APPROVED: 06/21/2022
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE
CITY COUNCIL
May 17, 2022
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Rodriguez called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Members present: Councilmembers/Directors: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Zamora and Mayor/Chair Rodriguez.
Members absent: None
INVOCATION
Council Member Mora led the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Martin led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Rodriguez requested for presentation listed under 6A to be moved prior to public comment.
a. Lake Center Middle School 8th Grade Students on the 2022 Washington D.C. Trip (City Manager)
Lake Center Middle School Teacher, Jennifer Conforti made a brief presentation on the trip to Washington D.C.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following individuals spoke during public comment: Edward Cadena, Gilbert Maesa, Isabel Cervantes, Randy Romero and Aracely Bachmann.
6. PRESENTATIONS
b. Lake Center Middle School 8th Grade Students on the 2022 Washington D.C. Trip (City Manager)
c. Recognition of 2022 Art Fest Event Sponsors and Volunteers (Community Services) d. Proclaiming the Month of May 2022 as "Older Americans Month" in Santa Fe Springs (Community Services)
e. Proclaiming May 25, 2022 as "National Senior Health & Fitness Day" in the City of Santa Fe Springs (Community Services)
f. Introduction of New Santa Fe Springs Department of Fire-Rescue Firefighter Candidates (Community Services)
Item No. 6F was moved to the next meeting.
g. Proclaiming the week of May 15-21, 2022 as "National Public Works Week" (Public Works)
Minutes of the May 17, 2022 Public Finance Authority, Water Utility Authority, Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings
PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
CONSENT AGENDA
Consent Agenda items are considered routine matters which may be enacted by one motion and vote.
Any item may be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately by the Public Financing Authority.
a. Minutes of the April 19, 2022 Public Financing Authority Meetings (City Clerk) Recommendation:
• Approve the minutes as submitted.
b. Monthly Report on the Status of Debt Instruments Issued through the City of Santa Fe Springs Public Financing Authority (PFA) (Finance)
Recommendation:
• Receive and file the report.
It was moved by Council Member Sarno, seconded by Mayor Pro tem Rodriguez, to approve Item Nos. 7A and 7B, by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodriguez
Nayes: None
Absent: None
WATER UTILITY AUTHORITY
CONSENT AGENDA
Consent Agenda items are considered routine matters which may be enacted by one motion and vote.
Any item may be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately by the Water Utility Authority.
a. Minutes of the April 19, 2022 Water Utility Authority Meetings (City Clerk) Recommendation:
• Approve the minutes as submitted.
b. Monthly Report on the Status of Debt Instruments Issued through the City of Santa Fe Springs Water Utility Authority (WUA) (Finance)
Recommendation:
• Receive and file the report.
C. Status Update of Water-Related Capital Improvement Projects (Public Works) Recommendation:
Receive and file the report.
It was moved by Council Member Martin, seconded by Council Member Mora, to approve Item Nos. 8A through 8C, by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodriguez
Nayes:
Absent:
Minutes of the May 17, 2022 Public Finance Authority, Water Utility Authority, Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings
NEW BUSINESS
Implementation of Water Shortage Contingency Plan - Stage 1 (Public Works) Recommendation:
• City Council Implement Stage 1 of the City's Water Shortage Contingency Plan in order to comply with the State of California's Drought State of Emergency Declaration.
Water Utility Services Manager, Jesse Sira, provided a brief presentation on item no. 9.
Council Member Martin inquired whether the City is planning to switch plants to drought-tolerant if the City plans to reduce the water usage.
Director of Public Works, Noe Negrete stated there is no change order.
Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez stated that the city should look into getting drought free plants.
Mr. Negrete stated at this moment they are only asking for approval of the contingency plan and can address the maintenance on another day.
Council Member Martin requested to have the City add a notice on social media in regards to the water restrictions.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Zamora, seconded by Council Member Martin, to implement stage 1 of the City's Water Shortage Contingency Plan, by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodriguez
Nayes: None
Absent: None
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
CONSENT AGENDA
Cors Ant Agenda yes are corom ad outine matters ich may be dated bylone motion and Minutes of the April 19, 2022 Housing Successor Meetings (City Clerk) Recommendation:
• Approve the minutes as submitted.
It was moved by Council Member Mora, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Zamora, to approve the minutes as submitted, by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodriguez
Nayes: None
Absent: None
Minutes of the May 17, 2022 Public Finance Authority, Water Utility Authority, Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings
SUCCESSOR AGENCY
11. CONSENT AGENDA
Core. Any find Hay Be recoved from enter gic any bonded sparely by the Successor Agency.
Minutes of the April 19, 2022 Successor Agency Meetings (City Clerk) Recommendation:
• Approve the minutes as submitted.
It was moved by Council Member Sarno, seconded by Council Member Martin to approve the minutes as submitted, by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodriguez
Nayes: None
Absent: None
CITY COUNCIL
12. CONSENT AGENDA
Consent Agenda items are considered routine matters which may be enacted by one motion and vote. Any item may be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately by the City Council.
a. Minutes of the April 19, 2022 and April 20, 2022 Regular and Special City Council Meetings (City Clerk)
Recommendation:
• . Approve the minutes as submitted.
b. A Resolution of the City Council Reaffirming the Existence of a Local Emergency Due to Threat of COVID-19 (pursuant to Government Code section 8630) (City Attorney)
Recommendation:
• Adopt Resolution No. 9790:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA FE
SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, REAFFIRMING THE EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY DUE TO THE THREAT OF COVID-19.
c. A Resolution of the City Council Affirming Authorization of Remote Teleconference Meetings (City Attorney)
Recommendation:
Adopt Resolution No. 9791:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA FE
SPRINGS AFFIRMING THE LEGALLY REQUIRED FINDINGS TO
AUTHORIZE THE CONDUCT OF REMOTE TELECONFERENCE
MEETINGS DURING A STATE OF EMERGENCY.
d. Resolution Nos. 9785 and 9786 - Approval of Engineer's Report (Fiscal Year 2022/23) in Conjunction with Annual Levy of Assessment for Heritage Springs Assessment District No. 2001-1 (Hawkins Street and Palm Drive) (Public Works)
Minutes of the May 17, 2022 Public Finance Authority, Water Utility Authority, Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings
Recommendation:
• Adopt Resolution No. 9785, approving the Engineer's Report (Fiscal Year 2022/23) in conjunction with the annual levy of assessments for the Heritage Springs Assessment District No. 2001-01; and
• Adopt Resolution No. 9786 declaring the City of Santa Fe Springs' intention to provide for an annual levy and collection of assessments for Heritage Springs Assessment District No. 2001-01, and setting the public hearing for the Council meeting of June 21, 2022.
e. Resolution Nos. 9787 and 9788 - Approval of Engineer's Report (Fiscal Year 2022/23) in Conjunction with Annual Levy of Assessments for Street Lighting District No. 1 (Public Works)
Recommendation:
• Adopt Resolution No. 9787, approving the Engineer's Report (Fiscal Year 2022/23) in conjunction with the annual levy of assessments for Street Lighting District No. 1; and
• Adopt Resolution No. 9788, declaring the City of Santa Fe Springs' intention to provide for an annual levy and collection of assessments for Lighting District No. 1, and setting the public hearing for the Council meeting of June 21, 2022.
It was moved by Council Member Sarno, seconded by Council Member Martin, to approve Item Nos. 12A through 12E, by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodriguez
Nayes:
Absent: None
PUBLIC HEARING
13. Resolution No. 9789: Solid Waste Service Rate Increases (City Manager) Recommendation:
• Open the Public Hearing, receive the staff report and consider any comments from the public regarding the proposed solid waste service rate increases; and
• Find that this action is statutorily exempt from the environmental review requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(8) and CEQA Guidelines section 15273(a)(1); and
• Close the public hearing and direct the City Clerk to tabulate the written protests and report the results of the tabulation to the City Council in compliance with Proposition 218; and
• Adopt Resolution No. 9789, authorizing the solid waste service rate increases, after concluding the City did not receive a majority protest.
Municipal Affairs Manager, Maribel Garcia provided a brief presentation on Item No. 13.
She noted that the City only received one (1) protest. She also went over the rates. She stated the rates had to increase due to Senate Bill 1383.
Minutes of the May 17, 2022 Public Finance Authority, Water Utility Authority, Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings
Mayor Rodriguez opened the public hearing at 7:32 p.m.
There were no speakers.
Mayor Rodriguez closed the public hearing at 7:32 p.m.
It was moved by Council Member Martin, seconded by Council Member Mora, to adopt resolution No. 9789 authorizing the solid waste service rate increases, after concluding the City did not receive a majority protest, by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodriguez
Nayes: None
Absent: None
OLD BUSINESS
14. Request for Out-of-State Travel for an Instructor Lifeguard Il to attend a Water Safety Instructor-Instructor Trainer Course in Louisville, Kentucky in June 2022 (Community Services)
Recommendation:
Approve out-of-state travel for the Instructor Lifeguard I! to attend a Water Safety Instructor-Instructor Trainer (WSI-IT) Course in Louisville, Kentucky held on June 20, 2022 through June 24, 2022.
Parks and Recreation Services Manager, Gustavo Hernandez provided a brief presentation on Item No. 14.
Council Member Mora emphasized the importance of being an instructor. He also expressed he was happy to hear that the High School will not be having construction soon.
Council Member Sarno expressed his concern for sending an instructor for three (3) years if there is no guarantee they will be staying. He is also concerned about having the employee accepting a job at another city if more pay is offered.
Mr. Hernandez stated one cannot foresee what decisions will be made in the future, however anyone can take their certification and take it anywhere else.
Mayor Rodriguez inquired whether the trainer would also be training other employees.
Council Member Martin stated the employee that is being sent for training has been working for the city for over 20 years and believes they will stay with the city.
Council Member Mora explained what the difference is between a regular instructor and instructor trainer.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Zamora, seconded by Council Member Mora, to approve out-of-state travel for the instructor Lifeguard Il to attend a Water Safety
Minutes of the May 17, 2022 Public Finance Authority, Water Utility Authority, Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings
Instructor-Instructor Trainer Course in Louisville, Kentucky held on June 20, 2022 through June 24, 2022, by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Zamora, Rodriguez
Nayes: Sarno
Absent: None
NEW BUSINESS
15. Little Lake Park Parking Lot Improvements - Authorization to Advertise for Construction Bids (Public Works)
Recommendation:
• Approve the Plans and Specifications; and
• Authorize the City Engineer to advertise for construction bids.
Director of Public Works, Noe Negrete provided a brief presentation on Item No. 15.
Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez suggested to ask Norwalk if they are willing to pay.
Council Member Sarno suggested to request the majority to be funded by Norwalk since the majority of the time the park is used by Norwalk residents.
Mayor Pro Tem Zamora requested to add cameras to the project.
Mr. Negrete stated it's not in the order and will look into adding it. He also asked for clarification on the bid request.
Mayor Pro Tem Zamora suggested to ask Norwalk before going to bid.
Council Member Sarno suggested to ask Norwalk and still go to bid.
It was moved by Council Member Martin, seconded by Council Member Sarno, to approve the plans and specifications; and authorize the City Engineer to advertise for construction bids, by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodriguez
Nayes: None
Absent: None
16. Water Feature Maintenance Services - Authorization to Issue a Request for Bids Recommendation:
• Authorize the Director of Public Works to issue a Request for Bids to provide Water Feature Maintenance Services.
Mayor Pro tem Zamora requested to look into current contractor.
Make a motion to negotiate with current contractor.
Minutes of the May 17, 2022 Public Finance Authority, Water Utility Authority, Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Zamora, seconded by Council Member Martin, to authorize the Director of Public Works to look into extending the contract with current contractor by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodriguez
Nayes: None
Absent: None
17. Heritage Park Train Exhibit Improvements (Paint and Refurbish Boxcar) - Approval of Contract Change Order No. 1 (Public Works)
Recommendation:
• Appropriate additional $28,000 from the Art in Public Places Fund to the Heritage Park Train Exhibit Improvements (PW 200101); • Approve Contract Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $52,000; and • Authorize the Mayor to execute Contract Change Order No. 1.
Director of Public Works, Noe Negrete provided a brief presentation on item no. 17.
Council Member Martin inquired what a new box car cost.
Mr. Negrete stated it would cost approximately around $160,000.
It was moved by Council Member Martin, seconded by Council Member Sarno, to appropriate an additional $28,000 from the Art in Public Places Fund to the Heritage Park Train Exhibit Improvements, approve contract Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $52,000 and authorize the Mayor to execute contract Change Order No. 1, by the following vote:
Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodriguez
Nayes: None
Absent: None
18. Adopt Resolution No. 9792 Approving Changes to the Salary Schedule and Approval of Related Personnel Modifications (Finance)
Recommendation:
Adopt Resolution No. 9792 approving changes to the City's Fiscal Year 2021-22 Salary Schedule.
• Approve the proposed classification specification and title for the Traffic Engineer position.
Director of Finance, Travis Hickey provided a brief presentation on item No. 18.
It was moved by Council Member Sarno, seconded by Council Member Mora, to adopt Resolution No. 9779 approving changes to the City's Fiscal Year 2021-22 Salary Schedule; and approve the proposed classification specification and title for the Communications Specialist position, by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodriguez
Nayes: None
Absent: None
Minutes of the May 17, 2022 Public Finance Authority, Water Utility Authority, Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings
19. 2021 General Plan Housing Element Annual Progress Report (Planning) Recommendation:
• Find and determine that the Annual Progress Report is exempt from The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to Section 15061(b) (3). The 2021 Annual Report was assessed in accordance with the authority and criteria contained in CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines. It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the report may have a significant effect on the environment. The report does not authorize construction and any future development proposed pursuant to the programs in the City's Housing Element will require separate environmental analysis when details of those proposals are known.
Authorize staff to forward the 2021 General Plan Housing Element Annual Progress Report to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR).
Director of Planning, Wayne Morell provided a brief presentation on Item No. 19.
It was moved by Council Member Martin seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Zamora, to adopt Resolution No. 9779 approving changes to the City's Fiscal Year 2021-22 Salary Schedule; and approve the proposed classification specification and title for the Communications Specialist position, by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodriguez
Nayes: None
Absent: None
20. CITY MANAGER'S AND EXECUTIVE TEAM REPORTS
• City Manager, Raymond R. Cruz provided a brief update on the business license fee meeting. He noted there were different models discussed. They had the opportunity to meet with the business community, the consultant and HDL. He noted there are plans to meet with each council in the next few weeks to obtain feedback. • Director of Public Works, Noe Negrete provided an update on the following projects:
Lakeview Park wading pool; pavers were repaired at Lake Center Park; there was new flooring added to the Betty Wilson center. He also provided an update on the Fruit Tree Distribution and lastly he spoke about the Lakeview playground equipment. They are still waiting for the parts to get that playground open. • Director of Planning, Wayne M. Morrell introduced Vince Velasco, Associate Planner to provide a brief presentation on the information recently posted on social media and also provided an update on the New Housing Development Single-Room Occupancy (SRO).
He spoke in regards to the project located at Washington and Broadway, it was approved with the Housing element. He also spoke about Senate Bill 35 which was approved in 2018. He emphasized that the Planning staff is working with the planning attorney to comply with the senate bill. Lastly, he spoke about SB 35, the State Density
Minutes of the May 17, 2022 Public Finance Authority, Water Utility Authority, Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings
Bonus Law.
• Director of Police Services, Dino Torres he spoke about a public safety officer that noticed a suspicious vehicle that was parked illegally and ran the license plate. He noted the vehicle was stolen and he notified the officers nearby and placed a call. • Battalion Chief, Chad Van Meeteren provided an update on the Apparatus. He noted that once they are delivered they will be bringing it to a Council Meeting. He also spoke about the recent grants funding received that allowed them to purchase HazMat materials.
• Director of Finance, Travis Hickey he spoke about the training that was recently held for city employees that were for supervisory training and safety training. • Director of Community Services, Maricela Balderas provided a recap on the Art Fest event. She also spoke about the upcoming events of Pioneer Living Day at Heritage Park and last there will be a Hawaiian Luau dance on June 10th.
21. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS, COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS
Mayor Pro Tem Zamora appointed Hilda Zamora to the Senior Advisory Committee.
22. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member Martin expressed that she was happy to hear that the pool at the schools will be accessible. She also stated that in Police Services week there was an officer in Lakewood that passed due to a heartache while riding a bike.
Council Member Mora spoke about the lighting at Danby and acknowledged Public Works staff. He also spoke about Art Fest. Last, he spoke about the food waste; and provided a suggestion on food waste disposal.
Council Member Sarno spoke about Art Fest. He also requested a study session or that neel obe acrested in the city Heer Hazed there steere addressed now and develop a plan for the future.
Mayor Pro Tem Zamora acknowledged the Mayor for going to speak with the residents that had concerns with the trees. He also spoke about attending contract cities and how they also discussed infrastructure. He noted there was a lady with the name of Jennifer Hernandez that can provide advice on how to plan ahead for housing and schedule to meet with her. Last he spoke in regards to the agency SCAG and the recommendations they gave to local leaders.
Mayor Rodriguez thanked Ed Ramirez and heritage arts for putting together a great Art Fest event. She also spoke about how the Meet the Mayor at Cherry donuts was great.
She noted that these meet and greets are necessary to hear the residents. She also spoke about the teacher's association event and thanked staff for giving her tours of the departments.
Minutes of the May 17, 2022 Public Finance Authority, Water Utility Authority, Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings
23. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Rodriguez adjourned the meeting at 8:55 p.m. in memory of Aria Ortiz.
Annette Rodriguez
Mayor
ATTEST:
6/28/22
Janet Martinez Date
City Clerk