MINUTES
LA PUENTE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY
CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING OF
OCTOBER 24, 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 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, October 24, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
6:00 P.M. CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Klinakis called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo (arrived at 6:08 pm), Mendoza, Quinones.
Members absent: None.
Staff members present: City Manager Bob Lindsey, City Attorney Jesse Jauregui, Assistant City Attorney Susie Altamirano, City Clerk Martha Torres, Director of Administrative Services Troy Grunklee.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Quinones led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None.
RECESS INTO CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Jauregui brought to the attention of the City Council a significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 subdivision (b)(2) that the City had been made aware of only recently, and that under 54954.2 subsection (b)(2), the City Council could vote to add the item to the Closed Session agenda.
A motion was made by Mayor Klinakis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz, to add the urgency item onto the agenda. 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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The City Council recessed into closed session at 6:09 p.m. to discuss the items as posted on the agenda, in addition to the closed session urgency item.
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL EXISTING LITIGATION - Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 subdivision (d)(1) (Saturnino De Horta v. City of La Puente, WCAB No. ADJ175637986)
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL ANTICIPATED LITIGATION - Initiation of litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 subdivision (d)(4) (one potential case)
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL ANTICIPATED LITIGATION - Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 subdivision (d)(2) (one potential case)
4. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION - Title: City Manager pursuant to Government Codes Section 54957
5. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL ANTICIPATED LITIGATION - Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 subdivision (b)(2) (one potential case)
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
The City Council reconvened to open session at 7:20 p.m.
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Jauregui reported out of closed session and stated that pursuant to closed session Item No. 1 the City Council approved the retention of Siegel, Moreno, & Stettler, APC to handle the matter of Saturnino De Horta v. City of La Puente, WCAB No. ADJ175637986. With respect to Item No. 2, there was no approval of any initiation of further litigation. With respect to Item No. 3, further direction was given to the City Attorney and Staff. With respect to Item No. 5 that was brought as an urgency Item under 54954.2 subsection (b)(2), the urgency matter was discussed and there was approval to refer the matter to the JPIA. With respect to Item No. 4, further direction was provided to the City Attorney on that matter.
7:00 P.M. REGULAR SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Klinakis called the meeting to order at 7:22 p.m.
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ROLL CALL
Members present: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones.
Members absent: None.
Staff members present: City Manager Bob Lindsey, City Attorney Jesse Jauregui, City Clerk Martha Torres, Director of Administrative Services Troy Grunklee,
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Mendoza led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENTATIONS
Lisa Woung of the Los Angeles County Public Works Department provided a presentation and update regarding the Puente Creek Bikeway Project.
Eli Tawil of La Puente Live presented a check to the La Puente Community Foundation and spoke regarding a swap meet at the Community Center held in conjunction with the Foundation.
City Manager Lindsey and Mayor Klinakis presented an Employee Recognition Award to Pascual Beltran for his hard work and dedication to the City.
Sergeant Barajas of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department provided a briefing on the Students Run LA 5k run through La Puente.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Joe commented on the speed of cars traveling on Temple Avenue and the possible redistricting of schools in the area.
Stephanie Serrano spoke regarding the possible redistricting of schools in the area and housing in the City.
Diana Herrera submitted a written comment regarding the advertisement of City information.
Claire Simonich submitted a written comment regarding the implementation of the Superior Court's new bail policy, the Pre-Arraignment Release Protocols (PARP).
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 MEETINGS OF SEPTEMBER 12, SEPTEMBER 20, AND SEPTEMBER 26, 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 September 12, September 20, and September 26, 2023. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
B. PUBLIC HEARINGS BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL - None
C. UNFINISHED BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL - None
CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz pulled Item D-5 for further discussion.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz, seconded by Council Member Argudo, 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. 23-5833
Action Taken: The City Council and Successor Agency adopted Resolution No. 23-5833 approving Warrant Register No. 1561.
D-2 PRESENTATION OF SEPTEMBER 2023 INVESTMENT REPORT
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed this report.
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D-3 PRESENTATION OF SEPTEMBER 2023 REQUISITION SUMMARY REPORT Action Taken: The City Council received and filed this report.
D-4 SECOND READING 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 AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION
FOR AN APPLICATION CHECKLIST FOR THE EXPEDITED PERMIT PROCESS
FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING SYSTEMS
Action Taken: The City Council: (1) adopted 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; and (2) adopted Resolution No. 23- 5829 for an application checklist for the expedited permit process for electric vehicle charging systems.
D-5 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 23-5813
AND AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PERSONNEL SYSTEM FOR FULL-
TIME POSITIONS TO ADD A FULL-TIME CHIEF/DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY This item was pulled by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz for further discussion.
City Manager Lindsey provided additional information regarding the Code Enforcement team, the P.R.O.S. team, and park security.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz requested additional information regarding the full budgetary expenses for City personnel.
Council Member Argudo agreed and requested additional information regarding budgetary expenses for City personnel.
In response to an inquiry by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz to the Code Enforcement and Public Safety ad hoc committee regarding a presentation providing a general review of the Code Enforcement budget, Mayor Klinakis stated that the ad hoc committee will continue to meet with Staff and gather additional information.
Discussion ensued regarding the details of the job description and duties.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz, seconded by Mayor Klinakis, to (1) adopt Resolution No. 23-5834 rescinding resolution No. 23-5813 amending the comprehensive personnel system; and (2) approve the job description for the full-time Chief/ Director of Public Safety position. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
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AYES: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
NEW BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
E-1 PRESENTATION OF SEPTEMBER 2023 BUDGET REPORT
Finance Manager Merkel Medina provided a report regarding the September 2023 budget.
In response to an inquiry from Mayor Klinakis regarding sales tax, Finance Manager Merkel Medina clarified that a portion of the decline would be due to the closure of Ed Butts Ford.
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed this report.
E-2 DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING A CONCEPTUAL DESIGN FOR A
DOG PARK/ANIMAL SHELTER AND CONSIDERATION OF CONTRACT WITH
TAP QUALIFIED ARCHITECURAL CONTRACTOR UTILIZING MEASURE A FUNDING IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $90,000
Senior Code Enforcement Supervisor Buckwell provided a brief presentation on the conceptual design for a dog park/animal shelter in the City.
Council Member Argudo stated that the additional green space and centralizing the animal control services is a great idea. He further suggested that the exit to Valley Boulevard be reconsidered due to the challenges of traffic.
City Manager Lindsey clarified that similar to the Veteran's Memorial Park, this project would need to meet TAP grant requirements.
In response to an inquiry from Mayor Pro Tem Munoz regarding the kennel design, Senior Code Enforcement Supervisor Buckwell clarified the goals and key points of the project.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz., seconded by Council Member Argudo, to authorize the City Manager to select an Architect from TAP's list of qualified consultants and enter into a contract for up to $90,000.00 to produce formal design options for the Dog Park and Animal Shelter. 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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AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
Code Enforcement and Public Safety Committee: Mayor Klinakis reported that the ad hoc committee met and would continue meeting.
La Puente Park Fees, Ordinance and Program Oversight Committee: Nothing to report.
Project LEAD Committee: Council Member Quinones reported that he met with 7 of the Project LEAD schools to reconfigure the structure of Project LEAD. He further spoke regarding an upcoming City Hall visit from three schools, followed by a Mock City Council Meeting that is scheduled for November 14, 2023.
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.
Grant Writing Committee: Nothing to report.
AB 1234 REPORTS
ORAL COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Council Member Mendoza spoke regarding the Students Run LA 5k run through La Puente.
Council Member Quinones spoke regarding housing in La Puente and potential school reconfiguration in response to a public comment.
Council Member Argudo spoke regarding the Students Run LA event as well as housing and additional green space in La Puente.
Discussion ensued regarding housing and land use in the City.
Mayor Klinakis commented on his attendance at the Memorial for Samantha Rodriguez.
Mayor Klinakis requested to allocate a portion of his ARPA discretionary funds for purchasing utility vests and ballistic shields for the Sheriff's deputies of the Special Assignment Officers Team.
In response to an inquiry from Mayor Klinakis regarding the requirements for the City's Business Start-Up Grant, Director of Development Services Di Mario directed interested individuals to contact Rehabilitation Grants Specialist Gisel Rubio.
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Discussion ensued regarding underground infrastructure updates and repairs for businesses in Downtown La Puente.
ORAL COMMENTS FROM STAFF
City Manager Lindsey commented on the success of the Students Run LA 5K run through La Puente.
Director of Community Services Bauman provided an update regarding upcoming events, including the following: Trunk or Treat on October 27, 2023, the Dia de Los Muertos Downtown Festival on November 4, 2023, the Veteran's Dinner on November 8, 2023, the Veteran's Day Ceremony on November 11, 2023, the Special Olympics Golf Tournament on November 4, 2023, and the Senior Center Halloween Dance on October 31, 2023.
City Manager Lindsey stated that Senator Bob Archuleta confirmed that he will be attending the Veteran's Dinner on November 8, 2023.
Mayor Klinakis thanked the Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies and the S.A.O. team for their hard work at the Industry Sheriff's Station Youth Activities League event. He further thanked the City of Industry for their support to the family of Samantha Rodriguez.
Council Member Argudo requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of West Covina Police Officer Matthew Ortiz.
Community Engagement Supervisor Cardona spoke regarding upcoming La Puente Community Foundation events, including the Dia de Los Muertos After Dark at the Park event scheduled for November 4, 2023, and the New Years Eve Gala set for December 31, 2023.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Klinakis adjourned the meeting in memory of West Covina Police Officer Matthew Ortiz at 9:08 p.m.
Approved this 14" day of November, 2023.
mrung. Chale Well
Martha Torres, MPA Charlie Klinakis
City Clerk Mayor/Chair
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