CLAREMONT CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, March 12, 2024 — 6:30 PM
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 Medina called the meeting to order at 6:31 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MOMENT OF SILENCE
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; Jeremy Swan, Director of Community Services; Brad Johnson, Director of Community Development; Fate, Chief of Police; Jeremy Starkey, Director of Finance; 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; introduced Russ Binder, Community and Human Services Commissioner; and introduced Anthony Marquez, Public Works Inspector.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF FEDERAL HOLIDAYS/OBSERVANCES
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Council Item
1. Handbook for Elected and Appointed Officials in the City of Claremont (Funding Source:
General Fund)
This item starts at 11:39 in the archived video.
Katie Wand, Assistant to the City Manager, gave a PowerPoint presentation.
Councilmember Stark and Mayor Medina, City Council Commission Appointment Process Ad Hoc Committee, highlighted the proposed changes and responded to a question from the City Council regarding the City Council Ad Hoc Nominating Committee composition.
City Council Minutes
March 12, 2024
Mayor Medina invited public comment.
City Clerk Desautels announced no written public comment had been received.
There were no requests to speak.
The City Council Commission Appointment Process Ad Hoc Committee continued to respond to questions from the City Council and discussed the composition of the City Council Ad -Hoc Nominating Committee, removal of term limits, removal of a commissioner, and evaluations based on geography of the City and not districts.
Councilmember Reece suggested language be amended under Commission/Committee Terms on page 8 of the Handbook to clarify that a commissioner and/or committee member must submit a new application to be considered for a new term and remove any language that references terms being extended.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to adopt the proposed City of Claremont Elected and Appointed Officials' Handbook as amended to clarify that a commissioner and/or committee member must submit a new application to be considered for a new term and remove any language that references terms being extended, with the understanding that while staff has the authority to make non -substantive changes to the document, any future substantive changes must be approved by the City Council, seconded by Councilmember Reece, 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 1:10:43 in the archived video.
Councilmember Reece reported on the Gold Line construction and shared the Glendora to Pomona project is more than 82% completed. Potential funding for the final segment from Pomona to Montclair will be announced by the end of April.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
This item starts 1:12:52 in the archived video.
City Manager Pirrie reported on the City Hall roof replacement project, invited all to the Arbor Day Celebration on March 13 and the City's Spring Celebration on March 30. Lastly, he provided an update on the 10 Freeway construction project.
Maria Tipping, City Engineer, responded to a question from the City Council regarding upcoming public engagement for the CalTrans HOV expansion project and reported the meeting will take place on March 13.
City Manager Pirrie provided an update on staffing levels.
City Council Minutes
March 12, 2024
PUBLIC COMMENT
This item starts at 1:19:12 in the archived video.
Mayor Medina invited public comment.
City Clerk Desautels announced four written public comments had been received.
Tammy Schneider spoke in support of the actions she witnessed at the prior City Council meeting.
Buff Brown, Claremont resident, shared that Claremont has a traffic violence problem that needs to be solved locally.
Bryan Trunik asked for City Council accountability, questioned the use of stop signs and safety barriers on Mills Avenue and American Avenue, and his negative experiences of gaining information from the City.
Unidentified speaker spoke about the high speed of traffic during school drop off and pick up hours and encouraged an increased police presence.
There were no other requests to speak.
CONSENT CALENDAR
This item starts at 1:29:58 in the archived video.
Mayor Medina invited public comment on the Consent Calendar.
City Clerk Desautels announced no written public comments had been received on the Consent Calendar.
There were no requests to speak.
2. Adoption of a Resolution Approving the City Warrant Register Adopted Resolution No. 2024-12, 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 February 29, 2024.
3. City Council Minutes of February 27, 2024 (Regular)
Approved the regular City Council meeting minutes of February 27, 2024.
4. Federal Transportation Title VI Plan (Funding Source: Transportation Fund) Adopted the updated Title VI Plan to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
5. 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) 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 December 31, 2024, and adding $136,810 in compensation, increasing the total contract amount to $276,190.
City Council Minutes
March 12, 2024
6. Authorization to Enter Into an Agreement with Risha Engineering for Seismic Retrofit and Structural Engineering Services Related to the Claremont Police Department Facility — Phase 2A (Funding Source: General Fund)
A. Authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Risha Engineering for Phase 2A seismic retrofit and structural engineering services for $83,080, and authorize a ten percent contingency of $8,308, for a total contract amount of $91,388; and B. Appropriated $91,388 from the unassigned General Fund balance to fully fund the agreement.
7. Authorization to Waive Legal Conflicts and Enter Into a Joint Defense Agreement with the City of La Verne to Allow the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA) to Retain Kutak Rock, LLP to Jointly Defend the Cities of Claremont and La Verne in a Defense of Government Claims and Any Subsequent Litigation Regarding Stone Canyon Groundwater Seepage and Flooding (Funding Source: CJPIA)
Authorized the City Manager to execute a conflict waiver and joint defense agreement to allow the CJPIA to retain Kutak Rock, LLP to jointly defend the Cities of Claremont and La Verne with respect to the Stone Canyon groundwater seepage and flooding claims and any subsequent litigation.
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
The City Council recessed at 8:02 PM
The City Council reconvened at 8:10 PM
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEM
8. Provide Direction on the 2024-26 City Council Objectives (Funding Sources: Various) This item starts at 1:39:23 in the archived video.
Katie Wand, Assistant to the City Manager, gave a PowerPoint presentation.
City Attorney Patterson, Ms. Wand, and City Manager Pirrie responded to questions from the City Council regarding "self-governing" ordinances for tenant protections, additional funding for the Claremont Temporary Housing Stabilization and Relocation Program, potential RFPs for a rental registry software and a consultant to manage and maintain the registry, management of short term rentals, assistance from regional partners, homebuyers assistance program, potential costs for the options presented for tenant protections, staffing constraints, Blaisdell Ranch Preserve preliminary research, cost to maintain the Preserve, cost for the preliminary research for the Blaisdell Ranch Preserve, drafting of an anti - harassment ordinance for renter protections, and the number of private parks in Claremont.
Mayor Medina invited public comment.
City Council Minutes
March 12, 2024
City Clerk Desautels announced 16 written public comments had been received.
Noah asked the City Council to prioritize playgrounds that all ages can enjoy and prioritize rental protections.
Jason Jacobsen, Claremont resident, spoke in support of prioritizing playgrounds and parks as well as rental protections.
Grant Collette asked the City Council to prioritize new and exciting playgrounds.
Allison Southerland spoke in support of parks and playgrounds for ages 5 and older.
Monique, Claremont resident, asked that more playgrounds and recreation spaces be added and updated throughout the City. She spoke against the creation of a rental registry.
Anna Collette expressed disappointment in parks and playgrounds in the City, the Library, and the School District.
Katie Tool, Claremont resident, asked for creativity and ambition when prioritizing children through the use of parks and playgrounds.
John, Claremont resident, spoke in support of a rental registry and a creation of a housing department that would support the tenant community.
Drew Forester asked the City Council to direct funding to its tenants as they are struggling.
Alberto Romero asked the City Council to support its tenants and make tenant protection a priority.
Jose Ochoa spoke in support of a rental registry and asked funding be invested into the tenant community.
Unidentified speaker asked the City Council to take necessary actions needed to protect tenants.
Unidentified speaker urged the City Council to enact tenant protections.
Gizelle spoke in support of tenant protections and asked the City Council to prioritize tenants in Claremont.
Chisato Elecke, Claremont resident, asked the City Council to continue to prioritize tenants and expressed the need for rental protections.
Unidentified speaker spoke in support of tenant protections including a rental registry, creation of a housing department, and adoption of an anti -harassment ordinance.
Rachel Forester spoke in support of tenant protections and questioned if enough resources are being devoted to the rental community, which makes up 1/3 of the total population of Claremont.
Lydia Hernandez asked the City Council to create a rental registry, adopt an anti - harassment ordinance, and enact stronger tenant protections.
City Council Minutes
March 12, 2024
Katie urged the City Council to listen to its rental population.
Buff Brown, Claremont resident, spoke about the research he performed regarding tenant and homeowner protections.
Mike Boos, Claremont resident, shared his tenant experiences and urged the City Council to help protect its tenants.
Lee Kane spoke in support of tenants and tenant protections.
There were no other requests to speak.
The City Council recessed at 10:06 PM.
The City Council reconvened at 10:14 PM.
The City Council discussed and voted to add the following items to the 2024-26 City Council Objectives and 2024-26 Operating and Capital Improvement Program Budget.
Evaluation of the City's Urban Forest Management Plan
Councilmember Calaycay moved to add an objective item that focuses on evaluating the City's Urban Forest Management Plan, Claremont Municipal Code, General Plan, and internal policies/procedures to ensure consistency, seconded by Councilmember Leano, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember- Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember- None
Homebuyers Assistance Program
Councilmember Reece moved to add an item to conduct a robust public outreach campaign to share information related to Homebuyers Assistance Programs available through Los Angeles County and the State of California in various languages, seconded by Councilmember Leano, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember- Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember- None
Blaisdell Ranch Preserve
Councilmember Reece moved to consider the relinquishment of the Blaisdell Ranch Preserve to the Blaisdell Ranch Homeowners Association as a work plan item, seconded by Councilmember Calaycay, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember- Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember- None
City Manager Pirrie requested additional direction from the City Council on the Blaisdell Ranch Preserve item.
City Council Minutes
March 12, 2024
Councilmember Calaycay moved to reconsider the motion of the relinquishment of the Blaisdell Ranch Preserve to the Blaisdell Ranch Homeowners Association as a work plan item, 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 add an item to conduct a feasibility study to identify the most efficient pathway to relinquishment of the Blaisdell Ranch Preserve to the Blaisdell Ranch Homeowners Association, seconded by Councilmember Calaycay, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember- Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember- None
Tenant Protections/Programming
Councilmember Reece recused himself from the discussion and left the meeting as he owns rental property in Claremont.
Councilmember Leano moved to add an item to develop "self-governing" anti - harassment language to be incorporated in the City's Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, seconded by Councilmember Stark, 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 add an item allocating $680,000 of the $3.4 million in proceeds from the sale of the 451 West Arrow Highway property to the Temporary Housing Stabilization and Relocation Program, seconded by Councilmember Leano, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember- Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Stark
NOES: Councilmember- None
ABSENT: Councilmember- Reece
Councilmember Leano moved to add an item to pursue a cost analysis study or a request for proposals if needed, for a third party "dispute resolution" or "mediation" service, rental registry software, and a consultant to manage, administer, and maintain a rental registry, seconded by Councilmember Stark, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember- Leano, Medina, Stark
NOES: Councilmember- Calaycay
ABSENT: Councilmember - Reece
Councilmember Reece returned to the dais.
City Council Minutes
March 12, 2024
Park Facilities Needs Assessment
Councilmember Reece moved to add an item to prepare a Park Facilities Needs Assessment, 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 Medina adjourned the meeting of the Claremont City Council at 11:32 PM. The next regular meeting of the Claremont City Council will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 6:30 PM, in the Claremont Council Chamber.
Mayor
ATTEST:
WAIL
D,eputy City Clerk