MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL AND THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CERRITOS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY HELD THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2024, 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 Vida Barone, City Clerk/Treasurer.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Pro Tem Naresh Solanki.
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:
Dr. Natalie Sartin, English Department Associate Professor and Black/African Studies Chair, Cerritos Community College (Black History Month).
5B. An informational report to the Cerritos City Council regarding the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Southbound I -605 South Street off -ramp improvement project (COUNCIL).
An informational report was given by Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Board of Directors Member/ City of Whittier Mayor Pro Tem Fernando Dutra and Olga Arroyo, Metro Director of Community Relations. A PowerPoint presentation was displayed.
Metro Director of Community Relations Olga Arroyo submitted a document (contact card) for the official 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 can be made during regular business hours to the Office of the City Clerk/Treasurer).
This was an informational item and no action was taken.
6. Public Comments and Suggestions
Mayor Barrows provided information concerning decorum during the public meeting.
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6. Public Comments and Suggestions (continued)
Vida Barone, City Clerk, provided the following disclaimer concerning written comments submitted for all agenda items: Written comments submitted by the deadline listed on the agenda are considered public record. Prior to the meeting, the Council/Agency members received full-text, unredacted copies of any written comments submitted for items listed on the agenda, including general public comments. Public requests for copies of the written comments submitted for this meeting can be made during regular business hours to the Office of the City Clerk/Treasurer.
The Mayor opened the public comments period.
Written Correspondence:
Andrés Martínez Pais commented on behalf of t he State of California Mortgage Relief Program.
Gail and Marty Grossman requested the City refrain from participating in global politics.
The following individuals requested the City Council support the calling of a ceasefire in the conflict currently occurring in Israel and Palestine:
Alejandra C.
Aleeza Adnan
Rita Chraibi
Margaret Villa
Alexandria Cornejo
Aiya Kanawati
Moni T.
Isis Rivera
Cris Hernandez
Jesus G.
Theresa N.
Suzanne Meriden
Maribel Chavez
Felicity Figueroa
Nour
Estefani Amaya
Mrs. Hakeem
Sarah Rhee
Natalie Zadeh
Jonna Lindqvist
Mirvette Judeh
Jawahir Mohamath
Ibrahim G.
Karl Alvarado
Randa Hamida
Haseena Mirza
Omar Kader
Bilal Chaalan
Isra Hashmi
Fahd Albinali
Khondoker Islam
K. Eldessouky
Tasneem Motala
Rafael Fernandez
Jenny Alba
Sondos
Jacqueline Ceballos Gomez
Michael Wauschek
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6. Public Comments and Suggestions (continued)
Farwa Jafri
Edwin Morales
In-Person Public Comments:
Gail Grossman expressed concern regarding accessibility to the City Council Chamber for those with disabilities and the lack of adequate handicap parking spaces in the Civic Center Plaza.
CONSENSUS (Johnson): Directed the City Manager to provide information to the City Council concerning options for additional disabled access to City Hall/Council Chamber and increasing the number of disabled parking stalls at the Civic Center Plaza.
Michael Wauschek requested the City Council take action to support a ceasefire in Palestine.
Coleen Aldrich requested additional handicap parking in the Civic Center Plaza and thanked the City for considering the coyote Wildlife Watch Program at the January 2024 Community Safety Committee meeting.
Emmanuel Ro nquillo requested the City Council take action to support a ceasefire in Palestine.
Christy Montaver expressed concern with actions taken against Palestinians.
Sophia Tse provided information concerning the decline in ABC Unified School District enrollment.
Margaret Villa expressed concern that Cerritos funds are being utilized to fund Israel and requested the City Council adopt a resolution in support of H.Res 786.
Jay Gray expressed support for Israel’s rights to defend itself, the freedom of speech right in the United States, and for the City to follow its established policies. He also commented on the removal of the United States Constitution and other decorative items from the City Council Chamber, the City Treasurer position, and the Art in Public Places program.
Mel Cortez requested the date of the next paper shredding event required to be provided by Athens Services and expressed concern with the street sweeping service provided by the same company. He displayed the “welcome kit” provided to Neighborhood Watch volunteers, requested residents to participate in the Wildlife Watch program, and expressed concern with the impact of declining ABC Unified School District enrollment on the City.
Al Barlevy requested the City Council not take a position on the conflict occurring between Israel and Palestine.
Aditya Pai requested the support of Cerritos resid ents in his campaign to be elected to represent the 45th California Congressional District.
Bill Irhke, City Attorney, stated that the Mayor is the presiding officer during the public City Council meetings, and has the authority under State and local law s to govern public comment procedures.
Sam Desai expressed concern with impacts that may arise in the City due to closure of local schools and the accountability of the Chamber of Commerce.
Jenna Hajjar requested the City Council take action to support a ceasefire in Palestine.
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6. Public Comments and Suggestions (continued)
Fernando Islas requested the City Council adopt a resolution in support of H.Res 786.
Seeing no further speakers, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
7. Consent Calendar
7A. Approval of Minutes
Thursday, January 25, 2024, 7:00 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Minutes (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
MOTION: It was moved by Solanki, and seconded by Johnson, to approve the Thursday, January 25 , 2024 , 7:00 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Minu tes (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 Financial Reports
7B.1. Register of Demands for the City of Cerritos dated February 8, 2024 (COUNCIL).
MOTION: It was moved by Solanki, and seconded by Johnson, to approve the Register of Demands as follows:
City of Cerritos February 8, 2024 $4,399,245.95 (COUNCIL)
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Johnson, Vo, Yokoyama, Solanki, Barrows
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7B.2. City Council/Successor Agency Treasurer's Reports for the period ending December 31, 2023 (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
MOTION: It was moved by Solanki, and seconded by Johnson, to approve the City Council/Successor Agency Treasurer’s Reports for the period ending December 31, 2023 (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
The motion carried (5 - 0) as follows:
AYES: Johnson, Vo, Yokoyama, Solanki, Barrows
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7C. Award of contract for professional services to conduct a financial analysis and business plan in association with a City of Cerritos municipal fiber optic broadband service* (COUNCIL).
*Pursuant to Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15378(b)(5) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, the contract is exempt from CEQA review.
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7. Consent Calendar (continued)
7C. (continued)
MOTION: It was moved by Solanki, and seconded by Johnson, to:
1. Adopt findings in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq. (CEQA) that the proposed contract award is exempt from CEQA review pursuant to Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15378(b)(5) of the CEQA Guidelines, based on the findings set forth in the agenda report associated with this item;
2. Authorize a budget amendment for the appropriation of funds in the amount of $230,000 from the General Fund for financial ana lysis and business plan services in association with a City of Cerritos municipal fiber optic broadband service, the new Citywide Fiber Optic Improvements CIP project to be included in Fiscal Year 2023-2024;
3. Award a contract in the amount of $230,000 to CTC Technology & Energy of Kensington, Maryland for financial analysis and business plan services; and
4. 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
8. Public Hearings
8A. Recommendation by the Cerritos Planning Commission, on a vote of 5 -0, to approve the following:
Review and consideration to waive full reading of and introduce AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS AMENDING TITLE 22 OF THE CERRITOS MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO
THE REGULATION OF BODY ART BUSINESSES IN THE CITY OF CERRITOS, HEREIN REFERENCED AS DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT 2024-1* (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 Sabrina Chan, Advance Planning Manager. A PowerPoint presentation was displayed.
The Mayor opened the public hearing and the public comments period.
In-Person Public Comments:
Sam Desai expressed support for approval of body art businesses in the City, citing various cultural traditions expressed through body art.
Written Correspondence:
Gail Grossman expressed support for body art businesses if they remain in compliance with applicable health and safety provisions.
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8. Public Hearings (continued)
8A. (continued)
Seeing no further speakers, the Mayor declared the public comments period and the public hearing closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Vo, and seconded by Yokoyama, to approve the recommendation by the Cerritos Planning Commission to waive full reading of and introduce Ordinance No. 1043, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS AMENDING TITLE 22 OF THE
CERRITOS MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF BODY ART
BUSINESSES IN THE CITY OF CERRITOS, HEREIN REFERENCED AS DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT 2024-1 (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 - 0) as follows:
AYES: Johnson, Vo, Yokoyama, Solanki, Barrows
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
9. New and Old Business
Pursuant to City Council consensus, Item 9B was heard at this juncture of the meeting. The detail for Item 9B is listed in the appropriate section below.
9A. Review and consideration to rename a City of Cerritos facility (COUNCIL).
(Pursuant to City Council consensus, this item was considered after Item 9B concluded.)
Staff reports were given by Sherré Titus, Recreation Services Superintendent and Bill Ihrke, City Attorney.
The Mayor opened the public comments period.
In-Person Public Comments:
Gail Grossman expressed opposition to the renaming of Cerritos Park East.
Karen Wilson expressed opposition to the renaming of Cerritos Park East and suggested an alternative to honor former City Manager Art Gallucci by placing a plaque in the City Council Chamber.
Catherine Pasc ual expressed opposition to the renaming of Cerritos Park East and requested enhancements to park facilities as an alternative.
Coleen Aldrich expressed opposition to the renaming of Cerritos Park East and the waiver of established City policies.
Jay Gray expressed opposition to the renaming of Cerritos Park East and the waiver of established City policies.
Steve Peters expressed opposition to the renaming of Cerritos Park East.
Sean Peters expressed opposition to the renaming of Cerritos Park East.
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9. New and Old Business (continued)
9A. (continued)
Mel Cortez expressed opposition to the renaming of Cerritos Park East and the waiver of established City policies. He submitted a document for the record, entitled, “Preserve the Name of Cerritos Park East.” (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 can be made during regular business hours to the Office of the City Clerk/Treasurer).
Sam Desai expressed opposition to the renaming of Cerritos Park East.
Dale Meyers expressed opposition to the renaming of Cerritos Park East.
Written Correspondence:
The following individuals expressed opposition to the renaming of Cerritos Park East:
Sue Carter
Rosa Peters
Murali Vasudevan
Deborah ONeal
Jaime Ball
Gail and Marty Grossman
Norma and Alan Williamson
Seeing no further speakers, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
MAIN MOTION (HELD PENDING): It was moved by Vo, and seconded by Solanki, to approve a one-time waiver of City Policy 7.06 – Naming and Renaming of City Facilities and name the hallway entrance to the main theater at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts in honor of former City Manager Art Gallucci (COUNCIL).
(The main motion was held pending due to consideration of a substitute motion.)
SUBSTITUTE MOTION (DID NOT PASS): It was moved by Johnson, and seconded by Yokoyama, to follow and adhere to the provisions of City Policy 7.06 – Naming and Renaming of City Facilities, which was adopted as part of the City of Cerritos Policy and Procedure Manual on April 28, 2022 (COUNCIL).
The motion did not carry (2 - 3) as follows:
AYES: Johnson, Yokoyama
NOES: Vo, Solanki, Barrows
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
MAIN MOTION (CARRIED): It was moved by Vo, and seconded by Solanki, to approve a one-time waiver of City Policy 7.06 – Naming and Renaming of City Facilities and name the hallway at the entrance of the main theater at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts in honor of former City Manager Art Gallucci (COUNCIL).
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9. New and Old Business (continued)
9A. (continued)
The motion carried (3 - 2) as follows:
AYES: Vo, Solanki, Barrows
NOES: Johnson, Yokoyama
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
9B. Review and consideration to waive full reading of and adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS IN SUPPORT OF THE CERRITOS SHERIFF’S STATION DEPUTIES (COUNCIL).
(Pursuant to City Council consensus, this item was considered prior to action on Item 9A.)
A staff report was given by Daryl Evans, Public Safety Manager.
The Mayor opened the public comments period.
Written Correspondence:
Marty and Gail Grossman expressed gratitude for the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station Deputies for ensuring the safety of the community.
Seeing no further speakers, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Johnson, and seconded by Barrows, to:
1. Waive full reading of and adopt Resolution No. 2024-06, A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS IN SUPPORT OF THE CERRITOS SHERIFF’S STATION DEPUTIES (COUNCIL); and
2. Direct staff to distribute a signed letter of appreciation of each Cerritos Sheriff’s Station deputy, as set forth in the agenda report associated with this item (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.
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11. Reports
11A. Report from City Manager/Executive Director
11A.1. An informational update regarding the City’s transportation services.
An informational update was given by Kristin Aguila, Director of Community Development, on the status of the City’s transportation services and the “opt -in” Homeowner Alert Service (e-Notification) offered by the Los Angel es County Assessor to identify potential real estate fraud activity.
CONSENSUS (Barrows): Directed the City Manager to work with County Supervisor Janice Hahn, the City’s Congressional representatives, the Southern California Association of Governments, and the City’s other Local and Federal resources to seek an alternative use and an extension for the use of the City’s $4.4 million Federal Transit Administration Bus and Bus Facilities grant for fixed-route transportation service.
CONSENSUS (Barrows): Directed the City Manager to include a notice of the “opt -in” Homeowner Alert Service (e-Notification) offered by the Los Angeles County Assessor in the City’s water billing mailers sent to each household.
11B. City Council Communications/Committee Reports/Meeting Reports
Reports were given by Councilmembers Johnson, Vo, and Yokoyama, Mayor Pro Tem Solanki, and Mayor Barrows.
CONSENSUS (Vo): Directed the City Manager to place photographs of former City Managers in the City Hall complex.
CONSENSUS (Barrows): Directed the City Manager to update and replace the U.S.
Constitution, City map, and other framed documents in the City Council Chamber.
CONSENSUS (Barrows): Directed the City Manager to provide a monthly Commission and Committee member attendance report to the City Council, retroactive to January 1, 2024.
CONSENSUS (Barrows): Directed the Charter Employees to research options for requiring the submittal of conflict of interest disclosure forms from contracted persons or firms (per the Political Reform Act and Levine Act) in City contracts and other applicable documents that are considered for approval by the City Council, Commissions, and Committees, in a format similar to that provided by Southern California Association of Governments, and include s imilar updates to applicable consultant forms in the Conflict of Interest Code during the mandated 2024 biennial review.
CONSENSUS (Barrows): Directed the City Manager to schedule the Park and Recreation Commission to review options to replace the “spray pool” at Cerritos Park East (CPE) and schedule a City Council report at a future meeting to review any resulting recommendations.
12. Closed Session
None.
13. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 11:49 p.m.
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_/s/ Vida Barone___________________
Vida Barone
City Clerk/Agency Secretary
ATTEST:
/s/ Bruce W. Barrows
Bruce W. Barrows
Mayor/Agency Chair
APPROVED: February 22, 2024