MINUTES
Meeting of the
City of Huntington Park City Council
Tuesday, December 06, 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 6:02 p.m. on Tuesday, December 06, 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 Councilmember Flores
PRESENTATION(S)
1. PROCLAMATION PROCLAIMING NOVEMBER FAMILY COURT AWARENESS MONTH
2. INTRODUCTION OF HUNTINGTON PARK K9 ORI
3. CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION TO LOCAL BUSINESSES AND VOLUNTEERS
FOR HALLOWEEN EVENT SPONSORSHIP
4. CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION TO LOS ANGELITOS BAKERY FOR THIRTY
YEARS OF BUSINESS IN HUNTINGTON PARK
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following people provided public comment:
1. Mr. Baldomero
2. Ulises Alvarez
3. Jacqueline Lacayo
4. Felix (CW Displays Inc.)
STAFF RESPONSE
City Manager Ricardo Reyes directed Steve Forster, Director of Community Development, to assist the gentlemen in relation to rental increase questions. He also shared that the city has a Historic Preservation Commission and encouraged anyone interested to apply. He then stated that the city is working closely with the Police Department to address the parking issues in the city. In closing the City Manager requested that item eleven (11) be pulled from the agenda if Council has no objection.
Police Chief Lozano added to the City Managers comments related to the public comment regarding parking, indicating that the location in question had a temporary no parking due to the food distribution that takes place once a month on Saturday at Gage Middle School. The Chief stated that he will work with the resident to mitigate the financial impact of that incident. He then addressed the patrolling and community safety public comment. He stated that the Police Department is always looking for innovative and thoughtful ways to improve services. Currently the Police Department is discussing options with the City Manager and Council on the possibility of expanding the Public Safety Officers program to assist with community patrolling needs. He closed by addressing the public comment related to customer service at the front counter of the Police Department. He stated that the camera footage would be reviewed to ensure community members get the help they need.
Councilmember Ortiz added to Chief Lozano’s comments, explaining how the defunding of School Police has directly affected the Huntington Park Police Department. She emphasized that the Huntington Park has 32 schools within its boundaries and Huntington Park Police has had to bear the brunt of providing support to those schools who no long have school police due to defunding. She then asked Chief Lozano to expand on how the defunding of school police has not only Huntington Park Police, but also affected other local police departments.
Chief Lozano concurred with Councilmember Ortiz and shared how the police department is assisting with local school maters at a higher rate due to the removal of school police.
Community Development Director Steve Forster added to the comments made regarding the fire at Miles and Soto. He shared that code enforcement has an active case regarding that business and has met with the property manager. A meeting has been requested with the property owner. He added that an arson investigation was conducted and on December 15th a remediation and clean up is due to address concerns. If a plan is not submitted the city will proceed with securing an abatement warrant to proceed with next steps.
CLOSSED SESSION
City Attorney Araceli Almazan stated that it is appropriate to recess to closed session. Mayor Martinez recessed into closed session at 7:00 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
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICPATED LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
Mayor Martinez reconvened the Council meeting from Closed Session at 7:41 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Almazan reported that the record should reflect that with all five Councilmembers present the three (3) items listed on the closed session agenda were discussed. 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: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to approve the consent calendar, seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, 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 November 15, 2022
FINANCE
2. CHECK REGISTERS
Approve Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrant(s) dated December 06, 2022
PUBLIC WORKS
3. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2022-03 AMENDING ARTICLE 4 “MANDATORY WATER CONSERVATION” IN CHAPTER 5 “WATER SYSTEM” AT TITLE 6 “SANITATION AND HEALTH” OF THE HUNTINGTON PARK
MUNICIPAL CODE
RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Waive the full second reading and adopt by title Ordinance No. 2022-03
4. SECOND READING OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON ORDINANCE 2022-02 AMMENDING ORDINANCE 2016-952 AND ESTABLISHING A RESOLUTION
FOR FEES ASSOCIATED WITH RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA LICENSES
1. Waive full second reading and adopt by title Ordinance 2022-02 amending Ordinance 2016-952.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
REGULAR AGENDA
POLIC DEPARTMENT
5. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO PURCHASE AN AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE READER (ALPR) CAMERA SYSTEM WITH YEAR 2020 STATE
HOMELAND SECURITY PROGRAM (SHSP) GRANT FUNDS
Prior to item five (5) beginning, Councilmember Macias and Mayor Martinez recused themselves from the item. Vice Mayor Marilyn Sanabria chaired the meeting while item five was discussed and deliberated on by the remaining Councilmembers.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to authorize the requisition of State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) grant funds from account number 230-7134- 421.74-10, for the purchase of an Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) camera system in the amount of $157,319.34; and approve the purchase of eleven (11) ALPR cameras, associated hardware, warranty, and hosted software service from the most responsible bidder; Motorola Solutions, LLC (formerly Vigilant Solutions), to be installed at nine (9) intersections throughout the City; and authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Motorola Solutions to purchase the hardware, software and service necessary to install, operate and maintain the ALPR system; and authorize the Chief of Police to oversee the installation of the ALPR system, complete the project, and operate the system; and provide an opportunity for public comment pursuant to California Civil Code 1798.90.55, seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Flores, and Vice Mayor Sanabria NOES: None
RECUSED: Councilmembers Macias and Mayor Martinez.
At the conclusion of item five (5) Councilmember Macias and Mayor Martinez rejoined the meeting.
PARKS AND RECREATION
6. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF BUDGET APPROPRIATION AND EXPENDITURES IN 2022-2023 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON PARK’S COMMUNITY TOY DISTRIBUTION
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to approve a budget appropriation to provide community toys & services for the City of Huntington Park’s Toy Distribution in 2022- 2023 Fiscal Year Budget; and authorize the City Manager to budget $25,000 in the 2022-2023 Fiscal Year budget, seconded by Councilmember Flores. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores Vice Mayor Sanabria, and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
PUBLIC WORKS
7. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO ADVERTISE AND SOLICIT BIDS FOR CIP 2022-01 SB1 SLURRY SEAL PROJECT FY 2022-23
MOTION: Vice Mayor 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 2022-01 SB1 Slurry Seal Project FY 2022-23 contract specifications for bidding purposes; and authorize staff to proceed with bid advertisement for construction, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria, and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
8. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AS THE CITY’S DESIGNEE
TO EXECUTE THE SAFE CLEAN WATER PROGRAM FUNDING TRANSFER
AGREEMENT
MOTION: Councilmember Flores moved to adopt Resolution designating the City Manager as the designee to sign and execute the Safe Clean Water Program Funding Transfer Agreement, seconded by Vice Mayor Sanabria.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria, and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
9. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AS THE CITY’S DESIGNEE
TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SUBMITTAL OF THE 2022 URBAN COMMUNITY DROUGHT RELIEF GRANT PROGRAM
APPLICATION
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to adopt Resolution designating the City Manager to sign and execute all documents associated with the submittal of the 2022 Urban Community Drought Relief Grant Program application, seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria, and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
CITY CLERK
10. REAPPOINTMENT OR APPOINTMENT OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBER TO THE
GREATER LOS ANGELES COUNTY VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT BOARD OF
TRUSTEES
MOTION: Councilmember Ortiz moved to reappoint Vice Mayor Sanabria to the Los Angeles County Vector Control District Board of Trustees for a four (4) year term, seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria, and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
CITY MANAGER
11. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF COMPENSATION PLAN
AND PERSONNEL RULES FOR NON-REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES
Item eleven (11) was pulled by the City Manager.
CITY MANAGER
12. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF INTERIM FINANCE DIRECTOR
AGREEMENT
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to approve the Resolution authorizing an agreement with MuniTemps to provide temporary Interim Finance Director staffing services; and approve and appropriation in the amount of $135,000 from account # 111-0220-411.32-70 for temporary Interim Finance Director staffing services; and authorize the Mayor to execute the Resolution for temporary Interim Finance Director staffing services, seconded by Councilmember Flores. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria, and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
13. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
AGREEMENT (PSA) TO PROVIDE ENVIRONMENTAL AND GEOTECHNICAL
SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THE EQUITABLE COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION
GRANT (ECRG) PROGRAM FOR THE COMMUNITY WIDE ASSESMENT (CWA) COMPONENT.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to approve a Professional Service Agreement (PSA) with Geosyntec Consultants, Inc. (Geosyntec) to provide environmental and geotechnical services in support of the Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) Program for the Community Wide Assessment (CWA) component; and appropriate the amount of $290,000 from the ECRG-CWA Grant approved by the California Environmental Protection Agency’s Department of Substance Control’s Office of Brownfields (DTSC), and up to $290,000 is to be reimbursed to the City by the DTSC; and authorize the City Manager to execute the Professional Service 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
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
Ms. Norzagaray, Director of Parks and Recreation thanked City Council, staff, and volunteers who participated in the tree lighting event at Keller Park. She then provided information on upcoming city events like the toy distribution at Salt Lake Park and encouraged everyone to participate.
Mr. Infanzon, Director of Communications provided an update on upcoming city events and giveaways for the Holidays and encouraged everyone to visit the city website and read the Huntington Park newsletter for additional information.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Ortiz began by thanking the Parks and Recreation department for the great tree lighting event at Keller Park. She then mentioned Huntington Parks toy giveaway on Saturday December 10th and 17th, 2022 at Salt Lake Park. She also encouraged everyone to come out this weekend to enjoy the holiday parade on Pacific Blvd.
Councilmember Macias thanked staff for all their hard work. She echoed Councilmember Ortiz comments regarding the tree lighting event and how well it was attended. She then shared information about the holiday lane at Salt Lake Park on December 18th, 19th, and 20th from 5:30pm to 9:00pm. She also encouraged everyone to come out and enjoy the holiday parade.
Councilmember Flores began by sharing his excitement about the holiday parade. He also thanked staff for the tree lighting event that was very well attended. He also suggested Parks and Recreation investigate adding more musical performances to the event in the future. He then welcomed the new Public Works manager Ricardo Ramirez.
Vice Mayor Sanabria began by echoing her colleague’s comments related to the tree lighting event at Keller Park. She then requested staff add the holiday lane information to the city’s social media to get the word out. She closed by thanking her fellow councilmembers for her re-appointment to the Vector Control Board.
Mayor Martinez began by thanking staff for keeping everyone safe. He also thanked staff for the excellent tree lighting event and shared his excitement for the upcoming holiday parade. He closed by emphasizing the need to address the vacancies on the commissions and reviewing participation of current commissioners to ensure active members.
Vice Mayor suggested another social media post advising residents of the vacancies on the commissions to encourage interested individuals to apply.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Martinez adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m. The next City of Huntington Park City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday December 20, 2022 at 6:00 pm Respectfully submitted
Eduardo Sarmiento, City Clerk