Pico Rivera council approves energy-rate resolution and updates procurement rules, honors Arbor Day and sustainability awards

The Pico Rivera City Council approved two agenda items on Monday: a resolution to amend the customer power generation rate schedule for the city’s municipal energy program and an ordinance updating procurement procedures and policies.

The council opened and closed a public hearing on the power-generation rate resolution, received no oral communications, and approved the resolution on a 3-0 roll-call vote (Councilmembers Garcia and Lutz and Mayor Camacho voting yes). The resolution also directs development of a residential bill assistance program for municipal energy customers.

Separately, the council approved an ordinance amending Chapter 3.20 (Purchasing) and Chapter 3.48 (Alternative Bidding Procedures for Public Projects) of the Pico Rivera Municipal Code and adopted revised procurement policies and procedures; that motion likewise passed on a 3-0 vote.

City staff highlighted recent recognitions tied to sustainability work. The city manager announced that Pico Rivera was designated a Tree City USA for the first time, named a Clean California Community and received a SCAG Sustainability Award for Climate Leadership, praising cross-department collaboration including public works, parks and recreation and the office of sustainability. Victor, the director of the Office of Sustainability, accepted the Arbor Day/ Earth Day recognition on behalf of staff.

During the meeting Lauren Talbert, community library manager, provided library operations updates including temporary closure of the Rivera Library for construction and interim pickup arrangements at the Pico Rivera Library, and promoted upcoming programs for teens and families.

The council also approved the consent calendar (items two through six) without opposition earlier in the meeting.