Lynwood City Council Regular Meeting
Meeting Minutes
February 7, 2023
01. CALL TO ORDER
The City Council Regular Meeting of the City of Lynwood met in the Council Chambers, 11350 Bullis Road Lynwood, CA 90262 or Web conference via ZOOM - To participate via Zoom or by telephone: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-253- 2158782 Meeting ID: 835 2029 8238 on the above date at 6:00 p.m.
Meeting called to order at 6:01 p.m.
Mayor Flores presiding.
02. CERTIFICATION OF AGENDA POSTING BY CITY CLERK
City Clerk Quinonez announced the Agenda had been duly posted in accordance with the Brown Act.
03. ROLL CALL OF COUNCIL MEMBERS
PRESENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS CAMACHO, MUNOZ-GUEVARA,
SOLACHE, MAYOR PRO TEM SOTO AND MAYOR FLORES
ABSENT: NONE
STAFF CITY MANAGER HERNANDEZ, CITY ATTORNEY TAPIA,
PRESENT: CITY TREASURER CUELLAR AND CITY CLERK QUINONEZ
04. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Lynwood Sheriffs Explorers.
05. INVOCATION
City Clerk Quinonez offered the invocation.
06. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS
• Update on Law Enforcement Issues.
• City Council Members Reporting on Meetings Attended (Gov. Code Section 53232.3 D)). • City Videos.
• Proclamations.
07. COUNCIL RECESS TO:
City of Lynwood as the Successor Agency to the Lynwood Redevelopment Agency MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Solache, seconded by Council Member Camacho to recess to the City of Lynwood as the Successor Agency to the Lynwood Redevelopment Agency at 6:12 p.m. Motion carried by unanimous consent. 1 ROLL CALL:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS CAMACHO, MUNOZ-GUEVARA,
SOLACHE, MAYOR PRO TEM' SOTO AND MAYOR FLORES
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Lynwood Housing Authority
MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Solache, seconded by Council Member Camacho to recess to the Lynwood Housing Authority at 6:17 p.m. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS CAMACHO, MUNOZ-GUEVARA,
SOLACHE, MAYOR PRO TEM SOTO AND MAYOR FLORES
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Lynwood Public Financing Agency
MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Solache, seconded by Council Member Camacho to recess to the Lynwood Public Financing Agency at 6:20 p.m. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS CAMACHO, MUNOZ-GUEVARA,
SOLACHE, MAYOR PRO TEM SOTO AND MAYOR FLORES
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
The City Council reconvened to the regular City Council meeting at 6:25 p.m.
PUBLIC ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
(Regarding Agenda Items Only)
The following individuals spoke on agenda item #17 about setting a minimum wage of $25.00 per hour for qualifying healthcare workers working in the City of Lynwood:
Sovanna Poly representing Senator Lena A. Gonzalez read a letter; Adena Tessler; Fred Ortega with Prime Healthcare; Chris Wilson with Los Angeles,County BixFed; 2 Victor Reyes with Valley Industry and Commerce Association; Deborah Howard with California Senior Advocates League; Jasmin Enciso with LA Metro Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Amber King with LeadingAge California; Mayra Castaneda; Delores Aquila; Sergio Perez; Maria Arellano; Marcos Zepeda; Steve Jones; Gabriel Montoya; Michael Castillo; Lorraine Moore; Aide Castro; AMI; Lisa Tarpin with Southern California Leadership Council.
NON -AGENDA PUBLIC ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
The following individuals spoke about non -agenda items:
Michelle Zuno; Paulette Bradley; Anthony Araujo; Carlos Sanchez; Carla De L Paz; Ruby Rivera; Wendy Ortega, Erick Jason Medal sent an email.
Consent Calendar
All matters listed under the Consent Calendar will be acted upon by one motion affirming the action recommended on the agenda. There will be no separate discussion on these items prior to voting unless members of the Council or staff request specific items be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action.
Council Member Munoz -Guevara requested that agenda item numbers thirteen (13) and fifteen (15) be pulled for separate consideration.
MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Solache, seconded by Council Member Soto to approve the balance of the consent calendar and receive and file staff reports. Motion carried by the following 5/0 vote:
ROLL CALL:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS CAMACHO, MUNOZ-GUEVARA,
SOLACHE, MAYOR PRO TEM SOTO AND MAYOR FLORES
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
08. APPROVAL OF THE WARRANT REGISTER
Approved and Adopted RESOLUTION NO. 2023.005
ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD ALLOWING AND APPROVING THE DEMANDS AND WARRANTS REGISTER DATED JANUARY 7, 2020
09. PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
Approved Meeting Minutes for City Council October 18, 2022 Regular Meeting
10. CITY CLERK'S QUARTERLY REPORT
Received and Filed CITY CLERK'S QUARTERLY REPORT
3 11. TREASURER'S MONTHLY INVESTMENT REPORT
Received and Filed TREASURER'S MONTHLY INVESTMENT REPORT
12. TREASURER'S QUARTERLY REPORT
Received and Filed TREASURER'S QUARTERLY REPORT
13. TREASURER'S INVESTMENT POLICY
Mayor Flores opened discussion to Council Member Munoz -Guevara.
Council Member Munoz -Guevara stated that the reason for pulling this item is that the Treasurer's Investment Policy comes to Council on consent calendar usually every year and bearing in mind we that have a new City Treasurer, he recommended it would be wise for the Council to take leadership on our investments. He indicated that thirty- eight (38) cities and counties in the United States have taken stances in their investment policies to divest from fossil fuels industry, numerous public pension funds and college endowments have followed. He noted that Lynwood is an environmentally impacted community surrounded by freeways, commercial development and heavy industry and remarked that our residents feel the burden of GHG emissions so much more. He expressed his belief that Council should take aggressive action and lead in our region by demonstrating we will not be investing our taxpayer's dollars and deriving profit from industries that hurt human health. Council Member Munoz -Guevara disclosed that such industries are a relatively small portion of the City's portfolio and specifically mentioned Exxon/Mobil investments.
Council Member Munoz -Guevara introduced a motion to approve the Treasurer's Investment Policy with an amendment to the unauthorized investments to reflect a prohibition on investments in firms that are predominately in the business of exploration, production, drilling and/or refining of coal, petroleum, oil and/or natural gas and he requested support from his colleagues on the item.
Mayor Flores requested a second on the motion or any comments.
Council Member Solache made a subsequent motion to table the item until the Council can further entertain discussion on this new point Council Member Munoz -Guevara has presented.
Council Member Munoz -Guevara seconded the subsequent motion to table the item.
Council Member Camacho indicated that the Treasurer's Investment Policy was approved at another agency already.
City Manager Hernandez responded yes and noted the policy is adopted annually. He indicated that staff would need to discuss this new viewpoint with the City Treasurer as a viable option and review our investment group's current contract to determine how to implement this type of policy. City Manager Hernandez stated he supports tabling the item for further discussion.
Council Member Solache requested that Deputy City Treasurer Harding be included for discussion purposes on this new point for the Treasurer's Investment policy. 4 Mayor Flores requested a roll call and the subsequent motion carried by the following 5/0 vote:
ROLL CALL:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS CAMACHO, MUNOZ-GUEVARA,
SOLACHE, MAYOR PRO TEM SOTO AND MAYOR FLORES
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
RESOLUTION: ITEM TABLED
14. APPROVAL AND AUTHORIZATION TO SOLICIT A NOTICE OF INVITING BIDS FOR
INSTALLATION OF LARGE ADVANCED METER INFRASTRUCTURE (AMI) PROJECT
PHASE I
Approved and Adopted RESOLUTION NO. 2023.006
ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD
APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO SOLICIT A NOTICE OF INVITING BIDS
FOR INSTALLATION OF LARGE ADVANCED METER INFRASTRUCTURE (AMI)
PROJECT PHASE I
15. APPROVAL AND AUTHORIZATION TO SOLICIT REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR THE
CITY OF LYNWOOD ANNUAL SANITARY SEWER MAINTENANCE SERVICES Council Member Munoz -Guevara stated that the reason for pulling this item is his concerned about the timeline specified to issue the RFP. He noted that the item allows only one month for the vendors to respond with proposals, which appears to be a condensed timeline as normally the city, and other cities usually allow a longer process of six (6) weeks or more.
Council Member Munoz -Guevara introduced a motion to approve the item with an amendment to extend the time -period to 6 weeks instead of one month.
Mayor Flores requested a second on the motion to amend or any comments.
City Manager Hernandez made a comment that there is no issue to extend the period with the two (2) additional weeks to the process.
Council Member Camacho inquired if adding the extra two weeks would interfere with the necessity to acquire services the City is seeking.
City Manager Hernandez explained the additional time would not affect the requested services but that this item is progressing in a new direction, which is why it was presented for Council consideration. He mentioned that usually RFPs are not required to go to Council and noted that this is a new venture and staffs desire was to inform Council of what we wanted to accomplish.
Mayor Pro Tem Soto questioned if the additional two (2) weeks would be sufficient or do we need to extend the time -period three (3) or four (4) more weeks.
City Manager Hernandez indicated that a two (2) weeks extension is adequate. 5 MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Munoz -Guevara to approve the item with an amendment to extend the time -period to 6 weeks, seconded by Council Member Solache to approve the amended item. Motion carried by the following 5/0 vote:
ROLL CALL:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS CAMACHO, MUNOZ-GUEVARA,
SOLACHE, MAYOR PRO TEM SOTO AND MAYOR FLORES
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Approved and Adopted RESOLUTION NO. 2023.007
ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD
APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO RELEASE A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
FOR THE CITY OF LYNWOOD ANNUAL SANITARY SEWER MAINTENANCE SERVICES
16. APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 WITH SENIORS AND JUNIORS INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $16,472.25 FOR THE IMPROVEMENTS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT STATION 148
Approved and Adopted RESOLUTION NO. 2023.008
ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 WITH SENIORS AND JUNIORS INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $16,472.25 FOR THE IMPROVEMENTS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT STATION 148
New/Old Business
17. INTRODUCTION FOR FIRST READING BY TITLE ONLY AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
LYNWOOD'S MUNICIPAL CODE SETTIG A MIMINUM WAGE OF TWENTY-FIVE ($25.00) PER HOUR FOR QUALIFYING HEALTHCARE WORKERS WORKING IN THE
CITY OF LYNWOOD
MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Solache, seconded by Council Member Camacho to approve the first reading of ordinance item. Motion carried by following 3/2 vote:
ROLL CALL:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS CAMACHO, MUNOZ-GUEVARA AND
SOLACHE
NOES: MAYOR PRO TEM SOTO AND MAYOR FLORES
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Ordinance First Reading ORDINANCE NO. 1756 FIRST READING 6 ENTITLED: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD
AMENDING CHAPTER XX, SUBSECTION XX OF THE LYNWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE,
AMENDING LYNWOOD'S MUNICIPAL CODE SETTING A MINIMUM WAGE OF TWENTY-FIVE ($25.00) PER HOUR FOR QUALIFYING HEALTHCARE EMPLOYEES
WORKING IN THE CITY OF LYNWOOD
18. RENEWAL OF TORRANCE PIPELINE COMPLANY, LLC, PIPELINE FRANCHISE Council Member Munoz -Guevara stated he has a couple of concerns with this agreement as he realized this item would move us to schedule a public hearing. He pointed out that this franchise agreement willset us in for fifteen (15) years and that the last environmental analysis, which is basically is the scientific study that tests whether the pipeline will ever erupt or will lead to any spills or any other similar issues, has not been done since 2019. He remarked that is almost four years ago now and he would want the company to step up, respect our community and show proactive environment action and do an environmental review before locking in for fifteen (15) years. Council Member Munoz -Guevara asked if this is something that we can proceed to include within the agreement.
City Manager Hernandez responded that Community Development Director Linares in currently in conversation with the company and can certainly incorporate this detail in their conversations and report back as part of the public hearing about the feasibility of an environmental analysis.
MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Solache, seconded by Council Member Camacho to approve the item. Motion carried by following 5/0 vote:
ROLL CALL:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS CAMACHO, MUNOZ-GUEVARA,
SOLACHE, MAYOR PRO TEM SOTO AND MAYOR FLORES
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Approved and Adopted RESOLUTION NO. 2023.009
ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD
DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO GRANT A PIPELINE FRANCHISE TO TORRANCE
PIPELINE COMPANY LLC
19. FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2022-23 MID -YEAR FINANCIAL REVIEW AND AMENDMENT TO FY 2022-23 CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION (SALARY SCHEDULE) PLANS
FOR STAFF/POSITION REALLOCATIONS
MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Camacho, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Soto to remove Section #4 and Section #6 and approve the amended item.
Motion carried by following 5/0 vote:
7 ROLL CALL:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS CAMACHO, MUNOZ-GUEVARA,
SOLACHE, MAYOR PRO TEM SOTO AND MAYOR FLORES
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Approved and Adopted RESOLUTION NO. 2023.010 AND RESOLUTION NO. 2023.011
ENTITLED: RESOLUTION NO. 2023.10 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD RECEIVING AND FILING THE FY 2022-23 MID -YEAR FINANCIAL REVIEW REPORT, APPROVING THE FY 2022-23 MID -YEAR BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS TO AMEND THE FY 2022-23 ADOPTED BUDGET HERETO ATTACHED AS SCHEDULE A; AND RESOLUTION NO. 2023.11 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 ADOPTED BUDGET CLASSIFICATION AND
COMPENSATION (SALARY SCHEDULE) PLANS FOR STAFF/POSITION
REALLOCATIONS
CITY COUNCIL ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Council Member Munoz -Guevara indicated he had an opportunity to meet with. "Keep L. A. Housed Coalition" and stated that this organization is urging us to take action. He acknowledged the urgency and that it just seems that every single level of government, from the White House to the County to the State, is telling us to address the renter and housing crisis. He remarked that these basic protections are common sense and noted that the part of the urgency is that the county is ending protections for renters March 31st. He voiced that he would hate for April 1 to arrive and we have landlords beginning eviction proceedings against Lynwood tenants because we as a body decided to not act despite having the power to. Council Member Munoz -Guevara expressed hope that his colleagues will be open to at least meeting with housing advocates in the coming days to learn the issue and potentially introduce a stopgap measure or introduce an item that deals with the urgency as to what this moment demands.
Council Member Camacho offered congratulations to Lynwood students as they have achieved 100 days of school effective today and stated that the students are more than halfway finished with the school year. She remarked that those students that have accomplished the first 100 days of school have become so far smarter, including my little babies even though one fell and broke his wrist today.
Council Member Solache stated that first; he wanted to congratulate Mr. Cuellar, the newest member of our Lynwood family in celebrating his birthday recently on Saturday and to wish him a happy birthday publicly. Council Member Solache wished him a healthy and long life.
Secondly, Council Member Solache indicated being reminded earlier this by week by a local business owner here in Lynwood regarding their business being impacted by an activity that the City Manager and he discussed that involved code enforcement being sent to address the issue.
8 Council Member Solache also mentioned reviewing the recently imposed statewide street -vendor event policy in a conversation with the City Manager and he remarked that he was obviously someone that loves to buy elotes and enjoy them from our street vendors. He specified the need to analyze the state policy and determine how implementation of the mandate is accomplished. However, he indicated the need explore what the language is doing or not doing for this matter and what else can be considered to support both our business community and the street -vendor business specifically which has been here going on 20 years now and has greatly benefited our community. He stated the need to have a balanced approach with this current situation and make sure to examine the state policy in way the mandate was prepared. Council Member Solache questioned manner to implement at the local level and ensure that street vendors also have an opportunity to be in a zone where they are not affecting businesses. He stated that a balance approach is important and reminded staff publicly that as they look at the opportunities within city there is the need to continue dialogue that would support both our business community and street vendors.
Mayor Pro Tem Soto expressed her appreciation for Black History Month and joined her colleague Council Member Camacho in offering congratulations to Lynwood students as they achieved 100 days of school. She indicated her school held a celebration in observation of the first 100 days in which she wore a shirt that said "Principal Survived 100 Days in School" and stated that it is amazing to be serving the students as school principal. She noted it is a survival mode every single day and thanked everybody for participating in the meeting tonight.
Mayor Flores provided an opportunity for the new City Treasurer Cuellar to say a few words on his official first day and first Council meeting and bantered he is still looking for his invitation to the birthday party and joked that it was probably sent to the wrong email address. He turned the floor over City Treasurer Cuellar.
City Treasurer Cuellar introduced himself as a lifelong resident of Lynwood, and expressed his excitement for his appointment to City Treasurer. He stated he grew up being encouraged to go to school and become educated in order to give back to the community that raised him right. He acknowledged he was able to obtain an education along with serving his County and so now, he hopes to continue to serve his community. He noted it is a privilege and an honor to have the opportunity.
STAFF ORAL COMMENTS
City Manager Hernandez addressed the council comments about street vendors and stated that staff is exploring methods that we hope to be a balanced approach and will bring it forth to city council for consideration. He stated that several cities have tried different methods and indicated that part of the process is now reaching out to those agencies and evaluating their programs to see what works and what does not work.
City Manager noted that those of Council that have discussed with him their concerns are sympathetic to the struggles of a street vendor but also appreciated the concerns of business owners who are within the region we are having those issues. 9 Parks and Recreation Director Flores provided a couple of quick community announcements, starting with the Lynwood Run, and he noted that registration is now open for people interested in our community events. He indicated that everyone is welcome to visit the LynwoodRun.com website for registration information. He also mentioned that the Annual Mayor's Clergy Breakfast is scheduled for Saturday, February 18th at 9 a.m. and will be held at the Lynwood Senior Center. Director Flores stated that if members of the public who want to attend the event may R. S. V. P. with the office of the Lynwood City Manager at City Hall extension 200. He also said the Lynwood Camping Adventure is almost sold -out and specified that as of five o'clock today, there was only one spot left which means all 40 spots are on track for enjoyment by Lynwood youth. He specified that the Camping Adventure is scheduled to happen on February 24th through February 26th and noted that as always all information on these and other exciting City programs are available on our social media at Lynwood Parks.
Public Works Director Lee made a welcoming announcement regarding new hire employee Ms. Pamela Torres as the department's senior management analyst. City Manager Hernandez noted that she is replacing and taking over the duties of Laurie.
Community Development Director Linares provided two quick updates as he stated that Community Development did advertise an RFP for code enforcement additional personnel and that we will be presenting an item at the next council meeting and indicated that this additional staff will provide service with code enforcement issues in the City of Lynwood. Director Linares indicated the department also started a weekly discussion with our Sheriffs Code Enforcement and Business License team to sit down and commit to speak about issues in Lynwood to help try to alleviate any issues that are current at this time.
Mayor Flores requested a moment of silence before adjourning for the great loss of life after the devastating earthquake in the Turkey area and for those individuals we locally lost in horrific accidents as well. He acknowledged Janet Sampson, one of our lifelong educators in our school district passed away recently and Ms. Elizabeth Logan, formal teacher for Martine Special Education passed as an echo to those educators. He also noted social media student Caesar Alvarez had passed.
Council Member Solache indicated that the Battle Family lost their grandson and requested that City deliver a scroll on behalf of the Council and Mayor. He also noted that the mother of our current 2023 Miss Lynwood passed away and mentioned she also lost her grandmother within the last year.
Mayor Flores asked for a few seconds of silence before the motion to adjourn.
Mayor Flores thanked everyone for their participation and encouraged each person to remember to love each other and be kind no matter where we stand on any kind of issue. He requested a motion to adjourn in memory of all the individuals mentioned today, including our 10 folks from Monterey Park, our neighboring city, as stated earlier in the meeting today. He wished everybody a good night. 10 ADJOURNMENT
Having no further discussion, it was moved by Council Member Solache, seconded by Council Member Munoz -Guevara to adjourn the regular Lynwood City Council meeting at 8:22 p.m.
L]/[ / 4,/ 2 �X -
Maria Quinonez, City Clerk /' Oscar Flores, Mayor
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