CLAREMONT CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, April 23, 2024 — 6:30 PM
Video Recording is Archived on the City Website
https://www.ci.claremont.ca . us/govern ment/city-cou ncil/watch-city-cou n cil-meetings
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Medina called the meeting to order at 6:56 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; Melissa Vollaro, Director of Human Services; Shelley Desautels, City Clerk
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
There was no reportable action.
CEREMONIAL MATTERS, PRESENTATIONS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
The City Council received a presentation from Katherine Loeser, Claremont Helen Renwick Library Manager.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF FEDERAL HOLIDAYS/OBSERVANCES — None
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Council Items — None
Council Assignment Reports
This item starts at 1:46:00 in the archived video.
Councilmember Stark reported that she and Mayor Medina recently attended the League of California Cities Summit. Furthermore, she recently toured the State Water Project and requested Matthew Litchfield, Three Valleys Municipal Water District General Manager/Chief Engineer, provide a water update at a future City Council meeting.
City Council Minutes
April 23, 2024
CITY MANAGER REPORT
This item starts at 1:48:46 in the archived video.
City Manager Pirrie asked all to participate in the upcoming Local Roadway Safety Plan community meeting on May 9 (and complete the associated survey) and the Police Department's drug take back event on April 27. He also provided information on booth and parade entries for the City's 4th of July event and announced the honorees for this year's 4th of July celebration: Dr. Brett O'Connor, Grand Marshal; Kevin Ward and James Martin, Honored Citizens; and Kiwanis Club of Claremont, Honored Community Group.
PUBLIC COMMENT
This item starts at 1:51:13 in the archived video.
Mayor Medina invited public comment.
City Clerk Desautels announced one written public comment had been received.
Kianna Donasham presented a petition to the City Council in support of implementing a Child and Dependent Tax Credit for youth sports and equipment, as proposed in the PLAY Act.
Bill Kaufman spoke in support of a medical marijuana wellness center in Claremont.
Unidentified speaker asked the City Council to exercise its local control on issues that impact Claremont families.
Kathryn Mora shared negative experiences as a pedestrian in the community.
Ross Pringle, Claremont Streets for People, expressed safety concerns for those walking and biking to El Roble Middle School.
There were no other requests to speak.
CONSENT CALENDAR
This item starts at 2:06:28 in the archived video.
Councilmember Reece pulled Item No. 8 from the Consent Calendar.
Mayor Medina pulled Item No. 7 from the Consent Calendar.
Mayor Medina invited public comment on the Consent Calendar 1-6.
City Clerk Desautels announced no written public comments had been received on Consent Calendar Items No. 1-6.
There were no requests to speak.
1. Adoption of a Resolution Approving the City Warrant Register Adopted Resolution No. 2024-16, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AND
City Council Minutes
April 23, 2024
SPECIFYING THE FUNDS OUT OF WHICH THE SAME ARE TO BE PAID, dated April 11, 2024.
2. City Council Minutes of April 9, 2024 (Regular)
Approved the regular City Council meeting minutes of April 9, 2024.
3. Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 3.15 of the Claremont Municipal Code Regarding Purchasing and Bidding Regulations and the City Manager's Purchasing Authority
Waived further reading and adopted Ordinance No. 2024-02, AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER
3.15 OF THE CLAREMONT MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING PURCHASING AND BIDDING REGULATIONS AND THE CITY MANAGER'S PURCHASING AUTHORITY.
4. Investment Report — Quarter Ending March 31, 2024
Received and accepted the Investment Report for the quarter ending March 31, 2024.
5. Quarterly Financial Update — March 31, 2024
Received and filed the Quarterly Financial Update for the quarter ending March 31, 2024.
6. Authorization to Enter Into a Professional Services Agreement with Michael Baker for the Design and Preparation of Plans and Specifications for Accessibility Improvements (Funding Source: Measure M Fund)
A. Authorized the City Manager to enter into a professional services agreement with Michael Baker International in the amount of $181,700 for professional engineering services and authorize a 10 percent contingency in the amount of $18,170, for a total not to exceed contract amount of $199,870; and
B. Found this item exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
7. Authorization to Amend the Existing Agreement with Garcon Construction for the College Avenue at Green Street Bike and Pedestrian Improvements Project, CIP 2022-01, Upgrading the Project Surfacing from Slurry Seal to Rubberized Asphalt Overlay (Funding Source: Proposition C Fund)
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar.
8. Update on the Claremont Temporary Housing Stabilization and Relocation Program (Funding Source: General Fund and American Rescue Plan Act Fund) This item was removed from the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to approve Consent Calendar Items No. 1-6, seconded by Councilmember Stark, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
Items Removed from the Consent Calendar
7. Authorization to Amend the Existing Agreement with Garcon Construction for the College Avenue at Green Street Bike and Pedestrian Improvements Project, CIP 2022-01, Upgrading the Project Surfacing from Slurry Seal to Rubberized Asphalt Overlay (Funding Source: Proposition C Fund)
City Council Minutes
April 23, 2024
This item starts at 2:08:07 in the archived video.
Mayor Medina recused himself from the discussion and left the meeting due to the project's proximity to his residence.
Mayor Pro Tempore Calaycay invited public comment.
City Clerk Desautels announced no written public comments had been received.
There were no requests to speak.
Councilmember Stark moved to:
A. Authorize the City Manager to amend the existing agreement with Garcon Construction to increase compensation by $242,000, fora total agreement amount of $989,054, for the College Avenue at Green Street Bike and Pedestrian improvements Project;
B. Appropriate $242,000 from the Proposition C fund to fully fund the project; and C. Find this item is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA);
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
Mayor Medina returned to the Council Chamber.
8. Update on the Claremont Temporary Housing Stabilization and Relocation Program (Funding Source: General Fund and American Rescue Plan Act Fund) This item starts at 2:09:27 in the archived video.
Councilmember Reece recused himself from the discussion and left the meeting as he owns rental property in Claremont.
Mayor Medina invited public comment.
City Clerk Desautels announced no written public comments had been received.
Gene Boutlier, President of Housing Claremont, spoke in support of the expansion of the program as it is a good use of federal and state funding.
Lydia Hernandez stated that this program is temporary and not a long-term affordable housing solution. She suggested a long-term approach by implementing rent stabilization.
Jose Ochoa, Claremont Tenants United, spoke in support of tenant protections and rent stabilization.
There were no other requests to speak.
City Council Minutes
April 23, 2024
Councilmember Calaycay moved to:
A. Approve the revised Program Guidelines; and
B. Appropriate $680,000 of the $3.4 million in proceeds from the sale of the 451 W.
Arrow Highway property, bringing the program budget to $1,680,000 in total; 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 Reece returned to the Council Chamber.
PUBLIC HEARINGS — None
ORDINANCES — None
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
9. Approval of the 2024-26 City Council Priorities and Objectives (Funding Sources: Various) This item starts at 2:14:35 in the archived video.
Katie Want, Assistant to the City Manager, gave a PowerPoint presentation.
Mayor Medina invited public comment.
City Clerk Desautels announced nine written public comments had been received.
Gene Boutilier, Housing Claremont, asked that an objective be added to require adoption of a State approved Housing Element to include implementation be added to the priority "Increase Livability In Our Neighborhoods And Expand Opportunities For Our Businesses".
Noah Jacobsen spoke in support of a playground improvement plan that incorporates the voices of children.
Anna Jacobsen, Claremont resident, spoke in support of the priority item to develop a Park Facilities Improvement Plan by December 31, 2024 and highlighted a written public comment she provided.
Grant Collette spoke in support of a playground improvement plan and is inspired by the change makers and action in the City.
Ross Pringle, Claremont Streets for People, spoke in support of inclusion of an active transportation plan in the upcoming priorities and objectives.
Kristv Jones shared that parks and playgrounds are essential to the wellbeing of children.
Lydia Hernandez, Claremont Tenants United, asked that rent stabilization measures be added as a priority item as well as committing to additional staffing that would be dedicated to housing.
City Council Minutes
April 23, 2024
Katie Tool spoke in support of a park facilities improvement plan to include unique and imaginative playgrounds throughout the City.
Unidentified speaker, Claremont resident, spoke in support of updating the City's parks and playgrounds.
Unidentified speaker spoke in support of adding a playground improvement plan to the City Council Priorities and Objectives and asked that City staff be present at events to hear what Claremont families want at playgrounds.
There were no other requests to speak.
Councilmember Calaycay asked City Manager Pirrie to respond to inquiries regarding the possibility of increasing library operation hours.
City Manager Pirrie shared that he spoke with the La Verne City Manager to discuss staggering Library hours and received support for the idea. Staff from Claremont and La Verne will now speak to the County of Los Angeles regarding the proposal.
Councilmember Calaycay spoke in support of the next steps outlined by City Manager Pirrie.
Councilmember Leano asked the City Council discuss the addition of rent stabilization as a priority item as suggested by members of the public.
Councilmember Stark spoke in support of discussing the addition of a priority item adding a rent stabilization feasibility study to analyze the feasibility and costs associated with managing a rent stabilization program.
As Councilmember Reece has previously recused himself from discussions related to tenant items as he is a landlord in the City, City Attorney Patterson suggested the City Council discuss all items except for the first objective/task listed under the priority to Increase Livability In Our Neighborhoods And Expand Opportunities For Our Businesses. She further explained that Councilmember Reece may recuse himself for the objective/task: "Continue to explore and promote resources for people experiencing housing stability and/or displacement..."
Councilmember Reece spoke in support of the City Council Priorities & 2024-26 Objectives excluding the first objective/task listed under the Priority to Increase Livability In Our Neighborhoods And Expand Opportunities For Our Businesses.
Councilmember Stark suggested the following changes to the City Council Priorities & 2024-26 Objectives as proposed by Mr. Gerecke in his written public comment:
• Preserve Our Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources objective number three be amended to read: Ensure that the City's Sustainable City Plan, Urban Forest Management Plan, General Plan, Municipal Code, Tree Policies and Guidelines Manual, internal policies/procedures and staffs and contractors' qualifications and instructions are all consistent with best urban forest practices and with one another, and are effective in preserving and expanding our City's Urban Forest, both public and private.
• Increase Livability In Our Neighborhoods and Expand Opportunities For Our Businesses objective number two be amended to read: Undertake deliberate
City Council Minutes
April 23, 2024
planning for the development of the Foothill Boulevard and Monte Vista Avenue area, and work with Los Angeles County or the City of Upland to promptly adopt the most recent Cable Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan and incorporate it into our General Plan and Municipal Code.
Councilmember Leano moved to approve the City Council Priorities & 2024-26 Objectives as amended by Councilmember Stark and excluding the first objective/task listed under the priority to Increase Livability In Our Neighborhoods and Expand Opportunities For Our Businesses, seconded by Councilmember Stark, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
Councilmember Reece recused himself from the discussion and left the meeting as he owns rental property in Claremont.
Councilmember Leano suggested the objective under the priority item to Increase Livability In Our Neighborhoods and Expand Opportunities For Our Businesses be amended to include the possibility of a rent stabilization ordinance and the feasibility of the City having its own housing department.
Councilmember Stark spoke in support of Councilmember Leano's proposed additions.
Councilmember Calaycay spoke in support of Councilmember Leano's proposed additions as he is supportive of discussing the issue with additional information.
Mayor Medina asked City staff to include all stakeholders when discussing housing stability.
Councilmember Leano moved to approve the first objective/task listed under the priority item to Increase Livability In Our Neighborhoods and Expand Opportunities For Our Businesses amending the first bullet point to read: "The feasibility of implementing a Claremont Rental Registry and rent stabilization", 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 Reece returned to the Council Chamber.
The City Council confirmed the first motion included approval of the City Council Priorities & 2024-26 Objectives as amended excluding the first objective/task listed under the priority item to Increase Livability In Our Neighborhoods and Expand Opportunities For Our Businesses, for which Councilmember Reece recused himself.
City Council Minutes
April 23, 2024
10. Oak Park Cemetery Expansion — Phase 3 Conceptual Design (Funding Sources: Cemetery Fund and Measure W Fund)
This item starts at 3:11:01 in the archived video.
Kristin Mikula, Community Services Manager, gave a PowerPoint presentation and responded to a question from the City Council regarding potential tree removal.
Mayor Medina invited public comment.
City Clerk Desautels announced no written public comments had been received.
Chuck Gable, Friends of the Oak Park Cemetery, spoke in support of the expansion project as proposed.
There were no other requests to speak.
Councilmember Reece spoke in support of the proposed design of the Phase 3 expansion.
Councilmember Calaycay spoke in support of the expansion and asked staff to be mindful that once fully built out, revenue will not be received, and funding should be reserved for on -going maintenance.
City Manager Pirrie confirmed that funding will be placed in a reserve fund to take care of the long-term maintenance of the cemetery once built out.
Councilmember Stark spoke in support of the Oak Park Cemetery as a benefit to Claremont.
Councilmember Leano thanked all for their partnership in this project.
Mayor Medina spoke in support of the comments made by his fellow Councilmembers.
Councilmember Reece moved to:
A. Approve the conceptual design for the Phase 3 Oak Park Cemetery Expansion Project;
B. Authorize the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with RJM Design Group in the amount of $85,650 to prepare construction plans for bidding the Phase 3 Oak Park Cemetery Expansion Project; C. Appropriate $70,350 from the Cemetery Fund and $15,300 from the Measure W Fund to cover the cost to prepare plans and specifications; and D. Find this item is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA);
Seconded by Councilmember Stark, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember- Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember- None
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Medina adjourned the regular meeting of the Claremont City Council at 8:42 PM. The next regular meeting of the Claremont City Council will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 6:30 PM, in the Claremont Council Chamber.
City Council Minutes
April 23, 2024
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