MINUTES
Meeting of the
City of Huntington Park City Council
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Huntington Park, California was called to order at 6:07 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 6550 Miles Avenue, Huntington Park, California; Mayor Marilyn Sanabria presiding.
PRESENT: Councilmember(s): Graciela Ortiz, Eduardo “Eddie” Martinez., Arturo Flores, Vice Mayor Karina Macias and Mayor Sanabria
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; Gloria Ramirez City Attorney.
INVOCATION
Mayor Sanabria led the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Flores led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENTATION(S)
1. PRESENTATION OF INFRASTRUCTURE AWARD
2. COMMUNITY POLICE ACADEMY GRADUATE RECOGNITION
3. VETERANS PARK MEMORIAL REDEDICATION
4. FAMILY COURT AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION
5. RECOGNITION OF BOOK FAIR VOLUNTEERS
Mayor Sanabria called for a brief recess at 6:40pm after presentation two (2) of the agenda. Mayor reconvened the meeting at 7:01p.m.
At the conclusion of presentations Mayor Sanabria called for a five (5) minute recess at 7:16pm. Mayor reconvened the meeting at 7:21pm.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following people provided public comment:
1. Ahmed Hassanin
2. Luz Castro
3. Elida Catalan
4. Ana Cruz
5. Rosie Miranda
6. Rosie Brown
7. Hedi Flores Martinez
8. Sophia Wrench
9. Miguel Perez
10.Jovita Sandoval
11.Francisco Rivera
12.Elena Gonzalez
13.Baldomero Capiz
STAFF RESPONSE
Director of Community Development Steve Forster commented on the first public comment made. He clarified the city’s zoning standards and sited language in the municipal code providing context to code enforcement’s response to said retail store pointed out by the commentor. He added that communication continues with this business owner related to Americans with Disabilities Act standards the business must adhere to.
City Manager Ricardo Reyes also addressed the comment made related to housing and provided information on the partnership the city has with the Fair Housing Foundation to address the concerns of the commentor.
CLOSSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Proposed Class Action Settlements
City of Camden, et al., v. E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company, et al., No. 2:23-cv-03230-RMG
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Proposed Class Action Settlements
City of Camden, et al., v. 3M Company, No. 2:23-cv-03147-RMG Attorney Ramirez stated that it is appropriate to recess to closed session.
Vice Mayor Macias recessed into closed session at 8:03 p.m.
Mayor Macias reconvened the Council meeting from Closed Session at 8:27 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Ramirez reported that the record should reflect that with Councilmembers Martinez, Flores and Vice Mayor Macias of the City Council present the two (2) items on the posted agenda were discussed. Regarding items one (1) and two (2), the Council was briefed, and direction was given but no final action was taken. This concluded the closed session report.
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY CLERK
MOTION: Vice Mayor Macias moved to approve the consent calendar, seconded by Councilmember Flores. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Martinez, Flores, Vice Mayor Macias and Mayor Sanabria
NOES: None
1. CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINTUES
Approve Minute(s) of the following City Council Meeting(s):
1. Regular City Council Meeting held October 3, 2023
FINANCE
2. WARRANT REGISTER
RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Approve Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrant(s) dated November 07, 2023
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
3. SECOND READING OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON ORDINANCE ADOPTING
THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP AMENDMENTS FOR
CONSISTENCY WITH THE GENERAL PLAN TO IMPLEMENT THE 2021-2029
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
MOTION: Vice Mayor Macias moved to waive full reading and adopt Ordinance by title amending the municipal zoning code and zoning map for consistency with the general plan implementation of the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update, seconded by Councilmember Flores. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Martinez, Flores, Vice Mayor Macias and Mayor Sanabria
NOES: None
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
REGULAR AGENDA
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
4. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO INCREASE THE HOME REPAIR PROGRAM (HRP) MAXIMUM AMOUNT FROM $25,000 TO UP TO A $100,000
DEFERRED LOAN
MOTION: Councilmember Ortiz moved to Approve the amount increase from $25,000 up to $100,000 for the Home Repair Program, seconded by Councilmember Flores. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Martinez, Flores, Vice Mayor Macias and Mayor Sanabria
NOES: None
5. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO SOLICIT PROPOSAL FOR
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TO PROVIDE LEAD AND ASBESTOS TESTING
FOR THE HOME REPAIR PROGRAM (HRP) APPLICANTS
MOTION: Councilmember Flores moved to authorize staff to publish and solicit a Request for Proposal from qualified and independent environmental testing contractors to provide lead-based and asbestos consulting for HRP applicants, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Martinez, Flores, Vice Mayor Macias and Mayor Sanabria
NOES: None
PARKS AND RECREATION
6. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ACTIVITIES IN PUBLIC PLACES
PERMIT, FEE WAIVER AND AGREEMENT REQUEST BY EAST SIDE RIDERS BIKE CLUB FOR 2023-2024, “BICYCLE EDUCATION AND SAFETY TRAINING (BEAST).”
MOTION: Councilmember Flores moved to approve Activities in Public Places Permit for East Side Riders Bike Club to provide Bicycle Education and Safety Training for the City’s youth; and approve fee waiver request; and approve agreement with East Side Riders Bike Club for 2023-24 with an option to extend for up to two additional years if mutually agreed upon; and authorize City Manager to execute agreement; and waive all recommended fees, seconded by Vice Mayor Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Martinez, Flores, Vice Mayor Macias and Mayor Sanabria
NOES: None
PUBLIC WORKS
7. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO AWARD A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION
SERVICES FOR CIP 2019-02 SLAUSON AVE CONGESTION RELIEF PROJECT MOTION: Councilmember Flores moved to award the Professional Services Agreement to Ladayu Consulting Group for construction management and inspection services related to the oversight of CIP 2019-02 Slauson Ave Congestion Relief Project for a not-to-exceed amount of $450,385; and authorize the Finance Department to allocate funding into a project account number that will pay for this service while staff seeks reimbursement from Metro; and authorize the City Manager to execute the professional services agreement (PSA), seconded by Vice Mayor Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Martinez, Flores, Vice Mayor Macias and Mayor Sanabria
NOES: None
8. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO AWARD A CONSTRUCTION
CONTRACT FOR CIP 2019-02 SLAUSON AVENUE CONGESTION RELIEF
PROJECT
MOTION: Councilmember Ortiz moved to award the contract to All American Asphalt for the construction of CIP 2019-02 Slauson Avenue Congestion Relief Project as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder for a not to exceed fee of $9,143,090.77 (Option 2), which includes concreting five intersections where traffic signals will be upgraded and partially paid from reimbursable Metro Measure R grant funds; and approve a five percent (5%) construction contingency in the amount of $457,154.54 payable from designated funds chosen by the City Manager’s Office and Finance Department if Option 2 is chosen; and if the City Council elects to go with Option 2, authorize the City Manager’s Office and Finance Department to issue an account number and utilize designed funds to pay for the remaining balance ($3,269,630.31) and complete the Option 2 Project; and authorize the City Manager to execute the construction contract agreement and all applicable change orders in good faith, seconded by Vice Mayor Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Martinez, Flores, Vice Mayor Macias and Mayor Sanabria
NOES: None
9. APPROVE ACCEPTANCE OF WORK PERFORMED FOR CIP 2022-10 CDBG
ADA RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
MOTION: Councilmember Flores moved to Approve acceptance of work performed by Kalban, Inc. for the construction of CIP 2022-10 CDBG ADA Reconstruction Project; and authorize the reallocation of $205,531.85 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds towards the construction project for a total CDBG funding amount of $999,965.13; and authorize the reuse of $206,211.13 in Metro TDA Article 3 funds for another project; and authorize staff to execute the Notice of Completion (NOC) and direct the City Clerk to file the NOC with the Los Angeles County Recorder’s Office; and release the retention amount of $50,151.75 to Kalban, Inc. 35 days of the effective date of the recordation of the NOC, if no Stop Notices are filed within the 35-day period, seconded by Vice Mayor Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Martinez, Flores, Vice Mayor Macias and Mayor Sanabria
NOES: None
10. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION OF SANIGLAZE TO
THE JAIL AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Prior to discussion Community Director Steve Forster amended the actions to include a third (3) recommendation. This was requested to improve the traffic control for the event.
MOTION: Councilmember Ortiz moved pursuant to Huntington Park Municipal Code section 2-5.12 Formal Bid Procedures (i): Waive of Bidding. City Council, by a majority vote, may dispense with bidding and other procedures required by this chapter in any individual instance upon finding that it would be impracticable, useless or economically infeasible to follow such procedures and that the public welfare would be promoted by dispensing with them; and approve Advanced Tile Restoration’s (ATR Ventures) quote that includes all applicable equipment, material and labor to SaniGLAZE the jail at the Police Department for a not-to-exceed amount of $409,624; and partially payable from Account No. 111-8024-421.73-10 ($358,000); and due to rising costs in material and labor, there is a request for an additional appropriation of $51,624 into Account No. 111-8024-421.73-10 to pay for this service; and authorize the City Manager to execute the purchase order and all other applicable documentation, seconded by Vice Mayor Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Martinez, Flores, Vice Mayor Macias and Mayor Sanabria
NOES: None
11. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO SOLICIT PROPOSALS FOR THE
PREPARATION OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTIMATE OF NEW
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT, APPURTENANCES AND INGRESS AND EGRESS ENHANCEMENTS AS PART OF CIP 2022-04 PLAYGROUND AT KELLER PARK MOTION: Councilmember Flores moved to authorize staff to publish and solicit a Request for Proposal (RFP) from qualified landscape architectural or engineering firms for the preparation of Plans, Specifications and Estimate of new playground equipment, appurtenances, and ingress/egress enhancement as part of CIP 2022- 04 Playground at Keller Park, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Martinez, Flores, Vice Mayor Macias and Mayor Sanabria
NOES: None
12. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO PURCHASE A HEAVY-DUTY HYDRAULIC LIFT TO REPAIR THE CITY’S LARGE-SCALE VEHICLES AND
SHUTTLES
MOTION: Councilmember Flores moved pursuant to Huntington Park Municipal Code section 2-5.12 Formal Bid Procedures (i): Waive of Bidding. City Council, by a majority vote, may dispense with bidding and other procedures required by this chapter in any individual instance upon finding that it would be impracticable, useless or economically infeasible to follow such procedures and that the public welfare would be promoted by dispensing with them; and approve the purchasing of a heavyduty hydraulic lift to repair the City’s large-scale vehicles and bus shuttles from Dr.
Hydraulics, Inc. for a not-to-exceed amount of $189,438.70 payable from Account No. 741-8060-431.74-10; and authorize the City Manager to execute the quote (Attachment 1) and subsequent purchase order, seconded by Vice Mayor Macias.
Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Martinez, Flores, Vice Mayor Macias and Mayor Sanabria
NOES: None
FINANCE
13. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THIRD AMENDMENT TO THE
FINANCIAL AUDITING SERVICES PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON PARK AND EADIE+PAYNE, LLP MOTION: Councilmember Flores moved to review and adopt a Resolution for a General Plan Amendment to update the Housing Element, Health and Safety Element and Land Use Element; and waive full reading and introduce by title only an Ordinance to amend the Municipal Zoning Code Text and the Zoning Map; and review and certify the Environmental Assessment - ENV-2023-01-EA, seconded by Vice Mayor Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Martinez, Flores, Vice Mayor Macias and Mayor Sanabria
NOES: None
14. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO ENTER SOFTWARE SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE RELATED TO ACCOUNTING STANDARDS GASB 87 AND GASB 96 TO COMPLETE FISCAL YEAR 2022 AND FISCAL YEAR 2023 AUDITS MOTION: Vice Mayor Macias moved to approve the Proposal for a 3-year Software as a Service from DebtBook that allows for GASB 87 and GASB 96 reporting; and authorize City Manager to execute the agreement, seconded by Councilmember Flores. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Martinez, Flores, Vice Mayor Macias and Mayor Sanabria
NOES: None
CITY CLERK
15. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTIONS RELATED TO THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON PARK’S GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2023
MOTION: Councilmember Ortiz moved to adopt Resolution calling for the Holding of a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2023, for the Election of Certain Officers and Requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles to Consolidate the Election with any and all Elections also called to be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2023 and Requesting the Board to Render Specified Services to the City Relating to the Conduct of a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2023; and adopt a Resolution adopting regulations for candidates for elective office pertaining to candidates’ statement submitted to the voters at an election to be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2023; and adopt a Resolution providing for the conduct of a special runoff election for elective offices in the event of a tie vote at any municipal election, seconded by Vice Mayor Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Martinez, Flores, Vice Mayor Macias and Mayor Sanabria
NOES: None
16. COUNCIL APPOINTMENT TO THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Vice Mayor Macias appointed Guillermo Flores to the Civil Service Commission.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
17. TRANSPARENT REVIEW OF UNJUST TRANSFERS AND HOLDS (TRUTH) ACT
COMMUNITY FORUM
MOTION: Councilmember Ortiz moved pursuant to Government Code section 7283.1, present this item as a Community Form to inform members of the public of access to individual(s) granted to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency by the Huntington Park Police Department during calendar year 2022; and receive and file this information provided by the Huntington Park Police Department regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency access to individuals in calendar year 2022, seconded by Vice Mayor Macias. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Martinez, Flores, Vice Mayor Macias and Mayor Sanabria
NOES: None
END OF REGULAR AGENDA
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
Director of Parks and Recreation Cynthia Norzagaray thanked Council and staff for all the support with the Halloween event. She also invited the community to the Veterans Day celebration at Kelly Park from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. She closed by announcing that Huntington Park received the Dodger Dream Team grant for the upcoming year.
Public Works director Cesar Roldan reported that on November 6, 2023 the six electric vehicles were picked up and are now at the Public Works yard and will soon be ready for deployment.
Communications and Community Relations director Sergio Infanzon provided an update to the City Council related to the latest city newsletter. He also encouraged the community to visit the city website for upcoming events.
City Clerk Sarmiento thanked the Council for the opportunity to get to collaborate with and get to know other departments during the Halloween decoration event.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Ortiz thanked staff for their hard work during and in preparation of the Halloween event. She then took a moment to thank all the Veterans, especially those on the staff and on Council for their service to the country. She then thanked the Parks and Recreation department for their efforts in providing unique opportunities through the programing they provide, including the social media class geared to help senior utilize the modern tools available to them. She then welcomed East Side Riders Bike organization to Huntington Park and shared her excitement with the engagement opportunities they have to offer. She closed by honoring Cindy Montanez for her many contributions and commitment to her community, culture, and organizations.
Councilmember Martinez thanked staff for providing a safe space. He thanked the police department for recognizing Movember highlighting the importance of men’s mental health and awareness. He also recognized the code enforcement division for all their hard work and emphasized the improved aesthetics when commuting around the city. He also commented on the recent changes that have made the city more bike friendly with the addition of shared lanes for bikers. He closed by mentioning the non-profit organizations that provided public comment tonight and encouraged a meeting of the minds to clear up any misunderstanding related to the topic they spoke on.
Councilmember Flores echoed the comments of his colleagues thanking all department heads for their amazing work. He reflected on his year as a Councilmember and stated that he believes the right people have been placed in the right position to best serve the city. He closed by sharing his gratitude in working hand in hand with capable staff to move the city forward.
Vice Mayor Macias echoed her colleagues in thanking staff and directors for their hard work. She emphasized the effort put forward in the Halloween event, but it also shows the commitment to the residents and acknowledged the effort put forward to provide a great event the community deserves. She closed by encouraging everyone to come out for the Veterans Day event.
Mayor Sanabria echoed her colleagues in thanking staff for their commitment to providing a memorable Halloween event. She also mentioned her support for mental health services.
She then shared her excitement regarding the addition of the Bike Riders Club and opportunities for community engagement. She closed by reminding all residents of the holiday decoration contest that will run from November 20, 2023 to December 13, 2023.
On December 14, 2023 deliberations will be held to determine the winners. She then mentioned Cindy Montanez for the impact she had on the many communities she was involved with.
Vice Mayor Macias read a certificate of recognition for the late Cindy Montanez recognizing her efforts and commitment to the betterment of humanity and community.
ADJOURNMENT
Vice Mayor Macias adjourned the at 9:00 p.m. The next City of Huntington Park City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday November 21, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Eduardo Sarmiento, City Clerk