Special Joint Meeting of the Pasadena City Council and LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger: March 31, 2021

Special Council Meeting Recap - March 31, 2021

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PURSUANT TO EXECUTIVE ORDER N-29-20 ISSUED BY GOVERNOR GAVIN NEWSOM ON MARCH 17, 2020, THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING FOR MARCH 31, 2021 AT 8:00 A.M. WILL TAKE PLACE SOLELY BY VIDEOCONFERENCE/TELECONFERENCE.

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EN VIRTUD DE LA ORDEN EJECUTIVA N-29-20 EMITIDA POR EL GOBERNADOR GABIN NEWSOM EL 17 DE MARZO DE 2020, LA REUNI�N DEL CONSEJO MUNICIPAL DEL 31 DE MARZO DE 2021 A LAS 8:00 A.M. TENDR� LUGAR �NICAMENTE POR VIDEOCONFERENCIA/TELECONFERENCIA.

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so we'll go and call the meeting to order apologies had a technical difficulties. This is the March 31st twenty twenty one special meeting with los angeles county supervisor captain berger welcome supervisor and your staff I'd say welcome to pasadena but it looks like you might be downtown but still even virtually with pasadena and will go on and start with the do we need a roll call vote? We'll do a roll call quickly just to confirm aquarium council member hampton is here. I can see him council member kennedy here plus the council member madison your customer massouda your cast member riva's yeah. Cast member williams you're vice mayor wilson. You're mayor gordo. You're there's a quorum of council present and we have a pretty cool agenda to the school. Why don't we just jump right into the agenda items and start with the thing we've never had a meeting where we didn't have the pledge of allegiance. Hi. Thank you. So Mr. Kennedy has volunteered to leave personally. Good morning there. Good morning, everyone. Please stand by your right hand over your heart ready begin. I pledge allegiance to the united states of america which it stands one nation under God indivisible with sproul's thank you Mr. Kennedy. Welcome, wassim. Now we'll move on time to and this is the discussion regarding the federal courtroom covid relief funding and coordination between the county and the city and supervisor. This is as we look at covid relief coming down through the federal government, there's been some confusion related to whether it's going for cities 200 residents or fewer especially is the question for us has been whether the relief funding will come through the county or the state. It May vary on the type of really funding of course. And so we want to have a better explanation from your vantage point and you May not have all of the answers but certainly we thought we'd ask because it's not entirely clear. It seems to be clearing up but at the moment it's not entirely clear and so we thought we'd engage in a discussion with you and your staff to see if we can't get more information. Absolutely. Merrill and I know on the first round they came directly to the county and I first want to thank the city of pasadena, especially your city manager because this last year we've had coordinated efforts to work together to address while you've got your own public health department costs such as testing and all our things we wanted to coordinate and have coordinated with the city of pasadena on in terms of funding moving forward with this round it's my understanding the city will receive a direct allocation and it'll be over a two year period. The county right now is planning for the one point nine billion that we are set to receive and our spending plan is going to be over a three year period and what I would say to the city of pakistan again we did this with the first round is that while you're getting your own separate funding there are additional costs associated with covid relief whether it be loss of revenue in in positions that is still had to be put into play or even the actual cost associated with fighting covid I want to work with you to see how we can in addition to funding that you're getting, look at what resources are available that could be used for for the city pasadena understand that we are reaching out to all the chambers because my goal is to not grow government but to in fact reimburse and help jumpstart our economy with small businesses and nonprofits that have been disproportionately impacted because of this pandemic. And so we have reached out to the palestina chamber as we have with all our chambers to see what needs they have as we look to allocate the one point nine billion that we're going to get and we understand the correct funding we're receiving. Look to the city manager about fifty two point three million dollars but there are other funding streams including possibly rent relief that we don't have a whole lot of clarity it appears that initially was to go through the county but now it seems the state will handle that. And my understanding is the county did in fact turn over its rent relief dollars to the state at the request of the state. And I'll tell you why sb 91 was passed by the senate which put in specific requirements in terms of how this money was going to be spent when we looked whether because we always want to keep it local and administer it at the local level. But one of the issues that we had with the state was they were not willing to put together a database, if you will, that we could draw from to see who's already received. so we didn't duplicate the relief and the state said if we did any duplication that the county would be held responsible to reimburse for that funding. So we decided because of the size of the county that we would allocated to the state let them administer the program because they would not indemnify us. Now the city of san created to your point cities with a population of 200000 or more receiving it directly city of santa clarita has chosen to administer it themselves. They have probably an easier way of identifying those that have already received it. But in L.A. County we did decide to allow the state to administer that program countywide. But that's the reason I mean if they had indemnified we actually asked them and we're willing to take part of our funding to allow them to create a database so that we could just simply search to see who received but they chose not to do that and so we just felt it was the best interest, especially given the fact that we would have to reimburse we couldn't go after the people that received it because we know that they're not going to be able to to pay back if they are over paid. So we decided to let the state do it. Mr. City manager juror driveling that or members of the council mayor, you're correct about the level of federal support and in our discussions with county staff we've all agreed to cooperate and we really appreciate the support of the supervisor. A lot of the federal program and the requirements of the relief funding have yet to be determined but we know we'll work in partnership with the county. We would hope and expect that to the extent that there's certain programs available to to county residents, residents of pasadena would have the same level of opportunity to participate and we greatly appreciate the supervisors helping these efforts. And I would say, steve, on to that point, you know, we're putting together our spending plan now in terms of the one point nine again we're going to do it over a three year period. So it's important that we work together and for example, mayor ,when you all get your funding and you identify how you're going to use that, there May be areas where you want to do a more robust program and we would want to work with you because again my goal is to especially look at where we can restart the economy and in pasadena because I live in the area I know that that small businesses have been disproportionately impacted restaurants and I think it's important that we work to collaborate to make sure that we get that money out into the community and we're we are interested in encouraging with you in the county, particularly around programing for young people. As you know, we share in common the school district part of our school district is about dina and that's your jurisdiction. But we consider the kids and the families that attended unified school district as being a part of our community and family notwithstanding the jurisdictional issue. So as we receive funding and we look to mitigate issues of crime and activity that's been occurring recently, we are going to look at better programing in parks, positive activities and and staffing parks and so we would hope to coordinate with you that those efforts but also your absolutely correct the issue local businesses you know, we've had quite a few local businesses that have struggled and you and I talked to some some of the same people I know because they tell me I just spoke to the supervisor and and I know that that same business owners are counting on the city and and the city to the city and the county to coordinate efforts in terms of relief for small businesses in and around pasadena and I will say that about a month and a half ago I brought in a motion to reinstate and actually increase funding for our parks and rec specifically targeting youth because I know and you know how important those programs are. We've got park park after dark and so we are actually increasing the time for the pools to be open. So that has been a priority. It passed unanimously so we actually have fully funded all of our parks and rec program and we're building into that employment for youth at the parks so that we are actually going to put together a program that is going to allow you to apply and work at our parks and I think it's a win win for the community as well. And to your point on our friends. Yes. And they are looking for us to work together to leverage the funding where we can to benefit the community because I think they feel that they are the fabric of palestine and I don't think you would disagree with that are before for a supervisor. But I was curious we'd be at a higher level if you could share with the council the general state of affairs of the county in terms of financial strain. I mean obviously these municipalities like pessina have had a difficult period especially as you're aware that the rose bowl has been a real drain and it's a great asset but it's empty. So I just want to have a longer term view about how the county is doing and how you're feeling about kind of your resources so we can be realistic about what capacity the county May have and whether you're going to be able to step up or you know what that balancing act is. So we have a bigger picture, a very good question and actually it's always a balancing act and I think that your city manager will tell you that as well year to year depending upon the revenue. Obviously revenue has been down in L.A. County but one of the things we have put together is a rainy day fund which we've had to draw down from in order to balance our budget. So we've been fortunate that we have saved over the years for the expectation not a pandemic but of the downturn in the economy. So we have used our rainy day fund to fill the gap moving forward right now we are fiscally strong but it's because we're very careful with how we are providing funding within within our county departments. They're all on to what you would call a fiscal diet right now in terms of growth. That's why I reinstated the parks and rec so using one time funding, recognizing that one area that we know has the greatest need and has been so disproportionately impacted is youth. So we wanted to put together something I'm working in coordination with all of our cities but we are looking good but we are very cautious moving forward. We're in negotiations right now with all of our employees, the unions and are recognizing that we have to be able to sustain for at least three years so it's to be continued but right now knock on wood we are doing well. Thank you for sharing the and the rose bowl. I'm meeting just and I'm sure you know merrick's I know you're very active with the rose bowl. I'm meeting with the rose bowl to discuss what options we May have to help them out as well because I personally having lived in the community recognize what an important role the rose bowl plays well beyond just the games within the walls but also just in terms of the the historical significance. And so we're going to see what we can do to work with them moving forward until we get out of this pandemic April 15th if that's right. Thank you supervisor for being here at our meeting this joint meeting you mentioned in the chambers and your support of the chambers. I actually spoke to I've been a member of pasadena's chamber for a long time. I spoke to paul little yesterday and he really appreciates your support through the years and all that you're doing. We talked about this personal care and retail recovery grant and it's really a nice grant. Our question is for your next round would you consider fitness centers fours and yoga studios because they've been hit really hard because of this shutdown order. So that's our question. What about those businesses and other businesses down the road so you the good news is we put this grant out and the bad news is there was not enough money to go around. So we know that small businesses are struggling in the cdc did a study that showed that disproportionately small businesses have had an been hit the hardest and the individuals that are being laid off are people that are that are earning fifteen thousand or less. so I mean we know the impact this has had on our workforce. The short answer is yes, we're going to look at everything because we recognize that that that especially fitness centers and and yoga studios have been disproportionately hit as well. So we're open to looking at that, recognizing that there's going to be a finite amount of money and it's going to have to be competitive. But we want to do what's needed in the community. So yeah. And so we work with paul. We work with all the chambers to put together a list of who can qualify. But it's kind of like with the vaccines the more people you let in the less dollars there are to go. But we want to be sensitive to what the needs are in the community. Thank thank you, mayor. Council member williams. Good morning. Thank you. I would like to echo council member soudas comments and from our chamber to really support it's not whatsoever about this shutdown the very thing that would keep us healthy through covid which is recreation and fitness. So if there are any funds even from a public health perspective to assist them then maybe that's as a preventative measure to help keep the population safe. Maybe that's another option to look at and I do want to ask you a question about we've had a pretty big shift which was going to happen was underway in terms of the type of work and people working from home are going to have a lot of shifts here and so how can we work with the county? This is sort of a longer term question to invest in high quality jobs in the training that we need to be able to accommodate this new adjustment. We have a very heavy service industry in los angeles. We have a heavy freight industry in los angeles. Our unemployment is 40 percent higher than the state think due to that and tourism how do we sort of look going forward? And viarsa and other types of jobs that we are well positioned for and we can do training for to try to help elevate everyone and sort of put people back to work that have maybe been in displaced industries. Yeah, and thank for that question. I mean, you know, the bioscience in L.A. County has been a priority. Supervisor ridley-thomas started it and is really kind of jumpstarted that that whole bioscience industry and making L.A. County a hub for that. You know, I have to say that it's for me because my focus has been on the corona as chair for the last year. It's something that we have to revisit. But in terms of service and industry, I think what we're doing in L.A. County I'd be happy to share with the city of pasadena is we're putting together what our new workforce is going to look like because what we're hearing is a lot of people are not going to be going back into the office. Telework is going to be something that is the new norm. And I look to county council for example, county council is now putting together what they call I think it's called sellery telling patellar tom a new word but it's basically they're going to have places to come within the office but they're not going to have a dedicated office. They're going to be working remotely and only come in as needed. And so I think that a bigger question is going to be how do we work together to address that moving forward because that is going to be the new norm and I think it's important for us to collaborate not only with the city of pasadena but with all of our cities to recognize that especially with with the occupancy rate is going to go down. I know glendale experiencing that right now and and how do how do we come out of this recognizing that that we're going to have to do business differently but with the bioscience and other industries, clearly we have to collaborate and and work to provide a robust program. But again, I think it's going to look a lot different than it did pre colgan. I think that we're going to have to adapt to that and work with each industry to support and and change whatever that's going to look like. But we're still working through that in terms of we had a meeting yesterday to talk about what the county is going to look like come July 1st because that's what we're looking at as a possible date to to begin to slowly reopen and that's to be determined. Thank you, supervisor. And even in all of the efforts in the annals with clean transportation and manufacturing and rail car manufacturing, these are all really great jobs that in pasadena is really well positioned. So we're here to help. We have a great sort of tech and medical and research base here and we're we're really here to help your efforts there have been outstanding so really appreciated. Look forward to working with you. Thank Mr. Medical problems for ciccone. Thank you, mayor. Thanks eisenberger for this meeting as always and for your strong support of outstanding on the board. I just was curious from the county's perspective, you know, the news today is that we expect to have perhaps even more vaccine than we need nationally. And I know one thing we're struggling with is persuading, if you will, everyone in our staff and really in the city to get vaccinated. How is the county doing on that? For example, you have many multiples of the number of staff employees that we do. I wonder if you have percentages or have you considered a mandatory vaccination policy which the eeoc says is perfectly legal and appropriate? I think a lot of people are struggling with that. Yeah, we're not there on the mandatory but we are seeing the numbers go up of people that originally were not willing to take the vaccine now willing to especially with johnson and johnson we're finding I mean my concern was that people with matthew johnson and johnson less of a vaccine but in fact it's the opposite. People are preferring to get johnson and johnson versus the medicine and the pisar and so as we get that coming in, people are really being more willing to get vaccinated. The county's not there in terms of mandatory and we're just trying to encourage our workforce. We're going out into the communities the hardest hit where they've been disproportionately impact especially in communities of color and trying to work with them getting community leaders from the community to explain why it's so important to get vaccinated. So you know, it's something that again I think comes July when we are beginning to reopen, we are going to be visiting that. But I think I hope we have too much vaccine more than we need. We're getting huge supply this week. I don't know we're passing is I think you get your supply directly from the state if I'm not incorrect. but we are getting the largest supply this week and we are going to continue to see that grow and I am encouraging everyone to get vaccinated and to to to recognize that this is science and it's been tested. I those are reluctancy. But Dr. So I don't know if you want to add anything in terms of testing and working with the county but we're not there on the mandating what because we have limited time. We do have an agenda item item three one which is that I this discussion seems appropriate and we'll turn to dr go to talk to us about vaccination in pasadena and our efforts. It seems it pulls right into this item as well. Thank you but I'm sorry. And then and then I'll turn back to before we do that one I turn to counsel robert kennedy who's next in the queue and then Dr. Global trueview mayor ,I believe my question can we ok, so Dr. Will consider this item three I thank you so much, Mr. Mayor and mayor mayor eitam three is the mental health services I know I'm sorry for is the vaccination efforts if you want to thank you. I mean I hope you're right. So we're going to move to item four now. Yeah, it's update on vaccination efforts and it seems that the discussion has led us there so on. Ok, so septime for there we'll just hold it in there if I May just have maybe a couple more minutes because I was going to ask those questions under three but they'll be rather quick. Well, three three we're going to come back to john. It's we're going we're going to continue the discussion on vaccinations while we're here. Ok, good luck with some brief comments, perhaps some question. Thank you, mayor. Thank you again. Welcome to supervisor barker. It's always good to have you with us in this joint meeting, particularly when we can request additional funding and normally I do everything you can to facilitate that. What I would like to know if the county in particularly your office has thought about providing free facial coverings to everyone in the county through some kind of program where a resident in the county would make the request of your office? We have actually we started with our county workforce and it is something that we are considering because it's clear to me that, you know, the assumption is that everyone has access to face coverings and in fact they don't. And so that is something that is going to be considered. The question is going to be how do you how do you get it out into the community? And so we are looking at that in terms of maybe working with our highly qualified health clinics, working with our nonprofits. But it is something that is being looked at in terms of people's fantastic and then in your acceptance of the one point nine dollars billion, is there room in there for public safety grants that are not related to enforcement but in terms of encouraging our young people, particularly those under the age of nineteen to be involved in other activities, positive activities as we open up as a society I can speak for only myself personally in terms of my priorities and that would be one of my top priorities. And again that's why I increased, increased and reinstated the parks and rec allocation because I do really believe that our youth have suffered greatly over the last year not only with education but also with recreation. And I just I think it's important that we invest in them. So the answer is yes. Thank you. Then one of my colleagues on the council asked about youth in a different context in terms of facilities for people recreation sports facilities etc. And I'm not sure which one of your deputies are on the line but I'd like them to take a note that robin park is in need of a small amount of money to close the gap so we'll have a real pool and a pool house for the young people who live around that area predominantly minority and some economically impacted. I want to see that. I think the council wants to see that done. But we've had some funding challenges and if your deputy would take that down as a possible priority, I'd greatly appreciate it. So we'll look at our parks allocation through the the proposition and see if there's any money available. Have you all submitted an application for funding under that program of city manager council member off the top? I'm not sure if we have I know we applied for another grant and we're not successful but I'm not sure if it was through the county. Ok, steve. So steve, one of you will reach out and get the information and then ask that you submit just an application for the grant for the funding because I'm the pools were one of the things we di