1 3-2 4 -22
Unofficial until approved by the
Alhambra City Council
MINUTES
Special Meeting
ALHAMBRA CITY COUNCIL
Council Chambers , 1 1 1 South First Street
March 24 , 2022
1 :0 0 p.m.
ROLL CALL: At 1 :26 p.m., on Thursday , March 24 , 2022, the Alhambra City Council met in Council Chambers and virtually via Zoom.
PRESENT: LEE, M AZA , P É REZ , ANDRADE-STADLER , MALONEY ABSENT:
Officials Present in person and via Zoom: City Manager Binnquist, City Attorney Montes, Assistant City Manager Garcia, Deputy City Manager Stover, City Clerk Myles, Director of Finance Lieu, Director of Public Works/ Utilities Ray, Director of Parks and Recreation Macias, Director of Library LohGuan, Marketing and Communications Specialist Nguyen, Director of Community Development Ho, Fire Chief Ragusa, Police Chief Kennedy, Director of Human Resources Ko CITY CLERK REPORT - NOTICE NO. N2M 22-41
The City Clerk hereby report ed that she duly gave notice of the special meeting of the City Council being held this afternoon pursuant to the order of the Mayor and in accordance with Section 54956 of the Government Code of the State of California.
PRESENTATION S
1. 2021-2022 STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE – F2M18-35
On September 27, 2021 and December 13, 2021 , staff presented and the City Council received and filed the first and second quarter update of the 2021- 20 22 Alhambra Strategic Plan , respectively . Since those updates, and through March 2022, staff continue d to focus on the execution of high priority Strategic Plan items. Due to the number of priority items still in progress, staff conducted a comprehensive update of the status of all Strategic Plan items. Currently, there were 40 active items on the Plan, which include d two additional items, as a result of the adoption of the Housing Element. There were also 21 items that were moved to the “completed and continuous ” section of the Strategic Plan.
As the Council review ed the current, completed and continuous Strategic Plan priorities, staff provided status updates .
Public Comment:
1) Chris OLSON , via Zoom, Planning Commissioner, thanked the City Council for creating a strategic plan that covers a wide range of policy issues and expressed her support for a historic preservation ordinance.
2) Ari Gutierrez ARAMBULA , via Zoom, stated th at a number of identified goals should be items accomplished by the staff without being identified on the strategic plan and discussed a number of maintenance issues in the City that need to be addressed. 2 3-2 4 -22
She noted that her additional comments will be emailed to the City Clerk. 3) Tay COSTA, via Zoom, representing th e Alhambra Chamber of Commerce, spoke in support of the Council ’s strategic goal to bring additional funding for small businesses and working with property owners of vacant properties to bring new businesses to the City.
4) L ewis MCCAMMON, via Zoom, discussed strategic pla n priority Item 7 (complete citywide ACT bus route and ridership study) , priority Item 18 ( complete design guidelines for the East Main Corridor) , priority Item 23 (develop a plan with alternatives for Shorb Clinic) , priority Item 31 ( bring forward a minimum wage ordinance for large corporations) , priority Item 34 (research “Citizens Housing Review Panel ” to potentially replace the HCDA) , priority Item 35 (create a program to inspect rental properties of 2+ units every other year) Public Comment received via email on file in the City Clerk ’s office:
1) John BWARIE, via email, representing the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce , recommended developing a mission statement , recommended that 3-5 high-level strategic priorities be the focus , recommended study sessions for each goal, and discussed re-ranking, adding, or eliminating several priority goals from the existing strategic plan list.
2) Shirley TATSUNO, via email, discussed priority Item 7 (complete citywide Act bus route and ridership study), priority Item 23 (develop a plan with alternatives for Shorb Clinic), priority It em 28 (electrification of newly constructed buildings), and priority Item 35 (rental inspection program).
3) Marisol GRIER, via email , expressed he r support for the revitalization of Alhambra, improved transit options and walkable areas , and increased maintenance of Main St.
Discussion: Council discussed priority Item 1 (continue to support permanent supportive housing – American Family Housing (2 nd and Main)) and Community Development Director HO responded to inquiries.
Council member P É REZ discussed implementing high-level strategic priority areas and having tasks under each priority for a future strategic plan ning . Councilmember LEE discussed creating strategic plan priority items that would align with the community ’s priority items and utilizing a city-wide survey to determine community priorities. City Manager BINNQU IST agreed that staff would like to see changes for a future strategic plan and noted that a different consultant will be used for future strategic plans.
Council discussed priority Item 2 (update the zoning related to West Valley and East Main ) and noted continued support for the item.
Council discussed priority Item 3 (pursue development of a new multistory permanent supportive housing on Chapel Avenue) and noted continued support for the item.
MAZA: Councilmember MAZA left the Council Chambers at 2:11 p.m. and returned at 2:13 p.m.
Council discussed priority Item 4 (work with Caltrans and the County Flood Control on options for the area adjacent to the 710 if the freeway is reduced to an arterial. Proceed 3 3-2 4 -22
with public outreach and stakeholder meetings to advance improvement concepts related to the SR 710 Mobility Improvements and to comply with Caltrans requirements) and City Manager BINN QU IST and Assistant City Manager GARIA responded to inquiries . Council requested that staff reach out to Caltrans for a written update and noted continued support for the item.
Vice Mayor ANDRADE-STADLER recommended more frequent strategic plan status updates in the future so that progress can be better tracked.
Mayor MALONEY noted that priority Item 5 (complete an economic study for West Valley) ha s been completed.
Council discussed priority Item 6 (undertake a bike safety program that includes diversion for citations) and reached consensus that this item has been complete d and to move the portion related to diversion program to another priority item.
Council discussed priority Item 7 (complete citywide ACT bus route and ridership study) and Director of Public Works/ Utilities RAY responded to inquiries. Council noted their continued support for the item.
Mayor MALONEY discussed priority Item 8 (complete a comprehensive multimodal transportation plan that includes safe routes to school plan) and noted continued support for the item.
Council discussed priority Item 9 (evaluate spaces for a dog park) and noted continued support for the item.
Council discussed priority Item 10 (prepare options for a historic preservation ordinance for Council consideration) and Community Development Director HO responded to inquiries. Council noted continued support for the item.
Council discussed priority Item 11 (create design guidelines for multi-family dwellings ) and City Manager BINNQU IST stated its not currently being worked on and there is no current timeline to complete the item.
Council discussed priority Item 12 (increase green space in the community) and noted that this item will continue to be a continuous priority goal in the future.
Council discussed priority Item 13 (development of a comprehensive sustainability plan) .
Council noted continued support for the item.
Council discussed priority Item 14 (enhance the City ’s forestry plan th rough a comprehensive forestry program). City Manager BINNQU IST noted that staff will be soliciting grants that allow property owners to assist with the planting of trees. Council noted continued support for the item.
Mayor MALONEY discussed priority Item 15 (efforts to recruit and retain police officers ) and Council noted continued support for the item.
Council discussed priority Item 16 (bring forward a just cause eviction ordinance and rent stabilization ordinance) and Assistant City Manager GARCIA responded to inquiries.
Council noted continued support for the item.
4 3-2 4 -22
Mayor MALONEY discussed priority Item 17 (create a vision zero local road safety plan with a working group and work towards traffic calming on all major streets) and Council noted continued support for the item.
Mayor MALONEY discussed priority Item 18 (complete design guidelines for the East Main Corridor) and Council noted continued support for the item.
Council discussed priority Item 19 (revitalize identity of commercial corridors and pursue steps to eliminate vacant storefronts) and Community Development Director HO and Director of Parks and Recreation MACIAS responded to inquiries. Council noted continued support for the item.
Council discussed priority Item 20 (study vacancy tax/penalties for long-term vacancies) and Community Development Director Ho responded to inquiries . Council discussed alternative solutions to a ballot measure and noted that item 19 could be combined with this goal.
Mayor MALONEY discussed priority Item 21 (bring forward a resolution to support mobility and active transportation ) and Council noted continued support for the item.
Mayor MALONEY discussed priority Item 2 2 (streamline the permit process) and Council noted continued support for the item.
Council discussed priority Item 23 (develop a plan with alternatives for Shorb Clinic) and Community Development Director H O responded to inquiries. Council noted continued support for the item.
Council discussed priority Item 24 (overlay zone for affordable housing on congregational land) and noted combining this update with the upcoming zoning code update.
Council discussed priority Item 25 (evaluate a vacant storefront window covering program) and noted combining this item with priority Item 19.
Mayor MALONEY discussed priority Item 26 ( add bike racks where needed in the City) And noted this goal will be combined with the bike/ped plan.
Council discussed priority Item 27 (create a program for business outreach in multiple languages using Library resources) and noted their continued support for the item.
Council discussed priority Item 28 (explore the viability of encouraging the electrification of newly constructed buildings ) and Community Development Director HO responded to inquiries. Council noted that this goal will be combined with the sustainability plan discussion.
Council discussed priority Item 29 (guaranteed income program for Alhambra residents pursuant to State funds) and City Manager BINNQUIST and Assistant City Manager GARCIA responded to inquiries. Council noted continued support for the item.
Council discussed priority Item 30 (research “Air bnb and short-term rental options for potential taxes and fees ”) and Community Development Director HO and City Manager BINNQUIST responded to inquiries. Council noted that a larger discussion of this item is needed for the future.
5 3-2 4 -22
Council discussed priority Item 31 (bring forward a minimum wage ordinance for large corporations) and agreed to not make this item a top priority at the moment.
Mayor MALONEY discussed priority Item 32 (bring forward a resolution to ban fracking) and noted that this item can be combined with the sustainability plan discussion.
Mayor MALONEY discussed priority Item 33 (partner with other cities on regional grants) and noted staff should be looking for grant opportunities whenever possible and that the item can be removed from the list.
Council discussed priority Item 34 (research “Citizens Housing Review Panel ” to potentially replace the HCDA ”) and noted continued support for the item.
Mayor MALONEY discussed priority Item 35 (create a program to inspect rental properties 2+ units every other year) and noted continued support for the item.
Council discussed priority Item 36 (create a know your neighbor program) and noted continued support for the item.
Council discussed priority Item 37 (bring forward information to change the Mayoral rotation) noted that this goal can be taken off as a priority.
Council discussed priority Item 38 (sister cities (Taiwan)) and discussed various ways that the City can engage a sister city in the future.
Mayor MALONEY noted priority Item 39 (housing element local hire program – the use of local skilled labor for housing development by proposing local hire program for residential projects that met specific criteria) was completed in the housing element.
Mayor MALONEY noted priority Item 40 (housing element develop will include a proposal for a workforce housing program that may include coordination with major employers to create employer assisted housing, identification of financial resources specific to workforce housing, or other incentives and actions to preserve and produce workforce housing) was completed in the housing element.
Mayor MALONEY discussed the following secondary goals:
1. Extend efforts to modernize/upgrade technology to ease access of municipal services. Add programs to support improved interaction with the City. (Council noted continued support)
2. City ’s Tree City USA designation. (Council noted continued support)
3. Secure grant funding for various strategic, program, and capital improvement efforts. Focus on sustainability, infrastructure, modernization, and programs/services for development of a comprehensive sustainability plan. (Council noted continued support)
4. Allow carve outs into the right of way with barriers for outdoor dining . (Council noted continued support)
5. Evaluate options regarding the City ’s fleet and conversion to non-fossil fuel vehicles . (Council noted continued support)
6. Secure additional federal funds for small businesses . (Council noted continued support)
7. At least every 2 years, contact vacant property owners regarding opportunities for investment . ( Council noted continued support)
6 3-2 4 -22
8. Extend outreach efforts to keep the community informed and enhance the public participation process. Reach out to healthydemocracy.org for information on potential programs (including in residents ’ native language) . (Council noted continued support)
9. Translation of all City Council agenda materials. (Council and staff noted logistical and cost issues with this goal . Staff will explore other translation options for the future)
10. Acquire a motel for non-congregate living. (Council noted continued support)
11. Bring forward information on the PACE program and other energy efficiency financing/grants available to residents . (Council noted continued support)
12. Promote celebrations to foster community pride. (Council noted continued support)
13. Pursue partnership opportunities and consider a possible Beautification Committee . ( Counci l discussed other beautification efforts in the City)
14. Participate in Regional Biking Events . (Council noted continued support)
15. Identify the benefits associated with rainwater collection systems . (Council noted continued support)
16. Art Committee to promote student art . (Council noted continued support)
17. Increase Youth Commission interactions with seniors . (Council noted continued support.
18. Complete an Economic Study for the East Main Corridor. (Council noted continued support.
19. Request direction on the restructuring of boards and commission and consider adding new groups. (Council noted continued support)
20. Partner with Republic Services for a community education program on composting . (Council noted continued support)
21. Increase staff education efforts related to “Innovation ” in the City (trainings/conferences) . (Council noted continued support) Action Taken : City Council review ed , receive d and file d the 2021-2022 Alhambra Strategic Plan update, Quarter 3.
ADJOURNMENT: At 4:19 p.m . there being no further business for the Council to transact, the Mayor, with the consent of the City Council , adjourned their meeting .
LAUREN MYLES, CMC
CITY CLER K