Interim city mgr. to be chosen

Stanton’s Community Services Director Zenia Bobadilla will likely take on the position of interim city manager, due to the resignation of the current city manager, following a decision by the Stanton City Council Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, 7800 Katella Ave.

Jarad L. Hildenbrand has served as the city manager since March 18, 2019. He recently announced his resignation to accept employment with another public agency. If approved by the city council, Bobadilla will step in as interim city manager on May 16, 2022 at a monthly salary of $15,481, until a permanent city manager is appointed or as otherwise determined by the city council.

According to published reports, Bobadilla, as community services director, has taken part in securing funding for the revitalization of the Norm Ross Sports Complex, which is currently covered in gopher holes and dead grass, with lighting fixtures permanently dark. California State Parks allocated $7.69 million to the project in December, and city officials say they plan to complete the project by March 2025, with a new multi-sport court, group picnic areas, a dog park, and community garden. Bobadilla held feedback sessions across Stanton and consulted with local nonprofit organizations to assess the needs of the community.

In other action, the council is expected to:

• Approve a list of streets for repaving, funded through the State Transportation Fund.

• Apply for a $56,000 grant from OCTA to purchase and install catch basin connector pipe screens to keep trash from reaching local waterways.
• Give the Finance Director of Stanton authority to execute Local Agency Investment Funds to improve the efficiency of current operations.
• Increase funding for the Stanton Family Resource Center from $300,00 per year to $370,800, under the County of Orange Family and Communities Together Program.
• Reallocate a $2,500,000 funding commitment for the Riviera Motel acquisition from the American Rescue Plan Act Fund to the Housing Authority Fund, allowing the city to fund several other initially approved projects that are not part of the current ARPA budget.
• Discuss alternative resources to enforce anti-camping laws within Stanton.
• Discuss a partnership with local business owners to improve public safety within Stanton.

Members of the public wishing to comment should fill out a request to speak card in person at the meeting. Alternatively, residents may email their comments to Pvazquez@StantonCA.gov with the subject line “PUBLIC COMMENT ITEM # (insert item number)” no later than 5 p.m. Tuesday.