CITY OF SOUTH PASADENA
CITY COUNCIL - SPECIAL MEETING
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2022 AT 5:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER:
The Special Meeting of the South Pasadena City Council was called to order by Mayor Cacciotti on Wednesday, March 28, 2022, at 6:13 p.m. The City Council Chamber is 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
Christina Muñoz, Deputy City Clerk, announced a quorum.
Arminé Chaparyan, City Manager; Andrew Jared, City Attorney; Christina PRESENT: preseried report or responded to questions a Chicated is the minutes.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUCEMENTS
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL: EXISTING LITIGATION
(Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1))
1. James Cheung v. South Pasadena (Case No.: 2:22-cv-01756-SVW-GJS) 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 reportable action was taken in closed session.
Special Meeting Minutes South Pasadena City Council March 28, 2022 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL: POTENTIAL LITIGATION
(Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1))
Number of cases: 1
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 reportable action was taken in closed session.
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL: INITIATION OF LITIGATION (Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4))
Number of cases: 1
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 reportable action was taken in closed session.
The City Council adjourned from closed session at 5:58 p.m.
City Attorney Jared referenced closed session agenda items C and D from the March 16, 2022 City Council meeting and reported as follows:
C. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL: INITIATION OF LITIGATION (Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4))
Number of cases: 3
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 reportable action was taken in closed session.
D. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL: POTENTIAL LITIGATION
(Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2))
Number of cases: 1
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 reportable action was taken in closed session.
The City Council adjourned the March 16, 2022 City Council meeting from closed session on March 17, 2022 at 1:22 a.m.
City Attorney Jared requested to add an item to the agenda as it came to the attention of the local agency subsequent to the agenda being posted and requires immediate action (Government Code Section 54954.2(b)(2)), titled:
Approval of Entering into an Agreement to Repair Wilson Well Pump #4
Special Meeting Minutes South Pasadena City Council March 28, 2022 Motion by Councilmember Mahmud, Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Primuth, to add the requested item to the agenda.
Motion carried, 5-0.
PRESENTATIONS
CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION
Fire Chief Riddle recognized Evan Morales (not in attendance) for his heroism at a recent fire incident in the City. He noted that Mr. Morales will be recognized at the South Pasadena Fire Station at a later date.
CONSENT CALENDAR
AWARD OF CONTRACT TO PROVIDE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FOR THE
ARROYO SECO GOLF COURSE & DRIVING RANGE URGENT POLE AND
NETTING REMOVAL PROJECT
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Review proposals to provide construction services for the Arroyo Seco Golf Course & Driving Range Urgent Pole and Netting Removal Project, and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with the Contractor for a yet-to-be determined amount;
2. Appropriate an amount from the Arroyo Golf Course Fund 295 Reserves sufficient to cover the contract amount, plus fifteen percent for contingencies, into a newly created Capital Improvement Program Expenditure Account for the repair and replacement of Arroyo Seco Golf Court & Driving Range Netting; and
3. Appropriate $100,000 from the Arroyo Golf Course Fund 295 Reserves into the newly created Capital Improvement Program Expenditure Account for the repair and replacement of Arroyo Seco Golf Court & Driving Range Netting, and authorize the City Manager to enter into all such agreements for work deemed necessary by the City Manager to reopen the Golf Course to public play as soon as possible.
COUNCIL ACTION AND MOTION
Public Works Director Gerber made a presentation and provided an overview of the item.
He noted the new information recently came to staff where potential work could be completed under warranty by Judge Netting and noted an additional document was provided regarding bids that were received.
City Attorney Jared provided clarification on staff's recommendations and Judge Netting's proposal to repair the issues are covered under the warranty.
Special Meeting Minutes South Pasadena City Council March 28, 2022 Public Works Director Gerber clarified that its staff's recommendation to accept the lowest bid proposal.
Councilmember Mahmud stated at this point, the City Council should authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement.
City Attorney Jared stated that the City Manager's signing authority would not extend under the bid amounts received; stated the City Council would have to authorize authority for the City Manager to sign an agreement.
Councilmember Mahmud clarified that Judge Netting is willing to replace the poles at no additional cost to the City; and, asked if $100,000 is still being requested from staff and how the funds would be expended.
Public Work Director Gerber stated staff's recommendation is to approve number three only. He added the $100,000 would cover project management and design consulting services and noted he doesn't expect those costs to reach $100,000.
City Attorney Jared clarified the recommended actions by staff and noted the $100,000 would go into the capital improvement program (CIP) fund to ensure that the repairs for the golf course are complete.
Councilmember Zneimer asked if storage is necessary for the existing poles.
Public Works Director Gerber stated it would be beneficial to have a place to store the poles so it could be examined at a future date.
Mayor Cacciotti opened the public comment period.
With no requests to speak, the public comment period was closed.
A motion was made by Councilmember Zneimer, seconded by Councilmember Mahmuc and approved by roll call vote to appropriate $100,000 from the Arroyo Golf Course Fund 295 Reserves into a Capital Project Fund to cover cost of repairs to golf course; authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement for warranty work with Judge Netting at no cost to the City; As a contingency, also authorize the City Manager to enter into agreements) - if a mutual agreement on terms and conditions have not been reached between the City and Judge Netting on repairs under warranty to include demolition, project management and/or design services, as needed.
Motion carried, 5-0.
3A. AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT FOR THE REPAIR OF WILSON PUMP #4 AND APPROPRIATE $50,000 FROM THE WATER ENTERPRISE FUND INTO THE WATER
PRODUCTION SERVICES ACCOUNT
Special Meeting Minutes South Pasadena City Council March 28, 2022 Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement for the repair of Wilson Pump #4.
2. Appropriate $50,000 from the Water Enterprise Fund into the Water Production Services Account.
COUNCIL ACTION AND MOTION
City Attorney Jared provided clarification of the process of adding the item and staff's recommendations.
Public Works Director Gerber made a presentation and provided an overview of the item.
Councilmember Mahmud requested clarification regarding the number of working pumps at the Wilson Reservoir.
Public Work Director Gerber noted that Wilson pump number two remains inoperable and pump numbers three and four are typically the pumps that are operable. He noted that pump number three cannot meet production without pump number four operating.
Councilmember Mahmud asked if there's a plan to address pump number two.
Public Works Director Gerber noted under the proposed Water Master Plan, bringing pump number two online under one of the early action plans to avoid any future issues such as this.
Councilmember Mahmud asked if there are sufficient funds under the water revenue account to cover the costs the additional cost of water.
Public Works Director Gerber answered affirmatively.
Mayor Pro Tem Primuth asked why pump number three is not able to meet production without pump number four.
Public Works Director Gerber stated that each well cannot be over-pumped; noted the Graves Well is also off-line, which adds additional issues.
Councilmember Zneimer asked if Measure W funds would be utilized.
Public Works Director Gerber stated the project would be funded utilizing solely enterprise water revenue funds.
Councilmember Mahmud asked how long ago did the City completed an application for the Graves Well and what agency did the City submit to.
Special Meeting Minutes South Pasadena City Council March 28, 2022 Public Works Director Gerber stated that it was submitted to the State Water Control Board and noted that there was turnover at the State level, which caused delays.
Councilmember Mahmud suggested that a letter be sent to the State Legislature to nudge the State Water Control Board to issue the City its permit for the Graves Well.
Public Works Director Gerber stated that staff can work on a letter and noted staff will also examine the timeline for completion.
Mayor Cacciotti inquired about the costs to pump the water.
Public Works Director Gerber stated that the pumping costs is about a third of the budget.
Councilmember Mahmud stated that the City had issues with the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) in the past because of their methods of disinfecting their water; asked if staff anticipates any issues this time.
Public Works Director Gerber doesn't anticipate using as much water that the City previously utilized with MWD; noted that the City is utilizing stored water as well.
Mayor Cacciotti opened the public comment period.
With no requests to speak, the public comment period was closed.
A motion was made by Councilmember Donovan, seconded by Councilmember Mahmud and approved by roll call vote to authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement for the repair of Wilson Pump #4 and appropriate $50,000 from the Water Enterprise Fund into the Water Production Services Account.
Motion carried, 5-0.
STUDY SESSION
PUBLIC SAFETY BIENNIAL REPORTS
Recommendation
Presentations of the South Pasadena Police Department (SPPD) and South Pasadena Fire Department (SPDF) Biennial Reports.
COUNCIL ACTION AND MOTION
Fire Chief Riddle provided an overview of the South Pasadena Fire Department 2020/21 biennial report.
Councilmember Zneimer complimented the Fire Department for their response to a fire near her residence.
Special Meeting Minutes South Pasadena City Council March 28, 2022 Councilmember Mahmud asked for a description of emergency medical services program that residents can sign up for and how its advertised.
Fire Chief Riddle provided an overview of the Paramedics Subscription Program; noted that it's a flat fee of $80 a year; stated that it's advertised on the City website and inserts in the water bills.
Councilmember Mahmud recommended making a presentation about the program at the Senior Center; asked if the Fire Department Annual Report is posted on the City website.
Fire Chief Riddle stated that staff will post it on the City website.
Councilmember Mahmud asked if there is a correlation between cooking fires and senior citizens.
Fire Chief Riddle stated the department has not done an official study on the subject but stated that fires have more to do with a busy lifestyle than the age of the individual.
Councilmember Mahmud inquired if Fire Department personnel is receiving training on fire incidents.
Fire Chief Riddle answered affirmatively and noted that moisture levels can influence how dangerous fire activity will be.
Councilmember Donovan inquired about the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program and how many days it takes to complete the program.
Fire Chief Riddle provided an overview of the program.
Mayor Cacciotti referenced the Fire Department's response times and asked why response times have increased.
Fire Chief Riddle stated that it depends on how resources are deployed.
Mayor Cacciotti inquired about the City's relationship with the City of San Marino and the department's staffing size.
Fire Chief Riddle discussed the current staffing levels with the City of San Marino and noted that the cities share Division Chiefs.
Mayor Cacciotti inquired how Delta has helped with fire investigations.
Fire Chief Riddle provided an overview of the value Delta has been to the department and how its able to narrow down causes of fires.
Special Meeting Minutes South Pasadena City Council March 28, 2022 Councilmember Mahmud asked why Los Angeles County isn't involved in the Verdugo Fire Communication Center.
Fire Chief Riddle stated that LA County is involved, just not directly with that agreement; noted that its more of a mutual aid agreement.
Mayor Cacciotti opened the public comment period for the Fire Department report.
With no requests to speak, the public comment period was closed.
Police Chief Solinsky provided an overview of the South Pasadena Police Department 2020/21 Biennial Report.
Councilmember Zneimer inquired about the use of force cases.
Police Chief Solinsky provided clarification on each case listed in the report.
Councilmember Mahmud asked if the increased number of moving citations is attributed to the traffic enforcement unit that was formed prior to the pandemic.
Police Chief Solinsky answered affirmatively and noted that schedules had to be adjusted during the pandemic but expects to see coverage go back to normal soon.
Councilmember Mahmud asked if there's a correlation between the increase of traffic accidents and the increase of stop sign violations.
Police Chief Solinsky answered affirmatively and noted that individuals were driving faster post pandemic.
Councilmember Mahmud stated the Police Department received a grant to perform pedestrian enforcement and asked how that program is going.
Police Chief Solinsky stated that the Department is doing pedestrian and bicycle enforcement and noted that they are working on education opportunities in the future.
Councilmember Mahmud asked what new programs and initiatives are on the horizon for the Police Department.
Police Chief Solinsky provided an overview of the upcoming artificial intelligence cameras program; discussed the Department's implementation of the Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA); discussed the Department's homeless response team; discussed the Department's community outreach programs; and discussed the transition of the Department's fleet to electric vehicles.
Councilmember Mahmud asked what recommendations the Police Department has for residents to protect themselves from home invasions.
Special Meeting Minutes South Pasadena City Council March 28, 2022 Police Chief Solinsky provided a list of informative information.
Councilmember Donovan thanked Police Chief Solinsky for the report.
Councilmember Zneimer asked if smart cameras would assist with smash and grab burglaries.
Police Chief Solinsky stated that cameras would assist with those crimes and it would also help prevent future crime.
Councilmember Zneimer asked if cities share information from the smart cameras.
Police Chief Solinsky stated that cities with the same system can share information with each other.
Councilmember Zneimer asked how much smart cameras would cost.
Police Chief Solinsky stated that the annual costs would be around $30,000 per year and noted that the cameras can only be leased.
Mayor Cacciotti asked what reassurance the Police Department can provide to ease residents about the increase in smash and grab crime.
Police Chief Solinsky stated that the Department is working with the Chamber of Commerce and businesses that have been affected by the Business Watch program and noted that the Department utilizes decoy vehicles.
Mayor Cacciotti asked how the Department is utilizing their resources effectively.
Police Chief Solinsky stated that the Department is using intelligence-based policing to utilize resources during peak hours of crime.
Councilmember Mahmud asked if cities who are using the smart cameras are also using them in their business districts and residential areas.
Police Chief Solinsky answered affirmatively and noted that those cities are seeing a decrease in crimes in those areas.
Councilmember Mahmud stated that the smart cameras could benefit the City and recommended that City staff look into funding mechanisms for the cameras.
Mayor Cacciotti opened the public comment period for the Police Department report.
With no requests to speak, the public comment period was closed.
Page?
Special Meeting Minutes South Pasadena City Council March 28, 2022
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further matters, Mayor Cacciotti adjourned the meeting of the City Council at 8:13 p.m., to the next Regular City Council meeting scheduled on Wednesday, April 6, 2022.
Respectfully submitted:
Ambathing
Christina Munoz
Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED
Mikal A Quitt
MICHAEL CACCIOTTI
MAYOR
Attest:
Cantanter
Christina Munoz
Deputy City Clerk
Approved at City Council Meeting: 07/20/2022.