CITY OF MONTEBELLO
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024 AT 7:00 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 7:03 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.
Deputy City Attorney Noel Tapia, City Manager Raul Alvarez, Senior Deputy City Clerk Kimberly Guillen, Deputy City Clerk Nelly Ochoa, and Department Directors Cesar Roldan, David Sosnowski, Michael Solorza, Police Chief Paul Espinosa, Fire Chief Fernando Pelaeza, Acting Director John Soria, and Assistant Director Matthew Ramos were present.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
None
.
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 - NONE
REGULAR SESSION - IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING CLOSED SESSION
September 11, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 8
CLOSED SESSION REPORT - NONE
INVOCATION
Led by City Clerk Jimenez.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by City Treasurer Matanga.
CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA - CITY MANAGER
None.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS/PRESENTATIONS
1. MONTEBELLO-ASHIYA SISTER CITY STUDENTS
Montebello Asihya Sister City Association Student Ambassadors Isaac Flores and Ben Richards shared a few words and a video presentation of their trip to Ashiya, Japan.
2. MONTEBELLO WOMEN'S CLUBHOUSE 100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Presented by Mayor Peralta.
3. PROCLAMATION FOR PATRIOT DAY AND NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE AND REMEMBRANCE Presented by Mayor Peralta.
4. PROCLAMATION FOR NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Presented by Mayor Peralta.
5. PROCLAMATION FOR NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
Presented by Mayor Peralta.
6. PROCLAMATION FOR RAIL SAFETY MONTH
Presented by Mayor Peralta.
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
None.
September 11, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 8
PUBLIC HEARING
7. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 24-65 APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL
PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER)
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council conduct a public hearing and consider the following:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 24-65 approving the Fiscal Year 2023-24 draft Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER); and
2. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Mayor Peralta started the Public Hearing at 8:03 p.m.
There were no speakers.
Mayor Peralta closed the Public Hearing at 8:03 p.m.
Councilmember Tamayo and Mayor Peralta spoke in support of the item and thanked the staff for their work.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Torres, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
REGULAR BUSINESS
8. FINAL ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN BY THE CITY COUNCIL UPON COUNCILMEMBER JIMENEZ TO ENSURE
A SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT FOR EMPLOYEES IN THE CITY OF MONTEBELLO
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Evaluate the Investigation into the Workplace Incident on March 6, 2024, Involving Councilmember Jimenez; and
2. Consider taking Final Actions for Councilmember Jimenez to Ensure a Safe Working Environment for Employees in the City of Montebello; and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
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.
Myrna Castañon, Special Counsel, provided a brief summary of the investigation findings.
Councilmember Jimenez and Mayor Pro Tem Melendez spoke in opposition of the item.
Councilmember Tamayo, Councilmember Torres, and Mayor Peralta spoke in favor of the item. Councilmember Torres recommended harassment prevention training.
Councilmember Torres motioned, seconded by Councilmember Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion passed by the following vote:
MOVED: Torres SECONDED: Tamayo APPROVED: 3-1-1-0
AYES: Tamayo, Peralta, Torres
NOES: Jimenez
ABSTAIN: Melendez
ABSENT: None
September 11, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 8
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.
Councilmember Jimenez pulled Item Nos. 10 and 11.
Councilmember Torres pulled Item Nos. 9, 10, and 11.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Torres, that Item No’s. 12-17, be approved; the motion passed unanimously.
9. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO AGREEMENT NO. 3857 WITH BLAIS & ASSOCIATES FOR GRANT
WRITING SERVICES TO INCREASE THE ANNUAL NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT AND EXTEND THE TERM
OF THE AGREEMENT
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 3857 with Blais & Associates to increase the annual not- to-exceed amount to $100,000 and extend the term of the agreement to June 30, 2026; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 3857 with Blais & Associates; and
3. Amend the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget by increasing appropriations by $35,000 in Account No. 100-85- 850-6040.10 (General Fund, Fire, Fire Administration, Contract Services-Outside Contracts); and
4. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Torres spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Torres motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Melendez, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
10. AWARD A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO COPP CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR THE BELLA VERDE DRIVE PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT CP – 918
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Award a construction contract to Copp Contracting, Inc. for the Bella Verde Drive Pavement Rehabilitation Project – CP 918 as the most responsive and responsible bidder for the amount of $919,852 plus a 10% construction contingency of $91,985 for a total contract amount of $1,011,837; and
2. Authorize the City Clerk’s Office to release all other bidders’ bonds; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the construction contract agreement and all change orders in good faith; and
4. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Jimenez inquired about the funding for the project. Director of Public Works, Cesar Roldan, provided clarification.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Jimenez, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
11. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 10 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NO. 3066 WITH
INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERS, A BOWMAN COMPANY FOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Amendment No. 10 to Agreement No. 3066 with Infrastructure Engineers, a Bowman Company, for Project Management Services for a not-to-exceed amount of $149,760; and,
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 10; and,
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
September 11, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 8
Councilmember Jimenez spoke in opposition to the item.
Councilmember Torres motioned, seconded by Councilmember Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion passed 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. APPROVE LETTER OF ENGAGEMENT TO MASTER RETAINER AGREEMENT NO. 3919 WITH AIM
CONSULTING SERVICES FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT/ INSPECTION SERVICES FOR THE BELLA VERDE DRIVE PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT (CP NO. 918)
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Task No. 9 via an Engagement Letter under Master Retainer Agreement No. 3919 with AIM Consulting Services for Construction Management and Inspection Services for the Bella Verde Drive Pavement Rehabilition Project; and,
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Letter of Engagement; and,
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Torres, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
13. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO.1 TO AGREEMENT 3910 WITH WOLVERINE FENCE COMPANY INC. TO
PROVIDE FENCE REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement 3910 between the City of Montebello and Wolverine Fence Company, Inc. to extend the term of the agreement by one (1) year; and,
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Amendment; and,
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Torres, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
14. ADOPT PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE FOR FIRE STATION NO. 56 RENOVATION PROJECT (CP 923) AND AUTHORIZATION TO PROCEED WITH BID ADVERTISEMENT
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt the 100% completed plans, specifications and engineer’s estimate for the Fire Station No. 56 Renovation Project (CP 923); and,
2. Approve Environmental Assessment pursuant to 14 California Code of Regulations § 15301 as a Class 1 categorical exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and,
3. Approve Level of Environmental Review Determination via the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as Categorically Excluded per 24 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 58.35(a), and subject to laws and authorities at §58.5: (3) and,
4. Authorize staff to proceed with bid advertisement for construction; and,
5. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Torres, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
15. AWARD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO CALIFORNIA LANDSCAPE & DESIGN, INC. FOR THE MONTEBELLO CITY PARK BASEBALL FIELD RENOVATION PROJECT (CP 928) September 11, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 8 RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Award a construction contract to California Landscape & Design, Inc. for the Montebello City Park Baseball Field Renovation Project (CP 928) in the amount of $799,882 plus a 5% construction contingency of $39,994 for a total contract amount of $839,876; and,
2. Amend the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget by increasing appropriations by $288,725 in Account 100-70- 710-6040.10 (General Fund, Parks & Recreation, Recreation, Contract Services Outside Contracts); and,
3. Authorize the City Clerk’s Office to release all other bidders’ bonds; and,
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute the construction contract agreement and all change orders in good faith; and,
5. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Torres, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
16. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO AGREEMENT NO. 4113 WITH AVAIL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. FOR
COMPUTER-AIDED DISPATCH/AUTOMATIC VEHICLE LOCATION SYSTEM EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 4113 with Avail Technologies, Inc. to replace equipment for Montebello Bus Lines’ (MBL) Computer-Aided Dispatch/Automatic Vehicle Location (CAD/AVL) System, and increase the not-to-exceed amount of the agreement to $2,485,118; and
2. Authorize the City Manager and/or his designee to execute Amendment No. 2 on behalf of the City of Montebello; and
3. Amend the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget by increasing appropriations by $115,984 in Account No. 202- 922-2018-6040.10 (State of Good Repairs, SA, FY 2018-19, Other Contract Services); and,
4. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Torres, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
17. PAYMENT OF BILLS: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 24-74 APPROVING THE CITY WARRANT REGISTER OF DEMANDS DATED SEPTEMBER 11, 2024
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 24-74 approving the Warrant Register dated September 11, 2024.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Torres, 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 Tamayo attended the Gateway Cities Regional Conference and Retreat. She attended workshops focused on transportation, economic development, housing, environmental, health and wellness, and funding opportunities.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez attended the Contract Cities Conference. At the conference, they discussed new technology for enforcing designated truck routes and new Senate Bills.
COUNCIL/AGENCY ORALS
Announcements and requests for future agenda items.
• Angie M. Jimenez, Councilmember
September 11, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 8
1. Seek council consensus to have the City Manager return back to the City Council with the cost of establishing a substation at Holifield.
2. Regarding the efforts for the DePaul Center historical preservation, I’d like to ask to give staff direction to return back to City Council with impacts to the housing element and general plan.
3. Requesting a staff report on how much the annual maintenance will be for the new dog park.
1. City Manager Alvarez advised no action was needed as it was being considered for the next budget. Mayor Peralta added that the Council had already agreed to allocate funds for a substation in next year’s budget. City Manager Alvarez further explained that determining the cost involves many factors and will take time. Mayor Pro Tem Melendez requested an update on the cost assessment process, to which City Manager Alvarez responded that a brief status update would be provided during the mid-budget presentation.
2. City Manager Alvarez stated that the historical designation does not impact the General Plan or Housing Element. The property in question is still considered an R-1, single-family residence. The General Plan land use designation for the DePaul Center civic/public/quasi-public in operation civic building and spaces remains the same. As for the Housing Element, identified the DePaul Center as a housing opportunity site, it does not mandate housing development but merely shows potential for housing with densities ranging from 40–60 units per acre. In addition, the plan contemplated a space to be dedicated to open space. City Attorney Noel Tapia recommended that the City post the information on the City's website.
3. City Manager Alvarez stated that no additional maintenance is required. • Georgina Tamayo, Councilmember
• David N. Torres, Councilmember
1. Requesting council consensus directing the City Manager and Chief of Police to redraw police beats so patrol units are dedicated to areas South of the Union Pacific Railway i.e. railroad tracks near Olympic Blvd.
The City Clerk’s Office acknowledged one(1) member of the public wishing to address the City Council. Speaker was provided three minutes to address the City Council and said speaker card is on file at the City Clerk’s office.
Councilmember Torres requested Council consensus to direct the City Manager and Chief of Police to redraw police beats so patrol units are dedicated to areas South of the Union Pacific Railway such as the railroad tracks near Olympic Boulevard. Consensus was rceieved.
• Salvador Melendez, Mayor Pro Tem
• Scarlet Peralta, Mayor
CLOSED SESSION - CONTINUED
September 11, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 8
ADJOURNMENT
The City of Montebello will adjourn to the next Regular Meeting on September 25, 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, September 8, 2024, no later than 6:00 p.m.
Kimberly Guillen, Senior Deputy City Clerk
Councilmember Torres adjourned in the memory of his mother, Janice Torres, and Montebello resident, Debra Goodman.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez motioned, seconded by Mayor Peralta, to adjourn the meeting at 9:12 p.m.
THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2024, ARE HEREBY APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON THIS 9TH DAY OF OCTOBER 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