CITY OF DUARTE
Minutes of the REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL/HOUSING AUTHORITY/DUARTE COMMUNITY FACILITIES
FINANCING AUTHORITY
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
6:30 PM - Closed Session
7:00 PM — Regular Session
6:30 PM CLOSED SESSION
pos 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Garcia called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
Councilmembers Present: Kang, Lewis, Truong, Calderon (arrived at 6:36 p.m.), Martin Del Campo, Garcia
Councilmembers Absent: Finlay
Staff Present: Brian Villalobos, City Manager
arry Breceda, Director of Public Safety Service
Matthew R. Silver, Prosecutor
Frances Jimenez, Deputy City Clerk
2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Moved by Councilmember Truong, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, and carried by the following vote of the City Council to adopt the agenda.
AYES: KANG, LEWIS, TRUONG, MARTIN DEL CAMPO, GARCIA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: FINLAY, CALDERON
3. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
None.
4. CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed into closed session at 6:34 p.m. to discuss the following:
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code $ 54956.9
Initiation of litigation pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(4) Number of potential cases: One (1)
Based on existing facts and circumstances, the legislative body of the local agency has decided to initiate or is deciding whether to initiate litigation.
7:00 PM OPEN SESSION
5. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Garcia called the open session to order at 7:01 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
Manuel Enriquez, Director of Parks and Recreation
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Andres Rangel, Assistant to the City Manager
Frances Jimenez, Interim City Clerk
6. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
The flag salute was led by Jimena Lozada.
7. CITY ATTORNEY CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Manager Villalobos announced that no reportable action was taken.
8. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - SPECIAL ITEMS
Steve Hernandez congratulated Senior Volunteer of the Year, Rose Gant and shared his experience working alongside her.
9. SPECIAL ITEMS
A. Recognition of Duarte Dance
The City Council recognized members of Duarte Dance for winning the Star Systems Dance Competition and the Thunderstruck Dance Competition.
B. Recognition of State of the City Food Sponsors
The City Council recognized El Canton de La Patrona, Max's Mexican Cuisine, Old Spaghetti Factory, Cabrera's, Sweet Nothings, La Michoacana, Paloma Bakery, IHOP, Silver Strings, Hope Peoples, and Katarina Schransky, for their contributions in making the State of the City a success.
C. Older Americans Month Proclamation and Senior Volunteer of the Year Director of Parks and Recreation Enriquez proclaimed May 2025 as Older Americans Month; recognized Senior Volunteer of the Year Rose Gant; highlighted her involvement in the Senior Center; and expressed gratitude for her volunteerism.
Rose Gant shared her experience as an active community member; thanked city staff for putting on recreation events, and shared appreciation for being recognized.
Steve Hernandez complimented Recreation Supervisor, Alexis Corral, for her work at the Senior Center and thanked Rose Gant for her enthusiasm and energy.
The City Council thanked Rose Gant for her service and dedication and commended her for the impact she's had at the Senior Center.
D. Community Development Department Update
Community Development Director Hensley gave an update on the efforts being done to encourage economic development within the city and shared that he would be attending the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICS) conference.
The City Council commended Director Hensley for the increased marketing tactics and provided additional suggestions.
In response to questions posed by the City Council, Director Hensley confirmed that grant funding opportunities can be sought out in terms of undergrounding power lines and shared that there is not a confirmed date for the BP Charging Station ribbon cutting.
The City Council suggested holding a workshop to teach individuals how to do business with the city and asked for an increase use of Linkedin to promote Bid opportunities and Requests for Proposals, RFP's.
E. Parks and Recreation Department Update
Parks and Recreation Director Enriquez introduced the newest member of his team Alyssa Rico, Recreation Manager. Alyssa Rico thanked city staff and the city council for the warm welcome and shared excitement over her role.
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Director Enriquez shared the schedule of upcoming community events and provided an update regarding the upcoming closure of the Fitness Center and Pool.
10. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Joanna Gee, Duarte Library, announced upcoming library events.
Assistant to the City Manager Rangel announced upcoming city events.
11. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Chuck Levin commended the city of Duarte for their work supporting surrounding cities during the recent fires; shared excitement over the city's participation in honoring Route 66's 100th anniversary; expressed appreciation for the beautification efforts of the medians; and complimented staff at the Senior Center along with Recreation Supervisor, Alberto Castaneda-Salazar and his staff at the Fitness Center for the welcoming environment they foster.
Alejandra Ceja expressed concern over the lack of a complete report from the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA after the thirty-day clean-up of hazardous materials at the Lario Park Staging Area and clarified that residents are looking to view the impact report that checks the soil and water quality.
City Manager Villalobos clarified that said report came from the Army Corp, of Engineers, after the EPA released the information to them.
Christine Rodriguez asked for transparency regarding the environmental impact report that addressed the cleanup that occurred at Lario Park; shared concern over the long-term health effects vulnerable populations may experience; and encouraged sending out additional information for residents to be Sal Torres stated his opinion on the Huntington Drive medians project and asked the Parks and Recreation department to consider an inclusive park when it comes to budget planning.
Steve Hernandez expressed his opinion on the Lario Park Staging Area and the logistics of the processing of hazardous materials.
12. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - CONSENT CALENDAR
None.
13. 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 - April 22, 2025 Special Meeting, April 22, 2025 Regular Meeting and May 5, 2025 Special Meeting (CC/HA/FA).
D. Approval of Warrants - May 13, 2025 (CC/HA/FA).
E. Receive and File the Community Development Department Update.
F. Receive and File the Parks and Recreation Department Update.
G. Approval of the 2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report for filing with the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
H. Award of Contract for the Highland Promenade Project to Green Giant Landscape Inc. in the amount of $1,116,890.
I. Authorization of the Notice of Completion for the Replacement of Audio and Visual Equipment Project (25-7) in the City Council Chambers/Community Center.
1. Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Raycom Data Technologies for scanning with a maximum cost of $60,000.
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K. Approval of a Letter of Support for the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District's Request for State and Federal Assistance Following the 2025 Eaton Fire.
Moved by Councilmember Truong, seconded by Councilmember Kang, and carried by the following vote of the City Council to approve items 13A - 13K of the Consent Calendar.
AYES: KANG, LEWIS, TRUONG, CALDERON, MARTIN DEL CAMPO, GARCIA NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: FINLAY
14. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION
None.
15. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) hearing on Issuance of Tax Exempt Bonds for HumanGood
Mayor Garcia recused himself from the item as HumanGood is the source of income for his wife, and he left the room.
Director Hensley presented a staff report on the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) process for the issuance of tax exempt bonds for HumanGood, a nonprofit and local property owner; shared the background on the improvements HumanGood is looking to do; introduced the representatives from the California Municipal Finance Authority and HumanGood.
In response to questions posed by the City Council, Director Hensley confirmed that there are no negative fiscal impacts on the city.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin Del Campo opened the Public Hearing.
Public Comment
None.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin Del Campo closed the Public Hearing.
Moved by Councilmember Kang, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, and carried by the following vote of the City Council to adopt Resolution 25-09 approving the issuance of the Bonds by the California Municipal Finance Authority (CMFA) for the benefit of HumanGood, to provide for the financing or refinancing of the Project and the refunding of existing bonds, such adoption is solely for the purposes of satisfying the requirements of TEFRA, the Code and the California Government Code.
AYES: KANG, LEWIS, TRUONG, CALDERON, MARTIN DEL CAMPO, GARCIA NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: FINLAY
16. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - BUSINESS ITEMS
None.
17. BUSINESS ITEMS
A. Proposal for Renderings of Huntington Drive Median Landscape Plan City Manager Villalobos reported that the proposal for renderings of the Huntington Drive Medians project is being brought back per council's request; shared the approximate cost of $8,300; and requested council direction.
Per questions posed by the City Council, City Manager Villalobos confirmed the price and project timeline.
The City Council shared appreciation for staff who brought the item back; expressed their opinion on the project procedures and the need for additional details when it comes to logistics; and reiterated their City Council May 13, 2025 Page | 4
vision in terms of vegetation and beautification efforts.
Discussion ensued regarding differing opinions regarding landscape options and the initial plan that was previously approved by the City Council.
Moved by Councilmember Kang, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, and carried by the following vote of the City Council to not proceed with obtaining renderings of the Huntington Drive Median Landscape AYES: KANG, LEWIS, TRUONG, CALDERON, MARTIN DEL CAMPO, GARCIA NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: FINLAY
B. Memorandum - Approval of City Council Expenses
City Manager Villalobos stated that there has been past precedence when it comes to councilmembers transferring funds. He then explained that Mayor Garcia is requesting to attend this year's California Contract Cities Annual Conference and per Mayor Pro Tem Martin Del Campo's willingness, would like to use her funds as she will not be attending.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Martin Del Campo, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, and carried by the following vote of the City Council to approve the City Council expenses for the transfer of $1,610 from account fund 1005-7641 to 1005-7640.
AYES: KANG, LEWIS, TRUONG, CALDERON, MARTIN DEL CAMPO, GARCIA NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: FINLAY
18. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCIL/HOUSING AUTHORITY/FINANCING AUTHORITY MEMBERS AND CITY
MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED PER GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 53232.3
City Manager Villalobos reported that he attended the North San Gabriel River Working Group with Azusa and Irwindale; shared that discussions are taking place regarding options for what to do next at Lario Park; explained that clean-ups have been taking place; and also reported that he attended the Southern California Association of Government's 2025 Regional Conference and General Assembly.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin Del Campo reported she attended the Foothill Metro Extension meeting where discussion was had regarding toll stations and thanked the staff who put together the Mother's Day Tea event she attended.
Councilmember Calderon reported he attended the Duarte Community Coordinating Council meeting.
Councilmember Truong reported he attended the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Energy, Environment, Natural Resources Committee meeting where conversation occurred regarding still water near Eaton fire burn sites and shared that he would be attending the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) conference in an attempt to build economic development in the city.
Councilmember Kang reported he attended the SGVCOG Transportation Committee meeting and suggested looking into funds for bus shelters; stated his opinion regarding the EPA's use of Lario Park as a Hazardous Materials Processing Site; and expressed his perspective on the planning and execution process of the Huntington Drive Median project.
Councilmember Lewis reported he attended Southern California Edison's (SCE) legal team conference regarding the Altadena and Palisades fire where the undergrounding of utilities was discussed; let constituents know that the City Council is always available to answer any questions; and expressed regret for his absence at the prior council meeting due to being sick.
Mayor Garcia reported he attended City of Hope's Celebration of Life event where they celebrated the organization's Bone Marrow Transplant Reunion, celebrated HOP's 20th anniversary; shared that he attended WaterFest hosted by the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District in honor of May being Water Awareness Month; thanked the Parks and Recreation department for hosting a booth; City Council May 13, 2025 Page | 5
thanked Walmart for their $25,000 Grant presentation for the Teen Center; and shared excitement over upcoming community events.
19. ADJOURNMENT
At 8:51 p.m., the City Council adjourned the meeting in memory of Pabla Duarte resident.
Frames finess
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