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Unofficial until approved by the
Alhambra City Council
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
ALHAMBRA CITY COUNCIL
October 9 , 202 3
6:0 0 p.m.
ROLL CALL: At 6: 05 p.m., on Monday, October 9 , 202 3 , the Alhambra City Council met in the Council Chambers of Alhambra City Hall
PRESENT: ANDRADE-STADLER, LEE , MALONEY , P É REZ, MAZA 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 Parks and Recreation Macias, Director of Library LohGuan, Director of Community Development Ho, Director of Human Resources Ko , Chief of Police Kennedy FLAG SALUTE : Led by Mayor M aza
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT : We acknowledge d that the land on which we are gathered is the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Gabrielino/ Tongva peoples. We seek to prioritize respect for the historic culture and contemporary presence of the native peoples throughout California, especially in the greater Los Angeles/Alhambra area. We come with respect and gratitude for the Gabrielino/ Tongva people who still consider themselves the caretakers of this land. It is through their examples that we are reminded of our greater responsibility to take care of Mother Earth and to take care of each other.
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: By motion, determine d that the titles to all ordinances which appear on this public agenda have been read, and waive d further reading.
Vote: Moved: PÉREZ Seconded: ANDRADE-STADLER
Ayes : ANDRADE-STADLER, MALONEY, LEE , PÉREZ, MAZA
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
MAZA : Mayor MAZA requested to move Item No. 2 and the Consent Calendar ahead of Item No. 1.
There were no objections.
PUBLIC HEARING
1. CONSIDERATION OF THE READOPTION OF DRAFT 4 OF THE 2021-2029 HOUSING
ELEMENT OF THE ALHAMBRA GENERAL PLAN, AND DIRECTING STAFF TO
RESUBMIT THE DRAFT HOUSING ELEMENT TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – F2M20-37, N2M23-116, R2M23-50 2 10-9 -2 3
This was the time and place set by Notice No. N2M23-116 for the City Council to hold a public hearing to consider the readoption of Draft 4 of the 2021-2029 Housing Element of the Alhambra General Plan and to direct staff to resubmit the Draft Housing Element to the State Department of Housing and Community Development. Director of Community Development HO and Chris BLAKNEY, ECONorthwest , delivered a staff report , a copy of which is on file in the City Clerk ’s Office . On October 5, 2021, the Housing Element was submitted to the State Department of Housing and Community Development “HCD ”. City staff and the City ’s Consultant (ECONorthwest ) worked on responding to HCD ’s multiple correction letters and resubmitted updated versions of the Housing Element based on HCD ’s comments. On January 3, 2022, the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing and recommended that the Alhambra City Council adopt the 2021-2029 Draft Housing Element ( “Housing Element ”).
Then, on January 31, 2022, the City Council adopted the Housing Element and directed staff to resubmit it to HCD for formal review. After submitting the adopted Housing Element to HCD, the City received multiple correction letters dated, December 2, 2021; April 8, 2022; October 10, 2022; and May 25, 2023. On May 25, 2023, HCD issued the City a letter indicating that this most recent 4 th Draft of the Housing Element (attached to the staff report) met the statutory requirements of State Housing Element Law. However, HCD indicated that the Housing Element could not be found in substantial compliance until the City completed the necessary re-zoning, which was currently underway as part of the comprehensive Zoning Code update.
Given that changes were made since the Planning Commission and City Council approved the Housing Element in January 2022, HCD required re-adoption of the Housing Element. All revisions that occurred since the City Council approved the Housing Element in January 2022 were shown in the redlined version of the Draft Housing Element provided in the staff report, and a clean, non-redlined version was provided as an attachment to the staff report as well.
On August 7, 2023, the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on the re-adoption of the 4 th Draft of the 2021-2029 Housing Element, and then continued the item to their meetings on August 21, 2023 and September 18, 2023. On September 18, 2023, the Planning Commission finalized a list of recommendations for nine (9) additional revisions to the 4 th Draft of the Housing Element which were outlined in an attachment to the staff report and adopted a Resolution recommending the City Council re-adopt the revised 2021-2029 Housing Element. All comment letters received prior to this meeting as well as additional documentation related to the Housing Element have been posted on the project website at www.alhambrahousingelement.com and were available for public review.
Public Comment:
1) Lewis MCCAMMON, 105 N. Cordova St., thanked Mr. Blakney and staff for their hard work on the housing element, expressed support for the Planning Commission ’s recommendations, and the changes to help protect the current and future residents of the City. 2) Henry FONG, via Zoom, noted that HCD would require additional analysis for Planning Commission ’s recommendation on item A, E, and H and expressed concern with the amount of time and money that was spent by the City on updating the housing element. 3) Melissa MICHELSON, via Zoom, noted that residents in Alhambra were following along with the Planning Commission during this whole process, noted concerns with the Villages and building on contaminated land, and noted that the updated housing element would satisfy the City ’s RHNA requirements,
4) Jennifer NG, via Zoom, reiterated the comments by Mr. McCammon and noted that the City should not be building housing on superfund sites.
5) Olga ALARID, via Zoom, expressed opposition to developers who were proposing multi-level housing.
6) Marisol GRIER, via Zoom, stated the needs of the community should be reflected in the housing element, expressed concern with proposed 75-foot building height limit in the housing element, 3 10-9 -2 3
and stated the Council should adopt the housing element with the recommendations from the Planning Commission.
7) Ari Guiterrez ARAMBULA, via Zoom, stated that the City did not need 75-foot market rate condos in the City, expressed support for the Planning Commission ’s recommendations for the housing element, noted that more housing would mean additional need public transit, and expressed support for an additional gateway in the City.
Discussion: Vice Mayor PÉREZ inquired about the historical background and engagement from the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) throughout the housing element review process and Mr. BLAKNEY responded to questions.
Councilmember MALONEY thanked the Planning Commission and public for participating in the process thus far, inquired if the City could legally meet all the needed requirements if they adopted the recommendations made by the Planning Commission, expressed concern with housing projects mixed with commercial projects, noted the height limits for buildings need to be discussed further, and inquired about the potential liability of housing projects on contaminated sites. City Attorney MONTES responded to questions.
Councilmember LEE noted that the Council needed to take their time reviewing the housing element, discussed the flexible zoning options, proposed that the Council entertain flexible zoning in certain parts of the City, inquired if there would be any additional properties added to the sites inventory, and Mr. HO, Mr. MONTES, and Mr. BLA KN EY responded to questions.
Councilmember ANDRADE-STADLER expressed appreciation for the affordable housing in the proposed housing element, discussed potential housing at the Village property, suggested sending a letter to Congresswoman Judy Chu ’s office requesting research by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the contaminated land by the Villages, and expressed support for the proposed housing element with the nine recommended changes by the Planning Commission.
Mayor MAZA discussed the importance of local control and noted that HCD has strict regulations, inquired if HCD would approve the City ’s housing element if the Council removed sites with contaminated concerns, inquired about adding the Wondries Ford property to the site inventory, inquired if the HCD commented on the Villages property, inquired if nearby houses by the Villages could have difficulty making improvements if they were also on contaminated land, inquired if any other municipalities were in lawsuits over building housing on contaminated land, noted that height concerns for buildings would be discussed at a later date, and Director of Community Development HO, City Attorney MONTES, and Mr.
BLAKNEY responded to questions.
Councilmember ANDRADE-STADLER provided historical context of businesses dumping contaminated materials, discussed the site of the Villages development for housing, and reiterated her request to send a letter to Congresswoman Judy Chu ’s office regarding the contaminated land.
Mayor MAZA discussed the importance of improving Valley Blvd . and avoiding builder ’s remedy.
Vice Mayor PÉREZ noted that the 75-foot height requirement would be addressed when the zoning code went before the Council and expressed support for the recommendations made by the Planning Commission.
Councilmember LEE discussed historical district sites in the City, discussed including language for flexible zoning in the housing element, and Mr. HO responded to questions. 4 10-9 -2 3
The Council discussed the potential rezoning of Valley Blvd. and how current businesses on that street would be affected.
RECESS & RECONVENE : Mayor MAZA called for a brief recess at 9:23 p.m. and the meeting resumed with all Councilmembers present at 9:30 p.m.
Councilmember ANDRADE-STADLER inquired if adopting the housing element would prevent future builder ’s remedy. City Attorney MONTES provided clarification.
Councilmember MALONEY made a motion to support the recommendations by Planning Commission with the exception of the recommendations that HCD expressed concern about which included A, C, E, and H(b) and directed staff to go out to RFP for a consultant to assist with an RPD process that would be compliant with State law, look at an incentive program for commercial uses on the ground floor of mixed-use developments, and have a deeper discussion amongst the Council regarding the super-fund area.
The Council discussed HCD ’s recommendation to remove the RPD permitting process and Mr. BLAKNEY and City Attorney MONTES responded to questions.
Councilmember ANDRADE-STADLER stated that Mr. Blakney should have notified the City earlier of HCD ’s concerns and assisted the City with a remedy that would have been compliant with HCD ’s standards.
Councilmember LEE expressed concern with HCD ’s comments pertaining to historic preservation and Mr. BLAKNEY provided clarification.
Mayor MAZA clarified that if the City did not remove the RPD permitting process, the housing element would not be approved by HCD. M r. BLAKNEY noted HCD was not averse to a process but it needed to be a process with objective criteria.
The Council discussed the Planning Commission ’s recommendation regarding the City ’s RPD permitting process and potential modifications to the process to adhere to HCD ’s standards.
Councilmember LEE offered an amendment to the motion to keep recommendation A and to revise the current RPD process in order to get the housing element approved.
Councilmember MALONEY expressed concern with the amendment to the motion and noted that he supported recommendation A but was concerned that HCD would not approve the housing element with that recommendation.
Councilmember ANDRADE-STADLER reiterated her concerns with the environmental concerns with building on contaminated land.
Mayor MAZA reiterated his concerns with builder ’s remedy.
Councilmember MALONEY reiterated concern with the amendment to the motion and noted that it left the City open to potential builder ’s remedy.
The Council discussed leaving recommendation A in the motion or removing it from the motion and revising the current RPD process.
City Attorney MONTES stated the Council could add additional language that would exempt statutory by-right projects, evaluate projects based on objectives standards, that are to be determined, and to confirm appropriate CEQA regulations undertaken by the projects. 5 10-9 -2 3
Mr. BLAKNEY recommended removing recommendation A and revising the language that states the removal of the RPD process with language that stated the City would put out an RFP to hire a consultant to re-establish the RPD process with objective criteria .
Councilmember LEE accepted the language proposed by Mr. Blakney as her friendly amendment to the motion. Councilmember MALONEY accepted the amendment to the motion.
Action Taken : City Council:
1. Adopted Resolution No. R2M23-50 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF ALHAMBRA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT GPA-22-01 READOPTING THE 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT OF THE ALHAMBRA GENERAL PLAN (DRAFT 4), AND DIRECTING STAFF TO SUBMIT THE
READOPTED HOUSING ELEMENT TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT
OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR CERTIFICATION
2. Removed Planning Commission Recommendation A and revised the language that stated the removal of the RPD process with language that stated the City would put out an RFP to hire a consultant to re-establish the RPD process with objective material.
Vote: Moved: MALONEY Seconded: LEE
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, LEE, MALONEY, PÉREZ, MAZA
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
PRESENTATION
2. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: SB 567 (DURAZO) ON TENANT PROTECTIONS AND SB2 ON
STRENGTHENING CONCEALED GUN WEAPON LAWS AND FIREARM POSESSION RESTRICTIONS – F2M23-7, O2M23-4820
Assistant City Manager GARCIA delivered a staff report. On September 11, 2023, staff presented a report advising that SB 567 (Durazo), which add ed requirements and restrictions for evictions related to substantial remodels, passed the Senate and then was awaiting the Assembly for Third Reading. On September 30, 2023, SB 567 was officially signed by the Governor, resulting the bill be enacted into law; however, pursuant to any last-minute amendments that occurred during the Third Reading process. One k e y change to the bill was a new implementation date of April 1, 2024. On May 23, 2023, the City Council adopted Urgency Ordinance O2M23-4811, establishing the same renoviction protections as SB 567 through December 31, 2023. SB 567 was originally identified to become effective on January 1, 2024; however, since this date was recently amended to April 1, 2024, staff requested the City ’s Urgency Ordinance be extended to March 31, 2024 to ensure there were no gaps in protections in Alhambra before SB 567 would become effective.
On September 26, 2023, the Governor signed various firearm safety bills, including SB 2, which was designed to strengthen concealed carry weapons laws by ensuring firearms in public do not pose danger; setting minimum age requirements to 21; requiring stronger storage and training requirements; identifying certain sensitive places where guns may not be carried; and including due process protections. On September 25, 2023, the City Council introduced and gave first reading to Ordinance O2M23-4820, prohibiting firearms on public property.
Since SB 2, under Section 27, addresse d those same sensitive place and restrictions as Ordinance O2M23-4820, staff recommended the City not proceed with agendizing the second reading of Ordinance O2M23-4820.
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Public Comment:
1) Brian OTIS spoke in favor of SB 567 and requested the Council to revisit the moratorium in April.
2) Andy O ’BRIEN, via Zoom, expressed concern w ith stricter gun laws in the City.
Discussion: Councilmember LEE noted that she was in favor of extending the urgency ordinance until March 31, 2024, expressed support for SB 567, clarified the intent of SB 2 and inquired how the Police Department would implement the law if it were to pass. City Attorney MONTES responded to questions.
Councilmember ANDRADE-STADLER inquired if SB 2 and SB 567 overla pped with the City ’s current ordinances. City Attorney MONTES provided clarification.
Vice Mayor PÉREZ thanked Senator Durazo for her work on SB 567 and thanked Senator P ortantino for his work on SB 2, referenced the last public comment and noted that racist comments were unacceptable.
Councilmember MALONEY reiterated the thoughts of the Council and expressed support for extending the urgency ordinance.
Mayor MAZA expressed support for extending the urgency ordinance and the progression of SB 2.
Action Taken: City Council receive d a report regarding the passage of SB 567 (Durazo), state tenant protections subject to “no fault ” evictions due to substantial remodels, which has relevance to Alhambra ’s Urgency Ordinance O2M23-4811, which expires on December 31, 2023, but should be extended to March 31, 2024; receive d a report on SB 2 (Portantino), which bill was recently signed into law prohibiting possessing firearms in public property, as intended by the City Council under Ordinance O2M23-4820; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to carry out the Council ’s actions.
CONSENT AGENDA (Item Nos. 3 -15 )
All other items listed under the Consent Agenda were considered by the City Council to be routine and were enacted by one motion.
3. AWARD CONTRACT: 6 th STREET SEWER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT- PHASE II – F2M21-47, N2M23-103, C2M23-79, M2M23-172
On August 28, 2023, the City Council approved the distribution of a Notice Inviting Bids for the Sixth Street Sewer Main – Phase 2 between San Marino Avenue and Valley Boulevard. On September 28, 2023, bids were opened by the City Clerk. Ten bids were received, which ranged from $1,168,950.00 to $2,667,640.00. Ramona Inc. submitted the lowest qualified bid at $1,168,950.00. Staff reviewed the bid submitted by Ramona Inc. and found it to be in full compliance and conformance with the project specifications.
Discussion : None
Action Taken: City Council award ed a contract, subject to final language approval by the City Manager and City Attorney, by and between the City of Alhambra and Ramona Inc., for the Sixth Street Sewer Main Replacement Project - Phase 2 in an amount not to exceed 7 10-9 -2 3
$1,168,950.00; found the 6th Street Sewer Main Replacement Project - Phase 2 categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (b); and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action. ( M2M23-172 )
Vote: Moved: PÉREZ Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: M ALONEY, LEE, ANDRADE-STADLER, PÉREZ, MAZA
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
4. AWARD CONTRACT: REHABILITATION OF THE SEWER MAIN ON BEACON STREET – F2M23-61, N2M23-104, C2M23-80, M2M23-173
On August 28, 2023, the City Council approved the distribution of a Notice Inviting Bids for the Rehabilitation of the Sewer Main on Beacon Street. On September 21, 2023, bids were opened by the City Clerk. Three bids were received, which ranged from $36,560.00 to $111,980.00.
Southwest Pipeline & Trenchless Corp. submitted the lowest qualified bid at $36,560.00. Staff reviewed the bid submitted by Southwest Pipeline & Trenchless Corp. and found it to be in full compliance and conformance with the project specifications.
Discussion : None
Action Taken: City Council award ed a contract, subject to final language approval by the City Manager and City Attorney, by and between the City of Alhambra and Southwest Pipeline & Trenchless Corp. for the Rehabilitation of the Sewer Main on Beacon Street in an amount not to exceed $36,560.00; found the Rehabilitation of the Sewer Main on Beacon Street categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (b); and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action. ( M2M23-173 )
Vote: Moved: PÉREZ Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: MALONEY, LEE, ANDRADE-STADLER, PÉREZ, MAZA
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
5. NOTICE OF COMPLETION: REHABILITATION OF THE STORM DRAIN ON MONTEZUMA AVENUE – F2M23-40, C2M23-49, M2M23-174
On June 26, 2023, the City Council awarded a contract to Sancon Technologies, Inc. for the Rehabilitation of the Storm Drain on Montezuma Avenue in an amount of $130,045.00. There was one change order authorized for the project, which was for additional work to CCTV the storm drain downstream of the project area on Ramona Avenue. The change order increased the total amount of the contract by $1,250.00, for a total of $131,295.00. The project was completed in accordance with the City requirements and specifications. As such, it was appropriate for the City Council to accept the project as complete 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 Sancon Technologies, Inc. for the Rehabilitation of the Storm Drain on Montezuma Avenue as complete in the amount of $131,295.00; direct ed the Finance Director to appropriate $1,250.00 from the Safe Clean Water Program Fund balance and allocate the fund to account number 233.80.8882.92240; 8 10-9 -2 3
direct ed the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with the County of Los Angeles for recordation; direct ed the Finance Director to release the five percent retention 35 days from the date of recordation if no liens are filed; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action. (M2M23-174 )
Vote: Moved: PÉREZ Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: MALONEY, LEE, ANDRADE-STADLER, PÉREZ, MAZA
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
6. NOTICE INVITING BIDS: ALHAMBRA PARK POOL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT – F2M22- 37, N2M23-121
On October 24, 2022, the City Council awarded a contract to Goodale Architecture and Planning for professional engineering and design services to provide plans, specifications, and bid documentation for the Alhambra Pool Improvement Project. The Alhambra Park Pool Improvement Project would include a complete renovation of the pool facility to transform the lobby, expand restrooms and changing areas, upgrade to high efficiency fixtures, install new roofing and exterior upgrades, sustainable landscaping, and shaded seating. Specifications and bid documentation were completed for the Project. Bids would be due no later than 10:30 a.m. on December 7, 2023 in the office of the City Clerk 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 Park Pool Improvement Project; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action.
Vote: Moved: PÉREZ Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: MALONEY, LEE, ANDRADE-STADLER, PÉREZ, MAZA
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
7. ACCEPT GRANT: SAN GABRIEL VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (SGVCOG) FOR HOMELESS SERVICES – F2M23-18, M2M23-175
The SGVCOG entered into a contract with the County of Los Angeles for Measure H funding for homeless services in support of the County ’s Homeless Initiative (HI) strategies to combat homelessness in the San Gabriel Valley. The SGVCOG Board allocated $30,000 from Measure H funds to support Alhambra ’s needs, including supplementing existing homelessness programs, outreach and services for hard-to-reach populations. The City and SGVCOG have set the terms of ongoing collaboration with respect to addressing homelessness in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The term of this MOA is through June 30, 2024, and it may be extended by mutual agreement of both parties by way of an amendment to the MOA.
Discussion : None
Action Taken: City Council authorize d staff to accept the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) grant in the amount of $30,000 for homeless outreach, housing navigator and case management services and emergency housing/shelter placement; authorize d the City Manager to sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA); appropriate d the 9 10-9 -2 3
grant revenue and expenditure funds in the amount of $30,000; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize the Council ’s action. ( M2M23-175 ) Vote: Moved: PÉREZ Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: MALONEY, LEE, ANDRADE-STADLER, PÉREZ, MAZA
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
8. AWARD OF CONTRACT: FINANCIAL CONSULTING SERVICES RELATED TO THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT - F2M21-67, C2M23-76, M2M23-176 Staff requested to award a contract to CliftonLarsonAllen LLP to provide financial consulting services over the remainder of the ARPA reporting period. The contract would cover four fiscal years, ending on June 30, 2027 with a not to exceed amount of $120,000. Federal ARPA funds c a me with stringent guidelines and reporting requirements; consequently, failure to comply with the ARPA restrictions and reporting guidelines c ould result in the recoupment of funds.
Projects must be obligated by December 31, 2024, with the period of performance concluding by December 31, 2026. The City would like to continue services with CliftonLarsonAllen LLP due to the firm ’s knowledge of the City and for continuity of work product. Staff recommend ed awarding this contract in accordance with Section 3.38.050 of the Alhambra Municipal Code, which stipulates the City Council may dispense with the bidding process, at their discretion, if they deem it would be advantageous to the City to do so.
Discussion : None
Action Taken: City Council approve d an award of contract, subject to final language approval by the City Manager and City Attorney, for professional services with CliftonLarsonAllen LLP to provide financial consulting services related to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in the amount of $120,000 (C2M23-76); approve a transfer of $120,000 from account number 281.70.9101.92024 to 281.16.9101.62110; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action. ( M2M23-176 ) Vote: Moved: PÉREZ Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: MALONEY, LEE, ANDRADE-STADLER, PÉREZ, MAZA
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
9. RESOLUTION APPROVING A THIRD SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT AMENDING THE
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF ALHAMBRA AND ALHAMBRA POLICE DISPATCH ASSOCIATION (APDA) – F2M23-2, R2M23-51, C2M21- 51, M2M23-179
In the past few years, the City has been challenged in the area of recruitment and retention of Police Dispatchers. Challenges include turnover of newly hired dispatchers who fail to meet probationary standards or whom resign or retire. Therefore, staff requested the ability to overhire effective immediately. The proposed Third Side Letter with APDA provides the City Manager with the ability to overhire by one (1) Full-Time Dispatcher. This ensure d the Police Department ’s staffing levels in this area remain stable by allowing the one overhire position to easily and readily be available to step in and fill any vacancies during transition periods brought on by any resignations or retirements.
Discussion : None
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Action Taken: City Council, by one motion, took the following actions: 1) Adopt ed Resolution No. R2M23-51 entitled: A Resolution of the Alhambra City Council approving a Third Side Letter amending the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Alhambra and the Alhambra Police Dispatch Association ; and, 2) Direct ed the Finance Director to make necessary budget adjustments within the Fiscal Year 2023-24 and 2024-25 Adopted Budget to allow for the overhire of one (1) Full-Time Dispatcher. ( M2M23-179 ) Vote: Moved: PÉREZ Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: MALONEY, LEE, ANDRADE-STADLER, PÉREZ, MAZA
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
10. ACCEPT GRANT: STATE OF CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR ’S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY
SERVICES AND THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY UNDER HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM – F2M23-18, M2M23-177
Staff request ed that the City Council City Council accept a grant in the amount of $135,450 from the State of California Governor ’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and approve a related Designation of Applicant ’s Agent Resolution. The grant funding would be used to create a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan which is a comprehensive, long-term plan developed before a disaster occurs to identify local policies and actions that could be implemented to reduce risk and future losses from hazards.
Discussion : None
Action Taken: City Council accept ed a grant in the amount of $135,450 from the State of California Governor ’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program; approve the Designation of Applicant ’s Agent Resolution as outlined in the October 9, 2023 joint report of the Assistant City Manager, Fire Chief and Grants Specialist; appropriate revenue and expenditure funds; authorize d the City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents related to grant implementation; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action. ( M2M23-177 )
Vote: Moved: PÉREZ Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: MALONEY, LEE, ANDRADE-STADLER, PÉREZ, MAZA
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
11. ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW FUND AND ACCOUNTS IN THE 2023-2024 AND 2024-2025 ADOPTED BUDGET – F2M23-17, M2M23-178
On May 25, 2017, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Board voted to eliminate the SR-710 North extension between Alhambra and Pasadena. The following year, the Board authorized the programming of $730 million in Measure R funds in support of local road improvements to provide traffic congestion relief within the region. In 2020, Measure R funds were dedicated to cities and other areas impacted by the SR-710 North. Alhambra received an allocation of approximately $241 million for Local Street/Road and Freeway Local Interchange Mobility Improvements, Local Street Intersection Improvements, and Traffic Signal Synchronization Projects. Currently, the projects were assigned together in Measure R and Measure M sections of the Budget. In order to manage the costs associated with each project and to track reimbursable expenses, staff requested 11 10-9 -2 3
the Finance Department establish a new fund and separate accounts as outlined in the October 9, 2023 joint report of the Assistant City Manager and Director of Public Works and Utilities.
Discussion : None
Action Taken: City Council: 1) Authorize d the Finance Director to set up a new fund (Fund 235) for the SR 710 North Mobility Improvement Project to track all related Measure R 710 transactions; 2) Authorize d the Finance Director to establish revenue and expenditure accounts to track each project; 3) Approve d an appropriation in the amount of $72,375 in the 2022-23 Fiscal Year Adopted Budget; $28,527,625 in the 2023-24 Fiscal Year Adopted Budget; and $19,300,000 in the 2024-25 Fiscal Year Adopted Budget; and, 4) Direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action. ( M2M23-178 ) Vote: Moved: PÉREZ Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: MALONEY, LEE, ANDRADE-STADLER, PÉREZ, MAZA
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
12. MINUTES
Discussion : None
Action Taken: City Council review ed and approve d as submitted the Minutes of the September 13, 2021 regular meeting of the City Council and the Minutes of the September 27, 2021 special meeting of the City Council.
Vote: Moved: PÉREZ Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: MALONEY, LEE, ANDRADE-STADLER, PÉREZ, MAZA
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
13. PERSONNEL ACTIONS – F2M23-2
Discussion : None
Action Taken: City Council ratif ied the actions of the City Manager set forth in that certain Personnel Actions document dated October 9, 2023 showing the various appointments, classifications, salary changes, etc., since the last City Council meeting.
Vote: Moved: PÉREZ Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: MALONEY, LEE, ANDRADE-STADLER, PÉREZ, MAZA
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
14. DEMANDS - F2M23-1
Discussion : None
Action Taken: City Council approved as submitted Final Check List (241727 thru 241807) in the amount of $328,778.64 for the period ending August 3, 2023; Final Check List (8583 thru 8644) in the amount of $3,513.50 for the period ending August 8, 2023; Final Check 12 10-9 -2 3
List (241808 thru 241834) in the amount of $186,331.66 for the period ending August 10, 2023; Final Check List (241835 thru 241937) in the amount of $457,603.06 for the period ending August 10, 2023; Final Check List (241938 thru 241967) in the amount of $909,200.11 for the period ending August 17, 2023 and Schedule of Wire Transfers in the amount of $3,256,921.87 for the week ending August 4, 2023; and, Final Check List (241968 thru 242134) in the amount of $2,720,856.46 for the period ending August 17, 2023 and Schedule of Wire Transfers in the amount of $606,760.20 for the week ending August 11, 2023.
Vote: Moved: PÉREZ Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: MALONEY, LEE, ANDRADE-STADLER, PÉREZ, MAZA
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
15. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE REQUIRING SAFE STORAGE OF FIREARMS – F2M23-7, O2M23-4819
At the September 11, 2023 City Council meeting, Vice Mayor Sasha Renée Pérez requested that a suite of ordinances recently adopted by the City of Monterey Park be presented to the City Council for consideration. At the September 25, 2023 meeting, the Council adopted an urgency ordinance to temporarily prohibit the establishment of new firearm sales businesses in the City of Alhambra as well as gave first reading to two ordinances related to safe storage of firearms and prohibiting firearms on City property. The safe storage ordinance add ed a new section 9.92.050 to the Alhambra Municipal Code entitled “Safe Storage. ” The proposed ordinance require d any person in a residence within the City to store firearms in a locked container or disable them with an appropriate safety device in the home. Keeping a firearm locked when it is not being carried prevents unauthorized users, including children, from accessing and using firearms which can reduce unintentional discharges, firearm theft, and suicide.
Public Comment:
1) Lola ARMANDARIZ referenced several sections in the proposed ordinance and inquired why a copy of the penal code was not included in the staff report and why the California Department of Justice roster was not attached to the staff report . 2) Lewis MCCAMMON, 105 N. Cordova St., expressed support for the proposed ordinance and noted guns safety was an important issue.
3) Jeffrey GOMEZ, 115 Meridian Ave., expressed opposition to the proposed ordinance , noted the regulations in the ordinance would do little to increase gun safety, and stated that additional education with the public was need ed regarding gun safety.
Discussion : None
Action Taken: City Council , by one motion, declare d introduced for its second reading and adopt ed the following ordinance entitled:
Ordinance No. O2M23-4819 : AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALHAMBRA, CALIFORNIA, ADDING SECTION 9.92.050 “SAFE STORAGE ” TO THE ALHAMBRA MUNICIPAL CODE TO REQUIRE THE SAFE
STORAGE OF FIREARMS
Vote: Moved: PÉREZ Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: MALONEY, LEE, ANDRADE-STADLER, PÉREZ, MAZA
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
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PUBLIC COMMENT FOR NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS – F2M2 3 -4
1) Lewis MCCAMMON, 105 N. Cordova St., highlighted Martha Baldwin Elementary School ’s recent award from the U.S. Department of Education, discussed the passing of Wayne Ratkovich, discussed AB 2011 and SB 6 and its potential impacts on the zoning code updates, discussed the City ’s RHNA requirements and noted the City needs to focus on low-income housing, discussed objective standards for the City ’s RPD process, and expressed appreciation for the deletion of recommendation D in the housing element item.
2) Lawrence MARCHSES, 106 N. Cordova St., discussed empty businesses located at the East Main Corridor and expressed concern with the planning map for the project at 801 E. Main St. 3) Henry H., via Zoom, made antisemitic and racist comments. 4) Olga ALARID, via Zoom , expressed concerns with Mr. H ’s comments and expressed concern with the recommendations given by consultants during the housing element item. 5) Christopher B., via Zoom, made antisemitic and racist comments. 6) Darnell J., via Zoom, made antisemitic and racist comments. 7) Gabe S., via Zoom, made antisemitic and racist comments. 8) Brad, via Zoom, expressed concern with the content of public comments at tonight ’s meeting . 9) Joseph M ., via Zoom, read a scripture and made antisemitic comments . 10) Jim A., via Zoom, made racist comments.
11) Barbara MESSINA, via Zoom, expressed concern with the City Council ’s understanding of the issues of the housing element and thanked the staff and consultant for their work on the housing element. 12) Ted J., via Zoom, made racist comments.
13) Sadie N., via Zoom, made antisemitic and racist comments.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS (ANNOUNCEMENTS & FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS) – F2M2 3 -7 Councilmember ANDRADE-STADLER encouraged the Council to work on a letter to Congresswoman Judy Chu ’s Office to address the super fund site . There was a consensus amongst the Council to draft a letter to Congresswoman Judy Chu. Ms. Andrade Stadler requested a n update on the City ’s dog park, thanked the Alhambra Police Department for their enforcement of businesses selling flavored tobacco, requested an item for the next City Council meeting to allow her to attend the meeting via Zoom due to medical reasons. There was a consensus amongst the Council to bring back the item at the next meeting.
Councilmember LEE commended Mayor MAZA on how he handled the public comments and noted her support for peace .
Councilmember MALONEY provided an update on the Clean Power Alliance .
Vice Mayor PÉREZ encouraged the community to get their COVID-19 vaccines, expressed concern with the public comments at tonight ’s meeting, noted that the City need ed additional regulations for zoom speakers, and requested to adjourn the meeting in memory of those who have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict .
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Councilmember LEE discussed potentially removing the zoom access to City Council meetings. City Attorney MONTES responded to questions.
Mayor MAZA discussed the upcoming Fire Department Open House and Pancake Breakfast, discussed the upcoming Solar Eclipse Viewing event, discussed the upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, discussed the upcoming Alhambra Police Department Trunk or Treat event, discussed the upcoming 10 th Anniversary of the Pumpkin Run, discussed the pop-up dog park that is open until November 5, 2023 , and reminded the community that the public library has free COVID-19 test kits.
ADJOURNMENT: At 11:16 p.m. there being no further business for the Council to transact, the Mayor, with the consent of the City Council, adjourned their meeting , in memory of the lives lost in Israel , to the next regul ar meeting of the Alhambra City Council is scheduled for Monday, October 23 , 202 3 at 6:00 p.m.
LAUREN MYLES, CMC
CITY CLER K