20231107
825-04
MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETINGS
NORWALK CITY COUNCIL
NORWALK, CALIFORNIA
NOVEMBER 7, 2023
CLOSED SESSION MEETING
Vice Mayor Rios called the hybrid meeting to order at 5:05 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, Perez, and Ramirez . Vice Mayor Rios via videoconference.
Mayor Valencia arrived after roll call. Also present were Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager; Arnold M. Alvarez, 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
The City Attorney indicated that a need arose after the posting of the agenda to discuss:
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTCIPATED LITIGATION PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE 54956.9(d)(2) - significant exposure to litigation in one case Vice Mayor Rios moved and Councilmember Perez seconded to add the item to the Closed Session agenda. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ayala, Perez, and Ramirez, and Vice Mayor Rios NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Valencia
City Council immediately convened to closed session for discussion on the following matters and the added item:
I. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §54956.8: Property: Assessor Parcel Number 8047- 006- 925; Negotiating Parties: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager, on behalf of the City and Arturo Sneider, Primestor Development, Inc.; 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.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 7, 2023
2 III. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §54956.8: Property: Assessor Parcel Number 8045- 008- 902 (California Youth Authority); Negotiating Parties: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager, on behalf of the City and State of California; Under Negotiation; Price and Terms of Payment.
RECESS
City Council recessed at 5:58 p.m. pending the commencement of the regular meeting.
REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Valencia called the hybrid meeting to order at 6:11 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Norwalk City Hall, 12700 Norwalk Boulevard, Norwalk, California, and via videoconference pursuant to Assembly Bill 361. City Council was present in its entirety with Councilmembers Ayala, Perez, and Ramirez, Vice Mayor Rios and Mayor Valencia.
Also present were Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager; Arnold M. Alvarez, City Attorney; and Theresa Devoy, City Clerk.
The invocation was delivered by Miguel Martinez, First Baptist Church, followed by the flag salute, led by Emmanuel Salazar -Lira, Norwalk High School and his brother, Edwin Salazar-Lira.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
The City Attorney indicated there was no reportable action taken on the matters discussed in closed session.
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Ramirez wished all a safe week; requested that at a future meeting, staff present a report discussing establishing a Veterans Commission. Councilmember Perez announced City newsletters have been distributed and invited the community to participate in activities being offered; encouraged giving back this holiday season; announced a Santa Sleigh volunteer meeting would be held November 16 at the Norwalk Transportation Center; and wished Councilmember Ayala a happ y b irthday.
Councilmember Ayala reported on his attendance at the Pet Adoption Showcase, thanking Parks and Recreation and Public Safety on the success of the event; and requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Leola Mooney . Vice Mayor Rios reported on her attendance at the Senior Center Luncheon; the Ribbon Cutting at the Brows Design Studio, and thanked the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce for supporting Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 7, 2023
3 small businesses; she also shared that she attended the Public Safety Academy Graduation, the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District Migrant Education Program Closing Ceremony , and expressed gratitude toward the children expanding their knowledge and the volunteers who contribute to the communities' growth; and invited all to attend the Hermosillo Park Camera and Wi-Fi Ribbon Cutting November 20. Mayor Valencia recognized dignitaries in attendance ; reported on her attendance at Paint the Town Pink Paint Night, State of the City, St. Francis Episcopal Church and So-Cal Indian Church Annual International Festival, the Views Apartment Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, the Council of Governments Board of Directors Meeting, Los Alisos Middle School Dia de Los Muertos event; and the Norwalk Citizens A cademy graduation; commented on various meetings held with the City Manager regarding updates on City business, the Lions Club, and with City staff and Ivan Sulic, Field Deputy at Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors addressing concerns of rent control and stabilization; and invited all to attend the Veteran’s Day Tribute at City Hall, November 11.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
City Council recognized the family of Hometown Hero Nathaniel Anthony Davalos.
City Council proclaimed November as Native American Heritage History Month.
City Council proclaimed November 25
th as Small Business Saturday.
The Lions Club presented checks to the Teen Alliance Program and the Santa Sleigh Foundation.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Iso Nakasato, Director of Government Affairs provided an Athens Disposal update regarding services.
Mr. Gomez shared an update regarding New River Park issues.
Videos were shared highlighting the State of the City, The Views Apartments Ribbon Cutting, Halloween in Norwalk, and the “Bi-Weekly Review”.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent calendar items are considered routine matters which may be enacted by one motion and roll call vote. Councilmember Ramirez moved and Councilmember Perez seconded to approve the consent calendar as recommended. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 7, 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 17, 2023.
PAYROLL FOR THE PERIODS OCTOBER 1, 2023 – OCTOBER 14, 2023 AND OCTOBER 15, 2023 – OCTOBER 28, 2023
City Council approved:
a. gross payroll in the amount of $1,202,921.35; the payroll check numbers 38017 - 38024 and the voucher numbers 324277 – 324768, in the total net amount of $890,473.81 for the pay period October 1, 2023 – October 14, 2023; and
b. gross payroll in the amount of $1,173,671.89; the payroll check numbers 38025 – 38031 and the voucher numbers 324769 – 325261, in the total net amount of $874,774.84 for the pay period October 15, 2023 – October 28, 2023.
COMMERCIAL DEMANDS
City Council approved the warrant register period October 10, 2023 – October 30, 2023, in the total amount of $6,952,663.84.
CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY
City Council denied the claims filed by Melanie Paz, Ayanna Smith, and Wawanesa Insurance on behalf of Armando Hidalgo.
PLANNING COMMISSION SYNOPSIS – OCTOBER 25, 2023
No action taken.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 7, 2023
5 ORDINANCE NO. 23-1743 - ZONE CHANGE NO. 2022-05 - 13310 ROSECRANS AVENUE
City Council adopted 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.
PROJECT NO. 7928.1 - ACCEPT WORK FOR LOCAL STREETS REHABILITATION PROGRAM – PHASE 2 ZONE 8 (CONCRETE IMPROVEMENTS) – ENGINEERS REPORT 23-20
City Council accepted the work of CJ Concrete Construction in the amount of $1,204,623 for Project No. 7928.1 – Local Streets Rehabilitation Program – Phase 2 Zone 8 (Concrete Improvements).
AWARD OF CONTRACTS TO PROVIDE ON -CALL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
CONSULTANT AND ADDITIONAL SERVICES
City Council approved agreements with 27 selected firms : 4LEAF, Inc., Bowman Infrastructure Engineers Ltd, Bureau Veritas North America, Inc., Chambers Group, Civic Solutions, CSG Consultants, Inc., De Novo Planning Group, EcoTierra Consulting Group, FirstCarbon Solutions, JWA Urban Consultants, Inc., Linscott, Law and Greenspan, Engineers, LRM Associates, Inc., LSA Associates, Inc., Michael Baker International, MIG, Inc., PlaceWorks, Psomas, Rincon Consultants, Inc., RKA Consulting, RS Construction Services, Inc., Sagecrest Planning+Environmnetal, Scott Fazekas and Associates, Inc., The Arroyo Group, The Code Group, Inc., Transtech Engineers, TRB and Associates; and Willdan Engineering, to provide on- call Community Development Consultant Services and additional services for a term of three years from the date of execution, in an amount not -to-exceed $150,000 depending on the services needed by each department annually for each firm; and authorized the City Manager to execute agreements 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.
RESOLUTION NO. 23-67 – BUDGET AMENDMENT AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT AMENDMENT FOR BUCKNAM AND ASSOCIATES INC. FOR
UTILITIES PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND UTILITIES ENGINEERING SUPPORT
SERVICES
City Council:
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 7, 2023
6 a. adopted Resolution No. 23- 67, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF NORWALK AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2023/24 ADOPTED BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE AVAILABLE ENTERPRISE
FUNDS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR UTILITIES PROGRAM
MANAGEMENT AND UTILITIES ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES, in the amount of $144,325; and
b. approved an amendment to the contract agreement with Bucknam and Associates Inc. to extend the agreement term to continue services through Fiscal Year 2025/26 with the option to extend the agreement one additional year, a contract value increase of $144,325, and authorized the City Manager to execute the amendment, provided there is funding in the budget, on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
RESOLUTION NO. 23 -65 -– APPOINTING A MEMBER AND ALTERNATE TO THE
GOVERNING BOARD AND AGREEMENT WITH THE LOS ANGELES GATEWAY
REGION INTEGRATED REGIONAL WATER MANAGEMENT JOINT POWERS
AUTHORITY FOR COST SHARING FOR THE INSTALLATION OF MONITORING
EQUIPMENT AND MONITORING PURSUANT TO THE HARBOR TOXIC
POLLUTANTS TOTAL MAXIMUM DAILY LOADS
City Council:
a. adopted Resolution No. 23- 65, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF NORWALK APPOINTING A MEMBER AND ALTERNATE TO THE LOS
ANGELES GATEWAY REGION INTEGRATED REGIONAL WATER MANAGEMENT JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY GOVERNING BOARD; and
b. approved an amendment to the agreement with the Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Joint Powers Authority, for three additional years up to June 30, 2026, for an amount not -to-exceed $12,773.11, and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement, provided there is funding in the budget, on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
PROJECT NO. 7442 – RESOLUTION NO. 23-63 BUDGET AMENDMENT – CHANGE
ORDER AND AGREEMENT AMENDMENT FOR STEPHEN DORECK EQUIPMENT RENTALS, INC. FOR WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT ON PIONEER BOULEVARD FROM 160TH TO 166TH STREET
City Council:
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 7, 2023
7 a. adopted Resolution No. 23- 63, A RESO LUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF NORWALK AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2023/24 ADOPTED BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE AVAILABLE PROPOSITION C FUNDING TO PROJECT NO. 7442 - WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT ON PIONEER BOULEVARD FROM 160th TO 166th STREETS, in the amount of $1,001,500; and
b. authorized the City Manager to approve a change order and execute an amendment to the agreement, in the not-to-exceed amount of $1,001,500 for Project No. 7442 with Stephen Doreck Equipment Rentals, Inc., provided there is funding in the budget, on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
APPOINTMENTS
ADVISORY BODY APPOINTMENTS
Mayor Valencia moved and Councilmember Ramirez seconded to re -appoint Don Valenzuela to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ayala, Perez, and Ramirez, Vice Mayor Rios and Mayor Valencia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
*Councilmember Ramirez left the dais prior to the following item.
ORDINANCE NO. 23 -1744 – ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2023 -01 TO AMEND VARIOUS SECTIONS OF TITLE 17 OF THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE AS IT RELATES TO THE AUTOMOBILE PARKING ZONE AND ORDINANCE NO. 23-1745 - ZONE CHANGE NO. 2023 -01 TO REMOVE ZONING DESIGNATION AUTOMOBILE
PARKING ZONE FROM THE ZONING MAP
Mayor Valencia opened the public hearing to consider Ordinance No. 23-1744 for the Zoning Text Amendment No 2023- 01 to Amend Various Sections of Title 17 of the Norwalk Municipal Code. The City Clerk presented a report on the legal requisites for notice of hearing. Jill Anne Arabe, Development Services Manager provided a r eport.
Raymond Martinez and Irene Martinez spoke in favor of this matter, Mayor Valencia closed the public hearing. Councilmember Perez moved and Vice Mayor Rios seconded to:
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 7, 2023
8 a. introduce by title only Ordinance No. 23- 1744, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWALK AMENDING TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE
RELATED TO THE REMOVAL OF THE AUTOMOBILE PARKING ZONE
THROUGHOUT THE CITY, and schedule for adoption; and
b. introduce by title only Ordinance No. 23- 1745, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
NORWALK SETTING FORTH ITS FINDINGS OF FACTS AND DECISION APPROVING ZONE CHANGE NO. 2023 -01, and schedule for adoption. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ayala, Perez, Vice Mayor Rios, and Mayor Valencia NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Ramirez
*Vice Mayor Rios left the dais prior to the following item.
ORDINANCE NO. 23 -1746 – ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2023 -02 TO AMEND VARIOUS SECTIONS OF TITLE 17 OF THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE TO
STREAMLINE THE PRECISE DEVELOPMENT PLAN PROCESS
Mayor Valencia opened the public hearing to consider Ordinance No 23- 1746- Zoning Text Amendment No 2023 to Amend Various Sections of Title 17 of the Norwalk Municipal Code to Streamline the Precise Development Plan Process. The City Clerk presented a report on the legal requisites for notice of hearing. Ms. Arabe provided a report . There being no persons wishing to testify in this matter, Mayor Valenci a closed the public hearing. Councilmember Ayala moved and Councilmember Perez seconded to introduce by title only Ordinance No. 23- 1746, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWALK AMENDING TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE
AUTHORIZING THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TO INITIATE AND MAKE DECISIONS ON PRECISE DEVELOPMENT PLAN APPLICATIONS, and schedule for adoption. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ayala, Perez, and Mayor Valencia
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Ramirez and Vice Mayor Rios
*Vice Mayor Rios returned to the dais prior to the following item.
PUBLIC HEARING - RESOLUTION NO. 23 -68 – SUSTAINABILITY, ENERGY
EFFICIENCY AND INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Mayor Valencia opened the public hearing to consider Resolution No. 23- 68 Sustainability, Energy Efficiency and Infrastructure improvement project. The City Clerk presented a report on the legal requisites for notice of hearing. Mr. Gomez provided a Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 7, 2023
9 report. Katrina spoke on the matter; there being no other persons wishing to speak on the matter City Council discussion ensued. Scott Meinzen, Vice President and General Manager of Syserco Energy Solutions Inc., addressed concerns of warranties, longevity of the company, and equipment . Mayor Valenc ia closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Perez moved and Vice Mayor Rios seconded to:
a. adopt Resolution No. 23-68, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF NORWALK MAKING FINDINGS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 4217.12(A)(1) -(2) AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
FINALIZE NEGOTIATIONS THAT ARE IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CITY
FOR AN ENERGY SERVICES CONTRACT WITH SYSERCO ENERGY
SOLUTIONS, INC. FOR THE ACQUISITION OF ENERGY CONSERVATION EQUIPMENT;
b. authorize the City Manager to begin the process to secure tax-exempt bond financing by private placement or public offering funding for the project; and
c. authorize the City Manager to prepare, execute, or record (cause to be recorded) any documents required under the project, on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ayala, Perez, Vice Mayor Rios, and Mayor Valencia NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Ramirez
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Addressing City Council in person were Donald Valenzuela, Richard Legaspi, Richard Lambert, Joseph Trevizu, and Aida V. via videoconference.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:28 p.m., in memory of Leola Mooney.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 7, 2023
10 ____________________________
THERESA DEVOY, CMC
CITY CLERK
ATTEST:
____________________________
ANA VALENCIA
MAYOR