CITY OF MONTEBELLO
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 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 City 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 and Department Directors Cesar Roldan, Joseph Palombi, David Sosnowski, Michael Solorza, Fire Chief Fernando Pelaez, Police Chief Paul Espinosa were present.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
City Attorney Alvarez-Glasman announced the Closed Session Item.
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 6:00 p.m. to consider the following Closed Session item:
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Government Code Section 54956.8
April 24, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 7
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 Alvarez-Glasman provided the following report to City Council: Item No. 1, a presentation was provided to City Council, no action was taken, direction was provided to the agency's negotiator, and nothing further to report.
INVOCATION
Led by Pastor Petz.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by City Clerk Jimenez.
CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA - CITY MANAGER
City Manager Alvarez announced that staff was pulling Item No. 5 for a staff presentation.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS/PRESENTATIONS
2. CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION FOR ELIAS AGUILAR AND TYLER SANTOS Presented by Mayor Peralta.
3. OATH OF OFFICE FOR YOUTH COMMISSIONER PHOENIX PEREZ
The Oath of Office was administered by City Clerk Jimenez.
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 five (5) 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.
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REGULAR BUSINESS - NONE
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. 5 was pulled by City Manager Alvarez for a staff presentation.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Tamayo, that Item No’s. 4 and 6-15, be approved; the motion passed unanimously.
4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING NO. 24-03 WITH
THE MONTEBELLO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT (MUSD) TO PARTNER WITH THEIR ADULT TRANSITION
PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) No. 24-03 with the Montebello Unified School District (MUSD) to partner with their Adult Transition Program; and
2. 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.
5. APPROVE LETTER OF ENGAGEMENT TO MASTER RETAINER AGREEMENT NO. 3999 WITH MARK
THOMAS AND COMPANY FOR SURVEY OF THE FENCE ON BLUFF ROAD BETWEEN WASHINGTON
BOULEVARD AND MINES AVENUE AND WASHINGTON BOULEVARD AND AT&SF RAILROAD RIGHT-OF- WAY
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve a Letter of Engagement to Master Retainer Agreement No. 3999 between the City of Montebello and Mark Thomas and Company for survey on Bluff Road between Washington Boulevard and Mines Avenue and Washington Boulevard and AT&SF railroad right-of-way for a not-to-exceed amount of $169,000; and
2. Amend the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget by increasing appropriations by $169,000 in Account No. 200- 30-310-6040.96 (Gas Tax, Public Works, Streets, Engineering Design Services); and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Letter of Engagement on behalf of the City; and
4. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Director of Public Works Cesar Roldan presented the item. The presentation included the project's history, timeline, aerial view of the parcel, and next steps.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez inquired about step 2, to request authorization to negotiate in good faith with property owners, avoid possible litigation, and if there were any alternatives. Director Roldan and City Manager Alvarez provided clarification that the area in question was on part of the actual road that the City has been maintaining and that once the survey is completed and ownership is established, the goal is to approach the property owner and negotiate in good faith to build the fence with the funding acquired.
Councilmember Jimenez echoed Mayor Pro Tem Melendez's concerns and thanked Director Roldan for his presentation.
Councilmember Tamayo inquired about the funding for the project and whether there would be enough funding to complete the project. Director Roldan explained that over the years there has been a rise in the cost of materials, and there might not be adequate funding to build the entire fence. However, in good faith, his department would try to find ways to build the fence within reason. He also clarified that gas tax funds would be used for the fence.
Councilmember Torres inquired about the current ownership of the fence and asked why the current fence could not just April 24, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 7
be replaced with a new one. Director Roldan explained that in the past, other Directors had tried to replace the fence, but property owners were opposed as they felt the fence was on their private property and did not want the City trespassing.
Director Roldan emphasized that it was in the City's best interest to figure out where the right-of-way lies as it will be reportable, recordable, and significant down the road.
Mayor Peralta commended Director Roldan and City Manager Alvarez.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Jimenez, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
6. AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF THE SLAUSON AVENUE COMPLETE STREETS STUDY IMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENT NO. 4197 BETWEEN THE CITY OF MONTEBELLO AND THE GATEWAY CITIES COUNCIL
OF GOVERNMENTS
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize execution of the Slauson Avenue Complete Streets Study Implementation Agreement between the City of Montebello and the Gateway Cities Council of Governments; and
2. Authorize payment of the City’s contribution for the not-to-exceed amount of $1,218 payable from Account No. 220-30-330-6040.95 (Measure R, Public Works, Engineering, Contract Services Other Professional Services); 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.
7. 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,
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.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
8. APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) NO. 24-04 BETWEEN THE CENTRAL BASIN
MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT AND THE CITY OF MONTEBELLO FOR SUPPLYING RECYCLED WATER
TO THE MONTEBELLO GOLF COURSE, AND FOR NOTIFICATION FROM THE CITY TO THE DISTRICT OF
ANY FUTURE MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXISTING RECYCLED WATER SYSTEM
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) No. 24-04 between the Central Basin Municipal Water District and the City of Montebello for supplying recycled water to the Montebello Golf Course, and for notification from the City of Montebello to the District of any future modifications to the existing recycled water system; and
2. 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 AMENDMENT NO.1 TO AGREEMENT NO. 3860 WITH BEROKOFF ELECTRIC FOR A ONE YEAR
EXTENSION
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
April 24, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 7
1. Approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 3860 between the City of Montebello and Berokoff Electric for a One (1) Year Extension and increase the annual not-to-exceed amount from $45,000 to $50,000; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Amendment on behalf of the City; 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.
10. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO.1 TO AGREEMENT NO. 3861 WITH GRAPHIC ELECTRIC INC.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 3861 between the City of Montebello and Graphic Electric to increase the annual not-to-exceed amount from $45,000 to $70,000 and add "Section 2 Term" to the agreement indicating an initial expiration date of June 30, 2025; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Amendment on behalf of the City; 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.
11. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 2474 APPROVING THE DOWNTOWN MONTEBELLO SPECIFIC PLAN AND ZONE CHANGE
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Waive Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2474 approving the Downtown Montebello Specific Plan, related Zone Change, and an amendment to the Zoning Map; and
2. 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.
12. AWARD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NO. 4196 FOR SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM PROVIDER (RFQ 24-1)
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Award Professional Services Agreement No. 4196 to School Nutrition Plus in an amount not-to-exceed One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) annually for Summer Food Service Program Provider; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the City; 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 ACQUISITION OF TWO FIRE PUMPER ENGINES AND RELATED RESCUE EQUIPMENT
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize the purchase of two (2) Fire Pumper Engines using the pre-bid Sourcewell contract based off Request for Proposal #113021; and,
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corporation (KME Fire Apparatus), in a not-to-exceed amount of $2,387,573 for the purchase and equipping/outfitting of two (2) KME Severe Service Pumpers (Fire Engines); and
3. Find that the use of the pre-bid Sourcewell contract #113021 conforms with Montebello Municipal Code Chapter 3.20.050 (F), Cooperative Purchase; and
4. Approve the surplus of unneeded fire engines and any associated equipment currently used as reserve apparatus; and
April 24, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 7
5. Take such additional, related actions necessary to effectively and efficiently procure the two (2) Severe Service pumpers (Fire Engines) and required Rescue Equipment from KME Fire Apparatus
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
14. APPROVAL OF EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT (JAG) PROGRAM- LOCAL
SOLICITATION FUNDS UTILIZATION
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve the use of grant funding awarded to the Police Department by the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program Local Solicitation, in the amount of $16,491; and
2. Amend the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget and increase appropriations by $16,491, in (Expenditure) Account No. 240-8055-800-5010.10, $6,000, -6010.10, $5,000, 6000.20, $5,491 (JAG, JAG Program Funds, Overtime, Equipment, Supplies), and $16,491 in (Revenue) Account 240-99-4198 (JAG, JAG Program Funds, Miscellaneous Grants); 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.
15. PAYMENT OF BILLS: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 24-27 APPROVING THE CITY WARRANT REGISTER OF DEMANDS DATED APRIL 24, 2024
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 24-27 approving the Warrant Register dated April 24, 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).
Councilmember Torres attended the League of California Cities Conference. He stated that one of the actions the City Council put forward last year put the City on the leading edge of AI technology in government alongside Boston and San Francisco. He further mentioned he saw informative presentations and had a good experience.
COUNCIL/AGENCY ORALS
Announcements and requests for future agenda items.
• Salvador Melendez, Mayor Pro Tem
• Angie M. Jimenez, Councilmember
• Georgina Tamayo, Councilmember
April 24, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 7
• David N. Torres, Councilmember
• Scarlet Peralta, Mayor
1. Mayor Scarlet Peralta and The Montebello Mom Walk Collective Present: Mother's Day Brunch and Mariachi Serenata May 11th starting at 11 AM - RSVP at scarletmtb.com/mom
2. Code for Official Tree Species List designating specific native trees which may be planted within the city.
1. Mayor Peralta invited the community to the Mother's Day Brunch.
2. Mayor Peralta wanted to request an official tree species list for the safety and urban infrastructure of the community.
City Manager Alvarez clarified that an urban forestry grant application was approved with TreePeople and one of the components was to develop the list Mayor Peralta was requesting, which will return to City Council at a future date.
CLOSED SESSION - CONTINUED
ADJOURNMENT
The City of Montebello will adjourn to the next Regular Meeting on May 8, 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, April 21, 2024, no later than 6:00 p.m.
Kimberly Guillen, Senior Deputy City Clerk
Mayor Peralta adjourned with respect to Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day and requested a moment of silence.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez motioned, seconded by Mayor Peralta, to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m.
THE MINUTES OF APRIL 24, 2024 ARE HEREBY APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON THIS 8TH DAY OF MAY 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