Final Minutes Approved 9-10-24
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE
ADJOURNED REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 - 6:00 PM
1415 Santa Anita Avenue, South El Monte, California 91733 Mayor Olmos called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
1. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Angel, Delgado, and Mayor Olmos ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez
STAFF PRESENT: Anthony R. Taylor, City Attorney; Sabrina Muhne, Interim City Clerk; Masami Higa, Director of Finance; John Poehler, Director of Public Works; Guillermo Arreola, Director of Community Development; Iyob Tessema, Director of Human Resources & Risk Management; Ariana De La Cruz (via Zoom) and Robert Molina, Interim Deputy City Clerk.
STAFF ABSENT: Rene Salas, City Manager
Zoom was provided for the Public to participate during public comment via teleconference.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Councilmember Acosta led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. INVOCATION — Pastor Benjamin Garrett, Faith Dominion Church, offered the invocation.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.a. Mayor and City Council presented a proclamation to the Community Services staff, proclaiming the Month of July 2024, as Parks Make Life Better Month.
4.b. Valle Lindo School District Parent Teacher Organization presented a Certificate of Appreciation to City Council for "their continued support of PTO activities throughout the school year."
4.c. Mayor and City Council received the Sheriffs Department Report for the Month of June 2024.
4.d. Mayor and City Council received the Code Enforcement and Public Safety Department Report for the Month of June 2024.
5. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF
ORDINANCES
City Attorney Anthony Taylor announced, consistent with Councilmember Delgado's request, to move Agenda Item 12.a "the '/4 cent sales tax" to Agenda Item 9.a.a. so that it appears before Agenda Item 9.b. the "business license tax measure," and since it is consistent with Councilmember Delgado's proposal, it would be good to discuss the 1/4 cent sales tax before City Council could take final action on 9.b. which is the business license tax measure.
Councilmember Delgado requested to pull Consent Calendar Item 7.g. for discussion.
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Angel to approve the agenda as amended, pulling Item 7.g. for discussion, and renumbering Item 12.a. as Item 9.a.a. to be heard before taking Item 9.b. Motion passed 4-0-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Angel, Delgado, and Mayor Olmos NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Olmos opened public comment.
1. Jack Owens, business owner, expressed support for Agenda Item 12.a.
2. Salvador "Sal" Ramirez, resident, introduced himself and announced that he is running for Member of the City Council in the November 5. 2024, General Municipal Election.
3. The Interim City Clerk read a letter from Local 721 Service Employees International Union regarding "Our Concerns with Southeast Area Animal Control (SEACCA) Management." The entire letter is available for public viewing in the City Clerk's Office.
There being no further comments, Mayor Olmos closed public comment.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Angel to approve the Consent Calendar as amended, pulling Agenda Item 7.g. for discussion.
Motion passed 4-0-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Angel, Delgado, and Mayor Olmos NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez
CONSENT CALENDAR (CONTINUED)
7.a. Approved the Minutes of the July 9, 2024, Regular City Council Meeting.
7.b. Adopted Resolution No. 24-201. authorizing payment of City expenditures.
7.c. Adopted Resolution No. 24-202, approving the agreement for environmental contract services between the City and Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.; and authorized the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement.
7.d. Approved the issuance of a RFP to establish a pre -qualified list of individuals and/or firms to administer and implement the CalHome Owner - Occupied Home Repair program and the First Time Home Buyer Program.
7.e. Approved the issuance of a RFP to establish a pre -qualified list of firms to administer and monitor foreclosures in the City.
7.f. Adopted Resolution No. 24-203, updating the compensation schedule of Pool Manager, Assistant Pool Manager, Water Safety Instructor, and Lifeguard by increasing the hourly rate by $3.00, respectively.
7.g. Heard after approval of the Consent Calendar.
7.h. Approved the All -Women and Girls Bike Ride to be held on Saturday, September 21st, meeting at 8:30 AM at the South El Monte Community Center; and approved allocating $950.00 from the City's Special events account 01-151-1543-5952 to host the event.
7.i. Approved the issuance of a RFP to provide peer review of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and related technical studies RFP substantially in the form attached to the agenda report, subject to minor revisions by the City Attorney, and authorized the City to solicit proposals.
7.j. Approved Resolution No. 24-207 and Resolution No. 24-208, confirming that the Senior Executive Assistant/Community Liaison Classification is at - will, making updates to the class specifications for this position, confirming the appointment of Dianna Gomez in this position, and establishing the benefits for this position.
Consent Calendar Item 7.g. heard at this time.
CONSENT CALENDAR (CONTINUED)
7.g. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 24-204,
APPROVING APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONERS TO THE
PATRIOTIC COMMISSION
Councilmember Delgado requested clarification on the staff recommendation, and on policies regarding commissioners serving on more than one commission.
Motion by Councilmember Angel, Second by Councilmember Delgado to approve appointments to the Patriotic Commission with the requirement that Rosemary R.
Tavera resigns from the Advancement of Women and Girls Commission. Motion passed 4-0-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta. Angel, Delgado, and Mayor Olmos NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8.a. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 24-205,
APPROVING THE ANNUAL LEVY OF THE SEWER SERVICE FEE FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2024-25
Anthony Taylor, City Attorney addressed that page 263 of the agenda packet included the incorrect resolution attached to the staff report and requested that General Business be heard after staff can provide the correct resolution.
Hearing no objection, Agenda Item 8.a. was passed to be heard later in the meeting, moving General Business to be heard at this time.
9. GENERAL BUSINESS
9.a. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE CITY'S 2025 FOURTH OF
JULY CELEBRATION
Mayor Olmos announced the item and introduced Jayson Perez, Community Services Manager, who provided an oral report.
Discussion topics included securing a date for the firework festival due to limited vendor availability, pricing differences, staff's availability to work two consecutive events occurring on July 3rd and July 4th, and an entertainment schedule to be presented to Mayor and City Council at a later meeting.
After discussion and common consent, there being no objection, no action was taken.
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Agenda Item 12.a. was moved and renumbered as Agenda Item 9.a.a., to be heard and discussed prior to taking final action on Agenda Item 9.b.
9.a.a. COUNCILMEMBERS AGENDA — COUNCILMEMBER HECTOR DELGADO Anthony Taylor announced the item and suggested that Mark Mandell, Special Counsel, Mandell Municipal Counseling, provide an oral report.
Discussion topics included an overview of sales tax rates and the percentages that go to the state versus the city, tax laws, the Measure H tax expiring in 2027, an overview of if Measure A replaces Measure H in the November elections, suggested City strategies, potential California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) approval, the city's and other cities' experiences with contributions towards Measure H compared to how much received in return, local control versus county control, rules on express advocacy and options for communicating measure material to the voters, scheduling a special meeting to further discuss options on this item, and consideration to continue Item 9.b. to be heard at that special meeting .
After discussion and common consent, there being no objection, no action was taken, and this item was continued to a Special City Council meeting scheduled for August 7, 2024. at 7:00 p.m.
9.b. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 24-206,
SUBMITTING A BUSINESS LICENSE TAX MEASURE TO THE VOTERS AT THE NOVEMBER 5, 2024, GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION AND INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1273 RELATING TO BUSINESS
LICENSING PROCEDURES
Mayor Olmos announced the item, and there being no objection, continued this item to a Special City Council meeting scheduled for August 7, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
10. COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS
Councilmember Acosta announced he attended the following: two Summer Night Markets, the "Older American of the Year" Senior Luncheon, the City's 66th Anniversary Luncheon and Dance, the Community Bike Ride, the Community Services Appreciation Luncheon, Movies in the Park, the California Contract Cities Association Board of Directors Meeting, and the California State Senate Select Committee on School Climate and Student Safety sponsored by Senator Susan Rubio. The AMR() Fabricating Corporation's Health and Wellness Fair.
Councilmember Delgado announced he attended the following: the Independent Cities Association (ICA) Summer Seminar, and the California State Senate Select Committee on School Climate and Student Safety sponsored by Senator Susan Rubio.
COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS (CONTINUED) Councilmember Angel announced he attended the following: two Summer Night Markets, the "Older American of the Year" Senior Luncheon, the City's 66th Anniversary Luncheon and Dance, the Community Services Appreciation Luncheon, Movies in the Park, and the Marathon Batting Cages 1 Year Anniversary Party. The AMRO Fabricating Corporation's Health and Wellness Fair.
Mayor Olmos announced she attended the following: Movies in the Park, two Summer Night Markets, the South El Monte/EI Monte Chamber of Commerce Annual Installation and Awards Banquet, the Patriotic Commission meeting, the Planning Commission meeting, the Healthy South El Monte Leadership Coalition Program, the swearing in of "Older American of the Year" Rosario "Chayo" Gonzalez at Club Latino del Sur, the Marathon Batting Cages 1 Year Anniversary Party, the Community Services Appreciation Luncheon, the South Pasadena Police Department Electric Vehicle Fleet Conversion Press Conference, the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEACCA) Commission Meeting, AMRO Fabricating Corporation's Health and Wellness Fair, the California State Senate Select Committee on School Climate and Student Safety sponsored by Senator Susan Rubio, the swearing in of Edward Yen as the new Executive Officer of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Office, a scoping meeting with Magellan Value Partners, the City's 66th Anniversary Luncheon and Dance, the Los Angeles County Sanitation District No. 15 Board of Directors Regular Meeting, and the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (JPIA) Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors.
11. CORRESPONDENCE
11.a. LETTER FROM SOUTH EL MONTE AMERICAN YOUTH SOCCER
ORGANIZATION REQUESTING A FACILITY FEE WAIVER FOR THE
USE OF DEAN L. SHIVELY PARK FIELD AND CONSIDERATION TO
WAIVE THE LIGHT FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE RESERVATION
Motion Councilmember Acosta, second by Councilmember Angel to approve the facility fee waiver request for the use of Shively Park field in the amount of $44,075.00, and to approve the request to waive the reservation light fees at Shively Park in the amount of $13,950.00. Motion passed 4-0-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Angel, Delgado, and Mayor Olmos NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez
11.b. LETTER FROM SOUTH EL MONTE VETERANS SENIOR BASEBALL
TEAM REQUESTING A FACILITY WAIVER FOR THE USE OF
THE BASEBALL FIELD AT DEAN L. SHIVELY PARK
Motion by Councilmember Angel, second by Councilmember Delgado to approve the facility fee waiver requested by SEM Veterans Baseball in the amount of $5,225.00. Motion passed 4-0-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Angel, Delgado, and Mayor Olmos NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez
12. COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA
12.a. This item was moved and renumbered as Agenda Item 9.a.a., to be heard and discussed prior to taking final action on Agenda Item 9.b.
Anthony Taylor, City Attorney, announced that staff was able to provide the correct resolution attached to the staff report for Agenda Item 8.a., it is publicly available, and suggested hearing Item 8.a. at this time.
There being no objection, Agenda Item 8.a. was heard at this time.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8.a. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 24-205,
APPROVING THE ANNUAL LEVY OF THE SEWER SERVICE FEE FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2024-25
Mayor Olmos opened the public hearing.
Mayor Olmos opened public comment, there being none, closed public comment.
Mayor Olmos introduced John Poehler, Director of Public Works, who provided an oral report.
Motion by Councilmember Angel, seconded by Councilmember Delgado, to adopt Resolution No. 24-205, adopting the Written Report and approving the annual levy of the Sewer Service Fee for Fiscal Year 2024-25 at $35.37 per sewer unit.).
Motion passed 4-0-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Angel, Delgado, and Mayor Olmos NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez
13. CLOSED SESSION
At 8:08 p.m. Anthony R. Taylor, City Attorney, recessed Council into closed session.
13.a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — POTENTIAL INITIATION OF
LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) — (two cases)
13.b. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO
LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) - One Case
CLOSED SESSION (CONTINUED)
13.c. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
City Negotiator: City Manager
Employee Organizations: South El Monte Employees Association
13.d. 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 8:47 p.m. Mayor Olmos reconvened the meeting with Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez absent.
City Attorney Anthony Taylor announced closed session items 13.a. through 13.d. were discussed with no reportable action at this time.
14. RECESS COUNCIL MEETING:
Mayor Olmos recessed the meeting at 8:47 p.m.
Mayor Olmos adjourned the Successor Agency rneeting at 8:49 p.m.
Mayor Olmos reconvened the City Council Meeting at 8:50 p.m.
15. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business coming before this body, at 8:50 p.m. Mayor Olmos adjourned the meeting in memory of Mr. Jack Owens, to a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., and a special meeting to be scheduled for August 7, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
Sabrina Muhne, Interim City Clerk
GI. is Olmos, Mayor