ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2026
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Cheng called the Special Meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
PRESENT: Cao, Kwan, Fu, and Cheng
ABSENT: None
City Manager Lazzaretto announced that the following five applicants had withdrawn their applications for appointment to the District 3 vacancy:
Ruby Chang
Gail Littlejohn
Eduardo Magallanes
William Wu
Peter Yoo
Mayor Cheng outlined the meeting procedures and interview process for the District 3 City Council vacancy appointment; he explained the format of candidate interviews, and the process for deliberation and selection following the interviews.
PUBLIC COMMENT
April Verlato, former Arcadia Mayor and resident, appeared and urged the City Council not to make an appointment to fill the District 3 vacancy, stating that District 3 voters should select their representative through the election process in November.
Judy Hermann, an Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed concerns regarding the appointment process; she inquired about residency requirements for City Council candidates; and she stated that a three-month residency seemed insufficient to qualify for City Attorney Maurer explained the residency requirements for City Council candidates, including appointments, pursuant to the City Charter.
Beth Costanza, former Executive Director of the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce, appeared and encouraged the City Council to take sufficient time to thoroughly vet applicants, emphasizing the importance of selecting a candidate who is knowledgeable about the City's history and community.
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MJ, an Arcadia resident, appeared and discussed responses she received to a social media post regarding interview questions for District 3 applicants; she also expressed concerns regarding the "No Turn on Red" traffic signals on Baldwin Avenue, stating that the signage has caused confusion for drivers.
In response to Mayor Cheng's inquiry, MJ further described the confusion created by the "No Turn on Red" traffic signals.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Fu's inquiry, City Manager Lazzaretto stated that the City Engineer is evaluating the issue and working to balance pedestrian safety and driver concerns.
OPEN SESSION TO THE PUBLIC
a. Interview candidates for appointment to fill the unexpired term of City Council Member representing District 3.
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommended Action: Conduct Interviews and Make Appointment Mayor Cheng announced that the candidates would have a few minutes to provide opening remarks and that each Council Member would ask them two questions each, with each interview lasting approximately 12 minutes.
The City Council interviewed the following six (6) potential candidates for appointment:
Walter Besocke
John Han
Cynthia Ng Monje
Beth Szymkowski
Paul Van Fleet
Lisa Walton
At the conclusion of the interviews and City Council discussion, Mayor Cheng continued the Special Meeting until the Regular Meeting
The City Council recessed at 6:58 p.m. and reconvened at 10:11 p.m.
Following additional discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to table this item to the June 16, 2026, City Council meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, and to once again televise the meeting.
The Special Meeting ended at meeting 10:19 p.m.
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Mayor of the City of Arcadia
ATTEST:
City Clerk
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