MINUTES
LA PUENTE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY
CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING OF
MARCH 8, 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 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, March 8, 2022, at 6:30 p.m.
6:30 P.M. CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Klinakis called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones.
Members absent: None.
Staff members present: City Manager Bob Lindsey, Assistant City Attorney Jesse Jauregui, Assistant City Attorney Marc Tran, City Clerk Sheryl Garcia, Management Assistant Cece Dunlap, Office Specialist Christine Soo, and Office Specialist Natalie Romo.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None.
RECESS INTO CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed into closed session at 6:32 p.m. to discuss the item 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)
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RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
The City Council reconvened to open session at 7:00 p.m.
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Assistant City Attorney Jauregui reported that the city council received a briefing, and that closed session would reconvene after the regular session.
7:00 P.M. REGULAR SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Klinakis called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones.
Members absent: None.
Staff members present: City Manager Bob Lindsey, Assistant City Attorney Jesse Jauregui, Assistant City Attorney Mare Tran, City Clerk Sheryl Garcia, Director of Administrative Services Troy Grunklee, Director of Development Services John Di Mario, Management Assistant Cece Dunlap Office Specialist Christine Soo, and Office Specialist Natalie Romo.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Klinakis led the pledge of allegiance.
PRESENTATIONS
Project LEAD student, Serenity Olvera from Sparks Middle School shared her positive experience in her leadership course and participating in the mural project. She expressed that Project LEAD has inspired her to be involved in future activities and events. She further spoke of the Virtual Science Olympic Event and the La Puente Quad upcoming art event on March 30, 2022. Lastly, she stated that Project LEAD students are looking forward to additional opportunities to be involved in the City.
Project LEAD student, Jorge Espinoza from Sparks Middle School shared his experience participating in the canned food drive and the mural project. He further spoke of the College & Career Campaign activity that allowed students to correspond with colleges they are interested in.
He expressed excitement for future opportunities to share Sparks Middle School highlights and achievements with the City Council.
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Principal Collin Miller from Sparks Middle School thanked the City Council for involving students in the City mural project and giving them the opportunity to participate. He also shared the school's "Deeds of Difference" canned food drive was able to donate 435 canned food items to St. Joseph's church. He spoke of the College & Career campaign event "You've Got Mail Monday's" that teaches students how to formally communicate with colleges. Lastly, he spoke of the Virtual Career Day event that exposed students to various professions.
Mayor Klinakis presented Sparks Middle School Project LEAD with a certificate recognizing their participation in the Unruh mural project. He noted that the experience was an amazing accomplishment for Project LEAD students that the City would cherish and remember. Lastly, he thanked Sparks Middle School for their continued support and dedication to the community.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None
BOARDS/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REPORTS
Council Member Mendoza reported her attendance of the March 3, 2022, League of California Cities L.A. Division meeting. She stated that the topics covered were regarding redistricting and the importance of advocacy for the community.
Mayor Klinakis reported his attendance of the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District meetings and noted that there has been an uptick of mosquitos within the community. He suggested that Staff post information regarding the increase of mosquitos on the City's website.
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 22, 2022
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 meeting of February 22, 2022. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
B. PUBLIC HEARINGS BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL - None
C. UNFINISHED BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL - None
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CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Argudo pulled item D-4 for further discussion.
A motion was made by Council Member Argudo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz, to approve Consent Calendar Items D-1 through D-3, and D-5 through D-9. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING WARRANT REGISTER NO.
Action Taken: The City Council and Successor Agency adopted Resolution No. 22-5694 approving Warrant Register No. 1525.
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 adopted Resolution No. 22-5695, authorizing the City Council, City Boards, and all Commissions of the City continue to hold teleconferenced meetings from March 16, 2022 through April 14, 2022.
D-3 CONSIDERATION OF A GENERAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY
OF LOS ANGELES FOR PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES
Action Taken: The City Council: (1) adopted Resolution No. 22-5696 approving the General Services Agreement with the County of Los Angeles for as-needed services; and (2) authorized the City Manager to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City.
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D-4 CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A FIFTH AMMENDMENT TO THE
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH HDL COREN & CONE FOR
PROPERTY TAX MANAGEMENT SEVICES
Council Member Argudo pulled this item for further discussion.
Council Member Argudo inquired if the fifth amendment to the professional services agreement would give HDL Coren & Cone an additional two years to a five-year contract.
Director of Administrative Services Grunklee clarified that the fifth amendment would give HDL Coren & Cone an additional year to the contract. He noted that HDL Coren & Cone provides property tax analysis services that are currently utilized by the Finance Department and Developmental Services Department.
Council Member Argudo recommended that following the completion of the additional year contract with HDL Coren & Cone, the City should bid for these services to ensure competitiveness.
A motion was made by Council Member Argudo, seconded by Mayor Klinakis, to: (1) approve the Fifth Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with HDL, Coren & Cone; and (2) authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz., Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
D-5 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2021/2022
OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGETS
Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 22-5697 amending the adopted Operating and Capital Budgets for Fiscal Year 2021/22.
D-6 CONSIDERATION OF A MAINTENANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MOON
VALLEY NURSERY FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF LARGE SPECIES TREES AT LA PUENTE PARK IN THE AMOUNT OF $431,748.83 Action Taken: The City Council: (1) awarded the contract to Moon Valley Nursery in the amount of $431,748.83; and (2) authorized the City Manager to execute the Agreement and approve change orders up to 10% of the original bid amount.
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D-7 CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZATION TO SOLICIT BIDS FOR PHASE 2 OF THE
BUS SHELTER REPLACEMENT/INSTALLATION PROJECT AT VARIOUS
LOCATIONS IN THE CITY
Action Taken: The City Council: (1) approved the plans and specifications for the Bus Shelter Replacement/Installation Project; and (2) authorized staff to solicit bids.
D-8 SECOND READING AND ADOPTION 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 Action Taken: The City Council adopted 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.
D-9 CONSIDERATION OF A PURCHASE ORDER CONTRACT WITH ACE FENCING CO. FOR THE INSTALLATION OF FENCING AT LA PUENTE PARK IN THE AMOUNT OF $49,035.60
Action Taken: The City Council: (1) approved the purchase order contract with Ace Fencing Co. in the amount of $49,035.60; and (2) authorized the City Manager to execute the Agreement and approve change orders up to 10% of the original bid amount; and (3) adopted Resolution No. 22-5698 amending the FY 21/22 Capital Budget.
E. NEW BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
E-1 DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING ESTABLISHMENT OF A BUILDING
RECOGNITION PROGRAM (MAYOR KLINAKIS)
Mayor Klinakis suggested implementing a program that recognizes older buildings and homes throughout the City.
Council Member Argudo supported the implementation of a building recognition program and noted that it would preserve the City's history and culture.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz supported the implementation of a building recognition program and suggested incorporating it into a LEAD program project. She explained that Project LEAD students could research the various buildings in the community and give recommendations for historical locations. She noted that this would give Project LEAD students a new opportunity to be involved with City projects.
Director of Developmental Services Di Mario expressed his support of Mayor Pro Tem Munoz' suggestion and stated that Staff would be prepared to guide Project LEAD students throughout the process. He inquired if the building recognition program would be a more CC/SA MINUTES PAGE 6 OF 8 MARCH 8, 2022
of identification program to recognize the buildings or a historical building preservation program.
Mayor Klinakis clarified that the program he suggested would be solely for recognizing the older buildings and homes. He further allocated $3,000 of his discretionary fund to the building recognition program.
The City Council gave direction to Staff to: (1) explore the suggested building recognition program with Project LEAD; (2) provide a presentation at a future City Council meeting; and (3) allocate $3,000 of Mayor Klinakis' discretionary funds to the program when the appropriate time comes.
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 thanked Sparks Middle School for attending the City Council meeting and noted the completion of the mural project on Unruh Avenue. He further reported that he is working with Council Member Mendoza to involve more schools in the community in the mural project.
Community Safety and Welfare: Nothing to report.
Homeless Oversight: Nothing to report.
LPQT Action Committee: Nothing to report.
AB 1234 REPORTS - None
ORAL COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Mayor Klinakis thanked the LA County Sheriff's Department for doing a great job. He noted that he has been getting great feedback regarding the flock camera system.
Council Member Quinones spoke of his experience attending the La Puente Softball opening day at the park. He shared that it was a great event and thanked Staff for helping organize it. Lastly, he recognized the social media team for their relevant, clear, and informative posts.
Mayor Klinakis announced that the La Puente Food Bank with the Methodist Church would not be distributing food for the next two weeks. He shared that the food bank is working to reorganize and reopen soon.
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ORAL COMMENTS FROM STAFF
City Manager Lindsey reported the installation of the water capture system at the park along the main roadway and Temple Avenue. He further noted that the installation for the water pump would occur over the weekend, as well as the water cannons installation for the soccer field. Lastly, he stated that the large trees would be planted throughout the park over the course of the next three weeks.
RECESS INTO CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed into closed session at 7:36 p.m. to discuss the item 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 8:25 p.m.
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Assistant City Attorney Jauregui reported that the City Council received a briefing on the matter and were introduced to Christopher Carpenter who is outside legal counsel. He further reported that the City Council decided to hire Christopher Carpenter as the new outside counsel to represent the defendant in this matter subject to an approval of an agreement acceptable to the City Attorney and the City Council.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Klinakis adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m.
Approved this 22nd day of March, 2022.
Charts While
Sheryl Garcia Charlie Klinakis
City Clerk Mayor/Chair
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