MINUTES
Meeting of the
City of Huntington Park City
Council Tuesday, February 18,
2025
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Huntington Park, California was called to order at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 6550 Miles Avenue, Huntington Park, California; Mayor Karina Macias presiding.
PRESENT: Council Member(s): Esmeralda Castillo, Jonathan Sanabria, Eduardo “Eddie” Martinez, Vice Mayor Arturo Flores, and Mayor Karina Macias ABSENT: Council Member(s): NA
CITY OFFICIALS/STAFF: Ricardo Reyes City Manager; Eduardo Sarmiento City Clerk; Steve Forster Director of Community Development; Gerardo “Jerry” Lopez Director of Public Works; Cynthia Norzagaray Director of Parks and Recreation, Sergio Infanzon Director of Communications; Arnold Alvarez- Glassman City Attorney.
INVOCATION
Mayor Macias led the Invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance
PRESENTATION(S)
1. None
CLOSED SESSION
Councilmember Sanabria motioned to move close session before public comment.
Second, Vice Mayor Flores. The City Attorney explained that public comments for the Closed Session items were recommended to take a separate Public Comment Portion; However, it was at the discretion of the council. Sanabria motioned to terminate public comment on closed session items, seconded by Vice Mayor Flores. The council proceeded to vote to terminate the public comment portion. Councilmember Castillo didn’t vote as she wasn’t on the dais. Councilmember Sanabria voted Yes.
Councilmember Martinez abstained from voting. Vice Mayor Flores voted Yes. Mayor Macias voted for No. Motion failed due to inability to obtain a majority. Vice Mayor Flores motioned to take a 5-minute recess before Public Comment, Motion dies failing to obtain second motion. Councilmember Sanabria motioned to table Closed Session item #2, Motion dies failing to obtain second motion. Time was reset after the council unanimously agreed to allow Public Comment on Closed Session item proceed as regular, then enter close session.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR CLOSED SESSION ITEM (ONLY)
• Esmeralda Castillo
STAFF RESPONSE
NA
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE INVOLVING JOINT POWERS AGENCY HUB CITIES
CONSORTIUM - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Government Code §§ 54956.9(d)(2) and 54956.9(e)(3)
One (1) potential matter
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Government Code §§ 54956.9(d)(2)
One (1) potential matter
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
Record convened into closed session with the four city council members who are currently sitting on the dais. Councilmember(s): Sanabria, Martinez, Vice Mayor Flores, and Mayor Macias. Two Items presented were discussed. First Item titled CONFERENCE INVOLVING JOINT POWERS AGENCY HUB CITIES CONSORTIUMANTICIPATED LITIGATION. Item was presented, no action was taken, briefing was provided to City Council by the City Attorney. Second Item titled CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- ANTICIPATED LITIGATION matter was discussed with the four members. Special council announcement report. The City Council went into closed session. They were provided with information of the absent councilmember regarding their residency the individual councilmember. The termination of the absent councilmember’s seat was made as the councilmember is ineligible to serve due to not residing within the boundaries of the City of Huntington Park, CA. Councilmembers will reconvene later to determine how to proceed with the appointment left by the termination of this council seat.
Mayor Macias publicly asked the City Attorney if she could state she was against this decision. Councilmember Sanabria requested a point of order regarding the comment made by Mayor Macias, under the grounds that this comment would be considered a violation of the Ralph M. Brown Act. The City Attorney explained that the way the comment was formulated was not a Brown Act violation; however, any further detail could be a Brown Act Violation. The City Attorney proceeded to state that there are Minutes from other Cities that have elected officials stating comments regarding the Closed Session Items.
CONSENT CALENDAR
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.
CITY CLERK
1. CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
Approve Minute(s) of the following City Council Meeting(s):
1. Special City Council Meeting held February 3, 2025
FINANCE
2. CHECK REGISTERS
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Approve Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrant(s) dated February 18, 2025 MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria motioned to approve the item. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Martinez. The motion was carried out by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member (s):, Sanabria, Martinez, Vice Mayor Flores, and Mayor Macias
NOES: Council Member (s): None
ABSENT: Council Member(s): None
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
REGULAR AGENDA
PUBLIC WORKS
1. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO AWARD CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION SERVICES TO CANNON AS A SOLE
SOURCE FOR WELL NO 16 AND PUMP STATION IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT.
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Waive formal bidding and award a sole source contract for construction management and inspection services to Cannon for the Well No. 16 and Pump Station Improvements Project.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and any related documents.
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria motioned to Waive formal bidding and award a sole source contract for construction management and inspection services to Cannon for the Well No. 16 and Pump Station Improvements Project.
Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and any related documents. The Motion was second by Councilmember Martinez. The motion was carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member (s): Sanabria, Martinez, Vice Mayor Flores, and Mayor Macias
NOES: Council Member (s): None
ABSENT: Council Member(s): None
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
2. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO AWARD A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT TO MNS ENGINEERING INC. FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES.
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Award a Professional Services Contract to MNS Engineers, INC. for the management and administrative services related to the City’s Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program (PLHA) funded through the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD); and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract agreement.
MOTION: Mayor Macias motioned to Award a Professional Services Contract to MNS Engineers, INC. for the management and administrative services related to the City’s Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program (PLHA) funded through the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD); and Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract agreement. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Martinez. The motion was carried out by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member (s): Sanabria, Martinez, and Vice Mayor Flores.
NOES: Council Member (s): Macias
ABSENT: Council Member(s): None
ABSTAIN: Council Member(s): Castillo
CITY CLERK
3. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEE
REORGANIZATION
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Make appointments to Commissions consistent with provisions set forth in Resolution No. 2025-01; and
2. Consider committee re-assignment to fill committee vacancies; and
3. Consider committee re-assignment or re-affirm current appointments; and
4. Add and/or delete any other temporary subcommittees, as appropriate.
APPOINTMENTS:
Councilmember Castillo’s appointments were vacated.
• Gerardo Lopez appointed as Delegate to the Gateway Water Management Authority.
• Hub Cities Consortium alternative elected as chair.
• Independent Cities Finance Authority Governing Board. • LA County Library District.
Councilmember Sanabria motioned to appoint Mario Rivas to the Arts and Theatre Commission.
Mayor Macias motioned to appoint Graciela Ortiz to the Health and Education Commission.
PUBLIC HEARING(S)
1. HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING TO REVIEW AND RECEIVE PUBLIC INPUT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FIVE-YEAR CONSOLIDATED PLAN 2025-2029 IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Conduct a Public Hearing; and
2. Receive public input, from all interested parties, on the development of the FiveYear Consolidated Plan 2025-2029.
Public Testimony Opened: 9:39 P.M.
Public Testimony Closed: 9:39 P.M.
Comments:
Councilmember Sanabria asked if we are ready to pivot with current federal administration that may cut federal funds.
Interim Community Development Director Sergio Infanzon asked that the city can tap into other resources, grants, foundations, etc. including state funding if that were the case.
Councilmember Sanabria requested we have multiple plans and courses of action to ensure no disturbances on resources.
MOTION: Mayor Macias motioned to Received public input, from all interested parties, on the development of the Five- Year Consolidated Plan 2025-2020. Receive public input, from all interested parties, on the development of the Five-Year Consolidated Plan 2025-2029. Councilmember Sanabria second the motion. The motion was carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member (s): Sanabria, Martinez, Vice Mayor Flores, and Mayor Macias.
NOES: Council Member (s): None
ABSENT: Council Member(s): None
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
City Manager: Thanked Staff for Hard Work.
Community Development: 2,900 residents have already registered through the RSO portal.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
City Clerk: Staff keeps helping wit the RSO. Staff working hard to answer in an appropriate time frame.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Sanabria: Thanked Public Works, Council, and City Manager to make sure parks are sage. Thanked City Manager for following the municipal code. Shout Out to kids for protesting in safe manner and thanked Police Department for protecting them.
Councilmember Martinez: Thanked for Safe Meeting. Community Clean up on Saturday @8:45am. Councilmember asked if we could have a discussion on the 3/3/25 council meeting regarding construction at Salt Lake Park and the City Pool.
Vice Mayor Flores: Thanked Public Works! Thanked Police Department. Nice seeing city come together on President’s day! He would like to see the pool/ lobbying done with Vendor and what we spent 120,000 dollars on and what we got in return.
Mayor Macias: Thanked staff! Apologies for staff and directors for incidents during the council meeting. She tries to always keep composure! Unfortunate that this had happened! Commitment is unwaivered. Thank you for today!
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Macias adjourned @ 9:54p.m. The next City of Huntington Park City Council meeting will be held on Monday, March 3
rd
, 2025, at 6:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Eduardo Sarmiento, City Clerk