MINUTES
Meeting of the
City of Huntington Park City Council
Tuesday, May 16, 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 6:13 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16, 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.
INVOCATION
Mayor Martinez led the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Mayor Sanabria led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENTATION(S)
1. RECOGNIZING AMARE MAGAZINE IN HONOR OF MENTAL HEALTH
AWARENESS MONTH
2. RECOGNITION OF HUNTINGTON PARK EDUCATORS OF THE YEAR
3. RECOGNITION OF LOCAL SCHOOL VALEDICTORIANS AND
SALUTATORIANS
Mayor Martinez called for a brief recess to join the reception for the educators of the year and local valedictorians and salutatorians at 7:02pm. Mayor Martinez reconvened the City Council meeting at 7:25pm.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following members of the public provided public comment:
1. Yessenia Soria
2. Joe Nino
3. Jose Rodriguez
STAFF RESPONSE
Community Development Director Steve Forster responded to the first public comment regarding property with vegetation issues. Director Forster stated that it is an active code enforcement case and staff are actively communicating with the property owner to address the concerns and come into compliance. Director Forster then addressed the public comment from Mr. Nino. He stated that the department has had no less than twenty different conversations and emails dating back to March 23, 2022, regarding this matter. This is an ongoing civil case between Mr. Nino and his tenants. He added that staff has provided the tools to Mr. Nino regarding the eviction process including getting engineers statements to present as evidence to the court for the purpose of the eviction.
It is not for the city to red tag based on uninhabitable structure. Mr. Forster elaborated further and shared a structure being uninhabitable means you simply cannot live inside that structure versus the structure needs to be condemned, hence why the city does not red tag. He then reiterated that these are private property issues, and the staff has given Mr. Nino multiple points to move forward with. But this code enforcement case came at the request of a neighbor because of the condition of the property.
City Manager Ricardo Reyes addressed the third public comment from Mr. Rodriguez and explained that the city does have a process through the traffic authority that allows for residents and members of the community to request disabled parking accommodations. He then stated that staff would follow up with the resident to assist in the process, being that certain criteria is required to qualify for this kind of accommodation. He closed by advising the council that there was a supplemental request for proposal document provided to the Council and made available to the public for item number eight (8) on the agenda.
Vice Mayor Sanabria shared that a Parking Permit Measure was placed on the ballot at the last election cycle, but it did not pass. She added that staff will continue to collaborate with the community to assist with their concerns. She requested the public commenter to please collaborate with staff to get additional help.
CLOSSED SESSION
City Attorney Araceli Almazan stated that it is appropriate to recess to closed session. Mayor Martinez recessed into closed session at 7:37 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 8:00 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Almazan reported that the record should reflect that with five (5) Councilmembers present, the one item on the closed session agenda was discussed.
Regarding items one (1) the Council was briefed but no final action was taken. This concluded the closed session report.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Following the Closed Session portion of the agenda Councilmembers Ortiz and Flores were not present for the Consent Calendar vote.
CITY CLERK
MOTION: Councilmember Macias moved to approve the consent calendar, seconded by Vice Mayor Sanabria. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Macias, Vice Mayor Sanabria and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
NOT PRESENT: Councilmember(s) Ortiz and Flores
1. CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINTUES
Approve Minute(s) of the following City Council Meeting(s):
1.Regular City Council Meeting held May 2, 2023
FINANCE
2. WARRANT REGISTER
RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Approve Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrant(s) dated May 16, 2023;
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
REGULAR AGENDA
Prior to the start of item three (3) on the regular agenda Councilmember Flores returned to the dais.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
3. CONSIDERATION TO ACCEPT FISCAL YEAR 2022 BOARD OF STATE AND
COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS (BSCC) GRANT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $37,210.38 FOR OFFICER WELLNESS AND MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS
AND SERVICES
RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to authorize the receipt of 2022 Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) grant funds in the amount of $37,210.38 for Officer Wellness and Mental Health programs and services; and approve a budget appropriation in the amount of $37,210.38 to the respective revenue account and authorize an expenditure account for tracking of these grant funds as detailed in the fiscal impact section of this report; and authorize the use of these grant funds to replace and enhance fitness equipment in the police department gym; and authorize the Chief of Police to purchase the fitness equipment, seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
NOT PRESENT: Council Member Ortiz
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
4. BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022/23 - SALT LAKE PARK
AQUATIC CENTER
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to authorize a Budget Appropriation in the amount of $2.5 million for Fiscal Year 2022/23 from the City’s General Fund for services related to the Salt Lake Park Aquatic Center to account number 787-8910- 499.56-41; and authorize the City Manager to execute all contracts and documents related to the Salt Lake Park Aquatic Center, seconded by Councilmember Flores.
Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
NOT PRESENT: Councilmember Ortiz
5. STATUS REPORT FOR THE RITA PARKING STRUCTURE
Prior to item five (5) councilmember Ortiz returned to the dais.
MOTION: Councilmember Ortiz moved to receive and file the Rita Parking Structure Report, 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 OF FIREWORKS SALES PERMIT
APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED BY LOCAL NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS IN
THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON PARK
MOTION: Councilmember Flores moved to approve the Fireworks Sales Permit Applications submitted by local non-profit organizations in the City of Huntington Park; and authorize the Community Development Department to process the applications and conduct the final inspections of the stands, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
7. STATE OF PACIFIC BOULEVARD REPORT
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to receive and file the subject report and presentation, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
8. AUTHORIZATION FOR A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) PROCESS FOR SERVICES RELATED TO STREET LIGHT(S) AND Wi-Fi DEMONSTRATION PROJECT.
MOTION: Councilmember Ortiz moved to authorize a request for proposal (RFP) process for services related to Street Light(s) and Wi-Fi Demonstration Project, 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
Prior to item nine (9) Councilmember Ortiz stepped away from the dais.
9. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR THE PREPARATION OF PLANS,
SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTIMATE OF CIP 2022-13 CITY HALL & POLICE
DEPARTMENT ROOF REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENT
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to award the preparation of plans, specifications, and estimate of CIP 2022-13 City Hall & Police Department Roof Repairs and Replacement to JT Construction Group, Inc. for a not-to-exceed amount of $32,900 payable from Account No. 111-8023-451.61.20; and authorize the City Manager to execute the professional services agreement, seconded by Councilmember Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
NOT PRESENT: Council Member Ortiz
10. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO AWARD A PROPOSAL TO A
QUALIFIED SUPPLIER TO PURCHASE A FORKLIFT
Prior to item ten (10) Councilmember Ortiz returned to the dais.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to award the proposal to Southwest Toyota Lift, A Division of Southwest Material Handling, Inc. as the lowest responsive, responsible proposer for a not to exceed fee of $44,000 payable from Account No. 111-8023-451.56-41; and authorize the City Manager to execute the proposal, 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. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO AWARD A PROPOSAL TO A
QUALIFIED SUPPLIER TO PURCHASE TWO COMMERCIAL GRADE SIT-DOWN
RIDER FLOOR SCRUBBERS
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to award the proposal to Aviate Enterprises, Inc. as the most responsive proposer to purchase two commercial grade sit-down rider floor scrubbers for a not to exceed fee of $226,835; and payable from Account No. 111-8022-419.56-41 ($190,000) and Account No. 111-8023-451.56-41 ($36,835); and authorize the purchasing of the trailer from Aviate Enterprises, Inc. to transport the scrubbers for a not to exceed amount of $32,000 payable from Account No. 111-8023-451.56-41; and authorize the City Manager to execute all associated proposals, seconded by Councilmember Flores. 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 AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT 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
Prior to item twelve (12) Council Members Ortiz and Macias stepped away from the dais.
MOTION: Councilmember Flores moved to award 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 to Infrastructure Engineers for a not-to-exceed amount of $176,834; and allocate $176,834 into Account No. 111-8031-433.76.17 from Account No. 111-0000-333.30-00 (City received FY 2022-2023 Measure W allotment in the amount of $433,496.74 on 12/28/2022); and authorize the City Manager to execute the professional services agreement, seconded by Mayor Martinez. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
NOT PRESENT: Council Member(s) Ortiz and Macias
13. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO EXECUTE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
MEASURE R FUNDING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON
PARK AND THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN
TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY AS PART OF FUNDING FOR CIP 2019-02
SLAUSON AVENUE CONGESTION RELIEF IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT,
LACMTA PROJECT ID# MEASURE R MR306.53 AND FTIP LA0G1669 Prior to item thirteen (13) Council Members Ortiz and Macias returned to the dais.
MOTION: Councilmember Ortiz moved to accept Amendment No. 1 to Measure R funding agreement between the City and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority; and authorize the Director of Finance to increase budgeted revenues and expenditures in the total sum of $4,900,000 to account number 111- 8010-431.76-06 for the construction of CIP 2019-02 Slauson Avenue Congestion Relief Improvements Project, LACMTA Project ID# Measure R MR306.53, and FTIP LA0G1669; and Authorize the City Manager to sign Amendment No. 1., seconded by Councilmember Macias. 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 AWARD THE PROPOSALS TO
FABRICATE AND PURCHASE THE HOME OF THE BRAVE STATUE AND TWO
PEDESTALS TO BE PLACED AT VETERANS PARK
Prior to a vote on item fourteen (14) City Manager Ricardo Reyes asked Council to approve amending recommendation two (2) of the staff report for this item. He asked the Council to amend the account number from 111-8010-415.56-41 to account number 232-6010-419.56-41 which is the Art in Public Places fund in the amount of 17,474.00.
MOTION: Councilmember Ortiz moved to approve, with the suggested amendment by City Manager Ricardo Reyes, to award the proposal to fabricate and ship the Home of the Brave statue to Art of Bronze for a not-to-exceed fee of $5,816.85 payable from Account 111-8010-415.56-41; and authorize staff to coordinate with Bravo Sign & Design to fabricate two 5 ½ -foot high pedestals to place the Fallen Soldier Battle Cross and Home of the Brave statues for a not-to-exceed fee of $17,474 payable from Account 232-6010-419.56-41; and authorize the City Manager to execute the proposals, 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 HEARING(S)
15. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION OVERTURNING THE PLANNING
COMMISSION’S DETERMINATION TO DENY PLANNING COMMISSION CASE NO. 2021-04 CUP, A REQUEST TO ALLOW THE USE OF A COMMERCIAL KITCHEN IN A PORTION OF AN EXISTING BUILDING LOCATED AT 3355
EAST GAGE AVENUE, WITHIN THE MANUFACTURING PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT (MPD) ZONE.
Mayor Martinez opened the public hearing at 8:49pm. Cesar Motts provided public comment. No additional public comments were given and Mayor Martinez proceeded to closed the public hearing at 8:53pm.
MOTION: Councilmember Ortiz moved to adopt a resolution overturning the Planning Commission’s determination to deny Planning Commission Case No. 2021- 04 CUP, to allow the use of a commercial building kitchen in a portion of an existing building located at 3355 East Gage Avenue, within the Manufacturing Planning Development (MPD) zone; and provide a one year time limit to address other concerns at which time the CUP will be brought back before the Planning Commission to confirm compliance, seconded by Councilmember Flores. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, and Mayor Martinez NOES: Vice Mayor Sanabria
END OF PUBLIC HEARING(S)
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
Chief of Police Cosme Lozano shared information regarding the next meet your police event on Thursday June 15, 2023 at 6:00pm at Raul Perez Park. He encouraged members of the community to participate.
Director of Parks and Recreation Cynthia Norzagaray announced that the graduation stage will be up in front of City Hall and available until June 25, 2023. She also announced the city will be hosting a blood drive at Salt Lake Park Gym from 10:00am to 4:00pm on June 13, 2023.
Director of Public works Cesar Roldan recognized that next week is national public works week and thanked all his staff for their hard work.
Director of Community Development Steve Forster shared his pride in the City Council during the state of the city address and all of the accomplishments mentioned by Mayor Martinez during his address.
Director of Communications Sergio Infanzon announced upcoming events and encouraged the entire community to visit the city’s website for additional information.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Ortiz congratulated Mayor Martinez for an amazing state of the city and thanked staff for all their hard work to execute the event. She closed by sharing her excitement with the positive feedback from the community regarding all the changes being noticed in the community and expressed that today’s Council meeting was great.
Councilmember Macias congratulated Mayor Martinez for a wonderful state of the city speech and overview of the great work being done in the city. She added that the staff does a great job and emphasized that Huntington Park is their home as well and thanked staff again for all their hard work.
Councilmember Flores echoed his fellow Councilmembers in congratulating Mayor Martinez on a great state of the city address. He then reminded everyone about the upcoming Memorial Day event on Monday May 29, 2023 at the Salt Lake Park Community Center from 11:30am to 3:00pm.
Vice Mayor Sanabria echoed her colleagues in congratulating Mayor Martinez on a great state of the city address. She added that Mayor Martinez’s father would be proud of him.
She then directed staff to take resource flyers to the senior facilities around the city.
Mayor Martinez began by thanking staff for always keeping everyone safe. He then thanked his Council colleagues for all their support for the state of the city event. He thanked the City Manager for all his hard work and leadership with directors and staff.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Martinez adjourned in memory of Julian Salcedo Jr. at 9:15 p.m. The next City of Huntington Park City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday June 6, 2023 at 6:00 pm Respectfully submitted
Eduardo Sarmiento, City Clerk