Final Minutes Approved 1-9-24
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 - 6:00 PM
1415 Santa Anita Avenue, South El Monte, California 91733 Mayor Olmos called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
1. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Angel, and Mayor Olmos
STAFF PRESENT: Rene Salas, City Manager; Anthony R. Taylor, City Attorney; Donna G. Schwartz, City Clerk; Masami Higa, Director of Finance; Guillermo Arreola, Director of Community Development; and Robert Molina, Interim Deputy City Clerk.
STAFF ABSENT: Paola Lara, Deputy City Clerk, John Poehler, Director of Public Works, Ariana De La Cruz, Director of Community Services, and lyob Tessema, Interim Director of Human Resources & Risk Management.
Zoom was provided for the Public to participate during public comment via teleconference.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Councilmember Rudy Bojorquez, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. INVOCATION — Pastor Patricia Garrett, Faith Dominion Church, offered the Invocation.
4. PRESENTATIONS
City Attorney Anthony R. Taylor announced 4.e. will be moved to the January 9, 2024, City Council Meeting and an additional presentation will be added as 4.f. a plaque to the office of Assemblymember Lisa Calderon.
4.a. Mayor and Council presented a Plaque to the City of South El Monte's Finance Department for Receiving the "2022 Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting" Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).
4.b. Mayor and Council presented certificates of recognition to the Winners of the LA County Library Foundation's "44th Annual Bookmark Contest."
4.c. Mayor and Council presented a certificate of recognition to Fuego Restaurant for Being Selected as one of the Highest -Rated, Best - Reviewed, and Beloved Businesses on Yelp.
4.d. Presentation by Jonathan Bazile, Program Coordinator, with Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) and Annie Chou, Project Manager of Herald Christian Health Center on Public Health.
4.e. Moved to January 9, 2024, City Council Meeting: Presentation by Chris Knight, El Monte/South El Monte Chamber of Commerce on the Past Year Activities.
4.f. Add -On: Mayor and City Council presented a plaque to the Office of Assemblymember Lisa Calderon for their participation and donations of turkeys to the South El Monte Community Alliance Church Turkey Basket Giveaway.
5. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF
ORDINANCES
Councilmember Delgado requested Councilmembers' Agenda item 12.a. be heard after public comment. Council concurred.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Angel, seconded by Councilmember Delgado to approve the agenda as amended. 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. Ricardo Padilla, President of El Monte/South El Monte Emergency Resources (ERA), commented on what ERA is all about, noted reports that were provided to Council as part of 12.a. Spoke in support of his request of $15,000 to ERA to continue food security and would be asking support form City of El Monte as well.
There being no more speakers, Mayor Olmos closed public comment.
12. HEARD AT THIS TIME - COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA
12.a. COUNCILMEMBER HECTOR DELGADO
1. Letter Requesting $15,000 to go Toward the El Monte -South El Monte Emergency Resources Association (ERA) Specifically to Support Food Insecurity Programs for El Monte and South El Monte Families in need.
RECOMMENDATION: Discuss and/or action.
Discussion ensued by Council regarding the request and some concerns and asked to table the item so that a meeting can be scheduled to discuss the concerns and bring back to Council at a future date for consideration.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez to approve 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 November 28, 2023, Regular City Council meeting.
7.b. Adopted Resolution No. 23-112, authorizing payment of City expenditures for the period of November 29, 2023, through December 12, 2023, totaling $1,074,225.08.
7.c. Adopted Resolution No. 23-115, approving Amendment No. 2 entering into a five-year agreement for joint use of community recreation facilities with the Valle Lindo School District for New Temple Park and Adopted Resolution No. 23-116, approving Amendment No. 3 entering into a five-year agreement for joint use of community recreation facilities with the Valle Lindo School District for use of Dean L. Shively Park and authorized the City Manager or designee to execute the agreements.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8.a. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 23-122,
AUTHORIZING THE REPROGRAMMING AND PROGRAMMING OF
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS FOR
FISCAL YEARS (FY) 2023-24 AND 2024-25
Mayor Olmos announced the item and opened the public hearing.
City Manager Rene Salas introduced Director of Finance Masami Higa who presented the staff report.
Mayor Olmos opened public comment, there being none, closed public comment.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Angel, seconded by Councilmember Acosta to Adopt Resolution No. 23-122, allowing the City to revise its CDBG Consolidated Action Plan, and reprogram the use of CDBG funds for FY2023-24, and program the use of CDBG funds for FY2024-25 and allow the City Manager to adjust the CDBG Program budgets as necessary throughout FY2023-24 and FY2024-25, for the timely expenditure of CDBG funds according to the CDBG drawdown guideline. 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. GENERAL BUSINESS
9.a. APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONERS TO THE ADVANCEMENT OF
WOMEN AND GIRLS COMMISSION
Mayor Olmos introduced the item.
Councilmember Delgado nominated to appoint Rosemary Tavera to the Advancement of Women and Girls Commission. Council voted unanimously 5-0.
Mayor Olmos announced Christina Fonseca as an appointment to the Commission. Council voted unanimously 5-0.
Mayor Olmos announced Ivette Sanchez as a reappointment to the Commission. Council voted unanimously 5-0.
Mayor Olmos announced Linda Miramontes as an appointment to the Commission. Council voted unanimously 5-0.
Mayor Olmos announced Alice Strong as an appointment to the Commission.
Council voted unanimously 5-0.
Mayor Olmos announced Michelle Bugarin as an appointment to the Commission. Council voted 2-2-1 Delgado and Bojorquez AYES, Angel and Olmos NOES and Acosta ABSTAINED.
Mayor Olmos announced Gracie Retamoza as a reappointment to the Commission. Council voted 2-1-2 Delgado and Bojorquez AYES, Olmos NAY, Angel and Acosta ABSTAINED.
•
Mayor Olmos announced Emily Lares as an appointment to the Commission.
Council voted 1-1-3 Acosta AYE, Olmos NAY, Angel, Delgado, and Bojorquez ABSTAINED.
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Item 9.a continued.
Mayor Olmos announced Bethany Contreras as an appointment to the Commission. Council voted NO 2-0-3. Acosta and Olmos AYES, Angel, Delgado, and Bojorquez ABSTAINED.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Angel, seconded by Councilmember Acosta to approve reappointments/appointments of the five individuals: Rosemary Tavera, Christina Fonseca, Yvette Sanchez, Linda Miramontes, and Alice Strong to the Advancement of Women and Girls Commission for a one-year term commencing January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024. 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 COMMUNITY
SERVICES COMMISSION
Mayor Olmos introduced the item.
Mayor Olmos announced Israel Alacio as an appointment to the Community Services Commission. Council voted unanimously 5-0.
Mayor Olmos announced David Mai as a reappointment to the Commission.
Council voted unanimously 5-0.
Mayor Olmos announced Ingrid Aguilar as a reappointment to the Commission.
Council voted unanimously 5-0.
Mayor Olmos announced Gerardo Diaz as a reappointment to the Commission.
Council voted unanimously 5-0.
Mayor Olmos announced Hortencia Vasquez as a reappointment to the Commission. Council voted unanimously 5-0.
Mayor Olmos announced Reynaldo Soto as an appointment to the Commission.
Council voted 2-1-2 Delgado and Bojorquez AYES, Olmos NO, Angel and Acosta ABSTAINED.
•
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Item 9.b continued.
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez to approve reappointments/appointments of the five individuals: Israel Alacio, David Mai, Ingrid Aguilar, Gerardo Diaz, and Hortencia Vasquez to the Community Services Commission for a one-year term commencing January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024. 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 PATRIOTIC
COMMISSION
Mayor Olmos introduced the item.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Angel, seconded by Councilmember Acosta to approve reappointment of the five individuals: Blanca Figueroa, Valerie Bechtold, Naomi Lopez, Rudy Lopez, and Alejandro Miramonte De Anda to the Patriotic Commission for a one-year term commencing January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024. 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.d. APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONERS TO THE PLANNING
COMMISSION
Mayor Olmos introduced the item.
Mayor Olmos announced Leonel Barrera Jr as a reappointment to the Planning Commission. Council voted unanimously 5-0.
Mayor Olmos announced Jeff Ortiz as a reappointment to the Commission.
Council voted unanimously 5-0.
Mayor Olmos announced Kenneth Tang as a reappointment to the Commission.
Council voted unanimously 5-0.
Mayor Olmos announced Emily Lares as an appointment to the Commission.
Council voted unanimously 3-1-1. Angel, Acosta, and Olmos AYES, Delgado NAY and Bojorquez ABSTAINED.
Mayor Olmos announced Larry Rodriquez as a reappointment to the Commission. Council voted unanimously 5-0.
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Item 9.d continued.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Angel, seconded by Councilmember Acosta to approve reappointment/appointment of five individuals: Leonel Barrera Jr, Jeff Ortiz, Kenneth Tang, Emily Lares, and Larry Rodriguez to the Planning Commission for a one-year term commencing January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024. Motion passed 4-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Mayor Pro Tem Angel, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Delgado.
10. COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS
Mayor Pro Tem Angel announced he attended the following: City's Tree Lighting Ceremony, San Gabriel Valley Mayor Mingle, Angel Tree event sponsored by Pastor Charlie Corum, AYSO Banquet, LA County's Pancake Breakfast with Santa, City's Employee Recognition Dinner, East Los Angeles Leadership, the City's Senior Holiday Baking Contest participating as a judge, and the Farmers Insurance Toy Drive.
Councilmember Delgado announced he attended the City's Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Councilmember Bojorquez announced he attended the following: East Los Angeles Leadership, City's Senior Holiday Baking Contest participating as a judge, City's Tree Lighting Ceremony, and the City's Employee Recognition Dinner.
Councilmember Acosta announced he attended the following: City's Tree Lighting Ceremony, San Gabriel Valley Mayor Mingle, Appreciation Dinner at the Cultiva Community Garden sponsored by LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis, LA County's Pancake Breakfast with Santa, Toy Drive sponsored by Senator Susan Rubio, City's Employee Recognition Dinner, Angel Tree event sponsored by Pastor Charlie Corum, and the AYSO Banquet.
Mayor Olmos announced she attended the following: City's Tree Lighting Ceremony, Angel Tree event sponsored by Pastor Charlie Corum, San Gabriel Valley Mayor Mingle, AYSO Banquet, Appreciation Dinner at the Cultiva Community Garden sponsored by LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis, LA County's Pancake Breakfast with Santa, City's Employee Recognition Dinner, Toy Drive sponsored by Senator Susan Rubio, Farmers Insurance Toy Drive, San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (COG), and the Annual Tamalada Fundraiser Dinner in El Monte.
11. CORRESPONDENCE — None.
12. COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA
12.a. HEARD AFTER PUBLIC COMMENT - COUNCILMEMBER HECTOR
DELGADO
1. Letter Requesting $15,000 to go Toward the El Monte -South El Monte Emergency Resources Association (ERA) Specifically to Support Food Insecurity Programs for El Monte and South El Monte Families in need.
RECOMMENDATION: Discuss and/or action.
12.b. MAYOR GLORIA OLMOS
1. To qualify for facility fee waivers for the use of city facilities, an organized sports team must meet the following conditions:
• Team Non-profit status must have a South El Monte address registered with the state
• Team name must have the name South El Monte included
• 25% of the players must be South El Monte residents
RECOMMENDATION: Discuss and/or action.
Mayor Olmos discussed fee waivers and amendments to conditions to new organizations to include the name "South El Monte."
Councilmember Angel made a motion to request the status quo for the current teams; Montebello Brewers Baseball (exception to the 25% of South El Monte players), El Monte/South El Monte Jets, South El Monte Little League, and South El Monte/EI Monte/Baldwin Park AYSO and supports the amendments to new organizations.
Councilmember Delgado seconded the motion but for discussion. Acknowledged the Brewers and all they do and supports the exception for them, asked for clarification on the 25% of the players being South El Monte residents does this include adult (Senior) leagues.
Mayor Olmos stated this would include adult leagues.
Councilmember Bojorquez concerned with times for use of parks and wants the use a priority for the residents. Mayor Olms confirmed the residents do have priority.
City Attorney Anthony Taylor suggested adding to motion to work with staff to prepare a policy and bring back to council to approve.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Angel, seconded by Acosta for current conditions to remain the same for all current teams (Youth/Adult/Senior) but to add these amendments/conditions to any new teams (Youth/Adult/Senior) and for City Attorney to work with staff to prepare a policy and bring back to Council to review and approve. 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.
2. Waive any and all fees for the use of the City Gym by South El Monte High School Basketball.
RECOMMENDATION: Discuss and/or action.
Mayor Olmos discussed waiving fees when the South El Monte High School Basketball Team needs the use of the gym since their gym is going through some renovations.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Angel, seconded by Councilmember Delgado to approve waiving any and all fees for the use of the City's Gym by the South El Monte High School Basketball Team when needed while the school gym is going through some renovations.
13. CLOSED SESSION — None.
14. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business coming before this body, at 7:56 p.m. Mayor Olmos adjourned the meeting to a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
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