CITY OF MONTEBELLO
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 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 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present were Mayor Peralta, Mayor Pro Tem Melendez, Councilmember Jimenez, Councilmember Torres, and Councilmember Tamayo. City Clerk Jimenez and Treasurer Matanga were also present.
City Attorney Arnold Alvarez-Glasman, City Manager Raul Alvarez, Assistant City Manager Arlene Salazar, Senior Deputy City Clerk Kimberly Guillen, Deputy City Clerk Nelly Ochoa, Department Directors Joseph Palombi, Michael Solorza, David Sosnowski, Cesar Roldan, and Ramon Figueroa.
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 the meeting into Closed Session at 6:01 p.m. to consider the following Closed Session items:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
April 10, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 10
Rojas vs. City of Montebello
Case No. ADJ17161758, ADJ17161759
2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: Topgolf Site
City’s Negotiators: Raul Alvarez, City Manager
Negotiating Party: Topgolf Montebello
Under negotiation: Terms of Lease
REGULAR SESSION - IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING CLOSED SESSION
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Mayor Peralta reconvened the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
All five members were present to discuss all Closed Session items. City Attorney Arnold Alvarez-Glasman provided the following report to the City Council: Item No. 1 was presented to the City Council, unanimous direction was provided to attempt to resolve the case within the terms, and parameters expressed in Closed Session; Item No. 2 was presented to the City Council, no action was taken, the item will be brought back at a future meeting, and nothing further to report.
INVOCATION
Led by City Clerk Jimenez.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by City Treasurer Matanga.
CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA - CITY MANAGER
City Manager Alvarez announced the following corrections:
• Item No. 17 was pulled for a staff presentation.
• Item No. 18 was pulled to be discussed at a future meeting.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS/PRESENTATIONS
3. CITIZEN OF THE MONTH - KATHLEEN RABAGO
Presented by Mayor Peralta.
4. NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION
Presented by Mayor Peralta.
5. AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH
Presented by Mayor Peralta.
6. ARMENIAN HISTORY MONTH
Presented by Mayor Peralta.
7. ARBOR DAY PROCLAMATION
Presented by Mayor Peralta.
8. NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH
Presented by Mayor Peralta.
Mayor Peralta also presented a Proclamation for National Volunteer Month.
April 10, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 10
9. HUMAN RESOURCES PROTOCOL PRESENTATION BY LIEBERT CASSIDY WHITMORE Presented by Shelline K. Bennet from Liebert Cassidy Whitmore.
Councilmember Torres asked if a potential claimant could be involved in selecting the investigative attorney. He further inquired about the timeline of the investigation and whether the defendant should be provided with the details of the allegations.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez inquired about the protocols after the investigation was closed and whether there should be an opportunity for corrective action.
Councilmember Jimenez provided some case examples and inquired about best practices.
Mayor Peralta inquired about corrective actions and whether the claimant should be involved in their development. She further provided case examples and inquired about best practices.
Ms. Bennet provided clarification.
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 seven(7) 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
City Manager Alvarez introduced the new Human Resources Director, Roman Figueroa.
PUBLIC HEARING
10. RESOLUTION NO. 24-21 ADOPTING ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (“CEQA”), CERTIFYING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (STATE CLEARINGHOUSE NO. 2023050665) AND APPROVING A MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM (“MMRP”) AND ADOPTING A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS; RESOLUTION NO. 24-22 ADOPTING AN UPDATE TO THE CITY OF MONTEBELLO GENERAL PLAN AND ADOPTING THE BICYCLE MASTER PLAN; INTRODUCE AND WAIVE FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2474 APPROVING THE DOWNTOWN MONTEBELLO SPECIFIC PLAN AND ZONE CHANGE.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 24-21 adopting environmental findings pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), certifying the Environmental Impact Report (State Clearinghouse No. 2023050665), and approving the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (“MMRP”), and adopting the Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations related to the Montebello 2040 General Plan Update, Downtown Montebello Specific Plan, and Zone Change; and
April 10, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 10
2. Adopt Resolution No. 24-22 adopting an update to the City of Montebello General Plan (“2040 General Plan”) and adopting the City of Montebello Bicycle Master Plan and finding the Bicycle Master Plan exempt from CEQA pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.20(a)(1) and categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15304(h) (Class 4 - Minor Alterations of Land – creation of bicycle lanes on existing rights-of-way); and
3. Introduce and waive first reading of Ordinance No. 2474 approving the Downtown Montebello Specific Plan, related Zone Change, and an amendment to the Zoning Map; and
4. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Planning Director Joseph Plamobi introduced the item and Kaiser Rangwala for a presentation on the General Plan.
Michael Sahimi provided a presentation on the Bike Master Plan.
Mayor Peralta opened the Public Hearing at 9:23 p.m.
There was one speaker who spoke in support of the item.
Mayor Peralta closed the Public Hearing at 9:26 p.m.
Councilmember Torres inquired about the trees proposed in the plan and if they were shade-baring trees throughout the year.
Mr. Rangwala informed the Council that they did not have a list of trees. He further stated that it would be discussed.
Director Palombi stated that the City would discuss the trees during the street scape development which follows the adoption of the General Plan.
Councilmember Torres asked staff to ensure that the downtown code includes signage facade, material, and color standards.
Director Palmobi confirmed that it would.
Councilmember Torres asked if the plan included energy efficiency standards.
Director Palombi stated that the City would follow state requirements.
Councilmember Torres stated that the state requirements were lower than a lead certified building and asked if there would be an opportunity to create higher standards for energy efficiency.
Councilmember Torres asked staff to explain how the new Bicycle Master Plan builds on the plan previously developed by Active SGV.
Mr.Sahimi stated that the new plan included recommendations from the Gateway Cities Council of Governments and from the outreach events.
Council thanked the stakeholders, residents, and staff that contirbuted to the General Plan, Bike Master Plan and the Downtown Montebello Specific Plan.
Mayor Peralta stated that several cities developed a code for permitted and invasive trees. She suggested adopting a similar code before the adoption of the street scape plan.
Councilmember Torres motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Melendez, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
REGULAR BUSINESS
April 10, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 10
11. REVIEW OF CURRENT COUNCIL ASSIGNMENTS TO VARIOUS BOARDS AND AGENCIES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Review and take action to fill assignments to various Boards and Agencies; and
2. Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez suggested tabling the item until the investigation findings are presented.
Mayor Peralta stated that the Council followed the same process against Councilmember Torres, and the corrective actions are not permanent but for the safety of the individuals.
Councilmember Torres stated that the steps being taken are for the employee's safety and that the corrective actions are not permanent. He further stated that the Council has not taken the same corrective actions that were placed on him.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez stated that he is not opposed to the corrective actions taken against Councilmember Jimenez; he only opposes the removal from various boards.
Councilmember Jimenez opposed the item and read a letter from her attorney, Kevin Sheinkman, to City Attorney Alvarez- Glasman.
The following appointments were made:
Organization Council Representative Alternate Representative San Gabriel Valley Council of
Governments
David Torres Georgina Tamayo
Capital Projects Committee - Alameda
Corridor East Authority (ACE)
Georgina Tamayo Scarlet Peralta
Gateway Cities Counclil of
Governments
Georgina Tamayo Scarlet Peralta
Independent Cities Association Salvador Melendez Georgina Tamayo Southeast Area Animal Control
(SEAACA)
Scarlet Peralta Georgina Tamayo
Councilmember Torres motioned, second by Councilmember Tamayo, to approve the new appointments; the motion was approved by the following vote:
MOVED: Torres SECONDED: Tamayo APPROVED: 4-1-0-0
AYES: Melendez, Tamayo, Torres, Peralta
NOES: Jimenez
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
12. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 24-26 REVISING AND UPDATING FEES FOR THE CITY OF MONTEBELLO'S
MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 24-26 revising fees for the City of Montebello's Municipal Golf Course; and
2. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Director Sosnowski provided a presentation of the item.
Councilmember Torres commended staff for adjusting rates for students and juniors and inquired about the senior or April 10, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 10
resident card, the tee sheet, and the pricing.
Director Sosnowski provided clarification.
Council thanked staff for all their work.
Councilmember Tamayo inquired about the prices compared to the surrounding cities.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Jimenez, 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, 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.
Item No. 17 was pulled for a staff presentation.
Item No. 18 was pulled by City Manager Alvarez to be discussed at a future meeting.
Councilmember Torres motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Melendez, that Item No’s. 13-16 and 19-21, be approved; the motion passed unanimously.
13. ADOPT RESOLUTIONS FOR THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD AND CONDUCTED ON NOVEMBER 5, 2024
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Resolution No. 24-16 calling for the holding of a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, for the election of certain officers as required by the provisions of the laws of the State of California relating to General Law Cities; and
2. Approve Resolution No. 24-17 requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles to render full services to the City relating to a General Municipal Election to be held and conducted on Tuesday, November 5, 2024; and
3. Approve Resolution No. 24-18 requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles to consolidate a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, with other Los Angeles County and State of California elections to be held on the date pursuant to § 10403 of the Elections Code; and
4. Approve Resolution No. 24-19 adopting regulations for candidates for elective office pertaining to candidate statements submitted to the voters at an election to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024; and
5. Approve Resolution No. 24-20 providing for a procedure for determining by lot a tie among candidates at the November 5, 2024, General Municipal Election in accordance with Elections Code Section 15651.
Councilmember Torres motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Melendez, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
14. APPROVE EXECUTION OF A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY
COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS AND THE CITY OF MONTEBELLO TO FUND STATE COMPLIANCE
MEASURES WITH THE UPPER LOS ANGELES RIVER WATERSHED MANAGEMENT GROUP AND THE
COORDINATED INTEGRATED MONITORING PROGRAM IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOS ANGELES
COUNTY MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEMS PERMIT
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Agreement with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) to fund the overages associated with the Los Angeles County Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) Permit’s compliance measures of the Upper Los Angeles River Watershed Management Group and the Coordinated Integrated Monitoring Program (CIMP); and
2. Amend the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget by increasing appropriations by $23,785 in Account No. 229-30- 315-6040.10 (Measure W, Public Works, Stormwater, Outside Contracts); and, April 10, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 10
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Torres motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Melendez, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
15. APPROVE AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NO. 4190 TO COLLICUTT ENERGY
SERVICES TO PROVIDE GENERATOR MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Award Professional Services Agreement No. 4190 to Collicutt Energy Services to provide generator maintenance and repair services for an initial three (3) year term in a not-to-exceed amount of $251,168; and
2. Reject all other proposals; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement; and
4. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Torres motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Melendez, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
16. AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL CONTROLLERS FROM THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize the purchase of Six (6) 2070 traffic signal controllers from Los Angeles County Department of Public Works; and
2. Authorize staff to approve Los Angeles County Department of Public Works City Service Request No. 271404; and
3. Amend the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget by increasing appropriations by $65,000 in Account No. 222-30- 300-6010.10 (Measure M, Public Works, Administration, Machinery and Equipment); and,
4. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Torres motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Melendez, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
17. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 24-24 TO APPLY TO CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE
PROTECTION'S URBAN FORESTRY PROGRAM AND COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 24-24 authorizing the appropriate City staff member to execute and sign the document and to work with TreePeople to submit the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's Urban Forestry Program application; and,
2. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
David Pineda with the Tree People provided a PowerPoint presentation.
The Council spoke in favor of the item.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Jimenez, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
18. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 24-25 GRANTING AN EASEMENT ON CITY-OWNED LAND, 1060 S
GREENWOOD AVE, TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON COMPANY (SCE) FOR ELECTRICAL UTILITY
PURPOSES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No.24-25 (Attachment B) granting an easement on City-owned land, 1060 S.
Greenwood Ave., to Southern California Edison Company (SCE) for electrical utility purposes; and, April 10, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 10
2. Authorize the City Manager or his designee, to sign the Grant of the easement to Southern California Edison (SCE) on behalf of the City; and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
This item was pulled and will be discussed at a future meeting.
19. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MARCH 27, 2024, CITY COUNCIL MEETING
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve said Minutes as is.
Councilmember Torres motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Melendez, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
20. PAYMENT OF BILLS: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 24-23 APPROVING THE CITY WARRANT REGISTER OF DEMANDS DATED APRIL 10, 2024
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 24-23 approving the Warrant Register dated April 10, 2024.
Councilmember Torres motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Melendez, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
21. APPROVE PARTICIPATION IN THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY "PUBLIC POWER UP" PROGRAM FOR THE
ACQUISITION OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS AT CITY HALL
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve participation in the Los Angeles County "Public Power Up" Program for the acquisition of electric vehicle charging stations at City Hall; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to approve participation and sign any necessary interest forms; and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Torres motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Melendez, to approve the item; the motion was approved 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).
None.
COUNCIL/AGENCY ORALS
Announcements and requests for future agenda items.
• David N. Torres, Councilmember
• Salvador Melendez, Mayor Pro Tem
1. Firework Stand Ordinance for 2024
April 10, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 10
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez suggested developing an Ordinance restricting fireworks sales only to City organizations.
Councilmember Torres suggested forming an Ad Hoc to create a comprehensive ordinance and standardizing the number of days fireworks can be sold.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez agreed to create an Ad Hoc but asked to leave it open to discuss fireworks stands and illegal fireworks.
City Manager Alvarez stated that the City was committed to collaborating with the Council to implement their recommendations. Given the current month is April, the short-term plan entails restricting fireworks sales to non-profit organizations exclusively within Montebello. The long-term plan is to develop the Ad Hoc for next year to implement the additional measures mentioned.
Councilmember Torres suggested implementing enforcement protocols for illegal fireworks this year.
Consensus was received.
• Angie M. Jimenez, Councilmember
• Georgina Tamayo, Councilmember
• Scarlet Peralta, Mayor
1. Requesting Consensus for the City of Montebello to arrange a First Responders Appreciation Luncheon to recognize our Fire and Police personnel.
2. Earth Day Activities
1. Mayor Peralta requested consensus to arrange a First Responders Appreciation Luncheon. Consensus was received.
Councilmember Jimenez stepped out at 11:11 p.m.
2. Mayor Peralta encouraged the community to participate in the Earth Day activities.
CLOSED SESSION - CONTINUED
ADJOURNMENT
The City of Montebello will adjourn to the next Regular Meeting on April 24, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., which can be live- streamed at https://www.montebelloca.gov (Click on Live Stream).
I, Nelly Ochoa, Deputy City Clerk for the City of Montebello, hereby certify that a copy of this agenda has been posted on or before Sunday, April 7, 2024, no later than 6:00 p.m.
Nelly Ochoa, Deputy City Clerk
Councilmember Torres motioned, seconded Mayor Peralta to adjourn the meeting at 11:12 p.m.
April 10, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 10 of 10
THE MINUTES OF APRIL 10, 2024, ARE HEREBY APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON THIS 8TH DAY OF MAY 8, 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