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CITY OF SOUTH GATE
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2023
CALL TO ORDER Maria del Pilar Avalos, Mayor called a Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:45 p.m.
INVOCATION Bobby Scott, Community of Faith Bible Church
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE Jon Hamilton, Director of Human Resources
ROLL CALL Yodit Glaze, City Clerk
PRESENT Mayor Maria del Pilar Avalos, Vice Mayor Gil Hurtado, Council Member Joshua Barron, Council Member Maria Davila, and Council Member Al Rios; City Treasurer Jose De La Paz, City Manager Chris Jeffers, City Attorney Raul F. Salinas
CERTIFICATE The City Council presented Pastor Bruszer a certificate in honor of his retirement.
COMMENTS FROM
THE AUDIENCE Sophie Ryan, South Gate Resident spoke on the Centennial Celebration.
She suggested inviting Mr. Carvalho and Jackie Goldberg from LAUSD.
Albert Castillo, Community Organizer for TreePeople spoke on receiving a grant in partnership with the City of South Gate to plant 1,300 trees and give away 1,000 fruit trees.
Thomas Buckley asked Mr. Costley where the fireworks will be at the Centennial Celebration and asked Chief Arakawa for an update on a possible explosion earlier in the day. He also reported several locations that have street light outages and expressed his concerns over the new trash company. Finally, he would like Council to reinstate the 5-minute public comment period.
Angel Colon congratulated the newly elected officials and spoke about Laverne Bates and her work with the city.
Vanessa C. provided an update on the activities of Congresswomen Barragan.
Mario Dominguez expressed his concerns with the 5-minute public comment period, lack of cameras in the City Council Chambers and the Council voting to approve an increase in the salaries.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 10, 2023
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS Chief Arakawa responded that the explosion this afternoon was due to a juvenile igniting a firework.
Kristopher Ryan, Director of Finance stated that the city is currently putting together the mid-year report for Council and update on the completed annual audit.
Jon Hamilton, Director of Human Resources stated that HR is currently reviewing systems and looking for ways to become a more efficient customer service-based department.
Darren Arakawa, Chief of Police stated that the Police Department along with the Fire Department is hosting a CERT Class (Community Emergency Response Team). Members of the community will learn about fire safety, light weight search and rescue, and the class will be held in Spanish.
Chief Arakawa reported on a Community Meeting held at the park.
Members of UWS were there to talk about the trash hauler contract and parking concerns.
Art Cervantes, Director of Public Works provided an update on the residential resurfacing project.
Steve Costley, Director of Parks and Recreation provided an update regrowing portion of the greenspace at South Gate Park and Hollydale Regional Park.
Yodit Glaze, City Clerk stated that she attended the South Gate Police Department and UWS meet up this last Saturday, and the Raising Cane opening.
Jose De La Paz, City Treasurer spoke about the UWS Collection Services and stated that he was in support of upgrading the technology in the Council Chambers.
Chris Jeffers, City Manager reminded everyone that the Homeless Count will be on January 25th, and we are looking for volunteers. He spoke about the transition of over 24,000 customers to the new refuse hauler. He thanked Mr. Cervantes and Isaac Bravo of the Public Works Department for their hard work over this transition period.
Raul F. Salinas, City Attorney discussed two new laws that came into effect as of January 1St (AB2449 and SB1100).
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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 10, 2023
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Council Member Davila attended the UWS Community Meeting, the Neighborhood Watch Meeting, and the opening of Raising Cane. She thanked the Chamber of Commerce for their work on the Christmas Parade and the Police Department and Compatior for their work during Christmas providing toys for the children of South Gate.
Council Member Barron thanked Chief Arakawa for providing information on SEACCA and our residents' concerns. Council Member Barron attended the UWS Community Meeting and the grand opening of Raising Cane.
Council Member Rios spoke on the UWS transition and thanked the Police Department for their work during Christmas providing toys for the children of South Gate. Council Member Rios informed the public that open enrollment for East Los Angeles College will be on January 21, 2023.
Vice Mayor Hurtado will be meeting with Congresswoman Barragan and one of the items of discussion will be available funding for streetlights.
The Vice Mayor attended the grand opening of Raising Cane and the Neighborhood Watch Meeting. He also discussed the transition with UWS and urged drivers to be careful with the heavy rains.
Lastly, residents have been asking him about the price of natural gas and requested a report on this issue.
Mayor Avalos encouraged residents to reach out to UWS so their concerns can be addressed. The mayor attended Raising Cane grand opening, the Christmas Parade and Police Navidad. Mayor Avalos stated that it came to her attention the residents, business owners and city staff had concerns with her becoming Mayor. She is here to serve the residents and encouraged everyone to reach out to her because her door is always open.
CONSENT CALENDAR Agenda Items 1, 2, 3 and 4 were approved by motion of Vice Mayor Hurtado and seconded by Council Member Barron. Council Member Davila recused herself from Item 3.
Roll Call: Council Member Davila, yes (recused on Item 3); Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes; Mayor Avalos, yes.
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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 10, 2023 1 PERSONNEL The City Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 2023-01-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of south Gate, California, amending Resolution No. 6454 (Salary Resolution and Position Classification Plan) adding a new Recreation Marketing Coordinator classification in the Parks and Recreation Department, updating the Accountant classification in the Administrative Services Department, approving the corresponding job specifications and updating the appropriate salary pay tables during Consent Calendar.
2 PROPERTY USE
3 PARKING
The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar.
a. Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. 2022-59-AC with KOA
Corporation, to fund construction monitoring and inspection services for an additional 28 working days at the request of the Parkway Construction Company, the developer of the Raising Cane's development located at 9854 Alameda Avenue, for an amount not to exceed $30,000; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. 2022-59-AC in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
The City Council approved items A, B, and C during Consent Calendar.
Council Member Davila was recused from voting on this item. a. Contract No. 2023-01-CC with California Professional Engineering, Inc. ("Agreement"), for the construction of Tweedy Boulevard Signal Synchronization Project, LAMTA ID F7309, City Project No. 514- TRF ("Project"), in the amount not-to-exceed $1,833,198; b. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney; and
c. Adopted a finding determining the Tweedy Boulevard Signal Synchronization Project as categorically exempt under Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 15301 and the projects are categorically exempt under Existing Facilities Section 15301 Class (c) Existing highways and streets, sidewalks, gutters, bicycle and pedestrian trails, and similar facilities (including road grading for the purpose of public safety) and to be categorically excluded under Section 326 of amended Chapter 3 of Title 23, United States Code (23 U.S.C. § 326) without significant impacts on the environment as defined by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 10, 2023 4 ENERGY PROGRAMS The City Council unanimously approved items A, B, C, D, E, F, and G during Consent Calendar.
a. Contract No. 2023-02-CC with Green Giant Landscape, Inc., for the construction of the Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, City Project No. 636-GEN ("Project"), in an amount not-to-exceed $267,734; b. Appropriated $142,969 from the AQMD Fund Balance, $60,000 in Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee ("MSRC") Grant Funds and $75,000 in Water Funds to Account No. 311-790-49- 9914 to fully fund the Project;
c. The deobligation of the $60,000 in Measure M funds from the Project which funds did not qualify for use for the construction of the Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, City Project No. 636-GEN;
d. Authorized the City Manager to administratively approve change orders for agreement, not to exceed the aggregate sum of $75,000; e. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney; and
f. Adopted a finding determining the Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Project as categorically exempt under Title 14 of the Code of Regulations under Existing Facilities, Section 15301 Class 1(b); and g. The Notice of Exemption for the construction of the Project and directing the City Clerk to file it with the Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder's Office.
DEVIATE FROM
THE AGENDA
At this time, there being no objections, Mayor Avalos stated that item 7 would be considered out of its regular agenda order.
7 CITY HISTORY The City Council unanimously received an update on item 7a and item 7b was postponed to later in the year by motion of Vice Mayor Hurtado and seconded by Council Member Barron.
a. Received an update on the upcoming 100th Birthday Celebration that will take place on January 21, 2023; and
b. Certificates of Appreciation to the Centennial Ad Hoc Committee Members for their service in developing a celebration plan for the centennial celebration.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 10, 2023 7 CITY HISTORY
5 APPOINTMENTS
6 APPOINTMENTS
Roll Call: Council Member Davila, yes; Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes; Mayor Avalos, yes.
The City Council unanimously approved item A, B, and C by motion of Council Member Davila and seconded by Council Member Barron. a. Ratifying the nomination by City Council Member Al Rios of Mr.
Jimmy Ozaeta to the Planning Commission;
b. Ratifying the nomination by City Council Member Al Rios of Mr.
Edgar Pelayo to the Parks and Recreation Commission; and c. Ratifying the nomination by Vice Mayor Gil Hurtado of Ms. Jovanna Laborin to the Planning Commission.
Roll Call: Council Member Davila, yes; Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes; Mayor Avalos, yes.
The City Council appointed the following representatives by motion of Mayor Avalos and seconded by Vice Mayor Hurtado.
a. Appointing representatives to various outside boards and agencies of which the City of South Gate is a member; and
b. Ratifying the appointment of the City Council Auditor by the Mayor, as stipulated under South Gate Municipal Code Section 1.04.170 (Auditor).
Roll Call: Council Member Davila, yes; Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes; Mayor Avalos, yes.
Organization Representative & Alternate
City Council Auditor Council Member Barron
County Sanitation Districts Rep: Mayor Avalos
Alt: Council Member Davila
HUB Cities Rep: Mayor Avalos
Alt: Council Member Barron
Independent Cities Association (ICA) Rep: Council Member Barron Alt: Council Member Rios
Independent Cities Finance Authority Rep: Council Member Hurtado Alt: Council Member Barron
Independent Cities Risk Management Auth
(ICRM)
Rep: Council Member Davila
Alt: Jon Hamilton
League of California Cities Rep: Council Member Rios
Alt: Council Member Barron
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 10, 2023 Southeast Water Coalition Joint Power
Authority (SEWC)
Rep: Mayor Avalos
Alt: Council Member Barron
Los Angeles County City Selection
Committee
Rep: Mayor Avalos
Alt: Vice Mayor Hurtado
California Contract Cities Association Rep: Council Member Barron Alt: Vice Mayor Hurtado
Southeast Community Development
Corporation
Rep: Council Member Rios
Alt: Council Member Barron
8 CITIZENS ADVISORY The City Council approved item 8b by motion of Vice Mayor Hurtado and seconded by Council Member Davila.
a. Directing staff to prepare an ordinance that would amend the size of the Citizens' Advisory Committee from the current membership level of 20 members to a lower membership number; or
b. Maintain the current membership size.
Mayor Avalos motioned to amend the size of the Citizens' Advisory Committee form the current membership level of 20 to 10 and seconded by Council Member Rios.
Roll Call: Council Member Davila, no; Council Member Barron, no; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, no; Mayor Avalos, yes.
The City Council approved item 8b by motion of Vice Mayor Hurtado and seconded by Council Member Davila.
Roll Call: Council Member Davila, yes; Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Rios, no; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes; Mayor Avalos, no.
Vice Mayor Hurtado provided direction to staff to bring an item before the City Council to discuss compensation for the Commissioners and Council Member Davila agreed with this action.
9a.
WARRANTS The City Council unanimously approved item A, and B by motion of Mayor Avalos and seconded by Vice Mayor Hurtado.
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Roll Call: Council Member Davila, yes; Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes; Mayor Avalos, yes.
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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 10, 2023 9a.
WARRANTS
CONT. Total of Checks:
Less: Voids
Less: Employee Payroll Deductions
Grand Total:
$4,134,468.45
$ (1,578.20)
$ (418,377.03)
$3,714,513.22
Cancellations: 98431, 98756, 98315
9b. The City Council considered approving the Warrant Register for January 10, 2023.
Total of Checks: $2,146,928.36
Less: Voids $ (9,102.97)
Less: Employee Payroll Deductions $ (374,848.60)
Grand Total: $1,762,976.79
Cancellations: 99300
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Avalos adjourned the meeting in memory of Riverside Sheriff Deputy Isaiah Cordero and Laverne Bates, longtime resident, and Tweedy Mile Board Member at 9:49 p.m. and seconded by Council Member Hurtado.
PASSED and APPROVED this 28th day of March, 2023.
ATTEST:
Maria del Pilar Avalos, Mayor Yodit G e, City Clerk