Final Minutes Approved 1/28/25
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - 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, Delgado, Rodriguez, 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; Masami Higa, Director of Finance; Guillermo Arreola, Director of Community Development; Ariana De La Cruz, Director of Community Services; lyob Tessema, Director of Human Resources and Risk Management; Andres Gonzalez, Senior Public Works Analyst; and Sabrina Muhne, Deputy City Clerk
Zoom was provided for the public to participate during Public Comment via teleconference.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. INVOCATION — Mr. Mark Ramos offered the invocation.
A Moment of Silence was held for lives lost in the recent wildfires.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.a. Mayor and City Council presented Certificates of Recognition to the Winners of the LA County Library Foundation's "45th Annual Bookmark Contest."
4.b. Mayor and City Council presented plaque awards to the 2024 Holiday Home Decorating Contest Winners.
4.c. Mayor and City Council presented Years of Service Awards to City Employees.
Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez requested to move up Correspondence Agenda Item 11.a.
Correspondence Agenda Item 11.a. was heard at this time.
11. CORRESPONDENCE
CORRESPONDENCE (CONTINUED)
11.a. LETTER FROM THE MONTEBELLO BREWERS CORPORATION
REQUESTING A FACILITY FEE WAIVER FOR THE USE OF DEAN L.
SHIVELY PARK FIELD AND NEW TEMPLE PARK FIELDS AND
CONSIDERATION TO HOST TWO BASEBALL TOURNAMENTS IN
2025
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Ariana De La Cruz, Director of Community Services presented a report.
Mr. Richard Angel, former councilmember, spoke on the Brewer's donations to the community and to the City, shared that the organization is dropping Montebello from the organization's name, and that Mr. Briones is a South EI Monte resident.
Mr. Leo Briones, Manager of Brewers Baseball, requested the fee waivers due to their contributions to the City, that they will continue to pay for the lights, and expressed that they give priority to other city events and South EI Monte groups who wish to use the fields.
Public Comment was opened at this time.
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Delgado, to approve the facility fee waiver request for the use of Shively Park and New Temple Park fields for the estimated amount of $35,425.00, and to approve the Brewers to host two baseball tournaments.
Substitute Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez to deny the fee waiver, there being no second, the substitute motion failed.
Main Motion passed 4-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): None
5. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF
ORDINANCES
Councilmember Delgado requested to continue Agenda Items 9.b., 9.c., 9.d., and 9.e. to the next Regular City Council Meeting to allow current commission applicants more time to provide missing documentation, to allow more applicants to apply to the commissions. Staff was directed to extend the application deadline to Wednesday, January 22, 2025, by 5:00 p.m., and to change the commission terms from January to January.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF
ORDINANCES (CONTINUED)
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez, to approve the agenda as amended and to continue Agenda Items 9.b. through
9.e. to the next Regular Council Meeting. Motion passed 4-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Acosta
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): None
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Olmos opened public comment.
1. Pastor Ben Garrett expressed concern and requested clarification on Agenda Item 12.c.1.
2. Claudia Calderon, East San Gabriel Valley America's Job Centers, introduced the organization as the new contractor that took over Goodwill, and is hoping for a partnership with the City to host a job fair event.
3. Carlos Delgado, South EI Monte Aviators Baseball, requested similar time availability and fee waivers that the Brewers receive for use of the fields at Shively Park or New Temple Park.
4. John Ventura, resident, spoke in support of the Brewers, and expressed concern on Agenda Items 12.c.2. and 12.c.3., and concerns on the City Attorney dismissal that occurred at the prior council meeting.
5. Leo Briones, Manager, Brewers Baseball, spoke on the organization's use of the name Brewers Baseball instead of Montebello Brewers during the past five years, and their contributions and payments to the City.
6. Ricardo Padilla, President of EI Monte/South EI Monte Emergency Resources Association and Board Member of EI Monte Union High School District Board of Trustees, spoke on the history and background of the Emergency Resources Association.
7. Danny Olmos, resident and husband to Mayor Olmos, concurred on Mr.
Ventura's comments regarding the City Attorney dismissal at the prior meeting, and expressed concerns regarding the EI Monte/South EI Monte Emergency Resources Association.
PUBLIC COMMENT (CONTINUED)
8. Eduardo Almeida Sauceda, spoke via Zoom, thanking Mr. Angel for his mentorship to children, and spoke on the topics of emergency preparedness, the recent building fire, the wildfires, parks and recreation, council unity, the Greater El Monte Hospital, and fixing the park for the Little Leaguers.
There being no further public comment, Mayor Olmos closed public comment.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion 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, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): None
7.a. Approved the Minutes for the Regular City Council Meetings of November 12, 2024, December 10, 2024, and the Special City Council Meeting of December 16, 2024.
7.b. Adopted Resolution No. 25-001, authorizing payment of City expenditures for the period of December 11, 2024, through January 14, 2025, totaling $2,833,987.69.
7.c. Directed staff to proceed with an RFP to solicit bids for City Attorney Services.
7.d. Adopted Resolution No. 25-002, approving First Amendment to the Contract Services Agreement with West & Associates Engineering, Inc. to provide Construction Phase Support Services for Safe Routes to School Pedestrian Safety Project in the amount of $15,000, appropriated $15,000 of Measure M Local funds to the project for the proposed additional services, and authorized City Manager or designee to negotiate and execute the agreement.
7.e. Adopted Resolution No. 25-003 adding Second Amendment to the current agreement with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments to continue to implement an edible food recovery recycling and enforcement program for designated food generators, and authorized City Manager or designee to negotiate and execute the agreement.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
9. GENERAL BUSINESS
9.a. SELECTION OF MAYOR PRO TEM
Mayor Olmos introduced the item.
Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez nominated Councilmember Hector Delgado for Mayor Pro Tem.
Mayor Gloria Olmos nominated Councilmember Manuel Acosta for Mayor Pro Tem.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez, to nominate Hector Delgado for Mayor Pro Tem. Motion passed 4-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Mayor Olmos
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): None
9.b. APPOINTMENT OF ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN AND GIRLS
COMMISSIONERS
This item was continued.
9.c. APPOINTMENT OF COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSIONERS
This item was continued.
9.d. APPOINTMENT OF PATRIOTIC COMMISSIONERS
This item was continued.
9.e. APPOINTMENT OF PLANNING COMMISSIONERS
This item was continued.
9.f. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT FOR INTERIM CITY ATTORNEY SERVICES BETWEEN
THE CITY AND OLIVAREZ MADRUGA LAW ORGANIZATION, LLP
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Rene Salas, City Manager presented a report.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez, to approve the Professional Services Agreement for Interim City Attorney Services between the City of South El Monte and Olivarez Madruga Law.
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Item 9.f.
Organization, LLP, to continue to provide interim City Attorney Services to the City, City Council and its Boards and Commissions while the City recruits a new permanent City Attorney, and to authorize the City Manager to make nonmaterial changes and execute all implementing documents. Motion passed 4-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Mayor Olmos
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): None
9.g. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 25-004,
ADOPTING AN INJURY AND ILLNESS PREVENTION PROGRAM OR
PLAN ("IIPP")
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and lyob Tessema, Director of Human Resources and Risk Management, presented a report.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez, to adopt Resolution No. 25-004, adopting an Injury and Illness Prevention Program or Plan ("IIPP"). Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): None
9.h. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 25-005,
ADOPTING AND APPROVING THE WORKPLACE VIOLENCE
PREVENTION POLICY
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and lyob Tessema, Director of Human Resources and Risk Management, presented a report.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to adopt Resolution No. 25-005, adopting and approving the Workplace Violence Prevention Policy. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, 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 Santa's Sleigh Christmas Ride -Along, the Christmas Wish Toy Giveaway, the Senior's Christmas Luncheon, and the Senior's 2025 New Year's Party.
Councilmember Bojorquez announced he attended the following: the Valle Lindo School District Swearing -In Ceremony, the Christmas Wish Toy Giveaway, the South EI Monte Employee All Staff Meeting, and the Senior's 2025 New Year's Party.
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado announced he attended the following: Santa's Sleigh Christmas Ride -Along, the Christmas Wish Toy Giveaway, the EI Monte -South EI Monte Emergency Resources Association Christmas Food Baskets and Toy Distribution event, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District Meeting, and the Valle Lindo School District Swearing -In Ceremony.
Councilmember Rodriguez announced he attended the following: the Valle Lindo School District Swearing -In Ceremony, the Santa's Sleigh Christmas Ride -Along, and the Christmas Wish Toy Giveaway.
Mayor Olmos announced she attended the following: the Santa's Sleigh Christmas Ride -Along, the committee meeting and event for the South EI Monte Employee Recognition Dinner, the Tree Lighting Ceremony, the funeral of community member Michael Felix, the Christmas Wish Toy Giveaway, the South EI Monte Employee All Staff Meeting, the Holiday Multi -Chamber Mixer, the Senior's Christmas Luncheon, the Senior's 2025 New Year's Party, the 3L Club Appreciation Dinner/Dance, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services Annual Toy Drive, and the VACCO holiday event.
11. CORRESPONDENCE
11.a. LETTER FROM THE MONTEBELLO BREWERS CORPORATION
REQUESTING A FACILITY FEE WAIVER FOR THE USE OF DEAN L.
SHIVELY PARK FIELD AND NEW TEMPLE PARK FIELDS AND
CONSIDERATION TO HOST TWO BASEBALL TOURNAMENTS IN
2025
This item was heard before Approval of the Agenda.
12. COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA
12.a. Mayor Gloria Olmos
Mayor Olmos summarized her items and directed staff to address the following issues.
1. For Southern California Edison to cruise and fix streetlights that are out.
COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA (CONTINUED)
Item 12.a.
2. Have Code Enforcement contact the owner of the Chaparrito Restaurant area to fix all burnt -out lights in the parking lot; it is extremely dark there.
3. Have Code Enforcement cruise the area and ensure all political signs are down.
12.b. Councilmember Rodriguez
1. Consideration of establishing a Homelessness Commission.
Councilmember Rodriguez summarized his item and explained his background working with homelessness on other commissions and in his job, clarified that the goal of establishing a homelessness commission would be to reduce the number of homeless persons within South El Monte by providing resources to those persons within the City, and that the commission would not create additional homeless services.
Councilmember Bojorquez requested clarification from the City Attorney whether a commission or a committee was a better option to serve the purpose of this recommendation.
Mayor and City Council directed staff to work with the City Attorney to investigate committees versus commissions, how other cities address homelessness programs, and to present a proposal in February.
2. Consideration of Implementing the Flags of Valor Memorial to City Events.
Councilmember Rodriguez summarized his item and requested that the Flags of Valor Memorial event be included as a City event rather than being a volunteer -based effort.
Councilmember Bojorquez requested creating an ad hoc committee to meet once a month, four to five months prior, so the City can prepare for the Flags of Memorial Event.
Motion by Councilmember Bojorquez, to establish an ad hoc committee, consisting of Councilmember Bojorquez and Mayor Olmos, with Councilmember Rodriguez attending as an constituent.
Mayor and City council directed staff to bring the item back to formalize the ad hoc committee, detailing jobs and responsibilities for the event.
12.c. Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
1. Discussion/Action/Direction on considering changing city council meeting days to the first and third Tuesdays of the month.
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado summarized his item and requested consideration of changing the City Council Meeting dates due to upcoming scheduling conflicts.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez, to move the Regular City Council Meetings to the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Motion passed 3-1-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez, Rodriguez, and Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Acosta
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): Mayor Olmos
Rene Salas, City Manager, commented that staff will bring back a resolution at the meeting on January 28, 2025, with the change of dates for the City Council Meetings, Planning Commission Meetings, and Community Services Commission Meetings.
2. Consideration/Action on support for the EI Monte/South EI Monte Emergency Resources Association request for funding.
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado summarized his item and provided background information on the EI Monte/South EI Monte Emergency Resources Association (ERA) and the services the organization provides to the community.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez, to provide funding to the Emergency Resources Association in the amount of $35,000. Motion passed 3-1-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez, Rodriguez, and Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Acosta
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): Mayor Olmos
3. Consideration/Action on support for South EI Monte Beat the Streets Wrestling Program request for funding.
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado summarized his item and provided background information on the Beat the Streets Wrestling Program. disclosing that he is a volunteer receiving no stipend and that his daughters are in the program.
COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA (CONTINUED)
Item 12.c.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez, to provide funding to the South El Monte Beat the Streets Wrestling Program in the amount of $15,000. Motion passed 4-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Acosta
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): None
Staff presented a cake to Mayor Pro Tem Delgado for his birthday.
13. CLOSED SESSION
At 9:05 p.m. Mayor and City Council recessed into Closed Session.
13.a. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION - Title: City Manager pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1). — None
13.b. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS - Title: City Manager pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6(a).
Agency designated representatives: Mayor and City Council Unrepresented Employee: City Manager
At 10:05 p.m. Mayor Olmos reconvened the meeting with all councilmembers present.
Susie A. Altamirano, Interim City Attorney, announced City Council discussed Items
13.a. and 13.b., 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 Ralph "Ralphy" Ortiz, resident, and all the loved ones who experienced a loss in the wildfire catastrophe, to a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Sabrina A. Muhne, Deputy City Clerk.
Adrian Garcia, MMC, City Clerk
G oria Olmos, Mayor