CITY OF MONTEBELLO
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 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 Regular Meeting to order concurrently with the Special Meeting at 6:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present were Mayor Peralta, Mayor Pro Tem Melendez, Councilmember Torres, and Councilmember Tamayo.
City Clerk Jimenez was also present. Councilmember Jimenez arrived at 6:10 p.m. City Treasurer Matanga was absent.
City Attorney Arnold Alvarez-Glasman, City Manager Raul Alvarez, Senior Deputy City Clerk Kimberly Guillen, Deputy City Clerk Nelly Ochoa, and Department Directors Michael Solorza, Joseph Palombi, Ramon Figueroa, John Soria, David Sosnowski, Cesar Roldan, Fire Chief Pelaez, and Police Assistant Chief Cabrera 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 the meeting into Closed Session at 6:04 p.m. to consider the following Closed Session items:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
NASA v. City of Montebello, et al.
October 23, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 8
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
Significant exposure to litigation in three cases which facts and circumstances need not be disclosed.
REGULAR SESSION - IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING CLOSED SESSION
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Mayor Peralta reconvened the meeting at 7:02 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, a briefing was provided to City Council, no action was taken, and nothing to further to report; Item No. 2, a briefing was provided to City Council, no action was taken and nothing further to report.
INVOCATION
Led by City Clerk Jimenez.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Mayor Peralta.
CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA - CITY MANAGER
City Manager Alvarez stated that there was an error in Attachment C of Item No. 7 Fiscal Year 2024-25 First Quarter Budget Report. Additionally, Item No. 4 will be moved to a future meeting.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS/PRESENTATIONS
3. PROCLAMATION FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Presented by Mayor Peralta.
Fire Chief Pealez and Police Assistant Chief Cabrera introduced the Breast Cancer Awareness initiatives, including activities and merchandise available for purchase to support the cause and raise awareness.
4. MONTHLY TREASURER'S REPORT
This item will be moved to a future meeting.
5. STATE OF THE TRANSIT DEPARTMENT PRESENTATION
Director of Transportation John Soria presented the item.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez suggested partnering with Metro to prepare for the Olympics.
6. INTRODUCTION OF NEW FIREFIGHTERS
Mayor Peralta presented the new firefighters.
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.
October 23, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 8
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 four(4) 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.
REGULAR BUSINESS
7. FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 FIRST QUARTER BUDGET REPORT
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Receive and file this agenda report and the presentation on the Fiscal Year 2024-25 First Quarter Budget Report; and,
2. Amend the Compensation Plan and Table of Organization (Position Listing), Resolution No. 24-80 for certain Police, Fire and Transit Department classifications; and,
3. Amend the Master Position Control to reflect changes to the Table of Organization in the Transit Department; and,
4. Approve new and updated Job Classifications for positions in Transit, Finance and Administration; and,
5. Take whatever additional actions necessary.
Director of Finance Michael Solorza provided a presentation of the item.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez inquired about the sales tax revenue from TopGolf. Director Solorza explained that the consultant is currently unable to provide a report. The City will not have access to the full sales tax projections for another 5 to 6 months.
Councilmember Tamayo requested clarification regarding the changes to the expenditures.
Councilmember Torres requested a more detailed report on the hotels, Topgolf, and the golf course, including an analysis of any increases. Additionally, he asked for an update on the financial performance of the golf courses. Councilmember Torres also inquired about the expiration date of the sales tax agreement with Monterey Park.
Director Solorza informed the City Council that the agreement does not expire; it is in perpetuity.
Mayor Peralta asked Director Solorza to clarify the shared sales tax from Monterrey Park.
Director Solorza provided clarification.
City Manager Alvarez stated that the Director of Recreation and Community Services would provide a report of the financial performance of the hotels, Topgolf, and the golf course in the first meeting in January.
Mayor Peralta asked the City Manager Alvarez to provide a financial performance report on the new Tesla business sometime after the start of the new year.
Councilmember Torres motioned, seconded by Councilmember Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
8. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO AWARD AN EXCLUSIVE RESIDENTIAL FRANCHISE FOR RESIDENTIAL SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING SERVICES PURSUANT TO RFP NO. 24-00
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
October 23, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 8
1. Award an exclusive residential franchise for solid waste, recycling, and organics collection and processing services to the lowest responsive proposer based on proposals received and evaluation ratings conducted pursuant to Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 24-00; and,
2. Authorize the City Manager to begin negotiations for exclusive residential solid waste, recycling, and organics services with Arakelian Enterprises, Inc., doing business as Athens Services, as the most responsive proposer for all single-family residential units and multiple-family residential premises having less than four units and, if unsuccessful, continue negotiations with the two other proposers according to the overall rating criteria set forth below; and,
3. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate the final terms of the agreement relating to the award of the residential franchise; and,
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute the final agreement relating to the award of the residential franchise.
Jeff Camera, President of MCA Consultants, provided a presentation on the item.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez requested a discussion about the possibility of providing additional bins to separate the trash from recyclables and discuss the associated costs.
Mr. Camera stated that the current rate includes a three-cart service, which includes a municipal solid waste container, a recycling container, and an organic container.
City Manager Alvarez informed the Council that the City currently has a two-cart service and stated he was open to discussing the two types of service models.
Councilmember Torres inquired about the differences in recyclable diversion, the significance of providing a three-cart system, and the challenges associated with mixing organic waste and solid waste.
Mr. Camera explained to the Council that there are several factors to consider before making a comparison. He further emphasized that the significance of each factor is influenced by the state-of-the-art facilities used to process the materials.
Mayor Pro-Tem Melendez noted the current vendor’s strong involvement in the community and inquired whether there would be any collaborative efforts or benefits for residents, such as bulky item pick-up services.
Mr. Camera responded that the program includes provisions for bulky-item cleanups and additional item pickups. He also mentioned that SB 1383 allows for the return of usable items like mulch for city projects. Additionally, he suggested providing Earth Day services, such as placing more bins around parks.
Mayor Peralta inquired about the franchise fee included in the contract.
Mr. Camera clarified that historically, the franchise fee was applied only to the commercial sector. However, moving forward, a 16% franchise fee will be applied to the residential sector as well, with 16% of the gross receipts returned to the city.
Mayor Peralta thanked Mr. Camera and City Manager Alvarez for making the process transparent and easy to follow.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Jimenez, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
9. APPROVE LETTER OF ENGAGEMENT TO MASTER RETAINER AGREEMENT NO. 4000 WITH KOA
CORPORATION FOR THE ENHANCED DESIGN OF THREE EXISTING SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS THAT ARE PART OF THE ADOPTED "FIRST MILE LAST MILE PLAN"
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve a Letter of Engagement to Master Retainer Agreement No. 4000 between the City of Montebello and KOA Corporation for enhanced engineering design of three existing signalized intersections that are an integral part of the adopted "First Mile Last Mile Plan: in the amount not-to-exceed $492,199; and
2. Amend the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget by increasing appropriations by $492,199 in Account No. 600- 90-900-6040.96 (Transit Fund, Transit Administration, Engineering Design Services); and October 23, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 8
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.
Transit Planner Alfredo Machuca gave a presentation on the item, which included an overview of constituent-prioritized projects, intersection treatments, and neighborway treatments.
Mayor Peralta motioned, seconded by Councilmember Torres, to approve the item; the motion was approved 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. 10 was pulled by members of the public requesting to provide public comment.
Councilmember Torres pulled Item No. 11.
Mayor Pro Tem Melenedez, seconded by Councilmember Torres, to approve Item Nos. 12-17; the motion was approved unanimously.
10. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 24-78 DESIGNATING 4TH STREET FROM VICTORIA AVENUE TO ITS
TERMINUS AS A PREFERENTIAL PARKING DISTRICT
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 24-78 designating 4th Street from Victoria Avenue to its terminus as a preferential parking district; and,
2. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
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.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Jimenez, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
11. AMEND THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE
CARRYOVER FUNDS FOR VARIOUS PROJECTS
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Amend the adopted Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget by increasing appropriations in the various accounts as detailed on Attachment A, Capital Improvement Program; and
2. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Torres expressed concern about the item, noting that there are significant amendments early in the fiscal year. He would feel more comfortable addressing them in the future once the projected numbers are more certain.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion passed by the following vote:
MOVED: Melendez SECONDED: Tamayo APPROVED: 4-1-0-0
AYES: Tamayo, Jimenez, Melendez, Peralta
NOES: Torres
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
12. TREASURERS REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2024
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
October 23, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 8
1. It is recommended the CIty Council receive and file the Treasurer's Report for the Quarter ending September 30, 2024 (1st Quarter of Fiscal Year 2024-25); and,
2. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Mayor Pro Tem Melenedez, seconded by Councilmember Torres, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
13. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) NO. 24-08
BETWEEN THE CITY OF MONTEBELLO AND ADVENTIST HEALTH WHITE MEMORIAL MONTEBELLO TO
MANAGE THE MONTEBELLO HOMELESS HEALTH NAVIGATION PROGRAM AS PART OF THE
CALIFORNIA INTERAGENCY COUNCIL ON HOMELESS ENCAMPMENT GRANT
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) No. 24-08 between the City of Montebello and Adventist Health White Memorial Montebello; and
2. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Mayor Pro Tem Melenedez, seconded by Councilmember Torres, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
14. AWARD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NO. 4231 TO THE CENTER FOR TRANSPORTATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT, INC. FOR THE ZERO-EMISSION BUS FACILITIES AND FLEET TRANSITION PLAN
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Award Professional Services Agreement No. 4231 to the Center for Transportation and the Environment, Inc. (CTE), for the Zero-Emission Bus Facilities and Fleet Transition Plan in a total not-to-exceed amount of Eight Hundred Ninety-Four Thousand, Twenty-One Dollars ($894,021); and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute and finalize Agreement No. 4231 on behalf of the City of Montebello with CTE; and
3. Amend the Fiscal Yea 2024-25 budget by increasing appropriations by $894,021 in Account No. 600-90- 900-6040.95 (Transit Fund, Transit Administration, Other Professional Services); and
4. Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable
Mayor Pro Tem Melenedez, seconded by Councilmember Torres, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
15. AMEND THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 TRANSIT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR VARIOUS
PROJECTS
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Amend the Transportation Department (Transit) Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25, for a total amount of $12,192,622 in the accounts and amounts as listed on Attachments A and B; and
2. Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Mayor Pro Tem Melenedez, seconded by Councilmember Torres, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
16. AMEND THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION
GRANT FUNDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF A MOBILE HYDROGEN FUELING STATION, AN ENTERPRISE
ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, AND NON-REVENUE RELIEF VEHICLES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve receipt of Six million, Four Hundred and Thirty-Six Thousand Dollars ($6,436,000) in federal grant funding awarded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to purchase a mobile hydrogen fueling station, an enterprise asset management system (EAM System), and non-revenue relief vehicles; and, October 23, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 8
2. Amend the Fiscal Year 2024-25 adopted operating budget to appropriate the FTA grant funds by increasing appropriations by a total amount of $6,838,500 as detailed in the Fiscal Impact section below (Table 1); and,
3. Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Mayor Pro Tem Melenedez, seconded by Councilmember Torres, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
17. PAYMENT OF BILLS: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 24-79 APPROVING THE CITY WARRANT REGISTER OF DEMANDS DATED OCTOBER 23, 2024
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 24-79 approving the Warrant Register dated October 23, 2024
Mayor Pro Tem Melenedez, seconded by Councilmember Torres, 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).
Councilmember Torres attended the League of California Cities Conference in Long Beach. He stated that the information on public safety was interesting.
COUNCIL/AGENCY ORALS
Announcements and requests for future agenda items.
• Salvador Melendez, Mayor Pro Tem
• Angie M. Jimenez, Councilmember
• Georgina Tamayo, Councilmember
• David N. Torres, Councilmember
• Scarlet Peralta, Mayor
CLOSED SESSION - CONTINUED
October 23, 2024: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 8
ADJOURNMENT
The City of Montebello will adjourn to the next Regular Meeting on November 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, October 20, 2024, no later than 6:00 p.m.
Kimberly Guillen, Senior Deputy City Clerk
Councilmember Torres motioned, seconded by Mayor Peralta, to adjourn the meeting at 9:50 p.m
THE MINUTES OF OCTOBER 23, 2024 (REGULAR MEETING) ARE HEREBY APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON THIS 8TH DAY OF JANUARY 2025.
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