Final Minutes Approved 3- 28-3
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2023 - 6: 00 PM
1. ROLL CALL
Mayor Olmos called the meeting to order at 6: 08 PM and announced due to technical difficulties the meeting started at this time.
PRESENT: Councilmember( s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Angel and Mayor Olmos
ABSENT: Councilmember( s): None
STAFF PRESENT: Rene Salas, City Manager; Anthony R. Taylor, City Attorney; Donna G. Schwartz, City Clerk; Masami Higa, Finance Director, Guillermo Arreola, Planning Manager; and Paola Lara, Deputy City Clerk.
Zoom was provided for the Public to participate during public comment via teleconference.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Councilmember Manuel Acosta led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. INVOCATION — Danny Olmos, audience participant and husband of Mayor Gloria Olmos offered the Invocation.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4. a. Mayor Olmos and City Council presented Certificates of Recognition to the South El Monte High School Lady Eagles Wrestling Team for being chosen the team of the month by the California Interscholastic Federation CIF) and the Army National Guard for the academic excellence and community service.
Crystal Lopez, Representing Senator Susan Rubio' s Office, presented Certificates of Recognition to the South El Monte High School Lady Eagles Wrestling Team.
4. b. Mayor Olmos and City Council presented a Certificate of Recognition to South El Monte High School student and Lady Eagles Wrestler Daisy Ayala for her performance at the 2023 California Interscholastic Federation State Wrestling Meet.
Crystal Lopez, Representing Senator Susan Rubio' s Office, presented a Certificate of Recognition to Daisy Ayala.
4. c. Mayor Olmos and City Council presented a proclamation to Patty Madera, Interim Executive Director, Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valley American Red Cross, proclaiming the month of March 2023 as American Red Cross month.
Crystal Lopez, Representing Senator Susan Rubio' s Office, presented a Certificate of Recognition to Ms. Madera on behalf of American Red Cross.
4. d. Acting Assistant Fire Chief Gerald Gonzales thanked City Council for recognizing Fire Station 90 during the Pancake Breakfast, introduced Fire Station 90 crew members, announced Magdalena " Maggie" Valdivia, Community Services Liaison will be retiring, and presented City Council with a gift bag.
Staff was directed to add a Plaque of Recognition for Maggie Valdivia at the next regular city council meeting.
4. e. Alison Linder, Senior Regional Planner and Clean Cities Coalition Director, Southern California Association of Governments, provided a PowerPoint ( via zoom) on South El Monte Electric Vehicle Charging Station Plan.
4. f. Tony Chiappetta, CEO, Advanced Microcomputing Concepts Inc., presented a PowerPoint on the City' sTechnology Infrastructure.
5. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF
ORDINANCES
Mayor Olmos announced there was a walk- on item. City Attorney Anthony R.
Taylor stated the item arose after the posting of the agenda, and it can be added under Councilmember Delgado' s Agenda as Item 12. b. for Approval of a Fee Waiver Request by South El Monte High School Girls Wrestling Team for a Sports Banquet.
A motion was made by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Angel to approve the agenda as amended, and add walk- on Item 12. b. Motion passed 5- 0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember( s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Angel and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember( s): None
Mayor Olmos requested to take action on agenda Item 11. a. at this time.
CORRESPONDENCE
11. a. LETTER FROM EPIPHANY CATHOLIC SCHOOL REQUESTING A FEE
WAIVER FOR THE USE OF THE SENIOR CENTER DINING ROOM TO
HOST A SPRING TEA PARTY EVENT
A motion was made by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Angel to approve a facility reservation fee waiver for the use of the Senior Center dining room on Sunday, March 26, 2023, from 8: 00 a. m. to 7: 00 p. m. to host a Spring Tea Party event, in the amount of $ 2, 176. 00. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember( s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Angel and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember( s): None
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Olmos opened public comment.
1. Helen Romero Shaw ( via Zoom), SoCal Gas Company Liaison, shared information on the recent gas price increases, announced collection activity are being delayed, and there are assistance programs the public can apply for.
2. Eduardo Saucedo, South El Monte resident, voiced concern with residents not being able to afford electric vehicles, inquired about Senator Rubio' s 1. 7 billion housing development, and suggested the city hold a memorial for Mr.
Sevy, South El Monte resident.
3. Ruby Rose Yepez, ( via Zoom) thanked the city for participating in the electric vehicle charging station study, spoke of air pollution in the City, and provided information on incentives and money available for businesses and cities to update their infrastructure to prepare for electric vehicles.
4. Jacqueline Rubio, Valle Lindo School District Board Member, thanked the City Council for the work being done at Shively school and looks forward to continuing working with the City.
5. Edward Rozuk, voiced concern with increased car and home break- ins on Allgeyer Avenue, requested additional patrol from the Sheriff' s Department, and requested the street be repaved.
6. William Gil, representing Knights of Columbus and Epiphany Catholic Church, thanked the City for the directional signs posted near the parish, and spoke in support of agenda item 12. a..
There being no further comment, Mayor Olmos closed public comment.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Angel to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember( s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Angel and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember( s): None
7. a. Approved the Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of February 22, 2023, and Regular City Council Meeting of February 28, 2023.
7.b. Adopted Resolution No. 23-2, authorizing payment of City expenditures for the period of March 1, 2023, through March 14, 2023, totaling 1,02,23. 12.
7. c. Approved rejecting the proposal received and authorized re -advertising the RFP for newsletter publishing services.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS — None.
At 8: 18 p. m. Mayor Olmos called for a recess. At 8: 27 p. m. Mayor Olmos reconvened the meeting.
9. GENERAL BUSINESS
9. a. APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONERS TO THE NEWLY
ESTABLISHED ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN AND GIRLS
COMMISSION AND CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF
RESOLUTION NO. 23-3, FIXING THE AMOUNTS AND CONDITIONS
OF COMPENSATION FOR THE COMMISSION
Mayor Olmos introduced the item.
A motion was made by Mayor Olmos, seconded by Councilmember Acosta to appoint Emily Lares to the Advancement of Women and Girls Commission.
Motion failed 2-1-by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember( s): Acosta and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember( s): Bojorquez
ABSTAINED: Councilmember( s): Delgado and Mayor Pro Tem Angel
GENERAL BUSINESS ( CONTINUED)
9. a. CONTINUED
A motion was made by Olmos, seconded by Councilmember Acosta to appoint Divina Montejano to the Advancement of Women and Girls Commission. Motion passed 4-0-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember( s): Acosta, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Angel and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember( s): None
ABSTAINED: Councilmember( s): Bojorquez
A motion was made by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta to appoint. Mirna Ivette Sanchez to the Advancement of Women and Girls Commission. Motion passed 4-0-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember( s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Delgado, and Mayor Olmos NAYS: Councilmember( s): None
ABSTAINED: Councilmember( s): Mayor Pro Tem Angel
A motion was made by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Mayor Olmos to appoint Nydia Romero to the Advancement of Women and Girls Commission.
Motion failed 2-0-3, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember( s): Bojorquez and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember( s): None
ABSTAINED: Councilmember( s): Acosta, Delgado, and Mayor Pro Tem Angel A motion was made by Mayor Olmos, seconded by Councilmember Acosta to appoint Elizabeth Ramirez to the Advancement of Women and Girls Commission. Motion passed 4-0-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember( s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Mayor Pro Tem Angel and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember( s): None
ABSTAINED: Councilmember( s): Delgado
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Angel, seconded by Councilmember Acosta to appoint Gracie Retamoza to the Advancement of Women and Girls Commission. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember( s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Angel and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember( s): None
GENERAL BUSINESS ( CONTINUED)
9. a. CONTINUED
A motion was made by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez to appoint Jacqueline Rubio to the Advancement of Women and Girls Commission. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember( s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Angel and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember( s): None
A motion was made by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Angel to adopt Resolution No. 23-3, fixing the amounts and conditions of compensation for the Advancement of Women and Girls Commission, and appointment of Divina Montejano, Mirna Ivette Sanchez, Elizabeth Ramirez, Gracie Retamoza, and Jacqueline Rubio to the commission. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember( s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Angel and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember( s): None
9.b. APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONERS TO THE PATRIOTIC
COMMISSION
A motion was made by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta to appoint Naomi Lopez to the Patriotic Commission. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember( s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Angel and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember( s): None
A motion was made by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez to appoint Rudy Lopez to the Patriotic Commission. Motion passed 5- 0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember( s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Angel and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember( s): None
A motion was made by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Mayor Olmos to appoint Alejandro Miramontes de Anda to the Patriotic Commission. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember( s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Angel and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember( s): None
GENERAL BUSINESS ( CONTINUED)
9.b. CONTINUED
A motion was made by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Mayor Olmos to appoint Valerie Bechtold to the Patriotic Commission. Motion passed 4-0-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember( s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Delgado, and Mayor Olmos NAYS: Councilmember( s): None
ABSTAINED: Councilmember( s): Mayor Pro Tern Angel
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Angel, seconded by Councilmember Acosta to appoint Blanca Figueroa to the Patriotic Commission. Motion passed 5- 00, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember( s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Angel and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember( s): None
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Angel, seconded by Councilmember Acosta to approve appointment of Naomi Lopez, Rudy Lopez, Alejandro Miramontes de Anda, Valerie Bechtold, and Blanca Figueroa to the Patriotic Commission. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember( s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Angel and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember( s): None
9. c. APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONERS TO THE COMMUNITY
SERVICES COMMISSION
Mayor Olmos announced the item.
A motion was made by Councilmember Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Acosta to approve appointment of Gerardo Diaz, Ingrid Aguilar, Hortencia Vasquez, David Mai, and Heliodoro Duarte to the Community Services Commission. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember( s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Angel and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember( s): None
GENERAL BUSINESS ( CONTINUED)
9.d. APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONERS TO THE PLANNING
COMMISSION
Mayor Olmos announced the item.
A motion was made by Councilmember Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Delgado to appoint Jeff Ortiz to the Planning Commission. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember( s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Angel and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember( s): None
A motion was made by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Angel to appoint Leo Barrera to the Planning Commission. Motion passed 55- 00, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember( s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Angel and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember( s): None
A motion was made by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Angel to appoint Roberto Sanchez to the Planning Commission. Motion passed 3-0-2, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember( s): Acosta, Mayor Pro Tem Angel,
and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember( s): None
ABSTAINED: Councilmember( s): Bojorquez and Delgado
A motion was made by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez to appoint Kenneth Tang to the Planning Commission. Motion passed 3-0-2, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember( s): Bojorquez, Delgado, and Mayor Olmos NAYS: Councilmember( s): None
ABSTAINED: Councilmember( s): Acosta and Mayor Pro Tem Angel A motion was made by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Angel to appoint Larry Rodriguez to the Planning Commission. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember( s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Angel and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember( s): None
GENERAL BUSINESS ( CONTINUED)
9. d. CONTINUED
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Angel, seconded by Councilmember Acosta to approve appointment of Jeff Ortiz, Leo Barrera, Roberto Sanchez, Kenneth Tang, and Larry Rodriguez to the Planning Commission. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember( s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Angel and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember( s): None
9. e. APPOINTING MEMBERS TO ATTEND THE
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LATINO ELECTED & APPOINTED
OFFICIALS ( NALEO) 40TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE, JULY 10-4,
2023, TO BE HELD AT THE NEW YORK MARRIOTT MARQUIS, NEW
YORK CITY
Mayor Olmos announced the item.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Angel, seconded by Councilmember Acosta to approve the attendance of all City Councilmembers to the NALEO Conference, July 11- 14, 2023 to be held in New York City. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember( s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Angel and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember( s): None
9. f. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO SOLICIT REQUEST FOR
PROPOSALS ( RFP) FOR AUDITING SERVICES
Mayor Olmos announced the item and Finance Director Masami Higa provided additional information to support his recommendation to solicit RFPs for auditing services.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Angel, seconded by Councilmember Delgado to approve the RFP to solicit proposals from qualified Certified Public Accounting firms for auditing services. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember( s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Angel and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember( s): None
10. COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS
Councilmember Acosta announced his attendance at the City' s Community Bike Ride, South El Monte Little League Opening Day Ceremony, and the City' s Neighborhood Watch Meeting.
Councilmember Bojorquez announced his attendance at the City' s Community Bike Ride, South El Monte Little League Opening Day Ceremony, the City' sBaby Pageant, and the Senior Center' sSt. Patrick' sDay Luncheon.
Councilmember Delgado announced his attendance at South El Monte Little League Opening Day Ceremony, the City' s Neighborhood Watch Meeting, and Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District meeting.
Mayor Pro Tern Angel announced his attendance at South El Monte Little League Opening Day Ceremony, the City' s Neighborhood Watch Meeting, and the Senior Center' sSt. Patrick' sDay Luncheon.
Mayor Olmos announced her attendance at the Senior Center' sSt. Patrick' sDay Luncheon, South El Monte Little League Opening Day Ceremony, the City' s Neighborhood Watch Meeting, the Los Angeles County Sanitation District meeting, and announced SEAACA still has pet adoptions available.
Item 11. a. previously approved after Approval of Agenda.
11. CORRESPONDENCE
11. a. LETTER FROM EPIPHANY CATHOLIC SCHOOL REQUESTING A FEE
WAIVER FOR THE USE OF THE SENIOR CENTER DINING ROOM TO
HOST A SPRING TEA PARTY EVENT
12. COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA
12. a. MAYOR PRO TEM RICHARD ANGEL
1. Consideration of Adding the Knights of Columbus Emblem to the Santa Anita Entry Sign.
Mayor Pro Tem Angel stated the Knights of Columbus are requesting their emblem be added to the city' s entry sign and they would pay the cost.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Angel, seconded by Councilmember Delgado to approve adding the Knights of Columbus Emblem to the Santa Anita entry sign. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember( s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Angel and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember( s): None
COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA ( CONTINUED)
WALK ON ITEM APPROVED UNDER APPROVAL OF AGENDA
12. b. COUNCILMEMBER HECTOR DELGADO
1. South El Monte High School Girls Wrestling Team is Requesting a Fee Waiver for the Use of the Senior Center on Thursday, March 23rd to Host a Sports Banquet from 6: 00 — 8: 00 p. m.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Angel, seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez to approve the fee waiver request made by the South El Monte High School Girls Wrestling Team in the amount of $ 850. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember( s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Angel and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember( s): None
13. CLOSED SESSION — None.
14. ADJOURNMENT
At 9: 03 p. m. Mayor Olmos adjourned the meeting in memory of Tony Lim, South El Monte resident, and Rafael Fregoso Delgado, South El Monte resident and Uncle to Councilmember Delgado, to a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 6: 00 p. m.
Ddnna G chwa . CMC v erk
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Gloria Olmos,
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Mayor