20240917
825-04
MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETINGS
NORWALK CITY COUNCIL
NORWALK, CALIFORNIA
SEPTEMBER 17, 2024
CLOSED SESSION MEETING
Mayor Rios called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Norwalk City Hall, 12700 Norwalk Boulevard, Norwalk, California. City Council was present in its entirety with Councilmembers Perez, Ramirez, and Valencia, Vice Mayor Ayala, and Mayor Rios responding to roll call. Also present were Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager; Gloria V. Ramirez, Deputy City Attorney; and Camille Moreno, Assistant City Clerk.
Arnold M. Alvarez-Glasman, City Attorney, attended via teleconference.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR CLOSED SESSION MATTERS
There were no persons wishing to address City Council on the matter to be discussed in closed session.
CLOSED SESSION
City Council immediately convened to closed session for discussion on the following matter:
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – Anticipated litigation pursuant to Government Code §54956.9(d)(2) – Significant exposure to litigation in one case.
RECESS
City Council recessed at 5:59 p.m. pending the commencement of the regular meeting.
REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Rios called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Norwalk City Hall, 12700 Norwalk Boulevard, Norwalk, California. City Council was present in its entirety with Councilmembers Perez, Ramirez, and Valencia, Vice Mayor Ayala, and Mayor Rios responding to roll call. Also present were Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager; Gloria V. Ramirez, Deputy City Attorney; and Camille Moreno, Assistant City Clerk.
The invocation was delivered by Miguel Martinez, First Baptist Church of Norwalk; followed by the flag salute, led by Young Marine Private Jayceon Contreras, LCpl Kenneth L. Worley Young Marines.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
September 17, 2024
2 CLOSED SESSION REPORT
The Deputy City Attorney indicated there was no reportable action taken on the matter discussed in closed session.
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Ramirez welcomed all in attendance including dignitaries.
Councilmember Valencia wished everyone a Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month and a Happy Mexico and Central America Independence Day; reported on her attendance at the YMCA Gala which recognized Arnold M. Alvarez-Glasman, City Attorney, for his volunteer work and dedication; shared that the last Front Street Friday Night event will be held September 20, and announced the upcoming 2 nd annual Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast being held on October 2 and thanked Mr. Jason Perez for donating the pancake mix. Councilmember Perez reported on her attendance at the Fall Education Seminar sponsored by the California Contract Cities Association, and shared that Jesus Gomez, City Manager, gave a presentation on “Reimagining your City.” Vice Mayor Ayala reported on his attendance at the Los Angeles County City Selection Committee meeting, and congratulated Councilmember Perez on her appointment as a member of the Southeast Sector Executive Committee for Regional Homeless Alignment. Mayor Rios welcomed all in attendance, announced that on September 24, the City will begin a week- long celebration of the improvements and renovations at the Social Services Center and will be highlighting programs offered, thanked Ms. Regalado for her hard work, and reminded all to follow the City’s social medial platforms for updates.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
City Council presented a proclamation declaring September 23, 2024- September 27, 2024, National Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Week, accepted by California State University, Long Beach.
City Council presented a proclamation declaring September as National Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Norwalk, accepted by the Alondra and United Parents Club.
City Council presented a proclamation declaring September as National Recovery Month, accepted by Juan Navarro of the Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse, and Gwendolyn Gibson-Hunt and Adriana Bolden of Third-Gen Nursing Academy.
City Council recognized Naima Ochoa for winning 1st Place with her Jiu-Jitsu team at the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) Pan American Championship two years in a row.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
September 17, 2024
3 CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Gabriela Regalado, Social Services Director, announced the Social Services 50 th Anniversary Event and invited all to attend.
Mr. Gomez introduced Nancy Lee, as the new Planning Services Manager.
Ms. Regalado provided a brief report on the Homeless Outreach and Preventative Engagement Team and shared a video.
Videos were shared highlighting the Athens Bulky Item Pickup, 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 Valencia moved and Councilmember Ramirez seconded to approve consent calendar as recommended. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Perez, Ramirez, and Valencia, Vice Mayor Ayala, and Mayor Rios
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
MEETING MINUTES
City Council approved the minutes of the meeting of September 3, 2024. 825-04 PAYROLL FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 18, 2024 – AUGUST 31, 2024 City Council approved gross payroll in the amount of $1,233,758.00; the payroll check numbers 38221 – 38235 and the voucher numbers 336059 – 336583 in the total net amount of $910,809.94 for the payroll period August 18, 2024 – August 31, 2024. 630
COMMERCIAL DEMANDS
City Council approved the warrant register period August 27, 2024 – September 9, 2024, in the total amount of $3,513,792.41. 640
PROJECT NO. 7928.2 - ACCEPTANCE OF WORK FOR LOCAL STREETS REHABILITATION PROGRAM ZONE 8 - ENGINEERS REPORT 24-13
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
September 17, 2024
4 City Council accepted the work of R.J. Noble Company in the amount of $2,252,726 for Project No. 7928.2 – Local Streets Rehabilitation Program – Phase 2 Zone 8. 1005-04-7928 PROJECT NO. 7929.2 - ACCEPTANCE OF WORK FOR LOCAL STREETS REHABILITATION PROGRAM ZONE 19 - ENGINEERS REPORT 24-14 City Council accepted the work of All American Asphalt in the amount of $4,575,232 for Project No. 7929.2 – Local Streets Rehabilitation Program – Phase 2 Zone 19. 1005-04-7929
PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS FUEL
City Council approved a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District to fuel buses at the City’s Compressed Natural Gas station for a period of three years, from September 19, 2024 – September 18, 2027 with the option to extend the agreement for two one-year periods; and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement and any amendments provided there is funding in the budget, on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney. 530-04 RESOLUTION NO. 24-50 - BIENNIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE UPDATE City Council adopted Resolution No. 24-50, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF NORWALK ADOPTING A CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE, WHICH
INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE THE STANDARD CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE
PREPARED BY THE FAIR POLITICAL PRACTICES COMMISSION AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 22-53. 865-01
RESOLUTION NO. 24-49 – BUDGET AMENDMENT – ADD LISTOS CALIFORNIA
COMMUNITY RESPONSE TEAM SUPPORT GRANT AWARD
City Council adopted Resolution No. 24-49, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF NORWALK AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 ADOPTED BUDGET TO ADD CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM SUPPORT GRANT AWARD, in the amount of $22,150. 610/710
APPOINTMENTS
ADVISORY BODY APPOINTMENTS
None. 200
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
September 17, 2024
5 PLANNING COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
Councilmember Ramirez moved and Councilmember Valencia seconded to appoint Lisa Vernola-Salas to the Planning Commission. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Perez, Ramirez, and Valencia, Vice Mayor Ayala, and Mayor Rios
NOES: None
ABSENT: None 260-01
PUBLIC HEARINGS
The Deputy City Attorney indicated that the Public Hearings may be combined for Item Nos. 12, 13, and 14. The combined public hearing is to consider introduction of:
ORDINANCE NO. 24-1747 - ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2024-01 TO AMEND VARIOUS SECTIONS OF TITLE 17 OF THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE AS IT RELATES TO SPECIFIC PLAN AREA NO. 1 – EXPANDING THE LIST OF
ALLOWABLE USES, UPDATING PROHIBITED USES LIST, ESTABLISHING A
WAYFINDING SIGNAGE REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCESS, AND
STREAMLINING THE ENTITLEMENT PROCESS FOR CERTAIN PROJECTS WITHIN THIS AREA;
ORDINANCE NO. 24-1748 - ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2024-02, TO AMEND VARIOUS SECTIONS OF TITLE 17 OF THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE TO CREATE A REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCESS FOR SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICTS; AND
ORDINANCE NO. 24-1749 - ZONE CHANGE NO. 2024-01 AND ORDINANCE NO. 24- 1750 - ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2024-03, TO AMEND VARIOUS SECTIONS OF TITLE 17 OF THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH A SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICT NO. 1 OVERLAY WITH DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR 11 NON- RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES WITHIN THE SPECIFIC PLAN AREA 1, SPECIFIC PLAN AREA 16, INSTITUTIONAL AND PUBLIC FACILITY OVERLY ZONE DISTRICTS.; AND ORDINANCE NO. 24-1750, AN ORDINANCE OF CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK APPROVING ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2024-03 TO ESTABLISH THE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR THE SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICT NO. 01 OVERLAY AND AMENDING TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
September 17, 2024
6 Mayor Rios opened the public hearing to consider the introduction of the ordinances as described above.
The Assistant City Clerk presented a report on legal requisites for notice of hearings. Alex Hamilton, Interim Director of Community Development, provided a report. Testifying on Item No. 12 were Simret Habte in opposition of the matter, and Christina Sanchez in favor of the matter. There being no other persons wishing to testify on the matters, Mayor Rios closed the public hearing.
City Council discussion ensued: Councilmember Ramirez indicated that there is no future developments and no future interest in the mentioned parcel, therefore there is no urgency in deciding on Item No. 12. Mr. Hamilton stated that all items are contingent upon each other by amending the Specific Plan Area No. 1 and modernizing the area for future uses, addressing the existing sign with a future action, and expanding the geography of the specific planning area for the Urban Entertainment Center project for signage rights, therefore it is crucial that the City move forward on the items presented.
Councilmember Ramirez moved and Councilmember Valencia seconded to introduce by title only Ordinance No. 24-1747, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY NORWALK AMENDING TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE WITH ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2024-01 RELATED TO SPECIFIC PLAN AREA 1 –
EXPANDING THE LIST OF ALLOWABLE USES, UPDATING PROHIBITED USES LIST,
ESTABLISHING A WAYFINDING SIGNAGE REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCESS,
AND STREAMLINING THE ENTITLEMENT PROCESS FOR CERTAIN PROJECTS WITHIN THIS AREA and schedule for adoption. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
Councilmember Valencia moved and Councilmember Ramirez seconded to introduce by title only Ordinance No. 24-1748, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK AMENDING TITLE 17 (ZONING), CHAPTER 17.02 (APPROVAL
PROCEDURES), ARTICLE I (PROCEDURES, HEARING, NOTICES) AND ARTICLE V (DISCRETIONARY APPROVAL AND PERMITS) OF THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE WITH ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2024-02 ALLOWING FOR THE
CREATION OF A REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCESS FOR SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICTS, and schedule for adoption. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:Councilmembers Perez, Ramirez, and Valencia, Vice Mayor Ayala, and Mayor RiosNOES:NoneABSENT:None Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
September 17, 2024
7 Councilmember Ramirez moved and Councilmember Perez seconded to:
a. introduce by title only Ordinance No. 24-1749, AN ORDINANCE OF CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK APPROVING ZONE CHANGE NO. 2024-01 ESTABLISHING SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICT NO. 01 (SD 1) OVERLAY, and schedule for adoption; and
b. introduce by title only Ordinance No. 24-1750, AN ORDINANCE OF CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK APPROVING ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2024- 03 TO ESTABLISH THE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR THE SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICT NO. 01 OVERLAY AND AMENDING TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE, and schedule for adoption.
MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 24-1753U - EXTENDING A MORATORIUM TO
ESTABLISH, IMPLEMENT OR OPERATE (TEMPORARILY OR PERMANENTLY)
CONVENIENCE STORES (LIQUOR STORES), DISCOUNT STORES, PERSONAL USE – LAUNDROMATS, VEHICLE/AUTOMOBILE WASHING, PAYDAY LOAN
ESTABLISHMENTS, EMERGENCY SHELTERS, SINGLE-ROOM OCCUPANCY,
SUPPORTIVE HOUSING, AND TRANSITIONAL HOUSING LOCATED IN THE CITY OF NORWALK FOR AN ADDITIONAL 10 MONTHS AND 15 DAYS
Mayor Rios opened the public hearing to consider extending a Moratorium for an additional 10 months and 15 days. The Assistant City Clerk presented a report on legal requisites for notice of hearing. The Deputy City Attorney provided a statement on the matter indicating that the City will enter into discussion with the California State Department of Housing and Community Development regarding their objections.
Mr. Hamilton provided a report. Testifying in opposition of the matter were Christina Sanchez, Simret Habte, Jesse Flores, and Evelyn Nuno. Testifying in favor of the matter were Bryan Lopez and Jason Perez. The Assistant City Clerk received email comments in favor of the matter from Cesar Hernandez and Susie Lopez, an email in opposition from Chris S., and a letter from the Department of Housing and Community Development, AYES:Councilmembers Perez, Ramirez, and Valencia, Vice Mayor Ayala, and Mayor RiosNOES:NoneABSENT:None
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
September 17, 2024
8 in opposition. There being no other persons wishing to testify in this matter, Mayor Rios closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Ramirez moved and Councilmember Perez seconded to adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 24-1753U, EXTENDING A MORATORIUM TO ESTABLISH, IMPLEMENT
OR OPERATE (TEMPORARILY OR PERMANENTLY) CONVENIENCE STORES (LIQUOR STORES), DISCOUNT STORES, PERSONAL USE – LAUNDROMATS, VEHICLE/AUTOMOBILE – WASHING, PAYDAY LOAN ESTABLISHMENTS,
EMERGENCY SHELTERS, SINGLE-ROOM OCCUPANCY, SUPPORTIVE HOUSING,
AND TRANSITIONAL HOUSING LOCATED IN THE CITY OF NORWALK FOR AN ADDITIONAL 10 MONTHS AND 15 DAYS, and waive further reading.
MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Perez, Ramirez and Valencia, Vice Mayor Ayala, and Mayor Rios
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Addressing City Council were Wendy N. Montes, Lisa Luna, Michelle Peterson, Emily Duran, and Dora Sandoval.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
September 17, 2024
9 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:11 p.m.
____________________________
CAMILLE MORENO
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
ATTEST:
____________________________
MARGARITA L. RIOS
MAYOR