Final Minutes Approved 1/14/25
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, November 12, 2024 - 6:00 PM
1415 Santa Anita Avenue, South El Monte, California 91733 Mayor Olmos called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
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; Adrian Garcia, City Clerk; John Poehler, Director of Public Works; Ariana De La Cruz, Director of Community Services; Guillermo Arreola, Director of Community Development; Iyob Tessema, Director of Human Resources and Risk Management; and Sabrina Muhne, Deputy City Clerk
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 Patricia Garrett, Faith Dominion church, offered the invocation.
4. PRESENTATIONS — None
5. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF
ORDINANCES
Anthony Taylor, City Attorney, announced Agenda Item 9.g., "Consideration and Approval of Keyser Marston Associates, Inc. agreement for the homebuyer program at the KB homes project," a staff report and resolution is at the dais for council review and is publicly available to members of the public.
Correspondence Agenda Item 11.a. was requested to be moved up. There being no objection, Agenda Item 11.a. was moved to be heard after the Consent Calendar.
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve the agenda as amended. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA (CONTINUED)
Item 5
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Angel, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): None
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Olmos opened public comment.
1. Sil Ruiz, Library Manager, South El Monte Library, shared information on the "Cello with Chelsea" program, announced that winners have been selected in this year's annual bookmark contest, and expressed hope to have their talent recognized at an upcoming meeting.
2. James Delgado, Chief Operating Officer, Mobility Development Operations, LLC, spoke in support of Agenda Item 9.a. and provided comments on questions that were previously raised (program term and funding, analysis of current community rental/carsharing rates to provide discounts to underserved and underprivileged, and similar program engagement with other cities).
There being no further public comment, Mayor Olmos closed public comment.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, 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
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): None
7.a. Approved the Minutes for the October 22, 2024. Regular City Council Meeting.
7.b. Adopted Resolution No. 24-234, authorizing payment of City expenditures for the period of October 23, 2024, through November 12, 2024, totaling $2,288,087.10.
7.c. Adopted Resolution No. 24-235, accepting the completion for the Traffic Signal Improvements at Various Signalized Intersections Project, authorized City Clerk to send the Notice of Completion for recordation to the Los Angeles County Recorder's Office, and released retention accordingly.
CONSENT CALENDAR (CONTINUED)
7.d. Authorized staff to both reject the response that was received to the Foreclosure Registration Program and re -solicit the RFP for the Foreclosure of Abandoned Properties program.
7.e. Approved the construction bid package to solicit bids for South El Monte Systemic Safety Improvements at Signalized Intersections (HSIP Cycle 11 Project).
7.f. Authorized staff to reissue the RFP to solicit proposals to administer the CalHome Owner -Occupied Home Repair program and the First Time Home Buyer Program.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS — None
Correspondence Agenda Item 11.a. was heard at this time.
11.a. LETTER FROM SOUTH EL MONTE NATIONAL LITTLE LEAGUE
REQUESTING A FACILITY FEE WAIVER FOR THE USE OF NEW TEMPLE
PARK FIELDS, MARY VAN DYKE PARK COMMUNITY ROOM, SENIOR
CENTER DINING ROOM, CONSIDERATION TO WAIVE THE PARK
LIGHTING FEES, AND CONSIDERATION TO WAIVE THE FEES FOR THE
INSTALLATION AND TEAR DOWN OF FIELD FENCES
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Rene Salas, City Manager, introduced Ariana De La Cruz, Director of Community Services, who presented a report.
Christina Rodriguez, Little League President, requested the fee waivers to help keep their registration fees low.
Motion by Councilmember Angel, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve the facility reservation fee waiver request for the use of the New Temple Park fields, Senior Center Dining Room, and Mary Van Dyke Community Room for the estimated amount of $33,600.00, to approve the request to waive the light fees in the estimated amount of $7,740.00, and to approve waiving the associated labor cost incurred to install and remove five (5) fences at New Temple Park in the estimated amount of $4,700.00. 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
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): None
9. GENERAL BUSINESS
9.a. CONTINUED FROM THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 8, 2024 - CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF
RESOLUTION NO. 24-236, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR
HIS DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH MOBILITY
DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS, LLC (MDO) TO ALLOW THEM TO
USE SIX DESIGNATED ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING PARKING
SPACES FOR THE OPERATION OF AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE CAR
SHARING PROGRAM
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Rene Salas, City Manager, introduced John Poehler, Director of Public Works, who presented a report and answered questions raised at the October 8, 2024, Regular City Council Meeting.
Andres Gonzalez, Senior Public Works Analyst, and James Delgado, Chief Operating Officer, Mobility Development Operations, LLC, answered additional questions posed by Council.
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to adopt Resolution No. 24-236 to execute an Agreement for the use of six electric vehicle charging stations with Mobility Development Operations, LLC, and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s):
NAYS: Councilmember(s):
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s):
Acosta, Angel, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem
Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
None
None
9.b. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE CITY'S 2025 SPECIAL
EVENTS CALENDAR
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Rene Salas, City Manager, introduced Ariana De La Cruz, Director of Community Services, who presented a report.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Delgado, to approve the City's 2025 Special Events Calendar with an amendment to the 4th of July activities with fireworks at the South El Monte High School on Thursday, July 3, 2025, and a festival at New Temple Park on Friday, July 4, 2025. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
Councilmember(s): Acosta, Angel, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
Councilmember(s): None
Councilmember(s): None
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
9.c. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 24-237,
APPROVING AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO TORO
ENTERPRISES, INC. FOR SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PEDESTRIAN
SAFETY PROJECT, ATP CYCLE 5, ATPL-5352(023)
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Rene Salas, City Manager, introduced John Poehler, Director of Public Works, who presented a report.
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to adopt and approve the plans and specifications for the Safe Routes to School Pedestrian Safety Project, ATP Cycle 5, ATPL-5352(023) Project, to adopt and approve Resolution No. 24-237, awarding the Safe Routes to School Pedestrian Safety Project, ATP Cycle 5, ATPL-5352(023) Project contract to the lowest responsible, Toro Enterprises, Inc., for an amount of $1,794,169.80 and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract, and to authorize 10% of the total contract amount as contingency allowance to be used if necessary for unforeseen conditions at the City Manager's discretion. 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
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
9.d. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 24-238,
AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF THE TRANSPORTATION VEHICLE
FROM ("MODEL 1") COMMERCIAL VEHICLES, INC.
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Rene Salas, City Manager, introduced Ariana De La Cruz, Director of Community Services, who presented a report.
Motion by Councilmember Angel, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve Resolution No. 24-238, approving the purchase of the Voyager from Model 1, and to authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute all requisite documents for the purchase. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Item 9.d.
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
Councilmember(s): Acosta, Angel, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
Councilmember(s): None
Councilmember(s): None
9.e. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 24-239,
APPROVING A FACILITY USE AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY
OF SOUTH EL MONTE AND CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY,
NORTHRIDGE
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Item 9.e.
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Rene Salas, City Manager, introduced Ariana De La Cruz, Director of Community Services, who presented a report.
Motion by Councilmember Angel, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, to approve Resolution No. 24-239, approving the Agreement, and to authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute the Agreement. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
Councilmember(s): Acosta, Angel, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
Councilmember(s): None
Councilmember(s): None
9.f. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 24-240,
APPROVING AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (PSA)
TO CSG CONSULTANTS TO PROVIDE PEER REVIEW OF AN
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT AND RELATED TECHNICAL
STUDIES IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF 825
LEXINGTON-GALLATIN ROAD
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Rene Salas, City Manager, introduced Guillermo Arreola, Director of Community Development, who presented a report.
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve Resolution No. 24-240, awarding PSA to CSG Consultants for consulting services to peer review an environmental impact report and technical studies, in an amount not to exceed $40,000, and to authorize the City Manager or his designee to negotiate and execute the agreement. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
Councilmember(s): Acosta, Angel, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
Councilmember(s): None
Councilmember(s): None
9.g. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 24-241,
APPROVING AND AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SOUTH EL
MONTE AND KEYSER-MARSDEN TO REVIEW HOMEBUYER
APPLICATIONS AND PROVIDE GENERAL ADVICE TO THE CITY WITH
RESPECT TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING DOCUMENTS FOR THE
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2540 ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD (KB HOMES)
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Rene Salas, City Manager, introduced Guillermo Arreola, Director of Community Development, who presented a report.
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Item 9.g.
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to adopt Resolution No. 24-241 authorizing the allocation of $50,000 from the general fund balance and authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute the agreement with Keyser Marston Associates (KMA). 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
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): None
9.h. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 24-242,
ADOPTING AMENDED AND RESTATED PAY SCHEDULES FOR THE
CITY'S NON -REPRESENTED EXECUTIVE AND PART-TIME EMPLOYEES Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Rene Salas. City Manager, introduced lyob Tessema, Director of Human Resources and Risk Management, who presented a report.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Delgado, to adopt Resolution No. 24-242, approving a revised monthly salary schedule for executives (non -represented). 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
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): None
10. COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS
Councilmember Acosta announced he attended the following: the Harvest Festival, and the Veteran's Day Ceremony.
Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez announced he attended the following: the Harvard Latino Leadership Academy, the Shoe Palace Grand Opening, and the Valle Lindo School District's Veterans Appreciation Breakfast.
Councilmember Delgado announced he attended the following: the Harvard Latino Leadership Academy, and the Veteran's Day Ceremony.
Councilmember Angel announced he attended the following: the Harvest Festival, the Veteran's Day Ceremony, the Seniors Veterans Day Luncheon, the Harvard Latino Leadership Academy, and the EI Monte/South EI Monte Jets Trunk or Treat Fundraising Event, the New Temple Elementary School Harvest Festival. and the Seniors Halloween Luncheon.
COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS (CONTINUED) Mayor Olmos announced she attended the following: the Harvest Festival, the EI Monte/South EI Monte Jets Trunk or Treat Fundraising Event, the New Temple Elementary School Harvest Festival, the New Temple Elementary School's Dia de los Muertos, the Disaster Council Meeting, the Community Services Commission Meeting, the Shoe Palace Grand Opening, the San Gabriel Valley Council of Government's 30 Years Celebration Reception, the Seniors Veterans Day Luncheon, the Seniors Halloween Luncheon, the Veteran's Day Ceremony, and the Harvard Latino Leadership Academy.
11. CORRESPONDENCE
Agenda Item 11.a. was heard before General Business.
11.b. LETTER FROM THE SOUTH EL MONTE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION (SEMEA) REQUESTING SPONSORSHIP FOR THE ANNUAL SOUTH
EL MONTE EMPLOYEE HOLIDAY RECOGNITION DINNER
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Rene Salas, City Manager, presented a report.
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Angel, to approve sponsorship in the amount of $5,000 for the Annual South EI Monte Employee Holiday Recognition Dinner. 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
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): None
11.c. LETTER FROM EPIPHANY CATHOLIC CHURCH REQUESTING A
FEE WAIVER FOR A TEMPORARY USE PERMIT AND CITY STAFF
TIME FOR THEIR ANNUAL OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
PROCESSIONS
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Angel, to approve the fee waiver request submitted by Epiphany Catholic Church, totaling $3,770. 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
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): None
12. COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA
12.a. Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez
1. Consideration and Approval to add two (2) additional golf carts to invite the Valle Lindo and Mountain View School Boards on our Annual Christmas ride along with Santa.
Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez summarized his item and requested the council's input on the consideration of inviting the school boards to the Christmas ride along.
Discussion topics included expressing appreciation for the school districts, the event remaining a City -minded event, individual councilmembers may invite people to ride in their own cart rather than adding additional carts, and the ride along is an opportunity for the council's exposure to the community and allowing the community to interact with their councilmembers.
No action was taken on this item.
13. CLOSED SESSION
At 7:38 p.m. Anthony R. Taylor, City Attorney, recessed Council into closed session.
13.a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) - (one case) Richard Brown vs. City of South El Monte Code Enforcement LA Superior Court, Case No. 24PDSC02133
At 7:59 p.m. Mayor Olmos reconvened the meeting with all councilmembers present.
Anthony R. Taylor, City Attorney, announced City Council discussed Item 13.a., no reportable action.
14. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business coming before this body, at 8:05 p.m., Mayor Olmos adjourned the meeting in honor of all veterans to a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Sabrina A. Muhne, Deputy City Clerk.
Adrian Garcia, MMC, City Clerk
Gloria Olmos, Mayor