CLAREMONT CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, October 11, 2022 — 6:30 p.m.
Meeting Conducted In Person and Via Zoom. Video Recording is Archived on the City Website https://www.ci.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 — in honor of Rosemary Henderson, Raymond "Bim" Jollymour, and Wavalene "Jinx" Tong.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT COUNCILMEMBER: CALAYCAY, LEANO, REECE, STARK PRESENT VIA ZOOM COUNCILMEMBER: MEDINA
ABSENT COUNCILMEMBER: NONE
ALSO PRESENT 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 meeting.
CEREMONIAL MATTERS, PRESENTATIONS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
The City Council received the following presentations:
Safer from Wildfires Framework, by Armine Sargsyan, California Department of Insurance Outreach Analyst.
Circuit Reliability Report, by Marissa Castro-Salvati and Travis Parks, Southern California Edison.
Miles Bennett, Architectural Commissioner, was introduced.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF FEDERAL HOLIDAYS/OBSERVANCES
Holidays This Month and Upcoming:
Veterans Day, November 11th
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Council Items - None
City Council Minutes
October 11, 2022
Council Assignment Reports
This item starts at 53:34 in the archived video.
Councilmember Stark reported that she recently attended the Joint Powers Insurance Authority Conference.
Councilmember Reece reported that construction of the Foothill Gold Line from Glendora to Pomona is 60% completed.
Mayor Leano reported Tri City Mental Health will host a grand opening for its first pharmacy.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
This item starts at 57:18 in the archived video.,
City Manager Pirrie reported on the upcoming November election and provided an update on ballot replacements for those voters missing the City Council race in District 4. He encouraged all to attend the upcoming flu clinic, Village Venture, and the City's Halloween Spooktacular event.
Councilmember Calaycay expressed concerns regarding the incorrect ballots and would like City staff to speak to Supervisor Barger regarding the move to consolidating elections with the County.
He added that the City should not be financially responsible for any mistakes the County makes.
PUBLIC COMMENT
This item starts at 1:03:43 in the archived video.
Mayor Leano invited public comment.
Michael Skapik shared that 30%_of COVID deaths resulted from those residing in high-density housing and believes that Claremont should not be pursuing any high-density developments.
Sonja Stump, Claremont resident, suggested the City use focus and study groups when dealing with large issues like the draft motel ordinance.
Ross Pringle highlighted a letter that he and other residents sent to the City Council which asked the City Council to ensure that future road projects consider the community's desire for safe and inclusive streets.
Paul Steinberg asked the City Council to consider using American Rescue Plan Act funds or state grants to authorize the creation of a bicycle/pedestrian plan for the City.
Priscilla Espinoza, Claremont Helen Renwick Library, shared upcoming events taking place at the Library.
Richard Williams questioned why the County of Los Angeles has a different district map than that of the City and expressed his concerns that residents received an incorrect ballot in District 4.
Joe Lyons spoke in support of the comment made by Ms. Stump regarding community engagement and suggested the City reach out to the Colleges.
City Council Minutes
October 11, 2022
Vicky Knoebel, Claremont resident, shared her negative experiences at the Knights Inn while delivering Meals on Wheels to an individual.
Elisida Solis, Claremont resident, asked the City Council to include the community when the City addresses the negative activity taking place at hotels along the 10 freeway and shared that homeless individuals have reported the hotels to be too unsafe to stay at.
Javier Aguilar shared that he is a candidate for the upcoming Three Valleys Municipal Water.
District's Board of Directors election and is compelled to address all challenges.
As it has been 30 minutes, the time set aside for general public comment, general public comment was continued later in the meeting.
City Manager Pirrie and Jamie Earl, Assistant City Manager, responded to questions and concerns raised during public comment. They shared that the City's Code Enforcement Division will go and inspect the Knight's Inn property and take appropriate follow-up action, reminded all to report any hotel safety concerns to the Police Department, and will look further into the process of hotel voucher issuance.
City Manager Pirrie further responded to concerns regarding incorrect ballots and shared that at this time it appears to be a County data conversion error. The County is working quickly to address this error.
CONSENT CALENDAR
This item starts at 1:45:29 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 the City Warrant Register Adopted Resolution No. 2022-62, 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 September 29, 2022.
2. City Council Minutes of September 27, 2022 (Special and Regular) Approved and filed the special and regular City Council meeting minutes of September 27, 2022.
3. Resolution Reconfirming the Existence of a State of Emergency due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Adopted Resolution No. 2022-63, 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. Authorization to Enter Into An Agreement with All City Management Services for Crossing Guard Services (Funding Source: General Fund)
Authorized the City Manager to enter into a one-year agreement with All City Management Services for crossing guard services, effective July 1, 2022, in an amount not-to-exceed $96,588.
City Council Minutes
October 11, 2022
5. Historical Property(Mills Act)Agreement#22-MA02 Between the City of Claremont and Lisa Geller, Property Owner of 1089 Oxford Avenue
Approved a Historical Property (Mills Act) Agreement between the City of Claremont and Lisa Geller, property owner of 1089 Oxford Avenue.
6. Authorization to Enter Into An Agreement with Willdan Financial Services to Prepare a Cost Allocation Plan and User Fee Study (Funding Source: General Fund) Authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Willdan Finance Services in an amount not to exceed $36,985 for the preparation of a Cost Allocation Plan and User Fee Study.
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
PUBLIC HEARINGS — None
The City Council recessed at 8:17 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 8:22 p.m.
ORDINANCE
7. Tenant Protection Ordinances — Adoption of a Temporary Urgency Ordinance and First Reading and Introduction of a Permanent Ordinance Relating to "Just Cause" Evictions for Certain Residential Tenancies in the City of Claremont; and Adoption of a Temporary Urgency Ordinance Relating to Rent Stabilization for Certain Residential Tenancies in the City of Claremont (Funding Source: General Fund)
This item starts at 1:52:14 in the archived video.
Councilmember Reece recused himself from the discussion and left the meeting as he is a landlord in Claremont.
Katie Wand, Assistant to the City Manager, highlighted the staff report.
Ms. Wand; Alisha Patterson, City Attorney; and City Manager Pirrie; responded to questions from the City Council regarding notification to landlords, first right of refusal, just cause no fault evictions, proposed sunset date, other cities that have enacted tenant protections, moratorium on evictions, precedent to extend tenant protections given during COVID, community process, request for eviction moratorium, process for City Council consideration of an eviction moratorium, City Council priorities, and property owners of Monarch Terrace.
Mayor Leano invited public comment.
Rachel Forester, Claremont resident, spoke in support of rent caps and closing the loophole for renovation evictions. She believes affordable housing is needed to meet the needs of Claremont residents that work and contribute to the community.
Drew Forester, Claremont resident, spoke in support of the tenants at Monarch Terrace and highlighted the difficulties of finding affordable housing in Claremont.
City Council Minutes
October 11, 2022
Octavio Hernandez, Claremont resident, asked the City Council to explore every legal possibility to allow the tenants at Monarch Terrace to remain in their homes, increase the financial assistance for relocation, and temporarily lower the rent cap increase to 2%.
Paul Wheeler raised concern regarding rent caps as they decrease property value and added that Claremont must be continually built with pride.
Unidentified speaker, Claremont resident, spoke in support of the residents of Monarch Terrace as they contribute to the community and a six-month moratorium on evictions.
Christine Alfaro, Claremont resident, shared her concerns of being a tenant at Monarch Terrace and spoke against the current owners of Monarch Terrance.
Lydia Hernandez questioned the proposed ordinances and their consistency with AB 1482 and who would be checking the work of Monarch Terrace to make sure it is a substantial remodel.
Ellen Dietrick raised concern regarding the lack of affordable housing and believes the proposed ordinance does not do enough to protect those at Monarch Terrace.
Gwen Tucker shared that students, staff, and faculty, from the Claremont Colleges support the tenants of Monarch Terrace and asked the City Council to adopt stronger tenant protections.
Unidentified speaker asked the City Council to reduce the rent cap to 2% and raise relocation fees comparable to that of Santa Monica's ordinance.
Lee Kane asked the City Council to lower the rent cap to 2% and adjust the relocation fees to that of Santa Monica's.
Matt Oslinger questioned if the ordinance applies to single family homes and expressed concern that the proposed ordinances may negatively affect property owners who rent out their houses for additional income.
Mati, Claremont resident, shared that she resides at Monarch Terrace and would like to remain a member of the Claremont community.
Max Sherman, Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, stated that the Association is opposed to all ordinances proposed and is concerned with the lack of deliberation.
Joe Lyons asked the City Council to consider the lack of heritage and respect for inclusivity, socioeconomic concerns, and equity related to housing.
Unidentified speaker spoke against the proposed ordinances as they would cap rent increases while property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs continually increase.
Ilsa Lund, Housing and Homeless Collaborative of Claremont, urged the City Council to adopt the strongest ordinances legally possible to support tenants.
Paul Steffen believes that the issue is the lack of affordable housing due to the City not developing more affordable housing.
City Council Minutes
October 11, 2022
Allison Henry, San Gabriel Valley Tenants Alliance, shared that they support the tenants of Monarch Terrace and explained that Claremont tenants are rent burdened.
There were no other requests to speak.
The City Council recessed at 9:38 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 9:42 p.m.
City Attorney Patterson responded to questions raised'during the public comment period.
She explained that a Councilmember's recusal from the item does not count as a no vote, it would count as an absence, an urgency ordinance must be adopted by a four-fifths vote, the proposed ordinances would not apply if the property was individually owned, staff focused on cities who adopted ordinances after AB 1482 went into effect, and AB 1482 carves out an ability for agencies to adopt protections.
Councilmember Stark would be supportive of postponing any decision in order to gather more data and information.
City Attorney Patterson continued to respond to additional questions from the City Council regarding a list of renovations protected from eviction, and City's role regulating evictions for tenant improvements.
Mayor Leano asked his fellow Councilmembers to discuss items such as right of first refusal, consideration of a temporary ban on no fault evictions relating to renovations, and possible limits of the effectiveness of the ordinances. He believes that if Council wished to include these items in the proposed ordinances, no vote can happen at tonight's meeting.
Councilmember Stark clarified that the items proposed by Mayor Leano can be discussed at tonight's meeting and included in the draft ordinances if that is the wish of the City Council.
She added that the. City Council cannot adopt a moratorium on the temporary ban of evictions due to renovations at tonight's meeting.
City Attorney Patterson confirmed that the items mentioned" by Mayor Leano may be discussed at tonight's meeting and be included in the draft ordinances.
Councilmember Stark spoke in support of a six-month moratorium on evictions due to renovations while further study and community engagement is performed to develop associated ordinances.
Councilmember Calaycay feels uncomfortable making a decision tonight due to the lack of processes on this topic and would like a better understanding of the results of the proposed ordinances before he makes a decision.
Councilmember Medina stated that he sees the proposed ordinances as temporary assistance with a number of pieces missing and would like this issue to be addressed sooner rather than later.
Mayor Leano spoke in support of further evaluation and bringing an item back to the City Council regarding a draft moratorium on evictions due to renovations.
City Manager Pirrie summarized that the City Council would like to continue its discussion of the urgency ordinances and ordinance in staffs recommendation to the next City Council
City Council Minutes
October 11, 2022
meeting and direct staff to prepare an urgency ordinance and ordinance enacting a six-month moratorium on no fault evictions for substantial remodels only.
Councilmember Stark moved to continue the discussion of this item to the October 25, 2022, City Council meeting, seconded by Councilmember Calaycay, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Stark
NOES: Councilmember— None
ABSENT: Councilmember— Reece
The City Council directed City staff to prepare for City Council review an urgency ordinance and ordinance enacting a six-month moratorium on no fault evictions for substantial remodels only.
Councilmember Reece returned to the meeting.
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEM
8. 2021-22 General Fund Financial Update
This item starts at 4:04:52 in the archived video.
Nishil Bali, Finance Director, gave a PowerPoint presentation and responded to questions from the City Council regarding reserve balances, surplus funds, Section 115 Pension Trust, when City staff will provide an update on the Section 115 Pension Trust, and the procedure to increase the General Fund reserve requirement.
Mayor Leano invited public comment.
Jim Keith inquired about the financial planning needed for a remodel of the Police Department women's locker room and restroom.
There were no other requests to speak.
City Manager Pirrie responded to Mr. Keith that City staff has been working on a potential remodel and is working towards specifications that can be used for the construction bidding process. He added that funding sources for this remodel are being reviewed.
City Manager Pirrie continued to respond to a question raised from the City Council regarding revenues if the City's 3/ sales tax, titled Measure CR, passed in 2019.
Councilmember Stark spoke in support of staffs conservative budget style as well as increasing reserve balances to 30%.
Councilmember Medina highlighted the increase of sales tax revenue and thanked everyone for supporting local businesses.
Councilmember Calaycay asked that the recommendation regarding the City's Section 115 Pension Trust be voted on separately as he does not support the concept of a Section 115 Pension Trust.
City Council Minutes
October 11, 2022
Councilmember Reece directed City staff to review the City's reserve policy and possibly move towards increasing the required reserve balance to 30% as well as looking into the potential remodel of the women's locker room and restroom at the Police Department.
Mayor Leano spoke in support of increasing reserve balances.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to:
A. Allocate and appropriate $1.50 million of the 2021-22 General Fund surplus for an additional discretionary payment to CaIPERS to pay down the unfunded liability on the City's employee pension plans;
B. Allocate $1.55 million of the 2021-22 General Fund surplus to the City's Operating and Environmental Emergency Reserve; and
C. Allocate $170,000 or any remaining 2021-22 General Fund surplus after completion of the annual audit to the City's Equipment and Facility Revolving Reserve;
Seconded by Councilmember Reece, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
Councilmember Reece moved to allocate $1.50 million of the 2021-22 General Fund surplus for a contribution to fund the City's Section 115 Pension Trust, seconded by Councilmember Stark, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark
NOES: Councilmember— Calaycay
CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENT
This item starts at 4:32:57 in the archived video.
Mayor Leano invited continued public comment from those who were not able to speak due to the 30-minute time limit.
Jim Keith spoke about issues taking place at the Knight's Inn and asked City staff to look into the hotel voucher program and how the current actions of the Knight's Inn are inconsistent and not enforced by the City's Municipal Code.
Bryan Trunik stated that residents have been requesting a nuisance motel ordinance for a very long time and when one was finally produced there was no input solicited from concerned citizens.
Sue Keith asked the City Council to review the recent Planning Commission meeting where the nuisance motel ordinance was discussed and raised concern regarding how long the process has taken.
David Shearer, Director of Claremont Heritage and Claremont resident, encouraged the City Council to clean up the areas along the 10 Freeway. He shared that Claremont Heritage is trying to use the rich history of Claremont to promote cultural tourism and believes that if the hotels along the 10 Freeway are left unaddressed cultural tourism will never be successful.
Daniel Moreno spoke against Larkin Place and raised concern that the City will not complete a safety study.
City Council Minutes
October 11, 2022
There were no other requests to speak.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Leano adjourned the meeting of the Claremont City Council at 11:21 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Claremont City Council will be held on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at 6:30 p.m., in the Claremont C uncil Ch tuber.
Mayor
ATTEST:
Qeio C41/
5eputy City Clerk