MINUTES
LA PUENTE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY
CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING OF
NOVEMBER 14, 2023
Per Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised 11'h 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, November 14, 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, Mendoza.
Members absent: Quinones.
Staff members present: City Manager Bob Lindsey, City Attorney Susie Altamirano, City Attorney Richard Padilla, City Clerk Martha Torres, Director of Development Services John Di Mario, Office Specialist Jackie Cortez.
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 6:08 p.m. to discuss the items as posted on the agenda.
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL EXISTING LITIGATION - Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 subdivision (d)(1) (City of La Puente v. EML, LLC, LASC Case No. 21PSCV00609)
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL EXISTING LITIGATION - Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 subdivision (d)(1) (City of La Puente v. Dank City et al, LASC Case No. 21PSCV00417)
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3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL ANTICIPATED LITIGATION - Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 subdivision (d)(2) and (e)(3) (one potential matter)
4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL ANTICIPATED LITIGATION - Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 subdivision (d)(2) (three potential matters)
5. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION - Title: City Manager pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 subdivision (b)(1).
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS - Title: City Manager pursuant to Government Codes Section 54957.6 subdivision (a).
Agency designated representatives: Mayor and City Council Unrepresented Employee: City Manager
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
The City Council reconvened to open session at 7:14 p.m.
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Altamirano reported out of closed session and stated that no action was taken on Item No. 1 in closed session. With reference to Item No. 2, no reportable action was taken. In regard to Item No. 3, no action was taken. For Item No. 4, two matters were postponed to a future Special City Council meeting and for one of the matters, the City Council received information and there was no reportable direction. Item No. 5 was postponed to a future Special City Council meeting.
7:00 P.M. REGULAR SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Klinakis called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Klinakis, Munoz., Argudo, Mendoza.
Members absent: Quinones.
Staff members present: City Manager Bob Lindsey, City Attorney Susie Altamirano, City Attorney Richard Padilla, City Clerk Martha Torres, Director of Administrative Services Troy Grunklee, Director of Development Services John Di Mario, Director of Community Services Alexander Bauman, Office Specialist Jackie Cortez.
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PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Klinakis and Council Member Argudo recognized and presented certificates to the Jr. All American Football Athletes for the Jr. Midgets Division and the Black Flag Division for their outstanding performance and excellence in sportsmanship for the season.
Project LEAD students Geraldine Garcialepe and Isaiah Barcelo thanked the City for their support of the Mock City Council Meeting and spoke about new clubs, teams, and events created to support and inspire students at Workman Elementary School.
Project LEAD student Aaron Guerrero shared that Nelson Elementary School received the Golden Bell Award for Civic Engagement. Project LEAD student Arianna Huerta also spoke about programs and clubs available to engage and support students at Nelson Elementary School.
Council Member Mendoza and Mayor Klinakis thanked the students, parents, teachers, and principals for their hard work and efforts to ensure the success of the Mock City Council Meeting.
Dr. Richard Shope introduced the upcoming play, "Romeo and Juliet Rolling Through East L.A.".
Alex Alpharaoh spoke briefly about the production and introduced the actors who then performed a scene from the play. The play will run from December 8 through December 17, 2023, at the La Puente Community Center.
Community Outreach Program Coordinator Brian Torres of the Programs, Re-employment, and Outreach Services (P.R.O.S.) Team provided an update regarding displaced persons in the City.
Mayor Klinakis, Mayor Pro Tem Munoz, and Council Member Argudo thanked the P.R.O.S. Team for their dedicated efforts to maintaining the safety and wellbeing of the City.
In response to an inquiry from Council Member Argudo regarding the City's communication with the BAART Clinic, discussion ensued regarding concerns with the BAART Clinic, displaced persons in the City, and resources provided by the City.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Liz Spear submitted a written comment announcing the hiring of after-school program facilitators within the Rowland Heights Unified School District.
BOARDS/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REPORTS - None
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 OCTOBER 19, 2023, AND OCTOBER 24, 2023 CC/SA MINUTES PAGE 3 OF 9 NOVEMBER 14, 2023
A motion was made by Council Member Argudo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz, to waive the reading and approve the the M44, The Cig On cari an by She festor ing ney meetings of October 19 and October 24,
call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Mendoza
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Quinones
B. PUBLIC HEARINGS BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL - None
C. UNFINISHED BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL - None
D. CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Klinakis pulled Items D-3, D-7, and D-8 for further discussion.
A motion was made by Council Member Argudo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz, to approve Consent Calendar Items D-1, D-2, D-4 to D-6, and D-9 to D-11. 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 RESOLUTION NO. 23-5835
Action Taken: The City Council and Successor Agency adopted Resolution No. 23-5835 approving Warrant Register No. 1562.
D-2 CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT WITH BRIGHTVIEW LANDSCAPE SERVICES, INC. FOR
LANDSCAPING MAINTENANCE SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $411,003.00 Action Taken: The City Council approved the Maintenance Services Agreement with Bright View Landscape Services, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $411,003.00.
D-3 CONSIDERATION OF CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER FOR THE IMPROVEMENTS AT EIGHT CROSSWALK LOCATIONS, FEDERAL PROJECT NO. HSIPL-5331(021), IN THE AMOUNT OF $130,000
Mayor Klinakis pulled Item D-3 for further discussion.
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In response to an inquiry by Mayor Klinakis regarding current locations and status of the project, Director of Development Services Di Mario clarified that the recent crosswalk lights on Central Ave. and Albert St. are part of the TOWO project.
A motion was made by Mayor Klinakis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz, to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract change order with TOWO Enterprise in the amount of $130,000. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Mendoza
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Quinones
D-4 CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR
ENERGY SERVICES IMPROVEMENTS
Action Taken: The City Council: (1) accepted the project as complete; and (2) authorized the City Clerk to execute the Notice of Completion.
D-5 CONSIDERATION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA PUENTE AND US BANK, NA FOR
BANKING SERVICES, EXTENDING THE TERM OF THE AGREEMENT FOR AN ADDITIONAL TWO (2) ONE-YEAR TERMS
Action Taken: The City Council: (1) approved Amendment No. 1 to the professional services agreement with US Bank National Association; and (2) authorized the City Manager to execute the amendment on behalf of the City.
D-6 CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A JOB DESCRIPTION FOR A FULL-TIME
CHIEF/DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY POSITION
Action Taken: The City Council: (1) approved the job description for the full-time Chief/Director of Public Safety position; (2) authorized the City Manager to make an appointment to the position; and (3) provided any necessary direction to Staff.
D-7 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 23-5804
AND AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PERSONNEL SYSTEM FOR PART-
TIME POSITIONS, AND APPROVAL OF A JOB DESCRIPTION FOR THE PART-
TIME CONCESSION AND EVENT SPECIALIST POSITION
Mayor Klinakis pulled Item D-7 for further discussion.
City Manager Lindsey stated that the City would be creating the position but the position would be reimbursed by the La Puente Community Foundation. In response to an inquiry from Mayor Klinakis regarding funding for the positions, City Manager Lindsey clarified that if the Foundation was unable to reimburse the City, the position would not be filled, CC/SA MINUTES PAGE 5 OF 9 NOVEMBER 14, 2023
or it would be vacated. In response to an inquiry from Mayor Pro Tem Munoz regarding the recruitment of this position, City Manager Lindsey stated that the employee would be a City employee, and recruitment may come from a job program, an internal search, or an external search.
A motion was made by Mayor Klinakis, seconded by Council Member Argudo, to: (1) adopt Resolution No. 23-5836 rescinding Resolution No. 23-5804 amending the comprehensive personnel system; and (2) approve the job description for the part-time Concession & Event Specialist position. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Argudo, Mendoza
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Munoz
ABSENT: Quinones
D-8 CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL FOR CARNIVAL AND CAR SHOW EVENTS Mayor Klinakis pulled Item D-8 for further discussion.
City Manager Lindsey stated that the La Puente Community Foundation would oversee the car show to be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, while the City would be responsible for putting on the carnival from Friday, April 19, 2024 through Sunday, April 21, 2024.
City Manager Lindsey clarified that in collaboration with the Foundation, groups such as youth sports teams, would be able to sell tickets and keep those proceeds. The City would generate revenue through the carnival vendors.
City Manager Lindsey further clarified that additional information and agreements would be brought back to the City Council at a future meeting. City Manager Lindsey also noted that a letter of agreement for the location of the carnival between the City of La Puente and the City of Industry would still need to be executed.
A motion was made by Mayor Klinakis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz, to approve the Carnival and Car Show events. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Mendoza
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Quinones
D-9 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION GRANTING A FEE WAIVER FOR LA
PUENTE NATIONAL LITTLE LEAGUE FOR THEIR ANNUAL LA PUENTE
NATIONAL LITTLE LEAGUE OPENING DAY PARADE
Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 23-5837 approving a request for a fee waiver for the La Puente National Little League Opening Day Parade.
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D-10 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION CASTING THE CITY'S VOTES FOR A
COUNCIL MEMBER TO REPRESENT CITIES WITHOUT PRESCRIPTIVE WATER
PUMPING RIGHTS ON THE BOARD OF THE SAN GABRIEL BASIN WATER
QUALITY AUTHORITY
Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 23-5838 casting the City's votes for Valerie Munoz to represent cities without prescriptive water pumping rights on the Board of the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority.
D-11 AMENDING PROGRAM GUIDELINES FOR THE BUSINESS START-UP GRANT
PROGRAM
Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 23-5839 approving the amendments to the City's Business Start-Up Grant Program.
E. NEW BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
E-1 CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT TO THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY
MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES
A motion was made by Mayor Klinakis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz, to appoint Charlie Klinakis as the representative to serve on the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District Board of Trustees for a two-year term. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Mendoza
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Quinones
AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
Code Enforcement and Public Safety Committee: Nothing to report.
La Puente Park Fees, Ordinance and Program Oversight Committee: Nothing to report.
Project LEAD Committee: Council Member Mendoza thanked City Staff for their participation and support in the Mock City Council Meeting.
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.
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Grant Writing Committee: Nothing to report.
AB 1234 REPORTS - None
ORAL COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Mayor Klinakis thanked Staff for their work on the Dia de Los Muertos events, thanked the La Puente High School Staff for its Veterans Day event, and wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Council Member Argudo wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, recognized the achievements of the La Puente High School Varsity Football Team, and requested that Certificates of Recognition be presented to the Team at the next City Council meeting. Council Member Argudo allocated $1,000 from his American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) discretionary funds for the La Puente High School Football Team.
Council Member Mendoza thanked students for their efforts, allocated $1,000 from her American Rescue Plan (ARPA) discretionary funds for the La Puente High School Football Team, requested that Certificates of Recognition be presented to the Team at the next City Council meeting, and wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
ORAL COMMENTS FROM STAFF
City Manager Lindsey stated that the La Puente High School Football coach had asked for a collaborative fundraiser to be considered by the City.
City Manager Lindsey also asked for prayers for Senior Code Enforcement Supervisor Buckwell's daughter, as well as for his own nephew's family.
City Manager Lindsey thanked IT Assistant Angel Arrellano for his work.
Community Engagement Supervisor Cardona commented on the success of the first swap meet and stated that the swap meets would now be held every Sunday at the La Puente Park parking lot from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
City Manager Lindsey thanked City Staff for their dedicated work on the Holiday events, both past and upcoming.
Director of Community Services Bauman stated the Tree Lighting Ceremony would be held on November 29, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. and the Holiday Parade would be held on December 1, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
Mayor Klinakis thanked Ed Roski of Majestic Realty for hosting The Land of the Free Foundation Veterans Day Golf Classic Fundraising Tournament that raised $1.3 million dollars for veterans.
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ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Klinakis adjourned the meeting at 8:48 pm.
Approved this 12' day of December, 2023.
mine Chasts like
Martha Torres, MPA Charlie Klinakis
City Clerk Mayor/Chair
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