Minutes — Arcadia City Council, July 16, 2024

ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL

SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2024

CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Verlato called the Special Meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

PRESENT: Cheng, Kwan, Wang, Cao, and Verlato
ABSENT: None

1. PUBLIC COMMENT – No public comments were provided.

2. CALL TO POST & PRESENTATION OF COLORS

Arcadia Police Department Honor Guard

3. INVOCATION

Reverend John M. Scholte

4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Arcadia Police Department Honor Guard

5. STATE OF THE CITY

April A. Verlato, City of Arcadia Mayor

Mayor Verlato provided a speech that highlighted Arcadia’s major accomplishments over the past year and discussed major initiatives for Arcadia’s future.

6. KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Mirai Nagasu

Mirai Nagasu, Keynote Speaker, provided a speech sharing her knowledge, insights, and experiences as an Olympian with the audience.

The Special Meeting ended at 6:00 p.m.

Linda Rodriguez
City Clerk

1 06-18-2024

ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2024

CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Verlato called the Study Session to order at 6:08 p.m.

ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

PRESENT: Cheng, Kwan, Wang, Cao, and Verlato
ABSENT: None

PUBLIC COMMENTS – No one appeared.

STUDY SESSION

a. Report, discussion, and direction regarding the City Council Certificate Policy.

After City Council discussion, a motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cao, seconded by Council Member Wang, and placed on a roll call vote to amend the City Council Certificate Policy as described by City staff, and bring this item back for further discussion and ratification at a future City Council Meeting.

AYES: Cao, Wang, Cheng, and Verlato
NOES: Kwan
ABSENT: None

b. Report, discussion, and direction regarding language accessibility and translation services.

It was the consensus of the City Council that this item be tabled and brought back for discussion at a future City Council Meeting.

The Study Session ended at 7:02 p.m.

Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers, 7:00 p.m.

1. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Verlato called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:11 p.m.

2. I NVOCATION – Mohammad Ahad, Mosque of San Gabriel

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Harold Chen, Boys Scout Troop 5 - Polytechnic

4. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

PRESENT: C heng, Kwan, Wang, Cao, and Verlato
ABSENT: None

5. REPORT FROM CITY ATTORNEY REGARDING CLOSED/STUDY SESSION ITEMS

City Attorney Maurer reported that prior to the Regular Meeting the City Council met in a Study Session to discuss the two items listed on the posted agenda; he stated that regarding Item a. – City Council Certificate Policy, on a 4 -1 vote, the City Council voted to amend the City Council 2 06-18-2024 Certificate Policy as described by City staff and bring this item back for further discussion at a future City Council Meeting. He indicated that Item b. – language accessibility and translation services, was tabled and will be brought back for consideration at a later date.

6. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

City Manager Lazzaretto had nothing to report.

7. PRESENTATIONS

a. Presentation of Mayor’s Certificate to Arcadia Association of Realtors 2024 President Renee Bannoura and CEO Andrew Cooper in recognition of the AAR 100 th Anniversary.

8. APPPOINTMENTS

a. Appointments to City Boards and Commissions.

CEQA: Not a Project
Recommended Action: Make Appointments

City Manager Lazzaretto presented the staff report and recommended the City Council reappoint the following commission members:

Angela Ayala (filled an unexpired term ) to the Museum Commission for a four (4) year term ending June 30, 2028.

Lula Eskander to the Human Resources Commission for a second four (4) year term ending June 30, 2028.

Vincent Tsoi (filled an unexpired term) to the Planning Commission for a four (4) year term ending June 30, 2028.

Roberto Ayala (filled an unexpired term) to the Recreation and Parks Commission for a four (4) year term ending June 30, 2028.

Valerie Cheung to the Recreation and Parks Commission for a second four (4) year term ending June 30, 2028.

A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cao, seconded by Council Member Cheng, and carried on a roll call vote to reappoint the specified commission members.

AYES: Cao, Cheng, Wang, and Verlato
NOES: Kwan
ABSENT: None

Mayor Verlato conducted the nomination process.

Arcadia Beautiful Commission (2 positions)

Regarding the Arcadia Beautiful Commission, the City Council made the following nominations:

Mayor Pro Tem Cao nominated Lisa Walton.

3 06-18-2024 Council Member Kwan nominated Daniel Malki.

Mayor Verlato nominated Greg Wang.

Seeing no other nominations, the City Council cast their votes as follows:

Council Member Cheng – Lisa Walton and Daniel Malki
Council Member Kwan – Lisa Walton and Daniel Malki
Council Member Wang – Lisa Walton and Daniel Malki
Mayor Pro Tem Cao – Lisa Walton and abstained for his second vote Mayor Verlato – Lisa Walton and Greg Wang

As a result, Lisa Walton and Daniel Malki were appointed to the Arcadia Beautiful Commission for a four (4) year term ending June 30, 2028.

Human Resources Commission (1 position)

Regarding the Human Resources Commission, the City Council made the following nominations:

Mayor Pro Tem Cao nominated Chang Lee. Council Member Cheng concurred.

Seeing no other nominations, it was the consensus of the City Council that Chang Lee be appointed to the Human Resources Commission for a four (4) year term ending June 30, 2028.

Library Board (2 positions)

It was the consensus of the City Council that Hsiuchen Chen be appointed to the Library Board for a four (4) year term ending June 30, 2028, and Barbara Delphey be appointed to the Library Board to fill an unexpired term ending June 30, 2025.

Senior Citizens’ Commission (2 At-Large positions)

Regarding the Senior Citizens’ Commission, the City Council made the following nominations:

Council Member Kwan nominated Shirley Curley.

Mayor Pro Tem Cao nominated Cris Arzate and Ethel Laczko.

Seeing no other nominations, the City Council cast their votes as follows:

Council Member Cheng – Ethel Laczko and Cris Arzate
Council Member Kwan – Shirley Curley and Cris Arzate
Council Member Wang – Ethel Laczko and Cris Arzate
Mayor Verlato – Ethel Laczko and Chris Arzate
Mayor Pro Tem Cao – Ethel Laczko and Cris Arzate

As a result, Ethel Laczko and Cris Arzate were appointed to the Senior Citizens’ Commission – At-Large position, for a two (2) year term ending June 30, 2026.

Golden Age Club (1 position)

Based on the Golden Age Club letter of recommendation, it was the consensus of the City Council that Cynthia Salazar be appointed to the Senior Citizens’ Commission as the Golden Age Club member, for a two (2) year term ending June 30, 2026.
4 06-18-2024 Assistance League (1 position)

Based on the Assistance League letter of recommendation, it was the consensus of the City Council that Joyce McGregor be appointed to the Senior Citizens’ Commission as the Assistance League member, for a two (2) year term ending June 30, 2026.

9. PUBLIC HEARING

a. Resolution No. 7577 confirming the Engineer’s Report for the levy and collection of the Arcadia Citywide Lighting District No. 1 and the associated Assessment Diagram; and ordering the levy and collection of assessments for Fiscal Year 2024-25.

CEQA: Not a Project
Recommended Action: Adopt

Deputy Public Works Services Director Masud and Management Analyst Lopez presented the Staff Report.

Mayor Verlato opened the Public Hearing.

No one appeared.

A motion to close the Public Hearing was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cao, seconded by Council Member Kwan, and seeing no objection, Mayor Verlato declared the Public Hearing closed.

It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Cao, seconded by Council Member Kwan, and carried on a roll call vote to adopt Resolution No. 7577 confirming the Engineer’s Report for the levy and collection of the Arcadia Citywide Lighting District No. 1 and the associated Assessment Diagram; and ordering the levy and collection of assessments for Fiscal Year 2024-25.

AYES: Cao, Kwan, Cheng, Wang, and Verlato
NOES: None
ABSENT: None

10. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Domenico Tallerico, an Arcadia resident, appeared and spoke about architectural design features that can be used to ensure public spaces are used as intended; he explained the purpose of his inclusive design features; and expressed his readiness to provide a presentation to the City Council or any interested parties.

Sister Skyler Pen nington, a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, appeared and expressed her interest in collaborating with the City of Arcadia to provide service hours to the community; she stated that the Church has volunteered with the City of Azuza, El Monte, and Rancho Cucamonga; and indicated that she would like to meet with the City Council to discuss ways of getting involved with the community.

Susan Guo, an Arcadia resident and Board Director of the Arcadia Chinese Association (“ACA”), appeared and congratulated the City Council for a successful year; she commented on the State of the City event; she reminded everyone that the ACA has collaborated with the City on various events; she expressed her disappointment over the lack of recognition the ACA received during the State of the City address; and highlighted the ACA’s past accomplishments.

Connie Liao, an Arcadia resident and Arcadia Chinese Association (“ACA”) member, appeared and spoke about the importance of inclusivity and fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation; 5 06-18-2024 she thanked Mayor Verlato for her service and requested that she amend the State of the City address to recognize the Arcadia Chinese Association.

Mayor Verlato addressed Ms. Guo and Ms. Liao’s comments ; she thanked the Arcadia Chinese Association for their efforts and contributions to the City; and thanked Ms. Guo and Ms. Liao for attending tonight’s meeting and expressing their sentiments.

Jim Romo, an Arcadia resident and Chair of the Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation, appeared and shared the history of the Arcadia Performing Arts Center; he highlighted the events scheduled for the 2024-2025 season; and indicated that the Foundation is launching a fundraising campaign to raise money for equipment upgrades.

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 Wang provided a report on the various events that she attended or will be attending as a representative of the City.

Council Member Cheng spoke about the importance of expressing appreciation to your loved ones; he expressed his gratitude to the community and his colleagues for their support and commitment to the City.

Mayor Pro Tem Cao provided a report on the various events that he attended or will be attending as a representative of the City; he announced that June 14 w as Flag Day and shared the significance of that day; he further announced that June 26 is the next Citywide Health Education Series – Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Treatment ; and that August 10 is the City’s first Community Health Fair, encouraging everyone to attend.

Council Member Kwan stated that all Board and Commission candidates and current commission members serving are qualified to serve; she provided more background on her vote during the Board and Commission reappointment process; she acknowledged Ashish Guha’s resume by highlighting his qualifications and encouraged him to apply to the Planning Commission next year.

She spoke about the importance of fostering representation and diversity; and thanked Mayor Verlato for her service.

Mayor Verlato thanked City staff for their efforts in coordinating the State of the City event; she expressed her gratitude to her colleagues, stating it has been a pleasure serving with them; and she requested City Council support to place an item on a future agenda to consider a $20,000 donation to the Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation. Council Member Kwan and Council Member Wang concurred with her request. She provided a report on the various events that she attended or will be attending as a representative of the City; she announced that June 29 is the P atriotic Festival and fireworks show; she noted Consent Calendar item 12c – Homeless, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act, and encouraged everyone to support the Act.

In response to City Manager Lazzaretto’s inquiry, Mayor Verlato indicated that she would like to place the $20,000 donation to the Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation i tem on the August 20, 2024, City Council Meeting Agenda.

12. CONSENT CALENDAR

a. Regular Meeting Minutes of June 4, 2024.