CLAREMONT CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, May 24, 2022 — 6:30 p.m.
Meeting Conducted Via In Person 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 6:30 p.m. .
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MOMENT OF SILENCE - In memory of those in Uvalde, Texas, and Chuck Freitas.
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
There was no closed session to report on.
CEREMONIAL MATTERS, PRESENTATIONS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ron Vera, City of Claremont Tri City Mental Health Governing Board Member, introduced Rimmi Hundal, Tri -City Mental Health Executive Director.
Carly Gentry, Building Permit Technician, was introduced.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Council Item - None
Council Assignment Reports
This item starts at 00:08:45 in the archived video.
Councilmember Stark reported that she and Mayor Leano attended the League of California Cities annual conference.
Councilmember Reece reported that he attended the California Contract Cities conference.
Mayor Leano reported that the Los Angeles County Regional Housing Trust helped fund the tiny homes shelter in Montebello.
City Council Minutes
May 24, 2022
CITY MANAGER REPORT
This item starts at 00:11:33 in the archived video.
City Manager Pirrie invited all to attend the City's Memorial Day Ceremony on May 30 and reminded all that City administrative offices will be closed on May 30 in observance of Memorial Day. Lastly, he announced that a special budget presentation will be given at the June 14 City Council meeting at 5:00 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT
This item starts at 00:12:35 in the archived video.
Mayor Leano invited public comment.
Darrel Kruse spoke in support of online gambling.
Richard Louis, spoke against the Harrison Avenue permanent supportive housing project and asked the City Council to put public safety first instead of housing.
Russ Binder encouraged all to listen to his Claremont Speaks podcast and invited all Claremont candidates to participate in his podcast.
Joe Lyons asked the City Council to review the City's Housing Element requirements that require actions to be taken and act regarding housing that will benefit those most in need.
Larry Schroeder asked that signage be updated in the Village regarding Claremont Municipal Code Chapter 12.30, prohibiting skateboards, bicycles, scooters, and roller skates on Village sidewalks and enforce Chapter 12.30.
Unidentified speaker expressed concerns that the City Council has shown favoritism towards supporters of the Harrison Avenue permanent supportive housing project and spoke against the housing project.
Jorge Barraza spoke against the Harrison Avenue permanent supportive housing project and raised concern regarding the lack of transparency from the City, Jamboree, and Pilgrim Place.
Noah Winnick questioned what plans the City Council has to prioritize mental health.
Priscilla Espinoza, Claremont Helen Renwick Librarian, shared upcoming events taking place at the Claremont Library.
As it has been 30 minutes, the time set aside for general public comment, general public comment was continued later in the meeting.
Mayor Leano announced that Tri City Mental Health will be facilitating a stakeholder engagement process in July and encouraged all to participate.
Councilmember Stark shared that the City is fortunate to have TO City Mental Health and is looking forward to increasing support for those with mental health needs.
City Council Minutes
May 24, 2022
CONSENT CALENDAR
This item starts at 00:48:32 in the archived video.
Councilmember Medina pulled Item No. 10 from the Consent Calendar for additional discussion.
Mayor Leano invited public comment on Consent Calendar Items No. 1-9.
There were no requests to speak.
1. Adoption of a Resolution Approving City Warrant Register Adopted Resolution No. 2022-30, 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 May 12, 2022.
2. City Council Minutes of May 9 2022 and May 10, 2022 (Special and Regular) Approved and filed the special City Council meeting minutes of May 9, 2022, and the special and regular City Council meeting minutes of May 10, 2022.
3. Biennial Review of the City's Conflict of Interest Code (Funding Source: General Fund) Directed the City Attorney to review the City's Conflict of Interest Code and file a written statement as to the outcome of the review with the City Clerk, no later than September 1, 2022.
4. Adoption of a Resolution Determining and Establishing the 2022-23 Appropriations Limit in the Amount of $48,599,694
Adopted Resolution No. 2022-31, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, DETERMINING AND ESTABLISHING AN APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-23.
5. Award of Contract to Tunnelworks Services. Inc., for Phase 4 of the Sewer Rehabilitation Project (Funding Source: Sewer Fund)
Authorized the City Manager to enter into a contract with Tunnelworks Services, Inc., in the amount of $259,000 for Phase 4 of the Sewer Rehabilitation Project and a project contingency of ten percent in the amount of $25,900, for a total contract amount of $284,900.
6. Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Submittal of 2021-22 Transportation Development Act Article 4 and State Transit Assistance Claim Forms to Receive Transit Capital and Operating Funds to Fund the Claremont Dial -A -Ride Service (Funding Source:
Transportation Development Act and State Transit Assistance Funds) Adopted Resolution No. 2022- 32, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF THE 2021-22 TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT ARTICLE 4 AND STATE TRANSIT
ASSISTANCE CLAIM FORMS TO RECEIVE CAPITAL AND OPERATING FUNDS TO FUND THE DIAL -A -RIDE SERVICE.
7. Award of Contract to MCE Corporation for Citywide Right -of -Way 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 MCE Corporation for right-of-way landscape maintenancepervices in the amount of $447,585 annually, plus $50,000 for irrigation repairs and plant replacement, and
City Council Minutes
May 24, 2022
authorize a ten percent contingency of $44,759, for a total annual contract amount of $542,344.
8. Award of Contract for Emergency Power Generator Services (Funding Source: General Fund
Authorized the City Manager to enter into a three-year contract with Fakouri Electrical Engineering, with two optional one-year extensions, in an amount not to exceed $15,000 per year, or $75,000 over the maximum term of the contract.
9. Authorization to Amend the Existing Contract with West Coast Arborists, Inc., Extending the Term and Increasinq Compensation for Urban Forest Maintenance Services (Funding Source: Landscape and Lighting District Fund)
Authorized the City Manager to execute an amendment to the existing contract with West Coast Arborists, Inc., extending the term by one additional year through June 30, 2023, and increasing compensation by $56,100 for a total amount not to exceed $716,100 in 2022-23.
10. Authorization to Enter Into a Professional Services Agreement with Interwest Consulting Group for Professional Building and Community Improvement Services (Funding Source:
General Fund)
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to approve Consent Calendar Items No. 1-9, seconded by Councilmember Stark, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
Item Removed from the Consent Calendar
10. Authorization to Enter Into a Professional Services Aqreement with Interwest Consulting Group for Professional Building and Community Improvement Services (Funding Source:
General Fund)
City Manager Pirrie responded to questions from the City Council regarding the last time the City used a professional services agreement for employment, how many positions will this contract fill, how many staff positions are currently vacant, reasons to fill positions by an outside service, and possibility of offering signing bonuses.
Mayor Leano invited public comment.
There were no requests to speak.
Councilmember Calaycay move to authorize the City Manager to enter into a one-year professional services agreement with Interwest Consulting Group for contract Building and Community Improvement services in the amount of $150,000, with an optional one-year extension in the amount of $50,000, for a total not to exceed amount of $200,000.
Councilmember Medina expressed concern regarding the difficulty in hiring employees at this time and recognized the added stress placed on existing staff when vacancies occur.
City Council Minutes
May 24, 2022
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Stark, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
ORDINANCE
11. Resolution Affirming the City Manager's Declaration of the Level 2 Water Supply Shortage, Urgency Ordinance Imposing Water Use Restrictions Required by Three Valleys Municipal Water District and Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 8.30 of the Claremont Municipal Code Authorizing the City to Impose and Enforce Water Use Restrictions (Funding Source: Various)
This item starts at 00:56:46 in the archived video.
Bevin Handel, Public Information Officer, gave a PowerPoint presentation.
Ms. Handel; Ben Lewis, Golden State Water; Matt Litchfield, Three Valleys Municipal Water District; and City Manager Pirrie, responded to questions from the City Council regarding water conservation and reduction, potential surcharges, dissemination of information, how the City will quantify reimbursement for its time and efforts, how water reduction will be determined for new homeowners, waiver for multi -generation households, enforcement, Golden State Water's education campaign, human health and safety, return of water to the State and its impact on the residents of Claremont, average water usage in a household, reduction in Golden State Water's revenue, landlord/tenant issues, water revenue adjustment mechanisms, City uses of water and the evaluation of City water usage, water providers and agencies, turf rebate programs, potential rebates for businesses, and commercial/restaurant water conservation.
Mayor Leano invited public comment.
Jan Ronstein suggested that the restrictions be flexible so homeowners may proceed with water reduction that works best for them.
Joseph Lyons asked the City Council to work with Three Valleys Municipal Water to create and implement a permanent conservation water plan.
Mario raised concern regarding one day a week watering restrictions and asked the City Council to help residents move towards drought tolerant landscaping.
Daniel Moreno expressed concern regarding the maintenance of existing trees and landscaping, as well as high-density developments being constructed.
Natalie asked the City Council to postpone the effective date for watering restrictions as she just replaced her landscaping and is worried her new landscaping will not survive.
Bonnie questioned how much water is used to maintain Claremont's urban forest and suggested the removal of non-native trees.
City Council Minutes
May 24, 2022
There were no other requests to speak.
The City Council recessed at 8:46 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 8:51 p.m.
Ms. Handel and Jeremy Swan, Director of Community Services, responded to questions raised during the public comment period and responded to additional questions from the City Council regarding different options for water reduction, ways to check water usage in real time, re-evaluation of restrictions, and potential rebate programs for drip irrigation systems.
Councilmember Medina encouraged water agencies to make it easier for residents to visually identify their water usage and keep in mind there is more to be done regarding water conservation and education in,the business industry.
City Manager Pirrie asked the City Council to provide direction to staff regarding water intensive City events.
Mayor Leano is open to exploring different options to reduce water usage at upcoming City events.
Councilmember Calaycay spoke in support of Mayor Leano's comment.
Councilmember Stark spoke in support of Mayor Leano's comment.
Councilmember Medina spoke in support of Mayor Leano's comment and asked City staff to be proactive regarding water usage in future City events.
Councilmember Reece spoke in support of the comments made by his fellow Councilmembers and asked City staff to educate and communicate the restrictions within the community.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to adopt Resolution No. 2022-33, A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, AFFIRMING THE CITY MANAGER'S DECLARATION OF A LEVEL 2 WATER SUPPLY SHORTAGE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE DROUGHT STATE OF EMERGENCY, seconded by Councilmember Stark, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
Councilmember Calaycay moved to adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 2022-04, AN
URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT,
CALIFORNIA, ENACTED PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 36934 AND 36937, AMENDING CHAPTER 8.30 OF THE CLAREMONT
MUNICIPAL CODE TO COMPLY WITH DROUGHT -RELATED WATER USE
RESTRICTIONS OF THE THREE VALLEYS MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT AND
METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THAT TAKE EFFECT JUNE 1, 2022, seconded by Councilmember Stark, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
City Council Minutes
May 24, 2022
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
Councilmember Calaycay moved to introduce an ordinance for first reading and reading be by title only, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTIONS 8.30.050, 8.30.060, AND 8.30.070 OF CLAREMONT MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 8.30 TO COMPLY WITH DROUGHT -
RELATED WATER USE RESTRICTIONS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND WATER AGENCIES, seconded by Councilmember Stark, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
12. Resolution Establishing and Approving a Policy Requiring Collaboration and Citywide Consideration Among The City Council
This item starts at 02:48:04 in the archived video.
Adam Pirrie, City Manager, highlighted the staff report.
Mayor Leano invited public comment.
Jim Belna, Claremont resident, expressed concerns regarding district -based elections and asked the City Council to return to at large elections.
Larry Schroeder expressed concerns regarding gerrymandering of Council districts and asked the City Council to return to at large elections.
Joseph Lyons spoke in support of the comments made by Mr. Schroeder as he believes the City should work towards returning to at large elections.
There were no other requests to speak.
City Attorney Patterson added that her recommendation as the City Attorney is to not transition back to at large elections at this time until there is a change in State law.
Councilmember Stark spoke in support of the proposed resolution.
Councilmember Medina spoke in support of collaboration.
Councilmember Reece spoke in support of the proposed resolution as it promotes collaboration for the community's needs.
Councilmember Stark moved to adopt Resolution No. 2022-34, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING
AND APPROVING A POLICY THAT REQUIRES COLLABORATION AND CITYWIDE CONSIDERATION AMONG MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL, seconded by Councilmember Reece, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
City Council Minutes
May 24, 2022
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
13. Commercial Cannabis Survey and Community Workshop Findings (Funding Source:
General Fund)
This item starts at 03:14:35 in the archived video.
Alex Cousins, Community Development Management Analyst; Mark Lovelace, HdL, gave a PowerPoint Presentation.
Mr. Cousins, Mr. Lovelace, and City Attorney Patterson, responded to questions from the City Council regarding taxation of store fronts and delivery services, cash payment of taxes, citizen initiatives, City of Pomona buffer zone definition, tax from gross receipts, State restrictions for hours of operation, safety of businesses, delivery taking place in the City of Claremont and possibility of taxing those businesses, delivery controls, tracking of delivery sales, enforcement mechanisms, proposed tax ordinance, cost of a special election, status of HR 1966, and other legislative bills related to cannabis.
Mayor Leano invited public comment.
Tom Lopez, West Coast Cannabis Club, encouraged the City Council to move forward with a cannabis tax ordinance and regulatory framework for cannabis business licensees.
Darrell Kruse asked the City Council to allow him to open a cannabis dispensary business in the City.
Joseph Lyons, Claremont resident, spoke in support of a cannabis tax ordinance for medical marijuana.
Larry Schroeder spoke in support of a cannabis tax ordinance as it allows for local control.
There were no other requests to speak.
The City Council recessed at 11:02 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 11:05 p.m.
Councilmember Stark spoke in support of moving forward with a cannabis tax ordinance as it allows for local control and asked that additional community engagement and education be completed.
City Manager Pirrie clarified that moving forward with a cannabis tax ordinance is to allow a tax structure to be in place while staff works on regulatory framework for City Council review at a future time.
Councilmember Calaycay spoke in support of a tax ordinance to allow for the collection of taxes on something already taking place in the City; however, reserves his opinion on allowing cannabis businesses in the City at this time.
Councilmember Reece spoke in support of a cannabis tax ordinance to allow local control and further education and engagement on the potential opportunity for cannabis businesses in the City.
City Council Minutes
May 24, 2022
Councilmember Medina spoke in support of a cannabis tax ordinance as it allows for local control and possibly saves the City from having a citizen driven petition.
Mayor Leano shared that a robust discussion was had at the Claremont Chamber of Commerce Director's meeting regarding this topic. It was suggested that additional education and outreach be provided to the community on this topic.
Councilmember Reece moved to direct staff to prepare a draft cannabis tax ordinance, which would be placed on the November 8, 2022, General Election for consideration. This tax ordinance would not allow any cannabis businesses to operate in Claremont, but would authorize the City to tax cannabis businesses if they are permitted in the future, seconded by Councilmember Stark, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
Councilmember Stark moved to direct staff to prepare a draft regulatory cannabis ordinance and provide additional community outreach on the topic, seconded by Councilmember Medina, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENT
This item starts at 05:06:49 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.
Daniel Moreno, Claremont resident, spoke against the Harrison Avenue permanent supportive housing project as the environment is not safe for the neighborhood and believes the proposed housing will not solve any of the on-going homeless and mental illness issues.
Nona Tirre Miranda, Claremont resident, expressed the need for traffic calming measures to increase safety on local streets.
There were no other requests to speak.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Leano adjourned the meeting of the Claremont City Council at 11:41 p.m. The next regular meeting -of the Claremont City Council will be held on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at 6:30 p.m., in the Claremont CoLipcil Charger.
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Mayor
City Council Minutes
May 24, 2022
ATTEST:
2 M-LIA,
eputy City Clerk