CITY OF SIERRA MADRE
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
SIERRA MADRE CITY COUNCIL
ORRA MA
Tuesday, February 8, 2022 - 5:30 pm
Sierra Madre City Hall, City Council Chambers
232 W. Sierra Madre Boulevard, Sierra Madre, CA 91024
Pursuant to the Wednesday January 05, 2022 Los Angeles County Public Health Officer's order, everyone must wear a mask covering their mouth and nose at all times The Brown Act provides the public with an opportunity to make public comments at any public meeting.
Public comment may also be made by e-mail to [email protected] by 3:00PM on the day of the meeting. Emails will be acknowledged at the Council meeting, filed into public record and scanned onto the City website for public review.
Any member of the public may also join the meeting as an attendee to provide their comments. To provide public comment as an attendee, please join the meeting at the start of our scheduled meeting time.
Attendees will be muted upon entry into the meeting and will remain muted until any Public Comment period is opened. Attendees will be able to watch and listen to our meeting live to all topics being discussed by the Council. Once the Public Comment period is opened, you will utilize the "Raise Hand" feature in the Zoom Client, or dial *g from a landline or phone. You will then be placed in the queue for ublic comment and allowed to speak in the order that you entered the queue.
To participate in public To join from your computer: To join using Zoom:
comment call: https://bit.ly/CSMCC2022 www.zoom.com/join 669-900-9128 Passcode: 91024 Meeting ID: 886 9228 1449
Webinar ID: 886 9228 1449 Passcode: 91024
Passcode: 91024
The meeting will be streamed live on the City's website at www.cityofsierramadre.com, on Foothills Media website at http://www.foothillsmedia.org/sierramadre and broadcast on Government Access Channel 3 (Spectrum)
CODE OF CONDUCT
The purpose of a City Council meeting is to conduct City business. Members of the public that behave in a manner that interrupts or obstructs the Council's ability to conduct City business may be asked to leave the meeting. Any and all demonstrations which disrupt, interrupt, or obstruct the Council's ability to conduct City business are prohibited. No signs, posters or other large objects shall be brought into the Council Chambers or other meeting place if doing so would disrupt, disturb or otherwise impede the orderly course of the meeting.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Goss called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. City Clerk Aguilar called the roll.
Present: Mayor Gene Goss, Mayor Pro Tem Edward Garcia, and Council Member Rachelle Arizmendi, Council Member Kelly Kriebs, and Council Member Robert Parkhurst
Absent: none.
Also Present: Jose Reynoso, City Manager
Miguel Hernandez, Assistant City Manager
Aleks Giragosian, City Attorney
Laura Aguilar, City Clerk/Administrative Services Manager Hillary Guirola-Leon, Finance Director
Rodrick Armalin, Police Chief
Brent Bartlett, Fire Chief
Chris Cimino, Public Works Director
Stephen McGee, Interim Utility Services Director
Arnulfo Yanez, Deputy Director of Public Works
Vincent Gonzalez, Director of Planning and Community Preservation Lori Garza, Interim City Librarian
Rebecca Silva-Baron, Community Services Manager
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Oscar Millan, IT Manager
Christian Delgado, Senior Network Administrator
James Carlson, Management Analyst
Sophia Kownatzki, Management Analyst
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INSPIRATION
Council Member Arizmendi led the Pledge of Allegiance and recognized the diversity in our community, specifically with February celebrations; Black History Month, Lunar New Year, and Valentine's Day.
APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
Mayor Goss asked for changes to the agenda or a motion to approve as presented.
Council Member Parkhurst made a motion to approve the agenda as presented.
Council Member Kriebs seconded the motion.
Mayor Goss called for a roll call vote of the Council to approve the agenda.
Ayes: Mayor Goss, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, and Council Members Arizmendi, Kriebs, and Parkhurst Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
The motion to approve the agenda as presented was passed by a unanimous voice vote.
APPROVAL FOR READING RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES
Vote of the City Council to read all Ordinances and Resolutions by title only and waive the reading in full.
Mayor Goss asked for a motion.
A motion to approve the reading of resolutions and ordinances was made by Kriebs.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Parkhurst.
Mayor Goss called for a roll call vote of the Council:
Ayes: Mayor Goss, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, and Council Members Arizmendi, Kriebs, and Parkhurst Noes:
Absent:
Abstain: None.
The motion to approve the reading of all Ordinances and Resolutions by title only, and waive the reading in full, was passed by a unanimous voice vote
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Goss asked for a motion or suggested changes to meeting minutes of the Regular Council meeting of January 25, 2022.
Council Member Parkhurst moved to approve the minutes of the Regular Council meeting of January 25, 2022 as presented.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia seconded the motion.
Mayor Goss called for a roll call vote of the Council:
Ayes: Mayor Goss, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, and Council Members Arizmendi, Kriebs, and Parkhurst Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
The motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Council meeting of January 25, 2022, as presented, was passed by a unanimous voice vote.
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MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Member Parkhurst: attended two Clean Power Alliance meetings, attended the Solar Groundbreaking at the Public Works Maintenance Yard on January 26' and is looking forward to having the project completed at the end of March. Sierra Madre Fire Dept. obtained a grant for a green waste chipping program that will allow residents to trim their trees and bring the greenery to be chipped and used as mulch. A water main is being replaced in the Canyon and he appreciates everyone's patience.
Recently there has been an issue with bears. Staff will bring a report to Council in the next few weeks on a Wildlife Program. In the meantime, he urges the public to not feed the wildlife.
Council Member Arizmendi:
Attended the Community Services Commission meeting on January 31s. There was a presentation on a bike-friendly community. There were many recommendations and suggestions. She encourages the community to bike to work when possible. The Community Services Commission will soon present something to Council.
Council Member Kriebs:
Attended the Planning Commission meeting. Reminded the public that there is a joint Council and Planning Commission meeting on February 15" at 5:00 at the Memorial Park Band shell to discuss the proposed Meadows at Bailey Canyon Project.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia: The meeting for the Senior Community Commission scheduled for February 3rd was cancelled. The next meeting will be on March 3rd. As a follow-up to Council Member Parkhurst regarding water main repair work being done in the upper canyon, Public Safety has safety contingency plans in place for emergencies.
Additionally, Sierra Madre Little League will have their opening day on February 26. And as soon as he finds out the opening day for the Sierra Madre Softball League he will make that announcement.
Mayor Goss: January 26t attended the first Los Angeles County Sanitation meeting. They announced that there are some State grants available to publicize the Organics Waste Program that is required by the State.
PUBLIC COMMENT
The Council will listen to the public on any item on the agenda. In addition, the Council will devote time for public comment on items not on the agenda. Addressing the City Council from the audience is not permitted; all comments addressing the Council must be made from the podium. Only public comment made from the podium will be recognized by the City Council and entered into public record.
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
Persons wishing to speak on any item on the agenda will be called during the comment period at the time the agenda item is brought forward. Persons wishing to speak on closed session items have a choice of doing so either immediately prior to the closed session or at the time for comments on items
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Time shall be devoted to provide public comments for items not on the agenda. Under the Brown Act, Council is prohibited from taking action on items not on the agenda, but the matter may be referred to staff or to a subsequent meeting.
COMMENTS
1. Any person wishing to provide public comment on matters not on the agenda, or during the comment period for items on the agenda is asked to complete a comment card. Please include your name and address. Each speaker will be limited to up to three continuous minutes, which may not be delegated or deferred.
2. The City provides a podium for public comment. Comments addressed to the Council shall occur during the appropriate time on the agenda and should not be construed as an opportunity for dialogue.
Each speaker will be limited to three continuous minutes, which may not be delegated or deferred.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Goss opened the meeting for Public Comment on items not on the agenda.
One caller in the queue:
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Deb Sheridan: announced a joint meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission, urging the City Council and Planning Commission to read the 24-page rebuttal prepared by Preserve Sierra Madre, prior to the joint meeting on February 15.
Lynne Collmann: Read a statement asking for an update to City plans to preserve the Wistaria Vine.
Ann Chesterman: Shared her experience with bears and expressed her fear of their escalating behavior.
Hearing no one else, Mayor Goss asked City Clerk Aguilar if any e-mails had been submitted for public comment. City Clerk Aguilar advised that four e-mails were received for items not on the agenda. All four e-mails were forwarded to the City Council for their review and consideration and uploaded to the City website for purposes of transparency and public access.
Kathy Cady: sent an e-mail urging the City Council to place a vote of no confidence in District Attorney Gascon.
Lynne Collmann: sent an e-mail asking the Council for an update to City plans to preserve the Wistaria Vine.
Deb Sheridan: sent an e-mail asking procedural questions for the joint meeting between the City Council and Planning Commission scheduled for February 15, 2022 at 5:00pm in the bandshell at Memorial Park.
PRESENTATION
OVERVIEW OF CURRENT AND FUTURE LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM Management Analyst Carlson provided a report to the City Council providing information on the current state of the Dial-A-Ride and Gateway Coach vehicles and the decrease in ridership. The Dial-A-Ride and Gateway Coach programs share the vehicles and both have exceeded their life expectancy.
Mayor Goss asked City Clerk Aguilar to report on the Consent Calendar.
AGENDA ACTION ITEMS:
CONSENT
City Clerk Aguilar gave the following reports:
A) CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 22-07 APPROVING CERTAIN DEMANDS It is recommended that the City Council approve Sierra Madre City Council Resolution 22-07 approving payment of City Warrants in the aggregate amount of $301,246.11; Sierra Madre Library Warrants in the aggregate amount of $4,989.05; and Payroll Transfer in the aggregate amount of $398,773.93; for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.Mayor Goss asked if the City Council had any questions on any Consent item.
Item A - no questions from the Council.
Mayor Goss opened the matter for public comment.
Seeing no one raise their hand, Mayor Goss closed public comment and brought the matter back to Council for discussion and/or a vote.
Mayor Goss asked for a motion to approve Consent Item A; Council Member Arizmendi made a motion to approve Consent Item A.
Council Member Kriebs seconded the motion.
Mayor Goss called for a roll call vote of the Council.
Ayes: Mayor Goss, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, and Council Members Arizmendi, Kriebs, and Parkhurst Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
The motion to approve Consent Item A was passed by a unanimous vote.
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Regular Meeting Minutes 02-08-2022
DISCUSSION
1. DISCUSSION OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE TEXT AMENDMENT PRIORITY LIST It is recommended that the City Council direct the Planning Commission to proceed with the recommended list of Municipal Code Text Amendments for implementation in the calendar year 2022.
Director Gonzalez gave the report which included a Power Point Presentation.
Mayor Goss brought the matter to the City Council for discussion.
Mayor Goss opened the public comment period. Seeing no one raise their hand to speak, Mayor Goss closed the public comment period and brought the matter back to the City Council for discussion.
Council Member Arizmendi commented that the format of the report was helpful. She stated that she would like to move forward as presented.
Council Member Kriebs suggested that Council consider the cost to outsource the development of the objective of design standards to reduce some of the burden on staff.
Council Member Parkhurst prefers to provide the option for several arborists from which to choose.
Council Member Arizmendi made a motion to approve the priority list as presented with the modifications to the Commissioner Suggested list by changing the following:
a) moving item #2 of reducing maximum allowed FAR by 800sf to the last priority with the possibility of further discussion at a later time; and
b) moving item #7 for a list of approved arborists to be initiated by staff and to be brought forward to the Planning Commission for consideration upon completion.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia seconded the motion.
Mayor Goss called for a roll call vote of the Council.
Ayes: Mayor Goss, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, and Council Members Arizmendi, Kriebs, and Parkhurst Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
The motion to approve the motion to approve the priority list as presented with the modifications to the Commissioner Suggested list by changing the following:
a) moving item #2 of reducing maximum allowed FAR by 800sf to the last priority with the possibility of further discussion at a later time AND
b) moving item #7 for a list of approved arborists to be initiated by staff and to be brought forward to the Planning Commission for consideration upon completion was passed by a unanimous voice vote.
2. DISCUSSION ON CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION CHANGES TO
NET ENERGY METERING
It is recommended that the City Council direct the Energy Environment and Natural Resources (EENR) Commission to evaluate impacts on Sierra Madre residents and provide a recommendation to the City Council.
Management Analyst Kownatzki presented on this item.
Council Member Parkhurst asked for the difference in fees between inter-connection and power generation.
Mayor Goss opened the matter for public comment. Seeing no audience member raise their hand to speak, Mayor Goss closed public comment and brought the matter back to the City Council for discussion or a motion.
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The City Council provided direction to the Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Commission to evaluate impacts of the PUCs changes to new energy metering and provide a recommendation to the City Council.
3. CONSIDERATION OF CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 22-09 AUTHORIZING HYBRID AND FULLY REMOTE TELECONFERENCED MEETINGS FOR 30 DAYS
It is recommended that the City Council approve Resolution No.22-09 authorizing hybrid and fully remote teleconferenced meetings for 30 days.
City Attorney Giragosian presented the report to the City Council.
Mayor Goss opened public comment. Seeing no member of the audience raise their hand to provide comment, Mayor Goss closed public comment and brought the matter back to the City Council for discussion.
Council Member Kriebs stated that given the technical difficulties with having a hybrid meeting that she would support keeping the meetings virtual, if necessary.
City Manager Reynoso stated that this item will come before the City Council every 30 days and can be placed on the Consent Calendar going forward.
Council Member Arizmendi made a motion to approve Resolution 22-09 authorizing hybrid and fully remote teleconferenced meetings for 30 days.
Council Member Kriebs asked that the motion be amended to make the meeting agenda more clear that the meetings will be held virtually or in-person.
Council Member Arizmendi amended her motion to include the amendment suggested by Council Member Kriebs.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Kriebs.
Mayor Goss asked for a roll call vote of the City Council.
Ayes: Mayor Goss, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, and Council Members Arizmendi, Kriebs, and Parkhurst Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
The motion to approve Resolution 22-09 was approved by a unanimous voice vote.
4. CONSIDERATION OF CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 22-08 ADOPTING AN EX PARTE
COMMUNICATION AND SITE VISIT DISCLOSURE POLICY
It is recommended that the City Council approve Resolution No. 22-08 adopting an ex parte communication and site visit disclosure policy.
City Attorney Giragosian provided the report on this item.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia asked if it was necessary to disclose when members of the public approach the Council to discuss topics for potential discussion.
Council Member Kriebs stated that there might be instances that would overlap the Council's roles as adjudicators and legislators. Should the Council disclose to the public that any discussions held may have to be disclosed to the public on the record; and
Mayor Goss opened public comment. Seeing no member of the audience raise their hand to provide comment, Mayor Goss closed public comment and brought the matter back to the City Council for discussion.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia made a motion to approve Resolution 22-08 The motion was seconded by Council Member Kriebs.
Mayor Goss asked for a roll call vote of the City Council.
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Ayes: Mayor Goss, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, and Council Members Arizmendi, Kriebs, and Parkhurst Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
The motion to approve Resolution 22-08 was approved by a unanimous voice vote FUTURE ITEMS:
Mayor Goss asked if the Council had any items for future agendas.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia asked for options for the City obtaining 505 and 535 N. Hermosa Avenue as an asset and what the fiscal impact would be to the City to obtain one or both properties.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Goss asked if there were any objections to adjourning the meeting. No objections were made by any Member of the City Council.
THIS SIERRA MADRE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING WAS ADJOURNED at 7:53 p.m. to a Regular Meeting to be held on February 22, 2022.
Sate for
Gene Goss, Mayor
Minutes taken and prepared by:
Qura Aquelar
aura Aguilar, City Cler
Sierra Madre City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes 02-08-2022