MINUTES
LA PUENTE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY
CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING OF
AUGUST 23, 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, August 23, 2022, at 6:00 p.m.
6:00 P.M. CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Klinakis called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Mendoza.
Members absent: Quinones.
Staff members present: City Manager Bob Lindsey, Assistant City Attorney Jesse Jauregui, City Clerk Sheryl Garcia, Director of Administrative Services Troy Grunklee, Management Analyst Martha Torres, and Office Specialist Christine Soo.
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 6:02 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 - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) (one case) CC/SA MINUTES PAGE 1 OF 9 AUGUST 23, 2022
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 convened to discuss one item on the agenda. He reported that facts regarding the circumstances of Item 1 were summarized, a discussion was held, and further direction was provided. 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.
Members absent: Quinones.
Staff members present: City Manager Bob Lindsey, Assistant City Attorney Jesse Jauregui, City Clerk Sheryl Garcia, Director of Administrative Services Troy Grunklee, Director of Development Services John Di Mario, Senior Code Enforcement Supervisor Jeffrey Buckwell, Senior Planner Abraham Tellez, Management Analyst Martha Torres, and Office Specialist Christine Soo.
PRESENTATIONS - None.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Joe Batista spoke regarding lighting throughout the park, the health of a few park trees, and outreaching to businesses interested in participating at city events.
Destiny Flores, California Department of Insurance outreach analyst, submitted a written comment, regarding a low-cost automobile insurance program for licensed drivers that qualify for those services; as well as a senior gateway portal, that provides services to seniors and their caregivers.
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 COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETINGS OF AUGUST 9, 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 meetings of August 9, 2022. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Mendoza.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Quinones.
B. PUBLIC HEARINGS BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL - None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL - None
D. CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Council Member Argudo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz, to approve Consent Calendar Items D-1 through D-9. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Mendoza.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Quinones.
D-1 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING WARRANT REGISTER NO. 1536
Action Taken: The City Council and Successor Agency adopted Resolution No. 22-5746 approving Warrant Register No. 1536
D-2 PRESENTATION OF JULY 2022 REQUISITION SUMMARY REPORT Action Taken: The City Council received and filed this report.
D-3 PRESENTATION OF JULY 2022 INVESTMENT REPORT
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed this report.
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D-4 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. 22-5747, authorizing the City Council, City Boards, and all Commissions of the City continue to hold teleconferenced meetings from August 30, 2022, through September 28, 2022.
D-5 CONSIDERATION OF AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO ALFARO COMMUNICATION CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR THE BUS SHELTER
REPLACEMENT/INSTALLATION PROJECT AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN THE CITY IN THE AMOUNT OF $373,806.00
Action Taken: The City Council (1) awarded the contract Alfaro Communication Construction, Inc. in the amount of $373,806; (2) authorized the City Manager execute the Agreement and approved change orders up 10% of the bid amount; and (3) adopt Resolution No. 22-5748 amending the FY 22/23 Capital Budget.
D-6 CONSIDERATION OF A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH TURF TANK, INC. FOR ONE (1) TURF TANK ROBOT PLUS IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,000.
Action Taken: The City Council (1) approved the lease with Turf Tank, Inc. for the lease of one (1) Turf Tank Robot Plus in the amount of $40,000; and (2) authorized the City Manager to execute, on behalf of the City, all documents necessary to effectuate the lease agreement.
D-7 CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZATION TO SOLICIT BIDS FOR
IMPROVEMENTS AT EIGHT CROSSWALK LOCATIONS, FEDERAL PROJECT NO. HSIPL-5331(021)
Action Taken: The City Council (1) approved the plans and specifications for the construction of the Improvements at Eight Crosswalk Locations; and (2) authorized Staff to solicit bids.
D-8 CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZATION TO SOLICIT BIDS FOR MIDDLE
RESTROOM ADDITION IMPROVEMENTS AT LA PUENTE PARK
Action Taken: The City Council (1) approved the plans and specifications for the construction of the Middle Restroom Addition Improvements; and (2) authorized Staff to solicit bids.
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D-9 CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR PHASE 3 ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENTS AT LA PUENTE PARK AND APPROVAL OF FINAL PROJECT CHANGE ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $55,686.80
Action Taken: The City Council (1) accepted the project as complete; (2) authorized the City Clerk to execute the Notice of Completion; and (3) approved a final project change order in the amount of $55,686.80.
E. NEW BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
E-1 PRESENTATION OF JULY 2022 BUDGET REPORT
Director Grunklee provided a report regarding the July 2022 budget.
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed this report.
E-2 CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION TO RESCIND RESOLUTION NO. 22-5739 AND AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PERSONNEL SYSTEM
AND ESTABLISHING AUTHORIZED FULL-TIME POSITIONS AND RATES FOR
CITY EMPLOYEES, AND APPROVAL OF A JOB DESCRIPTION FOR THE FULL-
TIME OFFICE SPECIALIST POSITION
Senior Code Enforcement Supervisor Buckwell shared a video presentation regarding the restructuring of the public safety services division and staffing requests that will improve safety services provided by the code enforcement division.
The City Council unanimously expressed support for restructuring the public safety services division and adding one full-time office specialist position and two full-time code enforcement officer positions to resolve the high turnover rate of part-time staff, as well as improve the quality of safety services provided to residents.
Mayor Klinakis shared positive feedback he received from the community in regard to the City's public safety department.
A motion was made by Council Member Argudo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz, to:
(1) adopt Resolution No. 22-5749 rescinding resolution No. 22-5739 amending the comprehensive personnel system and establishing authorized full-time positions and rates for City employees; and (2) approve the job description for the full-time Office Specialist position. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz., Argudo, Mendoza.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Quinones.
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E-3 PRESENTATION AND OVERVIEW OF THE LA PUENTE ACTIVE
TRANSPORTATION PLAN ("ATP") CYCLE 6 GRANT APPLICATION
Director of Development Services Di Mario introduced the item and provided a staff report.
Senior Planner Tellez gave a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Active Transportation Plan (ATP) Cycle 6 proposal. He explained the plan's four components that would provide pedestrian safety, bike lanes, and ADA curb ramp improvements. He further added that the proposed "Park Plaza" would provide open space areas available for pedestrian, resident, and local business's use.
Mayor Klinakis thanked Senior Planner Tellez for his presentation and bringing the concept forward. He suggested having the open space as a secondary park or a promenade for the community. He further inquired about the grant process.
Senior Planner Tellez shared that Staff had been diligently working with Willdan Engineering and they submitted a letter of interest to LA Metro. The City was assigned a grant writer by LA Metro and the process moved quickly from that point on. The complete application was submitted on June 13, 2022.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz thanked Staff for the presentation and shared support for the open space concept of the park plaza. She also suggested Staff to start looking for additional funds for the project since $2M still need to be allocated.
Council Member Argudo inquired if the two bus stops along Central Avenue would require rerouting should the project proceed.
Director Di Mario clarified that the drop-off and pickup points would either be relocated or eliminated. He noted that staff would work with Foothill Transit to accommodate transit riders.
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed this report.
E-4 UPDATE, DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING CURRENT AND
UPCOMING PROJECTS AT LA PUENTE PARK
City Manager Lindsey reported that staff received engineering plans for items in the park that require concrete and steel. He noted that the canopies and shade structures would commence construction soon. He shared that the goal is to complete all structures by October. He further addressed staffing needs at the park and reported that community staff members would be scheduled to monitor park areas and assist residents in need of help or information. Moreover, he spoke of efforts to partner with local businesses that could provide discounts for athletic equipment or items for residents. He communicated recent vandalism of the soccer field and damaged grass areas at the park. He noted that the vendor would begin repairing those areas soon. Lastly, he reported an increase of homelessness in CC/SA MINUTES PAGE 6 OF 9 AUGUST 23, 2022
the nature park and noted that staff had temporally closed the area for cleaning and maintenance.
Mayor Klinakis inquired about the plaque dedicated to Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, to which Director Di Mario noted staff efforts to acquire one.
Discussion ensued regarding the vandalism that occurred on the soccer field, and equipment installations for the snack bar.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz requested an update on the coffee shop and pavilions for the park.
City Manager Lindsey shared that Director Di Mario and staff are working on ways to implement the coffee shop and connect to sewage without interfering with the new grass and construction areas. He further reported that the plans for the pavilions are being reviewed by the engineering team. Lastly, he reported that the foundation for the maintenance shed had been poured in and that Staff is working to have the shed delivered by the fabricator.
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed this report.
E-5 DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING ALLOCATION OF AMERICAN
RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDS
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz proposed the idea of implementing a new workout class program at La Puente Park. She suggested a body strength training class for seniors and a body shape class for all ages. She stated that the classes would be instructed by 365 Athletics and requested the allocation of $3,200 from her discretionary funds to fund the program.
Council Member Argudo and Council Member Mendoza expressed their support for the idea of workout classes.
Mayor Klinakis also shared support for the concept of workout classes, noting that it would help our youth and senior populations stay active.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz added that 365 Athletics would provide the scheduling and the staffing while the City provides a location for the classes to be conducted.
Action Taken: The City Council allocated the ARPA funds to fund the program.
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AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
Code Enforcement: Mayor Klinakis reported that the ad hoc committee communicated with Staff, received updates, and provided insight.
La Puente Park Master Plan and Youth Program Oversight: Nothing to report.
Comprehensive Fee Schedule: Mayor Klinakis reported that the ad hoc committee met with Staff to finalize the fee schedule that will be brought for discussion at a future City Council meeting.
Park Ordinance Oversight: Mayor Klinakis reported that the ad hoc committee met with Staff to finalize the Park Ordinance.
Project LEAD: Nothing to report.
Community Safety and Welfare: Nothing to report.
Homeless Oversight: Nothing to report.
LPQT Action Committee: Council Member Mendoza shared that the ad hoc committee met with the L.A. County Supervisor's office representative to review the efforts the City has been making to help the LGBTQ+ population in La Puente and neighboring communities. She also shared that webinar trainings will be offered to those who want to participate to better understand language and issues of sensitivity.
AB 1234 REPORTS
ORAL COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Mayor Klinakis reported that he attended an event in the City of Industry to support non-profit organizations. He acknowledged an organization, a part of the Boys Club, that promotes the theme of kindness and thanked them for the work they do within the community. He also shared some positive feedback received regarding the building department and the planning department.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz reported that she attended a meeting for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation with Congresswoman Grace Napolitano and noted their discussions regarding the drought and the Colorado river supply. She offered kudos to the public safety Staff for their oversight of La Puente Park. She also shared positive feedback from residents regarding visible public safety elements at the park.
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ORAL COMMENTS FROM STAFF
City Manager provided information and clarification regarding translation services at City Council meetings. He stated that at the City Council's request, the City began providing translation and interpretive services at regular city council meetings in May 2021. He noted that at each meeting, the City provides two (2) live interpreters who provide Spanish translations via phone lines and one (1) in-person interpreter at the City Council meeting to provide translations during public comment.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Klinakis adjourned the meeting at 8:12 p.m.
Approved this 13" day of September, 2022.
Chasts Weth
Sheryl Garcia Charlie Klinakis
City Clerk Mayor/Chair
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