CITY OF SIERRA MADRE
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
SIERRA MADRE CITY COUNCIL
MAD
Tuesday, May 24, 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 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
orderly course of the meeting.
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)
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Goss called the meeting to order at 5:34 p.m. City Clerk Aguilar called the roll.
Present: Mayor Gene Goss, Mayor Pro Tem Edward Garcia, and Council Members Rachelle Arizmendi, Kelly Kriebs, and Robert Parkhurst
Absent: None.
Sierra Madre City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes 05-24-2022
Also Present: Miguel Hernandez, Assistant City Manager
Aleks Giragosian, City Attorney
Laura Aguilar, City Clerk/Administrative Services Manager Chris Cimino, Director of Public Works
Arnulfo Yanez, Deputy Director of Public Works
Henry Amos, Police Captain
James Carlson, Management Analyst
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INSPIRATION
Council Member Parkhurst led the Pledge of Allegiance and asked for a moment of silence, dedicated with respect, to the victims of the Texas elementary school shooting.
Council Member Parkhurst also shared a quote from John Muir "and into the forest / go, to lose my mind and find my soul", and invited the community to spend more time in nature and the outdoors.
APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
Vote of the City Council to proceed with City business.
Motion to approve the agenda as presented was made by Council Member Arizmendi.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garcia.
Mayor Goss called for a roll call vote of the Council:
Ayes: Mayor Goss, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, Council Member Arizmendi, Council Member Kriebs, and Council Member Parkhurst
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
The motion to approve the agenda as presented was approved 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 Parkhurst.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Kriebs.
Mayor Goss called for a vote of the Council.
Ayes: Mayor Goss, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, and Council Members Arizmendi, Kriebs, and Parkhurst Noes: None.
Absent: 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.
Sierra Madre City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes 05-24-2022
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
Approval of May 10, 2022 City Council regular meeting minutes.
Council Member Parkhurst pointed out an error on page 7 that listed his name twice in succession and asked for that to be corrected.
Council Member Kriebs moved to approve the minutes of the Regular Council meeting of May 10, 2022 with the correction cited by Council Member Parkhurst.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia seconded the motion.
Mayor Goss called for a 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 Council meeting of May 10, 2022 as amended
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Reporting of Council Members' activities related to City business.
Council Member Arizmendi: recognized Asian American Pacific Islander Month and the contributions made by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Met with Community Services Commission Chair Karen Rowinsky regarding concerns for film permits.
The Commission discussed this topic at their last meeting and continued this discussion to a Special meeting.
Attended the League of California Leader's Summit in Sacramento. Some of the discussions involved the State's budget surplus of $68 billion and discussed how to best allocate those funds to State- mandated programming.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia: did not have a report.
Council Member Kriebs: announced the upcoming Mt. Wilson Trail Race scheduled for the Memorial Day weekend. Also announced Sierra Madre Little League Championship games Council Member Parkhurst: announced that the Clean Power Alliance held elections. Council Member Parkhurst was appointed to serve an additional term as Energy Chair.
Also announced that he toured the Fire Department Training Center at Rio Hondo. He also announced the U.S. Forestry Service training in the Bailey Canyon area.
Mayor Goss: announced the passing of Joan Crowe, a giving volunteer for many years, and wife of past Mayor Bruce Crowe.
Also, announced that there would be a Pasta Feed event for the Mt. Wilson Trail Race on Friday, May
27. Also, the VFW would have a Memorial Day salute at 11:00 on Memorial Day at Pioneer Cemetery.
Lastly, announced that his wife, Lisa Goss, earned her Masters' Degree.
Sierra Madre City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes 05-24-2022
PRESENTATIONS
PRESENTATION BY THE SIERRA MADRE CIVIC CLUB FOR GRANT FUND DISTRIBUTIONS A presentation was made by Civic Club President Margaret Switzer awarding several Sierra Madre groups with grant checks totaling $17,500; among the recipients were Sierra Madre Public Library and wistaria vine maintenance at City Hall.
PRESENTATION BY THE SIERRA MADRE ROSE FLOAT ASSOCIATION A presentation was made by Sierra Madre Rose Float Association President Gwen Robertson donating a framed portrait of the 2021 award-winning float.
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 at the open session.
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Time shali 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.
Randy Skillman, 643 Camillo: he counted 26 potholes created as a result of water leaks and asked the City to make repairs.
Roubina Goudiki, 625 Camillo: streets where she lives are becoming a hazard as a result of the patched street work and asked the City to make repairs.
Susan Neuhausen, 491 Grove Street: spoke about the impacts on Sierra Madre's water infrastructure as a result of the project at the Meadows.
Deb Sheridan, Valle Vista: attended the Community Services Commission meeting where they discussed changes to the film permit process. Ms. Sheridan expressed concerns with changes to the process.
Sierra Madre City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes 05-24-2022
Glen Lambdin, Sturtevant: Announced a free Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class for new veterans and first responders to be held at G3 Academy on Sundays at noon.
Sharon Pesner: announced the 5k Fun Run on the 4th of July.
Sue Spears: announced the Pre-Race Pasta Feed on Friday. The cost is $8.00 per person.
Robert Gjerde: Inquired about changes in the EIR for the Meadows Project Seeing no one else come forward, Mayor Goss closed public comment on items not on the agenda.
ACTION ITEMS
City Clerk Aguilar gave the following reports under the Consent Calendar:
CONSENT
a) CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 22-24 APPROVING CERTAIN DEMANDS It is recommended that the City Council approve Resolution 22-24 approving payment of City Warrants in the aggregate amount of $277,759.23; Sierra Madre Library Warrants in the aggregate amount of $4,892.87; and Payroll Transfer in the aggregate amount of $421,454.42; for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.
b) TREASURER'S REPORT - QTR ENDING MARCH 31, 2022
It is recommended that the City Council receive and file the Treasurer's Report for the cash and investment portfolio for quarter ending March 31, 2022. c) SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 1454 AMENDING CHAPTER 17.08 (DEFINITIONS), CHAPTER 17.22 (SECOND UNITS), AND CHAPTER 17.28 (R-3 MEDIUM/HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL ZONE) OF TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE SIERRA MADRE MUNICIPAL CODE It is recommended that the City Council conduct a second reading, by title only, Ordinance No. 1454, amending Chapter 17.08 (Definitions), Chapter 17.22 (Second Units), and Chapter 17.28 (R-3 Medium/High Density Residential Zone) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the Sierra Madre Municipal SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 1455 AMENDING CHAPTER 17.20 (R-1 ONE- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONE), CHAPTER 17.28 (R-3 MEDIUM/HIGH-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL ZONE), CHAPTER 17.40 (M MANUFACTURING ZONE), CHAPTER 17.48 (DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS), CHAPTER 17.52 (H HILLSIDE MANAGEMENT ZONE), AND CHAPTER 17.60 (VARIANCES AND DISCRETIONARY PERMITS) OF TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF
THE SIERRA MADRE MUNICIPAL CODE
It is recommended that the City Council conduct a second reading, by title only, Ordinance No. 1455, amending Chapter 17.20 (R-1 One-Family Residential Zone), Chapter 17.28 (R-3 Medium/High-Density Residential Zone), Chapter 17.40 (Manufacturing Zone), Chapter 17.48 (Development Standards), Chapter 17.52 (H Hillside Management Zone), and Chapter 17.60 (Variances and Discretionary Permits) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code.
Sierra Madre City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes 05-24-2022
e) SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE 1456 ADOPTING A POLICY FOR THE USE OF
MILITARY EQUIPMENT BY THE SIERRA MADRE POLICE DEPARTMENT It is recommended that the City Council conduct a second reading, by title only, Ordinance No. 1456, An Ordinance of the City of Sierra Madre, adopting a policy for the use of military equipment by the Sierra Madre Police Department. f) CONSIDERATION OF AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO FALKON CONSTRUCTION INC., FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE LIBRARY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. FC82105 IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $362,000.
It is recommended that the City Council award a construction contract to Falcon Construction Inc., in an amount not to exceed $362,000 for the FY 2021-22 Library Parking Improvement Project.
Mayor Goss brought the matter to the City Council for discussion.
For Consent item "f', Mayor Pro Tem Garcia requested a brief overview of what parking would look like at the Library once the work was completed.
Deputy Director of Public Works Yanez provided a brief description to the changes to parking from parallel parking to side-by-side parking
Mayor Goss opened the matter for public comment.
Seeing no one come forward, Mayor Goss asked if any e-mails had been received. City Clerk Aguilar advised that no e-mails had been received.
The Mayor brought the matter back to the Council for a motion to approve.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia made a motion to approve Consent Items a-f.
Council Member Parkhurst seconded the motion.
Mayor Goss called for a vote of the Council.
Ayes: Mayor Goss, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, Council Member Arizmendi, Council Member Kriebs, and Council Member Parkhurst
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
The motion to approve Consent items a-f was passed unanimously.
Sierra Madre City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes 05-24-2022
DISCUSSION
1. APPOINTMENT OF BOB SPEARS TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR A PARTIAL TERM
OF SIX MONTHS
Staff recommends the Mayor appoint Bob Spears to the Planning Commission for a partial term of six months.
City Attorney Giragosian gave the report.
Mayor Goss brought the matter to the City Council for discussion. Council discussed the topic.
Mayor Goss opened for public comment.
Pat Alcorn, Grandview: Supports appointing Bob Spears for a partial term of 6-months, Robert Gierde: Council should be appointed well-qualified commissioners Seeing no one else come forward, Mayor Goss closed public comment and brought the matter back to the City Council for further discussion.
Mayor Goss exercised his authority as Mayor and appointed Commissioner Bob Spears to serve a partial term of 6 months on the Planning Commission.
2. INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS AND
ORDERING THE PREPARATION OF THE ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR THE DOWNTOWN
LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT AND SIERRA MADRE LIGHTING AND MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 1; AND
ESTABLISHING THE ANNUAL SPECIAL TAXES FOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 1 AND ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS FOR EAST BONITA AVENUE SEWER IMPROVEMENT
AND MIRA MONTE AVENUE SEWER IMPROVEMENT AND LEVYING SPECIAL TAXES AND ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022/23
It is recommended that:
1. The City Council authorize NBS to prepare and file with the City Clerk, the Engineer's Report concerning the levy and collection of assessments within the Downtown Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District and Sierra Madre Lighting and Maintenance District No. 1 for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2022, and ending June 30, 2023.
2. The City Council confirms the Engineer's reports and sets June 14, 2022, as a date for a public hearing on the matter of the Downtown Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District and the Sierra Madre Lighting and Maintenance District No. 1.
3. The City Council establishes the Fiscal Year 2022/23 special taxes for Community Facilities District No. 1 and annual assessments for East Bonita Avenue Sewer Improvement and Mira Monte Avenue Sewer Improvement and orders levy of special taxes and assessments for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2022, and ending June 30, 2023.
Sierra Madre City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes 05-24-2022
Public Works Director Cimino gave the report.
Mayor Goss brought the matter to the City Council for discussion. Council discussed the topic Mayor Goss opened public comment. Seeing no one come forward, Mayor Goss asked City Clerk Aguilar if any e-mails had been received on this item. City Clerk Aguilar responded that no e-mails had been received for this item. Mayor Goss closed public comment and brought the matter back to Council for further discussion.
Mayor Goss asked for a motion.
Council Member Parkhurst made a motion to approve Resolutions 22-25; 22-26; and 22-27 respectively.
Council Member Arizmendi seconded the motion.
Mayor Goss called for a vote of the Council.
Ayes: Mayor Goss, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, Council Member Arizmendi, Council Member Kriebs, and Council Member Parkhurst
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
The motion to approve Resolutions 22-25; 22-26; and 22-27 was approved unanimously.
FUTURE ITEMS:
Mayor Goss asked if any Council Member wished to add any items for future meetings.
Council Member Kriebs asked for an update from the YMCA.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia asked for Sierra Madre Community Foundation to attend a future meeting to update the community on their programming.
Mayor Goss asked for staff to look into the resident claims on Camillo and provide the Council with an update.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Goss asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Council Member Arizmendi made a motion to adjourn the meeting in honor of Joan Crowe and her sister in-law who passed away earlier in the week.
council Member Kriebs seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 6:59 p.m. to a Regula Vieetina to be held on June 14, 202:
Sierra Madre City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes 05-24-2022
Castan
Gene Goss, Mayor
Minutes taken and prepared by:
Juratsma
Laura Aguilar, City Cler
Sierra Madre City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes 05-24-2022