MINUTES
LA PUENTE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY
CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING OF
JANUARY 9, 2024
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, January 9, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
6:00 P.M. CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Quinones called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Quinones, Klinakis, Argudo, Mendoza.
Members absent: Munoz.
Staff members present: City Manager Bob Lindsey, City Attorney Susie Altamirano, City Clerk Martha Torres, Director of Development Services John Di Mario, and Office Specialist Jackie Cortez.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Quinones led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None
RECESS INTO CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed into closed session at 6:07 p.m. to discuss the item as posted on the agenda.
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL ANTICIPATED LITIGATION - Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 subdivision (d)(2) (two potential cases)
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
The City Council reconvened to open session at 7:10 p.m.
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REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Altamirano reported out of closed session. In regard to the first matter, direction was given by Council, and no reportable action was taken. In regard to the second matter, direction was given by Council, and no reportable action was taken.
7:00 P.M. REGULAR SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Quinones called the meeting to order at 7:12 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Quinones, Klinakis, Argudo, Mendoza.
Members absent: Munoz.
Staff members present: City Manager Bob Lindsey, City Attorney Susie Altamirano, City Clerk Martha Torres, Director of Administrative Services Troy Grunklee, Director of Development Services John Di Mario, Chief/Director of Public Safety Jeffrey Buckwell, Director of Community Services Alexander Bauman, and Office Specialist Jackie Cortez.
PRESENTATIONS
Sergeant Barajas of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department spoke regarding traffic safety in the City and introduced Deputies Jake Adamo and Austin Jordan.
Community Outreach Program Coordinator Brian Torres of the La Puente Programs, Re- Employment, Outreach Services (P.R.O.S.) Team provided an information briefing on recent
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Allison Martinez spoke regarding hosting an educational event to inform local residents regarding educational opportunities.
Manuel Maldonado spoke regarding traffic safety in the City and local school districting.
BOARDS/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REPORTS - None
A. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY
MEETINGS
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A-1 READ AND APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETINGS OF DECEMBER 12, 2023
A motion was made by Council Member Argudo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Klinakis, to waive the reading and approve the Minutes of the City Council and Successor Agency meeting of December 12, 2023. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Quinones, Klinakis, Argudo, Mendoza
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Munoz
B. PUBLIC HEARINGS BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL
B-1 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITY'S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 Director Di Mario provided a staff report and briefing on the City's Community Development Block Grant Program for fiscal year 2024-2025.
In response to an inquiry from Council Member Argudo regarding unprogrammed funds, Director Di Mario clarified unprogrammed funds may be funds that are unspent or other circumstances. Discussion ensued regarding funding allocation and the grant waiting list.
Mayor Quinones spoke regarding funding allocation.
City Manager Lindsey stated that City Staff would go back to clarify waitlist eligibility and other details such as account allocation and bring additional information to the next regular meeting.
Mayor Quinones opened the public hearing.
Manuel Maldonado spoke regarding his experience with the City's CDBG program.
Nestor Rodriguez spoke regarding his experience with the City's CDBG program.
The City Council provided additional comments regarding the program allocation.
There being no further members of the public wishing to speak, Mayor Quinones closed the public hearing.
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A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Klinakis, seconded by Council Member Mendoza, to adopt Resolution No. 24-5842 authorizing the City's CDBG Program for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 with direction to staff to review CDBG grant applications and report back at the next City Council Meeting. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Quinones, Klinakis, Argudo, Mendoza
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Munoz
C. UNFINISHED BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL - None
D. CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Argudo pulled Item D-2 for further discussion.
A motion was made by Council Member Argudo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Klinakis, to approve Consent Calendar Item D-1. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Quinones, Klinakis, Argudo, Mendoza
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Munoz
D-1 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING WARRANT RESOLUTION NO. 24-5843
Action Taken: The City Council and Successor Agency adopted Resolution No. 24-5843 approving Warrant Register No. 1563.
D-2 CONSIDERATION OF AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO ALFARO COMMUNICATION CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR THE RECTANGULAR RAPID
FLASHING BEACON INSTALLATION ON OLD VALLEY BOULEVARD AND FIRST STREET IN THE AMOUNT OF $150,184.40
This item was pulled by Council Member Argudo for further discussion.
Director Di Mario provided a staff report. In response to an inquiry from Council Member Argudo regarding street improvements, Director Di Mario clarified that the street improvements would include a bulb-out.
In response to an inquiry from Council Member Mendoza regarding the traffic study, Director Di Mario confirmed the traffic engineers' study had recommended the bulb-out.
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In response to an inquiry from Mayor Pro Tem Klinakis regarding the signage, Director Di Mario clarified that the crosswalk signage would be solar-powered and pedestrian- activated.
Council Member Argudo spoke regarding the safety of making a left turn at the intersection.
Discussion ensued regarding traffic safety and possible options for the intersection.
City Manager Lindsey stated that Staff will discuss options for the intersection with the traffic engineers and will report back at a future City Council meeting.
A motion was made by Council Member Argudo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Klinakis, to: (1) award the contract to Alfaro Communication Construction, Inc. in the amount of 8150,184.40; (2) authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement and approve change orders up to 10% of the original bid amount; and (3) adopt Resolution No. 24-5844 amending the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Capital Improvement Program Budget, with the recommendations to mitigate the flow of vehicular traffic. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Quinones, Klinakis, Argudo, Mendoza
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Munoz
E. NEW BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
E-1 CONSIDERATION OF: (1) APPOINTMENTS TO REGIONAL BOARDS; AND (2) A
RESOLUTION APPOINTING SPECIFIC REPRESENTATIVES TO THE SAN
GABRIEL VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
Mayor Quinones made the following appointments to regional boards, commissions, and committees:
Council Member Argudo as the delegate and Mayor Quinones as the alternate to the California Contract Cities Association.
Mayor Quinones as the delegate and Mayor Pro Tem Klinakis as the alternate to Sanitation Districts 15 and 21.
Council Member Argudo as the delegate and Council Member Mendoza as the alternate to the League of California Cities.
Mayor Quinones as the delegate and Mayor Pro Tem Klinakis as the alternate to the City Selection Committee.
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Council Member Argudo as the delegate and Mayor Quinones as the alternate to the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments.
Mayor Quinones as the delegate and Mayor Pro Tem Klinakis, Council Member Argudo, Council Member Mendoza, and Council Member Munoz, as the alternates to the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority.
Council Member Munoz as the delegate and Mayor Pro Tem Klinakis as the alternate to the Foothill Transit Governing Board
Mayor Pro Tem Klinakis as the delegate to the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Klinakis, seconded by Council Member Mendoza, to appoint Council Member Argudo as the Delegate with Mayor Quinones as the Alternative to the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Quinones, Klinakis, Argudo, Mendoza
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Munoz
E-2 CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS TO AD
HOC COMMITTEES
Mayor Quinones established the following ad hoc committees:
Mayor Pro Tem Klinakis and Council Member Mendoza would serve on the Code Enforcement and Public Safety Committee ad hoc committee.
Mayor Quinones and Council Member Munoz would serve on the La Puente Park Fees, Ordinance, and Program Oversight Committee ad hoc committee.
Mayor Quinones and Council Member Mendoza would serve on the Project Lead Committee ad hoc committee.
Mayor Quinones and Council Member Mendoza would serve on the LPQT Action Committee ad hoc committee.
Mayor Quinones disbanded the Adaptive Sports League and Enrichment Programs Oversight Committee.
Mayor Pro Tem Klinakis and Council Member Munoz would serve on the Rowland, Bassett, and Hacienda La Puente Unified School Districts Liaison Committee ad hoc committee.
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Mayor Pro Tem Klinakis and Council Member Munoz would serve on the Grant Writing Committee ad hoc committee.
E-3 DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE A FIRST AMENDMENT TO
THE EXISTING AGREEMENT FOR CITY ATTORNEY SERVICES WITH
OLIVAREZ MADRUGA LAW ORGANIZATION, LLP
A motion was made by Council Member Argudo, seconded by Mayor Quinones, to approve the First Amendment to the existing Agreement for City Attorney Services, in accordance with Government Code Sections 53262, 54953(c)(3) and 54956(b); and (2) authorize the City Manager to make nonmaterial changes and execute all implementing documents. The motion passed with the following roll call vote:
AYES: Quinones, Klinakis, Argudo, Mendoza
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Munoz
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 reported that the committee met with the Project LEAD principals in advance of the LEAD-ership Conference that will be held on January LPQT Action Committee: Nothing to report.
Adaptive Spots 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 - None
ORAL COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Council Member Argudo congratulated Mayor Quinones on his first City Council meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Klinakis thanked City Staff for their work over the holidays to ensure the City was safe and clean.
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Council Member Mendoza congratulated City Staff for their accomplishments and progress in the City.
Mayor Quinones thanked City Staff for their hard work and recognized National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
ORAL COMMENTS FROM STAFF
City Manager Lindsey recognized and thanked the graffiti abatement team in the Maintenance Department for their quick response time and tireless efforts.
Director Di Mario gave an update on the 5-Year Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and stated that it would be brought back at a future City Council meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Quinones adjourned the meeting at 8:32 p.m.
Approved this 23d day of January, 2024.
Martha Torres, MPA Gabriel Quiñone
City Clerk Mayor/Chair
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