CITY OF SOUTH GATE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2023
CALL TO ORDER Maria del Pilar Avalos, Mayor called a Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:46 p.m.
INVOCATION
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Tine Fierro, Deputy Director of Parks & Recreation
Norma Cardenas Frank, newly promoted Senior Code Enforcement Officer
Debbie McEvilly, Recording Secretary
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. Salina
1 PERSONNEL RECRUITMENT
& SELECTION The City Council received and filed the list of new and promoted full-time employees hired or promoted during November and December 2022. 2 PERSONNEL BENEFITS/
RETIREMENT ADMIN The City Council waived the reading in full and introduced Ordinance No. 2023-01-CC entitled Ordinance of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, authorizing an amendment to the contract between the City and the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees' Retirement System implementing Section 20516 (Employees Sharing Additional Cost) to provide employee cost sharing of 2% for classic local police members in the South Gate Police Management Association.
Kristopher Ryan, Director of Administrative Services stated this is an introduction and first reading of an ordinance authorizing an amendment to the contract between the City and the California Public Employees' Retirement System (Ca1PERS). This would authorize an implementation for the cost sharing program. Both parties agreed to this during the most current labor negotiations.
Mr. Ryan stated that the other labor groups, during labor negotiations also agreed to some types of cost sharing program.
Mayor Avalos asked if anyone in the audience and zoom wished to speak on this item.
Mario Dominguez, Jr., commented, "make them pay."
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 24, 2023 2 PERSONNEL BENEFITS/
RETIREMENT ADMIN
CONT'D Having no one else come forward, Mayor Avalos closed the audience portion.
Vice Mayor Hurtado moved to approve staff's recommendation and seconded by Mayor Avalos.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Avalos, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes; Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Davila, yes; Council Member Rios, yes.
3 PARKING & TRAFFIC The City Council:
a. Waived the reading in full and adopted Resolution No. 2023-02- CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, approving and establishing a Preferential Parking District on San Jose Avenue from Cherokee Avenue to Sequoia Drive to prohibit parking between the hours of 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM; b. Directed the Public Works Department to install parking restriction signage within 90 days of the approval of the Resolution; c. Directed the City Clerk to notify the property owners on San Jose of the January 24, 2023, voting results; and
d. Appropriated $3,000 in Gas Tax Funds to install the parking restrictions.
Arturo Cervantes, Director of Public Works introduced Mr. Isaac Bravo.
Mr. Bravo is the Management Analyst for the Public Works Department/Engineering Division and is here to make the presentation.
Mr. Bravo stated that this item is to consider establishing a preferential parking district on San Jose from Cherokee Avenue to Sequoia Drive.
There are seven active districts within the city with different time frames.
These preferential districts are allowed in the California Vehicle Code and in the city's municipal code.
Mr. Bravo stated the residents voted on the established time from 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM. Each parcel will only be allowed two permits, per our municipal code.
Mayor Avalos asked if anyone in the audience and zoom wished to speak on this item.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 24, 2023 3 PARKING & TRAFFIC
CONT'D
Juan Martinez, 10246 San Jose Avenue thanked City Council for accepting their petition and helping the residents.
Robert Avila, 10309 San Jose Avenue thanked City Council for accepting their petition and helping the residents.
Mario Dominguez, Jr., stated he did not see any presentations.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Avalos closed the audience portion.
Vice Mayor Hurtado motioned to move forward and seconded by Mayor Avalos.
Council Member Barron stated living in a preferential parking district and recommends it to everyone.
Council Member Davila, Council Member Rios and Mayor Avalos commend the residents on San Jose for uniting and requesting preferential parking.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Avalos, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes; Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Davila, yes; Council Member Rios, yes.
Mayor Avalos thanked Public Works Department for having this procedure.
City Attorney Salinas stated living at 10222 San Jose Avenue from 1967- 1985.
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE - NON-AGENDA
ITEMS Reza Neamati, President of RN Development stated being in a financial difficulty due to the actions of Griffin Construction management team and the city management team since February 2022.
Danielle of RN Development stated the city was forced to shut down the Urban Orchard Project. The project is eighty percent done. She also mentioned this is causing financial difficulty.
Eddie Barker of RN Development stated this was to make the Council aware of the situation. RN Development is asking for the Council's help.
George Duarte, owner, and founder of Roocket Fitness. They have been open for 10 years in different cities. He stated two years ago he has had issues with the city due to parking.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 24, 2023
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE - NON-AGENDA
ITEMS CONT'D
Lizette Ruiz, Kauffman Avenue spoke on pet and animal welfare. She has volunteered as part of the trap-neuter-return program coordinated by FixNation in Sun Valley. She is a cofounder of a local group called SELLA Trap-Neuter-Return feral cats in the Southeast LA area. Ms. Ruiz is asking Council to bring back programs. She knows there used to be a mobile spay clinic at the park.
Employee of RN Development. He oversees transportation and reiterates financial difficulty.
Kevin, employee of RN Development. He is a carpenter and reiterates financial difficulty.
Milagros Diaz, 10001 Frontage Road, stated that many of the seniors at Thunderbird Villa were excited about the Urban Orchard Project. Ms.
Diaz stated the seniors are now disappointed.
Armando Velasquez, Independence Avenue hopes this project gets resolved. Mr. Velasquez thanked the city for having the Kiwanis Club at the Centennial celebration. He stated the club will be participating in the Homeless Count tomorrow. He invited everyone to the monthly Kiwanis cleanup on February 18 th at the Willow Elementary School. They are launching two bingo nights for the senior citizens on February 3r d and February 23rd. A major event will be held at the South Gate auditorium on February 4 th for all Kiwanis Clubs to elect district and state leaders.
Frank Rivera, 9700 block of McNerney Avenue congratulated the residents on San Jose for establishing their preferential parking. Mr.
Rivera reminded the city of the 2019 Parking Study. Mr. Rivera is requesting Council agendize an update report.
Mario Dominguez, Jr., stated that if the city is not going to implement the parking study, then forget about it. Mr. Dominguez asked if the NR Development has to do with Item 8. He asked the city to finish the Urban Orchid Project.
Jocelyn Panduro, Student Body Vice President at South Gate High School is requesting a donation of $2,000 for their All Student Body (ASB) class to purchase custom jerseys to wear at events to represent their ASB and school.
Thomas Buckley stated that a resident that resides in Elizabeth and Southern is still waiting for an update on the street light issues. Another complaint is about UWS and prefers Waste Management. Mr. Buckley stated that on January 21s t was a murder that happened in bright daylight
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 24, 2023
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE - NON-AGENDA
ITEMS CONT'D on State and Illinois. Mr. Buckley thanked South Gate PD and Sheriff's for investigating and hopes the suspect or suspects will be captured.
Cyndi Esquivel thanked the city and committee that oversaw putting together the Centennial celebration.
Jacqueline attended last month's Council Meeting and is asking for status if the city has informed the community of vehicle thefts.
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS Chris Jeffers, City Manager stated for the student that called in for the ASB donation. He is asking the student to call the Chief and make an application to the Youth Commission for funding. His response to Mr.
Rivera regarding the 2019 Park Study. The item was not presented to the Council until 2021. There were over 180 recommendations with different criteria to implement.
Arturo Cervantes, Director of Public Works stated that there are several lighting outages impacting the city. He mentioned circuit 37 as an example is a Southern California Edison issue.
Mr. Jeffers to Ms. Ruiz staff will look at the mobile clinic and provide Council with an update on that process. To Mr. Duarte that was one of the areas that Council took affirmative action to reduce parking requirements.
Mr. Jeffers stated that the Council is aware the county issued a stop notice on the Orchard Urban Project until the city obtains a notice called a closure permit. It is impacting the contractor and the city. The Council will be having a special meeting in a week or two for a thorough report on this project. Mr. Jeffers told everyone that the project will get done.
Chief Arakawa stated that the investigation is ongoing. The police department is working with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department on the incident that happened on January 21'.
Arturo Cervantes, Director of Public Works announced that the public works department is getting ready to start the fire hydrant flushing maintenance program. It begins on January 29 th' and it will take four months to complete.
Tina Fierro, Deputy Director of Parks & Recreation gave a recap on the Centennial event.
Meredith Elguira, Director of Community Development stated that the rental assistance program started today. A community meeting was held with regards to the Draft EIR for the Patata Project.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 24, 2023
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Yodit Glaze, City Clerk thanked all the city employees, volunteers, vendors, and performers that were present at Saturday's event.
Jose De La Paz, City Treasurer stated the community would like to know the city's stand on streets vendors. The second item is a timeline on the Tweedy Boulevard resurfacing and when it will occur. The third item is for the Council to place an item on the agenda adding cameras to our chambers for future Council meetings. Lastly, he will attend the bingo and the next clean-up.
Kris Ryan, Director of Administrative Services provided information to the public and residents on the UWS and how they are going to start housing in city hall to assist customers with any issues.
Jon Hamilton, Director of Human Resources enjoyed the Centennial event. Mr. Hamilton stated new jobs flyers are posted regularly on the city's website.
Chief of Arakawa reported ten (10) police explorers participated at the 25 th Annual Chandler, Arizona tactical competition. He also stated the police department are in the infantile stages of planning the next citizen academy which will take place in March.
Chris Jeffers, City Manager extended his gratitude to the employees and departments that participated in the Centennial event. Also, to the committee that helped organize the event. Mr. Jeffers stated it will be a full year of activities and ending with the reburying of the time capsule next January. The staff is diligently working to present the items that were inside the time capsule to the public. Mr. Jeffers stated Giselle is currently working on the City's E-Newsletter for residents to sign up and get the latest news.
Mr. Jeffers asked Mr. Cervantes if he would speak on the Tweedy Mile resurfacing.
Mr. Cervantes stated that the schedule is currently under design. It will probably be completed in the next four or five months. The project is federally funded. The outreach is forthcoming in the next month or so.
Mr. Jeffers mentioned that street vendors are allowed in certain areas because state law requires it under certain conditions.
Council Member Davila stated that it has been an honor being on Council during the Centennial. Everyone that attended the event had a great time.
She thanked the committee, employees, vendors, agencies, and clubs/organizations for participating. Virginia Johnson will be missed.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 24, 2023
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Council Member Barron stated the Centennial was a great event. He thanked the committee and Parks Department for their hard work. He also thanked the clubs/organizations for their participation.
Council Member Barron attended the ICA meeting on January 12 th and met Mrs. Davenport CEO of Los Angeles County. She provided information about what the county is trying to do to aid the homeless.
Council Member Barron stated that he has the South Gate Police Departments app on his phone and asked Chief Arakawa to speak on it.
Chief Arakawa encourages everyone to be active and be a neighborhood watch captain. We can have information on the social media pages and on the app.
Mr. Jeffers mentioned the Chief will be presenting the annual crime statistics.
Council Member Barron understands the police department must be careful what information is available on the app because criminals can have that app too.
Council Member Rios stated the Centennial was a great event. He thanked the committee and everyone that participated. He is looking forward to the other activities during the year.
Council Member Rios assured NR Development and the others that were impacted that we care deeply about this project, and we want to resolve it.
Council Member Rios mentioned the spring semester is starting at ELAC.
Vice Mayor Hurtado doesn't understand when the mass shooting will be under control. He reached out to the congresswoman's staff asking for help regarding street light issues. He also reached out to State Senator Lena Gonzalez and Assembly Member Anthony Rendon.
Vice Mayor Hurtado stated the Centennial was a great event.
Mayor Avalos thanked the departments and community for celebrating the city's Centennial. She thanked her colleagues for giving her the opportunity to be the mayor for the 100 th celebration.
Mayor Avalos attended the LA Sanitation meeting and the new directors in March to enlighten us as to what exactly is that they do. She also attended the HUB Cities meeting and they reviewed their annual budget.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 24, 2023
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Mayor Avalos stated that it is heartbreaking to hear of all the mass shootings.
CONSENT CALENDAR Agenda Items 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 were approved by motion of Mayor Avalos and seconded by Council Member Rios.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Avalos, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes (recused for Items 5 and 8); Council Member Barron, yes, Council Member Davila, yes, Council Member Rios, yes.
4 CITY COUNCIL
APPOINTMENTS
The City Council unanimously approved items A, B & C during the Consent Calendar:
a. Ratified the nomination by City Council Member Joshua Barron of Ms. Daisy Prieto to the Planning Commission; and
b. Ratified the request by Mayor Avalos to unappoint Ms. Liz Ruiz of the Parks & Recreation Commission and accept the nomination of City Council Member Joshua Barron of Ms. Liz Ruiz to the Parks & Recreation Commission; and
c. Ratified the nomination by Vice Mayor Gil Hurtado of Ms. Andrea Martinez to the Citizens Advisory Committee.
5 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council approved items A, B, C & D during the Consent Calendar:
a. Addendum No. 1 to Resolution 2021-66-CC relating to the Transfer Agreement No. 2021RPLLAR05 between the City and the Los Angeles County Flood Control District for the Safe, Clean Water Program - Regional Fund Program ("Transfer Agreement") to receive the Fiscal Year 2022/23 funding allocation of $2.2 Million awarded for the Urban Orchard Project;
b. Appropriated the $2.2 Million in Measure W Funds to be transferred to the Urban Orchard Project and authorizing the Director of Administrative Services to make any budget adjustments needed to carry out this recommended action;
c. Authorized the Mayor to sign Addendum No. 1; and
d. Authorized the City Manager to execute and submit all other documents pertaining to Addendum No. 1.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 24, 2023 6 MM.
FINANCIAL SERVICES The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during the Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. 2022-52-CC with MV Cheng & Associates through June 30, 2023, for temporary professional staffing services in an amount not-to-exceed $76,800; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 2 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
7 FINANCIAL MGMT The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during the Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. 3218, Professional Services Agreement with Bank of the West, extending the banking services contract for an additional one (1) year through December 31, 2023, and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 2 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
mom, 8
STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING
The City Council approved items A & B during the Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 6 to Contract No. 3352 with The Trust for Public Land to fund additional engineering services required to comply with Los Angeles County Department of Health requirements and to extend the contract term to December 31, 2023 for the Urban Orchard Project, City Project No. 539-PRK, in an amount not to exceed $250,000; b. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 6 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
9 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING
The City Council unanimously approved items A, B & C during the Consent Calendar:
a. Approved an Agreement (Contract No. 2023-04-CC) with Z&K Consultants, Inc., for construction management and inspection services for the East Alameda Street Sidewalk Improvements Project, City Project No. 660-ST, in an amount not-to-exceed $110,442; b. Appropriated $130,442 in Measure R Funds to Account No. 311-790- 31-9584 to fund construction management and inspection services inclusive of a $20,000 contingency; and
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 24, 2023 9 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING CONT'D c. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
10 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council unanimously approved items A, B, C, D & E during the Consent Calendar:
a. Agreement (Contract No. 2023-05-CC) with Sequel Contractors, Inc., to construct the East Alameda Street Sidewalk Improvements Project, City Project No. 660-ST ("Agreement"), in an amount not-to-exceed $903,361, inclusive of the $493,157 Base Bid and $410,204 Additive Alternative Bid;
b. Authorized the City Manager to approve contract change orders up to a cumulative amount of $100,000 to avoid delaying construction and payment of invoices involving change order work;
c. Appropriated $544,894 in Measure R Funds to fully fund the East Alameda Street Sidewalk Improvements Project, City Project No. 660- ST;
d. Approved the Notice of Exemption under Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") for the construction of the East Alameda Street Sidewalk Improvements Project, City Project No. 660-ST and directing the City Clerk to file it with the Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder's Office; and
e. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
11 PARKING & TRAFFIC The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during the Consent Calendar:
a. Agreement (Contract No. 2023-06-CC) with KOA Corporation ("Agreement") for construction monitoring and inspection services necessary to oversee traffic signal improvements taking place at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue with Chakemco Avenue and Wright Road, in an amount not-to-exceed $70,200; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 24, 2023 12 am& LAW ENFORCEMENT
13 PARKS
The City Council unanimously approved items A, B, C, D & E during the Consent Calendar:
a. Agreement (Contract No. 2023-07-CC) with ENL Building Services, Inc. ("Agreement"), for the construction of South Gate Police Department Detective's Bureau Remodel Project, City Project No. 642-GEN ("Project"), in the amount not-to-exceed $185,045; b. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney;
c. Purchase order with Western Office to purchase office furniture for the project through the OMNIA Partners cooperative purchase program, for an amount not to exceed $113,390;
d. Authorized the City Manager to execute the documents necessary to purchase the furniture in a form acceptable to the City Attorney; and e. The Notice of Exemption under Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") for the construction of the South Gate Police Department Detective's Bureau Remodel Project, City Project No. 642-GEN and directing the City Clerk to file it with the Los Angeles County Recorder's Office.
The City Council unanimously approved items A, B, C & D during the Consent Calendar:
a. Approving Contract Change Order No. 1 to Contract No. 2022-84-CC with NR Development, Inc., to supplant the construction of decomposed granite with rubber surfacing for the perimeter pathway on the Hollydale Community Park, City Project No. 607-PRK, in a net amount of $55,365.12;
b. Authorizing the Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director to execute Change Order No. 1;
c. Authorizing the City Manager to approve contract change orders up to a cumulative amount of $400,000 to avoid delaying construction and payment of invoices involving change order work; and
d. Authorizing the City Manager to approve pre-payments of construction progress payments for the construction contract to meet compliance with state legislation that requires payments within 30 days.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 24, 2023 14 DEEDS & EASEMENTS
The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during the Consent Calendar:
a. Accepted a Grant Deed from GSI South Gate Owner, LLC., to secure right-of-way for street purposes as part of the development located 9830 Atlantic Avenue, at no cost to the City; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Certificate of Acceptance in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
15 MINUTES The City Council unanimously approved items A, B, C, D & E during the Consent Calendar:
a. The Regular Meeting minutes of October 11, 2022;
b. The Special and Regular Meeting minutes of October 25, 2022; c. The Special Meeting Closed Session minutes of November 10, 2022; d. The Special Meeting minutes of November 10, 2022; and e. The Special Meeting minutes of November 29, 2022.
16 PROCLAMATIONS/
MEMORIAMS The City Council considered whether the City should provide a special recognition in honoring Ms. Virginia Johnson for her 20-years of civic engagement of through her attendance at City Council meetings and public comment participation during those meetings.
Mayor Avalos motioned to approve a plaque to be placed on the bench inside the Council Chambers and seconded by Council Member Davila.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Avalos, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes; Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Davila, yes; Council Member Rios, yes.
17 FINANCIAL AUDITS The City Council unanimously received and filed the City of South Gate Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2022, annual audit, and the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report ("ACFR"). No formal council action is required by motion of Council Member Davila and seconded by Vice Mayor Hurtado.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Avalos, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes; Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Davila, yes; Council Member Rios, yes.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 24, 2023 RECESS
18 WARRANTS
ADJOURNMENT
Prior to the conclusion of item 17, the City Council recessed for five (5) minutes.
The City Council unanimously approved the Warrant Register for January 24, 2023, by Council Member Davila and seconded by Mayor Avalos.
Total of Checks: $2,204,744.22
Less: Voids $ (8,075.50)
Less: Employee Payroll Deductions $ (345,865.23)
Grand Total: $1,850,803.49
Cancellations: 99458, 99672
ROLL CALL: Mayor Avalos, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes; Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Davila, yes; Council Member Rios, yes.
Mayor Avalos unanimously adjourned the meeting in memory of Adjournment in memory of Virginia Johnson, Citizens Advisory Committee member and Steve Masushige, son of Sylvia Masushige, long- time South Gate residents, Catherine Anne McHugh, mother of South Gate employee Deborah McEvilly, eleven (11) individuals from Monterey Park, seven (7) individuals from Half Moon Bay, Oakland & our city limits at 10:06 p.m. and seconded by Council Member Davila.
PASSED and APPROVED this 27th day of June 2023.
ATTEST:
Maria del Pilar Avalos, Mayor Yodit F laze, City Clerk