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MINUTES OF JULY 18, 2023
REGULAR MEETING OF THE SAN GABRIEL CITY COUNCIL
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Harrington called the regular meeting of the San Gabriel City Council to order at 6:44 P.M. on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 425 South Mission Drive, San Gabriel, California, 91776.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Ding.
ROLL CALL
Council Members Present:
Council Members Absent:
Staff Members Present:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Eric Chan, Tony Ding, Denise Menchaca, Vice Mayor
John Wu, and Mayor John R. Harrington.
None.
City Manager Mark Lazzaretto, City Attorney Keith
Lemieux, Community Services Director Rebecca Perez,
Chief City Clerk Sharon Clark, Publ ic Works Director/City Engineer Greg de Vinck, Fire Chief Steven Wallace,
Human Resources/Risk Management Director Edward
Macias, Finance Director William Kaholokula,
Community Development Director Aldo Cervantes,
Interim Police Chief Rikimaru Nakamura, and Assistant
City Clerk Marilyn Bonus.
Chief City Clerk Clark provided information for the public on how to view the meeting and how to request meeting agendas.
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA ORDER
A motion was made by Council Member Menchaca, seconded by Council Member Chan, to have Presentation Item 2E at about 7:30 P.M.
I Motion carried by a vote of 5-0 as follows:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
CHAN, DING, MENCHACA, WU, HARRINGTON
NONE
NONE
NONE
2. PRESENTATIONS
A. AIR QUALITY UPDATE - SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT
DISTRICT
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Michael Cacciotti, South Coast AQMD Vice Chair made the presentation.
B. PRESENTATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL FROM THE SAN GABRIEL K9
FOUNDATION
Sue Fitzsimmons, President/CEO, Partners with San Gabriel K-9s, made the presentation.
C. PARKS MAKE LIFE BETTER MONTH
Community Services Director Perez and Mayor Harrington made the presentation and Director Perez accepted the proclamation.
D. RECOGNITION OF OUTSTANDING OLDER AMERICAN -JOSEPH CLARO Community Services Director Perez and Mayor Harrington made the presentation.
Patty Petevich, on behalf of the Kiwanis Club; Julietta Perez, Executive Director of La Casa; Mary Cammarano on behalf of the San Gabriel Historical Association; and Cindy Talavera, Kiwanis Advisor, commended Mr. Clara's volunteerism.
RECESS AND RECONVENE
The meeting was recessed at 7:19 P.M. and reconvened at 7:33 P.M. with all Council Members present.
E. DONATION OF ART TO THE SAN GABRIEL FIRE DEPARTMENT - WEST
CALIFORNIA ART ACADEMY
Lei Wang, Principal of the West Cal ifornia Art Academy in San Gabriel, and students Al isa Chang and Eric Chang made the presentation, Fire Chief Wallace accepted on behalf of the Fire Department, and Mayor Harrington presented Certificates of Recognition to students Eric Chang, Alisa Chang, and Victoria Wang.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
Former Council Member Carina Rivera, resident, provided comments wishing Vice Mayor Wu a happy birthday.
Andrew, resident, commented on his opposition to the City Attorney prosecuting misdemeanor crimes, commended Police Sergeant Nhat Huynh for working for change, and Mental Evaluation Team Pol ice Officer Cecily Ramirez for developing a youth leadership academy for youth aged 12-17 years and suggested that other department directors develop a training for youth.
Mary Garcia, resident, expressed dissatisfaction with overgrown vegetation at the freeway underpass and offramp at San Gabriel Boulevard, and at residences in the City.
Chasity Nunez, resident, spoke in opposition to the City purchasing a San Gabriel Chamber of Commerce membership or giving the Chamber a grant and suggested there are better ways to spend the money.
Victor Gau, Secretary, I-Chinese American Political Action Committee; Robert Liu, President, of Chinese American Education Association, and Wei Sun, President, U.S.- China Economic Trade and Cultural Arts Federation, expressed support and congratulations to Lei Wang and the West California Art Academy's presentation of art to the San Gabriel Fire Department.
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4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Chief City Clerk Clark announced that requests to pull items 4H and 41 for separate consideration had been received from the public, and that pursuant to Government Code §54953(c)(3) reporting requirements, Consent Item 4L included the following benefit changes for all regular non-represented employees including executive management as follows:
• 5% base salary increase effective the pay period beginning July 1, 2023. This increase excludes the Police Chief salary which was recently increased. • An increase to the City's health benefit contribution from $1,568 to $1,600 per month, effective August 2023.
• An increase in the City's 457 matching contribution limit from $50 to $100 per month, effective August 2023.
• Executive Management administrative leave increase from 60 to 85 hours per calendar year, effective the pay period beginning July 1, 2023, pro-rated.
Regarding Item 4H, Andrew, resident, suggested the trailers could be used for unhoused members of the community instead of being sold.
Council discussion included whether giving the trailers away would be a gift of public funds; wrap-around services that would be required for locating the trailers within the City; using proceeds from the sale for supporting the homeless population; a future agenda item to discuss use of the proceeds; expected revenue from the sale at auction; lack of facilities in the City to accommodate trailers; the trailers are not designed for permanent living; cities are moving toward tiny-house projects; proceeds will return to the general fund; and very minimal cost to maintain the two trailers being retained.
Regarding Item 41, the following provided comments or spoke in opposition to the addition of a pickleball court at Smith Park: Jeanne Raya, resident, Jonathan Vivanti, resident; Annette Kondo, resident, who also submitted a petition signed by neighbors; Isabel Candelarra, resident, Bruce Candelarra, resident; and another Candelarra family member.
Andrew, resident, commented that the Police Department said it there have been no complaints from the noise at existing courts, and that some people who spoke in favor of pickleball at a previous meeting and those he spoke to at the courts were not residents.
A resident spoke in favor of an additional court.
Council discussion included outreach to the public about the planned new court; California Environmental Quality Authority (CEQA) requirements, inadequate room to add trees as a sound barrier for residents, park hours and signage at pickleball and tennis courts; tree-removal for the project; use of courts by both residents and nonresidents; a petition that was submitted is not a legal document but indicates the position of the signers; the finite amount of time for project bids to be valid; and a desire to have an agendized discussion item at a future meeting including noise mitigation measures.
A motion was made by Mayor Harrington, seconded by Council Member Menchaca to continue item 41 to the August 15, 2023, regular City Council meeting unless the contractor will extend price farther, and to give notice of the meeting to residents around the area.
Motion carried by a vote of 5-0 as follows:
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AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
CHAN, DING, MENCHACA, WU, HARRINGTON
NONE
NONE
NONE
Council Member Chan noted a correction to Item 4A2 Minutes, item SA on page 7, to correct the vote summary to 3-2.
A motion was made by Council Member Chan, seconded by Council Member Menchaca, to approve Consent Calendar Item 4A as amended and Items 4B - 4H and 4J - 4M as presented.
Motion carried by a vote of 5-0 as follows:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
CHAN, DING, MENCHACA, WU, HARRINGTON
NONE
NONE
NONE
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The City Council approved the following:
1. Minutes of the City Council Special Meeting of June 20, 2023.
2. Minutes of the City Council Regular Meeting of June 20, 2023, as amended.
B. MATERIAL DEMANDS
The City Council approved June 9, 2023, June 16, 2023, June 23, 2023, and June 30, 2023, Registers of Demands and Warrants for the payment of City expenditures.
C. CASH AND INVESTMENT REPORT - JUNE 2023
The City Council received and filed the Cash and Investment Report for June 2023.
D. RESOLUTION NO. 23-45 APPROVING A THREE-YEAR SERVICE CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $44,299 WITH GOVERNMENT JOBS.COM, INCORPORATED
FOR WEB-BASED APPLICANT TRACKING, HIRING, AND ONBOARDING
SERVICES AND INCREASING BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS FOR CONTRACTUAL
SERVICES
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 23-45 approving the sole source procurement and three-year contract with NEOGOV, increases General Fund appropriations by $9,541 for contractual services, and authorized the City Manager to execute the contract.
E. FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 FIRE DEPARTMENT SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT OPEN PURCHASE ORDERS IN THE AMOUNTS OF $65,000 AND $60,000 The City Council authorized the issuance of open purchase orders in the amount of $65,000 to Life Assist, Incorporated and in the amount of $60,000 to Municipal Emergency Services, pursuant to Title 111, Section 34.35 of the San Gabriel Municipal Code, permitting the City to piggyback on a contract or cooperative purchasing agreement prepared by and processed through another local, state, or federal government agency.
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F. PURCHASE OF A 2024 RAM 3500 TRUCK FOR THE SAN GABRIEL FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $76,447.23
The City Council authorized the issuance of a purchase order in the amount of $76,447.23 to National Auto Fleet Group for the purchase of a 2024 Ram 3500 Tradesman four-wheel pickup truck.
G. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDER WITH TAYLOR TENNIS COURTS, INCORPORATED IN THE AMOUNT OF $35,700 FOR THE RESURFACING OF
THE TENNIS COURTS AT SMITH PARK AND WASHINGTON SCHOOL PARK The City Council:
1. Authorized the issuance of a purchase order for $35,700 to Taylor Tennis Courts Incorporated for the resurfacing of the courts at Smith Park and Washington School Park to be funded from Special Projects Account No. 124-850-18-96- 816.
2. Authorized the issuance of a separate purchase order for $3,570 to cover a 10% contingency, if needed, from Special Projects Account No. 124-850-18-96-816.
3. Adopted Resolution No. 23-44 amending the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget to appropriate additional funds from the Activities account (Fund 173) to Account No. 124-850-18-96-816 for the resurfacing.
4. Authorized the City Manager to sign the contracts with Taylor Tennis Courts, I nco rpo rated.
H. DECLARATION OF UP TO SIX CAMPING TRAILERS AS SURPLUS PROPERTY
AND AUTHORIZATION FOR SALE AT AUCTION
The City Council declared up to six camping trailers as surplus property and authorized the City Manager to have them auctioned.
I. AWARD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT NO. 23-08 TO COMMERCIAL PAVING
AND COATING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW CONCRETE SLAB FOR PICKLEBALL COURTS AT SMITH PARK IN THE AMOUNT OF $90,500 PLUS A $9,050 CONTINGENCY
This item was continued to the regular meeting of August 15, 2023, or later.
J. APPROVAL OF FINAL PARCEL MAP NO. 72302, A 4-UNIT CONDOMINIUM DEVELOPMENT PROJECT LOCATED AT 1308 STEVENS AVENUE
The City Council approved Final Parcel Map No. 72302, authorized its filing with the Los Angeles County Recorder and authorized the City Manager to execute the Subdivision Agreement on behalf of the City.
K. ORDINANCE NO. 690: AMENDING CHAPTER 153 OF THE SAN GABRIEL MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO DENSITY BONUS (ZTA23-001) - SECOND
READING AND ADOPTION
The City Council waived reading in full and adopted Ordinance No. 690 entitled, "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of San Gabriel, California, Approving Planning Case No. ZTA23-001 , Amending Title XV, Chapter 153 (Zoning) relating to Density Bonus.
L. RESOLUTION NO. 23-43 AMENDING THE AUTHORIZED SCHEDULE OF
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS FOR REGULAR NON-REPRESENTED
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EMPLOYEES AND INCREASING BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS FOR REGULAR
NON-REPRESENTED EMPLOYEE SALARIES AND BENEFITS
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 23-43, which amends and approves the authorized Schedule of Compensation and Benefits for the City's regular nonrepresented employees for the period covering July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, and increases General Fund appropriations $508,973 and various other special fund appropriations $119,797 to cover increased costs to salaries and benefits for the City's regular non-represented employees.
M. FIVE YEAR INTERAGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INTEROPERABILITY SYSTEM SUBSCRIBER AGREEMENT WITH AN ANNUAL AMOUNT OF $11,232
The City Council authorized the City Manager or designee to execute the ICI System Subscriber Agreement and approved the issuance of a purchase order in the amount of $11 ,232 for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.
RECESS AND RECONVENE
The meeting was recessed at 9:11 A.M. and reconvened at 9:23 P.M. with all Council Members present.
7. NEW BUSINESS
A. DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION ON ESTABLISHING A SISTER/FRIENDSHIP CITY
POLICY AND WHETHER TO CONSIDER ESTABLISHING RELATIONSHIPS WITH
ADDITIONAL CITIES
Mayor Harrington opened public comment to accommodate a public speaker.
Mary Garcia, resident, recommended a stipend for the City's ambassador for the Sister-City program.
Mayor Harrington continued Item 7 A to after Item 6A.
5. PUBLIC HEARING - None.
6. CONTINUED BUSINESS
A. DISCUSSION REGARDING POTENTIAL PROHIBITION OR REGULATIONS FOR
THE INSTALLATION AND USE OF ARTIFICIAL TURF OR SYNTHETIC GRASS ON
CITY PARKWAYS
Community Development Director Cervantes made the staff presentation.
Annette Kondo, resident, spoke in opposition to artificial turf and recommended drought-tolerant landscaping instead.
Council discussion included that existing artificial turf on parkways must be maintained by the property owner; City and homeowner liability and liability transfer; permit process for undefined parkways; new owner would assume property with existing conditions; no complaints from the public on artificial turf at Marshall Park; artificial turf requires less maintenance than natural grass; life expectancy for artificial turf; and homeowners' ability to get insurance for artificial turf on parkways.
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A motion was made by Council Member Menchaca, seconded by Council Member Chan, to direct staff to amend the standards to allow artificial turf on City-owned parkways.
Motion carried by a vote of 4- 1 as follows:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
7. NEW BUSINESS
CHAN, MENCHACA, WU, HARRINGTON
DING
NONE
NONE
A. DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION ON ESTABLISHING A SISTER/FRIENDSHIP CITY
POLICY AND WHETHER TO CONSIDER ESTABLISHING RELATIONSHIPS WITH
ADDITIONAL CITIES
City Manager Lazzaretto made the staff presentation.
Clarifying discussion included the status with the City's current sister cities; possible benefits; and importance of having a grass-roots facilitator.
Hakka Federation of USA Public Relations Director Pierce Tsao spoke in favor of the City establishing a sister-city relationship with Banqiao District Taiwan.
Council discussion included preferences to have a policy or no policy; a sister-city relationship needs to be a partnership; possibility of starting as a friendship city then move to sister city; being mindful that there will be more than one group interested; benefits of a sister-city relationship; preference to have dedicated rules and staff via a policy; and the differences between a friendship-city and sister-city relationship.
A motion was made by Council Member Chan, seconded by Council Member Menchaca, to direct staff to return with a policy to guide how the City interacts with the current sister-city partners and how to consider future partnerships.
Motion carried by a vote of 5-0 as follows:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
CHAN, DING, MENCHACA, WU, HARRINGTON
NONE
NONE
NONE
B. COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND MISSION PLAYHOUSE ANNUAL UPDATE 2023
This item was postponed to a future meeting.
8. PUBLIC COMMENT - None.
9. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT - None
10. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Menchaca reported on her attendance at the 4th annual National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO); announced that staff will be posting City Council meeting recaps on the City's website and social media; and requested agendizing of a future item for provision of homeless services.
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Vice Mayor Wu reported his attendance at the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association annual flag-raising for July 4th in Chinatown, Mariachis and Movies in the Park at Vincent Lugo Park, and Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) 2023 North America Fellowship meeting.
Council Member Chan reported his attendance at the San Gabriel Independence Day Kids' Parade and a San Gabriel Chamber of Commerce Tasty Tuesday Monthly Networking event.
Council Member Ding reported on the Thanks USA celebration and thanked those who attended and assisted for the event; and reported on the San Gabriel Kids' Parade for the 4th of July and thanked the Community Services Department for the events they put on and manage.
11. CLOSED SESSION - None.
12. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 11 :03 P.M
Respectfully submitted:
I Approved this 15th day of August, 2023:
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JOHN R. HARRINGTON, Mayo
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