2175 Cherry Avenue • Signal Hill, California 90755-3799
CITY OF SIGNAL HILL
THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL
WELCOMES YOU TO A REGULAR
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
March 11, 2025
The City of Signal Hill appreciates your attendance. Citizen interest provides the Council and Agency with valuable information regarding issues of the community. Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month.
Meetings begin at 6:00 pm with the conduct of any business permitted to be conducted in closed session by the Brown Act (Government Code Section 54950, et seq.), if any, and with the public portion of the meeting beginning at 7:00 pm. There is a period for public comment on closed session matters at 6:00 pm prior to the closed session. In the event there is no business to be conducted in closed session, the regular meeting shall begin at 7:00 pm.
There is a public comment period at the beginning of the regular meeting. Any person wishing to comment shall be allotted three minutes per distinct item. Any meeting may be adjourned to a time and place stated in the order of adjournment.
The agenda is posted 72 hours prior to each meeting on the City’s website and outside of City Hall. The agenda and related reports are also available for review online at www.cityofsignalhill.org.
To view the meeting live at 7:00 p.m.:
• City of Signal Hill website at www.cityofsignalhill.org, select the City Council Meetings Link from the home page.
• Charter Spectrum Channel 74 or Frontier FiOS Channel 38.
To participate (closed session at 6:00 p.m. and regular meeting at 7:00 p.m.):
• In-person Participation: Council Chamber of City Hall, 2175 Cherry Avenue, Signal Hill, California.
• To make a general public comment or comment on a specific agenda item, you may also submit your comment, limited to 250 words or less, to the City Clerk at [email protected] not later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
Written comments will be provided electronically to City Council and attached to the meeting minutes. Written comments will not be read into the record.
City Council Regular March 11, 2025
City Council Members are compensated $794.40 per month. City Clerk and City Treasurer are compensated $482.04 per month.
(1) CALL TO ORDER – 6:00 P.M.
(2) ROLL CALL
MAYOR JONES
VICE MAYOR HANSEN
COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND
COUNCIL MEMBER HONEYCUTT
COUNCIL MEMBER WOODS
(3) CLOSED SESSION
(4) PUBLIC BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS (5) RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
(6) RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING – 7:00 P.M.
(7) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
(8) CLOSED SESSION REPORT
(9) PUBLIC BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR ON ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA (SPEAKERS WILL BE GIVEN THREE MINUTES FOR EACH DISTINCT ITEM) (10) PRESENTATIONS
a. CITY MANAGER CARLO TOMAINO WILL INTRODUCE TINA KNAPP, ASSISTANT CITY CLERK.
(11) CITY MANAGER REPORTS
a. SCHEDULE FOR APPOINTMENTS TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION,
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION, AND CIVIL SERVICE
COMMISSION
Summary:
The City is currently seeking residents who are interested in serving on the Planning, Parks and Recreation, and Civil Service Commissions. The City Council will consider dates to conduct commissioner candidate interviews and appointments.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 5 High-Functioning Government: Strengthen internal communication, recruitment, retention, systems, and processes to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of City services.
City Council Regular March 11, 2025
Recommendation:
Approve the proposed recruitment schedule and select a date to conduct commissioner candidate interviews and appointments. Staff proposes conducting the interviews and appointments at the regular City Council Meeting of April 22, 2025. If the number of commission applicants is greater than ten (10), the City Council may decide to call a special meeting for one of the following dates: Thursday, April 24, Tuesday, April 29, or Monday, May 5, 2025; or propose an alternative date to conduct interviews and appointments. b. PROPOSED REGULATIONS AMENDING THE CITY’S MUNICIPAL CODE TO
ALLOW FOR THE SALE OF FIREWORKS
Summary:
At the February 25, 2025, City Council meeting, the City Council provided direction to staff to place on a future agenda an item related to allowing the sale of “safe and sane” fireworks. Specifically, the City Council expressed interest in allowing fireworks stands as a fundraising vehicle for local nonprofit organizations.
The purpose of this staff report is to present the City Council with a framework for allowing the sale of “safe and sane” fireworks, including a review of various issues that require further direction from the City Council. These issues include criteria required for a nonprofit organization to receive a permit to operate a fireworks stand, the number of fireworks stands to be allowed, and the locations where these may be permitted.
To assist the City Council’s evaluation of this issue, staff has included a draft ordinance permitting the sale of “safe and sane” fireworks with this item. In addition to allowing for the sale of certain fireworks, the ordinance proposes the adoption of a framework governing the manner and criteria by which eligible entities will be allowed to sell fireworks within the City.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 2 Community Safety: Maintain community safety by supporting public safety services and increasing emergency preparedness.
Recommendation:
Review and provide feedback on the proposed ordinance and regulatory scheme, including whether and how the City Council would like to permit the sale of “safe and sane” fireworks in the City.
(12) CONSENT CALENDAR
The following Consent Calendar items are expected to be routine and non-controversial. Items will be acted upon by the Council at one time without
City Council Regular March 11, 2025
discussion. Any item may be removed by a Council Member for discussion. a. PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACT WITH GENTRY GENERAL ENGINEERING, INCORPORATED FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 SIDEWALK REPAIR PROJECT (PROJECT NO. 90.25007)
Summary:
The City’s Sidewalk Maintenance Program establishes a proactive approach to repairing sidewalks that have deteriorated over time and ensure compliance with the latest Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. The Sidewalk Maintenance Program is designed to address and prevent trip and fall incidents on deteriorated sidewalks within the City’s right of way which are often caused by aging, ground settlements, and expansion of tree roots. The Sidewalk Maintenance Program is composed of three steps: (1) sidewalk inspections, (2) reporting entry via the GIS portal, and (3) repairing infrastructure through the City’s Annual Sidewalk Repair Project.
For Fiscal Year 2024-25, the Annual Sidewalk Repair Project includes the removal and replacement of approximately 3,200 square feet of sidewalk at various locations throughout the City. The City performs this work annually to improve the safe path of travel for pedestrians and is performed annually in accordance with its Sidewalk Inspection Program. Following a comprehensive and competitive bidding process, staff recommends awarding a contract to Gentry General Engineering, Incorporated for the construction of the Sidewalk Repair Project (Project No. 90.25007).
Recommendation:
1. Authorize the City Manager to enter into a Public Works Contract with Gentry General Engineering, Incorporated, for construction of the Sidewalk Repair Project (Project No 90.25007), for a term of 30 working days a not-to-exceed contract amount of $49,413.00, and in a form approved by the City Attorney.
2. Authorize a project contingency of 10% ($4,941.30) and up to a 30-working day term extension to be utilized by the Public Works Director for additional scope of work to be performed on adjacent streets during construction. b. PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACT WITH PALP, INCORPORATED, DBA EXCEL
PAVING COMPANY (EXCEL PAVING) FOR THE CALIFORNIA AVENUE
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
Summary:
The City’s Pavement Management Plan (PMP), approved by the City Council in 2022, outlines pavement management strategies based on current conditions and the optimal long-term maintenance strategy from a cost perspective. The PMP serves as a guiding framework to prioritize the maintenance of
City Council Regular March 11, 2025
approximately 35 miles of City streets. The PMP provides recommendations to enhance the overall Pavement Condition Index (PCI), which measures pavement quality on a scale from 0 to 100, with 100 representing the best condition.
For Fiscal Year 2024-25, the City finalized plans and specifications for the California Avenue Improvements Project. This project involves removing and reconstructing approximately 44,640 square feet of pavement along California Avenue, from Spring Street to 28th Street, with pavement removal depths ranging from 4 to 22.5 inches. Following a comprehensive and competitive bidding process, staff recommends the City Council award a contract to PALP Incorporated, dba Excel Paving Company (Excel Paving), identified as the lowest responsive bidder, for a term of 60 calendar days and a not-to-exceed budget of $946,725.98. Staff recommends the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a Public Works Contract with Excel Paving, with construction scheduled to begin on March 31, 2025, and anticipated completion by June 2025.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 4 Infrastructure: Maintain and improve the City’s physical infrastructure, water system and recreational spaces.
Recommendation:
1. Authorize the City Manager to enter into a Public Works Contract with Excel Paving, for the construction of the California Avenue Improvements Project, for a term of 60 calendar days and a not-to-exceed contract amount of $946,725.98, in a form by the City Attorney.
2. Authorize a contingency of $129,479.19 and up to a 30-calendar day extension to accommodate additional scope of work and changes or unforeseen conditions, to be utilized if approved by the Public Works Director, for a total construction budget of $1,076,205.17.
3. Adopt a resolution entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF SIGNAL HILL,
CALIFORNIA AMENDING THE ADOPTED BUDGET AND
AUTHORIZING BUDGET APPROPIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
2024-25
c. RESOLUTION APPROVING A LIST OF PROJECTS FUNDED BY SENATE BILL 1 - THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26
Summary:
The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (SB 1) is a landmark
City Council Regular March 11, 2025
transportation investment to rebuild California by fixing roads, freeways, and bridges in communities throughout California. SB 1 funds transportation projects through excise and sales taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel, and vehicle registration taxes. Since November 1, 2017, the State Controller has deposited these funds into the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA).
The RMRA funds are distributed annually to cities and counties based on population for road maintenance, rehabilitation, and safety projects. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26, the City is estimated to receive $308,518 from RMRA.
The City Council will consider adopting a resolution to incorporate a list of projects funded by SB 1 for FY 2025-26. SB 1 emphasizes accountability and transparency, requiring cities to report performance goals and proposed projects to the California Transportation Commission to qualify for future funding. The program allows cities to roll over unused funds for future street rehabilitation and maintenance projects. The City's proposed and past projects funded by SB 1 are listed according to these guidelines.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 1: Financial Stability: Ensure the City’s long-term financial stability and resilience.
Goal No. 4: Infrastructure: Maintain and improve the City’s physical infrastructure, water system, and recreational spaces.
Recommendation:
Adopt a resolution, entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 TO BE FUNDED BY SB 1 - THE ROAD REPAIR AND
ACCOUNTABILITY ACT
d. RESOLUTION APPROVING A LIST OF PROJECTS TO BE FUNDED BY THE
SAFE, CLEAN WATER PROGRAM - MEASURE W FOR FISCAL YEAR
2025-26
Summary:
On November 6, 2018, Los Angeles County voters approved Measure W, a parcel tax aimed to address regional water capture water and reduce reliance on imported water. Measure W imposes a tax of 2.5 cents per square foot of impermeable surface area on private property in the Los Angeles County Flood Control District (District), generating approximately $285 million annually for the countywide Safe, Clean Water (SCW) Program. Staff recommends the City Council adopt a resolution to incorporate a list of projects and programs to be funded by the SCW Measure W for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26.
City Council Regular March 11, 2025
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 1 Financial Stability: Endure the City’s long-term financial stability and resilience.
Goal No. 4 Infrastructure: Maintain and improve the City’s physical infrastructure, water system, and recreational spaces.
Recommendations:
1. Adopt a resolution, entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE LIST OF PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 TO BE FUNDED BY THE SAFE, CLEAN WATER
PROGRAM - MEASURE W FUNDS
e. WARRANT REGISTER DATED MARCH 11, 2025
Summary:
The Warrant Register is a listing of all general disbursements issued, since the prior warrant register, and warrants to be released upon City Council approval.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 1 Financial Stability: Ensure the City’s long-term financial stability and resilience.
Recommendation:
Authorize payment of the Warrant Registers dated March 11, 2025. f. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
Summary:
Regular Meeting of February 25, 2025.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 5. High-Functioning Government: Strengthen internal communication, recruitment, retention, systems, and processes to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of City services.
Recommendation:
Approve the meeting minutes.
(13) COUNCIL AGENDA--NEW BUSINESS
COUNCIL MEMBER WOODS
COUNCIL MEMBER HONEYCUTT
City Council Regular March 11, 2025
COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND
VICE MAYOR HANSEN
MAYOR JONES
(14) ADJOURNMENT
Tonight’s meeting will be adjourned to the next regular meeting of the Signal Hill City Council to be held on Tuesday, March 25, at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber of City Hall, 2175 Cherry Avenue, Signal Hill, CA 90755.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
Routine matters are handled most quickly and efficiently if contact is made with the City department directly concerned. However, if you would like to request that a matter be presented for City Council consideration, you may do so by writing to the City Council, City Clerk, or City Manager. The deadline for agenda items is 12 noon on the Tuesday preceding the Council and Agency meetings. The complete agenda, including back up materials is available on the City website on the Friday preceding the meeting.
If you need special assistance beyond what is normally provided to participate in City meetings, the City will attempt to accommodate you in every reasonable manner.
Please call the City Clerk's office at (562) 989-7305 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to inform us of your particular needs and to determine if accommodation is feasible.