APPROVAL OF MINUTES
EL MONTE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
OF APRIL 2, 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: 6:00 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:
m) Councilmember Puente
s) Mayor Ancona 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 4.3.
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 7:02 p.m.
4.1 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 Subparts (a), (d)(2), and (e)(3) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation – One (1) Matter.
No final reportable action taken.
City Council Meeting Minutes of April 2, 2024
2 4.2 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 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: Laura Drotz Kalty, Designated Lead Labor Negotiator in Consultation with Rigoberto Gutierrez, Human Resources/Risk Management Director, and
Alma Martinez, 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. Councilmember Martinez Muela
6. FLAG SALUTE: Brandon Vega, 1
st Grade Student from Wilkerson Elementary
School. Present
7. RECOGNITIONS, HONORS AND COMMUNITY INTEREST PRESENTATIONS:
7.1 Presentation by the City Council to Brandon Vega from Wilkerson Elementary School for Leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Present
7.2 Presentation to the City Council by Raftelis Regarding the Water Authority Valuation. Item continued to next meeting.
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 April 2, 2024
3 Steven Trumble – Provided updates for both the Norwood an El Monte Library.
Lorena Zavala – Spoke about construction industry tax fraud. There will be a Tax Fraud Days of Action from April 13th through April 19th.
Jesse Fierro – Spoke about various items.
Juan Luna – Spoke about construction industry tax fraud. There will be a Tax Fraud Days of Action from April 13
th through April 19th.
Cecilia Ussery – In support of cease fire resolution.
Marco Yanez – Spoke about construction industry tax fraud. There will be a Tax Fraud Days of Action from April 13
th through April 19th.
Andre Quintero – Urged the City Council not to pass the cease fire resolution.
Julio Ramirez – Spoke about various items.
Cosme Jimenez – Spoke about various items.
Estee Chandler – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Avraham Stern – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Emily – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Andrew Yip – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Joshua Martinez – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Lesly Velez – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Sharif Shakhshir – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Rida Hamida – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Jack Elkhalayleh – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Sarah – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Mary Nguyen – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Steve Valenzuela – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Levy Elly – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Jesse Duker – Urged the City Council not to pass a cease fire resolution.
Amelia Hall – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Thea Krizmanich – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Anne Marie Otey – Urged the City Council not to pass a cease fire resolution.
Kimberly Primero – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Edward Sauceda – Spoke about various items.
Rene Jimenez – – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
James Gutierrez - – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Yasmin Cardona – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Alex Rocha – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Taiji Miyagawa – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
City Council Meeting Minutes of April 2, 2024
4 Ana Cindy Blanco – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Giselle Barbosa – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Chris Gutierrez – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Phylis Rotolo – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Katie Rotolo – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Melissa – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Elisa – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Carri bean Fragoza – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Angie Fuentes – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Erica Vasquez – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Lisa Pena – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
MD Shaheed – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
Chris Melwer – Urged the City Council to pass a cease fire resolution.
9. CITY TREASURER’S REPORT: None
10. DEMAND RESOLUTION NO. D-707
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 $4,168,894.70 have been examined by the City Treasurer and that warrant numbers 1121158 through 1121397, inclusive are hereby allowed in the amounts and ordered paid out of the respective funds as set forth.
m) Councilmember Rojo
s) Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Ruedas 6-0 (Councilmember Puente absent)
Councilmember Alma Puente left the meeting at approximately 9:30 p.m.
At 9:35 p.m.
m) Councilmember Herrera 6-0 (Councilmember Puente absent) s) Mayor Ancona
Extend the meeting past 10:00 p.m.
11. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting Minutes of March 19, 2024.
m) Councilmember Rojo
s) Mayor Ancona 6-0 (Councilmember Puente absent)
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 City Council Meeting Minutes of April 2, 2024
5 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 Herrera
s) Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Ruedas 6-0 (Councilmember Puente absent)
12.2 Consideration and Approval for the Purc hase and Installation of Storage Systems and Fixed Shelving for the Police Department.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve the appropriation of Unclaimed Money Revenue Account No. 100-71-711-8131 to purchase and install high-density storage systems and fixed shelving for the Police Department Property-Evidence storage rooms, for an amount not-to-exceed $70,000;
2. Consider and approve the purchase of the storage systems and shelving from the selected vendor, identified as McMurray Stern, which is a Spacesaver Corporation authorized vendor, and follows Sourcewell Contract No. 110923- SPC (valid 12/21/2023 thru 12/29/2027);
3. Approve the City Manager or her designee to approve and sign for any modification to the purchase; and
4. Instruct the Finance Department to encumber the necessary funds to complete this purchase.
Total Cost: $70,000 Account No: 100-71-711-8131
Is the cost of this item budgeted? No Unclaimed Money Revenue Fund
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Ruedas 6-0 (Councilmember Puente absent)
12.3 Adopt a Resolution Designating April 18, 2024 as the 2024 Commemoration of Arbor Day 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 commemoration of Arbor Day.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Resolution No. 10523
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Ruedas 6-0 (Councilmember Puente absent)
City Council Meeting Minutes of April 2, 2024
6 12.4 Consideration and Approval of a Third Am endment to Exercise the First Extension to the Professional Services Agreement with Municipal Waste Solutions.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve a third amendment to exercise the first extension to the Professional Services Agreement with Municipal Waste Solutions;
2. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the first extension Agreement; and
3. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the second extension as necessary.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Ruedas 6-0 (Councilmember Puente absent)
12.5 Consideration and Adoption of a Resolution of the City Council Approving the Annual General Plan Housing Progress Report for the Year 2023 and Directing Staff to Transmit the Report to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and the State Department of Housing and Community Development.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt a Resolution approving the 2023 Annual General Plan Housing Element Report; and
2. Direct staff to transmit the report to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Resolution No. 10524
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Ruedas 6-0 (Councilmember Puente absent)
12.6 Consideration and Approval of the Issuance of a Request for Proposals for Employee Benefits Insurance Broker Services.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve the issuance of a Request for Proposal for Employee Benefits Insurance Broker Services.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Ruedas 6-0 (Councilmember Puente absent)
12.7 Consideration and Approval of Resolution Supporting Calls for Cease Fire.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
City Council Meeting Minutes of April 2, 2024
7 1. Consider and approve the Resolution Supporting Calls for Cease Fire.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Resolution No. 10525
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Martinez Muela 7-0
with edits to the title of the Resolution
“A Resolution of the City Council of the
City of El Monte, California Supporting
a Resolution Calling for an Immediate
De-Escalation and Permanent Cease-Fire
in Israel and Occupied Palestine”
and adding an additional recital 6
WHEREAS, the current assault on Gaza, which
started October 7, 2023 after Hamas killed 1,200
Israeli people and kidnapped 240 Israeli people,
has resulted in over 32,845 Palestinians killed,
including 13,000 children, 8,400 women and over
1.9 million Palestinians displaced by the State of Israel.
Break at 9:25 p.m.
Return at 9:30 p.m.
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 Receive and File the Single Audit for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2022.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Receive and file the Single Audit Report for Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2022.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Martinez Muela 6-0 (Councilmember Puente absent) Receive and File Report
14.2 Receive and File the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report of the City of El Monte for the Year Ended June 30, 2022.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
City Council Meeting Minutes of April 2, 2024
8 1. Receive and file the Single Audit Report for Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2022.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Rojo 6-0 (Councilmember Puente absent) Receive and File Report
14.3 Consideration and Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Kane Construction Services, Inc. for Construction Management, Inspection, and Labor Compliance Services for Oversight of the Renewable Natural Gas Fueling Station Project, CIP No. 010 for a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $661,828.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve a Professional Services Agreement with Kane Construction Services, Inc. for Construction Management, Inspection and Labor Compliance Services for oversight of the Renewable Natural Gas Fueling Station Project, CIP 010 for a not-to-exceed amount of $661,828 which includes an amount of $601,662 plus a ten (10) percent contingency of $60,166; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the Professional Services Agreement with Kane Construction Services, Inc.
Total Cost: $661,828 Account No: 225-67-010-8221
Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Rojo 6-0 (Councilmember Puente absent)
14.4 Consideration and Approval of a Firs t Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with All-City Management Services Inc. to Provide Crossing Guard Service for the 2023-2024 Academic Year.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve the first amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with All-City Management Serv ices for Crossing Guard Services for the 2023-2024 Academic Year for a not-to-exceed amount of $207,034; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the first amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with All-City Management Services on behalf of the City.
Total Cost: $207,034 Account No: 100-67-670-6137
Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
m) Councilmember Rojo
s) Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Ruedas 6-0 (Councilmember Puente absent)
14.5 Consideration and Approval of a Resolution of the City Council of the City of El Monte which: (1) Acknowledges Receipt of the 2024 Sewer Rate Analysis which Includes a Proposed Updated Rate Structure for the Sewer Service Charge Levied Upon Real Property Parcels in the City of El Monte; (2) Approving a List of Identified Parcels Eligible to Participate in Majority Protest Proceedings Required for the Approval of the Updated Sewer Service Charges; (3) Setting the Time, Place and Location for the Conduct of a Majority Protest Public Hearing Per Article XIIID, Section 6 of the California Constitution and Government Code Section 53755 Et Seq.; (4) Establishing Procedures for the Submission and Tabulation of City Council Meeting Minutes of April 2, 2024
9 Written Protests; and (5) Authorizing City Staff to Undertake all Necessary Noticing Prescribed by for the Conduct of Majority Protest Proceedings.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Receive the presentation from City staff and Raftelis regarding the preparation of the 2024 Sewer Rate Analysis and pose questions to staff;
2. Approve the attached Resolution of City staff which:
a) Acknowledges receipt of the 2024 Sewer Rate Analysis, inclusive of the proposed updated rate structure for the Citywide sewer service charge; and
b) Approves the list of identified parcels eligible to participate in the majority protest proceedings required for approval the update schedule of sewer service charges; and
c) Sets the time, place and location of a majority protest public hearing as required by Article XIIID, Section 6 of the California Constitution and Government Code Section 53755 et seq.; and
d) Establishes procedures for the submission and tabulation of written protests; and
e) Authorizes City staff to undertake all necessary notice prescribed for the conduct of majority protest proceedings.
Total Cost: $50,000 Account No: 650-67-696-6220
Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Sewer Fund: Other Fees for S e r v i c e s
Resolution No. 10526
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Councilmember Martinez Muela 6-0 (Councilmember Puente absent) Approve with the Alternative Funding
Plan as recommended by the
Enterprise Committee as well as a
Marketing Plan
15. CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA: None
16. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA:
16.1 Los Angeles County Fire Contract Update.
Continued to the next City Council meeting.
17. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
18. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTS:
18A. Mayor Ancona
18A.1 Update and Status of City Council Agendas.
Mayor Ancona – Agendas are still not being posted on Thursdays. Have been asking for a draft of the agenda on Wednesdays. Doing due diligence asking for the draft agendas but have not been receiving them.
18B. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Julia Ruedas
18C. Councilwoman Cortez
Councilmember Cortez – Thanked the Public Works Departments, Police Department and Parks and Recreation for all of the good work. Congratulated Sheila on her retirement.
City Council Meeting Minutes of April 2, 2024
10 18D. Councilman Martin Herrera
18D.1 Discussion Regarding the Letter of Opposition to HR 1525 Fair Act of 2023.
Councilmember Herrera – Spoke about the proposed Fair Act 2023 Resolution which wants to change the civil asset forfeiture process. Most importantly it wants to eliminate the equitable share program which is a source of the City’s asset forfeiture fund. With the assistance of Townsend a letter in opposition has been drafted. The letter will be passed around to the City Council to ask questions and hopefully sign the letter of opposition.
18E. Councilwoman Martinez Muela
Councilmember Martinez Muela – As spring comes around there are retirements that start happening. We do have to have succession planning in place for certain roles that we need to continue. Wished Sheila Crippen a happy retirement. Also wished happy retirement to all those who are deciding to leave.
18F. Councilwoman Puente
18G. Councilman Rojo
19. ADJOURNMENT:
At 11:09 p.m.
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Martinez Muela
The next Regular Meeting of the City Council will be held on April 16, 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