CITY OF MONTEBELLO
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2024 AT 6:00 PM
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1600 WEST BEVERLY BOULEVARD
MONTEBELLO, CALIFORNIA
OPENING CEREMONIES
CALL TO ORDER - 6:00 P.M.
Mayor Peralta called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present were Mayor Peralta, Mayor Pro Tem Melendez, Councilmember Tamayo, and Councilmember Torres.
City Treasurer Matanga was also present.
Councilmember Jimenez arrived at 6:03 p.m.
City Attorney Arnold Alvarez-Glasman, City Manager Raul Alvarez, Assistant City Manager Arlene Salazar, Deputy City Clerk Nelly Ochoa, Management Analyst Samantha Nevarez, Department Directors: Michael Solorza, Adrianna Kendricks, David Sosnowski, Cesar Roldan, Joseph Palombi, and Police Chief Paul Espinosa were present.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
City Attorney Alvarez-Glasman announced the Closed Session items.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
At this time, the public may submit a speaker card to the City Clerk staff for Closed Session items, prior to the beginning of this statement. Speakers will be called in the order received. Please be aware that the maximum time allotted for members of the public to speak on Closed Session items shall not exceed three (3) minutes per person. State Law prohibits the City Council from taking action or entertaining extended discussion on a topic not listed on the agenda. Please show courtesy to others and direct all of your comments to the Mayor and City Council.
None.
CLOSED SESSION
The City Attorney shall provide a briefing on the item listed for Closed Session as follows:
Mayor Peralta recessed into Closed Session at 6:02 p.m. to consider the following Closed Session items:
February 28, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 9
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Irma Macias v. City of Montebello, et al.
Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 22STCV13534
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Carrera v. City of Montebello, et al.
Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 21STCV24612
3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Negotiators: Raul Alvarez
Employee Groups: Various City employee groups including but not limited to MPMA, MFMA, MMMA, MSA, MPOA, MCEA, MFA, MMPA, MEMA, SMART-TD, and unrepresented employees.
REGULAR SESSION - IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING CLOSED SESSION
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Mayor Peralta reconvened the meeting at 7:11 p.m.
All five members were present to discuss all Closed Session items. City Attorney Arnold Alvarez-Glasman provided the following report to City Council: Item No. 1 and Item No. 2, a briefing was provided to City Council, City Council provided direction, but no action was taken, and nothing to further to report; item No. 3, a briefing was provided to City Council, no action was taken, and matter will come back for City Council consideration at a future date.
INVOCATION
Led by City Attorney Alvarez-Glasman.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by City Treasurer Matanga.
CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA - CITY MANAGER
City Manager Raul Alvarez announced the following correction: Item No. 13 should state that the total estimated expense for the additional architectural and engineering services is $41,160, not $40,410.
Mayor Peralta added a certificate of Recognition for Councilmember Torres.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS/PRESENTATIONS
4. CITIZEN OF THE MONTH - DIANA REYMUNDO
Presented by Mayor Peralta.
Mayor Peralta also presented a Certificate of Recognition to Councilmember Torres.
5. CRIME AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS UPDATE
Presented by Police Chief Paul Espinosa. The presentation provided an update on calls for service and violent crimes that occurred in 2022 versus 2023. Chief Espinosa also echoed his concern about park safety and presented a plan to obtain additional sworn and civilian staff to create a specialized team to secure parks during peak hours.
February 28, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 9
Council commended Chief Espinosa on his presentation.
Councilmember Jimenez expressed her appreciation for community engagement, the decrease in crime due to the increase in the police force, and the graffiti tracking system. Councilmember Jimenez also voiced that she would like to understand the fiscal impact before agendizing the plan for approval.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez had a question about our impact on a policy level to help decrease graffiti within the City of Montebello. Chief Espinosa stated he would need to do more research on the impact on a policy level but gave some options that could help decrease graffiti, such as: investing in a graffiti tracker that is relatively affordable to help track chronic taggers, holding chronic taggers accountable through punishment or diversion programs, and using portable cameras in areas that are vandalized. City Manager Alvarez added that it is important that the graffiti is removed as soon as possible and encouraged the community to report it when they see it. He also highlighted that operationally we have 7- day coverage for graffiti removal. Mayor Peralta also encouraged residents of Montebello to download and use the Montebello App as a resource for the community to report graffiti, potholes, schedule bulky item pick-ups, see updates in real time, and much more.
Councilmember Jimenez expressed her excitement for the Parks Safety Plan and acknowledged the importance of removing graffiti in a timely manner as safety is a top priority.
Councilmember Tamayo praised Chief Espinosa for taking steps to make the City safer for the community. She also suggested investing in prevention or diversion programs as a next step to add to community safety.
Mayor Peralta commended Chief Espinosa and City Manager Alvarez for bringing forward a comprehensive plan to reinstate and improve park safety so the community feels safer.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS (30 MINUTES)
At this time, the public may submit speaker card(s) to the City Clerk staff, for both agenda and non-agenda items, prior to the beginning of this statement; Public Hearing items do not require a speaker card.
The City Council will address non-agenda items during this section and speakers will be called in the order received. Those persons not accommodated during this 30-minute period will have an opportunity to speak under “Public Comments – Continued”, after all scheduled matters have been considered. Public Hearing, Regular Business and/or Consent Calendar items will be addressed at the time that matter of business is heard, in the order received.
Please be aware that the maximum time allotted for members of the public to speak shall not exceed three (3) minutes per speaker. State Law prohibits the City Council from taking action or entertaining extended discussion on a topic not listed on the agenda. Please show courtesy to others and direct all of your comments to the Mayor and City Council.
The City Clerk’s Office acknowledged 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.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS ON ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
None.
PUBLIC HEARING
6. PUBLIC HEARING TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 24-10 APPROVING THE DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (“CDBG”) AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS
ANNUAL ACTION PLAN, THE HOME REHABILITATION GRANT PROGRAM AND AMENDMENT NUMBER TWO OF THE 2022 CDBG COMMERCIAL FAÇADE PROGRAM
February 28, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 9
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Conduct a Public Hearing to consider adopting Resolution No. 24-10 approving the draft Fiscal Year 2024-25 Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnerships Annual Action Plan; and
2. Adopt Resolution approving the HOME Investment Partnership Program funded HOME Rehabilitation Grant Program Guidelines; and
3. Adopt Resolution approving Amendment Number Two of the 2022 Community Development Block Grant ("CDBG") Commercial Façade Program Guidelines regarding Program Location Boundary; and
4. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Mayor Peralta opened the Public Hearing at 8:50 p.m.
There were no speakers.
Councilmember Torres commented on his concern about a restriction on the program. He mentioned that the program is only open to people that are making 80% of the area's median income and the types of properties eligible for the funds would have to be 95% of the median sales price, which is $735,000. Councilmember Torres voiced his concern that individuals that may benefit from the program may have a fixed income or be retirees, causing them to not have the income to rehabilitate their home. These individuals may also get disqualified from the program for various reasons such as the value of the home surpassing the HUD imposed limit. He asked his fellow Councilmembers to convey this information to the HUD, so they are aware that they are missing a significant segment of the population that could benefit from the funds when considering applicants. Councilmember Torres also stated he believed the Council could do more to help expand the opportunity and make it easier for people to participate in the program. It was recommended and proposed that there be a change to the owner occupancy requirement depending on the amount given to the beneficiary: 5 years occupancy for $10,001-$15,000, 10 years occupancy for $15,001-$40,000, and 15 years occupancy for over $40,000. City Manager Raul Alvarez added that the owner occupancy requirement would be 3 years if the funds were under $10,000. Another way to make the program more accessible, as stated by Councilmember Torres, would be to compile a list of pre-approved contractors to assist them with completing the work needed. An open solicitation would be available on the City website for contractors to apply, and the City would maintain the list for the residents to use. Director of Planning and Community Development, Joseph Palombi, confirmed that the contract list would be something he could accomodate. Councilmember Torres finished his comments by encouraging the community to take advantage of the program.
For the record, Director Palombi will be revising the Commercial Facade Program to make a change from "Matching Funds" to "Five Percent Contribution".
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez had a question about liability with the list of pre-approved contractors that Councilmember Torres proposed due to a previous housing incident with a resident. Director Palombi answered that they corrected the housing incident by having an interview panel with qualified contractors and used general fund as funding. He also stated that the pre-approved list would be assembled by reference checks and available to residents, but no recommendations would be given.
Councilmember Tamayo asked for clarification on the Commercial Facade Program being under utilized last year. Director Palombi confirmed and stated that they lowered the threshold and increased the amount available for the allocation.
Currently, there are two business applications, $25,000 each, which will be completeled in the next coming weeks and would leave $35,000 left over. City Manager Alvarez added that they would discuss the amount used from the CDBG at a future meeting. Councilmember Tamayo also wanted confirmation on the reasoning behind the $700,000 with the 15% set aside for the program. Senior Management Analyst Isela Slordia answered that the amount allotted is over the 15% set aside because they had not used some of the HOME funds, so they were not allocated because of an issue regarding program income that had been unidentified.
Mayor Peralta praised the innovation to make homes accessible to the community and to provide funding for the residents that is not restrictive. She stated that the goal is to ensure that the funding allocations are intentional and accessible to residents.
Mayor Perlata closed the public hearing at 9:16 p.m.
Councilmember Torres motioned to approve the item with the following recommendations: (1) updating the HOME occupacy scheme as read into the record by City Manager Alvarez; (2) compiling a list of pre-approved contractors that potential applicants can use; (3) conveying to HUD that the current HOME scheme makes it restrictive for certain residents; February 28, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 9
(4) updating the language in the Facade program to make it clear there is a 5% contribution, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Melendez, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
REGULAR BUSINESS
7. FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 CITY COUNCIL BUDGET PRIORITY SETTING
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Provide feedback to Staff regarding budget priorities for Fiscal Year 2024-25 guided by the strategic principles outlined in the agenda report below; and,
2. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Director of Finance Michael Solorza provided a presentation that included a budget overview, information on revenue and expenditures, and the development process for the fiscal year. Director Solorza also commented that there were two community forums that allowed the residents to provide feedback.
Mayor Peralta commended Director Solorza and his team on the budget forums.
Mayor Peralta recessed the meeting at 9:33 p.m. to allow individuals to write their ideas and feedback on the easel pads provided.
Mayor Peralta reconvened the meeting at 9:46 p.m.
No additional feedback was submitted.
Councilmember Torres expressed his appreciation towards Director Solorza for being transparent with the community and allowing them to provide feedback. He read into the record some comments that he received: a resident on behalf of their parents asked to provide small grants to provide safety cameras to senior citizens; a comment that community art is sorely needed; a District 1 resident commented that there needs to be an update on the speed bumps, lights, and street signs to help with speeding vehicles in La Merced; a District 2 resident mentioned there should be programs that support food security such as a community garden; and lastly in District 4 a resident commented on his frustration due to lack of parking in Los Angeles Avenue. Councilmember Torres echoed the resident's comment on getting programs to support and uplift small businesses. Councilmember Torres mentioned that there needs to be a budget as the City also needs to think about a maintenance phase and the employment of new staff for Police and Fire.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez stated the importance of street and tree maintenance, programming, and public safety. He also stated that he would like to see presentations on improvement projects, so there could be a discussion before the budget since they can adjust accordingly based on the perspective. Councilmember Torres directed staff to redistribute the plan that was approved last year to help with Mayor Pro Tem Melendez's concerns.
Councilmember Jimenez commented on the safety on the South side of the city. She stated a lot of work has been done and it still needs to be done in the City.
Councilmember Tamayo thanked Director Soloroza for the presentation and echoed her agreement for economic development front, park improvement, and infrastructure.
Mayor Peralta stated that she saw public safety as a priority and she looked forward to the plan presented by Chief Espinosa. She appreciated the opportunity to be innovative to help the community feel safer and look better. Lastly, Mayor Peralta encouraged the community to complete the online budget survey so the City Council could see their feedback.
Councilmember Torres motioned, seconded by Councilmember Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine. Any items a member wishes to discuss, February 28, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 9
including any items the public submitted speaker cards for, should be designated at this time. All other items may be approved in a single motion. Such approval will also waive the reading of any Ordinance.
Councilmember Torres pulled Item No's 9 and 10. Mayor Pro Tem Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Tamayo, that Item No's 8, 11-16 be approved; the motion passed unanimously.
8. AWARD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT, NO. 4180 TO KIMLEY-HORN AND ASSOCIATES, INC.
FOR THE BUS STOP IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (BSIP) CONSULTING SERVICES REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NO. 24-7
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Award Professional Services Agreement No. 4180 to Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for the Bus Stop Improvement Project (BSIP) Consulting Services for RFP No. 24-7; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute and finalize the Professional Services Agreement on behalf of the City of Montebello with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.; and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
9. APPROVE AGREEMENT NO. 4183 WITH NEW FLYER OF AMERICA, INC. TO PURCHASE THREE, FORTY-
FOOT, HEAVY DUTY HYDROGEN FUEL CELL TRANSIT BUSES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Agreement No. 4183 with New Flyer of America, Inc. (New Flyer), to purchase three (3), forty- foot (40’), Heavy Duty Hydrogen Fuel Cell Transit Buses; and
2. Authorize the City Manager and/or their designee to approve change orders for up to two percent (2%) of the total agreement amount; and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Torres shared his appreciation for Senator Archuleta as they have helped move Montebello to a more sustainable future. He also wanted to know how the buses being replaced were going to be disposed of. Director of Transportation Adrianna Kendricks answered that the buses would be auctioned off.
Councilmember Torres motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Melendez, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
10. APPROVE ISSUING A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL, NO. 24-12 FOR BUS DETAILING SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve issuing a Bus Detailing Services Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 24-12; and
2. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Torres wanted to know if this was a previous or new contract. Director Kendricks confirmed that the City had contracted them before, but due to the COVID pandemic the contract was terminated, so they are looking to approve the request again.
Councilmember Torres motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Melendez, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
11. AUTHORIZATION TO ISSUE SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM PROVIDER REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS (RFQ No. 24-1)
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize Staff to issue a Request for Quotations (RFQ No. 24-1) for Summer Food Service Program Provider; and
2. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
February 28, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 9
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
12. APPROVE ISSUING REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) NOS. 24-13 AND 24-14 FOR THIRD-PARTY
ADMINISTRATOR SERVICES FOR THE CITY'S SELF-FUNDED WORKERS COMPENSATION AND
GENERAL LIABILITY PROGRAMS
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve issuing a Third-Party Administrator Services Request for Proposal (RFP No. 24-13) for the City’s self-funded workers’ compensation program; and
2. Approve issuing a Third-Party Administrator Services Request for Proposal (RFP No. 24-14) for the City’s self-funded general liability program; and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
13. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO AGREEMENT NO. 3937 WITH SPORTFIVE GOLF, LLC FOR
ADDITIONAL ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE MONTEBELLO MUNICIPAL
GOLF COURSE RENOVATION PROJECT
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Amendment No. 4 to Agreement No. 3937 with SPORTFIVE Golf, LLC for additional architectural and engineering services in the amount not-to-exceed $40,410; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment on behalf of the City; and
3. Amend the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget by increasing appropriations by $40,410 in Account No. 310-30- 302-6040.80 (Golf Course Renovation Project, Public Works, Engineering Services); and
4. Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
14. REPORT OF EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT BUILDING AND APPROVAL OF
CONTRACTS FOR REQUIRED REPAIR AND REMEDIATION WORK
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Receive and file the City Managers report of emergency repairs to the Montebello Police Department headquarters building pursuant to Montebello Municipal Code Section 3.20.140 and Public Contracts Code Section 22035; and
2. Determine and find that the repairs, remediation, and purchases are of an emergency nature and are required for use of the first floor of the Police Departments Men's and Women's locker rooms; and
3. Authorize the City Manager by a four-fifths (4/5) vote of the City Council, to execute professional service agreements with Pro Ceramic Tile, Mr. Rooter Plumbing, and Premier Wall Systems; for the repair of the Montebello Police Department at an estimated total cost of $450,000; and
4. Amend the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget by increasing appropriations by $450,000 in Account No. 100- 80-840-7115 (General Fund, Police, Headquarters Rehab-Repair); and
5. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
15. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: JANUARY 10, 2024, CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING; JANUARY 10, 2024, CITY COUNCIL MEETING; JANUARY 24, 2024, CITY COUNCIL MEETING
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve said Minutes as is.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
February 28, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 9
16. PAYMENT OF BILLS: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 24-11 APPROVING THE CITY WARRANT REGISTER OF DEMANDS DATED FEBRUARY 28, 2024
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 24-11 approving the Warrant Register dated February 28, 2024.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - CONTINUED
AB 1234 TRAVEL REPORTS
Members will provide a brief report on meetings attended at the expense of the local agency as required by Government Code Section 53232.3(d).
No reports provided.
COUNCIL/AGENCY ORALS
Announcements and requests for future agenda items.
• David N. Torres, Councilmember
• Salvador Melendez, Mayor Pro Tem
• Angie M. Jimenez, Councilmember
• Georgina Tamayo, Councilmember
• Scarlet Peralta, Mayor
1. Requesting council consensus to explore reinstating the park ranger program as a proactive step towards enhancing safety in our public parks.
2. Requesting council consensus to initiate the development of a Vision Zero Strategy to reduce accidents and traffic-related fatalities, and increase safe, healthy, and equitable streets/mobility within our community.
3. Requesting council consensus to initiate the development of a City Climate Resiliency Action Plan to address critical issues related to climate change and sustainability within our city and access grant funding aimed at supporting resiliency efforts.
4. Seeking council consensus to expand social programming on mental health and wellness to include young adults.
1. Mayor Peralta commented on the Park Ranger program and reiterated how Chief Espinosa was working on a comprehensive plan to assist with park safety.
2. Mayor Peralta praised the installation of the Traffic and Safety Commission. She provided a brief statement to express the need for a Vision Zero Strategy. Mayor Pro Tem Melendez asked if there was a budget associated with it. Mayor Peralta answered that she only wanted to get consensus to explore the funding that could be received. Consensus was received.
February 28, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 9
3. Mayor Peralta provided a brief statement to express the need to initiate the development of a City Climate Resiliency Action Plan; consensus was received.
4. Mayor Peralta provided a brief statement to expand social programming on mental health and wellness, including young adults. Councilmember Jimenez commented on her non-profit that focuses on mental health and includes activities such as yoga and other holistic programs. Consensus was received.
CLOSED SESSION - CONTINUED
ADJOURNMENT
The City of Montebello will adjourn to the next Regular Meeting on March 13, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., which can be live- streamed at https://www.montebelloca.gov (Click on Live Stream).
I, Kimberly Guillen, Senior Deputy City Clerk for the City of Montebello, hereby certify that a copy of this agenda has been posted on or before Sunday, February 25, 2024, no later than 6:00 p.m.
Kimberly Guillen, Senior Deputy City Clerk
Mayor Peralta adjourned in the memory of Jackie Juarez. Councilmember Tamayo motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Melendez to adjourn the meeting at 10:21 p.m.
THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 28, 2024 ARE HEREBY APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON THIS 13TH DAY OF MARCH 2024.
EXHIBIT - CITY OF MONTEBELLO FORECASTED AGENDA
Please note, the attached exhibit is a draft version that is to be used for reference purposes only; agenda items, information, and dates are subject to change. The exhibit will be placed at the end of the Agenda Packet.
• City of Montebello Forecasted Agenda