CITY OF SIERRA MADRE
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
SIERRA MADRE CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, September 12, 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; s an alternative, public comment may be made by e-mail to [email protected] y 3:00 PM on the day of the meeting. Emails will be acknowledged at the Council meeting, filed int 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
to conduct City business are prohibited. No signs, posters or other large objects shall be brought int the Council Chambers or other meeting place if doing so would disrupt, disturb or otherwise impede the orderly course of the meeting.
The meeting will be streamed live on the City's website at www.citvofsierramadre.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 5:39; City Clerk Aguilar called the roll.
Present: Mayor Garcia Mayor Pro Tem Kriebs and Council Members Goss, Lowe, and Parkhurst
Absent: None.
Also Present: Jose Reynoso, City Manager
Aleks Giragosian, City Attorney
Miguel Hernandez, Assistant City Manager
Laura Aguilar, Deputy City Manager/City Clerk
Arnulfo Yanez, Civil Engineer Deputy Director of Public Works Leila Regan, City Librarian
Chris Cimino, Public Works Director
James Carison, Management Analyst
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INSPIRATION
Mayor Garcia - led the pledge of allegiance. Afterwards he remarked on the 22a Anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
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APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
Vote of the City Council to proceed with City business.
Council Member Parkhurst made a motion to approve the agenda.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Lowe.
Mayor Garcia called for a vote of the Council:
Ayes: Mayor Garcia Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Kriebs and Council Members Goss, Lowe, Parkhurst Noes: None.
Absent: None
Abstain: None.
The motion to approve the agenda as presented was approved by a unanimous voice vote by all Council Members in attendance.
COUNCIL REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
Report of any action taken in Closed Session from September 12, 2023.
City Attorney Giragosian reported that the City Council met in Closed Session to discuss anticipated litigation. No reputable 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.
A motion to approve the reading of resolutions and ordinances was made by Mayor Pro Tem Kriebs.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Goss.
Mayor Garcia called for a vote of the Council.
Ayes: Mayor Garcia, Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Kriebs and Council Members Goss, Lowe, and 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 by all Council Members in attendance.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES.
Approval of July 11, 2023, City Council Regular meeting minutes; and Approval of August 22, 2023, City Council Regular meeting minutes.
Mayor Garcia asked for amendments to the minutes.
City Clerk Aguilar advised the Mayor that Council Member Parkhurst submitted suggestions via e-mail for alternative language that does not call for substantive changes.
The suggested changes to the July 11, 2023 meeting minutes are:
On page 7 of the July 11 minutes, I recommend you place the sentence "City Clerk Aguilar advised that one e-mail had been received" before "City Clerk Aguilar gave a summary of the e-mail that was received from the Chamber of
Commerce."
A motion to approve the minutes as amended was made by Council Members Lowe and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Kriebs.
Regular Berto Madnesy Cooil
Mayor Garcia called for a vote of the Council.
Ayes: Mayor Garcia, Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Kriebs and Council Members Goss, Lowe, and Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
The motion to approve the July 11, 2023 minutes, as amended, was approved by a unanimous voice vote.
The suggested changes to the August 8, 2023 meeting minutes are:
• "Could you please modify the summary of my inspiration to:
"Council Member Parkhurst led the citizens in the Pledge of Allegiance. Afterwards, he spoke on Tropical Storm Hilary's historic of 5 inches of rain in less than 24 hours in Sierra Madre, the concerning increase in global temperatures from climate change, and the significant investment in renewable energy and electric vehicles. He encouraged everyone to take more action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."
Playhouse was recognized at Congresswoman Judy Chu's nonprofit of the year" to "David Gordon Sierra Madre Playhouse: Sierra Madre Playhouse was recognized as Congresswoman Judy Chu's nonprofit of the year"
A motion to approve the minutes as amended was made by Council Member Parkhurst and seconded by Council Member Lowe
Mayor Garcia called for a vote of the Council.
Ayes: Mayor Garcia, Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Kriebs and Council Members Goss, Lowe, and Parkhurst
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
The motion to approve the August 8, 2023 minutes, as amended, was approved by a unanimous voice vote.
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Reporting of Council Members' activities related to City business:
Council Member Goss: reported that he attended a meeting of the Transportation Sub- Committee to discuss suggested routes that link Sierra Madre to the Metro Gold Line -No Action was taken. He also attended the 9/11 Ceremony at the Fire Station. Council Member Goss also reported that he attended a meeting of the Foothill Employment Consortium Board; No Action taken.
Council Member Parkhurst: Also attended the 9/11 Remembrance events at the Fire Station and noted that there was a strong showing from the community and Sierra Madre Rotary Club. He also reported that he attended two CPA meetings on August 24 and again on September 7. At the September 7 meeting, Los Angeles County Board Supervisor Horvath spoke with Council Member Parkhurst and encouraged Sierra Madre to participate in Scholas Occurrentes' Pelota de Trapo Program.
This program brings together high school students of all backgrounds for sports, educational, and leadership experiences. Council Member Parkhurst also reported that he and the Mayor attended the grand opening of the new Cancer Support Community Center.
Council Member Lowe: Also attended the 9/11 Remembrance events held at the Fire Station.
Attended two meetings of the Planning Commission. The Commission discussed a few projects on Lima Avenue and is also considering projects at Stonegate.
Pro Tem Kelly Kriebs: Attended 9/11 Remembrance ceremonies and also National Night Out in August.
She announced that Sierra Madre Playhouse was awarded non-profit of year from Congress Woman Judy Chu. Attended meetings with the League of California Cities, Natural Resources Commission, and Mayor Garcia: Attended a meeting of the Library Board of Trustees where they discussed the current Meaningful Improvement Project. Mayor Garcia reported that he attended the grand opening of the San
Sierra Madre City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes 9-12-2023
Gabriel Valley Cancer Support Community Group, and attended a meeting with with Los Angeles Mayor Bass. Mayor Garcia announced an upcoming presentation on Living with Wildlife at the Library on Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 12:00-2:00.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION CODE OF CONDUCT
Your participation is welcomed and invited at all City Council meetings. The council requests that participants refrain from making personal, slanderous, profane, or disruptive remarks. A person who continues to disrupt the orderly conduct of the meeting after being warned by the Mayor or designee to cease the disruption may be precluded from further participation in the meeting. 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.
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
1. Gus Bisharat- 320 E. Grandview: Bear was in his backyard again. He and his family are afraid to go outside. The common bear interactions have affected their quality of life.
2. Peggy Dallas- 312 ½ Grandview Ave: Bear attempted to break into her house; provided suggestions for dealing with the current bear encounters, including creating a website portal for reporting such interactions.
3. Philip Yao- 513 Sierra Keys Drive. Reported over 20 leaks on his street. Some of the repaired leaks are now beginning to sink. The City needs to fix the leaks instead of patching them up.
4. Joel Goodwin- 340 W. Sierra Madre Blvd: Spectrum services were interrupted for several weeks, creating frustration.
City Clerk Aguilar advised that 0 e-mail had been received for non-agenda items
PRESENTATION
PRESENTATION BY PUSD BOARD OF TRUSTEE, TINA FREDERICKS GIVING UPDATE ON THE PASADENA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT.
Trustee Fredericks gave her report and was also joined by Interim Superintendent Dr. Blanco and both principals for Sierra Madre Elementary and Sierra Madre Middle Schools.
No action was taken.
Sierra Madre City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes 9-12-2023
UPDATE ON LIBRARY MEANINGFUL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
The report was presented by Deputy Public Works Director Yanes with additional input from City Librarian Regan.
No action was taken.
Mayor Garcia called for a brief recess at 7:06 pm.
The City Council reconvened their meeting at 7:16 pm.
ACTION ITEMS
CONSENT
City Clerk Aguilar gave the following reports:
a) CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 23-60 APPROVING CERTAIN DEMANDS It is recommended that the City Council approve Resolution 23-60 approving payment of City Warrants in the aggregate amount of $347,389.86; Sierra Madre Library Warrants in the aggregate amount of $7,817.05; and Payroll Transfer in the aggregate amount of $462,515.43; for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. b) AMENDMENT TO LIST OF THE PURCHASE ORDERS OVER $45,000 It is recommended that the City Council approve the blanket purchase amendment. c) CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 23-61 APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT WITH THE LOS ANGELES REGIONAL AGENCY.
It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution 23-61 approving an amendment to the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with the Los Angeles Regional Agency (LARA), and authorize the City Manager to execute the JPA.
d) CONSIDERATION OF AWARD TO CHANGE ORDER #1 FOR THE 2023 DOWNTOWN
INSTALLATION SIDEWALK ENHANCEMENT STREET
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT No. ST82302 IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $79,447.96.
It is recommended that the City Council approve change order #1 for the addition of a traffic safety wall at 110 West Sierra Madre Blvd. for an amount not to exceed $ 79,447.9€ Mayor Garcia brought the matter to the City Council for questions.
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 or a motion.
Mayor Pro Tem Kriebs motion to approve Consent Agenda Items a-d.
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 Goss, Lowe, and Parkhurst
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
The motion to approve Consent Items A-D was approved by a unanimous voice vote
DISCUSSION
1. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 23-62 ADOPTING THE MEMORANDUMS OF
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF SIERRA MADRE AND THE CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION; AND RESOLUTION 23-63, AMENDING THE
CLASSIFICATION PLAN AND SALARY MATRIX
It is recommended that the City Council approve Resolution 23-62, approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Sierra Madre Classified Employees Association; and approving Resolution 23-63, amending the Classification Plan and Salary Matrix.
erra Madre City Coun
gular Meeting Minutes 9-12-20
The report to the City Council was made by Assistant City Manager Miguel Hernandez.
Mayor Garcia opened the matter for public comment.
Seeing no one come forward, Mayor Garcia brought the matter back to Council for discussion or a motion.
City Clerk Aguilar advised that no e-mails had been received for this item.
Council member Parkhurst made a motion to adopt Resolutions 23-62 and 23-63, respectively.
Council member Lowe seconded the motion to adopt Resolutions 23-62 and 23-63.
Mayor Garcia called for a vote of the Council.
Ayes: Mayor Edward Garcia, Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Kriebs and Council Members Goss, Lowe, and Noes:
Absent:
The motion to adopt Resolutions 23-62 and 23-63 were approved by a unanimous voice vote.
2. CONSIDERATION OF DIGITAL EQUITY - SUPPORT FOR ACTION It is recommended that the City Council provide staff with direction The report to the City Council was made by Assistant City Manager Miguel Hernandez.
City Clerk Aguilar advised that 1 e-mail had been received for this item from:
Jorge Rivera with Healing and Justice Center
The Council provided staff with direction and asked them to return with a draft copy of a letter addressed to Los Angeles County Supervisor Barger, supporting digital equity.
FUTURE ITEMS:
Council Member Goss - requested an update on the current situation with bears in our community.
Council Member Goss also requested a discussion on after school youth recreational opportunities.
Council Member Parkhurst - an update from the Natural Resources Commission on an electrification plan by February 2024; and requested that staff look into Supervisor Horvath's request to support Pelota de Trapo.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Garcia asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Kriebs made a motion to adjourn the meeting Council member Parkhurst seconded the motion.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:57 p.m. to a Regular meeting to be held on September 26, 2023.
Edward Garcia, Mayor
Minutes taken and prepared by:
aura sular
Laura Aguilar, City Clerk
Sierra Madre City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes 9-12-2023