CITY OF MONTEBELLO
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
M I N U T E S
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 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 5:06 p.m.
ROLL CALL – 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, Assistant City Manager Arlene Salazar, Deputy City Clerk Alicia Fernandez, Assistant to Deputy City Clerk Kimberly Guillen, and Records Coordinator Angelina Padilla.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
None.
CLOSED SESSION – 5:30 P.M.
Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne recessed the meeting into Closed Session at 5:08 p.m . to consider the following closed session items:
1. THR
EAT TO PUBLIC SERVICES OR FACILITIES
Government Code Section 54957
Consultation with City Manager, Police Chief, City Attorney and other related City officials.
Item
1a. was added to the agenda as a subsequent need matter pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2(b)(2). It was motioned by Councilmember Melendez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Jimenez, that the item be added; motion approved unanimously.
ITEM #____
February 23, 2022: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 11
1a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
One matter
Mayor Cobos -Cawthorne reconvened the meeting at 5:51 p.m. During Closed Session the City Council (Council) received a briefing on Item Nos. 1 and 1a. there was no direction or action taken.
REGULAR SESSION – NO LATER THAN 6:00 P.M.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
INVOCATION – John Velasco, Heart of Compassion
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Rueben Trujillo, American Legion
CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA – CITY MANAGER - None
CEREMONIAL/PRESENTATIONS
2. RECOGNITION OF CITIZEN OF THE MONTH – SHUSHMA PATEL, RPH FROM THE PRESCRIPTION SHOP MONTEBELLO – Presented by Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA AND AGENDA ITEMS (30 MINUTES) The City Clerk’s Office called three (3) members of the public wishing to addre ss the City Council.
Speakers were provided three minutes to address the City Council and said speaker cards are on file at the City Clerk’s office.
The City Clerk Office acknowledged five (5) written public 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
Assistant City Manager Salazar announced the retirement of Chief of Police Brad Keller. She expressed her gratitude to Chief Keller for dedicating 31 years of ser vice to the community. She further stated that the new Chief of Police Paul Espinoza would begin on April 11, 2022.
Director of Recreation and Community Services, David Sosnowski, announced that the City had applied for a Measure A - Competitive Grant Program for Natural Lands, Local Beaches and Water Conservation and Protection in addition to the Regional Recreation Facilities, Multi -use Trails and Accessibility Grant. The City successfully acquired the grant from the Regional Recreation Facilities, Multi-use Trails and Accessibility and received a total of $477,750 to improve access to the Rio Hondo River Trail.
February 23, 2022: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 11
PUBLIC HEARING
3. CALIFORNIA VOTING RIG HTS ACT (“CVRA”) PUB LIC HEARING NO. 4 AN D INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE NO. 244 4 ESTABLISHING THE BY -DISTRICT
ELECTION PROCESS OF CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
Demographer from ARDA Demographics, Claudio Gallegos, presented the item.
The City Clerk’s Office called three (3) members of the public wishing to address the City Council. Speakers were provided three minutes to address the City Council and said speaker cards are on file at the City Clerk’s office.
The City Clerk Office acknowledged two (2) written public comments submitted to the City’s public comment email address. Said comments are on file at the City Clerk’s office.
Councilmember Torres expressed his disappointment in the process.
Councilmember Melendez stated that the process has been completed to the best of the City’s ability. He agreed with the Demographer and stated that the City’s Open House events for Community Input was very well attended. He asked Demographer Gallegos if maps could be modified and reintroduced. Due to the extension that t he City was given he asked if the City could host additional Open House events to gather community input.
Demographer Gallegos stated that the maps could be modified and reintroduced but would have to go through the approval process as far as posting and allowing six days for community input.
Councilmember Melendez thanked Demographer Gallegos, Staff , and the Community Members that attended the Open House events.
Councilmember Peralta thanked the Demographer Gallegos and requested a copy of the presentation. She further stated that the maps did not clearly define the boundary lines. She asked if she could get clear maps. She expressed her disappointment in the process.
Mayor Pro Tem Jimenez thanked Demographer Gallegos and also requested additional Open House events to gather community input.
Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne stated that she attended both Open House events and noted that only the English surveys were completed. There was no request for translation services, she further stated that the surveys were also available in Spanish and Simple Chinese. She agreed with Councilmember Melendez and Mayor Pro Tem Jimenez to have additional Open House events for community input. She asked that perhaps the City could offer translation services at a future Open House.
Demographer Gallegos stated that he would prepare a plan book that focuses on each individual district for the Councils’ review.
February 23, 2022: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 11
City Attorney Alvarez-Glasman stated that the Council needed to provide direction to engage in further public meetings and for Council to introduce the Ordinance that is provided as amended. Due to the extension , Recommendation No. 2 will not be part of the Recommendations.
Councilmember Melendez motioned that the City Council approve Recommendations No’s. 1, 3, and 4 – related action is to add two additional Open House events, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Jimenez, motion carried by the following vote:
MOVED: Melendez SECONDED: Jimenez APPROVED: 3-1-1-0
AYES: Melendez, Jimenez, Cobos-Cawthorne
NOES: Torres
ABSTAIN: Peralta
ABSENT: None
1) Receive input from the public regarding the six (6) draft City Council district maps (Attachment A) selected for further discussion and consideration; and 2) Select the final City Council district map; and
3) Introduce and conduct the First Read ing of Ordinance No. 2444 (Attachment B) establishing a by-district elections process for the election of City Councilmembers of the City of Montebello (“City”); and
4) Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
REGULAR BUSINESS
4. REVIEW AND APPROVE THE STATE AU DITOR REQUIRED CORRE CTIVE ACTION PLAN, VERSION 2.0, TO INCLUDE PROGRESS MADE FROM NOVEMBER 2021 THROUGH FEBRUARY 2022
Director of Finance, Michael Solorza presented the item.
Council thanked Director Solorza. Councilmember Peralta requested a copy of the presentation.
Councilmember Melendez motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Jimenez that the City Council:
1) Review the attached Corrective Action Plan, Version 2.0, as required by the State Auditor as the City’s response to Report 2021-807; and
2) Approve the Corrective Action Plan, Version 2.0, Updated to Include Progress Made Since November, 2021 and direct staff to submit the report to the State Auditor; and 3) Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Motion carried unanimously.
February 23, 2022: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 11
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Torres pulled Item No’s. 6, 9, and 15. Councilmember Peralta pulled Item No’s. 6 and 9. Mayor Cobos -Cawthorne pulled Item No’s. 7, 9, 11, and 15. Councilmember Melendez motioned to approve Item No’s. 5, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, and 16, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Jimenez; motion carried unanimously.
5. AB 361 FINDINGS
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1) Receive and file this report and make the following findings: (a) The City Council has reconsidered the circumstances of the state of emergency; and (b) the following circumstances exist, (i) the state of emergency continues to directly impact the ability of the members to meet safely in person and (ii) the City Council continues to provide measures such as remote or hybrid meeting participation to promote social distancing. 2) Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
6. APPROVE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NO. 3957 WITH 789, INC. FOR CITYWIDE
BRAND UPDATE SERVICES
Councilmember T orres noted that the Request for Proposal, the Professional Services Agreement, and the Proposal from the company were missing from the agenda packet . He also request ed consideration from Council that a Citizens Committee be established to address the updating of Montebello’s branding. He also requested to bring back the item to the next meeting to review the missing documentation that describes the services the company would be providing.
Assistant City Manager Salazar stated that staff inadvertedly omitted the Request for Proposal. She further stated that as part of scope of services the City will hold stakeholder interviews and an extensive process of outreach.
Councilmember Peralta concurred with Councilmember Torres.
Mayor Pro Tem Jimenez asked Assistant City Manager Salazar if the Council would be asked to provide input for the branding.
Assistant City Manager Salazar stated that the Citywide brand update would be a comprehensive process. The City plans to do stakeholder outreach and a community online survey. Staff will present multiple designs options and taglines for Councils’ consideration.
Mayor Pro Tem Jimenez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Melendez to approve the item as is.
Councilmember Peralta mad e a substitute motion to table the item to the next scheduled meeting to include the missing documents, seconded by Councilmember Torres. Motion failed by the following vote:
February 23, 2022: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 11
AYES: Torres, Peralta
NOES: Melendez, Jimenez, Cobos-Cawthorne
Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne brought back the original motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Jimenez to approve the item as is, seconded by Councilmember Melendez. Motion failed by the following vote:
AYES: Melendez, Jimenez
NOES: Torres, Peralta
ABSTAIN: Cobos-Cawthorne
The item was tabled to the next scheduled meeting in March.
7. UPDATED REPORT OF EM ERGENCY REPAIR AND R EPLACEMENT OF THE BE ACH STREET
STORM DRAIN
Director of Public Works, James Enriquez provided a presentation of the item.
Councilmember Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Torres that the City Council:
1) Receive and file the City Manager’s updated report of the 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) Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Motion carried unanimously.
8. NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR BEVERLY BOULEVARD ST REET IMPROVEMENTS PR OJECT – 21ST STREET TO HOWARD AVENUE (CP 866)
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1) Accept the Beverly Boulevard Street Improvement Project – 21st Street to Howard Avenue (CP 866) as completed by Gentry Brothers, Inc. (GBI); and 2) Approve the final contract amount with Gentry Brothers, Inc. In the amount of $1,109,082, including change orders; and
3) Authorize the City Clerk to execute, verify and file the Notice of Completion (Attachment A) with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder; and
4) Authorize the City Manager to release the retention payment due to Gentry Brothers, Inc. Following the mandatory waiting period from the date the Notice of Completion is recorded in the amount of $14,207; and
5) Take such additional or alternative action that may be desirable.
February 23, 2022: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 11
9. APPROVE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT N O. 3956 WITH INTER -CON SECUR ITY
SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLEMENTAL PARKING ENFORCEMENT SERVICES
Director of Planning and Community Development Joseph Palombi, Director of Finance Micahel Solorza, Chief Keller, and Recreation and Community Services Director Sosnowski presented the item.
Councilmember Torres stated that there was a lack of information. He asked Chief Keller to provide the total number of citations given by the Police Department.
Chief Keller stated that the total calls for service per day can range 7 -12, for red curb violations, fire hydrant violations, handicap parking, or blocking driveways. He further stated that the department rarely receives calls for street sweeping.
Councilmember Peralta stated that perhaps Council should consider current programs to offer employment opportunities to the community.
Councilmember Melendez motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Jimenez that the City Council:
1) Approve Professional Services Agreement No. 3956 with Inter-Con Security Systems and authorize the City Manager to execute a t hree (3) year agreement for Supplemental Parking Enforcement Services in a total amount that shall not exceed $1,244,801; and 2) Acknowledge the use of Montebello Municipal Code Chapter 3.20.125A, “Piggybacking purchasing agreements” as the allowed and permit ted method for acquiring these services; and
3) Amend the Fiscal Year 2021-22 budget by increasing appropriations by $98,792, Account No. 100-50-530-6040.10 (General Fund, Community Development, Code Enforcement, Other Contract Services); and
4) Authorize the City Manager to take any additional action as needed.
MOVED: Melendez SECONDED: Jimenez APPROVED: 3-2-0-0
AYES: Melendez, Jimenez, Cobos-Cawthorne
NOES: Torres, Peralta
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
10. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 22-10 DIRECTING THE CIT Y MANAGER TO EXTEND THE
TEMPORARY OUTDOOR DI NING PROGRAM AND DIR ECT STAFF TO RETURN TO CITY
COUNCIL WITHIN ONE-YEAR WITH A PERMANENT PROGRAM TO ALLOW RESTAURANTS TO
UTILIZE ADJACENT OUT DOOR AREAS TO SERVE FOOD AND DRINKS TO C USTOMERS
PURSUANT TO AN OUTDOOR DINING PERMIT, AND NOTICE OF EXEMPTION PURSUANT TO CEQA “COMMON SENSE EXEMPTION” SECTION 15061(B)(3)
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
February 23, 2022: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 11
1) Approve Resolution No. 22 -10 directing the City Manager to extend the Temporary Outdoor Dining Program and direct staff to return to City Council within one-year with a permanent program to allow restaurants to utilize adjacent outdoor areas to serve food and drinks to customers pursuant to an Outdoor Dining Permit; and 2) Approve ENV -08--22-CE Notice of Exemptio n under (State California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section § 15061(b)(3)) “Common Sense Exemption” for the proposed project; and
3) Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
11. APPROVE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT NO. 3958 W ITH M ONTEBELLO UNIFIED SC HOOL
DISTRICT (MUSD) FOR CROSSING GUARD SERVICES
Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne spoke in favor of the item.
Mayor Pro Tem Jimenez motioned, seconded by Councilmember M elendez that the City Council:
1) Approve Cooperative Agreement No. 3958 with the Montebello Unified School District (MUSD) for Crossing Guard Services allowing for reimbursement to the City of ten percent (10%) of actual costs of services; and
2) Authorize the City Manager to review and approve similar agreements in the future; and 3) Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Motion carried unanimously.
12. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 22-11 OPPOSING A STATE BALLOT MEASURE RESTR ICTING VOTERS’ INPUT AND LOCAL TAXING AUTHORITY
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 22-11 opposing Initiative 21-0042A1, also known as the “Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act;” and
2) Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
13. PAYMENT OF BILLS: R ESOLUTION NO. 22 -09 APPROVING THE CIT Y WARRANT REGISTER OF DEMANDS DATED FEBRUARY 23, 2022
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. 22 -09 approving the Warrant Register dated February 23, 2022.
14. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR MAY 12, 2021, MAY 26, 2021, JUNE 9, 2021, JUNE 23, 2021, AUGUS T 11, 2021, SEPTEMBE R 8, 2021, OCTOBER 2 7, 2021, AND JANUARY 26 , 2022; SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINU TES FOR MAY 1, 2021, AUGUST 18, 202 1, AUGUST 24, 2021, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021, O CTOBER 27, 2021, NOVEMBER 13, 2021, A ND JANUARY 19, 2022; JOINT REGULAR CITY C OUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING MINUTES FOR JULY 28, 2021 AND JANUARY 12, 2022; JOINT February 23, 2022: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 11
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING MEETING JUNE 1 , 2021; AND ADJOURNE D CITY COUNCIL MEETING FOR JUNE 1, 2021 AND JUNE 3, 2021
RECOMMENDATION: Approve said minutes as written.
15. EMERGENCY NON -CONGREGATE SHELTER P ILOT PROGRAM (OPERAT ION STAY SAFE) –
AWARD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS
Councilmember Torres asked staff to clarify the bidding process.
Director of Public Works Enriquez provided clarification.
Mayor Pro Tem J imenez motioned , seconded by Councilmember Peralta that the City Council:
1) Determine and find that the lack of shelter poses an acute, clear and imminent threat to the health and safety of all people experiencing homelessness (PEH) and the members of the public with whom they come into daily contact as the Covid -19 pandemic continues, resulting in an emergency that requires immediate action and will not permit a delay caused by formal bidding procedures; and
2) In accordance with the above -mentioned emergency, by a four -fifths vote of the City Council, authorize the dispensing of formal bidding procedures for construction contracts for the development of the subject project, in accordance with California Public Contract Code Section 22035 and 22050 (Attachment A), Montebello Municipal Code Chapter 3.20.140 (Attachment B) and Governor Newsome’s Executive Order No. N -21- 21 (Attachment C); and
3) Award a Construction Contract for electrical improvements in the amount of $245,500 to Graphic Electric, Inc.; and
4) Award a Construction Contract for sewer construction in the amount of $144,078 to Mike Bubalo Construction Company, Inc.; and
5) Award a Construction Co ntract for security fencing construction in the amount of $69,950 to Wolverine Fence Company, Inc.; and
6) Authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute the proposed agreements in the Standard Public Works Agreement (Attachment B), in the form approved b y the City Attorney, on behalf of the City and approve change orders within a 25% contingency of the original contract amounts; and
7) Amend the Fiscal Year 2021 -22 budget by increasing appropriations by a total of $574,410 in the following accounts (Grants, Fire, SGVRHT Operation Stay Safe) and in the following amounts: Account No. 265 -85-853-6040.60 (Building Maintenance Repairs), $245,500; -6040.45 (Sewer Maintenance) $144,078; -6040.60 (Building Maintenance Repairs) $69,950; and
8) Amend the Fiscal Year 2021-22 budget by increasing appropriations to recognize revenue to reimburse for these expenses in Account No. 265 -99-4198.99 (Grants, SGVRHT Operation Stay Safe) in the amount of $574,410; and
9) Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
February 23, 2022: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 10 of 11
Motion carried unanimously.
16. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO . 2 TO COMMERCIAL CA NNABIS BUSINESS DEVE LOPMENT AGREEMENT NO. 11-19 (CITY AGREEMENT NO. 3676)
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1) Approve, in substantially the form as presented, the Amendment to Cannabis Business Development Agreement No. 11-19 for the operation of commercial cannabis activities in the City of Montebello, and authorize the City Attorney’s Office to make final and technical edits or revisions, if any, prior to executio n, which authorizes the transfer of Development Agreement No. 11-19 and Conditional Use Permit No. 11-19; and 2) Condition the approval of the Amendment and CUP on the respective owner(s) and operator(s) clearing the requisite background checks, providing all exhibits to the development agreement amendments and missing information, if any, to the City of Montebello in a form acceptable to the City Attorney’s Office no later than March 15, 2022 and on a case -by-case basis, authorize Director of Planning and Com munity Development Joseph Palombi discretion to provide the applicant(s) additional time if necessary in light of the current COVID-19 logistical limitations; and 3) Adopt findings contained herein exempting the Amendment from further CEQA review under CEQA Section 15301, and direct staff to prepare and file the applicable Notices of Exemption for each project recommended for approval; and 4) Take such additional, related action that may be desirable, and/or provide the City Attorney’s office and/or staff with additional or alternative directive(s).
AB 1234 TRAVEL REPORTS
Assistant City Manager Salazar announced that a t the Janaury 12, 2022 Council M eeting a resident had inquired about a reimbursement to Councilmember Torres. Director of Finance Solorza stated that the reimbursement was for attending the League of Cities Conference and the International Communication Association Conference.
Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne requested Council consensus to develop a Conference Attendance Policy for Councilmembers; consensus received.
COUNCIL ORALS
Council member announcements; requests for future agenda items; conference/meetings reports.
1. Councilmember Torres
2. Councilmember Peralta
a. Recognizing Montebello Girl Scout Troop 71221 for their outstanding achievement in receiving an award and recognition from Penny Lane Centers.
Councilmember Peralta recognized the Montebello Girl Scout Troop 71221.
b. Council consideration for continued YMCA CDBG allocation appeal for 2022-2023.
Councilmember Peralta asked for Council consideration for continued YMCA CDBG allocation.
February 23, 2022: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 11 of 11
Assistant City Manager Salazar stated that the CDBG Gr ant is currently open to apply, Executive Director Paul Parzik from the YMCA is in receipt of the application.
3. Councilmember Melendez
4. Mayor Pro Tem Jimenez
5. Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Melendez adjourned the meeting in memory of Phy llis Pace. Mayor Pro Tem Jimenez motioned to adjourn , seconded by Councilmember Peralta. Motion carried unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 8:43 p.m.
THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 23, 2022 ARE HEREBY APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON THIS MARCH 23, 2022.
_____________________________________________
Alicia Fernandez, Deputy City Clerk
AGENDA & NON-AGENDA
COMMENTS
1 Angelina Padilla
From: Dee Cecconi <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 9, 2022 8:16 PM
To: comment, ccpublic
Subject: RE: comment to read out loud at your meeting
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Good evening council members,
I have a couple of concerns. Please read this in its entirety.
First and foremost, your live stream should be available on your Facebook (Meta) page and all social media pages. Those that follow will be notified to join that live stream and be able to listen to the meeting. You have a small following of 5.2k and they are following to be notified of things happening in our city. I feel it is the responsibility of the council members to be as transparent as possible. E.g. I went on Facebook during the meeting, with no notifications of the current council meeting and no comments that the live stream meeting was available.
Secondly, for those who are attending the meeting. Please be focused on the meeting screens open and in attendance. We have voted for you to be in the positions you are in currently. So please be present. I want to see the faces representing us and not see conversations in the background. If you were in the city hall you would have to focus on the meeting. You have 2 meetings a month to attend. Each meeting you should all be 100% focused on the business at hand without facial expressions of the annoyance of other council members or conversations going on in the background. I don't feel that any council member should be excused for 10 or 15 minutes to leave in the middle of the meeting. You work for us. There is nothing that should be scheduled during the small window you have to appear to the public, be in the meeting, and listen to the concerns expressed by the public and your fellow council members. You have time during closed sessions and transition to open for bathroom breaks etc.
Thirdly, your live streams should be close-captioned as well as your presentations. Especially, since you are going over district maps, purchasing, and other items that affect us the taxpayers of this city, and our voter's rights. Those that can not hear as well, should be able to read what is going on. You are not being thoughtful to our senior community and those with disabilities. That is highly concerning.
Lastly, Thank you Council members Peralta and Torres for challenging items during the council member meetings. There needs to be clear language and comprehension for us as voters. Spouting off section #s and whatever legal jargon does not help us (the laymen) understand what is being discussed. NO offense, but make it simple. Again WE need to understand what is occurring and how we can make our voices heard. This council does not seem cohesive and that is also concerning. I will be sure that I advocate for those that advocate for the transparency of the council and the decisions they make for us as citizens of Montebello.
Thank you for reading my concerns aloud and hopefully, you will address them.
D Cecconi-
pronounce (CHA-coney)
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***PLEASE DO NOT CLICK ON UNKNOWN LINKS. Contact Montebello IT Division if you are unsure.*** 1 Angelina Padilla
From: Veronica Cabrera <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2022 12:26 PM
To: comment, ccpublic
Subject: Public Comment: Council Meeting (District Mapping) Hello
I am a resident of Montebello and wanted to request for more time in between notice of further public meetings that focus on District mapping. I have been following District mapping in these city council meetings but residents need at least a respectful 2 week minimum to prepare and plan to attend public meetings. I would also appreciate more discussion during the council meetings regarding various proposed maps and perceived implications of such district maps from each council member's perspective.
I also want to take this opportunity to express my sadness around what I saw and heard during the last Montebello council meeting. It was awful to see the disparaging remarks that were made by one council member to another. The behavior of questioning one's identity is appalling and I was glad my son did not see or hear that, especially coming from a council member.
Thank you
Veronica Rodriguez-Cabrera
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***PLEASE DO NOT CLICK ON UNKNOWN LINKS. Contact Montebello IT Division if you are unsure.*** 1 Angelina Padilla
From: Carlos L R <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2022 12:53 PM
To: comment, ccpublic
Attn: City Council
At the last Council meeting, the City Manager has still not explained why only Councilman Torres was reimbursed $1564.
I will continue to make everyone elected accountable to the residents.
Please read this email at the next City Council meeting on February
23. 2022.
Sincerely,
Jose Lopez Reyes
Independent Contractor
5565 Federal Blvd Lot 29
Denver, CO 80221
Phone: (951)-241-5978
Email: [email protected]
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***PLEASE DO NOT CLICK ON UNKNOWN LINKS. Contact Montebello IT Division if you are unsure.*** 1 Angelina Padilla
From: Ray Moreno <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2022 1:24 PM
To: comment, ccpublic
Subject: Councilman Torres
Good evening, I am writing regarding the total disrespect Councilman Torres showed Finance Director Solorza. I would recommend Mr. Solorza file a defamation and slander lawsuit for Torres' attack accusing Mr. Solorza of corruption and fraud. Guess Torres did not see the Finance report and the fact our City for the first time in 100 years won the Governor's Balanced Budget award, don't remember your Father ever winning this award.
What us old timers do remember are these things your father did;
1. Missing bank account with over $300,000.00 !! Only reason we the residents heard about it was the news made jokes how does a city forget an account with $300,000?
2. The Chevy dealship sale which gifted former owner lease at very cheap rent, then he turned around and leased it out for 3 times the amount. City lost that money thanks to bad management.
3. The Costco deal City Manager Torres put into words " the sale for $7 million dollars instead of current market value" That cost the city $15 Million dollars when Costco bought property for $7 Million and city wanted to buy back they wanted $22 Million dollars!
4. NASA it was City Manager Torres that got them the rezoning to put it in the South. Funny when you were telling businesses and residents to stop the recycling permit, you forgot to mention this whole mess started with your father giving them the rezoning.
Please do your research Torres and prove me wrong.
I see you on FB patting yourself on the back taking credit for repaving streets, But guess your forgot you voted no to the special asphalt to do the repaving, you did not want our streets fixed.
2 Also both you and Peralta are taking credit for the Sales tax money the city is benefiting from. But neither of you two did a thing to get it passed, so do not think you both are fooling residents.
Thanks to Councilman Melendez for speaking out about your comments to the Mayor, he stopped your sly attack and made you accountable for your bully conduct. No wonder you were removed as pro tem, you would had made a lousy sarcastic Mayor. A person with your total lack of manners and respect for others is shameful.
You owe the Mayor and residents an apology, but I doubt your ego would ever concede you were wrong.
A
Sincerely, long time resident
Raymond Moreno
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***PLEASE DO NOT CLICK ON UNKNOWN LINKS. Contact Montebello IT Division if you are unsure.*** 1 Angelina Padilla
From: Katrice Ortiz <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2022 2:57 PM
To: comment, ccpublic
Subject: Comment re Redistricting
Please show some evidence that the at-large system has diluted the vote of any minority group in the city. Because these maps appear to be doing just that. This is making race a central factor in our elections now. It is forcing gerrymandering on residents and our election process. These maps do NOT give everyone a seat at the table. They will split the representation in fractions and will allow some communities to be ignored - the very thing you are trying to prevent. Please reconsider. Cities have been sued over the redistricting maps once implemented! Please take a stand against this... more and more lawsuits are against this forced redistricting, please don't make a rash decision that we will be stuck with based on a fear of a unsubstantiated threat of lawsuit.
Sent via the Samsung Galaxy A11, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
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***PLEASE DO NOT CLICK ON UNKNOWN LINKS. Contact Montebello IT Division if you are unsure.***