MINUTES
Meeting of the
City of Huntington Park City Council
Tuesday, November 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 6:04 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15, 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, Arturo Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria, and Mayor Eduardo “Eddie” Martinez.
ABSENT: None
CITY OFFICIALS/STAFF: City Manager Ricardo Reyes; Cesar Roldan Director of Public Works; Raul Alvarez Assistant City Manager; Eduardo Sarmiento, City Clerk; Cosme Lozano Police Chief, John Balderas, Finance Manager; 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 Martinez.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vice Mayor Sanabria
PRESENTATION(S)
1. PROCLAMATION PROCLAIMING NOVEMBER DIABETES AWARENESS MONTH
2. PROCLAMATION PROCLAIMING NOVEMBER SUBSTANCE ABUSE
AWARENESS MONTH
3. PROCLAMATION CELEBRATING MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following people provided public comment:
1. Veronica Rangel
STAFF RESPONSE
City Manager Ricardo Reyes addressed the concern regarding the public restrooms at Keller Park. He stated that the city is aware of the situation and shared how these restrooms are constantly being vandalized. He added that the Public Works team is working diligently to keep the restrooms operable and accessible. Public Works is collaborating with the administration team to come up with a strategy on how to address the issue while still keeping the restrooms open.
CLOSSED SESSION
City Attorney Araceli Almazan stated that it is appropriate to recess to closed session. Mayor Martinez recessed into closed session at 6:35 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)
Catalina Peraza Workers Comp Settlement
Mayor Martinez reconvened the Council meeting from Closed Session at 7:28 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Almazan reported that the record should reflect that with all five Councilmembers present the one (1) item listed on the closed session agenda was discussed. Regarding item one (1) Council was briefed and no final action was taken.
This concluded the closed session report.
CONSENT CALENDAR
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
Prior to a motion Councilmember Flores stepped away from the dais.
MOTION: Councilmember Macias moved to approve the consent calendar, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Vice Mayor Sanabria, and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
STEPPED AWAY: Councilmember Flores
1. CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINTUES
Approve Minute(s) of the following City Council Meeting(s):
1-1 Regular City Council Meeting held November 15, 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 authorizing 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 November 15, 2022
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
4. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF PUBLICLY VISIBLE ART AT PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1900 EAST 64TH STREET
RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Approve the Publicly Visible Art for the existing business located at 1900 East 64th Street.
5. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO AWARD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT TO HUB CITIES CAREER CENTER FOR BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM SERVICES
1. Award a One (1) year professional service agreement (PSA) to the sole responsive proposer, Hub Cities Career Center for a not-to-exceed amount of $80,000;
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the PSA.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
6. TRANSPARENT REVIEW OF UNJUST TRANSFERS AND HOLDS (TRUTH) ACT
COMMUNITY FORUM
RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Pursuant to Government Code section 7283.1, present this item as a Community Form to inform members of the public of access to individual(s) granted to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency by the Huntington Park Police Department during 2021; and
2. Receive and file this information provided by the Huntington Park Police Department regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency access to individuals in 2021.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
REGULAR AGENDA
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
7. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE 2022 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL
PROGRESS REPORT
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to approve the 2022 General Plan Annual Progress Report, seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Vice Mayor Sanabria, and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
STEPPED AWAY: Councilmember Flores
8. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO AWARD LETTER AGREEMENT TO
PROVIDE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) REPORTING SERVICES MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to award a letter agreement as it relates to ARPA Reporting Services for reporting years of 2022 and 2023, to Michael Baker International (MBI) in the amount of $18,500; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement, seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Vice Mayor Sanabria, and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
STEPPED AWAY: Councilmember Flores
PUBLIC WORKS
9. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO ADOPT VIA RESOLUTION THE
TRAFFIC ENGINEERING SPEED STUDY UPDATE FOR THE EASTBOUND AND
WESTBOUND SEGMENT OF RANDOLPH STREET BETWEEN ALAMEDA
STREET AND SANTA FE AVENUE
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to approve Resolution adopting the Traffic Engineering Speed Study update for the eastbound and westbound segments of Randolph Street between Alameda Street to Santa Fe Avenue; and adopt the As-built striping plan for the eastbound and westbound segments of Randolph Street between Alameda Street to Santa Fe Avenue, seconded by Mayor Martinez.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Prior to a vote Councilmember Ortiz made a substitute motion to continue the item to the first regular City Council meeting in December.
Vice Mayor Sanabria withdrew her original motion and seconded Councilmember Ortiz motion to continue the item to the first regular City Council meeting in December. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria, and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
10. APPROVE ACCEPTANCE OF WORK PERFORMED FOR CIP 2020-01 SB1 STREET ENHANCEMENT PROJECT FY 2020-01
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to approve acceptance of work performed by Palp, Inc. dba Excel Paving Co. for the construction of CIP 2020-01 SB1 Street Enhancement Project; and authorize staff to execute the Notice of Completion (NOC) and direct the City Clerk to file the NOC with the Los Angeles County Recorder’s Office; and release the 5% retention in the amount of $78,645.51 to Palp, Inc. dba Excel Paving Co. 35 days of the effective date of the recordation of the NOC, if no Stop Notices are filed within the 35-day period, seconded by Councilmember Flores.
Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria, and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
CITY ATTORNEY
11. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF SECOND AMENDMENT TO CITY MANAGER AGREEMENT; AND
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF SECOND AMENDMENT TO CHIEF OF POLICE AGREEMENT; AND
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF FIRST AMENDMENT TO DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION AGREEMENT; AND
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DIRECTOR AGREEMENT.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to approve the Amendments to the Employment Agreements of the City Manager, Chief of Police and Director of Parks and Recreation and approve the Employment Agreement for the Community Development Director; and authorize Mayor to execute the various amendments and agreements, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria, and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
12. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE
ACCOUNTING/FINANCE SERVICES PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON PARK AND KAJIWARA
COMMUNICATIONS
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to approve the Second Amendment to the Accounting/Finance Services Professional Services Agreement between the City of Huntington Park and Kajiwara Communications; and authorize the City Manager to execute the second amendment to the agreement, seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria, and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
END OF REGULAR AGENDA
PUBLIC HEARINGS
PUBLIC WORKS
13. PUBLIC HEARING TO ADOPT AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE 4 “MANDATORY WATER CONSERVATION” IN CHAPTER 5 “WATER SYSTEM” AT TITLE 6 “SANITATION AND HEALTH” OF THE HUNTINGTON PARK
MUNICIPAL CODE
Mayor Martinez opened the public hearing at 7:08 p.m. No public comments were provided, and the public hearing was closed at 7:09 p.m. City Council then proceeded to deliberate on the item.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to adopt an ordinance amending the City’s Municipal Code, Article 4 “Mandatory Water Conservation” in Chapter 5 “Water System” at Title 6 “Sanitation and Health.”, seconded by Councilmember Macias.
Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria, and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
14. REVOCATION OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA BUSINESS LICENSE (MMBP) 16-04 FOR BUSINESS LOCATED AT 5925 SOUTH ALAMEDA STREET #B Mayor Martinez opened the public hearing at 7:10 p.m. Comments were provided by City Staff, State Cannabis Control representatives, and business owner. The discussion centered around the the City’s findings that lead to the business license revocation hearing. The public hearing was closed at 7:54 p.m. City Council then proceeded to deliberate on the item.
MOTION: Councilmember Ortiz moved to revoke Medical Marijuana Business License No. 16-04 for business located at 5925 South Alameda Street, Suite B with the findings therein, seconded by Vice Mayor Sanabria. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria, and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
15. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON ORDINANCE 2022-02 AND RESOLUTION No. 2022-38 AMMENDING
ORDINANCE 2016-952 AND ESTABLISHING A RESOLUTION FOR FEES ASSOCIATED WITH RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA LICENSES.
Mayor Martinez opened the public hearing at 7:57 p.m. No public comments were provided, and the public hearing was closed at 7:58 p.m. City Council then proceeded to deliberate on the item.
MOTION: Councilmember Ortiz moved to approve Ordinance 2022-02 amending Ordinance 2016-952; and approve Resolution No. 2022-38 establishing fees associated with operations of recreational marijuana licenses, seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria, and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
16. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON PARK,
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT
Mayor Martinez opened the public hearing at 7:59 p.m. No public comments were provided, and the public hearing was closed at 8:00 p.m. City Council then proceeded to deliberate on the item.
MOTION: Councilmember Ortiz moved adopt Resolution No.2022–39 adding the Environmental Justice Element to the City of Huntington Park General Plan; and find that the Environmental Justice Element exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) – Common sense Exemption, seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria, and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
City Manager Reyes thanked the City Council for approving the amendment to his contract and continuing to trust his efforts as City Manager.
City Attorney Arnold Alvarez-Glasman wished everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving.
Ms. Norzagaray, Director of Parks and Recreation also thanked City Council for approving the amendment to her contract. She then thanked everyone who participated in the Halloween event at Keller Park and made it a successful event. She then shared information regarding upcoming events and food distributions in the city. She closed by wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving.
Mr. Forster, Director of Community Development expressed his humble gratitude to the City Council for approving the contract making him the Community Development Director. He also thanked the administrative team, residents of Huntington Park, and family for their support during his career.
Chief Lozano also thanked the City Council for their continued support and leadership in trusting him to lead the Police Department. He also thanked Council on behalf of the men and women of the police department who also need their continued support and leadership.
Mr. Infanzon, Director of Communications provided an update on upcoming city events and giveaways for Thanksgiving and encouraged everyone to visit the city website for additional information.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Ortiz began by congratulating those directors whose contracts were approved, and officially welcomed Steve Forster as the Director of Community Development. She also thanked all staff and directors for their hard work and nimbleness in assisting Council with request and projects. She then mentioned that November is Men’s Health month and encouraged all men to stay well and take care of themselves.
She closed by wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving.
Councilmember Macias thanked staff for all their hard work. She echoed Councilmember Ortiz comments in thanking staff for their commitment and diligence in providing the various services to residents. She then wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving.
Councilmember Flores began by reiterating his excitement about the opening of Target in Huntington Park and thanked staff and Director Forster for all the efforts in getting the project completed. He then thanked all the volunteers from Huntington Park High School for their help distributing turkeys at the recent turkey giveaway event. He also thanked Director of Parks and Recreation Cynthia Norzagaray and Director Infanzon for organizing and executing the turkey giveaway event. He then highlighted all the street paving and repair happening around the city and thanked the Public Works team and director Cesar Roldan for their efforts. Mr. Flores then acknowledged the entire executive team for their good work and emphasized that the approval of their contracts reaffirms Council confidence in the work they are doing. He closed by thanking the residents for their participation in tonight’s Council meeting.
Vice Mayor Sanabria began by reflecting and sharing her thankfulness for every staff member. She emphasized how staff has faced adversity in the form of a pandemic and other challenges and are now better for it. She also thanked staff for a successful Veterans Day event held at Keller Park.
Mayor Martinez began by thanking staff for keeping everyone safe and congratulated those staff members whose contracts were approved, emphasizing the importance of keeping talented individuals on staff. He then mentioned how the city presents proclamations for various causes like cancer awareness or diabetes awareness and the importance of having those conversations year-round to empower one another regarding these important issues.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Martinez adjourned the meeting at 8:11 p.m. The next City of Huntington Park City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday December 06, 2022 at 6:00 pm Respectfully submitted
Eduardo Sarmiento, City Clerk