APPROVED: 04/04/2023
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE
CITY COUNCIL
March 7, 2023
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Martin called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Councilmembers/Directors: Rodriguez, Rounds, Zamora, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Sarno and Mayor/Chair Martin.
Members absent: None.
INVOCATION
Invocation was led by Cindy Jarvis.
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Santa Fe Springs High School Football Team led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INTRODUCTIONS
Mayor Martin introduced Santa Fe Springs Chamber of Commerce members:
Lisa Boyajian, Principal for Ansa Insurance Services and Debbie Wade, Owner of Tepeyac Restaurant & Tequila Sports Bar.
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 February 7, 2023 Housing Successor Meetings (City Clerk) Recommendation:
• Approve the minutes as submitted.
It was moved by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Zamora, to approve the minutes as submitted, by the following vote:
Ayes: Rodríguez, Rounds, Zamora, Sarno and Martin
Nayes: None
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 Minutes of the March 7, 2023 Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings Minutes of the February 7, 2023 Successor Agency Meetings (City Clerk) Recommendation:
• Approve the minutes as submitted.
It was moved by Councilmember Rounds, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sarno, to approve the minutes as submitted, by the following vote:
Ayes: Rodríguez, Rounds, Zamora, Sarno and Martin
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 February 7, 2023 City Council Meetings (City Clerk) Recommendation:
• Approve the minutes as submitted.
b. Approval of Agreement with VRC Companies, LLC dba File Keepers, LLC for Citywide Document Imaging Services (City Clerk)
Recommendation:
• Approve and authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement with VRC Companies, LLC dba File Keepers, LLC for citywide document imaging services.
c. Regional Training Group Civilian Assistant Planning Coordinator (Part Time):
Award of Contract (Fire)
Recommendation:
• Authorize the City Manager to enter into a professional services agreement with Fire Support Services, LLC and award a contract for the 2020 State Homeland Security Program grant funded Regional Training Group Civilian Assistant Planning Coordinator (Part Time) position. d. Resolution No. 9851 Waiving the Requirements of Chapter 117 (Oil & Gas) of the Santa Fe Springs Code of Ordinances for Three Unlocated Abandoned Oil Wells at 9920, 9926, 9930, 10002, 10010, 10016, and 10020 Pioneer Blvd, and Related Indemnity Agreement (Planning)
Recommendation:
• Adopt Resolution No. 9851, waiving the requirement of Chapter 117 (Oil & Gas) of the Santa Fe Springs Municipal Code of Ordinance for three unlocated abandoned oil wells at 9920, 9926, 9930, 10002, 10010, 10016, and 10020 Pioneer Boulevard (APN: 8005-010-011); and
• Approve the Indemnity Agreement between the City of Santa Fe Springs (City) and Rexford Industrial - 9920 Pioneer, LLC., to indemnify and release the City of Santa Fe Springs from any and all liability associated with the oil and gas wells (API 04-037-16134, API 04-037-16398, API 04-037-16399,
Minutes of the March 7, 2023 Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings API 04-037-16129, API 04-037-16130, API 04-037-16138, and AP| 04-037- 16139), located on property at 9920, 9926, 9930, 10002, 10010, 10016, and 10020 Pioneer Boulevard (APN: 8005-010-011); and
• Authorize the Mayor or designee to execute an Indemnity Agreement between the City of Santa Fe Springs and Rexford Industrial - 9920 Pioneer, LLC.
e. Resolution No. 9854 - Request for Parking Restrictions during Certain Hours on Matern Place north of Telegraph Road (Public Works)
Recommendation:
• Adopt Resolution No. 9854 to implement a parking restriction between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. on the west side of Matern Place from a point 370' north of Telegraph Road to a point 630' northerly and implement a tow-away zone within the same limits for vehicles that violate the restriction as requested by the adjacent business.
f. Residential Streets Improvements South of Florence Avenue (Triangle) and Longworth Ave (Orr & Day to Harvest Ave) - Award of Contract (Public Works) Recommendation:
• Accept the bids; and
• Award a contract to R.J. Noble Company of Orange, California in the amount of $1,485,650.00.
g. Residential Street Improvements Slurry Seal 2022 - Final Payment (Public Works) Recommendation:
• Approve the Final Payment to Doug Martin Contracting Co. Inc. of La Habra, California, for $97,003.73 (Less 5% Retention) for the subject project. h. Los Nietos Park Parking Lot Improvements - Award of Contract (Public Works) Recommendation:
• Appropriate an additional $584,000.00 from the Utility Users Tax (UTT) Capital Improvements Fund to the Los Nietos Park Parking Lot Improvements (PW200101);
• Accept the bids; and
• . Award a contract to L.M.T. Enterprises, Inc. dba Tyner Paving Company of Alhambra, California, in the amount of $603,068.70.
i. Resolution No. 9852 - Ordering the Preparation of the Engineer's Report for Fiscal Year 2023/24 in Conjunction with the Annual Levy of Assessments for Heritage Springs Assessment District No. 2001-01 (Hawkins Street and Palm Drive) (Public Works)
Recommendation:
• Adopt Resolution No. 9852, ordering the preparation of the Engineer's Report for Fiscal Year 2023/24 in conjunction with the annual levy of assessments for Heritage Springs Assessment District No. 2001-01 (Hawkins Street and Palm Drive).
j. Resolution No. 9853 - Ordering the Preparation of the Engineer's Report for Fiscal Year 2023/24 in Conjunction with the Annual Levy of Assessments for Street
Minutes of the March 7, 2023 Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings Lighting District No. 1 (Public Works)
Recommendation:
• Adopt Resolution No. 9853, ordering the preparation of the Engineer's Report for Fiscal Year 2023/24 in conjunction with the annual levy of assessments for Street Lighting District No. 1.
k. Amendment Number One to Professional Services Agreement with Southstar Engineering and Consulting, Inc. for Interim Public Works Director/City Engineer Services (City Manager)
Recommendation:
• Approve and authorize the Mayor to execute Amendment Number One to Professional Services Agreement with Southstar Engineering and Consulting, Inc.
It was moved by Council Member Rodriguez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sarno, to approve the consent agenda, by the following vote:
Ayes: Rodriguez, Rounds, Zamora, Sarno and Martin
Nayes:
Absent: None
OLD BUSINESS
Traffic Study - Orr and Day Road at Whiteland Street (Public Works) Recommendation:
• Consider the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Orr and Day Road and Whiteland Street in order to eliminate sight distance impairments; or
• Add the Orr and Day Road at Whiteland Street signal project to the Capital Improvement Plan; or
• Appropriate $600,000 from the Utility Users Tax (UUT) Capital Improvement Fund to fund the Orr and Day Road at Whiteland Road signal project.
Interim Director of Public Works, Yvette Kirrin made a brief presentation on Item No. 9.
She stated that the item has been brought forward in the past to consider a flashing red signal or traffic signal at the intersection of Orr and Day Road and Whiteland Street.
Councilmember Zamora stated that a traffic signal would be best for that location to avoid car accidents and also allow residents to see incoming traffic.
Mayor Pro Tem Sarno suggested a stop sign to have cars stop at that intersection.
Councilmember Zamora stated that if a stop sign is placed a flashing red light should also be installed as the stop sign might be missed at night.
Director Kirrin requested clarification. She noted the recommendation is for a traffic signal with red, yellow, and green lights. When Council is discussing a stop sign, are they requesting regular stop signs or an electronic flashing red beacon signal. She requested clarification on the type of light.
Minutes of the March 7, 2023 Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings Councilmember Rodriguez suggested a stop sign to be added with a flashing light similar to the one on Charlesworth Road.
Councilmember Rounds added that a stop sign will still be hard to spot due to the sight distance conditions on Orr and Day Road, and advocated for a traffic signal as it would be more noticeable due to the hanging lights. Interim Director Kirrin clarified that she is suggesting a beacon that is similar to a traffic signal.
Mayor Martin inquired whether it has to be a flashing beacon stop sign or if it is required to be both. She mentioned concerns when pedestrians attempt to cross the street.
Interim Director Kirrin requested clarification from Traffic Engineer, Tom Lopez whether a controlled crosswalk would be able to operate correctly regardless of signal type. Traffic Engineer Lopez stated that a crosswalk would be possible, referencing Council comments on a proposed signal similar to the one located on Pioneer Boulevard and Alburtis Avenue.
Councilmember Rounds disagreed, noting that approaching cars do not stop at the same time, further advocating for a green, yellow, red traffic signal to support the crosswalk.
Discussion ensured amongst Council. Mayor Martin asked Interim Director Kirrin what she would like from Council.
Interim Director Kirrin requested direction from Council. She noted that any direction will need to return for Council's approval.
It was moved by Councilmember Zamora, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez, to have Public Works bring an item for consideration regarding pricing for a four-way stop sign back to a subsequent council meeting, by the following vote:
Ayes: Rodríguez, Rounds, Zamora, Sarno and Martin
Nayes: None
Absent: None
NEW BUSINESS
10. Adopt Resolution No. 9855 Opposing Initiative No. 21-0042A1, The Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act (Finance)
Recommendation:
• Adopt Resolution No. 9855 Opposing Initiative No. 21-0042A1, The Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act.
Director of Finance, Travis Hickey provided a brief presentation on Item No. 10.
It was moved by Councilmember Rounds, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sarno, to adopt Resolution No. 9855 Opposing Initiative No. 21-0042A1, The Tax Payer Protection and Government Accountability Act, by the following vote:
Ayes: Rodríguez, Rounds, Zamora, Sarno and Martin.
Nayes: None
Absent: None
Minutes of the March 7, 2023 Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings
11. PRESENTATIONS
a. Introduction of New Santa Fe High School Football Coach Ryan Bateman (City Manager)
b. Proclamation - Proclaiming the Month of March 2023 as "Women's History Month" (City Clerk)
12. PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following members of the public were present to make a comment: 1) Lee Squire, 2) Bruce Crow, and 3) Raymond Cota.
13. CITY MANAGER'S AND EXECUTIVE TEAM REPORTS
• Interim City Manager, Tom Hatch spoke about his experience within his first few weeks in the City. He noted that he had a chance to tour the city and meet with staff to address some issues. He also spoke about looking for ways to enhance communication with City employees and council.
• Family and Human Services Manager, Ed Ramirez provided a brief presentation on the upcoming events and services: Shamrock 5K Run, SFS Art Fest, "Networking at Noon" in collaboration with Chamber of Commerce at the Clarke Estate; Chalk it Out; Free Income Tax Preparation; Family Education Night Substance Abuse Workshop; First Friday Band event featuring Klezmer Juice Band and Brief History of Telescope.
Director of Finance, Travis Hickey spoke about the Summer Hiring Expo that took place on Saturday February 25" and the Cal State University Fullerton Career Expo.
• Fire Chief, Chad Van Meeteren spoke in regards to structure fire/after action review workshop for the Fire-Rescue team. He also spoke about the Fire staff that attended Lakeview Elementary to read to students.
• Director of Police Services, Dino Torres spoke about the "Read Across America" event where Whittier Police Department and Police Services staff visited schools to read to children. He reported on the annual Santa Fe High School's trip to the Museum of Tolerance, and spoke about former City employee Ernie Vitela's promotion to Police Officer.
• Director of Planning, Wayne Morrell spoke about the Los Angeles County Economic Opportunity grant. He noted this grant was promoted via social media. He also spoke about the city's newsletter that Raelene Barraza oversees. Lastly, he concluded that the City has received a total of $3 million in grants and will continue to apply for additional grants. • Interim Director of Public Works, Yvette Kirrin spoke about the recent winds and the damage that was caused by trees within the City that made it on the news. She noted that some evaluations are going to be done on citywide trees.
There was also a field fencing at Los Nietos Park that was damaged by the winds, and Public Works will be discussing erecting a new fence in the future.
She also spoke about residential alleys and stated that the department is moving forward with an RFP for residential alleys improvements. She thanked staff for working on this item nights and weekend to prepare it for today's meeting and to move forward with the RFP, with award of contract to be completed this year and construction planned in 2024. She also spoke about the LED lighting upgrades. Lastly she spoke about the slurry seal completion that was recently approved.
Minutes of the March 7, 2023 Housing Successor, Successor Agency, and City Council Meetings
14. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS, COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS
Mayor Martin appointed Kerri Ann Cobos to the Family Human Services Advisory Committee.
15. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Rodriguez congratulated the newly promoted coach Ryan Bateman from Santa Fe High School. She thanked staff for all their hard work, especially during the storms. She also acknowledged the Chamber of Commerce for Career Day. Lastly, she acknowledged Mary Arias from the Women's Club. She wished everyone a Happy International Women's Day and hopes to see everyone at the Shamrock 5K event.
Councilmember Rounds thanked the residents and also staff, especially Public Works for their work during the storms. He congratulated Coach Bateman on his promotion. He also spoke about reading to the students at the elementary schools and he noted they several questions. He expressed his excitement at attending the upcoming Shamrock 5K Councilmember Zamora spoke about the city and how great it is when everyone comes together. He recognized the employee's fast response, including residents that volunteered to help. He spoke about the "Read Across America" event, and the opportunity to read in front a kindergarten class. He emphasized how rewarding it is for students to attend a Santa Fe High School football fishing trip and hopes that the football team will have an opportunity to attend someday.
Mayor Pro Tem Sarno thanked Municipal Services Manager, Kevin Periman and Public Works staff for the quick response during the storm regarding fallen trees. He also spoke about attending the Silver Shield event and acknowledged the work that police officers accomplish. He congratulated Coach Bateman for his recent promotion and congratulated women for their work.
Mayor Martin congratulated Coach Bateman for his recent promotion. She also highlighted the quick response times from the smartphone apps that residents can use to report issues. She looked forward to the Shamrock 5K and thanked everyone for their attendance.
16. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Martin adjourned the meeting at 7:32 p.m.
Juanita Martin
Mayor
1h5/23