CITY OF DUARTE
Minutes of the REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL/HOUSING AUTHORITY/DUARTE COMMUNITY FACILITIES
FINANCING AUTHORITY
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
7:00 PM — Regular Session
7:00 PM OPEN SESSION
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Garcia called the open session to order at 7:03 p.m.
Councilmembers Present: Kang, Lewis, Truong, Calderon, Martin Del Campo, Garcia Councilmembers Absent: Finlay
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
Andres Rangel, Assistant to the City Manager
Frances Jimenez, Interim City Clerk
2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Moved by Councilmember Kang, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, and carried by the following vote of the City Council to adopt the agenda.
AYES: KANG, LEWIS, TRUONG, CALDERON, MARTIN DEL CAMPO, GARCIA NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT: FINLAY
3. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
The flag salute was led by Jhoana Hirasuna.
4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - SPECIAL ITEMS
None.
5. SPECIAL ITEMS
A. Introduction to the newly appointed Foothill Unity Center E.D.
City Manager villobos introduced hoana Hirasuna as the new Executive Director for Foothil Uniry Jhoana Hirasuna explained her work experience, detailed her new role, and shared excitement over working with the community.
The City Council welcomed Jhoana and expressed interest in collaborating with her organization.
B. Community Development Department Update
Director of Community Development Hensley gave an update on Public Works related projects in the city, including the Annual Street Rehab project, the Emergency Sidewalk Repair project, and the Highland Promenade project.
In response to questions made by the city Council, City Manager Villalobos gave additional information on the status of the tree-cutting request made to Edison on Duarte Road.
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Per the City Council's request, Director Hensley gave an update on the Huntington Drive Median Islands Landscape Improvements project.
Discussion ensued regarding the concept plans, concern over lack of green space and the current landscape design, as well and the need for detailed colored renderings.
C. Parks and Recreation Department Update
On behalf of the Parks and Recreation department, City Manager Villalobos shared upcoming community events.
D. Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Denim Day Proclamation The City Council proclaimed the month of April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and designated April 30, 2025, as Denim Day.
6. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Joanna Gee, Duarte Library, announced upcoming library events.
Assistant to the City Manager Rangel announced upcoming city events.
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Kim Weatherby, Public Information Officer for the Small Business Administration SBA Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience, provided information on disaster relief loans and additional resources available for homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofits given the recent Eaton fires.
8. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - CONSENT CALENDAR
None.
9. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Motion to read all Resolutions and Ordinances presented for consideration by Title only and waive further reading (CC/HA/FA).
B. Approve absence(s) of City Councilmember(s) from the City Council meeting.
C. Approval of Minutes - March 25, 2025 Regular Meeting (CC/HA/FA).
D. Approval of Warrants - April 8, 2025 (CC/HA/FA).
E. Receive and File the Community Development Department Update.
F. Receive and File the Parks and Recreation Department Update.
G. Award of Contract to Perfection Painting Corp for the Duarte City Hall Exterior Refresh (Project No. 25-8) as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, in the amount of $847,000, plus a ten percent contingency.
H. Award of Contract to ONYX Paving Company Inc. for the Fiscal Year 24-25 Street Rehabilitation Project No. 25-6 in the amount of $1,011,000.
1. Removed for discussion.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Martin Del Campo, seconded by Councilmember Truong, and carried by the following vote of the City Council to approve items 9A - 9H of the Consent Calendar.
AYES: KANG, LEWIS, TRUONG, CALDERON, MARTIN DEL CAMPO, GARCIA NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: FINLAY
10. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION
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1. Contract with Kreuzer Consulting Group for Professional Services to prepare Plans, Specifications and Cost Estimates for the Huntington Drive Street Improvements Project Director Hensley gave an overview of the project and detailed the scope of work. Conversation was had regarding the aesthetic aspect of the street improvements project and a request was made by the City Council to hold a workshop on the topic to provide clear directives.
Further discussion ensued regarding the logistics of the repavement of Huntington Drive.
Moved by Councilmember Kang, seconded by Councilmember Truong, and carried by the following vote of the City Council to authorize the City Manager to sign a Professional Services Agreement with Kreuzer Consulting Group to develop plans, specifications and cost estimates for the Huntington Drive Street Improvements Project and per the City Council's request hold a workshop.
AYES: KANG, LEWIS, TRUONG, CALDERON, MARTIN DEL CAMPO, GARCIA NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: FINLAY
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Amendments to the Duarte Municipal Code ("DMC") to enhance public safety measures and tools for compliance with the DMC provisions relating to possession, sale, and use of fireworks and ensure compliance with State law
Director of Public Safety Services Breceda presented a staff report introducing Ordinance No. 25-02 for first reading that would clarify enforcement regarding violations and fines in regard to safe and sane and dangerous fireworks. He explained the differences between the fines for dangerous and safe and sane fireworks and detailed the enforcement enhancements.
Discussion ensued regarding state disposal fees.
Director Breceda also shared the feedback received from the Public Safety Commission and from the general public regarding fine amounts and highlighted the fine increases that will occur for repeat offense within 12 months.
Additional conversation followed regarding enforcement during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday and again, Director Breceda confirmed that state disposal fees are required to be paid per state law. The City Council thanked Director Breceda for being receptive to the public's suggestions regarding fines.
Mayor Garcia opened the Public Hearing.
Public Comment:
None.
Mayor Garcia closed the Public Hearing.
Moved by Councilmember Truong, seconded by Councilmember Calderon, and carried by the following vote of the City Council to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 25-02 that will amend DMC Chapter 15.05 to provide additional tools to enhance public safety, health and welfare, clarify processes and procedures, and improve City enforcement of violations of the DMC relating to possession, sale, and use of both safe and sane and dangerous fireworks.
AYES: KANG, LEWIS, TRUONG, CALDERON, MARTIN DEL CAMPO, GARCIA NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: FINLAY
12. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - BUSINESS ITEMS
None.
13. BUSINESS ITEMS
None.
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14. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCIL/HOUSING AUTHORITY/FINANCING AUTHORITY MEMBERS AND CITY
MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED PER GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 53232.3
ayor Pro Tem Martin Del Campo shared she attended the Bridge Party celebrating the annexation ‹ yal Oaks and wished everyone a happy spring brea
Councilmember Truong reported he attended the SGVCOG EENR meeting and shared the discussion that occurred at the SCVCOG Homelessness Committee meeting regarding the LA County's timeline and guidelines for the SGVCOG to put together a plan for the Homelessness Initiative.
Councilmember Kang stated his opinion regarding current macroeconomics that may affect the city of Duarte.
Councilmember Lewis shared that he attended the retirement celebration for LA County Fire Captain Fred Solmo; thanked Azusa Mayor Gonzalez for recognizing Fred Solmo for his serving the city of Azusa; wished a happy birthday to those celebrating in the month of April including his brother Ernest, his friends Makalya, Maggie, and Meagan.
Mayor Garcia reported he attended a convening of local mayors at the Getty House to discuss the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games; shared interest in the City of Duarte hosting an event for the Olympics; and discussed ways to ease up short-term rental requirements and increase transient occupant tax revenue. He also thanked the Public Safety department, City Manager Villalobos, and Colonel Swenson from the Army Corps. of Engineers for ensuring there aren't any violations concerning truck traffic along Buena Vista Street; invited the community to attend the upcoming State of the City event; and wished a happy birthday to his dad and to Director of Parks and Recreation Enriquez.
15. ADJOURNMENT
At 8:03 p.m., the City Council adjourned the meeting.
Cesar A. Garcia, Mayor
Framen timery
Frances Jimenez, Interu
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