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C I T Y O F A L H A M B R A
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE
ALHAMBRA CITY COUNCIL
(Notice No. N2M25-34)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting of the Alhambra City Council will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, commencing at 10:00 a.m., in Ruth Reese Hall of the Alhambra Civic Center Library, 101 South First Street, Alhambra, California, pursuant to the order of the Mayor of the City of Alhambra, the Alhambra City Charter, the Alhambra Municipal Code, and Section 54956 of the Government Code of the State of California.
An agenda of such special meeting is attached hereto incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof as though fully set forth herein.
LAUREN MYLES, CMC
CITY CLERK
Dated: March 11, 2025
Notice No. N2M25-34
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CITY OF ALHAMBRA
AGENDA
ALHAMBRA CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Ruth Reese Hall, Alhambra Civic Center Library
101 South First Street
March 13, 2025
10:00 a.m.
NOTE: Section 2.04.210 of the Alhambra Municipal Code establishes the procedures for addressing the Council. Speaker Request Cards will be provided by the City Clerk. If you wish to address the Council during the meeting, please complete a speaker’s card and hand it to the City Clerk.
Watch and listen to the meeting as follows:
Zoom Webinar direct link:
https://cityofalhambra-org.zoom.us/j/87177587294?pwd=UkLgKFvkI7PrDO1uLOgCQaK2lHxa9N.1 Webinar ID: 871 7758 7294, Passcode: 281050
Or by telephone b y dialing (833) 548 -0276 (Toll Free) or (833) 548 -0282 (Toll Free) or (877) 853-5257 (Toll Free) or (888) 475-4499 (Toll Free) or +1(719) 359-4580 or +1(309) 205-3325 or +1(253) 215-8782 or +1(346) 248-7799 or +1(646) 931 -3860 or +1(301) 715 -8592 or +1(312 ) 626-6799 or +1(646) 558 -8656 and entering Webinar ID: 871 7758 7294 and Passcode :
281050. Please Note: All members of the public calling or logging into the meeting will be muted so that the meeting can proceed. If there are technical difficulties with Z oom during the meeting, the meeting will proceed regardless.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
ROLL CALL:
COUNCIL: MAZA, MALONEY, WANG, ANDRADE-STADLER, LEE
CITY CLERK REPORT - NOTICE NO. N2M25-34
The City Clerk hereby reports that she duly gave notice of the Special Meeting of the City Council being held th is morning pursuant to t he order of the Mayor and in accordance with Section 54956 of the Government Code of the State of California.
1. CITY COUNCIL STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION – F2M25-28
The City Council, City Manager, Department Heads and Facilitator William Kelly, President/CEO of Kelly Associates Management Group, held a strategic planning session on March 4, 2025 to update the City’s Strategic Plan adopted in 2024. The Draft Strategic Plan contains six Goals, defined as follows: Goal 1: Enhance Public Safety ; Goal 2: Improve Infrastructure and Mobility; Goal 3: Create a Strong Financial Base and Strong Economic Base (Economic Development) ; Goal 4: Enhance Transparency and
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Open Governance; Goal 5: Promote Sus tainability; and, Goal 6: Improve Housing Opportunities, and an Implementation Plan to provide details and metrics to monitor the Plan. The City Council will review and discuss the Draft Strategic Plan.
Recommended Action: City Council review the 2025 City of Alhambra Draft Strategic Plan and direct staff as deemed appropriate.
ADJOURNMENT: The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Alhambr a City Council will be held on Monday, March 24, 2025, in the Alhambra City Hall Council Chambers, 111 South First Street, Alhambra, California, commencing at 6:00 p.m.
N O T I C E
Agenda Items: Copies of the staff reports or other written documentation relating to the items listed on this agenda are on file with the City Clerk in Alhambra City Hall, located at 111 South First Street, Alhambra, California, and are available for in spection during regular office hours, Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. If you would like to sign-up to receive the City Council meeting agenda and staff reports packet, please visit the City’s webs ite at www.cityofalhambra.org and you will be able to submit your email address on the homepage to the subscription service. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.5(b), materials related to agenda items for regular meetings of the Alhambra City C ouncil that are distributed less than 72 hours prior to that meeting, will be made available for public inspection at the Alhambra City Clerk’s Office.
Americans with Disabilities Act: If you require special assi stance to participate in any City meeting (including assisted li stening devices), please contact the City Clerk's Office at (626 ) 570- 5090. Notification of at least 72 hours prior t o the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.
Translation Services Reques ts: If you require translation services in order to participate in a meeting please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (626) 570-5090. All requests for translation services shall be made by 4 p.m. the Thursday prior to the City Coun cil meeting. If translat ion is not requested by 4 p.m. the Thursday prior to the City Council meeting, staff will try to accommodate the request if possible.
LAUREN MYLES, CMC
CITY CLERK
March 13, 2025
ALHAMBRA CITY COUNCIL
2025 STRATEGIC PLAN
Goal 1: Enhance Public Safety
Goal 2: Improve Infrastructure and Mobility
Goal 3: Create a Strong Financial Base and Strong Economic Base (Economic Development) Goal 4: Enhance Transparency and Open Governance
Goal 5: Promote Sustainability
Goal 6: Improve Housing Opportunities
Completion Timeframe:
Short term - 1 year
Mid term - 1-3 years
Long term - 3+ years
**Items carried over from 2023-24 Strategic Plan
2 Goal 1: Enhance Public Safety
Objective
Number
Department Objective Description Completion
Timeframe
Status Funding Source
**
1.1 UPDATED
PD & FD Public Education:
Community Academy (PD):
1 annually
CERT Program (FD):
2 annually
Safety Fair (PD & FD):
1 annually
Enhance Neighborhood
Watch Programs (PD):
10 annually
Add safety videos to the
City Website
(earthquake, fire etc.)
Ongoing
In budget
Goal 2: Improve Infrastructure and Mobility
Objective
Number
Department Objective Description Completion
Timeframe
Status Funding Source
**
2.1 PW & U Expand ACT Bus to
allow for better
Citywide connectivity.
Short term Consultant is currently conducting
outreach to residents to determine
interest in ACT Bus routes and
ridership, with analysis expected as
Prop C
3 next steps. Presentation to City
Council is expected in May 2025.
**
2.2 PW and MS Continue planning and
outreach efforts for the
710 Projects, including
the 710 Arterial Project,
and Fremont/10
freeway project
Long term The City is awaiting approval for
documentation from Caltrans,
thereafter outreach will resume. In
addition, Caltrans is reviewing the
initial documentation for the
Arterial Project.
Measure M
Measure R
**
2.3 PW & U Complete a citywide
bus shelter study
Short term Study is complete. Staff expects to
release NIB by March 2025.
Transportation
Prop A/C funds
**
2.4 PW and MS Secure funding for
installation of Bike/Ped
Plan recommendations
Short term &
Long term
Staff is currently waiting for a
Funding Agreement from METRO
for $14.4M authorized under
Measure R for pedestrian
improvements. Staff continues to
look for other grant opportunities
for the bike improvements.
Measure R and
Grants
**
2.5 PW and MS Secure funds to
improve 9 City Bridges
over the Union Pacific
Rail Road locations for
seismic reinforcement.
Long term City is currently participating in the
Bridge Preventative Maintenance
Program (BPMP) through LA
County.
TBD
11.5% match
required from City
**
2.6 P&R & PW Expand Greenspace
throughout the
community
Mid term
Ongoing
The Story Park project consultant is
developing specifications for BID
documents.
The Burke Park project, which is
concurrent with Measure W Water
Grant for stormwater capture
project, is in the design phase at
60% design.
The building at the future Pocket
Park at Hellman/Fremont is under
review for design.
Grants
4 **
2.7 CD Explore the acquisition
of the International
Extrusion site, or a
portion adjacent to
Emery Park
Mid term Staff is exploring the opportunity.
The Charles Company verbally
agreed to staff to square off the
Park.
Unknown
**
2.8 CD
P&R
Create “Place Making”
Centers
Short term Contract was awarded to install
place making at Almansor, Granada
and Alhambra Parks. Contract is
underway.
In budget
**
2.9 PW & U Address traffic concerns
and look into a Traffic
Calming Policy
Short term Consultant will present options for
consideration to Council on April
14, 2025.
Unknown
**
2.10 UPDATED
P&R and CD Explore funding for the
full buildout of the
Community Center
Mid term The project is currently in the Value
Engineering phase in preparation
for submittal to the Building
Department on March 19, 2025.
Grant
2.11 NEW
CD & MS
PW & U
Development of City
Branding, including new
wayfinding signage etc.
Short term
2.12 NEW
CD &
PW & U
Explore expansion of
cleaning services of
Downtown parking
structures, Main Street
and Valley Blvd.
between Garfield and
Atlantic
Short term
2.13 NEW
P&R Evaluate Senior Ride
use and demand.
Short term
2.14 NEW
HR Study critical City
facilities for seismic
retrofitting
Mid term
5 Goal 3: Create a Strong Financial Base and Strong Economic Base (Economic Development) Objective
Number
Department Objective Description Completion
Timeframe
Status Funding Source
**
3.1 CD Develop an Economic
Development Action
Plan
Short term Consultant completed a
Community Survey, draft results
are expected in early 2025 and
will be presented to Council in
Spring 2025.
In budget
**
3.2 CD Attract more jobs with
livable wages
Long term Staff continues to look for
opportunities to engage with
businesses and continues to
attend job fairs.
In budget
**
3.3 Finance Strategize to reduce
the City’s pension
liability
Long term Staff will monitor potential
opportunities.
In budget
**
3.4 UPDATED
Finance Increase City reserves
to 30%
continuous General Fund
Reserve
**
3.5 UPDATED
Finance
MS
Address vacant
commercial
properties. Explore
vacancy tax for the
2026 Ballot.
Mid term
Short term
Council approved a Vacant
Property Registration Program.
Staff expects to kick-off the
Program in Summer/Fall 2025.
**
3.6 UPDATED
CD Conduct a focus study
to develop incentives
for attracting
commercial
businesses on Main
Street between
Garfield and Almansor
Mid term
6 **
3.7 UPDATED
CD More emphasis on
Economic
Development on
Valley
Mid term Staff will distribute 500 fliers to
property owners about
Development Standard updates.
In budget
**
3.8 UPDATED
CD Promote ADU
opportunities and
create a flow chart/
infographic for the
process, including all
costs, in multiple
languages
Short term In budget
3.9 NEW
CD Research “Shop Local”
Program to offer
incentives to
businesses and
patrons
Short term
3.10 NEW
CD
Finance
CA
Explore the expansion
of the Downtown
Alhambra Business
Association and
increased assessment
fees
Short term
**
3.11 REMOVE?
CD Create a flow chart/
infographic for the
process of establishing
new businesses in the
City
Complete A flow chart/ infographic has
been developed, staff will upload
to the City website and have
copies available at the counter.
In budget
7 Goal 4: Enhance Transparency and Open Governance
Objective
Number
Department Objective Description Completion
Timeframe
Status Funding Source
**
4.1 MS
P&R
Library
Focus outreach efforts
to the Senior
community and those
who do not use
technology
continuous
A digital resource board is now in
the lobby of the Joslyn Senior
Center to help share City news
and events. Staff is working
internally to enhance City
information and resources at all
City buildings in multiple
languages.
In budget
**
4.2 CD & MS Create better
connections with
CSULA
Long term Staff has developed a connection
with CSULA staff and will continue
to work on potential
opportunities for students and
creating job pipelines, and share
information on transportation
improvements, and housing
opportunities.
In budget
4.3 NEW
MS
P&R
PW & U
Research options for
indoor and outdoor
digital signage for City
buildings to share City
related information
and announcements
Short term
4.4 NEW
PW & MS Develop an
application “App” for
residents to submit
service requests
Short term
**
4.5 REMOVE?
HR City internships for
students
Ongoing Human Resources staff currently
works with interested volunteer
interns for placement.
In budget
8 Goal 5: Promote Sustainability
Objective
Number
Department Objective
Description
Completion
Timeframe
Status Funding Source
**
5.1 MS Complete a
Comprehensive
Environmental
Sustainability Plan
that supports the
long term needs of
Alhambra
Mid-term for Plan
Long term for
implementation of
recommendations
Five Town Hall meetings were
held in Feb./March 2025 and an
online questionnaire is available
online, through April, to gather
community feedback for Phase 2 –
Strategy Development. Next, the
consultant will collect the data
and develop a draft plan.
Grant funds (Chu)
and staff to
monitor additional
grant opportunities
**
5.2 P&R
PW & U
MS
Add EV Charging
Stations to the Parks
Short term Council approved staff to release
RFP for installation at City Parks
(18).
State Grant (Fong)
Goal 6: Improve Housing Opportunities
Objective
Number
Department Objective
Description
Completion
Timeframe
Status Funding Source
**
6.1 CD Encourage and
facilitate the building
of affordable housing
Long term Staff continues to work on current
Affordable Housing sites.
In budget
**
6.2 CD Create design
guidelines for multi-
family dwellings and
commercial buildings
Mid term Council approved a contract with
RRM Design to develop multi-
family and commercial objective
design standards and guidelines
with a presentation to Council
expected in Spring 2025 with
outreach meetings to follow.
ARPA
**
6.3 CD Support Permanent
Supportive Housing –
Long term An assignment to the Cesar
Chavez Foundation went to the
Developer
9 Cesar Chavez
Foundation (2nd and
Main – Mariposa)
Council on 10/28/24. The project
is moving forward, assignments
and restated Development
Agreement was presented to
Council in February 2025.
**
6.4 UPDATED
CD
Finance
Address the effects
of Short Term
Rentals. Explore the
opportunity to collect
Transient Occupancy
Tax on the 2026
Ballot
Mid term Council adopted an Ordinance
outlining a “Short Term Rental
Registration Program” that will go
into effect in March 2025.
In budget
**
6.5 UPDATED
CD Promote Citywide
mixed-use housing
developments with
an emphasis on Main
Street between
Chapel and Almansor
Long term