APPROVAL OF MINUTES
EL MONTE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
OF NOVEMBER 21, 2023
MEETING JOINTLY AND REGULARLY WITH THE EL MONTE HOUSING AUTHORITY; EL MONTE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY; EL MONTE WATER AUTHORITY; EL MONTE PARKING AUTHORITY; SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE FORMER EL MONTE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY; HOUSING SUCCESSOR AGENCY; AND, FROM TIME TO
TIME, SUCH OTHER BODIES OF THE CITY WHOSE MEMBERSHIP IS COMPOSED
EXCLUSIVELY OF THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE CITY COUNCIL
1. CALL TO ORDER: 6:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL FOR CITY COUNCIL AND AUTHORITY BODIES:
Jessica Ancona, Mayor/Chair – present
Martin Herrera, Mayor Pro Tem/Authority Member – present Marisol Cortez, Councilmember/Authority Member – present Victoria Martinez Muela, Councilmember/Authority Member – present Alma D. Puente, Councilmember/Authority Member – present Richard Rojo, Councilmember/Authority Member – present
Dr. Julia Ruedas, Councilmember/Authority Member – present
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
WITH THE FOLLOWING EDITS/CHANGES TO THE AGENDA:
WALK-ON ITEM:
4.4 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation – Leos vs. City of El Monte, Central District Court Case No. 2:23-cv-02427.
m) Councilmember Martinez Muela
s) Mayor Pro Tem Herrera 7-0
4. CLOSED SESSION:
The City Council and the various legislativ e bodies whose membership is composed exclusively of the membership of the City Council will attempt to address and complete all Closed Session business between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. If the City Council completes all Closed Session business prior to 7:00 p.m., the City Council will take a short recess and commence all Open Session proceedings promptly at 7:00 p.m. In the event the City Council is unable to address or complete all agendized Closed Session items by 7:00 p.m., the City Council will hear all such remaining items toward the end of the meeting, immediately following Council Communications. Should any member of the public wish to address the City Council on any agendized Closed Session matter, the City Council shall allow such person to address the City Council on such matter(s) prior to going into Closed Session, provided that all persons wishing to address the Council on an agendized Closed Session matter shall (i) call-in or submit a speaker card in the manner prescribed on page 1 of this agenda, above, prior to the City Council going into closed session; and (ii) be subject to a single speaker time allotment of three (3) continuous minutes total per speaker to address the City Council on any or all closed session items of business.
Mayor Ancona invited members of the public to address the City Council on Closed Session Items 4.1 through 4.4.
Mayor Ancona and the City Council recessed into Closed Session at approximately 6:11 p.m. At 7:00 p.m. City Clerk Gabriel Ramirez advised that the City Council would be reconvening from Closed Session at approximately 7:15 p.m. Mayor Ancona and the City Council reconvened from Closed Session at approximately 7:19 p.m.
City Council Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2023
2 4.1 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 – Conference with Real Property Negotiators.
Property Location:
8575-017-909, 8575-019-907, 8575-019-908, 8575-019-910, 8575-019-911, 8575-019-912, 8575-019-913, 8575-021-932, 8575-021-934, 8575-021-936
Name of Party City is Negotiating with:
Area Y El Monte, LLC
City’s Representative in Negotiations:
Alma K. Martinez, City Manager; Betty Donavanik, Community & Economic Development Director; and Lloyd Pilchen, Assistant City Attorney.
Under Discussion:
Terms of an Agreement.
No reportable final action taken.
4.2 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 – Conference with Real Property Negotiators.
Property Location:
10450 Valley Boulevard, El Monte (APN 8578-016-025)
Name of Party City is Negotiating with:
TDF, LP
City’s Representative in Negotiations:
Alma K. Martinez, City Manager; Betty Donavanik, Community & Economic Development Director; and Lloyd Pilchen, Assistant City Attorney.
Under Discussion:
Terms of an Agreement.
No reportable final action taken.
4.3 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 – Conference with Labor Negotiators.
Bargaining Units Subject to Negotiations: El Monte General Unit (SEIU Local 721); El Monte General Mid-Management Unit (SEIU Local 721); El Monte Police Officers Association; and El Monte Police Mid-Manager’s Association.
City’s Designated Negotiator: Alma Martinez, City Manager and Rigoberto Gutierrez, Human Resources/Risk Management Director.
No reportable final action taken.
4.4 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation – Leos vs. City of El Monte, Central District Court Case No. 2:23-cv-02427.
No reportable final action taken.
OPEN SESSION PROCEEDINGS
(Commencing at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafte r as the City Council reconvene from Closed Session/Short Recess).
5. INVOCATION: Chaplain. Chaplain Manny Coronilla
6. FLAG SALUTE: City Council. Mayor Ancona
City Council Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2023
3 7. RECOGNITIONS, HONORS AND COMMUNITY INTEREST PRESENTATIONS: None
8. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT:
This time has been set aside for members of the public to directly address the City Council on agendized items of business (other than those agendized as public hearing or closed session items) or on any other matter of interest to the speaker/caller that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council, the Housing Authority, the Financing Authority and/or the Water Authority (collectively, the “Council”). Each speaker/caller will be limited to a single allotment of three (3) continuous minutes total to address the Council on any or all matters covered by this section. As explained more specifically under the Public Hearing portion of this agenda, members of the public wishing to offer comment on items of business agendized under the Public Hearing portion of the agenda shall have a separate allotment of three (3) continuous minutes per speaker per public hearing item.
Except as otherwise provided under the Brown Act (Gov. Code Section 54950 et seq.), the Council may not deliberate or take action upon any matter not listed on this posted agenda but may order that any such matter be placed on the agenda for a subsequent meeting. The Council may also direct staff to investigate certain matters for consideration at a future meeting. Persons wishing to address the Council on matters covered under General Public Comment shall call in or submit a speaker card in the manner prescribed on page 1 of this agenda, above, by or before the General Public Comment portion of the agenda is closed. The City Council shall be under no obligation to entertain comments from speakers/callers who submit cards or call in to speak on matters covered by the section after the General Public Comment portion of the agenda is closed.
m) Councilmember Puente
s) Councilmember Martinez Muela 5-2 (Mayor Pro Tem Herrera and Limit Public Comment to two (2) Minutes Councilmember Cortez No)
Christopher Rodriguez – Spoke about incident that took place on June 28, 2023.
Francisco Rivera – Spoke about incident that took place on June 28, 2023.
Andrea MacKenzie – Spoke about incident that took place on June 28, 2023.
Kenneth MacKenzie – Spoke about meeting with the Mayor and staff, also spoke about the incident that took place on June 28, 2023.
Lucho Ramirez – Spoke about faith in democracy.
Gaby Caro – Spoke about constitutional rights. Requested investigation regarding retaliation by an elected official.
Tony Garcia – Spoke about the street vendors that were removed and are now back.
Requested that the City Council assist with this.
Diego Blanco – Spoke about his request for red curb.
Julio Ramirez – Spoke about the violation of the Brown Act to reduce the public comment time.
Cosme Jimenez – Spoke about Councilmember Cortez and also spoke about the previous City Council meeting.
Rosario Pacheco – Spoke about the matter involving Mrs. Caro and the Mayor.
Eduardo Pacheco – Spoke about the matter involving Mrs. Caro and the Mayor.
Genesis Lopez – Spoke about the matter involving Mrs. Caro and the Mayor.
Janet Mendes – Spoke about the matter involving Mrs. Caro and the Mayor.
Tony Reyes – Spoke about the matter involving Mrs. Caro and the Mayor.
Carmen Calcadas – Spoke about the matter involving Mrs. Caro and the Mayor.
Jose Silva – Spoke about the matter involving Mrs. Caro and the Mayor.
City Council Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2023
4 Leann Silva – Spoke about the Mayor.
Jasmin Guitron – Spoke about the matter involving Mrs. Caro and the Mayor.
Zulma Aparicio – Spoke about the matter involving Mrs. Caro and the Mayor.
Raquel Guitron – Spoke about the matter involving Mrs. Caro and the Mayor.
Gabriela Cabral – Spoke about the matter involving Mrs. Caro and the Mayor.
Barbara – Spoke about the matter involving Mrs. Caro and the Mayor.
Cynthia Espinoza – Spoke about the matter involving Mrs. Caro and the Mayor.
Carlos Rodriguez – Spoke about the matter involving Mrs. Caro and the Mayor.
Christian Ortega – Spoke about the matter involving Mrs. Caro and the Mayor.
Silvia – Spoke about the matter involving Mrs. Caro and the Mayor.
Blanco Jacinto – Spoke about the matter involving Mrs. Caro and the Mayor.
Xiomara Alfaro – Spoke about the matter involving Mrs. Caro and the Mayor.
Jerry Velasco – Spoke about the matter involving Mrs. Caro and the Mayor.
Joaquina Quiñonez – Spoke about the matter involving Mrs. Caro and the Mayor.
Anakaren Pacheco – Spoke about the matter involving Mrs. Caro and the Mayor.
Iris Andrade – Spoke about the matter involving Mrs. Caro and the Mayor.
Break at 8:34 p.m.
Return at 8:47 p.m.
9. CITY TREASURER’S REPORT:
9.1 Transmittal of the Treasurer’s Cash and Investment Report for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2023.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Receive and file the Treasurer’s Cash and Investment Report for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Continue to Meeting of December 5, 2023
10. DEMAND RESOLUTION NO. D-698
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL MONTE, CALIFORNIA,
ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AND SPECIFYING THE FUNDS OUT OF WHICH THE SAME ARE TO BE PAID.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL MONTE, CALIFORNIA, DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. That the attached list of claims and demands totaling $10,576,602.11 have been examined by the City Treasurer and that warrant numbers 1118207 through 1118606, and the payroll ending October 31, 2023, inclusive are hereby allowed in the amounts and ordered paid out of the respective funds as set forth.
m) Councilmember Puente
s) Councilmember Dr. Ruedas 7-0
City Council Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2023
5 11. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
12. CONSENT CALENDAR:
All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine in nature and may be enacted by one motion approving the recommendation listed on the Agenda. One or more items may be removed from the Consent Calendar so that they may be discussed, considered, and voted upon individually by the Council. A matter may be removed from the Consent Calendar and taken up separately by way of a seconded motion of any member of the Council with the approval of a majority of the Council quorum.
12.1 Waiver of Full Reading of Ordinance(s).
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approval to waive full reading (except title) of all ordinances appearing on the City Council agenda as authorized under Government Code Section 36934, unless otherwise directed by the City Council.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Dr. Ruedas 7-0
12.2 Approval of School Resource Officer Agreements By and Between the City of El Monte and the Local School Districts Serving the El Monte Community for Fiscal Years 2023-2024, 2024-2025, and 2025-2026.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve the School Resource Office r Agreement By and Between El Monte City School District and the City of El Monte Fiscal Year 2023-2024, 2024- 2025, and 2025-2026;
2. Approve the School Resource Office r Agreement By and Between El Monte Union High School District and the City of El Monte Fiscal Year 2023-2024, 2024-2025, and 2025-2026;
3. Approve the School Resource Officer Agreement By and Between Mountain View School District and the City of El Monte Fiscal Year 2023-2024, 2024- 2025, and 2025-2026; and
4. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the Agreements on behalf of the City of El Monte.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
m) Councilmember Dr. Ruedas
s) Councilmember Puente 7-0
12.3 Approval of Recommendation and Request to Submit a Grant Application to the Justice Assistance Grant Program Fiscal Year 2023 Local Solicitation.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize staff to submit a grant application in response to the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2023 Local Solicitation;
2. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to sign all grant related documents as the authorized representative of the City of El Monte; and City Council Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2023
6 3. Direct staff to appropriate funds in accordance with the attached budget and amend the FY 23/24 Comprehensive Budget of the City of El Monte to include the JAG-2023 Special Fund budget.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Dr. Ruedas 7-0
12.4 Approval of Recommendation and Request to Authorize the City Manager to Sell or Otherwise Dispose of City Property in the Form of Public Works Department Vehicles and Equipment.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize the City Manager to exercise the sale or otherwise dispose of City property in the form of Public Works Department vehicles and equipment.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Dr. Ruedas 7-0
12.5 Approval of Plans and Specifications and Authorization to Advertise and Publish the Notice Inviting Bids for the Baldwin Avenue Street Improvement Project, Phase 1, CIP No. 039.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve the Plans and Specifications of the Baldwin Avenue Street Improvement Project, Phase 1, CIP No. 039; and
2. Authorize staff to advertise and publish the Notice of Inviting Bids for the Baldwin Avenue Street Improvement Project, Phase 1, CIP No. 039.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Dr. Ruedas 7-0
12.6 Approval of a Reimbursement Agreem ent with Union Pacific Railroad Company for Preliminary Engineering Services for the Garvey Avenue Street and Storm Drain Improvement Project, CIP No. 884, for a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $50,000.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute a Reimbursement Agreement with the Union Pacific Railroads Company for Preliminary Engineering Services in the amount of $50,000 for the Garvey Avenue Street and Storm Drain Improvement Project, CIP No. 884.
Total Cost: $50,000 Account No: 285-67-884-8221
Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Dr. Ruedas 7-0
City Council Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2023
7 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
14. REGULAR AGENDA:
14.1 Consideration and Approval for the Purchase of Public Safety Drone Technology, a Drone Mobile Command Vehicle, Required Drone Operator Training, Computer, and Approval of Professional Services Agreements with Brinc Drones and Flying Lion Incorporated with Funds Provided Through 2021 American Rescue Plan Act.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve the purchase of eighteen (18) operational patrol use drones, three (3) public safety emergency drones, and six (6) interior tactical/public safety drones from Advexure Unmanned Systems with funds provided through the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act for an amount not-to- exceed $220,833.82;
2. Consider and approve the purchase of two (2) interior tactical/public safety drones and approval of a five (5) year Professional Services Agreement with Brinc Drones, with funds provided through the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act in an amount not-to-exceed $99,995.00;
3. Consider and approve the purchase of one (1) Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS- Drone) Mobile Command vehicle from LDV-Custom Specialty Vehicles, with funds provided through the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act in an amount not- to-exceed $249,413.00;
4. Consider and approve a one (1) year Professional Services Agreement to retain the services of a part-time onsite UAS Program Coordinator/Technician, identified as Flying Lion, Incorporated (FLI), and utilize that service provider to train and certify EMPD Drone Operators in the required “Federal Aviation Administration” (Part 107) License Certification Program, with funds provided through the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act, in an amount not-to-exceed $106,554.40 (price includes an annual drone software subscription service to be purchased from a third party vendor);
5. Consider and approve the purchase of a laptop computer from the selected vendor, identified as Dell Technologies, which utilized and follows the NASPO Master Agreement No. MNWNC-108, April 1, 2015, through January 31, 2024 to provide Computer Equipment, Peripherals, and Related Services, and does not require a competitive bidding process for the purchase, with funds provided through the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act, in an amount not-to- exceed $7,586.09;
6. Approve all the above proposed purchases and Professional Services Agreements for a total amount of $684,382.31, plus a contingency for a total not- to-exceed amount of $800,000;
7. Consider and approve Brinc Drones Inc., LDV-Custom Specialty Vehicles, and Dell Technologies, as sole source vendors associated with this purchase;
8. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to sign the Professional Services Agreements with the selected vendors to initiate this project; and
9. Consider and approve the presentation of this purchase and identification of the funding source before the local governing body (Honorable Mayor and City Council) as following the guidelines set forth in State of California Assembly Bill 481 pertaining to the acquisition or intended use of military type equipment.
Total Cost: $800,000 Account No: 242-71-482-8131
Is the cost of this item budgeted? No 2021 American Rescue Plan Act
m) Councilmember Puente
s) Councilmember Dr. Ruedas 7-0
14.2 Discussion and Action Regarding the Appointment of Planning Commissioner.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
City Council Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2023
8 1. Consider and approve the appointment of Luis D. Salas to the El Monte Planning Commission
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Martinez Muela 7-0
15. CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA: None
16. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA:
16.1 Update from City Net on Street Outreach and Case Management Related to the Community Care Response Team.
Continue to the meeting of December 5, 2023
17. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
18. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTS:
18A. Mayor Ancona
Rolled over Council Communications to next meeting. Wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Tree Lighting Ceremony next week.
18A.1 Discussion and Update on Lambert Park Gym.
18A.2 Discussion on Posting of City Council Agendas.
18A.3 Update on Emergency Preparedness Procedures.
18A.4 Update on the Chamber of Commerce Contract.
18A.5 Discussion on Establishing Term Limits for City Elected Positions.
18A.6 Discussion and Direction Regarding Moratorium on the Planning Commission Term Limit Policy.
18B. Mayor Pro Tem Herrera
18C. Councilwoman Cortez
18D. Councilwoman Martinez Muela
Rolled over Council Communication to next meeting. Wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
18D.1 Update on the Financial Status for this Fiscal Year.
18D.2 Update on the Status of Fire Contract.
City Council Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2023
9 18D.3 Request for a Presentation on Purchasing Policy.
18D.4 Discussion and Action Regarding a Program for Supportive Veterans with their Utilities.
18D.5 Update on Staff Presentation on our Water System to Council.
18E. Councilwoman Puente
18F. Councilman Rojo
18G. Councilwoman Dr. Ruedas
Wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
19. ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
The next Regular Meeting of the City Council will be held on December 5, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. This Agenda will be posted on the City’s website,
www.ci.el-monte.ca.us, and
physically posted no less than 72 hours prior to the start of the subject regular meeting.
Although it is the City’s practice and desire to electronically post a copy of this Agenda along with supporting material as part of its website posting, the size or formatting of certain supporting materials may render their website posting infeasible. Nevertheless, all supporting materials related to any item on this Agenda, that is made available to the members of the council may be inspected by members of the public at the City Clerk’s Office located at 11333 Valley Boulevard, El Monte, Monday through Thursday, 7:00 am – 5:30 pm. For more information, please call the City Clerk’s Office at 626-580-2016.
All public meetings and events sponsored or conducted by the City of El Monte are held in sites accessible to persons with disabilities. Requests for accommodations may be made by calling the office of the City Clerk at (626) 580-2016 at least three (3) working days prior to the event, if possible. This Agenda and copies of documents distributed at the meeting are available in alternative formats upon request.
____________________________
Gabriel Ramirez, City Clerk
C i t y o f E l M o n t e
APPROVED:
_________________________________
Jessica Ancona, Mayor
City of El Monte