CLAREMONT CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, October 25, 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 Clara Soto Ivey, Lillian (Billie) Louise Parrish Maguire, and Marc Winter.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT COUNCILMEMBER: CALAYCAY, LEANO, MEDINA, REECE, STARK
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 recognized the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Women's Tennis Team, for winning the 2022 NCAA Division III National Championship.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF FEDERAL HOLIDAYS/OBSERVANCES
Holidays This Month and Upcoming:
Veterans Day, November 11th
Thanksgiving, November 24th
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Council Items — None
Council Assignment Reports
This item starts at 13:45 in the archived video.
Mayor Leano announced that Tri City Mental Health opened their on-site pharmacy.
City Council Minutes
October 25, 2022
CITY MANAGER REPORT
This item starts at 14:33 in the archived video.
City Manager Pirrie reported on the upcoming November 8, 2022, election including vote center location and hours, encouraged all to participate in the City's Halloween Spooktacular event on October 29, and thanked all volunteers and City staff for their involvement in Village Venture.
City Manager Pirrie and City Attorney Patterson responded to a question from the City Council regarding adoption of an urgency ordinance for the motels along the 10-Freeway. It was further explained that in order to adopt an urgency ordinance, certain findings must be met, and those findings cannot be met for the issues taking place at the hotels.
PUBLIC COMMENT
This item starts at 23:09 in the archived video.
Mayor Leano invited public comment.
Brian Bowcock, Three Valleys Municipal Water District Vice President, provided clarifying information regarding the Carson Plant and current and upcoming well projects.
Rob Lavine spoke in support of improved bicycle infrastructure and bicycle safety in Claremont.
Rachel Forester encouraged all to participate in the upcoming election and if anyone has questions on the ballot to reach out to the League of Women Voters.
Tandy Robinson, Claremont resident, highlighted negative incidents taking place at Blaisdell Park and asked for an increase in Police surveillance in the park area.
Paul Steinberg provided data that supports the need for a comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian planning needed in the City.
Priscilla Espinoza, Claremont Helen Renwick Library, shared upcoming events taking place at the Library.
Ross Pringle spoke in support of a comprehensive study to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety in the City.
Buff Brown, Claremont resident, raised concern regarding the safety of City streets for those walking and biking.
There were no other requests to speak.
Councilmember Stark requested that City staff speak to Mr. Steinberg regarding the data and potential plan to improve bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in the City.
Councilmember Calaycay asked City staff to increase enforcement in areas that residents feel is unsafe for bicycles and pedestrians.
City Council Minutes
October 25, 2022
CONSENT CALENDAR
This item starts at 53:44 in the archived video.
Mayor Leano invited public comment on the Consent Calendar.
Ross Pringle spoke to Consent Calendar Item No. 7 and questioned if the City explored the possible purchase of electric vehicles or electric bicycles.
There were no other requests to speak.
Councilmember Calaycay pulled Consent Calendar Item No. 7.
1. Adoption of a Resolution Approving the City Warrant Register Adopted Resolution No. 2022-64, 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 October 13, 2022.
2. City Council Minutes of October 11, 2022 (Regular) Approved and filed the regular City Council meeting minutes of October 11, 2022.
3. Resolution Reconfirming the Existence of a State of Emergency due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Adopted Resolution No. 2022-65, 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 September 30, 2022 Received and accepted the Investment Report for the quarter ending September 30, 2022.
5. Quarterly Financial Update— September 30, 2022 Received and filed the Quarterly Financial Update dated September 30, 2022.
6. Authorization to Enter Into an Agreement with Motorola Solutions, Inc., for the Purchase and Installation of Police Dispatch Radio Consoles and City Portable Radio Replacements (Funding Sources: American Rescue Plan Act Fund and General Fund) A. Authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Motorola Solutions, Inc. for a total of $1,473,575 for the purchase and installation of three dispatch consoles and related equipment, one hundred and sixty APX900 portable radios, four years of warranty and system updates, and a project contingency; and B. Appropriated an additional $183,477 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund to fund the remaining balance for first year's equipment and services agreement, including a project contingency of$25,000.
7. Award of Contract to National Auto Fleet Group for the Purchase of Police Department Vehicles (Funding Source: Motor Fleet Fund)
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember Reece moved to approve Consent Calendar Items No. 1-6, seconded by Councilmember Medina, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
City Council Minutes
October 25, 2022
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
Item Removed from the Consent Calendar
7. Award of Contract to National Auto Fleet Group for the Purchase of Police Department Vehicles (Funding Source: Motor Fleet Fund)
Chief Fate responded to Mr. Pringle that City staff is researching the use of electric vehicles.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to award a contract to National Auto Fleet Group in the amount of$245,120.58 for the purchase of six 2023 Ford Explorers and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract, seconded by Councilmember Reece and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
PUBLIC HEARING
8. Appeal of Architectural Commission Approval of Architectural and Site Plan Review #21-A07 for a Mixed-Use Proiect Consisting of Two New Buildings With Five Apartments and Two Offices at 330 and 336 West Harrison Avenue —Appellant: Elizabeth Tulac This item starts at 1:01:15 in the archived video.
Chris Veirs, Principal Planner, gave a PowerPoint presentation and responded to questions from the City Council regarding the decision of the Architectural Commission, removal of the Arizona Ash, native trees, will the property owner maintain the remaining trees, were the units rented, and when were those rental units vacated.
John Neiuber, Architectural Commission Chair, shared the determining factors made by the Architectural Commission to approve the project and suggested the City's Historic Preservation List be updated. Commissioner Neiuber responded to a question from the City Council regarding the Commissions' review of the new buildings proposed.
Elizabeth Tulac, Appellant, shared her reasoning for appealing the project. She responded to questions from the City Council regarding statements received from experts, participation in the Architectural Commission meeting, public noticing, and process for the collection of signatures received in support of the petition.
The City Council recessed at 8:41 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 8:46 p.m.
Mya Tran, property owner, shared the process for purchasing the property.
Principal Planner Veirs and Jeremy Swan, Community Services Director, responded to additional questions from the City Council regarding noticing, landscape removal, architecturally pure units, health and safety concerns, is the community better served by the new units or existing units, removal of the Arizona Ash, and applicant's process.
Mayor Leano opened the public hearing and invited public comment.
City Council Minutes
October 25, 2022
Yumi Branstad spoke in support of Ms. Tulac and asked the City Council to deny the project to maintain a community feel.
Vince Skelly shared his positive experiences of growing up at this property and encouraged the City Council to keep and rehabilitate the existing structures.
Judy Lee, Claremont resident,toured the project site and spoke in support of the proposed mixed-use project.
Eric Peterson, Project Architect, shared that the landscape at this property was overgrown causing a fire hazard and explained how the buildings are unlivable at this time.
David Shearer, Executive Director of Claremont Heritage, shared that Claremont Heritage supports preservation and heritage; however, spoke in support of the proposed project.
There were no other requests to speak, and the public hearing was closed.
Mr. Veirs responded to additional questions from the City Council regarding mansionization laws, and inspections by the City's Building Official.
Councilmember Stark spoke in support of staffs recommendation as the Architectural Commission did receive adequate information to make their decision.
Councilmember Medina spoke in support of staffs recommendation as the Architectural Commission ruled appropriately.
Councilmember Calaycay spoke in support of the decision made by the Architectural Commission as they applied laws and findings and acted in good faith.
Councilmember Reece spoke in support of the Architectural Commission's decision to approve the project.
Mayor Leano asked City staff to present its draft preservation ordinance to the Commissions and City Council as early as possible and spoke in support of the decision made by the Architectural Commission.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to adopt Resolution No. 2022-66, A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, DENYING THE
APPEAL OF AND AFFIRMING THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMISSION'S APPROVAL OF ARCHITECTURAL AND SITE PLAN REVIEW #21-A07 FOR A MIXED-USE PROJECT
CONSISTING OF TWO NEW BUILDINGS WITH FIVE APARTMENTS AND TWO OFFICES AT 330 AND 336 WEST HARRISON AVENUE, APPELLANT— ELIZABETH TULAC, seconded by Councilmember Medina, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
City Council Minutes
October 25, 2022
ORDINANCES
9. Adoption of the 2022 California Building Code by Reference and Continuation of Local Amendments (Funding Source: General Fund)
This item starts at 3:16:08 in the archived video.
Brad Fliehmann, Building Official, highlighted the staff report.
Mayor Leano invited public comment.
There were no requests to speak.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to:
A. Introduce for first reading AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2022 EDITION
OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE (CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24); INCLUDING THE 2022 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, (INCORPORATING AND AMENDING THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE); THE 2022 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, (INCORPORATING AND AMENDING THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE); THE 2022 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE (INCORPORATING AND AMENDING THE 2020 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE); THE 2022 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE (INCORPORATING AND AMENDING THE 2021 UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE); THE 2022 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE (INCORPORATING AND AMENDING THE 2021 UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE); THE 2022 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE: AND THE 2022 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE: TOGETHER
WITH CERTAIN ADDITIONS, INSERTIONS, DELETIONS AND CHANGES THERETO; AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2023 LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE CODE, (LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE, TITLE 32) INCORPORATING AND AMENDING THE 2022 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE (INCORPORATING AND AMENDING THE 2021 EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE); and B. Set a public hearing date for November 22, 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. Tenant Protection Ordinances — (1) Adoption of an Urgency Ordinance and First Reading and Introduction of an Ordinance Imposing a Temporary Moratorium on no Fault, Substantial Remodel Evictions for Certain Residential Tenancies in the City of Claremont; (2) Adoption of a Temporary Urgency Ordinance and First Reading and Introduction of a Permanent Ordinance Imposing Heightened Tenant Protections for No Fault, Substantial Remodel Evictions for Certain Residential Tenancies in the City of Claremont; and (3) Adoption of a Temporary Urgency Ordinance Imposing Heightened Rent Stabilization Requirements for Certain Residential Tenancies in the City of Claremont (Funding Source:
General Fund)
This item starts at 3:19:46 in the archived video.
Councilmember Reece recused himself from the discussion and left the meeting as he is a landlord in Claremont.
City Council Minutes
October 25, 2022
Katie Wand, Assistant to the City Manager, highlighted the staff report.
Ms. Wand and City Attorney Patterson responded to questions from the City Council regarding written public comment received by the owner of Monarch Terrace, financial impact of a substantial remodel, staffs recommendations, and expiration date of the proposed moratorium ordinances.
Mayor Leano invited public comment.
Christine Alfaro shared that the units at Monarch Terrace do not need to be remodeled and questioned why Monarch Terrace would evict tenants for a remodel when it is not needed.
Rachel Forester, Claremont resident, urged the City Council to support a moratorium on no fault evictions due to renovations.
Elaine Thompson, Claremont resident, asked the City Council to adopt the urgency ordinance imposing a temporary mortarium on no fault, substantial remodel evictions and direct staff to create ordinances that strengthen tenant protection.
Unidentified speaker stated that Monarch Terrace tenants are a community and urged the City Council to support its tenants.
Unidentified speaker spoke in support of adopting an urgency ordinance imposing a temporary mortarium on no fault, substantial remodel evictions.
Unidentified speaker spoke in support of limiting rent increases.
Unidentified speaker urged the City Council to adopt an urgency ordinance imposing a temporary mortarium on no fault, substantial remodel evictions, to allow the City to study this issue further.
Daryl McCance believes this is a bigger issue and the City must address the issue of affordability.
Jorge Rivera, The People's Resource Center, urged the City Council to adopt an urgency ordinance imposing a temporary mortarium on no fault, substantial remodel evictions, to allow City staff to create additional tenant protections.
Susan McWilliams Barndt, Claremont resident, stated that evictions lead to negative outcomes and urged the City Council to take action to protect its tenants.
Bill Ruh, Citrus Valley Association of Realtors, spoke about rent stabilization and believes that AB 1482 offers tenant protections that Claremont is looking for without having to create new ordinances.
Lydia Hernandez stated that families were threatened and bullied by the property manager of Monarch Terrace to move out and urged the City Council to adopt the proposed urgency ordinance imposing a temporary moratorium on no fault evictions.
Motal Zalowbi, Claremont resident, stated that his rent has increased by 10% percent a year for the past three years and asked the City Council to provide assistance.
City Council Minutes
October 25, 2022
Emily Dietrick asked the City Council to adopt an urgency ordinance imposing a temporary mortarium on no fault, substantial remodel evictions and direct City staff to create permanent, ordinances that strengthen tenant protections.
Katie, Claremont resident, urged the City Council to protect its tenants.
Allison Henry, Co-Founder of the San Gabriel Valley Tenants Alliance, provided information to the City Council regarding rent burden and asked the City Council to close the loophole on no fault evictions.
Lee Kane, Claremont resident, asked the City Council to adopt the urgency ordinance imposing a temporary mortarium on no fault, substantial remodel evictions.
Indira, Claremont resident, urged the City Council to adopt an urgency ordinance imposing a temporary mortarium on no fault, substantial remodel evictions, which would allow those to remain in their homes until a permanent solution is created.
Judy Klaus urged the City Council to adopt an urgency ordinance imposing a temporary mortarium on no fault, substantial remodel evictions, and asked for stronger tenant protections.
Octavio Alfaro spoke in support of affordable housing and asked the City Council to represent and help the tenant community.
Moane, Claremont resident, spoke in support of affordable housing and added that rent stabilization is necessary:
Matthew Buck, California Apartment Association, encouraged the City Council to identify and focus on the issue of concern, conduct stakeholder feedback, and engage in a process as AB 1482 addresses annual rent increases and "for cause" evictions.
Gwen Tucker, Inclusive Claremont, spoke in support of stronger tenant protections and immediate tenant protections for Monarch Terrace.
Amanda, Claremont resident, spoke in support of the tenants of Monarch Terrace and expressed concern regarding mental health.
Max Sherman, Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, spoke against the proposed ordinances and urged the City Council to reject the proposed ordinances.
Lisa Schuster, Claremont resident, spoke in support for all Claremont renters including those at Monarch Terrace and asked the City Council to adopt the urgency ordinance imposing a temporary moratorium.
Tracy Schuster, Claremont resident, urged the City Council to adopt an,urgency ordinance imposing a temporary mortarium on no fault, substantial remodel evictions, so that stronger tenant protections can be drafted by City staff.
Seth Pringle, Claremont resident, spoke in support of tenant protections.
Roberto Munoz urged the City Council to adopt an urgency ordinance imposing a temporary mortarium on no fault, substantial remodel evictions.
City Council Minutes
October 25, 2022
Joe Lyons spoke in support of affordable housing as affordable housing would help address tenants. He urged the City Council to adopt the urgency ordinance imposing a temporary mortarium on no fault, substantial remodel evictions.
Pamela Lee, Claremont resident, stated that she does not trust the owners of Monarch Terrace and shared that she owns property in Claremont; however, resides at Monarch Terrace.
There were no other requests to speak.
The City Council recessed at 11:33 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 11:38 p.m.
Councilmember Stark spoke in support of the proposed urgency ordinance and ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium on certain no fault evictions due to a substantial remodel as they address the needs of the community.
Councilmember Medina stated that the City Council can use this as an opportunity to move forward by listening to its residents and residents can be given assurance that the City Council is listening to them.
Councilmember Calaycay requested that future discussions on tenant protections include all stake holders ensuring that the result is equitable. He spoke in support of adopting the urgency ordinance and ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium on no fault evictions which allows him to remain open to further discussions.
Mayor Leano spoke in support of the comments made by his fellow Councilmembers and added that the lack of affordable housing and lack of housing supply is the main issue.
Councilmember Stark moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2022-06, AN URGENCY
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, ENACTED PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 36934 AND 36937 ESTABLISHING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON CERTAIN "NO FAULT"
RESIDENTIAL EVICTIONS DUE TO A PROPERTY OWNER'S INTENT TO
SUBSTANTIALLY REMODEL THE TENANT'S UNIT IN THE CITY OF CLAREMONT, seconded by Councilmember Medina, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Stark
NOES: Councilmember— None
ABSENT: Councilmember— Reece
Councilmember Stark moved to introduce for first reading AN UNCODIFIED
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON CERTAIN "NO FAULT"
RESIDENTIAL EVICTIONS DUE TO A PROPERTY OWNER'S INTENT TO
SUBSTANTIALLY REMODEL THE TENANT'S UNIT IN THE CITY OF CLAREMONT, seconded by Councilmember Medina, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Stark
NOES: Councilmember— None
ABSENT: Councilmember— Reece
City Council Minutes
October 25, 2022
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS - None
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Leano adjourned the meeting of the Claremont City Council at 12:05 a.m. The next regular meeting of the Claremont City Council will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at 6:30 p.m., in the Claremont ouncil amber.
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Mayor
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