20231205
825-04
MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETINGS
NORWALK CITY COUNCIL
NORWALK, CALIFORNIA
DECEMBER 5, 2023
CLOSED SESSION MEETING
Mayor Valencia 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 were Councilmembers Ayala and Perez , Vice Mayor Rios , and Mayor Valencia in person .
Councilmember Ramirez was present via videoconference. 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
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 – Norwalk Municipal Water System - Artesia Service Area; Negotiating Parties: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager, on behalf of the City and to be determined; Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment.
II. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE 54956.9(d)(2) – significant exposure to litigation in on e case.
III. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §54956.9(d)(1), City of Norwalk vs. City of Cerritos, Case No. 22STCV33737.
RECESS
City Council recessed at 6:03 p.m. pending the commencement of the regular meeting.
REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Valencia called the hybrid meeting to order at 6:10 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 were Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
December 5, 2023
2 Councilmembers Ayala and Perez, Vice Mayor Rios , and Mayor Valencia .
Councilmember Ramirez was present via videoconference. Also present were Jesus M.
Gomez, City Manager; Arnold M. Alvarez, City Attorney; and Theresa Devoy, City Clerk.
The invocation was delivered by Randy Bradley, Apostolic Lighthouse; followed by the flag salute, led by Corporal Mendoza, Young Marines.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
The City Attorney reported that there was no reportable action taken on Item Nos. I and III, however, indicated No. I is also on the regular agenda as Item No. 20. He reported that Item No. II was not discussed.
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Ayala thanked all for their volunteer efforts in support of the various holiday events; commented on the Angel Tree event and expressed gratitude for those involved; commended Parks and Recreation for the success of the Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting, and Santa Sleigh events; thanked the Transportation department on the continued success of Stuff -a-Bus; tha nked Public Safety and Public S ervices’ departments for contributing to all city events. Councilmember Perez mirrored Councilmember Ayala’s comments; encouraged residents to participate in the S anta Sleigh program; highlighted that City newsletters have been distributed and invited the community to participate in activities being offered, and acknowledged the Chamber of Commerce, Norwalk-La Mirada School District, and all non- profits for their support and participation throughout the year. Vice Mayor Rios invited all to attend Holidays at the Hargitt House Museum December 9; thanked Public Services for their support in making all events a success; wished all good health and wellness for the remainder of the 2023 year. Mayor Valencia recognized dignitaries in attendance; reported on her attendance at the Latinas Lead event; Veteran’s Day Tribute; Blue Ribbon Commission on Homelessness meeting, Sanitation Committee Meeting, Chambers Tri-Mixer Networking event, a ride-a-long with Norwalk Transit, Hermosillo Park Wi-Fi Project Ribbon Cutting, Senior Thanksgiving Luncheon, Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting , and the Soroptimist Holiday Fiesta; announced that the Angel Tree event will be held December 9, and wished all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
The Lions Club presented a check to Norwalk Youth and Family Services.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
December 5, 2023
3 CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
The Flashvote announcement was provided by Levy Sun, Director of Community and Public Affairs.
Videos were shared highlighting the ParkConnect Ribbon Cutting, Thanksgiving in Norwalk, Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting Ceremony, 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. Vice Mayor Rios requested that a report be presented for Item No. 11. Vice Mayor Rios abstained from taking action on Item No. 15. Councilmember Perez moved and Councilmember Ayala seconded to approve the remainder of the consent calendar as recommended. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
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 November 7 and 18, 2023. 825-04
PAYROLL FOR THE PERI OD OCTOBER 29, 2023 – NOVEMBER 11, 2023 ANDNOVEMBER 12, 2023 – NOVEMBER 25, 2023
City Council approved gross payroll in the amount of $1,204,506.42; the payroll check numbers 38032 - 38037 and the voucher numbers 325262 – 325757 in the total net amount of $894,422.17 for the pay period October 29, 2023 – November 11, 2023 and gross payroll in the amount of $1,176,938.98; the payroll check numbers 38038 – 38042 and the voucher numbers 325758 – 326251 in the total net amount of $862,893.46 for the pay period November 12, 2023 – November 28, 2023.
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Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
December 5, 2023
4 COMMERCIAL DEMANDS
City Council approved the warrant register period November 1 – through November 13, 2023, in the total amount of $1,566,480.25 and November 14 through November 27, 2023 in the amount of $4,883,658.53. 640
CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY
City Council denied the claim filed by Gary Granados and Cruz Valdez. 830-07/22
ORDINANCE NO. 23 -1744 – ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2023 -01 TO AMEND VARIOUS SECTIONS OF TITLE 17 OF THE NORW ALK MUNICIPAL CODE A S 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
City Council adopted 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 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.
ORDINANCE NO. 23 -1746 – ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 202 3-02 TO AMEND VARIOUS SECTIONS OF TITLE 17 OF THE NORW ALK MUNICIPAL CODE T O
STREAMLINE THE PRECISE DEVELOPMENT PLAN PROCESS
City Council adopted Ordinance No. 23- 1746, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWALK AMENDING TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE.
AGREEMENT AMENDMENT NO. 7 FOR TRAFFIC ENGINEERING SERVICES
City Council approved:
a. assignment of Reggie Greene from Willdan Engineering to service the contract in the capacity as Deputy Traffic Engineer; and
b. Amendment No. 7 to the Willdan Agreement extending the term through June 30, 2024 to continue providing traffic engineering services; and authorized the City Manager to execute the amendment on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
December 5, 2023
5 PROJECT NO. 7242 – RESOLUTION NO. 23-71 – BUDGET AMENDMENT – AWARD
OF CONTRACT AND CONS TRUCTION INSPECTION SERVICES AGREEMENT
AMENDMENT FOR EXCELSIOR DRIVE AND BLOOMF IELD AVENUE SPEED FEEDBACK SIGN IMPROVEMENTS, ENGINEER'S REPORT NO. 23-22
City Council:
a. adopted Resolution No. 23-71, 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 MEASURE “M” BOND PROCEEDS TO PROJECT NO. 7242 – EXCELSIOR DRIVE AND BLOOMFIELD AVENUE SPEED FEEDBACK SIGN IMPROVEMENTS, in the amount of $19,500;
b. awarded a construction contract to Select Electric, Inc. for Project No. 7242 – Excelsior Drive and Bloomfield Avenue Speed Feedback Sign Improvements, in the amount of $64,720; and authorized the City Manager to execute any amendments or change orders 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; and
c. approved Amendment No. 4 to the agreement with Onward Engineering to expand the scope of work to provide Inspection services for Project No. 7242 in an amount of $10,080; 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.
AGREEMENT AMENDMENT NO. 4 – TREE MAINTENANCE SERVICES – ADJUST
INSURANCE COVERAGE AND COMPENSATION
City Council approved Amendment No. 4, modifying the insurance requirements and adjusting the rate beginning January 1, 2024; and authorized the City Manager to execute the Amendment, on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Sonia Batres, Parks and Recreation Superintendent presented the following item prior to the vote on the Consent Calendar.
RESOLUTION NO. 23-72 - SUPPORT OF AN APPLICATION FOR OUTDOOR EQUITY
PROGRAM GRANT FUNDS
City Council adopt ed Resolution No. 23-72, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF NORWALK APPROVING AN APPLICATION FOR OUTDOOR EQUITY GRANTS PROGRAM GRANT FUNDS.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
December 5, 2023
6 RESOLUTION NO. 23 -73 - BUDGET AMENDMENT - AWARD CONTRACT FOR
ENGINEERING DESIGN A ND CONSTRUCTION SUPP ORT SERVICES FOR PROJECT NO. 7920, LO CAL STREET REHABILIT ATION ZONES 4 & 31 A ND PROJECT NO. 7934, LOCAL STREET REHABILITATION
ZONE 7
City Council:
a. adopted Resolution No. 23- 73, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF NORWALK AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2023/24 ADOPTED BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE STREET RENOVATION FUNDS TO PROJECT NO. 7934 – LOCAL STREETS REHABILITATION PROJECT DESIGN of ZONE 7, in the amount of $208,891; and
b. awarded an Agreement to JMD, Inc. for Project Nos. 7934 (Zone 7) and 7920 (Zones 4 and 31) to provide engineering services for design and construction support for Engineering Work Order No. 1 for a term of two years from the date of execution, with the option to extend for two additional one-year term extensions, for an amount not to exceed $754,350; and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement, and any amendments up to his signature authority, provided there is funding in the budget, on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 23-74 - SUPPORT OF THE FORMATION OF AND
INCLUSION IN THE LOW ER SAN GABRIEL RIVER RECREATION AND PARK
DISTRICT
City Council adopt ed Resolution No. 23-74, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF NORWALK IN SUPPORT OF THE FORMATION OF AND INCLUSION IN THE “LOWER SAN GABRIEL RIVER RECREATION AND PARKS DISTRICT”.
AWARD CONTRACT FOR INSTALLATION OF DOG PARK FENCING AT BOB WHITE PARK
City Co uncil awarded a contract to No Limit Fencing Company in the amount of $49,735.50 for the purchase and installation of fencing to create a dog park at Bob White Park; and authorized the City Manager to execute the contract 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
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
December 5, 2023
7 *Vice Mayor Rios abstained from taking action on the following item due to property ownership within 500’.
PROJECT NO. 7935 – RESOLUTION NO. 23 -75 BUDGET AMENDMENT - AWARD
CONTRACT FOR ENGINEE RING DESIGN AND CONS TRUCTION SUPPORT SERVICES FOR LOCAL STREET REHABILITATION ZONES 2, 9, & 29
City Council:
a. adopted Resolution No. 23- 75, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COU NCIL OF THE
CITY OF NORWALK AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2023/24 ADOPTED BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE STREET RENOVATION FUNDS TO PROJECT NO. 7935 – LOCAL STREETS REHABILITATION PROJECT DESIGN of ZONES 2, 9, and 29, in the amounts of $986,590; and
b. awarded a Professional Services Agreement to Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for Project No. 7935 (Zones 2, 9 and 29) to provide professional engineering services for design and construction support for scope of services included in Engineering Work Order No. 1 for a term of two years from the date of execution, with the option to extend for two additional one- year term extensions, for an amount not to exceed $986,590; and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement, approve amendments within the City Manager’s signing authority, provided there is funding in the budget, on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
AUTHORIZATION TO SUB MIT ANNUAL SHORT RANGE TRANSIT PLAN FOR FISCAL YEARS 2024-2026
City Council received and filed the Triennial Short Range Transit Plan, and authorized the Executive Director of Regional Transportation to submit the updated Short Range Transit Plan to Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
AGREEMENT - CITYWIDE FISCAL YEAR 2023/24 PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT
PROGRAM UPDATE
City Council awarded a contract to Bucknam Infrastructure Group, Inc., in the amount of $59,840 for Professional Engineering Services for Fiscal Year 2023/24 Pavement Management System Update; and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement and any amendments within his signing authority, provided there is funding in the budget, on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
December 5, 2023
8 APPOINTMENTS
ADVISORY BODY APPOINTMENTS
Councilmember Perez moved and Mayor Valencia seconded to appoint Sontue Beacham to the Community Promotion Commission. Mayor Valencia moved and Councilmember Perez seconded to appoint Pilar Solis to the Art in Public Places Committee.
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
CONTINUED PUBLIC HEA RING - RESOLUTION NO . 23 -57 - SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT TO THE FIS CAL YEAR 2019/20 ANN UAL ACTION PLAN
CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF, AND ECONOMIC SECURITY ACT FUNDS AND RESOLUTION NO. 23-58 - BUDGET AMENDMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE FUNDS AND AMENDMENT NO. 1 O F
SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT FOR HOMELESS ASSISTANCE
Mayor Valencia opened the public hearing to consider approving the Substantial Amendment to the FY 2019/20 Annual Action Plan for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Funds, the Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Funds, and Homeless Assistance. The City Clerk presented a report on legal requisites for notice of hearing. John P. Ramirez, Director of Community Development provided a report. There being no persons wishing to testify in this matter, Mayor Valencia closed the public hearing. Councilmember Perez moved and Vice Mayor Rios seconded to:
a. adopt Resolution No. 23-57, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF NORWALK APPROVING A SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2019/20 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF, AND ECONOMIC SECURITY ACT FUNDS; and
b. adopt Resolution No. 23-58, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2023/24
ADOPTED BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
December 5, 2023
9 GRANT CARES ACT FUNDS FROM THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; and
c. approve Amendment No. 1 to the subrecipient agreement with City Net to provide housing navigation and health services in an amount not to exceed $436,447.88; and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement and any additional amendments provided there is funding in the budget, 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, and Ramirez, Vice Mayor Rios and Mayor Valencia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION NO. 23-69 - APPROVING A SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR
THE SALE OF THE ARTE SIA SERVICE AREA AND RELATED ASSETS OF T HE
NORWALK MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM
Following a brief report provided by Glen Kau, Director of Public Services/ City Engineer, Councilmember Ayala moved and Councilmember Perez seconded to adopt Resolution No. 23-69, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK,
FINDING THAT REQUIREMENTS PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES CODE SECTION 10061 FOR THE SALE OF THE CITY OF NORWALK’S ARTESIA
SERVICE AREA WATER SYSTEM AND RELATED ASSETS LOCATED OUTSIDE OF ITS BOUNDARIES, HAVE BEEN MET AND APPROVAL OF THE SALE, for the purchase price of $5,250,000. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ayala, Perez, and Ramirez, Vice Mayor Rios and Mayor Valencia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION NO. 23-70 – MAKING FINDINGS UNDER SURPLUS LAND ACT AND
APPROVING THE PURCHA SE AND SALE OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 12843 NORWALK BOULEVARD
Arnold M. Alvarez -Glasman, City Attorney, provided a report. Councilmember Perez moved and Vice Mayor Rios seconded to adopt Resolution No. 23-70, Making Findings Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
December 5, 2023
10 Under Surplus Land Act and Approving the Purchase and Sale of Real Property Located at 12843 Norwalk Boulevard. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ayala, Perez, and Ramirez, Vice Mayor Rios and Mayor Valencia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
REPORTS
DECEMBER AND JANUARY MEETING SCHEDULES
Following a brief report provided by Mr. Gomez, Councilmember Ayala moved and Councilmember Perez seconded to approve canceling the December 19, 2023 and January 2, 2024 meetings, and holding one regularly scheduled meeting on January 16, 2024. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ayala, Perez, and Ramirez, Vice Mayor Rios and Mayor Valencia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
EMPLOYEE MENTAL HEALTH BRE AK – CLOSURE OF SOME CITY OPERATIONS FROM DECEMBER 26 TO DECEMBER 29, 2023
Following a brief report provided by Mr. Gomez, Councilmember Ayala moved and Councilmember Perez seconded to approve the allocation of 35 hours of Mental Health Break to full -time employees and 12 hours of Mental Health Break to part -time employees; and the closure of City Hall and other City facilities from December 26 to December 29, 2023, with the exception of some essential City services in the Public Safety, Public Services, Transportation, Recreation, and Social Services Departments.
MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ayala, Perez, and Ramirez, Vice Mayor Rios and Mayor Valencia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
December 5, 2023
11 ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Addressing City Council in person were Jack Cornejo, Jesse Flores, and Richard Lambert.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:57 p.m. in memory of Louis George Banas.
____________________________
THERESA DEVOY, CMC
CITY CLERK
ATTEST:
____________________________
ANA VALENCIA
MAYOR