CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE COVINA REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY/COVINA PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY/COVINA HOUSING
AUTHORITY JOINT MEETING
MINUTES
August 1, 2023, 7:30 p.m.
125 E. College Street, Covina, California
Council Chamber of City Hall
Councilmembers Present: Councilmember Patricia Cortez
Councilmember Hector Delgado
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair John C. King
Mayor/Chair Walter Allen, III
Councilmembers Absent: Councilmember Victor Linares
Staff Present:
City Clerk Drew Aleman (Elected Member)
City Treasurer Neil Polzin (Elected Member)
City Manager Chris Marcarello
City Attorney Candice K. Lee
Police Chief David Povero
Administrative Services Director Anita Agramonte
Community Development Director Brian Lee
Public Works Director Andy Buffington
Chief Deputy City Clerk Fabian Velez
1 CLOSED SESSION
1. CLOSED SESSION - WAS NOT HELD
JOINT MEETING —OPEN SESSION 7:30 PM
2. CALL TO ORDER
3. ROLL CALL
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Mayor Allen.
5. INVOCATION
Given by Police Chaplain Chuck Cannizzaro.
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Resident Neil Polzin commented on his opposition for Consent Calendar Items 9.f and 9.k due to the waiving of bidding requirements.
7. COUNCIL/AGENCY/AUTHORITY COMMENTS
Mayor Pro Tem King reminded the community that the Parks & Recreation Summer programs will be ending soon. He also congratulated staff and Harry Basil for a wonderful grand opening for the Covina Laugh Factory.
Councilmember Cortez noted that the Covina Laugh Factory grand opening has been a highlight of her time on the City Council. She also stated her excitement for the recently approved Pickleball courts due to the positive feedback she received. Councilmember Cortez also gave kudos to the Parks & Recreation staff for hosting wonderful programs.
Councilmember Delgado echoed the words of his colleagues regarding the Covina Laugh Factory grand opening and the hard work of City staff.
Mayor Allen gave a shout out to Parks & Recreation Supervisor Krystal Smith, Parks & Recreation Supervisor Melody Hynes, and Director of Parks & Recreation and Library Services Evans for their work on the Covina Laugh Factory grand opening. He also gave a shout out and thanks to Senior Caseworker/Field Representative Carrie Lam, Senator Susan Rubio, and Assembly member Blanca Rubio for their work in helping secure the funding needed to purchase the Covina Center for Performing Arts. Mayor Allen reminded the community of the programs being offered on by the Parks & Recreation and Library Services Departments including: summer camp with daily activities for children ages 6-13 for the weeks beginning August 7th and August 14th, two remaining sessions in August for the aquatics program as well as free recreational swimming Monday through Thursday from 1:15 p.m. -2:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 1:15 p.m. -3:30 p.m., and summer day trips to The Alpaca Hacienda and Temecula Promenade on August 19th from 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m., the Newport Beach Farmers Market and Orange Circle Antique Mall on September 10th, and the Annual Oceanside Day of the Dead Festival on October 22nd. He encouraged residents to check online at www.covinaca.gov or call the Park & Recreation Department at 626-384-5340 for more information. He also gave kudos to the staff from the Public 2 Works, Police, Community Development, and Parks & Recreation Departments for their work.
Mayor Pro Tem King commented on his visit to fallen Officer Jordan Corder's family and relayed their appreciation for the City continuing to honor his memory.
8. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Manager Marcarello informed the City Council of an update to the staff report for Consent Calendar Item 9.f due to a change in supplier. He also requested that the City Council remove Consent Calendar Item 9.q from consideration to allow the City to update the report with additional information regarding the efforts to contact members of the public who may have unclaimed monies and return the item for consideration at the September 5, 2023, City Council Meeting.
9. CONSENT CALENDAR
9.a Minutes
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Delgado
Approve the Minutes of the July 18, 2023, Regular Meeting of the City Council/Successor Agency to the Covina Redevelopment Agency/Covina Public Financing Authority/Housing Authority.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
9.b Payment of Demands
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Delgado
Approve Payment of Demands in the amount of $4,531,883.45.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
9.c Adopt Joint Tax Sharing Resolution Approving and Accepting Negotiated Exchange of Property Tax Revenues Resulting from Annexation of Specific Property Located at 1053 E. Covina Hills Road into Los Angeles County Sanitation District No. 22
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Delgado
Adopt the joint tax sharing resolution, City Council Resolution CC 2023-76 approving and accepting the negotiated exchange of property tax revenues resulting from the annexation of a specific property located at 1053 E. Covina Hills Road into Los Angeles County Sanitation District No. 22.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
3 9.d Request to Cancel the Regular City Council Meeting of August 15, 2023 Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Delgado
That the City Council consider cancelling the regular scheduled City Council Meeting of August 15, 2023.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
9.e Allocating Unallocated FY23-24 CDBG Funds to the "Residential Rehabilitation Program" Project D96164-23, "Downtown Neighborhood Business Workforce Augmentation Program" Project 602621-23, and "Microenterprise Co -Work Scholarship Program" Project 602620-23 Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Delgado
1. Adopt Resolution CC 2023-73, Authorizing and Increase to the FY 23-24 Community Development Block Grant for Projects D96164-23, 602621-23, and 602620-23 and Amending the FY 2023-2024 Community Development Budget to reflect these changes; and
2. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute documents related to the FY 2023-2024 CDBG funds.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
9.f Purchase of Two New Vehicles for the Police Department Fleet In response to an inquiry from Mayor Allen, Police Chief Povero informed the City Council that the original vehicles being purchased were unable to be reserved and low inventory made purchasing the vehicles elsewhere difficult.
Motion made by: Mayor Allen
Seconded by: Councilmember Cortez
Approve the purchase of two new vehicles in the amount of $64,479.56 and waive bidding requirements.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
9.g Agreement with Nichols Consulting Engineers, Chtd for a Trench Cut Fee Study
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Delgado
Authorize the execution of a Professional Services Agreement with Nichols Consulting Engineers, Chtd (NCE), in an amount not -to -exceed $80,000 for a Trench Cut Fee Study (Study), and authorize the City Manager to execute the 4 Agreement and other pertinent documents, and take such actions as are necessary to implement and administer the Agreement.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
9.h Covina Theater Seating Rail/Restaurant Restroom Construction Project — Project No. F2402— Award of Contract to Siterep Construction Services, Inc. for an Amount not -to- Exceed $33,867.08
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Delgado
1. Award a contract for the Covina Theater Seating Rail/Restaurant Restroom Construction Project — Project No. F2402 to Siterep Construction Services, Inc. for an Amount not -to- Exceed $33,867.08 and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract.
2. Authorize a 10% contingency amount of $3,386.71 to cover the cost of unforeseen construction expenses
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
9.i Traffic Signal Improvements Project Barranca Avenue and Edna Place — Final Acceptance and Filing Notice of Completion
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Delgado
1. Accept the work performed by PTM General Engineering Services, Inc.; and
2. Authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the Traffic Signal Improvements Project Barranca Avenue and Edna Place.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
9.j Inspection and Confidentiality Agreement between Frontier California Inc. and the City of Covina Relating to the Properties Located at 175 E Center Street and 176 E Badillo Street
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Delgado
Authorize the City Manager to execute the Inspection and Confidentiality Agreement.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
5 9.k Confirming Continued Existence of an Emergency Condition at the Covina Center for the Performing Arts Declaring Public Interest & Necessity Requires Certain Work be Performed Without Competitive Bidding Pursuant to Chapter 2.5 of the Public Contract Code
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Delgado
Adopt Resolution CC 2023-77 Confirming Continued Existence of an Emergency Condition at the Covina Center for the Performing Arts Declaring Public Interest & Necessity Requires Certain Work be Performed Without Competitive Bidding Pursuant to Chapter 2.5 (Emergency Contracting Procedures) of the Public Contract Code.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
9.1 Designation of Voting Delegate and Alternates for the League of California Cities Annual Conference Which Includes the Annual Business Meeting — September 20-22, 2023
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Delgado
1. Designate Mayor Walter Allen, III, as the voting delegate and Councilmember Patricia Cortez, as the alternate to represent the City at the Annual Business Meeting of the League of California Cities General Assembly; and
2. Direct the Chief Deputy City Clerk to submit the required "Voting Delegate Form" to the League's Sacramento Office no later than August 28, 2023.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
9.m Covina Skate Park Project — Award of Contract to Spohn Ranch, Inc for an Amount Not -to -Exceed $1,249,000
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Delgado
1 Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Spohn Ranch, Inc in an amount not -to -exceed $1,249,000 and dispense with competitive proposals pursuant to Negotiated Contract Agreement per Covina Municipal Code Chapter 2.54 and Public Contract Code Section 22038 (c);
2. Authorize an amount of $187,350 (15%) as a contingency to cover the cost of unforeseen construction expenses;
3. Adopt Resolution CC 2023-78 appropriating an additional $608,510 from available Measure CC Fund Balance to be transferred into the Parks CIP for the construction of the project;
4. Authorize the City Council to defer two (2) approved planned Park Capital Improvement Projects (Senior Center Monument Sign Project and the Covina 6 Park Tennis Court Fencing Replacement Project) in the FY 2023-24 Capital Improvement Program that were proposed to be funded by Measure CC and utilize $250,000 from those projects towards the Covina Skate Park Project; and
5. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Siterep Construction Services to provide inspection services for the Covina Skate Park Project in an amount not -to -exceed $50,160.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
9.n Adoption of Ordinance 23-07
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Delgado
That the City Council adopt Ordinance 23-07, entitled "Adopting Zoning Code Amendment (ZCA) 23-02, By Amending Various Sections of the Covina Municipal Code (CMC), Chapters 17.04 ("Definitions"), 17.14 ("E-1 Estate Residential Zone, Single -Family Estate"), 17.26 ("R-1-7500 Residential Zone, Single Family") and Adding Chapter 17.71 ("Walls, Fences, and Screening") to the Municipal Code and Making Findings Under CEQA"; and Find the proposed Zoning Code Amendment to be exempt from the requirements of the Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA guidelines 15303(e).
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
9.o Repealing Resolution CC 2023-56 — Declaring Intention to Annex Territories to Covina Landscape District No. 1— Zones 15, 16, 17 and 18 Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Delgado
1. Repeal Resolution CC 2023-56 and reschedule August 15, 2023 Public Hearing to September 5, 2023; and
2. Adopt Resolution CC 2023-74 — A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Covina, California, Repealing Resolution CC 2023-56, Declaring the City's Intention to Annex Territories to the Covina Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 as Zone 15, 16, 17 and 18 and to Levy and Collect Annual Assessments Related Thereto Commencing Fiscal Year 2023/2024, Pursuant to the Provisions of Part 2 of Division 15 of the California Streets and Highways Code, Setting a Public Hearing on the Formation of the Assessment District and the Levy of the Proposed Assessment, and Calling for a Property Owner Protest Proceeding to Submit to the Qualified Property Owners the Question of Levying such Assessments for said Annexation Territories Pursuant to the Provisions of the California Constitution, Article XIIID.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
7 9.p Repealing Resolution CC 2023-58 — Declaring Intention to Annex Territories to Covina Lighting District No. 1978-79
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Delgado
1. Repeal Resolution CC 2023-58 and reschedule August 15, 2023 Public Hearing to September 5, 2023; and
2. Adopt Resolution CC 2023-75 — A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Covina, California, Repealing Resolution CC 2023-59, Declaring the City's Intention to Annex Territory to the Covina Lighting District No. 1978-79 and to Levy and Collect Annual Assessments Related Thereto Commencing Fiscal Year 2023/2024, Pursuant to the Provisions of Part 2 of Division 15 of the California Streets and Highways Code, Setting a Public Hearing on the Formation of the Assessment District and the Levy of the Proposed Assessment, and Calling for a Property Owner Protest Proceeding to Submit to the Qualified Property Owners the Question of Levying Such Assessments for Said Annexation Territory Pursuant to the Provisions of the California Constitution, Article XIIID.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM PULLED FROM AGENDA
9.q Appropriation of Funds to the FY24 Police Department Budget Approve Resolution CC 2023-80 Appropriating $27,080.01 of funds to the FY24 Police Department Budget.
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
10.a Public Hearing for the Expenditure of the 2023 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
The agenda report was provided by Police Chief Povero.
Mayor Allen opened the public hearing.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Allen closed the public hearing.
Mayor Pro Tem King expressed his support for the item and Community Service Officer Jenica Morin's hard work. Mayor Allen noted how this is the best example of community policing and commended Police Chief Povero for having the position available for the community to help reduce crime.
Motion made by: Councilmember Delgado
Seconded by: Councilmember Cortez
8 Hold the public hearing and receive and file proposed program for expenditure of 2023 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG).
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
10.b Public Hearing to Consider the Adoption of Various Fees Related to the Commercial Cannabis Permit Program
The agenda report was provided by City Manager Marcarello.
Mayor Allen opened the public hearing.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Allen closed the public hearing.
Mayor Allen noted his opposition to the item. Mayor Pro Tem King stated the proposed fees seem fair and realistic and expressed his support for the item.
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Cortez
That the City Council:
1. Conduct a public hearing to receive testimony and comments regarding the proposed fees related to the Commercial Cannabis Permit Program; and
2. Upon concluding the public hearing, adopt Resolution CC 2023-79, adopting a fee schedule and establishing user fees pertaining to the Commercial Cannabis Permit Program
Approved (3 to 1); Allen No; Linares Absent
11. NEW BUSINESS
11.a Request to Approve a Management Agreement between the City of Covina and FoundrSpace LLC for a Co -Working Space at 401 N. Citrus Avenue Background on the item was provided by Community Development Director Lee.
The agenda report was provided by Senior Management Analyst Alana Spector.
A presentation was provided by CP Phan, Ken Roberson, and Edwin Guembes, owners of FoundrSpace, LLC.
Questions and discussion included other locations, memberships, marketing strategy, timeline for opening, occupancy, and hours of operation.
There were no public comments.
Motion made by: Councilmember Cortez
Seconded by: Councilmember Delgado
9 Approve the Management Agreement and authorize the City Manager or his designee to sign all necessary documents.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
12. ADJOURNMENT
At 8:39 p.m., the meeting of the Covina City Council/Successor Agency to the Covina Redevelopment Agency/Covina Public Financing Authority/Covina Housing Authority was adjourned to its next regular meeting of the Council/Agency/Authority on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. for closed session and 7:30 p.m. for open session in the Council Chamber of City Hall located at 125 East College Street, Covina, CA 91723.
Fabian Velez, Chief Deputy City C1er
Walter Allen III, Mayor/Chair
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