Final Minutes Approved 3-26-24
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, March 12, 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, Guillermo Arreola, Director of Community Development; Masami Higa, Director of Finance; lyob Tessema, Director of Human Resources & Risk Management, and Sabrina Muhne, Deputy City Clerk.
STAFF ABSENT: Ariana De La Cruz, Director of Community Services.
Zoom was provided for the Public to participate during public comment via teleconference.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Mia Martinez, Valle Lindo School District, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. INVOCATION — Pastor Don Antelo, Calvary Chapel of South El Monte, offered the invocation.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.a. Mayor and City Council presented a Proclamation proclaiming the Month of March 2024 as Women's History Month.
4.b. Mayor and City Council presented a Proclamation to Diana Pineda Ramirez, Executive Director, San Gabriel and Pomona Valley Chapter, Proclaiming the Month of March 2024 as American Red Cross Month.
4.c. Captain Meza, Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, Temple Station, discussed the Sheriffs Department's Activities.
Mayor Olmos requested Councilmember's Agenda Item 12.a. Councilmember Rudy Bojorquez be heard at this time, Council concurred with no objections.
12. COUCILMEMBER'S AGENDA
12.a. MAYOR PRO TEM RUDY BOJORQUEZ
1. Discussion in regard to the Flags of Valor event and how the City can help promote the event.
RECOMMENDATION: Discussion and/or action.
Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez presented his item and introduced members of the Flags of Valor.
Larry Rodriquez and Joe Leal, members of Flags of Valor, spoke in support of the event on Saturday, May 25, 2024, funds raised are used for scholarships to veterans or are in need, funds will also be donated to the City's flag program, asked for the event to be posted on the City's website and requested an additional two weeks for the hanging of the event banner, announced a picnic will be provided on the Saturday and invited the council and community and stated the sale of flags have begun for a cost of $25.00.
Mayor Olmos committed City to donate $500 toward the Flags of Valor event.
Council concurred.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Angel, to approve the donation of $500 to the Flags of Valor event. 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 Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Angel 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.
1. Edwarda Sauceda, resident, commented on the following: public safety, neighborhood watch, public drinking during Saint Patrick's Day, Quimby funds, support new businesses, Senator Rubio and funding, batting cages, and corner lot on Michael Hunt and Durfee.
2. Sil Ruiz, LA County Librarian, announced LA County libraries provide free Wi-Fi through hot spots, processing of library cards for Epiphany and Monte Vista Schools, read to students at New Temple Elementary School, Open house at SEM High School, will attend the City's Easter Luncheon and Night Markets to provide library information, April programs, Results of the election to vote on favorite book between "The Elephant and Piggy" and "Dog Man," results: winner is "Dog Man."
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, 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 for the February 27, 2024, Regular City Council Meeting.
7.b. Adopted Resolution No. 24-135, authorizing payment of City expenditures for the period of February 28, 2024, through March 12, 2024, totaling $1,520,493.40.
7.c. Authorized staff to seek Request for Proposals (RFP) for design services for South El Monte Systemic Safety Improvements at Signalized Intersections (HSIP Cycle 11 Project HISPL-5352(025))
7.d. Authorized staff to seek Request for Proposals (RFP) for Sanitary Sewer Closed -Circuit Television (CCTV) and Condition Assessment.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
City Attorney Anthony Taylor announced the title of 8.a. and noted the process of the item being opened, allowing public comment and the request for the item to be continued through a motion by Council to continue the item to the March 26, 2024, meeting.
8.a. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITY'S REVISED 6TH CYCLE 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT IN RESPONSE TO
COMMENTS BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT; GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO.
21-01
Mayor Olmos announced the item and opened the public hearing.
Mayor Olmos opened public comment.
Public Comment
1. Eduarda Sauceda commented on Governor Newsom and public housing, building a track, Mye developer, Davis -Bacon Law, Gateway project in sister city, major funded programs, security paving, building trust fund, lumber fund carpenters, need to build, State Government funds, and no empty lots in El Monte.
Mayor Olmos closed public comment.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Acosta to continue item to the next regular city council meeting on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. 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 AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 24-136, CREATING A 457B AND 401A OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
(COMMITTEE); AUTHORIZING CITY COUNCIL TO DELEGATE
FIDUCIARY OVERSIGHT OF THE 457B AND 401A PLANS TO THE
COMMITTEE, AUTHORIZING THE COMMITTEE TO CONSOLIDATE
THE 457B AND 401A PLANS UNDER ONE RECORDKEEPER;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO APPOINT THE COMMITTEE
MEMBERS; AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH FIDUCIARY
EXPERTS, LLC, AN ERISA 3(38) CONSULTANT
Mayor Olmos announced the item and Rene Salas, City Manager introduced Masami Higa, Director of Finance who presented the staff report and then introduced Maribel Larios with Fiduciary Experts who provided a PowerPoint presentation.
Motion by Councilmember Angel, seconded by Councilmember Acosta to adopt Resolution 24-136, Creating a 457B and 401A Oversight Committee; Delegating fiduciary oversight of the 457B and 401A from the City Council to the Committee; authorizing the Committee to consolidate the 457B and 401A plans under one record keeper; authorizing the City Manager to appoint the committee members; and authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with Fiduciary Experts, LLC, an ERISA 3(38) Consultant. 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.b. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF THE 2023 UPDATE TO THE
PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Mayor Olmos announced the item, Rene Salas, City Manager introduced John Poehler, Director of Public Works who presented the staff report then introduced Peter Bucknam with Bucknam Infrastructure Group, Inc. who provided a PowerPoint presentation.
At 7:10 p.m. Mayor Olmos left the Chambers.
At 7:15 p.m. Mayor Olmos returned to the Chambers.
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Item 9.b. continued
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Acosta to receive and file the updated 2023 Pavement Management Program; adopted and approved the recommended 5 -year pavement program, allocating an annual budget of approximately $1.4 million, resulting in a total budget of approximately $7 million over 5 years; and directed City Manager to implement the plan. 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.c. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 24-137, IN
SUPPORT OF THE CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT REMOVING THE
TAXPAYER PROTECTION ACT AND GOVERNMENT
ACCOUNTABILITY ACT FROM THE NOVEMBER 2024 BALLOT
Mayor Olmos announced the item and City Attorney Anthony Taylor presented the staff report.
Motion by Councilmember Angel, seconded by Councilmember Acosta to adopt Resolution No. 24-137, In Support of the California Supreme Court Removing The Taxpayer Protection Act and Government Accountability Act from the November 2024 Ballot. 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 participated in the Read Across America at New Temple and Monte Vista Elementary Schools by reading to the students and participated in his first triathlon.
Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez announced he had nothing to report.
Councilmember Angel announced he participated in the Read Across America at New Temple Elementary by reading to the students and attended the Women's Empowerment Event.
Councilmember Delgado — Absent.
COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS (CONTINUED) Mayor Olmos announced she too participated in the Read Across America at New Temple Elementary, Shively and Monte Vista Middle Schools by reading to the students. Ms. Olmos attended the Women's Empowerment Event acknowledging both Councilmembers Angel and Delgado who were in attendance and thanking staff, the committee and commissioner who helped organize the events and acknowledged employee Noelia Saucedo for receiving a 2024 Distinguished Women of the 56th District Award by Assemblywoman Lisa Calderon.
11. CORRESPONDENCE
11.a. CORRESPONDENCE FROM ACTIVE SGV REQUESTING A SUPPORT
LETTER FOR A DECADES -LONG VISION TO PROTECT THE SAN
GABRIEL MOUNTAINS AND USE THE ANTIQUITIES ACT TO ADD
109,000 ACRES TO THE SAN GABRIEL MOUNTAINS NATIONAL
MONUMENT
Mayor Olmos announced the item and Rene Salas, City Manager, presented the staff report.
Motion by Councilmember Angel, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez directed staff to compose a support letter for the San Gabriel Mountains conservation requested by Active San Gabriel Valley. 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
11.b. CORRESPONDENCE FROM RUDY BERMUDEZ, EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR, CALIFORNIA CITIES GAMING AUTHORITY, JPA,
REQUESTING A LETTER OF OPPOSITION TO H.R. 6859. BY
CONGRESS MEMBER SYDNEY KAMLAGER-DOVE (D -LOS
ANGELES)
Mayor Olmos announced the item and Rene Salas, City Manager, presented the staff report.
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Angel directed staff to compose a letter in opposition of H.R. 6859 - Gabrielino/Tongva Nation Recognition Act. 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
12. COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA
This item was heard before Approval of Agenda.
12.a. MAYOR PRO TEM RUDY BOJORQUEZ
1. Discussion in regard to the Flags of Valor event and how the City can help promote the event.
RECOMMENDATION: Discussion and/or action.
12.b. COUNCILMEMBER MANUEL ACOSTA
1. Consideration of partnering with the Valle Lindo School District to co- sponsor an event where children write letters to representatives for park space/improvements funding and participate in a park/cleanup day BBQ at city parks with representatives and city staff. City parks are utilized by the community year round and by three nonprofit youth sports organizations. Events like this would shed light on the need for funding for improvements.
RECOMMENDATION: Discussion and/or action.
Mayor Olmos introduced Councilmember Acosta who presented his item.
Council agrees it's a great idea.
Mayor Olmos directed staff to contact the school district to let them know the City is in agreement.
12.c. MAYOR GLORIA OLMOS
1. Discussion on creating an annual men's event and an Ad- Hoc/Subcommittee.
RECOMMENDATION: Discussion and/or action.
Mayor Olmos discussed her item on creating a men's event to help mentor young men and suggested creating an Ad -Hoc Committee for an annual event. Asked Councilmember Angel and Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez and anyone else if they are interested in being a part of the Ad -Hoc Committee and offered her assistance.
Councilmember Angel is interested and will speak to the City Manager on creating an Ad -Hoc Committee.
COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA (CONTINUED)
12.c. MAYOR GLORIA OLMOS (CONTINUED)
Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez is also interested and asked the city attorney for clarification on three councilmembers sitting on the committee and the requirements of the Brown Act. City Attorney Anthony Taylor explained that three councilmembers cannot meet outside of an agendized meeting. However, the Mayor has offered her assistance as long as that assistance isn't meeting with that Ad -Hoc and the material can be provided as informational anything donated isn't a meeting. He suggested, there's two different types of meetings a standing committee where you have to agendize and go through formalities. If you have it as an Ad -Hoc only two councilmembers and to put a sunset on it so its not a standing committee, suggested a pilot committee and recommended 6 months or a limited duration.
Mayor Olmos is looking for a conference annually and continuing it. A third member isn't disregarded they can attend the meeting as the public. Mayor Olmos then reiterated that the two Councilmembers interested to be on the Ad - Hoc Committee are Councilmember Angel and Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez and congratulated them.
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
13.b. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
City Negotiator: City Manager
Employee Organizations: South El Monte Executive Management Team Association
At 9:15 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. and 13.b. with the exception of Councilmember Delgado who was absent, no action taken, nothing to report.
14. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business coming before this body, at 9:15 p.m. Mayor Olmos adjourned the meeting in memory of Margarita Perez, grandmother of employee Dianna Gomez to a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.�
oria Olmos, Mayor