MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL AND THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CERRITOS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY HELD THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 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 Harold Bazarian, President of the Optimist Club of Cerritos.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Girl Scout Troop 313.
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
Proclamations were made by the City Council honoring:
Cerritos Medical Center (Business Spotlight).
Friends of the Cerritos Library (National Friends of Libraries Week).
Shriji Mandir & Cultural Center (Hindu Heritage Month).
5B. Informational update on the Tuesday, March 4, 2024 General Municipal Election.
An informational update on the Tuesday, March 4, 2024 General Municipal Election was given by Cynthia Nava, Acting City Clerk. A PowerPoint presentation was displayed.
There was no further action on this item.
Mayor Solanki announced the meeting rules of decorum.
6. Public Comments and Suggestions
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, the Consent Calendar, and Closed Session.
Cynthia Crisp expressed concern regarding safety in her neighborhood.
Christy Borza expressed concern regarding safety in her neighborhood.
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6. Public Comments and Suggestions (continued)
CONSENSUS (Yokoyama): Directed the City Manager to schedule an agenda report for review and consideration by the City Council providing an update on proposed community safety solutions and options to increase safety in the City, including a detailed report of service call response times.
CONSENSUS (Johnson): Directed the City Manager to work with the City’s lobbyists and attorneys to promulgate and pursue legislation to obtain City authority to establish a City prosecutor, to prosecute offenses that occur in the City.
Bin Tang expressed concern regarding safety in his neighborhood.
Teddy Lloyd spoke regarding the opportunity to obtain an economic forecast for Cerritos, from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), to use in preparation of the City budget.
Joe Pak spoke regarding a recent Rotary Club event, held in honor of local first responders.
Case Van der Linden requested the City provide regular water service to newly planted parkway trees until the trees establish a more substantial root system.
CONSENSUS (Barrows): Directed the City Manager to prepare a report with options for providing water service to newly planted City parkway trees, to coincide with the waste hauling schedule, until the subject trees establish a more substantial root system.
Joe Sahli expressed support for local law enforcement.
Seeing no further speakers, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
7. Consent Calendar
7A. Approval of Minutes
Monday, October 7, 2024, 7:00 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency Special Meeting Minutes (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
MOTION: It was moved by Vo, and seconded by Barrows, to approve the Monday, October 7, 2024, 7:00 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency Special Meeting Minutes (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Yokoyama, Vo, Solanki
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7B. Approval of Financial Reports
7B.1. Register of Demands for the City of Cerritos dated October 24, 2024 (COUNCIL).
MOTION: It was moved by Vo, and seconded by Barrows, to approve the Register of Demands as follows:
City of Cerritos October 24, 2024 $7,555,417.16 (COUNCIL)
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7. Consent Calendar (continued)
7B. Approval of Financial Reports (continued)
7B1. (continued)
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Yokoyama, Vo, Solanki
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7C. Adoption of Ordinance:
Ordinance introduced at the Thursday, September 12, 2024, City Council Regular Meeting:
Waive full reading of and adopt Ordinance No. 1046, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS ADDING CHAPTER 2.42 TO TITLE 2 OF THE CERRITOS MUNICIPAL CODE TO
ALLOW FOR THE ELECTRONIC FILING OF CAMPAIGN FINANCE DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA POLITICAL REFORM ACT (COUNCIL).
MOTION: It was moved by Vo, and seconded by Barrows, to:
1. Waive full reading of and adopt Ordinance No. 1046, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS ADDING CHAPTER 2.42 TO TITLE 2 OF THE CERRITOS
MUNICIPAL CODE TO ALLOW FOR THE ELECTRONIC FILING OF CAMPAIGN
FINANCE DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA POLITICAL REFORM ACT (COUNCIL); and
2. Direct the City Clerk to publish a notice of adopted ordinance within 15 days after the adoption of Ordinance No. 1046, as required by California Government Code 36933 (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 - 0) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Yokoyama, Vo, Solanki
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7D. Waive full reading of and adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CERRITOS APPOINTING A MEMBER AND ALTERNATES TO THE GOVERNING BOARD OF
THE LOS ANGELES GATEWAY REGION INTEGRATED REGIONAL WATER MANAGEMENT JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY (COUNCIL).
MOTION: It was moved by Vo, and seconded by Barrows, to waive further reading of and adopt Resolution No. 2024-26, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF CERRITOS APPOINTING A MEMBER AND ALTERNATES TO THE GOVERNING
BOARD OF THE LOST ANGELES GATEWAY REGION INTEGRATED REGIONAL WATER MANAGEMENT JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY (COUNCIL).
(minutes continue on the next page)
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7. Consent Calendar (continued)
7D. (continued)
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Yokoyama, Vo, Solanki
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7E. Consideration to extend a permit granted by the City of Long Beach to the City of Cerritos for the nonexclusive use of the City of Long Beach Radio Transmitter located in the City of Signal Hill (COUNCIL).
MOTION: It was moved by Vo, and seconded by Barrows, to:
1. Approve the terms of the permit as included Exhibit 1 of the associated agenda report; and
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the first amendment, and any subsequent amendments, to the permit granted by the City of Long Beach to the City of Cerritos for the nonexclusive use of the City of Long Beach radio transmitter located in the City of Signal Hill (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Yokoyama, Vo, Solanki
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
8. Public Hearings
8A. Review and consideration of an appeal of a decision of the Cerritos Property Preservation Commission finding that Property Preservation Commission Case Number PPC 2024-31 located at 13237 Abana Place, Cerritos, constitutes a property nuisance as set forth in Chapter 6.20 of the Cerritos Municipal Code and setting forth a seven (7) day abatement period thereon in Resolution Number PPC 2024-28 (COUNCIL).
Mayor Solanki requested the City Council confirm if any Councilmembers conducted any ex-parte communications or conversations, or made any public statements to the press or general public regarding a position on this administrative appeal.
The City Council confirmed they did not conduct any ex parte communications.
Mayor Pro Tem Vo and Councilmember Johnson announced they only drove by the subject property.
Bill Ihrke, City Attorney, announced a proposed administrative appeal protocol as the item is a quasi-judicial proceeding and confirmed the City Council must adopt a resolution to memorialize their decision.
The Mayor opened the public hearing.
Daryl Evans, Public Safety Manager, provided testimony. A PowerPoint presentation was displayed.
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8. Public Hearings (continued)
8A. (continued)
Mark Martinez, appellant, provided testimony and submitted a document 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).
The Mayor asked for any additional public comments.
Cynthia Nava, Acting City Clerk, announced that prior to the meeting the Council/Agency members received full-text, unredacted copies of the three (3) written comments submitted for Item 8A 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.
Seeing no further speakers, the Mayor declared the public hearing and public comments period closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Vo, and seconded by Johnson, to waive full reading of and adopt Resolution No. 2024-27, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CERRITOS CONFIRMING AND UPHOLDING PROPERTY PRESERVATION COMMISSION RESULUTION NO. P.P.C. 2024-28 AND FINDING THAT THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 13237 ABANA PLACE, CERRITOS, CONSTITUTES A PROPERTY NUISANCE AS SET FORTH IN CHAPTER 6.20 OF THE CERRITOS MUNICIPAL CODE AND SETTING FORTH A SEVEN (7) DAY ABATEMENT PERIOD
THEREON, SUBJECT TO THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS TO CONTINUE TO WORK WITH PROPERTY OWNER ON COMPLIANCE (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Yokoyama Vo, Solanki
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
8B. Review and consideration to approve scopes of service for the City’s 1) General public transportation service (Cerritos on Wheels), and 2) Eligibility-based transportation service (Dial-a-Ride), and a request for authorization to solicit proposals for the operation, maintenance, and management of both services* (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 scopes of service and request for authorization are exempt from CEQA review.
Staff reports were given by Ryan Carey, Assistant to the City Manager, and transportation consultant Jim Moore, Moore & Associates, Inc. A PowerPoint presentation was displayed.
The Mayor opened the public hearing and public comments period.
Brian Tom thanked the City for respectful leadership, expressed support for City transportation services, and requested the new application and website be fully ADA accessible; a Dial-a-Ride start time beginning at 7:00 a.m. Monday through Friday; and no increase of the fees charged for transportation services.
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8. Public Hearings (continued)
8B. (continued)
Joe Sahli expressed support for on-demand and more efficient City transportation services.
Seeing no further speakers, the Mayor declared the public hearing and public comments period closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Vo, and seconded by Johnson, to:
1. Approve the scope of service for the Cerritos Dial-A-Ride on-demand service as follows:
Existing Service Modified/Approved Service
Passenger
Eligibility
Cerritos residents age 55+ and
persons with disabilities
Cerritos residents age 55+ and
persons with disabilities
Type of
Service
Curb-to curb shared-ride
service
Curb-to curb shared-ride service
Service Area 3-tiered service 3-tiered service
Tier 1 Travel to any destination in
Cerritos, Artesia, and portions
of La Palma and Norwalk.
Service provided to Tier 1
boundary streets includes
destinations on the inward side
of the street only (one side of
the street).
Travel to any destination in Cerritos,
Artesia, and portions of La Palma
and Norwalk. Service provided to
Tier 1 boundary streets includes
destinations on both sides of the
street.
Tier 2 Healthcare facilities and
hospitals within 3 miles of the
Tier 1 service boundary
Healthcare facilities and hospitals
within 3 miles of the Tier 1 service
boundary
Tier 3 5 designated healthcare
facilities and hospitals outside
of Tier 2, primarily in the City
of Long Beach
5 designated healthcare facilities
and hospitals outside of Tier 2,
primarily in the City of Long Beach
Hours of
Operation
Monday through Friday:
8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.,
Saturday and Sunday:
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday:
8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.,
Saturday and Sunday:
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Reservations Advanced reservations
required, standing reservations
offered, same-day requests
accepted on a first-come, first-
serve basis
Advanced reservations required,
standing reservations offered, same-
day requests accepted on a first-
come, first-serve basis
Options for
making a
reservation
Reservations taken by phone Reservations taken by phone, website, or smartphone app.
Fares Tier 1: $1.00 each way
Tier 2: $2.00 each way
Tier 3: $3.00 each way
Fares taken by cash on the
vehicle
Tier 1: $1.00 each way
Tier 2: $5.00 each way
Tier 3: $7.00 each way
Fares taken by cash/pre-loaded
card on vehicle, or via a
smartphone app
Vehicles/
Drivers
Marked vehicles and pre-
screened/dedicated drivers
Marked vehicles and pre-
screened/dedicated drivers
;
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8. Public Hearings (continued)
8B. (continued)
2. Approve the scope of service for the Cerritos on Wheels (COW) on-demand service and replace the current fixed-route COW service with a general public on-demand service as follows:
Existing Service Modified/Approved Service
Passenger
Eligibility
General public General public
Type of Service Fixed-route service On-demand/reservation based (similar to Uber/Lyft service),
shared service.
Service Area Pre-determined bus
stops/routes primarily
within Cerritos
Pre-determined area bounded
by Alondra Blvd. to the north,
Valley View Ave. to the west
east, Del Amo Blvd. to the south,
and Palo Verde to the west
(same as Dial-A-Ride Tier 1).
Note: The correction above was
made subsequent to the
presentation of the official agenda
report to the City Council on October
24, 2024.
Trips must originate or end in
the City of Cerritos.
Corner-to-corner service, with
pick-up and drop-off locations
near intersections near
destinations.
Frequency of
Service
All stops are serviced at 60-
minute intervals
Estimated wait time:
5-30 minutes
Hours of
Operation
Monday through Saturday:
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
No service on Sunday
Monday through Friday:
7:00 a.m. – 7:00p.m.
Saturday:
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
No service on Sunday.
Reservations No reservations required Advanced reservations required, same-day requests accepted on
a first-come, first serve basis.
Options for
making a
reservation
No reservations required Reservations taken by phone,
website, or smartphone app.
Fares $0.50 per one-way trip.
Monthly bus passes
available.
Fares taken by cash on the
vehicle.
$2.00 per one-way trip.
Fares taken on the vehicle or via
smartphone app, telephone, or
website.
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8. Public Hearings (continued)
8B. (continued)
Existing Service Modified/Approved Service
Vehicles/
Drivers
City-owned buses with
contract pre-screened/
designated drivers
Fixed number of vehicles
Contractor-provided minivans
with pre-screened/designated
drivers. Provided vehicles to be
marked for Cerritos service.
Flexible number of vehicles based on
demand during peak/non-peak
hours.
Service to the
Norwalk Metro
Green/C Line
Station and the
Norwalk/Santa
Fe Springs
Metrolink
Station
No service provided. Service provided to both stations
with designated pick-up/drop-
off locations.
Monday through Friday:
7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
and
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
$7.00 per one-way trip.
; and
3. Direct staff to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP)/Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to solicit proposals for the operation, maintenance, and management of both services (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Yokoyama, Vo, Solanki
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
9. New and Old Business
9A. Review and consideration of design, location, and cost details related to the approved public art sculpture known as “Milking Time” by Jane DeDecker (COUNCIL).
A staff report was given by Kathy Matsumoto, Assistant City Manager. A PowerPoint presentation was displayed.
The Mayor opened the public comments period. Seeing none, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Barrows, and seconded by Vo, to:
1. Approve the proposed modifications to the artwork that were previously directed by the City Council as follows:
(minutes continue on the next page)
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9. New and Old Business (continued)
9A. (continued)
Requested Modification Approved Modification
The head of the cow should be lifted
from the ground level
The artist has lifted the head of the cow
to show the face at a level where the
patrons will have an opportunity to
interact with the art piece (petting or
touching the face of the cow)
Replace the cat with a small dog The artist has proposed a small dog to replace the cat
Incorporate a Dairy Valley logo on the
feed bag
Staff has provided the artist with a photo
of a sign featuring a logo that was used
by a local dairy during the subject time
period. Staff also designed a Dairy Valley
type treatment that evokes the style of
the 1950's. The artist will create a logo
based on the font design and dairy logo
and incorporate it on the feed bag
The sculpture should accurately reflect
the time period of Dairy Valley
The artist has researched clothing and
hairstyles, tools/equipment and other
visible items that may have been used in
the 1950's time period to provide an
accurate reflection of that era and will
incorporate those references into the
piece
;
2. Approve the allocation of $104,500 for the installation costs for the artwork and appropriate this amount from the Art in Public Places Fund; and
3. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to approve any change orders that may become necessary to complete the project 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
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
Robert A. Lopez, City Manager, encouraged residents to participate in the Citywide Strategic Plan Survey.
11B. City Council Communications/Committee Reports/Meeting Reports
Reports were given by Councilmembers Johnson, Yokoyama, and Barrows, Mayor Pro Tem Vo, and Mayor Solanki.
CONSENSUS (Barrows): Directed the City Manager to provide to the City Council a copy of the WalletHub report of ranking of the best small cities in America, for reference in preparation of the City’s Strategic Plan.
CONSENSUS (Johnson): Directed the City Manager to light in green only the Infinity sculpture in the Cerritos Sculpture Garden, from November 9 through 13 annually, in support of US veterans.
12. Closed Session
Bill Ihrke, City Attorney announced the City Council would recess to Closed Session to discuss Items 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, and 12E as listed on the Closed Session agenda.
12A. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957(b) (COUNCIL) Title: Position of City Clerk
12B. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6 (COUNCIL) Agency Negotiators: Robert A. Lopez, City Manager; Drew Schneider, Director of Administrative Services; Amy Thomas, Enterprise Services Manager; Joseph Larsen, City Attorney’s Office
Employee Organization: AFSCME Local 619
12C. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6 (COUNCIL) Agency Negotiators: Robert A. Lopez, City Manager; Drew Schneider, Director of Administrative Services; Amy Thomas, Enterprise Services Manager; Joseph Larsen, City Attorney’s Office
Unrepresented Employees: Full-Time Exempt
12D. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957 (COUNCIL) Title: City Manager
12E. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957 (COUNCIL) Title: City Attorney
The City Council recessed into Closed Session.
The City Council reconvened into Open Session.
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12. Closed Session (continued)
Bill Ihrke, City Attorney, provided the following Closed Session report:
The City Council convened into Closed Session to discuss Items 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12E.
Item 12D was not discussed. There was no reportable action taken and there was nothing further to report.
13. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 12:49 a.m., Friday, October 25, 2024.
/s/Cynthia Nava __
Cynthia Nava
Acting City Clerk/Agency Secretary
ATTEST:
/s/Naresh Solanki __
Naresh Solanki
Mayor/Agency Chair
APPROVED: November 4, 2024