MINUTES
Meeting of the
City of Huntington Park City Council
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
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 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 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, Arturo Flores, Vice Mayor Marilyn 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)
Prior to starting the presentation portion of the meeting Mayor Martinez requested a motion to add a presentation item to the agenda titled Certificate of recognition to Aircraft X-Ray for 2022 CWEA Facility of the Year Award.
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria moved to add a presentation item to the agenda titled Certificate of recognition to Aircraft X-Ray for 2022 CWEA Facility of the Year Award seconded by Councilmember Flores. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria, and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
1. NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION MONTH
2. NATIONAL EYE CARE MONTH
3. CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION TO AIRCRAFT X-RAY FOR 2022 CWEA
FACILITY OF THE YEAR AWARD
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following members of the public provided public comment:
1. Malik Tariq spoke regarding a non-agenda item related to justice and peace.
2. Capiz Baldomero spoke regarding a non-agenda item related to increased cost of living, Huntington Parks Senior income assistance program, and increased cost of housing and rents.
3. Nancy Juarez spoke on the need for additional community resources.
4. Francisco Rivera spoke regarding a non-agenda item related to Huntington Park Police Department. He expressed his gratitude for their hard work.
5. Juan Briseno spoke regarding a non-agenda item related to the street repairs and improvements conducted around the city. He expressed his concerns about the quality of work and a need for additional traffic calming measures on certain streets. He also mentioned the need for more Police Officers and the issue with limited parking around the city.
6. Maria Adan submitted a written public comment related to the unhoused that frequent the alley on 58th street.
STAFF RESPONSE
City Manager Ricardo Reyes responded to public comments made regarding resources in place to address the unhoused and increased cost of living concerns. He then elaborated on some of the resources and efforts being made to address concerns expressed during public comment. Inner City Visions in a non-profit organization that collaborates with both city staff and police officers to assist in contacting the unhoused to provide resources and housing. Fair Housing Foundation is also a non-profit organization that provides resources and advocacy support for Huntington Park residents related to housing costs, and owner/tenant rights. City Manager Reyes then addressed the concerns related to street improvement and shared information regarding federal funding that is being allocated to the improvement and repairing of streets around Huntington Park. He closed by stating that the 58th street alley continues to be addressed by staff, Inner City Visions, and the police department. He then asked Police Chief Cosme Lozano if he had any additional detail he can add as to the police departments efforts.
Police Chief Cosme Lozano emphasized the need to continue the collaborative effort of staff, Inner City Visions and the police department in order to address resident’s concerns related to the unhoused. He added that the police department is aware of the situation and continues to allocate police staff to the impacted area. He then asked Police Captain Alfred Martinez to provide some updates related to those impacted areas.
Captain Alfred Martinez shared that efforts have been made and will continue to communicate with affected residents in the area, but presently no resident has responded to request for a meeting with the police department. He added that he personally has patrolled the alley but did not witness any of the activity mentioned during public comment. He closed by encouraging residents to report any illegal or suspicious activity to the police department to respond accordingly.
Chief Lozano added additional insight as to the officer deployment in Huntington Park and the prioritization system the police department utilizes.
CLOSSED SESSION
City Attorney Araceli Almazan stated that it is appropriate to recess to closed session. Mayor Martinez recessed into closed session at 6:45 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)
Annette Morasch v. City of Huntington Park
Los Angeles Superior Case No. 21STCP02084
Mayor Martinez reconvened the Council meeting from Closed Session at 7:15 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Almazan reported that the record should reflect that with all five Councilmembers present, both items on the closed session agenda were discussed.
With regard to item number one (1) on the closed session agenda, Council was briefed but no final action was taken. With regard to item two (2) of the closed session agenda Council was briefed, direction was provided, but no final action was taken. 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.
Prior to the roll call vote, Councilmember Ortiz made a friendly amendment to remove the Successor Agency meeting minutes from the consent calendar and directed they be placed on future Successor Agency meeting agenda as the City Council is not the appropriate body to approve the Successor Agency meeting minutes.
AMENDED MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria agreed to the friendly amendment by Councilmember Ortiz and moved to approve the consent calendar with the removal of the Successor Agency meeting minutes from the consent calendar and directed they be placed on future Successor Agency meeting agenda, 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. Regular Successor Agency held December 20, 2022 (Removed to for approval at a future Successor Agency meeting.
2. Regular City Council Meeting held December 20, 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
1. Approve Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrant(s) dated January 3, 2023;
2. Approve Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrant(s) dated January 17, 2023
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
REGULAR AGENDA
POLICE DEPARTMENT
4. APPROVE FY 2022-23 SELECTIVE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM (STEP) AGREEMENT AND ACCEPT GRANT FUNDING
RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to approve and accept funding for the Police Department provided by the State of California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP), totaling $50,000 for FY 2022-23; and authorize the City Manager to execute the Standard Agreement for Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) between the City of Huntington Park and the State of California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS); and authorize estimated revenues and approve a budget appropriation in the amount of $50,000 to the respective accounts detailed in the fiscal impact section of this report; and authorize the Chief of Police to execute the work and objectives outlined in the agreement, seconded by Councilmember Flores. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
PARKS AND RECREATION
5. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE DODGERS
DREAMTEAM PROGRAM GRANT FROM THE LOS ANGELES DODGERS
FOUNDATION FOR THE 2023 BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL SEASON AT SALT LAKE PARK.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to adopt a Resolution authorizing the acceptance of the Dodgers Dream Team Grant from the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation for the 2023 Baseball season at Salt Lake Park; and authorize the City Manager to execute all related grant documents, 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
6. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH ROSS DRESS FOR LESS, INC.
MOTION: Councilmember Macias moved to approve an Agreement with Ross Dress For Less LLC; and authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute the final terms of the agreement, seconded by Councilmember Flores. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
At the conclusion of item six (6) Councilmember Ortiz stepped away from the dais.
7. 2023 CONTRACT FOR GA TECHNICAL SERVICES TO PROVIDE
MAINTENANCE SERVICES TO THE T2 SYSTEMS PARKING MACHINES
LOCATED ON PACIFIC BOULEVARD
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to Approve a 1-year sole source maintenance contract with GA Technical Services to maintain the T2 Parking System, seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
8. AUTHORIZATION TO OPEN THE RITA PARKING STRUCTURE FOR PUBLIC
PARKING
MOTION: Councilmember Ortiz moved to authorize City staff to reopen the Rita Parking structure for a period of 90 days and evaluate parking use, seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
9. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO PROVIDE A THREE (3) YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION TO GLOBAL URBAN STATEGIES, INC. FOR
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES RELATED TO CALHOME GRANT
ADMINISTRATION
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to authorize a three (3) year extension for professional services related to the CalHome grant administration; and authorize the City Manager to execute the extension 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
FINANCE
10. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE MID-YEAR BUDGET REVIEW AND SPENDING APPROPRIATIONS RESOLUTION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022- 23 MOTION: Councilmember Ortiz moved to continue the item to the February 7, 2023 regular meeting, seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
11. RECONSTRUCTION OF ACCOUNTING RECORDS (ROAR CIP PROJECT #2022- 08)
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to approve creation of CIP Project #2022-08 titled “ROAR” (Reconstruction of Accounting Records) and add it to the CIP Budget schedule; and authorize the City Manager to enter into contract with an appropriate CPA / consulting firm on “sole source” basis, due to specialized expertise and voluminous effort to reconstruct delinquent accounting, bank reconciliations, and to perform all accounting work, subsidiary ledgers, and audit schedules. The deliverables expected from consultant includes a month-by-month closing of the books, reconciliation of cash, and the ultimate preparation of a final year-end June 30th Trial Balance along with all PBCs (Provided by Client schedules), to facilitate the work of the City’s independent auditors to ensure a “turn-key” closing of the books to obtain clean Audit Opinion Letter for each of the four fiscal years, to achieve the City Manager and City Council priority of completing this Reconstruction of Accounting Records (ROAR) CIP Project in 12 to 13 months, 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
12. WAIVE FURTHER READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION RECITING THE
FACTS OF THE CONSOLIDATED MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD ON
NOVEMBER 8, 2022
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to adopt a Resolution reciting the facts of the Consolidated Municipal Election Held on November 8, 2022, Declaring the Results thereof as Provided by Law, seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
PUBLIC WORKS
13. CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND ENGINEER’S ESTIMATE FOR CIP 2018-11 ATP CYCLE IV PROJECT NO. ATPL-5150(014)
AND AUTHORIZATION TO PROCEED WITH BID ADVERTISEMENT
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 adopt the 100% completed plans, specifications and engineer’s estimate for CIP 2018-11 ATP Cycle VI Project No. ATPL-5150(014); and authorize staff to proceed with bid advertisement for construction, seconded by Councilmember Flores. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
14. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO SOLICIT CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION SERVICES AS PART OF THE OVERSIGHT OF CIP 2018-11 ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM CYCLE IV PROJECT NO. ATPL-5150(014)
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to authorize staff to publish and solicit a Request for Proposal (RFP) from qualified firms to provide Construction Management and Inspection Services (CM/CI) for CIP 2018-11 Active Transportation Program (ATP) Cycle IV Project No. ATPL-5150(014), seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
15. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 AS PART OF CIP 2020-03 COTTAGE RESERVOIR AT WELL 15
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to approve Utility Service Co., Inc.’s Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $37,289 payable from Account No. 681-8030-461.41- 00; and authorize the City Manager to sign the change order and Finance to process the invoice, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz. 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 HEARING
POLICE DEPARTMENT
16. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION OVERTURNING THE PLANNING
COMMISSION’S DETERMINATION TO DENY CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2021- 03, TO ALLOW THE USE OF A USED AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIP IN CONNECTION WITH PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3420 FLORENCE AVENUE, WITHIN THE COMMERCIAL GENERAL (C-G) ZONE.
The Public Hearing was opened by Mayor at 8:30 p.m. No public testimony was given, so Mayor Martinez closed the Public Hearing at 8:33 p.m. City Council proceed to deliberate on the item.
MOTION: Councilmember Ortiz moved to adopt resolution overturning the Planning Commission’s determination to deny Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Case No. 2021- 03, which allowed for the use of a used automobile dealership in conjunction with property located at 3420 E. Florence Ave, Huntington Park, California (SoCal Cars), within the Commercial General Zone, seconded by Councilmember Flores. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
Police Chief Lozano wished everyone a Happy New Year.
Cynthia Norzagaray, Director of Parks and Recreation shared some of the upcoming events in February.
Steve Forster, Community Development Director reminded everyone that the city will be conducting its annual homeless count on January 25, 2023.
Cesar Roldan, Public Works Director shared that the Public Works team continues to pick up Christmas trees.
Communications Director Sergio Infanzon shared information related to the December Huntington Park newsletter. He also share that the community continues to share positive feedback related to the Holiday Parade and the new K9 officer presentation.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Ortiz thanked staff and welcomed everyone back.
Councilmember Macias thanked staff and wished everyone a Happy New Year. She gave a special thanks to Public Works for their efforts during the rainy weather recently encountered. She also thanked the Finance Department for all their efforts in tackling the large task they face.
Councilmember Flores thanked staff for all their efforts and expressed a special thanks to the Finance Department for staying as long as needed to get the job done. He then invited his colleagues to the inaugural Veterans brunch at Salt Lake Park.
Vice Mayor Sanabria wished everyone a Happy New Year and thanked staff for all their efforts in meeting the communities needs and keeping the city looking beautiful.
Mayor Martinez wished everyone a Happy New Year and thanked staff for always keeping everyone safe. He closed by expressing his excitement for the new year and reminded everyone be thankful for the love and kind you give to each other.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Martinez adjourned the meeting at 8:48 p.m. The next City of Huntington Park City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday February 7, 2023 at 6:00 pm Respectfully submitted
Eduardo Sarmiento, City Clerk