MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the
City of Huntington Park City Council
Tuesday, March 15, 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 6:03 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15, 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)
Prior to presentation, Mayor Ortiz requested Council approve an additional presentation item.
MOTION: Mayor Ortiz moved to add a fourth presentation item under the title Recognition of community member, seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Councilmembers Avila, Sanabria, Macias, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Ortiz NOES: None
1. WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH PROCLAMATION
2. INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY PROCLAMATION
3. RECOGNITION OF LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER
4. RECOGNITION OF A COMMUNITY MEMBER (Added during meeting)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following members of the public submitted public comments:
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1. Haydee Villares
2. Alma Villanueva
3. Noemi Salazar
(Complete audio and video are available upon request at the City Clerk’s office or can be accessed by clicking the following link. 03-15-22 Regular City Council Meeting)
STAFF RESPONSE
Mayor Otriz thanked community members for providing public comment and provided a brief response. She shared that she has communicated with City Manager Reyes and Director of Parks and Recreation Cynthia Norzagaray regarding this topic and coming up with a solution. She explained that how the City is liable when a group holds unauthorized exercise classes at the park, and thus the need for a liability waiver or some comprehensive solution to this matter.
City Manager Reyes added to Mayor Ortiz’s comments and emphasized that rules are in place that guide these kinds of situations and staff is working diligently to provide guidance, solutions, and alternatives for those participating in these exercise groups. (Complete audio and video are available upon request at the City Clerk’s office or can be accessed by clicking the following link. 03-15-22 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 6:42 p.m.
1. 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
2. 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 7:21 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, both items listed on the closed session agenda were discussed. Regarding items one (1) and two (2) Council was briefed, but no final
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action was taken. Ms. Almazan stated she had no additional information to report. This concluded the closed session report.
CONSENT CALENDAR
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria moved to approve the consent calendar, 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 March 1, 2022
2. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
CITY TO CONTINUE ITS TELECONFERENCED OPEN MEETINGS PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 361
RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
Adopt Resolution No. 2022-10 to Authorize the City of Huntington Park to Conduct Teleconferenced Open Meetings in Accordance with Assembly Bill 361.
FINANCE
3. CHECK REGISTERS
RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
Approve Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrant(s) dated March 15, 2022;
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
REGULAR AGENDA
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
4. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO AUTHORIZE A REIMBURSEMENT
AGREEMENT WITH THE SALVATION ARMY FOR CRISIS HOUSING
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria moved to authorize an agreement with the Salvation Army for crisis shelter beds for a term March 1, 2022 through June 30,
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2023 for a not-to-exceed amount of $62,415.50; and approve a budget appropriation in the amount of $62,415.50 from Account No. 111-9050-462.56-41 General Fund - American Rescue Funds Contractual Services; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement, seconded by Councilmember Macias.
Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Avila, Sanabria, Macias, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Ortiz
NOES: None
FINANCE
5. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING NEW
AND REVISED CLASS SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITIONS OF RISK
MANAGEMENT ANALYST, FLEET/STREET MANAGER, POLICE RECORDS
SUPERVISOR, AND POLICE CAPTAIN
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria moved to adopt Resolution No. 2022-08 – A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Park Approving New and Revised Class Specifications for the positions of Risk Management Analyst, Fleet/Street Manager, Police Records Supervisor, and Police Captain, 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
6. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO AMEND NORTH STAR
LANDSCAPE’S CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT TO INCLUDE
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE OF VETERANS PARK
Prior to the opening of item six (6) Councilmember Sanabria recused herself from the item.
MOTION: Councilmember Avila moved to approve the amendment to North Star Landscape’s Contract Services Agreement to oversee and perform landscape maintenance of Veterans Park for a monthly fee of $14,560 and extend the contract until April 15, 2024 as per the original agreement executed on April 15, 2019; and obligate the allocation of an additional $58,240 for the remaining 2021- 22 fiscal year budget to Account No. 535-8090-452.56-60 and a fiscal yearly amount of $174,720 starting in fiscal year 2022-23 and until the contract sunsets on April 15, 2024; and authorize North Star Landscape to commence work starting April 1, 2022; and authorize the City Manager to execute the First Amendment, seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent with Councilmember Macias being recused from the item.
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AYES: Council Member(s): Avila, Macias, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Ortiz
NOES: None
RECUSED: Councilmember Sanabria
At the conclusion of item six (6) Councilmember Sanabria rejoined the Council meeting.
7. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO ALLOW PUBLIC WORKS STAFF TO
PURCHASE A UTILITY SERVICE TRUCK
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria moved pursuant to Municipal Code Section 2-
5.13 (c) Emergency purchase and Public Contract Code, Division 2. General, Part
3. Contracting by Local Agencies, Chapter 2.5. Emergency Contracting Procedures [22050- 22050.] authorize the City Manager, Public Works Director and Finance Director to proceed without solicitation of bids to purchase a utility service truck to replace the utility service truck stolen from the graffiti abatement division; and approve the purchasing of the utility service truck from Thorson Buick for the amount of $42,708.58 payable from Account No. 741-8060-431.74-10; and authorize the City Manager to execute all applicable documents related to the purchasing of the vehicle, seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Avila, Sanabria, Macias, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Ortiz
NOES: None
8. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR
PROJECT APPROVAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN OF CIP 2019-14 ATP CYCLE V PROJECT NO. ATPSB1L-5150(017)
Prior to the opening of item eight (8) Councilmember Macias recused herself from the item.
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria moved to award the design of Project Approval and Environmental Design of CIP 2019-14 ATP Cycle V Project No.
ATPSB1L-5150(017) to West & Associates Engineering, Inc. for a not-to-exceed fee of $24,800; and utilize Account No. 202-8080-431.76-23 as the $24,800 is reimbursable from the State of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans); and authorize the City Manager to execute the professional services agreement, seconded by Councilmember Avila Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Avila, Sanabria, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Ortiz
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NOES: None
RECUSED: Councilmember Macias
At the conclusion of item eight (8) Councilmember Sanabria rejoined the Council meeting.
9. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY SAFE, CLEAN WATER PROGRAM ANNUAL EXPENDITURE PLAN FOR FY 2022-23 MOTION: Councilmember Macias moved to Approve the Los Angeles County Safe, Clean Water Program Annual Expenditure Plan for FY 2022-23, seconded by Councilmember Sanabria. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Avila, Sanabria, Macias, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Ortiz
NOES: None
CITY MANAGER
10. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
THE CITY TO RETAIN CABRERA CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC AS SOLE
BOND UNDERWRITER, JONES HALL AS BOND AND DISCLOSURE
COUNSEL, NHA ADVISORS AS MUNICIPAL ADVISOR TO HELP THE CITY
ISSUE LEASE REVENUE BONDS AS SECURED BY MEASURE S
REVENUES FOR THE PURPOSE OF RENOVATING AND IMPROVING THE CITY’S AQUATIC CENTER AND EVALUATE AND ANALYZE OTHER
POTENTIAL BOND RELATED FINANCINGS
MOTION: Councilmember Avila moved to Adopt Resolution No. 2022-09 to authorize the City of Huntington Park to issue Lease Revenue Bonds (“the bonds”) as secured by Measure S sales tax revenues for the purpose of renovating and improving the city’s aquatic center and hire the above referenced finance team to execute the issuance of the bonds and analyze other potential bond related financings, seconded by Councilmember Sanabria. 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 Ricardo Reyes thanked Council for its support on item five (5) regarding the new and revised class specifications.
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Director of Communications and Community Relations announced that on Thursday March 17, 2022, the Fair Housing Foundation is having a virtual workshop regarding housing rights from 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. He then shared that on March 23, 2022, the city will be hosting a workshop in connection with the drafting of the Environmental Element at 5:30 p.m. at Freedom Park. He then announced that on Thursday March 24, 2022, the city will continue with the first-time home buyer workshops at 5:30 p.m. He then shared that on Tuesday March 29, 2022, the city will host a housing workshop for property owners at 5:30 p.m. Director Infanzon closed by updating the City Council on the efforts surrounding the city’s web portal update.
Public Works Director Cesar Roldan updated the City Council that work on Pacific Blvd related to the Parking app, and the app is now available for downloading and utilization. (Complete audio and video are available upon request at the City Clerk’s office or can be accessed by clicking the following link. 03-15-22 Regular City Council Meeting)
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Council Member Manuel Avila thanked staff.
Council Member Marilyn Sanabria thanked staff and highlighted the successful State of the City Event.
Council Member Karina Macias thanked staff for their work. She congratulated the mayor for a successful State of the City address. She closed by reminding all seniors about the food pantry on March 17, 2022 from 1p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Community Center.
Vice Mayor Eduardo “Eddie” Martinez thanked staff for all their efforts and keeping us safe. He also congratulated the mayor on a successful State of the City address. He then thanked staff and the community members for their efforts in helping keep Huntington Park clean.
Mayor Ortiz thanked everyone for the hard work in putting together the State of the City event, and to all the guests and community who attended. She then invited everyone to participate in the third annual 5k run.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ortiz adjourned the meeting at 7:43 p.m. The next City of Huntington Park City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday April 5, 2022 at 6:00 pm Respectfully submitted,
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____________________________
Eduardo Sarmiento
City Clerk