CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE COVINA REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY/COVINA PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY/COVINA HOUSING
AUTHORITY JOINT MEETING
MINUTES
March 19, 2024, 6:30 p.m.
125 E. College Street, Covina, California
Council Chamber of City Hall
Councilmembers Present: Councilmember Patricia Cortez
Councilmember Hector Delgado
Councilmember Victor Linares
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair John C. King
Mayor/Chair Walter Allen, III
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
Community Development Director Brian Lee
Parks & Recreation/Library Services Director Lisa Evans Public Works Director Andy Bullington
Deputy City Manager Angel Carrillo
Chief Deputy City Clerk Fabian Velez
Staff Absent: Administrative Services Director Anita Agramonte 1 CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Allen called the Council/Agency/Authority meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. with Councilmember Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem King, and Mayor Allen present.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Allen recessed the Council to Closed Session at 6:38 p.m.
A. Government Code § 54956.8 - CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY
NEGOTIATORS
Property:
Agency Negotiator:
Negotiating Parties:
Under Negotiation:
114 E. Italia Street
Chris Marcarello, City Manager, City of Covina
Brian Lee, Community Development Director, City of Covina TBD
Price and Terms of Payment
B. Government Code § 54956.8 - CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY
NEGOTIATORS
Property:
Agency Negotiator:
Negotiating Parties:
Under Negotiation:
100-112 N. Citrus Avenue, Unit 100B
Chris Marcarello, City Manager, City of Covina
Brian Lee, Community Development Director, City of Covina TBD
Price and Terms of Payment
C. Government Code § 54956.8 - CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY
NEGOTIATORS
Property:
Agency Negotiator:
Negotiating Parties:
Under Negotiation:
NEC E. Front Street & N. 1st Avenue, Covina, CA 91723
(APN: 8430-018-004)
Chris Marcarello, City Manager, City of Covina
Brian Lee, Community Development Director, City of Covina
SEATS TRUST / SEATS WILLIAM R CO TR
Price and Terms of Payment
D. Government Code § 54956.9(d)(4) - CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9:
One potential case.
RECESS
2 JOINT MEETING —OPEN SESSION 7:30 P.M.
RECONVENE AND CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Allen called the Council/Agency/Authority meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Councilmember Cortez.
INVOCATION
Given by Police Chaplain Ron Butler.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Lee announced that direction was given to staff and no reportable action was taken.
PRESENTATIONS
A. National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
The presentation was not held.
B. American Red Cross Month
Mayor Allen read the proclamation into record and presented it to Alyssa from the American Red Cross.
Police Chief Povero and Assistant Fire Chief Steve Cabrera also provided words of support for the American Red Cross.
Alyssa expressed her appreciation for the support given to American Red Cross by the City of Covina and encouraged others to help by donating their blood or time..
C. Recognition of the YWCA of San Gabriel Valley
Mayor Allen presented a Certificate of Recognition to Debra Ward, CEO of the YWCA of San Gabriel Valley, for her leadership and receiving the Los Angeles County International Woman's Day Award.
Ms. Ward invited up the YWCA team and thanked the City and Police Department for their collaborative efforts and support. She also invited the community to tour the new family resource center.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Los Angeles County Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Steve Cabrera provided information on a recent incident in which a downed tree caused damage to the fire station block wall. He informed the City Council that there were no injuries and that the Public Works and Police Departments were quick to work with the Fire Department to have the matter resolved. 3 Mike Aguilar thanked the City Council for the increased enforcement efforts regarding mobile food vending. He also encouraged keeping the City safe by ensuring money is being allocated towards enforcement against bad behavior.
Norma Salinas spoke regarding concerns of damage to a private street due to heavy vehicles related to a public works improvement project and requested the City Council examine the matter.
Paul Avila introduced himself to the City Council and community and provided background to his non-profit, Pauly's Project. He also noted that he is working on opening a new food pantry, Pauly's Pantry, in the City and expressed his excitement to help the local community.
Dan Tran, real estate professional and candidate for State Assembly Member, District 48, introduced himself to the community.
COUNCIL/AGENCY/AUTHORITY COMMENTS
Mayor Pro Tem King stated he is thankful to have completed his treatments and glad to be present.
Councilmember Linares thanked the Chamber of Commerce for their work in putting together the State of the City and for doing a good job showing how well the City is doing.
Councilmember Delgado welcomed everyone in attendance, thanked the speakers for coming forward, and stated his excitement about Pauly's Pantry.
Councilmember Cortez thanked Ms. Ward for her presence and congratulated her on the awards she received. She also mentioned her excitement for Pauly's Project coming to Covina and encourages her Council colleagues to stop by. Lastly, Councilmember Cortez requested that City staff reexamine the City ordinance regarding campaign signs.
Mayor Allen expressed his appreciation to Mr. Avila for being back in the City and to Ms. Ward for being an icon in the community for giving back and her leadership. He also commented on his attendance to the Covina Baseball Association opening day ceremony and hopes for another winning season. Mayor Allen highlighted items from the Consent Calendar including: item CC 5, rehabilitating 5 residential streets near Wingate Park; item CC 6, implementing traffic calming measures on Fenimore Avenue at the request of local residents; item CC 7, finalizing completion of the new Pickleball Courts at Hollenbeck Park; and item CC 10, replacing an aging pool heater at Covina Park. Lastly, Mayor Allen thanked the Chamber of Commerce, 789, Inc., and City staff for their work in putting together the State of the City.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
None.
CONSENT CALENDAR PUBLIC COMMENTS
In regards to Consent Calendar item CC 17, Neil Polzin commented on the Treasurer's role in the escheatment process and the ability to get funds back to the public. He also asked the City Council to reconsider Consent Calendar item CC 18 and the proposed removal of Planning Commissioner Susan Zermeno.
Susan Zermeno provided comments regarding Consent Calendar item CC 18 and her proposed removal from the Planning Commission.
4 CONSENT CALENDAR
CC 1. Minutes
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Linares
Approve the Minutes of the February 20, 2024, Regular Meeting of the City Council/Successor Agency to the Covina Redevelopment Agency/Covina Public Financing Authority/Housing Authority.
Approved (5 to 0)
CC 2. Payment of Demands
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Linares
Approve Payment of Demands in the amount of $5,970,742.33.
Approved (5 to 0)
CC 3. City of Covina Investment Report for Month Ended February 29, 2024 Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Linares
Receive and File.
Approved (5 to 0)
CC 4. Downtown Trash Enclosure Project — Phase IV — Project No. P2407 — Final Acceptance and Filing Notice of Completion
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Linares
1. Accept the work completed by FS Contractors, Inc; and
2. Authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the Downtown Trash Enclosure Project — Phase IV — Project No. P2407.
Approved (5 to 0)
CC 5. Street Residential Resurfacing Project — Project No. P2405 — Award of Contract to Gentry Brothers, Inc. in the Amount of $503,660 Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Linares
1. Approve plans and specifications for the Street Residential Resurfacing Project — Project No. P2405;
2. Award a contract for the Street Residential Resurfacing Project to Gentry Brothers, Inc. as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder in the amount of $503,660 and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract; 5 3. Authorize a contingency amount of $125,000 (approximately 25%) for any unforeseen construction expenses;
4. Award a Professional Services Agreement to CEJ Engineers, Inc for Construction Management & Inspection Services in an amount not -to -exceed $34,800; and
5. Award a Professional Services Agreement to Willdan Engineering, Inc for Pavement Analysis & Testing in an amount not -to -exceed $25,000.
Approved (5 to 0)
CC 6. Speed Hump Installation Project — Fenimore Avenue between Rowland Avenue and Workman Avenue
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Linares
Approve recommendation from the Traffic and Mobility Advisory Commission for the installation of speed humps at Fenimore Avenue between Rowland Avenue and Workman Avenue.
Approved (5 to 0)
CC 7. Hollenbeck Park Pickleball Court Construction Project — Project No. P2404 — Final Acceptance and Filing Notice of Completion
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Linares
1. Accept the work performed by Siterep Construction Services, Inc.; and
2. Authorize the City clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the Hollenbeck Park Pickleball Court Construction Project.
Approved (5 to 0)
CC 8. Award a Professional Services Agreement for Special District Administration Services, Annexation Services, Continuing Disclosure Services, and Arbitrage Rebate Services
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Linares
Authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Willdan Financial Services for Special District Administration Services, Annexation Services, Continuing Disclosure Services, and Arbitrage Rebate Services, for a period of five years, with three optional three-year extension terms.
Approved (5 to 0)
CC 9. Professional Service Agreement with West Coast Arborists for Emergency Tree Removal and Creek Remediation at Wingate Park
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Linares
6 1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with West Coast Arborists, Inc. (WCA) in the amount of $27,144.00 for Emergency Tree Removal at Wingate Park; and
2. Adopt Resolution CC 2024-11 to appropriate $49,500 from the General Fund to provide funding for Emergency Tree Removal and additional Creek Remediation efforts at Wingate Park.
Approved (5 to 0)
CC 10. Award of Contract to Waterline Technologies, Inc. for the Replacement of the Training Pool Heater at the Covina Park Aquatic Center
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Linares
Award a contract for the Covina Park Aquatic Center Training Pool Heater Replacement to Waterline Technologies, Inc in the amount of $43,673.22 and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract.
Approved (5 to 0)
CC 11. Lease and Ongoing Maintenance of three (3) 2024 Toyota Camry LE Hybrid Vehicles for the Covina Police Department
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Linares
1. Approve the leasing and ongoing maintenance of three (3) 2024 Toyota Camry LE Hybrid Vehicles allocated for the Covina Police Department for a five-year term in the amount of $103,500; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or their designee, to execute all necessary documents with Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc. using the Sourcewell Competitive Purchasing Program (Contract #06061800-EFM).
Approved (5 to 0)
CC 12. Award of Contract to Control Air Enterprises LLC for HVAC Repairs at the Covina Senior & Community Center
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Linares
Award a contract for the Covina Senior & Community Center HVAC Repair Project to Control Air Enterprises LLC in the amount of $37,837.00 and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract.
Approved (5 to 0)
CC 13. SB 341 Compliance Report on the Housing Successor Agency Low and Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Linares
7 Receive and file the report.
Approved (5 to 0)
CC 14. 2023 Annual Housing Element Progress Report
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Linares
Receive and file.
Approved (5 to 0)
CC 15. Amendment No. 3 to the Professional Services Agreement between the City of Covina and Liebert Cassidy Whitmore for Legal Services
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Linares
Approve Amendment No. 3 to the agreement between Liebert Cassidy Whitmore and the City of Covina for legal services and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment.
Approved (5 to 0)
CC 16. Resolution Increasing the Police Department 2023-24 Budget by $5,000 to Cover Police Explorer Program Expenses
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Linares
Adopt Resolution CC 2024-13 increasing the Police Department 2023-24 Budget by $5,000 for the purchase of various equipment/supplies as well as annual dues.
Approved (5 to 0)
CC 17. Escheatment of Unclaimed Funds to the City of Covina in Accordance with the Escheat of Unclaimed Property Policy
A presentation on the item was made by City Manager Marcarello, Management Analyst Charles Russom, and Police Captain Dan Regan.
Questions and discussion included clarification of a 2018 policy which delegated the escheatment process to the Finance Director, an internal audit showcasing two individuals coming forward for check amounts greater than $1,000, and confirmation of a City policy to allow claimants to receive their moneys after the required noticing period.
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Delgado
Authorize staff to pursue the escheatment of unclaimed funds to the City in the amount of $52,646.34 and approve the transfer of any available funds remaining 8 unclaimed to be recognized as revenue in the General Fund in accordance with the Escheat of Unclaimed Property Policy.
Approved (5 to 0)
CC 18. Confirm and Approve City Council's Appointments to Various City of Covina Boards and Commissions
Councilmember Cortez provided more information on the proposed City Council action.
Motion made by: Councilmember Cortez
Seconded by: Councilmember Linares
Approve the City Council's appointments to various City of Covina Boards and Commissions.
Approved (5 to 0)
CC 19. Covina Recreation Village Project — Project No. P2202 — Rejection of All Bids Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Linares
1. Reject all bids received for construction of the Covina Recreation Village Project; and
2. Authorize City staff to revise the project bid package and re -solicit bids for construction.
Approved (5 to 0)
CC 20. Lease Agreement Between the City of Covina and BKEC Inc. for Property Located at 100 N. Citrus Avenue, Unit 100B
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Linares
That the City Council approve a lease agreement with BKEC Inc. for the lease of office space located at 100 N. Citrus Avenue, Suite 100B and authorize the City Manager or his designee to make any non -substantive changes that may be required prior to finalizing and executing the agreement.
Approved (5 to 0)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
PH 1. Public Hearing Considering the Adoption of the Covina Active Streets and Multi -Modal Connectivity Plan
The agenda report was provided by Management Analyst Daniella Andrade and Project Manager Natalie Chyba of Fehr & Peers.
Mayor Allen opened the public hearing.
9 Neil Polzin commented in support of the item and the need for more bicycle lanes.
Mike Aguilar commented in support of the grant funding and being mindful of non - grant money being used.
Project Manager Chyba clarified that -the plan is limited to a two square mile zone and would expand the City's goals for bicycle lanes.
Questions and discussion from the City Council included grant funding, uncontrolled crosswalks, the need more bicycle lanes, kudos to staff, rebates for the installation of tree canopies, and the importance of bicyclist safety.
Mayor Allen closed the public hearing.
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Mayor Allen
Adopt City Council Resolution CC 2024-12 Adopting the Covina Active Streets and Multi -Modal Connectivity Plan, and Finding the Project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Approved (5 to 0)
CONTINUED BUSINESS
CB 1. Development Impact Fee Report
The agenda report was provided by Management Analyst Andrade and Consultant Joe Kulgan.
Questions and discussion included the new categories of residential developments and how fee proportionality will be applied.
There were no public comments.
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem King
Seconded by: Councilmember Linares
Review the Development Impact Fee Study/Report prepared by NBS Government Finance Group and provide direction to City staff regarding the following:
1. Consider introducing a nominal administrative fee to prepare future studies;
2. Direct staff to formally prepare the item for adoption at a future duly noticed City Council Public Hearing; and
3. Direct Staff to evaluate options to reduce Development Impact Fees for affordable housing units and return as a separate item for City Council consideration.
Approved (5 to 0)
10 ADJOURNMENT
At 9:18 p.m., the Covina City Council/Successor Agency to the Covina Redevelopment Agency/Covina Public Financing Authority/Covina Housing Authority adjourned to its next regular meeting of the Council/Agency/Authority scheduled for Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 6:30 p.m., for closed session and 7:30 p.m., for open session in the Council Chamber located inside of City Hall, 125 East College Street, Covina, California, 91723.
Fa • ian Velez,, Chief Deputy Cit :, erk
Walter Allen III, Mayor/
air
11