Final Minutes Approved 5-14-24
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, April 23, 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, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
STAFF PRESENT: Rene Salas, City Manager; Anthony R. Taylor, City Attorney; Donna G. Schwartz, City Clerk; Guillermo Arreola, Director of Community Development; lyob Tessema, Director of Human Resources & Risk Management; John Poehler, Director of Public Works; Ariana De La Cruz, Director of Community Services; Masami Higa, Director of Finance, and Sabrina Muhne, Deputy City Clerk.
Zoom was provided for the Public to participate during public comment via teleconference.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Councilmember Richard Angel led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. INVOCATION — William Gil, Knights of Columbus, offered the invocation.
4. PRESENTATIONS
City Attorney Anthony Taylor announced a walk-on proclamation National "Day of Prayer," under presentations as 4.e.
4.a. Council presented a proclamation proclaiming, "May 5 through May 11, 2024, as Professional Municipal Clerks Week."
4.b. Presentation by Chris Knight, Chief Executive Officer, El Monte/South El Monte Chamber of Commerce on the Past Quarter 2024 Activities.
4.c. Council received a report from the Sheriffs Department for the month of March 2024.
4.d. Council received a report from the Code Enforcement and Public Safety Division for the month of March 2024.
4.e. Mayor Olmos read a proclamation proclaiming, May 2, 2024, as National "Day of Prayer."
Mayor Olmos requested Correspondence Agenda Item 11.c be heard at this time.
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Angel to approve the Mayor's request to hear agenda item 11.c. at this time. Motion passed by a unanimous vote.
11. CORRESPONDENCE
11.c. LETTER FROM EL MONTE/SOUTH EL MONTE JETS REQUESTING A
FACILITY FEE WAIVER FOR THE USE OF THE COMMUNITY
CENTER, SENIOR CENTER, MARY VAN DYKE PARK COMMUNITY
ROOM, NEW TEMPLE PARK FIELDS, AND SHIVELY PARK FIELD
AND CONSIDERATION TO WAIVE THE LIGHT FEES AT NEW
TEMPLE AND SHIVLEY PARK
Mayor Olmos announced the item and allowed public comment. Council concurred.
Public Comment
1. Blanca Villa, President, El Monte/South El Monte Jets Youth Football & Cheer, spoke in support of the item.
5. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF
ORDINANCES
City Attorney Anthony Taylor read the title of agenda item 7.c. Adoption of Ordinance No. 1271, Adopting Zone Code Amendment No. 24-01 to Implement a Comprehensive Zoning Code Update.
Motion was made by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Angel to approve the agenda. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Angel, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Olmos opened public comment.
1. Gilbert Godina, resident, voiced concern with a citation he received for parking his RV in an area that there were no signs posted and commented on vehicles parked in the area with expired tags for several months that have not been towed yet.
Mayor Olmos directed staff to speak with Mr. Godina.
PUBLIC COMMENT (CONTINUED)
2. Officer Gomez, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, requested a fee waiver and approval to use a field for the softball team to practice on through June 2024, in preparation for the Police and Fire Games 2024.
Councilmember Acosta stated that this item is on the agenda and will be addressed under the Mayor's item.
Mayor Olmos stated her item can be discussed after public comment.
3. Eduardo Saucedo, resident, commented on the following: bikeway project and the potential of it being a liability due to the construction, homeless funds and the outreach programs, Walmarts being closed, mental illness and if any churches are involved with the homeless.
There being no further comments, Mayor Olmos closed public comment.
At this time Mayor Olmos requested her item under Councilmember's Agenda
12.a.2 be heard. Council concurred.
12. COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA
MAYOR GLORIA OLMOS
12.a.
2. Consideration of Allowing the California Border Patrol Homeland Security Softball Team the use of Shively Park for practice any day of the week after 6:00 p.m. (preferably Thursdays) until the end of June in preparation for the Police and Fire Games 2024.
RECOMMENDATION: Discussion and/or action.
Mayor Olmos allowed Officer Oscar Gomez to speak.
Officer Oscar Gomez asked for approval to use field.
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Angel to approve allowing the U.S. Customs and Border Protection softball team the use of Shively Park for practice any day of the week after 6:00 p.m. (preferably Thursdays) until the end of June in preparation for the Police and Fire Games 2024. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Angel, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
Ariana De La Cruz, Director of Community Services, asked Officer Gomez to contact Jayson Perez to discuss what day of the week will be needed.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Angel, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
7.a. Approved Minutes of the April 9, 2024, Regular City Council Meeting.
7.b. Adopted Resolution No. 24-149, authorizing payment of City expenditures for the period of April 10, 2024, through April 23, 2024, totaling $2,158,963.45.
7.c. Adopted Ordinance No. 1271, adopting Zone Code Amendment No. 24-01 to repeal and replace Title 17 - Zoning with updated, and streamlined comprehensive Zone Code Update (Title 17 - Zoning).
7.d. Adopted Resolution No. 24-150 authorizing the purchase of two (2) Nor Cal Ford 2024 Van -Driver Class Z -1-E Transit 350 vehicles from AZ Bus Sales and authorized City Manager or designee to execute all requisite documents for the purchase of.
7.e. Adopted Resolution No. 24-151, awarding a contract services agreement to WGJ Enterprises, Inc. dba PCI for Citywide Striping Maintenance Services and authorized the City Manager or designee to negotiate and execute the agreement.
7.f. Received and filed the Housing Element Annual Progress Report for calendar year 2023.
7.g. Adopted Resolution No. 24-152, approving an amended and restated agreement with John L. Hunter and Associates, Inc. for environmental services.
7.h. and 7.i. next page.
CONSENT CALENDAR (CONTINUED)
7.h. Adopted the following Resolutions creating new classifications and updating certain classification and job descriptions:
Resolution Nos. 24-153 through 24-158 adding and/or revising the positions of Administrative Assistant I — Community Services; Community Services Analyst; Maintenance Worker II (Specialist); Lead Maintenance Worker I I I ; Community Development Executive Assistant; and Planning Assistant. The job title of Receptionist would be changed to Administrative Assistant I — Community Services. The job title of Lead Maintenance Worker — Building & Landscape would be changed to Maintenance Worker 11 (Specialist). The job title of Lead Maintenance Worker would be changed to Lead Maintenance Worker I I I . The job title of Executive Assistant would be changed to Community Development Executive Assistant. There are also updates and revisions to the class specifications for Maintenance Worker 11 (Specialist); Lead Maintenance Worker 11 1; Community Development Executive Assistant; and Planning Assistant.
Further, there are updates to the compensation for Maintenance Worker II (Specialist); Lead Maintenance Worker 1 1 1 ; Community Development Executive Assistant; and Planning Assistant.
7.i. Adopted Resolution No. 24-159, awarding a contract services agreement (CSA) to Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for Design Services for South El Monte Systemic Safety Improvements at Signalized Intersections (HSIP Cycle 11 Project) and authorized the City Manager or designee to negotiate and execute the agreement.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS — None.
9. GENERAL BUSINESS — None.
10. COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS
Councilmember Acosta announced he attended the following: Neighborhood Watch, El Monte/South El Monte Community Alliance meeting, and acknowledged South El Monte resident Arnold Barboza, Jr. on his Super Lightweight Championship win.
Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez announced he attended the following: Neighborhood Watch and thanked the Sheriffs for their attendance, and the Planning Commission meeting.
Councilmember Delgado announced he attended the Annual Women's Angel City Grand Prix hosted by Beat the Street Los Angeles, stated ten women from South El Monte participated in the event and all ten women brought home medals. Mr. Delgado thanked Council for all their support in the program.
COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS (CONTINUED) Councilmember Angel announced he attended the following: Neighborhood Watch, thanking the Sheriffs in attendance and noting the issue with minibikes in the city and understands it will take time for the Sheriff's to get this under control and attended the El Monte/South El Monte Community Alliance meeting.
Mayor Olmos announced she attended the following: Neighborhood Watch, noted that the Sheriff's will be bringing in the motorbikes that will be able to cite the minibikes, El Monte/South El Monte Community Alliance meeting, acknowledged Pastor Charlie who hosted the meeting, her attendance at the Planning Commission meeting, and announced SEAACA still has pets for adoption.
11. CORRESPONDENCE
11.a. CONSIDERATION OF SAN GABRIEL VALLEY COUNCIL OF
GOVERNMENTS (SGVCOG) REQUEST THAT THE CITY SEND A
LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR THE ADOPTION OF ASSEMBLY BILL
2485 SUPPORTING TRANSPARENCY IN THE DEPARTMENT OF
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THE REGIONAL
HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT (RHNA) DETERMINATIONS
Mayor Olmos announced the item.
Motion by Councilmember Angel, seconded by Councilmember Delgado to direct the City Manager to execute and send a letter of support of AB 2485 supporting transparency in HCD's The Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) determinations. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Angel, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
11.b. LETTER FROM EPIPHANY CATHOLIC SCHOOL REQUESTING A
FACILITY FEE WAIVER FOR THE USE OF THE SENIOR CENTER
DINING ROOM TO HOST A MOMMY AND ME SPRING TEA PARTY
EVENT
Mayor Olmos announced the item.
Motion by Councilmember Angel, seconded by Councilmember Acosta to approve the facility fee waiver request by Epiphany in the amount of $1,150.00 and waive all associated rental fees for the reservation in the amount of $1,250.00. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Angel, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
CORRESPONDENCE (CONTINUED)
11.c. LETTER FROM EL MONTE/SOUTH EL MONTE JETS REQUESTING A
FACILITY FEE WAIVER FOR THE USE OF THE COMMUNITY
CENTER, SENIOR CENTER, MARY VAN DYKE PARK COMMUNITY
ROOM, NEW TEMPLE PARK FIELDS, AND SHIVELY PARK FIELD
AND CONSIDERATION TO WAIVE THE LIGHT FEES AT NEW
TEMPLE AND SHIVLEY PARK
Mayor Olmos announced the item.
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Angel to approve the facility reservation fee waiver for the use of the Community Center, Senior Center. Mary Van Dyke Park Community Room, New Temple Park fields and Shively Park field in the amount of $24,400.00 and approve the request to waive the reservation light fees in the amount of $12,660.00. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Angel, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
12. COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA
12.a. MAYOR GLORIA OLMOS
1. South El Monte High School Basketball Team Requesting the use of the Senior Center to Host their Banquet on May 18, 2024.
RECOMMENDATION: Discussion and/or action.
Mayor Olmos announced the item.
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez to approve the request by the South El Monte High School Basketball Team to use the Senior Center to host their annual banquet on May 18, 2024. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Angel, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
12.a.2. next page.
COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA (CONTINUED)
Item 12.a.2.
This item was heard after Public Comment.
2. Consideration of Allowing the California Border Patrol Homeland Security Softball Team the use Shively Park for Practice any day of the week after 6:00 p.m. (preferably Thursdays) until the end of June in preparation for the Police and Fire Games 2024.
RECOMMENDATION: Discussion and/or action.
13. CLOSED SESSION
At 7:28 p.m. Anthony R. Taylor, City Attorney, announced 13.a. would be moved to the next regular city council meeting and then recessed Council into closed session.
13.a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO
LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) - One Case
13.b. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
City Negotiator: City Manager
Employee Organizations: South El Monte Employees Association
13.c. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
City Negotiator: City Manager
Employee Organizations: South El Monte Executive Management Team Association
13.d. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(2)
City of Lancaster vs. County of Los Angeles
LA Superior Court, Case No. 24STCV08440
(Class Action Lawsuit Involving LA County Cities)
At 8:27 p.m. Mayor Olmos reconvened the meeting with all Councilmembers present.
Attorney Anthony Taylor announced closed session item 13.a was not discussed and items 13.b through 13.d.were discussed and no reportable action at this time.
14. RECESS COUNCIL MEETING:
Mayor Olmos recessed the meeting at 8:27 p.m.
Mayor Olmos adjourned the Successor Agency meeting at 8:28 p.m.
Mayor Olmos reconvened the City Council Meeting at 8:29 p.m.
15. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business coming before this body, at 8:29 p.m. Mayor Olmos adjourned the meeting in memory of Mr. Rudy Lopez, longtime resident, Vice Chair on the Patriotic Commission, President of the Senior Center 3L Club and the Manager of the City's Senior Softball Legends team to a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
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Donna G. Schwartz, CMC, City Clerk