CITY OF SOUTH GATE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 25, 2023
CALL TO ORDER Maria del Pilar Avalos, Mayor called a Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:51 p.m.
INVOCATION Steve Costley, Acting Director of Parks & Recreation
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE Nicholas Iturriaga, Police Officer
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. Salina
1 COMMUNITY DEV/
HOUSING Following the conclusion of the Public Hearing, the City Council unanimously approved A, B & C by motion of Council Member Rios and . seconded by Council Member Barron:
a. Adopted Resolution No. 2023-20-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, receiving and approving the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Annual Action Plan; b. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to submit to the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Annual Action Plan; and
c. Authorized the City Manager or his designee to enter into agreements with eligible subrecipients in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Davila, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes; Mayor Avalos, yes.
Meredith Elguira stated that Ms. Carol Averell will be presenting the item.
Ms. Averell stated that each year an Annual Action Plan must be prepared with the five-year consolidated plan. This shows how the city will spend the allocations for CDBG and HOME Funding. The consolidated plan was adopted in 2020 and the FY 2023-2024 is the fourth year of the five-year consolidated plan.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 25, 2023
1 COMMUNITY DEV/
HOUSING CONT'D Ms. Averell stated that on March 8 th a meeting with the Citizens' Advisory Committee was held and the committee and City staff made recommendations.
Ms. Averell explained the chart.
For Administration under CDBG we have a 20% cap. The total amount allocated for administration is $263,705. They are required to provide Fair Housing funding administration, so the recommendation is $24,000. The total amount for Program Administration and Planning is $239,705.
For Public Service Grants we have a 15% cap. The total amount allocated is $197,779. The recommendation by the Citizen's Advisory Committee to Compatior Counseling Center is $25,000; $22,779 to Family Violence Prevention Program, $11,000 to South Gate Police Explorers; $9,000 to the Home Modification Program.
For Non-Public Service which has no cap. We are recommending the remaining balance of $857,043. We are recommending $500,00 to the Commercial Façade Program; and $357,043 to start a Neighborhood Revitalization Grant Program.
Ms. Averell stated that the additional recommendation from staff is to reallocate the $25,000 and split the amounts equally between Family Violence Prevention Program ($35,279) and South Gate Police Explorers ($23,500).
For the HOME Funding Allocation, we received $740,613. This year there is an exception, there is a waiver that can be filed and request to use 20% of the entitlement for Administration which is $148,122. Allocating $80,000 for Affordable Housing Development (Azure Development 7916 Long Beach Blvd) and $512,491 to the Affordable Housing Development for future projects.
Mayor Avalos asked if anyone in the audience and zoom wished to speak on this item.
Mario Dominguez, Jr., inquired if his mother could apply for the Neighborhood Revitalization Grant Program.
Thomas Buckley is concerned the city is referring to and/or using an antiquated newspaper.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Avalos closed the audience portion.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 25, 2023
1 COMMUNITY DEV/
HOUSING CONT'D Meredith Elguira, Director of Community Development stated that for a resident to qualify for this program, the city would have to qualify them income-wise. There are other programs, and the city needs to appraise their homes to qualify for CDBG.
City Attorney Salinas stated that the County of Los Angeles recognizes the Wave as a newspaper for general circulation.
Council Member Barron asked if the Neighborhood Revitalization Grant Program is a new program.
Ms. Elguira stated that yes, it is a new program.
Council Member Barron asked if any publications have been posted.
Ms. Elguira stated not yet because it requires Council approval first. And guidelines are required to be approved by HUD.
Council Member Davila asked if any resident could apply.
Ms. Elguira said yes.
Vice Mayor Hurtado inquired about the total amount for the Graffiti Abatement.
Ms. Elguira stated that currently the city is allocating $130,000.
Arturo Cervantes, Director of Public Works does not have the exact amount but it's close to $450,000.
Vice Mayor Hurtado asked if that amount does not include the $130,000.
Mr. Cervantes stated that it includes the $130,000.
Vice Mayor Hurtado asked if the city has any programs to educate people as to the negative impacts of graffiti. It seems the city spends over $100,000 every year.
Mr. Cervantes stated the city does not have a graffiti abatement outreach.
Vice Mayor Hurtado asked if the city penalizes anyone getting caught.
Darren Arakawa, Chief of Police is not prepared to answer statistically what the consequences are. However, in years past when someone was arrested the judge would send a letter to the city asking how much the restitution would be.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 25, 2023
1 COMMUNITY DEV/
HOUSING CONT'D Council Member Rios stated that often it's the young people and we need to find a way to help them become good citizens.
Mayor Avalos asked if the Affordable Housing Development is a new program.
Ms. Elguira stated that it is to be determined. As the city receives proposals for affordable housing development then we can use this fund.
Mayor Avalos stated that this project is for developers not for the community. She would prefer this item to be for first-time home buyers in the community.
Ms. Elguira stated that we used to have the first-time home buyers' program. The city is still receiving revenue from the first-time home buyers that are paying off their loans, selling or refinancing.
Chris Jeffers, City Manager stated that the program originally started through the Community Redevelopment program so the guidelines are much different than HUD. HUD is more restrictive.
Vice Mayor Hurtado asked if a person qualifies for the first-time buyer program must they live in it or are they allowed to rent the home. Are they allowed to build an ADU?
Mr. Jeffers stated that staff would need to check with HUD.
Mayor Avalos requested a CDBG of $10,000 to help residents.
Council Member Barron asked if this item can be approved with the recommendations from staff
Council Member Davila asked from where are the $10,000 coming from.
Mayor Avalos suggested $5,000 from Family Violence and $5,000 from Police Explorers.
Council Member Davila disagrees. The city has provided enough money for Compatior. The council has yet to receive any information that was requested. She suggested moving with the staff's recommendations.
Council Member Barrons agrees with Council Member Davila.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 25, 2023
COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Am-, NON-AGENDA ITEMS Mario Dominguez, Jr. is requesting the Council speak with Congresswoman Nanette Barragan and Senator Lena Gonzalez to speak with Janice Hahn about the LA River project.
Alex Cueto, designer for Art Design Services, is present tonight with a client. Mr. Cueto stated that in January 2022 the planning department for an ADU or any type of submittal was $231. Three months later it was $269. In August was $1,085. The City of South Gate is taking longer than any other city in the State of California to approve ADU's and the fees are higher.
Juan Gonzalez has 50 years living in the City of South Gate and is complaining about street vendors.
Vanessa Cruz from the Office of Congresswoman Barragan stating the congresswoman is holding a small business resource session on Monday, May 1, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. in the city of Paramount.
Thomas Buckley stated receiving complaints from residents regarding encampments and trees being cut down between Hildreth and the pool.
REPORT AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS Meredith Elguira, Director of Community Development, responded to Mr.
Cueto's statements stating that it is true the planning division is behind.
There are two planners working on ADU's and that was prior increasing the fees last year. Five applications are being processed per week. The department was able to hire planning consultants. She also stated explaining to Mr. Cueto's son of the fees.
Mayor Avalos asked Ms. Elguira how many planning consultations are checking the ADU's plans.
Ms. Elguira stated there are two additional consultations.
Ms. Elguira stated that the department is providing more notices of violations.
Chris Jeffers, City Manager stated the Chief will follow up on the homeless issues. The trees were being worked on at the South Gate Park that are problematic. Vanessa from Congresswoman Barragan's Office called the City Manager's Office regarding the small business resource session, and it was posted on the City's website. The city is in discussions with the City's Prosecutor and staff on bringing a revised ordinance addressing vendors.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 25, 2023
REPORT AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Council Member Rios is concerned that the new tree vendor will be cutting down trees that provide shade.
Arturo Cervantes, Director of Public Works stated that this year is the first cycle of the four-year tree trimming program. Some trees have been identified to be problematic.
Council Member Barron had the pleasure of sitting on the Parks & Recreation Commission for about 5 years and stated that Glen Massey from the Parks Department loves trees. Mr. Massey will work with the arborist.
Steve Costley, Acting Director of Parks & Recreation stated that Assemblymember Rendon is having a biking event this Saturday at Hollydale Regional Park and an earth day event. On May 5 th we will be holding our next centennial event at the golf course area. The next Saturday will be the JAA opening day for the regular baseball season @ 10:00 a.m.
Arturo Cervantes, Director of Public Works stated taking the first-year cycle trim for all the trees on the public right-of-way, trimmed over 2,800 trees in the community and done removal and other treatments. On the fire hydrant flushing program, we have completed thirteen of the sixteen zones. We have flushed nearly 1,000 fire hydrants.
Jon Hamilton, Director of Human Services reported on the positions the city is recruiting.
Darren Arakawa, Police Chief highlighted upcoming community events.
Kris Ryan, Director of Administrative Services stated that the city will be transitioning to a new phone system this Friday.
Yodit Glaze, City Clerk stated that the passport services in the City Clerk's Office is opened for the public. She also stated that two hourly positions will be hired.
Jose De La Paz, City Treasurer wished Vice Mayor Hurtado a Happy Birthday.
Chris Jeffers, City Manager congratulated Public Works Department for an excellent job during earth day this past weekend.
Raul F. Salinas, City Attorney had nothing to report at this time.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 25, 2023
REPORT AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Council Member Davila wished Vice Mayor Hurtado a Happy Birthday.
She attended earth day which was very well attended. She commended Public Works Department for a job well done during earth day. She also attended Stanford Elementary School's Career Day and visited three classrooms. At the last city council meeting, she and Mayor Avalos were in Sacramento advocating for our city. The League of California Cities are working on housing and homelessness. The state is asking all cities to build eight thousand houses but there is no funding. The League of California is asking the state for three billion dollars for the housing. They did meet with the legislatures asking for an amendment on how many houses need to be built, especially in the city of South Gate. Another issue was homelessness.
Council Member Davila attended a workshop on safety, and she spoke to City Manager about having an active shooter scenario. She stated that the City of Paramount had an active shooter scenario at Paramount High School. She asked to adjourn in memory of Cecilia Martinez wife of Ted Noudis (a long-time resident of South Gate and former business owner of T and C's Restaurant on Tweedy Blvd) who passed away this Sunday.
Mayor Avalos stated that while they were at the capital there was an active shooter at the capital. The active shooter left the capital and then went to the city of Roseville where he was captured.
Council Member Barron had the opportunity to attend Coffee with a Cop on April 13th. He is asking to get ahold of the local schools and ask if they are trained in using Automated External Defibrillator (AED). He informed Mr. Gonzalez that the city is working on updating the ordinance regarding vendors. He informed Mr. Cueto that he too built an ADU, and it is stressful and hopes there will be an improvement on the waiting list. He had the pleasure of meeting with the Community Development Department and thanked the director for setting up the meeting.
Council Member Rios stated that the city of Bell Gardens improved their ordinance and made certain all vendors have licenses and permits. He stated that the active shooter topic was discussed at the college he works at. He had the pleasure of going to the International Studies Learning Center and hearing some of the senior projects. He too attended the Earth Day event. He will be attending on May 4th the Southern California Associates of Government and will be the delegate for the city. Also on May 4th is National Prayer Breakfast at South Gate Park.
Vice Mayor Hurtado stated that the South Gate JAA will be having its opening day on Saturday, May 6th and everyone is invited to attend and Ken Landreaux the former baseball player for the Dodgers will be present.
He too attended the Earth Day event. He received notifications of large
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 25, 2023
REPORT AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D gatherings at Hollydale Park without permits. He attended the Coffee with the Principal at South Gate Middle School and street vendors and homeless were brought up. He thanked everyone for the birthday wishes.
Mayor Avalos attended the League of California Cities advocating for our community to bring in resources. One of the issues discussed was the building of homes and building up. She had the privilege of attending the Women's Club conference on May 17 th and Stanford Elementary School's 2 nd Annual Career. She thanked Mr. Gonzalez for bringing up the vendor issues in the city. She understands the urgency of ADU's and hopes they can expedite the community members. She also attended The Wall Las Memorias conducted by Janice Hahn and Jackie Goldberg in the city of Bell. She also attended HUB Cities. She mentioned Compatior was honored to receive the mentored internship program grant which is a component of the California Department of Mental Health Services Behavior Health and Workhorse Department. Compatior is going to partner with Loyola Marymount, East LA College and LA Trade Tech to mentor students that are in the field of opioid addiction and substance use.
Council Member Davila requested an update from staff regarding East LA College.
Council Member Rios stated the college needs to vacate the building by June 24. The building across the street is expected to be built by the fall of next year.
CONSENT CALENDAR Agenda Items 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 were approved by motion of Council Member Davila and seconded by Vice Mayor Avalos.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Davila, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes (recused for Items 2 and 5); Mayor Avalos, yes.
2 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council made a finding and adopted Resolution No. 2023-21- CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, State of California, declaring an emergency still exists and authorizing repair, replacement or maintenance activities of public facilities related to the Urban Orchard Project, City Project No. 539-PRK, without public bidding, pursuant to the emergency contracting procedures of the South Gate Municipal Code and the California Public Contract Code, during Consent Calendar.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 25, 2023
3 111 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING
4 GENERAL PLAN
5 WATER
The City Council unanimously approved A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Resolution No. 2023-22-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, preliminarily approving the Engineer's Report required for the proceedings of the Fiscal Year 2023/24 Annual Levy and Collection of
Assessments for the Street Lighting and Landscape Maintenance District No. 1; and
b. Resolution No. 2023-23-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, declaring the City's intention to levy and collect assessments under the Fiscal Year 2023/24 Annual Levy and Collection of Assessments within the Street Lighting and Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 and setting a Public Hearing for May 23, 2023.
The City Council unanimously approved A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. 2020-85-CC with Veronica Tam and Associates, Inc., for Professional Services to update the Housing Element for the 6th Planning Cycle 2021-2029; and b. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 1 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
The City Council approved A, B, C, D & E during Consent Calendar:
a. Agreement (Contract No. 2023-54-CC) with Unified Field Services Corporation for the construction of the Hawkins North and South Tank Rehabilitation, City Project No. 645-WTR in an amount not-to-exceed $3,432,764;
b. Appropriated $3,791,207 in Water Funds from the unrestricted balance of the Water Fund to fully fund the project;
c. A finding determining the Hawkins North and South Tank Rehabilitation, City Project No. 645-WTR 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)
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 25, 2023
5 WATER CONT'D
6 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING
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);
d. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney; and
e. 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.
The City Council unanimously approved A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Agreement (Contract No. 2023-55-CC) with Gannett Fleming Inc., to provide construction management and inspection services for the construction of the Long Beach Boulevard Street
Improvements Project, City Project No. 515-ST, Federal Project Nos. ATPL-5257(033) and HSIPL-5257(037) in an amount not to exceed $468,241; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
7 ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY CONTROL The City Council unanimously approved A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
a. Agreement (Contract No. 2023-56-CC) with Stearns, Conrad and Schmidt, Consulting Engineers, Inc., to provide environmental engineering services in an amount not to exceed $399,093 for a two-year and six-month term beginning May 2023 to October 2025;
b. Appropriated $399,093 from the US EPA 2023 Communitywide Brownfields Assessment Grant; and
c. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 25, 2023
8 COMMUNITY DEV/
HOUSING
The City Council unanimously approved A, B & C by motion of Vice Mayor Hurtado and seconded by Mayor Avalos:
a. Authorized the City to join the Gateway Cities Affordable Housing Trust;
b. Resolution No. 2023-24-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, approving the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement (Contract No. 2023-57-CC) for the membership to the Gateway Cities Affordable Housing Trust; and c. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Joint Powers Agreement with the Gateway Cities Affordable Housing Trust in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Davila, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes; Mayor Avalos, yes.
9 CITY COUNCIL The City Council gave guidance to staff to present a project and program that would permit the video/streaming of City Council meetings and bring the item back at the second meeting in May.
10 WATER The City Council unanimously authorized the Assistant City Manager/ Director of Public Works to submit a Protest Letter objecting to the proposed Replenishment Assessment increase of $35 per acre-foot (approximately 8.5% for FY 2023-24) by the Water Replenishment District, by motion of Mayor Avalos and seconded by Vice Mayor Hurtado.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Davila, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes; Mayor Avalos, yes.
11 WARRANTS The City Council unanimously approved the Warrant Register for April 25, 2023, by motion of Mayor Avalos and seconded by Council Member Rios.
Total of Checks:
Less: Voids
Less: Employee Payroll Deductions
Grand Total:
$3,956,510.64
$ (586.67)
$ (406,947.05)
$3,548,976.92
Ug
Yodit aze, City Clerk
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 25, 2023
11 WARRANTS CONT'D Cancellations: 94513, 94556, 94754, 95085, 95124, 95452, 95472, 95486, 95528, 96628, 96661, 96672, 96715, 97149, 97274, 100015, 99776 ROLL CALL: Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Davila, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes; Mayor Avalos, yes.
ADJOURNMENT Mayor Avalos unanimously adjourned the meeting in memory of Theresa Rodriguez, mother of Tweedy Mile Advisory Board Member Adolfo Varas, Cecilia Martinez wife of Ted Noudis (a long-time resident of South Gate and former business owner of T and C's Restaurant on Tweedy Blvd), Ada Livia Hernandez, passed away last week at the age of 86, South Gate resident since 1961. She leaves behind four children and a husband of 92 years old, Javier Elizalde Via, lifelong resident of South Gate, Vedovina Pulido, lifelong resident of South Gate and in memoriam of Detective Alexis Gonzalez at 9:15 p.m. and seconded by Council Member Davila.
PASSED and APPROVED this 27 th day of June 2023.
ATTEST:
Maria del Pilar Avalos, Mayor