HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-09-11REGULAR MEETING
CYPRESS CITY COUNCIL
September 11, 2017
5:30 P.M.
A regular meeting of the Cypress City Council was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Mayor
Morales in the Executive Board Room, 5275 Orange Avenue, Cypress, California.
ROLL CALL
Cypress City Council, also acting as the Ex- Officio Governing Board of Directors of the
Cypress Recreation and Park District
Mayor Paulo Morales
Mayor Pro Tem Jon Peat
Council Member Stacy Berry
Council Member Rob Johnson
Council Member Mariellen Yarc
STAFF PRESENT
City Manager Peter Grant
City Attorney Anthony Taylor
Director of Finance and Administrative Services Matt Burton
Community Development Director Doug Dancs
Director of Recreation and Community Services June Liu
Assistant Director of Finance and Administrative Services Donna Mullally
City Clerk Denise Basham
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Limited to 30 minutes — three minutes per speaker, unless
extended by the City Council)
None.
CLOSED SESSION
The City Attorney reported that the City Council would be meeting in Closed Session
regarding Public Employee Performance Evaluation, pursuant to Government Code
Section 54957, Title: City Clerk.
At 5:31 p.m., the Mayor recessed the meeting.
The meeting reconvened at 6:01 p.m.
WORKSHOP SESSION
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services stated that the workshop would
include an overview of the pension issue, the pension trust, and what it means in future
years.
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services indicated that it became a
requirement to put the pension liability on the City's financial statements and that it is
approximately $31 million and would increase. He stated the unfunded pension liability
represents the difference between what the City has contributed to CaIPERS versus the
actuarially determined value of what CaIPERS needs to provide to retirees. He stated
that the City has proactively set aside monies to offset these liabilities for more than 10
years.
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services stated that CaIPERS will charge
the City more money each year, and that the owed amount would double within the next
five years. He commented that the City's cash contributions would increase from $3.9
million this fiscal year to $7.8 million within the next five years.
Council Member Yarc asked about repercussions should the City have an inability to
pay the unfunded liabilities.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 11, 2017 434
The City Attorney responded that court action could force the City to pay or seize tax
revenues.
The City Manager clarified that the State does not have the ability to do that yet,
however there has been legislation that would empower it. He commented that a
couple of agencies have stopped making their payments to CaIPERS and CaIPERS
has cut all of their retirees' benefits by approximately 60 to 70 percent.
Council Member Johnson asked if the City is covering the unfunded portion.
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services responded that the $30 million
pension trust would be paid over a period of time, possibly 20 years.
Mayor Pro Tem Peat asked about the impact of Public Employees' Pension Reform Act
( PEPRA).
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services indicated that it would likely be 15
to 20 years before there is a significant turnover in the current employee base, and
commented on retirees who are not PEPRA.
Council Member Yarc asked about legislature support.
The City Manager commented on a court case that would eliminate the California rule
which states that the benefit provided to an employee at the start of their employment
has to be maintained throughout their career.
The City Attorney indicated that there is not a high likelihood of a court case that would
lower the amount of pensions due to current CaIPERS members.
Council Member Berry asked if the pension liabilities are still required to be paid by
cities that have filed for bankruptcy.
The City Attorney commented that the pension liabilities have remained payable
through bankruptcy.
The City Manager stated that none of the cities had their CaIPERS obligation reduced.
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services stated that pension liabilities would
not be eliminated even if the City contracted out its services, and that establishment of
a pension trust was included in the strategic plan and the budget message. He
indicated that the City has set aside $10 million over the last 10 to 15 years, without
using monies set aside for infrastructure and /or operations.
Council Member Berry commented that the current funds are not restricted but would
become restricted for pension costs and payments.
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services responded in the affirmative, and
clarified that the money is in the unrestricted employee benefits fund.
Mayor Morales asked about paying CaIPERS a lump sum of $10 million in order to
reduce the $31 million pension liability.
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services provided an overview of the
function of the pension trust, and stated that it is voluntary and irrevocable. He stated
that the withdrawal amount cannot exceed what is paid to CaIPERS for pensions, there
would not be a budget impact, and the City reserves would remain City reserves. He
stated that the pension trust would be a financially beneficial tool for the City. He
clarified that the $10 million would be set aside and not paid to CaIPERS because the
City would not have access to the money and there would be a loss of control how the
money is invested. He reviewed funding and withdrawal examples that include
reimbursements up to the pension trust payment.
Mayor Pro Tem Peat asked about set aside monies.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 11, 2017 435
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services responded that the vision is long-
term.
Council Member Yarc asked if the pension trust must be withdrawn only for pensions.
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services responded in the affirmative, and
clarified that a pension trust reimbursement put into the City General Fund could
indirectly be used for expenses other than pension liabilities.
The City Manager stated that once the money is put back into the City General Fund,
typical General Fund restrictions would apply.
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services stated that there would be
flexibility with the investments with PARS but not CaIPERS.
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services stated that the $10 million would
be formalized in a trust and earn reserves greater than if it was invested in the City's
portfolio.
Dennis Yu, Senior Vice President of PARS, discussed PARS background and indicated
that it acts as a trust fund for public agencies to handle pension liabilities in a tax
exempt status. He stated that PARS manages pension trusts for 101 California public
agencies, including 47 cities, nine of which are in Orange County. He indicated that
PARS administers more than $2 billion in total assets.
Council Member Johnson asked if the pension trust would be taxed similarly to a 401 K.
Mr. Yu responded that a 401K fund is tax deferred and a PARS pension trust is tax
exempt.
Mr. Yu spoke regarding investment options and indicated that PARS funds would be
regulated under California Government Code Section 53216 and would allow cities to
diversify their investments as long as it is done in a prudent manner. He indicated that
Highmark Capital Management is the PARS default investment manager that has
developed five investment options. He indicated that the five options are capital
appreciation, balanced, moderate, moderately conservative, and conservative.
Council Member Johnson asked if the City already has PARS membership.
Mr. Yu responded in the affirmative.
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services stated that the City's financial
commitment to PARS as related to the previous plans is completed.
Council Member Berry asked about the average pension trust amount invested by the
cities.
Mr. Yu indicated that cities have invested as little as $50,000 up to $26.5 million.
Council Member Berry commented that the PARS pension trust fund has been actively
sold for the past 18 months.
Mr. Yu responded in the affirmative, and clarified that other types of trust funds have
been managed for 13 years.
The City Manager stated that the pension trust contribution, as stated in Agenda Item
No. 12, would be invested over a period of time.
Mayor Morales asked about the investment timeframe.
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services responded that the full investment
may take up to one year.
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Mr. Yu stated that the investment would likely be done within a three to 12 month
period.
Council Member Yarc asked about equity risks.
Mr. Yu responded that financial forecasts are still positive with equity growth and stated
that if the City investment is moderate or moderately conservative, the majority of the
portfolio balance of the investments would be in bonds not equities. He stated that the
City portfolio would remain balanced and that Highmark Capital Management would
provide diversified investment options.
Mayor Pro Tem Peat asked about the Fiscal Year 2008 -2009 investments and if there
was a loss in the State pool.
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services responded no, and indicated that
the City investment policy includes preservation of principle and investments are largely
guaranteed by the Federal Government with limited risk and minimal return.
Mayor Pro Tem Peat asked about the possibility of loss of principle should there be an
economic downturn.
The City Manager responded in the affirmative, and stated that there would not be a
need to liquidate the assets and the City could manage through an economic downturn.
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services indicated that the next steps would
be to phase -in investments with a long -term outlook.
The City Manager clarified that the process would be in assumption of the City Council
approval of Agenda Item No. 12.
Mayor Pro Tem Peat asked if funds could be added over time.
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services responded in the affirmative, and
stated that additional investments would be considered as part of the annual budget
and whether or not to add, withdraw, or let the funds remain and grow. He stated that
there would be periodic reviews of the investment performance, and indicated that
Agenda Item No. 12 recommendations include the establishment of a trust and
authorization for the City Manager to execute all associated agreements.
Council Member Berry spoke regarding the one - quarter percent administrative fee and
asked about the trustee and investment management fees.
Mr. Yu replied that for investments between zero and $5 million, the trustee investment
management fees combined would be 0.35 percent and when added to the .25 percent
administrative fee, would total 0.60 percent. He stated that there is a fee break at the
$5 million threshold that would decrease to 0.50 percent. He stated that investments
over $10 million would further decrease the fee percentage.
Council Member Yarc asked about companies similar to PARS.
Mr. Yu indicated that there is one other company with five clients.
Council Member Berry asked if staff consulted with other cities.
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services responded that he has spoken with
other Finance Directors and that the program is still in its early stages.
Council Member Berry expressed concern with the newness of the program and if it is
the right time for the City to invest.
The City Manager stated that he has spoken with local City Managers and, although the
investment source is relatively new, PARS has a positive record. He spoke regarding
limited resources available to deal with CaIPERS and the need to take action.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 11, 2017
Council Member Yarc asked if Sacramento restricts City investments but allows the
pension trust with PARS.
The City Manager responded in the affirmative.
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services indicated that the investment is
allowable with the same California Government Code Section as CaIPERS and that
pension investments are slightly more aggressive than routine City investments.
Council Member Johnson asked about the benefit of paying down the pension liabilities.
Mr. Yu indicated that the 10 year track record on the moderately conservative portfolio
indicates earnings of 4.75 percent.
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services stated that CaIPERS does not
guarantee a rate of return.
The City Manager indicated that, should the City Council approve Agenda Item No. 12,
the City's CaIPERS bill would not be affected next year and for financial reporting
purposes, the $30 million CaIPERS liability would not decrease.
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services stated that in order for it to be
considered a direct offset of a liability, the payments coming out of the trust have to go
directly to the recipients of the benefit.
Mayor Morales commented that immediately contributing $10 million to CaIPERS would
not guarantee that the amounts over the next five years would decrease.
At 6:55 p.m., the Mayor recessed the meeting.
RECONVENE
The 7:00 p.m. session of the City Council meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by
Mayor Morales.
ROLL CALL
Cypress City Council, also acting as the Ex- Officio Governing Board of Directors of the
Cypress Recreation and Park District
Mayor Paulo Morales
Mayor Pro Tem Jon Peat
Council Member Stacy Berry
Council Member Rob Johnson
Council Member Mariellen Yarc
STAFF PRESENT
City Manager Peter Grant
City Attorney Anthony Taylor
Director of Finance and Administrative Services Matt Burton
Chief of Police Rodney Cox
Director of Community Development Doug Dancs
Director of Recreation and Community Services June Liu
Assistant Director of Finance and Administrative Services Donna Mullally
City Planner Doug Hawkins
City Engineer Kamran Dadbeh
Public Works Superintendent Kirk Streets
Building Official Bob Decker
Senior Management Analyst Alisha Farnell
City Clerk Denise Basham
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Pro Tem
Peat.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
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INVOCATION The invocation was given by Father Binh Nguyen, St. Irenaeus Catholic
Church.
REPORT OF WORKSHOP AGENDA/CLOSED SESSION
The Mayor asked for the report of the Closed Session Agenda items discussed earlier
in the evening.
The City Attorney reported that the City Council met in Closed Session regarding Public
Employee Performance Evaluation, pursuant to Government Code Section 54957, Title:
City Clerk. He stated that no reportable action was taken.
The City Attorney reported that the City Council met in a Workshop Session regarding
establishment of pension trust with the Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS). He
stated that the Director of Finance and Administrative Services and a PARS
representative presented a report, the matter was discussed with the City Council, and
there would be an Agenda Item on the matter.
No other action was taken in Closed Session, nor was any solicited.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Limited to 30 minutes — three minutes per speaker, unless
extended by the City Council)
Mayor Morales asked anyone who wished to speak on any topic not included on the
meeting Agenda to come forward.
None.
CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed on the Consent Calendar are to be approved with one motion unless a
Council Member requests separate action on a specific item.
Mayor Morales stated that Agenda Item No. 13, the Warrant Register, includes warrant
no. 43845 for $547.98 for a reimbursement he receives as a retired employee of the
City of Cypress. He indicated that in voting for any motion to approve the Warrant
Register, he would not be voting on warrant no. 43845 for the reason disclosed.
Council Member Berry requested Agenda Item No. 12 be pulled from the Consent
Calendar.
It was moved by Council Member Johnson and seconded by Council Member Yarc, to
approve Consent Calendar Items No. 1 through 11 and No. 13.
The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: 5 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Berry, Johnson, Yarc, Peat and Morales
NOES: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
Item No. 1: Approve Minutes — Meeting of August 28, 2017
Recommendation: Approve as submitted.
Item No. 2: Introduce and /or Adopt All Ordinances and Resolutions Presented
for Consideration by Title Only and to Waive Further Reading
Item No. 3: Second Reading of the Ordinance to Amend Chapter 12 of the
Municipal Code Authorizing the Removal of Unauthorized Waste Containers
Recommendation: Adopt the Ordinance by title only and waive further reading.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 11, 2017 439
Ordinance No. 1165
An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Cypress, California,
Adding Section 12 -12.1, "Placement of Unauthorized Containers Prohibited" to
Article III, "Prohibited Acts," of "Chapter 12, "Solid Waste Management," of the
Cypress Municipal Code, to Establish a Container Impound Procedure for Unauthorized
Placement of Containers In the City of Cypress Without a Franchise, Contract,
Permit, or Other City Authorization
Item No. 4: Second Reading of the Ordinance Amending Chapter 12 Article VIII
of the Cypress Municipal Code Relating to Materials Questionnaire for Certain
Construction and Demolition Projects within the City of Cypress
Recommendation: Adopt the Ordinance by title only and waive further reading.
Ordinance No. 1166
An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Cypress, California,
Amending Article VIII To Chapter 12 of the Cypress Municipal Code Relating to
Requirements for the Submission and Compliance with a Materials Questionnaire
for Certain Construction and Demolition Projects
Item No. 5: Introduce an Ordinance to Provide Expedited Permitting Procedures
for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Recommendation: Introduce for first reading the Ordinance, by title only, expediting
permit processing of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.
Ordinance No.
An Ordinance of the City of Cypress Amending Chapter 5 of the Cypress
Municipal Code to Establish an Expedited Permitting Process for Electric
Vehicle Charging Systems
Item No. 6: Approve Lowering the Speed Limit on Walker Street Between Orange
Avenue and Cerritos Avenue
Recommendation: Introduce for first reading an Ordinance, by title only, amending
Chapter 16 of the Municipal Code lowering the speed limit on Walker Street between
Orange Avenue and Cerritos Avenue from 45 to 40 miles per hour.
Ordinance No.
An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Cypress
Amending Chapter 16, Article XV, of the Code of the City of Cypress
Modifying Speed Limits at Walker Street Between Orange Avenue
and Cerritos Avenue
Item No. 7: Award a Contract for Police Vehicle Equipment Installation Services
Recommendation: Award a contract for Police Vehicle Equipment Installation Services
to 10 -8 Retrofit, Inc. for $77,704.
Item No. 8: Approve Home Enhancement Loan Program Administration
Contracts
Recommendation: Approve agreements for housing rehabilitation loan program
administration with AmeriNat and JEDA Works /Housing Programs.
Item No. 9: Approve the Installation of a Canopy at 6200 Phyllis Drive
Recommendation: Approve Design Review Committee Permit No. 3106, subject to the
revised conditions of approval.
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Resolution No. 6644
SEPTEMBER 11, 2017 440
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cypress Approving
Design Review Committee Permit No. 3106 - With Conditions
Item No. 10: Receive and File Bid Documents for Graffiti Removal Services
Recommendation: Receive and file the bid documents for Graffiti Removal Services.
Item No. 11: Receive and File Fee Study and Cost Allocation Plan Update
Recommendation: Receive and file the update on the Fee Study and Cost Allocation
Plan.
Item No. 13: Approve Register of Warrants, Electronic Funds Transfers and Wires
Issued for the Period of August 14, 2017 through September 1, 2017
Recommendation: Approve the attached payment register summarized below for the
period of August 14, 2017 through September 1, 2017:
• Warrants 43729 through 43926
• Electronic Funds Transfers 3211 through 3309
• Payroll Transfers W1341 through W1342
Regarding Item No. 12: Establish a Supplemental Pension Trust with the Public
Agency Retirement Services, Council Member Berry asked the Director of Finance
and Administrative Services to provide a summary on this matter.
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services stated that the proposal would
include the establishment of a pension trust with an initial contribution of up to $10
million. He stated that the pension trust is not a method of paying down the pension
liabilities, rather it is a mechanism in which the City could invest reserves that the City
currently has for pension liabilities and invest them over the long -term with the
anticipation to provide the City with additional revenues that may not otherwise be
received from the regular investment portfolio. He indicated that annual pension costs
are estimated to double to approximately $7.8 million over the next five years.
Council Member Berry asked about accessibility and use of the pension trust.
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services indicated that the pension trust
could be accessed by as much as the City pays the California Public Employees'
Retirement System (CaIPERS) in any given year, and that the pension trust use
withdrawal amount is at the discretion of the City Council without limitations.
Council Member Berry asked if the funds would be deposited back into the City General
Fund.
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services responded that the funds are
currently in the Employee Benefits fund and there would be the same spending
flexibility as General Fund monies.
Council Member Berry asked about potential risks.
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services stated that the pension trust would
be a diversified portfolio, and that it would be a long -term approach with positive and
favorable returns anticipated.
Council Member Yarc expressed concern with the stock market being high and asked if
it is the proper time to purchase equities.
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services indicated that the investment
options would be diversified, with the majority invested in bonds.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 11, 2017
Mayor Pro Tem Peat asked if CaIPERS is already investing in a similar type of
investment pool.
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services responded that CaIPERS is
investing in accordance with the same government code section and that their
investments would be in a more massive investment pool.
Mayor Pro Team Peat asked if the investment would earn a higher return than the
CaIPERS investment.
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services responded that it could, and past
performance has been higher than PERS.
Mayor Pro Tem Peat asked about City earnings in the State investment pool.
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services indicated that the earnings are
approximately one percent.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Peat and seconded by Council Member Johnson, that
the City Council: 1) Adopt a Resolution approving a Supplemental Pension Trust with
the Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS); and 2) Authorize the City Manager to
execute an "Agreement for Administrative Services" between PARS and the City, and
any other documents necessary to implement and administer the Trust; and 3)
Authorize investments in the "Moderate" or "Moderately Conservative" portfolios.
The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: 4 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Berry, Johnson, Yarc, and Peat
NOES: 1 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Morales
ABSENT: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
Resolution No. 6645
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cypress Approving the
Adoption of the Public Agencies Post - Employment Benefits Trust Administered
by Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS)
NEW BUSINESS
Item No. 14: Receive and File the Strategic Plan Six -Month Objectives Update
The City Manager provided background information on this item.
The City Manager stated that the Citywide Fee Study completion date should be
corrected to read early 2018, not early 2019. He indicated that Quimby Act fee updates
would be presented to the City Council in the near future. He announced the Mackay
Park Grand Opening set for Saturday, November 4, and spoke regarding the park's
construction progress.
The City Manager spoke regarding Agenda Item No. 17 which is included in the six -
month objectives update.
Council Member Johnson spoke in support of reviewing the Quimby Act fees.
It was moved by Council Member Johnson and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Peat, to
receive and file the strategic plan six -month objectives update.
The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: 5 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Berry, Johnson, Yarc, Peat and Morales
NOES: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
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Item No. 15: Approve Fiscal Year 2017 -18 Senate Bill 1 Project List and Budget
Amendment
The Director of Community Development provided background information on this item.
Council Member Berry asked if Project 204 is the only project to be submitted.
The Director of Community Development responded in the affirmative, and clarified that
the project is for Fiscal Year 2017 -18 and that specific requirements and reporting
formats are required. He indicated that funds would be allocated for additional projects
next fiscal year.
Council Member Berry asked if the good condition of City streets affects the ability to
obtain outside funding.
The Director of Community Development stated the good street condition allows more
project improvement flexibility within the legislation.
Mayor Pro Tem Peat asked about the inability to supplant existing monies and the basis
for that.
The Director of Community Development responded that monies for Fiscal Years 2009-
2010 to 2011 -12 would be kept as a Maintenance of Effort (MOE).
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services stated that the City has been
proactive in maintaining its infrastructure and that the MOE is currently high, and that
infrastructure reserves were used and should not be factored into the MOE. He further
stated that the City will be contacting the State to see if the MOE could be adjusted.
It was moved by Council Member Berry and seconded by Council Member Johnson,
that the City Council: 1) Approve the FY 2017 -18 Senate Bill 1 (SB1) Project List and
amend the FY 2017 -18 Budget to include the SB1 Project List; and; 2) Establish a new
Fund to account for Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) receipts
and disbursements; and 3) Approve a $287,000 increase in Estimated Revenues in the
RMRA Fund for the receipt of the FY 2017 -18 allocation; and 4) Approve a $287,000
appropriation increase in the RMRA fund for the FY 2017 -18 Arterial Overlay SB1,
Project 204.
The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: 5 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Berry, Johnson, Yarc, Peat and Morales
NOES: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
Item No. 16: Establish a City Council Ad -Hoc Subcommittee to Study Alternatives
for the 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
The Director of Recreation and Community Services provided background information
on this item.
Mayor Morales nominated himself and Council Member Johnson to serve on the Ad-
Hoc Subcommittee.
It was moved by Council Member Berry and seconded by Council Member Yarc, that
the City Council establish a City Council Ad -Hoc Committee to study alternative
programs and venues for the 4th of July Fireworks Celebration.
The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: 5 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Berry, Johnson, Yarc, Peat and Morales
NOES: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
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It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Peat and seconded by Council Member Johnson, that
the City Council adopt a Resolution appointing Mayor Morales and Council Member
Johnson to the Ad -Hoc Subcommittee, establishing its duration, and its duties.
The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: 5 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Berry, Johnson, Yarc, Peat and Morales
NOES: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
Resolution No. 6646
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cypress Establishing
an Ad -Hoc Subcommittee to Evaluate Alternative Programs and
Venues for the 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Item No. 17: Consideration and First Reading of an Ordinance Prohibiting All
Commercial Marijuana Activities, Regulating Personal Indoor Marijuana
Cultivation, and Banning Outdoor Personal Marijuana Cultivation
The City Attorney provided background information on this item.
Mayor Pro Tem Peat asked about locked space regulations for personal marijuana
cultivation of less than 28.5 grams.
The City Attorney stated that the amount of grams is a requirement under the law and
that for personal marijuana cultivation, six plants have to be maintained inside of a
locked residence.
Mayor Pro Tem Peat clarified his inquiry and asked if 28.4 grams could be taken out of
a private residence.
The City Attorney responded that the intent is not to allow a large quantity of marijuana
that would be beyond State law to be transported. He stated that the intent is to mirror
various State standards, and that further clarification would be presented at the second
reading of the Ordinance on September 25, 2017.
Mayor Morales asked the Chief of Police about the current laws regulating the
transportation of marijuana.
The Chief of Police indicated that current law restricts transporting 28.5 or more grams
of marijuana.
Council Member Berry asked if the City Attorney is comfortable that the regulations are
reasonable and would not create legal challenges for the City, and if cities have been
faced with legal challenges.
The City Attorney stated that some cities have been challenged and some have
implemented a permitting system that includes inspections and fees prior to residential
marijuana cultivation allowance. He indicated that the City's proposed regulations are
standard public health, safety, and welfare regulations and likely would not be
successfully challenged.
Council Member Yarc asked about legal manufacturing of medicinal marijuana
compounds.
The City Attorney stated that any business that involves marijuana manufacturing would
be banned.
Council Member Yarc spoke in support of manufacturing medicinal marijuana.
The City Attorney stated that this ordinance would prevent the State of California from
automatically issuing licenses without the City's approval. He indicated that the City
Council would have the ability to amend the ordinance in the future if a business was to
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come forward that the City Council and the community was accepting of. He
commented that the City is being proactive in its ability to not lose the ability to regulate
marijuana uses.
Council Member Berry spoke regarding Senate Bill 94 and asked about the distinction
between recreational and medicinal marijuana use.
The City Attorney indicated that Senate Bill 94 would combine everything under one
system, and that the proposed ordinance would create a complete ban. He stated that
the ordinance could be amended by the City Council in the future.
Council Member Berry asked the Chief of Police if he is comfortable with the ordinance
regulations.
The Chief of Police responded in the affirmative.
It was moved by Council Member Johnson and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Peat, that
the City Council: 1) Consider and conduct the first reading of an Ordinance, by title only,
prohibiting all commercial marijuana activities, regulating personal indoor marijuana
cultivation, and banning outdoor personal marijuana cultivation; and 2) Schedule a
second reading with a public hearing for the above ordinance on September 25, 2017.
The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: 4 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Berry, Johnson, Peat and Morales
NOES: 1 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Yarc
ABSENT: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
Ordinance No.
An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Cypress, California, Adding Chapter
151 (Personal Marijuana Cultivation), and Chapter 15J (Marijuana Uses and Activities
Prohibited), to the Code of the City of Cypress; and, Amending Article 6 (Definitions),
and Zoning Tables of Sections 2.05.030, 2.06.030, 2.07.030, and 2.08.030 of Article 2
(Zoning Districts And Allowable Land Uses), of Appendix I (Zoning) of the Code of the
City of Cypress, Relating to Marijuana Uses, Activities and Personal Cultivation
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Five minutes per speaker, unless extended by the City
Council)
None.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS AND REMARKS
Mayor Morales requested reports from the Council Members on their respective
committee assignments.
Council Member Johnson:
Attended an O.C. Fire Authority Board of Directors meeting. Attended the Cypress
Employee barbecue. Attended the O.C. Fire Authority Station 17 9/11 Remembrance.
Council Member Berry:
Participated in the shoes and sock distribution at King Elementary School with the
Cypress Children's Advocacy Council. Attended a Woman's Club of Cypress meeting.
Attended a SCAG Community Economic and Human Development Committee meeting.
Attended a planning meeting for the Woman's Conference. Attended a Cypress High
School football game. Attended the Farmers Market. Attended the League of
California Cities O.C. Division Board meeting. Reminded of the Movie on the Green to
be held on September 29.
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444
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 11, 2017 445
Mayor Pro Tem Peat:
Attended an Open House for Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk - Silva. Attended the
Cypress Employee barbecue. Attended the O.C. Fire Authority Station 17 9/11
Remembrance.
Mayor Morales:
Attended a Mayor's Prayer Breakfast ceremony meeting with Pastor Mike McKay.
Attended an Open House for Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk - Silva. Attended the
Cypress Employee barbecue. Attended the Investiture for Provost Valentina Purtell at
the North Orange County Continuing Education program. Attended an event in memory
of fallen Buena Park Police Officers.
CITY MANAGER REMARKS
No items.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Morales adjourned the meeting in memory of Lauren Conze and Deputy Robert
French at 8:05 p.m. to an adjourned Regular Meeting, to be held on Monday,
September 25, 2017, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Executive B rd,00m.
ATTEST:
'utJk_ 2O -11'1
CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS
13
AYOR OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS