20241119
825-04
MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETINGS
NORWALK CITY COUNCIL
NORWALK, CALIFORNIA
NOVEMBER 19, 2024
CLOSED SESSION MEETING
Vice Mayor Ayala called the meeting to order at 5:07 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Norwalk City Hall, 12700 Norwalk Boulevard, Norwalk, California. Responding to roll call were Councilmembers Perez and Ramirez, and Vice Mayor Ayala . Councilmember Valencia and Mayor Rios arrived after roll call. Also present were Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager; Arnold M. Alvarez-Glasman, 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 LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §54956.9(d)(1) – State of California vs. City of Norwalk, Case No. 24STCP03551.
II. 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 6:12 p.m. pending the commencement of the regular meeting.
REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Rios called the meeting to order at 6: 24 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; Arnold M. Alvarez, City Attorney; and Theresa Devoy, City Clerk.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 19, 2024
2 The invocation was delivered by Michael Gutierrez , Redeemer Covenant Church; followed by the flag salute, led by Young Marine Private Abygail Gutierrez, LCpl Kenneth L. Worley Young Marines.
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 requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Gilbert Ramirez. Councilmember Perez shared that she is proud of LuTEC High School as they are very involved with the communi ty; reported on her attendance at the Veterans Day Tribute and Mercy H ousing Ribbon Cutting Ceremony; and welcomed Mila Walker in attendance. Councilmember Valencia shared the Soroptimist International of Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs Flapjack Fundraiser was a success; and wished all a Happy Thanksgiving. Vice Mayor Ayala reported on his attendance at Beyond Deals Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Bright Future Preschool Academe Ribbon Cutting and c ongratulated them on their Grand Re- Opening; and congratulated the City Manager and thanked all staff for the success of the Mercy Housing Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Mayor Rios reported on her attendance at Raising Canes R ibbon Cutting and shared that they donated money to John Glenn and Norwalk high schools; she also attended the Veterans Day Tribute and the California Urban Forests Counc il’s Conference; and requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Marvin “Pete” Lee Chestler and Janet Rock , Little Lake City School District Board Member.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
City Council r ecognized November 30, 2024 as Small Business Saturday accepted by Norwalk Chamber of Commerce.
City Council presented a proclam ation to Adriana Martinez and her family, members of the Mimbreño, Chemehuevi, and Standing Rock tribes declaring November as Native American Heritage month in the City of Norwalk.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
The Urban Forestry Management Plan Update/Tree Master Plan was presented by Glen Kau, Director of Public Services/City Engineer.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 19, 2024
3 The Pavement / Street Maintenance / Traffic Collision Update was presented by Mario Mera, Engineering Division Manager.
The Parks and G reen Space Maintenance / S afety update was presented by Allan Perdomo, Director of Parks and Recreation Services.
Commercial Shopping Center Enhancements update was presented by Alexander Hamilton, Interim Community Development Director.
Videos were shared highlighting the Veterans Day event and Bi-Weekly Review.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent calendar items are considered routine matters which may be enacted by one motion and roll call vote. Councilmember Perez moved and Vice Mayor Ayala seconded to approve consent calendar as recommended. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Perez, Ramirez, Valencia, Vice Mayor Ayala and Mayor Rios
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
MEETING MINUTES
City Council approved the minutes of the meeting of November 6, 2024. 825-04
PAYROLL FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 13, 2024 – OCTOBER 26, 2024
City Council approve d gross payroll in the amount of $1,219,051.98; the payroll check numbers 38273 – 38282 and the voucher numbers 338126 – 338628 in the total net amount of $912,365.34 for the pay period October 13, 2024 – October 26, 2024. 630
COMMERCIAL DEMANDS
City Council approved the warrant register period October 22, 2024 – November 11, 2024, in the total amount of $5,906,049.00.
640
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 19, 2024
4 PROJECT NO. 7228 – ACCEPT WORK FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL IMPROVEMENTS –
ROSECRANS AVENUE BETWEEN STUDEBAKER ROAD AND CARMENITA ROAD, FEDERAL PROJECT NO. HSIPL-5347(038) - ENGINEERS REPORT 24-19
City Council accepted the work of Select Electric Inc. in the amount of $2,220,149 for Project No. 7228 Rosecrans Traffic Signal Improvements Federal Project 5347(038).
1005-04-7228
PROJECT NO. 7230 – ACCEPT WORK FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL IMPROVEMENTS –
SAN ANTONIO DRIVE/NORWALK BOULEVARD BETWEEN ROSECRANS AVENUE
AND CIVIC CENTER DRIVE, AND ON CIVIC CENTER DRIVE BETWEEN NORWALK BOULEVARD AND BLOOMFIELD AVENUE, FEDERAL PROJECT NO. HSIPL - 5347(040) - ENGINEERS REPORT 24-20
City Council accepted the work of KDC, Inc., dba Dynalectric in the amount of $1,671,048 for Project No. 7230 San Antonio - Norwalk Boulevard Traffic Signal Improvements Federal Project 5347(040).
1005-04-7230
PROJECT NO. 7232 - CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION SERVICES AMENDMENT NO. 1 - ENGINEERS REPORT 24-15
City Council approved Amendment No. 1 to the agreement with Transtech Engineers, Inc. to continue the scope of work of Construction Management and Inspection Services for Project No. 7232 in an amount not to exceed $53,998.50, which will increase the agreement amount from $159,235, not to exceed $213,233.50; and authorized the City Manager to execute the amendment on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
1005-04-7232
PROJECT NO. 7241 - AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT - STUDEBAKER AND HALCOURT TRAFFIC SIGNAL MODIFICATION / RESOLUTION NO. 24 -59 -
BUDGET AMENDMENT
City Council:
a. adopted Resolution No. 24 -59, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF NORWALK AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 ADOPTED BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE STREET RENOVATION FUNDS TO PROJECT NO. 7241 - STUDEBAKER AND HALCOURT TRAFFIC SIGNAL, in the amounts $72,000; and
b. awarded a contract to PTM General Engineering Services, for construction of Project No. 7241 – Studebaker and Halcourt Traffic Signal Modification, in the amount of $491,091 with up to the 15% contingency if necessary; and authorized the City Manager or his designee to execute the contract and any amendments within the 15% contingency, on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney; and Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 19, 2024
5 c. awarded a contract to Southstar Engineering and Consulting, Inc., in the amount of $106,350, for Construction Management and Inspection services for Project No. 7241 - Studebaker and Halcourt Traffic Signal Modification; and authorized the City Manager to execute the contract, on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
610/1005-04-7241
PROJECT NO. 7865 - CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FOR FACILITY TENANT IMPROVEMENT / RESOLUTION NO. 24 -45 – BUDGET AMENDMENT AND AWARD
OF CONTRACT
City Council:
a. adopted Resolution No. 24- 45, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF NORWALK AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 ADOPTED BUDGET BY APPROVING THE USE OF TRANSIT RESERVES TO APPROPRIATE ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR PROJECT NO. 7865 FACILITY AND TENANT IMPROVEMENTS, in the amount of $87,004; and
b. authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement with Tovey/Shultz Construction, Inc. for Construction Services for NTS’ Tenant Improvement Project No. 7865 in the amount of $2,703,116.90 from December 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025, 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.
610/1005-04-7865
APPOINTMENTS
ADVISORY BODY APPOINTMENTS
Councilmember Valencia moved and Mayor Rios seconded to confirm Councilmember Valencia’s appointment of Laura Valenzuela to the Senior Center 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
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YOUTH COMMISSION
Mayor Rios discussed the Youth Commission and asked City Council to consider reducing the number of appointed members to ten and amending the age range to 16 -
26. City Council discussed the item and the City Manager to provide an analysis of the commission regarding age, title, and size at a future meeting.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 19, 2024
6 CONSIDERATION OF ESTABLISHING A SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
Mayor Rios recommended creating a Sustainability Commission to assist with developing environmental policy and decisions, developing a climate action plan, and identifying areas in which the City could reduce its carbon footprint. City Council discussion ensued.
Councilmember Valencia request ed staff bring back the item with more information highlighting goals and availability. Councilmember Ramirez suggested the sustainability goals be added into the roles of an existing commission. Councilmember Perez suggested that staff be directed to analyze all commissions, provide a budget analysis of the cost to add a new one, and evaluate how commissions are promoted for participation.
Vice Mayor Ayala shared that an additional commission adds more staffing and resources that need to be accounted for. Mayor Rios expressed the urgency of needing a sustainability commission. City Council directed staff to provide status of all commissions and a budget analysis. Received and filed.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ORDINANCE NO. 24-1755 - ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2024-05 - TO AMEND VARIOUS SECTIONS OF TITLE 17 OF THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE TO UPDATE THE CITY’S DENSITY BONUS ORDINANCE AND UPDATE THE DEFINITION OF “FAMILY”
Mayor Rios opened the public hearing to consider amending the Norwalk Municipal Code related to Density Bonus and find the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. The City Clerk presented a report on legal requisites for notice of hearing.
Gabriel Salazar, Planning Technician, provided a report. There being no persons wishing to speak in the matter, Mayor Rios closed the public hearing. Councilmember Perez moved and Councilmember Ramirez seconded to:
a. Introduce by title only Ordinance No. 24- 1755, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWALK AMENDING TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE
RELATED TO DENSITY BONUS ORDINANCE AND UPDATE THE DEFINITION OF “FAMILY” and schedule for adoption; and
b. Consider and find the project exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption).
MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Perez, Ramirez, and Valencia, Vice Mayor Ayala, and Mayor Rios
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 19, 2024
7 RESOLUTION NO. 24 -58 - FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT STATE CLEARING HOUSE NO. 2022070103 / RESOLUTION NO. 24 -56 - GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2022 -01 (2024- 01) / RESOLUTION NO. 24 -57 - ZONE CHANGE NO. 2022-01 (2024-02) / ORDINANCE NO. 24-1754 - ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2022-02 (2024-04) TO ESTABLISH SPECIFIC PLAN AREA NO. 17, THE “NORWALK TRANSIT VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN”
Mayor Rios re-opened the continued public hearing to adopt Environmental Findings, a General Plan Amendment, a Zone Change, and a Zoning Text Amendment to establish Specific Plan Area No. 17. The City Clerk presented a report on legal requisites for notice of hearing. Testifying as neutral was Leonard Delarosa. Testifying in opposition were David Ventura, Andrew Seymour, Juana Melara, Christina Sanchez, Rene Asolas, Justin Walters, Gus Torres, Godfred Wachira, Guadalupe Torres, Jose Covarrubias, Elizabeth Rico, and Maria Castaneda. The Clerk shared that email comments were received in opposition of the matter. There being no other persons wishing to speak in the matter Mayor Rios closed the public hearing. Alex Hamilton, Interim Director of Community Development, Martin Leitner, Senior Urban Designer/Senior Associate Perkins&Will, and Gena Guisar, American Institute of Certified Planners, Director of Planning Services, CSG Consultants, Inc. provided a report. The City Attorney indicated that the response letter prepared by the City’s consultant, Michael Baker International would be entered into the record along with all correspondence received. City Council discussion ensued .
Councilmember Perez shared that the 40% low/moderate income level is required by the State of California. She also explained that Assembly Bill 518, which was adopted in 2019, provides the City with the first right of refusal for the sale and development of the property, and without that legislation the State of California could have implemented a different development involving more low-income housing without any consideration of the City. City Council mirrored Councilmember Perez’ comments. Mayor Rios moved and Councilmember Perez seconded to:
a. adopted Resolution No. 24- 58, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
NORWALK ADOPTING ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS PURSUANT TO THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT, CERTIFYING THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR SPECIFIC PLAN AREA NO. 17, THE “NORWALK TRA NSIT VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN” (SCH #2022070103),
APPROVING A MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM, AND ADOPTING A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS;
b. adopted Resolution No. 24- 56, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2022 -01 (2024-01) ADDING A SPECIFIC PLAN AREA LAND USE DESIGNATION AND
CHANGING THE CURRENT DESIGNATION FROM INSTITUTIONAL (I) TO SPECIFIC PLAN AREA NO. 17;
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 19, 2024
8 c. adopted Resolution No. 24- 57, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK APPROVING ZONE CHANGE NO. 2022-01 (2024-02) TO RE- ZONE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 12300 BLOOMFIELD AVENUE FROM INSTITUTIONAL (I) TO SPECIFIC PLAN AREA NO. 17; and
d. introduced by title only Ordinance No. 24- 1754, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWALK ADOPTING ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2022 -02 (2024- 04) ESTABLISHING THE SPECIFIC PLAN AREA NO. 17, THE “NORWALK TRANSIT VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN”, and schedule for adoption.
MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Perez, Ramirez, and Valencia, Vice Mayor Ayala, and Mayor Rios
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
320-02-01-2022-01(2024-01)/320-09-2022-01(2024-02)/320-05-2022-02(2024-04)/1005-04-7859
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Addressing City Council was Brian Tindall.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:47 p.m., in memory of Gilbert Ramirez, Marvin “Pete” Lee Chestler, and Janet Rock.
____________________________
THERESA DEVOY, CMC
CITY CLERK
ATTEST:
____________________________
MARGARITA L. RIOS
MAYOR