MINUTES
Meeting of the
City of Huntington Park City Council
Tuesday, March 21, 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 6:02 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21, 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; Steve Foster Director of Community Development; Sergio Infanzon Director of Communications; Araceli Almazan City Attorney, Cynthia Norzagaray Director of Parks & Recreation -Absent.
INVOCATION
Mayor Martinez led invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Macias led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENTATION(S)
1. CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION TO MILLAN’S RANCHITO CELEBRATING 40
YEARS OF BUSINESS IN HUNTINGTON PARK
2. PUBLIC WORKS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS (CIP) PRESENTATION
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following members of the public provided public comment:
1. Karmina Lopez
STAFF RESPONSE
Assistant City Manager Raul Alvarez stated staff will follow up with the representative.
CLOSSED SESSION
City Attorney Araceli Almazan stated that it is appropriate to recess to closed session. Mayor Martinez recessed into closed session at 6:53 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 7:27 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Almazan reported that the record should reflect that with all five Councilmembers present, the one item on the closed session agenda was discussed.
With regard to item number one (1) Council was briefed direction was provided but no reportable action was taken. This concluded the closed session report.
CONSENT CALENDAR
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
Prior to vote on approval of consent calendar Councilmember Macias was not present.
MOTION: Councilmember Ortiz moved to approve the consent calendar with the following correction to the March 7, 2023 meeting minutes. The minutes should reflect that Councilmember Flores stepped away from the dais and did not abstain from the consent calendar vote, seconded by Vice Mayor Sanabria. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Vice Mayor Sanabria and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
NOT PRESENT: Councilmember Macias
1. CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINTUES
Approve Minute(s) of the following City Council Meeting(s):
1. Regular Successor Agency held March 7, 2023
2. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
CITY TO CONTINUE ITS TELECONFERENCED OPEN MEETINGS PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 361 AND ASSEMBLY BILL 2449
RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Adopt a Resolution to Authorize the City of Huntington Park to Conduct Teleconferenced Open Meetings in Accordance with Assembly Bill 361 and Assembly Bill 2449.
FINANCE
3. CHECK REGISTERS
RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Approve Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrant(s) dated March 21, 2023;
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
REGULAR AGENDA
Prior to the vote on item four (4) Councilmember Macias returned to the dais.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
4. CONSIDERATION TO ACCEPT REIMBURSABLE GRANT FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $45,577.00 AND APPROVE THE STATE HOMELAND SECURITY PROGRAM SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT FOR GRANT YEAR 2022 BETWEEN
THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES AND THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON PARK Prior to vote, Councilmember Macias inquired about the account number for the appropriation. Police Chief Lozano provided project code PD-2301 which was provided by Finance Department after the posting of the agenda.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to accept reimbursable grant funding and increase estimated revenues in the amount of $45,577.00; and approve a budget appropriation in the amount of $45,577.00; and authorize the City Manager to be designated as the Grantee Official for the purpose of executing grant objectives, grant agreement, and documentation; and authorize the Chief of Police to administer and complete the designated project, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
PUBLIC WORKS
5. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO AWARD A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION
SERVICES OF CIP 2018-11 ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM CYCLE IV PROJECT NO. ATPL-5150(014)
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to award the Professional Services Agreement to Southstar Engineering and Consulting, Inc. for construction management and inspection services as part of the oversight of CIP 2018-11 ATP Cycle IV Project No. ATPL-5150(014) for a not-to-exceed amount of $248,080; and payable from Account No. 202-8080-431.76-21; and authorize the City Manager to execute the professional services agreement (PSA), 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 THE CITY’S FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 ANNUAL EXPENDITURE PLAN AS PART OF THE LOS ANGELES
COUNTY SAFE, CLEAN WATER PROGRAM
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to authorize staff to submit the Los Angeles County Safe, Clean Water Program Annual Expenditure Plan for Fiscal Year 2023- 24, seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
7. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO SUBMIT CLEAN CALIFORNIA LOCAL GRANT PROGRAM CYCLE 2 FUNDING APPLICATION
MOTION: Councilmember Flores moved to approve staff to submit the Clean California Local Grant Program Cycle 2 application to the California Department of Transportation; and authorize the City Manager to sign all applicable documents, 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
8. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO SOLICIT PROPOSALS FOR THE PREPARATION OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTIMATE OF CIP 2022-12
WATER QUALITY GREEN STREETS PROJECT ON SALT LAKE AVENUE
BETWEEN WALNUT STREET AND SANTA ANA STREET
MOTION: Councilmember Macias 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 CIP 2022-12 Water Quality Green Streets Project on Salt Lake Avenue between Walnut Street and Santa Ana Street, seconded by Councilmember Flores. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
9. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR PREPARATION OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND ESTIMATE TO ENHANCE THE PLAYGROUNDS AS PART OF CIP 2022-03 SALT LAKE PARK AND CIP 2022-06 FREEDOM PARK
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to award a Professional Services Agreement 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 to David Volz Design for a not-to-exceed amount of $49,932; and authorize the appropriation of $24,966 as City staff seeks reimbursement of State funds as work progresses; and authorize payment of the remaining balance of $24,966 from Special Events Contributions; and authorize the City Manager to execute the professional services 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
10. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO AWARD A CONTRACT FOR THE
FABRICATION AND INSTALLATION OF THE WELCOME TO HUNTINGTON
PARK MONUMENT SIGN ON THE NORTH END OF PACIFIC BOULEVARD MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to award the contract to fabricate and install the monument sign to Bravo Sign & Design for a not-to-exceed fee of $17,040.25 payable from Account 111-8022-419.56-41; and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
11. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE 2023 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL
PROGRESS REPORT
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to approve the 2023 General Plan Annual Progress Report, 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
12. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT THREE TO THE FY 2021-2022 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN (AAP) FOR THE HOME
INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS- AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN (HOME-ARP)
ALLOCATION PLAN FOR SUBMITTAL TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING
AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD)
Mayor Martinez opened the public hearing. No public comment was provided. Mayor then closed the public hearing.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to approve the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan and Substantial Amendment Three to the to the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Annual Action Plan, inclusive of any comments received by the City Clerk during the 30-day public comment period; and authorize the City Manager to make the appropriate amendments as described in Substantial Amendment Three; and authorize the City Manager to execute all required documents for transmittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD); and amend the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget in accordance with the approved Substantial Amendment, 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
Police Chief Cosme Lozano provided a reminder about the upcoming meet your police event on March 30, 2023 at the Salt Lake Park Community Center.
Public Works Director Cesar Roldan thanked Council for their continued support. He shared that several community workshops have been held related to our urban forest management plan that is hosted Tree People organization. He encouraged everyone to attend the final community workshop on Thursday March 23, 2023.
Director of Community Development Steve Forster reminded everyone that the city continues the roll out of the first-time home buyer program and the minor home improvement assistance which provides up to $25,000 dollars of assistance to applicants.
Communications Director Sergio Infanzon encouraged all residents to visit the cities website and social media pages for upcoming events and programing. He highlighted the upcoming annual 5K run on April 1, 2023, the Earth Day event on April 15, 2023 and the Art Walk on April 23, 2023. He also mentioned the upcoming first-time home buyer community workshop on Saturday March 25, 2023. He closed by sharing details on the Zoo field trip for those students affected by the school closers.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Ortiz gave kudos to all city departments especially the Police Department for their efforts in providing additional service like a grab and go lunch pickup location during the school closures. She highlighted that the Salt Lake Park grab and go location gave out the most meals in the entire east region and exemplifies Huntington Parks commitment to the families and children in the community.
Councilmember Macias thanked staff, and reiterated Councilmember Ortiz comments regarding the grab and go locations. She added that the city’s collective efforts exhibit the willingness and nimbleness in supporting the community during challenging times. She thanked Public Works Director Cesar Roldan for urban forest event and encouraged the community to participate.
Councilmember Flores thanked all the staff. He shared that he participated in the grab and go distribution site and confirmed the large amount of people who utilized the service. He also mentioned visiting a number of the closed school site and thanked staff for their response to the closures.
Vice Mayor Sanabria echoed her fellow Councilmembers comments regarding the support and safe spaces the city provided during the school closures. She then requested staff make a sweep of the city for any fallen trees due to the recent rain storms. She also encouraged the community to report any downed trees.
Mayor Martinez thanked staff for always keeping everyone safe and providing a health environment. He then requested staff also stay vigilant for any potholes caused by the excessive rain and encouraged residents to please use the city’s app to report any potholes as well. He then recommended staff to investigate the possibility of renaming the Historic Preservation Commission to the Arts and Historic Preservation Commission.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Martinez adjourned the meeting in memory of his father Benjamin Jose Garcia Martinez at 7:52 p.m. The next City of Huntington Park City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday April 4, 2023 at 6:00 pm
Respectfully submitted
Eduardo Sarmiento, City Clerk