CLAREMONT CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, July 25, 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 — In honor of John and Margaret Serpa.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT COUNCILMEMBER: CALAYCAY, LEANO, MEDINA, REECE,
STARK
ABSENT COUNCILMEMBER: NONE
ALSO PRESENT Adam Pirrie, City Manager; Jamie Earl, Assistant City Manager; Alisha Patterson, City Attorney; Aaron Fate, Police Chief; Jeremy Swan, Director of Community Services; Brad Johnson, Director of Community Development; Shelley Desautels, City Clerk
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
There was no closed session meeting.
CEREMONIAL MATTERS, PRESENTATIONS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
The City Council received a presentation from Katherine Loeser, Claremont Helen Renwick Library Manager, on upcoming events taking place at the Claremont Helen Renwick Library.
James Urias, Sanitation Maintenance Craftsworker I, and Mario Saldana, Maintenance Craftsworker I, were introduced.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF FEDERAL HOLIDAYS/OBSERVANCES — None
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Council Item
This item starts at 7:03 in the archived video.
1. Appointments and Reappointments of Members to City Commissions Mayor Reece and Councilmember Leano highlighted the staff report.
Mayor Reece invited public comment.
There were no requests to speak.
City Council Minutes
July 25, 2023
Councilmember Stark moved to make the following appointments and reappointments:
Architectural Commission
Appoint Robert Perry to a term to expire August 31, 2027 Reappoint Frank Perri to a term to expire August 31, 2027 Community and Human Services Commission
Appoint Lauren Roselle to a term to expire August 31, 2025 Planning Commission
Appoint Jason Wong to a term to expire August 31, 2027
Appoint Ken Zimmerman to a term to expire August 31, 2027 Police Commission
Appoint Allison Fung to a term to expire August 31, 2027 Appoint Mario Hernandez to a term to expire August 31, 2027 Traffic and Transportation Commission
Reappoint Sonja Stump to a term to expire August 31, 2027 Seconded by Councilmember Calaycay, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember — None
Mayor Reece announced that starting in September he would like public comment for all City Brown Act meetings be reduced from 4 minutes to 3 minutes.
Councilmember Stark requested that the City Council discuss and consider Mayor Reece's suggestion to reduce the time for public comment at an upcoming City Council meeting.
Council Assignment Reports
This item starts at 16:47 in the archived video.
Councilmember Leano shared the Tri City Mental Health Governing Board recently approved its community wellness grants and encouraged all organizations to apply in the future.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
This item starts at 19:18 in the archived video.
City Manager Pirrie reported on the State's approval of the City's Housing Element update. He also announced the La Puerta Draft Environmental Impact Report is now available for review, the Cahuilla Park enhancement project has begun, invited all to attend the upcoming movies in the park, National Night Out, and concerts in the park. Lastly, he reminded all there will be no City Council and Commission meetings in the month of August.
Councilmember Medina requested an update on the Motel 6 project.
City Council Minutes
July 25, 2023
City Manager Pirrie shared that mulch has been installed, the trash enclosure has been moved, and trees are being installed. Motel 6 shall secure all remaining permits by August 11, complete planting of trees along the eastern property line by August 18, complete installation of lighting elements by September 14, complete landscape, irrigation and trash enclosure construction by September 22, and secure final inspections by September 22.
PUBLIC COMMENT
This item starts at 28:53 in the archived video.
Mayor Reece invited public comment.
Jorge Rivera, Executive Co -Director of the Healing & Justice Center, shared services provided by the non-profit and highlighted the need for access to broadband. He urged the City Council to support the investigation of digital inequity.
Denise Young, Claremont resident, raised safety concerns regarding the Larkin Place supportive housing project and suggested the City purchase all hotels along Indian Hill Boulevard to house homeless.
Chief Mike Inman, LA County Fire Department Assistant Chief, reminded all to be careful and aware when visiting fire prone areas and asked all residents to be their own fire watchers.
Linda Mawby spoke against the Larkin Place supportive housing project as proposed. She suggested the City request the housing project be moved to a different location and not house those with mental illness or drug addiction.
Bryan Trunik stated that Motel 6 is not following the requirements of the Architectural Commission and asked the City to enforce the requirements.
Darryl McCance, Claremont resident, spoke against the Larkin Place supportive housing project.
There were no other requests to speak.
CONSENT CALENDAR
This item starts at 54:23 in the archived video.
Mayor Reece invited public comment on the Consent Calendar.
There were no requests to speak.
2. Resignation of Traffic and Transportation Commissioner Brian McCabe Accepted with regret the resignation of Brian McCabe from the Traffic and Transportation Commission effective August 1, 2023.
3. Adoption of a Resolution Approving the City Warrant Register Adopted Resolution No. 2023-48, 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 July 20, 2023.
City Council Minutes
July 25, 2023
4. City Council Minutes of July 11, 2023 (Regular)
Approved and filed the regular City Council meeting minutes of July 11, 2023.
5. Investment Report — Quarter Ending June 30, 2023
Received and accepted the Investment Report for the quarter ending June 30, 2023.
6. Adoption of a Resolution Establishing the 2023-24 General Obligation Bond Tax Rate for the Levy of an Ad Valorem Tax to be Collected to Make Debt Service Payments on Outstanding General Obligation Bonds Issued to Finance the Acquisition of Johnson's Pasture
Adopted Resolution No. 2023-49, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING AND AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY OF
LOS ANGELES TO LEVY A TAX ON ALL REAL PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF
CLAREMONT AS A VOTER APPROVED LEVY WITH RESPECT TO THE CITY'S GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND APPROVED BY THE VOTERS AT THE NOVEMBER 7, 2006 STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION TO FUND THE ACQUISITION OF JOHNSON'S PASTURE.
7. Update on City Council Priorities and 2022-23 Objectives (Funding Sources: Various) Received and filed an update on the City Council Priorities and 2022-24 Objectives.
8. Utility Box Painting Project Phase Two Artist Selection (Funding Source: Public Art Fund) A. Approved the Phase Two Utility Box Painting Project and Artist Selection as recommended by the Public Art Committee; and
B. Appropriated $7,750 from the Public Art Fund to fully fund the project.
9. Authorization to Enter Into an Agreement for the Purchase of Network Switches, Firewalls, and Core Network Equipment (Funding Source: American Rescue Plan Act Fund) A. Authorized the City Manager to enter into a 36 -month agreement with Netsync Network Solutions, Inc. in the amount of $190,009.66 for the purchase of equipment, installation, licensing and support related to City network upgrades; and B. Appropriated $190,009.66 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund for the purchase and installation of equipment and three years of licensing and support.
10. Authorization to Enter Into a Sixty -Month Internet Service Agreement with Frontier Communications to Replace Current Site Interconnectivity (Funding Source: Technology Fund)
A. Authorized the City Manager to enter into a sixty -month agreement with Frontier Communications of America, Inc. to provide direct internet connection to nine City facilities in an amount of $78,000 annually, or $390,000 over the term of the agreement; and
B. Appropriated $25,605 from the Technology Fund balance to fund the first year of the agreement.
11. Authorization to Amend the Existing Contract with Robert Half International Inc., Extending the Term and Increasing Compensation for Professional Temporary Employment Services for the Information Technology Division (Funding Source: General Fund) A. Authorized the City Manager to execute an amendment to the existing contract with Robert Half International Inc. for professional temporary employment services, extending the term through June 30, 2024 and adding an additional $114,380 in compensation, increasing the total contract amount to $139,380; and B. Appropriated $139,380 from the unassigned General Fund balance to fund the contract.
City Council Minutes
July 25, 2023
12. Authorization to Enter Into an Agreement with Complete Paperless Solutions, Inc. for Laserfiche Software and Support (Funding Source: General Fund) A. Authorized the City Manager to enter into a one-year agreement with Complete Paperless Solutions, Inc. in the amount of $41,162 for Laserfiche Cloud subscription and support; and
B. Appropriated $16,009 from the unassigned General Fund balance to fully fund the agreement.
13. Authorization to Amend the Professional Services Agreement with Houseal Lavigne to Increase Compensation for Completion of the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update (Funding Source: General Fund and HCD Grants)
A. Authorized the City Manager to execute an amendment to the professional services agreement with Houseal Lavigne, increasing compensation by $65,000 for a total not to exceed amount of $449,947 for the completion of the Claremont Housing Element for the 6th Cycle (2021-2029); and
B. Appropriated $65,000 from unassigned General Fund balance to fully fund the agreement.
14. Award of Contract to RRM Design Group for ADU Pre -Approved Designs and Appropriate $22,445 in Additional Funds (Funding Source: American Rescue Plan Act Fund) A. Awarded a contract to RRM Design Group and authorize the City Manager to enter into a professional services agreement with RRM Design Group for the preparation of ADU pre -approved designs in the amount of $72,445; and
B. Appropriated $22,445 from the American Rescue Plan Act Fund to fully fund the agreement.
15. Award of Contract to First Class Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Maintenance Services (Funding Source: General Fund) Awarded a contract to First Class Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning maintenance services and authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement in an amount not to exceed $100,700 annually, for an initial contract term of three years with two optional one-year extensions, for a total contract amount of $503,500.
16. Authorization to Enter Into a Professional Services Agreement with Dudek for Urban Forest Professional Services (Funding Source: General Fund)
A. Authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Dudek for urban forest professional services in the amount of $52,025; and
B. Appropriated $52,025 from the unassigned General Fund balance to fund the contract.
17. Appropriation of Funds for the Cahuilla Park Restroom Improvement Project (Funding Source: Park Dedication Funds)
Appropriated $332,500 in Park Dedication funds to complete the City's portion of the Cahuilla Park Restroom Improvement Project.
18. Award of Contract to Cat Tracking Inc., for Signage and Striping Improvements Project, CIP 2023-02 and Appropriation of Funding (Funding Sources: American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund and State Gas Tax Fund)
A. Awarded a contract to Cat Tracking Inc. for Signage and Striping Improvements, and authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement in the amount of $124,450, and authorize a ten percent contingency in the amount of $12,445, for a total not -to -exceed amount of $136,895;
City Council Minutes
July 25, 2023
B. Appropriated $56,950 from the State Gas Tax Fund for signage improvements on the Base Line Road portion of the project; and
C. Found this item exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Councilmember Calaycay 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
ORDINANCES — None
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEM
19. Consideration of the American Rescue Plan Act — Funded Electric Bike Rebate Project Guidelines and GoSGV Subsidy (Funding Source: American Rescue Plan Act) This item starts at 55:49 in the archived video.
Alex Cousins, Management Analyst, gave a PowerPoint presentation and responded to questions from the City Council regarding qualifications, utilization of the GoSGV program, staffs ability to confirm ownership, reimbursement versus voucher program, ability for a non-profit to help a resident that may not have the means to produce the capital needed, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) expenditure of funds deadline, expansion of rental subsidy program, and prevention of resale.
Mayor Reece invited public comment.
There were no requests to speak.
Councilmember Calaycay suggested expanding the 100% subsidy program to include the moderate -income level in addition to the extremely low, low, and very low-income levels and increasing the time frame of the applicants' pledge to maintain ownership and operation of the rebated e -bike.
Councilmember Stark spoke in support of staffs recommendations as it would serve everyone in the community.
Councilmember Leano suggested that the program be modified to provide the 100% subsidy to the moderate -income level as suggested by Councilmember Calaycay, the timeframe that the applicant must pledge to maintain ownership increased to 18 months, and allow staff to adjust the funding amount between the rebate program and GoSGV subsidy as needed, up to $100,000.
Councilmember Stark suggested the rebate program guidelines be amended to one rebate per adult (18 and over) residing in a household instead of one rebate per household. This change would allow for all adults living in the same household to apply for a rebate.
City Council Minutes
July 25, 2023
Councilmember Medina spoke in support of both programs as the City is helping with the purchase and/or use of an E -bike as well as potentially removing a car from the road. He suggested that staff should work on a subsidy program for Metro.
City Manager Pirrie responded to Councilmember Medina that City staff can work on a separate subsidy program for public transportation.
Mayor Reece added that Metro already offers free rides depending on income requirements.
Councilmember Calaycay added that Foothill Transit is currently working on a subsidy program.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to:
A. Approve the GoSGV E -bike subsidy program;
B. Allow staff to determine the budget amounts to be used for the GoSGV E -bike subsidy program and the E -bike rebate program up to $100,000; C. Add the moderate -income level to the "Income Qualified Rate" 100% rebate, and D. Allow one rebate per adult (18 and over);
Seconded by Councilmember Leano, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
Councilmember Stark spoke in support of the E -bike Rebate Program and allow staff to determine the budget amounts to be used for the GoSGV E -bike subsidy program and the E -bike rebate program up to $100,000.
Mayor Reece suggested that the program guidelines be amended so the applicant must pledge to maintain ownership and operation of the rebated E -bike for at least two years after purchase.
Councilmember Leano spoke in support of Mayor Reece's suggestion and suggested expanding the 100% subsidy to the moderate -income level in addition to the low- very low, and extremely low-income levels as defined by HUD.
Councilmember Stark moved to:
A. Approve the E -bike Rebate Program amending the guidelines to include the moderate -income level to the "Low Income" 100% rebate, the applicant must pledge to maintain ownership and operation of the rebated E -bike for at least two years after purchase, and allow one rebate per adult in the household (18 and over); and
B. Allow staff to determine the budget amounts to be used for the GoSGV E -bike subsidy program and the E -bike rebate program up to $100,000; Seconded by Councilmember Calaycay, 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 8:20 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Claremont City Council will be held on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at 6:30 p.m., in the Claremont Council Chamber.
City Council Minutes
July 25, 2023
Mayor
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