CITY OF MONTEBELLO CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR
AGENCY JOINT REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
M I N U T E S
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2022 AT 5:00 P.M.
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1600 WEST BEVERLY BOULEVARD
MONTEBELLO, CALIFORNIA
OPENING CEREMONIES
CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m.
ROLL CAL L – Members present were Mayor Cobos -Cawthorne, Mayor Pro Tem Jimenez, Councilmember Peralta, Councilmember Melendez, and Councilmember Torres. City Clerk Jimenez and Treasurer Gutierrez were also present.
STAFF PRESENT – City Attorney Arnold Alvarez -Glasman, City Manager René Bobadilla, Assistant City Manager Arlene Salazar, Deputy City Clerk Al icia Fernandez, Assistant to Dep uty City Clerk Kimberly Guillen, and Records Coordinator Angelina Padilla.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
The City Clerk’s office acknowledged one (1) speaker card; no written comments were submitted to the City’s public comment email address. Said speaker card is on file at the City Clerk’s office.
CLOSED SESSION – 5:30 P.M.
Mayor Cobos -Cawthorne recessed the meeting into Closed Session at 5:07 p.m. to consider the following closed session items:
1. THREAT TO PUBLIC SERVICES OR FACILITIES
Government Code Section 54957
Consultation with City Manager, Police Chief, City Attorney and other related City officials.
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Eddie Loussararian and John Loussararian, Jr. vs. City of Montebello, et al.
Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 19STCV36756
January 12, 2021: Joint City Council & Successor Agency Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 10
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
Threat of litigation – One matter related to the CVRA
4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4)
Initiation of litigation – Two cases
REGULAR SESSION – 6:00 P.M.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Mayor Cobos -Cawthorne reconv ened the meeting at 6:14 p.m. During Closed Session the City Council received a briefing on Item No. 1, no action taken; nothing to report. The City Council received a briefing on Item No. 2, direction was provided regarding a possible resolution of these matters and unanimous direction was provided. The City Council received a briefing on Item No. 3, no action was taken but it was decided that a Special Meeting , as defined by City Council , will be held in the near future with this being the only Closed Session to be discussed. The City Council received a unanimous decision to execute the required documents to have the City participate in the National Opioid settlement matters.
INVOCATION – Pastor Sebastian Petz, Montebello Christian
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Carlos Larios
CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA – CITY MANAGER – Item 6, under the Presentation S ection of the meeting was postponed to a future meeting.
CEREMONIAL/PRESENTATIONS
5. RECOGNITION OF CITIZEN OF THE MONTH – PASTOR ERIC TIETZE, HEARTS OF COMPASSION – Presented by Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne
6. RECOGNITION OF M&M FOR FIRE TRAINING SUPPORT – this item was postponed to a future meeting
7. RECOGNITION OF GATEWAY CITIES ENERGY ACTION AWARD – Presented by Mayor Cobos- Cawthorne
8. RECOGNITION OF SAN GABRIEL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS AWARD – Presented by Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne
9. RECOGNITION OF MO NTEBELLO BUS LINE’S 90 TH ANNIVERSARY – Presented by Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne
10. RECOGNITION OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS MONTH – Presented by Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne
January 12, 2021: Joint City Council & Successor Agency Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 10
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS (30 MINUTES)
No speaker cards were submitted to the City Clerk’s office.
The City Clerk ’s office , acknowledged four (4) written comments submitted to the City’s public comment email address. Said comments are on file at the City Clerk’s office.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS ON ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
Director of Recreation & Community Services provided the City Council an update on the drive - through Easter.
REGULAR BUSINESS
11. REVIEW OF CURRENT CO UNCIL ASSIGNMENTS TO VARIOUS BOARDS, AGENCIES, AD HOC
AND TASK FORCE COMMITTEES
Mayor Cobos -Cawthorne reviewed the various boards, agencies, Ad Hoc and Task Force Committees with the Councilmembers and the following assignments were made below:
AD HOC AND TASK FORCE ASSIGNMENTS
Name of Committee/ Task Force Name #1 Name #2
Ashiya Sister City Association Ad Hoc Angie Jimenez Torres Cannabis Ad Hoc Committee
(Reinstated 1/12/22)
Kimberly Cobos-
Cawthorne
Angie Jimenez
Economic Development Ad Hoc Kimberly Cobos-
Cawthorne
Scarlet Peralta
Farmer's Market Ad Hoc Scarlet Peralta Salvador Melendez Homelessness Task Force Salvador Melendez Angie Jimenez Innovating Commerce Serving
Communities Ad-Hoc”
(Established 1/12/22)
Kimberly Cobos-
Cawthorne
Angie Jimenez
* Joint School District Ad Hoc Vacant Vacant
Military Task Force Kimberly Cobos-
Cawthorne Torres
Solid Waste Ad Hoc Committee
(Reinstated 1/12/22) David Torres Scarlet Peralta
Streets Ad Hoc Kimberly Cobos-
Cawthorne Angie Jimenez
Transportation Ad Hoc
(Established 1/12/22)
Kimberly Cobos-
Cawthorne Angie Jimenez
Transit Ad Hoc Dissolved 1/12/22
Washington Coalition Dissolved 1/12/22
Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne made a motion to reinstate the Cannabis Ad Hoc Committee, seconded by Melendez; motion approved unanimously. Councilmember Melendez made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Torres, to appoint Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne and Mayor January 12, 2021: Joint City Council & Successor Agency Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 10
Pro Tem Jimenez ; motion approved unanimously. Councilmember Torres made a substitution motion for Councilmember Peralta to be appointed along with the Mayor, Councilmember Peralta seconded; substitute motion did not carry 2-3.
Mayor Cobos -Cawthorne made a motion to have the Solid Waste Ad Hoc Committee reinstated, seconded by Councilmember Melendez; motion approved unanimously.
Councilmember Melendez motioned that Torres and Peralta be appointed , seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Jimenez; motional approved unanimously.
Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne made a motion to combine the Transit Ad Hoc and Washington Coalition and form a Transportation Ad Hoc, Melendez seconded; motion passed by a 3 -2 vote. Councilmember Melendez motioned to appoint Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne and Mayor Pro Tem Jimenez, seconded by Torres; motional approved unanimously.
Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne made a motion to appoint Mike Torres and Alex Hilke as Traffic Committee members, seconded by Councilmember Melendez; motion approved unanimously.
VARIOUS BOARDS AND AGENCIES
Organization Council Representative Alternate
Representative
County of Los Angeles Sanitation
Districts
Cobos-Cawthorne Jimenez
Los Angeles County City Selection
Committee
Cobos-Cawthorne Jimenez
San Gabriel Valley Council of
Governments (SGVCOG)
Peralta Melendez
Capital Projects Committee -
Alameda Corridor East
Authority (ACE)
Jimenez Melendez
Gateway Cities Council of
Governments
Jimenez Cobos-Cawthorne
Independent Cities Association Melendez Jimenez
Montebello Chamber of Commerce Torres -
League of California Cities Melendez Jimenez
Los Angeles County Vector Control
District
(LACVCD)
Avik Cordeiro (Resident
Reappointed 11/10/2021
- 4 yrs.)
-
Southeast Area Animal Control
(SEAACA)
Cobos-Cawthorne Peralta
Southern California Association of
Governments (SCAG)
Melendez Torres
January 12, 2021: Joint City Council & Successor Agency Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 10
12. ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 22-02/SUCCESSOR AGENCY RESOLUTION NO. 22- 01 FOR THE RECOGNIZE D OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE FOR THE FIS CAL YEAR 2021 - 22 (ROPS 21 -22) AND CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 22 -03/SUCCESSOR AGENCY RESOLUTION NO. 22 -02 FOR THE ADMINISTR ATIVE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2021 - 2022
City Manager Bobadilla presented this item to the City Council and it was moved by Councilmember/Board Member Melendez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem /Vice Chairperson Jimenez that the City Council/Successor Agency approve the recommendations below.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council and Successor Agency:
1) Approve and adopt City Council Resolution No. 22 -02 and Successor Agency Resolution No. 22-01 for the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule for the Fiscal Year 2021 -22 (ROPS 21-22); and
2) Approve and adopt City Council Resolution No. 22 -03 and Successor Ag ency Resolution No. 22-02 for the Administrative Budget for the Fiscal Year 2021-2022; and 3) Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem /Vice Chairperson Jimenez, seconded by Councilmember/Board Member Melendez to adjourn the Successor Agency at 7:59 p.m.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Torres and Mayor Cobos -Cawthorne pulled Item No. 14. Councilmember Torres pulled Item No’s. 16, 17, 19, and 20. Peralta motioned, seconded by Melendez, that Item No’s. 13, 15, 18, and 21-23 be approved.
13. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 22-04 AMENDING RESOLUTI ON NO. 20 -80 UPDATING THE
CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE FOR THE CITY OF MONTEBELLO
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 22 -04, a Resolution of City Council of the City of Montebello, California, Amending Resolution No. 20-80 updating the Conflict of Interest Code for the City of Montebello in compliance with Government Code requirements; and 2) Direct the City Clerk’s office to file the 2022 Local B iennial Notice with the Fair Political Practices Commission; and
3) Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
14. REPORT OF EMERGENCY REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT OF THE BEACH STREET STORM DRAIN
Councilmember Torres pulled this item to ask a clarif ying question regarding the funding sources for this item; City Manager Bobadilla and Director Enriquez provided an update on the emergency repairs and presented the staff report. Director Enriquez confirmed that ARPA Funds would be used for these emergenc y repairs. Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne asked to view photos of the emergency repairs.
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Mayor Cobos -Cawthorne motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Jimenez that the City Council:
1) Receive and file the City Manager’s report of an emergency repair of the Beach Street Storm Drain pursuant to Montebello Municipal Code Section 3.20.140 and Public Contracts Code Section 22035; and
2) Determine and find that the severely deteriorated condition of the Beach Street Storm Drain poses a serious and eminent threat to public safety due to its severely deteriorated condition; and
3) By a four -fifths vote of the City Council authorize the dispensing of a formal bidding procedure for the replacement of the Beach Street Storm Drain, in accordance with California Public Contract Code Section 22035 and Montebello Municipal Code Chapter
3.20.140; and
4) Authorize the City Manager to finalize the proposed Agreement No. 3947 with Mike Bubalo Construction Co. (attached hereto in substantial form as Attachment B) for the construction of the rep lacement of the Beach Street Storm Drain at an estimated total cost of $390,000; and
5) Amend the Fiscal Year 2021-22 budget by increasing appropriations $535,000 in Account No. 100-30-315-6040.45 (General Fund, Public Works, Stormwater, Contract Services – Storm Drain Maintenance) for emergency response, repair and replacement work; and 6) Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
MOVED: Cobos-Cawthorne SECONDED: Jimenez APPROVED: 4-0-1-0
AYES: Cobos-Cawthorne, Peralta, Jimenez, Melendez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Torres
ABSENT: None
15. BEACH STREET PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT - PHASE 1 (FROM VAIL A VENUE TO 5TH STREET), CP NO. 883 – ENGAGEMENT LETTER FO R CONSTRUCTION MANAG EMENT &
INSPECTION SERVICES BY AIM CONSULTING SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1) Award Task Order No. 2 via an Engagement Letter under Master Retainer Agreement No. 3919 with AIM Consulting Services for Construction Management and Inspection Services for a not-to-exceed-fee of $92,126; and
2) Authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement, on behalf of the City; and 3) Take such additional or alternative action that may be desirable.
16. PAVING THE WAY – PHASE 2 (CP NO. 878) – NOTICE OF COMPLETION
Councilmember Torres pulled this item to ask a clarifying question on what the balance would be after completion of Phase 3 and Director Enriquez provided an update on this item.
January 12, 2021: Joint City Council & Successor Agency Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 10
Councilmember Torres motioned, seconded by Councilmember Melendez that the City Council:
1) Accept the Paving the Way – Phase 2 Project (CP 878) as completed by Manhole Adjusting, Inc. (MAI); and
2) Find that the “Changes in Work” for the project (Attachment A) in the aggregate amount of $1,423,503 have no significant effect on the environment. The final contract am ount with MAI is $6,362,081.
3) Approve the Final Construction Budget and Expenditures (Attachment B); and 4) Authorize the City Clerk to execute, verify and file the Notice of Completion (Attachment C) with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder; and
5) Authorize the City Manager to release the retention payment due to Manhole Adjusting, Inc. following the mandatory waiting period from the date the Notice of Completion is recorded; and
6) Amend the Fiscal Year 2021 -22 budget by increasing appropriations by $ 630,362 in Account No. 220 -99-7117 (Measure R, Improvements Other than Building – Paving the Way) and $1,108,174 in Account No. 222 -99-7117 (Measure M, Improvements Other than Building – Paving the Way); and
7) Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Motion approved unanimously.
17. APPROVE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT N O. 3946 FOR MARKET A NALYSIS AND RETAIL RECRUITMENT S ERVICES BETWEEN NAVI RETAIL INC. AND THE CITY OF
MONTEBELLO
Councilmember Torres pulled this item to ask clarifying questions on whether this item could be approved by a simple majority; and it was confirmed that it could be approved by a simple majority vote. Also asked to receive an update on the Economic Development efforts and City Manager Bobadilla state d that a Community Development Manager position will be brought before Council for approval once the job specification is ready.
Councilmember Torres motioned, seconded by Councilmember Melendez that the City Council:
1) Approve a Professional Services Agreement between the City of Montebello and NaviRetail Inc. in an amount not to exceed $84,000 over the course of a two (2) year term for Market Analysis and Retail Recruitment Services for the City of Montebello; and 2) Authorize the City Manager to execute the Professional Services Agreement between the City and NaviRetail Inc. and any related documents in accordance with Montebello Municipal Code (“MMC”) Chapter 3.20.050; and
3) Amend the Fiscal Year 2021 -22 budget by increasing appropriations by $42,000 in Account 100 -50-520-6040.95 (General Fund, Community Development, Planning Division, Other Professional Services); and
4) Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
January 12, 2021: Joint City Council & Successor Agency Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 10
Motion approved unanimously.
18. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 22-05 TO AUTHORIZE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION TO THE
STATE OF CALIFORNIA BEVERAGE CONTAINER RECYCLING GRANT PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 22-05 to authorize the submission of an application to the State of California Beverage Container Recycling Grant program; and 2) Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
19. APPROVE AN INCREASE TO THE BLANKET PURCH ASE ORDER ESTABLISHE D WITH THE SAUCE CREATIVE SERVI CES CORP. FOR THE PU RCHASE OF CITYWIDE P RINTING AND
GRAPHIC DESIGN SERVICES
Councilmember Torres pulled this item to ask a clarifying question regarding language in the staff report stating that future purchases would require City Council approval. Director Sosnowski stated that approving the item tonight and increasing the Purchase Order up to $100,000 would not require City Council approval; unless it exceeds the City Manager’s authorization. City Manager Bobadilla also provided Councilmember Torres an update on the art installation projects as mentioned in the staff report.
Councilmember Melendez motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Jimenez that the City Council:
1) Approve a change order to the blanket purchase order established with The Sauce Creative Services Corp., to increase the total not-to-exceed amount to $100,000, for the purchase of citywide printing and graphic design services; and 2) Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Motion approved unanimously.
20. REQUEST TO PURCHASE POLICE DEPARTMENT PATROL VEHICLES
Councilmember Torres pulled this item to ask a clarifying question regarding the funding source for this item; Director Solorza stated that the primary source of funding is the General Fund and in years past the Asset Forfeiture has been used in the past but at this point in time until additional Asset Forfeiture funds are received Staff is recommending using the General Fund.
Councilmember Torres made a motion to consider staff’s recommendations as shown below and to include that City Council conduct a citywide survey to try to understand what impacts the community has faced and allocate a portion of the ARPA funds to address those needs.
City Attorney Alvarez -Glasman suggested separating the request of a survey as it is two separate matters. Councilmember Torres’ motion did not receive a second.
January 12, 2021: Joint City Council & Successor Agency Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 10
Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne made a motion , seconded by Councilmember Melendez that the City Council:
1) Approve the purchase of seven (7) police patrol vehicles to include necessary equipment and installation services; and
2) Amend the Fiscal Year 2021 -22 budget by increasing appropriations by $398,300 in Account No. 100 -80-815-6082 (General Fund, Police, Support Services, Vehicle Purchases); and
3) Take whatever additional actions necessary to effectuate the procurement of the patrol vehicles.
MOVED: Cobos-Cawthorne SECONDED: Melendez APPROVED: 4-0-1-0
AYES: Cobos-Cawthorne, Peralta, Jimenez, Melendez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Torres
ABSENT: None
21. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 22-01 TO AUTHORIZE AMENDING FEDERAL GRANT NO. CA-2021- 169-00 TO SUBMIT A SEPARATE GRANT APPLI CATION TO THE FEDERA L TRANSIT
ADMINISTRATION TO RE CEIVE FUNDING FOR TR ANSIT OPERATING ASSI STANCE AND TO AMEND THE FISCAL YEAR 2021-2022 BUDGET
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 22 -01 amendin g Federal Grant No. CA -2021-169-00 for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSAA), to increase the grant amount for operating assistance from $1,000,000 to $3,778,452; and 2) Authorize submitting a grant application to the FTA for operating assistance under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), in the amount of $14,934,925; and 3) Amend the FY 2021 -2022 budget to recognize revenue by increasing appropriations in Account Nos. 600-99-4024.10 (Transit Fund, CRRSAA – Federal) by $9,292,827 and 600- 99-4023.10 (Transit Fund, ARP – Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery) by $14,934,925; and 4) Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
22. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT, NO. 3883, WITH
RL CONTROLS LLC TO USE CONTINGENCY FUNDS FOR THE SERVER PROJECT, A SUBPROJECT
OF THE BUS CAMERA SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM PROJECT
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1) Approve Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement, No. 3883 (Agreement No. 3883) with RL Controls LLC (RL Controls), to use contingency funds for the total not - to-exceed amount of $192,912 for the Server Project, a subproject of the Bus Camera Surveillance System Project; and
January 12, 2021: Joint City Council & Successor Agency Meeting Minutes Page 10 of 10 2) Authorize the City Manager and/or his Designee to execute Amendment No. 1 on behalf of the City of Montebello (City); and
3) Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
23. PAYMENT OF BILLS: R ESOLUTION NO. 22 -06 APPROVING THE CIT Y WARRANT RE GISTER OF DEMANDS DATED JANUARY 12, 2022
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. 22 -06 approving the Warrant Register dated January 12, 2022.
AB 1234 TRAVEL REPORTS
Members of the City Council will provide a brief report on meetings attended at the expense of the local agency as required by Government Code Section 53232.3(d).
COUNCIL ORALS
Council member announcements; requests for future agenda items; conference/meetings reports.
1. Councilmember Torres – None
2. Councilmember Peralta
a. Agendize for the next council meeting the appointment of 2 members for the Traffic and Safety Committee – this item was discussed during Item No. 11. b. COVID Testing: City Hall: Sun -Wed (drive thru) | Thurs -Sat (walk up) | Grant Rae Park Thurs-Sat (drive thru). No Appointments Ne cessary. Vaccines/Boosters available at The Prescription Shop at 1215 W. Whittier Blvd. – provided an update.
3. Councilmember Melendez – None
4. Mayor Pro Tem Jimenez – None
5. Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne – Mayor asked the City Clerk’s staff to acknowledge one (1) written comment submitted to the City’s public comment email address. Said comments are on file at the City Clerk’s office.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne adjourned in the memory of City of An geles Police Officer Fernando Arroyos and Los Angeles County Firefighter Jonathan Flagler . Councilmember Melendez motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:11 p.m.
THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 12, 2022 ARE HEREBY APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON THIS 23RD DAY OF FEBRUARY 2022.
____________________________________________
Alicia Fernandez, Deputy City Clerk
CLOSED SESSION
SPEAKER CARD
AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA
COMMENTS
1 Angelina Padilla
From: Armen Manousadjian <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, December 11, 2021 5:01 PM
To: comment, ccpublic
Subject: Fwd: Reckless Drivers Running Stop Signs, West Lincoln Ave and N 2nd Street Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Begin forwarded m
essage:
From: Armen Manousadjian <[email protected]>
Subject: Reckless Drivers Running Stop Signs, West Lincoln Ave and N 2nd Street Date: December 11, 2021 at 4:58:44 PM PST
To: [email protected]
Dear City of Montebello Code Enforcem
ent,
I live on West Lincoln Ave where it crosses N 2nd Street, and I have been almost hit by cars running the stop signs! Almost 100% of cars roll or completely go past the two stop signs on West Lincoln Ave and N 2nd Street. A neighbor’s husband was recently hit by a speeding car that didn’t see the man crossing the street with his dog. We all pay a lot of taxes in this area, it would be nice to have a camera, a flashing stop sign, street bumps or something to stop speeding drivers. Park an officer here and you’ll print money, this street is like a boulevard now with how much traffic it has. Please do something about this issue, and inform me what actions you are planning to take please.
Best,
Armen Manousadjian
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***PLEASE DO NOT CLICK ON UNKNOWN LINKS. Contact Montebello IT Division if you are unsure.*** 1 Angelina Padilla
From: Liberty Mesa <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 20, 2021 6:56 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]; [email protected];
[email protected]; [email protected]; comment, ccpublic Subject: Golden Manor Montebello Suspected/Alleged Elder Abuse Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Greetings. I hope this email finds you well. My name is Liberty Yorba. On December 6, 2021, I contacted your office on behalf of several concerned Montebello community members, and spoke with Mr. Ryan Serrano regarding the retirement home located at 1109 West Beverly Boulevard, Montebello, CA 90640, (323) 724-3870.
In 2019, a hand full of activists from Montebello formed an informal group whose efforts focus on the needs of less fortunate residents i.e., those without homes, the elderly and veterans. They assist individuals by purchasing food, blankets, masks, toiletries and other d
ay to day living necessities, mostly during the holiday/Christmas season and Easter. All funding for purchases is obtained from i
ndividuals of the group as well as generous donors.
During t
he most recent and current effort to assist residents at the Golden Manor, it was discovered that occupants are faced with deplorable living conditions. One woman described numerous alarming issues, including but not limited to, physical abuse that she claims to have pictures of bruises, a visibly filthy environment, poor nourishment and a lack of proper access to health care. One woman alleges house-keeping staff is bathing incapacitated residents. Group member Sandra Sage visited the facility and spoke with several women at the facility.
Afterward, Ms. Sage telephoned Montebello PD for immediate assistance and was advised to contact L.A. County Adult Protective Services. She did and spoke with an Ombudsman. She also mentioned the name of Licensing Inspector Mr. Glenn Trueman. When her concerns fell upon deaf ears, she called me to share all of the above and asked for advice on which avenue to take next. I assured her I would assist any way possible to address these very serious matters. I perused the Facility Details Complaints tab on the Social Services page for Golden Manor and found the noted 'unfounded' results to be questionable.
I am contacting you because I have, in the past throughout the years, worked with Supervisor Solis' staffs while working at MALDEF and as a former Field Deputy for City of Los Angeles council members. Additionally, I have had the pleasure of working with Bertha Velazquez, of your current staff, while at council. I have every confidence that your office can somehow assist.
With whom at Supervisor Solis' office can members of the group meet with to better elaborate? Please advise and reply to all. Thank you in advance.
Best,
Liberty
(323)
48 1-5638
Please n
ote: Because I was unable to locate email addresses for the individual Montebello Council Members: Kimberly Ann Cobos- Cawthorne, David N. Torres, Angie Jimenez, Scarlett Peralta and Salvador Melendez, I am sending this to the public comments e-mail address, for their awareness.
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***PLEASE DO NOT CLICK ON UNKNOWN LINKS.
Contact Montebello IT Division if you are unsure.***
1 Angelina Padilla
From: Jesus L. Banda <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, December 23, 2021 9:52 AM
To: comment, ccpublic
Subject: THANK YOU CITY OF MONTEBELLO.......JESUS LEYVA BANDA JR Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
I wanted to thank 211 today and. Especially to the mayor's building in where his staff and the management of the MONTEBELLO FIRE DEPARTMENT TO ANDREW LEON AND his crew and staff that went way beyond to provide me shelter in just a couple of hours after a survey and a couple of Referrals to make a Spark of Love by the LOS ANGELES county Fire Dept. City of MONTEBELLO Thank you also a thanks to Bell Gardens Motel 6 for helping L.A. for the homeless families and to the City Hall Mayor and his staff.
SINCERELY a single FATHER to three girls In L.A. County named JESUS LEYVA BANDA JR.
DEC.22,2021
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***PLEASE DO NOT CLICK ON UNKNOWN LINKS. Contact Montebello IT Division if you are unsure.*** 1 Angelina Padilla
From: Rubi Mondragon <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 11, 2022 8:52 PM
To: comment, ccpublic
Subject: Dear City Counsel
We the community demand that the bus rem
ain running through The City Montebello . I was recently informed by one of my fellow members of my community that the bus will not only not run every 30 minutes but they will only run twice a day; because they are having issues contracting drivers. It's not that people decided to quit but someone in City Hall did it in bad faith . What I mean by bad faith is not thinking about the needs of the community and how it will affect us.
Instead they thought about cutting down costs and lining their pockets and giving basically givinng loyal employees an ultimatum to their employees to either get severance packet or quit What i am asking is where is that money going to exactly and it seema like there is money because i know for a fact that advertisers pay to have their logo , brands or movie promoted on the bus ? Or i am i mistaken ? or if not are the funds not being managed apporpiatley ? I remember a while back the mayor was stealung from our city thinking our community was not paying attention.
I am not going to disclose who confided in me but I was also informed that they don't only want to hire new people which would mean they would take the time to train new hires when not too long ago the company was preaching that they are a wonderful company who treats their employees well and also has great benefits . So the company is not practicing what they preach.When in fact their services are desperately in need .
Due to the fact our community depends on them to be their to get to our destinations whether that be to go to school , which i might add in fact that this bus makes 2 direct stops next to to of our highschool which in fact i attended and everyone in my family and friends did. All the bus drivers are a part of our community , I feel safe knowing that they are familiar faces .My community has always been in safe hands due to the fact that they are paying attention to the road and are always on alert . Never have I ever seen any bus driver on their phone texting or even making a phone call unless it's an emergency but even then they follow protocol and use the radio equipment to call for help . Just to make a comparison the cops have been on their phones while driving making the excuse that they are calling their bosses or chief but it doesn't make sense because they do have special equipment to communicate with their superiors as well as a large screen. If anything they should be the example for the community and should be reprimanded and not given special privileges because they somehow think they are above the law.
2 As far as money , I want to know where that money is going ? Because it doesn't make sense that the community is paying to use the bus , and there it seems like the company is taking money from big advertising companies . I am only asking because if that money is being used to fix, maintain or plan events I have nor i think the community has a problem with it but if that money is being used to buy new cars if it's not necessary , not having libraries open , for the benefit to the community then you guys are betraying the power that granted to you to serve the community not take advantage because you feel like your doing the bare minimum when as public servants the city could do more .
City Hall Did not inform our community and would consider thatbad faith .The Comapany has no sense of loyalty their hardworking bus drivers who worker for 20 -30 years ( ultimatum ) and gave them a severnce package . Late in the afternoon I had a convetsaion I had a conversation with a bus driver explaining to me that she was doing a double shift becayse she needed the extra income but she did it in good faith because she was painful aware of the fact that not evwrybody had a car and some people need to get home because the bus is the only form of transportation back home. She was doing it it for our and her community and it apalled that you guys do not commemorate that amazing humanity. Long time employees were making good steady income and it seemed like The Montebello Bus Lines doesnt want to be bothered to train new drivers which in turn translates to not traing their new drivers with apporpiate protocols and therfore saftey of the public. What they want is to place as little effort as possible to train their bus driver but isntead they want drivers who already have experienced ? so as to what ? Cut cost ? Ignore training that maybe is necessary for his/ her safey or especially the community ? Moms, kids , babies , both Shurr and Montebello Highschools , and the elderly ? For what reason exactly ? I would like an answer and a justifiable answer at that . Not only does it show disregard for the public's saftey but the inconsideratendness about your employees which in turn shows completly and utterly blantly disregard care about our city. .
Ruby Mondragon
562 528 2734
[email protected]
Concerned Citizen of Montebello
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COMMENTS SUBMITTED
AFTER DEADLINE
1 Angelina Padilla
From: Carlos L R <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2022 5:56 PM
To: comment, ccpublic
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Good Evening Council;
I am writing this email because certain actions by two Councilmembers are not acceptable. In speaking to a few friends who are Councilmembers from other cities, I was told of the lack of attendance to 2 conferences.
The first was in Santa Barbara, CA, when the City of Montebello was being highlighted for being Green and having the first Recharging Station, the M ayor, Councilmembers
Melendez and Jimenez were there.
Please tell us Councilmembers Torres and Peralta where were you both?? I was told by a person that saw you both leave the property and go with the owners of IE(Engineers that have made Millions of our City),
you both were gone all day and didn't return till the evening dinners.
Also would the City Manager please explain why only Torres was reimbursed $1564.24 for travel & meetings? Since neither Councilmember Torres and Peralta did not attend any classes, as a Taxpayer I want a refund repaid to the City. Plus the extra $1564.24 Torres was reimbursed for, what did he get a suite?
It was very obvious neither attended because of the ridiculous report Peralta gave " it w as very informative " and Torres gave none.
Then last month the ICSC Conference in Las Vegas, it was said at the last meeting each badge was time stamped what time you arrived. The doors opened at 8:30 am and everyone with the exception of Councilmember Torres and Peralta were there bright and early.
Ms. Peralta said on the record, when she received text " she was off property" FYI there is absolutely no reason to be off property to meet a vendor. T he purpose of this Conference
is to pitch our city to bring businesses to come to our city. My question is since we the taxpayers paid for your trip who did you meet with?? We paid and have the right to know.
Both Councilmembers Torres and Peralta did not arrive to conference till 2:30 pm, a few hours before it was over, yet both continually complain they are not included.
I was shown your ridiculous email ranting and complaining, Mr. Torres it did not take you long to let a little power go straight to your head. In retrospect too bad the Mayor backed you, she should have left you home the loser since you placed 6th remember? Back to Las Vegas why were you both so late? Again as a taxpayer I demand you both repay the costs of R
egistration, travel and Hotel, it was not a vacation at the taxpayer's expense. What happened you went out and partied to late to get up to go to do city business?
2 Your both lucky because of Covid meetings are not in person, we were looking forward to get answers in person.
Jose C. Lopez Reyes
Jose Lopez Reyes
Independent Contractor
5565 Federal Blvd Lot 29
Denver, CO 80221
Phone: (951)-241-5978
Email: [email protected]
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