Members of the public may address the City Council on any item shown on the agenda or matter of the Council’s authority after completion of “Request to Address the Council Form” available in the lobby of the Council Chambers. This form must be completed 15 minutes prior to the scheduled meeting time.
Pursuant to Section 54957.5 of the California Government Code, Any writings (Except for those writings which are exempt from disclosure) which are distributed to all or a majority of the members of the City Council are available for public inspection in the lobby of the City Council Chambers and in the office of the City Clerk during regular business hours.
COMPTON CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA
01/04/2022
5:30 PM
Closed Session 4:30 P.M.
Public Meeting 5:30 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
205 SOUTH WILLOWBROOK AVENUE
COMPTON, CALIFORNIA 90220
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION AGENDA ITEMS
(Persons wishing to address the City Council on the Closed Session items may do so at this time.
Comments are limited to one (1) minute per speaker and shall be limited to Closed Session agenda items)
CLOSED SESSION – 4:30 p.m.
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Kareemah Mateen-Bradford v. City of Compton, LASC Case No. TC026769 Kareemah Mateen-Bradford v. City of Compton, LASC Case No. 18STCV01367 Jacqueline D. Ashley v. City of Compton, EEOC Charge No. 480-2019-01016 Urban Graffiti Enterprise, Inc. v. City of Compton, LASC Case No.19PSCV00135 Francisco Zamudio v. City of Compton, LASC Case No. 21STCV02695 Pursuant to Government Code Section 54856.9(a)
-2- City Council Agenda 1/4/2022
5:30 PM
PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT EVALUATION
Title: City Controller
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957 (a)(b)
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
OPENING
PUBLIC MEETING – 5:30 P.M.
REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION ACTION(S)
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS AND NON-AGENDA MATTERS
CONSENT AGENDA
Consent items are routine and expected to be non-controversial. They will be acted upon by the Council at one time without discussion unless a Council Member requests an item be removed or discussed.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. DECEMBER 14, 2021
REGULAR AGENDA
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
2. POWER POINT PRESENTATION - LEASE REVENUE BONDS
COUNCIL COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
NEXT REGULAR MEETING: 1/11/2022 5:30 PM
Visit our website at http://www.comptoncity.org
DECEMBER 14, 2021
The Compton City Council Closed Session meeting was called to order at 4:34 p.m. by Mayor Emma Sharif. The Moment of Silence Ceremony and the Pledge of Allegiance was also led by Mayor Sharif.
ROLL CALL
Council Members Present – J. Bowers, L. Darden, Mayor E. Sharif Council Members Absent – M. Chambers, I. Galvan (both joined during closed session)
Other Officials Present: E. Perrodin, A. Godwin, B. Mims, R. Simpson
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA ITEM
PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
Title: City Manager
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957
AUDIENCE COMMENTS REGARDING CLOSED SESSION ITEMS ONLY
Robert Ray stated that the closed session topic of ‘City Manager’ was vague and further questioned if the Council will be interviewing for a new City Manager.
City Attorney Eric Perrodin requested a closed session to discuss the interview process to select a new City Manager, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
On motion by Darden, seconded by Bowers, the meeting was recessed to closed session at 4:37 p.m. by the following vote on roll call:
AYES: Council Members – Bowers, Darden, Sharif
NOES: Council Members – None
ABSENT: Council Members – Chambers, Galvan
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
On motion by Galvan, seconded by Darden, the meeting reconvened at 5:41 p.m. by the following roll call vote:
Council Members Present – Galvan, Bowers, Darden, Sharif Council Members Absent – Chambers
(Councilwoman Chambers entered the meeting at 5:50 p.m.) (Councilman Galvan exited the meeting at 5:55 p.m.)
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Perrodin indicated that the City Council has decided to interview 4 candidates for the position of City Manager on December 27, 2021, and 4 candidates on December 29, 2021.
COMMENDATORY RESOLUTIONS/PRESENTATIONS
1. RETIREMENT RECOGNITION – RENEE BOWEN (Councilmember Darden) The Mayor and City Council honored and commended Ms. Renee Bowen for her outstanding service to the community and congratulated her on her retirement. Ms. Bowen was also recognized for her dedicated military service, her employment with the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, and congratulated for her 32 years of dedicated municipal court services. The Mayor and Council wished Ms. Bowen good health and success in all her future endeavors.
1. Ms. Bowen thanked the City Council and Compton community for this distinguished honor and expressed her love for the great City of Compton.
2. CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION – RACHEL FIGUEROA, Good Samaritan (Councilmember Chambers)
The Mayor and City Council presented a commendation of appreciation to Ms. Rachel Figueroa for her selfless and heroic act of performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and rendering first aid during her heroic and valiant efforts to save the life of Pastor Reginald Moore, despite the dangers involved.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS AND NON-AGENDA MATTERS
Robert Ray requested an explanation for the high bill for the employee pension fund and further spoke regarding agenda item Number 7 (Professional services agreement with Granicus) and suggested that the City hire an employee to provide this service which will save money. He then raised concerns that a local liquor store is illegally selling single cigarettes and urged the City to investigate. Mr. Ray then urged the residents to carefully review their water bills, noting that there is an assessment charge that must be paid, or the charge will appear on the resident’s property tax bill.
Maria Villareal, Latino Chamber of Commerce, addressed the City Council and announced that the Chamber will be celebrating Navidad in Los Barrios on Saturday December 18, 2021, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 408 W. Alondra Blvd, Compton. There will be a celebration with toys, candy, food and fun for the entire family. Ms. Villareal indicated that the Latino Chamber serves the Compton business community and the residents and requested support from the City Council to provide permit to the street vendors which will allow for more tax dollars for the City of Compton. Ms. Villareal urged the City to remove the debris from the streets and alleyways in District 1 as well as the entire City.
Adriana Hernandez and Ricardo spoke with the aid of a Spanish translator in support of Maria Villareal and the Latino Chamber of Commerce and indicated that they are part of a new marketing company which is committed to helping the community with wellness and will also provide covid19 testing free to the community through the Latino Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Hernandez urged all small businesses to call the office of the Latino Chamber to make an appointment for their employees to get tested.
Benjamin Holifield, Founder/President Compton Business Chamber of Commerce, stated that the Chamber’s wish is for Compton to be safe, clean and friendly. Mr. Holifield commented on the very successful caravan headed by Jackie Barra in support of the return of Emily Hart-Holifield’s name to the marquee at the Compton Community College Library. Mr. Holifield requested that the City Treasurer and City Controller provide a financial report to the citizens at least once a month.
Humberto Espeleta stated that he works with a non-profit organization which provides food, services and assistance to the community and the homeless population. Mr. Espeleta indicated that he was the originator of the ‘Tiny House” concept and further stated that his goal is to generate jobs and improve the community by opening a factory in the City of Compton.
Todd LaVergne spoke in support of Connecting Compton and the Compton Multi-Cultural Equestrian Center. Mr. LaVergne indicated that the Equestrian Center will provide a safe space that will open doors to numerous resources and opportunities for the residents of Compton and will also keep the traditional agricultural and equine lifestyle alive for all generations.
Johnnie Walker addressed the City Council regarding the problems the community has experienced with one house in the 1600 block of East Tucker Street and added that she has called the police on numerous occasions regarding the illegal activity with illegal drug sales and noise coming from the address on East Tucker. The house has been raided several times by the Sheriff’s department and yet, that illegal activity continues. Ms. Walker asserted that the house has been a nuisance for far too long and she further requested assistance from the City Council to abate this dangerous nuisance.
Versalle Lewis also addressed the illegal activity at the property on the 1600 block of East Tucker and added that the property is a meth house with nonstop foot traffic of individuals selling and using drugs at the location for the last 3 years. Mr. Lewis indicated that he has called law enforcement regarding the property, and they came out to the property and made arrests, however, the illegal activity continues. Mr. Lewis requested assistance from the City Council.
City Attorney Perrodin indicated that he will consider declaring the property a public nuisance.
Liz Hicks commented that she has been before the City Council since October asking questions regarding bonding. Ms. Hicks stated that she has not received and answer and addressed her questions to the City Attorney and inquired as to who is specifically bonded on the Dias and what company is used for bonding purposes. Ms. Hicks insisted that the City Council, City Controller, City Clerk, City Treasurer and City Water Department employees and whoever is dealing with cash for the City must be bonded. Ms. Hicks also questioned whether there is dual custody of funds and further requested that the City Attorney look into the matter. Ms. Hick concluded by thanking Mayor Sharif for the recent Christmas Holiday events and added that the children of the community were very excited to see Santa come to town.
Randall Hook, Compton Cowboys, spoke on behalf of Connecting Compton and their initiative to bring a Multi-cultural Equestrian Center to Compton. Mr. Hooks indicated that horses have saved his life and made him the man he is today, adding that caring for horses makes it impossible to want to harm another individual. Mr. Hooks noted that being around horses will be good for the children of the community and added that the Compton Cowboys are on a mission to uplift the community while highlighting the rich legacy of African Americans in equine and Western Heritage.
Navaline Smith approached the City Council and commended Coach Gerald Pickens of CBATS for teaching youth sports in the City of Compton for 50 years. Ms. Smith stated that she could not understand why Coach Pickens has not received any assistance from the City for a banquet for the youth. Ms. Smith requested that the Council consider assisting Coach Pickens and indicated that the Crystal Casino will be working with Coach Pickens relative to the banquet.
Coach Gerald Pickens of Compton Baseball Academy Teams (CBATS) spoke of many outstanding youths that he has been involved with during his many years of coaching baseball and indicated that there is a tremendous amount of talent in the Compton community and the children must be recognized and appreciated for their positive efforts. Coach Pickens announced that CBATS will hold a banquet on January 27, 2022, at the Crystal Casino. Coach Pickens indicated that the banquet will be a fundraiser for a successful 2022 baseball season and encouraged the City Council and community to attend.
Mr. Rogelio Diaz stated that Connecting Compton is a community initiative put together by himself along with friends to improve the community and bring positive opportunities and changes for the youth. Mr. Diaz indicated that working with horses enriches and improves the lives of the youth and benefit children with special needs. Mr. Diaz further stated that he and his partners started the Compton Multi-cultural Equestrian Center and wish to change the perception of the City and unite the Black and Brown community, while also providing services to the Veterans of the Compton community.
Hector Gomez spoke in support of Connecting Compton and also spoke in support of the Multicultural Equestrian Center in the Richland Farms community area. Mr. Gomez further expressed that there is a lot of potential for the youth of the community.
Mr. Francisco requested assistance relative to tree trimming in his neighborhood and indicated that a tree collapsed in the middle of his street. Mr. Francisco noted that all the trees are overlapping the electric wires creating a hazard and a nuisance. He indicated that his streets need to be paved and further indicated that the Council must improve the lighting around the City.
Ms. Vanessa commended the One Love in Compton event recently held at the Crystal Casino and noted that the event was a huge success and greatly benefited the children of the community.
Ms. Vanessa thanked Gary and Rita Belfry along with the City Council and also thanked the sponsors and organizers for providing for such a wonderful day in the City of Compton.
Lynn Boone addressed Section 1305 of the City Charter which gives the people the right to conduct a recall and indicated that she and 19 other proponents are in favor of recalling the District 1 Councilmember. Ms. Boone questioned how the Connecting Compton initiative fits into the City’s General Plan. She further suggested that the City speak to the people regarding the L.A.
River coming through the City, particularly the residents of the Richland Farms area. Ms. Boone questioned who signs off on the street projects, since the City does not have a Street Superintendent or a Civil Engineer.
CONSENT AGENDA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
3. NOVEMBER 16, 2021 (Approved)
NOVEMBER 23, 2021 (Approved)
RISK MANAGEMENT
4. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COMPTON
AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF ANNUAL FEES TO THE STATE OF
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS FOR CONTINUED ADMINISTRATION OF THE CITY'S WORKERS' COMPENSATION SELFINSURANCE PROGRAM ($34,133.70) (Approved Resolution Number 25,590) On motion by Darden, seconded by Chambers, the consent agenda was approved by the following vote on roll call:
AYES: Council Members – Chambers, Bowers, Darden, Sharif NOES: Council Members – None
ABSENT: Council Members – Galvan
REGULAR AGENDA
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
5. PRESENTATION - WHAT IS PENSION AND WHAT IS OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS (OPEB) - COMMON LANGUAGE USED (City Controller)
City Controller Sharon Rahban provided an explanation of the various terms used relative to the City’s employee pension plan:
Pension is a promise of benefits to employees for after they retire OPEB stands for: Other Post-Employment Benefits
An example includes Promises for Retiree Health Benefits What is central to these:
This is a promise that is made by employer for work performed by employees The promise becomes an obligation and/or liability to the employer. Generally, benefits could mean cash distributions, or premium coverage as was defined in the promise that was made.
Ms. Rahban further explained the difference between Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans
A. Defined Contribution: There is a burden to the employer to pay/contribute into an account or to the retiree a certain dollar amount based on an agreement. Nothing else. The dollar amount is already determined and does not change unless further agreed to.
B. Defined Benefit: There is a burden to the employer to provide the Benefit that was agreed upon- no matter the dollar cost to the employer.
Example: if the Benefit is to cover all healthcare premiums from date of retirement for life, then no matter the cost of the premiums in the future, the employer must cover that cost.
Ms. Rahban detailed that the City contributes to the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS). The miscellaneous employees of the City are part of an agent multipleemployer public employees defined benefit pension plan and safety employees are part of the cost sharing multiple-employer public employee defined benefit pension plan. The safety employees are further divided into two different rate tiers: Safety - Fire and Safety - Police. CalPERS provides retirement and disability benefit, annual cost of living adjustment, and death benefits to plan members and beneficiaries. CalPERS acts as a common investment and administrative agent for participating public entities within the State of California. State statutes within the Public Employees’ Retirement System establish a menu of benefit provisions as well as other requirements. The City selects optional benefit provisions from the benefit menu by contract with CalPERS and adopts those benefits through a City Council resolution. Copies of the CalPERS annual financial report may be obtained from the CalPERS executive office: 400 “P” Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 or from the CalPERS website http://www.calpers.ca.gov.
The complete power point presentation is on file and available for review in the City Clerk’s Office.
NEW BUSINESS
6. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COMPTON APPROVING BUDGET AMENDMENT TO THE 2021-2022 FISCAL YEAR
BUDGET, TRANSFERRING FUNDS BETWEEN VARIOUS ACCOUNTS, AND AMENDING THE EXISTING PERSONNEL SUMMARY AS OF NOVEMBER 2021 On motion by Chambers, seconded by Darden, Resolution Number 25,591 entitled ‘A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COMPTON APPROVING BUDGET AMENDMENT TO THE 2021-2022 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET,
TRANSFERRING FUNDS BETWEEN VARIOUS ACCOUNTS, AND AMENDING THE EXISTING PERSONNEL SUMMARY AS OF NOVEMBER 2021’ was adopted by the following vote on roll call:
AYES: Council Members – Chambers, Bowers, Darden, Sharif NOES: Council Members – None
ABSENT: Council Members – Galvan
7. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COMPTON AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A SIXTY (60) MONTH
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH GRANICUS FOR WEBSITE REDESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES ($94,996.95)
It was moved by Darden, seconded by Bowers, that the resolution be adopted.
Councilman Bowers questioned why the City would be entering into a 5-year contract.
City Manager Simpson responded that the 5-year agreement would work towards improving the City’s website and also provide for maintenance.
Councilmember Chambers spoke in favor of bringing these services inhouse, especially considering that this would be a 5-year contract.
After further discussion, the motion and second were withdrawn.
8. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COMPTON
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO AMEND THE CONSTRUCTION
CONTRACT WITH AND ESTABLISH A PURCHASE ORDER FOR HORIZONS CONSTRUCTION INTERNATIONAL, INC. FOR THE ADDITIONAL WORK AT COMPTON FIRE STATIONS NOS. 1 THROUGH 4 DRIVEWAYS AND APRON IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, CIP# 20-01 ($257,362)
It was moved by Chambers, seconded by Darden, that the resolution be adopted.
Councilman Bowers raised concerns that the cost for this service has significantly increased and further questioned why Staff would recommend approval of the change order for this vendor, considering they failed to provide adequate design assessment services.
Assistant City Manager Michael Antwine responded that it was determined that the original scope of work only covered portions of the severely damaged parking lots at all four fire stations.
The City desired to repair the damaged pavement at all four stations in its entirety which would require an additional funding allocation. Mr. Antwine indicated that the scope of work for the project was grossly understated, and further noted that the job entails a full reconstruction for the stations.
Resolution Number 25,592 entitled ‘A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF COMPTON AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO AMEND THE
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WITH AND ESTABLISH A PURCHASE ORDER FOR HORIZONS CONSTRUCTION INTERNATIONAL, INC. FOR THE ADDITIONAL WORK AT COMPTON FIRE STATIONS NOS. 1 THROUGH 4 DRIVEWAYS AND APRON IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, CIP# 20-01’ was adopted by the following vote on roll call:
AYES: Council Members – Chambers, Bowers, Darden, Sharif NOES: Council Members – None
ABSENT: Council Members – Galvan
9. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COMPTON RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 25,479 AND AMENDING THE 2021-2022
FISCAL YEAR BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FROM THE CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE DIVISION OF OPERATIONS TO ENFORCE A
LOCAL ORDINANCE OR STATE LAW RELATED TO THE ILLEGAL SALE AND MARKETING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO MINORS ($550,455)
It was moved by Chambers, seconded by Darden, that the resolution be adopted.
Councilman Bowers questioned the need for this action.
Mayor Sharif questioned how the City would make certain that menthol products were not being sold illegally to the youth, which is a huge problem.
Anthony Ward, Code Enforcement responded that he would meet with City Attorney Perrodin to discuss enforcement.
After further discussion the Council requested an itemized list of charges regarding the payment for security services provided by the Sheriff’s department.
Dr. Aubrey Relf, Grants Division, suggested that the item be approved and the section concerning the funding allocated to the Sheriff’s Department be brought back to the Council.
Councilmember Chambers was opposed to allocating any additional funds to the Sheriff’s Department for services and further requested that the Council be provided with an itemized list of charges as it relates to the Sheriff’s Department prior to approving the item.
The Resolution entitled ‘A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COMPTON RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 25,479 AND AMENDING THE 2021-2022
FISCAL YEAR BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FROM THE CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE DIVISION OF OPERATIONS TO ENFORCE A LOCAL
ORDINANCE OR STATE LAW RELATED TO THE ILLEGAL SALE AND MARKETING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO MINORS’ failed due to the lack of four affirmative vote by the following vote on roll call:
AYES: Council Members – Bowers, Darden, Sharif
NOES: Council Members – Chambers
ABSENT: Council Members – Galvan
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Chambers offered the following communications/announcements:
Requested that the City Manager investigate the illegal mechanical shop located at 1311 W. El Segundo which has disabled cars parked along the street. Invited the community to attend her Christmas Winter Wonderland event at Sibrie Park on December 18, 2021, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and the Christmas Toy Drive at Gonzales Park, 1101 E. Cressey Street.
Announced that UPS, LAX, Walmart, Fed Ex, U.S. Postal Service and Costco are currently hiring and encouraged the residents to visit the Compton Careerlink for additional information.
Requested that the City Council meeting be adjourned in memory of Thomas Moore. (Councilmember Chambers exited the meeting at 8:30 p.m.) Councilmember Galvan offered the following communications/announcements at the beginning of the meeting:
Invited everyone to attend his ‘Miracle on Oaks Street’ Christmas Toy Giveaway on Decembers 16, 2021 at Caesar Chavez Park beginning at 5:00 p.m. -- including food trucks, a petting zoo, games and festivities along with snow! Councilmember Bowers offered the following communications/announcements:
Reported abandoned motor homes at 156th Street and Central Avenue. Thanked the Sunny Cove Block Club for inviting him to their joyous Christmas celebration.
Invited the community to attend his Christmas Holiday event scheduled for December 20, 2021, at Tucker Park, 650 W. Laurel, Compton---there will be food, face painting, balloon artists, magic show and much more.
Reminded the residents that they may have bulky waste items that they wish to discard removed from their property by contacting Republic Services at 800-299-4898.
Councilmember Darden offered the following communications/announcements:
Commented on the hugely successful Breakfast with Santa event and added that it was delightful to see the smiles on the faces of the children of Compton. Commented that the National Association for Equal Justice in America (NAEJA) has requested that they be granted permission to utilize City facilities on the first Monday of each month for their meetings.
Requested that the City Council and community keep the homeless citizens in their thoughts and prayers.
Mayor Sharif offered the following communications/announcements:
Mayor Sharif requested that the City Manager remain vigilant and keep the Council informed of the various grants and programs designed to assist the City and residents during the pandemic.
Mayor Sharif commented on the hugely successful Christmas Holiday Toy Drive and other various events around the City and thanked all the donors, volunteers, City Council and Staff for all their hard work and collaboration in facilitating the events. Mayor Sharif requested that the City Council meeting be adjourned in memory of Willie McReynolds.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Darden, seconded by Bowers, the meeting was adjourned in memory of Thomas Moore and Willie McReynolds at 8:42 p.m. by the following vote on roll call:
AYES: Council Members – Bowers, Darden, Sharif
NOES: Council Members – None
ABSENT: Council Members – Chambers, Galvan
________________________________________ ___________________________________
CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF COMPTON MAYOR OF THE CITY OF COMPTON