MINUTES
LA PUENTE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING OF
SEPTEMBER 26, 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, September 26, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.
6:30 P.M. SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION
At 6:32 p.m., City Clerk Torres adjourned the special meeting until 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Klinakis called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Mayor Klinakis recessed the special meeting until the close of the regular meeting.
7:00 P.M. REGULAR SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Klinakis called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Klinakis, Munoz (arrived at 7:25 p.m.), Argudo, Mendoza (arrived at 7:15 p.m.), Quinones.
Members absent: None.
Staff members present: City Manager Bob Lindsey, City Attorney Jesse Jauregui, City Clerk lartha Torres, Director of Administrative Services Troy Grunkler Director of Community Services Alexander Bauman. Finance Manage Alexander Merkel Medina, Director of Development Services John Di Mario, and Office Specialist Jackie Cortez.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Klinakis led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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PRESENTATIONS
Omar Hernandez from Global Urban Strategies provided a PowerPoint presentation on grants and social media updates for the City.
Sergeant Del Valle of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department spoke regarding the Crime Stoppers anonymous hotline and the City's Programs, Re-employment, and Outreach Services (P.R.O.S.) Team.
Community Outreach Program Coordinator Brian Torres of the P.R.O.S. Team detailed recent incidents in the community and highlighted the dedication of the team to keeping the City clean and safe for all.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Executive Director Jason Moss of The Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys encouraged the City Council to pass a resolution condemning antisemitism and take action against hate.
Manuel Maldonado expressed his concern regarding local school districts, neighbors, Hispanic Heritage Month, the City's Code Enforcement Officers, and City Town Hall Meetings.
Mayor Klinakis announced that item E-4 would be heard at this time.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz, seconded by Council Member Argudo, to move up the discussion of item E-4. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz., Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
E-4 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION DENOUNCING ANTISEMITISM AND
CONDEMNING HATE CRIMES AND ALL OTHER FORMS OF RACISM,
RELIGIOUS OR ETHNIC BIAS, DISCRIMINATION, INCITEMENT OF VIOLENCE,
OR TARGETING A MINORITY (MAYOR KLINAKIS/MAYOR PRO TEM MUNOZ) A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz, seconded by Council Member Argudo, to adopt Resolution No. 23-5827 denouncing antisemitism and condemning hate crimes and all other forms of racism, religious or ethnic bias, discrimination, incitement of violence, or targeting a minority. The motion carried with the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz., Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
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BOARDS/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REPORTS - None.
A. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETINGS - None
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 Argudo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz, to approve Consent Calendar Items D-1 through D-4. 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 RESOLUTION NO. 23-5825
Action Taken: The City Council and Successor Agency adopted Resolution No. 23-5825 approving Warrant Register No. 1560.
D-2 PRESENTATION OF AUGUST 2023 INVESTMENT REPORT
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed this report.
D-3 PRESENTATION OF AUGUST 2023 REQUISITION SUMMARY REPORT Action Taken: The City Council received and filed this report.
D-4 CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A PURCHASE ORDER CONTRACT WITH
UNITED RENTALS FOR THE PURCHASE OF A MOBILE GENERATOR AND
UTILITY TRAILER TO BE USED THROUGHOUT THE CITY
Action Taken: The City Council: (1) approved the purchase order contract with United Cily Manager purebase on a chalio the caly, and uline raileressary?) authotized this E. NEW BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
E-1 PRESENTATION OF AUGUST 2023 BUDGET REPORT
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Finance Manager Merkel Medina provided a report regarding the August 2023 budget.
In response to an inquiry by Mayor Klinakis regarding sales tax, Director of Administrative Services Grunklee confirmed that the City has not received any sales taxes in the first quarter of the new fiscal year. Director Grunklee noted that sales have been similar over the course of several prior quarters and confirmed HdL, the City's sales tax consultants would continue to monitor sales taxes being reported.
E-2 CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 8 (BUILDING REGULATIONS) OF THE LA PUENTE MUNICIPAL CODE ADDING CHAPTER 8.50
SETTING FORTH PROCEDURES FOR AN EXPEDITED PERMIT PROCESS FOR
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING SYSTEMS
Development Services Director Di Mario provided a staff report regarding an ordinance to expedite the permitting process for electric vehicle "EV" charging stations.
In response to an inquiry made by Mayor Klinakis regarding the permit process changes, Director Di Mario confirmed the ordinance would include residential and non-residential stations and would only expedite the permitting process.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz, seconded by Council Member Argudo, to:
(1) waive reading of Ordinance No. 23-983 and read by title only; and (2) introduce Ordinance No. 23-983, an ordinance of the City Council of the City of La Puente amending Title 8 (Building Regulations) of the La Puente Municipal Code adding Chapter 8.50 setting forth procedures for an expedited permit process for Electric Vehicle Charging Systems. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
E-3 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION NOMINATING A BOARD MEMBER TO
THE SAN GABRIEL BASIN WATER QUALITY AUTHORITY
A motion was made by Mayor Klinakis, seconded by Council Member Argudo, to nominate Mayor Pro Tem Munoz as a board member to the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority. 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-5 UPDATE AND DISCUSSION REGARDING LA PUENTE PARK GRANTS,
RESERVATIONS, LEAGUES, SPECIAL OLYMPICS, FIRE REGULATIONS, FEE
STUDY, MAINTENANCE, PREPAREDNESS, AND OTHER ITEMS RELATED TO
LA PUENTE PARK OPERATIONS
City Manager Lindsey indicated this item was meant for any additional discussions regarding La Puente Park and youth sports.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz noted that grants have supplemented League funding in previous years, but this resource will not be available for the next fiscal year. The City would provide notice to the Leagues of this change and would continue to look for additional grant funding opportunities.
Mayor Klinakis spoke regarding the open spaces within the La Puente Park.
In response to an inquiry by Mayor Klinakis regarding the La Puente Park's open spaces, City Manager Lindsey noted that the designated open spaces are allotted for multi-purpose usage by the public. Mayor Pro Tem Munoz noted that designated open spaces are a part of the grant requirements. City Manager Lindsey noted that maps are being created to identify areas that may be reserved and other areas that are designated as open space.
Mayor Klinakis acknowledged the possibility of the football teams advancing to the playoffs, which may require the City to reserve the fields ahead of time. Mayor Klinakis also acknowledged Director of Community Services Bauman is currently working on scheduling in collaboration with the leagues and teams.
In response to an inquiry by Council Member Quinones regarding use of the multi-purpose fields by the T-Ball teams, Director of Community Services Bauman noted that the T-Ball teams are currently using the multi-purpose areas and would possibly continue to do so moving forward
City Manager Lindsey commented on the addition of nets and lights to the La Puente Park.
In response to an inquiry from Mayor Klinakis regarding the addition of nets, City Manager Lindsey clarified that the fences cannot support extended nets but noted that additional safety measures may be discussed.
AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
Code Enforcement Committee: Mayor Klinakis requested that the ad hoc committee arrange a meeting with the City Manager and the Code Enforcement department.
La Puente Park Fees, Ordinance and Program Oversight Committee: Nothing to report.
Project LEAD Committee: Council Member Quinones noted that the mural unveiling from Project Lead would take place on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at 10 a.m. on 1s' Street and Main Street.
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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 - None.
ORAL COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Council Member Argudo requested support from Council Member Mendoza in placing the recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month on the agenda for the next City Council meeting. Council Member Mendoza agreed.
Council Member Argudo recognized long-time resident Mr. Fess.
Mayor Klinakis acknowledged the passing of long-time La Puente resident Barbara Fess.
Council Member Argudo passed along his condolences to the family and requested the family be provided with the opportunity to provide oral comments.
Mr. Fess spoke regarding Barbara's dedicated service and contributions to the Community, and he asked the Council to consider discussing the implementation of Kid Print in the City's schools.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz offered her condolences and recommended planting a tree in honor of Barbara Fess at the park.
Mayor Klinakis spoke regarding the upcoming golf tournament in memory of former Council Member Dan Holloway. Mayor Klinakis requested Staff to continue to promote the tournament as well as the tree program.
Director of Development Services Di Mario commented on the process and progress of the tree program.
Mayor Klinakis allocated $1,000 from his American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) discretionary funds to provide uniforms to the La Puente High School Basketball team.
Council Member Argudo commented on the presentation from Global Urban Strategies and suggested that a project be initiated to repaint sections of Temple Avenue.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz allocated $4,000 of her ARPA discretionary funds for securing a veterinarian for the H.E.A.R.T. organization's upcoming clinics. Council Member Mendoza allocated an additional $4,000 from her ARPA discretionary funds in support of the H.E.A.R.T. program.
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ORAL COMMENTS FROM STAFF
Director of Community Services Bauman spoke regarding upcoming events including Trunk-or- Treat, scheduled for October 27, 2023, and Dia de Los Muertos in November. He also noted that the La Puente Community Foundation will host an evening Veterans Day event at the La Puente Park in November, along with other Veterans Day events hosted by the City. Director Bauman also noted that the Special Olympics and other youth sports programs are ongoing.
At 8:30 p.m., Mayor Klinakis adjourned the regular meeting and reconvened the special meeting.
RECESS INTO CLOSED SESSION
The City recessed into closed session at 8:30 pm to discuss the item as posted on the agenda.
CLOSED SESSION
SM-1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LIGITAGION Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) - One Matter
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
City Attorney Jauregui reported out of closed session and stated that pursuant to item SM-1, the City was briefed on the status of the matter and further direction was provided.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Klinakis adjourned the meeting in memory of Barbara Fess at 9:04 p.m.
Approved this 24" day of October, 2023.
Chack Kli
Martha Torres, MPA Charlie Klinakis
City Clerk Mayor/Chair
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