CITY OF DUARTE
Minutes of the SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
5:00 PM WORKSHOP
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Garcia called the open session to order at 5:11 p.m.
Councilmembers Present: Finlay, Kang, Lewis, Truong, Calderon, Garcia Councilmembers Absent: Martin Del Campo
Staff Present: Brian Villalobos, City Manager
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
Andres Rangel, Assistant to the City Manager
Frances Jimenez, City Clerk (arrived at 5:20 p.m.)
2. ORAL COMMUNICATION - ITEMS LISTED ON THIS AGENDA
None.
3. RECREATION TRAIL WORKSHOP
Director Hensley shared an overview of the project; detailed the funding source being a $1.6 million federal appropriation for accessibility and quality of life upgrades; highlighted the main upgrades needed; and introduced the design team. He also described the process of receiving the funds; shared the comments received from the Parks & Recreation Commission; summarized the main issues identified; and provided a timeline of the entire project.
Public Works Manager Sandoval detailed the scope of work on the specific trail upgrades.
Landscape consultants Anne Armstrong and Richard Walker, highlighted the project map and detailed the proposed upgrades for various rest stops which include drinking foundations, benches, trash receptacles, mile markers, leaf imprints, and signage marking areas of interest.
The City Council provided suggestions regarding seating areas and security lighting.
City Manager Villalobos provided information on estimates regarding additional lighting and clarified the current grant's scope of work.
Further conversation ensued regarding lighting and wind sculpture options.
Richard Walker and Anne Armstrong shared proposed recommendations regarding vegetation and its specific location.
There was discussion regarding the expected design costs of the project.
The City Council provided suggestions on rendering options that can be provided in the future. Dialogue ensued between the consultant and the City Council regarding software for creating various perspectives of plans.
In response to questions posed by the City Council, Anne Armstrong confirmed the proposed plants would not harm the wildlife in the area rather, they would enhance the habitat value.
Dialogue was had regarding imprinting the Duarte logo in addition to the leaves onto the concrete.
The City Council thanked the consultants for answering their questions and also thanked Parks & Recreation Commission Chair Alex Streff and Commissioner Eddie Olague for attending the workshop.
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4. CONTINUATION OF ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Alex Streff, Parks & Recreation Commission Chair, expressed excitement over the project and eagerly awaits its improvements.
The City Council discussed the historical aspect of the railroad ties along the trail and possibly replacing them with newer ties in phase two of the project.
Further conversation was had regarding additional lighting besides security lighting along the trail and the limited scope of work of the grant.
Assistant City Manager/Director of Administrative Services suggested that decisions regarding additional lighting can be discussed during the next CIP, Capital Improvement Plan once estimates have been obtained.
The City Council continued to discuss the historical significance of the City turning the rail bed into an activity trail.
5. ADJOURNMENT - To Scheduled Regular City Council Meeting At 5:59 p.m., the City Council adjourned the meeting to the scheduled regular City Council meeting.
Cesar A. Garcia, Mayor
transf. Jimery
Frances Jimenez, City Clerk
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