MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL AND THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CERRITOS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY HELD THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025, 7:00 PM, 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 Cynthia Nava, City Clerk.
Mayor Solanki requested a moment of silence in honor of those affected by the Southern California wildfires.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Girl Scout Troop 135.
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/Chair Naresh Solanki
MOTION: It was moved by Barrows, and seconded by Solanki, to excuse Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Chuong Vo from the Thursday, January 9, 2025, 7:00 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
The motion carried (4 – 0 – 1 - 0) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Yokoyama, Solanki
NOES: None
ABSENT: Vo
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION:
5. Presentations/Appointments
5A. Presentations
A proclamation was made by the City Council honoring:
Gahr High School Girl’s Flag Football Team (California Interscholastic Federation playoff competitors).
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, City Clerk. A PowerPoint presentation was displayed.
CONSENSUS (Yokoyama): Directed the City Clerk to prepare a report for City Council consideration of provisions related to the Tuesday, March 4, 2025 Cerritos General Municipal Election.
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5. Presentations/Appointments (continued)
5B. (continued)
The Mayor opened the public comments period.
Al Barlevy expressed concern regarding the upcoming Cerritos General Municipal Election.
Catherine Pascual expressed concern regarding the upcoming Cerritos General Municipal Election.
Seeing no further speakers, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
There was no further action on this item.
5C. 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
An informational update on the I-605 South Street Off-Ramp Improvement Project was given by Michael Tahan, Senior Director of Program/Construction Management and Ron Macias, Community Relations Manager, representatives from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. A PowerPoint presentation was displayed.
There was no further action on this item.
The Mayor 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.
Teddy Lloyd spoke regarding City Council appointments of the City Charter employees and expressed support for the City’s voter outreach efforts.
Rocky Pavone expressed concern regarding the Southern California wildfires and Cerritos public safety, and thanked the City Council and staff for their efforts.
Seeing no further speakers, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
7. Consent Calendar
7A. Approval of Minutes
7A.1. Thursday, December 12, 2024, 7:00 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority Regular Meeting Minutes (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/AUTHORITY).
MOTION: It was moved by Barrows and seconded by Johnson to approve the Thursday, December 12, 2024, 7:00 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority Regular Meeting Minutes (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/AUTHORITY).
The motion carried (4 – 0 – 1 - 0) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Yokoyama, Solanki
NOES: None
ABSENT: Vo
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 January 9, 2025 (COUNCIL).
MOTION: It was moved by Barrows, and seconded by Johnson, approve the Register of Demands as follows:
City of Cerritos January 9, 2025 $12,037,452.50 (COUNCIL)
The motion carried (4 – 0 – 1 - 0) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Yokoyama, Solanki
NOES: None
ABSENT: Vo
ABSTAIN: None
7B.2. City Council/Successor Agency Treasurer’s reports for the period ending November 30, 2024 (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
MOTION: It was moved by Barrows, and seconded by Johnson, to approve the City Council/Successor Agency Treasurer’s Reports for the period ending November 30, 2024 (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
The motion carried (4 – 0 – 1 - 0) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Yokoyama, Solanki
NOES: None
ABSENT: Vo
ABSTAIN: None
7C. Award of contract for CDBG-funded curb ramp/sidewalk repairs at Cerritos Towne Center Phase II (CDBG Project No. 602665-24), Project No. 24302, Bid No. 1557-24 (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 Barrows, 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 as set forth in the agenda report associated with this item;
2. Award a contract to CJ Concrete Construction, Inc. in the amount of $185,100 for CDBG-Funded Curb Ramp/Sidewalk Repairs at Cerritos Towne Center Phase II (total bid), Capital Project No. 24302, Bid No. 1557-24, and reject the other bid; 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).
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7. Consent Calendar (continued)
7C. (continued)
The motion carried (4 – 0 – 1 - 0) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Yokoyama, Solanki
NOES: None
ABSENT: Vo
ABSTAIN: None
8. Public Hearings
None.
9. New and Old Business
9A. Review and consideration of location and cost details related to the installation of pickleball courts at Cerritos Park East (COUNCIL).
A staff report was given by Sherré Titus, Recreation Services Superintendent. A PowerPoint presentation was displayed.
The Mayor opened the public comments period.
Catherine Pascual spoke regarding facility operating hours at City pickleball court locations.
Alan Williamson spoke regarding park facility aesthetics as related to pickleball court installation at City facilities.
Teddy Lloyd spoke regarding various options for the installation of pickleball courts and/or conversion of tennis courts, to allow for multiple uses.
Cynthia Nava, City Clerk, announced that prior to the meeting the Council/Agency members received full-text, unredacted copies of the two (2) written comments submitted for Item 9A, 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 comments period closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Barrows, and seconded by Johnson, to table the consideration of the installation of pickleball courts within the City until after the Tuesday, March 4, 2025 Cerritos General Municipal Election (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (4 – 0 – 1 - 0) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Yokoyama, Solanki
NOES: None
ABSENT: Vo
ABSTAIN: None
(minutes continue on the next page)
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9. New and Old Business (continued)
9B. Review and consideration of a request by the American Association of University Women for use of the City Council Chamber, associated City resources, and waiver of costs for the purpose of conducting a candidate forum relating to the Tuesday, March 4, 2025 Cerritos General Municipal Election (COUNCIL).
A staff report was given by Cynthia Nava, City Clerk.
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 Johnson, to:
1. Approve the request by the American Association of University Women for use of the City Council Chamber, associated City resources, and waiver of costs to conduct a candidate forum on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, relating to the Tuesday, March 4, 2025 Cerritos General Municipal Election; and
2. Direct staff to schedule an agenda report at a future meeting, for City Council review and consideration of the authorization of administrative approval of requests for use of the City Council Chamber for candidate forums conducted by nonprofit, non- partisan community organizations, related to City of Cerritos municipal elections (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (4 – 0 – 1 - 0) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Yokoyama, Solanki
NOES: None
ABSENT: Vo
ABSTAIN: None
9C. Review and consideration of an art festival suggested by the Fine Arts and Historical Commission (COUNCIL).
A staff report was given by Kathleen Matsumoto, Assistant City Manager.
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 Johnson, to:
1. Approve the feasibility study of an arts festival suggested by the Fine Arts and Historical Commission, and authorize use of City resources;
2. Appoint Councilmember Lynda P. Johnson to a new “Arts Program” Ad Hoc working group to conduct the authorized study; and
3. Direct the Arts Program Ad Hoc Working Group to schedule an agenda report at a future meeting, for City Council review and consideration of an arts festival (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (3 – 1 – 1 - 0) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Solanki
NOES: Yokoyama
ABSENT: Vo
ABSTAIN: None
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9. New and Old Business (continued)
9D. Review and consideration of outcomes from the City Council-initiated employee classification and compensation study:
Review and consideration to waive full reading of and adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS PROVIDING FOR CERTAIN ADJUSTMENTS IN THE
EMPLOYMENT SYSTEM AND THE PERSONNEL POLICIES, FOR FULL-TIME NON-EXEMPT
EMPLOYEES REPRESENTED BY THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES (AFSCME) LOCAL 619, AND AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2024- 31 (COUNCIL).
Review and consideration to waive full reading of and adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS PROVIDING FOR CERTAIN ADJUSTMENTS IN THE
EMPLOYMENT SYSTEM AND THE PERSONNEL POLICIES, FOR PART-TIME NON-EXEMPT
EMPLOYEES REPRESENTED BY THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES (AFSCME) LOCAL 619, AND AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2024- 32 (COUNCIL).
Review and consideration to waive full reading of and adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS PROVIDING FOR CERTAIN ADJUSTMENTS IN THE
EMPLOYMENT SYSTEM AND THE PERSONNEL POLICIES, FOR FULL-TIME EXEMPT
EMPLOYEES, FULL-TIME CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEES, AND PART-TIME CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEES, AND AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2024-33 (COUNCIL).
A staff report was given by Drew Schneider, Director of Administrative Services.
Drew Schneider, Director of Administrative Services, announced several corrections will be incorporated into the final Council-adopted resolution. The corrections below were made subsequent to the posting of the agenda and distribution of agenda reports for this meeting. The adopted resolutions would include the corrections, as noted below:
1. Correction to the resolution providing for certain adjustments in the employment system and personnel policies for full-time non-exempt employees:
Amend the proposed amendment to Article 16 of the Memorandum of Understanding attached to Resolution No. 2024-31 as follows: Recreation Services Coordinators assigned supervisory responsibilities during the implementation of revised roles resulting from the Phase IV Study shall receive a $500/month stipend until the three additional Recreation Services Supervisors are appointed. [Emphasis added to reflect changes]
2. Correction to the resolution providing for certain adjustments in the employment system and personnel policies for full-time exempt employees:
Addition to Exhibit A - omitted Librarian II position, Grade 49, monthly salary range:
$8,064 - $10,055; and
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 Yokoyama, to:
1. Waive full reading of adopt the following captioned resolutions:
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9. New and Old Business (continued)
9D. (continued)
a. Resolution No. 2025-01, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CERRITOS PROVIDING FOR CERTAIN ADJUSTMENTS IN THE
EMPLOYMENT SYSTEM AND THE PERSONNEL POLICIES, FOR FULL-TIME
NON-EXEMPT EMPLOYEES REPRESENTED BY THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES (AFSCME) LOCAL 619, AND AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2024-31 (COUNCIL), inclusive of the correction noted below:
i. Amend the proposed amendment to Article 16 of the Memorandum of Understanding attached to Resolution No. 2024-31 as follows: Recreation Services Coordinators assigned supervisory responsibilities during the implementation of revised roles resulting from the Phase IV Study shall receive a $500/month stipend until the three additional Recreation Services Supervisors are appointed. [Emphasis added to reflect changes];
b. Resolution No. 2025-02, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CERRITOS PROVIDING FOR CERTAIN ADJUSTMENTS IN THE
EMPLOYMENT SYSTEM AND THE PERSONNEL POLICIES, FOR PART-TIME
NON-EXEMPT EMPLOYEES REPRESENTED BY THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES (AFSCME) LOCAL 619, AND AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2024-32 (COUNCIL);
c. Resolution No. 2025-03, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CERRITOS PROVIDING FOR CERTAIN ADJUSTMENTS IN THE
EMPLOYMENT SYSTEM AND THE PERSONNEL POLICIES, FOR FULL-TIME
EXEMPT EMPLOYEES, FULL-TIME CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEES, AND PART- TIME CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEES, AND AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2024-33 (COUNCIL), inclusive of the correction noted below:
i. Addition to Exhibit A - omitted Librarian II position, Grade 49, monthly salary range: $8,064 - $10,055; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute a Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget amendment to appropriate funding for personnel expenses, with an estimated cost of approximately $700,000 (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (4 – 0 – 1 - 0) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Yokoyama, Solanki
NOES: None
ABSENT: Vo
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, announced the recent promotion of Paula Eagleman to the position of Management Analyst. He also requested Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Captain Dru Strong provide a report on the results of recent increased safety measures taken in the City. Captain Dru Strong provided the requested report.
CONSENSUS (JOHNSON): Directed the City Manager to incorporate into the agenda report pending presentation to the City Council related to additional public safety patrol by Southwest Patrol (as authorized on 12/02/2024 – Item 9A) consideration of an increase in service to twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week.
11B. City Council Communications/Committee Reports/Meeting Reports
Reports were given by Councilmembers Johnson and Yokoyama, and Mayor Solanki.
12. Closed Session
Pam Lee, City Attorney, announced the City Council would recess to Closed Session to discuss Items 12A and 12B, as listed on the Closed Session agenda. Items 12C and 12D would not be discussed.
12A. 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
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
Unrepresented Employees: Full-Time Exempt
12C. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) (COUNCIL) Name of Case: Castro v. City of Cerritos
(U.S. Dist. Ct., Central Dist. Cal., Case No. 2:24-cv-09625-CBM-Ex)
12D. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957 (COUNCIL) Title: City Manager
The City Council recessed into Closed Session.
The City Council reconvened into Open Session.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
Pam Lee, City Attorney, provided the following Closed Session report:
The City Council convened into Closed Session to discuss Items 12A and 12B. Items 12C and 12D were not discussed. There was no reportable action taken and there was nothing further to report.
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13. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 10:40 p.m.
/s/Cynthia Nava____ __
Cynthia Nava
City Clerk/Agency Secretary
ATTEST:
/s/Naresh Solanki__ __
Naresh Solanki
Mayor/Agency Chair
APPROVED: February 13, 2025