APPROVAL OF MINUTES
EL MONTE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
OF JANUARY 23, 2024
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: 6:03 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL FOR CITY COUNCIL AND AUTHORITY BODIES:
Jessica Ancona, Mayor/Chair – present
Dr. Julia Ruedas, Mayor Pro Tem/Authority Member – present Marisol Cortez, Councilmember/Authority Member – present Martin Herrera, Councilmember/Authority Member – present Victoria Martinez Muela, Councilmember/Authority Member – present Alma D. Puente, Councilmember/Authority Member – present Richard Rojo, Councilmember/Authority Member – present
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
WITH THE FOLLOWING EDITS/CHANGES TO THE AGENDA:
Item 4.1 has been pulled.
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 4.3.
Mayor Ancona and the City Council recessed into Closed Session at approximately 6:04 p.m. Mayor Ancona and the City Council reconvened from Closed Session at approximately 7:07 p.m. Mayor Ancona and the City Council recessed into Closed Session at approximately 8:27 p.m. Mayor Ancon and the City Council reconvened from Closed Session at approximately 9:00 p.m.
4.1 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation – Pablo Ramos, et al. vs. City of El Monte, et al., LASC Case No. 22STCV19940.
Item has been pulled.
City Council Meeting Minutes of January 23, 2024
2 4.2 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation – Pando Vasilev vs. City of El Monte, LASC Case No. 22STCV26945.
No final reportable action taken.
4.3 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 – Conference with Labor Negotiator.
City Representative: City Attorney
Unrepresented Employee: City Manager
No final reportable 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 Esrom Lempao.
6. FLAG SALUTE: Santiago Mendoza, 4 th Grade Student from LeGore Elementary School. Present
7. RECOGNITIONS, HONORS AND COMMUNITY INTEREST PRESENTATIONS:
7.1 Presentation by the City Council to Santiago Mendoza from LeGore Elementary School for Leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Present
7.2 Presentation by the City Council Proclaiming the Month of January 2024 as “School Board Recognition Month.” 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.
Cindy Wu – Thanked the City Council for the recognition.
Ricardo Padilla - Thanked the City Council for the recognition. Thanked the City Council for the SRO Contracts.
City Council Meeting Minutes of January 23, 2024
3 Pablo Tamashiro – Spoke about Eco Urban Gardens. Provided description regarding the community garden and the services provided.
Carrie Sutkin – Spoke about Eco Urban Gardens and advised that the seller is interested in selling the property. This garden has been active for the past 5 years.
Am Bowes – Provided an update regarding the Coordinating Council meeting.
Smitty – Addressed the City Council regarding outstanding invoices from the Police Department.
Julio Ramirez – Spoke about current and former City Councilmembers. Spoke about former employees.
Teodoro Lopez – Request a traffic light on Durfee and Denholm.
Tony Garcia – Representing the small restaurant businesses. Thanked the City Council for their support. Present to bring the Ordinance regarding food trucks that City staff is working on.
Eric Chen – Invited the City Council to the viewing of a documentary called Come Home My Child.
9. CITY TREASURER’S REPORT: None
10. DEMAND RESOLUTION NO. D-702
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 $7,449,779.01 have been examined by the City Treasurer and that warrant numbers 1119477 through 1119866, and the payroll period ending December 31, 2023, inclusive are hereby allowed in the amounts and ordered paid out of the respective funds as set forth.
m) Councilmember Rojo
s) Councilmember Puente 7-0
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:
City Council Meeting Minutes of January 23, 2024
4 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) Councilmember Herrera
s) Councilmember Puente 7-0
12.2 Consideration and Approval of a Purchase Order with Print Xpressions for the Purchase of Staff Uniforms for the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department for a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $55,000.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve a Purchase Order with Print Xpressions for the purchase of staff uniforms for the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, for a not-to-exceed amount of $55,000.
Total Cost: $55,000 Account No: 210-51-518-6248 - $19,000 210-51-519-6248 - $10,000
231-51-505-6248 - $ 6,000
242-51-464-6248 - $10,000
Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes 100-51-511-6248 - $10,000
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Councilmember Puente 7-0
12.3 Second Reading of an Ordinance Amending Section 8.20.170 (Commercial and Multifamily Premises – Adherence to Storage, Handling and Disposal Requirements) of Chapter 8.20 (Solid Waste – Removal, Collection, Disposal, and Diversion) of Title 8 (Health and Safety) of the El Monte Municipal Code to Add Provisions Relating to the Collection of Billing Delinquencies.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approved the attached Ordinance by four (4) affirmative votes.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Ordinance No 3031
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Councilmember Puente 7-0
12.4 A Second Reading of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 15.40 (Grading and Erosion Control) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the El Monte Municipal Code.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approved the attached Ordinance by four (4) affirmative votes.
City Council Meeting Minutes of January 23, 2024
5 Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Ordinance No. 3032
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Puente 7-0
12.5 Consideration and Authorization to Advertise and Publish the Notice Inviting Bids for the City Hall West Building Roof Project, CIP No. 483.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize staff to advertise and publish the Notice of Inviting Bids for the City Hall West Building Roof Project, CIP No. 483.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Councilmember Puente 7-0
12.6 Consideration and Adoption of a Resolution to Approve Final Parcel Map No. 83565 for the 4,851 Square Foot Drive-Thru Restaurant at 3342-3358 Santa Anita Avenue and 10623 Brockway Street.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and adopt a Resolution authorizing the recordation of Final Parcel Map 83565 for the 4,851 square foot drive-thru restaurant at 3342-3358 Santa Anita Avenue and 10623 Brockway Street.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Resolution No. 10506
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Councilmember Puente 7-0
13. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Members of the public wishing to address the Council on any item of business agendized under this Public Hearing portion of the agenda are asked to submit a speaker card for each Public Hearing item of business they wish to address the Council on. Each speaker will be allotted three (3) continuous minutes per Public Hearing item. Members of the public are asked to submit speaker cards to the City Clerk or the Sergeant-of-Arms before the Council’s approval of the agenda, if possi ble. The Council is under no obligation to recognize a speaker who submits a speaker card for a particular Public Hearing item of business after the public comment portion of the public hearing for that item has closed.
[No Public Hearing Items Agendized for this Council meeting]
14. REGULAR AGENDA:
14.1 Consideration and Approval of a Resolution Authorizing the Submittal of a Grant Application, Payment Programs, and Related Authorizations Administered by the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery for the SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant Program.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
City Council Meeting Minutes of January 23, 2024
6 It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt a Resolution authorizing the submittal of a Grant Application, Payment Programs, and related authorizations administered by the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery for the SB1383 Local Assistance Grant Program.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Resolution No. 10507
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Councilmember Puente 7-0
14.2 Consideration and Approval of a Cooperative Agreement Between the City of El Monte and the State of California Department of Transportation for Authorization to Construct and Maintain Detours.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve a Cooperative Agreement between the City of El Monte and the State of California Department of Transportation for authorization to construct and maintain detours; and
2. Authorize the City Manager or her designee to sign and execute the Cooperative Agreement.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
m) Councilmember Puente
s) Councilmember Herrera 7-0
15. CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA: None
16. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA: None
17. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
18. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTS:
18A. Mayor Ancona
18B. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Julia Ruedas
18C. Councilwoman Cortez
18D. Councilman Martin Herrera
Councilmember Herrera – Spoke to Mr. Tony Garcia regarding the impact Covid has had on the restaurants in the City. Asked if the City Council would approve giving the City Manager direction on an initiative regarding restaurant week, shop local initiative.
City Manager – A restaurant week for El Monte eateries.
Mayor Ancona – Agreed that this is a good idea. Maybe have something on a quarterly basis.
City Council Meeting Minutes of January 23, 2024
7 18E. Councilwoman Martinez Muela
Asked the City Manager for an update regarding the Audit for both 2022 and 2023.
City Manager Martinez – Informed the City Council that the 2022 Audit will be brought back to the City Council in late February. The 2023 audit will be submitted to the City in May.
18E.1 Discussion and Direction Regarding Support for El Monte Fillies Softball League and Title IX.
Under Title IX the girls softball teams must be given the same opportunities as the boys softball teams. The League would like to enter into an MOU if needed with the City. The field needs repair.
City Manager Martinez – Asked that the League reach out to her to address all of their concerns. Will provide the City Council with an update.
Mayor Ancona – Would like to see this come back.
18E.2 Update on Policy Proposal from Staff Regarding the Fair and Equitable Treatment of Nonprofit Organizations.
Councilmember Martinez Muela – Spoke about the Women’s Club expectation of rent for their space. Would like to know what spaces are out there in the community and what other organizations are paying for those spaces. Would like for the City Council to create a Policy for a fair and equitable treatment across the board for all of the Organizations.
Assistant City Attorney Pilchen – Provided the City Council with an existing Policy for the use by non-profits. Did look at other cities but the subject is very broad. Need additional direction.
Councilmember Martinez Muela – Would like to understand who is utilizing City space, what their rent and expectation is. Would like a presentation to share with the community.
Mayor Ancona – Clarified that what is needed is a policy to form some type of uniformity.
City Attorney Olivarez – Advised that the City Attorney’s Office will meet with Councilmember Martinez Muela to review the policy they prepare prior to bringing back to the City Council.
18E.3 Discussion and Direction Regarding City Purchase of a Community Garden to Add Green Space.
Councilmember Martinez Muela – Would like a presentation regarding the purchase of a community garden.
Councilmember Herrera – This may be something that could be reviewed by the Parks & Recreation Ad Hoc Committee.
Councilmember Martinez Muela – Would like to agendized on a Parks & Recreation Ad Hoc agenda.
18E.4 Discussion Regarding Creating a Reporting Policy for City Administration to Report Monthly to the City Council on Labor Relations, Grievances, and Resolutions.
Councilmember Martinez Muela – Wants to make sure that the City is encouraging good labor relations. Requested a report on labor relations, grievances and resolutions.
City Attorney Olivarez – Advised that the City Attorney’s Office may be able to prepare a memo addressing some of these matters and could provide City Council Meeting Minutes of January 23, 2024
8 that to the City Council. If some of these items qualify then they will be brought before the City Council in Closed Session.
Councilmember Puente – Had questions regarding this. Asked if these items are items that are already brought to the City Council. Is concerned about this.
City Attorney Olivarez – Advised that some of these items are brought before the City Council in Closed Session but not all of them.
Councilmember Herrera – Concerned with this. This request may be something that is beyond the City Council’s role especially regarding personnel matters.
City Attorney Olivarez – Will meet with Councilmember Martinez Muela regarding this request and will have an update for the City Council.
18F. Councilwoman Puente
18F.1 Update and Timeline for Towing Ordinance to Include Specific Dates for Publication and When Will it be Brought to City Council for Approval.
Councilmember Puente – Asked the City Attorney for an update regarding this item.
City Attorney Olivarez – Provided the City Council with an update. The Notice will be posted and this item will be brought before the City Council at the next meeting.
18G. Councilman Rojo
19. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
The next Regular Meeting of the City Council will be held on February 6, 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