MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the
City of Huntington Park City Council
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
The City Council hybrid virtual/in-person meetings are held pursuant to AB361 because state and local officials are recommending measures to promote social distancing conducted this meeting in accordance with
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Huntington Park, California was called to order at 6:02 p.m. on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 6550 Miles Avenue, Huntington Park, California; Mayor Graciela Ortiz presiding.
PRESENT: Councilmember(s): Manuel “Manny” Avila, Marilyn Sanabria, Karina Macias, Vice-Mayor Eduardo “Eddie” Martinez and Mayor Graciela Ortiz CITY OFFICIALS/STAFF: Ricardo Reyes, City Manager Ricardo Reyes; Cesar Roldan, Director of Public Works; Raul Alvarez Assistant City Manager; Eduardo Sarmiento, City Clerk; Cosme Lozano, Chief of Police, Director of Finance & Administrative Services – Absent; Steve Foster, Director of Community Development; Sergio Infanzon, Director of Communications; Araceli Almazan, City Attorney, Cynthia Norzagaray Director of Parks & Recreation.
INVOCATION
Invocation was led by Mayor Graciela Ortiz.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Sanabria
PRESENTATION(S)
1. Tax Saving Programs County Assessor’s Office “Jeff Prang”
2. Holiday Parade Sponsors and Volunteers
3. Toy Distribution with Univision
4. Inner City Visions
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following members of the public submitted public comments:
1. Maria Adan
2. Osvaldo Pena
(Complete audio and video are available upon request at the City Clerk’s office or can be accessed by clicking the following link.01-18-22 Regular City Council Meeting)
STAFF RESPONSE
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
January 18, 2022 Page 2 of 7
Mayor Otriz thanked both of the individuals who provided public comment and asked the Police Chief Lozano to provide any follow up information regarding the 58th Street ally concern.
Police Chief Lozano shared that the 58th Street ally situation is a work in progress. He added that resources continue to be deployed to address concerns and various activity.
The homeless population in the area has been moved out, but has not permanently deterred transients from returning. The SERMET team continues to deploy resources to the alley in an effort to make contact with individuals. The SERMET team is also working with the City’s newest partner Inner Cities Vision in order to address root causes and possible solutions and resources moving forward.
Mayor Ortiz thanked Chief Lozano for the update.
(Complete audio and video are available upon request at the City Clerk’s office or can be accessed by clicking the following link. 01-18-22 Regular City Council Meeting)
CLOSSED SESSION
City Attorney Almazan announced it is now appropriate that City Council recess into closed session to discuss the matters listed under the close session portion of the agenda.
Mayor Graciela Ortiz recessed to closed session at 6:49 p.m.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4)
Consideration of initiation in one potential case
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Construction Industry Force Account Council v. City of Huntington Park Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 20STCPO3947
Mayor Graciela Ortiz reconvened to open session at 8:20 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Araceli Almazan announced the minutes should reflect that with all five members of the City Council present, the two (2) items listed on the close session agenda were discussed. On item one (1), and two (2), Council was briefed and no final action was taken. This concluded the closed session report.
CONSENT CALENDAR
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
January 18, 2022 Page 3 of 7
Prior to the Consent Calendar being addressed City Clerk Eduardo Sarmiento informed City Council of an amendment to the City Council meeting minutes of December 21, 2022.
He stated that the minutes have been amended to reflect the recusal of Councilmember Macias prior to discussion on item #5 of the agenda, and her return to open session at the conclusion of item #5 of the agenda.
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria moved to approve the consent calendar with the amendment to the City Council Meeting minutes of December 21, 2021, seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Avila, Sanabria, Macias, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Ortiz
NOES: None
1. CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINTUES
Approve Minute(s) of the following City Council Meeting(s):
1-1. Regular City Council Meeting held December 21, 2021
2. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
CITY TO CONTINUE ITS TELECONFERENCED OPEN MEETINGS PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 361
Adopt Resolution No. 2022-05 to Authorize the City of Huntington Park to Conduct Teleconferenced Open Meetings in Accordance with Assembly Bill 361.
FINANCE
3. CHECK REGISTERS
Approve Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrant(s) dated January 4, 2022; and Approve Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrant(s) dated January 18, 2022
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
REGULAR AGENDA
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
4. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTIONS RELATED TO THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON PARK’S GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria moved to adopt Resolution No. 2022-01, Calling for the Holding of a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, for the Election of Certain Officers and Requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles to Consolidate the Election with any
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
January 18, 2022 Page 4 of 7
and all Elections also called to be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 and Requesting the Board to Render Specified Services to the City Relating to the Conduct of a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2022; and adopt Resolution No. 2022-02, Adopting Regulations for Candidates for Elective Office Pertaining to Candidates’ Statement Submitted to the Voters at an Election to be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2022; and adopt Resolution No. 2022-03, Providing for the Conduct of a Special Runoff Election for Elective Offices in the Event of a Tie Vote at any MunicipalElection, seconded by Councilmember Avila. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Avila, Sanabria, Macias, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Ortiz
NOES: None
PUBLIC WORKS
5. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO PERFORM EMERGENCY
REPLACEMENT OF WATER PRODUCTION WELL 14 MOTOR
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria moved to authorize the City Manager, Public Works Director and Finance Director to proceed without solicitation of bids to a contract for the replacement of Water Production Well 14 pursuant to Municipal Code Section 2-5.13 Emergency purchase; and authorize Inframark to make the necessary replacement for a not-to-exceed amount of $17,713.38 payable from Account No. 681-8030-461.43-30, seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Avila, Sanabria, Macias, Vice Mayor Martinez and Mayor Ortiz
NOES: None
6. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING STAFF TO SUBMIT STATE DEPARTMENT OF RESOURCES RECYCLING AND RECOVERY SB 1383 LOCAL ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM FY 2021-22 FUNDING APPLICATION
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria moved to adopt Resolution 2022-04 (Attachment A) authorizing staff the submit the State Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant Program FY 2021-22 funding application; and authorize the City Manager to sign the Letter of Designation (Attachment 2) and all applicable CalRecycle grant documents, seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Avila, Sanabria, Macias, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Ortiz
NOES: None
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
January 18, 2022 Page 5 of 7
7. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO SUBMIT A LETTER OF INTEREST TO
THE LOS ANGELES METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY TO
APPLY FOR THE STATE ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM CYCLE VI MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria moved to approve staff to prepare and submit an official Letter of Interest to the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority to receive assistance on the State Active Transportation Program Cycle VI grant application; and authorize the City Manager to sign the Letter of Interest, seconded by Councilmember Avila. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Avila, Sanabria, Macias, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Ortiz
NOES: None
8. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO SUBMIT CLEAN CALIFORNIA LOCAL GRANT PROGRAM FY 2021-22 FUNDING APPLICATION
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria moved to approve staff to submit the Clean California Local Grant Program application to the California Department of Transportation; and authorize the City Manager to sign all applicable documents, seconded by Councilmember Avila. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Avila, Sanabria, Macias, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Ortiz
NOES: None
9. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO SUBMIT STATE DEPARTMENT OF
RESOURCES RECYCLING AND RECOVERY LEGACY DISPOSAL SITE
ABATEMENT PARTIAL GRANT PROGRAM FUNDING APPLICATION
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria moved to authorize staff to submit the State Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery Legacy Disposal Site Abatement Partial Grant Program funding application; and authorize the City Manager to sign all applicable grant documents, seconded by Councilmember Avila. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Avila, Sanabria, Macias, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Ortiz
NOES: None
END OF REGULAR AGENDA
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
January 18, 2022 Page 6 of 7
Communications Director Sergio Infanzon shared that on January 26, 2022 the City will have a job fair at Salt Lake. He then announced that the City will be having its first workshop regarding SB 1000 regarding environmental justice. Mr. Infanzon also shared that on January 27, 2022 the City will be hosting the West Santana Project Locally Preferred Alternative Metro Board presentation outside of City Hall at Keller Park from 10 a.m.to 12 p.m.
Community Development Director Steve Forster encouraged the community to complete the Environmental Justice survey which is now available online on the Huntington Park website. He then reminded everyone that a free COVID-19 testing site is available at Raul Perez Park.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Council Member Manuel Avila shared that in light of the pandemic the City has continued to provide vital services. He thanked the various City departments and volunteers for all their hard work especially at the many special events like the holiday toy give away. He closed by sharing his optimism in a more prosperous 2022 and continued efforts in working with and providing quality service to the residents of Huntington Park.
Council Member Marilyn Sanabria wished everyone a Happy New Year and thanked staff for all of their efforts in the face of so many challenges faced in 2021. She closed by sharing her optimism for a more prosperous 2022.
Council Member Karina Macias thanked staff for their work. She reminded all seniors in the community about the food pantry on January 20, 2022 from 1p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the community center. She added that the organization that provides food distribution monthly at Gage Middle School and will be held Saturday January 22, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. She closed her comments by wishing everyone a good night.
Vice Mayor Eduardo “Eddie” Martinez thanked staff for all their efforts and wished everyone a Happy New Year. He then shared his hope for the community to join in a collective effort to do the following:
1. Parents and caregivers made a concerted effort to communicate with teachers.
2. Be active in the community by communicate with your neighbors and pitch in as a member of the Huntington Park family by picking up litter from the streets.
3. Live the year with lots of love.
Mayor Ortiz thanked staff for an awesome 2021 and all the important work that was accomplished in the face of a pandemic. She then reminded the community to please staff safe and wear your masks. She gave a special thanks to the City Manager and Community Development Department in coming together and facilitating a local COVID19 testing site. She also thanked Board Supervisor Janice Hahn for the 180 rapid test
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
January 18, 2022 Page 7 of 7
that were provided by her office and offered at City Hall and delivered to Huntington Park and Walnut Park families in need of testing. Mayor Ortiz closed her comments by thanking Police Chief Lozano, and requested he deliver a thank you to all Huntington Park police officers on behalf of the City Council and staff for keeping the community safe.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ortiz adjourned the meeting at 8:46 p.m. The next City of Huntington Park City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday February 1, 2022 at 6:00 pm Respectfully submitted,
____________________________
Eduardo Sarmiento
City Clerk