MINUTES
LA PUENTE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY
SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING OF
JANUARY 13, 2026
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, January 13, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
6:30 P.M. SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Klinakis called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones (arrived at 6:35 p.m.).
Members absent: None.
Staff members present: Acting City Manager/Director of Community Services Alexander Bauman, City Attorney Richard Padilla, City Clerk Martha Torres, Director of Administrative Services Troy Grunklee, Director of Development Services Abraham Tellez, Chief/Director of Public Safety Jeffrey Buckwell, Senior Planner Juan Galvan, and Management Analyst Natalie Romo.
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 6:33 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 10 JANUARY 13, 2026
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
The City Council reconvened to open session at 7:01 p.m.
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Padilla 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 Klinakis adjourned the special closed session meeting at 7:02 p.m.
7:00 P.M. REGULAR SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Klinakis called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones.
Members absent: None.
Staff members present: Acting City Manager/Director of Community Services Alexander Jeffrey Buckwell, Senior Planner Juan Galvan, and Management Analyst Natalie Romo.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Senior Planner Juan Galvan led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENTATIONS
2. Deputy Jake Adamo from the Los Angeles County Sheriff®s Department provided a report regarding recent activity within the City.
Acting Assistant Fire Chief William Gamble provided a report regarding recent activity within the City and introduced Rosemary Vivero as the new Community Service Liaison.
Acting Assistant Fire Chief Gamble provided a handout listing Community Emergency Response Team training classes scheduled for February 20, 27, and March 6, 2026, at the Willow Center.
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ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Manuel Maldonaldo expressed his concerns regarding: the City of Industry's proposal to allow data centers; and current immigration enforcement activity. He further announced his youngest daughter passed the state bar exam.
BOARDS/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REPORTS - None.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING
READ AND APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING OF DECEMBER 9, 2025
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 meeting of December 9, 2025. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL
4. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITY'S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 Director of Developmental Services Tellez provided a report regarding the City's Community Development Block Grant for the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year.
Mayor Klinakis opened the public hearing at 7:17 p.m. There being no members of the public wishing to speak, Mayor Klinakis closed the public hearing at 7:17 p.m.
A motion was made by Council Member Argudo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz, to adopt Resolution No. 26-5964 approving the City's CDBG Program for Fiscal Year 2026-
27. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
5. SECOND READING 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, PURSANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 51178 AND THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE CC/SA MINUTES PAGE 3 OF 10 JANUARY 13, 2026
Mayor Klinakis and Council Member Argudo recused themselves from this item and left the dais due to a potential conflict of interest.
In response to an inquiry by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz regarding if the ordinance is state mandated, Director of Development Services Tellez confirmed that the ordinance is state mandated.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz stated her understanding of state mandates and inquired regarding the importance of the City to comply. Director of Development Services Tellez stated that adoption of the Fire Hazard Severity Maps is required to ensure compliance with building safety requirements and designated zones.
Senior Planner Galvan reported that the ordinance adopts the formulated maps and authorizes the City to apply the appropriate building standards.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz opened the public hearing at 7:24 p.m.
Charlie Klinakis expressed his opposition to the state-mandated fire hazard severity zone maps for the City.
Manuel Maldonaldo expressed his opposition to the state-mandated fire hazard severity zone maps for the City.
There being no further members of the public wishing to speak, Mayor Pro Tem Munoz closed the public hearing at 7:29 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz stated her reluctance to approve the state-mandated maps but acknowledged that adoption was necessary to maintain the City's compliance.
A motion was made by Council Member Quinones, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz, to open the public hearing and receive public input; (2) adopt Ordinance No. 25-991 entitled, "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of La Puente, California, Designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones," adopting the updated Cal Fire Local Responsibility Area (LRA) maps for the City; and (3) adopt a Notice of Exemption Regarding same. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Munoz, Mendoza, Quinones
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Klinakis, Argudo
Mayor Klinakis and Council Member Argudo returned to the dais.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL - None.
CC/SA MINUTES PAGE 4 OF 10 JANUARY 13, 2026
CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz, seconded by Council Member Argudo, to approve Consent Calendar Item 6. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
6. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING WARRANT RESOLUTION NO. 26-5965
Action Taken: The City Council and Successor Agency adopted Resolution No. 26-5965 approving Warrant Register No. 1606.
NEW BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
7. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY AND SERVICE EMPLOYEES'
INTERNATIONAL UNION, LOCAL 721
Director of Administration Services Grunklee provided a report regarding the agreement between the City and Service Employees International Union Local 721 ("SEIU 721") for a three-year term.
A motion was made by Council Member Argudo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz, to (1) approve the salary ranges; (2) adopt Resolution No. 26-5966 approving the MOU with the SEIU for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028; and (3) approve Resolution No. 26-5967 rescinding Resolution No. 25-5945 and amending the comprehensive personnel system and establishing the number of authorized full-time positions and monthly ranges for City employees. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
8. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PUENTE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AN ORDINANCE REPEALING SECTION 10.10.080 (ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS) OF CHAPTER 10.10 (RESIDENTIAL ZONES), ARTICLE 2 (ZONES, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN STANDARDS), TITLE 10 (ZONING) OF
THE LA PUENTE MUNICIPAL CODE, IN ITS ENTIRELY, AND ADOPTING A REVISED SECTION 10.10.080 (ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR CC/SA MINUTES PAGE 5 OF 10 JANUARY 13, 2026
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS) TO ENSURE CONSISTENCY WITH STATE LAW
Senior Planner Galvan presented a report on the proposed ordinance updating statutory requirements for Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units to ensure compliance with California State law.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz, seconded by Council Member Argudo, to (1) waive the full reading and introduce Ordinance No. 26-992 by title only; (2) Introduce Ordinance No. 26-992, entitled, "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of La Puente, California, amending Title 10 (Zoning) of the La Puente Municipal Code ("LPMC") Chapter 10.10 to amend Accessory Dwelling Unit ("ADU) Provisions to comply with State Law; (3) set the date of February 10, 2026, as the date for a public hearing on adoption of the Ordinance; and (4) approve and adopt the Notice of Exemption.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz., Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
9. DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING THE SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT
FOR THE SEWER CAPITAL CHARGES AND SEWER MAINTENANCE FEES At the June 24, 2025, City Council meeting, Council Member Argudo requested more information on how the discount is determined for seniors. Director of Administrative Services Grunklee provided a report regarding the senior citizen discount requirements.
Director Grunklee stated City Staff inquired with a local water company to verify if current qualifications for the senior citizen discount were appropriate. He stated the local water company staff noted that the current definition of "low flow water user" as noted in the municipal code of 200 gallons per day is quite high based on their opinion and further noted that by 2030, California residential indoor water gallon use will be lowered to 42 gallons per day per person.
Discussion ensued between Council Member Argudo and Director of Administrative Services Grunklee regarding: the water gallon usage per day per person per household for the senior citizen discount; and the local water company that was contacted by Staff.
Council Member Argudo recused himself from this item and left the dais due to a potential conflict of interest.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz inquired if Staff would be able to contact other local water companies for data regarding this item.
Director of Administrative Services Grunklee stated that at the June 24, 2025, City Council meeting, City Council directed Staff to conduct additional research to determine if the CC/SA MINUTES PAGE 6 OF 10 JANUARY 13, 2026
water gallon usage per day per person was appropriate for the senior citizen discount and further stated there are no mandates to alter the qualifications for the senior citizen discount.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz inquired if there are any water conservation mandates for cities.
Director of Administrative Services Grunklee stated California is looking to lower the water usage from 55 gallons to 42 gallons per day per person in the next four to five years for water conservation efforts.
Discussion ensued regarding the current qualifications for the senior citizen discount and if the ordinance in place needs to be altered.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz recommended keeping the ordinance as it stands and bringing this item back in 18 months to reevaluate and prepare the City for state mandates taking place in 2030.
Mayor Klinakis inquired whether seniors will still be receiving the discount.
Director of Administrative Services Grunklee confirmed that the senior discount would continue to be available and that the discussion pertained to the potential modification of the discount's eligibility requirements.
Council Member Mendoza inquired whether providing the senior citizen discount impacts the City.
Director of Administrative Services Grunklee responded the senior citizen discount is applied to the homeowner's property tax and the City offsets the cost for those who qualify for the discount.
Mayor Klinakis inquired whether renters are able to apply for the senior citizen discount.
Director of Administrative Services Grunklee stated the registered property owner would be able to apply and potentially receive the discount.
Direction was provided to Staff to leave the ordinance and eligibility requirements for the senior citizen discount for sewer capital charges and maintenance fees as is, and to bring back the item for further consideration at a future City Council meeting.
Council Member Argudo returned to the dais.
10. CONSIDERATION OF: (1) APPOINTMENTS TO REGIONAL BOARDS; AND (2) A
RESOLUTION APPOINTING SPECIFIC REPRESENTATIVES TO THE SAN
GABRIEL VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
Mayor Klinakis made the following appointments to regional boards, commissions, and committees:
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Council Member Argudo as the delegate and Council Member Quinones as the alternate to the California Contract Cities Association.
Mayor Klinakis as the delegate and Mayor Pro Tem Munoz as the alternate to Sanitation District 15 and 21.
Council Member Argudo as the delegate and Council Member Mendoza as the alternate to the League of California Cities.
Mayor Klinakis as the delegate and Council Member Mendoza as the alternate to the City Selection Committee.
Council Member Quinones as the delegate and Council Member Argudo as the alternate to the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz as the delegate and Mayor Klinakis, Council Member Argudo, Council Member Mendoza, and Council Member Quinones, as the alternates to the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority.
Mayor Klinakis as the delegate and Mayor Pro Tem Munoz as the alternate to the Foothill Transit Governing Board
Mayor Klinakis as the delegate to the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Munoz, seconded by Council Member Argudo, to authorize the Mayor to appoint representatives and delegates to regional boards, commissions and committees; and (2) adopt Resolution No. 26-5968 Appointing Specific Representatives to the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Klinakis, Munoz, Argudo, Mendoza, Quinones
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
11. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS TO AD
HOC COMMITTEES
Mayor Klinakis established the following ad hoc committees:
Mayor Klinakis and Council Member Mendoza would serve on the Code Enforcement and Public Safety ad hoc committee.
Mayor Pro Tem Munoz and Council Member Quinones would serve on the La Puente Park Fees, Ordinance, and Program Oversight ad hoc committee.
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Council Member Mendoza and Council Member Quinones would serve on the Project Lead ad hoc committee.
Council Member Mendoza and Council Member Quinones would serve on the LPQT Action ad hoc committee.
Mayor Klinakis and Mayor Pro Tem Munoz would serve on the Rowland, Bassett, and Hacienda La Puente Unified School Districts Liaison ad hoc committee.
Mayor Klinakis and Mayor Pro Tem Munoz would serve on the Senior Citizen Advisory ad hoc committee.
Mayor Klinakis and Council Member Quinones would serve on the Business Outreach Support ad hoc committee.
Mayor Klinakis and Council Member Mendoza would serve on the La Puente Activity Center Design Oversight ad hoc committee.
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: Nothing to report.
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 - None.
ORAL COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Council Member Argudo inquired about the new agenda format, and City Clerk Torres stated that the City transitioned to CivicPlus, a new agenda management system, which applied a different font and numbering system. Council Member Argudo, Mayor Pro Tem Munoz, and Mayor CC/SA MINUTES PAGE 9 OF 10 JANUARY 13, 2026
Klinakis expressed concerns regarding readability and the numbering. City Clerk Torres acknowledged the comments.
Council Member Mendoza wished a Happy New Year to all.
Mayor Klinakis announced that players from the La Puente National Little League team that participated in the 1964 World Series would attend the Little League Parade and Opening Day Ceremony. He further noted that visitors would be coming to the City as nearby communicates host activities and events related to the 2028 Olympics and encouraged Staff to compile a list of local establishments for visitors. Mayor Pro Tem Munoz agreed and directed Staff to promote City businesses on social media.
ORAL COMMENTS FROM STAFF
Chief/Director of Public Safety Buckwell uplifted first responders that worked during the holiday break.
Director of Development Services Tellez thanked the City Council for approving Item No. 5 on the agenda and stated that the approval of the fire hazard severity zone maps is a critical and final component to the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. He further reported that at the end of 2025, the City received clearance and approval from FEMA and California Governor's Office of Emergency Services on the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. He noted that the item will be brought to the City Council at a future City Council meeting.
Mayor Klinakis thanked Director of Development Services Tellez for responding with a letter to local youth that are part of a robotics team.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Klinakis adjourned the meeting at 8:09 p.m.
Approved this 27 day of January, 2026.
Mate Chals 1.lh
Martha Torres, MPA, CMC Charlie Klinakis
City Clerk Mayor/Chair
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