HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017 09 20 CC MIN MINUTES
BALDWIN PARK CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 20, 2017, 7:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBER - 14403 E. Pacific Avenue, Baldwin Park, 91706
These minutes are presented in Agenda order. Various announcements or discussions may
have occurred before or after the title under which they are presented.
CALL TO ORDER
• The meeting was called to order by Mayor Lozano at 7:10 p.m.
INVOCATION
The invocation was provided by Pastor Jackson, Pastor Flores and Father Jonathan Meyer.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Lozano.
ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Council Member Cruz Baca
Council Member Monica Garcia
Council Member Ricardo Pacheco
Mayor Pro Tem Susan Rubio
Mayor Manuel Lozano [Mayor Lozano left the dais at 7:18 p.m. and returned at 7:40 p.m.]
•
REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Lozano reported out that no action was taken on items discussed in Closed Session.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Pro Tem extended thoughts and prayers to the people of Mexico City and expressed
great hope for the survivors of the earthquakes that hit there recently; also extended thoughts
and prayers to those who have suffered loss due to the recent hurricanes.
Mayor Lozano announced that he would like to hold a disaster preparedness day to include the
community and Baldwin Park Unified School District participation; would like to see that some
kind of sheds or secure structures be set up at various locations to store tools and equipment
for use in the event of a natural disaster.
Council member Baca wished a Happy New Year to all those in the community of the Jewish
faith; also extended prayers to Mr. Rios's grandson who is undergoing chemotherapy.•
City Treasurer Contreras also extended prayers to all the victims of the recent hurricanes in the
eastern Caribbean islands.
PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
• Recognition of Father Jonathon Meyer in appreciation of his service to the St. John the
Baptist Parish and the community of Baldwin Park
Mayor Pro Tern Rubio presented Father Jonathon with a plaque to commemorate his
service to the parish and the community.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Pro Tern Rubio opened Public Communications at 7:18 p.m. and noted that each
speaker is permitted a total of three (3) minutes to speak.
Christina Larios, Baldwin Park Library Manager, reported that the library recently had some
irrigation equipment stolen, resulting in the landscape becoming dry and plants dying; noted that
the theft was reported and the landscape maintenance department has been notified.
Alondra, Baldwin Park resident and Walnut elementary school student, came to speak before
Council so as to overcome her fear of speaking in public; stated she is running for Vice
President at her school.
Arturo Luna, Baldwin Park resident, voiced objection as to the removal of a swing set at Walnut
Creek Nature Park; opined that council members fire people arbitrarily and it costs the'City great
amounts of money fighting the lawsuits.
Juan Rios, Baldwin Park resident, opined that the City has overspent on Barnes Park and
Walnut Creek Nature Park; inquired why the new swing set at Walnut Creek Nature Park has
been removed; commented on Item No. 7, asking why grant funds are being spent at Walnut
Creek Nature Park when trees are dying and wood is splitting; asserted that the City should be
using in-house engineers, not hiring outside consultants.
Jim Enriguez, Assistant Fire Chief, L.A. County Fire Department, stated that the County fire
department offers community emergency preparedness training and would be glad to help
coordinate some community training efforts.
An unidentified speaker asserted that Council does not support the interests of the community
but, rather, they are self-serving; opined that community members are tired in in-fighting and
urge Council to cooperate and work for the people.
Brian Velez, Baldwin Park resident, spoke about the $55 fee charged for a copy of a police
report; voice objection, stating that this is an excessive charge and state that he was told it
would be on this evening's agenda.
Greg Tuttle, Baldwin Park business owner, commended Maria Moreno on her great work, noting
the great success of the Street Fair; commented on Item No. 7, Grant Funding for Walnut Creek
Nature Park and Barnes Park Improvements, opining that funds have been misused and
suggested an oversight committee be created; commented on Item No. 10, opining that all
Council members should be abiding by the rules of conduct.
Margarita Vargas, Baldwin Park resident, congratulated Maria Moreno and the Parks and
Community Services staff for the tremendous success of the Street Fair; thanked Council for
honoring the Baldwin Park Woman's Club at the L.A. County Fair's Baldwin Park Day.
Seeing no others wishing to speak, Public Communications closed at 7:36 p.m.
Council addressed some of the concerns expressed during public communications,
including the removal of a swing set from Walnut Creek Nature Park and the fee.for copies
of police reports.
•
Regular Meeting of 5/17/17 Page 2 of 12
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council pulled Item Nos. 1, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11 from Consent Calendar for further discussion.
1. WARRANTS AND DEMANDS
Staff recommends City Council ratify the attached Warrants and Demands Register.
Council member Baca inquired about the payment of invoices appearing on the
Warrants and Demands.
A motion was made by Baca, seconded by Pacheco, and carried (5 — 0) to ratify
the Warrants and Demands Register. •
AYES: Baca, Garcia, Lozano, Pacheco, Rubio
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
2. TREASURER'S REPORT—JULY 2017
Staff recommends that Council receive and file the Treasurer's Report.
•
A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Pacheco, and carried .(5 — 0) to
receive and file the Treasurer's Report.
AYES: Baca, Garcia, Lozano, Pacheco, Rubio
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
3. REJECTION OF CLAIMS
Staff recommends that Council reject the following claim(s) and direct staff to send
appropriate notice of rejection to claimant(s):
Acevedo, Martha Claimant alleges the police department
illegally towed and impounded her vehicle.
El Monte Honda do Jeff Proctor Claim alleges the police department
illegally towed and impounded his vehicle.
A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Pacheco, and carried (5 — 0) to
reject the claims and direct staff to send appropriate notice of rejection to
claimants.
AYES: Baca, Garcia, Lozano, Pacheco, Rubio
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
4. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
Receive and file:
A. Meeting Minutes of Special and Regular City Council Meetings held on July 19,
2017.
B. Meeting Minutes of the Special City Council Meetings held on November 23, 2016,
and July 25, 2017.
C. Meeting Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings held on August 2,
2017.
D. Meeting Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting held on August 7, 2017.
Regular Meeting of 5/17/17 Page 3 of 12
A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Pacheco, and carried (5 — 0) to
receive and file the minutes.
AYES: Baca, Garcia, Lozano, Pacheco, Rubio
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
5. CONTRACTUAL ANNUAL RATE ADJUSTMENT FOR SOLID WASTE FEES DUE TO
CPI INCREASE
Staff recommends that Council approve and adopt Resolution No. 2017-197 "A
Resolution of the City Council of the City of Baldwin Park, California, Adopting the
Amended Fee Schedule for Solid Waste Collection and Recycling Services, to Reflect
Consumer Price Index Increases."
A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Pacheco, and carried (5 — 0) to
approve and adopt Resolution No. 2017-197 "A Resolution of the City Council of
the City of Baldwin Park, California, Adopting the Amended Fee Schedule for
Solid Waste Collection and Recycling Services, to Reflect Consumer Price Index
Increases."
AYES: Baca, Garcia, Lozano, Pacheco, Rubio
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
6. ACCEPT PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND APPROVE THE AWARD OF BID -
CITY PROJECT NO. 2017-0205 — STORM DRAIN IMPROVEMENTS AT
FRANCISQUITO AVENUE AND RAMONA BLVD (CORAK STORM DRAIN PHASE II)
• Staff recommends that Council:
1. Accept the plans and specifications for City Project No. 2017-0205 (CIP No. 98);
and,
2. Approve and award the contract to Gentry Brothers in the amount of $156,790 and
authorize the Mayor to execute the contract; and,
3. Authorize the Finance Director to appropriate $250,000 from Fund 245 — Prop C
Local Return and to perform the required budget adjustments for this project.
Mayor Pro Tem Rubio asked for clarification as to the contractor being awarded the
contract since there are two businesses that have very similar names.
A motion was made by Rubio, seconded by Pacheco, and carried (5—0) to Staff
recommends that Council
1. Accept the plans and specifications for City Project No. 2017-0205 (CIP No.
98); and,
•
2. Approve and award the contract to Gentry Brothers in the amount of
$156,790 and authorize the Mayor to execute the contract; and,
3. Authorize the Finance Director to appropriate $250,000 from Fund 245 —
Prop C Local Return and to perform the required budget adjustments for this
project.
AYES: Baca, Garcia, Lozano, Pacheco, Rubio
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
Regular Meeting of 5/17/17 Page 4 of 12
7. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2017-201 ENTITLED, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE
APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR WALNUT CREEK NATURE PARK PHASE
III AND MORGAN PARK IMPROVEMENTS
Staff recommends that Council approve and adopt Resolution No. 2017-201, entitled "A
Resolution of the City Council of the City of Baldwin Park, California, Approving the
Application for Grant Funds for Walnut Creek Nature Park Phase III and Morgan Park
Improvements," and authorize the Director of Recreation and Community Services to
execute and further documents
Council member Baca requested that community outreach be conducted to provide
information on what the grant funds will be used for and to offer an opportunity for
residents to provide input as to what type of park enhancements they would like to
see.
A motion was made by Garcia, seconded by Pacheco, and carried (5—0)to:
1. Conduct a special community outreach meeting, to include attendance by
Council members, providing information to the residents on the anticipated
improvements for community parks; and
2. Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2017-201, entitled "A Resolution of the
City Council of the City of Baldwin Park, California, Approving the Application
for Grant Funds for Walnut Creek Nature Park Phase III and Morgan Park
Improvements," and authorize the Director of Recreation and Community
• Services to execute and further documents
AYES: Baca, Garcia, Lozano, Pacheco, Rubio
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
8. APPROVAL OF FIRST AMENDMENT TO MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
. REGARDING ADMINISTRATION AND COST SHARING FOR IMPLEMENTING THE
COORDINATED INTEGRATED MONITORING PROGRAM (CIMP) FOR UPPER SAN
GABRIEL RIVER WATERSHED
Staff recommends that Council:
1. Authorize the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to execute the attached First
Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding dated June 23, 2015, between
Los Angeles County, Los Angeles County Flood Control District and the Cities of
Baldwin Park, Covina, Glendora, Industry, La Puente and South El Monte regarding
the Administration and Cost Sharing for Implementing the Coordinated Integrated
Monitoring Program (CIMP) for the Upper San Gabriel River (USGR)Watershed.
2. Authorize the Director of Finance to appropriate $61,075.94 for FY 2017/18 and
$52,202.64 for FY 2018/19 for a total of$124,606.43 from fund 249 and to make the
necessary budgetary transfers to fulfill the City's contribution of the CIMP MOU.
Council member Baca asked for clarification as to the nature of the MOU and how it
impacts the City.
A motion was made by Baca, seconded by Rubio, and carried (5 — 0) to
authorize the Acting Chief of Police to make all necessary arrangements with the
• El Monte Police Department to immediately reinstate Baldwin Park's partnership
in the helicopter program under the same terms of the FY 2016-2017 agreement
most recently in effect.
Regular Meeting of 5/17/17 Page 5 of 12
1. Authorize the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to execute the attached First
Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding dated June 23, 2015,
between Los Angeles County, Los Angeles County Flood Control District and
the Cities of Baldwin Park, Covina, Glendora, Industry, La Puente and South
El Monte regarding the Administration and Cost Sharing for Implementing the
Coordinated Integrated Monitoring Program (CIMP) for the Upper San
Gabriel River (USGR)Watershed.
2. Authorize the Director of Finance to appropriate $61,075.94 for FY 2017/18
and $52,202.64 for FY 2018/19 for a total of $124,606.43 from fund 249 and
to make the necessary budgetary transfers to fulfill the City's contribution of
the CIMP MOU.
AYES: Baca, Garcia, Lozano, Pacheco, Rubio
• NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
9. CITY OPPOSITION LETTER TO SENATE BILL (SB) 649 (HUESO) - WIRELESS
TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
Staff recommends that Council approve and authorize the issuance of the attached letter
of opposition addressed to the Chair of the State Assembly Appropriations Committee.
A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Garcia, and carried (5 — 0) to Staff
recommends that Council approve and authorize the issuance of the attached
letter of opposition addressed to the Chair of the State Assembly Appropriations
Committee.
AYES: Baca, Garcia, Lozano, Pacheco, Rubio
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
10. CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF STANDING RULES
Staff recommends that Council review and approve the attached Standing Rules.
A motion was made by Baca, seconded by Rubio, and carried (5—0)to bring this
item back at a future Study Session for further consideration.
AYES: Baca, Garcia, Lozano, Pacheco, Rubio
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
11. SUBSTANTIAL CONFORMANCE DETERMINATION FOR CONCEPTUAL PLANS
PERTAINING TO THE PROPOSED RED CAR BUILDING MIXED-USE
DEVELOPMENT PROJECT AT THE T-INTERSECTION OF BADILLO STREET AND
SAN BERNARDINO ROAD PER THE CITY/AGENCY APPROVED DISPOSITION AND
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH BP DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS I (AKA -
WALBERN)
• Staff recommends that Council receive and file this report and direct staff to•issue the
substantial conformance determination letter by the Executive Director/CEO, which is in
compliance with the provisions of the approved DDA for the subject development.
Council member Baca requested that this item be brought back to allow additional
time for review of the document and gain a better understanding of how the property
value relates to the number of units proposed for the project; noted that this
Regular Meeting of 5/17/17 ['Age 6 of 12
agreement is very different and proposed bringing it back at the second meeting in
October.
•
Council member Pacheco asked that staff provide clarification as to scope of the
project and land valuation, and how the reduction in units is related to the price of the
property.
Community Development Director Romo responded by explaining that the changes
to the DDA document in relation to the scope of the project and the value of the
property were done to insure compliance with code; noted that the numberof units in
the project has been reduced but the square footage of each unit has been
increased; explained that the agreement provides for a reduction is the property
valuation is relation to the reduction of the number of units buildable on the project.
Mayor Pro Tern Rubio opined that these kinds of projects should be advertised as a
request for proposal; pointed out that the value of the land should not be subject to
the project unit scope and that the City and community is losing out by not getting
true value from the land.
Council member Baca made a motion to bring this item back for consideration at the
second meeting in October; Mayor Pro Tem Rubio seconded the motion; Council
member Pacheco voiced objection.
With the objection noted, Mayor Lozano instructed the City Clerk to perform a roll call
vote, resulting in the following:
Baca: Yes
Garcia: No
•
Lozano: No
Pacheco: No
Rubio: Yes
The Motion failed, 2 —3, with Garcia, Pacheco and Lozano voting No.
Council member Garcia made a motion, seconded by Council member Pacheco, to
approve the DDA and to obtain an additional appraisal on the subject property.
City Attorney Tafoya explained that the price reduction of the property is an integral
part of the DDA and the price of the land cannot be changed; the price is based on
an appraisal that was performed at that time; the price reduction in relation to a
reduction in the project scope is written into the document so the price cannot be
changed.
With the objection noted, Mayor Lozano instructed the City Clerk to perform a roll call
vote, resulting in the following:
Mayor Pro Tern Rubio voiced objection and stated that her reasons for objection
include that the City should be selling real property to the highest bidder and that the
City should not lock itself into a contract where Council does not have say-so in the
end; pointed out that real estate costs fluctuate and, in instances where an extension
to an agreement is done, the property value can changed; stated that it is bad
practice and hopes it will never happen again.
Council member Baca also voiced objection because it appears that the agreement
• was written in a manner to benefit the developer and not in the best interest of the
Regular Meeting of 5/17/17 Page 7 of 12
City; stated that the City should be hiring firms to write contracts that will protect the
interest of the City.
Baca: No
Garcia: Yes
Lozano: Yes
Pacheco: Yes
Rubio: No
The motion carried, 3 — 2, with Council member Baca and Mayor Pro Tern Rubio
voting No.
A motion was made by Garcia, seconded by Pacheco, and carried (3 —2; Baca and
Rubio voting No) to receive and file the report and direct staff to issue the substantial
conformance determination letter by the Executive Director/CEO, which is in
compliance with the provisions of the approved DDA for the subject development.
AYES: Garcia, Lozano, Pacheco
NOES: Baca, Rubio
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
CITY COUNCIL ACTING AS SUCCESSOR AGENCY OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
COMMISSION
CONSENT CALENDAR
SA-1 SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE DISSOLVED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK WARRANTS AND DEMANDS
Staff recommends that Council ratify the attached Warrants and Demands Register.
A motion was made by Baca, seconded by Rubio, and carried (5—0)to bring this
item back at a future Study Session for further consideration.
AYES: Baca, Garcia, Lozano, Pacheco, Rubio
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
PUBLIC HEARING
12. CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING AND FOLLOWING THE PUBLIC HEARING
• APPROVE THE GRANT FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE EDWARD J: BYRNE
MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT
Staff recommends that Council accept and approve the federal guidelines for the funds
requested. These federal guidelines require a public comment period.
Mayor Lozano opened the Public Hearing at 8:38 p.m. and invited those wishing to
speak in opposition to come forward and be heard.
Seeing no one come forward, Mayor Lozano invited those wishing to speak in favor to
come forward and be heard.
Seeing no one come forward, Mayor Lozano closed the Public Hearing at 8:38 p.m.
Regular Meeting of 5/17/17 Page 8 of 12
City Attorney Tafoya asked whether there was any concern that the grant funds
being provided would be withheld based on the federal government withholding
funds from those cities declaring themselves as sanctuary cities.
Interim Police Chief Taylor explained that this item is not effected by the restrictions
based on the nature of the grant and that the City has not officially designated itself
as a "Sanctuary City."
A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Pacheco, and carried (5 — 0) to
approve the grant funds provided by the Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice
Assistance Grant.
AYES: Baca, Garcia, Lozano, Pacheco, Rubio
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
REPORTS OF OFFICERS
13. APPROVE DESIGN AND AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF STREET NAME SIGNS
Staff recommends that Council:
1. Approve the design and purchase of 963 Street Name Signs; and
• 2. Authorize the Director of Finance to issue a Purchase Order using $18,000.00 from
Acct. #245-50-550-53100-15622 and $33,054.05 from Acct. #254-50-550-53100-
15622 totaling $51,054.05
A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Pacheco, and carried (5—0)to:
1. Approve the design and purchase of 963 Street Name Signs; and
2. Authorize the Director of Finance to issue a Purchase Order using
$18,000.00 from Acct. #245-50-550-53100-15622 and $33,054.05 from Acct.
#254-50-550-53100-15622 totaling $51,054.05
AYES: Baca, Garcia, Lozano, Pacheco, Rubio
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
14. REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS AND CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT FOR THE
VACANT SEATS ON THE HOUSING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN
PARK
' Staff recommends that Council review the submitted Commission application(s), accept
nominations, authorize staff to initiate the appropriate background checks through the
Department of Justice (DOJ) and, contingent upon satisfactory clearance by the DOJ,
appoint individuals to the respective City Commissions and adopt Resolution No. 2017-
166, entitled, "A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Baldwin Park Appointing
Qualified Individuals To The Housing Commission Of The City Of Baldwin Park For
Office Seat Numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 And 7."
A motion was made by Pacheco, seconded by Lozano, and carried .(5 — 0) to
bring this item back at the next Council meeting for consideration.
AYES: Baca, Garcia, Lozano, Pacheco, Rubio
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
Regular Meeting of 5/17/17 Page 9 of 12
•
15. REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS AND CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT FOR THE
VACANT SEATS ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN
PARK
Staff recommends that Council review the submitted Commission application(s), accept
nominations, authorize staff to initiate the appropriate background checks through the
Department of Justice (DOJ) and, contingent upon satisfactory clearance by the DOJ,
appoint individuals to the respective City Commissions and adopt Resolution No. 2017-
183, entitled, "A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Baldwin Park Appointing
Qualified Individuals To The Planning Commission Of The City Of Baldwin Park For
Office Seat Numbers 1, 2 And 3."
A motion was made by Pacheco, seconded by Lozano, and carried (5 — 0) to
bring this item back at the next Council meeting for consideration.
AYES: Baca, Garcia, Lozano, Pacheco, Rubio
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None. •
ABSTAIN: None.
16. REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS AND CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT FOR THE
VACANT SEATS ON THE RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK
Staff recommends that Council review the submitted Commission application(s), accept
nominations, authorize staff to initiate the appropriate background checks through the
Department of Justice (DOJ) and, contingent upon satisfactory clearance by the DOJ,
appoint individuals to the respective City Commissions and adopt Resolution No. 2017-
199, entitled, "A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Baldwin Park Appointing
Qualified Individuals To The Recreation and Community Services Commission Of The
City Of Baldwin Park For Office Seat Numbers 1 And 2."
A motion was made by Pacheco, seconded by Lozano, and carried (5 — 0) to
bring this item back at the next Council meeting for consideration.
AYES: Baca, Garcia, Lozano, Pacheco, Rubio
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
CITY COUNCIL / CITY CLERK / CITY TREASURER / STAFF REQUESTS &
COMMUNICATIONS
Request by Mayor Pro Tern Rubio for discussion and consideration:
• Mayor Pro Tern Rubio is requesting that Council provide direction to staff to return with a
staff report to allow City Council authority to approve the final design criteria for the Walbern
projects on Badillo Street.
Mayor Pro Tem Rubio noted that the project she was going to speak about was
subsequently approved but that she would like to see that all future projects for
development be required to provide a final design prior to approval of agreements.
Request by Council member Baca for discussion and consideration:
• Council member Baca is requesting a report back from the Police Department to the City
Council on emergency preparedness, outlining the processes and procedures that are in
place in case of natural disaster.
Regular Meeting of 5/17/17 Page 10 of 12
Council member Baca would like to see if the City could conduct mock emergency drills
during a school day so that children could learn what to do in the event of an emergency
and consider how they conduct themselves when they are away from home.
Chief Taylor stated that the City has an emergency preparedness plan but that staff can
coordinate with the School District to see about putting together such an event.
Mayor Pro Tern Rubio stated that she has never been provided any information or
guidance, as an elected official, as to what the council members' role is in the event of
an emergency or natural disaster.
Mayor Lozano suggested that an emergency drill be conducted city-wide emergency
preparedness event on a weekend and suggested that locations be identified where
tools and equipment could be located to assist with recovery efforts.
Mayor Pro Tem Rubio suggested publishing information in the Baldwin Park NOW that
• residents need to know when responding to a natural disaster or other emergency event.
Request by Council member Garcia for discussion and consideration:
• Council member Garcia is requesting review of council discussion on November 16, 2016
and November 23, 2016 regarding the "RETENTION OF KAUFMAN LAW FIRM AND
PERSONNEL INVESTIGATION." This, in response to serious allegations and false
representation of facts made by Council members Susan Rubio and Cruz Baca on August
16, 2017, claiming that the City "denied the protection" to certain councilmembers.
• Council member Garcia stated that this discussion relates to comments made'at the last
Council meeting, specifically regarding denying certain protection to Council members
as a result of harassment claims.
Council member Garcia reviewed action on a Closed Session item of November 16,
2016, which affirmed the decision to hire a firm to conduct an personnel investigation
regarding claims of harassment; noted that Council member Baca was receptive to
mediation and, therefore, Council held over the decision to hire an investigator.
Council member Garcia went on to say that a subsequent meeting was held on
November 23, 2016, in which discussion to proceed with an investigation was held;
pointed out that neither Council member Baca nor Council member Rubio were in
attendance.
Council member Garcia opined that statements made at the last meeting were false and
detrimental to the City; pointed out that the City takes claims of harassment very
seriously.
•
Council member Baca suggested that there are videos of the meeting on the internet
and anyone interested in this matter can view those videos for a factual account of what
transpired.
Mayor Pro Tem Rubio pointed out that the November 23, 2016, was a Special Meeting,
and that both she and Council member Baca had informed other members that they
were not available to attend; noted that both she and Council member Baca had voiced
concern that the meeting was held despite the fact that they could not attend.
•
Mayor Lozano suggested that, rather than viewing videos on the internet, interested
parties should listen to the audio available on the City's website.
Regular Meeting of 5/17/17 Page 11 of 12
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to discuss, and all other matters having been addressed, a
motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Pacheco, to adjourn the meeting at 9:01 p.m.
ATTEST /
o, Mayor
Al- andra vila, City lerk
APPROVED: 10 k) 17
•
Regular Meeting of 5/17/17 Page 12 of 12