CLAREMONT CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 - 6:30 PM
Video Recording is Archived on the City Website
https://www.claremontca.gov/Government/City-Council/Watch-a-Meeting
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Calaycay called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MOMENT OF SILENCE — In honor of Carolyn Whitman, Thelma Jean Bogus, and Terry Ray Lepper.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT COUNCILMEMBER: CALAYCAY, LEANO, MEDINA, REECE,
STARK
ABSENT COUNCILMEMBER: NONE
EARLY DEPARTURE COUNCILMEMBER: REECE (Left the meeting at 8:08 PM) 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; Jeremy Starkey, Director of Finance; Melissa Vollaro, Director of Human Services; Shelley Desautels, City Clerk; Jamie Costanza, Deputy City Clerk
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
There was no closed session meeting.
CEREMONIAL MATTERS, PRESENTATIONS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sandra Grajeda, Tri-City Mental Health Authority Governing Board Community Member, and Ontson Placide, Tri-City Mental Health Authority Executive Director, were introduced.
The City Council recognized Ron Vera, outgoing Tri-City Mental Health Authority Governing Board Community Member.
The City Council received an update from Katherine Loeser, Claremont Helen Renwick Library Manager.
FEDERAL HOLIDAYS
Washington's Birthday, February 17, 2025
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Council Items — None
City Council Minutes
February 11, 2025
Council Assignment Reports
This item starts at 21:05 in the archived video.
Councilmember Reece provided an update on recent Gold Line activity and shared the Glendora to Pomona route should open in July or August 2025.
Councilmember Leano reported on the Tri-City Mental Health stakeholder meeting and encouraged all to attend upcoming Tri-City Board meetings.
Mayor Calaycay reported he was elected to serve as Secretary of Treasurer for the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, re-elected to serve on the County of Los Angeles Library Commission and Vice Chair of the City Selection Committee.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
This item starts at 23:44 in the archived video.
City Manager Pirrie reported that City offices will be closed Monday, February 17, resulting in trash collection being delayed by one day, the draft Parks Facilities and Improvements Plan is now available for public review, and invited all to a community workshop on March 1 for wildfire preparedness. Lastly, he reported sandbags are available at all Claremont fire stations in anticipation of the upcoming rain.
PUBLIC COMMENT
This item starts at 27:05 in the archived video.
Mayor Calaycay invited public comment.
City Clerk Desautels announced no written public comment had been received.
Eleanor Eye, Claremont resident, questioned the current Library hours and expressed concern regarding the current Library schedule.
Unidentified speaker, Claremont resident, spoke against the recent Planning Commission decision regarding short term rentals and asked the City Council to allow short term rentals without limitations.
Elizabeth Meian spoke in support of short-term rentals as a short-term rental helps support her in-laws.
Unidentified speaker spoke in support of allowing short-term rentals in Claremont with reasonable regulations.
Rachel Forester, Claremont resident, expressed concern regarding dumping that takes place around and near apartment complexes.
Brian Trunik urged the City Council to fulfill the legal obligations placed upon Motel 6 by the Architectural Commission. He expressed concern regarding issues currently taking place at Motel 6 as well as the abandoned Greyhound station.
City Council Minutes
February 11, 2025
Jason Henry encouraged the use of comprehensive wellness tools to increase morale and productivity in the workplace.
Unidentified speaker spoke in support of short-term rentals and suggested short-term rental regulations be amended to allow small casitas on a property to be rented out on a short-term basis.
Darvin Gomez, Claremont resident, expressed concern regarding the recently planted Ficus trees at the Motel 6 property.
There were no other requests to speak.
Mayor Calaycay closed public comment.
City Manager Pirrie responded the Greyhound station has been leased and tenant improvement plans have been submitted and the City will remind Motel 6 about proper care of the Ficus trees.
CONSENT CALENDAR
This item starts at 58:55 in the archived video.
Councilmember Medina pulled Item No. 3 from the Consent Calendar.
Mayor Calaycay invited public comment on Consent Calendar Items No. 1 and 2.
City Clerk Desautels announced no written public comments had been received on Consent Calendar Items No. 1 and 2.
There were no requests to speak.
Mayor Calaycay closed public comment.
Councilmember Reece moved to approve Consent Calendar Items No. 1 and 2, seconded by Councilmember Stark, and carried on a vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
1. Adoption of a Resolution Approving the City Warrant Recister Adopted Resolution No. 2025-07, 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 30, 2025.
2. City Council Minutes of January 28, 2025 (Special and Regular) Approved the special and regular City Council meeting minutes of January 28, 2025.
3. Annual Hotel/Motel Report for Calendar Year 2024 (Funding Source: General Fund) This item was removed from the Consent Calendar.
City Council Minutes
February 11, 2025
Item Removed from the Consent Calendar
3. Annual Hotel/Motel Report for Calendar Year 2024 (Funding Source: General Fund) This item starts at 1:01:15 in the archived video.
Katie Wand, Deputy City Manager, responded to a question from the City Council regarding calls for service.
Mayor Calaycay invited public comment.
City Clerk Desautels announced no written public comments had been received on this item.
Vickie Noble, Claremont resident, spoke in support of the City Interdepartmental Team (CIT) and their efforts to address criminal and nuisance activity at hotels/motels around the City.
Jim Keith spoke in support of the efforts enforcing the hotel/motel ordinance and monitoring the hotels/motels.
Darvin Gomez requested additional communication be provided when CIT meetings are delayed/cancelled.
Charles Hepperle spoke in support of successfully addressing issues taking place at the hotels/motels and asked that adjacent property owners be considered.
Brian Trunik, Claremont resident, expressed concern regarding Motel 6 and expressed concern regarding those smoking weed in the parking lots of Motel 6.
There were no other requests to speak.
Mayor Calaycay closed public comment.
The City Council received and filed the annual Hotel/Motel Report for calendar year 2024.
PUBLIC HEARINGS — None
ORDINANCE
4. Urgency Ordinance Temporarily Suspending Requirements in the Hotel/Motel Ordinance (CMC Chapter 16.101) that Interfere with Hotels and Motels Rentinc Rooms to Individuals Displaced by Wildfires in Los Angeles County (Funding Source: General Fund) This item starts at 1:15:24 in the archived video.
City Manager Pirrie highlighted the staff report and responded to questions from the City Council regarding the ordinance applying to all hotels/motels in the City, and potential amendment of the urgency ordinance to address existing issues at hotels/motels.
Mayor Calaycay invited public comment.
City Clerk Desautels announced no written public comments had been received on this item.
City Council Minutes
February 11, 2025
Brian Trunik, Claremont resident, expressed concerns that identification will not be required when renting a room.
Unidentified speaker shared the experience of his friend having to move from hotel to hotel and stated that his friend represents people that are getting left behind.
There were no other requests to speak.
Mayor Calaycay closed public comment.
Councilmember Medina suggested the City Council set a date to review the urgency ordinance for possible issues or extensions needed after the Governor's Executive Order is set to expire, April 7, 2025.
Councilmember Reece suggested staff closely monitor extended stays and spoke in support of Councilmember Medina's suggestion.
Councilmember Stark spoke in support of Councilmember Medina's suggestion.
City Manager Pirrie suggested the proposed ordinance automatically expire on April 9 so the City Council may review the ordinance at its April 8 meeting if the Governor's Executive Order is still in place.
Councilmember Leano spoke in support of City Manager Pirrie's suggestion but asked that staff be aware and address any negative issues that may arise.
Councilmember Stark moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-01, AN URGENCY
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, ENACTED PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 36934 AND 36937 TEMPORARILY SUSPENDING REQUIREMENTS IN THE HOTEL/MOTEL ORDINANCE (CMC CHAPTER 16.101) THAT INTERFERE WITH HOTELS AND MOTELS
RENTING ROOMS TO GUESTS DISPLACED BY WILDFIRES IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY amending the term of the ordinance to automatically expire on April 9, 2025 unless extended by the City Council, seconded by Councilmember Medina, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember- Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember- None
Councilmember Stark moved to 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, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
Councilmember Reece announced that he will be recusing himself and be absent from the discussion on Administrative Item No. 5 as he believes he has a conflict of interest due to a financial interest in rental property. Councilmember Reece further explained that he has requested guidance from the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) on whether he can participate in discussions related to tenant protection measures; however, has not yet received a response.
City Council Minutes
February 11, 2025
The City Council recessed at 8:08 PM.
The City Council reconvened at 8:18 PM.
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEM
5. Provide Direction on Tenant Protection Measures, Including: (1) Tenant Assistance; (2) Introduction and First Readinc of an Anti -Harassment Ordinance; (3) Dispute Resolution and Mediation Services; and (4) a Local Rental Registry (Funding Sources: General Fund and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund,
This item starts at 1:50:40 in the archived video.
Katie Wand, Deputy City Manager, gave a PowerPoint presentation.
Deputy City Manager Wand responded to questions from the City Council regarding the Claremont Temporary Housing Stabilization and Relocation Program cycle funding, tenant/landlord disputes, capital improvement costs, number of rental units in Claremont, LLCs and property owners, and hard to reach communities.
Mayor Calaycay invited public comment.
City Clerk Desautels announced 60 written public comments had been received on this item.
Unidentified speaker stated that Claremont Tenants United was created to address a large corporation taking over an apartment complex and shared that mental health is connected to housing.
Michael Boos, Claremont resident, shared his experience as a renter and stated his future of living in Claremont is at risk if the City Council does not take action to support renters.
Sam Susa, Claremont resident, spoke in support of a rental registry to oversee rental properties in Claremont.
Gene Boutillier, Housing Claremont, spoke in support of the proposed anti -harassment ordinance as well as the creation of a rental registry.
Unidentified speaker spoke in support of key decisions and more specifically a Claremont rental registry.
Bill Ruh, Citrus Valley Association of Realtors, spoke in opposition of a rental registry and urged the City Council to explore alternative solutions that prioritize both tenants and landlords.
Unidentified speaker spoke in support of tenant protections specifically a rental registry.
Miriam urged the City Council to help tenants.
Elaine Thompson spoke in support of taking immediate action that would protect tenants.
Unidentified speaker urged the City Council to establish a rental registry in order to gain information and adopt the proposed anti -harassment ordinance.
City Council Minutes
February 11, 2025
Unidentified speaker asked all to keep in mind that property owner costs have increased and be mindful of any additional costs that property owners must bear.
Phillipe Hernandez, Claremont High School student and resident, spoke in support of tenant protections and believes the protections would allow him to move out on his own in Claremont when the time comes.
Steve Ocribs, Claremont High School student and resident, urged the City Council to adopt the proposed anti -harassment ordinance and establish a rental registry.
Margaret, Claremont Tenants United, expressed concern regarding high rent increases.
Russ Binder, Claremont resident, expressed concern regarding the establishment of a Claremont rental registry as he believes establishment would lead to rent stabilization.
Lynn Gianakos shared her negative experiences with owning rental properties.
William Baker spoke in support of the existing tenant protections in AB 1482.
Darryl McCance believes the City does not have a landlord/tenant problem; there is a housing affordability issue.
Unidentified speaker expressed concern regarding Councilmember Reece's recusal and spoke in support of AB 1482 as it addresses tenant stability and protection as well as property owners' rights.
Heather, Claremont resident, asked the City Council to take action regarding rent increases that occur every year as she feels she will be forced out of Claremont.
Gwen Tucker, Scripps College student and member of Inclusive Claremont, urged the City Council to create a rental registry and adopt the proposed anti -harassment ordinance.
Jesus Ro.as, Apartment Association of Greater Los Anceles, spoke against all four key decisions and highlighted the letter submitted by the Association.
Unidentified speaker urged the City Council to establish a rental registry as the data would provide a lot of needed information.
Unidentified speaker urged the City Council to establish a rental registry so the City Council could use that information to help all tenants and landlords.
Lydia Hernandez spoke in support of establishing a rental registry that would meet Claremont specific needs and hopes that funds received from Measure A could be used to help address housing.
Unidentified speaker, Claremont resident, urged the City Council to establish a rental registry as it would promote transparency and accountability.
Naomi McCool emphasized that long term stable renters leads to safe and vibrant communities.
There were no other requests to speak.
City Council Minutes
February 11, 2025
Mayor Calaycay closed public comment.
The City Council recessed at 10:13 PM.
The City Council reconvened at 10:19 PM.
Ms. Wand, City Manager Pirrie, Brad Johnson, Director of Community Development, and City Attorney Patterson, continued to respond to questions from the City Council regarding LACAHSA funding, in -lieu fee potentially used for the Claremont Temporary Housing Stabilization and Relocation Program, Housing Element and HCD evaluation of a rental registry, Code Enforcement's evaluation, health and safety standards, rental registry creating a community, rent registry data collection, privacy of leases and various tenant/landlord information, open-ended rental registry, existing laws addressing tenant/landlord harassment, and the City of Los Angeles anti -harassment ordinance versus City proposed ordinance.
The City Council discussed key decisions one through four and made the following motions:
KEY DECISION 1. Should the Claremont Temporary Housing Stabilization and Relocation Program be phased out once LACAHSA establishes a permanent rental assistance program funded by Measure A?
Councilmember Leano moved to maintain the Claremont Temporary Housing Stabilization and Relocation Program through Program Cycle 4 and re-evaluate the program once the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA) produces a program budget for a permanent rental assistance program using Measure A funds, which would be administered at a regional level, 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
KEY DECISION 2. Does the majority of the City Council want to adopt the Anti -Harassment Ordinance as proposed?
Councilmember Stark moved to:
A. Introduce for first reading and that reading be by title only, AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 8.35 ("PROHIBITION OF TENANT HARASSMENT") TO TITLE 8 ("HEALTH AND SAFETY") OF THE CLAREMONT MUNICIPAL CODE,
PROHIBITING THE HARASSMENT OF TENANTS; and
B. Direct staff to conduct stakeholder outreach before second reading of the anti - harassment ordinance;
Seconded by Councilmember Leano, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Leano, Medina, Stark
NOES: Councilmember— Calaycay
ABSENT: Councilmember— Reece
KEY DECISION 3. Does the City Council wish to pursue a contract for third -party dispute resolution/mediation services, for which the City would pay to provide said services to assist with housing provider/tenant disputes at no cost to the housing provider/tenant?
City Council Minutes
February 11, 2025
Councilmember Medina moved to not pursue a contract for a third -party dispute resolution/mediation service as County services are already available, seconded by Mayor Calaycay, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember - Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Stark
NOES: Councilmember- None
ABSENT: Councilmember— Reece
KEY DECISION 4. Should staff move forward with the next steps to establish a Claremont Rental Registry?
Councilmember Stark moved to direct staff to move forward with the next steps to establish a Claremont Rental Registry, seconded by Councilmember Leano, and failed on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Leano, Stark
NOES: Councilmember- Calaycay, Medina
ABSENT: Councilmember— Reece
The City Council directed staff to bring the discussion back to the City Council regarding a rental registry if the FPPC determines Councilmember Reece does not have a conflict of interest and can participate.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Calaycay adjourned the regular meeting of the Claremont City Council at 12:17 AM. The next regular meeting of the Claremont City Council will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 6:30 PM, in the Claremont Council Chamber.
Mayor
ATTEST:
D puty City Clerk