APPROVED: 07/05/2022
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE
CITY COUNCIL
June 7, 2022
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Rodriguez called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Councilmembers/Directors: Mora, Sarno, Trujillo, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Zamora and Mayor/Chair Rodriguez.
Members absent: None
INVOCATION
Councilmember Martin led the invocation.
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Salem Gardley from Jersey Elementary led the Pledge of Allegiance.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS
• The following people spoke during public comment: Enrique Valenzuela, Bill Rounds, Monice (via Zoom), Irma Huitron (via Zoom).
6. PRESENTATIONS
a. Introduction of New Santa Fe Springs Department of Fire-Rescue Firefighter Candidates (Fire)
b. Introduction of Department of Community Services Newly Promoted Library Services Manager, Deborah Raia (Community Services)
c. Proclaiming June 15, 2022 as "World Elder Abuse Awareness Day" in the City of Santa Fe Springs (Community Services)
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
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 Housing Successor.
Minutes of the May 3, 2022 Housing Successor Meetings (City Clerk) Recommendation:
• Approve the minutes as submitted.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Zamora, seconded by Councilmember Martin, to approve the minutes as submitted, by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodríguez
Nayes: None
Minutes of the June 7, 2022 Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings
Absent: None
SUCCESSOR AGENCY
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 Successor Agency.
a. Minutes of the May 3, 2022 Successor Agency Meetings (City Clerk) Recommendation:
• Approve the minutes as submitted.
It was moved by Councilmember Martin, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Zamora to approve the minutes as submitted, by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodríguez
Nayes: None
Absent: None
CITY COUNCIL
9. 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 May 3. 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 the Threat of COVID-19 (pursuant to Government Code section 8630) (City Attorney)
Recommendation:
• Adopt Resolution No. 9795:
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. 9796:
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. Telegraph Road Complete Street Study - Approval of Implementation Agreement (Public Works)
Recommendation:
Minutes of the June 7, 2022 Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings • Approve the Implementation Agreement with Gateway Cities Council of Governments (Gateway COG) to develop a Complete Street Study along Telegraph Road through the Gateway Cities;
• Appropriate $11,100.00 from the Utility User's Tax / Capital Improvement Fund to the Telegraph Road Complete Street Study; and
• Authorize the Mayor to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City. e. Resolution No. 9793 Waiving the Requirements of Chapter 117 (Oil & Gas) of the Santa Fe Springs Code of Ordinances for An Unlocated Abandoned Oil Well at 11212 Norwalk Boulevard, and Related Indemnity Agreement (Planning) Recommendation:
• Adopt Resolution No.9793, waiving the requirement of Chapter 117 (Oil & Gas) of the Santa Fe Springs Municipal Code of Ordinance for an unlocated abandoned oil well at 11212 Norwalk Boulevard; and
• Approve the Indemnity Agreement between the City of Santa Fe Springs (City) and 11212 Norwalk Blvd LLC., to indemnify the City of Santa Fe Springs from any and all liability associated with the oil and gas wells (API No. 03715451 & API No. 03715767) at 11212 Norwalk Boulevard (APN:
No. 8167-003-800 and 8025-001-014); and
• Authorize the Mayor or designee to execute the Indemnity Agreement between the City of Santa Fe Springs and 11212 Norwalk Blvd LLC. f. Approval of In-kind Services Agreement between the City of Santa Fe Springs and Southeast Area Social Services Funding Authority (SASSFA) for FY 2022-2023 (Community Services)
Recommendation:
• Approve In-kind Services Agreement between the City of Santa Fe Springs and Southeast Area Social Services Funding Authority (SASSFA) for FY 2022-2023; and
• Authorize the City Manager to execute the In-kind Services Agreement. g. Agreement between the City of Santa Fe Springs and Columbia Telecommunications Corporation for the Provision, Installation and Maintenance of Advanced Network (Data) Services (Community Services) Recommendation:
• Approve and Authorize the City Manager to sign the Agreement between the City of Santa Fe Springs and Columbia Telecommunications Corporation for the Provision, Installation and Maintenance of Advanced Network (Data) Services.
h. Authorize the Disposal of Surplus Vehicles and Equipment by Way of Public Auction (Finance)
Recommendation:
• Authorize the disposal of eight (8) surplus vehicles, three (3) trailers, and various obsolete equipment at public auction.
It was moved by Council Member Sarno, seconded by Council Member Mora, to approve the consent agenda, by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodriguez
Minutes of the June 7, 2022 Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings Nayes: None
Absent: None
NEW BUSINESS
10. Introduction and Discussion of City's Proposed Fiscal Year 2022-23 Budget (Finance) Recommendation:
• Provide staff direction regarding revenue and expenditure matters included in the fiscal year 2022-23 proposed budget.
City Manager, Raymond R. Cruz provided a brief presentation on Item No. 10.
Senior Budget Analyst, Alvaro Castellon provided an overview following items: Economic Outlook, General Fund Revenue, General Fund Expenditures, General Fund Summary, Water Utility Funds and budget adjustments for positions that were added.
11. Maidstone Avenue - Evaluation of Parkway Pine Trees (Public Works) Recommendation:
• Provide staff direction on the parkway pine trees.
Director of Public Works, Noe Negrete provided a presentation on Item No. 11. He stated that the department conducted a study on the pine trees located on Maidstone Avenue.
Staff sent a survey to the residents on that street which included questions such as whether residents were in favor of removing the trees and whether they were interested in replacing them. He noted that there were a few that did not respond to the survey since residents did not open their door to provide their opinion. Complaints received from residents on Maidstone Avenue were related to tree roots that infiltrated the sewer lateral, pines that destroyed residents pools, sap on vehicles, and tree roots damaging gutters.
Director Negrete also addressed the City's current policy. He noted that the trees addressed on Maidstone Avenue did not fall under the criteria the City's policy has to qualify for removal. He also noted that there is a scheduled street rehabilitation project and if Council is interested in removing or replacing the pine trees on Maidstone Avenue, this would be the time to do it before the street is paved. If Council wants to replace the 27 trees, it would range anywhere from fifteen to twenty thousand dollars. Therefore, if Council directs staff to have the pines removed by West Coast Arborists, a change order would be required.
Mayor Pro Tem Zamora noted having residents not having home insurance can make it difficult for residents to afford repairs from any potential damage by the pine trees.
Mayor Rodriguez inquired why the pictures that she provided were not shared with the public via the presentation for this item. She stated the pictures shown were an understatement and the pictures she had demonstrated the damage/maintenance that needs to be done. In addition, she added that the pine needles that fall can cause people to slip on the street.
Mayor Pro Tem Zamora made a comment about residents' concerns. Requested clarification from resident.
Minutes of the June 7, 2022 Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings Resident, Isabel Cervantes provided a brief comment.
Mayor Rodriguez requested for the pictures she took to be shared with the public. She also requested Director Negrete to repeat the comment he made to her about the pine trees. Director Negrete stated that the City has to consider the tree policy which does not allow the City to remove healthy trees. However, the comment he made was that he will not be planting pine trees as residential trees.
Councilmember Sarno expressed his concern with this request due to the existing tree policy and noted that the current policy will need to be revised to avoid having any other resident make the same request to remove unwanted trees on their street.
Mayor Pro Tem Zamora inquired whether Councilmember Sarno is talking about specific trees. Councilmember Sarno confirmed any tree. He also stated that other residents are likely to complain about not having their request approved to remove the tree.
Councilmember Martin spoke about past practices and previous leadership and expressed her disappointment on how the request was approved now and it was not approved in the past. Mayor Rodriguez stated the request was brought forward since the residents expressed their concerns at a "Meet the Mayor" event. She noted that a directive would need to be done today.
City Manager, Raymond R. Cruz stated that at the last council meeting he spoke about the policy and how it is up to the Council to change the policy. He noted that exceptions can always be made.
Councilmember Sarno inquired what the City will be doing for those residents that do not want the trees to be taken out. He also expressed his concerns for the request submitted by renters as they do not have a say since they are not the owners. Lastly, he requested for the true cost of the removal of the pine trees.
Mayor Rodriguez requested information on what residents said on the Parkmead Street Rehabilitation Project about tree removal.
Mayor Pro Tem Zamora also requested the true cost of removing the pine trees.
Councilmember Mora asked if the roots would be removed. Director Negrete stated the roots would not be removed. He also reported 75% of residents wanted to have the trees removed
Councilmember Martin requested a survey on how many pine trees are in the residential areas and what the total cost would be to remove them and any other trees that cause issues. She noted that the policy needs to be reviewed.
Mayor Pro Tem Zamora requested to differentiate the costs of pine tree removal from Maidstone Avenue to other places where they are located. He noted there is a cost when there are current projects already scheduled in specific areas.
Councilmember Mora noted that Director Negrete is adhering to existing ordinances. He
Minutes of the June 7, 2022 Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings noted that there are exceptions, and those should also be considered. He stated he went to Maidstone Avenue to observe the damaged caused by the trees, and noted it was a burden and potential health issue. In addition, people can trip due to the sewers being damaged by the tree roots. However, as a Council Member, policies need to be reviewed and evaluated. He stated that the City needs to look at current policies and the condition of the trees around the City.
Councilmember Sarno inquired how many calls are received in a week regarding the pine trees. Director Negrete stated no calls are received; however, there are an estimated 20 requests a month. Councilmember Sarno recommended staff be prepared to receive more requests for tree removal if this item is approved.
Mayor Pro Tem Zamora gave a directive for the cost of pine trees to be removed and location of residential areas where pine trees are located.
Councilmember Sarno inquired whether the City is planning to hire an arborist. Mayor Pro Tem Zamora stated the City has its own arborist. Councilmember Sarno requested hiring an outside arborist to have the job completed faster.
City Attorney, Ivy M. Tsai requested clarification and she noted she had understood the following direction from Council to take the following steps: 1) Move forward with the steps needed to remove pine trees on Maidstone Avenue, and 2) Ask staff to survey residential areas with pine trees. Mayor Pro Tem Zamora requested to focus on Maidstone Avenue first and if needed to hire someone from outside to address the project to move forward quickly and then have internal staff complete the rest of the areas.
Councilmember Sarno inquired how the existing policy would be addressed. City Attorney Tsai inquired whether the third step would be to review the current policy.
There was a consensus from Council to include the following steps: 1) Take the necessary steps to remove the trees from Maidstone Avenue, 2) Survey other residential streets with pine trees and 3) Review the current tree policy.
12. On-Call Professional Engineering Services for the Design of Residential Streets Improvements South of Florence Avenue (Orr & Day Road to Ringwood Avenue) Approval of Task Order No. 3 (Public Works)
Recommendation:
• Accept the NV5, Inc. Street Improvements South of Florence Avenue Proposal Amendment;
• Appropriate $48,500 from the Utility User Tax (UUT) Capital Improvement Fund to the Design of Residential Streets Improvements South of Florence Avenue (Orr & Day Road to Ringwood Avenue) Project Account No. PW220002;
• Approve Task Order No. 3 to NV5, Inc. for the Design of the Residential Streets Improvements South of Florence Avenue including Maidstone Avenue and Longworth Avenue in the amount of $48,500; and • Authorize the Director of Public Works to execute Task Order No. 3 with NV5, Inc.
Minutes of the June 7, 2022 Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings Director of Public Works, Noe Negrete provided a presentation on Item No. 12.
Director Negrete presented the areas that are included as part of the scope of work. He noted that staff is requesting the streets that are to be slurried to also include concrete improvements. He noted that staff is requesting for a change order for an additional appropriation of $48,500 to execute the order.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Zamora, seconded by Councilmember Martin, to accept the NV5, Inc. Street Improvements South of Florence Avenue Proposal Amendment, appropriate $48,500 from the Utility User Tax (UUT) Capital Improvement Fund to the Design of Residential Streets Improvements South of Florence Avenue (Orr & Day Road to Ringwood Avenue) Project Account No.
PW220002, approve Task Order No. 3 to NV5, Inc. for the Design of the Residential Streets Improvements South of Florence Avenue including Maidstone Avenue and Longworth Avenue in the amount of $48,500, and authorize the Director of Public Works to execute Task Order No. 3 with NV5, Inc., by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodriguez
Nayes: None
Absent: None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
13. Little Lake Park - Evaluation of Tournament Field Operation (Public Works) Recommendation:
• Provide staff direction on the Tournament Field Operation proposal for Little Lake Park.
Director Public Works, Noe Negrete provided a presentation on Item No. 13.
He stated this item was brought forward last year in 2021. He provided the pros and cons of having the City move forward with such consultant for overseeing the baseball fields.
He also spoke about the limited parking, which is a concern staff has observed. He stated that current sports leagues will need to relocate since the park will not be available. In addition, the park is a multi-use park and if the City contracts with the consultant, it will be limited to baseball/softball use. Lastly, he emphasized that the company still needs to provide clarification on the plans for the restrooms and ballfield layout. He provided examples of other cities that have adopted similar projects. He emphasized that some cities did not have positive experiences with similar projects.
Councilmember Martin expressed how the lack of information makes it difficult to approve such project.
Mayor Pro Tem Zamora stated that he is still not in support of this project.
Councilmember Sarno expressed how it took too long to come back with information requested
Mayor Pro tem Zamora requested to have staff follow up with request immediately and not wait longer.
Minutes of the June 7, 2022 Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings Councilmember Mora thanked staff for compiling the information.
There was a consensus from Council to not move forward with this project.
14. CITY MANAGER'S AND EXECUTIVE TEAM REPORTS
• City Manager, Raymond R. Cruz spoke about SFS University. Municipal Affairs Manager, Maribel Garcia provided more information on SFS University. She spoke about the courses offered through Talent LMS.
• Director of Public Works, Noe Negrete spoke about the upgraded lighting that was completed behind the library. New flooring was installed at the social hall, including the restroom. He also spoke about the Rosecrans & Marquardt Grade Separation Groundbreaking event.
• Director of Planning, Wayne Morrell introduced Associate Planner Jimmy Wong whom provided a brief presentation on SFS ADU Project. He noted that these project tools will help residents when they want to build accessory dwelling units. He noted there is a workshop scheduled for June. Director Morrell also noted that after two years ICSC returned and he was able to attend the event in Las Vegas along with Associate Planner Vince Velasco and Councilmember Mora. He stated that there were several developers and that they were able to meet and discuss potential future projects. He noted that these conferences are often successful as Jersey Mikes was one of the projects that began in Las Vegas.
• Director of Police Services, Dino Torres spoke about the passing of Officer Lanell Whitfield.
• Fire Chief, Brent Hayward spoke about preventative work done by Southern California Edison (SCE) by Fire Headquarters. He stated that the following morning the Circuit/Transformer was not working. Staff contacted SCE to try to fix the problem, unfortunately, they ran into an issue where the lines were destroyed and were unable to provide a fix. The transformer needed to be replaced and SCE brought in a new generator.
Director of Community Services, Maricela Balderas spoke about the Community Services In-Service Staff Training on June 3rd, , Library Division First Friday - Sakai Flamenco on the same date, and the Pioneer Living Day @ Heritage Park on June 4th. She also promoted the Concert and Movie Summer Series on June 10th.
15. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS, COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS
There were no appointments made.
16. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Mora spoke about the Maidstone Avenue project, communication amongst Council, and acknowledged Finance staff Paul Martinez and Vanneza Ponce.
He congratulated the newly appointed staff, and expressed condolences for the loss of the Nguyen family.
Councilmember Martin expressed condolences for the loss of the officer. She acknowledged the lighting upgrades behind the library and lastly acknowledged Navajoa representative Enrique Valenzuela and Director of Public Works, Noe Negrete.
Councilmember Sarno expressed condolences for those that lost a loved one. He also talked about ongoing projects.
Minutes of the June 7, 2022 Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings Mayor Pro Tem Zamora expressed his condolences for the loss of the Whittier Police Officer. He also commemorated those that graduated. He spoke about the Aquatic Center and noted that someone made a request to name the pool after Paul Nakamura.
Mayor Rodriguez spoke about how she agreed with the renaming of the pool. She also expressed her condolences for the loss of the Whittier Police Officer. She congratulated new employees and spoke about the Pioneer training and thanked staff for introducing themselves. She also spoke about attending the rotary club meeting and thanked Enrique Valenzuela for attending the meeting, and invited him and the rest of the Navajoa members to attend the Fiestas Patrias event.
17. CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
(Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d) (1)) Name of Case: Arcadia, et al. v. So. Cal. Edison Corp., Santa Barbara Superior Court Case No. 20 CV 02026
CLOSED SESSION
18. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
(Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6) Agency Designated Representatives: City Manager, Labor Negotiator Colin Tanner.
Employee Organizations: Santa Fe Springs City Employees' Association, Santa Fe Springs Firefighters' Association, and Santa Fe Springs Executive, Management an Confidential Employees' Association
Mayor Rodriguez recessed the meeting at 8:25 p.m.
Mayor Rodriguez resumed the meeting at 8:50 p.m.
19. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney, Ivy M. Tsai provided the following report: Direction was given to staff and no reportable action was taken.
20. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Rodriguez adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m. in memory of Officer Lanell Whitfield, Tung Thanh Nguyen and Arnold Holdren.
Mayor
ATTEST:
A tel 1/5/12
Date