Final Minutes Approved 2-27-24
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, February 13, 2024 - 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, Angel, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Delgado
STAFF PRESENT: Rene Salas, City Manager; Anthony R. Taylor, City Attorney; Donna G. Schwartz, City Clerk; John Poehler, Director of Public Works, Ariana De La Cruz, Director of Community Services; Guillermo Arreola, Director of Community Development; Masami Higa, Director of Finance; lyob Tessema, Interim Human Resources & Risk Management Manager, and Sabrina Muhne, Deputy City Clerk.
Zoom was provided for the Public to participate during public comment via teleconference.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Lynn Tran, Valle Lindo School District, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. INVOCATION — William Gil, Knights of Columbus, offered the invocation.
Anthony Taylor, City Attorney, announced the following: Presentation Item 4.b. moved to the next city council meeting and item 4.c. additional material was received and distributed to City Council, posted on the City's Website and copies were available from the City Clerk.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.a. Mayor and Council presented certificates to the El Monte/South El Monte Jets Cheer Teams, Pee -Wee Division Placing 2nd in the San Gabriel Valley Junior All American Competition and 1st place in the SHARP Competition with the Gremlin Division Placing 2nd in the San Gabriel Valley Junior All American Competition as well as the JAMZ Nationals and Placing 1st at the SHARP Competition. The Jets Cheer Team Program Received the City Spirit Award for the Most Pride and Spirit Shown at the San Gabriel Valley Junior All American Competition and the Judges' Choice Award at the SHARP Competition.
PRESENTATIONS (CONTINUED)
4.b. Presentation of Years of Service Awards to City Employees — Moved to the next City Council Meeting.
4.c. Presentation by Dr. Julia Ruedas, Senior Program Manager & Policy Analyst, LAC+USC Medical Center Foundation on Reducing Youth Access to Tobacco Products
Mayor Olmos requested General Business Item 9.d. be heard at this time. Council concurred with no objections.
GENERAL BUSINESS
9.d. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 24-127,
APPROVING A LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH VACCO INDUSTRIES
FOR PARKING SPACES AT 1530 CENTRAL AVENUE, SOUTH EL
MONTE, CALIFORNIA
Mayor Olmos announced the item.
Mayor Olmos provided public comment.
Public Comment:
1. Edwarda Sauceda, resident, spoke in support of approving the item.
Motion by Councilmember Angel, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez to adopt Resolution No. 24-127, approving a license agreement for leasing parking spaces to Vacco Industries and authorize the City Manager to execute agreement.
Motion passed 4-0-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Angel, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None.
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Delgado
5. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF
ORDINANCES
Motion by Councilmember Angel, seconded by Councilmember Acosta to approve the agenda as amended. Motion passed 4-0-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Angel, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None.
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Delgado
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Olmos opened public comment.
Dianna Gomez, Executive Assistant to City Council provided a cake in celebration of Councilmember Angel's birthday.
1. Edwarda Sauceda, resident, thanked Councilmember Angel for all his devotion for the El Monte/South El Monte Jets Program and commented on sales of tobacco, CM Measure, and wished everyone a Happy Valentine's Day.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Anthony Taylor, City Attorney, announced for consent calendar Item 7.k. the terms and compensation of the Employment Agreement with lyob Tessema for the Director of Human Resources & Risk Management.
Motion by Councilmember Angel, seconded by Councilmember Acosta to approve the agenda as amended. Motion passed 4-0-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Angel, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None.
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Delgado
7.a. Approved the Minutes of the January 9, 2024, Joint Special Meeting with Valle Lindo School District -Board of Education, and the Regular City Council Meeting.
7.b. Adopted Resolution No. 24-121, authorizing payment of City expenditures for the period January 10, 2024, through February 13, 2024, totaling $1,796,277.21.
7.c. Approved the Women's Empowerment event to be held on Saturday, March 9th, from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm at the South El Monte Senior Center and approved the allocation of $3,000.00 from the City's Special Events account 01-151-1543-5952 to host the event.
CONSENT CALENDAR (CONTINUED)
7.d. Received and filed the County Oversight Board approved Successor Agency's ROPS 24-25 by adopting Resolution No. OB 24-1.
7.e. Rejected the six (6) proposals received and authorize the re -advertisement of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Janitorial Maintenance Service and authorized staff to solicit new proposals to ensure the City receives the best pricing available.
7.f. Adopted Resolution No. 24-122, accepting the completion of FY 2022-23 Residential Street Rehabilitation Project, authorized City Clerk to send the Notice of Completion for recordation to the Los Angeles County Recorder's Office, and approved releasing the retention accordingly.
7.g. Adopted Resolution No. 24-123, repealing Resolution No. 22-83 and amending the City's Conflict of Interest Code which formally codifies the revisions to the Code for the City.
7.h. Adopted Resolution No. 24-124, awarding a PSA to Bear Electrical Solutions, Inc. for Traffic Signal Maintenance Services, in the amount of $157,500 and authorized the City Manager to execute agreement.
7.i. Approved the RFP to solicit proposals from qualified consultants to provide Curb Address Number Painting Services.
7.j. Authorized staff to Advertise Notice Inviting Bids (NIB) for Traffic Signal Improvements at Lee Ave & Garvey Ave and Durfee Ave & Peck Rd - Michael Hunt Drive.
7.k. Adopted Resolution No. 24-125, approving appointment of lyob Tessema for the position of Director of Human Resources and Risk Management and approving employment agreement and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8.a. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 24-126,
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.
Mayor Olmos opened public comment, there being none closed public comment.
Rene Salas, City Manager introduced John Poehler, Director of Public Works who presented the staff report.
PUBLIC HEARINGS (CONTINUED)
Item 8.a.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Acosta adopt Resolution No. 24-126, 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 authorized 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 guidelines.
Motion passed 4-0-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Angel, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None.
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Delgado
9. GENERAL BUSINESS
9.a. CONSIDERATION FOR AUTHORIZATION TO SEEK REQUEST FOR
PROPOSALS (RFP) TO IMPLEMENT THE CITY'S COMMERCIAL
CANNABIS OPERATIONS REGULATORY PROGRAM AND PROVIDE
APPLICATION EVALUATION SERVICES
Mayor Olmos announced the item and Rene Salas, City Manager introduced Guillermo Areola, Director of Community Development who presented the staff report
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Angel to approve the Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit proposals from qualified consultants to implement the City's Commercial Cannabis Operations Regulatory Program and provide Application Evaluation Services.
9.b. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE 2024 NIGHT MARKETS,
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AND FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
CONCERT BAND PERFORMANCES
Mayor Olmos announced the item and Ariana De La Cruz, Director of Community Services presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued between City Council and Ariana De La Cruz, Director of Community Services reviewing the list of potential bands for the 2024 Night Markets (4), Summer Concert Series (6) and fourth of July Celebration (1).
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Item 9.b.
Motion by Councilmember Angel, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez to approve the following:
Night Markets (4): April Market "Impulse," May Market "Melodia Versalit," September Market "DJ Stillo," and October Market "Bumptown." Summer Concert Series (6): "Cold Duck," "Chico," "Suave," "Pulp Vixen," "Joe Montelongo," and "Soto."
Fourth of July Celebration: "Chico" or "Suave. Second choice: "Platinum Beat Band."
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.
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Delgado
9.c. CONSIDERATION TO RECEIVE AND FILE 2023-2024 CALIFORNIA
LEGISLATION UPDATE
Mayor Olmos announced the item and Anthony Taylor, City Attorney presented the staff report.
At 7: 34 p.m. Councilmember Angel left the Chambers
At 7:36 p.m. Councilmember Angel returned.
Motion by Councilmember Angel, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez to received and file the report. Motion passed 4-0-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Angel, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None.
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Delgado
9.d. Mayor Olmos requested General Business Item 9.d. be heard after Presentations. Council concurred with no objections. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 24-127, APPROVING A
LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH VACCO INDUSTRIES FOR PARKING
SPACES AT 1530 CENTRAL AVENUE, SOUTH EL MONTE,
CALIFORNIA
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
9.e. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 24-128, RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 23-67, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A NEW PARKING LICENSE AGREEMENT
WITH COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES AT 1415 AND 1441 SANTA ANITA AVENUE
Mayor Olmos announced the item.
Motion by Councilmember Angel, Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez to Rescind Resolution No. 23-67 and adopt Resolution No. 24-128, authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute a license agreement for the use of City parking spaces by the County. Motion passed 4-0-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Angel, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None.
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Delgado
10. COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS
Councilmember Acosta announced he attended the Mayor and Council Member Academy through the League of California Cities held January 24-26, 2024, in Monterey, California.
Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez announced he also attended the Mayor and Council Member Academy through the League of California Cities held January 24-26, 2024, in Monterey, California and the City's Lunar New Year Luncheon.
Councilmember Angel announced he attended Pastor Charlie Corum's quarterly meeting, the Mayor and Council Member Academy through the League of California Cities held January 24-26, 2024, in Monterey, California, the City's Lunar New Year Luncheon, and the City's Senior Valentines Day Luncheon.
Councilmember Delgado — Absent.
Mayor Olmos announced she attended the Mayor and Council Member Academy through the League of California Cities held January 24-26, 2024, in Monterey, California. The City's Lunar New Year Luncheon, Senior Valentine's Day Luncheon, Pastor Charlie Corum's quarterly meeting, and that SEAACA will have adoptions on Valentine's Day.
11. CORRESPONDENCE — None
12. COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA — None
13. CLOSED SESSION
At 8:00 p.m. Anthony R. Taylor, City Attorney, recessed Council into closed session.
13.a. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
City Negotiator: City Manager
Employee Organizations: South El Monte Employees Association and the South El Monte Executive Management Team Association
13.b. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — POTENTIAL INITIATION OF
LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) — (two cases)
13.c. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO
LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
Edison claim related to pole fees imposed for installation of poles in the right-of-way.
13.d. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — THREAT TO THE SECURITY
OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957
At 8:59 p.m. Mayor Olmos reconvened the meeting with all Councilmembers present (Delgado ABSENT).
Anthony R. Taylor, City Attorney, announced City Council discussed Items 13.a. through 13.d., no action taken, nothing to report.
14. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business coming before this body, at 9:00 p.m. Mayor Olmos adjourned the meeting to a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, . 6:00 p.m.
1 na G. . chwartz, CMC, . Ierk
Gloria Olmos, Mayor