APPROVAL OF MINUTES
EL MONTE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
OF MARCH 5, 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: 6:01 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 – absent Richard Rojo, Councilmember/Authority Member – present
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
WITH THE FOLLOWING EDITS/CHANGES TO THE AGENDA:
Items 4.1, 7.3 and 14.2 have been pulled.
m) Councilmember Rojo
s) Mayor Ancona 6-0 (Councilmember Puente 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.
Mayor Ancona invited members of the public to address the City Council on Closed Session Items 4.2 and 4.3.
Mayor Ancona and the City Council recessed into Closed Session at approximately 6:02 p.m. Councilmember Puente joined the City Council in Closed Session. Mayor Ancona and the City Council reconvened from Closed Session at approximately 7:04 p.m.
4.1 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation – Guadarrama vs. City of El Monte, WC Case No. ADJ14787874.
Item pulled.
City Council Meeting Minutes of March 5, 2024
2 4.2 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation – One (1) Matter.
No final reportable 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 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. Present
6. FLAG SALUTE: Alexandra Almendariz, 5
th Grade Student from Baker Elementary
School. Present.
7. RECOGNITIONS, HONORS AND COMMUNITY INTEREST PRESENTATIONS:
7.1 Presentation by the City Council to Alexandra Almendariz from Baker Elementary School for Leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Present
7.2 Presentation to the City Council by Rand Corporation Regarding the City of El Monte Guaranteed Income Program. Present
7.3 Presentation to the City Council by the El Monte Business Alliance.
Item has been pulled.
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 March 5, 2024
3 Am Bowes – Spoke about the El Monte Library’s Connect and Go. Library card holders can check out a wifi gadget for six (6) weeks. Wanted to acknowledge Landon for all of the reading he has done and continues to do.
Julio Ramirez – Provided flyer to the City Council regarding jobs for special needs kids.
Also spoke about torn flag that is being flown in the City.
Jessie Fierro – Spoke about former chiefs of police, spoke about former Mayor. Spoke about a car accident he had.
David Avalos Jr. – In support of Item 14.3.
Mark Snook – In support of Item 14.3.
Edward Salcedo – In support of Item 14.3.
Cosme Jimenez – Spoke about last City Council meeting and the City Manager’s new contract. Spoke about the City’s finances.
Cathi Eredia – Not in support of Item 14.3. Also spoke about the City Manager’s new contract.
Written Public Comments
Alma Osuna – Not in support of Item 14.3.
Lizette Gonzalez – Not in support of Item 14.3.
Diana Herrera – Not in support of Item 14.3.
Mery Gonsalez – Not in support of Item 14.3.
Rayven Greenlee – Not in support of Item 14.3.
Wiliam Ruiz – Not in support of Item 14.3.
Max Lucero – Not in support of Item 14.3.
Dania Duran – Not in support of Item 14.3.
Frida Morales – Not in support of Item 14.3.
Judy Lee – Not in support of Item 14.3.
Kimberly Aguilar – Not in support of Item 14.3.
Linda Vu - Not in support of Item 14.3.
Maria Barillas – Not in support of Item 14.3.
Art Saenz – In support of Item 14.3
Joey Farias - Not in support of Item 14.3.
Halle Sunabe – Not in support of Item 14.3.
Michelle Caperon – In support of Item 14.3.
Kevin Clark – In support of Item 14.3.
Michelle Caperon – In support of Item 14.3.
Daniel Romero – In support of Item 14.3.
Kristen Jauregui – In support of Item 14.3.
Andrew Nakamura – In support of Item 14.3.
City Council Meeting Minutes of March 5, 2024
4 Chaslyn Jauregui – In support of Item 14.3.
Tina Clark – In support of Item 14.3.
Francisco Ramirez – In support of Item 14.3.
Chase Wilkinson – In support of Item 14.3.
Brian Perez – In support of Item 14.3.
Daniel Alcala – In support of Item 14.3.
Aaron Armstrong – In support of Item 14.3.
Tom Armstrong – In support of Item 14.3.
EMPD 600 – In support of Item 14.3.
Chris Barth – In support of Item 14.3.
Clayton Duran – In support of Item 14.3.
Robert Elkin – In support of Item 14.3.
Bill Barth – In support of Item 14.3.
Anicka Clark – In support of Item 14.3.
Zayne Clark – In support of Item 14.3.
Tatiana Pacheco – In support of Item 14.3.
Andrew Yip – Not in support of Item 14.3.
Irma Bustamante – Not in support of Item 14.3.
Cece Woods – In support of Item 14.3.
Michael Bornman – In support of Item 14.3.
Edgar Hernandez – In support of Item 14.3.
Erick Torres – Not in support of Item 14.3.
Ken Roybal – In support of Item 14.3.
Sleepy Head – Not in support of Item 14.3.
Mark Velazco – Not in support of Item 14.3.
Marco Rodriguez – In support of Item 14.3.
Michael Balzano – In support of Item 14.3.
Dillon Randolph – In support of Item 14.3.
Henry Marmolejo – In support of Item 14.3.
Sarah Castaneda – In support of Item 14.3.
Julissa Romero – In support of Item 14.3.
Elizabeth Shulterbrandt – Not in support of Item 14.3.
Melina Islas – In support of Item 14.3.
Sandra Islas – In support of Item 14.3.
City Council Meeting Minutes of March 5, 2024
5 Vanessa Salazar-Castillo – Not in support of Item 14.3.
Estevan Graciano – Not in support of Item 14.3.
Lisa Roque – In support of Item 14.3.
Angela Armendariz – Not in support of Item 14.3.
Xo Starboy Rolis – Not in support of Item 14.3.
Jaqueline Munoz – In support of Item 14.3.
Paula Ramirez – In support of Item 14.3.
Moises Padilla – Not in support of Item 14.3.
Julissa Castanon – In support of Item 14.3.
Eric Lam – In support of Item 14.3.
Michael Balzano – In support of Item 14.3.
Jonathan Flores – In support of Item 14.3.
Robert Lawrence Larivee III – In support of Item 14.3.
Sergio Machado – In support of Item 14.3.
Jovanni Marquez – In support of Item 14.3.
Katie Karlsson – In support of Item 14.3.
Timonthy Goros – In support of Item 14.3.
Matt Balzano – In support of Item 14.3.
Jacob Warken – In support of Item 14.3.
Stephanie Balzano – In support of Item 14.3.
Michelle Balzano – In support of Item 14.3.
Hever Diaz – In support of Item 14.3.
Frankie Valle – In support of Item 14.3
Jonathan Islas – In support of Item 14.3.
Michelle Granado – In support of Item 14.3.
Joe Bouchard – In support of Item 14.3.
Hortencia Jacquez – In support of Item 14.3.
Julissa Romero – In support of Item 14.3.
Christian Lopez – In support of Item 14.3.
Ivan Rodriguez – In support of Item 14.3.
Mark Cox – In support of Item 14.3.
Surge Vasquez – In support of Item 14.3.
Chris Topher – In support of Item 14.3.
Veronica Henderson – In support of Item 14.3.
City Council Meeting Minutes of March 5, 2024
6 Joe Wilson – In support of Item 14.3.
Emilio Quezada – In support of Item 14.3.
Rene Sandoval – In support of Item 14.3.
Ana Islas – In support of Item 14.3.
Adela Zamarripa – Not in support of Item 14.3.
Quinn Cunningham – In support of Item 14.3.
Kelly Martin – Not in support of Item 14.3.
9. CITY TREASURER’S REPORT: None
10. DEMAND RESOLUTION NO. D-705
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 $6,532,085.58 have been examined by the City Treasurer and that warrant numbers 1120525 through 1120725, and the payroll period ending February 15, 2024, inclusive are hereby allowed in the amounts and ordered paid out of the respective funds as set forth.
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Councilmember Puente 7-0
11. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting Minutes of January 9, 2024; and Regular Meeting Minutes of January 23, 2024.
m) Councilmember Rojo
s) Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Ruedas 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) Councilmember Puente
s) Councilmember Herrera 7-0
City Council Meeting Minutes of March 5, 2024
7 12.2 Consideration and Authorization to Advertise and Publish a Request for Proposals for Public Works Inspector Services and a Request for Qualifications for On-Call Construction Management and Inspection Services.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and authorize staff to advertise and publish a Request for Proposals for Public Works Inspector Services; and
2. Consider and authorize staff to advertise and publish a Request for Qualifications for On-Call Construction Management and Inspection Services.
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
12.3 Consideration and Approval of the Plans and Specifications and Authorization to Advertise and Publish the Notice Inviting Bids for the School Crosswalk Table Project, CIP No. 074.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve the plans and specifications for the School Crosswalk Table Project, CIP No. 074; and
2. Authorize staff to advertise and publish the Notice of Inviting Bids for the School Crosswalk Table Project, CIP No. 074.
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
12.4 Consideration and Approval of the Issuance of a Request for Qualifications to Provide On-Call Environmental, Planning, Architectural, and Landscape Review Consulting Services for the Community & Economic Development Department.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve the issuance of a Request for Qualifications to provide on-call environmental, planning, architectural, and landscape review consulting services; and
2. Authorize City staff to publish and solicit proposals for the related RFQ.
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
12.5 Consideration and Approval of the Issuance of a Request for Proposals for the Digitization of Paper Records and Ongoing Document Scanning Services for the Community & Economic Development and Public Works Departments.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
City Council Meeting Minutes of March 5, 2024
8 1. Approve the issuance of a Request for Proposals for the digitization of paper records and ongoing document scanning services for the Community & Economic Development and Public Works Departments; and
2. Authorize City staff to publish and solicit proposals for the related RFP.
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
12.6 Consideration and Approval of the Issuance of a Request for Proposals for New Video/Audio Equipment for the City Council Chamber, Council Conference Room, Lobby, and Executive Conference Room.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve the issuance of a Request for Proposals for the new audio and video equipment for the City Council Chamber , Council Conference Room, Lobby, and Executive Conference Room; and
2. Authorize City staff to publish and solicit proposals for the related RFP.
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
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 Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Allocation of Additional Community Development Block Grant Funds in the Amount of $150,000 to the Small Business Grant Program to Assist Businesses in the City of El Monte.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt a Resolution approving the allocation of an additional $150,000 in CDBG funds for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 from unused/unprogrammed CDBG funds to continue the current Small Business Grant Program.
Total Cost: $150,000 Account No: 220-65-036-6352
Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Resolution No. 10514
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Mayor Pro Tem Ruedas 6-1 (Councilmember Martinez Muela No) City Council Meeting Minutes of March 5, 2024
9 14.2 Consideration and Approval for the Purchase of “Spidr Tech” Notification and Community Engagement Software.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve the appropriation of Asset Forfeiture funds from Account No. 259-71-711-6321 to purchase “SPIDR Tech” Notification and Community Engagement software in an amount not-to-exceed $143,000;
2. Consider and approve “SPIDR Tech” as a subsidiary of Versaterm Public Safety as a sole source vendor; and
3. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute a three (3) year the Subscription Agreement.
Total Cost: $143,000 Account No: 259-71-711-6321
Is the cost of this item budgeted? No Asset Forfeiture
Item has been pulled.
14.3 Consideration and Approval for the Purchase of a Lenco Bearcat G3 Armored Vehicle.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve the appropriation of 2021 American Rescue Plan funds and Asset Forfeiture funds to purchase a Lenco Bearcat G3 armored vehicle in an amount not-to-exceed $500,000;
2. Consider and approve Lenco Armored Vehicles which utilize and follows US Government Cooperative Purchasing- GSA Contract No. GS-07F-169DA (valid through August 22, 2026), and qualifies as a sole vendor, and does not require a competitive bidding process for this purchase;
3. Consider and approve the City Manager or her designee, to sign and approve all documents and purchase modifications or adjustments; and
4. 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: $500,000 Account No: 242-71-711-8132 - $250,000 2021 American Rescue Plan
Funds
259-71-711-8132 - $250,000
Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Asset Forfeiture
At 9:37 p.m.
m) Councilmember Martinez Muela
s) Mayor Ancona
Extend the meeting past 10:00 pm.
m) Councilmember Puente
s) Councilmember Herrera 5-2 (Mayor Ancona and Councilmember Martinez Muela No)
Secondary Motion
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Martinez Muela 2-5 (Mayor Pro Tem Ruedas, Councilmember To use all Asset Forfeiture Funds Cortez, Herrera, Puente and Rojo No) For this purchase
City Council Meeting Minutes of March 5, 2024
10 14.4 Consideration and Approval of an Increase in Construction Contingency for the Construction Contract with KASA Construction, Inc. for the Merced Avenue Linear Park Project, CIP 003.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve an increase in construction contingency for the Construction Contract with KASA Construction, Inc. for the Merced Avenue Linear Park Project, CIP 003, for a not-to-exceed amount of $400,000; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute change orders as necessary.
Total Cost: $400,000 Account No: Clean California Grant Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Councilmember Rojo 6-0 (Councilmember Puente absent)
14.5 Consider and Adopt Mid-Year Budget Adjustments for the General Fund and Other Funds for Fiscal Year 2023-24.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and adopt a Resolution amending the City of El Monte’s Operating and Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-24 by increasing appropriations in General Fund by $4.8 million and Special Revenue Funds by $12.8 million.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Resolution No. 10515
Item was continued to next meeting.
15. CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA: None
16. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA:
16.1 Update on the City Manager’s Participation in the 40 th Annual Labor Relations
Conference 2024.
City Manager provided the City Council with a brief update regarding her participation at the 40
th Annual Labor Relations Conference.
16.2 Update on the City Manager's Participation in the Arcadia Homeless Symposium.
City Manager provided the City Council with a brief update regarding her participation at the Arcadia Homeless Symposium.
17. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
18. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTS:
18A. Mayor Ancona
18B. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Julia Ruedas
City Council Meeting Minutes of March 5, 2024
11 18C. Councilwoman Cortez
18D. Councilman Martin Herrera
18E. Councilwoman Martinez Muela
18F. Councilwoman Puente
18G. Councilman Rojo
19. ADJOURNMENT:
Meeting Adjourned at 10:03 p.m. in memory of Mary Jane Peterson, Supervisor at Arroyo Highschool.
The next Regular Meeting of the City Council will be held on March 19, 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