CLAREMONT CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, April 26, 2022 — 6:30 p.m.
Meeting Conducted Via In Person and Video Recording is Archived on the City Website https://www.ei.claremont.ca.us/government/city-council/watch-city-council-meetings
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Leano called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MOMENT OF SILENCE - In honor of Tom Thomas.
ROLLCALL
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; Shelley Desautels, City Clerk
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
There was no closed session meeting to report on.
CEREMONIAL MATTERS, PRESENTATIONS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
The City Council recognized the Webb Schools Varsity Soccer Team and Bob Cruz, SoCal Gas.
The City Council introduced Lanae O'Shields, SoCal Gas Public Affairs Manager.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Council Item - None
Council Assignment Reports
This item starts at 00:12:48 in the archived video.
Councilmember Calaycay announced that last week was Mosquito Control Awareness Week and reminded all to be mindful of standing water.
Councilmember Reece reported on the Foothill Gold Line and shared that Glendora to Pomona construction is continuing in a positive manner. The Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority remains optimistic that funding will be received to complete the line through to Montclair.
Council Minutes
26, 2022
Mayor Leano reported that the Tri City Mental Health Governing Board met recently and the search for a new Executive Director is expected to conclude shortly.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
This item starts at 00:16:09 in the archived video.
City Manager Pirrie reported that City Commission and Committee meetings will be returning to in person starting May 1. Commission meetings will continue to be live streamed through Zoom which allows for public participation through the Zoom app as well as in person. He invited all to attend a special Zoom only City Council meeting on May 9 with Los Angeles County Supervisor Katherine Barger and shared that the Claremont Police Department and Keck Graduate University will be holding a drug take back event on April 30.
PUBLIC COMMENT
This item starts at 00:17:38 in the archived video.
Mayor Leano invited public comment.
Darrell Kruse asked the City Council not to use HdL for selection of cannabis business operators.
David Jones Claremont resident, spoke against the Harrison Avenue permanent supportive housing project and asked the City Council to direct Jamboree Housing to construct a low-income housing development for veterans and seniors.
Gwen Tucker Claremont student and Inclusive Claremont Executive Board Member, spoke in support of the Harrison Avenue permanent supportive housing project as it would help unhoused individuals.
Emily Dielrick Claremont student and Inclusive Claremont Executive Board member, spoke in support of the Harrison Avenue permanent supportive housing project as it helps address the need for affordable housing.
AEEH spoke against the Harrison Avenue permanent supportive housing project as she would like to see the project developed for low-income housing for seniors and families.
Deanna Mundy spoke against the Harrison Avenue permanent supportive housing project as the proposed location is not appropriate.
Andy Winnick spoke in support of the Harrison Avenue permanent supportive housing project as there is a need for housing.
Gene Boutilier spoke in support of the Harrison Avenue permanent supportive housing project as the development will be a good neighbor to Pilgrim Place.
Noah Winnick spoke in support of the Harrison Avenue permanent supportive housing project as it would help address the need for housing.
Lynne Marsenich spoke in support of the Harrison Avenue permanent supportive housing project and shared that she canvassed the surrounding neighborhood of the project and found most were supportive.
City Council Minutes
April 26, 2022
George Ambrocio Claremont resident, spoke in support of the Harrison Avenue permanent supportive housing project as it is needed for the community.
Unidentified speaker spoke against the Harrison Avenue permanent supportive housing project as the location is inappropriate, the housing first approach is flawed, and development of the project will not address the current homeless crisis.
As it has been 30 minutes, the time set aside for general public comment, general public comment was continued later in the meeting.
CONSENT CALENDAR
This item starts at 00:55:21 in the archived video.
Mayor Leano invited public comment on the Consent Calendar.
There were no requests to speak.
1. Adoption of a Resolution Approving City Warrant Register Adopted Resolution No. 2022-24, 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 April 14, 2022,
2. City Council Minutes of April 12 2022
Approved and filed the regular City Council meeting minutes of April 12, 2022.
3. Resolution Reconfirming the Existence of a State of Emergency Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Adopted Resolution No. 2022-25, 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. Investment Report — Quarter Ending March 31 2022
Received and accepted the Investment Report for the quarter ending March 31, 2022.
5. Quarterly Financial Update — March 31 2022
Received and fled the Quarterly Financial Update for the quarter ending March 31, 2022.
6. Award of Contract to Excel Landscape for Citywide Parks and Village Landscape Maintenance Services (Funding Source Landscape and Lighting District Fund) Authorized the City Manager to enter into a three-year contract with two optional one-year extensions with Excel Landscape for parks and Village landscape maintenance services in the amount of $924,600 annually, plus $58,000 for irrigation repairs and plant replacement, $25,000 for sports field renovation, and a 20 percent contingency of $184,920 for a total annual contract amount of $1,192,520.
Authorized the City Manager to enter into a contract with GIS Surveyors, Inc., in the amount of $39,390 for the Oak Park Cemetery Phase 2 Expansion Survey and Mapping Project.
City Council Minutes
April 26, 2022
Councilmember Stark moved to approve the Consent Calendar, seconded by Councilmember Calaycay, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
ORDINANCE
8. Ordinance Approving the Military Equipment Use Policy of the Claremont Police Department This item starts at 00:57:19 in the archived video
Aaron Fate, Chief of Police, highlighted the staff report and gave a PowerPoint presentation.
He responded to questions from the City Council related to the uses of items listed in Categories 12 and 14 and how many hours it would take to train the police force to use items listed in Categories 12 and 14.
Mayor Leano invited public comment.
Russ Binder questioned if the City's military equipment could be used to control and address current traffic issues.
Unidentified speaker thanked Chief Fate for his presentation.
There were no other requests to speak.
Councilmember Reece moved to introduce for first reading and that reading be by title only, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT,
CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, APPROVING
THE MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE POLICY OF THE CLAREMONT POLICE DEPARTMENT, seconded by Councilmember Calaycay, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
Aocrooriations for Costs Associated with the City's Response to the Windstorm of January 2022 (Funding Source: General Fund)
This item starts at 01:14:03 in the archived video
City Manager Pirrie highlighted the staff report.
Mayor Leano invited public comment.
There were no requests to speak.
City Council Minutes
April 26, 2022
Pace 5
Councilmember Reece spoke in support of staffs recommendation and asked that the Finance Department be aware and mindful of the remaining amount in the Operating and Environmental Emergency Reserve fund.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to:
A. Appropriate $415,000 from the Operating and Environmental Emergency Reserve to fully fund the cost of the City's response to the windstorm of January 2022; and
B. Authorize the City Manager to execute an amendment to the urban forest maintenance agreement with West Coast Arborists, adding $250,000 in compensation to account for the cost of tree and debris removal related to the windstorm of January 2022;
Seconded by Councilmember Reece, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
10. Provide Direction Regarding the City's Temporary Outdoor Dining Program — Claremont Al Fresco (Funding Source: General Fund)
This item starts at 01:22:05 in the archived video.
Katie Wand, Assistant to the City Manager, gave a PowerPoint presentation.
Ms. Wand; Brad Johnson, Director of Community Development; City Manager Pirrie; and Assistant City Manager Jamie Earl, responded to questions from the City Council regarding inspections of current outdoor dining parklets, parklets on private property, current outdoor dining parklets, intent of the original temporary outdoor dining program, expressed interest by restaurants in outdoor dining programs prior to COMD, responses received to outreach, permission from surrounding businesses, limit on the number of restaurants located in the Village, and parking requirements in the Village.
Mayor Leano invited public comment
Elizabeth Preston Claremont business owner, spoke in support of keeping a permanent outdoor dining program in order to preserve Claremont as a destination City.
Brian Ofstedahl Claremont business owner, asked the City Council to end the outdoor dining program on July 4, 2022, and shared that parking issues negatively affect retail establishments.
Wendy Shae spoke in support of finding a permanent option for outdoor dining as an outdoor dining program positively affects careers, commerce, and culture.
Chris Choi Claremont restaurant owner, spoke in support of a permanent outdoor dining program as outdoor dining helps people experience Claremont.
Maggie Tam representing a Claremont restaurant owner, spoke in support of a permanent outdoor dining program as it will positively affect the business.
Council Minutes
26, 2022
Unidentified speaker, asked the City Council to be mindful of how parking in the Village negatively affects businesses and suggested outdoor dining be limited to sidewalks or private property only.
Laura Calev Claremont business owner, spoke in support of a permanent outdoor dining program as it positively affects her businesses.
Teresa Torres Claremont resident, spoke in support of a permanent outdoor dining program and has not experienced a parking issue.
Jason Annegan Claremont business owner, spoke in support of taking time to study what a permanent outdoor dining program would look like.
Robert Preston shared that there is not enough evidence to remove outdoor dining as COVID has not ended and is unpredictable.
Tom Arruffo Claremont business owner, asked the City to evolve before the Village is lost and allow the outdoor dining program to remain.
Mike Rosenberg representing a Claremont restaurant owner, spoke in support of developing a permanent outdoor dining program as outdoor dining has allowed restaurants to increase their revenues.
Valerie Arruffo Claremont restaurant owner, spoke in support of a permanent outdoor dining program as the public is not ready to eat inside.
Murray Monroe spoke in support of permanent outdoor dining and suggested the City grandfather in existing parklets.
There were no other requests to speak.
The City Council recessed at 9:04 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 9:09 p.m.
Ms. Wand continued to respond to a question from the City Council regarding the time period needed to create a permanent program.
Councilmember Reece would like to see a more cohesive program and believes that staff needs additional time to study the topic, including additional public outreach.
Mr. Johnson continued to respond to questions from the City Council regarding the City's requirement for employees to park away from Village streets, and a parking management plan for the Village.
Councilmember Calaycay spoke in support of outdoor dining and shared that the temporary outdoor dining program was a survival method for restaurants during COVID; however, raised concern regarding the City's lack of parking and parking challenges.
Councilmember Medina spoke in support of a parking study and believes there are too many unanswered questions at this time to make an informed decision.
City Council Minutes
April 26, 2022
Councilmember Stark spoke in support of a permanent outdoor dining program and is open to further studying the parking issues located in the Village.
Mayor Leano spoke in support of a permanent outdoor dining program and suggested the City look at a parking management plan to help address parking issues.
Councilmember Reece suggested the City Council direct staff to further study what impacts a permanent outdoor dining program may have, including feedback from residents and merchants, how a permanent program would affect or influence future growth, how a permanent program would affect employee parking, and what a cohesive program would look like to include parklets in the public right of way as well as on private property.
City Manager Pirrie suggested the City Council direct staff to conduct a feasibility study on outdoor dining and not a Village parking study or parking management plan. He also suggested the feasibility study be brought back to the City Council before the expiration of the temporary outdoor dining program, with no Commission review at this time.
Councilmember Reece moved to extend the Claremont Al Fresco temporary outdoor dining program to February 28, 2023, seconded by Councilmember Stark, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember—None
The City Council directed staff to conduct a feasibility study on outdoor dining and report the findings of the study back to the City prior to the expiration of the temporary dining program.
CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENT
This item starts at 01:22:05 in the archived video.
Mayor Leano continued general public comment and invited public comment from those who were unable to speak earlier in the agenda due to the 30 -minute time limit.
Unidentified speaker questioned how the Harrison Avenue permanent supportive housing project will address the State's homeless crisis.
Bob spoke against the Harrison Avenue permanent supportive housing project as the proposed location is inappropriate.
Becky Marciotta spoke in support of the Harrison Avenue permanent supportive housing project as it will address the need for housing.
Chris Naticchia spoke in support of the Harrison Avenue permanent supportive housing project and shared that he canvassed the surrounding neighborhood to speak about the project.
Daniel Moreno spoke against the Harrison Avenue permanent supportive housing project as the location is inappropriate and shared that he does not visit the Village because of the difficulty to find parking.
City Council Minutes
April 26, 2022
Michael Boos Claremont resident spoke in support of the Harrison Avenue permanent supportive housing project and shared that he canvassed the surrounding neighborhood to speak about the project.
There were no other requests to speak.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Leano adjourned the meeting of the Claremont City Council at 10:37 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Claremont City Council will be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at 6:30 p.m., in the Claremont Coun it Chambe .
Mayor
ATTEST:
eputy City Clerk