APPROVAL OF MINUTES
EL MONTE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
OF JANUARY 22, 2025
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
Marisol Cortez, Mayor Pro Tem/Authority Member – present Sheila Crippen-Thomas, Councilmember/Authority Member – present Cindy Galvan, Councilmember/Authority Member – present
Martin Herrera, Councilmember/Authority Member – present Viviana Longoria, Councilmember/Authority Member – present Dr. Julia Ruedas, Councilmember/Authority Member – present
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Ruedas 7-0
Pull Item 4.4 and one of the items under
Item 4.6.
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 4.6.
Mayor Ancona and the City Council recessed into Closed Session at approximately 6:02 p.m.
At 7:00 p.m. the City Clerk announced that the City Council would reconvene at 7:15 p.m.
At 7:18 p.m. the City Clerk announced that the City Council would reconvene at 7:30 p.m.
Mayor Ancona and the City Council reconvened from Closed Session at approximately 7:38 p.m.
City Council Meeting Minutes of January 22, 2025
2 Mayor Ancona and the City Council recessed into Closed Session at approximately 10:10 p.m. Mayor Ancona and the City Council reconvened from Closed Session at approximately 11:25 p.m.
4.1 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.
Mayor Ancona did not participate in the deliberation of this item. The City Council received briefing from outside counsel, feedback given, but no final action taken.
4.2 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Li tigation – Alejandro Martinez vs. City of El Monte, Case No. ADJ1670140.
Received briefing from outside counsel, feedback given, but no final action taken.
4.3 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation – Timothy Ritter vs. City of El Monte, Case No. ADJ17962839.
Received briefing from outside counsel, feedback given, but no final action taken.
4.4 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation – Amber C. Servin vs. Alma K. Martinez, et al; LASC Case No. 24PSCV02923.
Item was pulled.
4.5 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.
Received briefing from the City’s negotiating team, feedback given, but no final action taken.
4.6 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation – Two (2) Matter.
Received briefing from counsel, feedback given, 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. Chaplain George Ussery.
6. FLAG SALUTE: Aria Hernandez, 4 th Grade Student from Cortada School. Present
7. RECOGNITIONS, HONORS AND COMMUNITY INTEREST PRESENTATIONS:
7.1 Presentation by the City Council to Aria Hernandez from Cortada School for Leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Present
City Council Meeting Minutes of January 22, 2025
3 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.
Am Bowes – Gave update regarding El Monte Library.
Robert Castañon – Spoke about the fire at 3708 Cypress that took place on January 15, 2025.
Julissa Castañon – Spoke about the fire at 3708 Cypress that took place on January 15, 2025.
Julio Ramirez – Spoke about various items.
Cosme Jimenez – Spoke about various items.
Charles Castenada Castañon – Spoke about the fire at 3708 Cypress that took place on January 15, 2025.
Jesse Fierro – Spoke about various items.
10. DEMAND RESOLUTION NO. D-723
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 $8,930,182.70 have been examined by the Deputy City Treasurer and that warrant numbers 1127859 through 1128252, and the payroll period December 16, 2024 through December 31, 2024 inclusive are hereby allowed in the amounts and ordered paid out of the respective funds as set forth.
m) Councilmember Crippen-Thomas
s) Councilmember Galvan 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 City Council Meeting Minutes of January 22, 2025
4 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) Councilmember Crippen-Thomas 7-0
12.2 Parkview Elementary School Request for Street Closures and Processing of a Special Event Permit for the Annual Americanism Parade.
RECOMMENDATION OF BU SINESS 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 Friday, February 21, 2025; 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. 10588
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Councilmember Crippen-Thomas 7-0
12.3 Consideration and Approval of Vehicle Cleaning Vendors for Use by the Police Department.
RECOMMENDATION OF BU SINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve the selection of Baldwin Car Wash, Star Car Wash, and Ayala Car Detail LLC to serve on the El Monte Police Department’s Bench List of vendors for general vehicle cleaning;
2. Consider and approve the Bench List, consisting of three (3) selected car was vendors on an as-needed basis; and
3. Authorize the City Manager, or the Ch ief of Police, to administratively manage the use of budgeted funds for the approved vendors as-needed.
Total Cost: TBD Account No: 100-71-711-6335
Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
m) Councilmember Dr. Ruedas
s) Councilmember Herrera 7-0
City Council Meeting Minutes of January 22, 2025
5 12.4 Consideration and Approval of the Sale of Helicopter Platforms to Agri Air LLC and Helicrops LLC.
RECOMMENDATION OF BU SINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve of the sale of helicopter platforms between the City of El Monte, Agri Air LLC, and Helicrops LLC for the sale of police helicopter platforms, for an amount equal to $300,000; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or the Chief of Police, to execute the Letter of Intent to purchase from Agri Air LLC and Helicrops LLC.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Councilmember Crippen-Thomas 7-0
12.5 Consideration and Approval of an Increase to the Purchase Order with Multi W Systems, Inc. to Provide Municipal Water and Wastewater Equipment Services for the Utilities Division.
RECOMMENDATION OF BU SINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve an increase to the Purchase Order with Multi W Systems Inc. to provide municipal water and wastewater equipment services for the Utilities Division for a not-to-exceed amount of $60,000; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to approve a purchase order increase with Multi W Systems Inc.
Total Cost: $60,000 Account No: 650-67-693-6111
Sewer Fund Account
Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes 600-67-696-6311 Water Fund Account
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Councilmember Crippen-Thomas 7-0
12.6 Consideration and Approval of Plans and S pecifications, File the CEQA Notice of Exemption, and Authorization to Advertise and Publish the Notice Inviting Bids for the Parkway Drive/Denholm Drive Traffic Calming Project, CIP No. 001.
RECOMMENDATION OF BU SINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve the Plan(s) and Specification(s) of the Parkway Drive/Denholm Drive Traffic Calming Project, CIP No. 001;
2. File the California Environmental Quality Act Notice of Exemption with the Los Angeles County Recorder’s Office; and
3. Authorize staff to advertise and publish the Notice of Inviting Bids for the Parkway Drive/Denholm Drive Traffic Calming Project, CIP No. 001.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Councilmember Crippen-Thomas 7-0
City Council Meeting Minutes of January 22, 2025
6 12.7 Consideration and Authorization to Advertise and Publish the Notice Inviting Bids for the Merced Avenue Linear Park Amenities Installation, CIP No. 003, and Approval of A Purchase Order with Greenfield Outdoor Fitness, Inc. for Furnishing Park Exercise Equipment.
RECOMMENDATION OF BU SINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and authorize staff to advertise and publish the Notice of Inviting Bids for the Merced Avenue Linear Park Amenities Installation, CIP No. 003; and
2. Consider and approve a Purchase Order with Greenfield Outdoor Fitness, Inc. for furnishing park exercise equipment through Sourcewell in the amount of $42,769.49.
Total Cost: $42,769.49 Account No: 299-67-003-8221
Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Councilmember Crippen-Thomas 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.
13.1 A Public Hearing to Receive Input and Direction on the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan Goals and Priorities.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Open the public hearing;
2. Receive presentation from staff;
3. Pose questions to staff;
4. Allow members of the public to offer comment;
5. Close the public hearing; and
6. Provide input and direction on the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan goals and priorities.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Dr. Ruedas 7-0
Open Public Hearing
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Galvan 7-0
Close Public Hearing
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Galvan 7-0
Approve the timeline and
Activities presented by staff
City Council Meeting Minutes of January 22, 2025
7 14. REGULAR AGENDA:
14.1 Consideration and Approval of the Purchase of 46 Dell Brand, Desk-Top Computers for Use by the Police Department.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve the appropriation in an amount not-to-exceed $115,000 from Unclaimed Monies Account No. 100-2264 for Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Municipal Budget to Expenditure Account No. 100-71-711-6321 and Revenue Account No. 100-71-4733 for the purchase of 46 Dell OptiPlex Small Factor Plus computers and authorize the use of Unclaimed Monies for this budget amendment;
2. Consider and approve the purchase of the computers from Dell Technologies, which follows NASPO ValuePoint Computer Equipment Master Equipment PA- California Contract No. C00001115143 and Agreement No. 23026/7-23-70-55- 01, valid July 14, 2023 to June 30, 2025; qualifies as a sole source vendor, and does not require a competitive bidding process for this purchase;
3. Instruct the Finance Department to encumber the necessary funds to complete this purchase; and
4. Authorize the City Manager, or the Chief of Police, to sign and approve all documents, purchase, or contractual modifications or adjustments.
Total Cost: $115,000 Account No.: Unclaimed Money Fund Is the cost of this item budgeted? No
m) Councilmember Galvan
s) Councilmember Herrera 7-0
14.2 Consideration and Approval to Purchase a Public Safety Camera System for the Police Department.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve the appropriation of $500,000 from Asset Forfeiture Account No. 259-71-711-6111 and $500,000 from General Fund Account No. 100-71-711-6111 for the purchase of a Public Safety Camera System including hardware and software, and support and maintenance services from Convergint, for a total amount not-to-exceed $1,000,000;
2. Consider and approve the attached Professional Services Agreement No. 24PD11156 with Convergint, and the City of El Monte for a five-year term period;
3. Instruct the Finance Department to encumber the necessary funds to complete this purchase; and
4. Authorize the City Manager, or the Chief of Police, to sign and approve all documents, purchase, or contractual modifications or adjustments.
Total Cost: $1,000,000 Account No.: 259-71-711-6111 Is the cost of this item budgeted? No 100-71-711-6111
Break at 9:24 p.m.
Return at 9:36 p.m.
At 9:37 p.m.
m) Councilmember Crippen-Thomas
s) Councilmember Herrera
Extend past 10:00 p.m. with
the exception of City Council
Communications
m) Councilmember Longoria
s) Councilmember Galvan 7-0
City Council Meeting Minutes of January 22, 2025
8 14.3 Consideration and Approval of a Cont ract Service Agreement with Brapga Security Systems, Inc. for Security Services at the City of El Monte’s Metrolink Station and Transit Station for an Amount Not-to-Exceed $143,814.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve a Contract Service Agreement with Brapga Security Systems, Inc. for security services at the City of El Monte’s Metrolink Station and Transit Station for an amount not-to-exceed $143,814 which includes $130,740 for a two (2) year CSA, plus a 10% contingency of $13,074;
2. Consider and approve the appropriation from Proposition A Local Return Fund account number 202-67-586-6111 in the amount of $143,814; and
3. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the CSA with Brapga Security Systems, Inc.
Total Cost: $143,814 Account No.: 202-67-586-6111
Is the cost of this item budgeted? No
m) Councilmember Crippen-Thomas
s) Councilmember Galvan 7-0
15. CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA:
15.1 Overview and Discussion Regarding Rules and Restrictions for the Reappointment and Continuing Service of all Sitting City Commissioners and Committee Members; Presentation Regarding Possible Changes to the Size and Structure of Existing Commissions and Committees; and Request for City Council Direction as to all of the Foregoing.
Continue to the meeting of February 12, 2025
16. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA:
16.1 2024 Crime Stats Presentation.
Item presented during Item 14.2 on the agenda.
17. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
18. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTS:
18A. Mayor Ancona
18A.1 Discussion and Request for Economic Development Ad Hoc Meetings to Address Development Concerns.
18A.2 Update on Arts in Public Places and Proposed Murals.
18A.3 Update on Neighborhood Watch Meetings to Address Areas of Concern.
18A.4 Discussion and Direction to Create Policy and Guidelines for City Support of Non-Profits Through Monetary Donations.
18B. Mayor Pro Tem Cortez
City Council Meeting Minutes of January 22, 2025
9 18B.1 Discussion Regarding Old RV Site Re-Development.
18B.2 Discussion Regarding Community Clean-Ups.
18B.3 Discussion Regarding Mountain View School District Partnership.
18C. Councilwoman Crippen-Thomas
18C.1 Thank you to All the First Responders.
18D. Councilwoman Galvan
18D.1 Discussion Regarding the S ystematic Code Inspection Program:
a. Hotel Inspections
b. Apartment Inspections
18D.2 Discussion Regarding Garvey Street Improvements.
18D.3 Discussion Regarding Business Development in District 5.
18E. Councilman Herrera
18F. Councilwoman Longoria
18F.1 Discussion Regarding Public Safety.
18F.2 Discussion Regarding Code Enforcement.
18F.3 Discussion Regarding School District Partnerships:
a. Open Space Partnerships
18F.4 Discussion Regarding Park Improvements.
18G. Councilwoman Dr. Ruedas
18G.1 Discussion Regarding Youth Involv ement by Creating the El Monte Youth Commission.
18G.2 Discussion Regarding the Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count.
18G.3 Discussion Regarding Local Business Walks.
City Council Meeting Minutes of January 22, 2025
10 19. ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned at 11:26 p.m.
The next Regular Meeting of the City Council will be held on February 12, 2025 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. 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