CITY OF SOUTH PASADENA
CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2022 AT 7:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER:
The Regular Meeting of the South Pasadena City Council was called to order by Mayor Cacciotti on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. The City Council Chamber are located at 1424 Mission Street, South Pasadena, California.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT Mayor Michael Cacciotti
Mayor Pro Tem Jon Primuth
Councilmember Jack Donovan
Councilmember Diana Mahmud
Councilmember Evelyn G. Zneimer
ABSENT None
Tameka Cook, Chief City Clerk, announced a quorum.
CITY Arminé Chaparyan, City Manager; Andrew Jared, City Attorney; Tameka STAFF Cook, Chief City Clerk; Christina Muñoz, Deputy City Clerk were present PRESENT: at Roll Call. Other staff members presented reports or responded to questions as indicated in the minutes.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Flag Salute was led by Councilmember Jack Donovan.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Closed Session Announcements
A. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT - PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
(Government Code Section 54957(b)(1))
Regular Meeting Minutes South Pasadena City Council February 2, 2022 Title: City Manager
City Attorney Jared reported that Council met in Closed Session to receive a briefing on the item. He noted that the City Council voted 5-0 to bring back an item to a future open session meeting for a 3% increase to the City Manager's compensation.
B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL: LIABILITY CLAIMS
(Government Code Section 549561)
Claimant: Sirin Ozen Hallberg
Agency Claimed Against: City of South Pasadena
City Attorney Jared reported that Council met in Closed Session to receive a briefing on the item. He noted direction was provided to the City Attorney's Office but no action was taken in closed session.
C. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL: REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS (Government Code Section 54956.8)
Property Address: 815 Mission Street, South Pasadena (portion thereof) APN: 5315-020-900
Agency Negotiator: Armine Chaparyan, City Manager
Under Negotiations: Price and Terms
City Attorney Jared reported that Council met in Closed Session to receive a briefing on the item. He noted direction was provided to the City Attorney's Office but no action was taken in closed session.
The City Council recessed closed session at 7:02 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT
2. Public Comment - General
Mayor Cacciotti announced public comments are intended to address matters not on the agenda for the meeting. Members of the public have the option of emailing or participating via Zoom (audio) to address the City Council, as listed on the agenda.
Zoom Public Comment:
The following individuals expressed their support for the South Pasadena High School Anti-Bias Club's proposed Black Lives Matter Mural at Orange Grove Park:
Alexander Aquino
Lauren Black
Noah Cohan
Levi Srebalus
Regular Meeting Minutes South Pasadena City Council February 2, 2022 Lulu Lopez
Helen Tran
Sean Myers
Robin Myers
Zack Brown
Quinn Manzo
Carly Weinstein
Eric Valeznic
Kris Kuramitsu
Scott Cune
Alexa Morales
Phung Huynh
Jenni Robinson
Vanessa Godson
Scarlet Sigh
Maya Turun
Remy Julian Lorenz
Patricia Aruza
Leslie Ito
Andy Perry
Ella Hushagen
Karen Mack
Sorel Barnard
F.J. Pratt
Steve Wong
Rich Albom
Victoria Marshall expressed concern regarding an incident with her daughter at a recent City event and an incident report was not filed
Shlomo Nitzani expressed concerns with the peacocks in his neighborhood and requested the City Council take action to remove them.
John Srebalus his support for the South Pasadena High School Anti-Bias Club Black Lives Matter Mural at Orange Grove Park; he referenced a report pertaining to racial disparity in South Pasadena Education Foundation's (SPEF) tuition-based summer school.
Ali Shirmohamadi expressed his concern as to why his tow company wasn't chosen by the City for tow services.
Yvonne LaRose expressed concern with the Black Lives Mural Design and the lack of "professionals" included in the mural.
Mayor Cacciotti noted that the City Council received a letter from CareFirst that included 82 signatures.
Regular Meeting Minutes South Pasadena City Council February 2, 2022 Written Public Comment:
The following individuals expressed their written support for the South Pasadena High School Anti-Bias Club Black Lives Matter Mural at Orange Grove Park Karen Taylor
Lissa Reynolds
Sharon Mizota
Amy & Ken Betts
Karissa Adams
Jenny Gillett
PRESENTATIONS
3. Proclamation Declaring February 2022 as "Black History Month" in the City of South Pasadena
Mayor Cacciotti presented a proclamation declaring February 2022 as "Black History Month" in the City of South Pasadena.
PRESENTATIONS
4. Library Board of Trustees
Chief City Clerk Cook noted that there were additional documents included for this item.
A motion was made by Councilmember Mahmud, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Primuth and approved by roll call vote to appoint the following individuals to the Library Board of Trustees:
• Fred J. Pratt (3-year term until 12/2024)
• Kenneth I. Gross (1-year term until 12/2022)
Motion carried, 5-0.
COMMUNICATIONS
5. Councilmembers Communications
Councilmember Zneimer yielded her time to any other Councilmembers who needed additional time.
Regular Meeting Minutes South Pasadena City Council February 2, 2022 Councilmember Mahmud discussed a recent meeting of the Cal Cities Los Angeles County Division Board; discussed a recent meeting of the Los Angeles County Blue Ribbon Committee regarding homelessness; discussed a recent South Pasadena Chamber Shop Talk regarding Southern California Edison (SCE); noted that the City Council will hear an item at their next meeting regarding the transition of commercial customers to 100% renewable energy.
Councilmember Donovan discussed a recent meeting of the Youth Commission; provided a brief update regarding the sale of the Caltrans homes; discussed updates from the Athens Ad-Hoc Committee;
Mayor Pro Tem Primuth discussed a recent meeting of the Festival of Balloons Committee; discussed the upcoming Arroyo Verdugo Joint Powers Authority meeting.
Mayor Cacciotti shared ideas discussed at the 4th of July Festival of Balloons Committee; highlighted the Public Works Department and shared a quick video.
Motion by Mayor Cacciotti, seconded by Councilmember Mahmud, to bring an item to the Public Safety Commission and City Council regarding legislation to examine the root cause of the theft of catalytic converters.
6. City Manager Communications
City Manager Chaparyan provided an update on the City's redistricting process.
7. Reordering of, Additions, or Deletions to the Agenda None.
CONSENT CALENDAR
THIS ITEM WAS MOVED OUT-OF-ORDER FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION.
9. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY OF LOS
ANGELES AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER TO INSPECT AND ABATE
WEEDS, BRUSH AND NATIVEVEGETATION DECLARED TO BE AN EXISTING
OR POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD, AND SCHEDULE A PUBLIC HEARING TO BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 16, 2022, TO HEAR OBJECTIONS OR PROTESTS TO
THE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the resolution authorizing the County of LosAngeles Agriculture Commissioner to inspect and abate weeds, brush and native vegetation declared to be an existing or potential fire hazard and schedule a Public Hearing to be held on February 16, 2022, to hear objections or protests to the vegetation management program.
Regular Meeting Minutes South Pasadena City Council February 2, 2022
10. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REMOTE TELECONFERENCE
MEETINGS OF THE LEGISLATIVE BODIES OF THE CITY
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council approve the attached authorizing remote teleconference meetings of the legislative bodies of the city.
11. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 36 (ZONING) OF THE SOUTH PASADENA MUNICIPAL CODE
PERTAINING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADUS) INCLUDING SECTION 36.350.200.J (DESIGN STANDARDS FOR HISTORIC PROPERTIES)
AND ADOPTION OF DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR ADU DEVELOPMENT
ON HISTORIC PROPERTIES
ORDINANCE
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SOUTH PASADENA
AMENDING CHAPTER 36 ("ZONING"), ARTICLE III
"SITE PLANNING AND GENERAL DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS"), SECTION 36.350.200 ("RESIDENTIAL
USES-ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS") OF THE
CITY OF SOUTH PASADENA MUNICIPAL CODE
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Read by title only for second reading, waiving further reading, and adopt an ordinance toamend Chapter 36 (Zoning)of the South Pasadena Municipal Code (SPMC) pertaining to
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) including Section 36.350.200.J (Design Standards for Historic Properties); and
Adopt Design Guidelines for ADU Development on Historic Properties.
12. AUTHORIZE CELL TOWER REVENUE USAGE
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council authorize:
The City Manager to execute the creation of an OPEB
(Other Post-EmploymentBenefits) trust;
The placement of $1,125,000 of General Fund Reserves into the new OPEB trust;
Appropriation of $4,374,439 - the Cell Tower Revenues from General Fund Reserves to pay down the current Unfunded
Actuarial Liability (UAL);
4. Appropriation of $1,000,000 reserved for paydown of pension and medical liabilities;
The payment of $2,847,124 into the City's Sworn Safety CaPERS (PERS)plan; and
6. The payment of $1,402,315 into the City's Miscellaneous PERS plan.
Regular Meeting Minutes South Pasadena City Council February 2, 2022 Councilmember Zneimer requested to pull Item No. 8.
A motion was made by Councilmember Donovan, seconded by Councilmember Mahmud and approved by roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Items) 9-12 as presented.
Motion carried, 5-0.
CONSENT CALENDAR - AGENDA ITEM(S) PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION APPROVAL OF PREPAID WARRANTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,945.53; GENERAL CITY WARRANTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $831,488.44;
SUPPLEMENTAL ACH PAYMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,345.20; VOIDS IN THE AMOUNT OF ($78.00); TRANSFERS IN THEAMOUNT OF $14,731.63:
PAYROLL IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,570,081.28
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council approve the Warrants as presented.
COUNCIL ACTION AND MOTION
Councilmember Zneimer referenced the CalgonCarbon warrant request and asked if they City reached out to any other vendors to provide those services.
Public Works Director Gerber stated that the existing vessel is designed by CalgonCarbon so staff did not have a choice to use another vendor. He noted that staff is looking for alternative funding sources to mitigate costs for the future.
Councilmember Zneimer referenced the West Coast Arborist warrant request and asked if their scope of duties include inspections on the health of the City's aging trees.
Public Works Director Gerber answered affirmatively.
Councilmember Zneimer referenced the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority warrant request and inquired about the pumping right fees.
Public Works Director Gerber noted that these are part of the cost required for the City to pump drinking water out of the basin and into the City. He noted he will research how often the City pays that fee.
Councilmember Mahmud noted that she believes it's an annual payment.
A motion was made by Councilmember Zneimer, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Primuth and approved by roll call vote to approve the Item No. 8, as presented.
Motion carried, 5-0.
Regular Meeting Minutes South Pasadena City Council February 2, 2022
ACTION / DISCUSSION
13. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH PASADENA
CONDEMNING THE CITY'S HISTORY AS A SUNDOWN TOWN AND PAST PRACTICES OF INSTITUTIONALIZED RACISM; TAKE ACTION TO JOIN THE GOVERNMENT ALLIANCE ONRACE & EQUITY (GARE); DIRECT STAFF TO
ENGAGE IN ADDITIONAL EQUITY- DEVELOPING ACTIVITIES
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council:
Adopt a resolution entitled "Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Pasadena Condemning the City's History as a Sundown Town and Past Practices of InstitutionalizedRacism"; and
2. Direct staff to attend information sessions on the Government Alliance on Race & Equity (GARE) and discuss the membership with our neighboring cities; and
3. Direct staff to engage in the following Equity-Developing Activities:
a. Review the deeds of properties currently owned by the City or owned in the future in coordination with LA County Registrar Recorder adoption and implementation plan; remove any existing racially restrictive housing covenants; and for any property purchased in the future remove the racially restrictive housing covenant prior accepting property;
b. Hire artists to perform at the Music in the Parks reflecting a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, countries, and sounds;
c. Support an annual community forum in demonstration of South Pasadena's commitment to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the community; hosted by Assistant to the City Manager Tamara Binns; d. Continue to support the spirit of inclusionary initiatives proposed by county legislation, budget proposals, and policies that would reverse past racist policies and reduce racial disparities consistent with this Resolution, and actively oppose state and county legislation, budget proposals, and policies that would impede the goals of the Resolution Condemning the City's History as a Sundown Town and Past Practices ofinstitutionalized Racism".
e. Continue to promote diversity in the membership of city commissions; and
1. Continue to provide diversity, equity, and inclusion training for all city employees.
COUNCIL ACTION AND MOTION
Assistant to the City Manager Binns made a presentation and provided a quick overview of the item.
Councilmember Mahmud briefly reviewed the recommended actions.
Regular Meeting Minutes South Pasadena City Council February 2, 2022 Councilmember Zneimer referenced the Government Alliance on Race and Equity webinar and asked if elected officials can participate.
Assistant to the City Manager Binns confirmed the webinar is open to the public and elected officials.
Mayor Cacciotti requested that staff remind the community about the webinar at the next City Council meeting.
Councilmember Zneimer asked if it was possible to identify the 125 displaced Japanese residents referenced in the staff report.
Assistant to the City Manager Binns stated that staff has been investigating that question and will continue to work with local groups to identify additional information.
Councilmember Zneimer referenced section 5 of the proposed resolution pertaining to events in the City and asked that additional events be included.
Councilmember Zneimer noted that a preposition is missing from the language in section 4 of the proposed resolution.
Mayor Pro Tem Primuth referenced section 4 of the proposed resolution regarding the removal of existing racially restrictive housing covenants and expressed support to make that process easier in the future.
Mayor Cacciotti opened the public comment period.
Zoom Public Comment:
Yvonne LaRose thanked Assistant to the City Manager Binns for her work on this items; suggested the installation of plaques for the properties affected by the removal of existing racially restrictive housing covenants.
Anne Bagasao thanked Assistant to the City Manager Binns for her work on this item; asked why the City still celebrates Columbus Day; stated that the appointment of City Commissioners should be more equitable; expressed her support for the Black Lives Matter Mural.
Alexander Aquino expressed his support for the proposed resolution condemning the City's history as a Sundown Town.
Ella Hushagen expressed her support for the proposed resolution condemning the City's history as a Sundown Town.
F.J. Pratt stated more needs to be done in the City to promote inclusion.
Regular Meeting Minutes South Pasadena City Council February 2, 2022 Michael Savela expressed his support for the proposed resolution condemning the City's history as a Sundown Town.
Helen Tran expressed her support for the proposed resolution condemning the City's history as a Sundown Town.
John Srebalus expressed his support for the proposed resolution condemning the City's history as a Sundown Town.
Albert Perez expressed his support for the proposed resolution condemning the City's history as a Sundown Town.
Deputy City Clerk Muñoz noted that the following written public comments were received:
Sofia Lopez Singleton
John Aboud
Jim Dowd
Care First South Pasadena
Ryan Bell
Stefani Williams
With no other requests to speak, the public comment period was closed.
Councilmember Mahmud complemented Assistant to the City Manager Binns and City staff for their work on this resolution.
Councilmember Zneimer requested minor revisions that can be brought back to a future City Council meeting.
City Attorney Jared stated the typographical error in Section 4 can be accommodated to add the word "to".
Assistant to the City Manager Binns noted that City staff can work with other organizations in the City to accommodate other events in the City.
Councilmember Mahmud acknowledged Community Services Director Pautsch's work on diverse entertainment options during City events; thanked community members for their work on this item.
Councilmember Donovan thanked City staff for their work on this resolution.
A motion was made by Councilmember Mahmud, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Primuth and approved by roll call vote to approve Item No. 14, as amended by the City Attorney.
Motion carried, 5-0.
Regular Meeting Minutes South Pasadena City Council February 2, 2022
14. APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR A FIVE-YEAR CONTRACT TO THE SOUTH
PASADENA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR THE OPERATION OF THE
SOUTH PASADENA FARMERS'MARKET
It is recommended that the City Council approve a five (5) year Contract with the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce for the operation of the South Pasadena Farmers' Market.
COUNCIL ACTION AND MOTION
Management Analyst Jerejian made a presentation and provided a quick overview of the item.
Councilmember Mahmud inquired if staff has considered increasing the amount of produce vendors to 75-80%.
Management Analyst Jerejian stated that it's possible to increase the numbers.
Laurie Wheeler, South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, stated that the ratio of minimum.
Councilmember Mahmud requested language in the contract stating the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce be responsible for the movement of devices related to the street closure plan and the development of a traffic control plan.
Ms. Wheeler stated that the Chamber has an outside vendor who erects and removes traffic control barriers and directional signage.
Councilmember Zneimer stated parking signage is needed for the Farmers Market.
Councilmembers discussed additional parking options for the Farmers Market and City Attorney Jared confirmed that amended language can be added to the agreement to include additional parking locations.
Ms. Wheeler confirmed the Chamber will work with the City on additional parking for the event.
Councilmember Mahmud inquired if the Chamber has an agreement with the current owner of the school district's former administration site.
Ms. Wheeler stated the Chamber does not currently have an agreement with South Pasadena Unified School District lot. She confirmed there is an agreement with the new owner of the school district's former administration site.
Regular Meeting Minutes South Pasadena City Council February 2, 2022 Councilmember Mahmud asked if this agreement is time sensitive as a number of items need modification.
City Manager Chaparyan stated that staff can work with the Chamber and bring back a modified agreement within the next month.
Councilmember Zneimer stated that the restrooms provided at the museum are often overburdened.
Ms. Wheeler listed the restrooms available for the event and noted that additional signage can be added to identify the additional restrooms.
City Manager Chaparyan stated the Public Works Department will work with the Chamber to determine to proper number of additional restrooms needed.
The City Council expressed their appreciation to Ms. Wheeler and the Chamber of Commerce for all the work they do for the Farmers Market.
Mayor Cacciotti opened the public comment period.
Zoom Public Comment:
Yvonne LaRose recommended a temporary shuttle to transport people to the farmers market as a way to mitigate the parking issues.
Deputy City Clerk Muñoz noted that the following written public comments were received:
Carole Gallegos thanked the City for their partnership of the farmers market.
Norma & Ulises Medrano expressed their support for the farmers market.
Benjamin Smith expressed his support for the farmers market.
With no other requests to speak, the public comment period was closed.
A motion was made by Councilmember Zneimer, seconded by Councilmember Mahmud and approved by roll call vote to bring this item back as a future agenda item after the City and Chamber work out additional details of the agreement.
Motion carried, 5-0.
15. INVESTMENT PHILOSOPHY
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council
1. Review report; and
2. Provide input regarding future investment philosophy.
Regular Meeting Minutes South Pasadena City Council February 2, 2022
COUNCIL ACTION AND MOTION
Interim Finance Director Louie made a presentation and provided a quick overview of the item.
Mayor Pro Tem Primuth inquired if the bond at Morgan Stanley the most aggressive fund.
nterim Finance Director Louie stated that the City's bond performance is 1.26% and the ocal Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) is earning 0.2%
Mayor Pro Tem Primuth asked what the next step would be after a bond portfolio.
Interim Finance Director Louie stated that the Finance Commission would like to see the City invest additional funds with Morgan Stanley.
Councilmember Zneimer asked what the Finance Commission's recommendation was for investing with Morgan Stanley.
Interim Finance Director Louie stated the Commission was in favor of $16.5 million; he noted they are presenting a bigger balance to City Council as the balances have increased.
Councilmember Mahmud asked if the Finance Commission would approve the updated dollar amount that is now being recommended to the City Council.
Interim Finance Director Louie answered affirmatively.
Councilmember Zneimer asked how much the first installment of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
Interim Finance Director Louie stated that they are equal installments of about $3 million.
Councilmember Zneimer clarified that the investment doesn't include the ARPA funds.
Mayor Cacciotti opened the public comment period.
With no requests to speak, the public comment period was closed.
Mayor Cacciotti shared a PowerPoint slide of different investments from the Air Quality Management District (AQMD).
Councilmember Zneimer asked if the City can invest in State Municipal Bonds.
Interim Finance Director Louie stated he will investigate and provide an answer to the City Council.
Regular Meeting Minutes South Pasadena City Council February 2, 2022 Mayor Cacciotti stated that he prefers a moderate aggressive approach to investments.
The City Council discussed different levels of risk in regard to investments.
A motion was made by Councilmember Mahmud, seconded by Councilmember Zneimer and approved by roll call vote to approve a transfer from LAIF of $21,500,000 and to direct the Finance Commission to examine other potential investments beyond the bonds offered by Morgan Stanley.
Motion carried, 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
There eat 10 ture, alters at regular dia mime mended ye Wednesday, February 16, 2022.
Respectfully submitted:
Chadult
hristina Munoz
Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED:
Much A. Cacult
MICHAEL ČACCIOTTI
MAYOR
ATTEST:
Christallin
Christina Muñoz
Deputy City Clerk
Approved at City Council Meeting: 07/20/2022.