MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL AND THE
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CERRITOS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY HELD THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023, 7:00 P.M., IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER AT CERRITOS CITY HALL, 18125 BLOOMFIELD AVENUE, CERRITOS, CALIFORNIA.
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Invocation
The invocation was given by Erin Wood, Pastor of Engagement, New Life Community Church.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Troop 394.
4. Roll Call
The following members of the City Council/Successor Agency were in attendance:
Council/Agency Member Lynda P. Johnson
Council/Agency Member Chuong Vo
Council/Agency Member Frank Aurelio Yokoyama
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Naresh Solanki
Mayor/Chair Bruce W. Barrows
5. Presentations/Appointments
5A. Presentations
A proclamation was made by the City Council honoring:
LA Triumph/Medgear (Business Spotlight).
5B. Review and consideration of appointments, removals, and filling of scheduled or unscheduled vacancies on the Cerritos Advisory Boards (2022-24 term) (COUNCIL).
The Mayor opened the public comments period. Noting there were no individuals who elected to provide public comment, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
There was no action taken on this item.
6. Public Comments and Suggestions
The Mayor opened the public comments period.
Case van der Linden inquired about and expressed concern regarding the installation of cameras to monitor traffic speed in Cerritos. He also inquired about tickets being issued in Cerritos for illegal tinting of car windows and extended congratulations to the newly - appointed City Manager.
Pradeep Sharma expressed concern regarding parkway trees and beetles from the trees, causing damage to his personal property, and the City’s claims process. He also submitted documents for the record. (Documents submitted to the City Council at a public meeting are considered public record. Public requests for copies of the full -text redacted written correspondence and/or photographs can be made during regular business hours to the Office of the City Clerk/Treasurer).
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6. Public Comments and Suggestions (continued)
Nisha Sharma expressed concern regarding parkway trees causing damage to her father’s property and the City’s claims process, and requested staff to provide an update on the situation.
Alfred Reyes requested the City reopen the Sheriff substation at the Los Cerritos Center, offered suggestions for future entertainers to perform at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA), and complimented CCPA and Recreation staff for providing entertainment to the community through the summer concert series at Heritage Park and various shows at the CCPA.
Jocelin Amado expressed support for the allowance of permanent food trucks in the City.
Noting there were no other individuals who elected to provide public comment, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
7. Consent Calendar
7A. Approval of Minutes
Thursday, September 14, 2023, 7:00 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Minutes (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
MOTION: It was moved by Vo, and seconded by Yokoyama, to approve the Thursday, September 14, 2023, 7:00 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Minutes (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Johnson, Vo, Yokoyama, Solanki, Barrows
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7B. Approval of Register of Demands
7B.1. Register of Demands for the City of Cerritos dated September 28, 2023 (COUNCIL).
MOTION: It was moved by Vo, and seconded by Yokoyama, to approve the Register of Demands as follows:
City of Cerritos September 28, 2023 $4, 364,743.11 (COUNCIL)
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Johnson, Vo, Yokoyama, Solanki, Barrows
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7C. Approval of employment agreement for Robert A. Lopez, Appointed City Manager, effective upon retirement of Art Gallucci, current City Manager (COUNCIL).
Pursuant to a request from Councilmember Yokoyama, with City Council consensus, this item was removed from the consent calendar for separate consideration.
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7. Consent Calendar (continued)
7C. (continued)
A staff report was given by Travis Van Ligten, Assistant City Attorney.
The Mayor opened the public comments period. Noting there were no individuals who elected to provide public comment, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Solanki, and seconded by Vo, to approve the Agreement for Employment of City Manager, as detailed in the agenda report associated with this item (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (4 - 1) as follows:
AYES: Johnson, Vo, Solanki, Barrows
NOES: Yokoyama
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7D. Continuance of the existence of a local emergency concerning a gasoline leak from a privately owned existing pipeline on the Cerritos Iron -Wood Nine public golf course, and potential threat to the safety of persons and property requiring remediation, repair, and improvement of the public golf course and other City-owned public property, as specified (COUNCIL).
*Pursuant to Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, this project is categorically exempt from CEQA Review.
Pursuant to a request from Councilmember Yokoyama, with City Council consensus, this item was removed from the consent calendar for separate consideration.
A staff report was given by Dario Simoes, Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer.
CONSENSUS (Vo): Directed the City Manager to provide a memorandum to the City Council regarding the potential incorporation of a resident/non-resident price structure for range ball/card purchases at the Cerritos Iron -Wood Nine Golf Course, after the next scheduled staff evaluation of range ball fees.
CONSENSUS (Barrows): Directed the City Manager to schedule an agenda report for the Parks and Recreation Commission’s consideration of the potential institution of a fee schedule for use of pickleball courts at Liberty Park.
The Mayor opene d the public comments period. Noting there were no individuals who elected to provide public comment, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Vo, and seconded by Yokoyama, to:
1. Make the findings set forth in Sections one (1) through eight (8) of Resolution No. 2023-05, and incorporate by reference those findings, as they relate to the continued existence of a local emergency as specified; and
2. Direct staff to provide a report to the City Council regarding the local emergency at least once every sixty (60) days, pursuant to Section 8630(c) of the California Government Code, until the City Council terminates the local emergency (COUNCIL).
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7. Consent Calendar (continued)
7D. (continued)
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Johnson, Vo, Yokoyama, Solanki, Barrows
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7E. Waive full reading of and adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS APPROVING AND ATTESTING TO THE VERACITY OF THE 2022 POWER SOURCE
DISCLOSURE ANNUAL REPORT AND POWER CONTENT LABEL TO THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION (COUNCIL).
MOTION: It was moved by Vo, and seconded by Yokoyama, to waive full reading of and adopt Resolution No. 2023-30, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS APPROVING AND ATTESTING TO THE VERACITY OF THE 2022
POWER SOURCE DISCLOSURE ANNUAL REPORT AND POWER CONTENT LABEL TO THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 - 0) as follows:
AYES: Johnson, Vo, Yokoyama, Solanki, Barrows
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7F. Award of contract for Cerritos parkway tree maintenance, Bid No. 1519 -23* (COUNCIL).
*Pursuant to Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, this project is categorically exempt from CEQA Review.
MOTION: It was moved by Vo, and seconded by Yokoyama, to:
1. Adopt findings in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq. (CEQA) that the improvements planned under the proposed contract award are categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines, based on the findings as set forth in the agenda report associated with this item;
2. Award a four-year contract to Golden West Arbor Services, Inc., in the total amount of $2,754,250 for Cerritos parkway tree maintenance, Bid No. 1519 -23, and reject the other bids; and
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute any project-related change orders, in accordance with the City’s adopted Purchasing and Contracting policy (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 - 0) as follows:
AYES: Johnson, Vo, Yokoyama, Solanki, Barrows
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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7. Consent Calendar (continued)
7G. Waive full reading of and adopt A RESOLUT ION OF THE CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL
AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A MASTER COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT (MCA) BETWEEN THE
CITY OF CERRITOS AND THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION
AUTHORITY (METRO) FOR THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE OF A PORTION OF METRO’S WEST SANTA ANA BRANCH (WSAB) PROJECT LOCATED WITHIN THE CITY OF CERRITOS (COUNCIL).
MOTION: It was moved by Vo, and seconded by Yokoyama, to waive full reading of and adopt Resolution No. 2023-31, A RESOLUTION OF THE CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL
AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A MASTER COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT (MCA)
BETWEEN THE CITY OF CERRITOS AND THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY
METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO) FOR THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE OF A PORTION OF METRO’S
WEST SANTA ANA BRANCH (WSAB) PROJECT LOCATED WITHIN THE CITY OF CERRITOS (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 - 0) as follows:
AYES: Johnson, Vo, Yokoyama, Solanki, Barrows
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
8. Public Hearings
None.
9. New and Old Business
9A. Review and consideration to receive and file an evaluation of current street conditions and a Cerritos Pavement Management Program Update* (COUNCIL).
*Pursuant to Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, this project is categorically exempt from CEQA Review.
A staff report was given by Dario Simoes, Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer. A PowerPoint presentation was displayed.
CONSENSUS (Barrows): Directed the City Manager to present to the Cit y Council for consideration, the prioritization of street improvements for the streets in “poor” and “very poor” condition, according to Pavement Condition Index score ratings, during the budget approval process for the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.
The Mayor opened the public comments period.
Case van der Linden inquired about the status of improvements on Bloomfield Avenue.
Noting there were no other individuals who elected to provide public comment, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Vo, and seconded by Solanki, to receive and file the agenda report associated with this item (COUNCIL).
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9. New and Old Business (continued)
9A. (continued)
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Johnson, Vo, Yokoyama, Solanki, Barrows
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
9B. Review and consideration of renaming Cerritos Park East in honor of retiring City Manager Arthur Gallucci, and waiving the City policy for naming and renaming City facilities in connection with this renaming (COUNCIL).
A staff report was given by Sherré Titus, Recreation Services Superintendent.
The Mayor opened the public comments period.
In-Person Public Comments:
Celia Spitzer expressed appreciation for the service provided by retiring City Manager Art Gallucci, and expressed support for either a one-time waiver of the Cerritos Naming and Renaming of City Facilities Policy and the renaming of Cerritos Park East to Art Gallucci Park, or that the Council expedite the potential modification of the subject policy.
Jennifer Chang spoke in opposition to a waiver of the Cerritos Naming and Renaming of City Facilities Policy. She requested the City find alternate methods to honor the retiring City Manager.
Mallik Banda expressed appreciation for the service provided by retiring City Manager Art Gallucci, and expressed opposition to a one-time waiver of the Cerritos Naming and Renaming of City Facilities Policy and the renaming of Cerritos Park East. He requested the City find alternate methods to honor the retiring City Manager.
Sam Desai expressed appreciation for the service provided by retiring City Manager Art Gallucci, and expressed opposition to a one-time waiver of the Cerritos Naming and Renaming of City Facilities Policy and the renaming of Cerritos Park East.
Case van der Linden expressed opposition to a waiver of the Cerritos Naming and Renaming of City Facilities Policy.
(minutes continue on the next page)
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9. New and Old Business (continued)
9B. (continued)
Written Correspondence:
(Written correspondence submitted by the deadline listed on the agenda is considered public record. Prior to the meeting, the Council/Agency received copies of the full -text unredacted written correspondence that was submitted for this item. Public requests for copies of the full -text redacted written correspondence can be made during regular business hours to the Office of the City Clerk/Treasurer)
The following individuals submitted comments in opposition to a waiver of the Cerritos Naming and Renaming of City Facilities Policy:
Abhishek Jain
Jennifer Chang
Amy Tong
Ann Margret Castillo
Dara Ny
Jana Rajan
Marty and Gail Grossman
Sherry Woods
Howard Remsen
Cresinni Tan
Coleen Aldrich
Noting there were no other individuals who elected to provide public comment, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Vo, and seconded by Barrows, to bring a report to the City Council internal ad hoc Policies and Procedures working group to review and discuss the modification of City Council Policy No. 7.06 - Cerritos Naming and Renaming of Facilities (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (3 – 2) as follows:
AYES: Vo, Solanki, Barrows
NOES: Johnson, Yokoyama
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
9C. Review and consideration of a request by the Cerritos Auto Square Dealer's Association for financial assistance from the City of Cerritos to facilitate an upgrade of the existing Cerritos Auto Square digital freeway sign* (COUNCIL).
*Pursuant to Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, this project is categorically exempt from CEQA review.
A staff report was given by Kristin Aguila, Director of Community Development. A PowerPoint presentation was displayed.
The Mayor opened the public comments period.
Dave Homlerud, representative of Cerritos Auto Square Dealers Association and Norm Reeves Ford, spoke in support of the subject proposal, noting the proposal is not different from that which has been previously approved.
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9. New and Old Business (continued)
9C. (continued)
Sam Desai requested the City Council consider providing similar loans to other local businesses, in the spirit of economic development equality.
Mallik Banda requested the City Council develop a policy regarding providing loans to local businesses, in the spirit of economic development equality.
Michele Wolfe expressed concern about the subject loan interest rate, stating the rate should be closer to current standard bank loan rates.
Noting there were no other individuals who elected to provide public comment, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Johnson, and seconded by Vo, to:
1. Find that, pursuant to Section 3.20.060(h) of the Cerritos Municipal Code, dispensing with the bidding requir ements for the proposed improvements and upgrades to the existing Cerritos Auto Square digital display sign is in the best interest of the City for the reasons described in the agenda report associated with this item including specifically, Subsection 6 of the Proposed Terms therein; and
2. Authorize the City to provide financial assistance, in an amount not to exceed $892,181.00, to the Cerritos Auto Square Dealer’s Association to facilitate upgrades to the existing Cerritos Auto Square digital advertisin g sign along the San Gabriel Freeway (I-605), pursuant to the terms described in the agenda report associated with this item, in such form as prepared by the City Attorney and as the City Manager shall deem appropriate in connection with the completion of providing financial assistance for this purpose (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Johnson, Vo, Yokoyama, Solanki, Barrows
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
10. Legislative Items
10A. Report on pending legislation.
None.
10B. Review and consideration to support or oppose specific legislation in the State or Federal legislature or in the State or Federal Executive Office for signature.
None.
11. Reports
11A. Report from City Manager/Executive Director
None.
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11. Reports (continued)
11B. City Council Communications/Committee Reports/Meeting Reports
Reports were given by Councilmembers Vo, Johnson, and Yokoyama.
12. Closed Session
Travis Van Ligten , Assistant City Attorney, announced the City Council would r ecess to Closed Session to discuss Items 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D, as listed on the Closed Session agenda.
12A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Consider initiation of litigation
Pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(4) (COUNCIL)
Number of cases: One (1)
12B. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957 (COUNCIL) Title: City Manager
12C. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957 (COUNCIL) Title: City Attorney
12D. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957 (COUNCIL) Title: City Clerk/Treasurer
The City Council recessed into Closed Session.
The City Council reconvened into Open Session.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Travis Van Ligten, Assistant City Attorney, provided the following Closed Session report:
ITEM 12A:
MOTION: It was moved by Vo, and seconded by Solanki, to authorize the Office of the City Attorney to initiate litigation. The name of the case, defendants, and other particulars, once formally commenced, will be disclosed to any person upon inquiry, in accordance with the California Government Code 54957.1(a)(2) (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Johnson, Vo, Yokoyama, Solanki, Barrows
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ITEMS 12B, 12C, and 12D:
The City Council did not discuss Items 12B, 12C, and 12D, as listed on the Closed Session agenda. There was no action taken on these items and nothing further to report.
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13. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m. in memory of former Community Safety Committee Member Romy Bhardwaj.
/s/Cynthia Nava
Cynthia Nava
Assistant City Clerk/ Assistant Agency
Secretary
ATTEST:
/s/Bruce W. Barrows
Bruce W. Barrows
Mayor/Agency Chair
APPROVED: October 12, 2023