MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
SIGNAL HILL CITY COUNCIL
December 14, 2021
A Regular Meeting of the Signal Hill City Council was held via video/teleconference on December 14, 2021 pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 54953 (as amended by AB 361).
CALL TO ORDER – 6:04 P.M.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: VICE MAYOR JONES
COUNCIL MEMBER HANSEN
COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND
COUNCIL MEMBER WOODS
ABSENT: MAYOR WILSON
CLOSED SESSION
A closed session was held pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 to conduct public employee performance evaluation.
Title: City Manager
PUBLIC BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
There was no public business from the floor.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION AT 6:05 P.M.
Mayor Wilson entered closed session at 6:10 p.m.
RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING AT 7:13 P.M.
Mayor Wilson asked City Manager to provide meeting participation options.
City Manager provided meeting participation options.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: MAYOR WILSON
VICE MAYOR JONES
COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND
COUNCIL MEMBER HANSEN
COUNCIL MEMBER WOODS
ABSENT: NONE
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Wilson led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENT
Mayor Wilson announced he will call upon Council Members, City Treasurer, and members of the public one-by-one for questions or comments and a roll call vote will be conducted for each agenda item for transparency and clarity.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney reported on the closed session item. There was no reportable action taken.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTED ON PUBLIC COMMENT PROCEDURE
PUBLIC BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR ON ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA There was no public business from the floor.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Wilson made the following announcements:
Everyone 5 years and older is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Make an appointment online at HYPERLINK "http://myturn.ca.gov/"myturn.ca.gov or check with your healthcare provider or pharmacy. Learn more on our website at HYPERLINK "https://www.cityofsignalhill.org/vaccineinfo" cityofsignalhill.org/vaccineinfo.
COVID-19 Booster Doses are also widely available to those who qualify. You are encouraged to get a booster dose at any location that offers COVID-19 vaccines.
Kids ages 5 to 11 are newly eligible to receive a special two-dose series of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Make an appointment on HYPERLINK "http://myturn.ca.gov/"myturn.ca.gov or speak with your health care provider. Appointments are strongly encouraged for kids 5 to 11. Parents must be present at the time of immunization.
Changes to Signal Hill water meter rates and water usage rates will take effect starting January 1, 2022. Pursuant to the ordinance adopted in January 2020, the water rate will increase 12% beginning January 2022. We encourage all residents to sign up for automatic bill payments for your convenience. To get started, please call (562) 989-7315.
EDCO Holiday Tree Pickup from December 27 to January 1, 2022. Place trees on the curb on your regular trash pick-up day. Multi-family residents must call EDCO prior to their collection day to schedule tree pick-up. EDCO will also collect extra holiday related trash. For more information, call EDCO at (562) 587-0608.
There will be no service delays in trash pick-up services. If you have any questions, call EDCO at (562) 597-0608.
The Signal Hill Police Department is aware of the “Smash and Grab” robberies that have been occurring throughout the state and region. Please stay vigilant by being aware of your surroundings. Always secure your valuables and lock your vehicles. Report any suspicious activity immediately the Police Department by dialing 9-1-1 for emergencies or call 562-989-7201 for non-emergency assistance.
Mayor’s Reception on Thursday, December 16 at 6:00 p.m. at the Long Beach Fire Association Community Room, 2201 Cherry Avenue. The public is invited to attend to honor outgoing Mayor Ed Wilson for his service during the past year. RSVP by calling (562) 989-7330.
Active Adult Social Club on Tuesday, December 21 at 10:00 a.m. Adults 55 years and older are welcome to join us for a morning movie in the Library Community Room. Breakfast treats and coffee will be served. Free with limited seating. Call (562) 989-7330 for more information.
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Wilson presented a proclamation to Ismael Salamanca, Director of Health Services representing Carlos Torres, Executive Director of the LGBTQ Center Long Beach in recognition of World AIDS Day on December 1.
Mr. Salamanca thanked City Council for the proclamation and spoke about World AIDS Day.
Vice Mayor Jones thanked Mr. Salamanca and the LGBTQ Center Long Beach for their work.
American University of Health Sciences (AUHS) students, Mary Morcos, Troy Beck, Wivine Murray, and Somtochi Nwabueze, provided a presentation regarding a COVID-19 update.
City Council thanked AUHS students, commented and asked questions regarding the presentation.
AUHS students addressed the questions posed by City Council.
Community Development Director provided a presentation on the Fall Mayor’s Clean-Up Event.
Mayor Wilson commented on the presentation.
Community Services Director provided a presentation on the Halloween Carnival and the Halloween on the Hill Community Scavenger Hunt.
City Clerk commented and asked a question regarding the presentation.
Community Services Director addressed the question posed by City Clerk.
City Manager made a presentation about COVID-19-related community updates.
Mayor Wilson asked a question regarding the presentation.
City Manager addressed the question posed by Mayor Wilson.
CITY COUNCIL REORGNIZATION
City Council Reorganization
City Manager presented the staff report and turned the meeting over to City Clerk to preside over the selection of Mayor.
City Clerk declared nominations open for Mayor.
Council Member Hansen nominated Council Member Jones for Mayor.
It was moved by Council Member Wilson to close the nominations.
City Clerk declared nominations for Mayor are closed.
The following vote resulted:
COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND: COUNCIL MEMBER JONES
COUNCIL MEMBER HANSEN: COUNCIL MEMBER JONES
COUNCIL MEMBER JONES: COUNCIL MEMBER JONES
COUNCIL MEMBER WILSON: COUNCIL MEMBER JONES
COUNCIL MEMBER WOODS: COUNCIL MEMBER JONES
City Clerk declared Council Member Jones as the new Mayor.
Mayor Jones commented on the reorganization and declared nominations open for Vice Mayor.
Council Member Wilson nominated Council Member Hansen for Vice Mayor.
It was moved by Council Member Woods to close the nominations.
Mayor Jones declared nominations for Vice Mayor are closed.
The following vote resulted:
COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND: COUNCIL MEMBER HANSEN
COUNCIL MEMBER HANSEN: COUNCIL MEMBER HANSEN
MAYOR JONES: COUNCIL MEMBER HANSEN
COUNCIL MEMBER WILSON: COUNCIL MEMBER HANSEN
COUNCIL MEMBER WOODS: COUNCIL MEMBER HANSEN
Mayor Jones declared Council Member Hansen as the new Vice Mayor.
Mayor Jones and Vice Mayor Hansen commented on the reorganization.
Mayor Jones read a proclamation on behalf of City Council to outgoing Mayor Wilson and announced that outgoing Mayor Wilson will be recognized at the Mayor’s Reception on Thursday, December 16 at 6:00 p.m. at the Long Beach Fire Association Community Room.
City Council recognized Council Member Wilson and commented on his mayoral term.
Council Member Wilson thanked City Council, City Staff, and residents, and commented on his mayoral term.
City Clerk and City Treasurer recognized Council Member Wilson and commented on his mayoral term.
ORDINANCE
Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2021-11-1529 Approving Zoning Ordinance Amendment 21-02 Amending the Official Zoning Map City Manager presented the staff report.
Vice Mayor Hansen asked a question regarding resolutions and ordinances.
City Attorney addressed the question posed by Vice Mayor Hansen.
Mayor Jones invited the public to comment on the agenda item.
There was no public comment.
It was moved by VICE MAYOR HANSEN and seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER WOODS to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2021-11-1529 approving Zoning Ordinance Amendment 21-02, amending the Official Zoning Map to change an approximate 2.56-acre portion of an 8.69-acre site at 2040 Walnut Avenue from Commercial Office (CO) to Light Industrial (LI), contingent on the City Council’s adoption of the Second Recirculated Mitigated Negative Declaration for the project.
City Attorney read the title of Ordinance No. 2021-11-1529, entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 21-02, AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP TO CHANGE AN APPROXIMATE 2.56-ACRE PORTION OF AN 8.69-ACRE SITE AT 2040 WALNUT AVENUE FROM COMMERCIAL OFFICE (CO) TO LIGHT INDUSTRIAL (LI), CONTINGENT ON THE CITY COUNCIL’S ADOPTION OF THE SECOND RECIRCULATED MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE PROJECT The following vote resulted:
AYES: MAYOR JONES
VICE MAYOR HANSEN
COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND
COUNCIL MEMBER WILSON
COUNCIL MEMBER WOODS
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
PUBLIC HEARING
Adoption of an Urgency Ordinance Amending the City of Signal Hill Municipal Code by Adding Chapter 18.26 Urban Lot Splits to Title 18 Subdivisions and Section 20.10.041 Two-Unit Projects to Chapter 20.10 Residential Districts of Title 20 Zoning City Clerk read the form of notice.
City Manager introduced Community Development Director and Planning Manager who presented the staff report.
City Manager commented on the urgency ordinance.
City Council asked questions regarding the urgency ordinance.
Community Development Director and City Manager addressed the questions posed by City Council.
Mayor Jones opened the public hearing at 8:37 p.m.
Mayor Jones invited the public to speak in favor or against the proposed urgency ordinance.
There was no public comment.
Mayor Jones closed the public hearing at 8:38 p.m.
City Council commented on the urgency ordinance.
It was moved by COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND and seconded by VICE MAYOR HANSEN to waive further reading and adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 2021-12-1530-U amending the City of Signal Hill Municipal Code by adding Chapter 18.26 Urban Lot Splits to Title 18 Subdivisions and Section 20.10.041 Two-Unit Projects to Chapter 20.10 Residential Districts of Title 20 Zoning and determining the ordinance to be exempt from CEQA.
City Attorney read the title of Urgency Ordinance No. 2021-12-1530-U, entitled:
AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING CHAPTER 18.26 URBAN LOT SPLITS TO TITLE 18 SUBDIVISIONS AND SECTION 20.10.041 TWO-UNIT PROJECTS TO CHAPTER 20.10 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS OF TITLE 20 ZONING AND DETERMINING THE ORDINANCE TO BE EXEMPT FROM CEQA The following vote resulted:
AYES: MAYOR JONES
VICE MAYOR HANSEN
COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND
COUNCIL MEMBER WILSON
COUNCIL MEMBER WOODS
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
2022 Commemorative Flag Display Schedule
City Manager introduced Deputy City Manager and Community Services Director who presented the staff report.
Vice Mayor Hansen asked a question regarding the presentation.
Community Services Director addressed the question posed by Vice Mayor Hansen.
Council Member Wilson asked a question regarding the presentation.
Deputy City Manager addressed the question later in the meeting during City Council New Business.
After discussion, City Council provided staff with direction.
Mayor Jones invited the public to comment on the agenda item.
There was no public comment.
It was moved by COUNCIL MEMBER WOODS and seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2021-12-6655 adopting the 2022 Commemorative Flag Display Schedule.
Resolution No. 2021-12-6655, entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE 2022 COMMEMORATIVE FLAG DISPLAY SCHEDULE The following vote resulted:
AYES: MAYOR JONES
VICE MAYOR HANSEN
COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND
COUNCIL MEMBER WOODS
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBER WILSON
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
Opting into Settlement Agreements with Distributors of Opioids, Amerisource Bergen, Cardinal Health, and McKesson, and Opioid Manufacturer Janssen (Owned by Johnson & Johnson) City Manager presented the staff report.
Council Member Woods and Council Member Copeland asked questions regarding the presentation.
City Manager addressed the questions posed by Council Member Woods and Council Member Copeland.
Mayor Jones invited the public to comment on the agenda item.
There was no public comment.
Council Member Wilson commented on the settlement agreements.
It was moved by COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND and seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER WILSON to opt into settlement agreement with opioid distributors, Amerisource Bergen, Cardinal Health, and McKesson, whereby the County of Los Angeles will receive the City’s designated share of settlement funds and direct the City Manager to execute any documents necessary to implement the action; and opt into settlement agreement with opioid manufacturer, Janssen (owned by Johnson & Johnson), whereby the County of Los Angeles will receive the City’s designated share of the settlement funds and direct the City Manager to execute any documents necessary to implement the action.
The following vote resulted:
AYES: MAYOR JONES
VICE MAYOR HANSEN
COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND
COUNCIL MEMBER WILSON
COUNCIL MEMBER WOODS
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
Public Works Contract with Sequel Contractors, Inc. for Spring Street Bicycle Lane Gap Closure Project (Project No. 90.18003) City Manager introduced Public Works Contracts Manager who presented the staff report.
Mayor Jones invited the public to comment on the agenda item.
There was no public comment.
Council Member Wilson commented on the project.
It was moved by COUNCIL MEMBER WILSON and seconded by VICE MAYOR HANSEN to authorize the City Manager to enter into a Public Works Contract with Sequel Contractors, Inc. for construction of the Spring St. Project (Project No. 90.18003), for a term of 120 working days and a not-to-exceed contract amount of $1,690,430 in a form approved by the City Attorney.
The following vote resulted:
AYES: MAYOR JONES
VICE MAYOR HANSEN
COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND
COUNCIL MEMBER WILSON
COUNCIL MEMBER WOODS
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018, Per Capita Program City Manager introduced Community Services Director and Community Services Manager who presented the staff report.
City Council asked questions regarding the presentation.
Community Services Manager, Community Services Director, and City Manager addressed the questions posed by City Council.
Mayor Jones invited the public to comment on the agenda item.
There was no public comment.
It was moved by COUNCIL MEMBER WOODS and seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2021-12-6656, approving an application for Per Capita Grant funds; and authorize the Community Services Director to submit an application for grant funding through the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation for the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018, Per Capita Program.
City Attorney read the title of Resolution No. 2021-12-6656, entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN APPLICATION FOR PER CAPITA GRANT FUNDS The following vote resulted:
AYES: MAYOR JONES
VICE MAYOR HANSEN
COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND
COUNCIL MEMBER WILSON
COUNCIL MEMBER WOODS
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
CONSENT CALENDAR
State of California – Office of Traffic Safety Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Grant Summary: The City has been awarded a $75,000 grant through the State of California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP). The Interim Police Chief is seeking authorization to accept the grant. The grant will be used to offset Police Department costs to participate in public safety education and enforcement events.
Recommendation: Authorize the Interim Police Chief to accept grant funding through the OTS STEP Grant Program.
Contract Amendment Register Dated December 14, 2021
Summary: The Contract Amendment Register is a listing of proposed contract amendments eligible for streamlined processing based upon the following criteria as documented in the City’s Purchasing Policy:
Funds have been authorized as part of the adopted fiscal year Operating Budget; Staff are satisfied with the goods/services received to date; and City Manager has reviewed and approved each amendment for streamlined processing.
Three contract amendments are being presented for City Council consideration. The amendments were prepared in a form approved by the City Attorney and are included as attachments (to the original staff report).
Recommendation: Authorize the Contract Amendment Register dated December 14, 2021.
Continuance of the Proclamation of the Existence of a Local Emergency in Response to COVID-19 and Findings Related to AB 361 Exempting the City from Brown Act Teleconferencing Rules Summary: The City Council will consider the continuance of the proclamation of the existence of a local emergency in response to the current public health crisis related to COVID-19. The City Council will also consider whether to continue to hold virtual meetings of all City legislative bodies, as allowed by Assembly Bill (AB) 361.
Recommendations: 1. Receive and file report regarding the continuance of the existence of a local emergency in response to COVID-19. 2. Direct all City legislative bodies to continue to hold meetings virtually and determine that such meetings are exempt from the Brown Act teleconferencing rules based on the following findings set forth in AB 361: a. There is a Statewide state of emergency in effect in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; and b. State or local officials have imposed or recommended measures to promote social distancing. 3. Direct staff, no later than 30 days after the City Council approves the recommended action, to report back on the state-proclaimed state of emergency so that City Council may reconsider the circumstances of the emergency and, if appropriate, make findings to continue to hold virtual meetings of City legislative bodies pursuant to AB 361.
Schedule of Investments and Monthly Transaction Report
Summary: The Schedule of Investments is a listing of all surplus funds invested for both the City and the Successor Agency to the former Signal Hill Redevelopment Agency as of the date shown on the report. The monthly transaction report provides the changes in investments for the prior month.
Recommendation: Receive and file.
Warrant Register Dated December 14, 2021
Summary: The Warrant Register is a listing of all general checks issued since the prior warrant register and warrants to be released upon City Council approval.
Recommendation: Authorize payment of Warrant Register dated December 14, 2021.
It was moved by COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND and seconded by VICE MAYOR HANSEN to approve the Consent Calendar.
The following vote resulted:
AYES: MAYOR JONES
VICE MAYOR HANSEN
COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND
COUNCIL MEMBER WILSON
COUNCIL MEMBER WOODS
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
COUNCIL AGENDA--NEW BUSINESS
Council Member Woods reported that she will be attending the Contract Cities Sacramento Legislative Tour January 10-12, 2022.
City Council wished everyone happy holidays and Happy New Year and reminded everyone to stay vigilant regarding COVID-19.
Vice Mayor Hansen shared her appreciation of Courtyard Care Center.
Mayor Jones commented on his first meeting as Mayor.
Deputy City Manager addressed the question posed earlier by Council Member Wilson regarding the 2022 Commemorative Flag Display Schedule presentation.
ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by COUNCIL MEMBER WOODS and seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND to adjourn tonight's meeting to the next regular meeting of the Signal Hill City Council to be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. via video/teleconference. Instructions to participate in the meeting will be provided on the meeting agenda. There will be no regular meeting of the Signal Hill City Council on Tuesday, December 28, 2021.
The following vote resulted:
AYES: MAYOR JONES
VICE MAYOR HANSEN
COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND
COUNCIL MEMBER WILSON
COUNCIL MEMBER WOODS
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
MAYOR JONES adjourned the meeting at 9:32 p.m.
KEIR JONES
MAYOR
Attest:
___________________________
CARMEN R. BROOKS
CITY CLERK
City Council Meeting Minutes
December 14, 2021
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