CITY OF SIERRA MADRE
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
SIERRA MADRE CITY COUNCIL
PRA
Tuesday, March 22, 2022 - 5:30 pm
Sierra Madre City Hall, City Council Chambers
232 W. Sierra Madre Boulevard, Sierra Madre, CA 91024
THIS MEETING WILL BE CONDUCTED IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE MOST
CURRENT LOS ANGELES COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICER'S ORDER 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.
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
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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
Arnulfo Yanez, Deputy Director of Public Works
Vincent Gonzalez, Director of Planning and Community Preservation Claire Lin, Senior Planner
Josh Wolf, Associate Planner
Rebecca Silva-Baron, Community Services Manager
Oscar Millan, IT Manager
James Carlson, Management Analyst
Sophia Kownatzki, Management Analyst
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INSPIRATION
Mayor Goss led the Pledge of Allegiance
APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
Mayor Goss asked for changes to the agenda or a motion to approve as presented.
Council Member Arizmendi made a motion to approve the agenda as presented.
Council Member Parkhurst seconded the motion.
Mayor Goss called for a roll call vote of the Council to approve the agenda.
Mayor Goss, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, and Council Members Arizmendi, Kriebs, and Parkhurst 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 Council Member Kriebs.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Arizmendi.
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
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Noes: None.
Absent: None.
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 Joint Council meeting of March 1, 2022.
It was noted that Council Member Parkhurst recommended edits that were not substantive changes.
Council Member Parkhurst moved to approve the minutes of the Joint Council meeting of March 1, 2022 as amended.
Mayor Pro Tem 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 minutes of the Joint Council meeting of March 1, 2022, as amended, was passed by a unanimous voice vote.
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Member Parkhurst: attended a meeting of the Clean Power Alliance; no report from that meeting.
Also attended the Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Commission meeting. The Commission meeting had two presentations. The first presentation was by the League of Women Voters on actions cities can take around climate change. The second presentation was by Joshua Torres and Jeanette Soriano from Southern California Edison on the net energy metering 3.0.
Council Member Kriebs: announced the Wisteria Festival will be held on Sunday March 27, 2022.
Reported the first public hearing on the Monastery Project will be held at the Planning Commission meeting on April 7, 2022
Count member Are auto led the a representine for the fan lial ely aunt of Announced the City of Sierra Madre is in compliance with the recommendations set for the water conservation.
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Mayor Pro Tem Garcia: announced the Sierra Madre Community Foundations Wine and Whisky event will be held on April 2, 2022.
Mayor Goss: no report provided
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.
Public comment from the podium in Council Chambers:
Mr. Gertie: requested a forum to educate the voters if the initiative receives enough signatures and is placed on the ballot for a vote.
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 no e-mails were received for items not on the agenda.
PRESENTATION
INTRODUCTION AND BADGE PINNING OF POLICE OFFICER HIROSHI YOKOYAMA Presentation made by Chief Armalin
Regular Berna Mine Ciry Comel
AGENDA ACTION ITEMS:
CONSENT
City Clerk Aguilar gave the following reports under the Consent Calendar:
CONSENT
a) CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 22-14 APPROVING CERTAIN DEMANDS It is recommended that the City Council approve Resolution 22-14 approving payment of City Warrants in the aggregate amount of $329,661.76; Sierra Madre Library Warrants in the aggregate amount of $2,218.71; and Payroll Transfer in the aggregate amount of $444, 119.57; for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.
b) CONSIDERATION OF AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO ALL AMERICAN ASPHALT, ING., FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2021-2022 STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT No. ST82202 IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $682,000.00.
It is recommended that the City Council award a construction contract to All American Asphalt Contracting, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $682,000 for the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Street Improvement Project including alternate schedule B, and direct staff to solicit a new bid package for the Library Parking Expansion Project as a stand-alone project.
c) ANNUAL HOUSING ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
It is recommended that the City Council receive and file the annual progress report for the Regional Housing Need Allocation (RHNA) submitted to California Department of Housing and Community Development and Office of Planning & Research.
d) TREASURER'S REPORT - QUARTER ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2021 It is recommended that the City Council receive and file the Treasurer's Report for the cash and investment portfolio for quarter ending December 31, 2021. e) CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF INCREASES FOR OPEN PURCHASE ORDERS WHERE THE PURCHASE ORDER PLUS THE INCREASE EXCEEDS $45,000 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021-22 It is recommended that the City Council authorize budgeted increases for purchase orders to allow staff to complete necessary purchases of services, supplies and contracts based upon the current needs of each department.
f) CONSIDERATION OF NEW COMMISSION AND BOARD REGULAR MEETING TIMES; AND
AMENDMENT OT ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT, & NATURAL RESOURCE COMMISSION NAME TO
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
It is recommended that the City Council approve changes to regular meeting times as suggested by the Community Services Commission, Energy, Environment, & Natural Resources Commission, and Library Board of Trustees. It is also recommended that the City Council approve the request by the Energy, Environment, & Natural Resources Commission to change their commission name to Natural Resources Commission.
g) CONSIDERATION OF 2022 WATER MAIN LINGIN PROJECT CHANGE ORDER
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It is recommended that the City Council approve a change order to the 2022 Water Main Lining Project in the amount of $7,200.00
Mayor Goss asked the Council if they had any questions.
Item a - Council Member Parkhurst asked if some of the cost and warrants are related to the catalytic convertor thefts and what is being done about the thefts. Public Works Director Cimino responded that the City has hired a security firm to patrol city yard after hours and into the morning hours. Cameras were installed and the cameras will be uploaded to be monitored on a daily basis. If there is movement on the cameras the Police Dispatch, Police Chief, and Public Works Director Cimino will be notified.
Council Member Arizmendi asked if the City catalytic convertors were engraved. Public Works Director Cimino responded that some of the vehicle catalytic convertors have been engraved and other vehicles had extra pipes installed to make it more difficult to remove the catalytic convertors.
Item b - Council Member Kriebs asked for clarification on the Library Parking Expansion Project as a stand-alone project. She was concerned the amount of the Library Parking Expansion Project would be more than budgeted. Public Works Director Cimino responded that in order to keep the Library Parking Expansion Project in budget it would be solicited as a new bid.
Item o - no questions from the Council.
Item d - no questions from the Council.
Item e - no questions from the Council.
Item f- Council Member Kriebs asked if the three commissions approved the time change of their meetings in their own commission meetings. City Clerk Aguilar responded that the two commissions and the board all had the meeting time changes agenized on their various meeting agendas. The library board has the authority to change the meeting times on their own because they are governed by the state.
However, to remain consistent with all the authorities the library was added to the report.
Council Member Parkhurst asked if the name change for the Natural Resources Commission will change the scope of what the commission is working on. City Clerk Aguilar responded that the name change will not change the scope of the work the commission is currently doing.
Item g - no questions from the Council.
Mayor Goss opened the matter for public comment.
Deb Sheridan: spoke on consent item f. She asked the Council to allow the Community Services Commissioners the opportunity to reconsider the new meeting start time because it is difficult for the public to attend the meetings with the earlier start time.
Council Member Arizmendi responded that the Community Services Commissioners were polled and voted on the meeting time change that was brought to Council for consideration.
Mayor Goss responded that the Library Board also voted on the meeting time change brought to the Council for consideration.
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Mayor Pro Tem Garcia stated he received an email from Deb Sheridan regarding the issue and immediately spoke with a commissioner who stated the Commissioners were polled and agreed to the 5:00pm meeting start time.
Council Member Parkhurst responded that the Commissioners and Board should be able to choose the meeting start time as they are volunteering their time and the meeting time change was agenized and voted on.
Council Member Kriebs commented that the Commissioners and Board should be able to keep the meeting time they voted on.
Seeing no one else come forward to the podium, Mayor Goss closed public comment and brought the matter back to Council for discussion and/or a vote.
Mayor Goss asked for a motion.
Council Member Parkhurst made a motion to approve Consent Items A-G.
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:
Absent:
Abstain: None.
The motion to approve Consent Items A-G was passed by a unanimous vote.
PUBLIC HEARING
1. CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 1449 AMENDING CHAPTER
17.29 (MULTIPLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL HIGH DENSITY) OF TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE SIERRA MADRE MUNICIPAL CODE AND 1450 ADDING CHAPTER 17.39 (RELIGIOUS HOUSING OVERLAY ZONE) TO TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE SIERRA
MADRE MUNICIPAL CODE TO CONFORM TO STATE HOUSING LAW
It is recommended that the City Council introduce for first reading Ordinance 1449 amending Chapter 17.29 (R-H Multiple Family Residential High Density) and Ordinance 1450 adding Chapter 17.39 (Religious Housing Overlay) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code to conform to the recently adopted 6th Cycle 2021-2029 Housing Element update.
Senior Planner Claire Lin presented on this item.
Mayor Goss brought the matter to the City Council for discussion.
Mayor Goss opened the public comment period. Seeing no one come forward to the podium, Mayor Goss closed the public comment period and brought the matter back to the City Council for discussion.
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Council Member Arizmendi made a motion to approve the first reading of Ordinance 1449 and Ordinance 1450 as presented.
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 the first reading of Ordinance 1449 and Ordinance 1450 as presented was passed by a unanimous voice vote.
2. CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 1448 AMENDING THE GENERAL
PLAN LAND USE MAP AND ZONING MAP
It is recommended that the City Council introduce for first reading, by title only, Ordinance No. 1448, amending the General Plan Land Use Map and Zoning Map.
Associate Planner Josh Wolf presented on this item.
Mayor Goss brought the matter to the City Council for questions.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia asked if the RHNA obligation is filled in the sixth cycle 2029 or the seventh cycle 2029 and beyond. Associate Planner Wolf responded that the Ordinance is independent of the housing element as an addition and not part of the housing obligation requirements.
Council Member Parkhurst asked for clarification regarding section 2b where some parcels do not meet the requirement in that section. Associate Planner Wolf responded and stated if the parcels analyzed up against the Foothills would not meet the requirement.
Council Member Kriebs asked if the 168 parcels that are affected by the Ordinance is intended to address the scope of the parcels to make the maps consistent. Associate Planner Wolf responded that the parcels will be restored to their prior zone.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia asked if SB10 be used to update both zoning and land use maps consecutively if the Ordinance is approved. Associate Planner Josh Wolf recommended addressing the ordinance is both the general plan land use map and a zone change.
Mayor Goss opened public comment.
City Clerk Aguilar stated an email was received from Eric Lin. The e-mail was forwarded to the City Council for consideration and uploaded to the City's website for public access and transparency.
Joyce Keyon: spoke on restoring her property back to the original R3 zoning.
Kathy Watson: spoke on restoring the zoning and asked Council to consider approving Ordinance
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Jim Watson: spoke on restoring the zoning and approving Ordinance 1448.
Seeing no one else come forward to the podium, Mayor Goss closed public comment and brought the matter back to the City Council for discussion or a motion.
Council Member Arizmendi made a motion to approve the first reading of Ordinance 1448.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Parkhurst.
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 the first reading of Ordinance 1448 was approved by a unanimous voice vote.
3. CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 1451 AMENDING CHAPTER
17.34 (AFFORDABLE HOUSING) OF TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE SIERRA MADRE
MUNICIPAL CODE TO CONFORM TO STATE DENSITY BONUS LAW
It is recommended that the City Council introduce with first reading Ordinance No. 1451 amending Chapter 17.34 (affordable housing) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code to conform to State Density Bonus Law.
City Attorney Aleks Giragosian presented on this item.
Mayor Goss brought the matter to the City Council for questions.
Council Member Arizmendi asked if there were any concerns on the recommendations from either party. City Attorney Giragosian responded that there were no concerns regarding the recommendations.
Council Member Parkhurst asked if there is a perverse incentive for more renters than homeowners.
Are developers incentivized to group together the renters and homeowners to create homes for rent and ownership. City Attorney Giragosian responded that the amendment could incentivize moderate for rent housing.
Council Member Parkhurst asked if there is a legal concept of the rule against perpetuities. Mayor Pro Tem Garcia clarified that the discussion is about title and not ownership. City Attorney Giragosian responded that Ordinance 1451 would be a restriction on title and not ownership.
Council Member Kriebs asked if there is still a major transition stop in the City of Sierra Madre. City Attorney Giragosian responded that there is no longer a major transition stops in the City.
Council Member Kriebs asked what decisions made would be subject to the appeal process. City Attorney Giragosian responded that if an applicant is denied a density bonus than they have the opportunity to appeal director's denial to the Planning Commission.
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Mayor Goss opened public comment. Seeing no audience member come forward to the podium and no e-mails were received on this item, Mayor Goss closed public comment and brought the matter back to the City Council for discussion or a motion.
Council Member Kriebs asked if the phrasing of Ordinance 1451 will make it difficult for new developers to distinguish between preliminary design review and the actual design review approval process City Attorney Giragosian responded that staff would explain the process to the applicant moving forward so there would be no confusion.
Council Member Parkhurst made a motion to adopt the first reading of Ordinance 1451.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garcia.
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 adopt the first reading of Ordinance 1451 was approved by a unanimous voice
4. CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 1452 ADDING CHAPTER 17.58 (SMALL HOME LOT DEVELOPMENTS) TO TITLE 17 (ZONING), ADDING CHAPTER 16.18 (URBAN LOT SPLIT) TO TITLE 16 (SUBDIVISIONS), AND ADDING CHAPTER 17.59 (MINISTERIAL DESIGN REVIEW PERMITS) TO TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE SIERRA MADRE MUNICIPAL
CODE TO CONFORM TO STATE HOUSING LAW
It is recommended that that the City Council introduce for first reading Ordinance No. 1452 adding Chapter 17.58 (Small Home Lot Developments) to Title 17 (Zoning), add Chapter 16.18 (Urban Lot Split) to Title 16 (Subdivisions), and add Chapter 17.59 (Ministerial Design Review Permits) to Title 17 (Zoning) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code to conform to state housing law.
Mayor Goss brought the matter to the City Council for questions.
Council Member Parkhurst asked if there is a time frame that would have to be waited before another lot split can happen on a given lot. City Attorney Giragosian responded that SB 9 can only be used once and staff will make a notation on the map that will be recorded in the County Clerk's office.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia asked if there will be any designations on the zoning map to show if the lot has already been split. City Attorney Giragosian responded that the map will be recorded with the County Clerk's office and will have a notation on the map to show it has already been split.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia asked if duplexes could be built under SB 9. City Attorney Giragosian responded that a duplex could be built under SB 9.
Council Member Parkhurst asked how can a limited lot size be prohibited. City Attorney Giragosian responded that the average parcel has to have a minimum of 1,750 net habitable square feet to accommodate the limited lot size.
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Council Member Kriebs asked if splitting her home would prevent her neighbor from spitting their home.
City Attorney Giragosian responded that if the owner of the home owns both properties or an agent of the owner than they would be prohibited.
Council Member Arizmendi asked if residential spaces used for a six beds or less rehabilitation house could use these homes. City Attorney Giragosian responded, yes they can use the homes because they are residential.
Council Member Kriebs asked if AB 803 is only used for districts that have already designated in a specific way. City Attorney Giragosian responded that only the properties designated as historic by the state or local government can be exempted from the AB law.
Council Member Parkhurst asked if a historic home can be demolished and then used as an urban lot split. City Attorney Giragosian responded that the property would not be able to be used as an urban lot split if it was designated a historic property.
Council Member Kriebs asked if the City would be able to count the affordable developments against the RHNA numbers if there was a project developed. City Attorney Giragosian responded that it will be interesting to see if Southern California Association and Governments can have the same agreement with the Department of housing and Community Development to count the properties as affordable housing.
Mayor Goss opened public comment. Seeing no audience member come forward to the podium or raise their hand to speak in the Zoom setting, Mayor Goss closed public comment and brought the matter back to the City Council for discussion or a motion.
Mayor Goss opened public comment.
Seeing no one come forward to the podium, Mayor Goss closed public comment and brought the matter back to the City Council for discussion or a motion.
Council Member Kriebs made a motion to approve the first reading of Ordinance 1452.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Arizmendi.
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:
Absent:
Abstain: None.
The motion to approve the first reading of Ordinance 1452 was approved by a unanimous voice vote.
FUTURE ITEMS:
Mayor Goss asked if the Council had any items for future agendas.
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Council Member Kriebs asked for the IT Department to do a report on Cyber Security and the measures being taken.
ADJOURNMENT:
Council Member Arizmendi made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
The motion to adjourn was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garcia.
Mayor Goss called for a roll call vote of the Council.
Ayes:
Noes:
The motion to adjourn was passed by a unanimous voice vote.
THIS SIERRA MADRE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING WAS ADJOURNED at 7:53 p.m. to a Regular Meeting to be held on April 12, 2022.
Tal the
Gene Goss, Mayor
Minutes taken and prepareepy:
/ City Clerk
Reviewed b
Amatular
Laura Aguilar,/City Clerk
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