CITY OF SIERRA MADRE
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
SIERRA MADRE CITY COUNCIL
RRA
Tuesday, June 28, 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
"he purpose of a City Council meeting is to conduct City business. Members of the public that behav n a manner that interrupts or obstructs the Council's ability to conduct City business may be asked t leave the meeting. Any and all demonstrations which disrupt, interrupt, or obstruct the Council's ability o conduct City business are prohibited. No signs, posters or other large objects shall be brought int he 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 5:34 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.
Also Present: Jose Reynoso, City Manager
Miguel Hernandez, Assistant City Manager
Aleks Giragosian, City Attorney
Laura Aguilar, City Clerk/Administrative Services Manager Arnulfo Yanez, Deputy Director of Public Works
Stephen McGee, Water Superintendent
Rodrick Armalin, Police Chief
Henry Amos, Police Captain
Rebecca Silva-Barron, Community Services Manager
Lawren Heinz, Administrative Analyst
James Carlson, Management Analyst
Sophia Kownatzki, Management Analyst
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INSPIRATION
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia led the Pledge of Allegiance and provided quotes related to freedom and justice from individuals, such as George Bernard Shaw, Harry Truman, William Faulkner, Benjamin Franklin, Eleanor Roosevelt, Martin Luther King, Jr., Abraham Lincoln, and Hillary Clinton.
APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
Vote of the City Council to proceed with City business.
City Clerk Aguilar advised the Council that the agenda contained an error within only the recommendation for Public Hearing #3. The recommendation should read: "It is recommended that the City Council read for first reading, and by title only, Ordinance 1459 amending Chapter 5.36 of Title 5 of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code"; stating that the amended recommendation would match the description contained within the agenda and would also support the recommendation contained within staff's report.
City Attorney Giragosian advised that the Council met in Closed Session prior to the Regular meeting and asked the agenda to be amended to include a report out from the Closed Session.
Council Member Kriebs asked that Consent Item B be pulled for discussion.
Council Member Parkhurst made a Motion to approve the agenda as amended.
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 amended 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 Arizmendi.
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.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
Approval of June 14, 2022 City Council regular meeting minutes.
Council Member Parkhurst asked the minutes be amended to change a comma to a semi-colon with regards to the request to have the City Attorney prepare an Elections Code 9212 report.
Mayor Goss called for a motion to approve the amended minutes.
A motion to approve the amended minutes was made by Council Member Parkhurst.
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The motion was seconded by Council Member Arizmendi.
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:
The motion to approve the minutes of the Council meeting of June 14, 2022, as amended was approved by unanimous voice vote.
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Reporting of Council Members' activities related to City business.
Council Member Parkhurst: announced that he attended a meeting of the Clean Power Alliance Energy Committee; no reportable action was taken. A letter to the CPUC by the CPA was provided to the City Council. Council Member Parkhurst also attended the Friends of the Library dinner. Lastly, the Natural Resources Commission meeting was cancelled and will be rescheduled.
Council Member Arizmendi: attended the Community Services Commission meeting. They discussed the Film Ordinance and Council has that on the agenda this evening.
Announced the passing of Duarte Mayor Pro Tem Tzeitel Paras-Caracci passed away and requested that the meeting be adjourned in her memory.
Council Member Kriebs: in the last Planning Commission meeting the Commission considered an appeal for a design-review permit for a home on Foothill Avenue. The applicant ended up withdrawing their application.
Announced that Little League All-Star games are this week.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia: asked for the community's support of the All-Stars. Also, attended the Senior Community Commission Open House. They recognized all Sierra Madre seniors as recipients of the Older American Award.
Mayor Goss: thanked the Senior Community Commission for organizing a great reception for the Older American Award.
The Mayor attended a Library Board of Trustees meeting. The Trustees have taken the initiative to prepare a proposal for the expansion phase of the Library.
Announced 4th of July events beginning on July 2nd at the Library, and various events on July 3id at Memorial Park, then Monday, July 4°n the Community Foundations 5k, Woman's Club breakfast, then the Parade at 10:00 am.
REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Giragosian reported that there were two items discussed as anticipated litigation in closed session and no reportable action was taken.
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
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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.
Susan Neuhausen, 491 Grove Street: spoke about the intention of the citizen initiative and the importance of relaying information that is accurate and not misleading.
Deb Sheridan, Valle Vista spoke on the citizen's petition to have residents vote on zoning regulations at Mater Dolorosa, the cost for placing an initiative on a ballot, and religious discrimination.
Nancy Beckham, Lima provided copies of letters from Jane Tsong from the Watershed Conservancy Authority
Alex Arrieta, Edgeview Drive spoke on the citizen initiative and concerns about non-resident speakers during public comment.
Seeing no one else come forward, Mayor Goss closed public comment on items not on the agenda.
PRESENTATIONS
PRESENTATION BY PASADENA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER TINA FREDERICKS AND DR. ELIZABETH BLANCO
PUSD Board Member Fredericks and PUSD Superintendent Blanco presented a Power Point presentation that provided school district information on student population and programing.
POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL PRESENTATION
Police Chief Armalin presented a Power Point Presentation with statistical information on the achievements of the Sierra Madre Police Department.
FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL PRESENTATION
Fire Chief Bartlett presented a Power Point Presentation with statistical information on the achievements of the Sierra Madre Fire Department.
PROCLAMATION IN RECOGNITION OF JULY AS PARK AND RECREATION MONTH Community Services Manager Silva-Barron accepted a City Council proclamation in recognition of July as Park and Recreation Month.
7:49 pm - At this point Mayor Goss called for a brief recess. 8:01 pm - The Council reconvened.
ACTION ITEMS
City Clerk Aguilar gave the following reports under the Consent Calendar:
CONSENT
2 CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 22-48 APPROVING CERTAIN DEMANDS It is recommended that the City Council approve Resolution 22-48 approving payment of City Warrants in the aggregate amount of $3,339,677.54; Sierra Madre Library Warrants in the aggregate amount of $6,216.66; and Payroll Transfer in the aggregate amount of $442,996.38; for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.
Mayor Goss brought the matter to the City Council for discussion.
Hearing no questions from the Council, 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.
Council Member Kriebs made a motion to approve Consent Item a.
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Mayor Pro Tem Garcia 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 item a was passed unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING
CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 22-45 CONFIRMING THE
ASSESSMENT AND ORDERING THE LEVY FOR FISCAL NYEAR 2022-2023 AND RESOLUTION NO. 22-46 CONFIRMING THE TAX RATES APPLICABLE IN
CONNECTION WITH THE CITY'S LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023.
It is recommended that the City Council open the public hearing, receive testimony, and; • Adopt Resolution No. 22-45 Confirming the Assessment and Ordering the Levy for Fiscal Year 2022-2023;
• Adopt Resolution No. 22-46 Confirming the Tax Rates Applicable in Connection with the City's Lighting Maintenance Districts for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Management Analyst Kownatzki gave the report.
Mayor Goss brought the matter to the City Council for discussion.
Hearing no questions from the Council, Mayor Goss opened the 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 for this Hearing.
The Mayor brought the matter back to the Council for a motion to approve.
Council Member Parkhurst made a motion to adopt Resolutions 22-45 and 22-46.
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 adopt Resolutions 22-45 and 22-46 was approved by unanimous voice vote.
2. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1458 AMENDING CHAPTER 17.88 (TEMPORATY USE PERMITS) OF TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE SIERRA MADRE
MUNICIPAL CODE
It is recommended that the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 1458 amending Chapter
17.88 (Temporary Use Permits) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code.
City Attorney Giragosian gave the report.
Mayor Goss brought the matter to the City Council for discussion.
Mayor Goss opened the Hearing for public comment.
Julia Dyer-Lopez, 171 Orange Grove: requests that contract services be allowed at the Villa while a decision is being made on TUPs.
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Ken Farfsing, President Alverno Heights Academy Board of Trustees: Urged the Council to allow contracted events to continue, while the City is processing the Conditional Use Permit.
Justin Brandstater, 89 Olive Ave., requested an extension for TUP terms to allow already booked events to proceed.
Sue Smrekar, Olive Ave. asked Council to enforce code violations from the business located at 89 Olive Avenue. Considers the business a nuisance and disruptive to quality of life and detrimental to the character of the neighborhood, and asked Council to deny their TUP.
Steve Rostker, 65 Olive Ave. spoke in opposition to the conduct of business at Lavender Workshop.
Maria and Brian Decker, 70-72 ½ W. Miramonte: asked Council to restrict business activities at Lavender Workshop and advised Council of the noise and parking impacts to her tenants, neighboring Lavender Workshop.
Keith Stephens. Spoke in support of restrictions in the issuance of TUPs Kristen Stephens. Spoke in support of restrictions in the issuance of TUPs Seeing no one else come forward, Mayor Goss closed the Public Hearing. Mayor Goss asked if any e- mails had been received. City Clerk Aguilar advised that four (4) e-mails had been received for this Hearing from:
• Anthony Sweeney
• Carolyn Halpern
Leesa Puleo
• Mr. and Mrs. Stephens
The Mayor brought the matter back to the Council for discussion.
Council discussed the matter and collectively decided to move forward with the Public Hearing #3, amending Title 5 of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code regarding Commercial Photography and Motion Picture Filming, before returning to further discuss this item.
3. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1459 AMENDING CHAPTER 5.36 (COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND MOTION PICTURE FILMING) OF TITLE 5 (BUSINESS LICENSES AND REGULATIONS) OF THE SIERRA MADRE
MUNICIPAL CODE
It is recommended that the City Council read for first reading, and by title only, Ordinance 1459 amending Chapter 5.36 of Title 5 of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code.
Administrative Analyst Heinz gave the report.
Mayor Goss brought the matter to the City Council for discussion.
Mayor Goss opened the Hearing for public comment.
Ken Farfsing, 200 N. Michillinda: Asked Council for consideration 90 days of annual production.
Cynthia Swenka, 239 Wilson: Disagrees with removing the neighborhood signature proposal and asked if a property is a parcel or lot. Described the humming sound from idling vehicles.
Julia Dyer-Lopez, 171 Orange Grove: supports filming at Alverno and described the needed revenues for the maintenance of the school.
Janis Savoie 731 W. Montecito Avenue: Asked Council to consider returning the process of gathering signatures from the neighbors and create a method to verify the signatures; and to eliminate the cost for appeals.
Colleen Thomas. 249 Wilson St.: asked Council to not eliminate the signature gathering process and was against broadening the radius for neighbor approval.
Keith Stephens. Spoke in opposition to extending film day limits.
Kristen Stephens. Spoke in opposition to extending film allowances.
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Seeing no one else come forward, Mayor Goss closed the Public Hearing. Mayor Goss asked if any e- mails had been received. City Clerk Aguilar advised that four (4) e-mails had been received for this Hearing from:
• Janis Savoie
Carolyn Halpern
• Leesa Puleo
• Mr. and Mrs. Stephens
The Mayor brought the matter back to the Council for discussion.
Council discussed the matter and continued the Hearing to a date certain on July 12, 2022
DISCUSSION
The City Council exercised their discretion and moved Discussion Item 2 to the top of the discussion list and bumped item 1 to be heard as the second item.
2. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS TO SERVE ON VARIOUS COMMISSIONS OR BOARDS FOR A FOUR-YEAR TERM BEGINNING JULY 1,2022
It is recommended that the City Council discuss making appointments to the various boards and commissions, and provide staff with direction.
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 and invited any Library Board applicants to speak.
Leigh Gluck: Applied for Library Board of Trustees and would like to be considered for appointment.
Diane Sands: Applied for Library Board of Trustees and would like to be considered for appointment.
Dr. Elizabeth was the third applicant but not in the audience.
Mayor Goss polled the Council on their preference for appointment. After brief discussion, Mayor Goss appointed Leigh Gluck and Diane Sands to serve a full four-year term, effective July 1, 2022.
Mayor Goss opened for public comment and invited any Community Services Commission applicants to speak.
Roxxi Bartlett.: Applied for the Community Services Commission and would like to be considered for appointment.
Michael Bilbrey: Applied for the Community Services Commission and would like to be considered for appointment.
Lisa Carison: Applied for the Community Services Commission and would like to be considered for appointment.
Ann Palmer: Applied for the Community Services Commission and would like to be considered for appointment.
John Lloyd and Deborah Rohm Young were the fifth and sixth applicants but were no longer in the audience at the time this item was discussed, due to the lateness of the hour.
Mayor Goss polled the Council on their preference for appointment. After brief discussion, Mayor Goss appointed Roxxi Bartlett and Lisa Carlson to serve a full four-year term, effective July 1, 2022.
Mayor Goss opened for public comment and invited any Natural Resources Commission applicants to speak.
Robert Buckner: Applied for the Natural Resources Commission and would like to be considered for appointment.
Dr. Allison Evans: Applied for the Natural Resources Commission and would like to be considered for appointment.
William Patzert: Applied for the Natural Resources Commission and would like to be considered for appointment.
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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 polled the Council on their preference for appointment. After brief discussion, Mayor Goss appointed Dr. Allison Evans for a partial term, ending June 30, 2025 and William Patzert to serve a full four-year term, effective July 1, 2022.
11:07 pm - At this point Mayor Goss called for a brief recess. 11:12 pm - The Council reconvened.
1. ANNUAL WATER SUPPLY AND DEMAND ASSESSMENT
It is recommended that the City Council receive and file the Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment.
Water Superintendent McGee gave the report, which included a Power Point presentation.
The report was provided for information purposes only and no Council action was required
3. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 22-49 AMENDING THE CITY'S
CLASSIFICATION PLAN AND SALARY MATRIX
It is recommended that the City Council approve Resolution 22-49, Amending the Classification Plan and Salary Matrix.
Mayor Goss brought the matter to the City Council for discussion.
Mayor Goss opened this item for public comment. Seeing no one come forward, Mayor Goss closed public comment.
Council Member Kriebs made a motion to adopt Resolution 22-49.
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 adopt Resolution 22-49 was unanimously approved by the City Council.
FUTURE ITEMS:
Mayor Goss asked if any Council Member wished to add any items for future meetings.
No items were added.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Goss asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Council Member Arizmendi made a motion to adjourn the meeting in memory of Duarte Mayor Pro Tem Tzeitel Paras-Caracci.
Council Member Kriebs seconded the motion.
he meeting was adjourned at 11:56 p.m. to a Regular Meeting to be held on July 12/2022 Minutes taken and prepared by:
runatular
Laura Aguilar, City Clerk
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