MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL AND THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CERRITOS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY HELD THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 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 Andrew Kazim, Pastor of Young Adults, 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
None.
5B. Review and consideration of selection of a voting delegate and alternate to represent the City of Cerritos on the Southeast Gateway Line Corridor Cities Committee (formerly Eco- Rapid Transit Joint Powers Authority) (COUNCIL).
A staff report was given by Vida Barone, City Clerk/Treasurer.
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 Barrows, and seconded by Johnson, to:
1. Designate Mayor Pro Tem Solanki as the voting delegate and Mayor Barrows as the voting alternate to represent the City on the Gateway Cities Council of Governments Southeast Gateway Line Corridor Cities Committee; and
2. Direct the Office of the City Clerk/Treasurer to notify the Gateway Cities Council of Governments Southeast Gateway Line Corridor Cities Committee of the designation of the City’s voting delegate and alternate, and add this item to the list of Mayor’s Annual Appointments for the duration of the City’s membership (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 - 0) as follows:
AYES: Johnson, Vo, Yokoyama, Solanki, Barrows
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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At this juncture of the meeting, Mayor Barrows provided information concerning decorum during the public meeting. Pursuant to City Council consensus, the meeting agenda was reordered to consider Item No. 6 related to items not on the agenda but within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council to be considered after the conclusion of Item No. 11.
Vida Barone, City Clerk/Treasurer, 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.
6. Public Comments and Suggestions
(Notation: Pursuant to previous City Council consensus direction (considered after Item No. 5), Item No. 6 was considered after Item No. 11 during the meeting. Additionally, pursuant to City Council consensus direction (considered after Item No. 11), a one-time waiver of City Council Protocol Manual Section 8.08 was granted and Item No. 6 was not televised or broadcast. The details of Item No. 6 are listed below).
The Mayor opened the public comments period for items not listed on the meeting agenda but that were within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council and Closed Session.
In-Person Public Comments:
Michael Diaz requested the City Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.
Teddy Lloyd requested additional pickleball courts throughout the City, including Heritage Park.
Alissa Rose expressed opposition to City Council participation in global politics.
Krisha Vallejos requested the City Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.
Margaret Villa requested the City Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.
Alex Cor requested the City Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.
May Mendez requested the City Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.
Christy Mouk requested the City Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.
Mendel Rosenblum expressed opposition to City Council participation in global politics.
Sam Desai expressed opposition to change in public comment procedures, requested clarification of the role of the City’s Commissions, and expressed concern regarding cancellation of Commission meetings.
Michael Wauschek requested the City Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.
Emmanual Ronquillo requested the City Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.
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6. Public Comments and Suggestions (continued)
Eej Eej expressed opposition to City Council participation in global politics.
Alohi Minami requested the City Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.
Ceasefire Now 1312 requested the City Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.
Karen Wilson expressed opposition to City Council participation in global politics.
Bruce Villa expressed concerns with censorship and limitation of public speech at public meetings.
Al Barlevy expressed opposition to City Council participation in global politics.
Written Correspondence:
Murali Vasudevan requested the City enforce the prohibition of feeding wildlife at Heritage Park.
The following individuals expressed opposition to City Council participation in global politics:
Marci Levins
Alissa Rose
The following individuals requested the City Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Palestine:
Ona Boseroy
Tameem Kanawati
Adel Hijazi
Rumeiz Hasseem
Thasneem Ahmed
Sebastian Sandoval
Nahla Kattih
Dalia Sayess
Saika Ahmed
Hatim Mouissa
Darcy Levine
Muhmmad Nasir
Tala Tibi
Arwa Zahdan
Huda Rashid
Bilal Chaalan
Cedra Bahnassi
Jawahir Mohamath
Salma Almoradi
Jenny Alba
Rita Chraibi
Krisha Vallejos
Jazmine Guzman
Aiya Kanawati
Lucy Silva
Ryan Armstrong
Michael Wauschek
Shanelle Henry
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6. Public Comments and Suggestions (continued)
Eileen Lee
Cristian Hernandez
Salera Jordan
Seeing no further speakers, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
7. Consent Calendar
Item 7C was pulled from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration at the request of the City Manager and confirmed pursuant to City Council consensus direction.
The Mayor opened the public comments period on Consent Calendar items. Seeing none, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
7A. Approval of Minutes
Thursday, February 22, 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, February 22, 2024, 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 Financial Reports
7B.1. Register of Demands for the City of Cerritos dated March 14, 2024 (COUNCIL).
MOTION: It was moved by Solanki, and seconded by Johnson, to approve the Register of Demands as follows:
City of Cerritos March 14, 2024 $9,738,782.80 (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 January 31, 2024 (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
MOTION: It was moved by Solanki, and seconded by Johnson, to approve the City Council/Successor Agency Treasurer’s R eports for the period ending January 31, 2024 (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
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7. Consent Calendar (continued)
7B.2. (continued)
The motion carried (5 - 0) as follows:
AYES: Johnson, Vo, Yokoyama, Solanki, Barrows
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7C. 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 p ersons and property requiring remediation, repair, and improvement of the public golf course and other City-owned public property, as specified (COUNCIL).
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration at the request of the City Manager and confirmed pursuant to City Council consensus direction.
A staff report was given by Dario Simoes, Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer. A video presentation was displayed.
MOTION: It was moved by Yokoyama, and seconded by Solanki, to:
3. Continue the local emergency as proclaimed in Resolution No. 2023-05, at the Cerritos Iron-Wood Nine Golf Course and the nearby City property with the C-4 well site;
2. 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
3. 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).
The motion carried (5 - 0) as follows:
AYES: Johnson, Vo, Yokoyama, Solanki, Barrows
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CONSENSUS (Barrows): Directed the City Manager to schedule consideration of installation of a secondary security fence at the appropriate location within the City’s Golf Course property during a future budget cycle.
7D. Adoption of Ordinance:
Ordinance introduced at the Thursday, February 22, 2024 City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting:
Waive full reading of and adopt Ordinance No. 1044 , AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS AMENDING CHAPTER 3.20 OF THE CERRITOS MUNICIPAL CODE TO UPD ATE
VARIOUS MUNICIPAL CODE PURCHASING STANDARDS TO ALIGN WITH THE STANDARDS
SET FORTH WITHIN THE RECENTLY ADOPTED CITY OF CERRITOS POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL (COUNCIL).
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7. Consent Calendar (continued)
7D. (continued)
MOTION: It was moved by Solanki, and seconded by Johnson, to:
1. Waive full reading of and adopt Ordinance No. 1044, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS AMENDING CHAPTER 3.20 OF THE CERRITOS MUNICIPAL CODE
TO UPDATE VARIOUS MUNICIPAL CODE PURCHASING STANDARDS TO ALIGN
WITH THE STANDARDS SET FORTH WITHIN THE RECENTLY ADOPTED CITY OF CERRITOS POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL (COUNCIL); and
2. Direct the City Clerk to publish a notice of adopted ordinance (Ordinance No. 1044) within fifteen (15) days of adoption as required by Cerritos City Charter Section 413 and California Government Code 36933 (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 - 0) as follows:
AYES: Johnson, Vo, Yokoyama, Solanki, Barrows
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7E. Award of contract for Senior Center carpet replacement, Project No. 23211, Bid No. 1538- 24* (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 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 improvements planned under the proposed contract award are categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines, based on the findings set forth in the agenda report associated with this item;
2. Award a contract in the amount of $54,950 to Commercial Interior Resources , for Senior Center carpet replacement (total bid), Project No. 23211, Bid No. 1538-24, 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
7F. Approval of a request for C ity consent to the as signment of a sublease for the Land Rover/Jaguar dealership located at 10861 183rd Street, Cerritos, California, 90703, from Envision CE LRJ Auto LLC, to Lustig C erritos JLR LLC, a subsidiary of Lustig Automotive Holdings LLC , and appr oval and authorization for the C ity in its capacity as ground lessor/landlord to execute a first amendment to sublease agreement and a sublease recognition, non-disturbance and attornment agreement associated with the assignment of the sublease (APN# 7034-017-909) (COUNCIL).
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7. Consent Calendar (continued)
7F. (continued)
MOTION: It was moved by Solanki, and seconded by Johnson, to authorize the Mayor, or his designee, to execute the documents to facilitate, acknowledge, and consent to the transfer of the sublease for the City-owned property located at 10861 183rd Street, from Envision CE LRJ Auto LLC, to Lustig Cerritos JLR LLC, or another affiliated entity of Lustig Automotive Holdings LLC, which has been approved by the City, in such form as the City Attorney shall deem appropriate, including any sublease amendments, or related documentation required or appropriate in connection with completion of such assignment attached to the agenda report associated with this item or such other form as the City Attorney shall deem appropriate (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 of the City of Cerritos Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2022-23 (COUNCIL).
A staff report was given by Ryan Carey, Assistant to the City Manager. An informational update was provided by Joe Ludin , Principal , representing the City’s auditor , CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP. A PowerPoint presentation was displayed.
The Mayor opened the public comments period. Seeing none, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
City staff confirmed that adjustments will be made in the final printed document to correct small typographical errors in certain dates , and to update names to reflect current City officials.
MOTION: It was moved by Vo, and seconded by Yokoyama, to receive and file the Fiscal Year 2022-23 City of Cerritos Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 - 0) as follows:
AYES: Johnson, Vo, Yokoyama, Solanki, Barrows
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
9B. Review and consideration of an informational report on the outcomes of expanded City of Cerritos participation in social media (COUNCIL).
A staff report was given by Andrew Baumgartner, Acting Public Information Manager . A PowerPoint presentation was displayed.
The Mayor opened the public comments period.
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9. New and Old Business (continued)
9B. (continued)
Written Correspondence:
Murali Vasudevan provided comments regarding various aspects of the City’s social media program and related staffing expenses.
Gail Grossman expressed appreciation for the City’s social media efforts and suggested that the City consider live streaming of City-hosted community events.
In-Person Public Comments:
Sam Desai requested the City al low for the posting of comments on its social media platforms and expressed support for expedited recruitment of City staff to facilitate increased social media efforts.
Seeing no further speakers, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Solanki, and seconded by Barrows, to receive and file 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
9C. Review and consideration to waive full reading of and adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS TO INCREASE CIVIL PENALTIES FOR DESIGNATED PARKING PROHIBITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS (COUNCIL).
A staff report was given by Daryl Evans, Public Safety Manager.
The Mayor opened the public comments period.
Written Correspondence:
Gail Grossman expressed support for increased civil penalties and enforcement related to designated parking prohibitions and restrictions.
Seeing no further speakers, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Vo, and seconded by Solanki, to:
1. Waive full reading of and adopt Resolution No. 2024-07, A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS TO INCREASE CIVIL PENALTIES FOR DESIGNATED PARKING PROHIBITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS, inclusive of adjustment of fines currently listed at $45 in the associated agenda report to $55 (COUNCIL); and
2. Direct staff to research the feasibility of either an automatic fine increase adjustment or expedited approval process for fine increase adjustment in response to fine increases in adjacent cities and provide information to the City Council (COUNCIL).
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9. New and Old Business (continued)
9C. (continued)
The motion carried (4 - 1) as follows:
AYES: Johnson, Vo, Solanki, Barrows
NOES: Yokoyama
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
The City Manager recognized the Department of Public Works, Engineering Division, and Recreation Services Division for their significant work in returning the Golf Course to excellent condition subsequent to the local emergency.
11B. City Council Communications/Committee Reports/Meeting Reports
Reports were given by Councilmembers Vo, Johnson, and Yokoyama, and Mayor Barrows.
CONSENSUS (Barrows): Directed the City Manager to schedule an agenda report for the Parks and Recreation Commission to consider the feasibility and costs of a City program allowing for placement of benches on City prope rty in memory of individuals and return recommendations to the City Council on a future meeting agenda.
CONSENSUS (Barrows): Directed the City Manager to affix all five (5) Councilmember signatures on “in memoriam” certificates.
CONSENSUS (Barrows): Directed the City Clerk to schedule an agenda report, inclusive of a proposed ordinance, concerning electronic filing of local campaign contribution and expenditure reports mandated by the California Political Reform Act.
CONSENSUS (Barrows): Directed the City Manager to schedule an agenda report on a future meeting agenda (prior to the January 1, 2025 compliance deadline) on AB 548, which imposes new requirements on local agencies concerning code enforcement inspections.
CONSENSUS (Barrows): Directed the City Clerk and City Attorney to schedule an agenda report on a future meeting agenda concerning the procedure to determine the date of the City’s general municipal elections as set forth in Article VIII, Section 800 of the Cerritos City Charter, inclusive of proposed Charter amendment ballot measure language.
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11. Reports (continued)
11B. (continued)
CONSENSUS (Johnson): Directed the City Manager and City Clerk to schedule an agenda report on a future meeting agenda concerning options for canceling and rescheduling the Thursday, October 24, 2024 City Council regular meeting, due to a conflict with another City event.
(Notation: Pursuant to previous City Council consensus direction (considered after Item No. 5), Item No. 6 was considered after Item No. 11 during the meeting. Additionally, pursuant to City Council consensus direction (considered after Item No. 11), a one -time waiver of City Council Protocol Manual Section 8.08 was granted and Item No. 6 was not televised or broadcast. The details of Item No. 6 are listed under that item in this meeting minutes document).
12. Closed Session
The City Council did not recess to Closed Session to discuss Items 12A, 12B, and 12C, as listed on the Closed Session agenda.
12A. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957 (COUNCIL) Title: City Manager
12B. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957 (COUNCIL) Title: City Attorney
12C. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957 (COUNCIL) Title: City Clerk/Treasurer
There was no further discussion or action taken on this item.
13. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned in memory of Benny Wasserman at 11:05 p.m.
/s/ Vida Barone
Vida Barone
City Clerk/Agency Secretary
ATTEST:
/s/ Bruce W. Barrows
Bruce W. Barrows
Mayor/Agency Chair
APPROVED: March 28, 2024