CITY OF MONTEBELLO
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 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 6:00 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, Deputy City Clerk Nelly Ochoa, and Department Directors Michael Solorza, Joseph Palombi, Ramon Figueroa, John Soria, David Sosnowski, Cesar Roldan, Fire Chief Fernando Pelaez, and Police Chief Luis Lopez were present.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS - NONE
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS - NONE
CLOSED SESSION - NONE
REGULAR SESSION - IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING CLOSED SESSION
CLOSED SESSION REPORT - NONE
February 26, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 8
INVOCATION
Led by Senior Deputy City Clerk Kimberly Guillen.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by City Treasurer Matanga.
CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA - CITY MANAGER
City Manager Alvarez announced that Item No. 5 was revised to include an application that was submitted after the posting of the agenda. The staff report and attachments were reposted.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS/PRESENTATIONS
1. RECOGNITION OF NEW POLICE CHIEF LUIS LOPEZ
Mayor Melendez presented the new Police Chief Luis Lopez. City Council congratulated Police Chief Luis Lopez and wished him well in his new role.
Senior Deputy City Clerk Guillen administered the Oath of Office.
Chief Lopez thanked his family, staff, the City Council and the residents.
Mayor Melendez requested a five-minute recess at 6:39 p.m.
Mayor Melendez reconvened the meeting at 6:47 p.m.
2. CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION FOR THE MONTEBELLO INDIANS CHEER TEAM Mayor Melendez presented the item.
3. PRESENTATION ON ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
Presentation on Secondhand Smoke by Institute of Public Strategies - Community Alliance for Healthy Outdoor Spaces (IPS/CAHOS)
Karol Zhang and Antonio Salang presented the item. The City Council expressed their gratitude for the informative presentation.
Presentation on Environment and Sustainability
Dr. Ryan Ellingson provided a presentation on Environmental Awareness and Community Engagement.
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 eighteen (18) 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
February 26, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 8
City Manager Alvarez announced the upcoming Budget Meetings to take place around the City. He invited the residents to attend and provide feedback. He also announced Angelica Palmeros' appointment as the Acting Assistant City Manager as of January 28th.
PUBLIC HEARING
4. PUBLIC HEARING TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 24-17 APPROVING THE PROPOSED SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT NUMBER THREE (3) TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021 CDBG/HOME ANNUAL ACTION
PLAN TO CANCEL A CDBG FUNDED ACTIVITY AND REALLOCATE CDBG FUNDS TO AN EXISTING
ACTIVITY
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Substantial Amendment Number Three (3) to the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 CDBG/HOME Annual Action Plan; and
2. Adopt Resolution No. 24-17 approving the Substantial Amendment Number Three (3) to the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 CDBG/HOME Annual Action Plan; and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Director of Planning and Community Development Joseph Palombi provided a presentation of the item.
City Manager Alvarez discussed the improvements in Fire Station 56, noting that CDBG funding for the Senior Project had been reallocated to the fire station. However, he added that staff secured additional funds to complete the remaining improvements at the Senior Center.
Mayor Melendez opened the Public Hearing at 8:21 p.m.
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.
Mayor Melendez closed the Public Hearing at 8:25 p.m.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
REGULAR BUSINESS
5. APPOINTMENT TO FILL DISTRICT 4 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 explained the proposed process to the City Council and Candidates.
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 Council selected the following interview questions:
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?
February 26, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 8
3. Councilmember Peralta - What program or services that the City provides would you like to see more of and how would you suggest improving them?
4. Councilmember Alonzo - How do you approach making difficult or unpopular decisions?
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.
Mayor Melendez asked for nominations for candidates.
Mayor Melendez nominated Joella Valdez.
Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo nominated Danielle Romero
Mayor Melendez asked each of the Council members to cast their vote for one of the two nominees.
1. Councilmember Peralta voted for Danielle Romero.
2. Councilmember Alonzo voted for Danielle Romero.
3. Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo voted for Danielle Romero.
4. Mayor Melendez voted for Joella Valdez.
Mayor Melendez congratulated Danielle Romero and announced that the oath of office would be administered at the conclusion of the meeting.
6. FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 SECOND QUARTER BUDGET UPDATE, CITY COUNCIL BUDGET PRIORITIES AND
COMMUNITY BUDGET FORUM
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Receive and file agenda report and the presentation on the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Second Quarter Budget Report, City Council Budget Priorities and Community Feedback; and,
2. Amend the Master Position Control to Adjust Staffing in the Transit, Parks and Recreation, Fire and Public Works Departments (Attachment C); and,
3. Approve the updated Salary Resolution No. 25-19 (Attachment D); and,
4. Amend the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget in the amounts and in the accounts listed in Attachment E; and,
5. Provide City Council and allow time for Community Feedback on budget priorities for Fiscal Year 2025- 26; and,
6. Take whatever additional actions necessary.
Director of Finance Michael Solorza provided a presentation on the item.
Councilmember Peralta inquired about the revenue generated by Topgolf, Metro Heights, and Tesla. Additionally, she asked how the MOUS for employee groups will be factored into the budget development for Fiscal Year 2025-26. She requested that staff provide answers at a future budget presentation.
Councilmember Alonzo highlighted the needs of South Montebello, including a police substation, event programming, and street repaving.
Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo encouraged the community to attend the Budget Meetings and provide feedback.
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 Peralta motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo, to approve the item; 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 Alonzo pulled Item No. 10. Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo, that Item No’s. 7-9 and 11-13, be approved; the motion passed unanimously.
February 26, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 8
7. ADOPT PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR FABRICATION AND INSTALLATION OF FULL CAPTURE
STORM DRAIN TRASH DEVICES ON LOS ANGELES COUNTY-OWNED CATCH BASINS AND
AUTHORIZATION TO PROCEED WITH BID ADVERTISEMENT
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Environmental Assessment pursuant to Title 14 California Code of Regulations § 15301 as a Class 1 categorical exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and
2. Adopt construction specifications for Citywide Catch Basin Connector Pipe Screen and Automatic Retractable Screen Inserts Installation Project – CP 931; and
3. Authorize staff to proceed with bid advertisement for construction; 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.
8. ACCEPTANCE OF THE MONTEBELLO CITY PARK BASEBALL FIELD RENOVATION PROJECT (CP NO. 928) – NOTICE OF COMPLETION
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Accept the Montebello City Park Baseball Field Renovation Project (CP No. 928) as completed by California Landscape & Design; and
2. Approve the final contract amount with California Landscape & Design for the construction of the Project in the amount of $969,068 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 of $48,453 due to California Landscape & Design 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.
9. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT NO. 4180 WITH KIMLEY- HORN AND ASSOCIATES, INC. TO EXTEND THE COMPLETION DATE FOR BUS STOP IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT CONSULTING SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement No. 4180 (Agreement No. 4180) with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. (Kimley-Horn & Assoc.), to extend the completion date for Bus Stop Improvement Project (BSIP) Consulting Services; and
2. Authorize the City Manager and/or his designee to execute Amendment No. 1 on behalf of the City of Montebello (City); 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.
10. AUTHORIZATION TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR THE OUTDOOR RECREATION LEGACY
PARTNERSHIP GRANT PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize submission of an application for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grant Program; and
February 26, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 8
2. Authorize the Director of Recreation and Community Services to conduct all negotiations and execute and submit documents reasonably-necessary for the completion of the awarded project; and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Alonzo spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
11. AUTHORIZATION TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR THE LA84 FOUNDATION GRANT PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize the submission of an application for the LA84 Foundation Grant Program on behalf of the City of Montebello; and
2. Authorize the Director of Recreation and Community Services to conduct all negotiations and execute and submit documents reasonably-necessary for the completion of the awarded program; 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.
12. APPROVE INCREASING THE TOTAL NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT FOR BLANKET PURCHASE ORDERS
ESTABLISHED WITH WAYNE ELECTRIC COMPANY, AFTERMARKET PARTS COMPANY, LLC, AND
DARTCO TRANSMISSION SALES & SERVICES INC
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve an increase to the total not-to-exceed amount, from $60,000 to $80,000, for a blanket purchase order (PO) with Wayne Electric Company (Wayne Electric), to purchase maintenance-related bus parts, for Fiscal Year 2024-25; and
2. Approve an increase to the total not-to-exceed-amount, from $200,000 to $385,000, for a blanket PO with Aftermarket Parts Company, LLC (Aftermarket Parts), to purchase maintenance-related bus parts, for FY 2024-25; and
3. Approve an increase to the total not-to-exceed-amount, from $49,000 to $70,000, for a blanket PO with Dartco Transmission Sales and Service inc. (Dartco), to purchase maintenance-related bus parts, for FY 2024-2025; 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. PAYMENT OF BILLS: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-18 APPROVING THE CITY WARRANT REGISTER OF DEMANDS DATED FEBRUARY 26, 2025
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-18 approving the Warrant Register dated February 26, 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).
February 26, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 8
Councilmember Peralta attended the Independent Cities Association Conference, she had the opportunity to meet with the neighboring cities to discuss issues such as homelessness, public safety, and LA 28.
Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo also attended the Independent Cities Association Conference, and attended various workshops such as the Fire and Emergency Prevention and Response.
Mayor Melendez also attended the Independent Cities Association Conference, and attended various workshops.
Mayor Melendez asked the Senior Deputy City Clerk Guillen to administer the Oath of Office to Danielle Romero.
COUNCIL/AGENCY ORALS
Announcements and requests for future agenda items.
• Scarlet Peralta, Councilmember
• Ric Alonzo, Councilmember
1. South Montebello Scholarship: Future Leaders Awardess Announcment
2. Requesting a presention on Exploring the City’s Role in Preserving the Historic De Paul Center
1. Councilmember Alonzo announced his South Montebello Scholarship Program. He announced the winners of the scholarship.
2. Consensus was received.
• Georgina Tamayo, Mayor Pro Tem
• Salvador Melendez, Mayor
CLOSED SESSION - CONTINUED
ADJOURNMENT
The City of Montebello will adjourn to the next Regular Meeting on March 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, February 23, 2025 no later than 6:00 p.m.
Kimberly Guillen, Senior Deputy City Clerk
February 26, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 8
Mayor Melendez adjourned the meeting in the memory of Lanny Ostroff and Coach Jay Navarro at 10:31 p.m.
THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 26, 2025, ARE HEREBY APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON THIS 26TH 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