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MINUTES
Special Meeting
ALHAMBRA CITY COUNCI L
February 24 , 2025
5: 00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: At 5:14 p.m., on Monday, February 24, 2025, the Alhambra City Council met in the Council Chambers of Alhambra City Hall.
PRESENT: LEE, ANDRADE-STADLER, MAZA, WANG
ABSENT: MALONEY
Officials Present : City Manager Binnquist, Assistant City Manager Garcia, Deputy City Manager Hembree, City Attorney Montes, City Clerk Myles, Director of Parks and Recreation Macias, Director of Finance Lieu, Director of Community Development Ho, Director of Public Works and Utilities Ahlen, Chief of Police Kennedy, Chief of Fire Department Ragusa, Director of Library Services LohGuan, Director of Human Resources Ko, Manager Analyst Alvarez FLAG SALUTE : Mayor Wang
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT : We acknowledge 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.
CITY CLERK REPORT - NOTICE NO. N2M25- 17
The City Clerk hereby report ed that she duly gave notice of the special meeting of the City Council being held this evening pursuant to the order of the Mayor and in accordance with Section 54956 of the Government Code of the State of California.
MALONEY: Councilmember MALONEY entered Council Chambers at 5: 16 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS – F2M25-4
1) Lewis McCAMMON, 105 N. Cordova St, distributed a handout to Council which is on file in the City Clerk ’s office. He thanked Council for their direction at the last meeting to provide Zoom access to the Historic Preservation Commission meeting. He went on to discuss an agenda item from the City Council meeting on June, 24, 2024 for the Amended Plan for the amended plan for use of American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 relief funds , and specifically the removal of funds for the purchase of a fire truck . He went on to discuss an article from the New York Times regarding the difficulties agencies have faced in obtaining fire trucks. Mr. McCammon went on to discuss federal budget cuts to HUD programs and staff and referred to another article from the Affordable Housing Source.
CONSENT AGENDA (Item Nos. 1 – 1 4 )
All items listed under the Consent Agenda, with the exception of Item No s . 7 and 14 , were considered by the City Council to be routine and were enacted by one motion . 2 2- 24 -25
1. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION TERMINATING THE EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY DUE TO WINDSTORM EVENT – F2M25-20, R2M25-9
Staff request ed that the City Council adopt a resolution terminating the existence of a local emergency due to the recent windstorm and extreme fire weather. In addition to the Governor of California declaring a state of emergency on January 7, 2025, Los Angeles County proclaimed the existence of a local emergency that same day due to the windstorm event wind that caused extreme conditions such as massive fires, power outages, damage to power poles and utilities infrastructure and fallen trees, impacting transportation arteries, requiring repair and threatening the integrity of the City ’s infrastructure. On January 13, 2025, the Alhambra City Council declared the existence of a local emergency and ratified the City Manager ’s Proclamation of Existence of a Local Emergency on January 7, 2025 due to the windstorm event. The conditions pertaining to the windstorm event response no longer warrant ed and necessitate d the existence of a local emergency.
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council adopt ed Resolution No. R2M25-9 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Alhambra, California, terminating the existence of a Local Emergency
Vote: Moved: MALONEY Seconded: ANDRADE-STADLER
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, MAZA, LEE, MALONEY, WANG
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
2. NOTICE INVITING BIDS: 2025 USDA SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM – F2M25-25, N2M25-18
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a federally funded program administered by the State of California Department of Education. The proposed SFSP would begin distributing lunches and snacks on June 2 , 2025 and will provided Monday through Friday through August 8 , 2025. The City would be eligible for reimbursement by the California Department of Education for lunches, snacks and operational costs.
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council approve d the City ’s participation in the 2025 Summer Food Service Program; authorize d staff to circulate a Notice Inviting Bids to secure a vendor to provide prepared lunches and snacks for the program ; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action .
Vote: Moved: MALONEY Seconded: ANDRADE-STADLER
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, MAZA, LEE, MALONEY, WANG
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
3. ACCEPT A DONATION OF A SCOREBOARD FROM EAST ALHAMBRA LITTLE LEAGUE AND APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR INSTALLATION – F2M25-1 2 , M2M25-17
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El Camino Chevrolet donated a scoreboard and remote control to East Alhambra Little League (EALL). EALL wanted to donate the scoreboard to the City of Alhambra for use a the Almansor Park baseball field. The scoreboard was eight feet wide by six feet high. Installation require d trenching for the placement of conduits to run new electrical lines and connect to an existing power source. Staff received three bids for the installation of the scoreboard. The lowest responsible bid was $10,000. EALL donated $10,000 to cover the costs of the scoreboard installation. After installation, the City would provide for ongoing maintenance of the scoreboard, but EALL would assume the responsibility for the remote-control system.
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council accept ed from East Alhambra Little League a donation of an electric outdoor baseball scoreboard at Almansor Park baseball field; accept ed a cash donation of $10,000 for the installation of the scoreboard; direct ed the Finance Director to appropriate the $10,000 in revenues and expenditures for the completion of the project; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action. ( M2M25-17 ) Vote: Moved: MALONEY Seconded: ANDRADE-STADLER
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, MAZA, LEE, MALONEY, WANG
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
4. NOTICE OF COMPLETION: FIRE STATION 73 KITCHEN REMODEL PROJECT – F2M23-49, C2M24-45, M2M25-18
On June 24, 2024, the City Council awarded a contract to First Trade LLC dba YMC for the Fire Station 73 Kitchen Remodel Project in the amount of $16 5 ,000. There was one change order issued in the amount of $5,399.81. The change order was issued for unforeseen additional services related to the gas line and electrical adjustments. The total cost of the project was $170,339.81. The project was completed in accordance with the City ’s requirements and specifications. As such it would be 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 First Trade LLC dba YMC for the Fire Station 73 Kitchen Remodel Project as complete in the amount of $170,399.81; direct ed the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with County of Los Angeles for recordation; instruct 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. ( M2M25-18 )
Vote: Moved: MALONEY Seconded: ANDRADE-STADLER
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, MAZA, LEE, MALONEY, WANG
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
5. APPROVE STATE OF CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR ’S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES (CAL OES) DESIGNATION OF APPLICANT ’S AGENT RESOLUTION FOR FEDERAL AND STATE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE – F2M20-33, F2M25-20, M2M25-19 4 2- 24 -25
On January 13, 2025 , the City Council adopted Resolution No. R2M25-1 proclaiming the existence of a local emergency. On January 7, 2025, a destructive widespread windstorm and extreme fire weather impacted the Los Angeles metropolitan area, including the County of Los Angeles and the City of Alhambra . This weather system caused extreme conditions such as power outages, fallen trees and damages to the City ’s infrastructure. For Alhambra to request the funding assistance, the City Council must designate City agents responsible for providing required assurances and executing agreements with FEMA and Cal OES on behalf of the City and approve the corresponding Cal OES Form 130. Staff recommend ed the City Manager, Fire Chief and Finance Director be designated , and be effective for all open and future disasters declared by the state or federal government up to three years following the date of approval by City Council so as to expedite the processing of requests in the future.
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council approve d that certain State of California Governor ’s Office of Emergency Services Designation of Applicant ’s Agent Resolution for Non-State Agencies (OES-FPD-130 ) a copy of which is on file in the City Clerk ’s Office as Cal OES ID No. 037- 00884 and by this reference incorporated herein and made a part of as though fully set forth herein; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action. (M2M25-19 ).
Vote: Moved: MALONEY Seconded: ANDRADE-STADLER
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, MAZA, LEE, MALONEY, WANG
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
6. AWARD CONTRACT: ROOF REPLACEMENT AT THE UTILITIES CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER – F2M24-69, N2M24-152, C2M25- 7 , M2M25- 20 At the December 9, 2024 meeting, the City Council approved the distribution of a Notice Inviting Bids for the Roof Replacement at the Utilities Customer Service Center project. On February 13, 2025, the City Clerk received eight bids that ranged from $64,400 to $139,950.
Staff reviewed the bids received and the bid from McDonnell Roofing, Inc. in the amount of $64,400 was the lowest responsible bid. McDonnell Roofing, Inc. ha d the necessary licenses to complete the work and has conducted similar projects.
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council award ed a contract, subject to final language approval by the City Manager and City Attorney, to McDonnell Roofing, Inc. in the amount of $64,400.00 for the Roof Replacement at the Customer Service Center; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize the Council ’s action. ( M2M25-20 ) Vote: Moved: MALONEY Seconded: ANDRADE-STADLER
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, MAZA, LEE, MALONEY, WANG
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
7. AMEND RESERVE POLICY – F2M25-17, R2M25-8, M2M25-21
The reserve policy was updated and approved by the City Council on June 23, 2023, designating the following reserve uses: General Fund Emergency Reserve, Legal Liability 5 2- 24 -25
Reserve, Building and Facilities Reserve, and Rolling Stock and Equipment Reserve. The General Fund Emergency Reserve was currently funded at 21% of the General Fund operating expenditures, totaling $20.5 million, exceeding the 20% goal for FY 2024/25. This reserve was designated for natural or fiscal emergencies. Following an evaluation of the City ’s risks, guided by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) best practices, staff assessed areas such as revenue stability, expenditure volatility, risks, leverage, liquidity, capital projects, and other factors. Given the moderate to high risks identified, staff recommend ed increasing the General Fund Reserve target to 30% of operating expenditures to enhance financial security and better address future uncertainties. Additionally, staff requested the City Council direct the Director of Finance to allocate any unappropriated surplus, including future surpluses, through appropriation transfers or budget adjustments until the reserve levels are met.
Separate from the reserve policy, staff worked on addressing the long-term unfunded liabilities.
A staff report would be brought back to amend the reserve policy in the future to recommend creating a new reserve category specifically for unfunded pension liability.
Public Comment: Lewis McCAMMON, 105 N. Cordova St., discussed the item and questioned the recommendation. He suggested continuing the past practice of presenting all changes to reserve funds for Council approval rather than the Director of Finance making changes through appropriation transfers or budget adjustments as needed. Mr. McCammon suggested making an additional fund called an Undesignated Reserve Fund for unforeseen expenses or emergencies.
Discussion : Mayor WANG and Director of Finance LIEU discussed the existing process for handling surplus, the Building and Facilities Reserve , and the proposed policy for distributing surplus funds to the reserve funds.
Vice Mayor LEE and Ms. LIEU discussed staff recommendations for reallocation of funds based on staff ’s knowledge of Council ’s Strategic Plan Goals, Council ’s ability to add additional reserve categories, and Council ’s establishment of the current reserve funds in 2018 . Ms. LEE supported the increase of the goal to 30% . Ms. LEE and City Manager BINNQUIST discussed a potential study session to review the reserve funds, the past staff reports in 2018 and 2023, and the second amendment to the policy presented at this evening ’s agenda. Ms. BINNQUIST further discussed the intention of the amended policy to ensure financial stability, address potential emergency expenses, and make up for any delays to reimbursement for emergency expenses such as the recent windstorm and wildfires. Ms. LEE requested an additional study session to review each reserve category and expressed concern with automatically adding to predetermined funds which may not be necessary for each year. Ms. LIEU went on to discuss the creation of the reserves in response to unfunded liabilities.
Ms. WANG surmised that there was a desire for better understanding of the reserves, how they were built, and supported Ms. Lee ’s suggestion of a workshop with staff and Council to study the reserve funds.
Councilmember MALONEY tried to recall the discussions in 2018 to establish the funds, supported the increase to the General Funds Emergency Reserve goal to 30%, the purpose of the funds, and supported the suggestion for either a special Council meeting or a study session to review the funds. Councilmember ANDRADE-STADLER discussed the uncertainty of federal funding due to budget cuts and supported a study session to review the reserve funds, and supported the increase to the General Funds Emergency Reserve goal to 30%.
Councilmember MAZA supported a study session to review the reserve funds. Mr. MAZA and Ms. LIEU discussed the average annual surplus of funds which was dependent on factors such as staff vacancies. Mr. MAZA and Ms. LIEU also discussed the ability to give staff discretion as to allocation of funds to each reserve fund. Mr. MAZA supported this aspect. 6 2- 24 -25
Ms. WANG agreed with Council ’s consensus to increase to the General Funds Emergency Reserve goal to 30%, and to establish financial stability. Ms. WANG proposed and amendment to the resolution that having staff recommendations regarding surplus allocations return to the City Council for public review would help ensure alignment with Strategic Plan priorities and to have a more transparent process. City Attorney MONTES offered clarification as to the current process and the proposed process. Ms. WANG and Ms. ANDRADE-STADLER discussed her suggestion as well as the proposed study session to review the reserve funds. Ms. LIEU discussed the Finance D epartment ’s Audited Financial Statement and the Mid-Year Budget Review. Ms. ANDRADE-STADLER went on to discuss the need for emergency reserve funds in the event of unforeseen cataclysmic circumstances. Mr. MAZA and Ms. LIEU continued to discuss the ways in which the reserve funds have addressed unfunded liabilities, excluding p ension costs. Ms. WANG responded to Ms. ANDRADE-STADLER ’s comments regarding unforeseen emergencies.
Ms. WANG motioned to approve the increase to the General Funds Emergency Reserve goal to 30%, but to not adopt Section 3 of the Resolution related to the administrative allocation process for surplus funds . Ms. ANDRADE-STADLER seconded the motion.
Action Taken : City Council adopt ed Resolution No. R2M25-8 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Alhambra to amend the General Fund Reserve Policy with a modification to the language of the Resolution – specifically, the removal of Section 3 of the Resolution, amending the General Fund Reserve Policy to increase the General Fund Emergency Reserve goal to 30% ; and , direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize the Council ’s action. ( M2M25-21 )
Vote: Moved: WANG Seconded: ANDRADE-STADLER
Ayes: MAZA, LEE, MALONEY, ANDRADE-STADLER, WANG
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
8. NOTICE INVITING BIDS: 2024 CDBG ADA RAMP PROJECT – F2M25- 26 , N2M25- 20 Staff request ed that the City Council approve the distribution of a Notice Inviting Bids for the 2024 CDBG ADA Ramp Project. The project was located in the southwest, central, and northeast areas of the City. The project consist ed of the construction of thirty-nine (39) base bid curb ramps and ancillary components such as curb & gutter, cross gutter, and sidewalks.
Plans and specifications were prepared for this project which were reviewed by staff and were in conformance with the City ’s standards. Once approved, they would be posted and advertised with the bid notice and bid instructions.
Discussion : None.
Action Taken : City Council authorize d the distribution of Notice Inviting Bids for the 2024 CDBG ADA Ramp Project, with bids due no later than 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2025; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize the Council ’s action .
Vote: Moved: MALONEY Seconded: ANDRADE-STADLER
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, MAZA, LEE, MALONEY, WANG
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
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9. N O TICE INVITING BIDS: ALLEY REHABILITATION PROJECT (AREA A - PHASE II) – F2M25-27, N2M25-21
The Alley Rehabilitation (Area A / Phase II) Project consist ed of 5 alley segments and 1 alternate location. The alley segments were categorized as failed condition. Staff prepared specifications for distribution to qualified firms to submit proposals for the preparation of Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) documents. The project was located on Curtis Lane (Alley) and Olive Place (Alley), between Shorb Street and Valley Boulevard.
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council authorize d the circulation of a Notice Inviting Bids to prospective contractors for the Alley Rehabilitation Project (Area A / Phase II) with bids due no later than 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2025; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action.
Vote: Moved: MALONEY Seconded: ANDRADE-STADLER
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, MAZA, LEE, MALONEY, WANG
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
1 0 . TREASURER ’S REPORT – F2M25-1
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council receive d and file d as submitted the Treasurer's Report prepared by the Director of Finance for the month of January, 2025, listing all of the City's investments as of January 31, 2025.
Vote: Moved: MALONEY Seconded: ANDRADE-STADLER
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, MAZA, LEE, MALONEY, WANG
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
1 1 . MINUTES
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council review ed and approve d as submitted the Minutes of the January 27, 2025 regular meeting of the City Council and the February 10, 2025 special meeting of the City Council.
Vote: Moved: MALONEY Seconded: ANDRADE-STADLER
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, MAZA, LEE, MALONEY, WANG
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
1 2 . PERSONNEL ACTIONS – F2M25-2
Discussion : None.
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Action Taken : City Council ratif ied the actions of the City Manager set forth in that certain Personnel Actions document dated February 24, 2025 showing the various appointments, classifications, salary changes, etc., since the last City Council meeting.
Vote: Moved: MALONEY Seconded: ANDRADE-STADLER
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, MAZA, LEE, MALONEY, WANG
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
1 3 . DEMANDS - F2M25-1
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council approve d as submitted Final Check List (255791 thru 255959 and 255960 thru 255969 ) in the amount of $ 65,026.92 for the period ending January 2 9 , 2025; Final Check List (256136 thru 256280 ) in the amount of $ 764,436.10 for the period ending February 6 , 2025 and Schedule of Wire Transfers in the amount of $ 3,053,803.87 for the week ending January 30 , 2025; and, Final Check List (256281 thru 256444 ) in the amount of $ 1,223,278.82 for the period ending February 13 , 2025 and Schedule of Wire Transfers in the amount of $ 1,119,501.97 for the week ending January 24, 2025.
Vote: Moved: MALONEY Seconded: ANDRADE-STADLER
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, MAZA, LEE, MALONEY, WANG
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
1 4 . RESOLUTION: APPOINTMENTS REQUIRED IN CONNECTION WITH THE REORGANIZATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL – F2M25- 24 , R2M25-10 The following action was required to be taken in connection with the reorganization of the City Council; i.e., designating the City ’s Board members to the Los Angeles County Sanitation District Nos. 2 and 16. By the District ’s bylaws, Katherine Lee , by virtue of becoming Mayor, was the City ’s Member; and, Jeff Maloney was an alternate member to act in place of the presiding officer of the Alhambra City Council.
Discussion : Mayor WANG discussed her position as Mayor on various Boards such as the Sanitation District and encouraged her colleagues to provide continuity in representation. She offered herself as an alternate should any Councilmember not be able to fulfill their duties. Vice Mayor LEE stated that during her time as Vice Mayor, she attended each meeting via Zoom and agreed with Ms. Wang ’s comments regarding the importance of attendance. Councilmember MALONEY agreed with Ms. Wang ’s comments regarding the importance of continuity and stated that as incoming Vice Mayor he would closely monitor the meetings to ensure a smooth transition during his rotation as Vice Mayor and Mayor.
Action Taken : City Council adopt ed Resolution No. R2M2 5-10 entitled: A Resolution of the Alhambra City Council pertaining to the designation of the Member and Alternate Member of the Boards of Directors of County Sanitation District Nos. 2 and 16 of Los Angeles County
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: LEE, ANDRADE-STADLER, MALONEY, MAZA, WANG
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
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PUBLIC COMMENT FOR NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS CONTINUED – F2M25-4 1) Trump spoke regarding his First Amendment rights, the need to protect free speech, spoke against Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and supported President Trump ’s enforcement of regulations against Sanctuary Cities. He distributed a handout, which is on file in the City Clerk ’s office.
LEE : Vice Mayor Lee left Council Chambers at 6:10 p.m. and returned at 6:13 p.m. 2) Andrew SEETO, 1846 S. Marguerita Ave., provided an update to his situation and the alleyway near his residence, thanked staff for their help, and requested additional response to fully repair the alleyway.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS (ANNOUNCEMENTS & FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS) – F2M25-7 Mayor WANG responded to Mr. Seeto ’s comments regarding the repair of alleyways and the plan to address the alleyways in his area during a future project. Ms. WANG announced upcoming townhall meetings regarding the Environmental Sustainability Plan, the survey for public input on the Hazard Mitigation Plan, and the ways for the public to sign up through the City ’s Emergency Alert system.
ADJOURNMENT : At 6:20 p.m. there being no further business for the Council to transact, the Mayor, with the consent of the City Council, adjourned the special meeting.
LAUREN MYLES, CMC
CITY CLERK
by
BRIANNA LAMB MCCARTHY
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
________________________________
NOYA WANG, MAYOR
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LAUREN MYLES, CITY CLERK