MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL AND THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CERRITOS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY HELD THURSDAY, JULY 25, 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 Mike Ballentine, Chaplain, Cerritos Sheriff’s Station.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Cerritos Youth Soccer League Team (Rookie I Division) – Lil’ Rascals.
4. Roll Call
The following members of the City Council/Successor Agency were in attendance:
Council/Agency Member Bruce W. Barrows
Council/Agency Member Lynda P. Johnson
Council/Agency Member Frank Aurelio Yokoyama
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Chuong Vo
Mayor/Chair Naresh Solanki
5. Presentations/Appointments
5A. Presentations
A proclamation was made by the City Council honoring:
Better Beverages, Inc. (Business Spotlight).
6. Public Comments and Suggestions
The Mayor announced the meeting rules of decorum and 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, the Consent Calendar, and Closed Session.
Vida Barone, City Clerk/Treasurer, announced that prior to the meeting, the Council/Agency members received full-text, unredacted copies of the five (5) written comments submitted for meeting items by the deadline listed on the agenda and for inclusion in the official record. 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.
Teddy Lloyd expressed concern regarding an invoice received from the City for damage Sunshine Park basketball court and requested to discuss the matter with members of the City Council and City staff.
Simon expressed concern about hate speech and requested the City Council adopt a resolution condemning political violence.
Al Barlevy expressed concern regarding the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Gail Grossman expressed concern with lack of accessibility to the City Council Chamber.
Coleen Aldrich expressed concern with lack of accessibility to the City Council Chamber and requested an update on the status of the Wildlife Watch program.
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6. Public Comments and Suggestions (continued)
Krisha Vallejos 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.
Mel Cortez expressed concern with City Council Chamber accessibility, thanked City staff for their support of the Neighborhood Watch program, and requested the City Council include Neighborhood Watch members in future volunteer recognition events.
Margaret Villa expressed condolences to the Enomoto family for their recent loss of a child and requested the City Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.
Penny requested the City Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.
Sheila Gibbons expressed concern regarding the trash that has accumulated behind the Target on Bloomfield Avenue.
Ahmed requested the City Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.
Kirit Chauhan expressed concern with the City’s procedures for public comment and that certain speakers are commenting on items over which the City has no jurisdiction.
Jay Gray requested the City prioritize community safety and consider security services to supplement those provided by the City’s current law enforcement contract. He expressed concern with the City’s procedures for public comment.
Seeing no further speakers, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
Written comments, if submitted by the deadline listed on the agenda, are considered part of the meeting record and are available upon request in the Office of the City Clerk/Treasurer during regular business hours.
7. Consent Calendar
7A. Approval of Minutes
Thursday, July 11, 2024, 7:00 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Minutes (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
MOTION: It was moved by Barrows, and seconded by Vo, to approve the Thursday, July 11, 2024, 7:00 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Minutes (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Yokoyama, Vo, Solanki
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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7. Consent Calendar (continued)
7B. Approval of Financial Reports
7B.1. Register of Demands for the City of Cerritos dated July 25, 2024 (COUNCIL).
MOTION: It was moved by Barrows, and seconded by Vo, to approve the Register of Demands as follows:
City of Cerritos July 25, 2024 $4,435,192.41 (COUNCIL)
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Yokoyama, Vo, Solanki
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7B.2. Approval of Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget amendments (COUNCIL).
MOTION: It was moved by Barrows, and seconded by Vo, to authorize administrative- initiated Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget amendments in accordance with Joint Budget Resolution No. 2023-26/CSA No. 2023-01 and the Strategic Financial Plan and Budget Preparation Policy (Policy 2.04) as adopted by the City Council, as follows:
1. Account/Project: cp13746 Arterial Landscaping at Various Locations Amount: $94,000
Justification: Additional funding is requested for arterial landscaping improvements recently completed on 183rd Street between Shoemaker Avenue and Carmenita Road. This project, typically carried out alongside street, sidewalk, and gutter improvements, followed the asphalt repaving at this location. The work included installing new valves and couplers, sprinklers, and crape myrtle trees. These enhancements are essential to provide a polished, upgraded appearance to the newly improved stretch of road.
2. Account/Project: 110-342-65172
Amount: $80,270 (Transfer)
Justification: A transfer of funds is requested for traffic signal maintenance. In addition to routine maintenance, the City encountered unforeseen maintenance costs and equipment failures related to traffic signal systems. These unexpected issues have increased the overall maintenance expenses, and the requested funds are necessary to ensure the proper functioning and safety of the City's traffic signals. This amendment proposes transferring the necessary funds from the sewer maintenance account to cover these additional costs.
;(COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Yokoyama, Vo, Solanki
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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7. Consent Calendar (continued)
7B.3. Approval of Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget amendments (COUNCIL).
MOTION: It was moved by Barrows, and seconded by Vo, to authorize administrative- initiated Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget amendments in accordance with Joint Budget Resolution No. 2024-12/CSA No. 2024-01 and the Strategic Financial Plan and Budget Preparation Policy (Policy 2.04) as adopted by the City Council, as follows:
1. Account/Project: 110-561-61580 Temporary Help
Amount: $80,000
Justification: A transfer of funds is requested to ensure the continued funding of temporary staff in the Management Information Services division following a staff retirement in February. The temporary staff has been essential in maintaining support for numerous enterprise applications and deploying various new Citywide enterprise systems. This amendment proposes transferring $40,000 from account 110-561-51010 (Regular Earnings) and $40,000 from account 110-561- 52400 (Employee Benefits) to cover the cost of this critical temporary assistance.
2. Account/Project: cp23201 CCPA Pro-Tower Safety Upgrade Amount: $80,197
Justification: Additional funding is requested to install a powered drive system for repositioning the pro-towers. This system will allow a single staff member to control the movement using a remote pendant or joystick, with assistance from a few staff members, rather than relying on more than a dozen staff to manually push the structures. The powered drive system will enhance operational safety and efficiency beyond the original project scope and is expected to result in a labor savings of up to 14 staff hours per configuration.
3. Account/Project: cp23118 Sports Complex Soil Restoration, Laser Grade and Sod Installation
Amount: $180,000
Justification: Additional funding is requested to cover the costs associated with a change order to install perforated drain pipes at fields 3, 4, 5, and 6 at the Sports Complex. This installation is essential to ensure proper drainage, specifically to leach out the high salt content present in the soil due to the reclaimed water system. The current soil quality and high salt content prevent adequate natural drainage. Installing the drainage pipes will promote the healthy growth and maintenance of the newly installed sod, ensuring the fields remain in optimal condition.
4. Account/Project: 110-368-51010 Regular Earnings
110-368-52400 Employee Benefits
Amount: $61,658 (Transfer)
$10,925 (New Allocation)
Justification: Additional funding is requested to reclassify a Management Analyst position (Grade 46) to a Utility Analyst position (Grade 49) within the Department of Public Works. Currently, there are two Management Analysts in Public Works: one assigned to the Director's Office and the other split between the Electric Utility and Water Utility.
The position assigned to the Director's Office is currently vacant. This amendment proposes upgrading it to a Utility Analyst and reassigning it fully to the Electric Utility. Consequently, the Management Analyst currently split between the Electric Utility and Water Utility would be reassigned entirely to the Director's Office.
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7. Consent Calendar (continued)
7B.3. (continued)
This reclassification aims to dedicate a staff member exclusively to the Electric Utility. The funding for these changes will be covered primarily through transfers between the Director's Office, Water Utility, and the Electric Utility divisions, specifically $40,355 in Regular Earnings and $21,303 in Employee Benefits.
Additionally, a new allocation of $10,925 in the Electric Utility division will be required.
5. Account/Project: 110-551-52010 Regular Earnings - Part-Time 110-368-52400 Employee Benefits
Amount: $45,662 (Transfer)
Justification: A transfer of funds is requested to reassign a vacant part-time Human Resources Benefits Coordinator position from the Human Resources Division to the newly reconstituted Enterprise Services Division. This position will assist in the risk management side of Enterprise Services, specifically focusing on workers' compensation and related functions. This reassignment will be funded through a transfer in personnel expenditures between the Human Resources and Enterprise Services divisions, ensuring a seamless transition without additional budgetary impact.
6. Account/Project: 110-551-52010 Regular Earnings - Part-Time 110-551-52400 Employee Benefits
Amount: $152,557 (Transfer)
$21,918 (New Allocation)
Justification: Additional funding is requested to upgrade a vacant Division Secretary position in the Human Resources Division to a Management Analyst position in the Enterprise Services Division. This upgrade aims to enhance the oversight of employee relations, development, engagement, and performance management within Enterprise Services.
The reclassification and reassignment of this position will bolster the operational capabilities of the Enterprise Services Division by providing dedicated support for critical administrative and managerial tasks. The funding for these changes will be covered primarily through transfers between the Human Resources and Enterprise Services divisions, specifically $77,440 in Regular Earnings and $75,117 in Employee Benefits. Additionally, a new allocation of $21,918 in the Enterprise Services Division will be required.
7. Account/Project: 110-341-65090 Off Street Maintenance Amount: $208,190 (transfer from Fiscal Year 2023-24)
Justification: Funding is requested for the repair work necessary to restore the operation of the water features in the Cerritos Towne Center area. The specific funding needs are as follows:
Kamstra/183rd (West): $18,050
Kamstra/183rd (East): $7,040
Shoemaker/Park Plaza: $17,370
Shoemaker/183rd: $18,020
Gore (91 off-ramp at Shoemaker Ave): $147,710
The majority of these water features were constructed over 40 years ago and now require extensive cleaning, major plumbing and electrical repairs, pump replacements, and other related component replacements. Additionally, some structural repairs are needed at the Gore water feature.
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7. Consent Calendar (continued)
7B.3. (continued)
It should be noted that this amendment was initially approved by the City Council on June 13, 2024, for the FY 2023-24 budget. However, due to unforeseen delays, the work has not yet commenced. Therefore, approval of this amendment is necessary to reappropriate the unexpended funds from FY 2023-24 to the FY 2024-25 budget.
8. Account/Project: 110-541-51010 Regular Earnings
110-541-52400 Employee Benefits
Amount: $172,280
Justification: Additional funding is requested to establish a new Personnel Administrator position (Grade 48) in the Human Resources Division. This position will assist in the oversight of personnel management, recruitment, and employee benefits administration. The addition of this position is essential to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Human Resources Division, ensuring comprehensive support for all personnel-related functions.
;(COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Yokoyama, Vo, Solanki
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7C. Award of contract to artist Jane DeDecker and the National Sculptors’ Guild for the commission of a sculpture to commemorate the City’s history in the dairy industry for inclusion as part of the Art in Public Places Program (COUNCIL).
MOTION: It was moved by Barrows, and seconded by Vo, to:
1. Approve the contract by and between Artist Jane DeDecker, J.K. Designs, Inc., doing business as the National Sculptors' Guild, and the City of Cerritos, for the commissioning of the sculpture currently referred to as "Milking Time;"
2. Approve a budget amendment, in the amount of $279,875, for commission of the "Milking Time" sculpture, to be allocated from the Art in Public Places Fund; and
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute any necessary change orders associated with the contract provided herein, in accordance with the City's adopted Purchasing and Contracting Policy (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Yokoyama, Vo, Solanki
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
8. Public Hearings
None.
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9. New and Old Business
9A. Review and consideration to waive full reading of and adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY OF CERRITOS SELECTING A REPLACEMENT STREET NAME FOR SQUAW VALLEY WAY, IN CONFORMANCE WITH CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY BILL 2022 (STATUTES OF 2022, CHAPTER 479), REQUIRING THE REMOVAL OF THE TERM “SQUAW” FROM ALL GEOGRAPHIC FEATURES AND PLACE NAMES IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA* (COUNCIL).
*Pursuant to Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15378(b)(5) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, this administrative activity is not a “project” under CEQA, and, even if it were, the proposed amendment is 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 comments period.
Sheila Gibbons expressed support for the selection of “Sun Valley Way” as the replacement street name for “Squaw Valley Way.”
Seeing no further speakers, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Barrows, and seconded by Yokoyama, to:
1. Waive full reading of and adopt a resolution, formally selecting Sun Valley Way as the replacement street name for Squaw Valley Way, and selecting Deer Valley Way and Sky Valley Way as alternates, captioned as follows:
Resolution No. 2024-16, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS
SELECTING A REPLACEMENT STREET NAME FOR SQUAW VALLEY WAY, IN CONFORMANCE WITH CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY BILL 2022 (STATUTES OF 2022, CHAPTER 479), REQUIRING THE REMOVAL OF THE TERM “SQUAW”
FROM ALL GEOGRAPHIC FEATURES AND PLACE NAMES IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA (COUNCIL); and
2. Direct City staff to pursue all legal avenues concerning reimbursement from the State for the City’s fulfillment of State mandates related to the renaming of Squaw Valley Way, inclusive of forming a coalition of municipalities to jointly pursue the reimbursement, and use said funds received to reimburse residents for related costs (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Yokoyama, Vo, Solanki
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
9B. Review and consideration of a report from the City Council-appointed City Charter Review Ad Hoc Working Group concerning recommendations related to potential amendments to the Cerritos City Charter (COUNCIL).
A staff report was given by Vida Barone, City Clerk/Treasurer. A PowerPoint Presentation was displayed.
The Mayor opened the public comments period.
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9. New and Old Business (continued)
9B. (continued)
Martin Grossman expressed opposition to a proposed Charter amendment related to a directly elected Mayor.
Gail Grossman expressed opposition to a proposed Charter amendment related to a directly elected Mayor.
Mel Cortez expressed opposition to a proposed Charter amendment related to a directly elected Mayor.
Jay Gray expressed concern regarding the ad hoc working group process and expressed opposition to a proposed Charter amendment related to a directly elected Mayor.
Celia Spitzer expressed concern with the ad hoc working group process, expressed support for consideration of a voter approval requirement for any future changes to the general municipal election date and general “clean up” and modernization of the Charter document, and expressed opposition to a directly elected Mayor.
Colleen Aldrich expressed opposition to a proposed Charter amendment related to a directly elected Mayor.
Kirit Chauhan expressed opposition to a directly elected Mayor and voter approval requirement for any future changes to the general municipal election date.
Al Barlevy expressed opposition to a proposed Charter amendment related to a directly elected Mayor.
Seeing no further speakers, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Vo, and seconded by Solanki, to:
1. Table any further consideration of a potential Charter amendment related to a directly elected Mayor position;
2. Direct the City Charter Review Ad Hoc Working Group (Councilmember Barrows) to conduct preliminary review of potential Charter amendments, to:
a. Require voter approval for any future change to the City’s established general municipal election date; and
b. Conduct general “clean up” and modernization of the City Charter document
; and
3. Present the results of the City Charter Review Ad Hoc Working Group’s review at a future public meeting for further review and consideration by the City Council (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (3 – 2) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Vo, Solanki
NOES: Johnson, Yokoyama
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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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
Robert A. Lopez, City Manager, announced the upcoming annual “National Night Out” community event which will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2024 in conjunction with City employee night at the “Concert Under the Stars” at Heritage Park. The Thursday, August 8, 2024 City Council/Successor Agency meeting has been canceled.
11B. City Council Communications/Committee Reports/Meeting Reports
Reports were given by Councilmembers Johnson, Yokoyama, and Barrows, and Mayor Solanki.
12. Closed Session
Bill Ihrke, City Attorney announced the City Council would recess to Closed Session to discuss Items 12A and 12B, as listed on the Closed Session agenda.
12A. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6 (COUNCIL) Agency Negotiators: Robert A. Lopez, City Manager; Patricia Leyva, Personnel/Risk Manager; Joseph Larsen, City Attorney’s Office Employee Organization: AFSCME Local 619
12B. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6 (COUNCIL) Agency Negotiators: Robert A. Lopez, City Manager; Patricia Leyva, Personnel/Risk Manager; Joseph Larsen, City Attorney’s Office Unrepresented Employees: Full-Time Exempt
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 Items 12A and 12B. There was no reportable action taken and there was nothing further to report.
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13. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m.
/s/Vida Barone
Vida Barone
City Clerk/Agency Secretary
ATTEST:
/s/Naresh Solanki
Naresh Solanki
Mayor/Agency Chair
APPROVED: August 22, 2024