Cities Index.
Agenda, regular meeting

El Monte City Council
July 9, 2025

Document
Agenda, regular meeting
Meeting
July 9, 2025
Body
El Monte City Council
Pages
24
Original file
10.5 MB
Text extracted from the city's file for reading and search. Open the original on www.elmonteca.gov. That file is the official record.

City Council Adoption Date:

Licenses and Certifications:

 None.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be require d. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to ope rate standard office equipment.

Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office environment with mode rate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

JULY 2025
FLSA: NON-EXEMPT

City Council Adoption Date:

FINANCE SPECIALIST

DEFINITION

Under general direction, performs a variety of co mplex technical and administrative accounting support duties in the preparation, maintenance, and processi ng of accounting records and transactions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll; a nd balances and maintains manual and computerized accounting and financial records; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from assigned supervisor y or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This fully qualified journey-level classification performs the full range of duties as assigned, works independently, and exercises judgement and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, cha nge, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so t hat qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

 Performs a variety of administrative and technical account support duties related to utility billing, accounts payable, and payroll including posting, ba lancing, adjusting, and maintaining manual and computerized account and financial records according to established policies and procedures.  Verifies, posts, and records a variety of financia l transactions; prepares and maintains databases, records, and a variety of periodic and special fina ncial, accounting, and statistical reports; generates reports and balances them appropriately.
 Maintains a variety of ledgers, registers, and journals according to established account policies and procedures; reconciles transactions and data as di rected; records changes and resolves differences; maintains the accuracy of accounting and financial records.  Participates in the assignment of appropriate billin g rates for utility and other municipal services; adjusts and makes corrections on accounts as required; provides support for the lower-level staff.  Receives, reviews, verifies, and processes time recording documents to prepare payroll for City employees; audits such documen ts for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with rules and regulations; prepares and balances payroll reports and records.  Processes, calculates, and maintains records of a variety of payroll actions; maintains employee records for voluntary and non-voluntary deductions ; prepares payroll warrants and wire transfers; prepares reports and payments for various tax, financial, and insurance organizations.  Processes and maintains a wide variety of documen ts associated with employee payroll including withholding forms, plan participation forms, court or ders, etc.; enters timesheet data into software programs; identifies problems or issues and resolves with employee or supervisor as necessary.

Finance Specialist

Page 2 of 4 ends

City Council Adoption Date:
 Interprets, applies, explains, and ensures comp liance with provisions of collective bargaining contracts and personnel rules as they apply to payro ll and a wide variety of paid and unpaid leave usage; suggests contract and rule changes to improve payroll and time reporting.  Applies and ensures compliance with applicable tax laws and rulings regarding the employee benefits program and earnings.
 Receives and verifies timesheets; checks for available sick leave and vacation days and other types of available leave days and inputs into payroll system; advises supervisors and employees on requirements of union contracts for time reporting.
 Prepares reports and payments for employee retiremen t benefits; prepares quarterly Federal and State tax reports.
 Prepares insurance premium statements for payment; updates insurance changes for City employees.  Assists departments and employees by providing payr oll information, expl aining procedures, and answering labor contract questions pertaining to payroll.  Maintains a variety of files and records related to the City's payroll system and general accounting techniques and procedures; reconciles transactions a nd data as directed; records changes and resolves differences, maintains the accuracy of the accounting and financial records.  Assists with preparation of Comprehensive Annua l Financial Report (CAFR) including providing statistical information.
 Audits receipts of financial transactions for various departments.  Assists customers, departments, and employees by providing answers and information regarding specific account information, discrepancies, ge neral accounting procedures, and/or department specific issues and problems; researches issues re garding specific transactions; and updates related files and departments on action items.
 Performs clerical and administrative functions for the Finance Department by answering internal and external phone calls, sorting and distributing mail, preparing correspondence, and other related tasks.  Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

 Public agency finance and account functions.
 Payroll processes and techniques.
 Employee benefits processes as they relate to payroll.  Record keeping, information processing requirement s and rules and policies related to the production of an employee payroll.
 Principles and practices of auditing financial documents.  Mathematical principles.
 Principles and practices of posting financial transactions to the general ledger.  Methods and techniques of reconciling and balancing financial documents.  Payroll reporting and payment requirements of va rious State and Federal agencies and benefit providers.
 Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulat ory codes, ordinances, a nd procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility, including the City ’s various bargaining unit Memoranda of Understanding and related contracts and documents.
 Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
 The structure and content of the English language, in cluding the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Finance Specialist

Page 3 of 4 ends

City Council Adoption Date:
 Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

 Perform technical accounting duties in support of general accounting and payroll programs.  Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of accounting and payroll processing.  Review financial documents for completeness and accuracy.  Review, post, balance, reconcile, and maintain accurate financial records.  Compose correspondence and reports independently or from brief instructions.  Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations.  Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform assigned work.  Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.  Work closely with staff to maintain a high level of integrity and confidentiality when dealing with sensitive and complex issues.
 Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regula tions, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
 Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.  Effectively use computer systems, software app lications, and modern busin ess equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
 Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally an d in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
 Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the requi red knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to associate degree with major coursework in finance, accounting, or a related field.

Three (3) years of technical accounting experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

 None.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be require d. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to opera te standard office equipment.

Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file info rmation. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

Finance Specialist

Page 4 of 4 ends

City Council Adoption Date:

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office environment with mode rate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may in teract with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

14.4 CITY OF EL MONTE
CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 9, 2025
July 6, 2025
The Honorable Mayor and City Council
City of El Monte
11333 Valley Boulevard
El Monte, CA 91731
Dear Mayor and City Council:

CREAT

ION OF IMMIGRANT SUPPORT AD HOC COMMITTEE
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:

1. Create the Immigrant S upport Ad Hoc Committee; and

2. Provide direction on reporting requirement s of the committee, scope of committee, and dissolution date of committee.

PURPOSE/JUSTIFICATION OF RECOMMENDED ACTION
Since June 6, 2025, federal agencies have been conducting immigration enforcement operations
throughout Los Angeles County, including within the City limits. These operations have raised concerns among re sidents regarding the lack of due process afforded to individuals detained. Both im pacted families and businesses are facing financial hardship due to challenges in supporting their families and a decrease in economic activity in recent weeks.

In response to the increase federal activity, the California State Legislature has introduced legislative proposals to address recent federal activity that the City Council may consider taking a position on.

DISCUSSION
The City Council for the City of El Monte is requested to create the Immigrant Support Ad Hoc Committee (“Committee”). The Committee will ex
plore potential forms of relief for
those affected by immigration enforcement operations and will recommend economic and legislative support measures for impacted families and businesses to the City Council.

14.5 HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
JULY 6, 2025
PAGE 2

FISCAL IMPACT/FINANCING

There is no financial impact associated with the creation of the Committee.

FACTS AND PROVISIONS/LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

Ad Hoc Committees are advisory in nature, they are not considered a legislative body and are therefore not subject to the Brown Act, unless they are created as having standing meetings, continuing subject matter jurisdic tion, or a meeting sc hedule. (Govt. Code § 54952(b))

The Immigrant Support Ad Hoc Committee is recommended to be created as an advisory committee to the City Council, wi th a set term of six (6) m onths, comprised of three (3) Councilmembers, with monthly reporting requirements to the City Council with general updates and recommendations.

IMPACT ON CURRENT SERVICES (OR PROJECTS)

There is no current impact on current services.

CONCLUSION

The City Council is requested to create th e Immigrant Support Ad Hoc Committee, to recommend economic and legislative support fo r all residents impacted by immigration enforcement operations.

HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
JULY 6, 2025
PAGE 3

Respectfully submitted,

ALMA K. MARTINEZ
City Manager

DATE: July 9, 2025

PRESENTED TO EL MONTE

CITY COUNCIL
□ APPROVED
□ DENIED
□ PULLED
□ RECEIVE AND FILE
□ CONTINUED

□ REFERRED TO

CHIEF DEPUTY CITY
CLERK

CITY OF EL MONTE

EL MONTE POLICE DEPARTMENT

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 9, 2025
July 4, 2025
The Honorable Mayor and City Council
City of El Monte
11333 Valley Boulevard
El Monte, CA 91731
Dear Mayor and City Council:

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO RECEIVE AND FILE THE EL MONTE POLICE DEPARTMENT’S POSITION ON THE ID ENTIFICATION OF FEDERAL AGENTS ENGAGED IN IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT WITHIN THE CITY OF EL MONTE.

IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:

1. Receive and file this staff report outlining the El Monte Police Department’s position regarding the ident ification of federal agents conducting immigration- related enforcement within the City of El Monte.

BACKGROUND/ PURPOSE/JUSTIFICATION OF RECOMMENDED ACTION The City of El Monte is a culturally rich and diverse community, home to residents from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Fo r decades, the El Monte Police Department (the “Department”) has worked purposefully to build and maintain meaningful relationships with all segments of our co mmunity. Central to our approach is a commitment to protecting the rights of all i ndividuals while ensuring a safe and inclusive environment.

California state law, most notabl y the California Values Act (SB 54) , outlines the limited role that local law enforcement agencies play in immigration enforcement. The legislation was designed to promote trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement agencies by clearly delineating responsibilities between state/local agencies and federal immigration authorit ies. Under these laws, lo cal police departments are discouraged from engaging in proactive immigrat ion enforcement activities that are the

16.1 HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
JULY 4, 2025
PAGE 2
jurisdiction of federal agencies, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

The Department has consistently prioriti zed community engagement, trust-building, and transparent policing practices in all aspects of its operations. Through years of dedicated service, the Department has built and maintained positive relationships with our residents, businesses, and community stakeholders, ensuri ng that public safety efforts are carried out in a manner that respects and reflects the values of our community.

Recent media coverage has described va rious interactions between local law enforcement agencies and feder al agents, particularly regarding immigration enforcement and related activities. While we acknowledge that policies and practices may vary across jurisdictions and are subject to change, the Department remains committed to the principles outlined in our existing policies and procedures.

The Department remains committed to main taining a professional and consistent approach when interacting with members of federal law enforcement agencies. Our response to such encounters is guided by established protocols and practices that reflect our Department’s core values of service, transparency, and accountability.

Members of the Department will continue to respond to generated requests for assistance or interactions with outside agencies in a manner consistent with our existing policies and procedures, specifically as outlined in Department Policy Section 326-Mutual Aid and Outside Agency Assistance (the “Policy”).

This Policy clearly defines the circumst ances and the manner in which assistance is rendered to outside agencies, ens uring that such cooperatio n aligns with the best interests of our community and the operational integrity of our Department.

The Department has provided comprehensiv e guidance and training to its personnel regarding the appropriate protocols when working alongside outside agencies, including federal law enforcement. This training rein forces our commitment to safeguarding the rights of our community members while prom oting effective coll aboration with partner agencies, as appropriate and lawful.

Our Department's response will remain rooted in professionalism and in accordance with our established standards. This approach reflects our ongoing commitment to serving the City of El Monte with integrity and transparency.

The Department recognizes the critical im portance of verifying the legitimacy of individuals who claim to be acting under the authority of outside agencies when circumstances warrant. In situations wh ere members of the Department encounter individuals purporting to be outside law enfor cement entities, engaged in enforcement actions, and when there are credible concerns or observations that raise questions

HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
JULY 4, 2025
PAGE 3
regarding the validity of their authority, Department personnel are empowered to exercise discretion in confirming those individuals’ credentials.

This practice reflects established law enforcement protocols and is a common safeguard to ensure that any enforcement action is being conducted by duly authorized officials.

Verification of official capacity in situati ons of uncertainty is a standard and prudent law enforcement response.

The Department’s approach in these matters aligns closely with our existing policies and procedures and supports our broader commitm ent to transparency, accountability, and the protection of community trust.

This discretionary approach allows officers to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of our community. It strikes a balance bet ween respecting outside jurisdictions and safeguarding our residents against unauthorized or improper enforcement actions.

The Department will not deviate from our goal to develop and sustain trust with our community. We will continue to serve in a transparent and collaborative manner that places the needs and concerns of our resident s at the forefront of our public safety mission.

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact a ssociated with this
staff report or the Department’s continued
practice of discretionary credential verification in specific situations.

STRATEGIC PLAN 2023 IMPLEMENTATION
The recommended action will further the City’
s Strategic Goal 5: Enhance Public Safety.

IMPACT ON CURRENT SERVICES (OR PROJECTS)
Approval of
the recommended actions will have no impact on other City services.

CONCLUSION
The Department remains committed to transparent, equitable, and community-focused policing. While we respect the role of outside agencies in enforcing laws, our focus remains on protecting and serving our residents in a manner consistent with community trust and public safety best practices.

HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
JULY 4, 2025
PAGE 4

The Department will not implement a policy requiring the routine identification of outside agents conducting enforcement. Instead, our officers will exercise professional discretion to verify an agent’s authority only when the circumstances reasonably call their legitimacy into question. This approach maintains our co mmitment to community trust, upholds the integrity of our public safety mission, and ensures lawful enforcement actions within our city.

It is recommended that the City C ouncil receive and file this st aff report outlining the El Monte Police Department’s pos ition regarding the identif ication of federal agents conducting immigration-related enforcement within the City of El Monte.

HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
JULY 4, 2025
PAGE 5

Respectfully submitted,

ALMA K. MARTINEZ
City Manager

JAKE FISHER
Chief of Police

DATE: JULY 9, 2025

PRESENTED TO EL MONTE

CITY COUNCIL
□ APPROVED
□ DENIED
□ PULLED
□ RECEIVE AND FILE
□ CONTINUED
□ REFERRED TO

CHIEF DEPUTY CITY CLERK

← All documents from this meeting