IRWINDALE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
5050 N. IRWINDALE AVENUE
IRWINDALE, CALIFORNIA 91706
SEPTEMBER 28, 2022
WEDNESDAY
6: 47 P. M.
The Irwindale CITY COUNCIL met in regular session, beginning at the above time and place ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Manuel R. Garcia, H. Manuel Ortiz; Mayor Pro Tern Albert F. Ambriz; Mayor Larry G. Burrola
Absent: Councilmember Mark A. Breceda
Present: Julian A. Miranda, City Manager; Jamie Traxler, Assistant City Attorney; Robert Castro, Interim Chief of Police; Theresa Olivares, Assistant City Manager; Kambiz Borhani, Director of Finance 1 City Treasurer; Arsanious Hanna, Director of Engineering I Building Official; Marilyn Simpson, Community Development Director; Mary Hull, Human Resources Manager, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Public Services Director; and Laura Nieto, Chief Deputy City Clerk
CHANGES TO THE
AGENDA
CITY MANAGER City Manager Miranda noted that Item No. 9C was revised to include MIRANDA Assistant City Manager Olivares' signature instead of his since he has a conflict of interest on the item.
COUNCILMEMBER
TRAVEL REPORTS There were none.
COUNCILMEMBER
COMMENTS
MAYOR PRO TEM Mayor Pro Tern Ambriz requested that Chief Castro express his AMBRIZ thoughts on street takeovers and asked that he speak on an event he participated in last week, to which Chief Castro advised that he and the Irwindale Police Department participated in a press conference at the Irwindale Speedway organized by the LA Co. Sheriff' s Dept., the CA Highway Patrol, and the Speedway, to discuss street racing in the County. The family members of individuals that passed away due to illegal street racing spoke at the event, as did members of the District Attorney' s Office that prosecute illegal street racing. However, those eager to race their vehicles can do so at the Irwindale Speedway in a safe environment. Officers can issue speeding tickets inviting individuals to race at the Speedway for free, with the hope of gaining their voluntary compliance. Officers are also working on deterring illegal street racing and street takeovers.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 28, 2022
PAGE 2
COUNCILMEMBER Responding to a question by Councilmember Garcia, Chief Castro GARCIA advised that officers have not yet issued those tickets to speeders, though staff continues working with the Speedway and with officers so that they can be issued.
MAYOR BURROLA Mayor Burrola acknowledged the Irwindale Police Department' s two new vehicles and stated his hope that more could be obtained next year.
DENA ZEPEDA Dena Zepeda stated her opinion that visitors that race at the Speedway will leave the site excited and eager to race on Irwindale streets, which will lead to accidents and deaths. She also spoke against noise and air pollution.
CHIEF CASTRO Chief Castro indicated that the Irwindale Speedway is a properly zoned private business that has events on Thursday nights. He noted that the efforts he spoke about are an attempt to get the individuals that use Irwindale streets to try out Irwindale Speedway instead for racing. He further noted that the Irwindale Police Department is diligent in preventing individuals from leaving the Speedway to race on surface streets.
INTRODUCTION OF
NEW EMPLOYEES 1
PROMOTIONS
PROCLAMATIONS 1
PRESENTATIONS I
COMMENDATIONS
There were none.
RECOGNITION OF RECOGNITION OF IRWINDALE SERGEANT RUDY GATTO, LOS
IRWINDALE SERGEANT ANGELES REGIONAL CRIME STOPPERS LAW ENFORCEMENT
RUDY GATTO, LOS
ANGELES REGIONAL
CRIME STOPPERS
LAW ENFORCEMENT
PARTNER OF THE
YEAR
CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE
BUSINESS OF THE
MONTH — YELLOW
IRON
CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE
QUARTERLY UPDATE
PARTNER OF THE YEAR
The presentation was made.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS OF THE MONTH —
YELLOW IRON
The presentation was made.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE QUARTERLY UPDATE
The presentation was made.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 28, 2022
REGULAR MEETING PAGE 3
SPONTANEOUS
COMMUNICATIONS
MARIANA QUINONES Mariana Quinones acknowledgment the Recreation Department for its positive and proactive programs.
CARMEN ROMAN Carmen Roman asked about the Irwindale Speedway program that Chief Castro mentioned, asked if tickets will be given to Irwindale residents only, and whether additional funding for more patrols would be needed. She also thanked staff, residents, and family for an event honoring James " Jimbo" Ysais at the park.
DENA ZEPEDA Dena Zepeda thanked staff and family for the event at the park honoring James Ysais, asked questions about the 45- year covenant attached to the city housing programs, noted that residents complain about noise and air pollution issues caused by the Speedway, and thanked Jeff Cameron at United Rock Products for addressing her dust complaints.
ROBERT DIAZ Robert Diaz made zoning recommendations, including rezoning the Durbin site to commercial. He also requested that " regional commercial' be redefined.
FRED BARBOSA Fred Barbosa suggested charging people to race in Irwindale, and spoke against the construction of truck bays and warehouses.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Ambriz, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz, to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Item No. 1 C, which was removed from the agenda for separate consideration. The motion was unanimously approved; Councilmember Breceda absent.
ITEM NO. 1A MINUTES
MINUTES
The following minutes were approved:
1) Special joint meeting held September 14, 2022
2) Regular meeting held September 14, 2022
3) Special joint meeting held September 19, 2022
ITEM NO. 1 B WARRANTS 1 DEMANDS I PAYROLL
WARRANTS/
DEMANDS 1 PAYROLL The warrants 1 demands 1 payroll were approved.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
ITEM NO. 1C ACCEPTANCE OF ALFRED F. HERRERA SOFTBALL FIELD
ACCEPTANCE OF LIGHTING IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 28, 2422
REGULAR MEETING PAGE 4
ALFRED F. HERRERA
SOFTBALL FIELD
LIGHTING
IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT
COUNCILMEMBER Councilmember Garcia and City Manager Miranda declared potential GARCIA AND CITY conflicts of interest on this item and exited the Council Chambers at MANAGER MIRANDA 7:41 p. m.
MOTION A motion was made by Councilmember Ortiz, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Ambriz, to ratify the changes in the work and accept the improvements and maintenance responsibility for the Alfred F.
Herrera Softball Field Lighting Improvement Projected located in Irwindale Park, approve the final construction amount of $555,277.93, and authorize the City Clerk to record the Notice of Completion. The motion was unanimously approved; Councilmembers Breceda and Garcia absent.
COUNCILMEMBER Councilmember Garcia and City Manager Miranda returned to the GARCIA AND CITY Council Chambers at 7: 41 p. m.
MANAGER MIRANDA
NEW BUSINESS None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS None.
CITY MANAGER' S
REPORT
CITY MANAGER City Manager Miranda reported the followingMIRANDA 1) The first annual Business Expo and Taste of Irwindale will be held on October 13.
2) The final MariachiFest event for this season is scheduled for Friday, September 39.
3) The Recreation Department is offering a trip to Descanso Gardens on October 14 and a Teen Trip to Universal Studios Halloween Haunt on October 15.
4) Registrations for fall events are now being accepted by the Recreation Department.
AGENDA ITEMS
REQUESTED BY
COUNCILMEMBERS
COUNCILMEMBER Councilmember Garcia excused himself from the meeting at 7: 44 GARCIA p. m.
RECESS At 7: 44 p. m., Mayor Burrola requested a short recess.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 28, 2022
REGULAR MEETING PAGE 5
RECONVENE The City Council reconvened at 7: 52 p. m.
ITEM NO. 4A DISCUSSION REGARDING THE INSTALLATION OF MILITARY DISCUSSION FLAGS NEAR VETERANS MONUMENT ( requested by Mayor REGARDING THE Burrola)
INSTALLATION OF
MILITARY FLAGS
NEAR VETERANS
MONUMENT
MAYOR BURROLA Mayor Burrola requested that staff prepare and release a Request for Proposals for the installation of military flags on the Veterans Monument.
CITY MANAGER City Manager Miranda asked clarifying questions regarding the MIRANDA request, to which Mayor Burrola indicated that he was interested in constructing a structure with 25-foot flagpoles for the military flags, including spotlight lighting.
MAYOR PRO TEM Mayor Pro Tern Ambriz expressed his support for the creation of a AMBRIZ permanent flag structure with lighting.
MAYOR BURROLA Mayor Burrola requested that a report on his request be prepared and presented to the Council as soon as possible.
ITEM NO. 4B DISCUSSION REGARDING A FOUNDING MOTHERS MONUMENT DISCUSSION IN THE MEMORIAL GARDEN ( requested by Mayor Burrola)
REGARDING A
FOUNDING MOTHERS
MONUMENT IN THE
MEMORIAL GARDEN
MAYOR BURROLA Mayor Burrola noted that many residents have requested that a monument be created to honor the city' s founding mothers in recognition of the many contributions they have made to the city. He asked about the potential for establishing an application process, to include the candidate's contributions and their history.
COUNCILMEMBER Councilmember Ortiz agreed with the concept. He inquired whether ORTIZ the intent was to create a wall with plaques.
MAYOR PRO TEM Mayor Pro Tern Ambriz supported the idea and suggested that AMBRIZ Council give direction to staff to inquire with the community to gauge their interest in the Council' s suggestions, and to give them an opportunity to make further suggestions.
DENA ZEPEDA Dena Zepeda agreed with the suggestions made.
CITY MANAGER City Manager Miranda advised that staff will look into the request and MIRANDA will present a verbal update at the next meeting.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 28, 2022
PAGE 6
ITEM NO. 4C DISCUSSION REGARDING PARKING CONCERNS ALONG ALLEN DISCUSSION DRIVE ( requested by Mayor Pro Tern Ambriz)
REGARDING PARKING
CONCERNS ALONG
ALLEN DRIVE
MAYOR PRO TEM Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz indicated that residents have complained that AMBRIZ employees of the Irwindale Car Wash are parking their vehicles along Allen Drive, leaving little parking availability for friends and family of the Allen Drive residents when they visit. He acknowledged that Allen Drive is a public street, but suggested that the business provide parking for their employees. He stated that residents have asked the employees to park their vehicles elsewhere, only to be told that they have the right to park on the public street. He requested that staff look into the concern and return with a report.
Mayor Pro Tern Ambriz also requested that the issue relating to street racing and street takeovers be placed on the agenda for the next meeting for further discussion.
COUNCILMEMBER Councilmember Ortiz agreed with Mayor Pro Tern Ambriz and noted ORTIZ that he has previously discussed the Allen Drive parking concerns with former City Manager William Tam. He suggested potentially placing parking restrictions on the street so that residents can utilize the available parking spots, or asking the business to have their employees park across Arrow Highway or Allen Drive.
MAYOR BURROLA Mayor Burrola stated that the business' employees ignore the residents' requests that they park elsewhere and indicated that residents have resorted to placing their trashcans on the street to block parking availability.
CITY MANAGER City Manager Miranda indicated that staff would look into the concern MIRANDA and report back.
DENA ZEPEDA Dena Zepeda suggested working with the business to come up with a solution.
ITEM NO. 4D DISCUSSION REGARDING THE PARKWAY AT IRWINDALE DISCUSSION AVENUE AND CALLE DE PASEO PARKWAY ( requested by REGARDING THE Councilmember Ortiz)
PARKWAY AT
IRWINDALE AVE. AND
CALLE DE PASEO
PARKWAY
COUNCILMEMBER Councilmember Ortiz noted a request he received from the resident ORTIZ living at the corner of Irwindale Avenue and Calle de Paseo to pour concrete in a section of the sidewalk to cover up the dead grass. He added that, if this is approved, perhaps other residents would be CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 28, 2022
REGULAR MEETING PAGE 7
interested in doing the same, and inquired whether this is something that the city would pay for, to which City Manager Miranda advised that parkways are generally the residents" responsibility to maintain.
DIRECTOR Director Rodriguez noted that the Street and Highway Code states RODRIGUEZ that parkways are the responsibility of the homeowners. Additionally, staff has researched the request and has found that past City Councils, City Managers, and City Attorneys have consistently indicated that parkways are the responsibility of the homeowners.
Staff has also received requests from residents for the city to maintain their parkways, and have been informed of the same. Also, the houses built under the Olson project all have Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions advising the homeowners of their responsibility to maintain their parkways. She further noted that there are 73 households in the city where the homeowners are responsible for maintaining their parkways and cautioned that, if the subject request were approved, then the city would be responsible for offering the same services to all 73 households, which would require the city to allocate funds and staff or contractors to perform the work.
COUNCILMEMBER Councilmember Ortiz stated that the city might not necessarily ORTIZ receive requests to fill parkways from all 73 homeowners.
Responding to an additional question by Councilmember Ortiz, Director Rodriguez indicated that Chapter 17 of the Planning Code requires parkways to be landscaped, which could include drought tolerant plants. She noted that drip -watering systems would be required to be tied -in to the resident' s property. She reiterated that, if the request were granted for one resident, it would need to be offered to all.
Councilmember Ortiz asked whether the resident would be permitted to fill the parkway himself, to which Director Rodriguez advised that she would have to look into whether this is permissible.
MAYOR BURROLA Mayor Burrola asked whether the parkway -landscaping requirement would be met with the placement of decorative rocks, to which Director Rodriguez indicated that the landscaping could include mulch, rocks, permeable bricks, and drought -tolerant plants, and that it does not necessarily require grass.
COUNCILMEMBER Councilmember Ortiz requested that staff analyze the code to ORTIZ determine which options are available.
DENA ZEPEDA Dena Zepeda suggested offering grants to beautify streets with drought tolerant landscaping.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 28, 2022
PAGE 8
RECESS At 8: 23 p. m., Mayor Pro Tern Ambriz walked out of the Council Chambers, which prompted Mayor Burrola to call a recess until Mayor Pro Tern Ambriz' s return due to the lack of Council quorum.
RECONVENE At 8: 25 p. m., Mayor Pro Tern Ambriz returned to the Council Chambers and the meeting was reconvened.
COUNCILMEMBER Councilmember Ortiz reiterated his request for Director Rodriguez to ORTIZ report back to the Council with the available options, which Director Rodriguez agreed to do.
ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned at 8: 27 p. m.
M. Nieto, MMC
Deputy City Clerk
Approved as submitted at the meeting held October 12, 2022.