ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL JOINT MEETING MINUTES
FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2022
CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Tay called the Special Joint Meeting to order at 1:07 p.m.
ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
PRESENT: Beck, Cheng, and Tay
ABSENT: Verlato
Mayor Tay noted for the record that Council Member Verlato was running late.
ROLL CALL OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
PRESENT: Chang, Kuo, Leung, and Helms
ABSENT: Singh and Zhang
Council Member Verlato arrived at 1:10 p.m.
CITY COUNCIL/CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE
Report, discussion, and direction regarding proposed Charter Amendments and ballot measures for the November 8, 2022, General Municipal Election.
Recommended Action: Adopt Committee Recommendations and Provide Direction
Deputy City Manager Bruckner presented an overview of the proposed Charter Amendments and ballot measures for the November 8, 2022, General Municipal Election. Discussion ensued and staff responded to various questions, comments, and suggestions on the p roposed Charter Amendments and ballot measures.
The City Council recessed at 3:14 p.m. and reconvened at 3:24 p.m.
After further discussion, the City Council concurred with most of the Charter Review Committee’s recommendations and directed staff to bring back this agenda item for further discussion at a future City Council Meeting to discuss the following outstanding items: (1) giving the City Council the authority to transition back to at-large voting at some future date, if desired; (2) district residency requirements for City Council Members, if nobody within the district was nominated by the end of the nomination period; (3) term limits; and (4) changes to the elected City Clerk position.
CITY COUNCIL
Ordinance No. 2386 amending Section 1704(B) of Chapter 7, Article I of the Arcadia Municipal Code defining City Council Electoral District Boundaries, and adopting revised City Council Electoral District Boundaries as set forth in Exhibit “A”.
Recommended Action: Introduce
City Manager Lazzaretto presented the Staff Report. Discussion ensued, and staff and the City’s demographer responded to various questions and comments regarding the current maps under consideration. Council Member Beck introduced Map 115 (Version 4).
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Grace Lee appeared and stated that she is speaking on behalf of her family; she commented on the proposed term limits; she indicated that she is in favor of three term limits; that she is opposed to serving those terms consecutively; and expressed her reasons why she is in support of Map 103.
Lee Kuo, an Arcadia resident and member of the Charter Review Committee, appeared and indicated that he is in support of maps that protect other minority groups; he stated that he is okay with maps that have fewer Asian majority districts; and expressed his position regarding the proposed Charter amendments related to compensation and term limits.
Angela Hui, an Arcadia resident, appeared and commented on the proposed term limits ; she indicated that she would like the current term limits to remain in place; and noted that she is not opposed to Council Members serving more than 12 years.
The City Council recessed at 4:48 p.m. and reconvened at 4:50 p.m.
After further discussion the City Council directed staff to bring back all five current maps under consideration, including Map 115 (Version 4) at the April 5, 2022, City Council Meeting for further discussion.
The Special Meeting ended at 5:08 p.m.
Linda Rodriguez
Assistant City Clerk
ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2022
CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Tay called the Closed Session to order at 4:00 p.m.
INVOCATION –
Mayor Pro Tem Cheng
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – City Clerk Gene Glasco
ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
PRESENT: Beck, Verlato, Cheng, and Tay
ABSENT: None
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
City Manager Lazzaretto stated that the City Charter allows for three Council Members to submit in writing a request to hold a Special Meeting; he received a request from one Council Member to hold a meeting to discuss filling the vacancy for District 5; he reached out to all Council Members and received two additional requests; therefore, the Special Meeting was called. A Closed Session item was placed on the Agenda in the event Council needed to discuss legal matters with the City Attorney.
Mayor Tay adjourned to Closed Session at 4:04 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
a. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) to confer with legal counsel regarding potential litigation – one (1) case.
No reportable action was taken on the Closed Session items.
Mayor Tay reconvened the Special Meeting at 4:16 p.m.
REPORT FROM CITY ATTORNEY REGARDING CLOSED/STUDY SESSION ITEMS
City Attorney Deitsch announced there was n o reportable action taken on the Closed Session item.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Sonia Martin, an Arcadia resident, appeared and stated that she was happy that the City Council has called for the Special Meeting to possibly fill the vacancy for District 5; she asked Mayor Tay to correct statements he made stating that the City was sued by Shenkman; she stated that Map 103 is disadvantageous to Latino residents; Asians are not minority voters, Latinos are.
Mayor Tay asked City Manager Lazzaretto to speak about the letter received by Shenkman.
City Manager Lazzaretto stated that the letter was received in 2017 from Kevin Shenkman who had successfully sued several other cities and won; therefore, the City Council decided to go to district-based elections to avoid any lawsuits.
City Attorney Deitsch reminded the City Council that under the Brown Act the public is only entitled to speak to items that are listed on the Agenda, and asked that City Council go back to discuss the matters listed on the agenda.
STUDY SESSION
a. Council Member request to consider appointment of Michael Danielson to fill the unexpired term for City Council District 5 and calling for a Special Municipal Election.
Recommended Action: Provide Direction
Resolution No. 7418 calling and giving notice of an All -Mail Ballot Special Municipal Election to be held in City Electoral District 5 on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, to fill a vacancy on the City Council as required by the provisions of the City Charter and the laws of the State of California relating to Charter Cities.
Recommended Action: Adopt
Resolution No. 7419 adopting regulations for candidates for elective office pertaining to candidates statements submitted to the voters at an All-Mail Ballot Special Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, August 30, 2022.
Recommended Action: Adopt
Resolution No. 7420 requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles to render full services to the City relating to the conduct of an All-Mail Ballot Special Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, to fill a vacancy on the City Council.
Recommended Action: Adopt
City Manager Lazzaretto presented the Staff Report.
Michael Danielson provided City Council with his background information.
After City Council discussion, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Cheng, seconded by Council Member Beck, and carried on roll call vote to appoint Michael Danielson to fill the unexpired term for City Council Member from District 5.
AYES: Cheng, Beck, Verlato, and Tay
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
No action was taken with regards to the Resolutions.
Council Member Beck asked if Michael Danielson could be sworn in.
Michael Danielson accepted and City Clerk Glasco administered the Oath of Office.
The Special Meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m. to the next Regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at 7:00 p.m.
Rachelle Arellano
Deputy City Clerk
1 04/05/2022
ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 05, 2022
1. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Tay called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. I NVOCATION – Reverend Jolene Cadenbach, Arcadia Congregational Church
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – City Clerk Glasco
4. ADMINISTER THE OATH OF OFFICE TO NEWLY-APPOINTED COUNCIL MEMBER
The City Clerk administered the Oath of Office to Council Member Danielson.
5. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
PRESENT: Beck, Danielson, Verlato, Cheng, and Tay
ABSENT: None
6. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
City Manager Lazzaretto announced that Mayor Tay asked to move City Manager Item 13a after Public Hearing Item 9a; he also noted that Mayor Tay asked that public comment be taken after item 13a; he further reminded the audience to submit public comment cards in the box prior to the Mayor calling for public comment.
7. MOTION TO READ ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS BY TITLE ONLY AND
WAIVE THE READING IN FULL
A motion was made by Council Member Beck, and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cheng, to read all ordinances and resolutions by title only and waive the reading in full.
8. PRESENTATIONS
a. Presentation by the San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust on their efforts in providing affordable housing throughout the region.
b. Presentation of Donate Life Proclamation to OneLegacy.
9. PUBLIC HEARING
a. Ordinance No. 2387 adopting a Military Equipment Use Policy pursuant to Assembly Bill 481.
Recommended Action: Introduce
Police Chief Nakamura presented the Staff Report and PowerPoint presentation.
Mayor Tay opened the Public Hearing for public comment.
No public comments were received.
2 04/05/2022 A motion to close the Public Hearing was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cheng. The City Council concurred.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cheng, and seconded by Council Member Beck, to introduce Ordinance No. 2387 adopting a Military Equipment Use Policy pursuant to Assembly Bill 481. The motion passed by roll call vote.
AYES: Cheng, Beck, Danielson, Verlato, and Tay
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
13. CITY MANAGER
a. Ordinance No. 2386 amending Section 1704(B) to Chapter 7, Article I of the Arcadia Municipal Code defining City Council Electoral District Boundaries, and adopting revised City Council Electoral District Boundaries as set forth in Exhibit “A.” Recommended Action: Introduce
City Manager Lazzaretto presented the staff report and Jeff Simonetti from National Demographics Corporation advised that he was available for any questions.
Mayor Tay opened the floor for public comment.
Poli Chu, an Arcadia resident from District 4, called and expressed her support for Map 103; she further expressed tiny shelters will not solve the homeless problem.
Shawn Soriano, an Arcadia resident, called and stated his disappointment with Map 114 and expressed his preference for Map 103.
Carmen Chen, an Arcadia resident, appeared and stated that Map 114 should not be entertained.
Sydney Chen, an Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed his support for Map 103.
Angela, an Arcadia resident, appeared and congratulated Council Member Danielson; s he thanked Council Member Verlato for her transparency with information; and she shared her preference for Maps 114 and 115.
Sonia Martin, an Arcadia resident, appeared and thanked the City Council for appointing a Council Member to represent District 5; she indicated that the Latino minorities are not being properly represented; and she urged the City Council to consider adopting Maps 114 or 115V4.
Emma Chan, an Arcadia resident, appeared and congratulated Council Member Danielson; she stated that she is in favor of Map 103 and opposed to Map 114.
Angie Gren, an Arcadia resident of District 1, appeared and congratulated Council Member Danielson; she expressed her concern for an Anti-Asian sentiment that is felt among many of the residents; and she questioned Council Member Verlato’s motive for selecting Map 115.
Susan Guo, an Arcadia resident, appeared and congratulated Council Member Danielson and shared her support for Map 103.
3 04/05/2022 Gene Feng, an Arcadia resident, called and congratulated Council Member Danielson and shared his support for Map 103.
Zig Jiang, an Arcadia resident and President of the Chinese American Equalization Association, appeared and shared his support for Map 103 and strongly opposed Map 114; he further advised City Council that if Map 103 was not adopted that the Chinese American Equalization Association may consider taking legal action.
Jennifer Shan, an Arcadia resident, appeared and congratulated newly -appointed Council Member Danielson and shared her support for Map 103.
Marilyn Wylander, an Arcadia resident, appeared provided a letter to City Council along with 10 signed statements from her neighbors in favor of Map 114 and shared her support for Map 114.
Sherman, an Arcadia resident, called and expressed his support for Map 103.
Nelson Ge, an Arcadia resident, called and expressed his support for Map 103.
A motion to close public comment was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cheng, and seconded by Council Member Beck, and seeing no objection, Mayor Tay declared the public comment closed.
After City Council discussion, a motion was made by Mayor Tay, and seconded by May Pro Tem Cheng, to select Map 103.
A substitute motion was made by Council Member Verlato, and seconded by Council Member Beck, to introduce Ordinance 2386 with M ap 115 (Version 4) making minor adjustments of the boundary between District 4 and District 5 by moving the line from the Arcadia Wash to El Monte Ave.
AYES: Verlato, Beck, and Danielson
NOES: Cheng and Tay
ABSENT: None
A motion was made by Council Member Beck and seconded by Council Member Verlato, as an alternative, if Map 115 (V ersion 4) could not be revised and remain acceptable, to Introduce Ordinance 2386 using the original Map 115 (Version 4).
AYES: Beck, Verlato, and Danielson
NOES: Cheng and Tay
ABSENT: None
10. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mike Veerman, an Arcadia resident, appeared and stated that he is happy that we have a full City Council and thanked Michael Danielson for his service.
Susan Guo, an Arcadia resident, appeared and thanked the City Council for trying to come up with a solution for redistricting; she further thanked Council Member Danielson for reaching out to former Council Members and urged him to reach out to former Asian Council Members as well.
Angie Gren, an Arcadia resident, appeared and extended a special thank you to the City Council for all their work getting to this point and expressed her concerns with Map 115. 4 04/05/2022
Rene Romero called on behalf of Assembly Member Mike Fong, who was sworn in to represent District 49 on February 22; he advised the residents that the District Office is up and running and encouraged residents to call their office at ( 323) 264-4949 or email at [email protected]
with any concerns or assistance in state related
matters; and he congratulated Council Member Danielson.
11. REPORTS FROM MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL AND CITY CLERK (including reports from the City Council related to meetings attended at City expense [AB 1234]).
Council Member Verlato had no comments.
Council Member Danielson announced that he attended the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce ACE Awards and Board Installation event on March 29; he congratulated the winners and especially congratulated M.J. Finstrom for winning Citizen of the Year.
Council Member Beck welcomed Council Member Danielson; he attended the Arcadia Chamber ACE Awards and Board Installation and thanked the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce for doing such a great job; he announced that April 9 is the Santa Anita Derby Day 5k and encouraged all to attend; he further announced that there will be a Shredding Event on April 16 at the Arcadia Library from 8-11am; he commended the young lady that spoke during the presentation regarding OneLegacy and hopes that her story encourages more people to become organ donors.
Mayor Pro Tem Cheng thanked the residents who spoke regarding the maps; he further thanked Gene Glasco for sharing his story regarding his power outage during the wind storms; he encouraged any residents with medical issues that require electricity to register with Southern California Edison’s Medical Base Line program, which prioritizes repairs for those residents during power outages; he attended the Independent Cities Association Spring Conference; and he expressed his gratitude to all City Council members for being such great role models.
City Clerk Glasco shared that he is the only elected City Clerk that is a graduate of Arcadia High School; he congratulated Council Member Danielson for his appointment to the City Council; he announced that the Arcadia Association of Realtors will be holding a shredding event on April 22 in their parking lot.
Mayor Tay stated that he attended the Independent Cities Association Spring Conferences; he also attended the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce ACE Awards and commended the Chamber for always doing such a great job.
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Regular Meeting Minutes of March 15, 2022.
Recommended Action: Approve
b. Resolution No. 7416 declaring its intention to vacate the East/West Alley within the block bounded by Santa Anita Avenue, Santa Clara Street, First Avenue and Wheeler Avenue, setting a Public Hearing relative thereto, and approving a Categorical Exemption for this action pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”).
Recommended Action: Adopt
5 04/05/2022 c. Resolution No. 7421 authorizing a supplemental appropriation in the Library and Museum Services Budget for a Public Broadband and Network Equipment Upgrade in an amount not to exceed $57,789, offset by funds received from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Recommended Action: Adopt
d. Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with CWE, Inc. and Change Order to the Purchase Order for the implementation of the Coordinated Integrated Monitoring Program (“CIMP”) for the Rio Hondo/San Gabriel River Water Quality Group in the amount of $228,775.
Recommended Action: Approve
e. Contract with Gentry Brothers, Inc. for Fiscal Year 2021-22 Annual Concrete Repairs Project in the amount of $105,730.
Recommended Action: Approve
f. Accept all work performed by Three Peaks Corporation for the Arcadia Gold Line Station Pedestrian Linkage Improvements Project in the amount of $2,291,190.08, as complete.
Recommended Action: Approve
g. Find that, due to the COVID-19 state of emergency, state and local officials continue to recommend measures to promote social distancing, and therefore the City Council and all other City Boards and Commissions may meet virtually.
Recommended Action: Make Findings
It was moved by Council Member Beck, seconded by Council Member Danielson, and carried on a roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Items 12.a through 12.g.
Council Member Verlato recused herself from item 12.b, as she owns property that is within 1,000 feet of the subject alleyway.
AYES: Beck , Danielson, Verlato, Cheng, and Tay
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Verlato (Consent Calendar Item 12.b only)
14. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned at 10: 08 p.m. to Monday, April 11, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Conference Room.
Rachelle Arellano
Assistant City Clerk