MINUTES
Meeting of the
City of Huntington Park City Council
Tuesday, February 7, 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 6:05 p.m. on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, 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. RECOGNITION OF LOCAL RESTAURANTS FOR SENIOR MEALS
2. RECOGNITION OF PARENT VOLUNTEERS FOR CONTRIBUTIONS IN
OPENING OF LUCILLE ROYBAL ELEMENTARY
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 related to the police involved incident that occurred on January 26, 2023:
1. Steve Allan
2. Ramon Rodriguez
3. Ebony
4. Milton Montague
5. Christian Contreras
6. Ty
7. Cliff Smith
8. Mr. Rodolfo
9. Ms. Brittoni
10.Jaslyne Hilberto
11.Joseph Moreno
12.Rodolfo Cortez
13.Nicole Lopez
14.Maria Cruz
15.Laura
16.Terez Sanogo
17.Jennifer Ganado
The following members of the public provided public comment:
Veronica Alvarez spoke regarding tenant right’s issue.
Viri Jimenez spoke regarding tenant right’s issue.
Francisco Rivera spoke in support of the Huntington Park Police Department.
Nancy Juarez spoke on various non-agenda items related to her personal life.
Daniela spoke regarding the lack of progress with the aquatic center at Salt Lake Park.
Yvonne Correa submitted written public comment regarding agenda item 11.
Marisela Talamante requested her name be added in support of Yvonne Correa’s public comment.
Sandra Hueso requested her name be added in support of Yvonne Correa’s public comment.
Maria Guadalupe De La Rosa requested her name be added in support of Yvonne Correa’s public comment.
STAFF RESPONSE
Councilmember Ortiz stated that the aquatic center is coming and explained that the city is working with Los Angeles County regarding some environmental issues. She then deferred to Community Development Director Steve Forster to elaborate further.
Director Forster explained that the aquatic center is a design build type project and preliminary plan phases have been completed. Upon excavation the city has done environmental remediation of the entire site and they are waiting on the Los Angeles County Health Department local enforcement agency to validate our post closure land use plan. The County agency recently provided the city with comments which are being responded to and anticipate clearance within the next 60 to 90 days.
City Manager Ricardo Reyes asked Mr. Forster to clarify that the city is not holding up the project but rather the County.
Director Forster responded in the affirmative and restated that it is the Los Angeles County Health Department local enforcement agency who has stopped the project.
Councilmember Ortiz then addressed the comments made by Ms. Juarez and shared that they have spoken on a number of occasions but only through messenger. She requested Ms. Juarez phone number, but she had already left Council Chambers.
Councilmember Ortiz then asked Director Forster to address Ms. Alvarez’s concern regarding the fire near St. Francis.
Director Forster stated that when the public meeting related to this issue was held best and worst-case scenarios were provided regarding timetable for getting people back into their homes. Unfortunately it has taken longer to do a lead and asbestos abatement of the building that burned at 2700 Slauson Ave. At this point removal of the entire building was directed and construction is currently taking place as we speak and the demolition of that sight should be completed by no later than February 10, 2023. He added that Community Development staff has reached out to Los Angeles County for help in securing housing for anyone who has requested accommodations through February 10, 2023.
CLOSSED SESSION
City Attorney Arnold Alvarez-Glasman stated that it is appropriate to recess to closed session. Mayor Martinez recessed into closed session at 7:35 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
Mayor Martinez reconvened the Council meeting from Closed Session at 8:15 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Almazan reported that the record should reflect that with all five Councilmembers present, the item on the closed session agenda was discussed. With regard to item number one (1) on the closed session agenda, Council was briefed but no final action was taken. This concluded the closed session report.
CONSENT CALENDAR
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
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 January 17, 2023
FINANCE
2. CHECK REGISTERS
1. Approve Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrant(s) dated February 7, 2023;
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
REGULAR AGENDA
Prior to item three (3) of the regular agenda being introduced Councilmember Ortiz recused herself from the item.
PUBLIC WORKS
3. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF AWARD OF A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR CIP 2022-01 SB1 SLURRY SEAL PROJECT FY 2022-23 RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to award the construction contract to All American Asphalt for the construction of CIP 2022-01 SB1 Slurry Seal Project FY 2022-23 as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder for a not-to-exceed amount of $561,540; and appropriate $561,540 from Account No. 111-8010-431.76-32; and appropriate a ten percent (10%) construction contingency of $56,154 payable from Account No. 111-0000.206.00-00; and authorize the City Manager to execute the construction contract agreement, seconded by Councilmember Flores. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
RECUSED: Council Member Ortiz
4. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO SOLICIT PROPOSALS FOR THE
PREPARATION OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTIMATE OF NEW
PLAYGROUNDS AT SALT LAKE AND FREEDOM PARKS
MOTION: Councilmember Flores moved to authorize staff to publish and solicit a Request for Proposal (RFP) from qualified architectural/engineering firms for the preparation of Plans, Specifications and Estimate of new playgrounds as part of CIP 2022-03 Salt Lake Park and CIP 2022-06 Freedom Park, 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
5. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO SOLICIT PROPOSALS FROM
QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS TO RESURFACE THE BASKETBALL COURTS AS PART OF CIP 2022-05 SALT LAKE PARK BASKETBALL COURT
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 authorize staff to proceed with the advertisement of the Request for Proposal (RFP), seconded by Councilmember Flores. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
6. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO SUBMIT A FUNDING APPLICATION
FOR TWO ELECTRIC BUS SHUTTLES TO THE SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY
MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
MOTION: Councilmember Macias moved to authorize staff to submit a funding application for two bus shuttles to the South Coast Air Quality Management District; and authorize the City Manager to sign all applicable documents, seconded by Councilmember Flores. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
7. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION APPROVING A RENEWAL OF THE GENERAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH LOS ANGELES COUNTY
MOTION: Councilmember Flores moved to adopt Resolution approving the renewal of the City General Services Agreement with the County of Los Angeles for a period ending June 30, 2028; and authorize the mayor to execute the agreement, 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
FINANCE
8. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE SPENDING AUTHORIZATION
PLAN AND SPENDING APPROPRIATIONS RESOLUTION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-23
MOTION: Councilmember Ortiz moved to retitle the Mid-Year Budget Review staff report, continued by Council from the January 17, 2023 agenda, now titled as the Spending Authorization Plan request; and approve the FY 2022-23 Spending Authorization Plan document; and adopt a Resolution authorizing the appropriations requested in the Spending Appropriations request for FY 2022-23, 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 CLERK
9. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION AND RETENTION
SCHEDULES
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to Adopt a Resolution and Records Retention Schedules, seconded by Councilmember Flores. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
10. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS COMMISSIONS
City Manager Ricardo Reyes requested the item be pulled from the agenda.
PARKS AND RECREATION
11. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF FACILITY RENTAL PERMIT AND FEE WAIVER REQUEST BY GENERAL FEDERATION OF WOMEN’S CLUB OF HUNTINGTON PARK’S FOR THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S MONTH &
SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to approve the Facility Rental Permit for the General Federation of Women’s Club of Huntington Parks for the International Women’s Month event on March 11, 2023 and the Scholarship Luncheon on June 24, 2023; and consider approving the Parks and Recreation Commission recommendation on the fee waiver.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Councilmember Ortiz moved to approve the Facility Rental Permit for the General Federation of Women’s Club of Huntington Parks for the International Women’s Month event on March 11, 2023 and the Scholarship Luncheon on June 24, 2023; and approve the Parks and Recreation Commission recommendation on the fee waiver with the condition of allowing Huntington Park staff to set up a table at the Women’s Club event to provide city resources, seconded by Councilmember Flores.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
12. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF AUTHORIZATION AND RATIFICATION
OF CERTAIN EXPENDITURES FOR PRODUCTION SERVICES WITH
PAGEANTRY PARADES TO PLAN AND PRODUCE THE CITY OF
HUNTINGTON PARK’S 2023 AND 2024 HOLIDAY PARADES
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to approve authorization of Pageantry Parades as a sole source, in the amount of $33,100 for the Annual Holiday Parade Production of 2023 and 2024; and authorize City Manager to enter into a 2-year agreement with Pageantry Parades to complete the Holiday Parade Production for 2023 and 2024, 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
Steve Forster, Community Development Director reminded everyone that February 14, 2023 is Valentine’s Day and have received four applications from Huntington Park businesses to sell flowers in front or their business. These types of sales and businesses will be monitored by staff accordingly.
Communications Director Sergio Infanzon shared information related Huntington Park upcoming events and resources.
Parks and Recreation department shared that a blood drive will be held on February 14, 2023 in collaboration with American Red Cross at Salt Lake Park from 10am to 4pm.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Ortiz thanked staff for the Key Club event. She also thanked Huntington Park Police for working with Miles Elementary in coordinating the new dismissal area.
She emphasized the positive feedback received from parents regarding the improved safety and convenience when picking up their child afterschool. She closed by thanking all staff for the work they do.
Councilmember Macias thanked staff and Director Forster and his team for speaking with the kids at Huntington Park Elementary School. She emphasized the importance of teamwork and going the extra mile to connect with the community. She then thanked all departments for their hard work especially Finance for putting in the long hours necessary to get the budget item prepared. She closed by wishing everyone a Happy Valentine's Day.
Councilmember Flores shared that February 25, 2023 the city will be hosting in collaboration with the West Los Angeles Greater Los Angeles Veterans Association a veterans brunch at Salt Lake Community Center. He then thanked City Manager Ricardo Reyes and Police Chief Lozano for their ongoing leadership. He closed by thanking staff for all their efforts and emphasized how proud he is of staff and the work they do.
Vice Mayor Sanabria thanked staff and everyone who participated in the homeless count.
She closed by wishing everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day.
Mayor Martinez wished everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day and encouraged everyone to donate blood. He then thanked staff for always keeping everyone safe. He closed by expressing how we are currently living through challenging times here and around the world and encouraged everyone to think of ways to show more compassion to one another and improve oneself as an individual and a city.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Martinez adjourned the meeting at 8:37 p.m. The next City of Huntington Park City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday February 21, 2023 at 6:00 pm Respectfully submitted
Eduardo Sarmiento, City Clerk