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MINUTES
Regular Meeting
ALHAMBRA CITY COUNCIL
Council Chambers , 1 1 1 South First Street
September 9, 2024
6:0 0 p.m.
ROLL CALL: At 6:08 p.m., on Monday, September 9, 2024, the Alhambra City Council met in Council Chambers of the Alhambra City Hall.
PRESENT: LEE, MALONEY, ANDRADE-STADLER, MAZA
ABSENT: PÉREZ
Officials Present : City Manager Binnquist, Deputy City Manager Hembree, City Attorney Montes, City Clerk Myles, Director of Parks and Recreation Macias, Director of Library Services LohGuan, Chief of Police Kennedy, Chief of Fire Department Ragusa, Director of Finance Lieu, Director of Human Resources Ko, Director of Community Development Ho, Director of Public Works and Utilities Ahlen, Management Analyst Martel, Code Enforcement Supervisor Perez-Garcia FLAG SALUTE : Led by Vice Mayor Lee
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
PRESENTATION S
1. ALHAMBRA FRIENDSHIP CITY POLICY DRAFT – F2M24-7
Deputy City Manager HEMBREE delivered a staff report. On July 22, 2024, staff presented information about Alhambra ’s Sister Cities which include: Granada, Spain; Hsin-Chuang, Taiwan, Republic of China; Sanya City, People ’s Republic of China; and Kirishima, Japan.
Additionally, information about Sister Cities International and an overview of neighboring Cities programs and/or policies were presented. Following the presentation, Council directed staff to look into the City of San Gabriel and City of Arcadia ’s Sister City and/or Friendship Policy or Programs and provide a draft Policy for consideration of a Friendship City Program Policy for Alhambra. Staff reviewed Sister and Friendship City Policies to provide context and reported findings to the City Council as well as present ed a draft Alhambra Friendship City Policy for Council ’s consideration and comments.
Discussion : Councilmember MALONEY supported the draft in terms of flexibility for procedures, suggested more leniency on the side of the Sister City response, suggested a formal statement of affirmation from the Sister Cities, and agreed with the ambassador requirement but cautioned against termination for not continuing the position.
Councilmember ANDRADE-STADLER supported the draft and agreed with Mr. Maloney ’s suggestions. She also suggested the sharing of flags between cities.
Councilmember MAZA supported the draft and further suggested continued flexibility and adaptability through the years.
Vice Mayor LEE discussed the structure of the procedure and the purpose of the program to reflect the diversity of Alhambra resident ’s backgrounds. She suggested adding language regarding establishing relationships with governments around the globe except those who have no relations with the United States which would enforce reasonable limits to the extent of the program. She also suggested clarifying that Councilmembers and community members 2 9-9 -2 4
from the San Gabriel Valley could sponsor an organization which did not have to be a registered non-profit. She agreed with Mr. Maloney ’s suggestion to reduce the initial start -up paperwork. Ms. HEMBREE clarified that rather than an agreement or resolution from the responding Sister City, that they could instead document the relationship by a statement of affirmation or include an agreement or resolution. Ms. LEE stressed the need to streamline the process and to adapt the policy as needed. With regards to sharing information with a Sister City, Ms. LEE expressed caution and suggested that any written letters or shared information be approved by the City Council during a public hearing to protect city interests.
She supported Ms. Andrade-Stadler ’s suggestion of sharing national flags and requested that language be included that the flags would be displayed in Alhambra.
Ms. ANDRADE-STADLER discussed the flexibility of the program to add additional cities and the inclusion of cities within Latin American countries and the country of Vietnam. Mr.
MALONEY referred to Ms. Lee ’s comments regarding eligible countries and stated that international relationships change over time and that future City Councils should have flexibility to make connections through other international cities. He related his experiences visiting Kirishima and the informal non-obligatory system which avoided undue constraints on other cities. Ms. LEE and City Attorney MONTES discussed the possibility of Councilmembers extending relationships with countries not associated with the United States. Mr. MONTES stated that any relationship would have to be discussed and approved by Council as a whole.
Ms. LEE allowed that the decision to extend relationships to other countries would be left up to Council approval.
Ms. ANDRADE-STADLER motioned to approve the Alhambra Friendship City Policy with included changes suggested by Council including: language concerning San Gabriel Valley community sponsoring organization, that the friendship city relationships be documented by a statement of affirmation from an authorised official which may include an agreement or resolution, sharing opportunities to promote prosperity and quality of life including letters, and eliminate 6B.
Action Taken : City Council review ed the draft Alhambra Friendship City Policy and provide d direction to staff , and approved the Alhambra Friendship City Policy with included changes suggested by Council including: language concerning San Gabriel Valley community sponsoring organization, that the friendship city relationships be documented by a statement of affirmation from an authorised official which may include an agreement or resolution, sharing opportunities to promote prosperity and quality of life including letters, and eliminate 6B of the draft Policy .
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: MAZA
Ayes: MAZA, MALONEY, ANDRADE-STADLER, LEE,
Noes : NONE
Absent: PÉREZ
CONSENT AGENDA (Item Nos. 2 – 1 1 )
All items listed under the Consent Agenda were considered by the City Council to be routine were enacted by one motion.
2. ACCEPT QUITCLAIM DEED FROM ALHAMBRA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT TO DEDICATE A PORTION OF SHORB STREET TO CITY OF ALHAMBRA – F2M 24-8 , F2M22-65 , D2M24- 2034 , M2M24-164
As part of the Shorb Community Center project, the portion of Shorb Street between 6 th Street and 7 th Street would be vacated and incorporated into the community center project. 3 9-9 -2 4
Eastbound Shorb Street would terminate around 7 th Street while northbound and southbound 6 th Street would have no access to Shorb Street. The underlying fee to the street belong ed to the Alhambra Unified School District. The City had conversations with the School District about the project and requested that the portion of Shorb Street be dedicated to the City to facilitate the project. On July 23, 2024 the Alhambra Unified School District Board of Education approved the dedication of a portion of Shorb Street to the City of Alhambra through a quitclaim deed. Accepting the quitclaim deed would be the first step in the street vacation process which would be processed at a future date along with the Community Center project.
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council accept ed the quitclaim deed from the Alhambra Unified School District and authorize the City Clerk to sign the Certificate of Acceptance, direct ed the City Clerk to record the appropriate documents and direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize the Council ’s actions. ( M2M24-164 ) Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: MAZA
Ayes: MAZA, MALONEY, ANDRADE-STADLER, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: PÉREZ
3. APPROVAL OF HELICOPTER LAW ENFORCEMENT SEVICES AGREEMENT – F2M22-46, C2M22-18, C2M24- 55 , M2M24-165
On May 9, 2022, the City Council approved an agreement with the County of Los Angeles to utilize air support services for non-life threatening or non-mutual aid incidents through June 20, 2027 . The Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Department recently worked internally to streamline their processes and requested a new agreement be approved by the City to cover the same services with a new 5-year term and updated FY 2024-25 rates. In response, staff requested to close the current agreement (C2M22-18) and the Council approve a new agreement with Los Angeles County. The new agreement would be effective for a 5-year period through June 30, 2029, the scope of services would remain the same and the rates have been updated. The City would continue to be charged on a per-minute basis based upon hourly rate set by the County Auditor-Controller each fiscal year. Annual costs were expected to be below $25,500.
Discussion : None.
Action Taken : City Council approve d a Helicopter Law Enforcement Services Agreement between the City of Alhambra and the County of Los Angeles for as-needed, non- emergent, non-life threatening, and non-mutual aid helicopter law enforcement services for a 5-year period, through June 3 0, 2029; authorize d the Chief of Police to sign the contract; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action. ( M2M24-165 ) Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: MAZA
Ayes: MAZA, MALONEY, ANDRADE-STADLER, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: PÉREZ
4. CANCEL AWARD OF CONTRACT: PURCHASE OF ONE 7-YARD DUMP TRUCK FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT – F2M21-6A, C2M23-3, M2M24-166 4 9-9 -2 4
On January 9, 2023, the City Council awarded a contract to purchase a new dump truck for the Public Works Department; however, due to the California Air Resources Board ’s (CARB) latest regulatory emission reduction mandates, Ford Motor Company could not provide the truck with a diesel engine option. Beginning on January 1, 2024, all state and local government fleets must have ensure d that 50% of their vehicle purchases were zero-emissions vehicles.
By 2027, all vehicle purchases must have been 100% electric. City staff worked on a new specification for Notice Inviting Bids on an Electric Dump Truck for the Public Works Division.
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council rescind ed the contract with Rush Truck Centers (Contract No.
C2M23-3 ) in the amount of $126,948.69; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action. ( M2M24-166 )
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: MAZA
Ayes: MAZA, MALONEY, ANDRADE-STADLER, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: PÉREZ
5. AWARD CONTRACT: PURCHASE OF FIVE POLICE PATROL VEHICLES – F2M24- 6A, C2M24-56, M2M24-167
The FY 2024-25 budget included the replacement of police patrol vehicles. As such, staff sought to purchase five police patrol vehicles through a cooperative purchase agreement to replace the aging police vehicles. Cooperative purchase was allowable per Alhambra Municipal Code 3.36.080(B)(3). On July 28, 2024, Sourcewell opened four bids for the procurement of vehicles, cars, vans, SUVs, and light trucks with related equipment, accessories, and services. Sourcewell awarded contract 091521-NAF to National Auto Fleet Group on July 28, 2021 – a contract that would not expire until November 8, 2025. Per the Sourcewell bid specifications, police vehicles could be purchased. Staff recommend ed purchasing five police vehicles utilizing this option.
Discussion: None
Action Taken : City Council award ed a contract, subject to final language approval by the City Manager and City Attorney, to National Auto Fleet Group for the purchase of five police patrol vehicles in the amount of $290,481.50; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action. ( M2M24-167 )
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: MAZA
Ayes: MAZA, MALONEY, ANDRADE-STADLER, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: PÉREZ
6 . MINUTES
Public Comment: Lewis McCAMMON , 105 N. Cordova St., reviewed comments he made during the February 28, 2022 regarding the mid-year budget review and the status of a portion of remaining funds from the Redevelopment Agency and whether it was returned from Los Angeles County to the City. He asked for an update as to these funds.
Discussion: None.
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Action Taken : City Council review ed and approve d as submitted the Minutes of th e August 26, 2024, March 16, 2022, March 24, 2022, August 10, 2021 and September 30, 2021 special meetings of the City Council; the February 14, 2022 regular meeting of the City Council and special meeting of the Successor Agency to the Former Redevelopment Agency; and, the February 28, 2022, March 14, 2022 , March 28, 2022 , April 11, 2022 and April 25, 2022 regular meetings of the City Council .
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: MAZA
Ayes: MAZA, MALONEY, ANDRADE-STADLER, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: PÉREZ
7 . PERSONNEL ACTIONS – F2M2 4 -2
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council ratif ied the actions of the City Manager set forth in that certain Personnel Actions document dated September 9 , 2024 showing the various appointments, classifications, salary changes, etc., since the last City Council meeting.
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: MAZA
Ayes: MAZA, MALONEY, ANDRADE-STADLER, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: PÉREZ
8 . DEMANDS – F2M2 4 -1
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council approve d as submitted Final Check List (9112 thru 1939) in the amount of $1,505.90 for the period ending August 20, 2024 ; and, Final Check List (251860 thru 252030 and 252031 thru 252039) in the amount of $64,581.92 for the period ending August 28, 2024 .
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: MAZA
Ayes: MAZA, MALONEY, ANDRADE-STADLER, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: PÉREZ
9. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE UPDATING THE PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMITS IN THE CITY – F96-33, F2M14-9, O2M24-4839 The City of Alhambra ’s Public Works Department completed an Engineering and Traffic Survey (Speed Survey) for 88 street segments citywide and prepared the City of Alhambra 2023/2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey. The purpose of an engineering and traffic survey was to establish updated speed limits that could be legally enforced using radar at pre- determined locations. The City of Alhambra ’s 2023/2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey determined that 9 segment locations are eligible for a 5 MPH reduction in the posted speed limit. These segment locations were outlined in the Director of Public Works & Utilities ’ August 26, 2024 staff report. Adoption of an ordinance was necessary to set the speed limits on those road segments identified in the report that were outside of a residential district and are not otherwise subject to the Vehicle Code ’s prima facia speed limit. 6 9-9 -2 4
The City of Alhambra 2023/2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey can be found online here:
https://ca-alhambra.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5703/City-of-Alhambra-City-Wide-Speed-Survey-DRAFT Public Comment : Lewis McCAMMON , 105 N. Cordova St., distributed handouts to Council which are on file in the City Clerk ’s office and spoke regarding the traffic study report for specific streets. He made suggestions for cleaning up certain language regarding posted speed limits.
Discussion : Councilmember MALONEY directed staff to review Mr. McCammon ’s points of clarification. Mr. MALONEY went on to discuss the segment of Main Street between Huntington and Fremont and questioned the need for so many lanes at the street frontage. He asked if this configuration of streets made sense given the context of collision rates and suggested that perhaps additional measures were required to address concerns.
Action Taken : City Council declare d introduced for its second reading and adopt ed the following ordinance entitled:
Ordinance No. O2M24-4839: An Ordinance of the Alhambra City Council amending Chapter 11.08 of the Alhambra Municipal Code to update prima facie speed limits in the City
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: MAZA
Ayes: MAZA, MALONEY, ANDRADE-STADLER, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: PÉREZ
1 0 . SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ALHAMBRA MUNICIPAL CODE (AMC) CHAPTER 2.48 OF TITLE II TO IMPLEMENT CHANGES TO PROBATIONARY PERIOD FOR EMPLOYEES – F2M24-2, O2M24-4838
Staff requested that the City Council introduce Ordinance No. O2M24-4838 for its second reading and adopt the ordinance. This ordinance contain ed a minor change to the AMC to provide City staff (with the approval of the City Council) the flexibility and ability to negotiate a different probationary period for employees when appropriate. The ordinance amend ed Section 2.48.120 (Probationary Period) which state d “All original, reinstatement and promotional appointments shall be subject to a probationary period of one year, ” to and/include “unless otherwise negotiated and memorialized in a Memorandum of Understanding with a recognized employee bargaining group. ”
Discussion : None.
Action Taken : City Council declare d introduced for its second reading and adopt the following ordinance entitled:
Ordinance No. O2M24-4838 : An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Alhambra, California amending Chapter 2.48 of Title II of the Alhambra Municipal Code to implement changes to probationary period for employees Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: MAZA
Ayes: MAZA, MALONEY, ANDRADE-STADLER, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: PÉREZ
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1 1 . SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO IMPLEMENT
CALIFORNIA UNIFORM CONSTRUCTION COST ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES FOR
PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS, AMENDMENT TO THE ALHAMBRA MUNICIPAL
CODE REGARDING PUBLIC CONTRACT CODES AND UPDATING NON- PUBLIC PROJECTS/PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT LIMITS – F2M24-62, O2M24-4837 The Public Contract Code specifie d the procedures that public agencies must follow when they build public works projects, including limits on project costs. The California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act (CUPCCAA) was enacted in 1983 as an alternative to these general requirements by allowing increased bid limits as long as participating agencies follow uniform accounting standards and bidding procedures. Staff requested the City Council “opt in ” to the provisions set forth by CUPCCAA. This will allow public projects costing $60,000 or less to be performed by negotiated contract or by purchase order. Projects costing $200,000 or less can use informal bidding procedures set forth in CUPCCAA. Projects that cost more than $200,000 must be put out to bid under formal bidding procedures. The benefits of adopting CUPCCAA will increase the purchasing limit for public agencies, simplify bidding for projects that are $200,000 or less, reduce number of formal bids based on project size, and expedite contracting for projects under $200,000.In order for the City to avail itself of the higher bid and purchasing limits, the City must formally elect to be bound by the provisions of the Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act, which specifies the procedures for obtaining informal bids, and to use the uniform construction cost accounting procedures adopted by the California Uniform Construction Accounting Commission. Staff is requesting the City Council adopt Ordinance No. O2M24-4837 and update the City of Alhambra's Purchasing Policy Limits as more specifically outlined in the Director of Finance ’s August 26, 2024 staff report. Staff is requesting that the City Council introduce O2M24-4837 for its second reading and adopt the ordinance.
Discussion: Vice Mayor LEE and Director of Finance LIEU discussed the ordinance and Ms. LIEU responded to Ms. LEE ’s concerns regarding the formal and informal purchasing process. With regards to Ms. Lee ’s concerns with certain language used, City Attorney MONTES clarified that the language used in the ordinance was copied directly from State law to ensure the City of Alhambra ’s compliance with state law. Councilmember MALONEY and Councilmember ANDRADE-STADLER suggested that staff provide a quarterly report of executed contracts under $60,000 . Ms. LEE stressed the need for properly posting all notice inviting bids and requests for proposals on the City website and ensure fair access to all contract opportunities within the City.
Action Taken : City Council declare d introduced for its second reading and adopt the following ordinance entitled:
Ordinance No. O2M24-4837: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALHAMBRA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 3.36 OF
THE ALHAMBRA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE PURCHASING OF SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT, CHAPTER 3.38 OF THE ALHAMBRA
MUNICIPAL CODE, RELATED TO CONTRACTS FOR CONSULTANT AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, CHAPTER 3.40 OF THE ALHAMBRA
MUNICIPAL CODE, RELATED TO BIDDING AND CONTRACTS FOR
PUBLIC PROJECTS, AND IMPLEMENTING THE CALIFORNIA UNIFORM
CONSTRUCTION COST ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES FOR PUBLIC
CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: MAZA
Ayes: MAZA, MALONEY, ANDRADE-STADLER, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: PÉREZ
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS – F2M24-4
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1) Lucy BAÑUELOS expressed her concerns with the Parks and Recreation Commission and the number of vacancies. She urged Council to appoint new commissioners to fill the vacancies and stressed the need for a full quorum to take action.
Vice Mayor LEE stated that she had a prospective appointee but was waiting for a response.
Councilmember MALONEY assured Ms. Bañuelos that he would do his best to fill his vacancies. 2) Lewis McCAMMON , 105 N. Cordova St., distributed handouts to Council which are on file in the City Clerk ’s office. He spoke regarding the California Housing and Community Development Department ’s review of the City ’s Housing Element. He also commented on the vacancies to the HCDA Citizen ’s Advisory Board and the lack of quorum at recent meetings. 1) “A ”, via Zoom, spoke regarding a harassment incident by the Alhambra Police Department and provided an update regarding her case stating that she had not been appropriately contacted by the Alhambra Police Department.
Due to technical difficulties, the call was cut short. Councilmember ANDRADE-STADLER suggested emailing her comments to Council to better understand her concerns.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS (ANNOUNCEMENTS & FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS) F2M2 4 -7 Councilmember ANDRADE-STADLER thanked the students in attendance from Alhambra High School.
Vice Mayor LEE reported on upcoming events such as the annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, and the Latino Heritage Month celebration, “Fiesta Alhambra ” at the Alhambra Farmer ’s Market.
ADJOURNMENT : At 7:24 p.m. there being no further business for the Council to transact, the Mayor, with the consent of the City Council, adjourned the meeting to the next regular meeting of the Alhambra City Council is scheduled for Monday, September 23, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
LAUREN MYLES, CMC
CITY CLERK
by
BRIANNA LAMB MCCARTHY
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK