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
May 13, 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 in the 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, May 13, 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 May 13, 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 – 7:00 P.M.
(2) ROLL CALL
MAYOR JONES
VICE MAYOR HANSEN
COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND
COUNCIL MEMBER HONEYCUTT
COUNCIL MEMBER WOODS
(3) CLOSED SESSION
None.
(4) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
(5) PUBLIC BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR ON ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA (SPEAKERS WILL BE GIVEN THREE MINUTES FOR EACH DISTINCT ITEM) (6) PRESENTATIONS
a. CITY CLERK DARITZA GONZALEZ WILL SWEAR IN THE NEWLY
APPOINTED CHIEF OF POLICE, BRAD KENNEALLY.
b. MAYOR JONES WILL PRESENT A PROCLAMATION TO THE SIGNAL HILL
POLICE DEPARTMENT IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL POLICE WEEK, MAY 11-17, 2025.
c. MAYOR JONES WILL PRESENT A PROCLAMATION TO CECILIA FIDORA
RECOGNIZING HER AS THE SIGNAL HILL OUTSTANDING OLDER
AMERICAN RECIPIENT FOR 2025.
d. MAYOR JONES WILL PRESENT A PROCLAMATION TO THE PUBLIC
WORKS DEPARTMENT IN RECOGNITION OF PUBLIC WORKS WEEK, MAY 18-24, 2025.
e. MAYOR JONES WILL PRESENT A PROCLAMATION TO CITY CLERK
DARITZA GONZALEZ AND ASSISTANT CITY CLERK TINA KNAPP IN RECOGNITION OF THE 56TH ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL MUNICIPAL
CLERKS WEEK, MAY 4-10, 2025.
f. LIBRARIAN GELLI NOCON WILL PROVIDE A PRESENTATION ABOUT SCHEDULED PROGRAMMING TO COMMEMORATE LGBTQ PRIDE MONTH. g. THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WILL PROVIDE A PRESENTATION OF THE CITYWIDE STREET SIGN PROJECT.
City Council Regular May 13, 2025
(7) PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. PUBLIC HEARING - AB 2561 VACANCY RATE REPORTING
Summary:
On September 22, 2024, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2561 (AB 2561) into law to amend the Meyers-Millias-Brown Act (MMBA). AB 2561 added California Government Code Section 3502.3 (GC 3502.3), which mandates that public agencies hold at least one public hearing each fiscal year prior to the adoption of their respective budgets to report on vacancy levels, recruitment, and retention efforts, and allow for participation by recognized bargaining units.
In accordance with AB 2561, the City shall hold a public hearing each fiscal year to present information on vacancies, recruitment, and retention efforts. Staff presents this report in compliance with new transparency requirements related to staffing vacancies. The purpose is to ensure transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to community needs regarding the City’s staffing and employment practices.
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:
Staff recommends that the City Council open the public hearing and file the annual report.
(8) CITY MANAGER REPORTS
a. RESOLUTION DECLARING FINAL ACCEPTANCE OF THE EAST 20TH
STREET AND REDONDO AVENUE INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT (PROJECT NO. 90.20007) PURSUANT TO THE PUBLIC WORKS
CONTRACT WITH INTERNATIONAL LINE BUILDERS, INCORPORATED Summary:
On March 28, 2023, the City Council awarded a contract to International Line Builders, Incorporated (ILB Electric) and established a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Signal Hill and the City of Long Beach to allow the City of Signal Hill’s contractor to perform the project within the City of Long Beach’s jurisdiction. The purpose of the East 20th Street and Redondo Avenue Intersection Improvement Project (Project No. 90.20007) is to enhance safety and improve traffic flow at the intersection of Redondo Avenue and East 20th Street, a critical gateway to residential communities in Signal Hill, Long Beach, and to Browning High School.
City Council Regular May 13, 2025
Following the 2017 opening of Browning High School in the City of Long Beach, pedestrian and vehicle traffic increased in the surrounding area, including within the City of Signal Hill. In response, City staff reviewed traffic conditions and determined that a new traffic signal is warranted to improve vehicle circulation and provide safe pedestrian crossings. This project aimed to address these needs by installing a new traffic signal system, vehicle detection loops, improved striping layout, and pedestrian signal and push button systems, ultimately ensuring safer conditions for both motorists and pedestrians. ILB Electric performed the scope of work in compliance with the project specifications and to the satisfaction of the Public Works Department. Staff recommends the City Council adopt a Resolution declaring the work performed by ILB Electric as complete and in conformance with the approved plans and specifications.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 4 Infrastructure: Maintain and improve the City’s physical infrastructure, water system, and recreational spaces.
Goal No. 5 High-Functioning Government: Strengthen internal communication, recruitment, retention, systems, and processes to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of City services.
Recommendation:
Adopt a Resolution, entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING
WORK TO BE COMPLETED IN CONFORMANCE WITH THE PLANS AND
SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE EAST 20TH STREET AND REDONDO AVENUE
INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
CONTRACT ENTERED INTO BETWEEN INTERNATIONAL LINE BUILDERS, INCORPORATED AND THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL.
(9) 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 discussion. Any item may be removed by a Council Member for discussion. a. WAIVE THE READING OF ORDINANCES IN FULL AND AUTHORIZE
READING BY TITLE ONLY
Summary:
The recommended action waives reading of Ordinances in full and authorizes reading by title only. The purpose of this item is to help streamline the City Council meeting process, to avoid unnecessary delay, and to allow more time for substantive discussion of items on the agenda.
City Council Regular May 13, 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:
Waive the reading of all Ordinances. Wherein the titles appear on the public agenda; said titles shall be determined to have been read by title, and further reading is waived.
b. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 2025-04-1554 AMENDING CHAPTER 13.04.130 (RATE ESTABLISHMENT) OF THE SIGNAL
HILL MUNICIPAL CODE
Summary:
The City of Signal Hill currently provides water service and collects associated service fees in accordance with California law. Although the Signal Hill Municipal Code authorizes the adoption of rates by resolution, the existing water service and rate structure is included in Chapter 13.04 (Water Service and Rates) of the Municipal Code. As a result, any changes currently require adoption by ordinance. However, effective January 1, 2017, changes to Health and Safety Code Section 5471, allow public agencies to adopt new or increased water service fees by resolution.
On April 22, 2025, City Council introduced Ordinance 2025-04-1554, which proposes to amend Sections 13.04.130(A) and 13.04.130 (C) of the Municipal Code. The proposed Ordinance would confirm the City would update rate changes by resolution, streamline the rate setting process, and remove the requirement to include water rates within the Municipal Code, without diminishing the City’s legal authority.
Staff is now presenting Ordinance No. 2025-04-1554 for second reading and adoption. If adopted, the Ordinance would become effective June 12, 2025.
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.
Goal No. 5 High-Functioning Government: Strengthen internal communication, recruitment, retention, systems, and processes to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of City services.
Recommendation:
City Council Regular May 13, 2025
Adopt Ordinance No. 2025-04-1554, entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTIONS 13.04.130(A) AND 13.04.130(C) OF
THE SIGNAL HILL MUNICIPAL CODE TO AUTHORIZE FUTURE RATES FOR
WATER SERVICE FEES TO BE SET BY RESOLUTION, AND FINDING SAID
ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT.
c. POLICE DEPARTMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH TURBO DATA
SYSTEMS INCORPORATED FOR PARKING CITATION AND DATA
PROCESSING SERVICES
Summary:
Parking citation and data processing is a vital resource in the City’s parking enforcement and education efforts. Recent legislation, including payment plan requirements under AB 503, requires critical management of enforcement systems to allow for efficiency by Department staff and personnel tasked with the issuance of parking citations. In advance of the expiration of the City’s current contract for parking management services, staff surveyed industry standards and researched trends to ensure the recent scope of work was updated to include all necessary functions and any anticipated legislative changes. In an effort to ensure the Signal Hill Police Department is using the most compatible systems and contracting with the most suitable vendor, staff recently conducted a competitive RFP process and selected Turbo Data Systems.
Staff proposes a three-year contract for a not-to-exceed amount of $150,000; this amount is approximately $3,000 more annually than the current vendor.
Staff would include the additional costs related to the parking management program in the proposed 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Operating Budget. Subject to approval by the City Council, the Turbo Data Systems would provide parking citation, data processing services, customer service support, noticing, coordinating second-level hearings, processing citation payments, and overseeing collection and Franchise Tax Board intercepts for delinquent citations. The vendor would also provide the necessary technology to support citation issuance and management.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 2 Community Safety: Maintain community safety by supporting public safety services and increasing emergency preparedness.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council award the proposed Contract Services Agreement and authorize the City Manager to enter into a General Services
City Council Regular May 13, 2025
Agreement with Turbo Data Systems for parking citations and data processing, for a term of three years with two one-year extension options, and a total not-to-exceed contract amount of $150,000, in a form approved by the City Attorney. If approved by the City Council, staff would issue a Notice to Proceed and begin coordinating with the contractor to begin providing services on July 1, 2025.
d. CONTRACT AMENDMENT REGISTER DATED MAY 13, 2025
Summary:
The attached Contract Amendment Register is a listing of proposed contract amendments and project change orders eligible for streamlined processing based upon the following criteria as documented in the City’s Purchasing Policy:
· The City Council authorized funds with the adopted fiscal year Operating Budget.
· Staff are satisfied with the goods/services received to date. · The City Manager reviewed and approved each amendment for streamlined processing.
There is one contract amendment for City Council consideration as follows:
1. Rogers, Anderson, Malody & Scott, LLP (RAMS), Professional Independent Auditing Services, the proposed first amendment would extend the term through June 30, 2026, and increase the contract amount by $52,810 for a new not-to-exceed amount of $207,620.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 1 Financial Stability: Ensure the City’s long-term financial stability and resilience.
Recommendation:
Authorize the Contract Amendment Register dated May 13, 2025. e. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
Summary:
Regular Meeting of April 22, 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.
City Council Regular May 13, 2025
Recommendation:
Approve the meeting minutes.
f. WARRANT REGISTER DATED MAY 13, 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 Register dated May 13, 2025. (10) COUNCIL AGENDA--NEW BUSINESS
COUNCIL MEMBER WOODS
COUNCIL MEMBER HONEYCUTT
COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND
VICE MAYOR HANSEN
MAYOR JONES
(11) ADJOURNMENT
Tonight’s meeting will be adjourned to the next regular meeting of the Signal Hill City Council to be held on Tuesday, May 27, at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers 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.