APPROVAL OF MINUTES
EL MONTE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
OF DECEMBER 19, 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 via zoom Marisol Cortez, Councilmember/Authority Member – present Victoria Martinez Muela, Councilmember/Authority Member – absent 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:
4.3 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)9 – Conference with Legal Counsel – Potential Litigation – One (1) Matter.
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Puente 6-0 (Councilmember Martinez Muela absent)
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.
Mike Greenspan – Spoke about Local Union 721.
Armando Herman – Spoke about Closed Session Items.
Mayor Ancona invited members of the public to address the City Council on Closed Session Items 4.1 through 4.3.
Mayor Ancona and the City Council recessed into Closed Session at approximately 6:10 p.m. Councilmember Martinez Muela joined the City Council in Closed Session. Mayor Ancona and the City Council reconvened from Closed Session at approximately 7:00 p.m.
City Council Meeting Minutes of December 19, 2023
2 4.1 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation – Alexander Montenegro vs.
City of El Monte – Workers Comp. Case Nos: ADJ11784513; ADJ7979205; ADJ8795668; ADJ12153527.
City Council received a report, but no final action taken.
4.2 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.
City Council received a report, but no final action taken.
4.3 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)9 – Conference with Legal Counsel – Potential Litigation – One (1) Matter.
City Council received a report, but no 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. Mayor Ancona
6. FLAG SALUTE: Dania Vega, 5 th Grade Student from Wilkerson School. Present
7. RECOGNITIONS, HONORS AND COMMUNITY INTEREST PRESENTATIONS:
7.1 Presentation by the City Council to Dania Vega from Wilkerson School for Leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Present
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.
City Council Meeting Minutes of December 19, 2023
3 Am Bowes – Gave updates for the El Monte Library.
Mike Greenspan – Spoke about cannabis dispensary in El Monte.
Gabriel Ramirez – Spoke about the
Armando Herman – Spoke about agenda items.
9. CITY TREASURER’S REPORT: None
10. DEMAND RESOLUTION NO. D-700
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 $4,076,813.05 have been examined by the City Treasurer and that warrant numbers 1118815 through 1119203, and the payroll ending November 30, 2023, inclusive are hereby allowed in the amounts and ordered paid out of the respective funds as set forth.
m) Councilmember Puente
s) Councilmember Rojo 7-0
11. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting Minutes of October 17, 2023; Special Meeting Minutes of November 7, 2023; and Regular Meeting Minutes of November 7, 2023.
m) Councilmember Dr. Ruedas
s) Councilmember Rojo 7-0
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 Pro Tem Herrera
s) Councilmember Puente 7-0
City Council Meeting Minutes of December 19, 2023
4 12.2 Consideration and Adoption of a Resolution of the City Council of the City of El Monte Rescheduling the January 2024 Meetings to January 9, 2024 and January 23, 2024.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and adopt a Resolution of the El Monte City Council to reschedule the January 2024 meetings to January 9, 2024 and January 23, 2024.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Resolution No. 10499
m) Mayor Pro Tem Herrera
s) Councilmember Puente 7-0
12.3 Approval of Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule 24-25, Successor Agency Administrative Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25, and Accompanying Resolution.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule 24-25 and Administrative Budget for the July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 period.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Resolution No. SA-93
m) Mayor Pro Tem Herrera
s) Councilmember Puente 7-0
12.4 Consideration and Approval to Purchase a 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE Truck for a Total Amount of $58,000.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve the purchase of a 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE truck for a total amount of $58,000; and
2. Consider and approve the appropriation of $58,000 into the Proposition C Fund Account No. 203-67-579-8132.
Total Cost: $58,000 Account No: 203-67-579-8132
Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Proposition C Fund
m) Mayor Pro Tem Herrera
s) Councilmember Puente 7-0
12.5 Consideration and Approval of a Professi onal Services Agreement with Raftelis to Provide Technical and Preparation Services for the Water Rate Study for a Not-to- Exceed Amount of $54,500.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
City Council Meeting Minutes of December 19, 2023
5 1. Consider and approve a Professional Services Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Raftelis to provide technical and preparation services for the Water Rate Study for an amount not-to-exceed $54,500; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the Agreement with Raftelis.
Total Cost: $54,500 Account No: 600-67-677-6111
Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Water Fund
m) Mayor Pro Tem Herrera
s) Councilmember Puente 7-0
12.6 Consideration and Approval of Plans and Specifications, and Authorization to Advertise and Publish the Notice Inviting Bids for the Lower Azusa Road Street Improvement Project, CIP No. 072.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve the plans and specifications of the Lower Azusa Road Street Improvement Project, CIP No. 072; and
2. Authorize staff to advertise and publish the Notice of Inviting Bids for the Lower Azusa Road Street Improvement Project, CIP No. 072.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
m) Mayor Pro Tem Herrera
s) Councilmember Puente 7-0
12.7 Consideration and Approval of a First Amendment to the Exclusive Negotiating Agreement By and Between the City of El Monte and Prima Development for the Potential Development of an Affordable Multi-Family Rental Housing and Mixed- Use Project on a 6.11-Acre Portion of the 13.66-Acre Property Owned by the County of Los Angeles Located at 4024 Durfee Avenue, El Monte.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve a First Amendment to the Exclusive Negotiating Agreement by and between the City of El Monte and Prima Development for the potential development of an affordable multi-family rental housing and mixed-use project on a 6.11-acre portion of the 13.66-acre property owned by the County of Los Angeles located at 4024 Durfee Avenue, El Monte to extend the term of the ENA to December 31, 2024, with up to two (2) additional 180-day periods; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to enter into and execute the First Amendment to the ENA related documents, as approved to form by the City Attorney, and perform other actions necessary to implement the activities and fulfill the intent of the First Amendment to the ENA.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
m) Mayor Pro Tem Herrera
s) Councilmember Puente 7-0
12.8 Consideration and Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Standard Agreement Issued Under the 2020 Community Development Block Grant Program Coronavirus Response to Submit for Additional Funding from the City Council Meeting Minutes of December 19, 2023
6 California Department of Housing and Community Development for the El Monte Homekey Program Sites.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt the proposed Resolution approving an amendment to the Standard Agreement issued under the 2020 Community Development Block Grant Program – Coronavirus Response to submit for additional funding from the California Department of Housing and Community Development for the Homekey Program Sites (Hilda Solis Iris Housing and Hilda Solis Rose Court); and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to make all conforming modifications and edits and execute all implementing grant documents.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Resolution No. 10500
m) Mayor Pro Tem Herrera
s) Councilmember Puente 7-0
12.9 Parkview Elementary School Request for Street Closures and Processing of a Special Event Permit for the Annual Americanism Parade.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and adopt a Resolution approving the request by Parkview Elementary School for assistance from the City to coordinate street closures and to process a Special Event Permit for the purpose of conducting the Annual Americanism Parade on Wednesday, February 21, 2024; and
2. Waive all fees associated with this event.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Resolution No. 10501
m) Mayor Pro Tem Herrera
s) Councilmember Puente 7-0
12.10 A Second Reading of an Ordinance of the City of El Monte Amending Certain Provisions of Chapter 10.08 (Speed Limits) of Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic) of the El Monte Municipal Code Relating to Speed Limits on City Streets.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Ratify the proposed Ordinance by second reading by no less than (4) votes.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Ordinance No. 3030
m) Mayor Pro Tem Herrera
s) Councilmember Puente 7-0
City Council Meeting Minutes of December 19, 2023
7 13. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
14. REGULAR AGENDA:
14.1 Consideration and Approval of a Fourth Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with S&L Security, Inc. to Provide Continued Onsite Security Services for the El Monte Homekey Program Sites.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve a Fourth Amendment to the Pr ofessional Services Agreement with S&L Security, Inc. to extend the contract term through December 31, 2024;
2. Approve an increase to the contract amount from $944,492 by an additional $242,042 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $1,198,534; and
3. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to make all conforming modifications and edits and execute all implementing documents.
Total Cost: $242,042 Account No: Homekey ARPA (242) Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
m) Mayor Pro Tem Herrera
s) Councilmember Puente 7-0
14.2 Consideration and Approval of a Resolution of the City Council of the City of El Monte Designating the Member of the Council Who Shall Hold the Title of Mayor Pro Tempore.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Solicit nominations from among its memberships for the post of Mayor Pro Tempore;
2. Vote to determine which of the nominees shall be selected as Mayor Pro Tempore; and
3. Approve the attached Resolution designating the Councilmember who has been selected to serve as Mayor Pro Tempore.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Resolution No. 10502
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Martinez Muela 7-0
Appoint Dr. Ruedas
15. CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA:
15.1 Presentation regarding the Establishment of Term Limits, Increasing the Term of the Elected Mayor and Selection Process for the Mayor Pro Tempore.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
City Council Meeting Minutes of December 19, 2023
8 1. Receive the presentation of the City Attorney and provide direction, if any, for the placement of any action item(s) on a future agenda.
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Rojo 5-2 (Councilmembers Cortez and Herrera No) Bring Back Resolution on
January 9
th establishing the
length term for the Mayor Pro Tem Position
16. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA:
16.1 Update from City Net on Street Outreach and Case Management Related to the Community Care Response Team.
City Net provided the City Council with an update and provided a list of the services that they offer.
16.2 Receive a Presentation by the Police Department Regarding the City’s Emergency Preparedness Procedures.
Police Department staff provided the City Council with information regarding the City’s Emergency preparedness procedures and all that they do and the groups in the community that they work along with.
17. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
18. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTS:
18A. Mayor Ancona
Attended so many events over the past couple of weeks. It is lovely that there are so many events taking place. There were six (6) events that I attended on December 9
th. There were many grassroots organizations that provided the community with so many give aways. Thank you to everyone including the Police Department for putting together these toys give aways. Thanked to staff for all that you have done, especially during the holidays with all of the decorations and the trolley.
18B. Mayor Pro Tem Herrera
18B.1 Discussion Regarding Moratorium on Naming City Parks and Buildings.
Mayor Pro Tem Herrera – Looking for a recommendation to name that park.
There has been preliminary work done as far as outreach. General direction was given to staff to put a pause on the naming of City parks and buildings. Does the Council want to make an exception for the naming of this park.
Mayor Ancona – How soon can the Policy be brought to the City Council.
City Manager Martinez – Working with the City Attorney’s Office to be able to bring this item back. Will bring the Policy in January.
Councilmember Martinez Muela – Considered the direction of the Council to prioritize this Policy. Hope to see it at the first meeting in January.
City Attorney Olivarez – Will bring the Policy at the first meeting in January.
18C. Councilwoman Cortez
City Council Meeting Minutes of December 19, 2023
9 18D. Councilwoman Martinez Muela
Merry Christmas everyone, God bless you and have a prosperous 2024. Thanked staff for the continued work done.
18E. Councilwoman Puente
18F. Councilman Rojo
18G. Councilwoman Dr. Ruedas
18G.1 Discussion Regarding Business Support, El Monte’s Family Childcare Slots.
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Ruedas – Provided information regarding the Family Childcare businesses located in the City. Would like information regarding the family childcare facilities, and how the City can provide assistance to these businesses.
Councilmember Martinez Muela – Is there already an existing organization that they all where they all talk about what their needs are.
Mayor Pro Tem Ruedas – There is an organization that has done research including El Monte who can provide the City Council with information regarding this.
Councilmember Martinez Muela – It would be great if the organization who has done the research already can present this information to the City Council.
Mayor Ancona – It would be great to have that organization present the information to the City Council.
18G.2 Update and Discussion Regarding Neighborhood Watch Meeting in District 3 and the Schedule for 2024.
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Ruedas – Provided an update regarding the Neighborhood Watch meeting that took place. Thanked the Police Department and everyone who attended. The community is not aware that the City has an app to express their concerns.
City Council Meeting Minutes of December 19, 2023
10 19. ADJOURNMENT:
At 8:59 p.m.
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Martinez Muela
Adjourn the Meeting
The next Regular Meeting of the City Council will be held on January 9, 2024 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