MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the
City of Huntington Park City Council
Tuesday, February 1, 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 6:05 p.m. on Tuesday, February 1, 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 Macias
PRESENTATION(S)
None
Mayor Ortiz requested the inclusion of Animal Control Officer Recognition at the next City Council meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following members of the public submitted public comments:
1. Maria Delia Morales
2. Jose Rivera
3. Guillermo Hernandez
4. Ali (No last name provided)
5. Sandra Pena
(Complete audio and video are available upon request at the City Clerk’s office or can be accessed by clicking the following link. 02-1-22 Regular City Council Meeting)
STAFF RESPONSE
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Mayor Otriz thanked community members for providing public comment and asked the City Manager to provide a response to the concerns mentioned during public comment.
City Manager Reyes began by sharing the Huntington Park does have a traffic authority where community members can report any street and traffic related issues including speed humps mentioned in one of the public comments. Mr. Reyes then turned it over to Police Chief Lozano to address the police related public comments.
Mayor Ortiz quickly chimed and directed the City Clerk’s office to reach out to Maria Morales and inform her of the process for requesting speed humps. She also directed Public Works director Cesar Roldan to follow up with Mr. Guillermo Hernandez regarding asphalt situation he mentioned in his public comment.
Police Chief Lozano began by addressing the comments made regarding the incident on Gage. He shared that a supervisor has been assigned to follow up and a report will be provided to the Chief of Police and internal affairs. He added that police officers are discouraged from making those kinds of comments. And stated that the police department does have sufficient police personnel to address the concerns of residents and business owners. He also mentioned that the City operates under a mutual aid agreement where surrounding agencies are available to provide additional support if needed.
Police Chief Lozano then addressed the parking situation on Pacific Blvd. He shared that up until recent months the parking system had not been operating properly, but it has now been up and running for several months. Parking enforcement is monitoring Pacific Blvd. and providing enforcement when violations are seen. Chief Lozano pointed out that there are no time restrictions for individuals parking in stalls, provided that the space is paid for or renewed. He added that staffing challenges due to COVID-19 have also effected parking enforcement. Chief Lozano emphasized that the City has hired for the position of public safety officer and explained how two of those individuals will be put into the parking enforcement program. This additional support will increase the level of enforcement on Pacific Blvd.
Chief Lozano then addressed the issues occurring at the 58th street alley. He shared that enforcement in the alley continues and emphasized that resources have been increased to address the issue. This includes the deployment and collaboration between Police, Public Works, and Inner City Visions who are engaging the vagrant population and providing assistance in order to help transition them out of the alley. Chief Lozano closed his comments by stating that Police are aware of the restraining order Mr. Rivera referred to in his comment and clarified that it is a third party restraining order and not his own. He added that individuals who requested the restraining order conveniently ignore it to allow this individual an opportunity to shower or eat. He reminded that those who requested the restraining order need to report a failure to comply, but none the less police staff continues to monitor the situation.
Mayor Ortiz followed up Chief Lozano’s comments by directing staff to document those instances in the alley when assistance is given to ensure tractability. This will also help identify repeat offenders or those who are not accepting the resources being provided by the City.
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Community Development Director Steve Forster commented that Inner City Visions is keeping records of individuals who they’ve engaged and offered assistance. He added that the code enforcement team continues to monitor the area and siting property owners for improper disposal of items like pallets and other waste products that are stored in the alley. Mr. Forster also commented on the asphalt related public comment and clarified the issue is a result of Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts and they are currently in the process of acquiring permits and materials for repairs.
Vice Mayor Martinez inquired about a community hotline where residents can report homeless issues.
Police Chief Lozano shared that current protocol encourages residents to call the police department. Once reported and identified as non-emergency situation the case is delegated to the Police SERMET Team who collaborates with Inner City Visions to address the concern. Chief Lozano then shared the number where residents can call to report any homeless issues (323-584-6254).
(Complete audio and video are available upon request at the City Clerk’s office or can be accessed by clicking the following link. 02-1-22 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 6:30 p.m.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Communities for a Better Environment et. al. v. City of Huntington Park Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 21STCP00834
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
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4)
Consideration of initiation in one potential case
Mayor Graciela Ortiz reconvened to open session at 7:24 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 three (3) items listed on the close session
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agenda were discussed. With regard to item one (1) Council was briefed, direction was provided, but no final action was taken. With regard to item two (2) and three (3), Council was briefed and no final action was taken. This concluded the closed session report.
CONSENT CALENDAR
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
Prior to the vote Mayor Ortiz asked for clarification on the minutes related to item where minutes reflect Vice Mayor rejoined the City Council meeting.
City Clerk Sarmiento clarified that this was a typo and left on from a previous meeting minutes. He stated that the minutes would be corrected and struck from the record.
Mayor Ortiz asked the Council members who initialed the vote if they were ok with a friendly amendment to include the correction to the minutes.
Both Councilmembers agreed to the friendly amendment and included the correction as part of there motion.
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria moved to approve the consent calendar with the correction to the City Council Meeting minutes of January 18, 2022, 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
FINANCE
2. 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
PUBLIC WORKS
3. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO SOLICIT PROPOSALS FOR PROJECT
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APPROVAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN OF CIP 2019-14 ATP CYCLE V
PROJECT
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria moved to authorize staff to publish and solicit a Request for Proposal (RFP) from qualified engineering firms to provide the Project Approval and Environmental Design of CIP 2019-14 ATP Cycle V Project, seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Avila, Sanabria, Macias, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Ortiz
NOES: None
4. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO ADVERTISE AND SOLICIT BIDS FOR CIP 2017-03 ATP CYCLE III PROJECT NO. ATPL-5150(015)
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria moved to approve Environmental Assessment pursuant to 14 California Code of Regulations § 15301 as a Class 1 categorical exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and approve CIP 2017-03 ATP Cycle III Project No. ATPL-5150(015) 100% completion of plans, specifications and engineer’s estimate (PS&E); and authorize staff to proceed with bid advertisement for construction, seconded by Councilmember Avila. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Avila, Sanabria, Macias, Vice Mayor Martinez and Mayor Ortiz
NOES: None
5. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF AWARD OF A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR CIP 2020-01 SB1 STREET ENHANCEMENT PROJECT FY 2020-21
MOTION: Councilmember Macias moved to award the construction contract to Palp, Inc. dba Excel Paving Co. for the construction of CIP 2020-01 SB1 Street Enhancement Project FY 2020-21 as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder for a not-to-exceed amount of $1,597,444.08; and appropriate $656,549.59 from Account No. 221-8010-431.76-12; and appropriate $940,894.49 from Account No. 111-8010-431.76-12; and appropriate a five percent (5%) construction contingency of $79,872.20 payable from Account No. 221-8010-431.76-12; and authorize the City Manager to execute the construction contract agreement, seconded by Councilmember Sanabria. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Avila, Sanabria, Macias, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Ortiz
NOES: None
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6. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO AWARD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE GEOTECHNICALAND ENVIRONMENTAL
SERVICES
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria moved to award a professional service agreement (PSA) as it relates to Geotechnical and Environmental Services, to Geosyntec as the sole responsive and responsible proposer; and approve a budget appropriation in the amount of $50,000 from account number 111-6010- 451.76-05 Aquatics Center Capital Improvement Project; and authorize the City Manager to execute the PSA, seconded by Mayor Ortiz. 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 Manager Reyes shared that last week the new Human Resources Supervisor Marisol Nieto started with the City and is working diligently to ensure all vacancies are filled. He added that Public Works held multiple interviews today and hope to see those positions filled in the near future.
Police Chief Lozano shared that a contingency plan is being developed for Super Bowl Sunday to have additional personnel in City ready to deploy and collaboration is occurring with neighboring agencies as well regarding this topic.
Communications Director Sergio Infanzon shared that the latest first time home buyer workshop was a success. He also shared that last week a job training workshops were also held and was successful, followed by the job fair event at Keller Park the following day which resulted in numerous applications being submitted. That same afternoon the first Environmental Justice workshop was help and was well attended. Mr. Infanzon also mentioned some upcoming activities in February which include, a first time home buyer workshop, a job training workshop on February 15, 2022, a housing rights workshop on February 22, 2022, and a second job fair the last week of February. He closed by sharing the roll out of an electronic newsletter for all residents in the coming weeks.
Community Development Director Steve Forster shared that free COVID-19 testing is still available at Raul Perez Park. He also mentioned the first Environmental Justice workshop justice was held and encouraged residents to continue submitting the environmental surveys online.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
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COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Council Member Manuel Avila did not provide any communications Council Member Marilyn Sanabria congratulated staff on a job well done with the job fair. She also requested staff look into the possibility of conducting a spay and neuter clinic for residents with pets.
Council Member Karina Macias thanked staff for their work. She also mentioned the Metro Board meeting was transmitted live for residents, and a new timetable was approved for the construction of the expansion of the rail line.
Vice Mayor Eduardo “Eddie” Martinez thanked staff for all their efforts and keeping us safe. He thanked Sergio Infanzon for the successful job fair and thanked both Sergio and Steve Forster for pulling off the Environmental Justice workshop. He closed by asking all residents to please respect the roads and share the road with bikers.
Mayor Ortiz wished everyone a happy Valentine’s Day, and directed the Community Development Department to collaborate with Police staff to be vigilant for unauthorized street vendors. She thanked staff for all their hard work on the various projects going on.
She gave a special shout out to Councilmember Macias for the successful result at the Metro Board meeting which she has been tirelessly working on for many years.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ortiz adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m. The next City of Huntington Park City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday February 15, 2022 at 6:00 pm Respectfully submitted,
____________________________
Eduardo Sarmiento
City Clerk