MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL HELD SATUR DAY, DECEMBER 2, 2023, 10:00 A.M., IN THE MALIBU ROOM AT THE CERRITOS PARK EAST COMMUNITY CENTER, 13234 E. 166TH STREET, CERRITOS, CALIFORNIA.
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Lynda P. Johnson.
3. Roll Call
The following members of the City Council were in attendance:
Councilmember Lynda P. Johnson
Councilmember Chuong Vo
Councilmember Frank Aurelio Yokoyama
Mayor Barrows Bruce W. Barrows
MOTION: It was moved by Vo, and seconded by Yokoyama, to excuse Mayor Pro Tem Solanki from the meeting (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (4 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Johnson, Vo, Yokoyama, Barrows
NOES: None
ABSENT: Solanki (excused)
ABSTAIN: None
4. New Business
4A. Review and consideration for the Cerritos City Council to establish the priority goals to guide the preparation of the City's Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget and Strategic Financial Plan in accordance with the Strategic Financial Plan and Budget Preparation Policy (Policy No. 2.04) (COUNCIL).
A staff report was given by Peter Kemp, Budget Manager. A PowerPoint presentation was displayed.
The Mayor opened the public comments period.
In-Person Public Comments:
Matt Kauble inquired regarding the City’s plans for tree harvesting to offset the cost of tree reforestation, and the potential use of tree root barriers. He also suggested the City invest in an auto museum and institut e an auto show to increase visitors to the City and tax revenue.
Written Correspondence:
(Written correspondence submitted by the deadline listed on the agenda is considered public record. Prior to the meeting, the Council received copies of the full-text unredacted written correspondence 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.)
Mike Ballentine submitted comments on various City-related items identified in the public agenda report.
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4. New Business (continued)
4A. (continued)
Julie Xieu submitted comments on various City-related items identified in the public agenda report, Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts entertainment, the City calendar, and the Los Cerritos Center.
Thomas Voth requested additional public notice time for Strategic Planning Sessions and submitted comments on various City-related items identified in the public agenda report.
Gail Grossman requested enhanced accessibility at City facilities.
Jay Miller requested improvements at freeway ramps in the City.
Noting there were no other individuals who elected to provide public comment, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
CONSENSUS (Barrows): Directed the City Manager to commence friendly talks with the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) regarding the maintenance and landscaping of freeway ramps in Cerritos and provide an informational update to the City Council.
CONSENSUS (Vo):
Directed the City Manager to coordinate with the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department (LASD) to explore the potential use of drones for public safety in the City by LASD, and if necessary, with support of the California Contract Cities organization.
If such program is not feasible with LASD, explore the options of developing a separate City-based public safety drone program.
CONSENSUS (Vo): Directed the City Manager to coordinate with area agencies to examine the existing use of drones for public safety and conduct one or more site visits by February 2024.
CONSENSUS (Barrows): Directed the City Manager to research the feasibility of the City Manager and other key staff to attend AI-related training, similar to those conducted by Stanford and Harvard Universities, for the purpose of enhancing City-based government services. If attendance is feasible in FY 2023-24, the City Manager is authorized to process the appropriate budget amendment. If not feasible in FY 2023-24, include a proposal for such funding in the FY 2024-25 budget for City Council consideration.
CONSENSUS (Barrows): Directed the City Manager to ensure the City has the full version of the OpenGov software platform and implements access to instructional tools (in various media formats) to facilitate effective use as soon as feasible.
CONSENSUS (Barrows): Directed the City Manager to facilitate the selection of a professional firm to ensure best practices are utilized, including methods to encourage robust public participation, in the conduct of the City’s future strategic visioning and planning processes.
CONSENSUS (Vo): Directed the City Manager to draft personalized letters from the City Council to Cerritos Sheriff Station deputies expressing support of their work in the City, with a copy available for public dissemination.
CONSENSUS (Johnson): Directed the City Manager to schedule an agenda report for City Council review and consideration of a resolution in support of the Cerritos Sheriff Station deputies.
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4. New Business (continued)
4A. (continued)
MOTION: It was moved by Barrows, and seconded by Johnson, to direct the City Manager to:
1. Compile the input and information received at this meeting as related to development of Fiscal Year 2024-25 priority goals, including removal of the proposed “coyote issues” item as the City Council has previously provided consensus direction on the matter; and
2. Work in collaboration with the City Council Budget and Finance Ad Hoc Working Group to revie w the compiled input and information and develop proposed measurable objectives and tasks; and
3. Schedule an agenda report at an upcoming meeting for City Council review and consideration of approval of final priority goals, objectives, and tasks for use in guiding the preparation of the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Citywide Budget.
The motion carried (4 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Johnson, Vo, Yokoyama, Barrows
NOES: None
ABSENT: Solanki (excused)
ABSTAIN: None
5. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 1:32 p.m.
_/s/ Cynthia Nava__________
Cynthia Nava
Assistant City Clerk
ATTEST:
/s/ Bruce W. Barrows
Bruce W. Barrows
Mayor
APPROVED: December 14, 2023