MINUTES
LA PUENTE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY
SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING OF
MAY 23, 2023
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 were held in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 15900 East Main Street, La Puente, California, on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.
5:30 P.M. SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Klinakis called the meeting to order at 5:36 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Klinakis, Quinones, Mendoza
Members absent: Munoz, Argudo
Staff members present: City Manager Bob Lindsey, City Attorney Jesse Jauregui, City Clerk Martha Torres, Director of Administrative Services Troy Grunklee, Director of Development Services John Di Mario, Office Specialist Destiny Rivera, and Office Specialist Adriana Jaimez.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None
RECESS INTO CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed into closed session at 5:38 p.m. to discuss items as posted on the agenda.
CLOSED SESSION
1. THE CITY COUNCIL WILL RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION - Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8, Conference with Real Property Negotiators:
Property: La Puente Park, 501 Glendora Ave
City Negotiators: Bob Lindsey, City Manager and Troy Grunklee, Director of Administrative Services
Negotiating Party: Octagon Towers
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
2. 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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3. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9 subdivision (d)(1) (City of La Puente v. Dank City, Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 21PSCV00417)
4. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9 subdivision (d)(1) (City of La Puente v. EML, LLC, Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 21PSCV00609)
5. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(1) - In Re: National Prescription Opiate Litigation, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio, Case No. 1:17-MD-02804
6. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation, Significant exposure to litigation Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) (two cases).
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
The City Council reconvened to open session at 7:11 p.m.
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Jauregui reported that with respect to closed session Item No. 1, the City Council provided further direction to its real property negotiators, City Manager Lindsey and Director of Administrative Services Grunklee.
City Attorney Jauregui reported that with respect to closed session Item No. 2, there was specific direction given to retain existing counsel in its now new law firm and to proceed accordingly.
City Attorney Jauregui reported that with respect to closed session Item No. 3, further settlement authority was provided to outside counsel.
City Attorney Jauregui reported that with respect to closed session Item No. 4, further direction was provided to Council.
City Attorney Jauregui reported that with respect to closed session Item No. 5, there was further direction provided to Council.
City Attorney Jauregui reported that with respect to closed session Item No. 6, the City Council was briefed on both matters and further direction was provided. 7:00 P.M. REGULAR SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Klinakis called the meeting to order at 7:12 p.m.
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ROLL CALL
Members present: Klinakis, Quinones, Mendoza
Members absent: Munoz., Argudo
Staff members present: City Manager Bob Lindsey, City Attorney Jesse Jauregui, City Clerk Martha Torres, Director of Administrative Services Troy Grunklee, Director of Development Services John Di Mario, Director of Community Services Alexander Bauman, Finance Manager Alexander Merkel Medina, Senior Code Enforcement Supervisor Jeffrey Buckwell, Management Analyst Natalie Romo, Office Specialist Destiny Rivera, and Office Specialist Adriana Jaimez.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Klinakis led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Klinakis presented a proclamation recognizing June 2, 2023, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Ricardo Martinez spoke regarding the new business grant program Item E-2 and Bassett Unified School District pay rates.
Dennis Rendon spoke regarding the new business grant program Item E-2.
Mayor Klinakis inquired about eligibility requirements for the current grants being offered by the City. Director of Development Services Di Mario responded with the current guidelines and stated he will confirm current deadlines.
Joe Bautista spoke regarding the new business grant program and public safety concerns.
Eric Ortiz, a representative of the Healing and Justice Center, provided informational packets regarding digital equity and requested members of the City Council write letters of support to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to correct and investigate discriminatory practices of internet service providers.
Diana Herrera submitted a written comment regarding the City's social media presence, the mural project, the 23-24 fiscal year budget, the new business grant program Item E-2, and the travel reimbursement policy.
BOARDS/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REPORTS - None
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A. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY
MEETINGS
READ AND APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING OF MAY 9, 2023
A motion was made by Council Member Quinones, seconded by Mayor Klinakis, to waive the reading and approve the Minutes of the City Council and Successor Agency meeting May 9, 2023. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Quinones, Mendoza
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Munoz, Argudo
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 Council Member Quinones, seconded by Council Member Mendoza, to approve Consent Calendar Items D-1 through D-13. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Quinones, Mendoza
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Munoz, Argudo
D-1 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING WARRANT RESOLUTION NO. 23-5796
Action Taken: The City Council and Successor Agency adopted Resolution No. 23-5796 approving Warrant Register No. 1552.
D-2 PRESENTATION OF APRIL 2023 INVESTMENT REPORT
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed this report.
D-3 PRESENTATION OF APRIL 2023 REQUISITION SUMMARY REPORT Action Taken: The City Council received and filed this report.
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D-4 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 22-5749
AND AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PERSONNEL SYSTEM FOR FULL-
TIME POSITIONS TO ADD A FULL-TIME CONCESSION AND EVENT
SUPERVISOR POSITION
Action Taken: The City Council: (1) adopted Resolution No. 23-5797 rescinding resolution No. 22-5749 amending the comprehensive personnel system; (2) approved the job description for the full-time Concession and Event Supervisor position; and (3) provided any necessary direction to Staff.
CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A STATEMENT OF
INVESTMENT POLICY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024
Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 23-5798 approving the City's Statement of Investment Policy for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.
CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR UNRUH
AVENUE WALL IMPROVEMENT BETWEEN FLYNN STREET AND AMAR ROAD Action Taken: The City Council (1) accepted the project as complete; and (2) authorized the City Clerk to execute the Notice of Completion.
D-7 CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZATION TO SOLICIT BIDS FOR PEDESTRIAN
HYBRID (HAWK) SIGNAL INSTALLATION ON HACIENDA BOULEVARD AT
PRICHARD STREET
Action Taken: The City Council (1) approved the plans and specifications for the construction of the HAWK Signal on Hacienda Boulevard at Prichard Street; and (2) authorized Staff to solicit for bids.
D-8 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE ENTITIES PERMITTED TO SELL SAFE AND SANE FIREWORKS IN THE CITY FOR 2023 Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 23-5799 designating the entities permitted to sell safe and sane fireworks in the City.
D-9 CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES WITH MDJ MANAGEMENT LLC FOR AN
ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE BUILDING IN THE CITY YARD AT LA PUENTE PARK
Action Taken: The City Council (1) accepted the project as complete; and (2) authorized the City Clerk to execute the Notice of Completion.
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D-10 CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH DRAKE TRAFFIC CONTROL SERVICES INC. FOR SPECIAL EVENT TRAFFIC CONTROL SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,461.25.
Action Taken: The City Council: (1) approved Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Drake Traffic Control Services Inc, in the amount of $27,461.25; and (2) authorized the City Manager to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City.
D-11 CONSIDERATION OF A LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA
PUENTE AND JESUS RODRIGUEZ FOR THE USE OF CITY PROPERTY LOCATED
AT THE INTERSECTION OF VALLEY BOULEVARD FOR HOLIDAY SALES Action Taken: The City Council (1) approved the License Agreement with Jesus Rodriguez; and (2) authorized the City Manager to execute the License Agreement on behalf of the City.
D-12 SECOND READING AND CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 6.40 OF TITLE 6 OF THE CITY OF LA PUENTE
MUNICIPAL CODE, RELATING TO PARKING, STOPPING AND STANDING OF RECREATIONAL VEHICLES; ESTABLISHMENT OF CITY RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARKING PERMITS (LPMC 6.40.300)
Action Taken: The City Council adopted Ordinance No. 23-982 amending Chapter 6.40 of Title 6 of the La Puente Municipal Code, adding 6.40.300 LPMC regarding parking, stopping, and standing of recreational vehicles; establishment of City recreational vehicle parking permits.
D-13 CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH SUPERIOR SECURITY SPECIALISTS, INC. DBA SUPERIOR
ALARM SYSTEMS FOR SECURITY CAMERAS AND SPEAKER SYSTEM AT LA PUENTE PARK IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,500
Action Taken: The City Council (1) approved Amendment No. 3 to the Agreement with Superior Security Specialists, Inc., dba Superior Alarm Systems in the amount of $48,500 and (2) authorized the City Manager to execute the Amendment and approve change orders up to 10% of the original bid amount on behalf of the City.
E. NEW BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
E-1 PRESENTATION OF APRIL 2023 BUDGET REPORT
Finance Manager Merkel Medina provided a report regarding the April 2023 Budget Report.
In response to an inquiry by Mayor Klinakis regarding an update on the former Ed Butts Ford property, Director of Development Services Di Mario indicated that the new business, CC/SA MINUTES PAGE 6 OF 9 MAY 23, 2023
LA City Cars is nearly completed with the building improvements and would be opening soon.
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed this report.
E-2 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION ADOPTING PROGRAM GUIDELINES FOR
A BUSINESS START-UP GRANT PROGRAM
Director of Development Services Di Mario provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the business start-up grant program.
Discussion ensued regarding amending the eligibility requirements.
Director of Development Services Di Mario suggested the eligibility requirements be extended to an 18-month period with discretion being given to the City Manager for other cases.
A motion was made by Council Member Quinones, seconded by Council Member Mendoza, to adopt Resolution No. 23-5800 with an amendment to add "the City will provide the City Manager and the Director of Development Services with discretion to provide for criteria to allow a business to qualify if it has been in business for not more than 18 months. Such discretion shall be exercised in good faith and not be reasonably withheld," and an amendment to add "There shall be no conflict of interest in the administration of the program consistent with California law that applies to Staff and City Council Members." The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Quinones, Mendoza
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Munoz, Argudo
E-3 DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING COUNCIL POLICY CC-2.1, TRAVEL
EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT
City Manager Lindsey provided a report regarding the current travel expense reimbursement policy and the restrictions the budget currently imposes on the number of conferences each City Council member can attend.
Mayor Klinakis spoke regarding previous use of travel expenses by City Council members and suggested raising the current reimbursement per council member. He further suggested that only travel funds may be used for travel purposes.
City Manager Bob Lindsey recommended allocating $4,500 per Council Member for travel expenses.
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A motion was made by Mayor Klinakis, seconded by Council Member Mendoza, to amend the allocated Travel Expense Reimbursement funds to $4,500 per Council Member. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Quinones, Mendoza
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Munoz, Argudo
AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
Code Enforcement: Nothing to report.
La Puente Park Fees, Ordinance and Program Oversight Committee: Nothing to report.
Project LEAD: Council Member Quinones provided an update on the Mural project. Council Member Mendoza spoke about the mural artist and their contributions to the City. Mayor Klinakis shared feedback that he received regarding the mural.
LPQT Action Committee: Council Member Quinones stated the Brunch by the Bridge Event will be held on June 4, 2023.
Adaptive Sports League and Enrichment Programs Oversight Committee: Nothing to report.
Rowland, Bassett, and Hacienda La Puente Unified School Districts Liaison Committee: Nothing to report.
AB 1234 REPORTS
Mayor Klinakis reported that he attended the California Contract Cities Association's Annual Municipal Seminar with Director of Development Services DiMario. Mayor Klinakis stated that he met with Supervisor Hilda Solis' staff to discuss additional funding opportunities and Measure H funding.
ORAL COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Mayor Klinakis stated that Mayor Pro Tem Munoz requested $4,000 of her American Rescue Plan Act discretionary funds be used to help with the upstart of the H.E.A.R.T Organization to fund equipment and a free spay and neuter clinic in the City of La Puente.
Senior Code Enforcement Supervisor Buckwell spoke regarding the equipment needed to continuously host the events sponsored by the H.E.A.R.T Organization, which provides affordable veterinary care services to the community.
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Mayor Klinakis, Council Member Quinones, and Council Member Mendoza each stated that they would match Mayor Pro Tem Munoz's $4,000 donation from their respective American Rescue Plan Act discretionary funds.
Mayor Klinakis spoke about the lighting system at the Community Center and thanked Staff for their work.
Council Member Mendoza offered $4,000 from her discretionary funds for the Brunch by the Bridge event and thanked the Finance team for their work.
Council Member Quinones offered $1,000 from his discretionary funds for the Brunch by the Bridge event, if needed.
Mayor Klinakis thanked Staff and the Sheriff's Department.
ORAL COMMENTS FROM STAFF
City Manager Lindsey thanked the Sheriff's Department and Staff for their hard work preparing for the City's 3d of July event.
Omar Hernandez from Global Urban Strategies Inc. provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding an update on grants and the City's social media.
Director of Community Services Bauman gave a PowerPoint presentation regarding an update on the Special Olympics event.
Associate Planner Galvan provided an update on the progress of the coffee shop.
City Manager Lindsey spoke about lighting at the Community Center and invited the City Council to view the lighting at the La Puente Park after hours.
Director of Development Services Di Mario provided an update regarding the center restroom at La Puente Park, and stated there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Sunny Gardens Senior Apartments to celebrate the rehabilitation of the property on Thursday, May 25, 2023.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Klinakis adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
Approved this 13" day of June, 2023.
mionel. Charks Kunal
Martha Torres, MPA Charlie Klinakis
City Clerk Mayor/Chair
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