CLAREMONT CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, March 22, 2022 — 6:30 p.m.
Meeting Conducted Via Zoom and Video Recording is Archived on the City Website https://www.ei.claremont.ca . us/government/city-council/watch-city-cou ncil-meetings
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Leano called the meeting to order at 6:30 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
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
Greg Schulz, Citrus College Superintendent/President; Laura Bollinger, Citrus College Board of Trustees Vice President; and Nona Tine, Claremont Police Commissioner, were introduced.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Council Item - None
Council Assignment Reports
This item starts at 01:22:21 in the archived video.
Mayor Leano announced that Tri -City Mental Health has an on-going recruitment for its Executive Director position and encouraged everyone to share this information.
Councilmember Reece reported on the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Transportation Committee where they received an update on the Foothill Gold Line expansion project, the 1-10 express lane, and AB 773.
City Council Minutes
March 22, 2022
CITY MANAGER REPORT
This item starts at 01:23:46 in the archived video.
City Manager Pirrie encouraged all to complete the City's survey regarding the American Rescue Plan Act funding, attend and participate in the City's outreach and survey for cannabis, shared that the Pooch Park will be temporarily closed from April 1 through May 2, and announced that San Antonio High School was recognized as a model continuation high school by the State of California.
Councilmember Reece directed City staff to address the issues taking place along the 10 freeway.
City Manager Pirrie responded that he and the Chief of Police will determine if resources can be directed to that area for enforcement.
Councilmember Stark asked that all City surveys be distributed in a paper copy form at the Joslyn Center.
PUBLIC COMMENT
This item starts at 01:29:25 in the archived video.
Mayor Leano invited public comment.
Joyce Sauter encouraged all to tour the Police Department to view the inadequate female facilities available for female police officers, volunteers, and staff. She asked the City Council to address these issues at the police station.
Priscilla Espinosa, Claremont Helen Renwick Library, shared upcoming events taking place at the Library.
Sharon Williams. Claremont Resident, raised concern regarding the removal of trees on Forbes Avenue due to the recent windstorm. She questioned if those trees were diseased, reviewed by the City Arborist before removal, when the trees will be replaced, and if replaced by what type of species. She believes these trees were removed to benefit the Trumark development at La Puerta.
Maura Carter questioned if the trees removed at La Puerta were assessed by an arborist, why were the trees removed, were the trees damaged or diseased, when will the trees be replaced, and will they be replaced with comparable sized trees. She also asked that open space not be used for private development or development access.
Esau Ramos, Claremont Safe Streets Citizens Coalition, raised concern regarding speeding throughout the City. He asked the City Council to increase its resources to address speeding and monitor damaged signs.
Helaine Goldwater thanked Mayor Leano for his admiration of the City of Claremont values. She hopes this admiration extends to the City Council and City Commissioners.
City Manager Pirre, Jeremy Swan, Director of Community Services, and Brad Johnson, Director of Community Development, responded to questions raised during the public comment period and explained that the removal of trees on Forbes Avenue were deemed structurally unsound by the City Arborist after the January windstorm incident.
City Council Minutes
March 22, 2022
Catherine Claremont resident, spoke about the Jamboree Housing Larkin Place project on Harrison Avenue. She questioned the notification process for housing project approvals and who may she contact to report street signs in disrepair.
Sherry, Claremont resident, raised concern about neighborhood safety if the Jamboree Housing Lark Place project is approved.
There were no other requests to speak.
City Manager Pirrie and Director of Community Development Johnson responded to questions raised during the public comment period and shared that if streets signs are damaged to contact the Community Services Division, explained that upcoming housing projects will follow State requirements which are considered by right housing projects, and confirmed that notice of the Jamboree Housing Lark Place Architectural Commission review was mailed to homeowners within a 300 feet radius of the project.
Director of Community Development Johnson responded to an additional question raised by the City Council regarding support from local congregations for the proposed Jamboree Housing project.
Councilmember Reece directed City staff to review the project notification process and possibly increase the notification range. He would like a report showing staffs review to be brought back to the City Council.
CONSENT CALENDAR
This item starts at 02:05:12 in the archived video.
Councilmember Medina pulled Item No. 6 from the Consent Calendar.
Mayor Leano invited public comment on Consent Calendar Items No. 1-5.
Larry Schroeder spoke to Consent Calendar Item No. 4 and expressed disappointment in District Voting Map 203 being chosen as it does not properly consider communities of interest and is considered gerrymandering.
Helaine Goldwater spoke to Consent Calendar Item No. 4 and spoke in support of the comments made by Mr. Schroeder as Map 203 does not serve the City well, especially the residents who reside around La Puerta.
Sharon Williams spoke to Consent Calendar Item No.4 and raised concern that District Voting Map 203 separates the La Puerta community.
Maura Carter spoke to Consent Calendar Item No. 4 and raised concern that District Voting Map 203 separates the La Puerta community and is considered gerrymandering.
There were no other requests to speak.
Councilmember Calaycay pulled Item No. 4 from the Consent Calendar Calaycay for further City Council discussion.
City Council Minutes
March 22, 2022
1. Adoption of a Resolution Approving City Warrant Register Adopted Resolution No. 2022-17, 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 17, 2022.
2. CitV Council Minutes of March 8. 2022 (Special and Regular) Approved and fled the special and regular City Council meeting minutes of March 8, 2022.
3. Resolution Reconfirming the Existence of a State of Emergency Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Adopted Resolution No. 2022-18, 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.
4. Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Section 2.10 of the Claremont Municipal Code Incorporating District Voting Map 203 (Funding Source: General Fund) This item was removed from the Consent Calendar.
5. Adoption of a Resolution Correcting the Salary Schedules for Full -Time Job Classifications A. Adopted Resolution No. 2022-19, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING CORRECTIONS TO THE
REVISED SALARY SCHEDULES FOR FULL-TIME JOB CLASSIFICATIONS FOR FISCAL YEARS 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24, AND 2024-25, RETROACTIVE TO JULY 1, 2021; and
B. Adopted Resolution No. 2022-20, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING CORRECTIONS TO THE
REVISED SALARY SCHEDULE FOR PART-TIME JOB CLASSIFICATIONS RETROACTIVE TO JANUARY 1. 2022.
6. Third Amendment to the Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with Village Partners Ventures.
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to approve the Consent Calendar Items No. 1-3, and 5, seconded by Councilmember Stark, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember—None
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
4. Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Section 2.10 of the Claremont Municipal Code Incorporating District Voting Map 203 (Funding Source: General Fund) This item starts at 02:21:29 in the archived video.
City Council Minutes
March 22, 2022
91 Public comment for Item No. 4 was heard earlier in the agenda during the Consent Calendar public comment period.
Councilmember Calaycay shared that after hearing from community members who are upset that the Village is separated, he will be voting against the proposed ordinance incorporating District Voting Map 203.
Councilmember Stark suggested at the last meeting, that a new map be drawn; however, there was no support for that idea. District Voting Map 203 was chosen as a compromise.
Councilmember Reece stated that District Voting Map 203 is not perfect, but a perfect map does not exist. He spoke in support of the proposed ordinance.
Councilmember Medina restated that there is no perfect map as every map presented divides communities of interests and delays voters. District Voting Map 203 was chosen as a compromise.
Mayor Leano does not wish to minimize the concerns expressed; however, is prepared to adopt the proposed ordinance.
Councilmember Reece reminded all that the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2019-19, approving a policy that requires collaboration and citywide consideration among members of the City Council regardless of districts.
Councilmember Stark moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2022-02, 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 Voting Map 203, seconded by Councilmember Medina, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark
NOES: Councilmember— Calaycay
This item starts at 02:46:26 in the archived video.
Councilmember Medina recused himself from the discussion and left the meeting as he has a conflict of interest.
Mayor Leano invited public comment.
Ted Jimenez Southwest Regional Carpenters asked the City to use local skilled and trained workforce for the development of the project.
Maura Carter asked the City Council to not sell public land for private development.
There were no other requests to speak.
City Council Minutes
March 22, 2022
Councilmember Stark moved to authorize the City Manager to execute a Third Amendment to the Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with Village Partners Ventures, LLC, extending the negotiating period for an additional 90 days, with the option to extend an additional 60 days under the authority of the City Manager, for the potential purchase of City -owned property located at 451 West Arrow Highway, seconded by Councilmember Calaycay, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember- Calaycay, Leano, Reece, Stark
NOES: Councilmember- None
ABSENT: Councilmember- Medina
Councilmember Medina returned to the meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING
This item starts at 02:52:16 in the archived video.
Adam Pirrie, City Manager, highlighted the staff report and responded to a question from the City Council regarding the procedural process.
Mayor Leano invited public comment and opened the public hearing.
There were no requests to speak.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to adopt Resolution No. 2022-21, A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT APPROVING THE ISSUANCE
OF THE CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL FINANCE AUTHORITY UNIVERSITY HOUSING
REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS (NCCD - CLAREMONT PROPERTIES LLC - CLAREMONT COLLEGES PROJECT) SERIES 2022A AND SERIES 2022B (FEDERALLY TAXABLE) IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $60,000,000 FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING AND REFINANCING THE
ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT, AND/OR EQUIPPING OF VARIOUS
EDUCATIONAL, STUDENT, FACULTY AND STAFF HOUSING AND ADMINISTRATIVE
FACILITIES BY NCCD - CLAREMONT PROPERTIES LLC, AND CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO, seconded by Councilmember Stark, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember- Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember-None
The public hearing was closed.
The City Council recessed at 8:14 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 8:18 p.m.
ORDINANCES - None
City Council Minutes
March 22, 2022
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEM
8. Housing Element -2021 Annual Progress Report (Funding Source: General Fund) This item starts at 03:02:38 in the archived video.
Brad Johnson, Director of Community Development, gave a PowerPoint presentation, and responded to questions from the City Council regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) built on properties listed in the City's Housing Element, salary range of the local work force, use of a prefabricated ADU, major employers in Claremont, and when a unit is counted in the progress report.
Mayor Leano invited public comment.
Joseph Lyons believes the housing element to be perfunctory without the will of the Council or community to promote housing opportunities. He also questioned the affordability of ADUs.
Maura Carter asked that the La Puerta land and all other public land not be included in the housing element.
There were no other requests to speak.
Director of Community Development Johnson continued to respond to questions from the City Council regarding a housing element site on Base Line Avenue, costs associated with the State mandated Housing Element process, and properties listed in past housing elements that were utilized.
Councilmember Calaycay spoke in support of the City's ADU process and the City's Inclusionary Housing Ordinance. He hopes the State would consider using the funds to build housing, instead of the funds being spent on monitoring annual progress reports.
Councilmember Stark spoke in support of the comments made by Councilmember Calaycay and enjoys discussing the Housing Element as it is an opportunity to discuss potential development.
Councilmember Reece raised concern that the Housing Element is a document that shows opportunities for development but does not mandate development. He suggested the City offer incentives to residents for building ADUs to help address the housing shortage.
Councilmember Medina spoke in support of the comments made by his fellow Councilmembers. He suggested staff promote and help residents build ADUs which can positively affect local members of the community.
Mayor Leano spoke in support of the comments made by his fellow Councilmembers regarding time and funds being spent on a piece of paper with no outcome. He would like to see more affordable units built in the City and looks forward to going through the next cycle of the Housing Element to designate sites that can become affordable housing.
Councilmember Stark moved to approve the 2021 Annual Progress Report as amended, seconded by Councilmember Medina, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
City Council Minutes
March 22, 2022
Paae 8
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember—None
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Leano adjourned the meeting of the Claremont City Council at 9:28 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Claremont City Council will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at 6:30 p.m., via Zoom.
Mayor
ATTEST:
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