MINUTES OF THE REGULAR STUDY SESSION MEETING
LA MIRADA CITY COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 8, 2022 - 5 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Eng called the meeting to order at 5 p.m. in Council Chambers, La Mirada City Hall, 13700 La Mirada Boulevard, La Mirada, California.
ROLL CALL
The City Council was present with Councilmember De Ruse, Councilmember Lewis, Councilmember Sarega, Mayor Pro Team Otero and Mayor Eng responding to roll call.
The following staff members were present: City Manager Jeff Boynton, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk Anne Haraksin and City Attorney James Markman.
Item Nos. 3 and 4.4 were presented out of order.
4. REVIEW AND DISCUSSION
4.1 INTERVIEW / OF POTENTIAL PUBLIC SAFETY AND TRAFFIC
COMMISSIONER
Members of the City Council invited Miguel Meza to provide information on his interest, qualifications and experience, as they relate to the Public Safety and Traffic Commission.
Members of the City Council asked Mr. Meza questions related to his potential role on the Public Safety and Traffic Commission. The City Manager said an item regarding his potential appointment would be placed on an upcoming City Council meeting agenda.
4.2 2021 ANNUAL CRIME REPORT
City Manager Jeff Boynton introduced the item. Service Area Sergeant Oscar Rodriguez and SAO Sergeant Cesar Hinajosa were present to give a report.
Sergeant Rodriguez said that La Mirada continues to have one of the lowest crime rates in the area with fewer calls for service and generally less criminal activity. He reported there were 813 Part 1 crimes reported in 2021 compared to 793 in 2020. He provided information on the number of homicides, rapes, larceny incidents, burglaries, automobile thefts, robberies, assaults and arsons. He also provided information on response times and the number of arrests.
Minutes of the Study Session Meeting
February 8, 2022
Sergeant Rodriguez said overall La Mirada experienced the lowest number of Part 1 crimes of communities in southeast Los Angeles County and norther Orange County. He said according to SateWise, La Mirada was the 38th Safest City in California. He said for this year the Public Safety Team plans to continue its efforts to maintain a low crime rate and keep the community safe. He said the team would aim to reduce the number of property crimes by educating residents on crime prevention measures. Additionally, the City would continue to use the La Mirada Living City newsletter and a variety of social media platforms to inform residents about Public Safety programs, new laws, crime trends, and prevention trends.
Members of the City Council asked questions regarding the 2021 Annual Crime Report. The City Council expressed its appreciation to Sergeant Rodriguez, the Sheriffs Department, and Public Safety Team for keeping La Mirada a safe community.
4.3 UPDATE ON CREEK PARK PILOT VIDEO PROJECT
City Manager Boynton introduced the item.
Public Works Manager Marlin Munoz provided an update on the pilot video project at Creek Park. He said after reaching out to multiple vendors, Verkada Incorporated was the most responsive and performed a walk through of both sites with staff to determine camera placement and other operational needs including electric service, trenching, and internet connectivity. He said Verkada suggested ten cameras be installed at Creek Park and two cameras in the Imperial Highway tunnel, which would provide coverage of strategic areas as identified by the Public Safety Team.
Public Works Manager Munoz said for the installation of 12 cameras, mounting poles, all electrical and conduit installation and a five-year camera software license the cost would be approximately $80,000. He said that in two locations, solar panels would be needed as adding electrical service would be cost prohibitive. Additionally, staff obtained a quote for internet connectivity through Spectrum. He said monthly service for Creek Park was quoted at $1,399 per month with an installation fee of $250. He said if the Council wished to proceed with this project, a formal RFP would be needed.
Members of the City Council asked questions and expressed support for implementing a pilot video project at Creek Park.
2 Minutes of the Study Session Meeting
February 8, 2022
PUBLIC COMMENT
Francis Park, a local business owner, provided information on the proposed project called The Grand at La Mirada.
Carol Watkins expressed her concerns regarding agenda item 4.4 and spoke against amending the Zoning Ordinance to allow for a car wash facility.
David Morfin expressed his concerns regarding agenda item 4.4 and spoke against amending the Zoning Ordinance to allow for a car wash facility.
Michael Barea expressed his concerns regarding agenda item 4.4 and spoke against amending the Zoning Ordinance to allow for a car wash facility.
Linda Guzman expressed her concerns regarding agenda item 4.4 and spoke against amending the Zoning Ordinance to allow for a car wash facility.
Steliah Cristea addressed the City Council regarding the permitted heights for front yard fences and submitted a petition.
Christine Cook expressed her concerns regarding agenda item 4.4 and spoke against amending the Zoning Ordinance to allow for a car wash facility.
Chris Caley expressed his concerns regarding agenda item 4.4 and spoke against amending the Zoning Ordinance to allow for a car wash facility.
Barbara P. expressed her support for agenda item 4.4 to amend the Zoning Ordinance and allow for a car wash facility.
James Baruch expressed his support for agenda item 4.4 to amend the Zoning Ordinance and allow for a car wash facility.
Eduardo Rodriguez expressed his support for agenda item 4.4 to amend the Zoning Ordinance and allow for a car wash facility.
Emilie Navarro expressed her support for agenda item 4.4 to amend the Zoning Ordinance and allow for a car wash facility.
Marilou Ganzon expressed her concerns regarding agenda item 4.4 and spoke against amending the Zoning Ordinance to allow for a car wash facility.
Lauren Simon expressed her support for agenda item 4.4 to amend the Zoning Ordinance and allow for a car wash facility.
Donald Watkins expressed his concerns regarding agenda item 4.4 and spoke against amending the Zoning Ordinance to allow for a car wash facility. 3 Minutes of the Study Session Meeting
February 8, 2022
4.4 POTENTIAL ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT AND CARWASH
FACILITY AT 13525 BEACH BOULEVARD WITHIN THE GENERAL
COMMERCIAL (C-4) ZONING DISTRICT
City Manager Boynton introduced the item.
Community Development Director Gabriel Bautista provided information on the Zoning Ordinance and carwash facility at 13525 Beach Boulevard.
He said in late 2020, Five Star Express Carwash submitted a plan for the development of a car wash with an auto parts and a convenience store at 13525 Beach Boulevard. He said the site was previously home to a CVS Pharmacy. He said after reviewing the proposed project, the applicant was advised that current Zoning Ordinance regulations do not permit the establishment of a car wash facility as proposed and that a carwash, within the subject zoning district, is only permitted when established as an ancillary part of a Service Station.
Community Development Director Bautista said on October 1, 2021, the property owner submitted a Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) application to establish an Automotive service station - Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging. He said as part of the submitted ZOA Application, the applicants included plans for a proposed development which includes a 4,190 square foot automated car wash tunnel, 9,844 square feet of retail/office/restaurant space, 41 parking spaces, eight EV charging spaces and 21 vacuum spaces. He said given the uniqueness of the proposed mix of uses and design of the project, staff is seeking input from the City Council regarding the ZOA and project before processing a ZOA Application that would facilitate the development of the project and amend the code to allow car wash facilities to establish without having to be connected to a Service Station as currently required by the code.
Members of the City Council discussed the ZOA Application and expressed concerns in amending the code to allow car wash facilities to establish without having to be connected to a Service Station as currently required by the code. City Council expressed support for a development project that would include only retail, office space and a restaurant.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
The City Manager had no reports.
4 Minutes of the Study Session Meeting
February 8, 2022
6. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, the City Council adjourned the meeting at 7:21 p.m.
Leticia Revilla, Assistant City Clerk
ATTEST:
Ed Eng, Mayor
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