CITY OF SIERRA MADRE
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
SIERRA MADRE CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, March 14, 2023 - 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; As an alternative, public comment may be made by e-mail to [email protected] by 3:00 PM 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 behav in 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 › conduct City business are prohibited. No signs, posters or other large objects shall be brought in le Council Chambers or other meeting place if doing so would disrupt, disturb or otherwise impede t 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 Garcia called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m. City Clerk Aguilar called the roll.
Present: Mayor Edward Garcia, Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Kriebs, and Council Members Gene Goss, Kristine Lowe, and Robert Parkhurst
Absent: None.
Also Present: Jose Reynoso, City Manager
Miguel Hernandez, Assistant City Manager
Aleks Giragosian, City Attorney
Laura Aguilar, Deputy City Manager/City Clerk
Gustavo Barrientos, Police Chief
Brent Bartlett, Fire Chief
Hillary Guirola-Leon, Finance Director
Chris Cimino, Public Works Director
Vincent Gonzalez, Planning Director
Joshua Wolf, Associate Planner
Amber Tardif, Administrative Analyst
Jenna Norwood, Management Intern
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APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
Vote of the City Council to proceed with City business.
Council Member Parkhurst suggested moving the Discussion before the Public Hearings.
Mayor Garcia asked for a motion to approve the amended agenda moving Discussion before the Public Hearings.
Council Member Parkhurst made a motion to approve the amended agenda.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Lowe.
Mayor Garcia called for a vote of the Council:
Ayes: Mayor Edward Garcia, Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Kriebs, and Council Members Gene Goss, Kristine Lowe, and Robert Parkhurst
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
The motion to approve the agenda as presented was approved by a unanimous voice vote.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INSPIRATION
Mayor Pro Tem Kriebs. Spoke on the history of the wisteria and the excitement of the Wisteria Festival and having both homeowners opening their homes to allow for the public to access both properties.
PRESENTATION
INTRODUCTION OF NEWLY APPOINTED POLICE OFFICERS DYLAN FISHER AND JONATHAN
TURNER CEREMONIAL PINNING
Chief Barrientos welcomed the newly appointed Police Officers
SIERRA MADRE FIRE DEPARTMENT RETIRED CAPTAIN RICHARD SNYDER
RECOGNITION OF YEARS OF SERVICE
5th District Supervisor Kathryn Barger presented a proclamation to Captain Snyder Mayor Garcia presented a proclamation and
Chris Cimino presented the Chris Cimino lifetime achievement award to Captain Snyder Fire Chief Bartlett spoke on all of Captain Snyder's achievements Captain David Gacad presented Captain Snyder with a shadow box on behalf of the Fire Association.
Council Member Goss congratulated Captain Snyder on his retirement.
Mayor Pro Tem Kriebs thanked Captain Snyder for his service to the community over the years.
Mayor Garcia thanked Captain Snyder on behalf of the City of Sierra Madre and the entire San Gabriel Valley for his years of service.
Council Member Parkhurst thanked Captain Snyder for all the knowledge he provided to homeowners in high fire severity zones.
Council Member Lowe thanked Captain Snyder for his service over the years and him saving her life while they were on duty.
"Captain Snyder made a speech and thanked everyone for being a part of his career. 6:26 p.m. Mayor Garcia requested a brief recess
6:38 p.m. the City Council reconvened the meeting
REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney provides reportable action from Closed Session.
City Attorney Giragosian announced that the City Council met in closed session on March 14, 2023, to discuss anticipated litigation under G.C. 54956.9 (b), 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 Garcia asked for a motion.
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A motion to approve the reading of resolutions and ordinances was made by Council Member Goss.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Parkhurst.
Mayor Garcia called for a vote of the Council.
Ayes: Mayor Edward Garcia, Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Kriebs, and Council Members Gene Goss, Kristine Lowe, and Robert Parkhurst
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 MEETING MINUTES
Approval of February 14, 2023, City Council Regular meeting minutes.
Approval of February 28, 2023, City Council Regular meeting minutes.
Mayor Garcia called for a motion to approve the amended minutes.
A motion to approve the minutes was made by Council Member Lowe.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Parkhurst.
Mayor Garcia called for a vote of the Council.
Ayes: Mayor Edward Garcia, Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Kriebs, and Council Members Gene Goss, Kristine Lowe, and Robert Parkhurst
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
The motion to approve the minutes of the regular meetings on February 14, 2023, and February 28, 2023, was approved by a unanimous voice vote.
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Reporting of Council Members' activities related to City business.
Council Member Goss: no report.
Council Member Lowe: attended the Planning Commission meeting on March 3, 2023. Attended the Little League opening ceremonies on March 4, 2023, with Mayor Garcia, Mayor Pro Tem Kriebs, and Council Member Parkhurst. The Fourth of July committee met on March 7, 2023, to discuss the Fourth of July parade. They are actively looking for volunteers to join the committee. Attended the Library and Community Services Town Hall meeting on March 9, 2023, held at the Sierra Madre public library.
Council Member Robert Parkhurst: attended the Little League opening ceremonies on March 4, 2023.
Attended the ribbon cutting at Monsieur Crepe with Mayor Garcia and Mayor Pro Tem Kriebs. Attended the Library and Community Services Town Hall meeting on March 9, 2023. Unable to attend the Senior Commission meeting. At the meeting, they discussed senior transportation and they would like more information and attention to this issue. The seniors had about 12 people attend the trip to the Gene Autry Museum. Concerts in the park will be on July 30, 2023. The art show will be on June 15, 2023, and the community yard sale will be on June 16, 2023. Attended a Clean Power Alliance meeting; no report.
Mayor Pro Tem Kriebs: Attended the Library and Community Services Town Hall meeting on March 9, 2023. The event was well attended and there was a lot of excitement to support the two organizations in town that really provide a great number of activities, programming, and community building between the community services department and the library. Attended the Little League opening ceremonies on March 4, 2023, and the City Council was asked to participate in the parade.
Mayor Garcia: attended the Little League opening ceremonies on March 4, 2023. Thanked all the volunteers for getting involved in the city and the different events and programs the city offers.
The Wisteria Festival and auto show is on Sunday, March 19, 2023, beginning at 9:00 am. The Sierra Madre Fire Department is hosting the SMART program on March 23, 2023, for a wildfire home resilience training class to help residents prepare their homes from wildfires. All residents north of
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Grandview, including the north side of Grandview, are encouraged to participate to receive free curbside vegetation hauling and chipping. Registration is required for the event.
City Hall will be having a Town Hall meeting in Council Chambers on March 30, 2023. Registration' is required for this event.
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 Garcia opened the meeting for public comment on items not on the agenda.
Susan Henderson: spoke on the Wisteria Festival happening on Sunday, March 19, 2023. Both homeowners have opened their properties for the festival. There will be a car show, vendors, and both No on Measure M and Yes on Measure M will have booths at the event.
Robert Gierde; spoke on Measure M. Provided information on the Yes on Measure M, Sierra Madre Neighbors for Fairness, and Sierra Madre for parks and public safety booth at the Wisteria Festival. Asked residents to vote on the measure.
Alex Arrieta: spoke about No on Measure M and the importance of residents getting educated on Measure M. Provided information regarding a No on Measure M booth at the Wisteria Festival.
Philip Yao: spoke on Mt. Wilson and Bailey Canyon trails. There is a parking problem on the weekends.
Proposed the city should consider putting paid parking on the weekends for the maintenance of that trail and the damages from the storms. Mentioned a high-density lawsuit filed by Huntington Beach. Spoke in opposition of Measure M.
City Clerk Aguilar advised that one e-mail had been received for non-agenda items.
ACTION ITEMS
City Clerk Aguilar gave the following reports under the Consent Calendar:
CONSENT
a) CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 23-22 APPROVING CERTAIN DEMANDS is recommended that the City Council approve Resolution 23-22 approving payment ity Warrants in the aggregate amount of $185,427.49; Sierra Madre Library Warrants he aggregate amount of $5,375.91; and Payroll Transfer in the aggregate amount o 446,366.29 for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2023
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b) CONSIDERATION OF GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT It is recommended that the City Council receive and file the 2022 General Plan annual progress report for the Governor's Office of Planning and Research
CEQA FINDINGS
This annual report is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as it is not a "project" as defined in CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5). c) CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 23-24, ELECTING TO BE SUBJECT TO THE
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES MEDICAL AND HOSPITAL CARE ACT AT AN EQUAL
AMOUNT FOR EMPLOYEES AND ANNUITANTS WITH RESPECT TO A
RECOGNIZED EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION 005 SIERRA MADRE PROFESSIONAL
FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION (SMPFA)
It is recommended that the City Council approve Resolution 23-24 electing the Sierra Madre Professional Firefighters Association (SMPFA) to the Public Employees Medical and Hospital Care Act (PEMHCA) as a recognized employee organization. d) CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 23-23 ADOPTING FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023
BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS AND APPROPRIATING THE AMOUNTS PROJECTED It is recommended that the City Council adopt and approve Resolution 23-23, Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget adjustments and appropriating the amounts projected.
Mayor Garcia brought the matter to the City Council for discussion.
Item A - no questions from the Council.
Item B - no questions from the Council.
Item C - no questions from the Council.
Item D - Council Member Parkhurst asked about the budget and clarification on what the difference between the elected and the appointed accounts. Finance Director Guirola- Leon responded that the was an increase of $451,000 and $400,000 of that money is for the special election estimated cost.
Mayor Garcia opened the matter for public comment.
City Clerk Aguilar advised that no e-mails had been received.
Seeing no one come forward, Mayor Garcia brought the matter back to Council for discussion.
Council Member Goss commented on Item D. He stated that because of the rain, the city has used a lot less water, however, it has also depleted the water revenue as a consequence. The mid-year report reflects that strain on the water fund. Mentioned the special election is very costly to the city.
Mayor Garcia encouraged residents to vote on Measure M and noted the cost of holding a special election.
Council Member Lowe commented on Item C and stated she appreciates staff working to keep all the entities equal with the increase of the Sierra Madre Professional Fire Fighters Association to the Public Employee Medical and Hospital Care Act.
Council Member Parkhurst commented on Item D and mentioned that the city is purchasing another hybrid electric vehicle and he is happy to see that the city is moving in the direction to reduce fossil fuel use.
The Mayor brought the matter back to the Council for a motion to approve.
Council Member Parkhurst made a motion to approve Consent Agenda Items A-D as presented.
Mayor Pro Tem Kriebs seconded the motion.
Mayor Garcia called for a vote of the Council.
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Ayes: Mayor Edward Garcia, Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Kriebs, and Council Members Gene Goss, Kristine Lowe, and Robert Parkhurst
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
The motion to approve Consent Items A-D was passed by a unanimous voice vote.
DISCUSSION
1. INFORMATIONAL REPORT ON IDLING VEHICLES
It is recommended that the City Council receive and file this informational report.
Management Intern Jenna Norwood gave the report.
Mayor Garcia brought the matter to the City Council for questions.
Council Member Parkhurst asked for examples of equipment or vehicles that weigh less than 10,000 pounds. Public Works Director Cimino responded that weight of equipment is difficult to know exactly, but they can be regulated by the city contracts. Some vehicles on big construction projects have automatic switches to turn the vehicles off after five minutes of idling.
Mayor Garcia opened public comment.
Seeing no one else come forward, Mayor Garcia closed public comment.
City Clerk Aguilar advised that no e-mails had been received for this item.
The Mayor brought the matter back to the Council for comments.
Mayor Pro Tem Kriebs agrees that there is no need to create an ordinance if it is already covered under the Sierra Madre code. Having the idling of equipment or regular fuel vehicles could be something put in the contracts and does not have to be covered under state law. Mayor Garcia stated that staff could be provided with direction and that it would be a good clause to have in contracts. Council Member Parkhurst mentioned that it could be based on the size of the project and may not be needed on the smaller projects.
Council received and filed the report.
PUBLIC HEARING
1. FIRST READING OF ADU ORDINANCE NO. 1465 AMENDING CHAPTER 17.22 (ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS) OF TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE SIERRA MADRE
MUNICIPAL CODE
It is recommended that the City Council introduce for first reading, by title only, Ordinance No. 1465, amending Chapter 17.22 (Accessory Dwelling Units) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code.
CEQA FINDINGS
Pursuant to Chapter 2.6, Public Resources Code commencing with section 21080.17, the City Council finds that the adoption of this Ordinance, which implements the provisions of Government Code section 65852.2, does not apply to Division 13 (Environmental Quality) and is thus statutorily exempt for the purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Presentation made by Associate Planner Joshua Wolf
Mayor Garcia brought the matter to the City Council for questions.
Council Member Lowe asked about any other changes that took place that involve ADUs regarding safety around the sprinkler systems. Planner Wolf responded that if an ADU is
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proposed and the existing property does not have fire sprinklers then the city cannot require the installation of fire sprinklers on the primary dwelling thus requiring a fire sprinkler installation on the accessory dwelling unit. In 2023 with the new state law, the ADU can be required to install fire sprinklers if any part of it is back 150 feet or more from the front property line. Council Member Lowe brought up the concern of a firefighter not being able to reach their fire hose to the back property and if it was something the city could create a law requiring them to install sprinklers, however, city law cannot supersede state law and the city would not be able to create a law requiring sprinklers on a property.
Mayor Garcia asked what the height requirements are for an ADU. Planner Wolf responded that if an ADU is proposed attached to a primary dwelling it can match in height up to 25 feet. If the ADU is proposed detached from a primary dwelling it has a height limit of 16 feet on a single-family development.
If it is proposed on a multi-family development or multi-story development, then it can be up to 18 feet in height.
Mayor Garcia opened the Public Hearing.
City Clerk Aguilar advised that no e-mails had been received.
Seeing no one else come forward to the podium, Mayor Garcia closed public comment and brought the matter back to Council for discussion and/or a vote.
Mayor Garcia asked for a motion.
Council Member Parkhurst made a motion to introduce for first reading Ordinance 1465, amending Chapter 17.22 of Title 17 of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code.
Mayor Pro Tem Kriebs seconded the motion.
Mayor Garcia called for a vote of the Council.
Ayes: Mayor Edward Garcia, Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Kriebs, and Council Members Gene Goss, Kristine Lowe, and Robert Parkhurst
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
The motion to introduce for first reading Ordinance 1465 amending Chapter 17.22 of Title 17 of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code was approved by a unanimous voice vote.
2. FIRST READING OF GENERAL CLEAN-UP ORDINANCE NO. 1466, AMENDING
VARIOUS CHAPTERS OF THE SIERRA MADRE MUNICIPAL CODE
It is recommended that the City Council introduce for first reading, by title only, Ordinance No. 1466.
CEQA FINDINGS
Pursuant to Government Code section 65852.21, subdivision (i), and Government Code section 66411.7, subdivision (n), staff recommends the City Council finds the adoption o this Ordinance is not a project for purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and is statutorily exempt.
Presentation made by Associate Planner Joshua Wolf
Mayor Garcia brought the matter to the City Council for questions.
City Attorney Giragosian provided another provision that was not in the report. The provision is to section 5.56.100; the title is Massage Business or Establishment suspension revocation or restriction or cause. The code references the Director of Development Services, proposed amendment by Planner Wolf is going to amend that to say the Planning Community and Preservation Director. The City Attorney's office recommends that it be changed to City Manager or his or her designee. This way an independent hearing officer could be appointed to the extent of administrative hearings dealing with the suspension revocation or restriction of a massage parlor's zoning clearance. Another change for the Council's consideration is the last line that "notwithstanding any other provision of this code to the contrary decision of the Director of Development Services may be appealed consistent with the requirements of Chapter 17.66.
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Mayor Garcia opened the Public Hearing.
City Clerk Aguilar advised that no e-mails had been received.
Seeing no one else come forward to the podium, Mayor Garcia closed the public hearing and brought the matter back to Council for discussion and/or a vote.
Mayor Garcia asked for a motion.
Mayor Pro Tem Kriebs made a motion to introduce for first reading of general clean-up Ordinance 1466, amending various chapters of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code.
Council Member Parkhurst seconded the motion.
Mayor Garcia called for a vote of the Council.
Ayes: Mayor Edward Garcia, Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Kriebs, and Council Members Gene Goss, Kristine Lowe, and Robert Parkhurst
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
The motion to introduce for first reading of general clean-up Ordinance 1466, amending various chapters of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code was approved by a unanimous voice vote.
3. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING: APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION
APPROVING A REQUEST FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AMENDMENT AND
AN ADDENDUM TO THE MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION TO UPDATE THE ALVERNO HEIGHTS ACADEMY (AHA) MASTER PLAN AT 200 NORTH
MICHILLINDA AVENUE
It is recommended that the City Council continue the public hearing and provide staff with direction.
CEQA FINDINGS
An amended Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) was prepared to evaluate the Alverno Heights Academy Master Plan improvements. The amended MND determined that the facts upon which the findings were based in the 2011 Initial Study (IS/MND) remain unchanged and validated that the proposed Refined Project would not create new or substantially more adverse impacts than those evaluated for the approved project.
Presentation made by Planning Director Vincent Gonzalez Applicant and President of Alverno Ken Farsing provided testimony.
Mayor Garcia brought the matter to the City Council for questions.
Attorney for the Stephens' Jason Sanders provided testimony. 8:37 p.m. Mayor Garcia requested a brief recess
8:44 p.m. the City Council reconvened the meeting
Mayor Garcia invited the public to comment.
RB Bunch: spoke in support of Alverno keeping their school programs for the children.
Jamie Gorman: questioned Alverno's Master Plan and noise study and asked Council to make an informed decision.
Jane Clark: read an e-mail on behalf of Sue Behrens.
George Burby: spoke in support of Alverno and the improvements to their campus.
Matt Gorman: spoke in opposition of Alverno's Master Plan and asked Council not to approve the application.
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Stacey Fantanella: spoke in opposition to Alverno's Master Plan.
Lacey Stephens: spoke on Alverno and asked that the school implements rules and regulations.
City Clerk Aguilar advised that 14 e-mails had been received.
Seeing no one else come forward to the podium, Mayor Garcia closed the public hearing and brought the matter back to Council for discussion and/or a vote.
Ex Parte Disclosures
Mayor Garcia and Mayor Pro Tem Kriebs toured the Alverno campus on February 24, 2023.
Council Member Parkhurst toured the Alverno campus on March 3, 2023.
Both parties agreed to a continuation to discuss this matter.
Mayor Garcia asked for a motion.
Mayor Pro Tem Kriebs made a motion to continue the discussion of this matter to a date certain at the regular City Council meeting on April 11, 2023
Council Member Lowe seconded the motion.
Mayor Garcia called for a vote of the Council.
Ayes: Mayor Edward Garcia, Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Kriebs, and Council Members Gene Goss, Kristine Lowe, and Robert Parkhurst
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
The motion to continue the discussion of this matter to a date certain at the regular City Council meeting on April 11, 2023, was approved by a unanimous voice vote.
FUTURE ITEMS:
Council Member Parkhurst would like an update on transportation for seniors and students.
ADJOURNMENTE
Mayor Garcia asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Council Member Lowe made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Mayor Garcia seconded the motion.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:46 p.m. to a Regular meeting to be held on March 28, 2023. 222
Edward Garcia, Mayor
Minute taken and repared try:
Amber Tardif, Administrative Analyst
Reviewed by:
sura Agular.
Laura Aguilar, City Clerk
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