HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 09 04 CC MIN MINUTES
BALDWIN PARK CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
September 04, 2013, 7:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBER - 14403 E. Pacific Avenue, Baldwin Park, 91706
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Lozano at 7:05 p.m.
INVOCATION
The invocation was provided Pastor Dan Reeves.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Lozano.
ROLL CALL
The following Council Members were in attendance:
Council Member Marlen Garcia
Council Member Susan Rubio
Mayor Pro Tem Monica Garcia
Mayor Manuel Lozano
Council Member Ricardo Pacheco arrived at 7:40 p.m.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Council Member Rubio noted Bob Bimbo, representative of the Historical Society, and
asked residents to support the Society. Mayor Lozano asked residents to recognize
and give Mr. Bimbo a round of applause.
Council Member Rubio commended Rafael Gonzales, who handles the City Library, for
his dedication to the community. She also thanked Susan Molina who made a donation
to renovate the library.
Maria Contreras, City Treasurer, noted that Mr. Bimbo was their advisor.
Council Member Garcia pointed out that she represented the City of Baldwin Park last
Thursday at the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition Panel. She also noted that the
Baldwin Park Pizza Park opened a new location on the corner of Olive and Main
Streets.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 9/4/13
Baldwin Park Pizza Park opened a new location on the corner of Olive and Main
Streets.
PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
• Certificate recognition to the Officers of the Baldwin Park SWAT Team for their
Exceptional Service in Keeping Our Streets Safe.
Mayor Lozano announced that this recognition would be moved over to another
meeting.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Lozano announced that public communications is now open and the limit on
each speaker is three (3) minutes.
Thomas Kerry noted that men also get beat up by women and asked if Council
Member Garcia has anything for men who get beat up. He also noted that
Manny Carrillo, Director of Parks and Recreation, had two City cars previously,
and asked how long this went on for. He suggested that the City file for Chapter
9 Bankruptcy, but said that it would not because then everyone would find out
about money shuffling. He asked the City how it could negotiate with the Police
Department if it does not have a budget. He asked Mr. Carrillo how it feels to be
a puppet of Council Member Garcia.
Art Luna noted that the Police Department has motorcycles and it does not need
them, and that if there are extra police cars, they should be sold to make more
money. He noted that the City spends money on things it does not need. He
stated that Council Members work four years and get a retirement while he had
to work for forty-five years to get a retirement, and he stated that many residents
do not have air conditioner in their vehicles while Council Members use V-8
vehicles.
Lilly Hernandez was asked by Terry Muse to speak on behalf of the youth who
are represented by Waste Management. She noted that Waste Management
started a scholarship and internship program for the youth and opined that the
contract should go forward because they do much for the youth.
Rafael Gonzales thanked Council Member Rubio for mentioning the Library, and
acknowledged the support that the City of Baldwin Park has given the Library.
He noted Mr. Carrillo's and Vijay Singhal's, Chief Executive Officer, work to
renovate the library.
Council Member Rubio reminded residents that book donations are vital to the
library.
Liz Montes, teacher for sixteen years, noted that she supports Waste
Management because they are excellent in their services.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 9/4/13
Mary Ferrer stated that she supports Waste Management because they provide
excellent services. She also noted that the City is trying to find ways to eliminate
costs, and that the community was not aware that the City Clerk and City
Treasure positions were an honorary title and that these titles should be
eliminated because of the financial position of the City.
Council Member Rubio stated that she appreciates Ms. Ferrer's comments, but
that the City Clerk takes minutes and translates. She noted that the term
'honorary' is not a fair term to use.
Magda Torrellas stated that she supports Waste Management because they
follow contracts. She highlighted what they do for the community.
Alejandra Cervantes stated that as a homeowner and educator, she supports
Waste Management because they support learning programs for students.
Jose Gonzales, driver of Waste Management, noted that several drivers were
present at the meeting to show their support for the contract. He also noted that
the company provides trainings, meetings, and workshops to ensure excellence.
Doug Corcoran, worker at Waste Management, thanked the residents who took
their time to speak on behalf of the company. He also thanked the employees for
providing great services, and Mr. Singhal for challenging the company to provide
the best services.
Dr. Paul Flores thanked the City Council for its service during these difficult
times. He testified to the great service that Waste Management provides, and
noted their contributions to the parish where he is a pastor.
Erik Garcia noted that Mr. John De Leon's statements about the boxing program
at a previous meeting were wrong. He also addressed Council Member Garcia's
comments about the silent majority at the last meeting and noted that she has
never addressed the residents about bankruptcy.
Julian Casas, Boxing Coach at Parks and Recreation, noted that he is thankful
for the boxing equipment that was bought for the team, but that they took the
donation with a grain of salt because the budget mixes the boxing program with
the city fleet. He noted that the city fleet pays out to Royal Coaches, who
donated the equipment as a campaign tactic. He asked whether the City will be
filing bankruptcy soon, and asked the City Council whether Mr. Carrillo's position
will be put up to a vote.
An unidentified speaker noted that she enjoys Waste Management's services,
and that they are very dedicated.
Maria Contreras thanked the drivers of Waste Management because they have a
difficult job but are always very courteous and dedicated.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 9/4/13
Bob Bimbo spoke in support of Mr. Carrillo and his work with Parks and
Recreation.
Paul Cook noted that he is a licensed attorney. He noted that at the last meeting
Mayor Lozano stated that he felt for the undocumented people who had their
vehicles towed, but that towing is connected to Royal Coaches who gives
Council Members and Council Member Garcia's daughter cash contributions. He
noted that all five Council Members are Latinos and still tow cars from
undocumented workers who in the end loose their cars. He asked Mayor
Lozano, Council Member Garcia, and Mayor Pro Tem Garcia to resign.
There being no additional speakers Mayor Lozano closed public communications.
Mayor Lozano stated that Mr. Cook has a political agenda and asked Mr. Cook to
tell him what firm he works for. He noted that anyone could fabricate lies about
politicians because they have a First Amendment Right to do so. He declared
that he and all of the Council Members represent Hispanics in the City.
Council Member Garcia thanked Royal Coaches for their proposal to assist the
City with funding.
Mr. Singhal noted that the City purchased the boxing equipment and not Royal
Coaches.
Council Member Garcia noted that it is a crime to take cash contributions from
anyone, and that Council Members have not taken cash contributions from
anyone.
Council Member Rubio noted the rare opportunity to thank the individuals who
work with Waste Management.
Council Member Pacheco thanked Waste Management. He announced that he
has been working with Waste Management on the contract. He outlined some of
the issues in the contract that he was involved with.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia thanked Waste Management for its work in the
community. She noted the undocumented-friendly towing policy the Council
adopted last year, and thanked Mr. Carrillo for his leadership that has brought the
City to have award-winning programs.
Council Member Garcia thanked Waste Management for their work, and noted
that the company has her support.
CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 1 through 6)
(Item No. 6 was pulled for further discussion.)
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 9/4/13
A motion was made by Monica Garcia, seconded by Marten Garcia, and carried (5 — 0)
to approve Agenda Item Nos. 1 through 5 on the Consent Calendar.
1. WARRANTS AND DEMANDS
Staff recommends City Council ratify the attached Warrants and Demands
2. APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR CARNIVAL SERVICES — CHRISTIAN
AMUSEMENTS.
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the attached agreement and
authorize the Mayor to execute the necessary documents.
3. AWARD CONTRACT FOR PRINTING OF THE BALDWIN PARK NOW
Staff recommends the City Council; 1) Award a contract to Aljon Graphics for the
printing of the Baldwin Park NOW in the annual amount of$21,050; and 2)
Exclude Notice to Proceed and commence services September 5, 2013; and
Authorize the Mayor to execute the attached agreement; and Authorize the
Director of Recreation and Community Services to execute any necessary
change orders in an amount not to exceed ten percent (10%) of the original
contract.
4. CLAIM REJECTION
Staff recommends City Council reject the claim of Myra Smith and direct staff to
send the appropriate notice of rejection to Claimant.
5. COMMUNITY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION'S (CHDO'S)
AFFORDABLE HOUSING AGREEMENT AMENDMENT
Staff recommends City Council:
1. Authorize the Chief Executive Officer to sign and execute the attached
agreement.
2. Replace, in its entirety, the agreement approved on August 21, 2013
with the attached agreement, rendering the prior agreement of no force
and effect.
6. APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE AN AMENDED AND RESTATED EXCLUSIVE
FRANCHISE AGREEMENT FOR SOLID WASTE HANDLING
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Approve the amended and restated exclusive franchise agreement
with Waste Management of San Gabriel / Pomona Valley (WM) for
solid waste handling, and;
2. Authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 9/4/13
(Item No. 6 was pulled by Mayor Lozano for further discussion).
Council Member Pacheco congratulated Waste Management.
Mayor Lozano announced that he signed the agreement.
Council Member Garcia noted that she has served on City Council for fourteen
years, and has always supported Waste Management.
Mayor Lozano proposed that the City reallocate monies from the million dollars
available to the following areas: the concerts for the City, the Fourth of July, the
City parade, and the swimming, soccer, and boxing programs.
Council Member Pacheco noted that the Mayor needed to place that proposal on
the next agenda, and asked that out of the million dollars, $500,000.00 be
allocated to the Police Department. He also noted that Mayor Lozano was being
political by allocating these funds to children's programs.
Mayor Lozano stated that he was not being political.
A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Pacheco, and carried (5-0) to
approve and authorize the amended and restated exclusive franchise agreement
for solid waste handling.
REPORTS OF OFFICERS
1. CONTINUED FROM AUGUST 21, 2013. REVIEW OF PLANNING
COMMISSION APPLICANTS AND CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS
AND/OR REAPPOINTMENTS TO FILL THE JUNE 2012 AND JUNE 2013
SCHEDULE VACANCIES
Staff recommends City Council to review the submitted Commission
application(s), take nominations and adopt Resolution No. 2013-028 entitled "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK
APPOINTING INDIVIDUALS TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF BALDWIN PARK TO OFFICES NUMBERS 1, 2, AND 3".
2. CONTINUED FROM AUGUST 21, 2013 - CONSIDERATION OF
APPOINTMENTS AND/OR REAPPOINTMENTS TO FILL VACANCIES FOR
THE HOUSING COMMISSION
Staff recommends City Council to review all Commission applications, take
nominations and adopt Resolution No. 2013-013 entitled "A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK APPOINTING
INDIVIDUALS TO THE HOUSING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN
PARK TO OFFICE NOS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6," subject to satisfactory backgrounds
checks through the Department of Justice, as follows:
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 9/4/13
so itei t ri etrtrs
1 June 30, 2014
2
3
4 June 30, 2015
5
Tenant—6 June 30, 2016
Tenant 7 (62+) PENDING APPLICATIONS
A motion was made by Marlen Garcia, seconded by Lozano, and carried (5-0),
to reappoint David Muse to the Planning Commission, and to appoint Gustavo
Huizar and Edwin Borques to fill the vacancies on the Housing Commission.
Council Member Pacheco noted that the Mayor was being rude by suggesting
appointment of these candidates without allowing him to look into other
candidates. He stated that this recommendation is political.
Mayor Lozano asked Council Member Pacheco if he read the Item because there
are only two candidates available.
Council Member Garcia asked if all of the positions are up for reappointment.
A motion was made by Marlen Garcia, seconded by Rubio, and carried (5-0) to
reappoint positions 1 through 5, and appoint Luis Montano as Tenant-6,
CITY COUNCIL / CITY CLERK / CITY TREASURER / STAFF REQUESTS &
COMMUNICATIONS
Request by Councilmember Marlen Garcia for discussion & direction to staff on
the following:
• As October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I would like to request
Council's support to hold a City-wide women's purse drive during the month of
September with the purpose of presenting the purses collected to shelters that
provide services to women, victims of domestic violence. Women who find the
strength to leave violent relationships will usually escape from their homes,
leaving behind their purses in order to save their life and that of their children. By
providing these victims with a purse, it begins to help in the process of building
their self-esteem and empowerment.
Council Member Garcia noted that ninety percent of domestic abuse victims are
women. She spoke of her personal experience with domestic abuse, and the
fact that she and other women who are abused forget their purses, which are
vital to them, when they are escaping to save their lives. She stated that
providing victims with a purse advocates good self-esteem and gives
empowerment to them.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 9/4/13
Council Member Rubio noted that she supports the purse drive.
A motion was made by Marten Garcia, seconded by Rubio, and carried (5-0), to
approve the purse drive for the month of September.
Request by Mayor Manuel Lozano for discussion & direction to staff on the
following:
• Due to the 2008 recession and resulting economic downturn, the State of
California and local governments have been impacted by high unemployment
rates, decreased sales and property tax revenues, and high rates of home
foreclosures.
Baldwin Park is no exception to what has transpired on a global, national, state
and local level. The effects of the economic downturn, compounded by the State
of California's decisions to take millions of dollars from our City AND eliminate
the Community Redevelopment Commission, has left the City of Baldwin Park
grappling with very difficult financial decisions.
In the last fiscal year, the City Council unanimously cut community programs and
laid off city employees. At this point in time, the City is considering a proposal
from the Sheriffs department as a cost savings measure that could potentially
save $3-4 million dollars on an annual basis.
Therefore, direct staff to prepare the necessary resolutions and other actions to
schedule a special election in 2014 that will allow Baldwin Park residents to vote
on public safety priorities.
Mayor Lozano read his request and stated that he would like to give direction to
Staff to prepare this study.
Council Member Pacheco noted that the Sheriff's study would cost $90,000.00.
He stated that the City is two years late with the budget, and that he would like to
know where the City stands with the budget before the Council considers the
proposal from the Sheriff's Department. He clarified that public safety is a
priority, but that he would like to know where the City stands with the budget. He
noted that many residents support the initiative for the Police Department.
Mayor Lozano noted that the entire Council supports the Baldwin Park Police
Department, but that he would like for residents to know what the initiative
entails.
Council Member Pacheco stated that the information the Mayor brings has to be
accurate and not just politically driven.
Council Member Garcia noted that she would like to request an Item be
considered for patrolling in the City. She also asked that an Item be considered
to clean up the housing for interns of Kaiser Permanente.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 9/4/13
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia noted that Mayor Lozano is asking that Staff prepare
resolutions to schedule a special election in 2014 that would allow Baldwin
residents to vote on safety priorities.
A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Marlen Garcia, and carried (5-0) to
direct Staff to prepare the necessary resolutions to schedule a special election in
2014 to allow Baldwin Park residents to vote on public safety initiatives.
Council Member Rubio noted that any initiative in the City has to be signed by
registered voters of the City, and that although Mayor Lozano noted that the
initiative for the Police Department is not from Baldwin City, Baldwin City voters
have signed the initiative.
Council Member Pacheco noted that if Mayor Lozano truly supported the Police
Department, he would not be bringing up the Sheriff's Department. He also
noted that Public Works needs to keep up and maintain certain areas of the City
such as the monument on Pomona.
Mayor Lozano told Council Member Pacheco that during Closed Session, the
Council voted to make Closed Session records public.
Speaker noted that there is a beehive on the corner of Ramona Boulevard and
Foster Avenue, and asked that the City takes care of the problem.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Marlen Garcia, and carried (5-0) to
adjourn the City Council meeting at 8:38 p.m. .
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