Minutes
Lakewood City Council
Regular Meeting held
May 23, 2023
MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Croft in the Council Chambers at the Civic Center, 5000 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, California.
INVOCATION was offered by Pastor Chris Kirish, Renovate Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Girl Scout Troops 3433 and 113 ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Mayor Steve Croft
Vice Mayor Ariel Pe
Council Member Cassandra Chase
Council Member Todd Rogers
Council Member Jeff Wood
. . .
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS:
Mayor Croft announced that the meeting would be adjourned in memory of former Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina and longtime resident and former Los Angeles Times reporter, Rich Connell. The Mayor also stated that on behalf of the City Council, he signed a proclamation earlier in May to recognize Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and he encouraged everyone to visit the City website for resources to learn about the history, struggles and achievements of Asian American and Pacific Islanders in the United States.
Council Member Rogers shared that he, along with Vice Mayor Pe and Community Development Director Abel Avalos had just returned from the International Council of Shopping Centers conference where they held productive meetings with Lakewood commercial property owners and prospective businesses.
Council Member Wood announced that the Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board’s Spring Regional Job Fair would be held on June 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Simms Park in Bellflower. He also congratulated City Manager Thaddeus McCormack on receiving the California Contract Cities Association’s (CCCA) highest award, the El Matador Grande, for his outstanding contributions to CCCA and advocacy of local control. Mr. McCormack shared that he was honored to receive the award.
Vice Mayor Pe thanked City staff for their hard work with CCCA and congratulated Council Member Wood on his service as the President of the California Contract Cities Association Executive Board. Mayor Croft also congratulated Council Member Wood on his term as President and thanked him for his work on behalf of all the CCCA cities.
City Council Minutes
May 23, 2023
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS: - Continued
Mayor Croft introduced Sovanna Pouv, Field Representative for State Senator Lena A.
Gonzalez. Mr. Pouv thanked the Council for welcoming the Senator’s office and shared that Senator Gonzalez looked forward to working with them as representatives of Lakewood.
Mayor Croft presented Mr. Pouv with a City pin as a symbol of the City’s friendship.
The Mayor announced that Jon Shull was retiring as the Executive Director of the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA) after 28 years and, on behalf of his colleagues, presented Mr. Shull with the City Council Award of Merit for his years of service to many communities in California including Lakewood. Mr. Shull stated that it was his honor and privilege to serve many cities and he was thankful for the recognition.
Mayor Croft introduced Cindy Conboy, Event Lead, American Cancer Society, who encouraged participation and support of the Greater Long Beach Relay for Life event to be held on June 3rd, at Long Beach Police Academy Park.
. . .
ROUTINE ITEMS:
VICE MAYOR PE MOVED AND COUNCIL MEMBER WOOD SECONDED TO APPROVE ROUTINE ITEMS 1 THROUGH 13.
RI-1 Approval of Minutes of the Meeting held May 9, 2023 RI-2 Approval of Personnel Transactions
RI-3 Approval of Registers of Demands
RI-4 Approval of Meeting Reports and Authorizations Pursuant to AB1234 RI-5 Approval of Monthly Report of Investment Transactions – April 2023 RI-6 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-21; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAKEWOOD FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THERE IS A
NEED TO CONTINUE TAKING EMERGENCY ACTION REGARDING THE
NEED TO MAKE REPAIRS TO THE BOLIVAR PARK STORMWATER
CAPTURE BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT
RI-7 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-22; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 92-36 PERTAINING TO
THE LOW-INCOME EXEMPTION OF THE UTILITY USERS TAX
RI-8 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-23; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAKEWOOD ESTABLISHING A HARDSHIP WAIVER FROM ONE OF
THE REQUIREMENTS FOR AN ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING REGARDING
AN ADMINISTRATIVE OR PARKING CITATION
City Council Minutes
May 23, 2023
ROUTINE ITEMS: - Continued
RI-9 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-24; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAKEWOOD DIRECTING THE PREPARATION OF A REPORT OF
DELINQUENT FEES FOR GARBAGE, WASTE AND REFUSE COLLECTION
AND DISPOSAL WITHIN THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD, AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING THEREON FOR JULY 11, 2023
RI-10 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-25; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2022-46 PERTAINING
TO EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND THE CLASSIFICATION AND
COMPENSATION OF CITY OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, AND
ESTABLISHING EMPLOYEE BENEFITS, DEFINING THE CONDITIONS AND
HOURS OF EMPLOYMENT, AND ADOPTING A CLASSIFICATION AND
COMPENSATION PLAN FOR CITY OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
RI-11 Approval of Amendment No.4 to Agreement with CONSOR North America, Inc. for Well 13A Treatment Plant Design Modification and Construction Support RI-12 Appropriation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds RI-13 Appropriation of Funds and Authorization to Purchase Vehicles and Equipment UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Pe, Chase, Rogers and Croft NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
. . .
3.1 • AGREEMENT WITH MIG, INC., TO DEVELOP PARKS, RECREATION AND
COMMUNITY SERVICES MASTER PLAN
Valarie Frost, Director of Recreation and Community Services, displayed slides and made a presentation based on the report in the agenda highlighting that a completed Parks, Recreation and Community Services Master Plan would be a comprehensive document representing the collective efforts and vision of the community, City Council, City staff and community stakeholders. She added that the Master Plan would serve as a roadmap to guide City decision making into the future regarding preservation of parks, community centers, open spaces, trails and recreational facilities; coordination of recreation activities, human services programs and community special events; and capital improvement projects to keep the City’s facilities attractive, well maintained, safe and in compliance with regulations. She stated it was staff’s recommendation that the City Council approve the Professional Services Agreement with MIG, Inc., for an amount not to exceed $270,000; authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement subject to approval as to legal form by the City Attorney; and approve $30,000 for project contingency. Ms. Frost introduced Jose Rodriguez, Senior Project Manager of MIG, Inc., who would oversee the Master Plan development process and was a resident of Lakewood. Mr. Rodriguez shared his excitement to work with the Lakewood City Council Minutes
May 23, 2023
3.1 • AGREEMENT WITH MIG, INC., TO DEVELOP PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES MASTER PLAN - Continued
community on its first Parks, Recreation and Community Services Master Plan.
Staff responded to questions and comments from Council Members.
COUNCIL MEMBER WOOD MOVED AND COUNCIL MEMBER CHASE SECONDED TO APPROVE STAFF’S RECOMMENDATIONS. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Pe, Chase, Rogers and Croft NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
. . .
3.2 • AGREEMENT WITH SALVATION ARMY BELL SHELTER
Public Safety Director Joshua Yordt made a presentation based on the report in the agenda stating that homelessness was a complex problem that was increasing in the City and finding an available shelter bed for individuals willing to be housed was a significant challenge. He added that contracting with a shelter for beds specifically for Lakewood based homeless provided the opportunity for an individual to be housed quickly and receive support services.
He stated it was staff’s recommendation that the City Council approve an agreement with the Salvation Army for four dedicated beds at its Bell Shelter for Lakewood based homeless and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Council Members and staff shared comments.
COUNCIL MEMBER ROGERS MOVED AND VICE MAYOR PE SECONDED TO APPROVE STAFF’S RECOMMENDATIONS. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Pe, Chase, Rogers and Croft NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
. . .
3.3 • VISION, MISSION, AND VALUES STATEMENTS AND STRATEGIC
INITIATIVES FOR THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD
Paolo Beltran, Deputy City Manager, displayed slides and made a presentation based on the report in the agenda sharing the Vision, Mission, and Values Statement and Strategic Initiatives, as well as the drafting process that produced them. He added that once adopted, current and future employees would be trained on the purpose of the statements and the statements would be promoted through every Public Information channel to be shared with residents, community service organizations, Lakewood business leaders, contracting partners and other stakeholders. He also noted that the statements would be reviewed periodically.
City Council Minutes
May 23, 2023
3.3 • VISION, MISSION, AND VALUES STATEMENTS AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVES FOR THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD - Continued
He stated it was staff’s recommendation that the City Council approve the proposed resolution, adopting Mission, Vision, and Values statements and Strategic Initiatives for the City of Lakewood.
Council Members and staff shared comments and praised the Deputy City Manager’s efforts to create the statements and initiatives.
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-26; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LAKEWOOD ADOPTING VISION, MISSION, AND VALUES STATEMENTS AND
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES FOR THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD
VICE MAYOR PE MOVED AND MAYOR CROFT SECONDED TO ADOPT
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-26 ADOPTING VISION, MISSION, AND VALUES STATEMENTS AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVES FOR THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD.
UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Pe, Chase, Rogers and Croft NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
. . .
3.4 • AWARD OF BID FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT NO. 2023-2; CIVIC
CENTER COUNTER IMPROVEMENTS AT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/PUBLIC WORKS
Public Works Director Kelli Pickler made a presentation based on the report in the agenda regarding improvements at the Community Development and Public Works counter. She stated it was staff’s recommendation that the City Council adopt the plans, specifications, and working details for project; award a contract in the amount of $326,000 to the low bidder, Empire Design & Build, and authorize Mayor to sign the contract in a form approved by the City Attorney; authorize staff to approve a cumulative total of change orders, as necessary not to exceed $65,000; and appropriate $65,000 from the reserve for Capital Improvements for the project from Measure L.
Staff responded to questions from Council Members.
COUNCIL MEMBER WOOD MOVED AND COUNCIL MEMBER CHASE SECONDED TO APPROVE STAFF’S RECOMMENDATIONS. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Pe, Chase, Rogers and Croft NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
. . .
City Council Minutes
May 23, 2023
3.5 • WATER RIGHTS LICENSE AND AGREEMENT WITH CTY OF WHITTIER Derek Nguyen, Director of Water Resources, displayed slides and made a presentation based on the report in the agenda relating to leases of water rights from and to the City of Whittier for the next four fiscal years. Dr. Nguyen stated that staff recommended that the City Council approve three water rights license and agreements in forms approved by the City Attorney with the City of Whittier for (1) 1,500 acre-feet of water extraction rights for FY 22/23 to the City of Lakewood for $1; (2) 1,500 acre-feet of water extraction rights for FY 23/24 to the City of Whittier for $1; (3) 1,500 acre-feet of water extraction rights for FY 23/24 to the City of Whittier for $165/acre-foot, 2,000 acre-feet of water extraction rights for FY 24/25 to the City of Whittier for $165/acre-foot; 3,000 acre-feet of water extraction rights for FY 25/26 to the City of Whittier for $165/acre-foot, and 3,000 acre-feet of water extraction rights for FY 26/27 to the City of Whittier for $170/acre-foot for a total cost of $1,582,500; and authorize the Mayor to sign the three agreements with the City of Whittier on behalf of the City.
Staff responded to questions and comments from Council Members.
COUNCIL MEMBER ROGERS MOVED AND VICE MAYOR PE SECONDED TO APPROVE STAFF’S RECOMMENDATIONS. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Pe, Chase, Rogers and Croft NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
. . .
SUCCESSOR HOUSING ACTIONS
1. Approval of Register of Demands
COUNCIL MEMBER ROGERS MOVED AND COUNCIL MEMBER WOOD
SECONDED TO APPROVE THE REGISTERS OF DEMANDS. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Pe, Chase, Rogers and Croft NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
. . .
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None
. . .
City Council Minutes
May 23, 2023
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be brought before the City Council, Mayor Croft adjourned the meeting at 9:05 p.m. to Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. in the Executive Board Room. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Gloria Molina and Rich Connell.
Respectfully submitted,
Isabelle D. Schultz
Assistant City Clerk