MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the
City of Huntington Park City Council
Tuesday, May 17, 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 6:06 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 6550 Miles Avenue, Huntington Park, California; Mayor Graciela Ortiz presiding.
PRESENT: Councilmember(s): Marilyn Sanabria, Karina Macias, Vice-Mayor Eduardo “Eddie” Martinez, and Mayor 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; Manuel “Manny” Avila, Councilmember; 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 Ortiz.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Sanabria.
PRESENTATION(S)
1. NATIONAL WELLNESS AND MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
2. MY HUNTINGTON PARK APP RAFFLE CONTEST WINNERS
3. RECOGNITION OF POLICE OFFICER JOHN CASTRO
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following people provided public comment:
1. Jimmy Jacob
(Complete audio and video are available upon request at the City Clerk’s office or can be accessed by clicking the following link. 05-17-22 Regular City Council Meeting)
STAFF RESPONSE
Mayor Ortiz requested Chief Lozano provide an update related to the 58th Street Alley.
Police Chief Lozano introduced Huntington Park officer Bojorquez who is also part of the Southeast Regional Mental Evaluation Team (SERMET) team to provide an update.
Officer Bojorquez shared how officers continue to patrol the area at different times of the day and evening. He added that police officers continue to collaborate with the Public Works team to clear out any bulky items left in the alley.
Mayor Ortiz pointed out that the public comment submitted indicates that the activity in the alleys is peaks during the early hours of the morning.
Officer Bojorquest confirmed that patrol in the alley is scheduled to occur between 10:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Mayor Ortiz commented that it appears that the individuals who are causing the disturbances in the alley seem to have figured out the times when patrols occur and are waiting until after the patrols to occupy the alley.
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Police Chief Lozano shared that the additional patrols are occurring throughout the week and have shifted the times of those patrols to keep the element of surprise. He added that the individuals causing these disturbances are transients and when police officers disburse the individuals from the area they tend to return once the officers leave the area.
In response to tonight’s comments Chief Lozano stated that he would add additional patrols to the area at sporadic times throughout the evening to increase deterrence of unwanted activities in the ally.
Mayor Ortiz followed up by asking if these individuals are refusing services/resources provided by the Huntington Park.
Chief Lozano confirmed that Inner City Visions, who is a consultant of the city that provides services and resources to the transient community, have attempted to reach out to these individuals but they continue to refuse assistance.
Mayor Ortiz confirmed in her conversations with Inner City Visions that efforts and conversations continue, but the individuals are refusing the various housing and other resources being offered. She emphasized to the public that the City is providing the necessary resources and those who are seeking help are getting it. Unfortunately there continues to be individuals who continue to refuse help. (Complete audio and video are available upon request at the City Clerk’s office or can be accessed by clicking the following link. 05-17-22 Regular City Council Meeting)
CLOSSED SESSION
Mayor Ortiz recessed to closed session at 6:39 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. Christina Chavez vs. Huntington Park
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Los Angeles County Superior Court- Southeast District – Norwalk, Case No.
BC715516
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICPATED LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
Mayor Graciela Ortiz reconvened to open session at 7:06 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Araceli Almazan announced the minutes should reflect that with four of the five members of the City Council present, two of the three matters on the closed session agenda were discussed. With regard to item one, Council was briefed but no final action was taken. With regard to item two Council was briefed and direction was provided, and item number three on the closed session agenda was tabled for the next meeting. 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): Sanabria, Macias, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Ortiz
NOES: None
ABSENT: Avila
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1. CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINTUES
Approve Minute(s) of the following City Council Meeting(s):
1-1. Regular City Council Meeting held May 5, 2022
2. CONSIDERATION AND APRROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZATING
THE CITY TO CONTINUE ITS TELECONFERENCED OPEN MEETINGS
PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 361
RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
Adopt Resolution No. 2022-15 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 May 17, 2022;
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
REGULAR AGENDA
CITY MANAGER
4. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION APPOINTING AN
ALTERNATE MEMBER TO THE INDEPENDENT CITIES RISK MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY’S GOVERNING BOARD (ICRMA)
MOTION: Sanabria moved to approve the appointment of an alternate member; and adopt Resolution 2022 – 14, amending Resolution No. 2019 – 28, appointing an alternate Member to the Independent Cities Risk Management Authority’s Governing Board (ICRMA), seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Sanabria, Macias, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Ortiz
NOES: None
ABSENT: Avila
PARKS AND RECREATION
5. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO EXPAND THE SENIOR GURANTEED
INCOME PROGRAM
MOTION: Mayor Ortiz moved to authorizing the City Manager to expand the senior guaranteed income program to include an additional 500 seniors; and approve a budget appropriation in the amount of $3,600,000 from account number 111-9050- 451.56-10 American Rescue Plan Senior Guaranteed Income Program, seconded by Councilmember Sanabria. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Sanabria, Macias, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Ortiz
NOES: None
ABSENT: Avila
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6. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL FOR RENEWAL OF LICENSE
AGREEMENT WITH HARBOR AREA FARMERS MARKETS TO TAKE PLACE AT SALT LAKE PARK FROM 2022-2024
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria moved to approve renewal of license agreement with Harbor Area Farmers Markets for usage of Salt Lake Park from 2022 – 2024; and authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement, seconded by Councilmember Macias.
AYES: Council Member(s): Sanabria, Macias, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Ortiz
NOES: None
ABSENT: Avila
PUBLIC WORKS
7. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL AWARDING TREEPEOPLE A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT TO MANAGE AND OVERSEE THE
URBAN FORESTRY GRANT AWARDED TO THE CITY FROM THE STATE
DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria moved to award TreePeople the professional services agreement to manage and oversee the Urban Forestry Grant awarded from the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to inventory the City’s urban forest; and accept grant funding for the Urban Forestry Grant Revenue into revenue Account Number 111-0000-335.55-00; and appropriate $265,230 from Account Number 111-8091-434.56-41 (grant reimbursable) and appropriate $29,359 from Account Number 111-8091-434.56-41 (City Local Match) Contractual Services – Forestry Grant for a total not-to-exceed fee of $294,589; and allocate $18,750 of staff time as the City’s local matching funds for community services support, communication, grant development, project organizing and outreach to city’s residents; and authorize staff to solicit proposals for the creation of the tree inventory for a not-to-exceed fee of $40,000 payable from Account Number 111-8091-434.54-41 (grant reimbursement); and authorize the City Manager to sign all documents related to this program, seconded by Councilmember Macias.
AYES: Council Member(s): Sanabria, Macias, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Ortiz
NOES: None
ABSENT: Avila
8. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO AMEND REQUEST FOR SERVICES FOR DESIGN SERVICES AS PART OF CIP 2019-02 SLAUSON AVENUE
CONGESTION RELIEF IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
MOTION: Councilmember Macias moved to approve amendment to Infrastructure Engineers’ Request for Services (RFS) for additional design components of CIP 2019 – 02 Slauson Avenue Congestion Relief Improvements Project for a not-toexceed amount of $141,855; approve additional allocation of $141,855 from Account No. to 222-8010-431.76-06; and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment, seconded by Councilmember Sanabria. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Sanabria, Macias, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Ortiz
NOES: None
ABSENT: Avila
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Prior to the beginning of item nine (9) on the regular agenda Councilmember Macias recused herself from the item
9. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO AWARD A CONSTRUCTION
CONTRACT FOR CIP 2021-01 SB1 CDBG STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT FY 2021-22
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria moved to award the construction contract to Palp, Inc. dba Excel Paving Co. for the construction of CIP 2021 – 01 SB1 CDBG Street Reconstruction Project FY 2021 – 22 as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder for a not-to-exceed of $5,492,894; and approve expenditures in the amount of $2,961,496 from Account No. 239-8010-431.76-12 as approved at the City Council meeting of April 5, 2022 on the Substantial Amendment Two to the FY 2021-202 Annual Action Plan from Community Development Grant (CDBG) funds; and approve expenditures in the amount of $2,215,749 from Account No. 221-8010-431.76-12; and approve expenditures in the amount of $315,649 from Account No. 111-8010-431.76-12; and approve a construction contingency of $368,537 payable from Account No. 111-8010- 431.76-12; and authorize the City Manager to execute the construction contract agreement, seconded by Mayor Ortiz. Motion carried by unanimous consent with Councilmember Macias having recused herself from the item.
AYES: Council Member(s): Sanabria, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Ortiz
NOES: None
ABSENT: Avila
RECUSED: Macias
Councilmember Macias rejoined the City Council meeting at the conclusion of item nine (9) of the regular agenda.
END OF REGULAR AGENDA
PUBLIC HEARING
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
Public Works Director Cesar Roldan shared that it is Public Works week and expressed his pride in all the Public Works team members.
Communications Director Sergio Infanzon shared information regarding all recent and upcoming City events and activities.
Parks and Recreation Director Cynthia Norzagaray shared information regarding upcoming City events. She also updated Council on the ongoing efforts in preparation of the City’s Memorial Day event. She also shared some of the activities available to the community at the local parks. She closed by thanking the City Council and staff for attending the ribbon cutting event for the new added equipment.
Police Chief Lozano thanked all Public Works team members for their service, hard work, and collaborative efforts with the Police Department. He then shared information regarding the upcoming Meet Your Police community forum at Freedom Park. He closed by sharing that in preparation of the upcoming Fourth of July holiday the Police department will begin its efforts to educate the community on the dangers of illegal fireworks and providing guidance on use of safe and sane fireworks.
City Clerk Eduardo Sarmiento shared information about the upcoming June 7, 2022 primary elections. He shared locations of vote centers and encouraged voters take advantage of the early voting opportunities around Los Angeles County.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
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None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Marilyn Sanabria wished a Happy Public Works week to the Huntington Park Public Works team members.
Councilmember Karina Macias thanked staff and gave a special thanks to the Public Works team and wished them a Happy Public Works week. She also wished Angela Cornejo a Happy Birthday and thanked her for all her hard work running the City Council Office and assisting City Council.
Vice Mayor Eduardo “Eddie” Martinez thanked staff for all their efforts and keeping us safe. He wished the Public Works team a Happy Public Works week and gave a special thanks to staff for a successful first annual art walk event.
Mayor Ortiz echoed Vice Mayor Martinez comments about the successful art walk event. She also shared and encouraged the community to attend the upcoming Huntington Park opening day baseball event. She also gave thanks to the Parks and Recreation staff for the additional physical activity class at Keller Park. She then wish the Public Works team a Happy Public Works week. She also shared information on the upcoming homeowners resources seminar in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Assessors Office.
ADJOURNMENT
Before adjourning the meeting Mayor Ortiz gave the floor to Councilmember Macias for some special comments.
Councilmember Macias stated that with the Council deepest sympathy tonight’s City Council meeting will be adjourned in memory of Union leader and organizer Roberto De La Cruz.
Mayor Ortiz adjourned the meeting at 7:34 p.m. in memory of Mr. De La Cruz. The next City of Huntington Park City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday June 7, 2022 at 6:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________
Eduardo Sarmiento, City Clerk