20231017
825-04
MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETINGS
NORWALK CITY COUNCIL
NORWALK, CALIFORNIA
OCTOBER 17, 2023
CLOSED SESSION MEETING
Mayor Valencia called the hybrid meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Norwalk City Hall, 12700 Norwalk Boulevard, Norwalk, California, and via videoconference pursuant to Assembly Bill 361. Responding to roll call in person were Councilmembers Ayala and Perez, and Mayor Valencia ; Councilmember Ramirez and Vice Mayor Rios participated via videoconference. Also present were Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager; Gloria Ramirez, Deputy City Attorney; and Theresa Devoy, City Clerk.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR CLOSED SESSION MATTERS
There were no persons wishing to address City Council on the matters to be discussed in closed session.
CLOSED SESSION
City Council immediately convened to closed session for discussion on the following matters:
I. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §54956.8 – The Artesia Service Area of the Norwalk Municipal Water System; Negotiating on behalf of the City: Jesus M. Gomez; Negotiating Party:
Golden State Water Company; Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment.
II. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §54956.8 Property: Front Street properties, Assessor Property Numbers 8056- 015-014, 8056-015-016, 8056-015-900 and 8056- 015-901; Negotiating Parties: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager, on behalf of the City and Arturo Sneider, Primestor Development Inc.; Under Negotiation: Exchange Agreement.
III. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §54956.9(d)(1): City of Whittier, a Charter City; et al. v.
Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles, etc., et al.; Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. 23STCP03579.
IV. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §54956.9(d)(1): Proposed Class Action Settlements City of Camden, et al., v. E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company, et al., No. 2:23- cv-03230- RMG City of Camden, et al., v. 3M Company No. 2:23-cv-03147-RMG.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
October 17, 2023
2 RECESS
City Council recessed at 5:55 p.m. pending the commencement of the regular meeting.
REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Valencia called the hybrid meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Norwalk City Hall, 12700 Norwalk Boulevard, Norwalk, California, and via videoconference pursuant to Assembly Bill 361. Responding to roll call in person were Councilmembers Ayala and Perez, Vice Mayor Rios , and Mayor Valencia .
Councilmember Ramirez participated via videoconference. Also present were Jesus M.
Gomez, City Manager; Gloria Ramirez, Deputy City Attorney ; and Theresa Devoy, City Clerk.
The invocation was delivered by April Reutter, Pray Norwalk, followed by the flag salute, led by Rick Ramirez, New Harvest Christian School.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
The Deputy City Attorney reported that there was no reportable action taken on Item Nos.
I and II, however, indicated No. II is also on the regular agenda as Item No. 12. She reported that City Council voted to join the litigation by a 5 -0 vote for Item No. III ; and during discussion on Item No. IV City Council voted 5-0 to approve not opting out of the class action lawsuit.
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
City Council expressed appreciation for the success of the Halloween Parade.
Councilmember Ayala thanked all staff for making the 38 th Arturo Sanchez Jr. Halloween
Parade a huge success that was well attended. Councilmember Ramirez shared that pledge of allegiance participant Rick Ramirez participates in many C ity events ; and requested Mr. Rodriguez, Grand Marshal of the parade, be invited to a future City Council meeting to be recognized for his participation. Councilmember Perez highlighted upcoming events such as the Pumpkin Float event being held at the Norwalk Aquatic Pavilion October 20, Halloween at the Hargitt House October 21, and the Halloween Festival October 27 at Norwalk, Hermosillo, and Lakeside parks; shared that the Chamber of Commerce hosted their Annual Norwalk Chamber Fall Festival in October and thanked all who attended; encouraged residents to participate in all the Halloween events being held at Social Services and Senior Center; thanked First Responders, Public S afety, Sheriffs, Homeless Operations Prevention and Engagement team (HOPE), and Code Compliance for all they do. Vice Mayor Rios reported on her attendance at the Greater Los Angeles County Vector C ontrol Meeting, the Miniachis De Norwalk performance at Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
October 17, 2023
3 the Norwalk Library; Ghost and Goblins Movie Night, and Oktober Fest; thanked staff for making all events successful; and thanked Public Services Grafitti staff for their services, after witnessing staff documenting and removing graffiti in the early morning Mayor Valencia welcomed dignitaries in attendance; announced the City is continuing to host fundraiser events for Paint the Town Pink; reported on her attendance at Meet the Mayor and thanked staff for its success; she also attended a Hispanic Heritage event hosted by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and the Chamber Fall Festival; announced the State of the City Address on Friday, October 20 at the Norwalk Arts and Sports Complex.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
City Council proclaim ed October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month in the City of Norwalk.
City Council recognized Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant Noe Garcia for five years of service.
City Council proclaimed October as Code Compliance Month in the City of Norwalk.
City Council recognized the Norwalk Enforcement Team and HOPE team. Introduction of the new Norwalk Sheriff Station Captain will be announced at a later Council Meeting.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Mr. Gomez shared that Recreation and Park Services, Public Services, and Public Safety made the Halloween parade a success and thanked them for all the upcoming events to come.
Videos were shared highlighting the 1 st Responder Appreciation Luncheon, Hispanic Heritage Month, Arturo Sanchez Sr. Halloween Parade, and the “Biweekly Review.”
CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent calendar items are considered routine matters which may be enacted by one motion and roll call vote. Councilmember Perez abstained from taking action on Item No.
8. Vice Mayor Rios moved and C ouncilmember Ramirez seconded to approve consent calendar as recommended. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
October 17, 2023
4 AYES: Councilmembers Ayala, Perez, * and Ramirez, Vice Mayor Rios, and Mayor Valencia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
WAIVED READING IN FULL OF ALL ORDINANCES ON THE AGENDA - City Council waived reading in full of all ordinances on the agenda and declared that said titles which appear on the public agenda shall be determined to have been read by title and further reading waived.
MEETING MINUTES
City Council approved the minutes of the meeting of October 3, 2023. 825-04
PAYROLL FOR THE PERIOD SEPTEMBER 17, 2023 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
City Council approved gross payroll in the amount of $1,157,903.69; the payroll check numbers 38013 - 38016 and the voucher numbers 3223789 – 324276 in the total net amount of $855,752.79 for the pay period September 17, 2023 – September 30, 2023. 630
COMMERCIAL DEMANDS
City Council approved the warrant register period September 26, 2023 through October 9, 2023, in the total amount of $4,670,300.97. 640
CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY
City Council denied the claim filed by Armando Hidalgo. 830-01
PLANNING COMMISSION SYNOPSIS – OCTOBER 11, 2023
No action taken. 320
AGREEMENT AMENDMENT NO. 6 – TRAFFIC ENGINEERING SERVICES TO PROVIDE SERVICES FOR PROJECT NO. 7933 - ANALYZING THE FEASIBILITY OF STRIPING MODIFICATIONS ON EXCELSIOR DRIVE, ENGINEER’S REPORT NO. 23- 17 City Council approved Amendment No. 6 to Willdan Engineering’s Traffic Engineering Services Agreement in the amount of $53,304 to provide services for Project No. 7933, Analyzing the Feasibility of Striping Modifications on Excelsior Drive; and authorized the City Manager to execute the amendment on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney. 1005-04-7933
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
October 17, 2023
5 *Councilmember Perez abstained from taking action on the following item due to property ownership within 500’.
PROJECT NO. 7929.1 - ACCEPT WORK FOR LOCAL STREETS REHABILITATION PROGRAM – PHASE 2 ZONE 19 (CONCRETE IMPROVEMENTS) – ENGINEERS REPORT 23-19
City Council accepted the work of CJ Concrete Construction in the amount of $700,412 for Project No. 7929.1 – Local Streets Rehabilitation Program – Phase 2 Zone 19 (Concrete Improvements). 1005-04-7929
AWARD ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT COMPLIANCE SERVICES FOR PROJECT NO. 7359 - HERMOSILLO PARK REHABILITATION AND PROJECT NO. 7607 -
STORMWATER CAPTURE AND INFILTRATION PROJECT
City Co uncil awarded an agreement to Dudek in the amount of $81,650 to provide Environmental Review and California Environmental Quality Act Compliance services for Project No. 7359 - Hermosillo Park Rehabilitation and Project No. 7607 - Stormwater and Infiltration Project; and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement and any amendments, provided there is funding in the budget and it is within the City Manager’s signing authority, on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney. 1005-04-7359/-7607
APPOINTMENTS
ADVISORY BODY APPOINTMENTS
None. 200
PUBLIC HEARINGS
RESOLUTION NO. 23-64 - GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2022 -03 TO AMEND
THE GENERAL PLAN LAND USE DESIGNATION FROM NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL TO LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL AND ORDINANCE NO. 23 -1743 - ZONE CHANGE NO. 2022 -05 TO AMEND THE ZONING DESIGNATION FROM RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL (C-1) TO LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (R-1) AT 13310
ROSECRANS AVENUE
Mayor Valencia opened the public hearing to consider General Plan Amendment No. 2022-03 to amend the General Plan Land Use Designation from Neighborhood Commercial to Low Density Residential and Ordinance No. 23- 1743. The City Clerk presented a report on the legal requi sites for notice of hearing. Jill Ann Arabe, Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
October 17, 2023
6 Development Services Manager, provided a report. There being no persons wishing to testify in this matter, Mayor Valenc ia closed the public hearing. Councilmember Perez moved and Vice Mayor Rios seconded to:
a. adopt Resolution No. 23-64, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2022 -03 FOR 13310 ROSECRANS AVENUE;
b. introduce by title only Ordinance No. 23- 1743, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
NORWALK SETTING FORTH ITS FINDINGS OF FACT AND DECISION APPROVING ZONE CHANGE NO. 2022 -05 FOR 13310 ROSECRANS AVENUE, and schedule for adoption; and
c. approve the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program with adoption of the project.
MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ayala, Perez, and Ramirez, Vice Mayor Rios, and Mayor Valencia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None 320-02-012022-03/320-09-2022-05
RESOLUTIONS
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 23-62 DECLARING THE CITY-OWNED REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 12124 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD EXEMPT SURPLUS LAND PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54221(F)(1)(C) AND APPROVING
AN EXCHANGE AGREEMENT AND JOINT ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS BY AND
BETWEEN THE CITY OF NORWALK AND FIRESTONE LOFTS, LP
John Ramirez, Director of Community Development provided a report. Councilmember Perez moved and Vice Mayor Rios seconded to:
a. find that the Exempt Surplus Land determination and the approval of the Exchange Agreement is exempt under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) and CEQA Guidelines Section 15311 – Class 11 Accessory Structures (small parking lots) to existing commercial uses and Section 15312 – Surplus Government Property Sales and none of the exceptions to the Categorical Exceptions under CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply;
b. adopt Resolution No. 23-62, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF NORWALK DECLARING THE CITY -OWNED REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
October 17, 2023
7 12124 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD EXEMPT SURPLUS LAND PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54221(F)(1)(C) AND APPROVING AN
EXCHANGE AGREEMENT AND JOINT ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF NORWALK AND FIRESTONE LOFTS, LP; and
c. authorize the City Manager to prepare, execute, or records (cause to be recorded) any documents required under the terms of the Exchange Agreement and such other ancillary documents, on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney that are reasonably necessary to consummate the Exchange Agreement and effectuate the intent of Resolution No. 23-62.
MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ayala, Perez, and Ramirez, Vice Mayor Rios, and Mayor Valencia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None 1405-08
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE PROPOSED ART AT
THE NORWALK FITNESS VILLAGE
Following a brief report by Theresa Devoy , City Clerk, Councilmember Ramirez moved and Councilmember Perez seconded to accept the Art in Public Places recommendation and approve the artwork proposed for the Norwalk Fitness Village center as shown in the exhibits. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ayala, Perez, and Ramirez, Vice Mayor Rios, and Mayor Valencia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
405-01
ADOPT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES PLAN UPDATE
Following remarks from the City Manager and a brief report provided by Mr. Ramirez, and Ken Hira, Kosmont President, City Council discussion ensued, Councilmember Ayala directed staff to promote the progress of major projects . Councilmember Perez moved and Vice Mayor Rios seconded to adopt the Economic Development Opportunities Plan Update. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ayala, Perez, and Ramirez, Vice Mayor Rios, and Mayor Valencia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None 325
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
October 17, 2023
8 ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Addressing City Council in person were Caren Spilsbury , an anonymous speaker , and Juan Martinez.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:13 p.m.
____________________________
THERESA DEVOY, CMC
CITY CLERK
ATTEST:
____________________________
ANA VALENCIA
MAYOR