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MINUTES OF DECEMBER 19, 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 6:41 P.M. on Tuesday, December 19, 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 Vice Mayor Wu.
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; Human Resources/Risk
Management Director Edward Macias, Finance Director
William Kaholokula, Community Development Director
Aldo Cervantes, Police Chief Edwin Elizalde, Fire Division Chief Christopher Eakman, 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
Hearing no objection, Mayor Harrington announced that the Agenda Order was approved.
2. PRESENTATIONS
A. INTRODUCTION OF POLICE OFFICER NORI SMITH
Police Chief Elizalde made the presentation.
B. CITYWIDE COMMUNICATION SURVEY RESULTS
Public Information Officer Clara Tsang made the presentation.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
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Cheryl Cabot, resident, and Sonia provided comments related to San Gabriel Chamber of Commerce municipal membership.
Cynthia Talavera, resident, provided comments about a recent dog attack in her neighborhood.
Andrew, resident, requested wording changes to the policy regarding military equipment which was adopted by the City, and requested that tear gas use not be allowed in the City.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Regarding Item 4D, the following provided comments in favor of preference for tennis players on one of the courts: Alfred Lin, resident; Ken, resident; Tung Phan, resident; Jim Liao, resident; Vicky Hung, resident; Glen Ward, resident; Li-Ken Tang; Bruce Ward, resident; Kelly Hung, resident; Wenpingchen, resident; Scott Yeh, resident; Frank Niu, resident; Paul Lee, resident; and two anonymous residents. The following provided comments or spoke in favor of pickleball players: Dennis Sam, resident; Andre Sam, resident; Johnny Lau, resident; Metkeo Orozco, resident; Mitch Borgeson, resident; and Sonia Lyn, resident.
City Manager Lazzaretto provided an update that City staff will be meeting with school district officials in relation to securing additional tennis courts for community use.
Regarding Item 4B, Andrew, resident, questioned staff's professional association and conference fees and Council Member conference fees and requested a report to the public from those who received the funds.
City Manager Lazzaretto clarified that the referenced expenses are itemized in the City's budget and that Council Members and Department Directors do an excellent job of reporting about those items.
Regarding Item 4G, Andrew, resident, requested information for the public on the 405 S. Del Mar Avenue project.
City Manager Lazzaretto reported that the Community Development Department will have a presentation for the community on this project in the early part of 2024.
A motion was made by Council Member Menchaca, seconded by Council Member Chan, to approve Consent Calendar Items 4A - 4G as presented.
Motion carried by a vote of 5-0 as follows:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
CHAN, DING, MENCHACA, WU, HARRINGTON
NONE
NONE
NONE
I A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The City Council approved the Minutes of the City Council Regular Meeting of December 5, 2023.
B. MATERIAL DEMANDS
The City Council approved November 21, 2023, and December 4, 2023, Registers of Demands and Warrants for the payment of City expenditures.
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C. CASH AND INVESTMENT REPORT - NOVEMBER 2023
The City Council received and filed the Cash and Investment Report for November 2023.
D. ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF WORK FOR THE PICKLEBALL COURT PROJECT AT SMITH PARK IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,200 PLUS A 10% CONTINGENCY
The City Council authorized the additional Scope of Work, increased the purchase order amount by $13,200, plus a 10% Contingency for a total increase of $14,520, from Impact Fund account 124-850-40-97-817, and authorized the City Manager to execute the contracts with Taylor Tennis Courts, Inc. accordingly.
E. PURCHASE OF FOUR 2024 FORD HYBRID MAVERICK TRUCKS USING SOUTH
COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT (AQMD) FUNDS FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $159,032.88
The City Council waived formal bidding and authorized the Cooperative Purchase Agreement consistent with the piggyback bidding requirements pursuant to Municipal Code Section 34.35 and authorized the City Manager to approve a purchase order with National Auto Fleet Group in the amount not to exceed $159,032.88 from Special Project AQM D budget account 124-800-51-99-767.
F. RESOLUTION NO. 23-71 APPROVING PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE SAFETY PROGRAM - OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $55,000 FOR EDUCATION. MATERIAL. AND ILLUMINATED CROSSWALK AT THE
INTERSECTION OF DEL MAR AVENUE AND LIVE OAK STREET AND RELATED
BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 23-71 approving and accepting the Office of Traffic Safety contract funding outlined in this Staff Report and increasing the revenue budget account #147-3229 by an estimated $55,000 to reflect receipt of the grant funds and increasing the Police Department expenditure budget by $55,000, in various accounts in Fund 147, the Office of Traffic Safety Fund, which will be used for overtime costs and the purchase of any related equipment.
G. AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SAN GABRIEL. RELATED COMPANIES (DEVELOPER). AND THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY HOUSING TRUST RELATED TO
THE USE OF PERMANENT LOCAL HOUSING ALLOCATION (PLHA) FUNDING FOR THE 405 SOUTH DEL MAR AVENUE PROJECT
The City Council authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement between the San Gabriel Valley Housing Trust, Related Companies, and the City of San Gabriel for the 5-year PLHA Plan grant period subject to City Attorney's review and approval for legal effect and content.
5. PUBLIC HEARING
A. RESOLUTION NO. 23-72 FISCAL VEAR 2024-25 COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAMS: BUDGET AND
ALLOCATION
Mayor Harrington opened the public hearing.
Economic Development Manager Caroline Velarde made the staff presentation.
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Clarifying discussion included that the $85,00 listed for Neighborhood Improvement Services is used for proportionate staff salaries for work in specific CDBG areas; and pavement funds are carried over for two-year periods and the streets involved, in CDBG-designated areas, are listed in the staff report.
Andrew, resident, questioned the definitions of income levels. City Manager Lazzaretto provided a brief explanation.
Mayor Harrington closed the public hearing.
Discussion included CDBG compliance reporting; CDBG funding is partial funding for the items listed; timely reporting to the community on pavement and project plans; the City submits requests to Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) for particular amounts for particular projects within broad limits, with Council approval; and adoption of a resolution is a formal action required by LAFDA.
A motion was made by Council Member Menchaca, seconded by Vice Mayor Wu, to:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 23-72 authorizing the allocation of Community Development Block Grant funds for FY 2024-25 from Los Angeles County Development Authority for activities and projects described above. n
2. Carry over any Community Development Block Grant funds unspent at the close of FY 2023-24 and recognize the receipt of FY 2024-25 Community Development Block Grant Program funds awarded by Los Angeles County Development Authority to the City in the City FY 2024-25 Budget. fvlotion carried by a vote of 5-0 as follows:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
CHAN, DING, MENCHACA, WU, HARRINGTON
NONE
NONE
NONE
B. AMENDMENT OF AN EXISTING PLANNED DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY ZONE, DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP/ 201-217 SOUTH SAN GABRIEL BOULEVARD/ PLANNING CASE NOS. ZC22-001, AND TMAP22- 015 /APPLICANT: EVERARDO GARCIA OF LCRA
Mayor Harrington opened the public hearing.
Planning Manager Samantha Tewasart made the staff presentation.
Clarifying discussion included affordable housing covenant and public art component details; original Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and subsequent current analysis; downsizing from the original project; restaurant use does not require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP); and that Fire Department input is included in the Conditions of Approval.
Andrew, resident, commented on the EIR, fire hazard related to the six-story height, zero setbacks on Pine Street, and danger of falling items from balconies; and expressed concern that the project is not family-friendly.
Marjan R. Abubo of Lozeau Drury LLP, representing S.A.F.E.R., provided comments requesting that a new EIR be prepared for the project rather than a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND).
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Everado Garcia of LCRA Architects, representing the applicant, made a presentation about the project.
Additional clarification discussion included elements that affected the project timeline and funding resulting in project changes; details of parking space and firesafety design; project history; public art is a recommendation, not a requirement for this project; and reasons a stand-alone MND not tiered from the previous EIR was used; instead of an EIR.
Mayor Harrington closed the public hearing.
Discussion included that the project site is very challenging; additional housing units help the City's Regional Housing Needs Assessment )RHNA) goals; fire safety concerns; financial infeasibility of including public art; and requested that the condition be removed; timeline for construction; starting a fund for fire equipment for higher buildings with the unrestricted $400,000 from the developer for this project; donation for public art at another site since there is not room on the project site; benefit of the affordable units in this project; and funding for additional fire equipment and personnel.
A motion was made by Council Member Menchaca, seconded by Council Member Chan, to
1. Adopt Resolution No. 23-73 approving the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and Planning Case No.
TMAP22-015 (Tentative Track Map); and
2. Waive full reading, introduce Ordinance No. 700 by title only, and waive future reading; and
3. Schedule the second reading and adoption of the Ordinance for the next regular City Council meeting. The Ordinance would then become effective 30 days after adoption.
4. Exclude the public art requirement for this project.
Motion carried by a vote of 5-0 as follows:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
CHAN, DING, MENCHACA, WU, HARRINGTON
NONE
NONE
NONE
RECESS AND RECONVENE
The meeting was recessed at 9:53 P.M. and reconvened at 10:00 P.M. with all Council Members present.
C. ORDINANCE NO. 699 ANNEXATION AND PRE-ZONING (AXN23-001, GPA23- 001, AND ZC23-001) - INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING/ 5623 NORTH GLADYS AVENUE (ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBER 5374-027-005) / APPLICANT:
ALEX ALVAREZ
Mayor Harrington opened the public hearing.
Planning Manager Samantha Tewasart made the staff presentation.
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Clarifying discussion included that annexations add to the City's tax base; address assignment details; and the annexation process.
There was no public comment; therefore, Mayor Harrington closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Council Member Ding, seconded by Vice Mayor Wu, to
1. Waive full reading and introduce Ordinance No. 699 by title only, "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City Of San Gabriel, California, Approving Planning Case Nos. ANX23-001 (Annexation), GPA23-001 (General Plan Amendment), and ZC23-001 (Zone Change) for the Property Located at 5623 North Gladys Avenue, Subject to the Recommended Conditions of Approval."
2. Waive future reading of the Ordinance and schedule the second reading and adoption of the Ordinance for the next Regular City Council meeting. The Ordinance would then become effective 30 days after adoption.
Motion carried by a vote of 5-0 as follows:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
CHAN, DING, MENCHACA, WU, HARRINGTON
NONE
NONE
NONE
6. CONTINUED BUSINESS - None.
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A. AGREEMENT WITH AEF SYSTEMS CONSULTING, INCORPORATED FOR
ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING ADVISORY SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $47,970
Finance Director Kaholokula made the presentation.
Clarifying discussion included the reasons for the wide dollar range of quotes and for using a consultant in the process.
Andrew, resident, questioned the process for choosing a new vendor and the cost for training staff.
Discussion included that programs are out of the box but are configurable.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Wu, seconded by Council Member Menchaca, to authorize the City Manager to enter into a professional services agreement with AEF Systems Consulting, Inc. for Enterprise Resource Planning advisory services.
Motion carried by a vote of 5-0 as follows:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
CHAN, DING, MENCHACA, WU, HARRINGTON
NONE
NONE
NONE
B. AGREEMENT WITH GRIZZLY ENTERTAINMENT FORA DRONE SHOW FOR THE 2024 INDEPENDENCE DAV CELEBRATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $45,000 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Page 6 of 7 December 19, 2023 I
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Community Services Director Perez made the presentation.
Clarifying discussion included that all 400 drones may not be needed for a particular image, hence, the range given; the City would have to provide music; insurance considerations; parking provisions; potential sponsorships for the event; vendor staff lodging accommodations are included in the contract price; inclusion of food trucks for the event; location options; and parking considerations.
Dr. Chasity Jennings-Nunez, resident and Human Equity, Access and Relations (HEAR) Commissioner, and Jeanne Raya, resident, provided comments opposed to the drone show and provided alternative suggestions for use of the funds.
Discussion included the need for change to keep community members engaged; costs savings from sponsorships for other events; involving local vendors; suggestions for entertainment; kudos to Community Services Director Perez; and that this unique event would bring pride to the community and is environmentallyfriendly.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Wu, seconded by Council Member Menchaca, to approve a show with Grizzly Entertainment on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, for 350-400 drones, at a cost of $45,000, to be held at Gabrielino High School; and authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement with Grizzly Entertainment.
Motion carried by a vote of 5-0 as follows:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
CHAN, DING, MENCHACA, WU, HARRINGTON
NONE
NONE
NONE
8. PUBLIC COMMENT - None.
9. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT - None.
10. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS- None.
11. CLOSED SESSION - None.
12. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 11 :08 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
SHARON
;:;, ~
F. CLARK,
l. ~
Chief City Clerk
Approved this 16th day of January, 2024:
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