CITY OF DUARTE
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL,
THE DUARTE HOUSING AUTHORITY, AND THE DUARTE COMMUNITY
FACILITIES FINANCING AUTHORITY
TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2024
7:00 PM - Regular Session
REGULAR SESSION
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Truong called the open session to order at 7:12 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers Present: Finlay, Kang, Lewis, Martin Del Campo, Garcia, Truong Councilmembers Absent: Schulz
Staff Present: Brian Villalobos, City Manager
Thai Viet Phan, City Attorney
Kristen Petersen, Assistant City Manager / Director of
Administrative Services
Craig Hensley, Director of Community Development
Larry Breceda, Director of Public Safety Services
Manuel Enriquez, Director of Parks and Recreatio
Annette Juarez, City Clerk
Andres Rangel, Assistant to the City Manager
Frances Jimenez, Deputy City Clerk
2. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
The flag salute was led by Captain Meza.
3. ADOPTION OF THE ADOPTION
Moved by Councilmember Finlay, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, and carried by the following vote of the Council to adopt the agenda.
1YES: FINLAY, KANG, LEWIS, MARTIN DEL CAMPO, GARCIA, TRUONG NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: SCHULZ
4. SPECIAL ITEMS
A. Recognition of Tony Hadloc for Outstanding Work with the Homeless Mayor Truong presented a certificate of recognition to Tony Hadloc, Outreach Coordinator for his outstanding work with the Homeless.
Tony Hadloc expressed his gratitude for the recognition and thanked the rest of his team for their support and cooperative efforts.
The City Council shared words of appreciation for all of the work done by Tony the past few years.
B. Captain Meza Public Safety Update
Capis acet me sister suare in the ties Companion Repent He despled persimance team; and shared the success of the community events.
The City Council commended the deputies for their community policing efforts. 7/23/2024 - PAGE 1
Per questions posed by the City Council Captain Meza provided information on staffing within the department.
Discussion ensued regarding the benefits of attending a city council academy and further accolades were given to the Public Safety Department for the events they participate in.
Director of Public Safety Breceda gave an overview of the 2024 fireworks suppression deployment and show, along with the statistics of citations issued and reported on the possibility of a future dangerous fireworks ordinance.
Feedback was given by the City Council regarding violation fees.
Per direction by City Attorney Phan the conversation was tabled and the topic would be brought back to the City Council as an item on the agenda to be further discussed Conversation was had regarding enhanced safety measures at future fireworks shows.
Discussion ensued regarding access to information on progress of individuals participating in the Pathway Home Project and concerns were shared regarding the program and its location. Per the City Council's request staff will coordinate with Los Angeles County and an update will be brought back as an item to discuss at a future council meeting.
5. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Assistant to the City Manager Andres Rangel announced upcoming city events.
6. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
City Clerk Juarez reported that the City Council received a written public comment via email from Adam Knight regarding concerns with existing sign ordinances and enforcement as it pertains to banners for small businesses and local schools, which may be viewed in the City Clerk's Office.
The City Council directed staff to place the topic on a future agenda for discussion. City Manager Villalobos agreed and confirmed that work is being done to amend the existing Municipal Code so as to be compliant with the law.
Lino Paras expressed concern with the comments made by Council regarding the possibility of a fireworks ordinance as it was not on the agenda. He also expressed his opinion on the lack of attendance by Councilmembers during the discussion leading up to the establishment of the Pathway Home Program.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Motion to read all Resolutions and ordinances presented for consideration by Title only and waive further reading. (CC/HA/FA).
B. Approval of absence(s) of City Councilmembers) from the City Council meeting C. Approval of Minutes - July 9, 2024. (CC/HA/FA)
D. Approval of Warrants - July 23, 2024. (CC/HA/FA)
E. Receive and file the Monthly Financial Update for the month of May 2024..
F. Receive and file the Public Safety Department Update.
G. Removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
H. Authorization for the City Manager to execute the Safe, Clean Water Program Transfer Agreement with the Los Angeles County Flood Control District and Adoption of Resolution No. 24-11.
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Moved by Councilmember Finlay, seconded by Councilmember Kang, and carried by the following vote of the Council to approve Items 7A-7F and 7H of the Consent Calendar.
AYES: FINLAY, KANG, LEWIS, MARTIN DEL CAMPO, GARCIA, TRUONG NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: SCHULZ
8. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION
G. Approve the City Council expenses
Public Comment:
Lino Paras shared his opinion on City Council expenditures, expressed concern with the nature of the reimbursement, and questioned the precedent approval of the request would set.
Jim Kirchner expressed his concerns with the request and asked for clarification on the reimbursement policy.
City Manager Villalobos provided clarification on the updated reimbursement policy adopted at the April 9, 2024 City Council meeting and highlighted the minor changes made.
Councilmember Lewis shared background information and provided further context regarding his reimbursement request.
City Manager Villalobos clarified the policy language that gives him signing authority.
The City Council shared their opinions on the use of City Council expenditures.
City Attorney Phan stated the logistics surrounding the nature of the reimbursement request and clarified that approval is a policy decision that needs to be determined by the City Council so as to ensure transparency.
Discussion was had regarding the policy language.
Public Comment:
Jim Kirchner expressed his objection with the request and asked for clarification regarding policy surrounding food provided by the City at special events.
Lino Paras shared appreciation for the item being placed on the agenda for public discussion.
City Attorney Phan provided clarification in response to public comment, on the lack of Moved by Councilmember Kang, seconded by Mayor Truong, and carried by the following vote of the Council to approve the City Council expenses.
AYES: FINLAY, KANG, LEWIS, MARTIN DEL CAMPO, GARCIA, TRUONG NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: SCHULZ
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
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10. BUSINESS ITEMS
A. National Night Out Proclamation
Biver rule Sale Beco pies and is late ple on the upcoming rai alit out, Mayor Truong read a proclamation aloud proclaiming Thursday, August 8, 2024 as National Night Out in the City of Duarte.
Discussion ensued regarding the event details.
loved by Councilmember Finlay, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, and carried by th elme or vogel he Cancil to proclaim August 8, 2024, as National Night Out and adopt th AYES: FINLAY, KANG, LEWIS, MARTIN DEL CAMPO, GARCIA, TRUONG NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: SCHULZ
11. CONTINUATION OF ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
12. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCIL/HOUSING AUTHORITY/FINANCING
AUTHORITY MEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR/REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED PER GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 53232.3
ity Manager Villalobos reported he attended a virtual meeting with the San Gabriel Valle ouncil of Governments related to the Supreme Court rulings on Grants Pass regardir homelessness and housing.
Councilmember Finlay shared information on the West Nile Virus and gave tips on how to protect from mosquitos.
"ouncilmember Lewis apologized to his colleagues; emphasized his focus on transparency; an larified the intention behind use of his City Council expenditure Mayor Truong stated that there was no need for apologies as the item was properly reviewed during the Consent Calendar.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia invited residents to upcoming community events; thanked the Parks and Recreation Department for their hard work; commended Councilmember Finlay for her public rvice announcement video on mosquito awareness; encouraged residents to participate oothill Unity Center's Back to School Drive; and thanked Field Services Manager, Gerard Batis for his assistance.
13. ADJOURNMENT
At 8:55 p.m., the City Council adjourned the meeting.
inh Truong, May
Alr
City Clerk
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