CITY OF MONTEBELLO
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 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 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present were Mayor Melendez, Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo, Councilmember Peralta, Councilmember Alonzo, and Councilmember Romero. 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 Pelaez, and Police Chief Lopez 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.
The City Clerk’s Office acknowledged one(1) member of the public wishing to address the City Council. Speaker was provided three minutes to address the City Council and said speaker card is on file at the City Clerk’s office.
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 6:04 p.m. to consider the following Closed Session items:
March 12, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 7
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE, DISMISSAL, RELEASE
Government Code Section 54957
One matter to review on appeal from a decision of the Civil Service Commission
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
REGULAR SESSION - IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING CLOSED SESSION
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Mayor Melendez reconvened the meeting at 6:59 p.m.
All five members were present to discuss all Closed Session items. City Attorney Arnold Alvarez-Glasman provided the following report to the City Council: Item No. 1, a briefing was provided to the City Council, the City Council provided direction to the City Attorney’s Office to prepare necessary decision on the appeal, 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 Councilmember Romero.
CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA - CITY MANAGER
City Manager Alvarez added a presentation from the Small Business Administration.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS/PRESENTATIONS
3. CITIZEN OF THE MONTH - RICHARD FARBER
Presented by Mayor Melendez.
4. PROCLAMATION FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT DISABILITIES MONTH Presented by Mayor Melendez.
5. PROCLAMATION FOR WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
Presented by Mayor Melendez.
6. PROCLAMATION FOR NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH
Presented by Mayor Melendez.
PRESENTATION BY SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION –
Javier Caltenco, Public Information Officer from Small Business Administration, provided a presentation on the services offered to small businesses, homeowners, and renters.
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 – March 12, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 7
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 twelve(12) 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
Director of Transportation John Soria announced the upcoming celebrations for National Transit Employee Appreciation Day.
City Manager Alvarez announced the upcoming Budget Presentation.
REGULAR BUSINESS
7. FIRST READING AND INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2481 AMENDING MONTEBELLO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 3.20 "PURCHASING SYSTEM" AND CHAPTER 3.21 "CONTRACTS FOR PROFESSIONAL AND SPECIAL SERVICES"
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Conduct the First Reading of and introduce Ordinance No. 2481 Amending Municipal Code Chapter 3.20 “Purchasing System,” and Chapter 3.21 “Contracts for Professional and Special Services” of the Montebello Municipal Code Relating; and,
2. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Mayor Melendez inquired whether the Ordinance included any provisions or prioritization for businesses based in Montebello.
Director Solorza stated that the Ordinance does not include a local business preference and that the policy does not currently incorporate it. However, he noted that the City could add to the RFP. City Manager Alvarez added that staff would look into the matter and provide feedback.
Councilmember Peralta requested clarification on the state audit and how the policy addresses that concern.
City Manager Alvarez explained that the City has been adhering to the public contracting code and complying with state and local regulations. One of the state auditor's requests was to formally restate the City's internal policy. While the Ordinance serves as an additional measure, the City has been in compliance. This update aims to further address the state auditor's concerns and enhance transparency.
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 Romero requested to abstain from voting on the approval of Item No. 13 - City Council Meeting Minutes, as she was not present for those meetings.
Mayor Melendez pulled Item No. 9.
March 12, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 7
Item No. 12 was pulled by a member of the public for comment.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Councilmember Alonzo, that Item No. 8,10-11, and 13-14 be approved; the motion passed unanimously.
8. APPROVE INCREASES TO BLANKET PURCHASE ORDERS WITH AMERICAN MOVING PARTS LLC, L.N.
CURTIS AND SONS, NEXUS HOLDING LLC AND HARDING AUTO PARTS FOR SUPPLIES AND
MAINTENANCE FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve an increase of $15,000 to the blanket purchase order with American Moving Parts, LLC for the total not-to-exceed amount of $130,000; and
2. Approve an increase of $150,000 to the blanket purchase order with L.N. Curtis and Sons for the total not-to-exceed amount of $522,773; and
3. Approve an increase of $65,000 to the blanket purchase order with Nexus Holding LLC (DBA Vortex) for the total not-to-exceed amount of $99,900; and
4. Approve an increase of $65,000 to the blanket purchase order with IB Auto Parts Inc (DBA Hardy Auto Parts) for the total not-to-exceed amount of $114,999; and,
5. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Councilmember Alonzo, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
9. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT NO. 3956 WITH INTER-CON SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC.
TO CONTINUE PROVIDING PARKING ENFORCEMENT SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 3956 between the City of Montebello and Inter-Con Security Systems, Inc. for a Two (2) Year Term Extension; and
2. Authorize the City Manager and/or his designee to execute Amendment No. 1 on behalf of the City; and
3. Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Mayor Melendez inquired about the parking tickets, including revenue generated from fines and what percentage covers enforcement services. He also asked about the percentage of unpaid tickets and the measures taken to collect them.
Additionally, he inquired whether there is a way to offer a waiver for individuals facing financial hardship.
Director of Planning and Community Development Joseph Palombi stated that in 2022, the City recovered 80% of parking fines, while in 2023, the recovery rate was 60%, with the contracts effectively covering its costs. The following year, the recovery rate remained above 60%. He noted that enforcement efforts are strictly focused on street-sweeping violations.
Additionally, he mentioned that the process includes options for remediation or hardship considerations.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
10. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-21 AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026 FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION SECTION 5307 - 15% DISCRETIONARY CAPITAL FUNDS AND 1% ASSOCIATED TRANSIT IMPROVEMENT FUNDS
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-21 to authorize the submission of an application for Fiscal Year 2026 to the Metro Bus Operations Subcommittee (BOS) for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5307 - 15% Discretionary Capital Funds and 1% Associated Transit Improvement (ATI) Funds; and
2. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Councilmember Alonzo, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
11. APPROVE SUBMISSION OF THE CITY’S FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 ANNUAL EXPENDITURE PLAN AS PART
OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY SAFE, CLEAN WATER PROGRAM (MEASURE W) March 12, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 7
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize staff to submit the Los Angeles County Safe, Clean Water Program (Measure W) Annual Expenditure Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-26; and,
2. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Councilmember Alonzo, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
12. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NO. 4182
WITH ZENCITY FOR SOCIAL MEDIA MONITORING AND ANALYSIS
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute Professional Services Agreement No. 4182 with ZenCity in an amount not-to-exceed Forty-Nine Thousand Dollars ($49,000) annually for three (3) years with two (2) one-year renewal options for social media monitoring and analysis; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to take actions necessary to execute and finalize an agreement on behalf of the City of Montebello; and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
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 inquired about the program and its necessity.
Director of Recreation and Community Services David Sosnowski stated that the software has been used to analyze social media platforms and manage scheduling. It also tracks trends, reports issues, and facilities survey services.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Councilmember Alonzo, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
13. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: JANUARY 8, 2025, CITY COUNCIL MEETING; JANUARY 22, 2025, CITY COUNCIL MEETING; JANUARY 22, 2025, CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve said Minutes as is.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Councilmember Alonzo, to approve the item; the motion passed by the following vote:
MOVED: Peralta SECONDED: Alonzo APPROVED: 4-0-1-0
AYES: Tamayo, Peralta, Alonzo, Melendez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Romero
ABSENT: None
14. PAYMENT OF BILLS: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-20 APPROVING THE CITY WARRANT REGISTER OF DEMANDS DATED MARCH 12, 2025
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-20 approving the Warrant Register dated March 12, 2025.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Councilmember Alonzo, to approve the item; the motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - CONTINUED
March 12, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 7
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.
• Ric Alonzo, Councilmember
• Danielle Romero, Councilmember
• Georgina Tamayo, Mayor Pro Tem
Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo announced that the Police Department will participate in the upcoming Baker to Vegas Run. She also shared that the Montebello Police Team will have a fundraiser at El Pescador on March 15. She encouraged the community to show support by attending their event.
• Scarlet Peralta, Councilmember
• Salvador Melendez, Mayor
CLOSED SESSION - CONTINUED
ADJOURNMENT
The City of Montebello will adjourn to the next Regular Meeting on March 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, March 9, 2025, no later than 6:00 p.m.
Kimberly Guillen, Senior Deputy City Clerk
March 12, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 7
Mayor Melendez adjourned the meeting at 8:26 p.m.
THE MINUTES OF MARCH 12, 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
family dynamics play a critical role in a leader's judgment and integrity, this situation raises serious doubts about her fitness for public office.
When authorities attempted to question her regarding the allegations, she evaded them for several days. In an effort to protect her husband, she reportedly coached her son to falsely claim that he had provoked the altercation. This behavior not only undermines the legal process but suggests a concerning lack of accountability and a willingness to manipulate the truth for personal gain or to protect those close to her.
It is deeply troubling that someone embroiled in such serious allegations is being considered for public office. How can we expect a mayor or council member to effectively manage community resources and uphold the law when they cannot even maintain integrity within their own family? Leadership requires transparency, accountability, and moral fortitude, attributes that seem questionable in light of these allegations.
It is alarming to think that a councilman, someone in a position of authority and influence, would choose to mentor someone who is engaged in such questionable practices. This raises important questions about the values and standards we uphold within our local government.
I believe that as a journalist committed to the truth, it is vital to investigate these allegations thoroughly. We must hold our leaders accountable and ensure that potential public officials embody the integrity and transparency our community deserves.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I hope you will consider looking deeper into this situation, as it could have significant implications for our community's trust in local governance.
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***PLEASE DO NOT CLICK ON UNKNOWN LINKS. Contact Montebello IT Division if you are unsure.*** 3/12/25, 6:11 PM Fw: [External Email] Does Danielle Romero have the integrity to lead Montebello? - Guillen, Kimberly - Outlook about:blank?windowId=SecondaryReadingPane2 2/2