MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL AND THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CERRITOS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY HELD THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 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 Olivia Mendoza, Girl Scout Gold Award recipient.
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
Pursuant to City Council consensus, the presentation of Item 5B was considered prior to Item 5A during the meeting.
5A. Presentations
A proclamation was made by the City Council honoring:
Macaroni Grill (Business Spotlight).
Olivia Mendoza (Girl Scout Gold Award recipient).
5B. An informational report to the Cerritos City Council to formally introduce Hector De La Torre as the Executive Director of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments (COUNCIL).
Mayor Bruce W. Barrows introduced Hector De La Torre, Executive Director of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments. An informational report was given.
5C. 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. Seeing none, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Johnson, and seconded by Barrows, to approve Councilmember Johnson’s nomination, as listed below, to fill an unscheduled vacancy of an unexpired two- year term of service expiring April 30, 2024 (COUNCIL):
Nominee Name Advisory Board
Rosa Peters Let Freedom Ring Committee
(minutes continue on the next page)
City of Cerritos Thursday, March 28, 2024, 7:00 p.m.
City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Page 2 of 9
5. Presentations/Appointments (continued)
5C. (continued)
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Johnson, Vo, Yokoyama, Solanki, Barrows
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Vida Barone, City Clerk/Treasurer, administered the oath of office to newly appointed Let Freedom Ring Committee member Rosa Peters.
At this juncture of the meeting, Mayor Barrows provided information concerning decorum during the public meeting. Pursuant to City Council consensus, the meeting a genda 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 during the meeting.
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:
Teddy Lloyd offered suggestions for pickleball courts in the City.
Michael Diaz requested the City Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.
Sam Desai commented on the state of local schools and the upcoming Mayoral Transition.
Fernando Islas requested the City Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.
Daisy Lagasca invited the Council to upcoming events sponsored by the Cerritos Chamber of Commerce and the Friends of the 1st Combat Engineer Batallion.
Emmanuel Ron. requested the City Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.
Maha Afra requested the City Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.
Soheil Naimi requested the City Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.
Michael Wauschek commented in support of calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.
Sylvester Ani requested the City Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.
City of Cerritos Thursday, March 28, 2024, 7:00 p.m.
City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Page 3 of 9
6. Public Comments and Suggestions (continued)
Cristy Mouk requested the City Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.
Angie Fuentes requested the City Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.
Mars Berger requested the City Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.
Nate Hebert requested the City Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.
Al Barlevy expressed opposition to the City Council participating in international politics.
Margaret Villa expressed concerns with the City’s public comment practices and requested the City Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.
Scott Freeman expressed opposition to the City Council participating in international politics.
Written public comments:
Vida Barone, City Clerk/Treasurer, announced that written public 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 the 231 written comments submitted for Item No. 6 (items not on the agenda, but within the subject matter jur isdiction of the City Council) . 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.
7. Consent Calendar
7A. Approval of Minutes
Thursday, March 14, 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, March 14 , 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 March 28, 2024 (COUNCIL).
MOTION: It was moved by Solanki, and seconded by Johnson, to approve the Register of Demands as follows:
City of Cerritos March 28, 2024 $3,739,703.73 (COUNCIL)
City of Cerritos Thursday, March 28, 2024, 7:00 p.m.
City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Page 4 of 9
7. Consent Calendar (continued)
7B.1. (continued)
The motion carried (5 - 0) as follows:
AYES: Johnson, Vo, Yokoyama, Solanki, Barrows
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7B.2. Register of Demands for the Successor Agency to the Cerritos Redevelopment Agency dated March 28, 2024 (SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
MOTION: It was moved by Solanki, and seconded by Johnson, to approve the Register of Demands as follows:
Successor Agency March 28, 2024 $2,118.00 (SUCCESSOR AGENCY)
The motion carried (5 - 0) as follows:
AYES: Johnson, Vo, Yokoyama, Solanki, Barrows
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7C. Award of contracts for annual electrical maintenance for the City of Cerritos, RFP No. 1540- 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 2100 et seq. (CEQA) that the activ ities 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 contract to Harry W. Dantema, for annual electrical maintenance for the City of Cerritos, RFP No. 1540-24, for a one-year term with provisions for four (4) one-year extensions, and reject all other proposals;
3. Award a contract to Sutton Electric, for annual electrical maintenance for the C ity of Cerritos, RFP No. 1540-24, for a one-year term with provisions for four (4) one-year extensions, and reject all other proposals; 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
(minutes continue on the next page)
City of Cerritos Thursday, March 28, 2024, 7:00 p.m.
City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Page 5 of 9
7. Consent Calendar (continued)
7D. Award of contract for arterial street rehabilitation, Project No. 23303, Bid No. 1541 -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 2100 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. Authorize a budget amendment for the appropriation of funds in the amount of $70,783 from the General Fund for Project 23303, Arterial Street rehabilitation;
3. Authorize a budget amendment for the appropriation of funds in the amount of $971,860 from the General Fund for Project 23701, Citywide Facility Network Infrastructure;
4. Award a contr act in the amount of $4,848,000 to Onyx Paving Company, Inc., for arterial street rehabilitation (total bid), and reject all other bids; and
5. 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
7E. Authorization of purchase of carpet materials for Library carpet replacement, Capital Project No. 22203 (COUNCIL).
MOTION: It was moved by Solanki, and seconded by Johnson, to:
1. Authorize the purchase of carpet materials, with all terms and conditions applicable by way of an authorized dealer agreement in connection with the Omnia Partners cooperative purchasing agreement , in the amount of $105,375.68 to C ommercial Interior Resources, for Library carpet replacement, Capital Project No. 22203; and
2. 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
(minutes continue on the next page)
City of Cerritos Thursday, March 28, 2024, 7:00 p.m.
City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Page 6 of 9
7. Consent Calendar (continued)
7F. Approval of a professional services agreement between the City of Cerritos and John L.
Hunter & Associates to perform various National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements (COUNCIL).
MOTION: It was moved by Solanki, and seconded by Johnson, to:
1. Approve professional services agreement with John L. Hunter & Associates to perform various NPDES permit requirements, for a three-year term, with provisions for two (2) one-year extensions; and
2. 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
None.
9. New and Old Business
9A. Review and consideration of provisions of the Art in Public Places Program relating to developer contribution thresholds and the definition of “public” as it relates to the location of art within the community (COUNCIL).
A staff report was given by Kathy Matsumoto, Assistant City Manager.
The Mayor opened the public comments period.
Sam Desai commented on various aspects related to maintenance of the subject art pieces.
Seeing no further speakers, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Vo, and seconded by Solanki, to direct the City Manager and City Attorney to prepare and schedule an agenda report on a future Planning Commission meeting agenda and return recommendations to the City Council , regarding a Development Code Amendment ordinance, amending Chapter 22.94 of the Cerritos Municipal Code by:
1. Clarifying the definition of “public place” to include any interior area on public property which is regularly open during business hours and easily accessible to the public; and
2. Modifying the $450,000 maximum developer contribution amount adjusted by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the date of enacting the Art in Public Places program and allowing for annual adjustments, based on the CPI (COUNCIL).
(minutes continue on the next page)
City of Cerritos Thursday, March 28, 2024, 7:00 p.m.
City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Page 7 of 9
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 proposed amendments to the 2024 Cerritos public meeting schedule (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
A staff report was given by Vida Barone, City Clerk/Treasurer.
The Mayor opened the public comments period.
Catherine Pascual spoke in support of canceling the Thursday, October 24, 2024 Council/Agency regular meeting and scheduling a special meeting in its place in order to accommodate a performance at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts scheduled on the same date.
Seeing no further speakers, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Johnson, and seconded by Yokoyama, to:
1. Approve the following amendments to the 2024 Cerritos public meeting schedule:
2024 Cerritos Public Meeting Schedule
Date and Time Public Meeting Body Location
Mon Oct 21 7 pm City Council/Agency Special Meeting (scheduled in lieu of the canceled Thursday, October 24,
2024, 7 pm regular meeting)
Chamber
Thu Oct 24 7 pm City Council/Agency regular meeting (canceled) Chamber
and;
2. Direct staff to memorialize the amendments to the 2024 Cerritos public meeting schedule and notify the public utilizing all appropriate City media outlets and methods (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (3 - 2) as follows:
AYES: Johnson, Yokoyama, Barrows
NOES: Vo, Solanki
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.
City of Cerritos Thursday, March 28, 2024, 7:00 p.m.
City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Page 8 of 9
10. Legislative Items (continued)
10B. (continued)
CONSENSUS (Johnson): Directed the City Manager to schedule an agenda report no later than the second regular meeting in April 2024 for City Council consideration of an official support, oppose, or other position on AB 2943 (Zbur) related to shoplifting (retail theft).
CONSENSUS (Johnson): Directed the City Mana ger to provide an informational memorandum to the City Council on SB 1037 (Wiener) related to housing laws.
11. Reports
11A. Report from City Manager/Executive Director
None.
11B. City Council Communications/Committee Reports/Meeting Reports
Reports were given by Councilmembers Yokoyama, Johnson, and Vo, Mayor Pro Tem Solanki, and Mayor Barrows.
CONSENSUS (Barrows): Directed the City Clerk and City Attorney to schedule an agenda report on a future meeting agenda for City C ouncil consideration of placement of a potential Charter amendment ballot measure related to a directly-elected Mayor.
12. Closed Session
Bill Ihrke, City Attorney, announced the City Council would 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
The City Council recessed into Closed Session.
The City Council reconvened into Open Session.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
Bill Ihrke, City Attorney, provided the following Closed Session report:
The City Council convened into Closed Session to discuss Item 12A as listed on the agenda.
No other items were discussed. There was no reportable a ction taken and there was nothing further to report.
(minutes continue on the next page)
City of Cerritos Thursday, March 28, 2024, 7:00 p.m.
City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Page 9 of 9
13. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 10:55 p.m.
/s/ Vida Barone___
Vida Barone
City Clerk/Agency Secretary
ATTEST:
/s/ Bruce W. Barrows
Bruce W. Barrows
Mayor/Agency Chair
APPROVED: April 29, 2024