CLAREMONT CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, January 10, 2023—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-council-meetings
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Reece called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MOMENT OF SILENCE
ROLL CALL
PRESENT COUNCILMEMBER: CALAYCAY, LEANO, MEDINA, REECE, STARK
ABSENT COUNCILMEMBER: NONE
ALSO PRESENT Adam Piffle, City Manager; Alan Fenstermacher, Deputy City Attorney; Jamie Earl, Assistant City Manager; Aaron Fate, Police Chief; Jeremy Swan, Director of Community Services; Melissa Vollaro, Director of Human Services; Shelley Desautels, City Clerk
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
There was no closed session meeting.
CEREMONIAL MATTERS, PRESENTATIONS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were no ceremonial matters, presentations, or announcements.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF FEDERAL HOLIDAYS/OBSERVANCES
Holidays This Month and Upcoming:
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 16th
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Council Items
1. Announcement and Confirmation of Local and Regional Councilmember Appointments and Adoption of a Resolution Designating a Governing Board Member and Voting Alternate to the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Joint Powers Authority This item starts at 04:22 in the archived video.
Mayor Reece invited public comment.
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January 10, 2023
There were no requests to speak.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to:
A. Confirm the various appointments to local and regional committees, board, and organizations; and
B. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-01, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING A GOVERNING BOARD
MEMBER AND A VOTING ALTERNATE TO THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY;
Seconded by Councilmember Stark, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember- Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember- None
2. Reappointment of Members to the Sustainabilitv Committee This item starts at 06:06 in the archived video.
Mayor Reece and Councilmember Leano highlighted the staff report.
Mayor Reece invited public comment.
There were no requests to speak.
Councilmember Leano moved to reappoint Chris Chinn, Richard Haskell, and Susan Schenk, to the Sustainability Committee, each for a four-year term commencing February 1, 2023, seconded by Councilmember Calaycay, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember- Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember- None
Council Assignment Reports
This item starts at 07:58 in the archived video.
Councilmember Calaycay commented on the recent flyers containing an anti-Semitic message received by community members.
Mayor Reece invited all to participate in the City of Claremont Committee on Human Relations workshop titled "Let's Start with Civility".
Councilmember Stark reported on the California Contract Cities conference and asked everyone to be mindful of water conservation.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
This item starts at 17:58 in the archived video.
City Manager Pirrie announced that the City was awarded a grant for the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park Wildfire Prevention Project, invited all to the City's tree planting event on January
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January 10, 2023
21, encouraged all to complete the City's survey regarding outdoor dining, and participate in the 2023 homeless count. Lastly, he provided an update on the Colby Circle street closure.
Councilmember Stark directed City staff to research a possible City Council resolution against anti-Semitic propaganda.
PUBLIC COMMENT
This item starts at 23:44 in the archived video.
Mayor Reece invited public comment.
Evaqqelos Vallianatos, Claremont resident, spoke in support of solar panels and asked that the City Council encourage all residents, businesses, Colleges, and City buildings to install solar panels.
Anne Thorword, Newcomers Access Center, invited all to attend their upcoming gala on February
26. Unidentified speaker asked the City Council to end its outdoor seating program in order to provide ample parking for all businesses.
Marcie Gardner, Claremont resident, asked the City Council to reconsider the need for Claremont Municipal Code Section 11.02.120 regarding dogs in City parks.
Unidentified speaker raised concern regarding the City survey for outdoor dining and questioned how the survey was distributed. She spoke against the City's outdoor dining program as the program is not equitable for all businesses.
Russ Binder encouraged all to listen and participate in his podcast, Claremont Speaks.
Priscilla Espinoza, Claremont Helen Renwick Library, shared upcoming events taking place at the Library.
There were no other requests to speak.
Jeremy Swan, Director of Community Services, informed the City Council that solar panels are currently being permitted for installation at multiple City buildings.
City Manager Pirrie responded to questions raised during the public comment period. He responded that the survey link for outdoor dining was provided to all commercial businesses that provided their email address on their business license application.
Councilmember Stark suggested the City Council discuss Claremont Municipal Code Section
11.02.120 regarding dogs in City parks at an upcoming priority setting meeting.
CONSENT CALENDAR
This item starts at 54:25 in the archived video.
Mayor Reece invited public comment on the Consent Calendar.
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Sharon Williams spoke to Consent Calendar Items No. 13 and 14. She asked that the Memoranda of Agreements be specific.
There were no other requests to speak.
Councilmember Calaycay pulled Consent Calendar Items No. 13 and 14.
3. Adoption of Resolutions Approving the City Warrant Register A. Adopted Resolution No. 2023-02, 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 December 22, 2022; and
B. Adopted Resolution No. 2023-03, 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 January 5, 2023.
4. City Council Minutes of December 13, 2022 (Regular) Approved and filed the regular City Council meeting minutes of December 13, 2022.
5. Resolution Reconfirming the Existence of a State of Emergency due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Adopted Resolution No. 2023-04, 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.
6. Authorization to Amend the Existing Construction and Construction Management and Inspection Contracts to Increase Compensation for the Claremont Boulevard and Monte Vista Avenue Accessibility Project (Funding Sources: Proposition C & Measure R Funds) A. Authorized the City Manager to execute an amendment to the existing contract with Gentry Brothers, Inc. adding an additional $55,000 in compensation, increasing the total contract amount to $699,375 to complete the Claremont Boulevard and Monte Vista Avenue Accessibility Project;
B. Authorized the City Manager to execute an amendment to the existing contract with LAW Associates, Inc. adding an additional $44,800 in compensation, increasing the total contract amount to $104,405 for construction management and inspection services; C. Appropriated $55,000 from the Proposition C Fund and $44,800 from the Measure R Fund to fund the contracts; and
D. Found this item is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
7. Authorization to Amend the Existing Professional Services Agreement with Willdan Engineering to Extend the Term and Increase Compensation for Public Works Inspection Services (Funding Source: General Fund)
Authorized the City Manager to execute an amendment to the existing professional services agreement with Willdan Engineering, extending the term to June 30, 2023 and increasing compensation by $100,000, for a total not-to-exceed amount of$125,000.
8. Authorization to Exercise the Option to Extend the Term of the Rutan & Tucker, LLP Legal Services Agreement (Funding Source: General Fund)
Authorized the City Manager to provide written notice to the City Attorney that the City Council has opted to extend the term of the Legal Services Agreement between the City of
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January 10, 2023
Claremont and Rutan & Tucker, LLP for an additional five-year term.
9. Authorization to Amend Agreements for Virtual Infrastructure System Upgrade and Advanced Back-Up System (Funding Source: American Rescue Place Act (ARPA) Fund) A. Authorized the City Manager to execute an amendment to the agreement with Abtech Technologies to include all applicable sales tax to complete the purchase of the advanced back-up system and increase appropriations in the ARPA Fund by the same amount; and
B. Authorized the City Manager to execute an amendment to the agreement with Abtech Technologies to include all applicable sales tax to complete the purchase for the virtual server infrastructure equipment and increase appropriations in the ARPA Fund by the same amount.
10. Award of Contracts for Bus Shelter Enhancement Proiect (Funding Sources: Grand Funds and Proposition C Fund)
A. Awarded contract to Tolar Manufacturing, Inc. for fabrication and installation services for the Bus Stop Enhancement Project and authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement in the amount of $470,539, and authorize a ten percent contingency in the amount of$47,054, for a total contract amount of$517,593; B. Awarded contract to Green Giant Landscape, Inc. for site preparation services for the Bus Stop Enhancement Project and authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement in the amount of $280,000, and authorize a ten percent contingency in the amount of$28,000, for a total contract amount of$308,000; C. Authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with JBohn Associates, Inc. in the amount of$12,500 for consultation services for the Bus Stop Enhancement Project; D. Authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with RKA Group in the amount of$25,000 for public works inspection services for the Bus Stop Enhancement Project; E. Appropriated $147,494 in Prop 1B funds for the Bus Stop Enhancement Project; F. Appropriated $397,677 in FTA 5307 funds for the Bus Stop Enhancement Project; G. Appropriated $317,922 in Proposition C funds for the Bus Stop Enhancement Project; and
H. Found this item is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
11. Authorization to Enter Into an Agreement with CXT Incorporated for the Cahuilla Park Restroom Improvement Project(Funding Sources: Measure A, Park Dedication Funds, and Claremont Unified School District Funds)
A. Authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with CXT Incorporated in the amount of$362,000 for the demolition and installation work related to the Cahuilla Park Restroom Improvement Project, and authorize a ten percent project contingency of $36,200;
B. Appropriated $211,200 in Park Dedication funds to fund a ten percent contingency in the amount of$36,200 and $175,000 until reimbursement funds from the Claremont Unified School District are received for the demolition and installation work related to the Cahuilla Park Restroom Improvement Project; and
C. Authorized acceptance of $175,000 from the Claremont Unified School District to partially fund the demolition and installation work related to the Cahuilla Park Restroom Improvement Project; and
D. Appropriated $308,500 in Measure A funds to complete the City's portion of the Cahuilla Park Restroom Improvement Project; and
E. Found this item is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
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January 10, 2023
12. 2020 State Homeland Security Grant Program Expenditure Plan (Funding Source: 2020 State Homeland Security Grant)
A. Approved the purchase of Motorola Solutions, Inc. radio equipment offered through the reimbursable State of California 2020 Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP); B. Authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Motorola Solutions, Inc. in the amount of$66,849.19 for the purchase of mobile radios; and C. Appropriated $66,849.19 from the General Fund for the purchase of mobile radios which will be reimbursed through SHSGP grant funds.
13. Authorization to Enter Into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Claremont Unified School District Providing Recorded Notice of the Existence of an Agreement Between the City of Claremont and the Claremont Unified School District for the Management and Use of Cahuilla Park Athletic Fields (Funding Source: General Fund) This item was removed from the Consent Calendar.
14. Authorization to Enter Into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Claremont Unified School District Providing Recorded Notice of the Existence of an Agreement Between the City of Claremont and the Claremont Unified School District for Use of Certain Portions of the La Puerta School Site (Funding Source: General Fund)
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar.
15. Authorization to Enter Into an Agreement with Tunnelworks Services, Inc., for Emergency Sewer Repair Services (Funding Source: Sewer Fund)
A. Authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement with Tunnelworks Services, Inc. in the amount of$38,820 for emergency sanitary sewer system repairs; B. Appropriated $38,820 from the Sewer Fund to cover the cost of the emergency repair; and
C. Found this item is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
16. Authorization to Enter Into an Agreement with Cummins, Inc., for Vehicle Repair Services (Funding Source: Sanitation Fund)
A. Authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement with Cummins, Inc. in the amount of$34,807.19 for vehicle repairs; and
B. Appropriated $49,500.94 from the Sanitation Fund to cover the full cost of the engine diagnosis and the emergency repair.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to approve Consent Calendar Items No. 3-12, 15, and 16, seconded by Councilmember Leano, 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
This item starts at 57:51 in the archived video.
Items No. 13 and 14 were discussed at the same time.
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January 10, 2023
13. Authorization to Enter Into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Claremont Unified School District Providing Recorded Notice of the Existence of an Agreement Between the City of Claremont and the Claremont Unified School District for the Management and Use of Cahuilla Park Athletic Fields (Funding Source: General Fund)
14. Authorization to Enter Into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Claremont Unified School District Providing Recorded Notice of the Existence of an Agreement Between the City of Claremont and the Claremont Unified School District for Use of Certain Portions of the La Puerta School Site (Funding Source: General Fund)
City Manager Pirrie shared that the Memoranda of Agreements will detail the lease in question including the date the lease was entered into as well as the specific property description.
Councilmember Calaycay confirmed that the La Puerta property is identified as one parcel and if a portion of the property is sold, a lot line adjustment must be approved before escrow approval.
Mayor Reece added that the Memoranda of Agreements do not change the lease agreements currently in place.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to:
A. Authorize the City Manager to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Claremont Unified School District to provide constructive notice of the existing agreement for the use and management of the Cahuilla Park Athletic Fields; and B. Authorize the City Manager to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Claremont Unified School District to provide constructive notice of the existing 99-year Agreement for Use of Certain Portions of the La Puerta School Site; Seconded by Councilmember Medina, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember- Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember® None
PUBLIC HEARING
17. Village South Development Proiect: Appeal of Three Planning Commission Actions: (1) Recommendation to Approve Vesting Tract Map Numbers 83439 and 83463, (2) Approval of the Parking Reduction Plan for the Village South Development, and (3) Finding that the Vacation of the Southern Half of Santa Fe Street is Consistent with the City of Claremont General Plan. Appellant — Supporters Alliance for Environmental Responsibility (SAFER); and Council Review of Vesting Tentative Tract Maps (Numbers 83439 and 83463 to Subdivide 12.4 Acres of Land to Facilitate Development of Village South Development Project (Phases 1-3). Applicant—Village Partners
This item starts at 1:03:39 in the archived video.
Councilmember Medina recused himself from the discussion and left the meeting as he has a conflict of interest due to the proximity of his business.
Chris Veirs, Principal Planner, announced that the appellant, Supporters Alliance for Environmental Responsibility, has withdrawn their appeal and therefore will not be
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discussed. He gave a PowerPoint presentation and responded to a question from the City Council regarding public streets versus private streets located in the development.
Mayor Reece invited public comment and opened the public hearing.
There were no requests to speak.
Principal Planner Veirs continued to respond to a question from the City Council regarding vehicular and pedestrian circulation.
Councilmember Stark spoke in support of the project and looks forward to the project being developed.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to:
A. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-05, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAPS 83439 and 83463, WHICH SUBDIVIDE APPROXIMATELY 12.4 ACRES OF
LAND IN THE VILLAGE SOUTH SPECIFIC PLAN AREA FOR THE PROPOSED MIXED-USE SOUTH VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT- APPLICANT: VILLAGE PARTNERS; and
B. Find that the approval of Tentative Tract Maps 83439 and 83463 are within the scope of the Village South Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report (State Clearing House No. 2019080072) (EIR), and that under Section 21166 of the California Public Resources Code and Section 15162 of the Guidelines to the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA), there is no basis for subsequent or supplemental environmental review;
Seconded by Councilmember Leano, 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.
The City Council recessed at 7:56 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 8:06 p.m.
ORDINANCES — None
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEM
18. Consideration of the American Rescue Plan Act-Funded Accessory Dwelling Unit Grant Program Guidelines (Funding Source: American Rescue Plan Act) This item starts at 1:35:54 in the archived video.
Alex Cousins, Management Analyst, gave a PowerPoint presentation, and responded to questions from the City Council regarding qualification guidelines, timeframe for review of program guidelines, number of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) approved and constructed, available funding mechanisms, American Rescue Plan Act funds, funding for unpermitted structures, subsidies, potential for income qualifications, average cost of an ADU, and financing an ADU.
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Mayor Reece invited public comment.
Russ Binder questioned possible funding of unpermitted ADUs, the expected timeframe of the program, and additional funding if a homeowner resides in the ADU while renting the main house.
Unidentified speaker asked the City Council to re-evaluate the moderate income level and suggested using an average moderate income level over the past years.
Unidentified speaker spoke in support of the proposed grant program and suggested using a lower income level instead of a moderate income level.
Sandy questioned if the elevation of a yard relative to neighboring properties is taken into consideration when constructing an ADU.
There were no other requests to speak.
Mr. Cousins responded to questions raised during the public comment period. He shared that the moderate income level was chosen for Option A as that is the same income level requirement used for the City's inclusionary housing program, clarified that as the program is currently written the homeowner must reside in the main house while renting out the ADU, and shared that the grant funds must be expended one year after receipt of funds.
City Manager Pirrie and Mr. Cousins continued to respond to questions from the City Council related to expenditure of American Rescue Plan Act funds, covenant timeframe, and what would happen if the funds are not expended before the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) fund deadline.
Councilmember Stark spoke in support of incentivizing the building of ADUs.
Councilmember Calaycay questioned if the proposed program for ADUs is enough; however, spoke in support of Option A as there is a rental income qualification. He suggested that if the ADU program is deemed unsuccessful look into rental assistance programs.
Councilmember Stark spoke in support of rental subsidies and use of ARPA funds to help those that need it. She asked that ARPA funds be used to bring unpermitted ADUs or Junior ADUs into compliance.
Councilmember Medina would like to see a program that imposes a lower rental income requirement and possibly increase the amount given to a homeowner to help construct an ADU.
Councilmember Leano spoke in support of ARPA funds being used for both a grant program and a rental assistance program.
Mayor Reece stated that the goal of the ADU grant program is to provide additional housing stock and the need to incentivize everyone to build housing.
Councilmember Calaycay added that increasing the housing stock does not necessarily mean affordable housing and raised concern that if the funding given is not expended before
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the ARPA deadline that money would then be returned to the Federal Government and not the City.
Mayor Reece suggested extending the timeframe of the program to provide long term assistance.
Councilmember Stark raised concerns regarding the proposed timeframe because in three years' time, a homeowner could profit off of the grant by not providing moderate income housing anymore.
Councilmember Leano added that this program subsidizes the production of housing units and as a result creates a housing supply. He would be able to support either Option A or Option B at this time.
Mr. Cousins responded to a question from the City Council and explained that the proposed income requirement in Option A could be amended to the low income rate.
City Manager Pirrie confirmed that there is $4 million dollars in ARPA funding available at this time. There is potential to fund additional programs, such as rental assistance programs and programs that address unpermitted ADUs. He added that City staff will review the ADU grant program during the initial process and will provide the City Council with updates.
Councilmember Calaycay suggested the ADU grant program be for a one-year term in order to be flexible with the remaining $200,000.
Councilmember Leano spoke in support of setting a time for an evaluation of the grant program and dependent on the success of the grant program, additional funding may be made available to assist other housing options.
City Manager Pirrie confirmed that staff will be monitoring the proposed grant program and will report back to the City Council within 90 days if the grant program is unsuccessful.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to:
A. Approve the Accessory Dwelling Unit Grant Program Option A; B. Provide an update on the Accessory Dwelling Unit Grant Program to the City Council within one year; and
C. Direct staff to look into a different program that will address non-permitted Accessory Dwelling Units;
Seconded by Councilmember Leano, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember- Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember- None
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Reece adjourned the meeting of the Claremont City Council at 9:26 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Claremont City Council will be held on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at 6:30 p.m., in the Claremo cr am er.
Mayor
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January 10, 2023
ATTEST:
Jeputy City Clerk '1r/-