MINUTES
LA PUENTE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY
SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING OF
JANUARY 11, 2022
Per Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised 11" Edition, minutes are a record of the actions taken by the body. These minutes do not include a summary of the discussion but only reflect the action taken by the body. A complete audio recording of this meeting is available on the City's website www.lapuente.org.
A Special Closed Session and Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of La Puente was held in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 15900 East Main Street, La Puente, California, on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at 6:30 p.m.
6:30 P.M. SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Klinakis called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Klinakis, Munoz (via teleconference) Argudo, Quinones.
Members absent: None.
Staff members present: City Manager Bob Lindsey, City Attorney Victor Ponto (via teleconference), Assistant City Attorney Marc Tran (via teleconference), City Clerk Sheryl Garcia (via teleconterence), Management Analyst Martha Torres, Office Specialist Christine Soo, and Office Specialist Natalie Romo.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None.
RECESS INTO CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed into closed session at 6:36 p.m. to discuss items as posted on the agenda.
CLOSED SESSION
1. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9 subdivision (d)(1) (Lewis v. City of La Puente, Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 21STCV18841)
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
The City Council reconvened to open session at 7:20 p.m.
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Ponto reported that the City Council was given direction and the direction was received. He noted that no other reportable action was taken.
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SPECIAL MEETING BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE CITY
COUNCIL/SUCCESOR AGENCY
SM-I DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING CITY COUNCIL VACANCY City Attorney Ponto stated that on November 17, 2021, the City Council declared a vacancy for one seat on the City Council. He provided the City Council with the following options regarding filling the vacant seat: (1) fill the seat by appointment, in which the appointee would hold office until the general municipal election held on November 8, 2022, (2) call a special election to fill the vacancy, and (3) default into a special election by taking no formal action.
Mayor Klinakis opened the nominations for the vacated City Council seat.
Council Member Argudo nominated John Solis as a candidate to fill the vacant seat.
A motion was made by Council Member Argudo to appoint John Solis as a City Council Member. The motion failed for lack of a second.
Council Member Quinones nominated Nadia Mendoza as a candidate to fill the vacant seat.
A motion was made by Council Member Quinones, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz to appoint Nadia Mendoza as a City Council Member. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Quinones
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
City Manager Lindsey inquired about the effective start date for the newly appointed Council Member. He noted that Nadia Mendoza serves on the Planning Commission and would need to vacate her seat.
City Attorney Ponto stated that assuming the nominee accepts the position, the effective start date would follow her oath of office and resignation of her seat on the Planning Commission.
ORAL COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL/SUCCESOR AGENCY
ORAL COMMENTS FROM STAFF
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Klinakis adjourned the closed session at 7:27 p.m.
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7:00 P.M. REGULAR SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Klinakis called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Klinakis, Munoz (via teleconference), Argudo, Quinones.
Members absent: None.
Staff members present: City Manager Bob Lindsey, City Attorney Victor Ponto (via teleconference), Assistant City Attorney Marc Tran (via teleconference), City Clerk Sheryl Garcia (via teleconference), Director of Administrative Services Troy Grunklee, Director of Development Services John Di Mario, Finance Manager Alexander Merkel-Medina, Management Analyst Martha Torres, Office Specialist Christine Soo, and Office Specialist Natalie Romo.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Klinakis led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Klinakis presented Lucky Lily Lisa with a certificate to recognize her compassion, caring, generosity, and faithfulness to the people and businesses in need. He commended her for gifting the community with necessary supplies and products that made a difference in people's lives.
Council Member Argudo thanked Lucky Lily Lisa for being supportive to the community and donating PPE during the pandemic. He recognized her generosity and involvement in the community.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Jesus E. Terriquez expressed concern about the increase of criminal activity in front of his family residence. He requested that the City in collaboration with other responsible agencies develop short term and long-term solutions to eliminate the criminal activity. Moreover, he suggested the following solutions: development of a telephone hotline, frequent patrol from the L.A. County Sheriff's Department and Union Pacific Railroad police, frequent visits from the City maintenance team to pick up abandoned stolen items, and the installation of surveillance cameras in the area.
BOARDS/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REPORTS - None
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A. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETINGS A-1 READ AND APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE CITY COUCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETINGS NOVEMBER 17, DECEMBER 8, AND DECEMBER 14, 2021 A motion was made by Council Member Argudo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz to waive the reading and approve the Minutes of the City Council and Successor Agency meetings November 17, December 8, and December 14, 2021. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Quinones
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
B. PUBLIC HEARINGS BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL
B-1 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITY'S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 Director of Development Services Di Mario gave an annual report regarding the Community Development Block Grant expenditures. He noted that the Department of Housing and Urban Development allocated $350,000 to the City for fiscal year 2022-23. He further recommended that the City Council continue the utilization of the CDBG monies to fund the City's senior services, housing rehabilitation, and code enforcement programs.
Mayor Klinakis opened the public hearing at 7:53 p.m. There being no members of the public wishing to speak, Mayor Klinakis closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Council Member Argudo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz, to adopt Resolution No. 22-5676 authorizing the City's CDBG Program for Fiscal Year 2022-
23. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz., Argudo, Quinones
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL - None
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D. CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Council Member Argudo, seconded by Mayor Klinakis, to approve Consent Calendar Items D-1 through D-6. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Quinones
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
D-1 CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS APPROVING WARRANT REGISTER NO. 1521
Action Taken: The City Council and Successor Agency adopted Resolution No. 22-5677 approving Warrant Register No. 1521.
D-2 CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF A 30-DAY RESOLUTION REGARDING
THE CONDUCT OF TELECONFERENCED MEETINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AND OTHER CITY BODIES UNDER THE MODIFIED RULES SET FORTH UNDER GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54953(E) AND OTHER APPLICABLE
PROVISIONS AS AMENDED BY AB 361
Action Taken: The City Council and Successor Agency adopted Resolution No. 22-5678, authorizing the City Council, City Boards, and all Commissions of the City continue to hold teleconferenced meetings from January 13, 2022 through February 13, 2022.
D-3 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF
ELECTRONICALLY FILED CLAIMS
Action Taken: The City Council and Successor Agency adopted Resolution 22-5679 authorizing the acceptance of electronically file claims.
D-4 CONSIDERATION OF A PURCHASE ORDER CONTRACT WITH A-Z BUS SALES FOR THE PURCHASE OF A TRANSIT BUS IN THE AMOUNT OF $116,051.65 Action Taken: The City Council: (1) approved the purchase order contract with Creative Bus Sales for purchase of a transit bus; and (2) authorized the City Manager to execute, on behalf of the City, all documents necessary to effectuate this action.
D-5 RECEIVE AND FILE THE CITY'S ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2021
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, the Independent Accountant's report on the Appropriations Limit Worksheet, the Independent Auditor's Report on Internal Control, and the Statement on Auditing Standard No. 114 Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021.
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D-6 CONSIDERATION OF CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER FOR THE STREET IMPROVEMENTS ON VARIOUS CITY STREETS FY 2020-21 PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $255,000
Action Taken: The City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a contract change order with Onyx Paving Company in the amount of $255,000.
E. NEW BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
E-1 CONSIDERATION OF: (1) APPOINTMENTS TO REGIONAL BOARDS; AND (2) A
RESOLUTION APPOINTING SPECIFIC REPRESENTATIVES TO THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS.
Mayor Klinakis appointed himself as the delegate to the San Gabriel Mosquito & Vector Control District.
Mayor Klinakis requested that Staff bring back the remainder of this item at the next City Council meeting to give the newly appointed Council Member an opportunity to partake in the appointment process.
E-2 CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS TO AD
HOC COMMITTEES
Mayor Klinakis requested that Staff bring back this item at the next City Council meeting to give the newly appointed Council Member an opportunity to partake in the appointment process.
E-3 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION OF THE LA PUENTE CITY COUNCIL
APPROVING A FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE SITE LEASE, FIRST AMENDMENT
TO THE LEASE AGREEMENT, A FIRST SUPPLEMENT TO THE TRUST AGREEMENT; AND AUTHORIZE CERTAIN ACTIONS IN CONNECTION WITH
THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF CERTIFICATES OF PARTICIPATION IN THE AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $4,000,000 Director of Administrative Services Grunklee provided a report regarding the financing of the energy efficiency and solar PV improvements for the City.
A motion was made by Council Member Argudo, seconded by Mayor Klinakis, to adopt Resolution No. 22-5681 approving a first amendment to the site lease, a first amendment to the lease agreement, a first supplement to the trust agreement, and authorize certain actions in connection with the execution and delivery of Certificates of Participation in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $4,000,000.00. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Quinones
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
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E-4 UPDATE, DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING LA PUENTE
SUPPLEMENTAL SALES REVENUE EXPENDITURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (MAYOR KLINAKIS)
City Manager Lindsey requested to bring this item back at a future City Council meeting.
E-5 UPDATE, DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING CURRENT AND
UPCOMING PROJECTS AT LA PUENTE PARK
City Manager Lindsey provided an update regarding the pending and upcoming improvements at La Puente Park. He spoke regarding the construction of the maintenance shed and shared that a geological survey would be conducted in the near future. He noted the completion of the roadway into the maintenance yard. He stated that the soccer field retaining wall would be completed following the delivery of the soccer ball impressions at the end of January and that the concrete would be ready to pour by February 14". Moreover, he noted that Turf Nation would be scheduled to come in immediately after the concrete is poured. He specified that National Fitness would be installing the fitness center structure on February 28 and that the playgrounds would be completed Mid-March. Lastly, he reported that Director of Developmental Services Di Mario and the landscapers have worked to install a water capture system near the maintenance yard and soccer field.
Council Member Argudo requested that Staff address flooding issues at the skate park and the basketball court.
Discussion ensued regarding the installation of a water capture system at the park.
Council Member Quinones recommended that Staff bring back the Little League parade as an item at a future City Council meeting.
E-6 DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING ALLOCATION OF AMERICAN
RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDS
Mayor Klinakis recommended allocating $5,000 to the La Puente Community Foundation to continue administering events at the park.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz noted that the La Puente Community Foundation provides the community with access to additional resources, services, and free programming. She expressed support for Mayor Klinakis' recommendation and matched the $5,000 allocation.
Council Member Argudo supported the recommendation and matched the $5,000 allocation to the La Puente Community Foundation.
Council Member Quinones expressed his support of the recommendation and matched the $5,000 allocation to the La Puente Community Foundation. He further proposed partnering with the San Gabriel Valley LGBTQ+ Center to promote inclusivity, representation, and recognition of the LGBTQ+ community within the City, as well as providing the organization with an office space. He noted that a dedicated space would provide the community with access to direct services, resources, and programs. Lastly, he requested CC/SA MINUTES PAGE 7 OF 9 JANUARY 11, 2022
support from the City Council to allocate $50,000 of the ARPA monies to build out a sustainable program for the LGBTQ+ community in the City.
Council Member Argudo expressed support for promoting inclusivity within the community and recommended that a better course of action would be to thoroughly plan and investigate the project further prior to allocating the ARPA funds.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz recommended that Council Member Quinones form an AD HOC committee dedicated to building out a LGBTQ+ program.
Discussion ensued regarding partnering with the San Gabriel Valley LGBTQ+ Center.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz made a motion, seconded by Mayor Klinakis to partner with the San Gabriel Valley LGBTQ+ Center, earmark the $50,000 for the organization with the understanding that funds will be allocated following additional data demonstrating that federal standards are met, and create a LGBTQ+ ADHOC Committee. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz, Quinones
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Argudo
ABSENT: None
Mayor Klinakis made a motion, seconded by Council Member Argudo to allocate $20,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act Fund to the La Puente Community Foundation. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Quinones
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
Code Enforcement: Nothing to report.
La Puente Park Master Plan and Youth Program Oversight: Nothing to report.
Comprehensive Fee Schedule: Nothing to report.
Park Ordinance Oversight: Nothing to report.
Public Health: Nothing to report.
Business Outreach and Reopening: Nothing to report.
Project LEAD: Nothing to report.
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Community Safety and Welfare: Council Member Quinones reiterated the Community Safety and Welfare goals to create and promote short- and long-term solutions to reduce crime, foster partnerships with law enforcement and community-based organizations, and divert individuals out of the criminal justice system. He spoke of the establishment of the Program Reemployment Outreach Services (PROS) team to better address issues within the community. He noted that the committee is presently creating a beautification program and mural project to combat graffiti.
Council Member Argudo provided a presentation regarding the accomplishments of the PROS team.
Homeless: Nothing to report.
AB 1234 REPORTS - None
ORAL COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Mayor Klinakis spoke of the COVID-19 testing drive that the City hosted in conjunction with the Los Angeles County. He noted that there was extensive support to host and quickly mobilize the event. He further thanked Staff and those in participation of the event. Lastly, he announced that the City of Industry would be hosting a COVID-19 testing site for the entire month of January.
ORAL COMMENTS FROM STAFF
City Manager Lindsey thanked the City Council for recognizing the PROS team and sharing their successes. He thanked Director of Developmental Services John Di Mario for assisting at the COVID-19 testing event and Staff present to carry out the City Council meeting. Lastly, he wished absent Staff a speedy recovery.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Klinakis adjourned the meeting at 9:52 p.m.
Approved this 25" day of January of 2022.
Charl Mills
Sheryl Garcia Charlie Klinakis
City Clerk Mayor/Chair
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