CLAREMONT CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, March 8, 2022 — 6:30 p.m.
Meeting Conducted Via Zoom and Video Recording is Archived on the City Website https://www.ci.claremont.ca . us/government/city-council/watch-city-council-meetings
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Leano called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MOMENT OF SILENCE
ROLL CALL
PRESENT VIA ZOOM COUNCILMEMBER: CALAYCAY, LEANO, MEDINA, REECE, STARK
ABSENT COUNCILMEMBER:NONE
ALSO PRESENT VIA ZOOM Adam Pirrie, City Manager; Alisha Patterson, City Attorney; Jamie Earl, Assistant City Manager; Aaron Fate, Police Chief; Brad Johnson, Director of Community Development; Melissa Vollaro, Director of Human Services; Jeremy Swan, Director of Community Services; Shelley Desautels, City Clerk
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Mayor Leano stated there was no reportable action from the 5:15 p.m. closed session meeting.
CEREMONIAL MATTERS, PRESENTATIONS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Katie Wand, Assistant to the City Manager, was introduced.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Council Item
Appointment to the Police Commission
This item starts at 01:16:11 in the archived video.
Councilmember Reece highlighted the staff report.
Mayor Leano invited public comment.
There were no requests to speak.
Councilmember Stark moved to appoint Nona Tine to the Police Commission for a term to expire August 31, 2026, seconded by Councilmember Reece, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
City Council Minutes
March 6, 2022
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
Council Assignment Reports - None
CITY MANAGER REPORT
This item starts at 01:19:54 in the archived video.
City Manager Pirrie invited all to participate in a survey regarding use of funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, provided an update on windstorm clean up efforts, and invited all residents to pick up free mulch on Saturday, March 12.
The City Council directed City staff to provide the American Rescue Plan Act funding survey in English and Spanish.
PUBLIC COMMENT
This item starts at 01:24:20 in the archived video.
Mayor Leano invited public comment.
Wen Wen, Claremont Helen Renwick Library, shared upcoming events taking place at the Library.
Joseph Lyons asked the City Council to direct the Committee on Human Relations and the Police Commission to review the City's procedures and policies to uncover any forms of systemic and structural racism or bigotry and bias.
Steve Goldwater encouraged the City Council to hold hybrid City meetings which would allow for in-person attendance.
There were no other requests to speak.
City Manager Pirrie shared that the City Council has directed City staff to work with the Committee on Human Relations to develop a diversity, equity, and inclusion program, and returning to in-person meetings are being evaluated.
CONSENT CALENDAR
This item starts at 01:29:59 in the archived video.
Mayor Leano invited public comment on the Consent Calendar.
There were no requests to speak.
2. Adoption of a Resolution Approving City Warrant Register Adopted Resolution No. 2022-15, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AND SPECIFYING THE FUNDS OUT OF WHICH THE SAME ARE TO BE PAID, dated March 3, 2022.
City Council Minutes
March 8, 2022
Paae 3
3. City Council Minutes of February 22 2022
Approved and filed the regular City Council meeting minutes of February 22, 2022.
4. Resolution Reconfirming the Existence of a State of Emergency Due to the COVID-19 4 Pandemic
Adopted Resolution No. 2022-16, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, RECONFIRMING THE EXISTENCE OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.
Claremont Tourism Business Improvement District Annual Report.
6. Eden Inforum Gold Support Agreement (Funding Source Technology Fund) Authorized the City Manager to enter into a one-year continuance of the existing support agreement with Tyler Technologies, Inc., for support of the Eden Inforum Gold financial system in the amount of $63,485.
7. Update to the Crime Free Multi -Housing Program (Funding Source: General Fund) Received and filed the update to the Crime Free Multi -Housing Program.
Councilmember Reece moved to approve the Consent Calendar, seconded by Councilmember Stark, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
As it was not yet 7:00 p.m., the advertised time for Public Hearing Item No. 8, Administrative Item No. 9 was heard next.
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEM
9. 2021 Part I Crime Data (Funding Source: General Fund) This item starts at 01:32:19 in the archived video.
Aaron Fate, Police Chief, highlighted the staff report and responded to a question from the City Council regarding the difficulty of LA County restrictions.
As it was 7:00 p.m., the advertised start time for Public Hearing Item No. 8, Item No. 8 will be heard next. The City Council will return to the discussion of Item No. 9 after the completion of Item No. 8.
PUBLIC HEARING
8. Discussion and Selection of Final Redistricting Map and Introduction of Ordinance to Adopt new City Council Voting District Boundaries (Funding Source: General Fund) This item starts at 01:42:50 in the archived video.
City Clerk Desautels highlighted the staff report.
City Council Minutes
March 8, 2022
Doug Johnson, National Demographic Corporation, gave a PowerPoint presentation Mr. Johnson and City Attorney Patterson responded to questions from the City Council regarding redistricting rules, undivided neighborhoods and defining communities of interest, ability to choose one map now for the 2022 election and then another map for the 2024 election, possibility of three district seats and two at large seats, candidates for Districts 3, 4 or 5, consideration of incumbents residential location, Map 204 defensibility, process for moving back to at large elections, can a sitting Councilmember remain in his or her seat if redistricting placed them in a different district, California Voter Rights Act challenge costs, and disenfranchisement.
Mayor Leano invited public comment and opened the public hearing.
Joseph Lyons questioned if the same analysis was conducted for each map submitted and is hopeful that tonight's decision preserves the current districts as much as possible.
Terry Grill Claremont Wildlands Conservancy, asked the City Council to recognize everyone's use of the Claremont Hills Wilderness park and to consider the Wilderness Park a responsibility of the entire City Council.
Larry Schroeder spoke in support of going back to an at large election voting system; however, if districts must be implemented he supports Map 201.
Nona Time, Claremont resident, spoke in support of choosing a map that least affects residents and suggested one Councilmember be elected at large.
Steve Goldwater raised concern regarding unbalanced populations.
Mary Stoddard suggested the City Council return to an at large election voting system.
Rachel Forester League of Women Voters Mount Baldy Area, asked the City Council to choose a map that prioritizes voting rights.
Sharon Williams asked the City Council consider maps that take into account upcoming City development.
Maura Carter asked the City Council to preserve in one district the area north of Base Line between Indian Hill and North Mills, and minimize the amount of delayed voters.
Christine Margiotta asked the City Council and community to think creatively and select a map with more equitable representation. She questioned Map 209 and if District 2 could become District 1 instead and if it was possible for Districts 1-4 to vote in 2022.
Jennifer Jaffe spoke in support of returning to at large elections; however, if the City must be split into districts she supports Map 207.
Lee Kane asked the City Council to be mindful of selecting a map that delays voters, and because of this spoke in support of Maps 206 and 207.
Josue Barnes spoke in support of Map 209 as it provides equitable representation across the City; however, raised concern that it does delay a large number of voters.
City Council Minutes
March 8, 2022
Noah Winnick spoke in support of Map 209 and questioned what would happen if Districts 1 and 2 were swapped in Map 209.
Medina Collie spoke in support of Map 209 as it would provide the most equitable voter representation.
Becky Marciotta Claremont resident, does not support any maps proposed as she would like to consolidate the district north of Base Line and follow arterial street segments.
There were no other requests to speak.
The City Council recessed at 8:40 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 8:44 p.m.
Mr. Johnson responded to questions raised during the public comment period and shared that all maps were evaluated and comply with the necessary requirements, all legal criteria were met as practically as possible, all proposed maps are defensible, District 1 could be swapped for Districts 3 or 4 in Map 209, and confirmed that all Districts could not all be voted on in the upcoming election.
Mr. Johnson and City Attorney Patterson continued to respond to questions from the City Council regarding the State's definition of being population balanced, reasoning for not extending District 2 more into District 3, deadline for adopting new districts and what happens if that deadline is not met.
Councilmember Stark believes that returning to an at large election system is not fiscally responsible currently. She spoke in support of using Map 209 as a starting point in choosing a final map.
Councilmember Calaycay asked residents who are unhappy with the City having district - based elections to lobby their State representatives to create legislation to address issues with districts and redistricting.
Councilmember Medina raised concern regarding maps that allow for a large number of residents not being able to vote for a long period of time.
Councilmember Reece stated that the districting and re -districting process is not ideal for a small City, unfortunately it is State created. He hopes to return to at -large elections when possible. He explained that he created Map 201 based on requests heard from the community.
Mayor Leano understands the process is imperfect; however, it is a legal process that must be completed. He spoke in support of Maps 206 and 207 as they impact the least number of voters.
Councilmember Stark asked if the City Council were to support creating a regional map that delays fewer voters in 2022.
Mr. Johnson shared that creating a regional map with less delays other than what is already proposed would be difficult to do.
City Council Minutes
March 8, 2022
The City Council did not support Councilmember Stark's suggestion to delay the discussion to allow for the creation of new maps.
Councilmember Reece spoke in support of Maps 201 and 207 as one represents vertical districts and one represents horizontal districts.
Councilmember Stark spoke against Map 201 as she believes it does not meet the redistricting rules and goals. As she is the only Councilmember supporting Map 209 she now agrees and understands that Map 209 will affect a large number of voters; therefore, changing her support to Map 207.
Councilmember Calaycay added that Map 207 does not address the concerns raised previously during public comment of splitting the Village into different districts.
The City Council chose to eliminate Map 206 from further discussion.
Mr. Johnson suggested the City Council review Map 205 which would address the concerns regarding the Village being split into different districts.
Councilmember Calaycay spoke in support of Map 205 as it unites the Village and does a better job of uniting the neighborhood of Mills and Foothill.
Mayor Leano shared that he is not comfortable delaying over 1,000 voters in the City which is what would happen if Map 205 is chosen.
The City Council chose to eliminate Maps 204, 202, and 209 from further discussion.
Councilmember Stark moved to select Map 207 and introduce for first and that reading be by title only AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 2.10 OF THE CLAREMONT
MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT REVISED CITY COUNCIL ELECTORAL DISTRICT VOTING BOUNDARIES, incorporating District Map 207.
Councilmember Calaycay spoke in support of Map 205 as he believes Map 205 is a compromise. He would like to see if the City Council would entertain adopting Map 205 before he casts a vote for Map 207.
Councilmember Stark withdrew her motion.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to select Map 205 and introduce for first and that reading be by title only AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 2.10 OF THE CLAREMONT
MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT REVISED CITY COUNCIL ELECTORAL DISTRICT VOTING BOUNDARIES, incorporating District Map 205, seconded by Councilmember Reece, and failed on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay,Reece
NOES: Councilmember— Medina, Leano, Stark
The City Council chose to eliminate Maps 205 and 208 from further discussion
City Council Minutes
March 8, 2022
Page
Councilmember Medina suggested that Map 203 be discussed as it seems like a compromise that keeps the Village in fewer districts and does not affect as many voters.
Councilmember Calaycay spoke in support of Map 203 over Map 207.
Councilmember Stark spoke in support of Map 203 at this time as it delays the least number of voters.
The City Council chose to eliminate Map 201 from further discussion.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to select Map 203 and introduce for first and that reading be by title only AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 2.10 OF THE CLAREMONT
MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT REVISED CITY COUNCIL ELECTORAL DISTRICT VOTING BOUNDARIES, incorporating District Map 203, seconded by Councilmember Stark.
Mayor Leano clarified that the functional difference between Maps 203 and 207 is how District 3 interacts with the Village.
Councilmember Stark added that Map 203 moves the area of interest of the La Puerta neighborhood.
Councilmember Medina clarified that the La Puerta community would be split in Districts 1 and 3 as shown in Map 203.
Councilmember Reece added that Map 203 represents a compromise.
The City Council agreed that if persons, including the City Council, are unhappy with districting and re -districting everyone must make an effort to make a change at the State level.
The motion carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
The public hearing was closed.
ORDINANCES - None
9. 2021 Part I Crime Data (Funding Source: General Fund) This item starts at 06:24:36 in the archived video and is continued from an earlier discussion.
Police Chief Aaron Fate continued to respond to questions from the City Council regarding the increase in crimes due to the return of students to College campuses, catalytic converter thefts, and cooperative efforts between the Police Department and the Claremont Colleges.
Mayor Leano invited public comment.
City Council Minutes
March 8, 2022
Paoe 8
There were no requests to speak.
The City Council received and filed the 2021 Part I Crime Data Report.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Leano adjourned the meeting of the Claremont City Council at 11:50 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Claremont City Council will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at 6:30 p.m., via Zoom.
Mayor " /
ATTEST:
� 1
puty City Clerk ''