MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
LA MIRADA CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 25, 2024 - 6:30 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Lewis called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, La Mirada City Hall, 13700 La Mirada Boulevard, La Mirada, California.
INVOCATION
The invocation was delivered by Pastor Ralph Miley of La Mirada Foursquare Church.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by representatives of the La Mirada Friends of the Theatre.
4. ROLL CALL
City Council was present with Councilmember De Ruse, Mayor Pro Tem Eng and Mayor Lewis responding to roll call. Councilmember Otero was absent.
The following staff members were also present: City Manager Jeff Boynton, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk Anne Haraksin, and City Attorney Craig Fox.
APPEARANCES, PRESENTATIONS, AND PROCLAMATIONS
5.1 INTRODUCTION OF NEW FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES
The City Council welcomed Benjamin Rodriguez, Robert Kantaeng, and Michael Schmidt and the Mayor, on behalf of the City Council, presented them with a $40 gift certificate to Panera Bread restaurant, a voucher for two tickets to the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, and two passes to Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
A resident named Axel spoke in support of the Aquabelles team practicing at the City's aquatics facility.
Whitman Field spoke in support of the Aquabelles team practicing at the City's aquatics facility.
Jack Miranda addressed the City Council and spoke regarding item 9.1 and inquired if a vote would be taken with three Councilmembers present.
7. APPOINTMENTS
7.1 APPOINTMENTS TO ADVISORY BODIES
Minutes Regular Meeting June 25, 2024
La Mirada City Council
Councilmember De Ruse moved and Mayor Pro Tem Eng seconded to reappoint Desiree Johnson and Susan Savage to the Community Services Commission for a term ending in June 2028; reappoint Richard Cline and Michael Saenz to the Planning Commission for a term ending in June 2028; reappoint Michelle Lynch, Miguel Meza, and John Ojeisekhoba to the Public Safety Commission for a term ending in June 2028; reappoint Diane Albert to the Senior Council for a term ending in June 2025; and appoint Michael Williams to the La Mirada Community Foundation for a term ending in May 2025.
MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmember De Ruse, Mayor Pro Tem Eng, Mayor Lewis NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Otero
ABSTAIN: None
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tem Eng moved and Councilmember De Ruse seconded to approve the following consent calendar items:
8.1 APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
The City Council approved the minutes of the Special Meeting of May 31, 2024, the minutes of the Study Session meeting of June 11, 2024, and the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of June 11, 2024.
8.2 APPROVAL OF WARRANT REGISTER
The City Council approved the warrant register dated June 25, 2024 in the total amount of $1,336,710.37.
8.3 MONTHLY TREASURER REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING APRIL 2024 The City Council received and filed the City of La Mirada Monthly Treasurer Report for the period ending April 2024.
INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE CITY OF LA MIRADA FOR THE MONTH ENDING MAY 2024
The City Council received and filed the City's Investment Report for the month ending May 2024.
8.5 AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED GROUND LEASE
AGREEMENT WITH PTI US TOWERS II, LLC
2 Minutes Regular Meeting June 25, 2024
La Mirada City Council
The City Council approved Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Lease Agreement between the City of La Mirada and PTI US Towers II, LLC, subject to the lease agreement terms recommended by staff, and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the City.
8.6 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING
ARTS FOUNDATION
The City Council received and filed the Annual Report of the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts Foundation.
8.7 LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS FOUNDATION AGREEMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-25
The City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2024-25 agreement between the City of La Mirada and the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts Foundation and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the City.
8.8 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 2022-08, SPLASH! WATERSLIDE
RESURFACING PROJECT - ACCEPTANCE OF WORK
The City Council accepted the waterslide improvements constructed by Safe Slide Restoration; authorized the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with the County Recorder's Office; and authorized the payment of retention monies pursuant to the agreement.
8.9 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 2023-07, NEIGHBORHOOD SLURRY SEAL AREA 5 - FINDING THAT PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT OF 1970, THE PROJECT IS
CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT UNDER SECTION 15301 CLASS 1 (C) AND
APPROVAL OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
The City Council found that pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, the project is categorically exempt under Section 15301 Class 1 (c) and will have no significant adverse effect on the environment; approved the plans and specifications for Capital Improvement Project No. 2023-07, Neighborhood Slurry Seal Area 5; and authorized the City Clerk to advertise for sealed bids.
8.10 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 2023-08, SLURRY SEAL OF
IMPERIAL HIGHWAY FROM WICKER DRIVE TO EAST CITY LIMITS, AND
ARTESIA BOULEVARD FROM VALLEY VIEW AVENUE TO KNOTT AVENUE - FINDING THAT PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT OF 1970, THE PROJECT IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT UNDER SECTION 15301 CLASS 1 (C) AND APPROVAL OF PLANS AND
SPECIFICATIONS
3 Minutes Regular Meeting June 25, 2024
La Mirada City Council
The City Council found that pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, the project is categorically exempt under Section 15301 Class 1 (c) and will have no significant adverse effect on the environment; approved the plans and specifications for Capital Improvement Project No. 2023-08, Slurry Seal of Imperial Highway from Wicker Drive to East City Limits and Artesia Boulevard from Valley View Avenue to Knott Avenue; and authorized the City Clerk to advertise for sealed bids.
8.11 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 2024-02, PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY
FRONT ENTRANCE ADA RAMP - FINDING THAT PURSUANT TO THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT OF 1970, THE PROJECT IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT UNDER SECTION 15301 CLASS 1 (C) AND
APPROVAL OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
The City Council found that pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, the project is categorically exempt under Section 15301 Class 1 (c) and will have no significant adverse effect on the environment; approved the plans and specifications for Capital Improvement Project No. 2024-02, Public Works Facility Front Entrance ADA Ramp; and authorized the City Clerk to advertise for sealed bids.
8.12 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 2024-03, TRAFFIC SIGNAL
UPGRADES - HILLSBOROUGH DRIVE AT HIGHPOINT DRIVE AND VALLEY
VIEW AVENUE AT FOSTER ROAD - FINDING THAT PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT OF 1970, THE PROJECT IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT UNDER SECTION 15301 CLASS 1 (C) AND
APPROVAL OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
The City Council found that pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, the project is categorically exempt under Section 15301 Class 1 (c) and will have no significant effect on the environment and approved the plans and specifications for Capital Improvement Project No. 2024-03, Traffic Signal Upgrades - Hillsborough Drive at Highpoint Drive and Valley View Avenue at Foster Road.
8.13 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 2024-04, TRAFFIC SIGNAL
UPGRADES - IMPERIAL HIGHWAY AT BIOLA AVENUE AND IMPERIAL
HIGHWAY AT FIRST AVENUE - FINDING THAT PURSUANT TO THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT OF 1970, THE PROJECT IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT UNDER SECTION 15301 CLASS 1 (C) AND
APPROVAL OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
The City Council found that pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, the project is categorically exempt under Section 15301 Class 1 (c) and will have no significant effect on the environment and approved the plans and specifications for Capital Improvement Project No. 2024-04, Traffic Signal 4 Minutes Regular Meeting June 25, 2024
La Mirada City Council
Upgrades - Imperial Highway at Biola Avenue and Imperial Highway at First Avenue.
8.14 AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES FOR MUNICIPAL
LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES
The City Council approved the agreement with the County of Los Angeles for law enforcement services and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the City
8.15 APPROVAL OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH SAGECREST TO IMPLEMENT THE HOUSING ELEMENT 6TH CYCLE
The City Council approved an agreement with Sagecrest for implementation of the Housing Element 6th Cycle in the amount of $270,170.00; authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the City; and authorized the City Manager to approve additional work that may be required to complete the implementation of the Housing Element 6th Cycle in an amount not to exceed 25 percent of the total cost.
MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmember De Ruse, Mayor Pro Tem Eng, Mayor Lewis NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Otero
ABSTAIN: None
PUBLIC HEARING
9.1 RESOLUTION NO. 24-12 APPROVING CERTIFICATE OF COMPATIBILITY NO. 64 AND VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 83540 TO DEVELOP A 42-UNIT CONDOMINIUM COMPLEX AT 15700 IMPERIAL HIGHWAY, WITHIN
THE IMPERIAL HIGHWAY SPECIFIC PLAN (IHSP) ZONING DISTRICT AND
FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) GUIDELINES PURSUANT TO SECTION 15332 OF THE CEQA GUIDELINES
City Manager Boynton introduced the item.
Senior Planner Eric Garcia presented a report on the item. He said Warmington Residential California, Inc. submitted a request for Council consideration of Certificate of Compatibility (CofC) No. 64 and Vesting Tentative Tract Map (VTTM) No. 83540 to develop a 42-unit condominium complex a 15700 Imperial Highway and finding the project exempt from the CEQA guidelines pursuant to Section 15332.
5 Minutes Regular Meeting June 25, 2024
La Mirada City Council
Mr. Garcia presented information on existing site conditions and surrounding areas. He said the site is currently developed with a two-story office building located towards north of the site with access from Imperial Highway. He said the southern half of the site is undeveloped. He reported that the site is within Planning Area 3 of the Imperial Highway Specific Plan (IHSP) and he provided information on the allowed land uses.
Mr. Garcia provided information on the proposed site plan, site improvements, preliminary landscape plan, and floor plans. He said the project proposes a total of nine buildings with 42 single-family attached residential units of which seven units will be live-work units. He said the architectural style of the residential complex is California Contemporary, which will complement the surrounding neighborhood. He also provided information pertaining to the maintenance of the easements, drainage, privacy and parking.
Mr. Garcia said the applications under consideration were reviewed by the Planning Commission on May 16. The Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. P-02-24 recommending the City Council approve the proposed project.
Mayor Lewis opened the Public Hearing.
Kurt Hobson spoke against the proposed project due to parking and drainage concerns.
Rob MacLean spoke against the proposed project due to parking and drainage concerns.
Daphne Smith spoke against the proposed project due to drainage concerns.
Mike Bravo spoke against the item due to parking and drainage concerns.
Jack Miranda spoke in support of the project and said it was a step in the direction for Housing for All.
Greg Ocasek, Project Consultant for Warmington Residential California, Inc., spoke in support of the project. He said a hydrology study was completed and approved by Los Angeles County.
Mayor Lewis closed the Public Hearing.
Councilmember De Ruse expressed concerns with parking and drainage. He expressed an interest in receiving additional information regarding drainage and the sewer system.
Mayor Pro Tem Eng asked questions pertaining to the rate of infiltration, the location for overflow parking, and the ingress and egress. 6 Minutes Regular Meeting June 25, 2024
La Mirada City Council
Mayor Lewis expressed an interest in continuing the item so that the applicant can present additional information pertaining to drainage concerns.
Matt Esquivel, a representative of Warmington Residential California Inc., requested the item be continued so additional information could be provided to the City Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Eng moved and Councilmember De Ruse seconded to continue the item to the Council meeting of July 9.
MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmember De Ruse, Mayor Pro Tem Eng, Mayor Lewis NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Otero
ABSTAIN: None
10. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
10.1 RESOLUTION NO. 24-13 APPROVING AND ACCEPTING THE
NEGOTIATED EXCHANGE OF PROPERTY TAX REVENUE RESULTING
FROM THE ANNEXATION OF TERRITORY KNOWN AS REORGANIZATION 2021-03 TO THE ARTESIA CEMETERY DISTRICT, THE DOWNEY
CEMETERY DISTRICT, THE LITTLE LAKE CEMETERY DISTRICT, AND
DETACHMENT FROM THE LITTLE LAKE CEMETERY DISTRICT
City Manager Boynton reported that the City received a letter from the Los Angeles County Chief Executive Office requesting the City consider adopting a Joint Tax Transfer Resolution for Artesia Cemetery District, Downey Cemetery District and Little Lake Cemetery District Reorganization No. 2021-03. He said the three cemetery districts currently have existing boundaries that often only include portions of a particular city, divide cities into multiple cemetery districts, and fail to include unincorporated areas. He said the proposed boundaries provide a clearer distinction between districts than the existing boundaries ana would be easier for the public to understand.
Mayor Pro Tem Eng moved and Councilmember De Ruse seconded to adopt Resolution No. 24-13 approving and accepting the negotiated exchange of property tax revenue resulting from the annexation of territory known as reorganization 2021-03 to the Artesia Cemetery District, the Downey Cemetery District, the Little Lake Cemetery District, and Detachment from the Little Lake Cemetery District.
Minutes Regular Meeting June 25, 2024
La Mirada City Council
MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmember De Ruse, Mayor Pro Tem Eng, Mayor Lewis NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Otero
ABSTAIN: None
11. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Members of the City Council reported on meetings and events they attended.
12. CITY ATTORNEY ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were no City Attorney announcements.
13. CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS
Be held on July 3 at la Mirada Regiona Pays annual Independence Celebration would
14. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, the City Council adjourned the meeting at 8:07 p.m.
Anne Haraksin, City Clerk
Attest:
John Lewis, Mayor