APPROVED: 08/16/2022
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE
CITY COUNCIL
July 19, 2022
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Rodriguez called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Councilmembers/Directors: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Zamora and Mayor/Chair Rodriguez.
Members absent: None
INVOCATION
Mayor Pro Tem Zamora led the invocation.
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Aaron Doss from Youth Leadership Committee led the Pledge of Allegiance.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following individuals spoke during public comment:
Stephane Wandel from Golden Springs, Jeff Hamilton, Randall Courtney from DDWerks, Wendy Meador from Tangram Interiors, Isabel Cervantes, Bill Rounds, and Mike Foley
PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
6. 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 Publi Financing Authority.
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 Mayor Pro Tem Zamora, seconded by Councilmember Sarno, to approve Item 6, by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodriguez
Nayes: None
Absent: None
WATER UTILITY AUTHORITY
CONSENT AGENDA
Minutes of the July 19, 2022 Public Finance Authority, Water Utility Authority, Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings
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. 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.
b. Status Update of Water-Related Capital Improvement Projects (Public Works) Recommendation:
• Receive and file the report.
It was moved by Councilmember Martin, seconded by Councilmember Mora, to approve Item Nos. 7A and 7B, by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodriguez
Nayes: None
Absent: None
OLD BUSINESS
Water Shortage Contingency Plan - Stage 2 (Public Works) Recommendation:
• Implement Stage 2 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 presentation on Item No. 8.
It was moved by Councilmember Sarno, seconded by Councilmember Mora, to implement Stage 2 of the City's Water Shortage Contingency Plan in order to comply with the State of California's Drought State of Emergency Declaration, by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodriguez
Nayes: None
Absent: None
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
No items to be considered under Housing Successor agency.
SUCCESSOR AGENCY
No items to be considered under Successor Agency.
CITY COUNCIL
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
Minutes of the July 19, 2022 Public Finance Authority, Water Utility Authority, Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings
Council.
a. 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. 9806:
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.
b. A Resolution of the City Council Affirming Authorization of Remote Teleconference Meetings (City Attorney)
Recommendation:
• Adopt Resolution No. 9807:
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.
c. General Motion to Waive Full Reading and Read Ordinance by Title Only Pursuant to California Government Code Section 36934 (City Clerk) Recommendation:
• Approve a general motion to waive full reading and read Ordinance titles only, pursuant to California Government Code Section 36934.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Zamora, seconded by Councilmember Martin, to approve Item Nos. 9A through 9C, by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodriguez
Nayes: None
Absent: None
PUBLIC HEARING
10. Confirmation of 2021/22 Weed Abatement Charges (City Clerk) Recommendation:
• Open the Public Hearing;
• Receive any comments from the public wishing to speak on this matter and thereafter close the Public Hearing;
• Confirm the charges listed in the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner's 2021/22 Weed Abatement Assessment Roll and instruct the County Auditor to enter the amounts of these assessments against the respective parcels of land as they appear on the current assessment roll.
Mayor Rodriguez opened the public hearing at 6:25 p.m.
There were no speakers.
Mayor Rodriguez closed the public hearing at 6:25 p.m.
Minutes of the July 19, 2022 Public Finance Authority, Water Utility Authority, Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings
It was moved by Councilmember Martin, seconded by Council Member Mora, to confirm the charges listed in the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner's 2021/22 Weed Abatement Assessment Roll and instruct the County Auditor to enter the amounts of these assessments against the respective parcels of land as they appear on the current assessment roll, by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodriguez
Nayes: None
Absent: None
OLD BUSINESS
11. Presentation of Potential Changes to the City's Business Operation Tax Ordinance Recommendation:
• Provide direction regarding potential changes to the City's Business Operations Tax Ordinance.
City Manager, Raymond R. Cruz provided a brief introduction of the City's Business Operation Tax Ordinance that is currently being crafted by one of our consultants. He expressed the importance of the item to be approved by the meeting of August 2, 2022 in order for it to appear on the ballot in November.
HDL Consultant Eric Myers reviewed the phase-in options for Model 7 that Council could choose and also compared the City to neighboring municipalities.
Councilmember Sarno expressed to not move forward with this item unless 50% of Model 7 is carried over to the next years.
Mayor Pro Tem Zamora inquired how much the City receives from the business community. Director of Finance, Travis Hickey stated around 2 million. Mayor Pro Tem Zamora noted that the proposed tax increases are only for businesses in the City to pay their share for fixing the roads and provide additional public safety. He also spoke about other services that need to be completed that cannot be done due to budget constraints.
Councilmember Martin stated that the tax is needed and the voters have the right to vote. She expressed that the business community is willing to work with the City as long as the city works with them in placing tax increments. She suggested to have tax increments within a five year span, especially when the business community is willing to cooperate. She considered adopting the measure as a special tax and to have the taxes focused only on roads and have some accountability for the City. She also recommended the City provide a monthly report on the taxes and how much would potentially be attributed to roadwork
Councilmember Mora expressed his support to have some type of tax implemented to fix the roads as it's needed along with additional public safety. He also expressed his understanding for businesses that have expressed their concerns for raising taxes as he is a business owner himself. He expressed his support to having additional studies done on this tax along with having a cap within a 3 to 5 year period. He also proposed implementation of a credit system with the ultimate goal being to retain the existing businesses.
Minutes of the July 19, 2022 Public Finance Authority, Water Utility Authority, Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings
Mayor Rodriguez spoke about Measure Y, she noted that the City had a deficit and the City is not in a deficit since the measure passed. She expressed there is a risk when approving tax increases but highlighted the need to address residents' concerns and the need for new revenue sources is long overdue. She expressed that the City requires the streets to be fixed and noted that there are large trucks that are deteriorating the quality of roads. She requested for the City Manager to explain the difference between a regular tax measure and a special tax.
City Manager Cruz noted that a general tax pays for general purposes and special tax goes to special projects. Mark Mandell, special counsel for the business license tax provided a brief definition for regular tax and special tax. Mayor Pro Tem Zamora requested for legal counsel's recommendation. Mr. Mandell stated that these type of taxes are typically done under general taxes.
Councilmember Sarno expressed support for a general tax and requested a CIP list of projects/streets with specific allocation amounts, with the remainder going towards the general fund. Mayor Pro Tem Zamora noted there are over a hundred million dollars of road repairs needed.
Joy Kummer, consultant from TBWBH noted that cities often use these taxes for general purposes. She confirmed that special tax require 2/3 vote and general taxes require 50% + 1 vote. She spoke about a comprehensive report in which the community has identified the need to repair roads as a top priority.
Councilmember Sarno noted that it is clear that the City requires the tax and suggested to have a 5-year increment with Model 7. Afterwards the City can identify how to allocate the money.
Mayor Pro Tem Zamora suggested a 25% increase over the next 4 years.
Councilmember Sarno confirmed the 25% increase over next 4 years.
Councilmember Sarno moved to adopt Model 7, with a 25% increase over 4 years for all gross receipts and general businesses, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Zamora.
City Manager Cruz requested a friendly amendment to provide direction to the election consultant to create an informational flyer for residents explaining the proposed measure. Councilmember Mora requested a CIP list to be created detailing the allocation of funds.
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodriguez
Nayes: None
Absent: None
NEW BUSINESS
12. Introduction of Ordinance No. 1123 adding Chapter 137 to the Municipal Code pertaining to the unlawful possession of catalytic converters (Police Services) Recommendation:
• Introduce by title only and waive further reading of Ordinance No. 1123:
Minutes of the July 19, 2022 Public Finance Authority, Water Utility Authority, Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA FE SPRINGS ADDING CHAPTER 137 TO TITLE XIII OF THE SANTA FE
SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO THE UNLAWFUL
POSSESSION OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS.
Director of Police Services, Dino Torres provided a brief presentation on Item No.
12. He clarified that the correct number of the ordinance is 1123 and not 1115.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Zamora, seconded by Councilmember Mora, to introduce by title only and waive further reading of Ordinance No. 1123, by the following vote:
Ayes: Mora, Zamora, Rodriguez
Nayes: None
Absent: Martin, Sarno
13. PRESENTATIONS
a. Introduction of City Manager's Newly Hired Communications Specialist, Lorean Bautista (City Manager)
Item No. 13 was moved to the next Regular Meeting.
b. Recognition of the 2022 Beautification Award Recipients (Community Services)
14. CITY MANAGER'S AND EXECUTIVE TEAM REPORTS
• City Manager, Raymond R. Cruz spoke about the Ice Cream Social for City employees. • Water Municipal Services Manager, Jesse Sira provided an update on Lake Center Athletic Park repairs and Smith Avenue road closures.
• Director of Planning, Wayne M. Morrell spoke about the Groundbreaking Ceremony that is scheduled for August 3, 2022 for the Interim Housing and Supportive Service Center project. He noted that this project will consist of 102 apartments and clubhouse, 19 transitional/supportive housing units, and 18 for sale units. He expressed that this is the only subhousing in the region as typically is the homeless housing for adults, however, this is for children's and families and is therefore, it is a unique project compared to other projects at other cities.
• Director of Police Services, Dino Torres announced that on August 5, 2022 there will be the last concert at Heritage Park.
• Captain Ruiz provided a brief update on License Plate Readers. He noted that they went live as of May 11, 2022. He stated he received some calls inquiring how the system works. He explained that an automated license reader is a camera around the City that reads license plates, looking for vehicles that are stolen. The camera can assist in looking for vehicles from individuals that are reported missing. Once these individuals are found, the field officers are alerted. Since May there has been 14 arrests; in these vehicles there have been guns and narcotics. In addition, a few of them were found for crimes that occurred at other cities such as shootings and kidnapping. He also noted that the information is live for 30 days, it is encrypted and after 30 days the information disappears, however these are not surveillance cameras. He expressed that this system has already been successful after a few weeks.
Minutes of the July 19, 2022 Public Finance Authority, Water Utility Authority, Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings
• Fire Chief, Brent Hayward spoke about an incident that occurred last week on Rosecrans with one of the City's fire vehicles. He also spoke about a County employee that came in to present and certificate of appreciation to the Fire-Rescue Department for their assistance with public health.
• Director of Finance, Travis Hickey spoke about last week's luncheon for Finance Department staff and noted Michael Coleman was the spokesperson. He noted that Mr.
Coleman talked about the current election and voter turnaround along with available rebates. He then introduced Alvaro Castellon, Budget Analyst to speak about Paymentus. He explained how Paymentus works online; he noted there has been a lot of activities on the portal. He noted that 5% were done via the phone but most of them were done via online portal or automated payments. He also demonstrated the online portal and how it works for the customers when paying their bills. • Director of Community Services, Maricela Balderas spoke about Parks and Recreation Month. She invited the public to attend the events on July 21 at Los Nietos Park. She also spoke about the following events: Grandparent and Me Day.
15. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS, COMMITTEES, COMMISSION
No appointments were made.
16. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Mora expressed how the Council will continue to work hard to make the residents and business community happy. He noted that tomorrow he will be attending the JPIA Board of Directors meeting and will report out when he returns. He looks forward to Saturdays Community Block Party and spoke about the housing project and hopes other communities will create similar projects.
Mayor Pro Tem Zamora thanked staff for providing all necessary tools to get projects done. Lastly, he acknowledged residents and the businesses community.
Mayor Rodriguez spoke about the ice cream social, along with the rest of the staff. She thanked Alvaro Castellon for explaining how to use the online portal for paying the water bill. She thanked the Rotary and Women's Club for everything they do in the community.
Lastly, she thanked the Fire Chief for explaining fire procedures and wished everyone a happy evening.
17. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Rodriguez adjourned the meeting at 8:03 p.m.
Minutes of the July 19, 2022 Public Finance Authority, Water Utility Authority, Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings
Fatality,
8|16 / 2022
Janet Martinez Date