MINUTES
LA PUENTE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY
CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING OF
APRIL 12, 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, April 12, 2022, at 6:00 p.m.
6:00 P.M. CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Klinakis called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo (arrived at 6:06 p.m.) Mendoza, Quinones.
Members absent: None.
Staff members present: City Manager Bob Lindsey, City Attorney Jesse Jauregui (via teleconference), City Clerk Sheryl Garcia, Director of Administrative Services Troy Grunklee, Director of Development Services John Di Mario, Director of Community Services Alexander Bauman, Office Specialist Christine Soo, and Office Specialist Natalie Romo.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Klinakis led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None.
RECESS INTO CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed into closed session at 6:01 p.m. to discuss the item as posted on the agenda.
CLOSED SESSION
1. THE CITY COUNCIL WILL RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION, CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION, Pursuant to Government Code 54956.9 (d)(1) - City of La Puente v. Dank City et al, LASC Case # 21PSCV00417 CC/SA MINUTES PAGE 1 OF 9 APRIL 12, 2022
2. THE CITY COUNCIL WILL RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION, Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8:
Property Location/Owners: 651 Glendora Avenue, La Puente, California, 91744, Assessor's Parcel Number 8213-023-004 - Robert F. Tran and Jacqueline Hsu City Negotiators: Bob Lindsey, City Manager and John DiMario, Director of Development Services Under Negotiation: Price and terms for acquisition of the real property
3. THE CITY COUNCIL WILL RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION, CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) (two cases)
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
The City Council reconvened to open session at 7:05 p.m.
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Assistant City Attorney Jesse Jauregui reported that the City Council convened to discuss three items on the agenda. For the first item, he reported that the City Council received a briefing, but no further action was taken. Regarding the second item, he reported that the real property negotiators were given direction and authority. For the third item, he reported that there was an active discussion, but no further action was taken.
Mayor Klinakis stated that closed session would reconvene after regular session. 7:00 P.M. REGULAR SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Klinakis called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones.
Members absent: None.
Staff members present: City Manager Bob Lindsey, City Attorney Jesse Jauregui (via teleconference), City Clerk Sheryl Garcia, Director of Administrative Services Troy Grunklee, Director of Development Services John Di Mario. Director of Community Services Alexander Bauman, Office Specialist Christine Soo, and Office Specialist Natalie Romo.
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PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Klinakis presented Nancy Jolley, a long-time Hacienda Heights resident and OneLegacy volunteer Ambassador, with a proclamation declaring April 2022 as "Donate Life Month". Ms.
Jolley thanked the City Council and further shared donor/ recipient stories that demonstrated the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation.
Council Member Argudo presented the family of Hortencia Flores with a certificate recognizing her long-standing contributions to the La Puente community. Carlos Valenzuela thanked the City Council and spoke regarding the joyful, giving, and accomplished life of Ms. Flores.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Rosa Rodriguez., accompanied by her brother Antonio Rodriguez, spoke regarding their concerns of exposure to secondhand smoke. She further requested that the City Council implement a smoke- free ordinance to improve the general health of residents.
Suzanne Madison expressed concern regarding the progress of the smoke-free ordinance.
Manuel Maldonado spoke regarding the COVID-19 relief fund and half-cent tax spending and oversight committee, the upcoming general municipal election in November 2022, and Hacienda La Puente Unified School District regarding redistricting. He further introduced school board candidate, Noemi Aguilar. Ms. Aguilar spoke regarding the importance of providing students with quality academic resources and education.
Modesta Lopez submitted a written comment regarding the importance of implementing a smoke- free ordinance.
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 MARCH 22, 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 March 22, 2022. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
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B. PUBLIC HEARINGS BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL - None
C. UNFINISHED BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL - None
D. CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz, seconded by Mayor Klinakis, to approve Consent Calendar Items D-1 through D-8. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
D-1 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING WARRANT REGISTER NO. 1527
Action Taken: The City Council and Successor Agency adopted Resolution No. 22-5701 approving Warrant Register No. 1527.
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. 22-5702, authorizing the City Council, City Boards, and all Commissions of the City continue to hold teleconferenced meetings from April 15, 2022 through May 15, 2022.
D-3 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 22-5689,
DECLARING AS SURPLUS PROPERTY ONE VEHICLE IN THE CITY'S FLEET,
AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF THE SURPLUS VEHICLE BY ENTERPRISE FLEET
MANAGEMENT FOR THE SALE OF THE VEHICLES
Action Taken: The City Council: (1) adopted Resolution No. 22-5703 rescinding Resolution 22-5689 and declared as surplus property, one vehicle in the City's fleet, authorizing the sale of the surplus vehicle at auction; and (2) authorized the City Manager to execute the Agreements on behalf of the City.
D-4 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2021/2022
OPERATING BUDGET
Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 22-5704 amending the adopted Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2021/22.
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D-5 CONSIDERATION OF AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO KORMEX CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR THE LA PUENTE PARK SIDEWALK
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $178,625.00
Action Taken: The City Council: (1) awarded the contract to Kormex Construction, Inc. in the total amount of $178,625; (2) authorized the City Manager to execute the Agreement and approve change orders up to 10% of the original bid amount; and (3) approved Resolution No. 22-5705 amending the Fiscal Year 2021/2022 Capital Budget.
D-6 CONSIDERATION OF AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO WEST
COAST TURF FOR LA PUENTE PARK SOD INSTALLATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $132,300.00
Action Taken: The City Council: (1) awarded the contract to West Coast Turf in the amount of $132,300.00; (2) authorized the City Manager to execute the Agreement and approve change orders up to 10% of the original bid amount; and (3) approved Resolution No. 22-5706 amending the FY 2021/2022 Capital Budget.
D-7 CONSIDERATION OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN EXPOSHOWS, INC. AND THE
CITY FOR A PYROTECHNIC DISPLAY FOR THE CITY'S FORTUNATO JIMENEZ INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $31,500
Action Taken: The City Council: (1) adopted Resolution No. 22-5707 adopting findings to dispense with the competitive bidding process; (2) approved the Agreement with Exposhows, Inc. in the amount of $31,500; and (3) authorized the City Manager to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City.
D-8 CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH SIEMENS INDUSTRY INC. FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL
MAINTENANCE SERVICES
Action Taken: The City Council: (1) approved Amendment No. 3 with Siemens Industry, Inc.; and (2) authorized the City Manager to execute the amendment on behalf of the City.
Council Member Argudo recommended recessing into closed session at this time.
RECONVENE TO CLOSED SESSION
The City Council reconvened to closed session at 8:08 p.m.
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Assistant City Attorney Jauregui reported that the City Council convened to discuss the two anticipated litigation items, briefing was provided, and direction was given to staff for both.
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RECONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION
The City Council reconvened to regular session at 8:48 pm.
E. NEW BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
E-1 UPDATE, DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING CURRENT AND
UPCOMING PROJECTS AT LA PUENTE PARK
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz thanked the City Council for the opportunity to provide a park update. She communicated that park projects are approaching completion and that moving forward with specific projects would require discussion and approval of items.
City Manager Lindsey introduced the new Director of Community Services, Alexander Bauman, and noted that he would be involved with the remainder park projects. He further provided an update regarding prior year completed projects at La Puente Park.
Director of Administrative Services Grunklee provided a presentation regarding prior year projects, current year and ongoing projects, and upcoming projects at La Puente Park.
Discussion ensued regarding current and upcoming projects at La Puente Park.
Regarding the picnic area, City Staff received a quote from Innovative Playgrounds to purchase and install four shade structures including picnic tables, trash cans, and barbeque pits for a total amount of $362,612.83. City Council reached a consensus to approve this item.
Regarding the soccer field shade area, City Staff received quote from Innovative Playgrounds to purchase and install six shade structures at the east end of the field for an amount of $118, 971.83. Council Member Argudo recommended opting for a tree line in the soccer field area to provide a more naturally shaded area. City Council reached a consensus to purchase only three metal shade structures totaling a new amount of $59,485.91.
Regarding the fitness court shade area, City Staff received a quote from Innovative Playgrounds to purchase and install six shade structures at the east end of the field for an amount of $49,902.89. Council Member Argudo recommended eliminating the proposed shade structures for user safety reasons. Mayor Klinakis added that the fitness court equipment would be prone to reaching high heat levels without shading over the area.
Council Member Argudo agreed and recommended the installation of an overhead shade screen like the shade structure located at the courtyard of the Community Center. Based on the recommendations, the City Council reached a consensus to have Staff get a quote for the one overhead shade structure.
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Regarding the bandstand stage pavilion, City Staff received a quote from Innovative Playgrounds to purchase and install a stage pavilion that will be raised two inches above the ground and will be accessible on four sides including an ADA ramp for a total amount of $403,465.71. City Council reached a consensus to approve this item.
Regarding the restroom renovation, City Staff recommended approving an amount not to exceed $85,000 for the design and engineering of the renovation. Director Grunklee noted that funding for the renovation would be paid from the RMC, Measure A, and Senator Susan Rubio grant monies. Mayor Klinakis recommended adding onto to the center restroom to create a needed storage space. Based on the recommendation, the City Council reached a consensus to approve this item and extend the center restroom to use as storage.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz put forward and supported a recommendation made by both Council Member Mendoza and Council Member Quinones to implement more art forums.
She further recommended repainting the snack bar and restrooms with an aesthetic color.
Council Member Argudo also requested funding toward the purchase of additional trees.
A motion was made by Mayor Klinakis, seconded by Council Member Argudo to: (1) approve the picnic area; (2) approve three soccer field shade structures; (3) eliminate the six shade structures at the fitness court area and acquire a quote for one shade structure in that area; (4) approve the bandstand stage pavilion; (5) approve the restroom renovation and acquire a quote to extend the center restroom to use as storage; (6) location search for an art forum at the park; (7) repaint the park restrooms with uniform colors; and (8) allocate an additional $200,000 to the purchasing of trees. The motion carried with the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
A motion was made by Council Member Argudo, seconded by Mayor Klinakis to extend the City Council meeting past 10:30 p.m. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz., Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
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E-2 DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING NAMING RIGHTS FOR THE LA
PUENTE NATURE CENTER AND OTHER CITY FACILITIES (MAYOR KLINAKIS) Mayor Klinakis proposed renaming the La Puente Nature Center in honor of U.S.
Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano. He noted her presence at City events, as well as her support of the La Puente community.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz noted that U.S. Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano initially provided the funding for the La Puente Nature Center.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz, seconded by Council Member Argudo to rename the La Puente Nature Center to the Grace F. Napolitano Nature Center. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz., Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING CURRENT AND FUTURE
PROGRAMMING WITHIN THE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
(MAYOR KLINAKIS)
Mayor Klinakis recommended initiating the process of preparing community and senior programming as the majority of park projects approach completion. He mentioned his efforts to acquire a school department building, located on the service road, for the Senior Center. He further emphasized a need for senior focused programming that provides them access to the renovated park.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz recommended implementing programs for and/or related to walking, fitness, community skating, or yoga. She further suggested utilizing the recently awarded grant, meant to create job opportunities, to fund talent to run those programs. She mentioned efforts to create additional pocket parks that provide additional open spaces.
Mayor Klinakis mentioned discussion with the Bassett school board and the County Supervisor to establish pocket parks in the Bassett area.
AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS - None
AB 1234 REPORTS - None
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ORAL COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Mayor Klinakis thanked staff for the late night and noted a need to efficiently inform the public of all City accomplishments, as well as the spending of funds. In response to a concern about the spending of funds, he stated that the City has spent $6 to 7 million of grant funding on the park improvements. He thanked Staff for the windows at the Community Center.
Council Member Argudo joined in thanking Staff for the windows at the Community Center. In response to a concern regarding the spending of COVID-19 relief funds and the half-a-cent tax funds, he requested that Staff provide the concerned resident with information if available. He further inquired if an oversight committee would be required for the spending of those funds, to which Mayor Klinakis clarified that the implementation of an oversight committee is not required.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz clarified that the half-cent tax was presented on the ballot by the community through the gathering of signatures and that it is a general fund tax. She further stated that the purpose of the tax was to ensure the City's financial sustainability for years to come. She commended the City Council and Staff for ensuring that all monies are used towards public programs and creating a great community atmosphere. She noted that the oversight of the funds are the community council members and that upon consultation with the City Attorney, the proposed oversight committee proved to be counterintuitive. Lastly, she stated that the annual budgets and line items up for approval are all public documents available to the community.
City Manager Lindsey informed the City Council that the information previously requested by the concerned resident had been provided to them twice by the Chief Financial Officer and City Clerk.
He further suggested posting the information and expenditure of funds on the City's social media.
ORAL COMMENTS FROM STAFF - None
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Klinakis adjourned the meeting at 10:45 p.m. in memory of Hortencia Flores.
Approved this 26"h day of April, 2022.
Chaste Walk
Sheryl Garcia Charlie Klinakis
City Clerk Mayor/Chair
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