CITY OF MONTEBELLO
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
M I N U T E S
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 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 5:14 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, Assistant to Dep uty 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 5:14 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 – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
One matter related to SB 1383 compliance
March 23 2022: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 7
3. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: 701 West Whittier Boulevard, Montebello
Agency Negotiator: René Bobadilla, City Manager
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
4. 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
REGULAR SESSION – 6:00 P.M.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Mayor Cobos -Cawthorne reconvened the meeting at 5:49 p.m. During Closed Session the City Council did not discuss Item No. 1 . The City Council did not discuss Item No. 2 at this time ; but recessed after the Regular Session to discuss. The City Council received a briefing on Item No. 3, no action was taken; nothing further to report . The C ity Council discussed Item No. 4 direction was provided to the City Attorney’s Office; no action was taken; nothing further to report.
INVOCATION – Frank Salomone , St. Benedict’s Italian Catholic, Federation Branch 111 of the National Italian Catholic Federation
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Brad Keller, Chief of Police
CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA – CITY MANAGER – City Manager René Bobadilla removed Item No. 10 from the Consent Calendar to be discussed at a future meeting.
CEREMONIAL/PRESENTATIONS
5. RECOGNITION OF CHIEF BRAD KELLER’S 31 YEARS OF SERVICE
Fred Zermeno from Senator Bob Archuleta’s Office presented a Proclamation.
Adriana Dugan from the Montebello Chamber of Commerce presented a Certificate.
Tami Omoto -Frias, Senior Budget Deputy, from Supervisor Hi lda Solis’s Office presented a Certificate.
Nayda Bahena, representative from Assembly member Christi na Garcia’s Office presented a Certificate.
City Attorney Arnold Glasman, City Manager René Bobadilla, Assistant City Manager Arlene Salazar, City Treasurer Gutierrez, and City Clerk Jimenez thanked Chief Keller for his years of service and wished him well on his retirement.
March 23 2022: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 7
Council thanked Chief Keller for his years of service and wished him well.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA AND AGENDA ITEMS (30 MINUTES) The City Clerk Office’s had three (3) members of the public wishing to address the City Council in person and one (1) member of the public wishing to be called . 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’s Office acknowledged four (4) 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
Director of Recreation & Community Services , David Sosnowski , announced the City ’s upcoming special events which include d the Youth Baseball Opening Day on Saturday, April 2 nd and the VetCare Pet Clinic at the Montebello City Park on Saturday, April 2 nd from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Additionally, he announced that the Farmers Market Serie s will begin on Thursday, April 7 th, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at the Wells Fargo Parking Lot off of Whittier Boulevard and Montebello Boulevard.
REGULAR BUSINESS - NONE
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Torres pulled Item No. 12 . Councilmember Melendez motioned, seconded by Torres, that Item No’s. 6-9, 11, and 13-15 be approved; motion carried unanimously.
6. 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 cont inues to provide measures such as remote or hybrid meeting participation to promote social distancing; and
2) Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
7. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 22-13 TO AUTHORIZE SUBM ITTING AN APPLICATIO N TO THE METRO BUS OPER ATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022 FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION SECTION 5307 – 15% DISCRETIONARY CAPITAL FUNDS
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 22 -13 to authorize submitting an application to the Metro Bus Operations Subcommittee (BOS) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5307 – 15% Discretionary Capital Funds; and 2) Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
March 23 2022: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 7
8. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 22-14 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXEC UTE DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO OBTAIN FUNDS PROVIDED BY SENATE BILL 1 (SB1)
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 22 -14 authorizing the City Manager to execute documents necessary to obtain funds provided by Senate Bill 1 (SB1); and 2) Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
9. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 22-15 TO PARTIALLY RESC IND RESOLUTION NO. 2 2-01, AND REAUTHORIZE AMENDING FEDERAL GRANT NO. CA -2021-169-00 FOR FEDERAL TRANS IT
ADMINISTRATION FUNDING UNDER T HE CORONAVIRUS RESPO NSE AND RELIEF
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT (CRRSAA) FUNDS
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 22 -15 to partially rescind Resolution No. 22 -01, and reauthorize amending 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 $9,292,827; and
2) Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
10. APPROVE AN INCREASE TO THE PURCHASE ORDER FOR SOMMERS CONSTRUCTION
SERVICES FOR EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR PAINTING OF CITY FACILITIES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1) Approve an increase in the amount of $155,000 to the purchase order for Sommers Construction Services for exterior and interior painting of city facilities; and 2) Take such additional, related, actions that may be desirable.
City Manager Bobadilla pulled Item No. 10, to be discussed at a future meeting.
11. BEACH STREET STORM DRAIN EMERGENCY REPAIR – FINAL REPORT AND NOTICE OF
COMPLETION
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1) Receive and file the City Manager’s final report of the emergency repair of the Beach Street Storm Drain pursuant to Montebello Municipal Code Section 3.20.140 and Public Contract Code Section 222035; and
2) Accept the Beach Street Storm Drain Emergency Repair Project as completed by Mike Bubalo Construction Co., Inc. and approve the final contract amount with Mike Bubalo Construction Co., Inc. in the amount of $418,390; and
March 23 2022: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 7
3) Amend the Fiscal Year 2021-22 budget by increasing appropriations by $8,390 in Account No. 100-30-315-6040.45 (General Fund, Public Works, Stormwater, Contract Services – Storm Drain Maintenance)
4) Authorize the City Clerk to execute, verify and file the Notice of Completion (Attachment A) with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder; and
5) Authorize the City Manager to release the retention payment due to Mike Bubalo Construction Co., Inc. following the mandatory waiting period from the date the Notice of Completion is recorded; and
6) Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
12. AUTHORIZATION TO RETAIN LAW FIRM STRADLING YOCCA CARLSON & RAUTH (STRADLING) FOR SERVICES RELATED TO SUB-LEASE/LEASE NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE GOLF
COURSE AND TOP GOLF PROJECTS
Councilmember Torres asked Staff if there was a not-to-exceed amount for the services.
Director of Finance , Michael Solorza, stated that the City should receive an estimate sometime in the future. City Attorney Alvarez-Glasman provided further clarification.
Councilmember Torres motioned, seconded by Councilmember Peralta , that the City Council:
1) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a retention agreement with law firm Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth (Stradling) to provide special counsel in connection with the negotiation of a sublease agreement between the City and TopGolf USA MB, LLC and as bond and disclosure counsel with respect to the proposed financing of the TopGolf project and the proposed financing of modifications to the City’s golf course. 2) Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Motion carried unanimously.
13. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES – FEBRUARY 23, 2022
RECOMMENDATION: Approve said minutes as written.
14. PAYMENT OF BILLS: R ESOLUTION NO. 22-16 APPROVING THE CITY W ARRANT REGISTER OF DEMANDS DATED MARCH 23, 2022
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. 22-16 approving the Warrant Register dated March 23, 2022.
15. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 22 -17 ESTABLISHING A POLICY TO ENSURE ALL CITY
COUNCILMEMBERS ARE INFORMED OF AND INVITED TO ALL CITY EVENTS, CITY PHOTO
OPPORTUNITIES AND RELATED CITY ACTIVITIES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
March 23 2022: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 7
1) Adopt Resolution (Attachment A) Establishing a Policy to Ensure All City Councilmembers are Inform ed of and Invited to All City of Montebello (“City”) Events, City Photo Opportunities and Related City Activities; and
2) Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
AB 1234 TRAVEL REPORTS – None
COUNCIL ORALS
Council member announcements; requests for future agenda items; conference/meetings reports.
Councilmember Torres
a. Agendizing Art in Public Places ordinance - Councilmember Torres felt that the Art in Public Places Ordinance had fallen low on the priority list. He requested consensus to have Staff agendize the item by the second meeting in April. Consensus was not received. b. Inconsistent and preferential application of council procedures - This item will be brought back at an upcoming meeting.
c. Request for consensus to establish policy on positions in support of or against social and political platforms by the City of Montebello - Councilmember Torres believes that there should be a Resolution in place before the City makes statements of political impact. Consensus was not received. d. Request for consensus to calendar special strategic planning meeting - Councilmember Torres requested consensus to direct Staff to provide an update of the Budget Session from May 2021 in conjunction with the upcoming Budget Presentation. Consensus was not received. e. Missing financial reports on monthly disbursements and receipts as required per Montebello Mun. Code §
2.16.020.E - Councilmember Torres cited the Municipal Code for Revenue and Finance. He feels that the report that was provided lacks the information he wants to see.
Councilmember Peralta
a. Farmer's Market Ad Hoc Meeting Report - Councilmember Peralta provided a report from the Farmer’s Market Ad Hoc Meeting.
b. Recognizing the nominees for Favorite Women -Owned Businesses in Montebello in honor of Women's History Month:
1. Denise Manookian Haopian - Heavenly Choice
2. Pilar - Café Santo
3. Soraya Acevedo - Acevedo Dental Group
4. Adela - Aster Fabrics
5. Evelyn Santos - Gentefy | BLVD MRKT | Alchemy Craft
6. Lily - Whitter Rose Nails
7. Angelica Anguiano - Blissful Beauty Salon
8. Franchesca - The Design Studio
9. Alex Soto - The Upstairs
10. Bella Karla - The Golden Skewer
11. Adriana - Chamber of Commerce
12. Ashley - Antojitos de Ashley
13. Pauline - April's Cakes
14. Darlene Sanchez - Rejuvenating Skin
15. Lola Fonseca - 1 Stop Beauty Bar
March 23 2022: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 7
16. Alexis – MuttNaked
Councilmember Peralta recognized women-owned businesses in Montebello. Councilmember Melendez – None
Mayor Pro Tem Jimenez – None
Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne
Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne acknowledged the residents and participants from the Run Montebello Run group that participated in the Los Angeles Marathon.
Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne recessed the meeting into Closed Session at 7:48 p.m. to discuss Item No.
2. Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne reconvened the meeting at 8:10 p.m. The City Council received a briefing on Item No. 2, no action was taken; nothing further to report.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Peralta motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:11 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Melendez.
THE MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2022 ARE HEREBY APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON THIS 27TH DAY OF APRIL 2022.
____________________________________________
Alicia Fernandez, Deputy City Clerk
AGENDA & NON-AGENDA
COMMENTS
1 Angelina Padilla
From: ELIZABETH ARENAS <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, March 18, 2022 7:38 AM
To: comment, ccpublic
Subject: 4-hour street sweeping window
Good day, about 2‐years ago an official notice went out to the residents regarding the street sweepers. We were told after the sweepers goes through we are allowed to parked back on the street. Out of curiosity, I called and spoke to a woman in the parking enforcement department. She told me that tickets will be issued to any vehicle parked during the 4‐hour street sweepers period. I explained that NO official notice was disseminated to the residents Re the reenactment of the 4‐hour street sweeping regulation. Word of mouth reenactment is not acceptable and it appears city hall is trying to get more revenue.
I also will challenge the 4‐hour street sweepers window. City of Los Angeles is much bigger and they have a TWO hour street sweepers window. Please justify and reveal any study and/or documentation that it takes 4‐hours to get to certain areas.
Please provide the schedule and areas swept during the 4‐hour window. This is extremely intrusive and unnecessary.
I would like to address the council in regards to my concerns and gets some answers.
Thank you
Sent from my iPhone
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***PLEASE DO NOT CLICK ON UNKNOWN LINKS. Contact Montebello IT Division if you are unsure.***
1 Angelina Padilla
From: Catherine Luijt <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 21, 2022 12:46 PM
To: comment, ccpublic
Subject: Fwd: Eastside Transit Corridor Phase 2 - Request for Data and Comment Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
FYI and COPY - Mayor Cobos, Montebello City Council
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Catherine Luijt <[email protected]>
Date: Mon, Mar 21, 2022 at 12:31 PM
Subject: RE: Eastside Transit Corridor Phase 2 - Request for Data and Comment To: <[email protected]>
Dear Metro Staff,
Please be so kind as to email me any environmental documents regarding the Eastside Transit Corridor Phase 2 study, when they become available for 2022.
Additionally, in reviewing my notes pertaining to the transit study for Montebello, I agree with Montebello Mayor Cobos, asking the Metro Planning staff to consider an underground transit segment due to traffic, safety, business, and aesthetic concerns.
Thank you so much for these Metro meetings and outreach.
Sincerely,
Catherine Luijt
(323) 434-3256
[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: Jonathan Joyce <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2022 12:04 PM
To: comment, ccpublic
Subject: Line 50Montebello bus line
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
Hello,
I do hope this email finds you well, and hopefully this is a good place to comment about Montebello bus lines.
I am a current resident in Whittier and am employed at Biola in La Mirada. Line 50 has been a reliable and inexpensive alternative to using a car
for me when I was a student and now a employee at Biola. Ever since the pandemic began, service has been cut. I understand with workers having Covid loosing employees as well.
However I now find out that the portion from Whittier through La Mirada is is being considered to being cut. I STRONGLY appose this consideration because it would significantly hurt my financial situation and May even jeopardize my employment. I had to rearrange my schedule because the earliest and use Uber to get to work, which is expes When the morning line was cut but now I am worried that it would be cut altogether.
I am not the only one taking this bus. Just because it is not always full, does not mean other people depend on this bus line to get to work and school. I know many Cal High students take this bus, and it’s easy to get to the DMV as well.
Plus, with gas prices going higher and higher, many more people would need to rely on public transportation to get around and I believe this is a really bad time to consider these changes.
I do hope you understand my concern and take
my comments into consideration .
If you like to contact me, please respond here or call 562‐968‐4411.
Respectfully,
Jonathan Joyce
Sent from my iPhone
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1 Angelina Padilla
From: mde4peace <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 23, 2022 12:06 PM
To: comment, ccpublic
Subject: Public Comment for Montebello City Council meeting March 23, 2022 To be read in it's entirety during Public Orals and entered into public record and have a copy given to each city council member.
To: City Council
From: Margot Eiser, concerned, involved citizen, person,resident, tax payer, voter Re: Recent decisions of yours.
Good evening. Due to recent decision of yours with respect to keenly important matters, I feel compelled to remind you that if you, who are elected and supposed to represent us, believe in democratic principals, citizen involvement is absolutely essential in every decisions about all issues in the city. Consequently these decisions affect all of us I urge you to immediately increase opportunities for direct public involvement in every aspect of every matter.
Refusal to do so disenfranchises us and raises serious questions. Respectfully submitted.
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AGENDA & NON-AGENDA
SPEAKER CARDS