CITY OF MONTEBELLO
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 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 Peralta, and Councilmember Alonzo.
City Clerk Jimenez and City Treasurer Matanga were also present.
City Attorney Arnold Alvarez-Glasman, City Manager Raul Alvarez, Acting Assistant City Manager Angelica Palmeros, Senior Deputy City Clerk Kimberly Guillen, Management Analyst Samantha Nevarez, 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.
ANNO
UNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
City Attorney Alvarez-Glasman announ
ced 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 meetin
g into Closed Session at 6:01 p.m. to consider the following Closed Session items:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
J. Ibarra v. City of Montebello
Case No. ADJ11301865, ADJ15112999
February 12, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 9
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
I. 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
4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
Threat of litigation in one matter based upon threat submitted by S. Rafferty for unnamed parties
REGULAR SESSION - IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING CLOSED SESSION
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Mayor Melendez reconvened the meeting at 7:09 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, City council gave direction to special counsel, 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. Item No. 3, a briefing was provided to City Council, no action was taken and nothing further to report. Item No. 4, Coucilmember Ric Alonzo did not participate in the discussion of this item; 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 Alvarez announced one correction to the agenda; staff is adding an additional presentation by HereLA on the Montebello Crosswalk Design.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS/PRESENTATIONS
5. CITIZEN OF THE MONTH - MARTE SANCHEZ
Presented
by Mayor Melendez.
6. PROCLAMATION FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Presented by Mayor Melendez.
Director of Recreation and Community Services, David Sosnowski, announced the upcoming City-wide events in honor of Black History Month.
7. PROCLAMATION FOR AMERICAN HEART MONTH
February 12, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 9
Presented by Mayor Melendez.
8. CITY TREASURER'S REPORT
City Treasurer David Matanga prese
nted the Treasurer's Report.
Presentation by HereLA on the Montebello Crosswalk Design.
Mayor Melend
ez requested that the crosswalk design concept options be added to the City website and social media platforms to allow residents to participate in the design selection process.
Councilmember Peralta inquired about the project timeline.
Director of Public Works, Cesar Roldan, stated that the signal light is nearing completion. He further stated that the City would open a public poll allowing residents to vote on a design before finalizing the project. Once the design is selected, the City will seek Council approval to issue a Notice For Bids, inviting vendors specializing in this type of work to submit proposals.
Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo stated that the design should be selected by the residents.
Councilmember Alonzo thanked the presenters and highlighted his preferred designs.
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 fifteen(15) 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 Manage
r Alvarez announced that the State of California has designated the Armenian Monument as a historical site.
He expressed his gratitude to Senator Bob Archuleta and the Armenian community. Additionally, he invited the community to a press conference at the Armenian Monument on February 21st.
REGULAR BUSINESS
9. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-08 ACKNOWLEDGING RECEIPT OF A REPORT MADE BY THE FIRE CHIEF
OF THE MONTEBELLO FIRE DEPARTMENT REGARDING THE INSPECTION OF CERTAIN OCCUPANCIES
REQUIRED TO PERFORM ANNUAL INSPECTIONS IN SUCH OCCUPANCIES PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13146.2 AND 13146.3 OF THE CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-08 to receive and file annual mandated Fire Department inspection compliance information pursuant to Sections 13146.2 and 13146.3 of the State of California Health and Safety Code:
and,
2. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
February 12, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 9
Fire Chief Pelaez introduced Fire Marshall, Dan Sifuentes, for a presentation on the Community Risk Reduction.
Mayor Melendez thanked staff for the informative presentation.
10. REVIEW OF CURRENT CITY COUNCIL ASSIGNMENTS TO VARIOUS BOARDS, AGENCIES, AD HOC AND
TASK FORCE COMMITTEES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Review and take action to fill City Council assignments to various Boards, Agencies, Ad Hoc Committees and Task Force Committees; and
2. Designate the Mayor as the representative to the Los Angeles County-City Selection Committee and the Mayor Pro Tempore as the alternate representative; and
3. Designate the Mayor as the representative to the Board of Directors of Sanitation District No's. 2 and 15 of Los Angeles County, and designate a member of the City Council as the alternate; and
4. Establish an Economic Development and Workforce Development Ad Hoc Committee; and
5. Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
The Council reviewe
d and discussed the appointments to the various boards; the following appointments were made:
Organization
Delegate Alternate
Count
y of Los Angeles Sanitation Districts Melendez
Tamayo
Los Angeles County City Selectio
n Committee Melendez
Tamayo
San Gabriel
Valley Council of Governments
(SGVCOG)
Alonzo Melendez
Capit
al Projects Committee - Alameda Corridor
East Authority (ACE)
Melendez
No alternate
at this time.
Gateway Cities
Council of Governments Tamayo Alonzo
Independent Cities Associa
tion Peralta Tamayo
Montebello Chamb
er of Commerce Tamayo Melendez
League of California
Cities Alonzo Peralta
Los Angeles
County Vector Control District
(LACVCD)
Avik Cordeiro
Southeast
Area Animal Control Authority
(SEAACA)
Alonzo Tamayo
Southern
California Association of Governments Peralta Melendez
Name
of Committee/ Task Force Member Member
Ashiya
Sister City Association Tamayo -
Stepanakert
Sister City Association Melendez
-
Innovating
Commerce Serving Communities Ad-
Hoc
Peralta Tamayo
Joint School
District Ad Hoc Alonzo Tamayo
Washingt
on Goldline Coalition Melendez
-
February 12, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 9
Adventist White Memorial Ad Hoc Melendez Peralta
Economic Development & Workforce
Development Ad Hoc Committee
Peralta Tamayo
Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo motioned, seconded by Councilmember Peralta, to approve all the appointments to the various boards; the motion passed unanimously.
11. CONSIDERATION OF FILLING VACANT COUNCILMEMBER POSITION
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt a Resolution No. 25-13 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.
City Manager Alvarez provided a brief summary of the item.
Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo motioned, seconded by Councilmember Peralta, to fill the vacancy by an appointment process with the recommended application process; the motion passed 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.
Councilmember Pera
lta pulled Item Nos. 13 and 18.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo, to approve Item Nos. 12,14-17 and 19-23; the motion passed unanimously.
12. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO AGREEMENT NO. 4005 WITH AVENU INSIGHTS & ANALYTICS, LLC
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 4005 with Avenu Insights & Analytics, LLC for document scanning services, for an additional One-Year (1) Year term (through June 30, 2026) for a total not-to- exceed amount of $250,000; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute and finalize Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 4005 on behalf of the City of Montebello; and
3. Amend the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget by increasing appropriations by $125,000 in Account No. 100- 10-110-6040.10 (City Clerk-Contract Services Outside Contracts); and
4. 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. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO AGREEMENT NO. 3857 WITH BLAIS & ASSOCIATES FOR GRANT
WRITING SERVICES TO INCREASE THE ANNUAL NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Amendment No. 3 to Agreement No. 3857 with Blais & Associates to increase the annual not- to-exceed amount to $130,000; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 to Agreement No. 3857 with Blais & Associates; and
3. Amend the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget by increasing appropriations by $30,000 in Account No. 100-85- 850-6040.10 (General Fund, Fire, Fire Administration, Contract Services-Outside Contracts); and February 12, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 9
4. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Peralta asked staff to provide a list of grants that have been awarded.
Acting Assistant City Manager Palmeros stated that although she did not have the total funding received, several grants have been awarded to the City thus far.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
14. APPROVE FINAL TRACT MAP NO. 82726, CONSISTENT WITH THE PREVIOUSLY APPROVED VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 82725, AND FIND AND DETERMINE THAT FINAL TRACT MAP NO. 82726 IS
CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO SECTION 15182(C) OF THE CEQA GUIDELINES AND GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65457
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-10 approving Final Tract Map No. 82726, consistent with previously approved Vesting Tentative Tract Map (“VTTM”) No. 82725, in connection with the Montebello Hills Specific Plan Project, and authorize its filing with the Los Angeles County Recorder; and
2. Determine and find that this action is consistent with the previously certified Environmental Impact Report (“EIR”) for the Montebello Hills Specific Plan Project and, therefore, exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to California Government Code section 65457(a) and CEQA Guidelines Section 15182, which expressly exempt residential projects undertaken to implement, and that is consistent with, an approved specific plan for which an EIR was certified, and California Public Resources Code Section 21083.3(a) and (b); and
3. Authorize the City Clerk, City Treasurer, and City Engineer to execute the Certificate on the map showing the City’s approval of Final Tract Map No. 82726 in connection with the Montebello Hills Specific Plan Project; and
4. 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.
15. TREASURER'S REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2024
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Receive and file the Quarterly Treasurer’s Report for the quarter ending December 31, 2024 (Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2024-25); 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.
16. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NO. 4273 WITH OPENGOV, INC. FOR PERMITTING AND LICENSING SOFTWARE SOLUTION
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute Professional Services Agreement No. 4273 with OpenGov, Inc. for cloud-based permitting and licensing software solutions provided by Vertosoft in the amount of $101,930 annually for three (3) years with two (2) one-year renewal options, plus one-time implementation costs of $86,800, for a total contract amount not to exceed $393,590; and,
2. Amend the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget to increase appropriations by $188,730 in Account No. 100-50- 500-6010.40 (General Fund, Community Development, Administration, Machinery & Equipment – Computer Software); 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.
February 12, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 9
17. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-12 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND/OR THE DIRECTOR OF
PUBLIC WORKS TO EXECUTE AGREEMENTS AND AMENDMENTS WITH CALTRANS AND AUTHORIZE
THE EXECUTION OF ALL PROJECT AND/OR RIGHT OF WAY CERTIFICATIONS TO RECEIVE FEDERAL
AND/OR STATE FUNDING FOR TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-12 authorizing the City Manager and/or the Director of Public Works to execute all master agreements, program supplemental agreements, cooperative agreements, fund exchange agreements, and fund transfer agreements and/or any amendments thereto with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and authorize the execution of all projects and/or right of way certifications as necessary for the City of Montebello to receive federal and/or state funding for certain transportation projects; 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.
18. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-14 ACCEPTING THE 2024 SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES PROGRAM ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION & SAFETY PROGRAM GRANT (CP 930) AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT WITH THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF
GOVERNMENTS (SCAG)
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-14 accepting the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) 2024 Sustainable Communities Program Active Transportation & Safety Program grant in the amount of $362,500; and
2. Amend the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget by increasing appropriations by $362,500 in Account No. 265- 30-334-6040.10 10 (Grants, Public Works, SCAG – SCP Active Transportation, Contract Services Outside Contracts [Expenditures]) and $362,500 in Account No. 265-99-4198.26 (Grants, SCAG - SCP Active Transportation [Revenue]); and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and all other applicable documents as a condition of approval to receive grant funds; and
4. Authorize staff to coordinate with SCAG staff to initiate the environmental clearance processes under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act
5. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Peralta spoke in favor of the item and asked how the City plans to cover the remaining balance.
Director Roldan stated that the city is focused on the awarded amount and plans to review additional funding opportunities.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
19. APPROVE ISSUING REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) NO. 25-09 FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT
COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIC PLAN CONSULTING SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize issuing Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 25-09 for comprehensive strategic plan consulting services for the Fire Department; 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.
20. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-09 APPROVING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN
THE CITY OF MONTEBELLO AND THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO) TO ACCEPT MONTEBELLO BUS LINES’ PARTICIPATION IN THE ZERO EMISSION
TRANSIT CAPITAL PROGRAM
February 12, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 9
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-09 approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Montebello and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) to accept Montebello Bus Lines’ (MBL) participation in the Zero Emission Transit Capital Program (ZETCP) effective October 1, 2024 through June 30, 2028; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the MOU on the City’s behalf; and
3. Take such additional, related, action that may be reasonable and necessary.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
21. APPROVE ISSUING A REQUEST FOR QUOTES (RFQ) NO. Q-25-01 FOR TRANSIT NON-REVENUE RELIEF
VEHICLES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Issuing a Request for Quotes (RFQ), No. Q-25-01 for Transit Non-Revenue Relief Vehicles; and
2. Take such additional, related, action that may be reasonable and necessary
Councilmember
Peralta motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
22. APPROVAL OF EMERGENCY PROCUREMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY RADIO COMMUNICATION'S BACK-
UP GENERATOR
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve the emergency procurement of a public safety radio communication's back-up generator; 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.
23. PAYMENT OF BILLS: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-15 APPROVING THE CITY WARRANT REGISTER OF DEMANDS DATED FEBRUARY 12, 2025
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-15 approving the Warrant Register dated February 12, 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).
None.
COUNCIL/AGENCY ORALS
Announcements and requests for future agenda items.
• Georgina Tamayo, Mayor Pro Tem
February 12, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 9
• Scarlet Peralta, Councilmember
• Ric Alonzo, Councilmember
1. Request a presentation outlining proposed locations, budget allocation, staffing, and operational plans for a police substation in South Montebello, along with related public safety initiatives for the district.
2. Request an update on the replacement of the Bluff Road iron fence, including next steps, a projected timeline, and maintenance efforts.
1. Consensus was received.
2. Consensus was received.
• Salvador Melendez, Mayor
CLOSED SESSION - CONTINUED
ADJOURNMENT
The City of Montebello will adjourn to the next Regular Meeting on February 26, 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, February 9, 2025, no later than 6:00 p.m.
Kimberly Guillen, Senior Deputy City Clerk
Mayor Melendez informed the community of the upcoming budget meetings. The meeting was adjourned at 9:13 p.m.
THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 12, 2025, ARE HEREBY APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON THIS 26TH DAY OF MARCH.
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