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Unofficial until approved by the
Alhambra City Council
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
ALHAMBRA CITY COUNCIL
Council Chambers , 1 1 1 South First Street
April 11 , 2022
6:0 0 p.m.
ROLL CALL: At 6: 18 p.m., on Monday, April 11 , 2022, the Alhambra City Council met in Council Chambers and virtually via Zoom.
PRESENT: LEE, M AZA , P É REZ , ANDRADE-STADLER , MALONEY ABSENT: NONE
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 Fraser, Director of Human Resources Ko
READING OF ORDINANCE TITLES
Government Code Section 36934 requires that all ordinances be read in full prior to City Council taking action on the ordinance. By listing the ordinance title on the Council agenda, Council may determine that the title has been read.
Action Taken: On motion of Ms. ANDRADE-STADLER, seconded by Ms. PÉREZ, the City Council determined that the titles to all ordinances which appeared on this public agenda had been read, and waived further reading. Hearing no objections, the Mayor so ordered.
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: PÉREZ
Ayes: LEE, MAZA, PÉREZ, ANDRADE-STADLER, MALONEY
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
CEREMONIALS
1. COMMMENDATIONS & PRESENTATION: MARGUERITA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ’S “ BRING YOUR OWN RESUSABLES ” PROGRAM – F2M22-3
Mayor M ALONEY and the Alhambra City Council, on behalf of the citizens of Alhambra, wish ed to recognize and commend students from Marguerita Elementary School for their leadership and involvement in the school ’s “BYOR ” Program. The “Bring Your Own Resuables ” Program encourages students to bring eating utensils and food containers from home in order to reduce waste. The City Council commend ed participating students for their enthusiastic work on the Program and thanks them for their dedication and commitment to creating sustainable environmental solutions not only for the benefit of students at Marguerita Elementary School, but for the betterment of our community. The students from Marguerita Elementary gave a short presentation on the “Bring Your Own Resusables ” Program to the City Council. Mayor Maloney present ed commendations to the students.
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2. P ROCLAMATIONS – F2M22-3
A. Ratif ied the action of Mayor Maloney in proclaiming the month of April 20 22 , as DONATE LIFE MONTH in Alhambra. Mayor Maloney presented the proclamation to Ms. Darlene Pacillas , a Donate Life Ambassador to the City of Alhambra.
B. Rati fied the action of Mayor Maloney in proclaiming the April 17-22, 2022 , as MOSQUITO AWARENESS WEEK in Alhambra. Mayor Maloney presented the proclamation to Mr. Levy Sun , Director of Communications of San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District.
C. Ratif ied the action of Mayor Maloney in proclaiming April 27, 2022 , as DENIM DAY in Alhambra as a part of April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
PRESENTATIONS
3. STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS – F2M22-16
Mayor Maloney provided insight on p rogress that has been made over the past year and where the C ity is heading in 2022 .
Public Comment :
Melissa MICHAELSON , via Zoom, expressed concern with the Chamber of Commerce charging for a separate State of the City event.
Discussion : Mayor MALONEY noted that he is happy to attend any event that help s promote the City and community .
Action Taken : City Council received and ordered filed the informational report.
4. FIREWORKS DISCUSSION – F2M22-16
Director of Parks and Recreation MACIAS delivered a staff report. At the March 14, 2022, City Council meeting, Councilmember LEE requested, and Council concurred, that staff return with an agenda item to facilitate a discussion concerning fireworks. Staff provided information to facilitate that discussion and was available for questions and/or direction.
Public Comment:
1) Mark TRULSON , representing Alhambra High School Marching Band, discussed the importance of fundraising with their firework stand.
2) Ikdeep SINGH, representing Alhambra High School “Mighty Moors ” Marching Band, discussed the importance of fundraising with their firework stand. 3) Ralph MONDRAGON, 24 N. Stoneman Ave., asked the Council to reconsider their ban on firework stands.
4) Michael DANINGER, 617 N. Granada Ave., asked the Council to consider a ban on safe and sane fireworks.
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5) Hank CANALE, Alhambra American Little League, discussed the importance of fundraising with their firework stand.
6) Carolyn HILL, N. Cordova St., expressed her concerns with illegal and safe and sane fireworks.
7) Ari G. ARAMBULA , via Zoom, expressed her concerns with illegal and safe and sane fireworks.
8) Elsa BALSZ, via Zoom, representing Alhambra High School Band Booster Club, discussed the importance of fundraising with their firework stand. 9) Melissa MICHELSON, via Zoom, discussed the pros and cons of fireworks and suggested allowing fireworks that don ’t create pollution and debris.
Public Comment received via email and on file in the City Clerk ’s office:
1) Armando JACQUEZ , representing American Legion, Post #139 , discussed the importance of fundraising with their firework stand.
2) Leticia URETCHO , representing All Souls Catholic Church , requested that the City not ban the use of safe and sane fireworks in the City.
3) Cely MONTES, requested that the City not ban the use of safe and sane fireworks in the City.
4) Justin C han , representing San Gabriel Valley New Generation Rotary , discussed the importance of fundraising with their firework stand.
Discussion: Council member LEE discussed the issues that come with fireworks, including injuries and fires and expressed support to place a ban on safe and sane fireworks with an exception for the professional fireworks show at Almansor Park.
Councilmember MAZA noted that most issues from fireworks come from illegal fireworks vs. safe and sane. Councilmember PÉREZ stated that she did not support a ban on safe and sane fireworks . Vice Mayor ANDRADE-STADLER also stated that she did not support a ban on safe and sane fireworks and noted most of the issues come from illegal fireworks.
Council continued to discuss the item and Police Chief F raser and Fire Chief Ragusa responded to questions related to potential dangers with safe and sane fireworks and public safety personnel needed during firework season . Mayor MALONEY stated that he does not support a ban on safe and sane fireworks.
Action Taken: The City Council took no action.
CONSENT AGENDA (Item Nos. 5 -14 )
All other items listed under the Consent Agenda , with the exception of Item No. 8 and 11 , were considered by the City Council to be routine and were enacted by one motion.
5. RESOLUTION: FY 202 2 -2 023 PROJECT IDENTIFICATION FOR THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017 (SB1 BEALL) – F 2M2 2-39, R2M22-19 The Road Repair and Accountability Act stipulate d that, prior to receiving Road 4 4-11 -22
Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) funds in a fiscal year, a city or county must submit to the California Transportation Commission (CTC) a project list pursuant to an adopted resolution. This information was due by May 31, 2022 . Staff proposed a Street Rehabilitation Project for FY 202 2 -202 3 that include d the following areas: Chestnut, Date, Elm, Keats, La Paloma, Lemon, Meridian, Mimosa, Orange Grove, Orange St., Pepper, Primrose, Raymond, Stockbridge, Westminster, Winchester a nd Winthrop . It was anticipated that the City will receive $ 1,966,222.00 from the RMRA Fund for FY 202 2 - 202 3 .
Discussion : None
Action Taken: City Coun cil adopt ed Resolution No. R2M 22-19 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Alhambra, California adopting the fiscal year 20 22 -202 3 list of projects funded by SB 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act ; and, direct staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action.
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: PÉREZ
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, PÉREZ, MAZA, LEE, MALONEY
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
6. NIB: PURCHASE OF A 3 YARD DUMP TRUCK FOR THE UTILITIES DIVISION – F2M22-6A, N2M22-46
Public Works and Utilities Department staff uses vehicles and equipment to conduct daily maintenance and service on the City ’s infrastructure. The dump truck to be replaced was in service for over 20 years. Maintenance and repairs exceeded the value of the vehicle, which reached the end of its expected useful life. Specifications were prepared for this purchase. Staff reviewed and approved the specifications, which were available for review in addition to the bid notice and bid instructions.
Discussion : None
Action Taken: City Council authorize d the circulation of a Notice Inviting Bids for the purchase of a 3 Yard Dump Truck, with bids due no later than 10:30 a.m. on May 5, 2022; and , direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action.
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: PÉREZ
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, PÉREZ, MAZA, LEE, MALONEY
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
7. AWARD CONTRACT: PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE ALLEY RECONSTRUCTION PLAN – F2M21-75, RFP2M21-20 , C2M22-15, M2M22-44 The Alley Reconstruction Plan consist ed of approximately 27,000 linear feet of alley segments citywide. To streamline the capital improvement process and provide a savings to the City, design and specifications for several alley segments at once are being proposed. This would allow staff to have plans readily available for reconstruction of alley segments as funding becomes available. Staff circulated a Request for Proposals to qualified companies for Engineering Design Services for the completion of Plans- 5 4-11 -22
Specifications and Cost Estimates and received proposals from four companies. Staff reviewed and evaluated all of the responding proposals based on the following selection methodology: proposal format , understanding of work , experience with similar work , qualifications of staff and performance on previous project s. The p roposal submitted by West & Associates Engineering Inc. conform ed to the RFP and meets the City ’s needs with the highest average score . Once the plans were complete d , a request for Notice Inviting Bids for the construction phase of the project would be presented to City Council for consideration.
Discussion : None
Action Taken: City Council award ed a contract, subject to final language approval by the City Manager and City Attorney, to West & Associates, Inc . in the amount of $282,000.00 for Professional Engineering Design Services for Plans, Specifications and Cost Estimate (PS&E) for the Alley Reconstruction Plan; and , direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action. ( M2M22- 44 ) Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: PÉREZ
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, PÉREZ, MAZA, LEE, MALONEY
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
8. FY 2021 URBAN AREA STRATEGIC SECURITY INITIATIVE GRANT – F2M1-106, C2M22-17, M2M22-45
Police Chief Fraser delivered a staff report. As a designated Core City, the City of Los Angeles is eligible for additional funding through the Urban Area Strategic Security Initiative (UASI) Grant Program that is administered by the Department of Homeland Security. In addition to the Core City, individual cities that are contiguous to the City of Los Angeles are also eligible for funding. The Alhambra Police Department and the Alhambra Fire Department jointly submitted a grant request for $ 503,304.00 to the Approval Authority who administers the UASI Grant Program and the request was approved. The Police Department was allocated $358,304.00 and the Fire Department was allocated $145,000.00. The grant funds would be used to purchase Personal Protective Equipment, Automated License Plate Recognition Equipment, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Mobile Device Forensic Software and Mobile Command Post Upgrades to enhance region security. The Fire Department allocation would be used for Urban Search and Rescue equipment and training.
Discussion : Vice Mayor ANDRADE-STADLER inquired if the information brough t in by automated license plate reader s (ALPR) will be shared with federal agencies or any private companies . Police Chief Fraser noted that no information is shared with federal agencies of private companies.
Action Taken: City Council took the following actions: 1) Accept ed the 2021 Urban Area Strategic Security Initiative Grant (UASI) in the amount of $503,304.00; 2) D irect ed the Finance Director to amend the City ’s 2021-22 Adopted Budget by increasing the Police Department revenue by $358,304.00 in account 101.20.42397 and appropriating $358,304.00 in account 101.20.2010.99397 and increasing the Fire Department revenue by $145,000.00 in account 101.30.42397 and appropriating $145,000.00 in account 101.30.3610.99397; and , 3) D irect ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action. (M2M2 2 -45 )
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Vote: Moved: LEE Seconded: PÉREZ
Ayes: PÉREZ, MAZA, ANDRADE-STADLER, LEE, MALONEY
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
9. NOTICE OF COMPLETION: UPGRADE TO THE ROOF AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT – F2M19-55, C2M20-58, M2M22-46
On October 12, 2020, the City Council awarded a contract to Best Contracting Services to provide an upgrade to the roof located at the Police Department in the amount of $176,500. The project was completed in accordance with the City ’s requirements and specifications. There were no change orders from the contracted work. As a result, it was appropriate for the City Council to accept this project as completed and instruct the City Clerk that the Notice of Completion be filed with the County of Los Angeles Recorder ’s Office.
Discussion : None
Action Taken: City Council accept ed the work of Best Contracting Services for the upgrade to the roof located at the Police Department as complete in the amount of $176,500 ; direct ed the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with the County of Los Angeles for recordation; instruct the Finance director to release the 5% retention 35 days from the date of recordation if no liens are filed; and , direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize the Council ’s action. ( M2M22-46 ) Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: PÉREZ
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, PÉREZ, MAZA, LEE, MALONEY
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
10. NIB: ALHAMBRA CITY YARD FENCING PROJECT – F2M22-40, N2M22-45 The Alhambra City Yard is a multi-functional facility located at 900 S. New Avenue. The City Yard contains offices and facilities for Public Works, Utilities, Parks and Recreation, and the Alhambra Golf Course. Since its construction, the chain link fencing at City Yard ’s has remained virtually unchanged, with the exception of necessary repairs. Recent events have revealed the City Yard in vulnerable to break-ins and theft of City property. In an effort to improve security, staff recommended replacing the existing chain link fence with a wrought iron fence. The project bids would be due no later than 10:30 a.m. on May 12, 2022 in the office of the City Cler k and would be opened at 11:00 a.m. that same day.
Discussion : None
Action Taken: City Council authorize d staff to circulate a Notice Inviting Bids to prospective contractors for the Alhambra City Yard Fencing Project and direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action.
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: PÉREZ
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, PÉREZ, MAZA, LEE, MALONEY
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
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11. AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION FOR A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR ’S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES – F2M22-18, R2M22-20 Assistant City Manager G ARCIA delivered a staff report. Cal OES offers a competitive grant program to provide funding to fire departments and emergency operation centers for high-frequency backup disaster communications systems in order to create redundant coverage during an emergency incident in which conventional communications infrastructure fails. The funding, allocated from the State General Fund, allows local governments to be included in an integrated high frequency radio network service that utilizes frequencies authorized by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The Alhambra Fire Department sought grant funding in the amount of $60,000 to purchase a high-frequency radio unit, including installation, training and unlimited access to the dedicated FCC frequencies to support emergency communications for a period of five years. Beyond the 5 years, maintenance of the service would be sought through the budget process and/or future grant opportunities.
Discussion : Councilmember LEE inquired if this grant would provide emergency communications to residents. Fire Chief R AGUSA noted that this grant was for a backup communications system in case the primary system goes down. Councilmember LEE discussed the current emergency communication challenges.
Action Taken: City Council approve d an application for $60,000 in grant funds under the High Frequency Communications Program; adopt ed Resolution No. R2M22- 20 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City o f Alhambra, California approving the filing of an application for grant funds to the California Governor ’s Office o f Emergency Services under the High Frequency Communications Grant Program ; and , direct staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize the Council ’s action.
Vote: Moved: PÉREZ Seconded: LEE
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, LEE, MAZA, PÉREZ, MALONEY
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
12. 2021 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT – F2M14-55, M2M22-47 State law require s that the General Plan Annual Progress Report (APR) be completed and submitted to the State by April 1 of each year. The 2021 APR only include d notable General Plan implementation activities that occurred in the year of 2021, which allo wed a streamlined review and highlights the annual implementation progress in an efficient manner. Following the City Council receipt of this annual report, staff would submit the report to the Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
Discussion : None
Action Taken: City Council receive d the 2021 General Plan Annual Progress Report and authorize d staff to file the report with the Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). (M2M22- 47 )
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Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: PÉREZ
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, PÉREZ, MAZA, LEE, MALONEY
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
13. PERSONNEL ACTIONS – F2M22-2
Discussion : None.
Action Taken: City Council ratif ied the actions of the City Manager set forth in that certain Personnel Actions document dated April 11, 2022 showing the various appointments, classifications, salary changes, etc., since the last City Council meeting.
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: PÉREZ
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, PÉREZ, MAZA, LEE, MALONEY
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
14. INITIATION OF THE PROCESS FOR THE CONDUCT OF THE NOVEMBER 8, 2022 ALHAMBRA GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION – F2M22-38, O2M22-4802 Staff request ed the City Council consider adoption of an ordinance calling the General Municipal Election in the City of Alhambra to be held on November 8, 2022 to be consolidated with the Statewide General Election to be held that same date for the purpose of submitting to the qualified voters the following named officers:
City of Alhambra
Councilperson of the First District, full term
Councilperson of the Second District, full term
Councilperson of the Fifth District, full term
and to take any and all actions necessary at this time to start the election process as more fully discussed in the City Clerk ’s April 11, 2022 report.
Discussion : None
Action Taken: C ity Council declare d introduced for its first reading the following ordinance entitled:
Ordinance No. O2M22-4802 : An Ordinance of the Alhambra City Council providing for a General Municipal Election in said city to be held on November 8, 2022 and providing for the consolidation of the General Municipal Election with the Statewide General Election, said election being held for the election of the following city officials, to wit: Councilperson of the First District, full term; Councilperson of the Second District, full term; and, Councilperson of the Fifth District, full term which ordinance would return for a second reading and adoption at the next regular Council meeting .
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: PÉREZ
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, PÉREZ, MAZA, LEE, MALONEY
Noes: NONE
Absent: NON E
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PUBLIC COMMENT FOR NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS - F2M22-4
1) Ted JIMENEZ , representing the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters , expressed frustration of the ongoing tax fraud in the construction industry . 2) Larry GARCIA , representing the Carpenters Union, expressed frustration of the ongoing tax fraud in the construction industry.
3) Jennifer TANG, via zoom, representing Assemblymember Mike Fong, introduced herself and provided the Assemblymember ’s contact information to the community. 4) Lewis MCCAMMON, via zoom, discussed the recent Planning Commission meeting and the reduced ability for the community to participate in public meetings via zoom.
Public Comment received via email and on file in the City Clerk ’s Office:
1) CA Healing Justice sent a letter urging the City to fully implement California ’s new state law on military equipment used by law enforcement in the state in reference to AB 481.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS (ANNOUNCEMENTS & FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS) – F2M2 2 -7 Councilmember PÉREZ reiterated Mr. MCCAMMON ’s comments about public meeting access via zoom , particularly for the Planning Commission. She discussed a letter questioning the City ’s compliance of AB 481 and City Attorney Montes summarized the requirements the City must meet.
She inquired what type of equipment the City possesses that would qualify under the bill and Police Chief Fraser provided an overview of the City ’s report. She noted that she was recently appointed to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority by Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis .
Vice Mayor ANDRADE-STADLER discussed the recent Reading Across America event. She discussed a recent event in celebration of immigrants she attended with Senator Anthony Portantino . She noted an upcoming meeting with Los Angeles Councilmember Kevin DeLeon regarding the travel of trucks on small neighborhood streets.
Councilmember MAZA discussed the uptick of crime in the City. He requested a future presentation by the Police Department regarding the Los Angeles District Attorney .
Council supported Councilmember MAZA ’s request for a future presentation. Councilmember PÉREZ requested that staff also invite a representative from the District Attorney ’s office to be part of the discussion. Vice Mayor ANDRADE-STADLER requested that the Public Integrity Unit be invited to the discussion as well.
ADJOURNMENT: At 9:12 p.m . there being no further business for the Council to transact, the Mayor, with the consent of the City Council , adjourned their meeting to the next regul ar meeting of the Alhambra City Council is scheduled for Monday, April 25 , 202 2 at 6:00 p.m.
LAUREN MYLES, CMC
CITY CLERK