CITY OF MONTEBELLO CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
M I N U T E S
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 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 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 Alicia Fernandez, Assist ant to Dep uty City Clerk Kimberly Guillen, and Records Coordinator Angelina Padilla.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
None.
CLOSED SESSION – 5:00 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 LABOR NEGOTIATORS (salary schedule)
Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Negotiators: Rene Bobadilla, Nicholas Razo
Employee Groups: Various City employee groups including but not limited to MPMA, MFMA, MMMA, MSA, MPOA, MCEA, MFA and unrepresented employees.
March 9, 2022: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 7
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Francesca Tucker-Schuyler v. City of Montebello
Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 20STCV22180
4. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: 5055 Passons Boulevard, Pico Rivera, CA 90660 Agency’s Negotiator: René Bobadilla, City Manager
Negotiating Party: City of Pico Rivera
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
REGULAR SESSION – NO LATER THAN 6:00 P.M.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Mayor Cobos -Cawthorne reconvened the meeting at 5:57 p.m. City Attorney Alvarez -Glasman provided the following Closed Session Report to the City Council: The City Council received a briefing on Item No’s. 1 and 2, no final action was taken and there was no thing to report; the City Council received an update on Item No. 3, direction was provided but there was nothing to report ; and the City Council received an update on Item No. 4 from the City Manager, no action was taken and there was nothing to report.
INVOCATION – Pastor Sebastian Petz, Montebello Christian Church
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Genny Cervantes, Army Honor Guard
CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA – CITY MANAGER – No Corrections
CEREMONIAL/PRESENTATIONS
5. RECOGNITION OF CITIZEN OF THE MONTH – BARBARA RISHER WELCH, RISHER MORTUARY & CREMATION SERVICES – Presented by Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne
6. RECOGNITION OF COVID -19 MEMORIAL – MARCH 13TH – Presented by Mayor Cobos - Cawthorne
7. RECOGNITION OF WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH – Presented by Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne
8. RECOGNITION OF UTILITY BOX ART WINNERS – Presented by Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA AND AGENDA ITEMS (30 MINUTES) 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.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS ON ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
None.
March 9, 2022: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 7
OLD BUSINESS
9. APPROVE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NO. 3957 WITH 789, INC. FOR CITYWIDE
BRAND UPDATE SERVICES
Councilmember Torres asked a clarifying question. Deputy Director Michael Chee provided the City Council with a briefing of the Staff Report, stating that the c urrent contract is only to secure service to provide a brand and logo concept which will be a tool for the City to use on how to deploy the style concept.
Councilmember Melendez motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Jimenez to:
1) Authorize the City Manager to execute Professional Services Agreement No. 3957 with 789, Inc. For graphic design consulting services to update and refresh the City of Montebello and department branding and to develop a City -wide updated graphic standards manual.
Motion approved unanimously.
REGULAR BUSINESS
10. APPROVE AN ALTERNATI VE BUS OPERATOR RECR UITMENT AND SUPPORT PLAN FOR
MONTEBELLO BUS LINES
Director of Transportation Lupita Ibarra presented a PowerPoint presentation to the City Council.
Councilmember Melendez, Peralta, and Mayor Pro Tem Jimenez commended Ms. Ibarra for the presentation and expressed their support for this item.
Councilmember Torres asked clarifying questions regarding the status of the employment and driver classification; Ms. Ibarra providing a briefing.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Jimenez to:
1) Approve an alternative Bus Operator Recruitment and Support Plan (Plan) for Montebello Bus Lines (MBL); and
2) Amend the Master Position Control by increasing Transit Dispatch Supervisor (TDS) positions from 12.0 Full -Time Equivalents (FTE) to 15.0 FTE in the Transit Department; and
3) Authorize the City Manager and/or his Designee to execute any necessary operational changes on behalf of the City of Montebello (City); and 4) Take such additional, and related, action that may be desirable.
Motion approved unanimously.
March 9, 2022: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 7
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Peralta and Mayor Cobos -Cawthorne pulled Item No. 12. Councilmember Peralta pulled Item No. 14 and Councilmember Torres pulled Item No. 15. Councilmember Torres motioned, seconded by Councilmember Melendez, that Item No’s. 1 1, 13, and 16 be approved; motion was approved unanimously.
11. APPROVE GENERAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NO. 3960 BETWEEN THE CITY OF MONTEBELLO
AND THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1) Approve a new General Services Agreement between the City of Montebello and Los Angeles County; and
2) Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the City; and 3) Direct the City Clerk’s office to forward the executed agreement, together with a copy of the certified minutes of indicating City Council approval of this item.
12. SECOND READING AND A DOPTION OF ORDINANCE 2444 AMENDING THE MONTEBE LLO
MUNICIPAL CODE TO ES TABLISH THE BY -DISTRICT ELECTION PR OCESS OF CITY
COUNCILMEMBERS
Councilmember Peralta and Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne pulled this item for discussion.
Councilmember Peralta recognized City Council and S taff for the continued community engagement and requested th at the remaining Public Hearings be scheduled outside of regularly scheduled City Council meetings dates, preferably during the weekend, to make it accessible to the public. Councilmember Peralta asked for consensus from the City Council to consider an all ocation of funds for public outreach for the remaining of the events prior to adopting a final map.
Councilmember Melendez also suggested holding the remaining Public Hearings outside of regularly scheduled C ity Council meeting dates and asked for a br iefing from the City Manager on allocation of funds for public outreach.
City Manager Bobadilla stated that the City Council previously approved an allocation of approximately $20,000 for public outreach and engagement. Mr. Bobadilla suggested an additional appropriation of $25,000 for public outreach and engagement.
Councilmember Torres commended City Council and Staff for providing extensive opportunities of engagement for the public and provided a summary to the public of the remaining proposed schedule of events and requested for Spanish translation services for at least one of the remaining Public Hearings. Furthermore, he stated to the dollar amount allowable, for additional public outreach appropriation, under the City Manager’s authority would be appropriate.
March 9, 2022: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 7
Mayor Cobos -Cawthorne asked a clarifying questions regarding the continued public outreach and translation services.
Mayor Pro Tem Jimenez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Torres to allocate $25,000, or as otherwise approved under the City Manager’s authority, for public outreach and engagement and include translation services for at least one of the remaining Public Hearings; and that the City Council:
1) Conduct the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2444 (Attachment A) establishing a by -district elections process for the election of City Councilmembers of the City of Montebello (“City”); and
2) Review and approve the new proposed tentative CVRA schedule; and 3) Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Motion approved unanimously.
13. APPROVAL TO SUBMIT APPLICATION FOR THE CAL OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES (CAL OES)
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1) Approve the submission of the grant application for the California Fire Foundation Spring 2022 Grant Cycle; and
2) Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
14. REQUEST TO APPROVE P URCHASE OF A TRAININ G CENTER FROM FORCIB LE ENTRY EQUIPMENT, INC. FOR FIRE OPERATIONS TRAINING
Councilmember Peralta pulled this item for discussion. Chief Paleaz provided the City Council with a briefing on the Staff Report and was available to answer any questions.
It was motioned by Mayor Cobos -Cawthorne seconded by Councilmember Melendez that the City Council:
1) Authorize the purchase of a Forcible Entry Conex Box Training Center in the amount of $65,118 ; and
2) Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Forcible Entry Equipment, Inc. in a not-to-exceed amount of $75,000; and
3) Take such additional, related actions necessary to actions to effectively a nd efficiently procure the Fire Training Center.
Motion approved unanimously.
15. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES – DECEMBER 8, 2021 AND FEBRUARY 9, 2022
March 9, 2022: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 7
Councilmember Torres pulled this item for discussion and asked for an update on an Emergency Ordinance related to the shipping container analysis, policy regarding inclusivity as suggested by Councilmember Peralta , and requested the status on the Arts in Public Places item.
Councilmember Torres motioned to approve the minutes as written, seconde d by Councilmember Peralta; motion was approved unanimously.
16. PAYMENT OF BILLS: R ESOLUTION NO. 22 -12 APPROVING THE CIT Y WARRANT REGISTER OF DEMANDS DATED MARCH 9, 2022
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. 22 -12 approving the Warrant Register dated March 9, 2022.
AB 1234 TRAVEL REPORTS
The following City Council members provided the following:
Councilmember Melendez – provided a briefing on his attendance at the California Contract Cities in Sacramento.
Councilmember Peralta – provided a briefing on his attendance at the California Contract Cities in Sacramento.
Mayor Pro Tem Jimenez – provided a briefing on his attendance at the California Contract Cities in Sacramento.
Councilmember Torres – provided a briefing on his attendance at the California Contract Cities in Sacramento.
Mayor Cobos -Cawthorne – provided a briefing on his attendance at the California Contract Cities in Sacramento.
COUNCIL ORALS
Councilmember Melendez requested for consensus to include a Council Oral for himself.
Councilmember Torres was in favor of the request, so long as there was no action being taken on Councilmember’s orals; there were no objections.
Councilmember Torres – None
Councilmember Peralta
1. Women History Month: This month I will be reco gnizing women -owned businesses in Montebello. Nominate your favorite woman-owned business for a chance to win a surprise.
Please send nominations to [email protected] or through social media. Councilmember Melendez – added the following Council Oral:
1. Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide on April 24th , the local chapter reached out to see if there could be a partnership with the City to help put this event together.
Councilmember Melendez asked to give staff direction to provide the Council with a guideline, budget or research the partnership possibility for this event and yearly.
Councilmember Melendez asked for consensus from the City Council. Councilmember Torres asked a clarifying questions regarding procedure of not taking action on items that are not March 9, 2022: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 7
on the agenda and asked to make note that an exemption is being made and the same leniency be made in the future for others as well; consensus was received. Mayor Pro Tem Jimenez – highlighted the Women’s History Month. Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne – reminded the public about the upcoming Districting Open House events and East Side Transit Corridor Phase 2 Project Meeting on March 10 th, 6-7:30 p.m. via zoom. Also wished her mother Linda Nicholas a Happy Birthday, Mel Escansa – a World War II Veteran and is turning 101 year’s old. Prior to adjourning she asked her colleagues to stand in solidarity with her, in memory of the people of Ukraine, and asked for consensus light up C ity Hall in Ukraine National colors of blue and yellow; consensus was received.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Peralta motioned to adjourn, seconded by Councilmember Melendez, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:34 p.m.
THE MINUTES OF MARCH 9, 2022 ARE HEREBY APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON THIS 27TH DAY OF APRIL.
_____________________________________________
Alicia Fernandez, Deputy City Clerk
AGENDA & NON-AGENDA
COMMENTS
1 Angelina Padilla
From: Margo DeArman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 28, 2022 12:04 PM
To: comment, ccpublic
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
I say GO top golf since it looks like the current owners of Montebello"Country Club"#1 looks like they have a hard time keeping the property up # They let anyone golf there..... It's gone down anyhow... TRY SOMETHING NEW!
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***PLEASE DO NOT CLICK ON UNKNOWN LINKS. Contact Montebello IT Division if you are unsure.*** 1 Angelina Padilla
From: mde4peace <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 9, 2022 1:37 PM
To: comment, ccpublic
Subject: Public Comments City Council meeting Wednesday, March 9, 2022 Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Unless I participate in the meeting and get called to present it my self, this is to be read into the public record by City Attorney and also please make make sure that all City Council members receive a copy.
To: City Council, paid staff and Commissioners etc.
From: Margot Eiser, concerned citizen, person, resident, tax payer voter.
Re: Agenda Item 9
Please, please, please vote NO on this item. D
o not waste any money on something as trivial as a
logo. At this time it makes no sense to spend any money to mess with the city logo while still using the name Montebello. For those who don't yet know, this is Italian for Beautiful Hill! It is very depressing to have to point out that obviously this name no longer applies to the city. The historically and environmentally significant namesake hills have been flattened, ruthlessly stripped of vegetation and the damage is encroaching on the habitat of the federally protected bird-the California gnatcatcher. Also, another landmark is Monterey Park's, flat still toxic dump which looms over the city. Thus, t o be accurate, name would have to be changed to
MonteFEO!!!
So, before you let the condo project proceed, we as citizenss of the city demand that a new updated CEQA study and report be done! There are many others significant items which need to be addressed and we prefer to not have to go to an injunction!
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