MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the
City of Huntington Park City Council
Monday, March 17, 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 Monday, March 17, 2025, in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 6550 Miles Avenue, Huntington Park, California; Mayor Karina Macias presiding prior to Regular Agenda Item #1 and New Mayor Arturo Flores presiding after Regular Agenda Item #1.
PRESENT: Council Member(s): Sanabria, Martinez, Vice Mayor Flores, and Mayor Macias
ABSENT: None
CITY OFFICIALS/STAFF: City Manager Ricardo Reyes; Eduardo Sarmiento, City Clerk; Cosme Lozano Police Chief; Gerardo “Gerry” Lopez Public Works Director; Jeff Jones Finance Director; Sergio Infanzon Community Development Director; Cynthia {Post Item #2} Andrew Sarega City Attorney.
INVOCATION
Mayor Macias led the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENTATION(S)
1. PROCLAMATION FOR WOMEN’S MONTH
2. CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION FOR VOLUNTEERS
3. PET OF THE MONTH
4. RECOGNITION OF OUTGOING MAYOR KARINA MACIAS
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following people/ person provided public content:
1. Rubacalva
2. Valentin Amezquita
3. Linda Caraballo
4. Rudy Cruz
5. Albert Robles
6. SBA Program Representative [Gary Anderson]
7. David Sanchez
8. Miriam Romo
9. Jane Doe
10.Vicente Carena
11.Mathew Thompson
12.Jane Doe
13.Erica Gonzalez
14.Ana
15.Alberto
16.John Doe
17.Maria De Los Angeles
18.Maria Sanchez
19.Jane Doe
20.Mr. Capriz
STAFF RESPONSE
All concerns and issues were addressed accordingly.
MOTION
MOTION: At this point of the meeting Councilmember Sanabria motioned to move Closed Session after the Regular Agenda, but before the Public Hearing Portion of the Agenda. Vice Mayor Flores seconded the motion. The motion was carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Sanabria, Martinez, Vice Mayor Flores, and Mayor Macias.
NOES: None
CONSENT CALENDAR
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 28, 2025
2. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON PARK, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 5, CHAPTER 21, ARTICLE 1, SECTION 5-21.102(e) OF THE HUNTINGTON
PARK MUNICIPAL CODE
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Waive the full reading and adopt by title only an ordinance amending the Huntington Park Municipal Code by amending Title 5, Chapter 21, Article 1, Section 5-21.102(e) of the Huntington Park Municipal Code.
3. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE UPDATING SIDEWALK VENDING REGULATIONS IN COMPLIANCE WITH SB 946 AND SB 972 IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Waive the full reading and adopt by title only an ordinance amending the City’s sidewalk vending regulations.
POLICE DEPARMENT
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,
INCLUDING APPROVAL TO USE THESE FUNDS FOR THE PURCHASE OF A
MOBILE VIDEO SURVEILLANCE TOWER
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Accept the reimbursable grant funding in the amount of $45,577.00; and
2. Approve a budget appropriation in the amount of $48,523 for the purchase of the Mobile Video Trailer for the police department; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to be designated as the Grantee Official for the purpose of executing grant objectives, grant agreement, and documentation; and
4. Authorize the Finance Director to assign expenditure and reimbursement accounts for these grant funds, and
5. Authorize the Chief of Police to purchase the equipment.
FINANCE
5. CHECK REGISTERS
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Approve Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrant(s) dated March 17, 2025 MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria motioned to approve Vice Mayor Arturo Flores AYES: Council Member(s): Sanabria, Martinez, Vice Mayor Flores, and Mayor Macias
NOES: None
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
REGULAR AGENDA
CITY CLERK
1. SELECTION OF MAYOR AND VICE MAYOR FOR A TERM OF ONE YEAR IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Deliberate, nominate, and vote for a sitting Council Member to serve as Mayor for a term of one year; and
2. Deliberate, nominate, and vote for a sitting Council Member to serve as Vice Mayor for a term of one year.
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria motioned to nominate Vice Mayor Flores for the position of Mayor. Councilmember Martinez seconded the motion. The motion carried by majority consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Sanabria, Martinez, and Vice Mayor Flores NOES: Mayor Macias
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria motioned to nominate Councilmember Eduardo “Eddie” Martinez for the position of Vice Mayor. Mayor Flores seconded the motion. The motion was carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Sanabria Martinez, Macias, and Mayor Flores
NOES: None
It is at this point that the chair for the 3-17-2025 Huntington Park Regular City Council Meeting becomes newly appointed Mayor Arturo Flores.
2. 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 or re-affirm current appointments; and
3. Add and/or delete any other temporary subcommittees, as appropriate.
Motion: Vice Mayor Martinez will become Delegate for California Contract Cities Association. Alternate will become all other councilmembers.
Motion: The board member for the Southeast Gateway Line Corridor Cities Committee (Formerly Eco Rapid Transit) will become Councilmember Karina Macias. The alternate will become Councilmember Jonathan Sanabria Motion: The delegate for the Gateway Cities Council of Governments will become the Mayor Arturo Flores. The alternate will become Councilmember Jonathan Sanabria.
Motion: The delegate for the Metro Service Council (part of Gateway Cities Council of Government) will remain Councilmember Karina Macias.
Motion: The Gateway Water Management Authority delegate will become Public Works Director Gerardo Lopez. The alternate will be Marla Flores.
Motion: The delegate for the HUB Cities Consortium will become Councilmember Jonathan Sanabria. The alternate will be all the other council members.
Motion: The delegate for the Independent Cities Finance Authority Governing Board – ICFA will become Vice Mayor Martinez. The alternate will be all other council members.
Motion: The delegate for the Independent Cities Risk Management Authority Governing Board -ICRMA will remain City Manager Ricardo Reyes. The alternate will be City Clerk Eduardo Sarmiento. The sub alternate will be Risk Manager Marisol Nieto.
Motion: The delegate for the LA County City Selection Committee will be Mayor Flores. The alternate will be Vice Mayor Martinez.
Motion: The delegate for the Consolidated Oversight Board 1st District (Formerly L.A. County Oversight Committee) will be Finance Director Jeff Jones.
Motion: The delegate for the Los Angeles County Library District will become Mayor Flores. The alternate will be Vice Mayor Martinez
Motion: The delegate for the Los Angeles County Sanitation District No. 1 will be Mayor Arturo Flores. The alternate will be Vice Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Motion: The delegate for the Los Angeles County Vector Control District will remain Marylin Sanabria.
Motion: the delegate for the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) will be Councilmember Jonathan Sanabria. The alternate will be Vice Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
CITY MANAGER
3. CONSIDERATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF ANDREW SAREGA AS INTERIM CITY ATTORNEY AND WAIVER OF 30-DAY NOTICE FOR ARNOLD M. ALVAREZ-GLASMAN’S RESIGNATION
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Appoint Andrew Sarega as Interim City Attorney while the City comprehensively searches for a permanent City Attorney; and
2. Waive the 30-day notice requirement provided by Arnold M. Alvarez-Glasman regarding his resignation as City Attorney.
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria motioned to appoint Andrew Sarega as Interim City Attorney while the City comprehensively searches for a permanent City Attorney; and Waive the 30-day notice requirement provided by Arnold M. Alvarez-Glasman regarding his resignation as City Attorney. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Martinez. The motion was carried by majority consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Sanabria, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Flores NOES: Council Member(s): Macias
END OF REGULAR AGENDA
CLOSED SESSION
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH CITY’S DESIGNATED LABOR REPRESENTATIVES City’s Representatives: Ricardo Reyes, City Manager, Bryce Tyler, Human Resources Consultant
Employee Organization: Huntington Park Police Management Association (PMA) Government Code § 54957.6
2. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE
Government Code § 54957
END OF CLOSED SESSION
PUBLIC HEARING ITEM(S)
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
1. HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE ADOPTION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN AND TITLE 9, ZONING OF THE HUNTINGTON PARK MUNICIPAL CODE TO IMPLEMENT HOUSING PROGRAMS 7, 10 AND 13.
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Conduct a Public Hearing and public testimony; and
2. Adopt Amendment No. 2025-01, amending the Downtown Specific Plan; and
3. Adopt Amendment No. 2025-02, Title 9, Zoning, of the Huntington Park Municipal Code.
Public Comment Opened: 8:49 p.m.
Public Hearing Comments:
1) Ms. Covarrubias
2) Maria De Los Angeles
3) Valentin Amezquita
4) John Doe
5) Ms. Esperanza
6) Raymond Doe
7) Jane Doe
Public Comment Closed: 9:00 p.m.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Martinez requested we conduct more public education about this topic. Councilmember Sanabria motioned to conduct a Public Hearing and Public Testimony; and Adopt Amendment No. 2025-01, amending the Downtown Specific Plan; and Adopt Amendment No. 2025-02, Title 9, Zoning, of the Huntington Park Municipal Code. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Karina Macias.
AYES: Council Member(s): Sanabria, Macias, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Flores
NOES: Council Member(s): None
2. HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING TO RECEIVE PUBLIC INPUT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ANNUAL ACTION PLAN (AAP) 2025-2026
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 Annual Action Plan 2025-2026.
Public Comment Opened: 9:25 p.m.
Public Hearing Comments:
• Manuel Doe
Public Comment Opened: 9:26 p.m.
MOTION: Councilmembers motioned to receive and file this item.
3. CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF
THE ANALYSIS OF IMPEDIMENTS TO FAIR HOUSING CHOICE REPORT IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Conduct a public hearing; and
2. Take public testimony; and
3. Adopt the Fiscal Year 2025-2029 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice; and
4. Authorize City Manager to execute all required documents for transmittal to the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD).
Public Comment Opened: 9:29 p.m.
Public Hearing Comments:
• None
Public Comment Opened: 9:30 p.m.
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria motioned to Conduct a public hearing; and take public testimony; and Adopt the Fiscal year 2025-2029 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice; and Authorize City Manager to execute all required documents for transmittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD). The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Martinez. The motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Sanabria, Macias, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Flores
NOES: Council Member(s): None
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
Items were briefed and discussed. Nothing to report.
END OF CLOSED SESSION
PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
Parks and Recreation: Congratulation to newly appointed Mayor Arturo Flores.
Congratulations to Former Mayor Karina Macias. She also welcomed all to the 5K on Saturday, March 22 2025
Public Works: Congratulation to newly appointed Mayor Arturo Flores and newly appointed Vice Mayor Eduardo Martinez! Director Lopex reported that the concrete walkway dropped today in Salt Lake Park! The park will reopen soon as before! City Clerk: Congratulations to newly appointed Mayor Arturo Flores and Vice Mayor Eduardo Martinez. City Clerk Sarmiento then proceeded to conduct the second reading of the Street Vendor Amendment and the Pet Ordinance.
Finance: Congrats to all the finance staff for everything! Spent extra hours preparing the 2025-26 budget!
Police: Thanked former Mayor Macias, now Councilmember Macias for her leadership.
Congratulations to the newly appointed Vice Mayor Eduardo Martinez and Mayor Arturo Flores. Looking forward to their leadership. Welcomed interim City Attorney Andrew Sarega.
Community Development: In regard to the Rent Stabilization Ordinance. He had originally opened the workshop for 4 days. However, this week only 2 days had been opened due to the decrease in numbers of attendees. However, we can move back to 4 days if council deems necessary.
Communications: Earth Day Clean up event will be held on Saturday, April 19th, 2025. Art Walk event will be held on Saturday, April 27th 2025.
City Attorney: Thank you to City Council for the opportunity to serve as an Interim City Attorney.
City Manager: Congratulations to Mayor Arturo Flores and Vice Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Looks forward to working with the new City Council this year. Thanked Mayor Macias for her leadership this past year.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Mariam Romo: City Constituent submitted written comment regarding allocating or reallocation of funds to assist with animal and animal care for constituents. Potential City of Huntington Park SEACA Center.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Macias: Thanked Directors and Staff all their amazing work! Wish everyone good night! Thank you all for coming to the Council Meeting! Councilmember Sanabria: Congratulations to Mayor Arturo Flores and Vice Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Wants to let community members know that we do have their backs.
Precisely why he worked so hard to pass the Sanctuary City Ordinance! Why does he works so hard for protection of public goods, making sure this starts with City Transportation! He would like for us to start looking into Marijuana Dispensaries! Also, he would like to move forward with the Term Limit Ordinance for council members. He would also like staff to be more accessible and transparent when answering phone calls.
Looks forward to parking projects being implemented. Thanked staff for all their hard work.
Vice Mayor Martinez: Congratulations to Former Mayor Karina Macias for her previous leadership. Congratulations to newly appointment Mayor Arturo Flores. He also encouraged the public to participate in the Huntington Park 5K, which was set to be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025
Mayor Flores: Thanked colleagues for their support. It’s a great honor to see that you have faith and confidence in his leadership enough to allow him to serve as mayor. It’s something he doesn’t take lightly. It’s a responsibility that he is ready to step into on day one. Thanked directors for their service during uncertain times and tumultuous times. We still have a city to run, and services to provide for our residents. We have a job to do, despite what has occurred in the past. Last week him and his wife, welcomed their first baby girl to the world. He is a homeowner. He is going to raise his daughter in the city.
He will do everything in his power to make sure that this city is a strong city for the next generation. He is committed to the city. He asks that staff also remains loyal to the city. If you’re loyal to the city, you’re good in his book.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Mayor Flores adjourned the meeting of Monday, March 17, 2025 @9:43pm.
The next Huntington Park City Council meeting to be held on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Eduardo Sarmiento, City Clerk