AMENDED
CITY OF MONTEBELLO
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 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 Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. concurrently with the City Council and Successor Agency Meeting of January 22, 2025.
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 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 Melendez recessed the meeting into Closed Session at 6:01 p.m. to consider the following Closed Session items:
January 22, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 7
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Fivecoat v. City of Montebello
Case No. 211026824, 211039924
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Navarro v. City of Montebello, et al.
Case No. ADJ13310066, ADJ2613081, ADJ2548565, ADJ15539383, ADJ7472140, ADJ7964720, ADJ2654347, ADJ10708805, ADJ3507314, ADJ6779197, ADJ12495501, ADJ2613081, ADJ6773842
3. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE, DISMISSAL, RELEASE
Government Code Section 54957
One matter to review on appeal from a decision of the Civil Service Commission
4. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE, DISMISSAL, RELEASE
Government Code Section 54957
One matter
REGULAR SESSION - IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING CLOSED SESSION
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Mayor Melendez reconvened the meeting at 7:03 p.m.
All four 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, direction was provided to special counsel, no action was taken and nothing further to report; Item No. 3, a briefing was provided to City Council, no action was taken and nothing further to report; Item No. 4, 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 City Treasurer Matanga.
CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA - CITY MANAGER
City Manager Raul Alvarez informed the Council that Item No. 5 would be presented at a future meeting.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS/PRESENTATIONS
5. TREASURER'S REPORT
This item was pulled.
6. PRESENTATION ON THE WHITTIER NARROWS DAM PROJECT
George P. Sunny, Project Manager of the Whittier Dam Narrows. The presentation covered the purpose of the Dam Safety Project, an overview of its functionality, the project timeline, expected impacts during construction, and the overall goals.
January 22, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 7
Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo asked about potential measures to prevent illegal dumping in the area, such as installing fencing or signage.
Councilmember Torres inquired about the communication process between the construction organization and the City. He emphasized the importance of ensuring ongoing communication, particularly in cases where issues such as dust from construction arise.
In response, Mr. Sunny stated that the organization would engage with neighboring stakeholders and the City prior to the start of construction to establish clear lines of communication.
Mayor Melendez inquired about the schedule for closures related to the project.
City Manager Alvarez informed the Council that the City would conduct community outreach to ensure residents are informed of any closures.
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 eleven (11) member(s) 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
REGULAR BUSINESS
7. APPOINTMENT TO FILL DISTRICT 5 CITY COUNCIL VACANCY
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Conduct interviews of applicants and make an appointment to fill an existing vacant City Council Seat for the term ending in December 2026; and
2. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
City Attorney Alvarez-Glasman stated that the Government Code does not impose restrictions on the appointment process.
He also mentioned that he and the City Manager met with the Mayor to discuss a proposed process.
The process will proceed as follows: Each candidate will have the opportunity to deliver a two-minute oral statement, followed by a question from each Councilmember. Candidates will have one minute to respond to each question.
The City Clerk’s Office acknowledged fourteen(14) 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.
The City Council selected the following interview questions:
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1. Mayor Melendez - Can you describe your overall experience, to include work, volunteer and/or community involvement, and how that has prepared you for this opportunity?
2. Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo - How do you balance the needs of the community or organization with your own values and priorities?
3. Councilmember Peralta - What would you say are the most important issues facing Distrfict 5 and how will you help address them?
4. Councilmember Torres - If you were in a position to allocate and spend $1 million of general fund dollars, what programs and/or initiatives would you pursue? Please answer in the case of $1 million on a citywide level, and $1 million on a District 5 level.
The applicants were called for their oral statement and interview in the following order:
1. Rocio Y. Berru
2. Rafael Santoya
3. Joseph Sanchez
4. Ricardo Alonzo
5. William Paolisso III
6. James J. Santana
Mayor Melendez thanked the applicants for their participation.
Councilmember Torres requested a 10-minute recess at 9:41 p.m.
Mayor Melendez reconvened the meeting at 9:53 p.m.
Councilmember Torres highlighted all the positive aspects of the candidates' background and pointed out some commonalities in the way the questions were answered. He clarified the reasoning behind his question and what he was hoping to find. He also provided comments on each applicant's response.
Councilmember Peralta thanked the candidates for their participation.
Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo provided comments on each applicant's responses and thanked the applicants for their participation.
Mayor Melendez thanked the candidates for their participation and commitment.
Following the discussion, Mayor Melendez called for nominations for the City Council Vacancy.
Mayor Melendez nominated Bill Paolisso, seconded by Councilmember Torres, the motion failed by the following vote:
MOVED: Melendez SECONDED: Torres APPROVED: 2-2-0-0
AYES: Torres, Melendez
NOES: Tamayo, Peralta
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Mayor Melendez nominated James Santana, there was no second; the motion failed.
Councilmember Torres requested to continue the item to a Special Meeting on Monday to review all responses and allow additional time for consideration before making a decision.
Mayor Melendez requested that the item be continued to Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
City Attorney Alvarez-Glasman clarified that the Council has received all comments on the item, and on January 29th, it will be presented solely for Council consideration.
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 January 22, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 7
approved in a single motion. Such approval will also waive the reading of any Ordinance.
Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo motioned, seconded by Mayor Melendez, that Item No’s. 8-14, be approved; the motion passed unanimously.
8. RESCIND THE AWARD AND AGREEMENT NO. 4257 WITH G&J NEON SIGNS, INC FOR THE INSTALLATION OF TWO (2) LED SIGNS PROJECT AND REJECT ALL BIDS RECEIVED FOR THE INSTALLATION OF TWO (2) LED SIGNS RESULTING FROM REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) NO. 24- 19 IN ACCORDANCE WITH PUBLIC CONTRACT CODE SECTION 22160, ET SEQ.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Rescind the award and Agreement No. 4257 with G&J Neon Signs, Inc. (G&J Signs) for the Installation of Two (2) New LED Signs; and
2. Reject all bids received for the Installation of Two (2) LED Signs in response to Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 24-19; and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo motioned, seconded by Mayor Melendez, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
9. APPROVE ISSUING REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) NO. 25-08 FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES FOR
THE WASHINGTON CORRIDOR TRANSIT-ORIENTED COMMUNITIES/MULTIMODAL CONNECTIVITY (TOC/MC) SPECIFIC PLAN
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize the issuance of Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 25-08 for Professional Consulting Services to prepare the Transit-Oriented Communities/Multimodal Connectivity (TOC/MC) Specific Plan; and
2. Take such additional, related action(s) that may be desirable.
Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo motioned, seconded by Mayor Melendez, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
10. ACCEPT FUNDING FROM THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (DOE) ENERGY EFFICIENCY
AND CONSERVATION BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM (EECBG)
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Accept the United States Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program funds in the amount of $121,520; and
2. Amend the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget by increasing appropriations by $121,520 in Account No. 265- 30-332-6082 (Grants, Public Works, Energy Efficiency Conservation, Vehicle Purchase [Expenditures]) and $121,520 in Account No. 265-99-4198.32 (Grants, Miscellaneous Grants, Energy Efficiency Conservation [Revenue]); and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo motioned, seconded by Mayor Melendez, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
11. AUTHORIZE SUBMISSION OF A MEMBER AGENCY ADMINISTERED PROJECT PRE-APPROVAL
REQUEST APPLICATION TO CENTRAL BASIN MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT FOR A RAIN BARREL
DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize staff to submit a Member Agency Administered Program Pre-Approval Request application to the Central Basin Municipal Water District for a rain barrel distribution program; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to sign all applicable documents; and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo motioned, seconded by Mayor Melendez, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
12. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO AGREEMENT NO. 3848 WITH ADS ON THE MOVE, LLC TO PROVIDE
ADVERTISING SERVICES FOR THE MONTEBELLO BUS LINES
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RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 3848 with Ads On The Move, LLC, a subsidiary corporation under Media Management Consultant Services, for an additional one-year (1-year) term, to provide the City of Montebello with turnkey advertising services for Montebello Bus Lines’ (MBL) advertising program; and
2. Authorize the City Manager and/or his designee to execute Amendment No. 2; and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo motioned, seconded by Mayor Melendez, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
13. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-05 TO APPROVE THE CITY OF MONTEBELLO’S 2024-2028 EQUAL
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) PROGRAM FOR MONTEBELLO BUS LINES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-05 to approve the City of Montebello’s 2024-2028 Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program for Montebello Bus Lines (MBL); and
2. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo motioned, seconded by Mayor Melendez, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
14. PAYMENT OF BILLS: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-06 APPROVING THE CITY WARRANT REGISTER OF DEMANDS DATED JANUARY 22, 2025
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-06 approving the Warrant Register dated January 22, 2025.
Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo motioned, seconded by Mayor Melendez, 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).
None.
COUNCIL/AGENCY ORALS
Announcements and requests for future agenda items.
• David N. Torres, Councilmember
• Scarlet Peralta, Councilmember
1. Requesting consensus to direct staff to develop and present a plan to address maintenance and operational issues for public restrooms at our city parks.
2. Traffic & Safety Concerns: Via Ocampo & Findlay Ave
1. Councilmember Peralta expressed her concerns at the City parks. Consensus was received.
2. Councilmember Peralta shared video footage of past accidents at the intersection of Via Ocampo and Findlay.
Consensus was received.
January 22, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 7
• Georgina Tamayo, Mayor Pro Tem
1. Seek council consensus to honor our Fire and Police Departments for their assistance in the devastating fires.
1. Consensus was received.
• Salvador Melendez, Mayor
CLOSED SESSION - CONTINUED
ADJOURNMENT
The City of Montebello will adjourn to the next Regular Meeting on February 12, 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 19, 2025, no later than 6:00 p.m.
Kimberly Guillen, Senior Deputy City Clerk
Mayor Melendez adjourned the meeting in the memory of Liz Pacheco at 10:28 p.m.
THE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 22, 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