CITY OF SOUTH GATE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2023
CALL TO ORDER Maria del Pilar Avalos, Mayor called a Regular City Council Meeting to order to 7:09 p.m.
INVOCATION Steve Costley, Acting Director of Parks & Recreation
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE Alex Largon, Boy Scout
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 Manager Chris Jeffers, City Attorney Raul F. Salinas ABSENT City Treasurer Jose De La Paz
COMMERCIAL ASSESSMENT
DISTRICTS Following the conclusion of the Public Hearing, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-37-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, ordering the levy and collection ot assessments for Fiscal Year 2023/24 for the Parking and Business Improvement Area (known as the Tweedy Mile Business District) Business License, as permitted by the Parking and Business Improvement Area Law of 1989 (California Streets And Highways Code Section 36500 et seg.), by the motion of Council Member Rios and seconded by Mayor Avalos.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Davila, recused; Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes; Mayor Avalos, yes.
Council Member Davila recused herself from participating in this item and left the Council Chambers.
Giselle Hernandez presented a resolution for the Tweedy Mile Business Improvement District. The project area is along Tweedy Blvd, between Hunt Ave and Long Beach Blvd. State Law states that funds collected by the city must only be used for decoration, promotion of public events, and general promotion of retail trade activities.
Mayor Avalos asked if anyone in the audience and zoom wished to speak on this item.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 13, 2023
COMMERCIALASSESSMENT
DISTRICTS CONT'D Mario Dominguez states that funding should be distributed to business owners for upgrading infrastructure or for other uses on Tweedy Blvd.
Jose Sandoval states that the streets on Tweedy Blvd are filled with potholes and notes that the business's infrastructure needs to be better cared for.
Mr. Bash, a fellow business owner on Tweedy Blvd and President of Tweedy Mile Association, requested that the funds be spent differently.
He states that business owners and residents have not seen any investment on Tweedy Bld in the past four years.
Cyndi Esquivel asked the Council to clarify who receives the funds, who determines where, and to whom the funds are distributed.
Yodit Glaze, City Clerk read an anonymous letter from a fellow resident who disapproves of the Tweedy Mile Levy Assessment. The individual states that many of these funds are not benefiting Tweedy Bld Having no one else come forward, Mayor Avalos closed the audience portion.
Ms. Hernandez assured community members that the funds are grants from the state and solely distributed to Tweedy Blyd on those three topics, as discussed in her presentation. She also wanted to remind the residents that the Tweedy Mile Advisory Board is given direction by state law on how and where the funds should be allocated. Due to the pandemic, the Tweedy Mile Advisory Board has implemented a website for all the merchants on Tweedy Bld to use and rebrand their businesses.
Council Member Barron echoes Ms. Hernandez's message regarding the benefits of this specific funding and how implementing the website will help aid the business on Tweedy Blvd. Mr. Barron also wanted to note Mr.
Dominguez's comment on the business buildings on Tweedy Blvd. He explained the importance of having property owners take the initiative to be much more active and invested in the communities where they have their businesses. Mr. Barron explained that the road and street cleanup on Tweedy Blvd will start in 2024.
Arturo Cervantes, Director of Public Works, explained that there are two phrases to the Tweedy Mile project. One beginning this year and the second beginning in 2025.
Council Member Rios noted that street improvements are occurring throughout the city, such as the ones on Firestone Blvd, Garfield Ave, and Long Beach Blvd.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 13, 2023
COMMERCIAL ASSESSMENT
DISTRICTS CONT'D Vice Mayor Hurtado wanted to clarify the area in which the project would take place.
Ms. Hernandez clarified that the project would take place from Hunt Ave to Long Beach Blvd.
Mr. Hurtado noted Mr. Bash's concerns and invited Mr. Bash to have a further discussion on his concerns.
Mayor Avalos thanked Mr. Dominguez and Mr. Sandoval, stating their concerns. She mentioned that many of their concerns about the building's outer appearance could not be addressed because these buildings are privately owned. The city can also not purchase these buildings from the property owners and beautify them because then the city would have built- in affordable housing use. Nevertheless, she reassured the residents that
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE (NON-AGENDA
ITEMS) Mario Dominguez requested that the Council take the initiative to listen and be more receptive to public concerns.
Daniel De Rosa sought council assistance on a protested payment from Universal Waste Systems. He states that, as a business owner, he should have been notified about the citation.
Sandy Rodriguez, a Board Member of the Kiwanis Club, announced the Back-to-School Supplies and Backpack Drive launch that will take place on July 29th. They will be collecting donations. Don't hesitate to contact Kiwanis Club if you have further questions or would like to donate.
Armando Velasquez, President of the Kiwanis Club made a few announcements regarding Back-to-School Backpack and Supplies and the Clean Up event that will take place on Saturday, the 17th, on Hunt Ave and Firestone Blvd.
she asked how, as residents, the
Jose Sandoval is a fellow property owner and requested assistance on illegal dumping in front of his property. He has received a few letters from code enforcement. He also wanted to note the illegal parking in front of his property.
South Central Audit stresses the importance of protecting Street Vendor's rights.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 13, 2023
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE (NON-AGENDA
ITEMS) Thomas Buckley agreed with the last speaker about protecting street vendors' rights.
Andrea Paulino disagreed with the two speakers and requested that fellow residents invest more time in educating themselves on city policies.
Victor Solorio, merchant business owner, and fellow resident. He wanted to echo the comments on street vending rights. He also noted the difficulty that street vendors may have with city regulations. Lastly, he requested that the city create some form of a task force to address this topic.
Robert Montalvo states his disapproval of the current treatment of street vendors.
Ms. Glaze reports that she received an anonymous email. The individual is a fruit vendor in the city and wanted to share their disapproval of the amount of illegal street vending that occurred during the Tweedy Mile Fair.
Arturo Cervantes, Director of Public Works, addressed the concerns of trash hauler complaints and illegal dumping
Darren Arakawa, Chief of Police explained that the area discussed where the illegal parking is taking place is not city property.
Kris Ryan, Director of Administrative Services addressed the complexity of the parking issue.
Mr. Cervantes also took the time to address resident Yolanda's comments on the vacant lot on Atlantic and Tweedy. He mentioned that the lot has been on sale for several years. Due to the pricing of the land, it has yet to be purchased. In terms of homelessness, the city is currently working with the neighboring city of Bell to shelter individuals needing assistance.
Mayor Avalos requested that information on all resources for homelessness should be on the city's website for all to have access to.
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS Arturo Cervantes, Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works took the time to invite all members of the public to visit the city's website under the Public Works page to review the five-year CAP Program that highlights the infrastructure improvements on Tweedy Boulevard and Firestone Boulevard.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 13, 2023
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Steve Costley, Director of Parks & Recreation, announced the open classes and programs at the park. He encourages all residents to visit the Park this summer and to participate in the local classes they have available.
Vice Mayor Hurtado wanted to inquire about the AYSL program for children interested in soccer.
Mr. Costley informed the Council that the public AYSL program was closed due to the pandemic and would open soon.
Council Member Davila asked if a lunch program was available for children at the park.
Mr. Costley stated that the Park does not have a lunch program for the children. However, LAUSD does provide student lunches at noon every day.
Vice Mayor Hurtado asked if it was possible to use the local high school's fields for park programs.
Mr. Costley informed the Council that the local high schools had opened their doors to allow park programs to operate from the schools.
Meredith Elguira, Director of Community Development, informed Council that she had heard back from the HCD State Housing Department.
Hoping they will give their review of the submittal next week.
Yodit Glaze, City Clerk, reported that the two receptionist positions had been filled on May 24.
Kris Ryan, Director of Administrative Services, informed the public and Council that the budget for the new fiscal year can be found on the city's website.
Jon Hamilton, Director of Human Resources, announced the open positions for the City of South Gate.
Darren Arakawa, Chief of Police, reported an update on the street fair that took place in early June. Over the three-day event, 26 arrests and 100 arking citations occurred. He thanked Lieutenant Arana, who served he watch commander. He also reminded the Council and the residents o the National Night Out Event on August 2nd at the Civic Center and Family Day at the Park that will take place on November 11th. He continued to thank Bell Gardens Police Department for their help during he street fair. He mentioned that the police department is currentl fundraising for the Trunk a Tree Event and Police Navidad.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 13, 2023
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Chris Jeffers, City Manager, reminded the community that Metro has been holding update meetings at the West Santa Ana Branch. He also encouraged the public to review the budget on the city's website.
Council Member Davila reported that Gateway Cities has a new executive director. His name is Hector De La Torre. She also noted that she attended he Memorial Day Event, the Tweedy Mile Fair, and a few graduations it he city. She took the time to thank the Police Department and their efforts in keeping citizens safe during the fair and Tweedy Mile Association for hosting it. Lastly, she informed the Council that she is now the Council Member Barron added to Mr. Costley's comment that free swimming lessons start June 12" at the Park. He noted that he attended the Memorial Day event and thanked Jon Hamilton for his incredible speech.
Mr. Barron shared the Public Works Department water testing project and its importance for the city's residents. Lastly, he congratulated all the high school graduates.
Council Member Rios thanked the Police Department for their presence at the Tweedy Mile Fair. He also congratulated the graduates for their accomplishments. Mr. Rios attended a few graduations throughout the city.
He noted the successful turnout for the Men's Health Event at the Park.
Lastly, he wanted to promote an upcoming event that will be taking place on the ELAC campus here in South Gate for individuals wanting to further their education or that are simply seeking guidance in a career.
Vice Mayor Hurtado noted his attendance at the Memorial Day Event and thanked Jon Hamilton for his impressive speech. He also congratulated all graduates on their successes. He noted the success of the street fair and the saturation of police presence during the event. Lastly, he thanked all the individuals who participated in the meeting for their input.
Mayor Avalos noted her absence at the Memorial Day Event. She mentioned attending the Democratic Delegate Event, where she represented the City of South Gate. She commended the Police Department, Public Works Department, and the Tweedy Mile Association for putting on a successful fair for the city. She also attended the LA Sanitation meeting at the end of May along with the Eco Transit Meeting.
The number of covid cases has reduced. Lastly, she requested that Mr.
Cervantes give a status update on a press release of the Southeast Water Board Meeting.
Mr. Cervantes stated that he had yet to receive that information. But will notify Council with a memo when the press release is issued.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 13, 2023
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Mayor Avalos continued by noting that she attended a few graduations, such as the KIPP Corazón Academy and South Gate High School. Many graduaten see haked lane ipi vodel freir onion ious support and activeness behind the scenes in giving scholarships to the recent graduates.
Ms. Davila noted the importance of incorporating parents in the meetings to help transition.
Mayor Avalos agreed and reassured that more workshops, such as the one presented this year for the senior class, will continue to be implemented in the following years.
CONSENT CALENDAR Agenda Items 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12 and 13 were approved by motion of Council Member Rios and seconded by Mayor Avalos. Item 10 was pulled for a separate discussion.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Davila, yes (recused on Item 6); Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes (recused for Item 4); Mayor Avalos, yes.
MUNICIPAL CODE ADMIN The City Council unanimously waived the reading in full and adopted Ordinance No. 2023-03-CC entitled Ordinance of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, repealing Chapter 6.42 (Smoking prohibited in all city-owned, city-operated, and city-controlled buildings and vehicles, and at each municipal park) in its entirety and adopting new Chapter 6.42 (Smoking Prohibited) and Sections 6.42.010 (Purpose),
6.42.020 (Definitions), 6.42.030 (Posting of signs required), 6.42.040 (Enforcement) and 6.42.050 (Other applicable laws) to the South Gate Municipal Code during Consent Calendar.
PERSONNEL BENEFITSI
RETIREMENT ADMIN The City Council unanimously waived the reading in full and adopted Ordinance No. 2023-02-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 1% for local niscellaneous members in the South Gate Municipal Employee Association, South Gate Professional Mid-Management Association, an South Gate Division Management Association, and 1% for classic local
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 13, 2023
PERSONNEL BENEFITS/
RETIREMENT ADMIN
CONT'D police members in the South Gate Police Officers Association beginning Fiscal Year 2023-24 during Consent Calendar.
STREETSSIDEWALKSI
LANDSCAPING The City Council made a finding and adopted Resolution No. 2023-38-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, 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.
STREETSISIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2023-39-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, adopting the Local Streets and Roads Funding Program Project List for Fiscal Year 2023/24 to program $650,000 in Senate Bill 1 funds for the Tweedy Mile Complete Streets, City Project No. 614-ST, $850,000 for the Citywide Residential Resurfacing Phase I, City Project No. 637- ST, $480,385 for the Citywide Residential Resurfacing Phase IV, City Project No. 699-ST, $225,000 for the Tweedy Mile Complete Streets Phase II, City Project No. 717-ST, and $100,000 for the Tweedy Mile Uncontrolled Crosswalks, Project No. 650-ST, in compliance with Senate Bill 1 requirements during Consent Calendar.
6 PARKING & TRAFFIC The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. 3500 with Iteris, Inc., for additional design services for the Tweedy Boulevard Signal Synchronization Project, LAMTA ID F7309, City Project No. 514- TRF, in an amount not-to-exceed $40,500; and
Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 2 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
WASTEWATER MGMT
The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Agreement (Contract No. 2023-78-CC) with John L. Hunter and Associates, Inc., for management services for the Used Oil Recycling ("UOR") and Beverage Container Recycling ("BCR"
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 13, 2023
WASTEWATER MONT
CONT'D Programs, for a three-year term, in the amount not-to-exceed $114.600: and
Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
PARKS The City Council unanimously approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
a. Appropriated $120,000 from the Park Enhancement Fund to be added to the existing budget for the repair of the rubberized surfacing at the North Playground of South Gate Park;
Purchase Order Agreement with Dave Bang & Associates for $307,641.57 to remove the old, rubberized surfacing and replace it with new materials utilizing their California Multiple Award Schedule CMAS #4-22-12-1015 contract; and
Authorized the Director of Parks & Recreation to approve any contingencies or change orders up to $12,358.43.
PERSONNEL.-
LABOR RELATIONS The City Council unanimously authorized the City Manager or his/she approved by City Council per fiscal year effective July 1, 2023, during
ADMINSTRATIVE
REGULATION The City Council adopted the proposed updates to the City's Administrative Regulation 302 - Travel Policy by motion of Mayor Avalos and seconded by Council Member Hurtado.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Davila, yes; Council Member Barron, no; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes; Mayor Avalos, yes
Council Member Barron motioned to amend the travel policy to stipulate when travel is over 50 miles the reservation cannot be booked until the first day of the conference. The motion died due to lack of a second.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 13, 2023
11 INVESTMENT ADMIN The City Council unanimously received and filed the Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, during Consent Calendar.
FINANCIAL MGMT The City Council unanimously adopted the City's Annual Statement of Investment Policy during Consent Calendar.
13 MINUTES The City Council unanimously approved items A, B, C, D, E and F during Consent Calendar:
a. The Special Meeting minutes of January 10, 2023
The Special Meeting minutes of February 28, 2023
The Special Meeting minutes of March 14, 2023
The Regular Meeting minutes of March 14, 2023
The Special Meeting minutes of March 28, 2023
f. The Special Meeting minutes of April 11, 2023
14 PARKS The City Council received and filed a report by the Nature for All and the Conservation Corp of Long Beach on the River Ranger Program and other activities on the LA River by motion of Vice Mayor Hurtado and seconded by Mayor Avalos.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Davila, yes; Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes; Mayor Avalos, yes.
5-minute recess
15 CITY COUNCIL The City Council considered options presented by staff that would permit video streaming of City Council meetings and provide further direction on the next steps.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 13, 2023
CITY COUNCIL CONT'D Kris Ryan presented the Video Cameras and Streaming Options Option 1:
Option 1 consists of a Camera System. This specific option is a stand- lone camera system containing static video recording. Mr. Ryan note Option 2:
Option 3:
Option 3 consists of an Outsource Video Production. This specific option will consist of several accessibility features and will be run by a third- party company that will handle recording, producing, and uploading footage to Granicus. This program will also provide remote live operators during all meetings.
Mr. Ryan reassured the council and community of the specific pricing of Option 2 and Option 3 will vary and affirmed numbers will be presented when contracts are instated.
Council Member Davila motioned to approve Option 3 and seconded by Mayor Avalos.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Davila, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes; Mayor Avalos, yes.
16 WARRANTS The City Council unanimously approved the Warrant Register for June 13, 2023, approved by motion of Council Member Rios and seconded by Council Member Davila.
Total of Checks: $3,219,907.88
Less: Voids $ (3,694.90)
Less: Employee Payroll Deductions $ (375,642.81)
Grand Total: $2,840,570.17
Cancellations: 94721, 95055, 95470, 95548, 96740, 96877, 96971, 97275, 97303, 97551, 97952, 98312, 98313, 98314, 98975, 99057, 100251, 101298, 101344
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 13, 2023
ADJOURNMENT Mayor Avalos unanimously adjourned the meeting in memory of Ramon Mireles, Mayor Avalos' relative at 10:50 p.m. and seconded by Council Member Barron.
PASSED and APPROVED this 11" day of July 2023.
ATTEST:
Maria del Pilar Avalos, Mayor Yodit Glaze, City Clerk