CITY OF SOUTH GATE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022
CALL TO ORDER Al Rios, Mayor called a Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
INVOCATION Pastor Marta Moscoso, Faith and Hope Lutheran Church
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE Leslie Medina, Code Enforcement Supervisor ROLL CALL Yodit Glaze, City Clerk
PRESENT Mayor Al Rios, Vice Mayor Maria del Pilar Avalos, Council Member Maria Davila, and Council Member Gil Hurtado; City Treasurer Greg Martinez, City Manager Chris Jeffers, City Attorney Counsel Raul F.
Salinas
ABSENT Council Member Denise Diaz
1 PROCLAMATIONS The City Council issued a Proclamation declaring the week of October 10 - 14, 2022, as Code Enforcement Officer Appreciation Week in the City of South Gate.
RECESS The City Council took a 5-minute recess.
2 PROCLAMATIONS The City Council issued a Proclamation declaring the month of October 2022, as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of South Gate.
3 PROCLAMATIONS The City Council issued a Proclamation declaring the month of October 2022, as Crime Prevention Month in the City of South Gate. 4 PROCLAMATIONS The City Council issued a Proclamation declaring the month of October 2022 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the City of South Gate.
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE - NON-AGENDA
ITEMS Virginia Johnson explains that there were times from 2003-2016 that when they had a lot of people who had the same comments on the same items, they would allot time for the public to comment on the item. The practice stopped for some reason, and she asks if they could get this system again.
Also suggests giving the 5 minutes back to residents. She thanked Leslie Medina from Code Enforcement for helping her neighbor about her lawn and giving her an extension.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 27, 2022
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE - NON-AGENDA
ITEMS CONT'D Jesus Miranda expressed how difficult it is to drive on Firestone Boulevard. Last time he talked about the difficulty to speak with the new time limit and the mayor talked about the surrounding neighborhood. He would like to see the Council Chambers full of people and is going to do something so that it can be full. Asks the Council to help the community by putting restrictions on Firestone Boulevard because it is a nightmare to park and drive from Long Beach Boulevard to Garfield. Talks about the time he spends getting through the different intersections and explains a lot of the issues he has noticed in these streets.
Joe Pacheco stated submitting a petition to increase the police presences between State Street and Long Beach. Also thanks Chief Arakawa and the police department for their service, says they don't hear it a lot and talks about the current political climate. Says he had a lengthy call with the lieutenant from the police department about some of the issues in the community like graffiti, vandalism, and thief. Explains that after he submitted the petition, he got another call from the city. He explained that the city needed to conduct a survey of issues reported. He also explained that there was another application that needed to be submitted for a four way stop sign. He explained that there was a fee of 3,500 dollars and explains that this was never explained to him. Asks if there is a petition or a fee waiver. Also explains that they have discussed a stop sign on Long Beach Boulevard and he disagrees with the sting proposed, explains that the streets are narrow which makes it difficult for traffic and says an island is unnecessary.
Mario Dominguez explains that at the last council meeting he was going to ask the council to make a motion to give the green light to the connector project. He has been speaking with a gentleman about this project and explains more regarding his efforts. Rest of the comments where not audible.
Jose De La Paz comment is not audible.
Thomas Buckley stated that this is good representation of the civic formalities and says the council did a great job considering everything the council was able to take care of Thinks it is a reasonable time for residents to speak, he used to be a critic of the time but now he thinks that it is sufficient time to speak. He thanked Mr. Jeffers and Mr. Salinas the Brown Act presentation and applauds their efforts. Also thinks that the meeting should have been recorded for the residents who were unable to attend.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 27, 2022
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS Arturo Cervantes, Director of Public Works explained that regarding the Firestone Boulevard traffic signal there is a level of synchronization effort, and that level is based on an older level of technology. The County of LA does have a enhance program to make the synchronization of Firestone Boulevard explains that it will create changes, but the level of change will not be drastic because it has lots of crossing streets.
Mayor Avalos asks what is happening regarding the parking on Firestone.
Mr. Cervantes explains that there is a competing interest, as the needs of the businesses compared to the needs and wants of the residents. The city applied for grants many years ago to apply it to Firestone Boulevard, the purpose was to convert it to two lanes permanently in each direction and not allow parking on either side of the street. When they initially began that project it became an issue and they needed to meet the requirements of the grants and of the residents. The businesses rely on the parking for business, as a result they have a third lane open during peak hours and the remainder of the time provides for parking. Explains that it was a long process that involved community outreach and that is how it led to the current design on Firestone Boulevard. Regarding the stop signs and humps, he explains the procedures that the city has when it comes to getting those in certain areas and where the funding would come from. He continues to go over the process when it comes to getting stop signs and the application as well as the fees.
Mayor Rios asks if there is the potential that a medium in the middle of the road could take up another lane.
Mr. Cervantes explains that the primary purpose for the median is to enhance circulation and safety. Explains that they are not making the medium wide enough to impact the traveling in the lanes, he provides an example of mediums that were created based off the original lane lines that were there.
Greg Martinez, City Treasurer commented on the medium and some of the things he has noticed. For example, they are intended to prevent illegal turns and provides an example of people that do illegal stuff to miss traffic. He gets home late from working at the homeless shelter and he notes 3 or 4 times that there has been a homeless person come out and almost gets hit because they are unable to see them coming which is very dangerous. He explains that yes, they are trying to do some great things but there are circumstances where people do whatever they are going to do whether they are running late or any other reason. Explains that there are issues people face.
Meredith Elguira, Director of Community Development has nothing to report.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 27, 2022
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D
Steve Costly, Interim Director of Parks and Recreation reminded everyone that next week they will have a couple of events from Anthony Rendon's office that will be taking place, the first one is October 4th they will have a Latinx Pride event at the auditorium. On Wednesday they will be meeting people with the Meet and Great at the Rotary Club and the Second Annual Art Walk will be taking place on the 15th of October explains that it will be a good event and they have expanded the vendors.
Arturo Cervantes, Director of Public Works from public works has nothing to report.
Kris Ryan, Director of Administrative Services has nothing to report.
Chief Arakawa says that they are going to be educating the public on the dangers of fentanyl. They are working with the narcotics team and working on a presentation to educate the parents and students at school about the dangers of fentanyl, explains that it is a rising epidemic in Los Angeles County and neighboring communities.
Mayor Rios asked if fentanyl is the cause of the overdoses that have happened recently.
Chief Arakawa says that it is and that is why they are trying to hold a presentation.
Vice Mayor Avalos asks if they will be carrying any Narcan or will just be having training.
Chief Arakawa explains that they have not gotten to that discussion, but patrol officers do carry Narcan in the field and they are exploring the options for other field officers and city workers to carry and have that training. This is one of the options that they are exploring.
Mayor Rios points out that there are school policies that have that and asks if it is true.
Chief Arakawa explains that the school police do have it, but they are exploring the option of all city employees carrying some. Explains that the cost for Narcan is so little that it makes sense to look at other employees carrying it.
Greg Martinez, City Treasurer says he carries Narcan and is trained. He explains that two fourth of Julys ago he saved one person at the homeless shelter, and he always keeps it in his backpack because they never know when they will need it. He thinks it is important for people to have it.
Other than that, he has nothing to report.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 27, 2022
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Yodit Glaze, City Clerk has nothing to report but would like James to speak to see if everything is working on zoom.
Chris Jeffers, City Manager stated that there is a County Board Program called Land Banking Program. He will be happy to bring that back for discussion for the council. Explains that the program is the county working with metro to by land and bank it for affordable housing in specific public transporting areas and other project areas. The concerns with Eco-Rapid and other cities both along the Santa Ana line and other counties is that this could be done in conflict with local cities zoning and planning that could be ignored or altered through the county through that.
This means they might not have a legal standing, or the local laws will not be enough to overtake what the county program is. He thanks Supervisor Hanh because she got on last minute a motion to try to modify the motion by saying that the city should be involved in the discussion being formed and it should be a decision to opt in. The motion failed but thanks her for her effort because she was responsive to the local cities including South Gate.
Council Member Hurtado has a couple of items. He talked about the illegal dumping and explained that maybe the fee to get rid of it is high which is why they opt to dump it around the city. Explains they have a program and should try to educate residents or try a different approach.
Regarding the traffic on Firestone explains that the city has taken steps to make the traffic better, explains that the street used to belong to the state of California.
Councilwoman Davila asks the chief if he could add the church across the street from city hall. The pastor asked questions regarding the Narcan to see how it is used and to get educated, asks if they can include them in the information center.
Chief Arakawa explains that the Narcan is used for fentanyl and heroin overdose, and it is simple to use.
Councilwoman Davila says regarding the land banking, she understands that they cannot talk about it much because it will be brought up at another time. Explains that they need to talk about this because it allows metro to buy land and use it however, they want, and it should be opposed.
Regarding the trip she mentioned to Washington D.C. it has been postponed to January of next year. The reason is because it is election time, and the legislators will not be there when they were looking to go which is why it has been postponed.
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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 27, 2022
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D
Vice Mayor Avalos thanked Council Member Davila as well as Padres Unidos because they invited her to the meeting where the Superintendent as well as Jackie Goldberg was present at the meeting of Padres Unidos.
She looks forward to working and collaborating with them to make sure that South Gate gets its fair share.
Mayor Rios attended a Dia De La Mujer across the street, the church and city came together. They talked about breast cancer awareness, screening, and they would like to have more of these events. Also wants to remind people about the drought and the days they are allowed to water lawns along with some conservation tips.
Arturo Cervantes, Director of Public Works mentions that they have information on the South Gate city website, and they are also trying to do outreach every two weeks. He says the mayor did touch on a lot of the conservation tips and he also goes over some other tips that can help save water.
Mayor Rios thanks Arturo Cervantes for doing outreach and says it is good to see the public here. He understands that covid is still out there and says they will be entering winter. Explains that they might have to wear masks in the winter because covid cases might go up and tells everyone to stay safe and be mindful and protect themselves.
RECESS The City Council took a 5-minute recess.
CONSENT CALENDAR Agenda Items 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 were approved by motion of Vice Mayor Avalos and seconded by Council Member Hurtado. Council Member Davila recused herself from Item 9. Vice Mayor Avalos amended her motion to include an additional $110,000.00 be added to the United Pacific Services, Inc. for annual tree maintenance services (Item 7).
Vice Mayor Avalos included in her amendment that the appropriation of funds (Item 8c) was originally stated as Proposition A Funds which should instead be from the 2022 State Grant Funds.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Davila, yes (Recuse for Item 9); Council Member Hurtado, yes; Vice Mayor Avalos, yes; Mayor Rios, yes; Council Member Diaz, absent
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 27, 2022 5 PERSONNEL RECRUITMENT
& SELECTION The City Council considered adopting Resolution No. 2022-59- CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, amending Resolution No. 6454 (Salary Resolution and Position Classification Plan) reclassifying the positions of Computer Information Systems Coordinator to Information Systems Analyst and the Stock Clerk to Purchasing Clerk in the Administrative Services Department, approving the corresponding job specifications and updating the appropriate salary pay tables during Consent Calendar.
6 STREET SWEEPING
The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. 3542 ("Agreement") with Nationwide Environmental Services to amend the list of streets where street sweeping services will be provided to include Park Place and Park Avenue; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 2 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
7 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council approved items A, B, & C during Consent Calendar as amended:
a. Agreement (Contract No. 2022-83-CC) with United Pacific Services, Inc. for annual tree maintenance services for a four-year term in an amount not-to-exceed of $3,789,545;
b. Appropriated an additional $37,500 in General Funds for Park Tree Maintenance into Account No. 100-460-61-6101; and
c. Authorized the Mayor to execute the agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
8 PARKS The City Council approved items A, B, C, & D during Consent Calendar:
a. Agreement (Contract No. 2022-84-CC) with NR Development, Inc. ("Agreement"), for the construction of Hollydale Community Park, City Project No. 607-PRK ("Project"), in an amount not-to-exceed $4,899,816;
b. Transferred $1,600,000 in State grant funding from Account No. 311- 790-61-9217 (Circle Park Rehabilitation) to Account No. 311-790-61- 9220 (Hollydale Community Park) to fund the construction of the Hollydale Community Park Project and authorizing the Director of
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 27, 2022 8 PARKS CONT'D
9 PARKING & TRAFFIC
10 MINUTES
Administrative Services to make the appropriate budget adjustments to the revenue and expenditure accounts;
c. Appropriated $285,000 from the Proposition A Fund to Account No. 311-790-61-9220 to fund the construction of the Hollydale Community Park Project; and
d. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
The City Council rejected all bids received on August 4, 2022, in the City Clerk's Office, for the Tweedy Boulevard Traffic Signal Synchronization Project, City Project No. 514-TRF during Consent Calendar. Council Member Davila was recused from voting on this item.
The City Council approved items A, B, C, D, & E during Consent Calendar:
a. The Regular Meeting minutes of June 28, 2022;
b. The Special Meeting minutes of July 1, 2022;
c. The Special and Regular Meeting minutes of July 12, 2022; d. The Special Meeting minutes of July 16, 2022; and
e. Approving the Special and Regular Meeting minutes of July 26, 2022. 11 COMMUNITY PROMOTION
ADMIN The City Council considered:
a. Approving a request from the American Legion for the City of South Gate to help sponsor a Veterans Day Dinner and allow the American Legion to use the City Logo to advertise the event; and b. Appropriating $2,000 from the General Fund to be used by the American Legion for the event.
Council Member Davila made a motion to approve 11 b. Motion died due to lack of a second.
Mayor Rios made a motion to approve 11 a and 11 b. Motion died due to lack of a second.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 27, 2022 11 COMMUNITY PROMOTION
ADMIN CONT'D Council Member Hurtado made a motion to appropriate $2,000.00 but to hold the event at either the South Gate Park Auditorium or Girl's Clubhouse. Motion died due to lack of a second.
Council Member Davila re-motioned to approve 1 lb and seconded by Vice Mayor Avalos.
ROLL CALL1: Council Member Davila, yes; Council Member Hurtado, yes; Vice Mayor Avalos, yes; Mayor Rios, yes; Council Member Diaz, absent
12 COMMERCIAL ASSESSMENT
DISTRICTS The City Council approved items A, B, & C by motion of Vice Mayor Avalos and seconded by Council Member Davila:
a. Appropriated $115,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the purpose of implementing a program to support local businesses located within the City of South Gate ("City"); and
b. Authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement (Contract No. 2022-86-CC) with Hinderliter, de Llamas and Associates, Inc. (HdL Companies), for marketing, administrative and other services associated with the Digital Gift Card Program in an amount not to exceed $12,500; and
c. Authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement (Contract o. 2022-87-CC) with Yiftee, Inc., for development of the Digital Gift Card Program and merchant enrollment.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Davila, yes; Council Member Hurtado, yes; Vice Mayor Avalos, yes; Mayor Rios, yes; Council Member Diaz, absent
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 27, 2022 13 WARRANTS
The City Council approved the Warrant Register for September 27, 2022, by motion of Vice Mayor Avalos and seconded by Council Member Davila.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Davila, yes; Council Member Hurtado, yes; Vice Mayor Avalos, yes; Mayor Rios, yes; Council Member Diaz, absent
Total of Checks: $4,095,117.46
Less: Voids $ 0.00
Less: Employee Payroll Deductions $ (335,124.36)
Grand Total: $3,759,993.10
Cancellations: 98340, 97749
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Rios adjourned the meeting at 10:01 p.m. in memory of Dr. Hector Cordova Mireles, Michael McCain, Ruben Nuno, and Piedad Cardona and seconded by Council Member Davila. Council Member Diaz was absent.
PASSED and APPROVED this 22nd day of November 2022.
ATTEST:
4 ( 64°If—> Al Rios, Mayor Yodit e, City Clerk