MINUTES
Meeting of the
City of Huntington Park City Council
Tuesday, September 20, 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, September 20, 2022, in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 6550 Miles Avenue, Huntington Park, California; Mayor Eduardo “Eddie” Martinez presiding.
PRESENT: Councilmember(s): Graciela Ortiz, Karina Macias, Vice-Mayor Marilyn Sanabria, and Mayor Eduardo “Eddie” Martinez.
CITY OFFICIALS/STAFF: 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; Arnold M Alvarez-Glasman City Attorney, Cynthia Norzagaray Director of Parks & Recreation.
INVOCATION
Invocation was led by Mayor Martinez.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Ortiz.
PRESENTATION(S)
1. PRESENTATION BY EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE
2. PRESENTATION BY INNER CITY VISIONS ON HOMELESS OUTREACH
SERVICES
3. RECOGNIATION OF VOLUNTEERS FOR THE SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC
4. PROCLAMATION COMMEMORATING THE 100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF
WOODCRAFT RANGERS
5. PROCLAMATION DECLARING SEPTEMBER SUICIDE PREVENTION AND
AWARENESS MONTH
6. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE LATE COUNCILMEMBER MANUEL “MANNY” AVILA ON NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following people provided public comment:
1. Eduardo Alonso
2. Jaime Hernandez
STAFF RESPONSE
City Manager Ricardo Reyes addresed the public comment related to trash. He concurred that many rules are in place that govern trash, and illegal dumping is a serious issue in the city. He encouraged all residents to please report any illegal dumping in order to levy fines against all perpetrators. Mr. Reyes then asked Public Works director Cesar Roldan if he had anything to add to this matter.
Public Works director Cesar Roldan acknowledged that this is an ongoing issue with CR&R the trash hauler for the city. He shared the process of collaboration with CR&R when reporting illegal dumpling of trash related issues in general. Many times Public Works is provided with video footage that explains why the trash was not picked up. He added that he regularly emphasizes to CR&R the importance of addressing these issues and collaborates closely with the Community Development and the Code Enforcement team to address illegal dumping. He closed by stating that he will follow up with CR&R regarding the issue mentioned during public comment.
City Manager Reyes added that if residents are feeling that trash hauler is unresponsive, they also have the option of contacting the Public Works Department directly.
CLOSSED SESSION
City Attorney Araceli Almazan stated that it is appropriate to recess to closed session. Mayor Martinez recessed into closed session at 7:04 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 – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Communication for a Better Environment et. al. v. City of Huntington Park, et al.
Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 21STCP00834
Mayor Martinez reconvened the Council meeting from Closed Session at 7:32 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Almazan reported that the record should reflect that with Councilmembers Ortiz, Macias, Vice Mayor Sanabria, and Mayor Martinez the two (2) matters listed on the closed session agenda were discussed. With regard to item two CBE vs. Huntington Park Council was briefed, and no final action was taken. Item number one (1) on the closed session agenda was not discussed. This concluded the closed session report.
CONSENT CALENDAR
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to approve the consent calendar, seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Vice Mayor Sanabria, and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
1. CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINTUES
Approve Minute(s) of the following City Council Meeting(s):
1-1 Regular City Council Meeting held September 6, 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:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2022-32 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 September 20, 2022
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
REGULAR AGENDA
PARKS AND RECREATION
4. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF AUTHORIZATION AND RATIFICATION
OF CERTAIN EXPENDITURES FOR THE INSTALLATION, REMOVAL AND
STORAGE OF HOLIDAY DECORATIONS ON PACIFIC BOULEVARD BY SIERRA INSTALLATIONS FOR THE 2022 AND 2023 HOLIDAY SEASON
MOTION: Councilmember Ortiz moved to authorize and approve Sierra Installations Inc. as the vendor, per Huntington Park Municipal Code, section 2-
5.12(i), for the installation, removal and storage of Holiday Decorations on Pacific Boulevard using account #111-6010-451-74.10 in the amount of $42,885.00; and authorize the City Manager to enter into a 2-year agreement with Sierra Installations to complete the Holiday decoration installation, removal and storage for 2022 and 2023, seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Vice Mayor Sanabria, and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
POLICE DEPARTMENT
5. APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF TWO POLICE DEPARTMENT PATROL
OPERATIONS DIVISION VEHICLES AND SUPPLEMENTARY EQUIPMENT
1. MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to authorize the requisition of funds to purchase two Police Department Patrol Services Division police patrol vehicles from the FORD MOTOR COMPANY, specifically Grieco Ford in Raynham, MA., and install associated emergency response equipment; and approve an appropriation in the amount of $161,488.00 to account number 741-8060-431.74- 10, capital equipment – vehicles in the City’s Vehicle Maintenance Fund; and authorize the Chief of Police to purchase the vehicle and install associated equipment, seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Vice Mayor Sanabria, and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
PUBLIC WORKS
6. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO EXECUTE METRO EXCHANGE
AGREEMENT AND ASSIGNMENT OF FEDERAL SURFACE TRANSPORTATION
PROGRAM-LOCAL AND HIGHWAY INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMS FUNDS AS PART OF FUNDING FOR CIP 2019-02 SLAUSON AVENUE CONGESTION RELIEF IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT, LACMTA PROJECT ID# MEASURE R MR306.53 AND FTIP LA0G1669
MOTION: Councilmember Ortiz moved to accept the exchange $1,608,365 of Federal Surface Transportation Program-Local (STP-L) and $273,119 of Highway Infrastructure Programs funds HIP Funds (HIP) for a total amount of $1,881,484 of Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Local Transportation Funds; approve an estimated revenue for the fiscal year in the amount of $1,881,484 to account number 111-0000-335.76-06 Slauson Avenue grant revenue; approve an appropriation in the amount of $1,881,484 to account number 111-8010-431.76-06 for the construction of CIP 2019-02 Slauson Avenue Congestion Relief Improvements Project, LACMTA Project ID# Measure R MR306.53, and FTIP LA0G1669: authorize the Finance Department to fill out and submit the Automated Clearing House (ACH) Payment Authorization for which is attached to the exchange agreement Metro Account Payable; and authorize the City Manager to sign an Exchange Agreement between the City and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority for assignment of Federal Surface Transportation ProgramLocal Funds, seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Vice Mayor Sanabria, and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
Prior to item seven (7) on the agenda Mayor Martinez requested we address agenda item eight (8) first and come back to item seven (7). With no objection the Council agreed to proceeded to address item eight (8) on the agenda on come back to item seven (7).
CITY MANAGER
7. CONSIDERATION OF A NOMINATION AND APPOINTMENT TO FILL THE CITY
COUNCIL VACANCY CREATED BY THE PASSING OF COUNCILMEMBER
MANUEL AVILA
Prior to Council deliberations Mayor Martinez shared that interviews were conducted with each of the applicants prior to today's meeting.
MOTION: Councilmember Ortiz moved to nominate Arturo Flores for appointment to the vacant City Council seat created by the passing of Councilmember Manuel Avila as required by Government Code § 36512, seconded by Councilmember Macias.
Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Vice Mayor Sanabria, and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
At the conclusion of item seven (7) Arturo Flores took and signed the oath of office and was appointed as the fifth member of the Huntington Park City Council.
END OF REGULAR AGENDA
PUBLIC HEARINGS
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
8. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL
PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER)
MOTION: Councilmember Macias moved to approve the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER), seconded by Vice Mayor Sanabria.
Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Vice Mayor Sanabria, and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
Each department director and the Chief of Police took the opportunity to welcome Councilmember Arturo Flores to the City Council.
Director of Parks and Recreation Cynthia Norzagaray shared that on September 21, 2022 a senior resource fair will be held at Huntington Park Community Center with the assistance of Supervisor Hahn’s office from 10am to 2pm. She also shared that a cooking class will be held tomorrow September 21, 2022 at the farmers market at Salt Lake Park in conjunction with CLA. She closed by sharing that tomorrow September 21, 2022 a youth speed and agility training class in conjunction with UCLA and Exos.
Community Development Director Steve Forster shared that last Friday on September 16,2022 the new home loan assistance program went live on the city website. This also includes the ability to secure home loan improvement program funding. He updated the Council on the city’s housing element which is currently in the seven (7) day public comment period. He closed by updating that the city closed public comment period on September 18, 2022 for the Spanish version of the Environmental Justice Element and staff is preparing comments for the final draft for submittal to the City Council and the public.
Police Chief Cosme Lozano shared that October 5, 2022 is national Coffee with a Cop day and the Huntington Park Police department will be hosting an event that is tentatively scheduled to occur at the Starbucks on State St. and Slauson Ave.
Director of Communications Sergio Infanzon began by sharing a copy of the new minted city newsletter that will be going out monthly to Huntington Park residents. He also shared that on October 3, 2022 the city will have another spay and neuter clinic in conjunction with Dogtown Dog Rescue.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Arturo Flores expressed his gratitude and shared how it is an honor to work with and help this Council continue to lead the Huntington Park community. He also thanked his family and friends who were present and watching from home for their support. He then expressed his eagerness to work with staff and continue to provide the great services the Huntington Park community deserves.
Councilmember Ortiz welcomed Councilmember Flores and shared how she is looking forward to working with him. She then thanked staff for the hard work the last couple of years and closed by wishing everyone a good night.
Councilmember Macias echoed her colleague’s comments regarding newly appointed Councilmember Arturo Flores. She also thanked staff for their hard work and closed by wishing everyone a good night.
Vice Mayor Sanabria echoed her colleague’s comments regarding newly appointed Councilmember Arturo Flores. She also thanked Supervisor Hahn for sharing the senior resources program with Huntington Park.
Mayor Martinez echoed his colleague’s comments regarding newly appointed Councilmember Arturo Flores. He also recognized all applicants for their heart and compassion for the community. He encouraged all the applicants to continue their involvement and take advantage of the various opportunities to sit on a commission.
Mayor Martinez then reminded everyone that a community cleanup will occur Saturday September 23, 2022 at 9:00am at Raul Perez Park. He concluded his comments by thanking staff for providing a safe and healthy space to hold our meetings.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Martinez adjourned the meeting at 7:55 p.m. The next City of Huntington Park City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday October 4, 2022 at 6:00 pm Respectfully submitted
Eduardo Sarmiento, City Clerk