MINUTES
LA PUENTE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY
SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING OF
OCTOBER 14, 2025
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 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 14, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
6:30 P.M. SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Munoz called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Munoz, Klinakis, Argudo (arrived at 6:33 p.m.), Mendoza, Quinones (arrived at 6:37 p.m.).
Members absent: None.
Staff members present: Acting City Manager/Director of Community Services Alexander Bauman, City Attorney Susie Altamirano, City Clerk Martha Torres, Director of Administrative Services Troy Grunklee, Director of Development Services Abraham Tellez, Chief/Director of Public Safety Jeffrey Buckwell, and Office Specialist Karissa Rivas Bustillos.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Munoz led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None.
RECESS INTO CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed into closed session at 6:33 p.m. to discuss the item as posted on the agenda.
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS -Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency designated representative: Acting City Manager Alexander Bauman Employee organization: Service Employees International Union Local 721 ("SEIU 721") CC/SA MINUTES PAGE 1 OF 8 OCTOBER 14, 2025
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
The City Council reconvened to open session at 7:06 p.m. •
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Altamirano stated with regard to Item No. 1, a report was provided, feedback was given, and no reportable action at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Munoz adjourned the special meeting at 7:07 p.m.
7:00 P.M. REGULAR SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Munoz called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Munoz, Klinakis, Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones.
Members absent: None.
Staff members present: Acting City Manager/Director of Community Services Alexander Bauman, City Attorney Susie Altamirano, City Clerk Martha Torres, Director of Administrative Services Troy Grunklee, Director of Development Services Abraham Tellez, Chief/Director of Public Satety Jeffrey Buckwell, and Office Specialist Karissa Rivas Bustillos.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Munoz led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Munoz added a presentation by Chief/Director of Public Safety Buckwell regarding new animal shelter services & K9 training center. Chief/Director of Public Safety Buckwell provided a power point presentation on the construction progress of the new animal shelter services & K9 training center. California State Senator Bob Archuleta thanked the City Council for moving forward on this project and announced that he has secured one million dollars in state funding for the project. The City Council thanked Senator Archuleta for his contributions. Senior Public Safety Supervisor Mark Galoustian presented a power point presentation introducing Dutchess, the City dog, and the animal training center.
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Chief/Director of Public Safety Buckwell thanked State Senator Archuleta and the City Council for their continued support of the animal control services expansion. Mayor Munoz thanked the Public Safety department and thanked Dutchess for being a part of the team.
Community Services Supervisor, Adriana Dominguez, on behalf of the City Council, provided a certificate of recognition to Esperanza Flores Ballet Folklorico Dance Group, Inc. for their contribution to the La Puente Community for 50 years. Esperanza Flores thanked the Mayor and City Council for the certificate of recognition.
Senator Archuleta presented a certificate to Esperanza Flores Ballet Folklorico Dance Group, Inc. for their 50 years of contribution of cultural traditions to the community of La Puente.
Mayor Pro Tem Klinakis, on behalf of the City Council, presented a certificate of recognition to Domestic BBQ for their contribution to the City. Co-owners, Milton Arredondo and Erika Herrera thanked the City Council and La Puente residents.
Senator Archuleta presented a certificate to Domestic BBQ for their contribution to the community of La Puente.
Council Member Quinones thanked Senator Archuleta for his attendance at the City Council Meeting.
Community Outreach Program Coordinator Brian Torres of the La Puente Programs, Re- Employment, Outreach Services (P.R.O.S.) provided an information briefing on the recent homelessness activity happening in the City.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Stephano Padilla from South Coast Air Quality Management District provided updates and information on clean air incentive programs for local small businesses and residents.
Joshua Iniguez expressed his concern about a traffic hazard outside the City's jurisdiction. The matter was referred to Staff.
Jose Quinteros spoke regarding parking issues on Valley Boulevard. The matter was referred to Staff.
Dino Bakolas, a representative from the Old Town Puente Association, spoke regarding the reorganization of the Miss La Puente program.
BOARDS/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REPORTS - None.
A. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY A-1 READ AND APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE CITY COUCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
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A motion was made by Council Member Argudo, seconded by Council Member Quinones, to waive the reading and approve the Minutes of the City Council and Successor Agency meeting September 23, 2025. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Munoz, Klinakis, 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.
D. CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Council Member Argudo, seconded by Council Member Quinones, to approve Consent Calendar Items D-1 through D-4. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Munoz, Klinakis, Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING WARRANT RESOLUTION NO. 25-5956
Action Taken: The City Council and Successor Agency adopted Resolution No. 25-5956 approving Warrant Register No. 1602.
D-2 CONSIDERATION OF AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO MARTINEZ.
CONCRETE, INC FOR THE SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS ON OLD VALLEY BOULEVARD IN THE AMOUNT OF $62,700
Action Taken: The City Council: (1) awarded the contract to Martinez. Concrete Inc in the amount of $62,700; and (2) authorized the City Manager to execute the Agreement and approve change orders up to 10% of the original bid amount.
D-3 CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZATION TO SOLICIT BIDS FOR CONCRETE CURBING AND FLAT WORK FOR THE LA PUENTE DOG PARK AT 16550 OLD
VALLEY BOULEVARD
Action Taken: The City Council: (1) approved the plans and specifications for Concrete Work for the La Puente Dog Park; and (2) authorized Staff to solicit for bids.
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D-4 CONSIDERATION OF AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO TOWO ENTERPRISE INC. FOR BLOCK WORK CONSTRUCTION FOR THE LA PUENTE DOG PARK IN THE AMOUNT OF $167,586.
Action Taken: The City Council: (1) awarded the contract to Towo Enterprise, Inc. in the amount of $167,586; and (2) authorized the City Manager to execute the Agreement and approve change orders up to 10% of the original bid amount.
E. NEW BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
At the request of Mayor Munoz, Item E-2 was moved and heard before Item E-1 on the agenda.
E-2 DISCUSSION REGARDING MISS LA PUENTE (MAYOR PRO TEM
KLINAKIS/MAYOR MUNOZ)
Mayor Pro Tem Klinakis stated that Lauren from the Old Town Puente Association informed the City of her decision to step down from organizing the Miss La Puente project.
He discussed the potential for other organizations or the City itself to assume responsibility for the event and further expressed support for the City taking the lead on the project.
Dino Bakolas, representing the Old Town Puente Association, stated that this transition presents a good opportunity for the City to oversee the project. Mr. Bakolas noted that the purpose of the project is also to provide the Miss La Puente winner with a scholarship.
Council Member Quinones commented that it would be an excellent idea for the City to collaborate with whichever organization ultimately assumes responsibility for the project.
Council Member Argudo thanked Mr. Bakolas for attending the meeting and concurred with Council Member Quinones, stating that a community organization would be well- suited to manage the event.
A motion was made by Council Member Argudo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Klinakis, to provide direction to the Old Town Puente Association to select a community-based organization to lead the Miss La Puente project and collaborate with the City Council. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Munoz, Klinakis, Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
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E-1 INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PUENTE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING UPDATED FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE MAPS FOR LOCAL RESPONSIBILITY AREAS.
PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 51178 AND THE CALIFORNIA
FIRE CODE
Associate Planner Juan Galvan provided a staff report regarding new updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone from the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (Cal Fire).
Mayor Pro Tem Klinakis expressed concern that the new map could cause residents' fire- insurance policies to be cancelled or substantially increase in cost. He inquired about possible recourse available to residents regarding their fire insurance under the new mapping.
Director of Development Services Tellez replied that the City cannot alter the map, it may only submit additional modification requests. He further explained that Cal Fire has not yet formally adopted the updated policy and is currently accepting input for potential additions to the map.
Discussion ensued regarding adoption procedures, compliance requirements, unfunded state mandates, and potential conflicts of interest.
City Attorney Altamirano stated the following topics to consider including the effect the regulation would have on the City and whether conflicts of interest exist. She stated additional research is necessary and would work with Staff to postpone the scheduled upcoming public hearing and reschedule the item for consideration.
The City Council reached a consensus to table Item E-1 and bring back at a future meeting.
At the request of Mayor Munoz, Item E-2 was moved and heard before Item E-1 on the agenda.
CONSIDERATION OF FIFTH AMENDMENT TO THE EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT WITH ROBERT C. LINDSEY FOR CITY MANAGER SERVICES City Attorney Altamirano reported that based on Mr. Lindsey's performance and mutual agreement with the City Council and Mr. Lindsey, the City's Attorney office was directed to prepare a fifth amendment to the employment agreement for the City Council's consideration. The proposed Amendment includes two terms to the employment agreement as it relates to (1) term and (2) compensation. As of January 1, 2026, Mr. Lindsey will be entitled to the same increase received by the City's bargaining unit. It was further agreed that if the bargaining unit does not receive a percentage increase, then Mr. Lindsey's existing salary will remain unchanged. The proposed fifth amendment also includes an extension of the term of the employment agreement for one year to commence as of January 1, 2026, and expire on December 31, 2026. The current agreement is set to expire December 31, 2025, and the current compensation that Mr. Lindsey is receiving is $261,483.43.
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A motion was made by Mayor Munoz, seconded by Council Member Argudo, to approve the fifth amendment to the employment agreement with Robert C. Lindsey. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Munoz, Klinakis, Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
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: Mayor Pro Tem Klinakis reported his attendance for the successful Youth in Government and Mock City Council meeting with Nelson and Workman Elementary Schools.
LPQT Action Committee: Nothing to report.
Rowland, Bassett, and Hacienda La Puente Unified School Districts Liaison Committee: Nothing to report.
Senior Advisory Committee: Nothing to report.
Business Outreach Support Committee: Nothing to report
La Puente Activity Center Design Oversight Committee: Nothing to report.
AB 1234 REPORTS
Council Member Quinones reported his attendance at the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority Conference between October 1-3, 2025, in Carlsbad, California. Council Member Quinones further stated the conference was great and was an opportunity for Council Members and Staff to take workshops to understand risk management with learning opportunities.
ORAL COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Mayor Pro Tem Klinakis provided direction to Staff to monitor the transition to electric vehicles, noting that the increased weight of these vehicles may cause additional wear and damage to City streets.
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ORAL COMMENTS FROM STAFF
Acting City Manager/Director of Community Services Bauman provided an update on upcoming events including: Volunteer Coach registration ending on October 16, 2025; Trunk or Treat taking place on October 24, 2025, at La Puente Park; and Students Run Los Angeles event taking place October 26, 2025, on Main Street.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Munoz adjourned the meeting at 8:36 p.m.
Approved this 12'" day of November 2025.
Mate.
Martha Torres, MPA, CMC Valerie Muñoz
City Clerk Mayor/Chair
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