MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING
SIERRA MADRE CITY COUNCIL
Monday March 17, 2025
9:00 am
The Only Place In Town Restaurant
110 W. Sierra Madre Boulevaro
Sierra Madre, California 9102
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Parkhurst, Mayor Pro Tem Lowe, Council Member Garcia, Council Member Goss, Council Member Kriebs
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Parkhurst called the meeting to order at 9:00 am. City Clerk Aguilar called the roll.
Present: Mayor Robert Parkhurst, and Council Members Gene Goss and Kelly Kriebs
Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Kristine Lowe
Council Member Edward Garcia (excused)
Also Present: Jose Reynoso, City Manager
Miguel Hernandez, Assistant City Manager
Laura Aguilar, Deputy City Manager/City Clerk
Arnulfo Yanez, Director of Public Works
Fire Chief Brent Bartlett
Police Chief Gustavo Barrientos
Police Captain Henry Amos
Steven McGee, Public Works and Utilities Manager
Also Present: Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28)
Enrique Robles, CA-28 District Chief of Staff for the Honorable Judy Chu Maile Plan, Senior Field Representative for the Honorable Judy Chu
OPENING REMARKS
Mayor Parkhurst
9:02 am, Mayor Pro Tem Lowe arrived.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Parkhurst
DISCUSSION
Regardless of staff recommendation on any agenda item, the City Council will consider such matters, including action to approve, conditionally approve, reject, or continue such item.
FEDERAL FUNDING UPDATE - No action is required by the City Council. However, the Council may choose to agendize any of these items for a future meeting. • Sierra Madre Public Safety Entitlement Update
The City of Sierra Madre continues to seek federal assistance for public safety initiatives, including funding to support police emergency response capabilities. The City seeks an update on entitlement funding to supplement the City's public safety measures.
An update was provided by Police Chief Barrientos. No action was taken by the City Council. • Hazard Mitigation Plan - FEMA Funding
The City has been working on an updated Hazard Mitigation Plan to strengthen its resilience against natural disasters. Federal funding opportunities through FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program will be explored to:
Support infrastructure improvements to reduce wildfire and flood risks.
Enhance emergency preparedness and response efforts.
Develop long-term mitigation strategies to protect residents and city assets.
An update was provided by Fire Chief Bartlett. No action was taken by the City Council.
WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS - No action is required by the City Council. However, the Council may choose to agendize any of these items for a future meeting. (Public Works & Utilities Manager Steven McGee)
• Seismic Retrofit of Water Reservoirs
The City of Sierra Madre's aging water infrastructure is in need of seismic retrofitting to meet modern safety standards. Federal funding is critical to:
• Improve the structural integrity of reservoirs to withstand seismic events. • Ensure continued water service and fire suppression capabilities in the event of an earthquake.
Reduce the financial burden on local ratepayers by leveraging federal grants and low- interest loans.
Auburn Reservoir
The Auburn Reservoir is a key component of the City's water system and requires significant upgrades to meet state and federal safety standards. The City seeks federal assistance for:
Engineering and design costs for seismic retrofitting.
• Construction funding through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) or other federal programs.
• Advocacy support to prioritize small city water infrastructure needs in future federal appropriations.
An update was provided by Public Works and Utilities Manager Mc Gee and Assistant City Manager Hernandez. No action was taken by the City Council.
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28) provided an update on the City's request for federal funding, and expressed that the change in the current administration has left some uncertainty in the distribution of federal funds.
Mayor Parkhurst opened public comment for items on the agenda.
Glenn Lambdin, 444 Sturtevant: asked about the availability of grant funds and the City's ability to apply.
Yvette Del Corazon: expressed her concerns with the Yucca Debris Structure.
Sander Zandbergen: Shared his concerns job stability and lay-offs of federal government employees.
Seeing no one else come forward, Mayor Parkhurst closed public comment.
The meeting was adjourned without objection at 10:07 am to a regular meeting scheduled for March 25, 2025.
Rout 1. Pedo
Robert Parkhurst, Mayor
Minutes taken and prepared by:
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Laura Aguilar, City Clerk
ACTION ITEMS
Regardless of staff recommendation on any agenda item, the City Council will consider such matters, including action to approve, conditionally approve, reject, or continue such item.
AVAILABILITY OF AGENDA MATERIALS
Materials related to items on this agenda are available for public inspection on the City's website at www.cityofsierramadre.com.
MEETING ASSISTANCE
If you require special assistance to participate in this meeting, please call the City Clerk's office at 626) 355-7135 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council will adjourn to a Regular meeting to take place on March 25, 2025.