[{"_1":2,"_120":-5,"_121":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6265018,"mediaKeyId","3095411-e1b85687a05464341270ac50695f804f","parentId",3095411,"title","Council approves first reading to move business license payment year to fiscal cycle and remove proration","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",4326000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3095411-e1b85687a05464341270ac50695f804f&start=4326&end=4326","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3095411-e1b85687a05464341270ac50695f804f/thumbnail_4326000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6265018/Sierra-Madre-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Council-approves-first-reading-to-move-business-license-payment-year-to-fiscal-cycle-and-remove-proration","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6265018-965348e44a27761bbe467f98f43186a8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770436300&Signature=dEDe-FB~K8lTyb0YtKFwwAqZ4B7pilxCmIDFqvcVjuSpWdoOgJxrG-IxFR9GzCQUjsRNm8sctLbgBMTX-G1up013TCiIeXpVUzTwrx5aC1TWWXtsrKVf22VUe7JT28LKGmhf523ZnwOPtUDX86f7NXvM7MW-hjZLJmp0eG8GpcqTIxVYHnCXrqEMcVFchN9H2YwLIa2EpB5W53ckR1LDY-xpA19L6RE45wmBxw3R9F0cnUS8Tqje2ys3pCG3p32~AWoxmZgrkFprGKrZYzXY-3guZJpYTCw-iQwbiaOTBQvhCovi99z~8rVRbLFYljEUvXGBgWgozqwxnZoCv8vl~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Sierra Madre CA","date","2025-04-23T16:09:59.673Z","article","Sierra Madre City Council on April 22 conducted a public hearing and approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 1482 to amend Title 5 business-license provisions, aligning the annual payment date for business licenses with the city's fiscal-year fee adjustment and removing proration language for midyear license issuances.

Planning Director Lynn explained staff recommendations: change the payment deadline from January 1 to July 1 so business-license billing aligns with the municipal fee-schedule adjustment each fiscal year, and remove proration language for midyear license acquisitions because the recent user-fee study reduced the business-license fee from $342 to $82, established as a minimum to cover staff time. Staff said new online systems include kiosks and in-person assistance for applicants who need help completing the application.

Council asked staff about the effect on new businesses opening near the fiscal-year cutoff and staff confirmed businesses that start late in the year currently receive de facto discounts under the existing policy because fees have been previously paid for the fiscal year; the change would keep the business license only current to the fiscal cycle and not require additional midyear prorations. No public speakers addressed this item; council approved the first reading and directed staff to finalize language for second reading.

Ending: Staff will return with the ordinance for second reading and final adoption at a future meeting; council also encouraged staff and the Chamber of Commerce to prepare user-focused guidance and an online walkthrough to help applicants use the new web-based system.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Sierra Madre City Council | April 22, 2025 | Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved on first reading an ordinance aligning business license fee payment with the July fiscal-year fee adjustment and removing midyear proration language after a user-fee study reduced the basic fee.","taxTitle","Sierra Madre City, Los Angeles County, California","taxId",72183,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6265022,"Council approves Matadorosa parcel map; 7 acres to be dedicated as permanent open space",342,4329000,4671000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3095411-e1b85687a05464341270ac50695f804f&start=4329&end=4671","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3095411-e1b85687a05464341270ac50695f804f/thumbnail_4329000.jpg","/articles/6265022/Sierra-Madre-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Council-approves-Matadorosa-parcel-map-7-acres-to-be-dedicated-as-permanent-open-space","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6265022-8440afd25c78c5ad63558e52c7316d90/orig.mp4?Expires=1770436300&Signature=RX9FwwZDgxNNyXvNxfQhx2uGacMQupb~WNnyY2iwf-a~1WxuZAgPScIZf3QA1Thl1HI1USiDvt67kj6Ko3GxT6UwyTAnvadjMqyVJV84KJQDP17tX-CAp1821dh-rgy9vVwuUvx7-IOdQMI2Dk4W9tAxBWlEz0sGe2JfWHRNq2i8jWylT~SACRSa0vW5Qj3yOg6ICqWUXTOHBR9RO~2mCg106bt5XBWaKB36fotwrtFuXeqi8tYXfNl1PqwNcjr4VKH~XO6mqE4d-QuLSx-N83bn4B8iOrPFhz4zVW2dB1ciD1p-PuKI59EwizVLO1GrWoLmHcYlfCV23Pu0coq9ZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sierra Madre City Council on April 22 approved a tentative parcel map (TPM 2401, map 84653) that divides the Madra de la Rosa retreat center parcel into two parcels and dedicates roughly seven acres of the northern portion to perpetual open space.

Planning Director Lynn presented the map and said the application completes a second-phase requirement following the council's earlier approval of the Meadows at Bailey Canyon specific plan and related legislative entitlements. The Subdivision Map Act requires a parcel map for divisions into four or fewer parcels; staff said the map is consistent with the specific plan and the general plan's open-space goals. City staff noted the submission qualifies for categorical exemptions under CEQA (Class 1 existing facilities and Class 17 easements/open-space transactions for parcels not proposing development).

The project site is about 27 acres within the city; the applicant owns adjacent parcels that total roughly 38 acres outside or north of the city boundary. The proposed map establishes one parcel to remain in institutional use by the retreat center and a second parcel restricted to open-space use in perpetuity. Staff added conditions to secure easements and coordinate existing utility and flood-control arrangements with county agencies.

Council voted 5-0 to adopt Resolution 25-23 approving the tentative parcel map; no public comment was received on the item. Staff said Cal Fire findings were provided as a precautionary measure even though no development is proposed, and noted review by public works, surveyors, and the city's fire officer had been completed.

Ending: With the parcel map approved, the city will record the map and associated conditions to create the open-space parcel and preserve the retreat center's remaining institutional parcel; staff will monitor recording and complete associated agency notifications.","City council approved Tentative Parcel Map TPM 2401 (map 84653) for the Matadorosa Retreat Center property; the northernmost 7 acres will be designated as permanent open space and the remaining parcel will continue institutional use.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6265027,"Council renews YMCA lease, cites tenant's disaster relief and youth programming",2386,2190000,4576000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3095411-e1b85687a05464341270ac50695f804f&start=2190&end=4576","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3095411-e1b85687a05464341270ac50695f804f/thumbnail_2190000.jpg","/articles/6265027/Sierra-Madre-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Council-renews-YMCA-lease-cites-tenants-disaster-relief-and-youth-programming","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6265027-905d779c0e43612fa8bec57d9fb44cd8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770436300&Signature=g~Aqmluc72-MoIVgj0kUfPq8tzvxWS6xfNNkoiPMjWGyFWbCnzl-Rj16B~6PJlu7vu1wMrBwvxLF0qa4ssUWsVEtvhJhiqxgN3bSltAT8KvmNN8nR~jEA~VSWkbt92dh8JmqQL9eFO1fP1RcvkbjeCpQvYcAHwvWBkIguF7taW7WcrJZS6BuiFY12OzCsGMM6Tig1HKyBv6JtIh19hRINoYYGKv~8yOm4xcQbrRfczYbp8~xnjvac9BcbtNrOGULi5E-kknuvd0UhqqPK61DZM8IPjWKQJZOmNKcKni7Kc5zeu0uyv3l73DM-sgVniqDK3W9EaVy7hFOkmtQ8dP1GQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sierra Madre City Council on April 22 approved the YMCA lease renewal as part of the consent calendar and praised the YMCA's expanded role in disaster response, community programs and youth sports.

The YMCA's annual report presenter, Kurt Knopp, described the Ys role hosting relief operations during the winter storms and Eaton Fire, providing meals, clothing and free memberships to affected families and hosting hundreds of volunteers. Council members and the mayor presented a formal proclamation expressing gratitude for the YMCA's emergency relief and ongoing programming.

City staff said the YMCA requested contract changes after the agenda publication and summarized key financial changes the council approved as part of the lease renewal: the lease term was reduced from five years to two years; the YMCA will assume responsibility for replacing pool pump and related equipment up to $25,000; the annual lease payment shown in staff notes was reduced from $7,500 to $3,500; and the capital-improvement threshold for YMCA responsibility was lowered from $7,000 to $5,000 (items $5,000 or greater remain a city responsibility). Staff confirmed elevator repair remains the city's responsibility and will be evaluated for funding in the next fiscal year.

Councilmembers repeatedly praised the YMCA as a community partner that quickly scaled to provide relief and to restore and expand programming including swimming lessons, junior programs, and a new after-school presence planned at Sierra Madre Middle School for basketball and volleyball under an MOU discussed at the meeting.

The consent calendar including the YMCA lease renewal passed unanimously. Councilmembers asked staff and YMCA leadership to continue communication about the Middle School program timing and community outreach.

Ending: Council directed staff to include the revised contract terms in the executed lease and to monitor capital needs, including elevator funding, in next-year budgeting.","City council approved a two-year YMCA lease renewal with adjusted financial responsibilities and praised the YMCA's role during the Eaton Fire and ongoing community programs, including plans to run youth sports at Sierra Madre Middle School.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6265032,"Sierra Madre creates deputy fire chief post to lead community risk reduction",118,4031000,4149000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3095411-e1b85687a05464341270ac50695f804f&start=4031&end=4149","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3095411-e1b85687a05464341270ac50695f804f/thumbnail_4031000.jpg","/articles/6265032/Sierra-Madre-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Sierra-Madre-creates-deputy-fire-chief-post-to-lead-community-risk-reduction","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6265032-956e7a5c6ab5ea31f4b869984d2dfca9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770436300&Signature=QhZfT3-2kAu52ih~b48E5F8m-CN1HgBFOeuVGB5cHu05Me~ACwkGEYyUcPfukzxtDG~AbkRVLLIEFRcCqvQZrClIJu~7--OpNvlQrk5m6p5KtT9E1pStVqgE98k-21XtzgeO-xswNu4rbdzjnhCyD-ptmNizilBQSRLz-XKM1yGQ1eDeEvqyAVOTGwrlhl8PO1KQhL8IXk8RrpctAT2zpMyslDG7CKdndyr8CALGeEBtKhsjaCnyvkLQkNOAWA5Va3Bq8jksZaR~MOvvNypXu-SzR-lDyB0wvNnkUmH54Y6gkJt-PYJehy6T7AI9Uup4xnmxcHzAyAPJ7vqYxvjvhg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sierra Madre City Council on April 22 voted unanimously to add a sworn, confidential deputy chief position that will combine second-in-command duties with community risk reduction and fire-prevention leadership.

Assistant City Manager Alex Hernandez presented a staff proposal authorizing the new classification and salary slot but told council the vote only creates the position; funding to recruit and fill the role requires a separate decision. Fire Chief Bartlett told council the hybrid role responds to gaps revealed by recent disasters — notably the Eaton Fire — where continuous incident leadership, expanded inspections and plan-review capacity, vegetation management, and a dedicated public information officer were stretched thin.

Chief Bartlett described the job as a senior sworn officer who would supervise fire inspections, plan review and code enforcement for defensible space; lead public education and emergency communications; act as incident second-in-command when the chief is unavailable; and coordinate volunteer programs such as CERT and Fire Safe activities. Bartlett said the position aligns with the city's strategic priorities including public safety and organizational sustainability and was recommended by the department master plan as a way to strengthen leadership redundancy and prevention-focused work.

Council members emphasized the distinction between creating a classification and actually filling a position. Assistant City Manager Hernandez said the city must identify a funding source before any hiring can occur; council directed staff to add funding options to future budget discussions. The motion to adopt Resolution 25-25, establishing the deputy chief (Community Risk Reduction Officer) classification and adjusting the classification plan and salary matrix, passed 5-0.

Ending: Chief Bartlett said the position would improve the department's ability to shift from reactive response to data-driven prevention, boost community outreach and help manage wildfire-threat programs such as defensible-space enforcement and home-hardening education once funding is secured.","Council approved creating a sworn deputy chief (community risk reduction officer) position to add second-in-command capacity, lead prevention and public information, and improve wildfire readiness; the position is authorized but not yet funded.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":42,"_43":113,"_45":113,"_46":114,"_48":115,"_50":116,"_52":117,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":118,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":119,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6265036,"Sierra Madre Council hears library construction update as federal library funding is frozen",5039000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3095411-e1b85687a05464341270ac50695f804f&start=5039&end=5039","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3095411-e1b85687a05464341270ac50695f804f/thumbnail_5039000.jpg","/articles/6265036/Sierra-Madre-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Sierra-Madre-Council-hears-library-construction-update-as-federal-library-funding-is-frozen","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6265036-24d990c58e010a19e3962412f3b14c28/orig.mp4?Expires=1770436300&Signature=Gixs04j53ScjkwC7jA2keud3iHq56HgmWD1uNykaAWxBuloKWX3kD8tuAjYEXvaACgBl671gGifwIXhmwmg0Vkrw5KjnfCEZiJbnUhZMcledhxd0oSo7Ns4op8hP8FDFBBwC3uD4S1PNVQnLpm7M~8h961smlu15uqX7L~y50-J0rZQu5Khk-qBHTRt7hX06UKSXfxO9YYr-vltVPqKiJCuDQZvpgJdfmhD2LmSV3mZ2ZkS2CFMSFTgudouoRdQGnzaoHkYIix25~TOQgVRZUaZeG0ks1JSifXYjqx~akAvYgoHj2WNLxoSkzDa370Go4G0x9nQ1h32VHGRMxUqv8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sierra Madre City Council on April 22 received a detailed construction update on the city's library renovation and voted to send letters to federal representatives urging restoration of funding after the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) placed staffing on leave and federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant payments to California on hold.

The library construction presentation showed visible progress in the interior and on the addition, with contractors reporting steel on site and foundation work complete. Project managers told the council the schedule is on track for a substantial-completion target in January 2026 and said contingencies and budget remain sufficient to meet grant deadlines. Brian Jarvis of Vertex Project Management said the team is monitoring schedule risks and will use built-in schedule buffers rather than costly expedited stacking of trades unless necessary.

But the meeting shifted to a concern that could affect library services and supplemental programming: Library Director Leila Regan told council that an executive action on March 14 reduced IMLS to statutory functions, placed staff on administrative leave and caused the federal portion of LSTA funds to be withheld to California effective April 1. Regan said that action left about 21% of the State Library's awarded funding for the 2024-25 year unpaid and notified California, Connecticut and Washington that their LSTA allocations were terminated.

Regan and Library Trustee Diane Sands detailed the local impacts if the funding gap persists: reduced broadband and Wi-Fi discounts paid through the State Library, cancelled grant programs such as Community Impact Grants and Play for All, fewer staff-training opportunities, lost subscriptions used by patrons, and possible interruptions to planned maker-space and FF&E (furniture, fixtures and equipment) purchases timed to the renovated building's reopening. Sands said the historical society also relies on grant-funded archival support and would feel the effects.

The council unanimously approved sending letters to federal representatives urging restoration of IMLS funding; staff said the California attorney general and the American Library Association have already filed legal challenges and that the State Library has been notified and is involved in litigation. Regan said the Library Board of Trustees had already approved a trustee letter and that the historical society would send a similar letter for council consideration at the next meeting.

On construction, TSK Architects's Jonathan Reichert and AMG Contractors representatives showed photos of opened ceilings, the new teen room entry, accessible restrooms, and the elevator formwork for the south-side addition. Project managers said furniture and fit-out of the renovated existing space could finish ahead of the addition and confirmed a January substantial-completion target; councilmembers asked for continued weekly photo updates and tours by the ad hoc committee.

Leila Regan also shared a piece of good news: the Sierra Madre Library Foundation received a $35,000 award from the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Foundation to help fund teen-room FF&E.

Council members and staff agreed to return the trustees' and historical society's model letter language to staff for a revised council letter to include state-level appeals; the council directed staff to prepare the letters and bring them forward for signature at the next regular meeting.

Ending: Councilmembers asked staff to track which patron services and subscriptions would be disrupted if the federal and state funds remain cut and to include those potential gaps in the next report to help budget and philanthropic planning.","Council received a progress report on the Sierra Madre Public Library renovation and voted to send letters urging restoration of federal IMLS funding after the Institute\u0000of Museum and Library Services paused grants to three states, including California.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves first reading to move business license payment year to fiscal cycle and remove proration

Council approves Matadorosa parcel map; 7 acres to be dedicated as permanent open space

Council renews YMCA lease, cites tenant's disaster relief and youth programming

Sierra Madre creates deputy fire chief post to lead community risk reduction

Sierra Madre Council hears library construction update as federal library funding is frozen