CITY OF SIERRA MADRE
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
SIERRA MADRE CITY COUNCIL
PRA MA
Tuesday, June 14, 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 conduct City business are prohibited. No signs, posters or other large objects shall be brought in e Council Chambers or other meeting place if doing so would disrupt, disturb or otherwise impede th 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 5:37 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.
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
Rodrick Armalin, Police Chief
Henry Amos, Police Captain
James Carlson, Management Analyst
Sophia Kownatzki
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INSPIRATION
Mayor Goss acknowledged Flag Day and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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 Kriebs.
ierra Madre City Coun
egular Meeting Minutes 06-14-20
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, 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.
REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Giragosian reported that there were three items discussed as anticipated litigation in closed session and no reportable action was taken.
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 Arizmendi.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garcia.
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.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
Approval of May 24, 2022 City Council regular meeting minutes.
Council Member Parkhurst asked the minutes be amended to reflect the discussion about dissolving Sierra Madre Lighting and Maintenance District No. 1; and requested adding "Several members expressed concern with the design of 'Sierra Madre Lighting and Maintenance District No. 1' and asked staff to investigate options to modify it".
Council Member Parkhurst moved to approve the minutes of the Regular Council meeting of May 24, 2022 with Council Member Parkhurst's suggested amendment.
Council Member Kriebs 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:
Absent:
Abstain: None.
The motion to approve the minutes of the Council meeting of May 24, 2022 as amended
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Reporting of Council Members' activities related to City business.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia: reported that he attended the Senior Community Commission meeting. There was discussion about placing a plaque at the Hart Park House Senior Center honoring all the contributions to the senior community made by former Mayor Nancy Walsh. Announced there would be a reception on Wednesday, June 15 honoring all Sierra Madre seniors as Older Americans. The reception is set for 4:30 pm at the Hart Park House. Announced the July 10 Concert in the Park, sponsored by the Senior Community Commission, and also the August 13 Community Yard Sale at Memorial Park. Lastly, he announced that Commissioner Sally Olson has completed her term as Senior Community Commissioner and thanked her for her service.
Sierra Madre City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes 06-14-2022
Council Member Kriebs: watched the Planning Commission meeting. There was discussion about the proposed development project at the Meadows. Also, attended the Mt. Wilson Trail Race. There was a good turnout.
Council Member Parkhurst: announced that he attended a meeting of the Clean Power Alliance; no reportable action was taken. Also reported that he attended a meeting of the Natural Resources Commission. There was discussion about the SGVCOG Energy Assessment Program.
Also reported that he attended a reception with Representative Judy Chu in Monterey Park.
Council Member Arizmendi: announced the summer Concerts in the Park series. Attended the VFW Memorial Day service at Pioneer Cemetery; attended a Strategic Planning workshop with City staff yesterday.
Mayor Goss: attended the May 25 meeting of the Los Angeles County Sanitation District; also attended the Mt. Wilson Trail Race and awarded all the winners with their medals. Attended the British Homes Fair and the funeral for former Mayor Nancy Walsh.
PRESENTATIONS
RECOGNITION OF COUNCIL MEMBER RACHELLE ARIZMENDI AS CONGRESSWOMAN JUDY
CHU'S SELECTION FOR WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Mayor Goss and the Members of the City Council congratulated Council Member Arizmendi for being selected at Representative Chu's Woman of the Year. Mayor Goss presented Council Member Arizmendi with a City certificate of recognition.
UPDATE FROM THE NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
Update from Natural Resources Commission Chair David Robinson on activity and discussions from the Commission.
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 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.
David Gordon, Sierra Madre Playhouse: thanked the City for grants provided to the Sierra Madre Playhouse and announced upcoming performances.
Heather Allen: expressed concerns about limited availability of the Dial-A-Ride transportation system.
Also described the conditions of the vehicles and lack of working air conditioning. Inquired about why the hours were cut back and if there was a loss of funding for the program. Asked the City Council to consider restoring full service of the Dial-A-Ride program.
Seeing no one else come forward, Mayor Goss closed public comment on items not on the agenda.
Sierra Madre City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes 06-14-2022
ACTION ITEMS
City Clerk Aguilar gave the following reports under the Consent Calendar:
CONSENT
a) CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 22-37 APPROVING CERTAIN DEMANDS It is recommended that the City Council approve Resolution 22-37 approving payment of City Warrants in the aggregate amount of $749,234.70; Sierra Madre Library Warrants in the aggregate amount of $5,361.80; and Payroll Transfer in the aggregate amount of $856,752.05; for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.
b) CANCELLATION OF BOTH REGULAR AUGUST 2022 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS It is recommended the City Council approve the cancellation of both regular City Council meetings in August and direct staff to pay all necessary expenses during that time. c) CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 22-32 ORDERING THE TRANSFER OF SURPLUS FUNDS FROM SIERRA MADRE LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT 3 ZONE A AND SIERRA MADRE LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT 3 ZONE B It is recommended that the City Council approve Resolution 22-32 ordering the transfer of surplus funds from the Sierra Madre Lighting Maintenance District 3 Zone A and Sierra Madre Lighting Maintenance District 3 Zone B to the City of Sierra Madre General Fund. d) CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS 22-33 AND 22-34 OF INTENTION TO
ABANDON AND DISSOLVE THE FOUR DOWNTOWN DISTRICTS THAT HAVE BEEN
CONSOLIDATED AS CITY OF SIERRA MADRE DOWNTOWN LANDSCAPING AND
LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT, AND SETTING A DATE FOR A PUBLIC It is recommended the City Council declare its intention to abandon and dissolve the following districts: Downtown Landscaping District (District 3), Downtown Parking District (District 5), Downtown Lighting District Zone A, Downtown Lighting District Zone B. Adopt Resolutions 22-33 and 22-34 initiating proceedings to abandon and dissolve the above districts and to set July 12, 2022 as a date for the public hearing on the matter of the dissolution of the city's assessment districts.
e) CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS 22-38 AND 22-39 OF INTENT INITIATING
PROCEEDINGS FOR THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS
It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolutions 22-38 and 22-39 authorizing 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. To set June 28, 2022, as a date for public hearing on the matter of the Downtown Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District and the Sierra Madre Lighting and Maintenance District No. 1.
f) COMMENT LETTER TO THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION REGARDING
NEW FINANCIAL SECURITY REQUIREMENT FOR THE CLEAN POWER ALLIANCE It is recommended that the City Council receive and file this informational report Mayor Goss brought the matter to the City Council for discussion.
For Consent item "c", Council Member Kriebs asked why the funds were being transferred into the General Fund. Management Analyst Kownatzki responded that the funds need to be removed from the Maintenance District prior to dissolving the District and that the funds are still earmarked for District-use only.
For Consent item "", Council Member Kriebs asked if the letter to the CPUC was sent on behalf of the City Council or on behalf of the CPA. Council Member Parkhurst said it was signed by him on behalf of 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
Sierra Madre City Counci
Regular Meeting Minutes 06-14-2022
The Mayor brought the matter back to the Council for a motion to approve.
Council Member Arizmendi 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.
PUBLIC HEARING
1. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 22-28 ADOPTING THE FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023 BUDGET
RESOLUTION 22-29 APPROVING THE GANN APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR FY 2022-2023 AT $12,788,436 IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE XIII-B OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
RESOLUTION 22-30 ESTABLISHING A SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES FOR CITY SERVICES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023 AND;
PFA RESOLUTION No.76, RESOLUTION OF THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF SIERRA MADRE ADOPTING THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023 AND
APPROPRIATING THE AMOUNTS BUDGETED
It is recommended that the City Council approve Resolution 22-28 adopting the Fiscal Year 2022- 2023 Budget and appropriating the amounts budgeted; Resolution 22-29 approving the GANN Appropriation Limits for 2022-2023; Resolution 22-30 approving the 2021-2022 Fee Schedule and PFA Resolution No. 76 - Resolution of the Public Financing Authority of the City of Sierra Madre Adopting the Budget for FY 22-23 and Appropriating the amounts budgeted.
Finance Director Guirola-Leon gave the report along with a Power Point Presentation.
Mayor Goss brought the matter to the City Council for discussion.
Mayor Goss opened the Public Hearing 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.
Mayor Goss closed the Public Hearing and brought the matter back to the Council for discussion or a motion.
Council asked City staff for clarification of Cal-PERS UAL payments and the CIP. Director Guirola-Leon provided responses to the various questions.
Council Member Arizmendi made a motion to approve Resolutions 22-28; 22-29; 22-30; and PFA 76.
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 was passed unanimously.
Sierra Madre City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes 06-14-2022
DISCUSSION
1) CONSIDERATION OF:
RESOLUTION 22-40: A RESOLUTION CALLING AND GIVING NOTICE OF THE HOLDING OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 8, 2022 FOR THE ELECTION
OF CERTAIN OFFICERS AS REQUIRED BY THE PROVISION OF THE LAWS OF THE STATE
OF CALIFORNIA RELATING TO GENERAL LAW CITIES
RESOLUTION 22-41: A RESOLUTION ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR CANDIDATES FOR
ELECTIVE OFFICE PERTAINING TO CANDIDATES STATEMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE VOTERS AT AN ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2022; AND RESOLUTION 22-42: A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO RENDER SPECIFIED SERVICES TO THE CITY OF SIERRA
MADRE RELATING TO THE CONDUCT OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 8, 2022; AND
QUALIFIED CITIZEN PETITION FOR INITIATIVE MEASURE TO CHANGE THE GENERAL PLAN LAND USE DESIGNATION FROM "INSTITUTIONAL" TO "HILLSIDE" AND THE ZONING DESIGNATION FROM "INSTITUTIONAL" TO "HILLSIDE MANAGEMENT" FOR THE MATER DOLOROSA PROPERTY; AND
RESOLUTION 22-43: A RESOLUTION SETTING PRIORITIES FOR FILING WRITTEN
ARGUMENTS REGARDING A MEASURE AND DIRECTING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE AN IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS; AND
RESOLUTION 22-44: A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE FILING OF REBUTTAL
ARGUMENTS FOR BALLOT MEASURES AND INITIATIVES SUBMITTED AT MUNICIPAL
ELECTIONS
It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolutions 22-40; 22-41; 22-42; 22-43; 22-44 and provide direction regarding the qualified citizen petition.
City Clerk Aguilar gave the report.
Mayor Goss brought the matter to the City Council for discussion. Council discussed the topic.
Mayor Goss opened for public comment.
John Doyle, 600 block of Sierra Madre Blvd.: asked Council to explore all options.
Pat Alcorn, Grandview: Supports the option to direct the City Attorney to prepare a report.
Mary Doyle, 600 block of Sierra Madre Blvd.: asked Council to seek additional information before making a decision.
Manuel Briones, Mater Dolorosa Board Member: Supports the option to direct the City Attorney to prepare a report.
Michael Cunningham, Mater Dolorosa: Supports the option to direct the City Attorney to prepare a report.
Alex Arrieta, 645 Edgeview: Urged Council to place the initiative on the ballot. and pise try 734 Fi on Aval Urged Counci to consider the consituents that signed the petition Father Bruno D'Souza, Mater Dolorosa: Supports the option to direct the City Attorney to prepare a report.
Michael Cunningham, Mater Dolorosa: Supports the option to direct the City Attorney to prepare a report.
Manuel Valdez, Mater Dolorosa Board Member: Supports the option to direct the City Attorney to prepare a report.
Luke Welsh, Mater Dolorosa Board Member: Supports the option to direct the City Attorney to prepare a report.
Filippo Fanara, President of Passionate Retreat Center: Supports the option to direct the City Attorney to prepare a report.
Jeanne Warlick: Supports the option to direct the City Attorney to prepare a report.
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Edward Roohan, Mater Dolorosa Board Member: Supports the option to direct the City Attorney to prepare a report.
Marta Salgado-Nino, Mater Dolorosa Staff Member: Supports the option to direct the City Attorney to prepare a report.
Stephen Biskup: Expressed his opinion that the initiative is unconstitutional.
Angela Hawekotte, former Mater Dolorosa Board Member: Supports the option to direct the City Attorney to prepare a report.
Robert Gerde: urged Council to research all risks and educate voters.
Joe Catalano: Expressed his opinion that the design is lousy.
De Alcorn, Grandview: Expressed his opinion that the discussion is not about design, but about property rights.
Seeing no one else come forward, Mayor Goss closed public comment and brought the matter back to the City Council for further discussion.
Council Member Arizmendi asked if a motion could be made for Resolutions 22-40; 22-41; and 22-42, separate from the petition and two other resolutions.
City Attorney Giragosian replied in the affirmative.
Council Member Arizmendi made a motion to approve Resolutions 22-40; 22-41; and 22-42.
Council Member Kriebs 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 22-40; 22-41; and 22-42 was passed unanimously.
Council Member Parkhurst asked if the City Attorney would prepare a 9212 Report regarding environmental impacts, benefits of the project versus the initiative; legal analysis of the initiative; size of homes versus hillside management zone and SB9; and Council's review authority.
City Attorney Giragosian responded in the affirmative.
Council Member Arizmendi made a motion to direct the City Attorney to prepare a 9212 Report within the next 30 days and to continue discussion of Resolutions 22-43 and 22-44 until after the Report is discussed by the City Council.
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 direct the City Attorney to prepare a 9212 Report within the next 30 days and to continue discussion of Resolutions 22-43 and 22-44 until after the Report is discussed by the City Council. was approved unanimously.
FUTURE ITEMS:
Sierra Madre City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes 06-14-2022
Mayor Goss asked if any Council Member wished to add any items for future meetings.
Council Member Kriebs asked for an update on the Dial-A-Ride program.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Goss asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Council Member Arizmendi made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Council Member Kriebs seconded the motion.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m. to a Regular Meeting to be held on June 28, 2022.
Gene Goss, Mayor
Minutes taken and prepared by:
Tura Anila.
Laura Aguilar, City Clerk
Sierra Madre City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes 06-14-2022