HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10-13 - AGENDA REPORTS - SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES TO RE-OPEN AND AMEND SC 202 (2)Agenda Item: 11
P
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AGENDA REPORT
NEW BUSINESS
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:1
DATE: October 13, 2020
SUBJECT: SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES TO RE -OPEN AND AMENDMENT TO
SANTA CLARITA 2020 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office
PRESENTER: Masis Hagobian
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
1. Support the "Save LA Brewers" campaign and the re -opening of indoor operations at the
Westfield Valencia Town Center, including approval of the attached letter.
2. Approve amendments made to the Santa Clarita 2020 Legislative Platform to include support
for the re -opening of businesses and overall economic development in response to financial
hardships experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent public health orders.
BACKGROUND
At the September 22, 2020, regular City Council meeting, Mayor Smyth requested that the City
Council discuss, at a future regular City Council meeting, supporting the "Save LA Brewers"
campaign and the re -opening of indoor operations at the Westfield Valencia Town Center.
Additionally, the City Council directed staff to amend the Santa Clarita 2020 Legislative
Platform to include support for the re -opening of businesses that have been forced to limit their
operations or close due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related public health orders.
Actions have recently been taken by Los Angeles County officials to allow the re -opening of
breweries and indoor shopping malls. However, the recent modifications include conditions that
may continue to limit the operations of businesses to fully and responsibly recover. Additionally,
future changes to the health order, related to the operation of indoor malls, may create further
uncertainty around business operations and continued financial harm.
After nearly seven months of diligently adhering to the guidelines and directives issued by both
State and Los Angeles County (County) Public Health officials, the City of Santa Clarita (City)
remains focused on continuing to combat the virus, while allowing the local economy to safely
Page 1
Packet Pg. 124
and responsibly initiate the recovery process. However, many of the countywide restrictions do
not appear to be reflective of local infection and recovery rates or medical service capacity.
COVID-19 Cases
According to data published on September 21, 2020, by the Los Angeles County Department of
Public Health, the City has seen 3,349 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Factoring in the
population of Santa Clarita, the third most populous community in Los Angeles County, with
approximately 225,000 residents, this equates to 1.48 percent of the City's population having
been infected, most of whom have recovered. As of September 22, 2020, Santa Clarita accounts
for only 1.27 percent of the County's 262,133 COVID-19 cases.
Economic Impact
Even with the County recently relaxing some orders, most businesses are still experiencing
significant financial hardships related to restrictions and limitations prescribed by the County
Public Health Order. As for businesses that have been allowed to re -open, many are still
operating in a limited or partial capacity.
The local economy in Santa Clarita experienced a sharp decline with the abrupt closures, and
continues to be impacted, resulting in many businesses closing and significant job loss.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the City's unemployment rate more
than quadrupled from February 2020 (4.3 percent) to April 2020 (20.3 percent). Additionally, a
study published by Wallethub on April 29, 2020, ranked Santa Clarita as the 17th city in the
nation and third in California with the biggest growth in unemployment due to COVID-19.
The economy in Santa Clarita relies heavily on entertainment, travel, film, aerospace production,
retail, and food service -sectors that have been shut down under the current Safer at Home Public
Health Order.
City Council Action
At the City Council meeting on May 12, 2020, the City Council directed staff to disseminate a
letter from the Mayor to Los Angeles County Board Supervisor Kathryn Barger opposing any
further extensions to the Safer at Home Public Health Order and requesting a variance for cities
in the North County region who have substantially lower case rates than the rest of the County.
Additionally, the City Council requested a committee of the City Council (Mayor Pro Tem
Miranda and Councilmember Kellar) meet with the City Manager and Supervisor Barger to
discuss the request. The meeting took place on May 21, 2020.
On May 28, 2020, the City sent a letter addressed to Governor Newsom supporting the
application submitted by the County and urged the California Department of Public Health to
grant the County a variance. Notwithstanding these efforts, no such variance was granted to the
North County region.
Therefore, it is recommended the City Council support the "Save LA Brewers" campaign and the
re -opening of indoor operations at the Westfield Valencia Town Center to the extent that
Page 2
Packet Pg. 125
businesses have the ability to responsibly and reasonably initiate the economic recovery process,
and approve amendments made to the Santa Clarita 2020 Legislative Platform to include support
for the re -opening of businesses and overall economic development in response to financial
hardships experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent public health orders.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the recommended action requires no additional resources beyond those already
contained within the adopted FY 2020-21 budget.
ATTACHMENTS
Santa Clarita 2020 Legislative Platform
Letter in Support of Westfield Valencia Town Center Indoor Operations
Page 3
Packet Pg. 126
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA
2020 Legislative Platform
A legislative platform, approved by the City Council, enables City of Santa Clarita elected
officials and staff to act quickly in reaching out to legislators, executive branch elected officials,
and legislative, administrative, or regulatory staff in communicating the City's interests at the
federal and state levels of government. The components within the 2020 Legislative Platform are
primarily based upon positions previously adopted by the City Council.
The Santa Clarita City Council establishes the City of Santa Clarita's official policy
position on all legislative, administrative, and regulatory matters with which the City is
involved.
Position statements regarding legislative, administrative, regulatory, and other matters for which
City Council established policy exists may be communicated by the City Manager or designated
staff to legislators, legislative staff, administration officials, administrative staff, regulatory board
members, and other entities, as appropriate, reflecting the City Council's adopted policy.
For those matters in which no City Council policy exists, bills and other legislative,
administrative, or regulatory matters will be brought to the City Council Legislative Committee
for a recommendation to the full City Council. These matters may also be brought directly to the
City Council, upon the request of the Council or in the event that timeliness of action by the City
Council is required.
The purpose of the Santa Clarita 2020 Legislative Platform is to outline the position of the City
Council on priority issues and matters that impact the City's ability to operate effectively. City
staff will monitor federal and state legislation, and administrative or regulatory proposals; taking
appropriate action when required in compliance with the adopted Legislative Platform in order to
safeguard and/or advance the City's interests in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento.
Packet Pg. 127
The statements outlined below are intended to assist the City Council and City staff to efficiently
and appropriately address proposed legislation, administrative, or regulatory actions to promote
City interests and protect local authority, as necessary.
FEDERAL
Support legislation seeking to implement the Rim of the Valley Corridor Special Resource
Study; containing boundary adjustments that include portions of the Santa Clarita Valley, but
does not eliminate or limit current authority of the City of Santa Clarita.
2. Support funding opportunities to be used toward the construction and long-term management
of the Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Memorial and National Monument.
3. Support infrastructure legislation and grant funding for a federal investment in transportation,
water resources, and housing directly to local governments.
4. uuhh >1I le islatuoti �e�u t.�»y hr�> �osals. a munustratuwe actu�>ns. �>r '��.0 luc healtiu �>rders 'to
allow utud suPpl�ort u:.!.sitiessesthat have lee u.....: o»ce :..,to luul ut or closetheir o2e atuo sA duue.........................................
t1.ie 0VIfD:.] 2 ha!W.gJc. t.o r.es ���>nsubl re�> ��en and �> ��era�te �t.�> �tiue ca ��acu�t: �tiva�t. wu�l safel
itri.�:p.a:.�e:.....���e:._e,coti„67n�i�.p..�..._r 6,67;ve �y"674 eSS..
5. Support legislation, regulatory proposals, or grant applications that will bring funding
beneficial to the City of Santa Clarita under legislation, reauthorizing the Fixing America's
Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.
6. Oppose legislation that limits or eliminates local discretionary review of the installation of
small cell wireless equipment or any wireless technology facilities on public infrastructure or
in the public right of way.
7. Oppose regulatory efforts by Congress or the Federal Communications Commission to erode,
limit, or eliminate local government authority regarding siting of cellular communications
towers, transmission sites, or other infrastructure.
8. Support legislation that enables local governments to enact ordinances or exercise regulatory
authority governing residential recovery facilities, including, but not limited to, drugs and
alcohol.
9. Support legislation to increase funding for, creating enhancements to, or expanding the
boundaries of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.
10. Work with Members of Congress regarding issues related to the potential legislative
establishment of a Castaic Wilderness area.
11. Support legislation and grant opportunities that will preserve or increase funding for the
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
2
Packet Pg. 128
12. Support legislation, regulatory proposals, or administrative efforts that provide additional
authority or funding for municipalities to address homeless issues within their communities
13. Support legislation or grant opportunities for local governments that provide funding for
development or enhancing alternative fueling stations for vehicles.
14. Seek funding opportunities to be used toward construction of a new Santa Clarita Valley
Sheriff's station within the City of Santa Clarita.
15. Support legislation, administrative proposals, or grant opportunities that will increase funding
for Santa Clarita's community services; including, but not limited to, funding for local law
enforcement Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and enhanced Justice
Assistance Grants (JAG).
16. Support legislation, administrative actions, or regulatory proposals ensuring that contract
cities for law enforcement services are treated equally with municipalities providing full
service or in-house law enforcement services.
17. Support legislation or funding opportunities for development of a community arts center.
18. Support funding opportunities to be used toward the operation or programming of the Santa
Clarita Valley Senior Center.
19. Support incentives and programs utilized by states and local governments designed to keep
filming within the United States, and in particular, California.
20. Work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to secure updated community flood
maps and mitigation funding.
21. Oppose the imposition of unfunded or less -than -fully -funded mandates on local
governments.
STATE
1. Support legislation that provides more transparency and contact between mobilehome park
owners and residents; particularly in the areas of mobilehome park owner/tenant relations,
conversion of senior parks to family parks, mobilehome lease agreements, mobilehome rent
adjustments, and mobilehome park maintenance and evictions.
2. Support legislation that requires local government consultation and approval before the State
of California may issue approval or permits in a manufactured housing community, which,
were it not for preemptive state jurisdiction, would otherwise require local government
review and approval.
3. Support legislation, regulatory proposals, or administrative actions to accelerate the
development and implementation of enhanced electrical utility infrastructure, including
3
Packet Pg. 129
undergrounding of utility equipment, that ensures reliable utility service and public safety
and prevents the use of public safety power shutoffs.
4. Support legislative efforts to address the negative impacts of AB 109, Proposition 47, and
Proposition 57 on local governments and provide local law enforcement with the appropriate
tools to reduce criminal activity.
5. Support legislation that would increase local involvement in the review and petition of a
person's parole.
6. Oppose legislation or regulatory action that seeks to limit or eliminate municipal authority to
regulate or ban commercial growing, processing, licensing, sale, or transport of cannabis or
cannabis products for recreational or medical use.
7. Support legislation that authorizes a local agency the authority to regulate the delivery of
cannabis or cannabis products within its jurisdictional boundaries.
8. Oppose legislation that proposes to convert the Regional Housing Need Assessment (RHNA)
from a planning process to a production standard.
9. Oppose legislation that penalizes a city or local government if the units identified in the
RHNA are not constructed.
10. Support legislation that seeks to revise the formula for allocating vehicle license fee
adjustment amounts to restore revenues to cities that have annexed developed areas.
11. Support legislation to authorize state funding to assist local agencies in the development of
affordable housing, infrastructure, and economic development projects.
12. uu.hh »t. le islatuo 1, �e�u.� t.�» hr�> �osals. a munustratuwe actu�>ns. �>r ��.u: luc healtlu �>rders 'to
allow„_acid suupl�ort uusutue,sses that suave, beetu.....:Forced...,to limit or close thei ol'eEatu(!,sA �luue...t:o
t1.ie ( 0V 11Q.::] 2 ha!W.gJc. t.o r.es l safel
initiate tlue economic recovery Drocess..
13. Oppose legislation that seeks to impose district -based voting systems in municipal elections
or otherwise mandates specific actions for municipalities to implement when challenged
regarding compliance with the California Voting Rights Act.
14. Oppose legislation that removes or limits the authority of local jurisdictions to determine
how best to comply with provisions of the California Voting Rights Act.
15. Oppose legislation that changes the composition of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan
Transportation Authority Board of Directors (Metro), resulting in a reduction of Santa
Clarita's representation or influence with the Board of Directors.
4
Packet Pg. 130
16. Oppose legislation that seeks to circumvent local control and local circumstances when
addressing homelessness.
17. Support legislation, regulatory, or administrative efforts that provide additional authority or
funding for municipalities to address homeless issues within their communities.
18. Support legislation, administrative proposals, or grant opportunities that will secure funding
for Santa Clarita's emergency management services and pre -disaster mitigation funding,
including resources to assist with wildfire mitigation, with the California Office of
Emergency Services.
19. Oppose legislation, regulatory proposals, or administrative actions to limit or eliminate local
government authority or mandate by -right approvals relative to the siting or modification of
telecommunications equipment or infrastructure.
20. Oppose legislation that limits or eliminates local discretionary review of the installation of
small cell wireless equipment or any wireless technology facilities on public infrastructure or
in the public right of way.
21. Support legislation, regulatory proposals, or administrative actions to assure timely
reimbursements of mandated reimbursements owed to the City of Santa Clarita by the State
of California.
22. Support legislation that maintains or enhances the City's ability to keep and protect existing
state and local funding sources providing revenues to the City of Santa Clarita.
23. Oppose legislation that limits local control of municipal public services or imposes new
financial burdens.
24. Support legislation that provides greater stability and security of the California Public
Employees Retirement System.
25. Monitor and influence legislation, regulatory proposals, or other actions regarding the
proposed California High -Speed Rail Authority project; opposing alignment proposals that
are not fully underground within the Palmdale to Burbank project section or otherwise
negatively impact Santa Clarita residents and the community.
26. Oppose legislation that would infringe upon the authority of local governments to effectively
administer and consider unique local circumstances when processing permits and enforcing
building and safety standards.
27. Oppose legislation that would interfere with, limit, or eliminate the decision -making
authority of municipalities in the area of local land use.
28. Oppose legislation that seeks to limit or eliminate municipal authority to regulate street or
sidewalk vendors.
5
Packet Pg. 131
29. Support legislation requiring transparency in the state licensing requirements for alcohol and
drug residential rehabilitation or recovery facilities on par with public noticing requirements
for group home facilities.
30. Support legislation that provides local governments with a role in regulating the location of
state licensed alcohol or drug recovery facilities.
31. Support legislation that will preserve or enhance the tools, incentives, and programs utilized
by local governments and the state that will keep filming in California.
32. Advocate for measures that support the City's continued efforts to retain and promote the
growth or expansion of local businesses.
33. Support legislation, regulatory proposals, or grant opportunities for local governments that
provide funding for developing or enhancing alternative fueling stations for vehicles.
34. Support legislation or funding opportunities for development of a community arts center.
35. Support legislative and regulatory efforts to ensure Santa Clarita receives its fair share of
transportation revenue; based upon appropriate population statistics or proportionate to
transportation tax dollars generated in the City and increase funding for local transportation,
transit programs, and projects.
36. Oppose legislation that would prohibit or limit local governments' ability to contract out for
the provision of services.
37. Oppose legislation that mandates local governments provide specific benefits to employees
or removes or limits local authority to determine the level of benefits to be provided to
employees.
38. Support measures that provide funding to local agencies for training, effective disaster
preparedness, sheriff's station infrastructure, homeland security, and emergency planning.
39. Support legislation, regulations, or administrative actions ensuring all cities, including
contract cities, have equal access to funding which increases public safety services.
40. Support legislation, regulations, or administrative actions ensuring all cities, including
contract cities, have equal access to funding for parks, recreation, and open space.
41. Support legislation and administrative actions that protect the ability for a local government
to preserve open space in and around a local government's jurisdiction.
42. In partnership with the Santa Clarita Valley Sanitation District, work with state legislators
and administration officials in seeking funding to continue reduction of self -regenerating
water softeners and/or provides funding for the chloride compliance project.
0
Packet Pg. 132
43. Support legislation that enhances transparency in the decision -making process of the State
Water Resources Control Board and the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
44. Support full funding of the state's obligation to support local public libraries pursuant to
existing formulas established in the state's education code.
45. Support legislation that directs a portion of Cap -and -Trade funds toward local transportation
projects, excluding additional funds for high-speed rail.
46. Support legislation that increases penalties for possession of date rape drugs with the
intention of committing sexual assault.
47. Oppose the imposition of unfunded or inadequately funded state mandates.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Masis Hagobian
Intergovernmental Relations Analyst
mhagobian&Santa-clanta.com
(661) 286-4057
The Santa Clarita City Council adopted the 2020 Legislative Platform on December 10, 2019.
7
Packet Pg. 133
October 13, 2020
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 W. Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Subject: Los Angeles County Public Health Order on Operation and Guidance
of Indoor Shopping Malls
Dear Chairwoman Barger and Members of the Los Angeles County Board of
Supervisors:
On behalf of the 225,000 residents of the City of Santa Clarita (City), we want
to thank you for the continued leadership you have displayed throughout the
COVID-19 Pandemic. Your daily updates and accessibility have provided the
residents of Los Angeles County (County) with both timely and accurate
information that has been invaluable.
The purpose of this correspondence is to express the Santa Clarita City
Council's concerns of past, and potential future, closures of indoor malls in
Los Angeles County and support for the County Public Health Order to include
clear and consistent guidance on the operation of indoor shopping malls, like
the Westfield Valencia Town Center, located in the City of Santa Clarita.
While we appreciate recent actions taken to reopen indoor malls, we remain
concerned that the County Public Health Order may abruptly be revised to
reclose indoor malls, creating further uncertainty around business operations
that could lead to continued financial harm to many small businesses.
Therefore, we support and urge the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
to work with officials at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
to align the County Public Health Order with the State's plans and protocols
for the operation of indoor malls, as outlined in the State's "Blueprint for a
Safer Economy."
Packet Pg. 134
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
October 13, 2020
Page 2
We respectfully request for greater transparency, uniformity, and guidance
related to policies on the operation of indoor malls, like the Westfield Valencia
Town Center. Our interest for greater coordination has been heightened given
that the State's actions permitting shopping centers in California to reopen,
with modifications, was issued over a month ago, on August 28, 2020. In fact,
Los Angeles County has been virtually the only jurisdiction in the entire
country in which indoor malls are not able to operate to any degree, not even
when done safely and in accordance with the revised criteria outlined in the
State's `Blueprint for a Safer Economy."
Locally, the Westfield Valencia Town Center mall generates nearly 3,600 jobs
and plays a critical role in the local and regional economy, generating
significant sales tax revenue. The impact of the extended closure of businesses
in the mall has a direct and detrimental effect on the economic vitality of our
community. While we appreciate the County's overriding interest in keeping
our local communities safe, we strongly believe that the Westfield Valencia
Town Center has the capacity to responsibly reopen its shopping center in
compliance with all local and State -mandated guidelines and the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended protocols.
As members of the Santa Clarita City Council, we are absolutely committed to
working with each of you, County Public Health officials, and local
stakeholders to combat the spread of COVID-19, while concurrently initiating
the economic recovery process in a responsible manner.
For the sake of our community, the businesses located here, their employees,
and the thousands of County residents who depend on indoor malls and the
retail offerings they provide, we are respectfully requesting that you work with
local officials and mall owners to ensure the continued operation of indoor
shopping malls.
We sincerely appreciate your efforts on this critical matter. Should you or your
staff require any additional information regarding this letter, please contact
Masis Hagobian, Intergovernmental Relations Analyst, at (661) 255-4384 or
mha og bian(&_ santa-clarita.com.
Packet Pg. 135
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
October 13, 2020
Page 3
Sincerely,
Cameron Smyth
Mayor
CS:MH
S/MS/Masis/Letters/Ma11 Reopening_10. 13.20
cc: Members of the City Council
Senator Scott Wilk
Senator Henry Stern
Assembly Member Christy Smith
Assembly Member Tom Lackey
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
Kenneth W. Striplin, City Manager
Frank Oviedo, Assistant City Manager
Leadership Team
Rebecca Widdison, Management Analyst
Masis Hagobian, Intergovernmental Relations Analyst
Jennifer Quan, League of California Cities
Joe A. Gonsalves & Son
Packet Pg. 136