CC - Item 5B - Minutes of December 13, 2022MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
DECEMBER 13, 2022
The regular meeting of the Rosemead City Council was called to order by Mayor Dang at 7:02 p.m.,
in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California.
PRESENT: Mayor Dang, Mayor Pro Tem Ly, Council Members Armenta, Clark,
and Low
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Kim, Assistant City Manager Bruckner, City Attorney Richman,
Interim Director of Community Development Wong, Director of Finance Chua, Director of Parks
and Recreation Boecking, Director of Public Works Chung, and City Clerk Hernandez
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Mayor Dang
INVOCATION — Mayor Pro Tem Ly
1. PUBLIC COMMENT
City Manager Kim announced that our Chief of Police Lieutenant Paul Shigo is on leave
and is not expected to return for a few months; indicated that Captain Reyes assigned
Lieutenant Kevin Tiwari as our Interim Chief of Police during this time.
The City Council welcomed Interim Chief of Police Lieutenant Kevin Tiwari to the
Rosemead family and looks forward to working with him.
Mayor Dang opened the Public Comment period.
City Clerk Hernandez read the following Public Comment received via email from Sue
Yamamoto, Rosemead Library Manager.
"Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem and City Council:
A reminder to our community that Rosemead Library will be temporarily closed from
December 15th to May 2023 for a special project. While we are closed, sidewalk service
will be available to assist customers with checking out library material they've requested;
placing requests for library material; selecting and recommending books for all ages;
requesting an antigen COVID home test kits; checking out and returning tools from our
Tool Lending Library as well as chromebooks; checking out the California State Park Pass;
help on using the Library's online resources; and we will continue giving out monthly
activity kits for ages 5-12. Staff will be available throughout the closure to answer
questions over the phone or at the sidewalk service table. Thank you for your patience!
Sue Yamamoto."
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City Clerk Hernandez read the following Public Comment received via phone from
Brian Lewin, resident.
"Dear Mayor and City Council,
I wanted to reiterate my opposition to combining the street sweeping and waste hauler
services. Consolidation of services will only give one major vendor the advantage since
they already provide both services and have the resources to do both street sweeping and
trash service.
A second point to make is that by consolidating the services, the billing will change for
residents. This may unintentionally cause property owners to pass on any surcharges to
their tenants and cause a negative impact to residents."
City Clerk Hernandez called the next speaker, Velia Navarro.
Velia Navarro, resident, expressed concern about our elections with Athens and Republic
Services. Correct me if I am wrong that Athens provides street sweeping services and the
city pays for that service? Inquired with the new contract if the residents of Rosemead
will be responsible for paying for street sweeping? Opined considering the inflation that
we have it does not seem feasible or affordable. Asked for confirmation that Republic
Services provides trash collection services?
City Manager Kim replied yes, that is correct that Athens provides street sweeping services
and the city pays for that service. In response to Ms. Navarro, Mr. Kim stated street
sweeping has historically been included in the City's Budget as a city cost and I don't
foresee that being changed. He also confirmed that Republic Services provides trash
collection services.
City Attorney Richman interjected, reminded Council that Public Comment is an
opportunity for comments to be made but we should not be engaging in dialogue or
answering questions; indicated it is okay if you would like to make a brief statement at the
end of their comment.
Ms. Navarro asked if you could ensure that the Rosemead residents' monthly trash
collection and street sweeping will not be increased?
Mayor Dang reiterated this is only Public Comment, asked for Ms. Navarro to finish her
comments.
Council Member Armenia suggested City Manager Kim speak with Ms. Navarro offline
to answer any questions.
There being no further comments, Mayor Dang closed the Public Comment period.
2. PRESENTATIONS
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A. Recognition of Rosemead Rebels on their 2022 San Gabriel Valley Jr.
All American Conference Champions in the Jr. Pee Wee Division
The City Council congratulated the Rosemead Rebels on this accomplishment
and applauded the Coaches and players for their hard work, as well as their
parents for their dedication.
3. NEW BUSINESS
A. Adoption of Resolution No. 2022-64, Reauthorizing the Need for
Teleconferencing Option for City Council and Commission Meetings Pursuant
to Assembly Bill No. 361
The City Council will consider continuing implementing provisions of Assembly
Bill No. 361, providing an alternative to the public meeting teleconferencing
requirements of Government Code Section 54953(b)(3) as long as there is a state
of emergency, and the Legislative Body makes certain findings regarding the state
of emergency. Resolution No. 2022-64 makes the required findings under AB 361,
and if adopted, it will allow the City to continue teleconference accessibility for
public meetings for the next 30 days to help mitigate the community transmission
of COVID-19.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2022-64, entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA AUTHORIZING THE
NEED FOR TELECONFERENCING OPTION FOR CITY
COUNCIL AND COMMISSION MEETINGS PURSUANT
TO ASSEMBLY BILL NO. 361 AND MAKING FINDINGS
AND DETERMINATIONS REGARDING THE SAME
City Clerk Hernandez presented the report
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Clark and seconded by Council Member
Armenta to adopt Resolution No. 2022-64, entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA AUTHORIZING THE
NEED FOR TELECONFERENCING OPTION FOR CITY
COUNCIL AND COMMISSION MEETINGS PURSUANT
TO ASSEMBLY BILL NO. 361 AND MAKING FINDINGS
AND DETERMINATIONS REGARDING THE SAME
The motion was carried out by the following roll call vote AYES: Armenta, Clark,
Dang, Low, Ly NOES: None ABSENT: None
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Minutes of December 13, 2022
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4. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 1011 and Urgency Ordinance
No. 1012, Adopting by Reference the 2022 California Building Standards Code and
Other Codes as Amended and Adopted by Los Angeles County
On November 8, 2022, the City Council introduced for first reading,
Ordinance No. 1011, an ordinance adopting by reference, the 2022 California
Building Codes Standards and other codes amended and adopted by the Los
Angeles County. The analysis of Ordinance No. 1011 can be found in the City
Council Staff Reported dated November 8, 2022. Urgency Ordinance No. 1012,
which is identical to Ordinance No. 1011 has also been prepared for adoption to
ensure that the 2023 Los Angeles County Codes will take effect on January 1, 2023.
Recommendation: That the City Council take the following actions:
1. Open public hearing and receive public testimony; and
2. Move to approve the second reading and adopt by title only, Ordinance No.
1011, entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD ADOPTING BY REFERENCE, PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 50022.2, THE 2022 CALIFORNIA
BUILDING STANDARDS AND THOSE CODES AS AMENDED
AND ADOPTED BY LOS ANGELES COUNTY AS NOTED
INCLUDING; THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE (TITLE 26
LOS ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING CODE), THE CALIFORNIA
ELECTRICAL CODE (TITLE 27 LOS ANGELES COUNTY
ELECTRICAL CODE), THE CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE
(TITLE 28 LOS ANGELES COUNTY PLUMBING CODE), THE
CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE (TITLE 29 LOS ANGELES
COUNTY MECHANICAL CODE), THE CALIFORNIA
RESIDENTIAL CODE (TITLE 30 LOS ANGELES COUNTY
RESIDENTIAL CODE), THE CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING
CODE (TITLE 31 LOS ANGELES COUNTY GREEN BUILDING
STANDARDS CODE), THE CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDINGS
CODE (TITLE 33 LOS ANGELES COUNTY EXISTING
BUILDING CODE), THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, THE
CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDINGS CODE, WITH CERTAIN
AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS THERETO; and
3. Move to introduce and adopt by title only, Urgency Ordinance No. 1012,
entitled:
AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROSEMEAD ADOPTING BY REFERENCE, PURSUANT
TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 50022.2, THE 2022
CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS AND THOSE CODES AS
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Minutes of December 13, 2022
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AMENDED AND ADOPTED BY LOS ANGELES COUNTY AS
NOTED INCLUDING; THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
(TITLE 26 LOS ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING CODE),
THE CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE (TITLE 27 LOS
ANGELES COUNTY ELECTRICAL CODE), THE CALIFORNIA
PLUMBING CODE (TITLE 28LOS ANGELES COUNTY
PLUMBING CODE), THE CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE
(TITLE 29 LOS ANGELES COUNTY MECHANICAL CODE), THE
CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE (TITLE 30 LOS ANGELES
COUNTY RESIDENTIAL CODE), THE CALIFORNIA GREEN
BUILDING CODE (TITLE 31 LOS ANGELES COUNTY GREEN
BUILDING STANDARDS CODE), THE CALIFORNIA EXISTING
BUILDINGS CODE (TITLE 33 LOS ANGELES COUNTY
EXISTING BUILDING CODE), THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY
CODE, THE CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDINGS CODE,
WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
THERETO; and
4. Find that Ordinance No. 1011 and Urgency Ordinance No. 1012 are exempt
from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to State Guidelines
15061(b)(3) as a project that has no potential for causing a significant effect
on the environment.
City Manager Kim presented the report.
There being no comments, Mayor Dang opened and closed the Public Comment
period.
City Attorney Richman reiterated that Ordinance No. 1011 and Urgency Ordinance
No. 1012 are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to
State Guidelines 15061(b)(3) as -a project that has no potential for causing a
significant effect on the environment.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Armenta and seconded by Council Member
Low to take the following actions:
Move to approve the second reading and adopt by title only, Ordinance No.
1011, entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD ADOPTING BY REFERENCE, PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 50022.2, THE 2022 CALIFORNIA
BUILDING STANDARDS AND THOSE CODES AS AMENDED
AND ADOPTED BY LOS ANGELES COUNTY AS NOTED
INCLUDING; THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE (TITLE 26
LOS ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING CODE), THE CALIFORNIA
ELECTRICAL CODE (TITLE 27 LOS ANGELES COUNTY
ELECTRICAL CODE), THE CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE
(TITLE 28 LOS ANGELES COUNTY PLUMBING CODE), THE
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Minutes of December 13, 2022
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CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE (TITLE 29 LOS ANGELES
COUNTY MECHANICAL CODE), THE CALIFORNIA
RESIDENTIAL CODE (TITLE 30 LOS ANGELES COUNTY
RESIDENTIAL CODE), THE CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING
CODE (TITLE 31 LOS ANGELES COUNTY GREEN BUILDING
STANDARDS CODE), THE CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDINGS
CODE (TITLE 33 LOS ANGELES COUNTY EXISTING
BUILDING CODE), THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, THE
CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDINGS CODE, WITH CERTAIN
AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS THERETO; and
2. Move to introduce and adopt by title only, Urgency Ordinance No. 1012,
entitled:
AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROSEMEAD ADOPTING BY REFERENCE, PURSUANT
TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 50022.2, THE 2022
CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS AND THOSE CODES AS
AMENDED AND ADOPTED BY LOS ANGELES COUNTY AS
NOTED INCLUDING; THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
(TITLE 26 LOS ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING CODE),
THE CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE (TITLE 27 LOS
ANGELES COUNTY ELECTRICAL CODE), THE CALIFORNIA
PLUMBING CODE (TITLE 28LOS ANGELES COUNTY
PLUMBING CODE), THE CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE
(TITLE 29 LOS ANGELES COUNTY MECHANICAL CODE), THE
CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE (TITLE 30 LOS ANGELES
COUNTY RESIDENTIAL CODE), THE CALIFORNIA GREEN
BUILDING CODE (TITLE 31 LOS ANGELES COUNTY GREEN
BUILDING STANDARDS CODE), THE CALIFORNIA EXISTING
BUILDINGS CODE- (TITLE- -33 LOS ANGELES COUNTY
EXISTING BUILDING "CODE), THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY
CODE, THE CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDINGS CODE,
WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
THERETO; and
3. Find that Ordinance No. 1011 and Urgency Ordinance No. 1012 are exempt
from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to State Guidelines
15061(b)(3) as a project that has no potential for causing a significant effect
on the environment.
The motion was carried out by the following roll call vote AYES: Armenta, Clark,
Dang, Low, Ly NOES: None ABSENT: None
B. Public Hearing on Modification 21-01 Friendly Inn Motel — 2146 San Gabriel
Boulevard
On July 27, 2021, the City Council approved Modification 21-01 and adopted
Resolution No. 2021-37, which revised the conditions of approval to thereby amend
Conditional Use Permit 88-447 for the Friendly Inn, located at 2146 San Gabriel
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Minutes of December 13, 2022
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Boulevard. On April 26, 2022, the City Council conducted a five-month review on
Modification 21-01 to determine whether to add, revise, remove, or continue
conditions of approval based upon the operations of the motel. During the public
hearing, the City Council determined that due to the number of calls for
service/responses, no change would be imposed on the existing security condition
of approval and adopted City Council Resolution No. 2022-25. Per Condition of
Approval No. 10, "If requested in writing by the applicant, at a date shortly after
six months from the effective date of City Council Resolution No. 2022-25, the
City Council shall conduct a public hearing on Modification 21-01 to determine
whether to add, revise, or remove conditions of approval based upon the operations
of the facility during the period since the effective date of Council Resolution 2022-
25 and whether the conditions stated in Resolution No. 2022-25 will continue to be
appropriate to mitigate the impacts of the subject property on a going -forward
basis." On October 24, 2022, the City Clerk's Office received a letter from the
Friendly Inn, requesting the City Council conduct a public hearing on Modification
21-01. Asa result, the public hearing was scheduled for December 13, 2022 to be
heard by City Council.
Recommendation: That the City Council take the following actions:
1. Conduct the public hearing and hear all public testimonies;
2. Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2022-68, entitled:
ARESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF
CALIFORNIA, TO REVISE THE CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
OF MODIFICATION 21-01, FOR THE FRIENDLY INN. THE
MOTEL IS LOCATED AT 2146 SAN GABRIEL BOULEVARD;
and
3. Find that Modification 21-01 is classified as Class 1 and Class 9 Categorical
Exemptions, pursuant to Sections 15301 and 15309 of the California
Environmental Quality Act.
City Attorney Richman asserted that Scott Porter, Special Attorney, will be
advising the City Council on this item.
Planning and Economic Development Manager Valenzuela reported that on July
27, 2021, the City Council approved Modification 21-01 and adopted Resolution
No. 2021-37, which revised the conditions of approval to thereby amend
Conditional Use Permit 88-447 for the Friendly Inn. On April 26, 2022, the City
Council conducted a five-month review on Modification 21-01 to determine
whether to add, revise, remove, or continue conditions of approval based upon
the operations of the motel. During the public hearing, the City Council determined
that due to the number of calls for service/responses, no change would be imposed
on the existing security condition of approval. The City Council agreed the security
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Minutes of December 13, 2022
Page 7 of 40
plan can be reevaluated in 6 months; therefore, it is being presented to the City
Council tonight. Based on the decrease in the number of calls for service/responses
and severity of the calls, the City's Sheriffs Department Team and staff are
recommending that the City Council revise the security guard requirement and
require one armed security guard in the evening hours from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
and one unarmed security guard from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. to be stationed in the
parking lot at all times.
Mayor Dang opened the Public Comment period.
City Clerk Hernandez stated the City Clerk's Office received the following
comments via email from Nelson Gonzalez on behalf of the following individuals
in support of the Friendly Inn Motel:
1. Ruben Renteria 4. Virginia Aranda
2. Marytheresa Durazo 5. Daryl Jackson'
3. Rosie Gutierrez 6. Shelly Foote
City Clerk Hernandez asserted that the City Clerk's Office also received separate
email comments in support of the Friendly Inn Motel from May Lee, Dandan
Zhang, Adrian Moncayo and Frank Quach. All comments address the positive
feedback on the motel management team, security, service and property
improvements of the Friendly Inn Motel. Noted comments received via email have
been made available to the City Council and the public, also included in the record.
City Attorney Richman advised Council to hear testimony from the property
owners first, then Council can ask staff or the Sheriffs any questions they have.
Andrew Chen, son of motel owner Mrs. Chen, thanked the Council for holding this
meeting so they can reevaluate the security conditions at the motel. During the last
hearing, calls of service were a concern for Council, which has decreased in the
past five months. Stated one of the questions was if guests come to the security
first before contacting the Sheriffs; indicated that typically if the guests are in their
room, they will call the Sheriffs Office directly. Asserted that the security guards
are not able to deal with the 19 incidents that occurred in the past five months
because only law enforcement can take care of such matters. Provided the example
if there is a crime or domestic violence occurring, the security guards can intervene,
but if there is violence involved, it is better if that is handled by the Sheriffs
Department.
Mr. Chen emphasized that the number of calls for service has decreased over the
last five months and the City's Sheriffs Department Team has determined that
the incidents are less severe in nature than the crime summary provided during the
five-month review. Noting there was an average of four calls per month in the past
5 months; then in the in the last 3 months, we had one in August, one in September
and two in October. Stated there were 19 calls up until October 3l'; indicated of
those 19 calls, the Deputies came and determined that no crime occurred or
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evidence of a crime for six of those calls; asserted that they were not able to make
contact with the caller/informant or possible victim for five of those calls and for
three calls, the incident reported did not actually occur on our property. Shared that
one guest was responsible for at least four of the calls regarding elder abuse — two
coworkers decided to live together to save money on rent, one of them has
Alzheimer so she thought people have been taking her things when she was moving
the items herself and did not remember doing so. Mr. Chen stated unfortunately,
we had to ask that guest to leave because we were afraid that her calling the
Sheriffs Department for service so many times within that short of a timespan
would reflect poorly on us, especially it being right after the last public hearing.
Mr. Chen shared crime stats provided at the Community Area Watch meeting held
in November, ascertained that crime is up in Rosemead and statewide; pointed out
that burglaries are a big issue. We have tried very hard to keep our crime down, by
working with security and monitoring it. If you compare our service calls to the
other hotels, I don't think it is too far off; they range from 4-15 and some of their
incidents are severe as well and are not being asked to hire security guards. We are
asking for consideration with what we are dealing with, especially our financial
burdens. Expressed that ever since the beginning of 2021, we have spent a lot of
money on renovating our rooms and parking lot, we invested $14,000 on upgrading
our surveillance equipment, noting maintenance is standard cost with this type of
business. However, our biggest issue is that we have spent $363,182 on security
guards. Even though we have spent this much, the city still thinks we have not
satisfied the city's requirements. I'm not sure spending that much more on security
guards will benefit us further. Mr. Chen indicated that he broke down what it will
cost us for 180 days- one armed security guard for eight hours and one unarmed
security guard for sixteen hours, which will cost us almost $100,000; shared in
speaking with the President of the Hotel Association, he learned that whatever
issues we are dealing the other local hotels are also dealing with. Opined there could
be better ways to spend this money to make guests feel safer but also help reduce
crime in the city. Suggested the following alternative measures: Local patrol, flock
camera systems that can serve as automatic license plate readers in your driveway;
the cameras are able to determine the type of car, color, and record how often
they see this vehicle. The system is only $3,000 annually. The data can be directly
transmitted to law enforcement, so if they get an alert, they can address the
situation. If there are guests that are banned, we will get alerted when their vehicles
pull into the hotel parking lot. We want to find the most efficient way to fight crime
that won't be a financial burden. Thanked Council for their consideration.
Council Member Clark asked for clarification on the reference to guests being
blacklisted.
Mr. Chen responded we have a blacklist book of guests who cause trouble such as
if they destroy a room, or if law enforcement comes and does an investigation
because they are involved in something serious. Based on prior experience with
them. If we don't accept them, then they will go to another nearby hotel.
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Council Member Clark asked how long you were okay with paying for unarmed
security guards. What are the timeframes for most of these calls?
Mr. Chen responded 12 hours for an unarmed security guard because during the
daytime we have several people on site such as housekeeping and maintenance that
can report any issues. Asserted that unfortunately, he does not have the timeframes
of these calls, however, we make a note every time the sheriffs come, even for just
a routine patrol, but the times vary.
Council Member Armenta asked regarding other hotels, do you foresee that there
is more or the same number of calls at other hotels?
Mrs. Valenzuela replied that the City's Sheriffs team pulled the following numbers
of calls for service/responses (time period of May 1, 2022 to October 31, 2022)
within the vicinity to compare: 1) Fairfield Inn — There were 15 calls; 2) Motel
V.I.P. — There were four calls; and 3) Del Mar Motel — There were eight calls.
Mr. Chen responded there were some overlap between the six calls of no evidence
of crime.
Council Member Armenta opined that it appears consistent with what other hotels
are experiencing.
Sergeant Marquez explained that when you mention "no crimes occurred or no
evidence of a crime", the individuals might have left before the Deputies got there
because they don't want to incriminate themselves, so the needed information could
not be obtained in those situations. Opined I wouldn't put too much stock into that
because it doesn't take away the fact that a crime might have occurred.
Council Member Armenta stated we have to make sound decisions with the data
before us. When we first became involved with MOD 21-01, we gave the Friendly
Inn stipulationsto improve their situation. Asked city staff if they have seen a real
attempt made to rectify the ongoing issues in their business.
Mrs. Valenzuela affirmed Friendly Inn has made the attempt; staff has conducted
inspections and from day one things were a lot different than what they are today.
They have installed a security system approved the sheriffs, which they also have
access to. In addition, staff from the Planning Division does go out there once every
two -three weeks to verify that security guards are present. There are some instances
where security guard got shift changes or were sick and they immediately try to fill
that position.
Council Member Armenta emphasized we don't want to be that city that targets and
gives stipulations to only one business; we need to be fair across the board. We also
told them to fix these issues and they have made major progress.
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Council Member Low opined she does see Friendly Inn has made an effort to
address the issues and that their overall public safety has improved. The questions
I have are regarding the recommendation — having 8 hour armed security and 16
hour for unarmed security, it seems reasonable to me, but the owner wants those
hour reduced? My first instinct is to go with the Sheriff recommendation but I
would like to hear my colleagues' thoughts on that.
Mayor Pro Tem Ly expressed he is glad that my colleagues and staff are being
reasonable about this; concurred with Council Member Low. When this first came
up, there was a real need to increase security at the business as the sheriffs were
activated for a lot of those calls. And that the Rosemead taxpayers weren't paying
a disproportionate amount for those locations. Proud of the business owners making
significant progress because of their genuine desire to improve that situation.
In regard to security guards — During the day if the guys are armed, they are just
an extra body. The business owner has a point that he has other staff present
throughout the day. My concern is at night, there is a need for armed security guards
because that will deter someone if they see a security guard with a weapon. Stated
he has no objections to eliminating the daytime unarmed security guard with the
caveat that though you might have various personnel during the day, they are not
trained to respond to agitated guests on the premise. Suggested training personnel
with drills on how to respond to help alleviate the situation.
Mayor Dang asked if there were any additional Public Comment.
City Clerk Hernandez affirmed there were no additional Public Comment
Mayor Dang thanked the owner for preparing and presenting a testimony as we
know it was difficult. Reiterated we are here to help, and we want to see if we can
meet you midway. Concurred with Mayor Pro Tem Ly to keep the nighttime armed
security guard; also stated he is comfortable with proposed suggestion in lieu of a
daytime twelve-hour unarmed guard, we reduce it to eight hours. Inquired if the
maintenance and housekeeping personnel have radios to ensure there is a
mechanism to report any issues to the front office. Noticed in the exhibit with the
aerial photo that the flock cameras are pointing inward to the parking.
Mr. Chen stated personnel uses their cell phone to call the front office if need be.
My original thought process was to face the cameras to the street so we could get
any incoming guests, as well as any vehicles passing by. When we were getting the
quote, the agent said it was best to get vehicles from the backside, so if a vehicle is
staying in we can capture the car identification.
Mayor Dang stated he shared the same thought process to have the cameras face
the street; suggested having two flock cameras for both driveways.
Mr. Chen explained guests only use the entrance on San Gabriel Boulevard as the
driveway on Graves Avenue is always locked unless the main entrance is not
accessible.
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Council Member Armenta reiterated that in the beginning of this process our goal
was to protect the residents; opined the business has done everything we have asked
them to and are doing their due diligence to rectify the situation; proposed three
months of unarmed security at night, then come back to the Council to see if that is
enough to deter crime. Ascertained whether the security guards are armed or
unarmed, these service calls are still coming in. Pointed out it is the owners' efforts
that are ensuring guests are safe. We have to be mindful of the stipulations placed
on one business. Are we not going to the other hotels that have the same number of
calls and have them address their issues as well?
Mr. Chen affirmed that is correct. I was basing my data off the staff report, it's hard
to understand because each call is not black and white. Indicated in order to make
any modifications to the security guard contract, we have to give them 30 days'
notice. So even if the Council approves the three-month reevaluation, we still have
to wait 30 days since we have not contacted the security guard with that
modification.
Council Member Armenta replied that is good to know and for us to take into
consideration.
Mayor Dang clarified Council Member Armenta is proposing no security guards
during the daytime and only an unarmed security guard for eight hours nighttime.
Council Member Armenta confirmed that is correct.
Council Member Clark suggested a shorter timeframe — proposed doing a four-
month review period, so that way the first month they can continue how they
currently are to give them the time to make the modification with the security guard
company. Eight hours for one armed security guard at night and potentially none
for the daytime.
Council Member Low opined we are helping the business build a reputation that
this hotel does not welcome crimes. She is okay with not having security guards
during the daytime but does want them to continue with armed security guards
during the nighttime.
Mayor Pro Tem Ly reiterated that he concurs with his colleagues; however, wanted
to point out that we are taking a risk by changing the conditions that staff and the
Sheriffs recommended. At the same time acknowledged this is a business that has
earned some rights to faith as they have made some serious improvements.
Mayor Dang inquired what is considered nighttime.
Mayor Pro Tem Ly responded staff recommended 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
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Mr. Chen commented that the eight hours of when to when does not really matter,
but activity slows down around 5 a.m. to 6 a.m.; pointed out that activity is still
high around 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. but would leave that up to Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Ly stated that would be up to the Sheriffs if they are amenable
to that.
Special Attorney Porter asked if the Sheriffs could respond so that the hours for the
nighttime could be reflected correctly in the conditions of the approval.
Sergeant Marquez asserted that changing it an hour earlier would not be an issue;
confirmed 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. is okay with them.
Mayor Dang recapped that Council is proposing to have eight hours of armed
security guard for the nighttime from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., no daytime security
presence, with the inclusion of aflock camera located at the driveway entrance of
San Gabriel Boulevard.
Council Member Clark asked if Mayor Dang wanted two flock cameras installed.
City Manager Kim clarified it would only be one flock camera as the other
driveway is closed; added the recommendation would be to have the flock camera
installed at the location approved by the Sheriff's Department.
Mayor Dang affirmed that is fine.
Special Attorney Porter read the following draft language:
1. The Condition of Approval would instead state one armed security guard in the
evening hours from 9:04 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., to be stationed in the parking lot
at all times.
2. Add a Condition of Approval that would state: There shall be installed at a
manner which meets the approval of the Sheriff's Department an automatic
license plate reader. Such license plate reader shall be operable 24 hours per
day, data from such license plate reader/reading system shall be made
accessible to the City's Police Department.
City Attorney Richman noted that there three- or four -months' timeframe was
discussed, so staff would like direction on that as well.
Mayor Dang stated the consensus is to proceed with the four-month reevaluation.
Council Member Armenta inquired what happens if during the timeframe we give
them, their service calls lower, would it be appropriate to say after so many months
that we should revisit the stipulations again.
Special Attorney Porter responded that Conditions of Approval No. 10 currently
states you will be returning in six months, at which point you can determine whether
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Minutes of December 13, 2022
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to add, revise, or remove conditions of approval based upon the operations of the
facility during the period. So, Council can change the timeframe to four months.
Council Member Low stated her initial thought was to keep it at six months, but if
the rest of Council wants to proceed with four months, then I am okay with that.
Mayor Pro Tem Ly concurred with Council Member Low to keep it at six months
because it is a better rule of thumb to have more accurate data instead of a short-
term trend.
Council Member Armenta explained the reason she suggested three months is
because if they were to make drastic changes that weren't working, you don't
want to spend too much time on them. Indicated she is fine with what the Council's
wishes are.
City Attorney Richman noted currently the condition states the applicant would
have to ask for review after 6 months, but if we want, we can set it after four months
after the effective date of Resolution or about that time depending on the Council
agenda, then Special Attorney Porter can amend that.
Special Attorney Porter confirmed the reevaluation timeframe will be changed to
reflect four months.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Low and seconded by Council Member
Clark to take the following action:
1. Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2022-68, with the aforementioned changes
to the Condition of Approval, entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF
CALIFORNIA, TO REVISE THE CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
OF MODIFICATION 21-01, FOR THE FRIENDLY INN.
THE MOTEL IS LOCATED AT 2146 SAN GABRIEL
BOULEVARD;
2. Find that Modification 21-01 is classified as Class 1 and Class 9 Categorical
Exemptions, pursuant to Sections 15301 and 15309 of the California
Environmental Quality Act.
Motion was carried out by the following vote AYES: Armenta, Clark, Dang,
Low, Ly ABSENT: None
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
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Minutes of December 13, 2022
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Council Member Clark pulled Item C; Mayor Pro Tem Ly and Council Member Clark
pulled Item J; Council Member Armenta pulled Item M; and Mayor Dang pulled Item N
for separate discussion.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Armenta and seconded by Council Member Low
to approve Consent Calendar Items A, B, D through I, K, and L. The motion was
carried out by the following roll call vote AYES: Armenta, Clark, Dang, Low, Ly
NOES: None ABSENT: None
A. Claims and Demands
• Resolution No. 2022-62
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN
CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $2,097,693.80
CHECKS NUMBERED 112764 THROUGH NUMBER 112838,
DRAFTS NUMBERED 6042 THROUGH NUMBER 6080 AND
EFT NUMBERED 51353 THROUGH NUMBER 51363
INCLUSIVELY
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2022-62.
• Resolution No. 2022-63
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN
CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $678,115.83
CHECKS NUMBERED 112839 THROUGH NUMBER 112929,
DRAFTS NUMBERED 6081THROUGH NUMBER 6093 AND
EFT NUMBERED 51364 THROUGH NUMBER 51401
INCLUSIVELY
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2022-63.
B. Approval of Minutes
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the regular meeting minutes of
June 22, 2021, and April 26, 2022.
D. 2023 City Council Meeting Schedule
City Council meetings are held every second and fourth Tuesday of each month at
7:00 p.m. Historically, the City Council has cancelled the second meetings in
August (summer break), November (Thanksgiving), and December (Christmas).
Adopting a meeting schedule will allow and provide the City Council, staff, and
the community with an opportunity to plan their schedules accordingly. It is at the
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Minutes of December 13, 2022
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discretion of the City Council to add, adjust or cancel meetings as deemed
necessary.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a City Council meeting schedule for
the 2023 calendar year.
E. Adoption of Resolution No. 2022-67 Adjusting the Minimum Salary for Part -Time
Employees to Comply with the Minimum Wage Rate Effective January 1, 2023
The City maintains a variety of employee classifications on a part-time or hourly
basis. The employees in these positions work throughout the year, seasonally, or
on a temporary basis and typically work no more than 1000 hours per fiscal year
unless exempt from Ca1PERS requirements or assigned to one of the five 3/4 -time
positions. Resolution No. 2022-67 adjusts the minimum hourly wage rate from
$15.00 per hour to $15.50 per hour for certain Part -Time classifications to be in
compliance with the new minimum wage law effective January 1, 2023. There are
no other changes to the Salaries and Benefits for Part -Time Employees resolution.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2022-67,
entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF: THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA,
ESTABLISHING SALARY RANGES AND BENEFITS
FOR PART-TIME CLASSIFICATIONS IN THE
SERVICE OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD
F. Sidewalk Gap Closure - Delta Avenue from Mission Drive to Wells Street Project
-Project No. 21029 — Award of Construction Contract and Professional Services
Agreement for Construction Management/Inspection, Materials Testing Services
and Adopt Resolution No. 2022-65 to Appropriate Measure R Funds to Support
Project Funding
As part of the City's Fiscal Year 2022-23 Capital Improvement Program, the City
Council approvedthe Safe Routes to School — Sidewalk Gap Closure - Delta
Avenue from Mission Drive to Wells Street Project. The Project includes
construction of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant concrete
sidewalk, driveway approaches, curb ramp, curb and gutter, parkway trees,
relocation of fence and walls encroaching into the public right-of-way, asphalt
concrete rehabilitation (coldmill and overlay), signage, striping on Delta Avenue
between Mission Drive and Wells Street. To ensure that the City is receiving
competitive prices and quality service, staff conducted a formal construction bid.
FS Contractors, Inc. submitted the lowest responsive bid. In addition, staff
advertised the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Construction Management/
Inspection, & Material Testing Services (CMICI) for the Project on the City's
Planetbids portal. CEJ Engineers, Inc. submitted the most qualified proposal to
provide CM/CI Services for the Project. The Project is currently funded with
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Minutes of December 13, 2022
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Measure R funds and State's Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant, in the
total amount of $1,175,000.
Recommendation: That the City Council take the following actions:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a construction contract with FS
Contractors, Inc. in the amount of $1,218,672. In addition, authorize an amount
of $121,867.20 (10%) as a contingency to cover the cost of unforeseen
construction expenses, for a total construction budget of $1,340,539.20.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with CEJ Engineers, Inc. for
Construction Management/Inspection Services for the Project, in a not to
exceed amount of $76,800; and
3. Adopt Resolution No. 2022-65 amending the City's Fiscal Year 2022-23 CIP
Budget to appropriate additional funds in the amount of $245,000 from the
Measure R Funds to increase funding for the Safe Routes to School —
Sidewalk Gap Closure - Delta Avenue from Mission Drive to Wells Street
Project, for a total Project budget of $1,420,000.
G. Adoption of Resolution No. 2022-66 to Receive and File the Annual Report on
Development Impact Fees for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2022
In accordance with Section 66006 of California Government Code, the City is
required to annually report on the status of Development Impact Fees, including the
collection of revenue and expenditure of these funds, within 180 days after the end
of the fiscal year. In addition, in accordance with Section 66001, the City is
required to make additional findings every five years if there are any funds
remaining at the end of the prior fiscal year.
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file Annual Report of
Development Impact Fees for FY 2021-22 and adopt Resolution No. 2022-66,
entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, REGARDING
THE ANNUAL REPORT ON DEVELOPMENT
IMPACT FEES AS OF JUNE 30, 2022
H. Community Power Resiliency Project — Award of Purchase Order with
NexTech System, Inc. for Traffic Signal Battery Back -Up Systems and
Replacement Batteries
As part of the City's Fiscal Year 2022-23 Capital Improvement Program, the City
Council approved the funding allocation to acquire and install new Traffic Signal
Battery Back-up System (BBS) and replacement of existing traffic signal back-up
batteries. The purchase and installation will be funded with the Community Power
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Resiliency grant received from CalOES. Staff conducted a thorough assessment of
forty-three (43) signalized intersections and discovered that five (5) locations are
without a traffic signal BBS, and thirty-three (33) locations are in need of traffic
signal battery replacements.
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to approve a
Sole Source Purchase Order with NexTech System, Inc. for the purchase of five (5)
traffic signal battery back-up systems and traffic signal batteries in amount of
$105,838.80.
Community Power Resiliency Project — Award of Purchase Order with Statewide
Traffic Safety & Signs, Inc. for Changeable Message Signs
As part of the City's Fiscal Year 2022-23 Capital Improvement Program, the City
Council approved the funding allocation to acquire Changeable Message Sign
(CMS) that will be used on streets to give motoristreal-time traffic safety and
guidance information, messaging on city events, safety notification (e.g., fireworks
suppression), and traffic management and communications during a power outage.
The CMS purchase will be funded with the Community Power Resiliency grant
received from CalOES. On November &,2022, staff advertised a formal bid for
procurement of the CMS. The bid submitted by Statewide Traffic Safety & Signs,
Inc. is determined to be the lowest responsive bid.
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to approve a
Purchase Order with Statewide Traffic Safety and Sign, Inc. for the purchase of
seven Solar Tech -Silent Messenger II Message Boards in the amount of
$139,092.45.
K. Rosemead Park Restroom Renovation Project - Project No. 39003 — Award of
Construction Contract
As part of the City's Fiscal Year 2021-22 Capital Improvement Program, the
City Council approved the Rosemead Park Restroom Renovation Project. The
Project will renovate the existing men's and women's restrooms in Rosemead Park
adjacent to the snack bar. The Project scope includes installation of new fixtures,
interior surfacing, plumbing, and lighting modifications. On September 22, 2022,
staff published a Notice of Inviting bids for construction of the Project. On
October 27, 2022, the City received five (5) sealed bids. Based on the staffs
comprehensive bid analysis, the bid submitted by R Dependable Construction, Inc.
in the amount of $290,000, is determined to be the lowest responsive bid.
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a
construction contract with R Dependable Construction, Inc. in the amount of
$290,000. In addition, authorize an amount of $29,000 (10%) as a contingency
to cover the cost of unforeseen construction expenses, for a total construction
budget of $319,000.
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Minutes of December 13, 2022
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L. ROPS Submittal — July 2023 Through June 2024
The Department of Finance (DOF) requires the Recognized Obligation Payment
Schedule (ROPS) for the period July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, be submitted
to the DOF by February 1, 2023. Prior to that, the ROPS must be reviewed and
approved by the Los Angeles County Consolidated Oversight Board. The deadline
to submit the ROPS to the Oversight Board is December 19, 2022.
Recommendation: That the Rosemead Successor Agency Board direct City staff
to submit the ROPS to the Los Angeles County Consolidated Oversight Board and
adopt Resolution No. 2022-01 SA, entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO
THE ROSEMEAD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
COMMISSION APPROVING THE RECOGNIZED
OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULES FOR THE
PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2023 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2024
ITEMS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION
C. Approval of List of Proclamtions for Calendar Year 2023
At the end of the calendar year, a list of proclamations is approved for the following
year. Attached for the City Council's consideration is the proposed list for 2023
Proclamations. The proposed list of proclamations includes a new proclamation for
National Water Safety Month for May 2023. National Water Safety Month raises
awareness about water safety and highlights the importance of public education
regarding safer practices for kids and adults in and around water.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the List of Proclamations for
Calendar Year 2023.
Council Member Clark pulled this item for separate discussion
Council Member Clark stated she wanted to reiterate her comments from the
last discussion that we should stick to the generic proclamations because on some
of the other subjects listed, we left out some groups. Opined this way if a Council
Member wants to attend an event, they can request a specific proclamation at that
time. Indicated she will be voting against this list as it currently stands, unless the
Council wants to make changes to it.
Council Member Low asked for clarification as to which "generic proclamations"
from the list that Council Member Clark is referring to.
Council Member Clark responded the proclamations that are recognizing ethnicity
such Asian American and Pacific Islander or Hispanic Heritage Month; stated she
has no problem with those proclamations itself, however, we do not recognize
other ethnicities such as Native Americans.
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Council Member Armenta suggested rather than removing the other ethnicities,
let's add Native Americans Heritage Month too. Expressed she is deeply offended
that taking away the ethnicities is even being asked; recalled one time someone
voted against me going to the National Association of Latino Elected and
Appointed Officials (NALEO) because it was an ethnic conference. Emphasized
if we keep saying that Rosemead honors the diversity of this city, then we need to
include every part of that diversity.
Council Member Low concurred with Council Member Armenta's comments.
Mayor Pro Tem Ly asked staff to look in to when Native American Heritage Month
is and perhaps adding it to our list of recognized proclamations.
Mayor Dang expressed it is important toembracediversity and ethnicity; stated if
there is something that we are missing, then this Council welcomes and supports
the introduction of new proclamations.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Armenta and seconded by Council Member
Low to approve the List of Proclamations for Calendar Year 2023. The motion
was carried out by the following roll call vote AYES: Armenta, Dang, Low, Ly
NOES: Clark ABSENT: None
Consolidated Disposal Services (Republic Services) Good Corporate Citizenship
Programs Evaluation Results
At the November 8; 2022, City Council, Meeting Mayor Pro Tem Steven Ly
requested that staff conduct an evaluation of the Good Corporate Citizenship
programs that are currently provided by Consolidated Disposal Services
(Republic Services). Good Corporate Citizenship Programs are commitments
that aim to support local organizations and strengthen the community. An overview
of Republic Services' Good Corporate Citizenship Programs provided and
their benefit to the community is detailed in this report for calendar years 2019
through 2022.
Recommendation: That the City Council review and file the report.
Mayor Pro Tem Ly and Council Member Clark pulled this item for separate
discussion.
Council Member Clark indicated support for programs encouraging the importance
of shredding documents to avoid scammers because it is such a major issue,
especially among the elderly group; stated she would like to see more advertisement
of a -waste collection and scammer awareness events. Referred to the questions
brought up during tonight's Public Comment; opined I want to be sure that our
residents are not going to have to pay for street sweeping services; asked how those
services will be paid for.
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City Attorney Richman asserted that you are getting into a different discussion as
that is not the subject of the Staff Report before Council tonight.
Council Member Clark stated this is important to confirm for the residents.
Mayor Dang indicated we are getting out of the scope of this item's subject, which
is to discuss the Good Corporate Citizenship Programs. Reiterated City Manager
Kim already confirmed that the city pays for street sweeping services as it is
included in the City's Budget.
Mayor Pro Tem Ly commended the work of Republic Services in pushing a lot of
these issues such as the shredding event days. Expressed concern for the significant
decline from 2019 to 2022 in the Residential Recycling Rewards Program with
gift cards, noting this could understandably be due to COVID and the program
has not recovered since those numbers; indicated he definitely supports a recycling
incentive program but wonders if there is a better approach as we look in to new
contracts. Asked if the hauler companies submitting proposals could generate
other ways to incentivize recycling while incorporating ways to reduce, reuse,
and recycle; emphasized the importance of maximizing reduction and reusing as
much as we can, and theca look at recycling. Pointed out that the Scholarship
Program also appears to had a significant drop off from 2021 to 2022 in terns
of participants or overall participation; suggested restructuring it and adding more
outreach efforts to promote; the program. Encouraged looking at other beneficial
programs such as an apprenticeship program as there are a lot of great jobs in the
waste management and removal business; opined a lot of the drivers and people
who work at the facilities are blue collar jobs and provide for their families.
Council Member Armenta.stated she knows we are using the Good Corporate
Citizenship Programs as a. guide to what we want included in our proposal;
however, this is a little disheartening because it is putting Republic Services at
a major disadvantage showing their hand to the competitors bidding. Apologized
to Republic Services as it's not fair that we have not asked any other company to
document what citizenship programs they have done. Expressed she would love to
see how much of the Good Corporate Citizenship Programs Athens Services has
done and their participation in city's programs such as the Backpack Giveaway or
Concerts in the Park events. Asserted that a lot of things have changed, noting
when we awarded the contract for ten years without any extension, but now there
is a possibility of extending it for five or ten years, which we said we would not do.
Thanked Republic Services for all the great services they bring to the city of
Rosemead. Reiterated she is going to wait for her Council Comments to express
the precedence just set for every single contract or vendor to evaluate their
citizenship programs provided to the city.
Council Member Clark stated she agrees with Council Member Armenta; indicated
was shocked to see this on the agenda as we are going out to bid soon.
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Minutes of December 13, 2022
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Mayor Pro Tem Ly stated he is surprised to hear that there is shock to see this item
on the agenda when he asked for this item to be agendized during the last trash
collection contract discussion. Asserted this item, the Good Corporate Citizenship
Programs was proposed by Republic Services in their original bid ten or eleven
years ago. It is not the accumulative efforts of what Republic Services or any other
vendor has done in the city in terms of governance projects. I know Republic
Services has done other stuff. Explained the reason we are talking about this and
I asked for the data is because we are doing a new contract; noted that staff indicated
they were going to include everything that was previously approved for good
citizenship from Republic Services. Opined some items after ten years is worth a
discussion if they are still worthwhile or not. Stated his proposal was to eliminate
all the good corporate citizenship items and leteachbidder submit their own items
in those terms or how that would like. Tonight's purpose is to have a conversation
if these current programs are effective? Ifthey are not effective, then what should
they look like? In terms of the ten or fifteen years, the Council did not say we are
looking at a ten-year contract with a potential five-year extension; recalled Council
saying we wanted to look at different proposals based on the equipment and what
does ten years, fifteen years look like so we can see if there is an actual cost savings.
Council Member Armenta stated I made it very clear that I understand we are using
this discussion to implement the new proposal; however, I still stand by what I said,
that it is not fair to Republic Services. Expressed these are my feelings that I am
entitled to have just as you are entitled to whatever feelings you may have.
Reiterated she will ask during Council Comments why was the same request for an
evaluation of Athens' citizenship programs not made.
Council Member Low stated when we first talked about the proposal, I was thinking
any of these Good Corporate Citizenship Programs should have been on their own,
meaning leave it up to each bidder as to what they want to include. Indicated when
I look at the data, it is good information. I didn't interpret it as a negative impact to
Republic Services or as them giving information away. I thought based off the data
that Republic Services did a good job.
Mayor Pro Tem Ly concurred with Council Member Low's comments. Stated if
we really think we are giving an advantage to prospective bidders because they
now know that Republic Services are doing these Corporate Citizenship Programs,
which are in the original contract and that they have been doing the past ten years,
then I have to really wonder how we define fair. I worry if we start defining whether
or not companies are selected based on whether they donate or not to events
such as the Backpack Giveaway. Opined it's funny that we keep mentioning Athens
Services when there are multiple companies that do bundling of trash collection
and street sweeping services or citizenship programs. Asserted that we do not know
how many bids we are going to receive or who will bid or even what those bids will
look like. Expressed that we have way too high of an opinion of ourselves if we are
presuming as a Council that we somehow know everything.
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Minutes of December 13, 2022
Page 22 of 40
Mayor Dang stated a lot of his comments were already echoed by his colleagues,
so he did not have anything else to add.
By Consensus, the Council reviewed and filed the report.
M. Del Mar Community Garden Services — Award of Contract
The City would like to once again contract with CultivaLA, Inc. for garden support
services at the Del Mar Community Garden. CultivaLA, Inc. provides a wide range
of services to help enrich the lives of residents living in the community and our
Community Garden users. The purpose of this agreement is to continuously design,
implement, and provide a learning experience to the visitors and users of the Del
Mar Community Garden.
Recommendation: That the City Council take the following actions:
Approve the Ratification of Extension of ContractfromMay 22, 2022,
to December 12, 2022; and
2. Approve the proposed contract with CultivaLA, Inc. from December 13, 2022,
to December 13, 2023; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the contracts on behalf of the City.
Council Member Armenta pulled this item for separate discussion.
Council Member Armenta asked if representatives from CultivaLA were present
tonight and if there was an urgency to approve this contract.
Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking replied unfortunately CultivaLA was
not able to attend tonight's meeting. There are two items before Council tonight,
the first is the ratification of extension of contract for May 2022 to December 2022
and second is the new proposed contract for December 2022 to December 2023.
Council Member Armenta indicated she is okay with voting to approve the
ratification of the extension of the contract but would like to postpone the proposed
contract until CultivaLA can be here to respond to Council's questions. She noted
she saw Mr. Quesada on November 301h, informed him that she wanted to speak
with him regarding some of the issues at our Community Garden and to this day,
she still has not heard from him. Indicated her concern has to do with unauthorized
flyers with the City's name, including making Supervisor Hilda Solis' name bigger
than the city's as if she had anything to do with our events. Stated the Supervisor is
posting a flyer inviting people to come to "Our Pumpkin Patch". Asked how much
money have we received from LA County for our community gardens?
Mr. Boecking responded we have not received any funding from LA County.
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Minutes of December 13, 2022
Page 23 of 40
Council Member Armenta asked City Attorney Richman if it would be okay to vote
on each item separately.
City Attorney Richman responded yes as staff presented them as separate requests.
Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking indicated he would need to speak with
CultivaLA to confirm whether they would be okay with continue services until
January when the item can come back before Council.
Council Member Arrnenta said since Mr. Boecking did not get to speak with
CultivaLA about postponing the new contract, proposed amending the extension of
the contract from May 22, 2022, to January 1, 2023, which would include adjusting
the amount as needed.
City Attorney Richman stated that would be okay to amend the timeframe of the
Mr. Boecking stated we agreed with CultivaLA that the amount is S 150 per service
day with two days per week; indicated we can figure out the amount and adjust that
with CultivaLA.
Council Member Armenta asked if the rest of Council is okay with making that
adjustment and addressing CultivaLA in January.
Mayor Pro Tem Ly asked if CultivaLA is currently meeting and/or exceeding the
contract obligations as stated? In regard to the Del Mar Community Garden, where
are we at as far as capacity?
Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking responded yes CultivaLA is meeting
the contract obligations; noted the only issue we have had is the advertisement of
the Pumpkin Patch. Stated they have a really good reputation with our plot users;
indicated we have only received compliments and no complaints from our plot
renters. Indicated there is one plot open at the Del Mar Community Garden.
Mayor Pro Tent Ly stated from what I am hearing is Council Member Armenta is
quite upset with the advertisement concerning Supervisor Solis, which in my mind
is small potatoes and I don't want to put the Community Garden proposal at risk.
Commented that I don't like the imagery of handling these types of grievances in a
public venue. I would rather approve the proposal and encourage Council Member
Armenta to speak with CultivaLA to sort out her concerns. It is pulling a vendor
that is popular amongst the users of the Community Garden and if they decide they
do not want to continue with the city, then it will be staff picking up the slack. So,
I prefer moving forward with approving both contracts tonight.
Council Member Armenta indicated it has been two months since I have been trying
to get in contact with CultivaLA; asked Mr. Boecking how many times have you
have spoken to Mr. Quesada that there are certain guidelines about unauthorized
flyers. Noted she asked our former City Manager if the ribbon cutting is our event
or Supervisor Solis' event?
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Minutes of December 13, 2022
Page 24 of 40
Mr. Boecking responded it was three separate occasions that I spoke to Mr. Quesada
regarding that matter and reminded him what we agreed upon.
Council Member Armenta reiterated this is why I had no choice but to bring it to
the Council because I made every attempt and tried reaching out, but Mr. Quesada's
voicemail is full, and he has not returned my calls in two months. Expressed that
she respects Mayor Pro Tem Ly's point of view, but it's important we stick to the
rules outlined in the contract. Why are we giving different organizations different
leeway?
Council Member Clark asked if the Ribbon Cutting event was a past issue?
Mr. Boecking indicated we did not see the advertisement that went out for the
Ribbon Cutting event; noted with the shed, the ceremonial details were not fully
divulged to us as to what was going to be taking place. We've talked with them and
explained we need to know what is going on at the garden; the only thing that
has not gotten better was the advertisement as we were not aware that a second
advertisement had gone out or how the sponsorship was going to look.
Council Member Clark opined if this were the first instance then it would be
one thing, but Mr. Quesada already knew we had issues and ignored it, so I agree
with Council Member Armenta to pull the new contract.
Council Member Low inquired what will this mean for the plot users if we do not
partner with CultivaLA?
Mr. Boecking responded CultivaLA maintains the communal area and they have
built a relationship with all the plot renters to educate them on gardening in
general, so they would be missing out on the education portion. They are on site
two days a week with trilingual staff who help out the plot renters. We are looking
to expand those programs to host more educational opportunities in the garden.
Expressed that CultivaLA has been great with the plot renters, unfortunately there
have been a couple of issues where the advertisement was not approved by the city.
Mayor Dang asked if the education portion will branch out to the grammar schools
near the community garden?
Mr. Boecking answered yes, we are looking at building that program this next year.
Mayor Dang echoed some of the sentiments of Council Member Armenta, not
necessarily addressing a specific office, but just the advertisement issue in general;
opined if they are not going to do it the easy way, then we will ask them to come to
a Council meeting. The ask is can we separate the two contracts.
Council Member Clark reiterated we need to make it clear that this was not
acceptable and if we just renew the contract, then there are no consequences.
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Council Member Low suggested extending the contract expiration to allow time
for Mr. Boecking to reach out to CultivaLA to discuss the new contract at a
future Council meeting.
City Manager Kim indicated the next Council meeting is January 10, 2023.
Council Member Low proposed that the contract expires at the end of January 2023
so that Council and staff have enough time to discuss the new contract without
a lapse in the services provided.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Clark and seconded by Council Member
Armenta to take the following actions:
Approve the Ratification of Extension of Contract from May 22, 2022,
to January 31, 2023, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract
on behalf of the City.
2. Direct staff to reach out to CultivaLA to agendize discussion of the proposed
contract with CultivaLA, Inc. at a Council meeting in January 2023.
The motion was carried outby,the following roll call vote AYES: Armenta, Clark,
Dang, Low, Ly NOES: None ABSENT: None
N. Rosemead Blvd & I-10 Freeway Ramp Improvements Project - Award of
Professional Services Agreement for Engineering Design Services
As part of the City's Fiscal Year 2021-22 Capital Improvement Program, the
City Council approved the Rosemead Boulevard & I-10 Freeway Ramp
Improvements Project. The Project will reconfigure the intersection of Rosemead
Boulevard and Glendon Way at the on & off -ramps of the I-10 Freeway to increase
roadway capacity, improve traffic flow and reduce congestion at the intersection.
On June 9, 2022, staff advertised the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Design
Services for the Project and received five (5) proposals. Based on the evaluated
proposals, staff determined that ADVANTEC Consulting Engineers submitted the
most qualified proposal to provide the Design Services in the negotiated amount of
$661,176.32.
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a
contract with ADVANTEC Consulting Engineers for Design Services for the
Rosemead Boulevard and I-10 Freeway ramps Improvement Project in the amount
of $661,176.32.
Mayor Dang requested to pull this item for separate discussion.
Mayor Dang thanked staff for negotiating with the consultants to get the original
proposed amount of $848,864 down to $661,176.32. Referred to the Traffic
Analysis completed by Gibson Transportation Consulting, Inc., stated looking at
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Figure 1, I am curious if there is a reason why the new reservoir lane that gives you
access to the 10-Fwy can't go longer?
Director of Public Works Chung asked if Mayor Dang was referring to the
northbound on-ramp?
Mayor Dang clarified he is referring to the new reservoir lane when you are
on Garvey Avenue driving up Rosemead Boulevard to take the on-ramp to go
westbound.
Mr. Chung confirmed the reservoir lane can be made longer as this is just a
conceptual design and that would be identified through detailed design. We can
make it as long as practical to avoid delays through that lane.
Mayor Dang opined that is a very good start to eliminate some of the traffic on
Rosemead Boulevard. Stated part; of the equation is the funding is really for
the on-ramp area, inquired how far does it extend south toward Garvey Avenue,
does it go under the underpass? Also, are there future grants coming in to look
at the south part?
Mr. Chung responded it does not go under the underpass; it just focuses on this
intersection. We continue to explore grants but are not pursuing any specific grants
at this point.
Council Member Armenta asked if the turn coming southbound in front of the
actual onramp can have a directional turning lane.
Director of Public Works Chung asked if Council Member Annenta is referring to
the on-off ramp adjacent to the UFC Gym or adjacent to Rosemead Boulevard?
Council Member Armenta replied off of Rosemead Boulevard because it's a traffic
issue as people are making a right from Rosemead Boulevard on to Glendon Way
to get on to the freeway. Indicated she has seen near misses of accidents when
people are trying to exit the off -ramp in front of the UFC Gym and turn on to
Glendon Way.
Mr. Chung indicated there are a couple of designs that the consultant has already
proposed — one of them is to eliminate that northbound intersection and only
allow that off -ramp to go south. Ascertained that area with the stop sign has been
identified as a traffic hazard/issue and we are exploring other mitigation measures
for that area.
Council Member Low expressed that she is happy we are finally doing something
about that intersection after all these years.
Council Member Clark asked for clarification — will people exiting off the 10 FWY,
will they be able to go northbound?
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Mr. Chung noted drivers traveling westbound on the 10 FWY currently have
two opportunities to exit northbound and those exits will not be eliminated.
Council Member Armenta inquired how we will be advertising once the project is
completed so that drivers are aware of this change?
Director of Public Works Chung replied we can place signage in that area to direct
traffic control, as well as advertise the traffic change on social media and other
venues to inform the public.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Armenta and seconded by Council Member
Low to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with ADVANTEC
Consulting Engineers for Design Services for the Rosemead Boulevard and I-10
Freeway ramps Improvement Project in the amount of $661,176.32. The motion
was carried out by the following roll call vote AYES: Armenta, Clark, Dang,
Low, Ly NOES: None ABSENT: None
6. MATTERS FROM CITY MANAGER & STAFF
A. Report and Discussion Regarding the Parks and Recreation Department Fiscal Year
2023 Work Plan
The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for the City's day-to-day
recreational needs of our residents, including direct oversight of the following
areas: aquatics, senior programs, youth programs, classes, youth and adult sports,
facility and park rentals, and special events. Parks and Recreation is committed to
serving our residents by providing quality programs, services, and events. This
update is intended; to serveas a summary of those efforts for the current fiscal year.
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file this report
Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking presented a PowerPoint of the Parks
and Recreation Department Fiscal Year 2023 Work Plan. Highlighted the following
for each Division:
• The Aquatics Division is looking to expand their swimming lessons and
recreation- swim times; and focus on employee recruitment and retention,
specifically for lifeguards. We will be introducing new events such as "Shark
Week" and "Egg-A-Pool-Looza".
• The Senior Programs Division includes lunch program, Bingo, special events,
trips (excursions), drop-in programs such as arts and crafts, table tennis,
Mahjong, and wellness. We are exploring what case management services we
can offer the seniors for the next fiscal year.
• Youth Programs Division includes Camp Rosemead for summer and seasonal
camps; after-school and summer drop-in programs. We are working with
Rosemead and Garvey School Districts to try to expand programs on how we
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can better serve the students. Noted the Department was approached about
starting a Youth Activity League, which is a program that the Sheriffs
Departments runs in other cities, so we will discuss if that is a program
Rosemead can accommodate.
• The Youth and Adults Sports Division's programs are very successful. Youth
Sports consists of leagues, clinics, and contract classes such as tennis, golf,
baseball, basketball, volleyball, and futsal. Adult Sports consists of a basketball
league; looking to expand it with volleyball, kickball, tennis and pickleball.
• Our Special Events Programs comprised of 17 events including our Summer
Concert Series, family activities, Parks Make Life Better Event, and the return
of the Moon Festival in September 2023. We are looking at expanding our
cultural arts area in the spring and summer.
• Shared about the formation of the Youth Advisory Committee; Youth in
Government Day; Anti -Hate Campaign; basketball courts and tennis courts
resurfacing; Garvey Center Play -School Playground Renovation; and the Youth
Employment Program through CDBG funding.
Mayor Dang thanked Mr. Boecking fora thorough presentation
Council Member Clark stated we have always been proud of our Parks and
Recreation Department; opined your Team is the stellar in the San Gabriel Valley.
Shared her friend is very interested inseeing Picklebsll come to Rosemead.
Mr. Boecking stated we are resurfacing our tennis courts at Garvey Park, and one
of those tennis courts will be turned into four pickleball courts where we will
designate certain days of the week to schedule a program.
Council Member Armenta shared that her nephews had a great time at the Pumpkin
Dive event; asked for a status update on the mobile stage. Reiterated her previous
suggestion for the city to look into partnering with Savannah Cemetery next year
for the Fall Fiesta and Dia De Los Muertos event; noted one year the Cemetery had
a fundraiser where they showed a movie.
Mr. Boecking replied that I wish I had better news as the stage was supposed to be
in mid-December. We are looking at receiving it mid-February.
Council Member Low thanked Mr. Boecking and his team for bringing all the
programs to the community; noted her husband has also been asking her about
pickleball coming to Rosemead.
Mayor Pro Tem Ly gave kudos to Mr. Boecking and his team for their efforts
especially during the pandemic in keeping the community engaged with all of their
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programs. I look forward to coming back and participating in all the events,
especially the Christmas Tree Lighting after missing it last year.
Mayor Dang thanked Mr. Boecking and the Department for their creativity in all of
their programs; expressed he is looking forward to the return of the Moon Festival.
Mayor Dang recessed the meeting for a ten-minute break at 9:55 p.m.
B. Street Sweeping Schedule and Parking Community Survey Results
At the August 9, 2022, City Council meeting, staff presented options and
preliminary costs for alternating the City's Street sweeping routes. Based on City
Council direction, staff released a survey to receive the community's feedback on
the City's street sweeping schedule and parking availability. In addition, staff
evaluated and compiled "No Parking" citation data to better understand parking
availability during the City's street sweeping schedule. Furthermore, the City
Council determined that potential changes to the current street sweeping schedule
would be included in the future request for proposals (RFP) for the new street
sweeping contract beginning on July 1, 2023.
Recommendation: That the City Council discuss the survey results, citation data,
and options as noted above and provide direction to staff to further evaluate one of
the following options to include in the next RFP for street sweeping services, and
present the selected street sweeping services proposal for approval at a future City
Council meeting:
• Option l — Street sweeping performed during different time periods on the
same day.
• Option 2 — Street sweeping performed during the same period on different days.
• Option 3'- Maintain current street sweeping schedule.
Mayor Dang reconvened the meeting at 10:05 p.m.
Director of Public Works Chung presented a PowerPoint, "Street Sweeping and
Parking Community Survey Results". Stated at the August 9w Council meeting,
staff was directed to release a survey to receive the community's feedback on the
City's street sweeping schedule and perform an evaluation of the City's "No
Parking" citations; noted potential changes to the current street sweeping schedule
would be included in the future RFP for the new street sweeping contract beginning
on July 1, 2023. The survey was released on November 17, 2022; as a result,
the City received 159 responses. Mr. Chung discussed the survey questions and
results (Attachment B). Stated survey question No. 6 asked "Are you satisfied
with the current street sweeping schedule on your street?"; noted the results to
question No. 6 were mapped to determine the location of the community's input
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(Attachment Q. Staff ascertained during a one (1) year period between November
2021 through November 2022, the City issued a total of approximately 6,000
citations for "No Parking" violations during a street sweeping. Staff prepared
citation location map and list (Attachment D) identifying total citations issued on
each street within the City.
Council Member Armenta thanked Director of Public Works Chung for bringing a
very comprehensive presentation of the results. Expressed it is very daunting to see
some of these responses. Knowing that the majority of the complaints I have
received are southwest of Rosemead because they are limited in parking. Their
driveways are short and have families with multiple cars in one household.
Referenced slide 13 of the PowerPoint of the Citation Evaluation even though I
don't have issue on my street, we have to look at Rosemead as a whole. Thank you
for the visual because it really helps us see where we have to target to help those
residents. Not sure what that solution looks like but we need help in the southwest.
Council Member Low thanked Director of Public Works Chung for releasing the
survey as it is very eye-opening. Looking at the survey, we will not be able to make
everyone happy. To continue to help, the city should continue educating residents
that they are allowed to park on their lawns on their street sweeping days. For our
street, we have short driveways and help each other in our cul de sac and park on
other people's driveway for a shortperiod of time until the street is swept.
Encouraging the community to work with their neighbors to help each other.
Leaning towards not making these changes. Even if we make that change of making
it the same or different day of the street sweeping, you will still have people
unhappy. Not sure if the costs are worth the change either.
Mayor Pro Tem Ly asked what was the methodology of the survey? How did you
guys figure out who to send the survey to?
Mr. Chung referenced slide 3, noting staff exhausted all avenues for outreach to
the public.
Mayor Pro Tem Ly responded that was the tactic, but what was the methodology in
terms of approaching the survey for the community?
Mr. Chung responded we wanted to understand if there was an issue, where was it,
and that was the purpose of the mapping we did.
Mayor Pro Tem Ly stated just eliciting a voluntary response is not a calculated
survey based on the demographics of Rosemead. If we are really trying to
understand what the citizens of Rosemead are thinking, then 159 responses might
not be a good representation of that. Asked was there any bifurcation of asking
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businesses vs. residents or consideration of single vs. multifamily residential homes
vs. townhouses?
Director of Public Works Chung indicated the participants were able to provide
their address, so their street was included in the map. However, the results did
not identify the type of home.
Mayor Pro Tem Ly asserted that might be a good variable for us to look at in the
future as well. Theoretically the majority of the responses we are receiving may not
be happy with the service. If that is the case, then we are not seeing a correlation of
one direction or another; concurred with Council Member Low that the best thing
to do is to stick with the current system. Maybe we can build a model in the future
so that it is more accurate.
Council Member Clark stated she prefers option 3 as there is quite a bit of cost
associated with the other options; indicated she agrees with Council Member Low
and Mayor Pro Tem Ly because we could be opening a can of worms if we do
change the system; inquired if there is any way we can give a first time warning to
a car and use a database to track this, so if they do it again, then we can cite them
since they already received a warning.
City Manager Kim responded we use a system "Citation Processing Center", which
I believe it has the ability to issue a warning; however, I am not sure how the system
can track warnings issued; asserted you have to remember there is a very limited
amount of time as the officer is moving along with the street sweeper truck. We
will look into it but that will be difficult.
Mayor Dang stated he does see a need for it because people telecommute for work;
agreed with Ly that the survey is not very robust as only 159 responses were
received. Appreciate the map you created. I like Option 1 where you do one side of
the street and then move your car when they go to the other side of the street,
however, expressed concern about the price tag associated with that option.
Council Member Armenta thanked Mr. Chung, stating she knows it is not an easy
task getting participation with the survey; opined Mr. Chung did his due diligence
and although the survey does not capture every resident's opinion, the participation
was higher for this survey than the Strategic Plan survey received. Agreed with
Mayor Dang about the high price tags associated. Reminded the Council this is a
preliminary discussion to be prepared when the contract comes up for bid and not
to take action now. We need to be mindful of those residents that are having
difficulties — a lot of the people on the southwest do not have the option to park on
their lawn because their lawns are narrow or have gates.
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Mayor Pro Tem Ly thought it was interesting that in question 5, people thought
they got a citation was not because of parking but because they completely forgot
about it. Might warrant to provide education to the residents every once in awhile.
Mayor Dang stated I understand there is a need for the community to be able to
park on their lawns while street sweeping is going by, however, we need to bare
in mind large vehicles constantly being parked on lawns can destroy them, thus
creating an issue of bad aesthetics in the neighborhood.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Clark and seconded by Council Member
Low to proceed with Option 3 — Maintain current street sweeping schedule. Also,
to direct staff to research the city's capability to use a database to issue warnings
and track at the same time. The motion was carried out by the following roll call
vote AYES: Armenta, Clark, Dang, Low, Ly NOES: None ABSENT: None
MATTERS FROM MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL
A. Request for Commemorative Naming of the Rosemead Public Safety Center in
Honor of Undersheriff Tim K. Murakami
At the October 25, 2022, City Council Meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Ly proposed to
the City Council that the Rosemead Public Safety Center be renamed as the
Tim K. Murakami Public Safety Center. After discussion, the City Council
requested that this item be continued to the November 8, 2022, City Council
Meeting for a report on Mr. Murakami's legacy and impact on the Rosemead
community.
Recommendation: That the City Council provide direction on renaming the
Rosemead Public Safety Center in honor of Los Angeles County Undersheriff
Tim K. Murakami.
Assistant City Manager Bruckner noted this item was tabled from the previous
Council meeting; provided an update that Undersheriff Tim Murakami has retired
from the Sheriff's Department.
Mayor Pro Tem Ly reiterated that Undersheriff Murakami deserves this recognition
as he is a great role model for Rosemead. Noted that earlier tonight we introduced
our Interim Chief of Police; reminded everyone that Tim Murakami was named
as our first Chief of Police of Rosemead. Opined renaming the Public Safety Center
in honor of Undersheriff Murakami is a great way of showing future generations
that want to go into public service, specifically those that want to put on a law
enforcement uniform, that the City of Rosemead supports them and what they do
for the community.
Mayor Dang opened the Public Comment period.
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City Clerk Hernandez read the following Public Comment received via phone
from resident Brian Lewin:
"Dear Mayor and City Council,
First let me state that my experience with Tim Murakami as Rosemead's former
Chief of Police was positive and I respect the work he did in the City.
I have reservation on naming a city facility, city park or any other public building
for individuals still active serving. I believe it's more appropriate, if naming after a
person a building or park, to be left in memory of the individual.
I would not like to see the City in a situation that may bring any connection to
Murakami. As Undersheriff, he worked closely with former LA County Sheriff
Villanueva, and there are various concerns involving former Sheriff Villanueva
while in office.
Thank you."
There being no further speakers, Mayor Dang closed the Public Comment period
Mayor Pro Tem Ly shared that a wise former Council Member, Jean Hall, once told
me that "flowers are for the living". The idea of that statement is if we are going
to honor someone, then we should do that while they can still see it and know that
they were appreciated. Stated I respect and understand Mr. Lewin's comments,
however, one of the caveats he mentioned has been met with the retirement of
Undersheriff Murakami. Expressed that I think we can all agree that Mr. Murakami
did such a great job as our Chief of Police and Undersheriff and held both positions
with such high regard.
Council Member Clark stated this is tough because she loved Tim Murakami as our
Chief of Police as he did a wonderful job and did so much for our community.
Indicated the only reservation she has is the very day that the agenda came out, the
investigation of former LA County Sheriff Villanueva was on the first page of the
Tribune and Undersheriff Murakami was mentioned. Suggested postponing this
until the Public Safety Center renovation is completed and rather than renaming the
Center itself, simply naming a room after Undersheriff Murakami.
Council Member Armenta expressed the respect she has for Undersheriff
Murakami is unprecedented; emphasized she feels with her whole heart that
whatever comes out from the investigation of Mr. Villanueva is not a reflection of
Mr. Murakami. Stated having said that, she has received many concerns in naming
the Public Safety Center after Undersheriff Murakami; noted she reached out to
Undersheriff Murakami to let him know the difficulties that she faces because of
the respect she has for him and how much she wanted to name the facility after him.
Indicated Mr. Murakami told her point blank that "he would never want to be part
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of a city where residents are torn apart because of naming a facility". Council
Member Armenta opined it is fair to name a wing or even the Emergency Operation
Center (EOC) after him. Shared that Undersheriff Murakami was not even
expecting this recognition but stated he would be honored if the city decided to
name anything after him. Also, he does not want controversy or having this item to
distract people from what the city is doing. Council Member Armenta reiterated
that is the kind of person Tim Murakami is, he looks out for what is best for the
community and not what is best for himself.
Mayor Dang asked if Council Member Armenta was okay with proceeding with the
naming prior to the completion or if she agreed with Council Member Clark to wait
until after the completion.
Council Member Armenta responded it was my understanding the renaming would
take place after the completion of the Center.
Council Member Low expressed while I have high respect for Undersheriff
Murakami, I am uncomfortable with naming a public facility after someone;
emphasized the reason she cannot support renaming the Center after Undersheriff
Murakami is not anything against him as a person, rather just based on her belief
of not naming a public facility after someone. However, Council Member Low did
indicate support for naming a room or the Emergency Operations Center after
Undersheriff Murakami.
Mayor Dang asked Mayor Pro Tem Ly if he would be opposed to just naming the
Emergency Operations Center room instead of the Public Safety Center itself.
Mayor Pro Tem Ly inquired if that is going to be a room in the Public Safety Center.
City Manager Kim explained the "main room where the Emergency Operations
Center is through the double doors will remain.
Mayor Pro Tem Ly said he has no objections overall; however, he does not
understand the difference between naming a room and the facility itself if the
concern is about what the investigation looks like. Reiterated he has complete faith
and confidence in Mr. Murakami, which is why he wants to name the building after
him. It sounds like there is more than enough majority with renaming the EOC, so
I'm okay with it.
Council Member Armenta motioned to rename the Rosemead Emergency
Operations Center after Los Angeles County Undersheriff Tim K. Murakami.
Council Member Clark inquired if we would rename it to reflect Mr. Murakami's
title that he served with the City of Rosemead as our Chief of Police and not
the Undersheriff.
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Mayor Pro Tem Ly explained we named a room after former City Manager Frank
Tripepi at the Garvey Center; noted the room name does not include a title, simply
called the "Frank G. Tripepi Room". Suggested doing the same in this instance,
calling it the "Tim Murakami Emergency Operations Center Room" ("Tim
Murakami Room" for shorthand) and adding a plaque explaining why the room
is named after him.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Armenta and seconded by Mayor Dang to
rename the Rosemead Emergency Operations Center to the "Tim Murakami
Emergency Operations Center Room", and to have a plaque explaining why the
room was renamed in honor of our former Chief of Police Murakami. The motion
was carried out by the following roll call vote AYES: Armenta, Clark, Dang,
Low, Ly NOES: None ABSENT: None
B. Discussion on the City's Election Cycle
Mayor Pro Tem Ly requested the City Council discuss the City's current election
cycle. On October 12, 2021, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1003, which
amended municipal code section 1.12.010, moving the date of the city's General
Municipal Election date from March of even -numbered years to the date of the
statewide primary election in even -numbered years pursuant to Senate Bill (SB)
970 beginning in 2022.
Recommendation: That the City Council discuss and provide further direction to
City staff.
Mayor Pro Tem Ly placed this item for a couple of reasons, I want us as Council
and for the residents to have a consistent Election cycle. Worried the off -election
cycle on even -numbered years causes some confusion and I don't want that for our
residents. Did we change when we do the Mayor rotation, and if so, how did that
change?
Council Member Armenta responded instead of doing the Council reorg in March,
Council voted to change the rotation in June after the election. Noted unfortunately,
Mayor Dang lost a couple of months in that rotation in June while Council Member
Low gained a couple of months from March to June.
Mayor Dang interjected, explaining it was my understanding the rotation was
changing for the Mayor term from June to June.
Council Members Clark and Low concurred with Mayor Dang's understanding.
Council Member Armenta asked if the City Clerk could verify.
City Clerk Hernandez replied there was a lot of back and forth in the discussion;
noted it was mainly addressing the June election, but we can look into this to verify
and report back to Council.
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Mayor Pro Tem Ly noted unfortunately that conversation points to what my
concern is overall. Stating if it was up to me, I would like to go back to a standalone
election where the city ran its own election with the City Clerk facilitating and
consisting of whatever items Rosemead needs to put on the ballot. Expressed let's
create consistency for the residents so they know when they are voting for their
Council as it influences and impacts their lives more than a state or federal
election. Suggested moving our election to the November election cycles as it is
constitutionally protected, which would create that consistency.
Council Member Clark indicated her issue with moving the election is voters are
concentrating on the statewide matters and our election gets lost in the shuffle rather
than focusing on their city's ballot items. Stated she does not support moving our
elections to the November election cycle.
Council Member Armenta agrees with Mayor Pro Tem Ly that there was lot of
confusion for the residents. Pointed out that Mayor Pro Tem Ly, Council Member
Clark and her own seat will be up in June, then Mayor Dang and Council Member
Low's seats will be up in March. Opined something does have to take effect so
that we are all on the same page. Shared there is a bill enacted that requires every
local election to be listed on the top of the ballot.
City Clerk Hernandez affirmed that is correct.
Council Member Low asked the City Clerk if hers and Mayor Dang's seat will
be up in March or June.
City Clerk Hernandez responded that the seats of Mayor Dang and Council Member
Low will be up in the Primary Election in March 2024.
Mayor Pro Tem Ly opined that is only the case right now as they are always
changing the Presidential primary years.
Council Member Low stated she thought all our city elections would be held
in June; inquired if Mayor Dang's and my seats are up in March, then two years
later the next city election could be March or June?
Mayor Pro Tem Ly responded when Mayor Dang and Council Member Low's seat
is up, your election will be held in March. However, we cannot say what will
happen six or ten years from now as that will depend on the respective parties and
when they think they want California to vote in the primary elections.
Council Member Low indicated she understands why Mayor Pro Tem Ly is
suggesting moving the elections to November so that there is no dependency on
what could happen based on the state.
Mayor Pro Tem Ly affirmed that is correct and why I am recommending it.
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Council Member Low expressed concern with moving to November as there would
be many local elections on the ballot. Stated however, she does see the advantage
of the election date being consistent and would support moving it to November.
Mayor Dang concurred and supported moving the election to November as it would
be beneficial to the residents. Asked for a motion.
Mayor Pro Tem Ly explained this discussion was just to see if there was a desire
from Council to move the election, but we would still need staff to complete
research, and the City Attorney to look into the legalities as well as preparing an
ordinance. Inquired if Mayor Dang and Council Member Low's last election cycle
two years ago was before or after we already changed how we were going to
do the elections?
City Clerk Hernandez responded for the terms of Mayor Dang and Council Member
Low, we called the election, but since they ran unopposed, we then cancelled
the election, which was after implementing Senate Bill 415.
Mayor Pro Tem Ly ascertained so timeline wise, we are in the window where we
can move the election if we so choose to. Noted the original reason why I supported
the primary dates was because it was consistently going to be in March, then the
State changed it to where gubernatorial years will be in June and presidential years
in March. Expressed because of that, now the city has to figure things out again.
ACTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Ly and seconded by Council Member Low
to direct staff to look at how we can move the General election cycles period.
The motion was carried out by the following roll call vote AYES: Armenta, Dang,
Low, Ly NOES: Clark ABSENT: None
C. Rosemead Boulevard Relinquishment Discussion
Mayor Pro Tern Ly requested the City Council discuss the Caltrans relinquishment
of Rosemead Boulevard to the City of Rosemead.
Recommendation: That the City Council discuss and provide further direction to
City staff.
Mayor Pro Tem Ly requested to table this item to the next meeting.
D. Council Comments
Council Member Clark stated she was very shocked at the November meeting when
she asked to verify that we are not going to charge residents for street sweeping;
indicated she hoped for an emphatic no from her colleagues, noted Council Member
Armenta was the only one who said it could come out of the franchise fee.
Explained since the services are contracted, the city would still pay through the
franchise fee.
Rosemead City Council & Successor Agency Joint Regular Meeting
Minutes of December 13, 2022
Page 38 of 40
Council Member Armenta interjected, rebutted saying she did not state that. Asked
Council Member Clark to only speak on her remarks.
Council Member Clark noted she was very surprised that there was no confirmation
from the rest of the Council. Expressed interest in Mayor Pro Tem Ly's comment
that we don't know what other cities are doing; indicated she did some research
and learned that there are some cities charging the residents for trash and street
sweeping. Pointed out that we pay $71 roughly for three months of trash pick-up
and the cities charging the residents are paying $125. Emphasized this is an
important issue and she is adamant that residents do not pay for street sweeping
services; stating she hopes what the city pays does not come out of the General
Fund but rather that money from Measure W is used instead.
Council Member Armenta said she wants to make it clear that both Athens Services
and Republic Services street sweeping are up for bid in June and July 2023;
reiterated if we ask these questions to Republic Services, then it's only right that
we ask the same questions to Athens Services, especially when there is a possibility
of joining the street sweeping and trash hauling services together. Council Member
Armenta asked Director of Public Works Chung what surrounding cities have trash
hauling and street sweeping services combined and how much the rates have
changed and/or increased per year. Thanked Director of Parks and Recreation
Boecking on a beautiful Christmas Tree Lighting and the joyous holiday program.
It was amazing to see all of our Directors and Sheriff Team come together to
provide service to our residents at the annual Community Holiday Luncheon and
Toy Drive.
Council Member Low stated she is sorry she was not able to attend the Tree
Lighting or the Community Holiday; Luncheon since she was out of the country.
Thanked staff for their support with the events and is happy to hear they were
successful.
Mayor Pro Tem Ly wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Stated he hopes we all stay safe during this holiday season and that he is looking
forward to a fresh new and adventurous 2023.
Mayor Dang thanked Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking for a beautiful
Christmas "Tree Lighting ceremony, noting it was well attended. Echoed
appreciation to the Directors and staff for their efforts with the Holiday Toy Drive
Luncheon. Announced the following upcoming events: 1) Holiday Decorations
Awards Ceremony on December 14, 2022, at 6 p.m., at Garvey Center; and 2) Santa
Claus is coming to Rosemead from December 16th through December 19th.
Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking stated Santa will be escorted throughout
the town beginning each night's journey at approximately 6:00 p.m. and will return
to the North Pole at 9:30 p.m., weather permitting. Noted the City will be divided
into four quadrants and the map can be viewed on the city website or social media.
Rosemead City Council & Successor Agency Joint Regular Meeting
Minutes of December 13, 2022
Page 39 of 40
Eco.01111�
Mayor Dang adjourned the meeting at 11:28 p.m., in memory of Art Landing, a wonderful
supporter of our city and Kiwanis Club Member. The regular meeting for December 27,
2022, is cancelled. The next City Council meeting will take place on January 10, 2023,
at 7:00 p.m. in the Rosemead City Hall Council Chamber.
Ericka Hernandez, City Clerk
APPROVED:
Steven Ly, Mayor
Rosemead City Council & Successor Agency Joint Regular Meeting
Minutes of December 13, 2022
Page 40 of 40