CITY OF MONTEBELLO
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2025 AT 6:00 PM
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1600 WEST BEVERLY BOULEVARD
MONTEBELLO, CALIFORNIA
OPENING CEREMONIES
CALL TO ORDER - 6:00 P.M.
Mayor Melendez called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present were Mayor Melendez, Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo, Councilmember Torres, and Councilmember Peralta.
City Clerk Jimenez and City Treasurer Matanga were also present.
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 Acting Captain David Kim were present.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
City Attorney Alvarez-Glasman announced the Closed Session Items. He further stated that item No. 3 would be moved to a future meeting.
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 Melendez recessed the meeting into Closed Session at 6:02 p.m. to consider the following Closed Session items:
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1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE, DISMISSAL, RELEASE
Government Code Section 54957
One matter
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1)
Salvador M. Chavez v. City of Montebello
Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 22STCV09331
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Navarro vs. City of Montebello, et al. Case No. ADJ13310066, ADJ2613081, ADJ2548565, ADJ15539383, ADJ7472140, ADJ7964720,
ADJ2654347, ADJ10708805, ADJ3507314, ADJ6779197, ADJ12495501, ADJ2613081, ADJ10708805, ADJ6773842
REGULAR SESSION - IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING CLOSED SESSION
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Mayor Melendez 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, City Council provided direction on a possible resolution of the case, no action was taken and nothing further to report; Item No 3 was not discussed and will be held for a future date.
INVOCATION
Led by City Clerk Jimenez.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Fire Chief Pelaez.
CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA - CITY MANAGER
Item No. 3 was moved to a future meeting.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS/PRESENTATIONS
4. CITIZEN OF THE MONTH - DARLENE SANCHEZ-FIERRO
Presented by Mayor Melendez.
5. PROCLAMATION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS MONTH
Presented by Mayor Melendez.
6. PROCLAMATION FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS MONTH
Presented by Mayor Melendez.
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.
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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 offered his condolences to the families impacted by the fires. He further stated that the City activated the Emergency Operations Center to coordinate internal resources. There have been minimal impacts in the City of Montebello.
Chief Pelaez stated that the Department has been busy assisting with the fires. The City has a Strike Team of firefighters to assist with the fires at Palisades.
Mayor Melendez commended all staff, residents, and businesses assisting with the fires.
PUBLIC HEARING
7. PUBLIC HEARING ON HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS CONCERNING THE FIVE- YEAR (2025-2029) CONSOLIDATED PLAN FOR THE ALLOCATION OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM (HOME) FUNDS, THE 2025-2026 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN, THE ANALYSIS OF IMPEDIMENTS TO FAIR HOUSING CHOICE, AND
THE CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Conduct a public hearing, receive public input and provide direction to Staff on the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) Five-Year Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, Analysis of Impediments, and Citizen Participation Plan; and
2. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Director of Planning and Community Development Joseph Palombi introduced Housing Manager Rosemary Perich, who presented the Five-year Consolidated Plan. She spoke about preparing the plan, analyzing impediments, and preparing the Citizen Participation Plan.
Mayor Melendez opened the Public Hearing at 7:48 p.m.
The City Clerk’s Office acknowledged two(2) members of the public wishing to address the City Council. The speakers were provided three minutes to address the City Council, and said speaker cards are on file at the City Clerk’s office. The speakers inquired about community outreach and housing.
Mayor Melendez closed the Public Hearing at 7:52 p.m.
Housing Manager Perich addressed the residents' questions regarding community outreach, allocation of funds, and housing.
Councilmember Peralta discussed her priorities, emphasizing the urgent need for the City to take climate change seriously.
She highlighted that several neighboring cities have already implemented programs to become more environmentally friendly, providing specific examples. She also mentioned that Bimbo Bakeries in Montebello recently launched a Multi- January 8, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 9
Site Microgrid Energy System to reduce carbon emissions across the U.S. landscape. Councilmember Peralta urged the City to explore similar initiatives and programs to promote sustainability.
Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo emphasized the importance of community outreach and encouraged residents to participate and share their feedback.
Councilmember Torres inquired about the goals and trends associated with the five-year Consolidated Plan.
Housing Manager Perich stated that the goals and trends are based on input provided by residents and stakeholders.
Councilmember Torres inquired about the challenges.
Housing Manager Perich explained the challenges the City faced. Initially, there was a delay in funding, and when it finally became available, the City was able to offer activities and programming to the community to utilize the funds. Unfortunately, no one registered for the offered program, therefore staff had to reassess and find alternative ways to spend the funds.
Mayor Melendez thanked staff for the presentation and the information provided.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo, to approve the item; the item was approved unanimously.
REGULAR BUSINESS
8. CONSIDERATION OF FILLING VACANT COUNCILMEMBER POSITION
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt a Resolution No. 25-02 to fill the City Council Vacancy by one of the following options:
2. Fill the Vacancy by Special Election to be held not less than 114 days from the call of the Special Election; or
3. Fill the Vacancy by Appointment until the next regularly scheduled General Municipal Election to be held November 3, 2026, and
4. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
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.
City Manager Alvarez provided a summary of the item.
Councilmember Torres expressed openness to an appointment process to fill the Council Vacancy, but voiced concerns about the proposed timeline. He suggested extending the timeline to allow more time for the applicants.
Councilmember Peralta expressed support for an appointment process but raised concerns about the timeline, emphasizing the importance of meeting the deadline to avoid putting the City at risk. She ultimately agreed with the suggested timeline and motioned to approve the item as presented.
Councilmember Torres proposed a two-week application process and provided additional dates for the City Council to meet, interview, and select a candidate to represent District 5.
Mayor Melendez reassured residents that while the City Council understands the urgency of filling the District 5 vacancy, they remain available to assist constituents in the meantime. He then inquired about the potential consequences if the City failed to meet the deadline.
City Manager Alvarez explained that if the deadline was not met, the decision would default to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, who would call a Special Election for the City. He further elaborated on the reasoning behind the selected deadline, noting that it allows residents to ask questions before the deadline, submit applications in person, and ensures adherence to the agenda posting timeline—promoting transparency for both the Council and the public.
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Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo supported adhering to the proposed timeline.
Councilmember Torres opposed the suggested timeline and reiterated his proposed alternative.
Mayor Melendez requested that staff post the application information as soon as possible, including on social media, to ensure residents have ample time to apply.
Councilmember Peralta motioned to fill the vacancy by appointment and implement the suggested timeline, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo; the motion was approved by the following vote:
MOVED: Peralta SECONDED: Tamayo APPROVED: 3-1-0-0
AYES: Tamayo, Peralta, Melendez
NOES: Torres
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
9. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-04 RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 22-73 AND OVERTURNING FINDINGS
MADE BY THE CITY COUNCIL RELATED TO THE INVESTIGATION AGAINST COUNCILMEMBER DAVID
TORRES AND CONSIDERATION OF A POLICY RELATED TO INVESTIGATIONS AGAINST ELECTED
OFFICIALS
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-04 which rescinds Resolution No. 22-73 and overturn the findings made by the then sitting City Council due to the deficiencies and flaws related to the manner, scope, due process and conclusions of the report and the presentation made by outside counsel to the City Council on May 3, 2022;
2. Consider adopting a policy related to City Council conduct and the process of conducting investigations of complaints against members of the City Council and other elected officials; and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
City Attorney Alvaez-Glasman provided a brief summary of the item.
The City Clerk’s Office acknowledged one(1) member of the public wishing to address the City Council. The 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 thanked the Council for considering the new findings and correcting the previously taken action.
Councilmember Peralta motioned to approve the item.
Councilmember Torres requested to amend the motion and further suggested conducting 2-2-1 meetings with the Council to discuss adding protections or addressing deficiencies identified in the prior investigation. He emphasized that if a similar situation were to arise in the future, the policy should ensure employee protections, provide Councilmembers with a fair process, and support informed and ethical decision-making by the Council.
City Manager Alvarez stated that the intent of the policy is to establish a process based on best practices. Additionally, the City is exploring the possibility of a presentation from a third-party agency that specializes in investigating Councilmembers.
City Attorney Alvarez-Glasman noted that the policy could be further refined even after the adoption of the Resolution.
Councilmember Torres expressed support for approving the Resolution while reserving the opportunity to make additional policy adjustments following the 2-2-1 meetings with the City Manager.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
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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 Peralta motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo, to approve Item Nos. 10-16; the motion passed unanimously.
10. RESCIND AWARD AND AGREEMENT NO. 4230 WITH KYA SERVICES LLC FOR THE TRANSPORTATION
FACILITY RESTROOM RENOVATION PROJECT AND REJECT ALL BIDS RECEIVED FOR THE
TRANSPORTATION FACILITY RESTROOM RENOVATION SERVICES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) NO. 24-24 IN ACCORDANCE WITH PUBLIC CONTRACT CODE SECTION 22160, ET SEQ.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Rescind award and Agreement No. 4230 with KYA Services LLC (KYA Services) for the Transportation Facility Restroom Renovation Project; and,
2. Reject all bids received for the Transportation Facility Restroom Renovation Services Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 24-24; and,
3. Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
11. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-03 TO AUTHORIZE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CALTRANS) FOR GRANT FUNDING FROM THE SUSTAINABLE
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING GRANT PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-03 to authorize submitting an application to California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) for grant funding from the Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant (STP Grant) Program; and
2. Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
12. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO AGREEMENT NO. 3698 WITH PCAM LLC, DBA PARKING COMPANY
OF AMERICA, TO EXTEND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES NECESSARY FOR METROLINK RAIL FEEDER
SHUTTLE SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 3698 with PCAM, LLC dba Parking Company of America (PCAM) to exercise the third and final one-year (1-year) contract extension for professional services required to support the Metrolink Rail Feeder Shuttle Services; and,
2. Authorize the City Manager and/or his designee, to execute Amendment No. 2 on behalf of the City of Montebello; and,
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
13. ACCEPTANCE OF THE BELLA VERDE DRIVE PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT (CP NO. 918) –
NOTICE OF COMPLETION
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Accept the Bella Verde Drive Pavement Rehabilitation Project (CP No. 918) as completed by Copp Construction, Inc, and,
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2. Approve the final contract amount with Copp Construction Inc. in the amount of $1,010,979 including change orders; and,
3. Approve the Final Total Project Budget (Attachment A); and,
4. Authorize the City Clerk to execute, verify and file the Notice of Completion (Attachment B) with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder; and,
5. Authorize the release of the retention payment ($50,549) due to Copp Construction, Inc. following the mandatory waiting period from the date the Notice of Completion is recorded; and,
6. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
14. AWARD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NO. 4272 TO MR. C'S TOWING, INC. TO PROVIDE
POLICE TOWING SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Award Professional Services Agreement No. 4272 for Police Towing Services to Mr. C’s Towing Inc. in accordance with Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 25-07; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate the final terms and execute the Professional Services Agreement on behalf of the City.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
15. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: SEPTEMBER 25, 2024, CITY COUNCIL MEETING; OCTOBER 9, 2024, CITY COUNCIL MEETING; OCTOBER 23, 2024, SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING; OCTOBER 23,2024, CITY COUNCIL MEETING; NOVEMBER 13, 2024, CITY COUNCIL MEETING; DECEMBER 5, 2024, SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING; DECEMBER 11, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MEETING
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve said Minutes as is.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
16. PAYMENT OF BILLS: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-01 APPROVING THE CITY WARRANT REGISTER OF DEMANDS DATED JANUARY 8, 2025
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-01 approving the Warrant Register dated January 08, 2025.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem 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 Peralta attended the 2025 Sacramento Legislative Tour in Sacramento. She further expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate. She noted that the information gathered during the tour would be valuable in supporting and benefiting the community.
Mayor Melendez also attended the 2025 Sacramento Legislative Tour in Sacramento. He had an opportunity to meet with state representatives and the state auditor.
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COUNCIL/AGENCY ORALS
Announcements and requests for future agenda items.
• Georgina Tamayo, Mayor Pro Tem
• David N. Torres, Councilmember
• Scarlet Peralta, Councilmember
1. Request consensus to establish an Economic & Workforce Development Ad Hoc Committee.
2. Requesting consensus to direct staff to develop and present a plan to address maintenance and operational issues for public restrooms at our city parks.
3. Traffic & Safety Concerns: Via Ocampo & Findlay Ave.
Councilmember Peralta requested to move items 2 and 3 to the next meeting.
1. Councilmember Peralta requested consensus to establish an Economic & Workforce Development Ad Hoc Committee.
She explained that the committee would focus on upcoming opportunities in Montebello, including the 2028 Olympic Games and other major events. With the City’s recent adoption of the Economic Prosperity Plan, she emphasized the importance of strategically planning for Montebello’s growth and development. • Salvador Melendez, Mayor
CLOSED SESSION - CONTINUED
ADJOURNMENT
The City of Montebello will adjourn to the next Regular Meeting on January 22, 2025, 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, January 5, 2025, no later than 6:00 p.m.
Kimberly Guillen, Senior Deputy City Clerk
Mayor Melendez adjourned the meeting in memory of Senator Archuleta's grandchild, Samantha Alex Robles, who tragically passed away, at 9:03 p.m.
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THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 8, 2025, ARE HEREBY APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON THIS 12TH DAY OF MARCH 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