file their taxes on time and that the fees being charged to the
league were all penalties because that had not been done by the previous board.
Mayor Pro Tern Taylor asked if the league had any correspondence from the previous city attorney.
President of RYA responded that this was also his first year serving asp-resident of the league.
Juan Nunez - asked if the city gets any information on how the,p`rograirris running and forward
that information to Council. He asked if there was a way to have4he Director.of Parks and
Recreation matter the funds. s`r
Mayor Pro Tern Taylor responded that it was up
and not the Parks and Recreations' director.
Council Member Ly asked how much
Assistant City Manager Hawkesworth sty
total of $30,000; one given on May 2007
Council Member Ly
going on.
to monitor where the
idnations to the RYA.
two
on th
spent
$15,000 each for a
when these problems were
RYA President responded that now they have a newfboard and their existing secretary is the only
one who also,served on the pre'v'ious 6card..'4b r '
the last board still active in anyway with the RYA.
RYA
Mayor Clark made,a suggestiori that if this item was approved the RYA hire an accountant to make
sure their books were.morder.
Council Member Ly asked if what was approved and given to the RYA in 2007 and 2008 if that was
used for their taxes.
Mayor Pro Tem Taylor stated no and it was for the benefit of the organization not the taxes.
Dolores - asked if there was any correspondence from Mr. Garcia to any of the previous board
members.
has given in
Rosemead City Council Mceting
Minutes of May 12. 2009
Page 3 of 18
Mayor Clark asked staff if this item was approved if the check could go directly to the IRS to pay for
the penalties.
Interim City Manager Stewart clarified that the fees that were owed to the IRS for only for penalties.
Mayor Pro Tem Taylor stated he was a bit confused because if this was a non-profit organization
they did not pay taxes and the penalties were strictly because they had not filed on time. Mr.
Taylor stated he was in favor of helping the organization but was not clear on what the actual
amount owed was to the IRS and needed clarification on what the tax was for.
Interim City Attorney offered a couple options, one to continue the item"and`have staff bring it back
with more information with responses to the City Council's questions or if Council wanted to
expedite the matter; they can approve a not to exceed amount and delegate to the City Manager to
determine what the best way is to pay those penalties.
Mayor Pro Tern Taylor he was in favor of the first option: ,
Council Member Steven Ly made a motion,'seconded. by MayocPro Tern Taylor, to direct
staff to work with RYA'S board and their accountant to.figure out where they are with their
tax situation and have staff report back.to Council on the•next meeting. Vote resulted in:
Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low,'Lyjdylor
No: None \Y
Abstain: None
f 11 It
2. PUBLIC COMMENT FROM THE AUDIENCE
Pat Trujillo ,asked Council'ho\4o diet the Uaffc on his street down to regular residential traffic.
Stated that during'tfie:w`eek arounp.m. the AT&T trucks start driving by and are very noisy; the
streets-are getting really torn,up, there are,pot holes, and there is an accident there every 90 days.
Suggested'that maybe postin''be put up-for trucks or speed bumps.
Juan Nunez'=asked if the city had cancel the procedure of assessing a fee for having to send out
the Sheriff to a ho' e,if they were having a party and playing loud music. He added that on May
2nd there were lots of parties on Del Mar and he had to call the Sheriffs department five times.
Phyllis Tury - asked for an update on the Cal Poultry business.
Mayor Pro Tem Taylor stated that there was a closed session item scheduled for later on tonight
and other than that there was no other new information available.
Rosemead City Council Meeting
Minutes ofMay 12, 2009
Page 4 q f 18
3. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2009.10 Annual Action Plan
A public hearing is being held tonight and approval of the City's Annual Action
Plan for the period of July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010. An Annual Action Plan is
required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in
order for the City to receive federal funds under the Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) programs. The
Annual Action Plan includes the proposed activities, resources and expenditures
for the CDBG and HOME programs.
A list of staff-endorsed projects has been developed`base
requests and ongoing CDBG and HOME funded activities
recommendations are consistent with the dousing and cc
priorities that the City has set and followed in the past. In
proposed projects meet the CDBG and,HOME eligibility r
on the funding
development
call the
Recommendation: That the City C
Conduct a publi'
Plan covering the
and take publicl
if -July 1, 2009 -
y on the Annual Action
2010;
2. Approve the CDBG ahi
suli itial'of the City's,F
Departmeni'of Housing
3. Authorize th'e Interim City
funding"recommendations, authorize the
10 Annual Action Plan to the U.S.
Urban Department;
er to execute all appropriate and
funding and implement approved use;
4. Award.the following pubic services agencies with CDBG funds and
autlionze the interim City Manager to execute service agreements:
1~1 Family Counseling Services - $40,000
,Morrison Health Care (Senior Nutrition Provider) - $76,808
j People for People - $27,600
Rosemead School District-$11,698
• Rosemead High School - $13,650
• The Southern California Housing Rights Center - $25,000
5. Award $27,560 (5%) of HOME funds to the Rio Hondo Community
Development Commission to defray certain cost for the operation as the
City's Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) and
authorized the Interim City Manager to execute Operating Expense
Agreement.
Rosemead City Council Meeting
Minutes of May 12, 2009
Page 5 of 18
Economic Development Administrator Michelle Ramirez reviewed the staff report.
Council Member Low asked if the city had some sort of plan to address certain potential
impediments, such as, disability discrimination and health and complaints from Asian community.
Mrs. Ramirez explained that as part of the five year plan, the consultants are required to do an
analysis on what the potential impediments could be; however they were not saying these were
actual impediments. If such possible impediments arise then there are two Housing Rights
seminars a year, one for the tenants and one for the owners, to inform them of the Housing Rights
Law. Also there is a Housing Rights 24 hour hotline of which the city receives monthly reports.
Council Member Armenta stated she had attended one of the
informative.
The Mayor opened the Public Hearing at 7:55 p.m.;
Public Hearing was closed at 7:55 p.m.
Council Member Polly Low made a motion, second(
approve staff's recommendations. Vote resulted in:
Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly
No: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None \
4. CONSENT CALE
,e
B. Resol
°,,"'-'-Recoj
expen
and 6!
C. Relea
Ly,to
resolution No. 2009-22, for payment of City
of $.1,227,983.54 numbered 100290 through 100327
of B,o(id - Tract Map 61005 (3313 Del Mar Avenue)
A Faithful, Performance Bond and a Labor and Material Bond were required to
uarantee construction of new curb and gutter, sidewalk, driveways, parkway
guarantee'
drains; sewer line, water line, and survey monuments for Tract Map 61005. A
Bond was issued to the City iri the amount of $64,800
Recommendation: That the City Council accept the public improvements and
release the Bond.
she found it very
public dominant requests the
Rosemead City Council Meeting
Minutes q/May 12, 2009
Page 6 of 18
D.
E.
F.
Release of Bond - Parcel Map 62444 (3843 Delta Avenue)
A Faithful Performance Bond and a Labor and Material Bond were required to
guarantee construction of sewer laterals and installation of survey monuments for
Parcel Map 62444. In lieu of bonds, a Cash Deposit was issued to the City in the
amount of $12,600.
Recommendation: That the City Council accept the public improvements and
survey monuments and refund the Cash Deposit including interest.
Release of Certificate of Deposit - Parcel Map 62018(421,4.4220 Barlett
t
Avenue)
A Faithful Performance Bond and a Labor and Material Bond were required to
guarantee construction of sewer laterals,-driveways, sidewalk; a,parkway drain,
and a parkway tree for Parcel Map 6200.18. In lieu of bonds, a`Ce`rtificate of
Deposit was issued to the City in the amount of $14,550.
Recommendation: That the City Councifaccept the public improvements and
survey monuments and authorize the release,of the Certificate of Deposit including
interest. _ ,
Release of Certificate of
Avenue)
Z-41
(8958 Whitmore
A Faithful Performance Bond and,a Labor and Material Bond were required to
guarantee construction of new curti and,gutter, sidewalk, driveways, parkway
drains, sewerdaterals; plan a parkway"tree, and install survey monuments for
.,-Parcel Map 65274,7'In lieu-ofbon8s, a Certificate of Deposit was issued to the City
in the amount 6f.$14,550.
Recommendation: That'the City Council accept the public improvements and
`\survey monuments and authotize the release of the Certificate of Deposit including
interest.
H. Se'wer.S _stern Management Plan (SSMP) - Contract Award
In accordance with the State Water Resources Control Board's (SWRCB) Order
No. 2006-0003-DWQ, public agencies are required to develop and implement a
Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP). The mandate includes the requirement
to properly manage, operate and maintain all parts of the City's local sanitary
sewer system, including the mitigation of any potential sewer overflows.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve an agreement with Kimley-Horn
& Associates, Inc. to develop the City's Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP)
and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract.
Rosemead City Council Meeting
Minutes of'May 12, 2009
Page 7 of'] 8
Annual 2008-09 Slurry Seal Project- Contract Award
As part of the City's Fiscal Year 2008-09 Capital Improvement Program, the City
Council approved a program entitled, "Targeted Public Works Projects", which
consists of public improvements to the City's local streets and public right-of-way
areas. This project will help extend the life of local streets and improve community
aesthetics. This project is funded through the Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) program, which requires that funds be spent on specific project
types and in specific target areas. This proposed project meets CDBG
requirements. n
Recommendation: That the City Council:
Authorize the City Manager to
South, Inc. for the Annual 200
$140,063.50.
Establish an amount of 1
contingency, to cover.the
vith American Asphalt
ct'in the amount of
($21,000); as a
n site conditions.
Council Member Steven Ly made a i
approve staff the Consent Calendar
id by Council_ Member Polly Low, to
ion of Items.A, G: and J. Vote resulted in:
ti's. _
Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly\Taylor ,
No: Noner
Abstain: None
Absent:..None
A. Minutes s
r t February10;.2009` ,Regular Meeting
Council Member Polly Low stated that she had listened to the tapes of that meeting and did not
hear the names mentioned as~stated on page 3 and asked that the two paragraphs that included
Mr. Flournoy's comments needed to be moved further down on that page.
Council Member Polly;Low made a motion, seconded by Council Member Sandra Armenta,
to approve Minutes of February 10, 2009. Vote resulted in:
Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly
No: None
Abstain: Taylor
Absent: None
Mayor Pro Tem Gary Taylor stated he had abstained from voting on the Minutes because he had
not attended this meeting.
Rosemead City Council Meeting
Minutes o/May 12, 2009
Page 8 of 18
A. Minutes
March 10, 2009 - Regular Meeting
Mayor Pro Tem Taylor referred to page 3 of those minutes where Mr. Jarred Lewin made a
comment regarding a letter sent by Mr. Taylor in which he spoke of Mr. Henry Lo's association with
the Gay and Lesbian Association. Mr. Taylor gave a copy of the webpage blog to Brian Lewin
since his father had not since attended another Council meeting. Mr. Taylor wanted the record to
show that he had provided clarification and a copy of the document referred on page 3 of the
March 10, 2009 regular meeting. S
Mayor Pro Tern Gary Taylor made a motion, seconded by Couricil:Member Sandra Armenta,
to approve Minutes of February 10, 2009. Vote resulted in "
Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly,
No: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
G. School Resource Officer Program Funding
The City currently contracts with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for
a Special Assignment Deputy that is,assigned to Rbsemead High School as a
School Resource Officer (SRO)`~,:The El Monte Union High School District
currently'shares halfithe cost of the,SRO with the City, however, the agreement
must be,renewed by both the City and-the School District. City staff will include
the necessary.funding in,the 2009-10'Budget to cover the City's portion of the
,,.--agreement. Ak
Recommendation:-That the City Council approve the agreement with the El
Monte Union High School District for assistance in funding the SRO program.
Mayor Pro Tem Taylor asked that this item be removed and asked for clarification.
Assistant City Man
city $85,504.65.
stated that under this agreement the District would pay the
Mayor Pro Tem Taylor asked if that was the full cost or if the city was participating in that cost.
Mr. Hawkesworth stated no; he district was paving 50% of 1815 hours.
Mayor Pro Tem Taylor asked who was paying the other $85,000.
Mr. Hawkesworth responded that the city was paying it as part of the current sheriff department's
contract.
Rosemead City Council Meeting
Minutes o/'May 12, 2009
Page 9 oT l8
Mayor Pro Tem Taylor stated that he thought the city had a deputy who helped out with all the
schools. .
Director of Public Safety Don Anderson responded that this position was solely for Rosemead High
School and that there was another position that helped with all the other schools.
Council Member Steven Ly made a motion,, seconded by Mayor Margaret Clark, to approve
the agreement with the El Monte Union High School District for assistance in funding the
SRO program. Vote resulted in:
Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly
No: None
Abstain: Taylor
Absent: None
Mayor Pro Tem Gary Taylor stated he would like to receive a report back from'the'school district on
the number of deputies they have for each school and how their cost is split. Gary Metz - asked if the school had secondary security besides the deputy they have in campus;
he stated he had seen 3 to 4 guys walking around the schools.-`\
J. Del Mar Avenue
As part of the City's Fiscal Yea~,2008-09'Capit6l Improvement Program, the City
Council approved'a program entitled, "Del Mar.Avenue Resurfacing", which
consists'of asphalt concrete overlay, sidewalk repairs, traffic striping, signage
installation;,curb ramps construction`; traffic signal upgrades and appurtenances.
The limits of'this project-are from Garvey Avenue to Highcliff Street. Proposition C
City Council:
1,1. Authorize the''City Manager to enter into a contract with Silvia
Construction, Inc., for the Del Mar Resurfacing Project for the base bid
amount of $254,563.40.
2. l., Establish an amount of 15% of the contract amount ($38,200), as a
of contingency, to cover the potential cost of unforeseen site conditions.
Juan Nunez - stated he had spoken on this item before and he had obtained 15 signatures from
his neighbors stating they did not want trees.
Council Member Polly Low made a motion, seconded by Council Member Sandra Armenta,
to approve staff's recommendations. Vote resulted in:
Rosemead City Council Meeting
Minutes o/May 12, 2009
Page 10 of 18
Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly, Taylor
No: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
5. MATTERS FROM CITY MANAGER & STAFF
A. Quarterly Interim Financial Update for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2009
The City of Rosemead Quarterly Financial Update for the.Quarter Ended March
31, 2009 has been included for City Council review. Also; the Quarterly Financial
Update is the treasurer's report of cash balances for the Quarter ended March 31,
2009. The treasurer's report of cash and investment balances is being presented
to City Council for the first time.
Recommendation: That the City
the Treasurer's Report.
I receive and file the
rt a`hd;asked that the
i and f"iled:N
report and
Interim City Manager Jeff Stewart reviewed the staff
and filed. s\
The update report and Treasurer's
B. Del Mar Avenue Tree Planting
As partof the C ty;s'Fiscal Year
the
be received
Capital Improvement Program, the City
Mar Avenue Resurfacing". The limits of
ghcliff Street. Tree planting in parkway
ute to the overall efforts of beautification
ahd urban forestation in the City.
In an eff t to attract the.most economical bid for the tree planting portion of the
project, which requires`a different contractual trade than the regular resurfacing
4` work, the project was split into two contracts: One for the tree planting work and
the second fdr,ihe resurfacing-related work.
Subsequent to an informal competitive bid, a contract with CLS Landscape was
approved by the City Manager in the amount of $21,274.55. Excavation of tree
well locations including concrete cutting and concrete removal began on April 22,
2009. All cutout locations have since been backfllled with dirt to minimize potential
safety concerns. Since then, work has stopped pending further direction from the
City Council.
Rosemead City Council Meeting
Minutes ofMay 12, 2009
Page I/ of 18
Recommendation: That the City Council direct staff to:
1. Meet with residents along Del Mar Avenue to discuss the tree planting
project and the 3 tree species recommended for planting;
2. Survey Del Mar Avenue residents and determine if there is a desire to
move forward with tree planting;
3. Present the results of the neighborhood surveys to the City Council at its
next meeting, and make a final staff recommendation.
Juan Nunez - stated he spoken against those trees before and stated f
signatures of neighbors that were also against the project. Asked if the(
regarding this project. /
Council Member Low asked City Manager Stewart if the
neighborhoods prior to planting trees.
Mr. Stewart responded that there are three app
and usually the residents are asked what three
policy be followed.
Mayor Clark clarified that this was not PL
previous city manager without council's
city needed to reach out to the residents
Council Member Polly Le
approve staff's recomme
Yes: Arm
-No:-None
"Abstain: i
Absent:.D
6. MATTERS FROM MA'
A. Interim Ci
ade,a motion,; seconded by
ions vote resulted in:
Clark; L-ow, Ly, Taylor
& CITY 000NCIL-
J
nancial Summary
su" Ily obf,
3
obtained 15
d be more meetings
that are in
from the
rent policy
the same
-ebecause it was approved by the
that this"was a good project but the
Member Steven Ly, to
Council Member Ly has requested a brief overview of the City's finances. This
staff report focuses on fund balances and its relation to cash and investments of
the General Fund. A Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the
fiscal year ended June 30, 2008 is available upon request and provides a much
more detailed presentation than this report; it also includes the independent
auditor's opinion. For fiscal year 2007-2008 the City received an unqualified
opinion from its independent auditor, Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C.
Rosemead City Council Meeting
Minutes ofMay 12, 2009
Page 12 q/ 18
As stated previously, this report will concentrate on the General Fund, the City's
principal operating fund. The City also has 13 special revenue funds, including an
equipment replacement fund and a technology replacement fund. Special revenue
funds are legally restricted as;to their use. Except for approving specific qualified
uses of special revenue funds; City Council has fairly limited discretion as to how
these funds can be used and will not be discussed in this report. There is also one
capital projects fund which is used to account for capital improvements projects
which are approved by the City Council on a project by project basis, they will also
be exempted from discussion in this report.
As of March 31, 2009 all City funds have total cash and investments of $22.3
million. Out of the $22.3 million the General Fund's portion is $15.2 million.
Recommendation: That the City Council
Council Member Steven Ly stated the information
additional information was needed at this time.
Request for the City to Participate in
for Life Event
A committee consisting of F
American Cancer Society,
School. The event is sche
from 9 a.r
this year's E
,---Committee,
Life eventrv
booths.N3t
result of ste
`.,members c,
and file this,report,
to Council was
Cancer
and no
ety's Relay
nity members, in partnership with the
Relayy,46r Life at Rosemead High
j June 20 through Sunday, June 21
9 am. (24 hours):;",
er Armenta has requested that the City of Rosemead participate in
nt.,~Based.on input ahd'requests from members of the Relay for Life
aff has looked,into •tlie costs associated with providing the Relay for
equipment such as the use of the City's large stage, canopies, and
cost for`providing the equipment is approximately $720, and is a
rvertime"that is necessary so that Public Services Department team
1 21
deliver, set-up, tear-down, and retrieve the equipment.
n: That the City Council authorize the donation of up to $1,000 in
to assist with the Relay for Life.
Council Member Armerhta asked if staff knew how many people had signed up to be in the City's
team and would be participating in this event.
Public Affairs Manager Flores stated it was 7 people that had signed up and also reviewed the staff
report and offered more information on the event.
Council Member Ly stated that having a father who passed away from Cancer, he was very much
in favor of the participation of the city in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life event.
Rosemead City Council Meeting
Minutes ofMay 12, 2009
Page 13 of 18
Council Member Armenta stated it that it was appropriate to have a team to participate in this event
since it would beheld at Rosemead High School and also encourage the public to signed up and
help raise funds for the event.
Mayor Margaret Clark made a motion, seconded by Council Member Steven Ly, to authorize
the donation of up to $1,000 in staff time/service to assist with the Relay for Life. Vote
resulted in:
Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly, Taylor
No: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
D. Request Regarding Cinco de Mayo and Lunar New Year Events
At the City Council Meeting of April 28 Council Member Polly Lowtirequested that
staff research the possibility of developing special events in celebration;of Cinco
de Mayo and the Lunar (Chinese) New•Year.
For many years, the City,gelebrated Cinco de Mayo at Garvey Park. The full-day
festival featured activities44'all.ages including"music, dancing, and a variety of
other live entertainment, games, attractions, and foodjtie event was eventually
discontinued due to steadily declining,attendance. The event cost approximately
$7,500 (for entertainment, equipmeht~and supplies) in addition to staff. It was last
held in 2005::-
Semo s.in'Rosemead, however, still'celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Approximately 300
1 1,
seniors atten ed tni's year.s event al,the Rosemead Community Recreation Center
on-Tuesday, May;5. It featured] Vb'music, dancing, and refreshments.
Further, Radio stati\Que;Buena (FM 105.5) continues to host an annual event at
Whittier Narrows Regional Park which features a full-scale carnival, popular
bands, dancing; and community organizations. According to the San Gabriel
Valley Tribune, approximately 100,000 people attended this year's festival the
weekend of May 3. This and similar fetes may have contributed to the waning
interest irnRosemead's event.
In 2006, the Cinco de Mayo commemoration was replaced by an International Fair
at Rosemead Park. It featured multi-cultural entertainment, food, and game
booths, and was held in October. It was not well attended, and was replaced by
Rosemead's first-ever Oktoberfest in 2007.Oktoberfest features adult and youth
stage entertainment, children's carnival, and 100 community and business booths
selling food, crafts, and miscellany. Thousands attend the event, which
significantly increased attendance at our annual Haunted House at Rosemead
Pool as well. Oktoberfest has also served as a vehicle for fundraising in support of
historic Savannah Cemetery.
Rosemead City Council Meeting
Minutes of May 12, 2009
Page 14 of 18
Rosemead seniors have celebrated Chinese New Year at Garvey Center for a
number of years. The dinner, dancing, entertainment, and raffles draw 250 seniors
to the annual event. As with most of our senior celebrations, the event quickly sells
out. There have been no other City-sponsored efforts to celebrate the Lunar New
Year.
Locally, the City of Monterey Park's Business Improvement District Advisory
Committee hosts a 2-day Chinese/Lunar New Year celebration. The event, in its
eleventh year, is free to the public. It is located on Garvey Avenue-less than 1
mile from Rosemead's western border at Garvey and New. The 2009 festival
featured a "Kids Zone," carnival rides, "Cultural Zone,,'' dumpling cook-off,
talent/Karaoke contest, live entertainment featuringrtiaditional performances, and
120 community organization, vendor, and business booths. The event is supported
by more than 100 sponsors, and was attended•by approximately 70,000 regional
residents. It is coordinated with the assistance ofa special ized,professional event
producer and costs in excess of $100,000 (including $20,000 inBIDAC funding,
sponsorships, and booth sales and other event revenues). The event is:fnancially
self-sustaining. Similar festivals are also held in Alhambra, Los Angeles, and
Rowland Heights. Given the brief window forsuch'
celebrations, these could limit
Rosemead's access to vendors, entertainment; and participants.
While we have yet to host a city-wide,Lunar New Ye `c`lebration, the Parks and
Recreation Department can develop a smaller scaleevent that is distinctly
Rosemead. It would include traditional`eritertainment, games, attractions, and food
and Rosemead'Park would serve as the venue'
Rec mmendation: That the City Council vote against the development of a Cinco
de Mayo event due to demon strated,community disinterest, but vote for the
creation of a'special event i cn eleliration of the Lunar New Year as one has never
j been hosted in Rosemead. \
Wendy Chang - stated it that'she wa`s yer happy to see that council would be sponsoring these
events. Explained that this would be a good activity to help other people understand other people's
culture. She thought that the city might not have to.incur large expenses if they rented booths
during these events '`Also, stated it that these events would increase business in the city.
Charlene Lung - stated she was also in favor of this item.
e,r
Council Member Low asked that the Cinco de Mayo event and the Lunar New Year event be
discussed separately.
Mayor Clark agreed to discuss the two events separately.
Council Member Low stated the city had a large population of the Asian community and she
thought bringing the Lunar New Year event to the city would help awareness and help the local
businesses in the city.
Rosemead City Council Meeting
Minutes of May 12, 2009
Page 15 o f 18
Council Member Polly Low made a motion, seconded by Council Member Steven Ly, to
move forward with the Lunar New Year event. Vote resulted in:
Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly
No: None
Abstain: Taylor
Absent: None
Mayor Pro Tem Taylor stated he had abstained because he wasn't sure what staff was going to
provide when this event was planned.a
Z
Interim City Manager Stewart explained that the city would create,the eev nt at a much less scale
and have it at Rosemead park; furthermore, staff would put a report together, or Council and bring
it back for further Council action,
Council Member Low stated she would now like to discuss the Cinco de Mayo event•,`Added that
the city also had a large population of a Hispanic community and,would like to have residents come " 1% N If
out and participate in this event; however, she noted that`on staff recommendation, this event in
the past has not been very well attended,
Mayor Pro Tern Taylor stated he wanted more,iriformation on this because if the city had this event
before and the public did not participate then`fi I was`'no'in favor of its X
Parks and Recreation Director Montgomery-ScWstated that his'understanding was that the last
event was held in 2005~arid in 2006 this event transition to the International Festival and in 2007 it
was Oktoberfest. • r }
Mr. Stewart suggested that if Council wanted more formation on this item it could also be
included wlien"the staff report for,tlie Lunar New'Year was brought back to Council.
Al,
Council Member Armenta stated that in the end of the 90's the city hosted this event and it was
successfuliAsked that she would like'to know when and why the transition happened.
Council Membie~Polly Low made a motion, seconded by Council Member Sandra Armenta,
to direct staff to biing`back'information on the Lunar New Year and also including
information on the Cinco de Mayo event with the potential of bringing it back in 90 days.
Vote resulted in:
Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly, Taylor
No: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Rosemead City Council Meeting
Minutes of May 12, 2009
Page 16 o 18
Y
E. Consideration of Contract for City Manager/Interim City Manager Services
The City Council is scheduled to conduct interviews in closed session with
candidates for the position of Interim City Manager on May 9, 2009. The identity
of the person selected to serve as Interim City Manager or City Manager, if any,
will not be known until after the completion of the interview process. If the City
Council selects a candidate, and if the Council is able to agree to terms on an
interim employment agreement with a candidate (other than compensation, which
must be discussed in open session), the item will be considered formally by the
City Council on May 12, 2009. If an Interim City Manager, Services Agreement is
prepared for consideration on the May 12, 2009 City Council agenda, a copy will
be made available to the public at the same time it is available to the City Council.
Interim City Attorney stated that on Saturday the City Co
position of City Manager and had at the direction of the C
mutual acceptable city manger contract for Mr. Jeffry Allr
the City Clerk's office for anyone who would like to revie%
be June 15, 2009, the starting compensation will be $17;
received by other executive management team, and in tt
cause the severance will be 6 months with,an escalating
months.
Council Member Ly asked for clarification
city manager earned.
icil had conducted interviews for the
uncil.he believed h_e had negotiated a
J. A copy of the contract•is available in
it. The1relevant terms are"start'date will
000, the benefits will be the same as
event of the city's termination for no
ne ni'6nth per year, not to exceed 9
of the audience how much the previous
Mr. Montes responded,$178,000'arid,had some
in lieu of benefits that included an
additional 10%. Council Member Ly reiterated•the terms of es vera a pay for Mr. Allred and asked the city attorney
to state how many monihs,of severance the previous city manager had under his contract.
Mr. Monte Is replied that it had started `at 6 ,to 8 months but with time had escalated to 18 months of
severance`i~~ ;
Council MemberSteven Ly.made a motion, seconded by Council Member Sandra Armenta,
to approve the CityManageir's contract for Mr. Jeffry Allred. Vote resulted in:
Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly
No: Taylor
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Mayor Clark introduced Mr. Allred to the audience and stated Council was very pleased to have
him in the City. .
Rosemead City Council Meeting
Minutes ofMay 12, 2009
Page 17 of 18
Mayor Clark announced that council would now be recessing to closed session at 8:42 p.m.
Council Member Armenta stated she would only be attending the closed session on Item 1 but
would recuse herself on item 2 of the closed session.
7. CLOSED SESSION
A. Conference with Legal Counsel --Existing Litigation
Government Code 54956.9 (a):
1) Randy Hato et. al v. City of Rosemead p
2) Tran v. Armenta, Molleda, Logan (the Cou'rity, Registrar of Voters) and the
City of Rosemead „ ,
B. Conference with Legal Counsel--Anticipated Litigation
Initiation of litigation pursuant to Government,Code 54
Council reconvened from Closed Session at 9:47 p.m.
City Attorney Montes stated the only thing,to'report was that Cduncil,voted unanimously to transfer
the Haro v. Rosemead case from the Garcia firm.f Burke, Willi ams&So-renson.
8. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned
place on May 26, 2009•
P•m.
next regular City Council meeting is scheduled to take
Margaret Clark
Mayor
ATT
Gloria Molleda, City Clerk
Rosemead City Council Meeting
Minutes ofMay 12, 2009
Page 18 of 18