MINUTES
Meeting of the
City of Huntington Park City Council
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Huntington Park, California was called to order at 6:06 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 6550 Miles Avenue, Huntington Park, California; Mayor Karina Macias presiding.
PRESENT: Council Member(s): Esmeralda Castillo, Jonathan A. Sanabria, Eduardo “Eddie” Martinez, Vice Mayor Arturo Flores and Mayor Karina Macias ABSENT: None
CITY OFFICIALS/STAFF: City Manager Ricardo Reyes; Eduardo Sarmiento City Clerk; Cosme Lozano Police Chief; Steve Forster Director of Community Development and Interim Director of Public Works; Sergio Infanzon Director of Communications; Cynthia Norzagaray Director of Parks and Recreation; Gloria Ramirez Deputy City Attorney.
INVOCATION
Mayor Macias led the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Mayor Flores led the Pledge of Allegiance
PRESENTATION(S)
1. PROCLAMATION IN RECOGNITION OF MORRIS WILLIAMS 100TH BIRTHDAY
AND TRIBUTE TO HIS MILITARY SERVICE DURING WORLD WAR II
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following people provided public comment:
1. Omar Torres
2. Liliana
3. Aida Vega
4. Sonia Mendoza
5. Ray Lopez Chung
6. Roberto Guzman
7. Tamar Pena
8. George Rivera
9. Eva Veronica Centeno
10.Al Burlowe
11.Erica Cervantes
STAFF RESPONSE
None
At the conclusion of public comment Mayor Macias as chair of the meeting advised those present in the chambers that the agenda order will be changed and item number three (3) on the regular agenda would be deliberated on by the City Council prior to Closed Session.
3. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AGAINST DIGITAL DISCRIMINATION MOTION: Councilmember Martinez moved to Adopt a resolution against Digital Discrimination. Councilmember Castillo seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
AYES: Council Member (s): Castillo, Martinez, Sanabria, Vice Mayor Flores, and Mayor Macias
NOES: Council Member (s): None
ABSENT: Council Member(s): None
CLOSED SESSION
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION @ 7:12pm
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) Consideration of one (1) potential case
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) – One matter Mario Diaz v. City of Huntington Park WCAB Case Number: ADJ16546071
TIME RETURNED 7:54pm
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
Deputy City Attorney Gloria Ramirez reported that the record should reflect that with five (5) members of the City Council present both items on the closed session agenda were discussed. Regarding item one (1) on the closed session agenda, the City Council received a briefing, but no reportable action was taken. Regarding item two (2) on the closed session agenda, the City Council received a briefing, City Council provided direction, but no reportable action was taken. This concluded the closed session report.
All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items prior to the time the Council votes on the motion unless members of the Council, staff, or the public request specific items to be discussed and/or removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION: Mayor Macias moved to approve the consent calendar, second by Councilmember Martinez. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member (s): Castillo, Martinez, Sanabria, Vice Mayor Flores, and Mayor Macias
NOES: Council Member (s): None
ABSENT: Council Member(s): None
CITY CLERK
1. CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINTUES
RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
Approve Minute(s) of the following City Council Meeting(s):
1. Special City Council Meeting held August 5, 2024
FINANCE
2. CHECK REGISTER
RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Approve Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrant(s) dated August 20, 2024
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
REGULAR AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL
1. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF AN APPROPRIATION FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 FOR A BASEBALL CLINIC IN THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON PARK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PANTONE 294 MOTION: Councilmember Martinez moved to Consider and Approve general fund in Fiscal year 2024-25 for a Baseball Clinic, second by Councilmember Castillo. Motion passed unanimously.
AYES: Council Member (s): Castillo, Martinez, Sanabria, Vice Mayor Flores, and Mayor Macias
NOES: Council Member(s):None
ABSENT: Council Member(s): None
2. DISCUSSION FOR RENT STABLIZATION IN THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON PARK MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria requested staff conduct internal research using all methods available to provide a report and feasibility study regarding a rent stabilization plan and concurrently prepare what a rent freeze on residential and commercial property would look like prior to going to Request for Proposal (RFP) within 60 days of tonight’s Council meeting. Councilmember Martinez second the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
AYES: Council Member (s): Castillo, Martinez, Sanabria, Vice Mayor Flores, and Mayor Macias
NOES: Council Member(s): None
ABSENT: Council Member(s): None
3. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AGAINST DIGITAL DISCRIMINATION Regular agenda item number three (3) was deliberated on by the City Council prior to Closed Session
FINANCE
4. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO PURCHASE OF AN INTEGRATED
MOTOROLA COMPUTER-AIDED DISPATCH AND RECORD MANAGEMENT
SYSTEM WITH A MOTOROLA SECURITY CAMERA SYSTEM AND ENTRANCE
MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEM
MOTION: Vice Mayor Flores moved to authorize option one (1) an expenditure of $3,129,008.35 plus applicable taxes to purchase and install hardware and software from Motorola Solutions, Inc. Before a second to the motion Council member Sanabria asked staff to walk council through each option.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Mayor Macias made a substitute motion to approve option two (2) Authorize an expenditure of $1,265,636.00 plus applicable taxes to purchase and install of hardware and software from Motorola Solutions, Inc., and $1,896,447.20 plus applicable taxes to purchase and install of hardware and software from LANWAN Enterprise, Inc., for a total expenditure of $3,162,083.20 plus applicable taxes, seconded by Council member Castillo. Substitute Motion failed by the following vote.
AYES: Council Member(s): Castillo, and Mayor Macias
NOES: Council Member(s): Sanabria and Vice Mayor Flores ABSTAIN: Council Member(s): Martinez
MOTION #2: Vice Mayor Flores moved to authorize option one (1) an expenditure of $3,129,008.35 plus applicable taxes to purchase and install hardware and software from Motorola Solutions, Inc. Before a second to the motion Council member Sanabria asked staff to walk council through each option.
AYES: Council Member(s): Sanabria and Vice Mayor Flores NOES: Council Member(s): Castillo, and Mayor Macias
ABSTAIN: Council Member(s): Martinez
MOTION #3: Councilmember Sanabria moved to bring back the agenda item back to consideration in 30 days, along with both companies providing presentation of their submitted proposal as is and have staff prepare an RFP to rebid the project in case neither option is selected. Councilmember. Seconded by Vice Mayor Flores, the motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member (s): Castillo, Sanabria, Martinez, Vice Mayor Flores and Mayor Macias
NOES: Council Member(s): None
ABSENT: Council Member(s): None
POLICE DEPARTMENT
5. RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE STANDARD AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL GRANT ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM AND THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON PARK FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 ABC GRANT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FUNDING
MOTION: Vice Mayor Flores moved to approve the standard agreement between the department of alcoholic beverage control grant assistance program and the City of Huntington Park. Councilmember Sanabria second the motion. The Motion passed by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member (s): Sanabria, Martinez, and Castillo Vice Mayor Flores and Mayor Macias
NOES: Council Member(s): None
ABSENT: Council Member(s): None
6. CONSIDERATION TO RENEW AGREEMENT WITH ALL CITY MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. FOR SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD SERVICES AND ACCEPT
INCREASE IN COST
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria moved to renew agreement with all City Management Services, Inc. Second by Vice Mayor Flores. The Motion passed by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member (s): Sanabria, Martinez, and Castillo Vice Mayor Flores and Mayor Macias
NOES: Council Member(s): None
ABSENT: Council Member(s): None
CITY CLERK
7. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS COMMISSIONS
Councilmember Castillo appointed Graciela Ortiz to the Planning Commission.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
8. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL PARCEL MAP NO. 84377 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2501-2533 EAST 56TH STREET
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria moved to adopt a resolution approving final parcel map no. 84377. Second by Vice Mayor Flores. The Motion passed by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member (s): Sanabria, Martinez, and Castillo Vice Mayor Flores and Mayor Macias
NOES: Council Member(s): None
ABSENT: Council Member(s): None
PUBLIC WORKS
9. APPROVE FIRST AMENDMENT TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
WITH NCE FOR PREPARATION OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND ESTIMATE OF CIP 2023-01 SB1 STREET ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS
MOTION: Vice Mayor Flores moved to approve the first amendment to professional services agreement with NCE for preparation of plans, specifications, and estimates of CIP 2023-01 SB1 Street enhancement projects. Second by Councilmember Sanabria
AYES: Council Member (s): Sanabria, Martinez, and Castillo Vice Mayor Flores and Mayor Macias
NOES: Council Member(s): None
ABSENT: Council Member(s): None
PUBLIC HEARING(S)
1. UPHOLDING THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S DETERMINATION TO DENY PLANNING COMMISSION CASE NO. 2024-01 DA (DIRECTOR’S APPEAL), A
REQUEST FOR PLANNING COMMISSION TO MODIFY THE DETERMINATION
OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TO RESTORE LEGAL
NONCONFORMING STATUS FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2502 RANDOLPH STREET, WITHIN THE HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (R-H) ZONE.
During the City Council meeting the power at City Hall and the City Council chambers went out and a brief recess was called by Mayor Macias at 10:07pm while power was restored. Mayor Macias reconvened the meeting at 10:09pm.
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria moved to reverse the Planning Commission’s determination. The staff recommendation was amended to revise the Planning Commission’s decision and restore the business license and legal nonconforming status protocols. The Public Hearing opened at 9:40pm and closed at 10:47pm.
Second by Vice Mayor Flores. Motion carried my majority consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Sanabria, Martinez, Vice Mayor Flores NOES: Council Member (s): Castillo, and Mayor Macias
ABSENT: None
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
Finance Director Jeff Jones Reported that the Finance is under audit again with the state of California for maintenance effort. We are also on the way with Tyler Munis Implementation.
Parks and Recreation Director Cynthia Norzagaray thanked everyone for their support with the the back-to-school event. Over 3800 backpacks were distributed. Also, would like to thank public works with their assistance with the event. She also mentioned that after school program is open and free to all residents 7-17 years of age.
Community Development Director Steve Forster updated the City Council on the pavement condition index report. He stated staff working on the updated PCI report and will be bringing an item to the City Council within the next 30 days.
City Clerk Eduardo Sarmiento thanked the City Council for their diligence in filling commission vacancies. He added that he is working with the Communications Department to reach out to local high school for youth commission applicants.
Communication Director Sergio Infanzon reported that he will be following up with reaching out to high schools, about students getting involved with government. He then provided an updated on upcoming city events and encouraged everyone to visit the city website for additional information.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Maria De Jesus
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Council member Castillo thanked colleague and staff for their hard work. As well as wished the finance director happy birthday.
Council member Sanabria thanked the staff and stated that he values staff. During Councilmember Martinez’s request for a community clean up, Councilmember Sanabria requested to include the City Manager.
Council member Martinez thanked the staff. Wished a happy birthday to the Finance director. He then proposed having a community clean up in the fall. If people aren’t against it, he would like to with the mayor to get it up and running.
Vice Mayor Flores wants to reiterate that discourse is good for the city. He wants to thank the directors for the incredible work that they do. He wants a presentation or training with Directors regarding communication with the City Manager and City Council.
Wish the Finance Director a Happy Birthday. Directed City Manager to have Police Department grooming standards during the next council meeting. He also wants an audit of fuel use for various departments. He also wants a report on the Information Technology (I.T.) infrastructure. The report should consist of what we’ve spent money on, what we’ve gotten billed for and where that money has gone. Their contract is up for bid and I would like a clear picture of what we’ve gotten and paid for regarding our information technology contract. He then thanked the communications director regarding his work in the community outreach, and the Pantone event.
Mayor Macias thanked directors and staff for work and input. She then pointed out that she asked for input it’s not because she is playing favorites it’s because of her historical knowledge on the City Council she can say which folks can chime in on things here. She added that she hopes her colleagues can understand when she provides a historical aspect on things it not because I want to sway your votes but rather to provide prospective. She continued that she’s not taking about other council members in the past, but she’s had the fortitude of working with different colleagues in her twelve years and from each of them even the ones I disagreed with she gained wisdom and ideas or historical aspect even if didn’t want it I got it none the less. She just wants to make sure they keep in perspective the different things that were brought to the table by past leaders because it is important. As much as she disagreed with council members back in 2013-14, I have to admit I got some ideas that were good to implement. She added that she is a strong enough woman to admit that. She wants to make sure that it never falls on deaf ears because if not we will probably run over some good work that has been done in the past and that has continued to be done. She then thanked all staff present at the late hour and gave a special shout out to employee Jordan Martinez who is also resident of Huntington Park which is rare. She continued that she is normally not in the business of defending herself, but she does want to comment that was said by the City Manager that she forced him to have item number four on the agenda. She stated that she did not do that, and if it turned out that way or I provided a comment that that sounded that way that was not her case and she apologized for that because the reality is she never pushes staff on anything. She added that if we’re not ready we’re not ready and we’ll put it to the next agenda. And she wanted to say that because she doesn’t want her person to be disparaged in any way.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Macias adjourned the meeting in memory of Martha Morales Chang at 11:02 p.m.
The next City of Huntington Park City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024 at 6:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted
Eduardo Sarmiento, City Clerk