MINUTES
LA PUENTE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING OF
JULY 25, 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 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, July 25, 2023, at 5:30 p.m.
5:30 P.M. SPECIAL SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Klinakis called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Quinones.
Members absent: Mendoza.
Staff members present: City Manager Bob Lindsey, City Attorney Jesse Jauregui, Director of Development Services John Di Mario, Management Assistant Cece Dunlap, and Office Specialist Adriana Jaimez.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Klinakis led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None
SM-1 CONSIDERATION OF INTERVIEWS WITH NEW PLANNING COMMISSION
APPLICANTS
Director of Development Services Di Mario provided a staff report.
Action Taken: The City Council conducted interviews with new applicants.
With regard to the two-year term Planning Commissioner position, a first-round ballot vote was conducted. The vote was as follows:
Mayor Klinakis voted for Sergio Hernandez
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz voted for Sergio Hernandez
Council Member Argudo voted for Tollie Penson
Council Member Quinones voted for Tollie Penson
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At 6:26 p.m., the City Council recessed and reconvened at 6:35 p.m.
A second-round ballot vote was conducted for the two-year term. The vote was as follows:
Mayor Klinakis voted for Tollie Penson
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz voted for Tollie Penson
Council Member Argudo voted for Tollie Penson
Council Member Quinones voted for Tollie Penson
Tollie Penson was appointed to fill one seat on the Planning Commission. The newly appointed Planning Commissioner will serve a two-year term which expires in June 2025.
With regard to the one-year term Planning Commissioner position, a first-round ballot vote was conducted. The vote was as follows:
Mayor Klinakis voted for Sergio Hernandez
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz voted for Sergio Hernandez
Council Member Argudo voted for Sergio Hernandez
Council Member Quinones voted for Sergio Hernandez
Sergio Hernandez was appointed to fill one seat on the Planning Commission. The newly appointed Planning Commissioner will serve a one-year term which expires in June 2024.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Klinakis adjourned the special meeting at 6:38 p.m.
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, Quinones.
Members absent: Mendoza.
Staff members present: City Manager Bob Lindsey, City Attorney Jesse Jauregui, Director of Administrative Services Troy Grunklee, Director of Development Services John Di Mario, Director of Community Services Alex Bauman, Senior Code Supervisor Jeffrey Buckwell, Management Assistant Cece Dunlap, and Office Specialist Adriana Jaimez.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Quinones led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENTATIONS
Community Services Supervisor Adriana Dominguez presented Certificates of Recognition to the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Education Scholarship recipients.
Dr. Richard Shope provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the World Space Foundation. In response to Council Member Argudo's inquiry regarding attendance rates for the World Space Foundation, Dr. Richard Shope responded with the varying attendance rates of the program.
In response to Council Member Argudo's inquiry regarding the end date of the World Space Foundation program, Dr. Richard Shope replied that the presentation is a proposal for funds for the upcoming year so the program can continue.
City Manager Lindsey stated that the La Puente Park Fees, Ordinance and Program Oversight Ad Hoc Committee should discuss the World Space Foundation program. He also noted that the World Space Foundation is seeking grants.
Dr. Richard Shope noted that the World Space Foundation program was initially established by the City of La Puente.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz thanked Dr. Richard Shope for the PowerPoint presentation and noted that the program will be further discussed in the La Puente Park Fees, Ordinance, and Program Oversight Ad Hoc Committee.
Council Member Quinones thanked Dr. Richard Shope for the PowerPoint presentation and his hard work.
Mayor Klinakis thanked Dr. Richard Shope for his hard work and efforts.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Robert Tcheng submitted a written comment regarding the addition of speed bumps throughout the City of La Puente and the implementation of parking permits.
La Puente SAO Team Deputy Escalante introduced Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Captain Glenn Emery to the City Council. She also noted that an event will be held at La Puente Park on August 2, 2023, for residents to meet Captain Emery.
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Captain Emery introduced himself to the City Council.
He also provided a report on crime statistics and crime rates in the City of La Puente.
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Mayor Klinakis stated that there has been an increase in stolen catalytic converters across the nation. Captain Emery replied that in the future he would like to conduct an etching campaign to address the theft of catalytic converters and he would let the City Council know what else can possibly be done to address the thefts of catalytic converters.
Commander Al Reyes thanked the City Council and Captain Emery for their hard work and effort.
Council Member Argudo thanked Commander Reyes and Captain Emery for his hard work and effort.
BOARDS/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REPORTS - None
A. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY
READ AND APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE CITY COUCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING OF JULY 11, 2023
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 July 11, 2023. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Quinones
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Mendoza
B. PUBLIC HEARINGS BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL - None
C. UNFINISHED BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL - None
D. CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager Lindsey pulled Item D-4 for further discussion. Council Member Argudo pulled Item D-S 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. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Quinones
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Mendoza
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D-1 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING WARRANT RESOLUTION NO. 23-5816
Action Taken: The City Council and Successor Agency adopted Resolution No. 23-5816 approving Warrant Register No. 1556.
D-2 PRESENTATION OF JUNE 2023 INVESTMENT REPORT
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed this report.
D-3 PRESENTATION OF JUNE 2023 REQUISITION SUMMARY REPORT Action Taken: The City Council received and filed this report.
D-4 CONSIDERATION OF AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO ELECNOR BELCO ELECTRIC, INC. FOR THE PEDESTRIAN HYBRID SIGNAL (HAWK)
INSTALLATION ON HACIENDA BOULEVARD AT PRICHARD STREET IN THE AMOUNT OF $247,286
This item was pulled by City Manager Lindsey for further discussion.
Director of Development Services Di Mario provided a staff report and noted that the City Attorney recommended an increase in the insurance amounts for coverages to be increased from one million dollars and two million dollars to five million dollars and ten million dollars.
City Attorney Jauregui further requested that the City Council authorize the City Manager for a change order, if necessary, to increase the insurance amounts.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Munoz's inquiry regarding whether it was solely increasing the liability policy, City Attorney Jauregui replied that there are three separate policies and an aggregate policy and suggested increasing the single policies as well as the aggregate.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz further inquired about whether the increase suggestion was due to the location of the crosswalk. City Attorney Jauergui replied that the suggestion for an increase in the insurance amounts for coverage was due to the nature of the risk of the project.
In response to Council Member Argudo's inquiry regarding the change order of the original bid amount, City Attorney Jauergui replied that the cost of the increase of insurance would need to be determined first, and if it were a substantial amount, he would ask the City Council to authorize the City Manager to enter into an additional change order.
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A motion was made by Council Member Argudo, seconded by Mayor Klinakis to: (1) award the contract to Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc. in the amount of $247,286; (2) authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement and approve change orders up to 10% of the original bid amount; (3) seek the increase of insurance amounts for coverages; and (4) authorize the City manager to enter into an additional change order, it necessary, to cover the cost of the increase of insurance. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Quinones
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Mendoza
D-5 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING ACCEPTANCE OF THE $200,000 LOCAL AGING AND DISABILITY ACTION PLANNING (LADAP) GRANT
FUNDS ADMINISTERED BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF AGING (CDA) This item was pulled by Council Member Argudo for further discussion.
In response to Council Member Argudo's inquiry regarding the amount of grant funds and the use of the grant funds, Director of Administrative Services Grunklee replied that the grant funds received totaled to $200,000 and Director of Community Services Bauman replied that the grants would allow the City to address the needs of the aging population.
A motion was made by Mayor Klinakis, seconded by Council Member Argudo to approve Resolution No. 23-5817 approving the application for grant funds. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz., Argudo, Quinones
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Mendoza
E. NEW BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL - None E-1 PRESENTATION OF JUNE 2023 BUDGET REPORT
Director of Administrative Services Grunklee provided a report regarding the June 2023 budget.
Mayor Klinakis thanked and congratulated Director of Administrative Services Grunklee and his Staff for receiving an award from the Government Finance Office Association for their 2021-2022 Financial Report.
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed this report.
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E-2 UPDATE AND DISCUSSION REGARDING GRANTS FOR CITY CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Director of Development Services Di Mario provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding AIP Cycle 6.
Mayor Klinakis thanked Director of Development Services Di Mario for his hard work and efforts. He also requested the La Puente Park Fees, Ordinance and Program Oversight Ad Hoc Committee to work with Staff on the Pedestrian Street/Park Plaza project.
Director of Development Services Di Mario thanked Staff for their hard work and efforts.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz thanked Director of Development Services Di Mario for his presentation and Staff for their hard work. She also congratulated the City for receiving the grant.
Council Member Quinones thanked Director of Development Services Di Mario for the presentation and Staff for their hard work.
Council Member Argudo stated that he is glad that the Pedestrian Street/Park Plaza project has come to fruition.
Director of Development Services Di Mario provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding an update on the activity center building project and provided new layout options for the building.
Discussion ensued regarding building location, visibility, and safety.
City Manager Lindsey suggested that the La Puente Park Fees, Ordinance and Program Oversight Committee Ad Hoc Committee discuss the option of eliminating volleyball and consider replacing it with another activity.
E-3 UPDATE AND DISCUSSION REGARDING LA PUENTE COMMUNITY
FOUNDATION PROGRAMMING
Community Engagement Supervisor Cardona provided updates regarding the La Puente Community Foundation's fireworks stand, Beer Garden, snack cart at La Puente Park, Coffee Shop, field reservations at La Puente Park, Golf Tournament and La Puente Community Foundation Board Meetings.
In response to Mayor Klinakis' inquiry regarding the date and time of the La Puente Community Foundation's monthly board meetings, Community Engagement Supervisor Cardona replied that the La Puente Community Foundation's monthly board meetings take place on the third Wednesday of every month at 10:00 a.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz thanked Community Engagement Supervisor Cardona for the updates. She expressed her excitement for the partnerships with softball tournaments and local businesses.
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Council Member Quinones thanked Community Engagement Supervisor Cardona for her hard work and effort.
In response to Council Member Argudo's inquiry regarding the amount of revenue that the Beer Garden generated, Community Engagement Supervisor Cardona responded with an estimated amount that was generated in revenue.
City Manager Lindsey thanked Community Engagement Supervisor Cardona, Director of Community Services Bauman, and Maintenance Staff for their hard work and efforts.
Mayor Klinakis recommended that signage be posted at the La Puente High School maintenance yard to let the public know that parking is not allowed Discussion ensued regarding the La Puente Park field fees for sports teams.
In response to Mayor Klinakis' inquiry regarding potential grants to fund the staffing at the Coffee Shop, City Manager Lindsey replied that Staff is researching potential grants.
Mayor Klinakis thanked Staff for their hard work. He also inquired regarding who the Treasurer is for the La Puente Community Foundation. Director of Administrative Services Grunklee replied that the City of La Puente handles the financial information of the Foundation and further stated that the financial reporting is presented at the Foundation Board Meetings and on the Foundation website.
E-4 PRESENTATION OF THE CITY'S JULY 3, 2023, FORTUNATO JIMENEZ
INDEPENDENCE DAY EVENT
City Manager Lindsey presented a video presentation of the July 3"d Fortunato Jimenez Independence Day event.
Mayor Klinakis thanked Communications/Information Technology Analyst Steve Overstreet for his hard work and efforts.
E-5 DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING POLICIES RELATED TO CITY COUNCIL APPAREL/DRESS CODE AND TITLE 2 OF THE LA PUENTE
MUNICIPAL CODE (MAYOR KLINAKIS AND MAYOR PRO TEM MUNOZ) Mayor Klinakis suggested establishing a business casual dress code for the City Council members.
Discussion ensued regarding the proposed business casual dress code.
Council Member Argudo and Mayor Klinakis requested that Staff update the current apparel policy to increase the amount of City polo shirts that are allocated to City Council members.
City Manager Lindsey suggested adding headwear to the apparel policy and Mayor Pro Tem Munoz further suggested adding sweaters and cardigans to the policy.
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Mayor Klinakis further inquired regarding Title 2 of the La Puente Municipal Code.
City Manager Lindsey provided a report regarding policy 2.08.090 of Title 2 of the La Puente Municipal Code.
Management Assistant Dunlap read Section 2.08.090 into the record.
Discussion ensued regarding policy in which City Council Members must go through the City Manager to direct or give orders to City Staff.
City Attorney Jauregui spoke regarding other cities' Code of Ethics policies and protocols related to City Council members and their interactions with Staff.
E-6 UPDATE AND DISCUSSION REGARDING SCHEDULE AND FUNDING OF LA PUENTE/H.E.AR.T. AFFORDABLE PET CARE CLINICS
Senior Code Supervisor Buckwell provided a video presentation regarding the La Puente H.E.A.R.T. Affordable Pet Care Clinics.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz thanked Senior Code Supervisor Buckwell for his hard work and efforts and expressed her appreciation for the H.E.A.R.T. program.
Council Member Argudo noted that he attended the recent H.E.A.R.T. Affordable Pet Care Clinic and thanked Senior Code Supervisor Buckwell for his hard work.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz noted that the high estimated cost of each H.E.A.R.T. Affordable Pet Care Clinics is $4,000 and there are ten clinics on hold for the remainder of the year.
She also stated that La Puente residents would have priority registration, and the clinics also offer emergency services.
Mayor Klinakis, Mayor Pro Tem Munoz, Council Member Argudo and Council Member Quinones each allocated $10,000 from their ARPA discretionary funds to continue the H.E.A.R.T. Affordable Pet Care Clinics.
Senior Code Supervisor Buckwell thanked Director of Community Services Bauman, Community Center Staff, and Mayor Pro Tem Munoz for their hard work.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz and Council Member Argudo thanked Director of Community Services Bauman for his hard work and efforts.
RECESS INTO CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Jauregui stated that Closed Session Item No. 3 was being pulled and only Closed Session Item No.1 and Item No. 2 would be discussed in Closed Session.
The City Council recessed into closed session at 9:36 p.m.
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CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - PENDING LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1). Calderon et al v. Southland Transit et al L.A.S.C. No. 21STCV02558
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. 21STCV 18841)
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)
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
The City Council reconvened to open session at 10:07 p.m.
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Jauregui reported out of closed session and stated that the City Council was briefed on Closed Session Item No. 1 and the City Attorney was given further direction. He also stated that the City Council was briefed on Closed Session Item No. 2 and the City Attorney was given further direction.
AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
Code Enforcement Committee: Nothing to report.
La Puente Park Fees, Ordinance and Program Oversight Committee: Nothing to report.
Project LEAD Committee: Nothing to report.
LPQT Action Committee: Nothing to report.
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
Council Member Argudo reported that he attended the annual NALEO conference in New York City and met with federal government representatives. He also noted that there are federal mental health grant opportunities.
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ORAL COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
In response to Mayor Klinakis' inquiry regarding the La Puente Community Foundation's Golf Tournament's trip to Cancun, Mexico that is offered to all golfers, City Manager Lindsey responded that the trip to Cancun, Mexico would provide hotel rooms for the golfers, but the flights are not included.
ORAL COMMENTS FROM STAFF - None
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Klinakis adjourned the meeting at 10:12 p.m.
Approved this 8" day of August 2023.
mina Chast Ill
Martha Torres, MPA Charlie Klinakis
City Clerk Mayor/Chair
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