APPROVED: 09/06/2022
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE
CITY COUNCIL
August 2, 2022
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Rodriguez called the meeting to order at 6:03 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
Councilmember Martin led the Pledge of Allegiance.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS
• The following persons spoke in person during public comment: Jennifer Rounds, Randall Courtney from DDWerks, Andy Sands from Thrifty Oil/Golden Springs, Becky Merriweather, Diego De Lame, Ronald Wilson, Leticia Vasquez, Janie Aguirre, and Patricia Kotze via Zoom.
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
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 Housing Successor.
Minutes of the July 5, 2022 Housing Successor Meeting (City Clerk) Recommendation:
• Approve the minutes as submitted.
It was moved by Councilmember Mora, seconded by Councilmember Sarno, to approve the minutes as submitted, by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodríguez
Nayes: None
Absent: None
SUCCESSOR AGENCY
CONSENT AGENDA
Consent Agenda items are considered routine matters which may be enacted by one motion and Minutes of the August 2, 2022 Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings vote. Any item may be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately by the Successor Agency.
Minutes of the July 5, 2022 Successor Agency Meeting (City Clerk) Recommendation:
• Approve the minutes as submitted.
It was moved by Councilmember Martin, seconded by Councilmember Sarno, to approve the minutes as submitted, by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodríguez
Nayes: None
Absent: None
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 Council.
a. Minutes of the July 5, 2022 Regular 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. 9811:
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. 9812:
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. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 1123 to the Municipal Code pertaining to the unlawful possession of catalytic converters (Police Services) Recommendation:
• Adopt Ordinance No. 1123:
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.
Minutes of the August 2, 2022 Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings e. Approval of Volunteer Services Agreement with Horrigan Cole Enterprises, Inc.
DBA Cole Vocational Services for Fiscal Years 2022-2025 (Community Services) Recommendation:
• Approve a 3-year volunteer services agreement between the City of Santa Fe Springs and Horrigan Cole Enterprises, Inc., DBA Cole Vocational Services; and
• Authorize the City Manager to execute the services agreement. f. Quarterly Treasurer's Report of Investments for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2022 (Finance)
Recommendation:
• Receive and file the report.
It was moved by Councilmember Mora, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Zamora, to approve Item Nos. 8A through 8F, by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodriguez
Nayes: None
Absent: None
NEW BUSINESS
9. Resolutions Nos. 9808 and 9809 - Pertaining to the City's General Municipal Election to be held Tuesday, November 8, 2022 (City Clerk)
Recommendation:
• Adopt Resolution Nos. 9808 and 9809, which pertain to the City's General Municipal Election to be held Tuesday, November 8, 2022.
City Clerk, Janet Martinez provided a brief presentation on Item No. 9.
It was moved by Councilmember Sarno, seconded by Councilmember Martin, to approve Resolution Nos. 9808 and 9809, which pertain to the City's General Municipal Election to be held Tuesday, November 8, 2022, by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodriguez
Nayes: None
Absent: None
10. Resolution No. 9813 of the City of Santa Fe Springs, California Submitting a Business License Tax Measure to the Voters at the November 8, 2022 General Municipal Election and Taking Certain Related Actions (Finance)
Recommendation:
• Consider adoption of Resolution No. 9813 to submit a Business License Tax Measure to the voters at the November 8, 2022 General Municipal Election and related actions.
City Manager, Raymond Cruz provided a brief presentation on Item No. 10.
City Manager Cruz emphasized the priorities for the City and why Measure Y was proposed and passed. He noted that there are still infrastructure obligations that need to be met and require additional funding, which the proposed Business License Tax Measure would help
Minutes of the August 2, 2022 Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings address.
Dennis (obtain last name) requested to postpone item.
Councilmember Martin spoke in regards to the comment that City Manager Cruz mentioned about not having comments from the businesses and Chamber of Commerce, and noted that the Chamber of Commerce is willing to accommodate the City. She expressed concerns about separate comments made by City Manager Cruz.
City Manager Cruz clarified the concerns expressed by Councilmember Martin.
Mayor Rodriguez expressed that the City has not raised business license taxes in 30 years.
She noted that the City is making an effort to take the right steps to improve the quality of the City. She spoke in regards the different observations she made in the City in residential and industrial areas.
Councilmember Mora addressed the work that City staff has done. He expressed that due to the state laws restricting how local cities can tax businesses, the City had to look at alternatives such as a business license tax. He expressed his concerns from the responses from the business community whether it is a good time to move forward with this item. A recession could be around the corner and prices are going up. He noted he is a resident and a business owner, therefore he is impacted on both fronts. However, something needs to be done to make certain improvements. He expressed a possible special election.
Mayor Pro Tem Zamora inquired what it would take to conduct a special election.
Legal Counsel, Mark Mandell responded that it would require to be when a ballot has council seats up for election, which would be in this election or the subsequent election in 2024.
Councilmember Sarno noted that the City must find alternate funding methods. He asked Director of Finance, Travis Hickey what the City's reserve amount is. Director Hickey stated it is approximately $22 million. Councilmember Sarno expressed that the City has a reserve account where money can be pulled from, and explored other methods that can be used to generate revenue. He does not agree with passing a measure to the tax the businesses.
Councilmember Mora stated that he does not believe the item should be brought forward at this time.
Councilmember Martin expressed how the item can wait, despite the needs of the City. She expressed wanting to work with the business community to come to a solution that would benefit everyone.
Mayor Pro Tem Zamora noted that he recognizes that the economy is close to having a recession. He expressed how the City still needs to move forward with some type of tax even if there are changes that need to be made in consideration of the residents. He also addressed the funds spent on polling and consultant fees that would need to be spent again should the item return in the future, and proposed a 5-year plan at 20 percent.
Minutes of the August 2, 2022 Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings Councilmember Martin expressed that the information was just received and requires more time to research how the businesses and the City will benefit from the increased taxes. She proposed to place a hold on this item for the next year and use the reserve for any pending projects.
Mayor Pro Tem Zamora noted that the money that was going to be received from the proposed business tax was going to be allocated for the aquatic center project among other projects. He said that sometimes difficult decisions must be made, and reiterated that a decision should be made today as there was no guarantee that this item would be brought up in the future.
Councilmember Sarno stated that there are a lot of points he agrees with Mayor Pro Tem Zamora, but noted that there is in increased need to ask for grants from the State and Federal levels. He stated he wanted to exhaust those methods first and then bring the item back in two years.
Mayor Pro Tem Zamora spoke in regards to the reserves and noted that actions can still be taken, such as collecting no taxes within the first two years, but still approving the item so as to make use of the money already spent to plan and research.
Mr. Mandell stated that Council has the ability to adopt an ordinance to temporarily reduce the tax rate, so long as it does go higher than what the voters approve. City Attorney, Ivy M. Tsai clarified that Council would keep its existing structure and in two years increase to the levels proposed.
Mayor Rodriguez reopened public comments and the following people spoke: Wendy Meador, Randall Courtney, Mary Venegas, Chris Peeler (via Zoom), Mike Foley, Andy Sands.
Mayor Pro Tem Zamora proposed a staggered rate increase over 6 years, with 10% each year for the first two years, and then 20% every subsequent year. Councilmember Mora and Councilmember Martin made comments on different tax scenarios, followed by recommendations from City Manager Cruz that a decision must be made with enough time to consider subsequent meetings and allow for changes if necessary.
Discussion ensued amongst Council.
It was moved by Councilmember Sarno, seconded by Councilmember Martin, to not approve Resolution No. 9813, by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno
Nayes: Zamora, Rodriguez
Absent: None
11. Consideration of Amendment Number Two to the Agreement with Sagecrest Planning + Environmental Incorporating their 2022 Fee Schedule for As-Needed Planning Services (Planning)
Recommendation:
• Approve Amendment Number Two to the Agreement with Sagecrest Planning + Environmental incorporating the 2022 fee schedule for As-
Minutes of the August 2, 2022 Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings Needed Planning Services, beginning July 1, 2022;
• Authorize the Mayor or designee to execute Amendment Number Two.
Director of Planning, Wayne Morrell provided a brief presentation on Item No. 11.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Zamora, seconded by Councilmember Sarno, to approve Amendment Number Two to the Agreement with Sagecrest Planning + Environmental incorporating the 2022 fee schedule for As-Needed Planning Services, beginning July 1, 2022, and authorize the Mayor to execute Amendment Number Two, by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodriguez
Nayes: None
Absent: None
12. Appropriation of Funds from City's Art Public Places Fund for City's Art Education Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2022-23 (Community Services)
Recommendation:
• Approve the appropriation of funds from the City's Art in Public Places Fund (Activity 6350-6100)
• Authorize the distribution of monies as recommended by the Heritage Arts Advisory Committee to fund the City's Art Education Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
Family Human Services Supervisory Ed Ramirez provided a brief presentation on Item No. 12.
Councilmember Sarno asked why the City is not solely allocating the budgeted amount towards the school activities. He recommended any City-specific events be paid for by a separate account, such as from the General Fund so the schools could be granted more money by the Heritage Arts Advisory Committee. Staff provided recommendations to accommodate Councilmember Sarno's suggestion.
It was moved by Councilmember Sarno, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Zamora, to approve the appropriation of funds from the City's Art in Public Places Fund, and authorize the distribution of monies as recommended by the Heritage Arts Advisory Committee to fund the City's Art Education Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2022- 2023 with the Council's recommended direction via midyear budget adjustment, by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodriguez
Nayes: None
Absent: None
13. Purchase of One (1) New Aerial Truck from M & M Lifts, Inc. (Finance) Recommendation:
• Rescind the action taken by Council on June 21, 2022 for this purchase; • Accept the bids attached to this report;
• Appropriate $80,000 from the general equipment replacement fund to fully fund this vehicle purchase; and
• Authorize the Director of Purchasing Services to issue a purchase order
Minutes of the August 2, 2022 Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings in the amount of $199,999.72 to M & M Lifts, Inc.
Director of Purchasing, Paul Martinez provided a brief presentation on Item No. 13.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Zamora, seconded by Councilmember Sarno, to rescind the action taken by Council on June 21, 2022 for this purchase, accept the bids attached to this report, appropriate $80,000 from the general equipment replacement fund to fully fund this vehicle purchase, and authorize the Director of Purchasing Services to issue a purchase order in the amount of $199,999.72 to M & M Lifts, Inc., by the following vote:
Ayes: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Zamora, Rodriguez
Nayes: None
Absent: None
14. PRESENTATIONS
a. Introduction of City Manager's Newly Hired Communications Specialist, Lorean Bautista (City Manager)
b. Proclamation in Honor of American's Disability Act Month (City Manager)
15. CITY MANAGER'S AND EXECUTIVE TEAM REPORTS
• City Manager, Raymond R. Cruz spoke about the Contract Cities City Managers Group will meet in Santa Fe Springs. He noted that one of the topics that was discussed at those meetings was the increase of police officers who responded to mental health calls.
• Director of Public Works, Noe Negrete provided a brief update on the Heritage Park Boxcar Restoration Update. He noted that most of the wood was not salvaged and once it is completed and painted, the project will be forwarded to the Heritage Arts Advisory Committee for mural completion. He also spoke about being a speaker at the Lake Center Middle School for a summer session to discuss an engineering program. He addressed the public comment that was made today regarding the Central Basin Water Municipal Water District board by doing his best to promote good governance.
• Director of Planning, Wayne Morrell reminded everyone of the groundbreaking ceremony for The Whole Child, which is building a housing unit to help homeless families. Lastly, he thanked Public Works and Police Services in assistance for placing no parking signs around the project area. • Director of Police Services, Dino Torres spoke in regards to the SNT Community Block Party that took place on Saturday, July 23. He also promoted the National Night Out event that will be taking place this Friday, August 5, 2022, and Catalytic Converter event that will take place on August 13, 2022. • Fire Chief, Brent Hayward provided an update on the Oak Fire at Mariposa County, and the McKinney Fire at Siskiyou County. He also provided information on the 2020 State Homeland Security Grant Program. • Director of Finance, Travis Hickey spoke about the July 20th CalPERS announcement of the preliminary Net Investment Return of -6.1% for the 2021- 22 Fiscal Year. City Manager Cruz provided additional comments. • Director of Community Services, Maricela Balderas recapped the Parks and Recreation Month Celebration. She also promoted upcoming events such as the 2022 Summer Concert and Movie Series, Grandparent and Me Day, and
Minutes of the August 2, 2022 Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings the Library Summer Reading Program.
16. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS, COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS
Councilmember Martin appointed Julie Garcia to the Historical and Community Preservation Advisory Committee.
17. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Mora thanked City staff for their work on the business license tax. He acknowledged the Grandparents and Me event and thanked staff for putting together the event.
Councilmember Martin acknowledged City staff for putting together the summer events as they come to an end. She expressed that the decisions made by Council are difficult sometimes and those are the decisions that need to be made. Lastly, she spoke about The Whole Child groundbreaking event and highlighted the uniqueness of the project.
Councilmember Sarno expressed how Council makes difficult decisions and noted that these decisions are needed in order to move the City towards the future. He highlighted the hard work of the Fire-Rescue Department which seeks grants to fund more equipment and programs.
Mayor Pro Tem Zamora welcomed Lorean Bautista to the team and acknowledged the staff and consultants for putting together all the information for the business license item.
Lastly, he commended the veterans.
Mayor Rodriguez expressed how Santa Fe Springs is a strong city and acknowledged the residents. She congratulated Lorean Bautista for joining the team and thanked the consultants and staff for putting together all the information for the business license item.
She thanked Police Services staff for putting together the SNT Block Party and thanked staff for the summer offerings. Lastly, she noted she would be meeting with the owner of the Promenade and invited everyone to attend and propose changes.
18. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Rodriguez adjourned the meeting at 8:14pm.
ATTEST:
9-7-22
Date
Lite Merkinez