MINUTES
LA PUENTE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING OF
FEBRUARY 22, 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 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, February 22, 2022, at 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Klinakis called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Klinakis, Argudo (arrived at 7:07pm), Quinones, Mendoza.
Members absent: Munoz.
Staff members present: City Manager Bob Lindsey, Assistant City Attorney Jesse Jauregui, City Clerk Sheryl Garcia, Deputy City Attorney Stephanie Arechiga (via teleconference), Director of Administrative Services Troy Grunklee, Director of Development Services John Di Mario, Finance Manager Alexander Merkel-Medina, Senior Planner Abraham Tellez, Management Assistant Cece Dunlap, and Office Specialist Natalie Romo.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Klinakis led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Klinakis presented Eli Tawil with a certificate recognizing his commitment, dedication, and community involvement to the City. He further expressed appreciation to him for providing food vendors at the La Puente Community Foundation events.
Eli Tawil presented the La Puente Community Foundation with a $4,500 donation.
Community Engagement Supervisor Hernandez thanked Eli Tawil on behalf of the La Puente Community Foundation for contributing to the success of their events.
Management Analyst Torres presented Community Services Supervisor Dominguez with a certificate recognizing her 15 years of services to the City of La Puente.
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Community Services Specialist Cindy Saucedo commemorated Community Services Supervisor Adriana Dominguez and her many accomplishments.
City Manager Lindsey thanked Community Services Supervisor Adriana Dominguez for her service and accomplishments.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None.
BOARDS/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REPORTS - None
A. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY
MEETINGS
A-1 READ AND APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETINGS OF FEBRUARY 8, 2022
A motion was made by Council member Argudo, seconded by Council Member Mendoza, to waive the reading and approve the Minutes of the City Council and Successor Agency meetings of February 8, 2022. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Argudo, Quinones, Mendoza
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Munoz
B. PUBLIC HEARINGS BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL
B-1 GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 21-02 - CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 21-02 FOR THE 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT OF THE LA PUENTE GENERAL PLAN AND AN
INITIAL STUDY/NEGATIVE DECLARATION, REGARDING SAME
Director of Developmental Services Di Mario provided a report regarding the 2021-2029 6"h Cycle Housing Element.
RRM Design Group provided a presentation regarding the reviewed 2021-2029 6" Cycle Housing Element.
Mayor Klinakis opened the public hearing at 7:37 p.m. There being no members of the public wishing to speak, Mayor Klinakis closed the public hearing.
Council Member Argudo inquired regarding the Mixed-Use Zoning Program and the City's current compliance with Assembly Bill 1398.
Mayor Klinakis inquired regarding the affect the City's compliance may have on state funding the City may receive.
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Senior Planner Tellez noted that the City had previously not received SB2 state grant funding for not complying with state law on the 5'' Housing Cycle Element.
Mayor Klinakis inquired regarding the definition of low-cost housing.
Discussion ensued regarding the different categories of affordable housing and Accessory Dwelling Units.
A motion was made by Mayor Klinakis, seconded by Council Member Quinones, to adopt Resolution No. 22-5690 approving General Plan Amendment No. 21-02 for the 2021-2029 Housing Element and approve the initial study and negative declaration in accordance with the CEQA guidelines. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Argudo, Quinones, Mendoza
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Munoz
C. UNFINISHED BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL - None
D. CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Klinakis pulled Item D-7 for further discussion.
Council Member Argudo pulled Item D-6 for further discussion.
A motion was made by Council Member Argudo, seconded by Mayor Klinakis, to approve Consent Calendar Items D-1 through D-5 and D-8. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Argudo, Quinones, Mendoza
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Munoz
D-1 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING WARRANT REGISTER NO. 1524
Action Taken: The City Council and Successor Agency adopted Resolution No. 22-5691 approving Warrant Register No. 1524.
D-2 CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR
DECORATIVE FENCING AND MOW STRIP AT LA PUENTE PARK SKATE PARK
AND BASKETBALL COURTS
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Action Taken: The City Council: (1) accepted the project as complete; and (2) authorized the City Clerk to execute the Notice of Completion.
D-3 CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE RIGHT OF ENTRY
AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF INDUSTRY FOR THE REPAINTING OF THE
AZUSA AVENUE BRIDGE OVER VALLEY BOULEVARD
Action Taken: The City Council: (1) approved Amendment No. 1 to the Right of Entry Agreement with the City of Industry; and (2) authorized the City Manager to execute the amendment on behalf of the City.
D-4 PRESENTATION OF JANUARY 2022 REQUISITION SUMMARY REPORT Action Taken: The City Council received and filed the requisition summary report for January 2022.
D-5 PRESENTATION OF JANUARY 2022 INVESTMENT REPORT
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed this report.
D-6 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION DECLARING OPPOSITION TO INITIATIVE 21-0042A1
Council Member Argudo pulled this item for further discussion.
Finance Manager Merkel-Medina provided a report regarding the recommended opposition to initiative 21-0042A1.
Council Member Argudo stated he would not be able to support opposition to the initiative without supplemental information regarding the independent analysis.
The City Council directed Staff to come back with additional information regarding the opposition to initiative 21-0042A1.
D-7 CONSIDERATION OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH WESTBERG + WHITE, INC FOR ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN SERVICES FOR AN
ACTIVITY CENTER BUILDING AT LA PUENTE PARK IN THE AMOUNT OF $181,240.00
Mayor Klinakis pulled this item for further discussion.
Director of Developmental Services Di Mario provided a presentation regarding the architectural design services for the Activity Center at La Puente Park.
Council Member Quinones inquired about the reason behind making the activity and community center two separate buildings.
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Representative of Westberg + White, Inc., Frisco White explained that the separation of both buildings would be to avoid potential code upgrades on the existing building. He noted that the activity center would be connected to the community center via an outdoor pathway.
Mayor Klinakis inquired regarding the range of services provided by Westberg + White, Inc. and bathroom areas for the activity center.
Director of Developmental Services Di Mario noted that the community center would be open at all times for bathroom access.
Discussion ensued regarding the proposed conceptual site plan for the activity center.
A motion was made by Mayor Klinakis, seconded by Council member Argudo to: (1) approve the Agreement with Westberg + White, Inc. for Architectural Design Services in the amount of $181,240.00; (2) authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City, and (3) include bathroom areas on the conceptual site plan. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Argudo, Quinones, Mendoza
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Munoz
D-8 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2021/2022
CAPITAL BUDGET
Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 22-5693 amending the adopted Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2021/22.
Mayor Klinakis welcomed Sergeant Bryan Smith and his team from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Sergeant Smith introduced incoming Deputy Sam Yao and Deputy Gene Gonzalez. He stated that both sheriff deputies would be joining the LP SAO team and that Deputy Yao would also join the Homeless Deputies team.
E. NEW BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
E-1 PRESENTATION OF JANUARY 2022 BUDGET REPORT
Finance Manager Merkel-Medina provided a report regarding the January 2022 Budget Report.
Mayor Klinakis inquired about the placement of funding for the La Puente Park projects.
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City Manager Lindsey clarified that funds for the La Puente Park projects are earmarked and set aside for future allocation.
Mayor Klinakis inquired about the financial impact of losing funds such as the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) monies.
City Manager Lindsey noted that the ARPA monies are used towards one-time transactions. He clarified that the $2.1 million for the Activity Center at the park had not been programmed yet and noted that the City Council would have to discuss regarding the funding source for the project.
Council Member Argudo recommended planning for the long-term sustainability of newly adopted and implemented programs that are funded using ARPA monies.
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed this report.
E-2 DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING ALLOCATION OF AMERICAN
RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDS
Director of Administrative Services Grunklee recounted the motions to allocate ARPA monies at the February 8, 2022 City Council meeting. He recommended that the City Council ratity the allocations to the La Puente Community Foundation, San Gabriel Valley LGBTQ+ Center, and the La Puente Women's Club.
Council Member Argudo recommended the approval of the allocation of funds using the direction provided to Staff at previous City Council Meetings.
Mayor Klinakis requested that $5,000 of his discretionary funds be allocated to the La Puente Women's Club to be used at their 100" Anniversary event.
A motion was made by Mayor Klinakis, seconded by Council Member Argudo to: (1) allocate $15,000 of Mayor Pro Tem Munoz's and Council Member Argudo's discretionary funds to the La Puente Community Foundation for a total amount of $30,000; (2) allocate $50,000 of Council Member Quinones's discretionary funds to the San Gabriel Valley LGBTQ+ Center; and (3) allocate $5,000 of Mayor Klinakis discretionary funds to the La Puente Women's Club. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Argudo, Quinones, Mendoza
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Munoz
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E-3 DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING THE LA PUENTE ACADEMIC
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM GUIDELINES (COUNCIL MEMBERS ARGUDO AND
QUINONES)
Council Member Quinones provided a report regarding the revisions to the La Puente Academic Scholarship program guidelines. He noted their ability to award 17 scholarships of $500 each. He clarified that the revision to the guidelines would promote more inclusivity and an increase of participating applicants.
Council Member Argudo clarified that the revisions would make the scholarship a more accessible opportunity for students.
Discussion ensued regarding the revisions to the La Puente Academic Scholarship program guidelines and qualifying candidates.
Council Member Mendoza recommended that the application deadline be extended to a date near the later weeks of May or April.
Mayor Klinakis recommended that monetary awards be available to the scholarship recipients for six months.
Council Member Argudo recommended that veterans returning to schools be eligible applicants of the scholarship.
Mayor Klinakis supported Council Member Argudo's recommendation and further suggested including active military members as eligible applicants.
The City Council directed Staff to: (1) include veterans and active military returning to school; (2) extend the application deadline to May 15, 2022; and (3) extend time to expend funds to January 30, 2023.
E-4 INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 2.04.120(c) (RULES OF DECORUM FOR MEETINGS) OF THE LA
PUENTE CITY MUNICIPAL CODE TO PERMIT THE CITY COUNCIL TO AMEND
THE RULES OF DECORUM FOR ADDRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL THROUGH
RESOLUTION
City Clerk Garcia provided a report regarding the consideration of amending the rules of decorum for addressing the City Council through resolution.
Mayor Klinakis recommended amending the allotted speaker time to three minutes.
Council Member Argudo clarified that the City does not intend to hinder transparency with the community by amending the allotted speaker time. He noted that residents can request additional minutes at the discretion of Mayor approval. He further requested that Staff CC/SA MINUTES PAGE 7 OF 9 FEBRUARY 22, 2022
include a disclaimer on the agenda that states there is an orderly manner and no use of slander or profanity allowed when addressing the City Council.
Assistant City Attorney Stephanie Arechiga made a recommendation to edit the last line of Section C.4 to read "La Puente Successor Agency".
A motion was made by Mayor Klinakis, seconded by Council Member Mendoza to: (1) waive reading of Ordinance No. 22-978 and read by title only; (2) and introduce Ordinance No. 22-978 Amending Section 2.04.120(c) (Rules of Decorum for Meetings) of the La Puente City Municipal Code to Permit the City Council Amend the Rules of Decorum for Addressing the Council through Resolution; (3) amend the allotted speaker time to three minutes to be included in the Resolution (4) include a disclaimer on the agenda that states there is an orderly manner and no use of slander or profanity allowed when addressing the City Council; and (5) edit the last line of the Ordinance Section C.4 to read " La Puente Successor Agency". The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Argudo, Quinones, Mendoza
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Munoz
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.
Project LEAD: Council Member Quinones provided an update on the mural project with Sparks Middle School. He reported that the mural was near completion. He further spoke of the students who participated and shared their positive experience.
Community Safety and Welfare: Council Member Argudo reported a future goal to create a more involved and robust educational committee. He identified a need for involvement of stakeholders such as guidance counselors, teachers, and board members to assist in advisement.
Council Member Quinones reported that the PROS team is reaching out to guidance counselors at schools within the City to help promote the scholarship opportunity to students.
Homeless Oversight: Nothing to report.
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LPQT Action Committee: Council Member Quinones expressed excitement for expanding LGBTQ+ resources to the La Puente community. He further introduced San Gabriel Valley LGBTQ+ President Camila Camaleón to the City Council.
President Camila Camaleón from the San Gabriel Valley LGBTQ+ Center expressed excitement to work with the City of La Puente. She stated that the San Gabriel Valley LGBTQ+ Center is a place to promote a safe and inclusive environment for all people of all orientations and gender identities; foster advocacy, education, and respect for individuals of all sorts; and provide resources that encourage cultural diversity, healthy living, and full achievement of personal potential.
AB 1234 REPORTS - None
ORAL COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Mayor Klinakis thanked all Staff and Director of Developmental Services Di Mario for the street improvements. He further expressed content with the undergoing park projects.
ORAL COMMENTS FROM STAFF
City Manager Lindsey thanked the public works staff for stepping in when they witnessed a group vandalizing an area of the park.
ADJOURMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Klinakis adjourned the meeting at 9:44 p.m. in memory of Charlie Aguirre.
Approved this 8"' day of March 2022.
Chanks Mull
Sheryl Garcia Charlie Klinakis
City Clerk Mayor/Chair
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