CITY OF SOUTH GATE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2023
CALL TO ORDER Maria del Pilar Avalos, Mayor called a Regular City Council Meeting to order to 6:40 p.m.
INVOCATION Steve Costley, Acting Director of Parks & Recreation
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE Cruz Castellanos, Jr., Newly Hired South Gate 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. Salinas
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE (NON-AGENDA
ITEMS) A resident speaker expressed her disappointment in the recent cancellation of park activities and of the motion that was set during the special meeting that occurred on June 26 th, 2023, regarding the street vendors. She also requested that an audit should take place for concession stands at the park such as the Snack Bar to ensure the transparency of funds allocated at the park.
A resident speaker also expressed his frustration on the recent cancellation of youth games at the park. The speaker also requested that Vice Mayor Hurtado should reconsider his position as president of the organization because it is affecting the children.
A resident speaker echoed similar comments regarding the disappointment with the recent cancellation of the youth practices and games. He also wanted to note that he believes that the officials are over-funding the police department.
A resident wanted to inform council of their disapproval of the recent motion for the ordinance concerning street vending.
A resident speaker echoed similar comments of the disapproval of the recent motion concerning street vending. Resident also spoke upon the recent cancellation of youth games and the importance of transparency.
A resident speaker voiced their disapproval of the motion concerning street vending and council's involvement in the ordinance.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 27, 2023
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE (NON-AGENDA
ITEMS) CONT'D Speaker who identified himself as "South Central Audit" voiced his opinion on the special meeting on June 26, 2023, and his disappointment with council's motion.
A resident speaker also took the time to voice his disapproval of Mr.
Hurtado's involvement in the youth association.
A resident speaker was deeply upset and disappointed with the motion for the ordinance for street vendors.
A resident speaker commented on health hazards coming from local fast food restaurants instead of street vendors.
A resident speaker voiced his opinions on the modifications of the ordinance. He claims to be a Street vendor and explains the difficulties he faces due to inflation. The resident is disappointed in the Council's motion of ordinance.
Liz Ruiz, Resident, wanted to take some time to speak to Council regarding environmental justice. She is an active member and often attends the Air Quality District meetings. Ms. Ruiz is working with other community members to reach out to DTSC to discuss the toxic waste in the community and encourage listeners to visit
DTSC.GOV/ENVIRONMENT . She also discussed her disapproval of the motion that was passed regarding the ordinance.
A resident caller addressed the comments made towards Council from fellow speakers. She noted the importance of being respectful.
Speaker, "South Central Audit," interrupted resident caller's comments.
Mayor Avalos gave speaker "South Central Audit" three verbal warnings to discontinue the use of inappropriate language in council chambers and for the continuous interruptions during other fellow resident comments.
Speaker, "South Central Audit," continued to be disruptive in council chambers.
Mayor Avalos requested that speaker "South Central Audit" to be removed from Council Chambers due to his disturbances during public comments.
RECESS Mayor Avalos announced that Council will take a 5-minute recess.
Upon returning to the Council Chambers, Mayor Avalos addressed the removal of speaker "South Central Audit." She expressed to the public that there are rules of decorum emplaced to allow all voices to be heard and for
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 27, 2023
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE (NON-AGENDA
ITEMS) CONT'D the business of community can be undertaken. It is unfortunate that there is ever a need to direct an individual to leave Council Chambers when they refuse to follow these rules and or treat others disrespectfully. She lastly noted the importance of remaining respectful towards others.
Resident caller, Mario Dominguez discussed his disappointment with Council. He requested that Council should communicate with residents better and explain to them that the city must comply with state laws. He encouraged residents to review the city's budgeting presentation so they can be knowledgeable about how the funds are allocated throughout the different departments and programs.
Resident caller, Thomas Buckley briefly spoke about the recent cancellation of the youth's practices and games at the park. He expressed his disapproval of Vice Mayor Hurtado as President of the Youth Organization. Lastly, Mr. Buckley felt that he, along with other members of the community, freedom of speech was violated during the meeting on June 26th
Resident caller vocalized their disapproval of the ordinance.
Caller, Edin Alex Enamorado echoed similar comments concerning the disapproval of ordinance.
Resident caller, Hector Guevara addressed his concerns regarding the Brown Act.
Resident caller, Alice wanted to thank the public works department for their efforts for beautifying the city by removing graffiti and trees.
Resident caller disapproves of motion that was set the night prior regarding street vending.
Resident caller shared her opinions on council's recent decisions.
Mayor Avalos gave a speaker three warning to stop disrupting the council meeting and asked for Segreant at Arms to remove the individual from chambers.
Resident caller, Gabriel Ramirez discussed his opinions on council's recent decisions and disapproval of how council is handling issues regarding street vendors.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 27, 2023
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE (NON-AGENDA
ITEMS) CONT'D Resident caller, Adolfo Varas began by thanking South Gate Police Department for keeping residents safe. He was a bit disappointed that he was unable to participate in the special meeting that occurred on June 26 th.
Nevertheless, he agreed with the Council's motion to modify city laws and ordinances to comply with our state laws. He noted the current pricing for permits and business licenses and suggested reducing the prices.
Resident caller addressed the concerns of the public. He sympathizes with the street vendors and notes the importance of the public respectfully voicing their opinions.
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS Chris Jeffers, City Manager, addressed some of the comments regarding the Brown Act. He ensured no one's rights were violated at the June 26th meeting. Instead, the city and officials encourage the public to vocalize their opinion. He also thanked Council, Police Department, and all those involved in the special meeting.
Raul F. Salinas, City Attorney, echoes similar comments to Mr. Jeffers.
Mr. Jeffers also clarified that the city does not require social security cards to obtain a permit. But instead, it is requested that the individual applying must show one form of identification.
CONSENT CALENDAR Agenda Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 were approved by motion of Council Member Davila and seconded by Mayor Avalos (recused on Item 15). Council Member Rios recused on Item 15.
Vice Mayor Hurtado recused on Items 1 & 6.
There were two 5-minute recesses during the discussion of the Consent Calendar Items.
Mayor Avalos, Council Member Barron, and Council Member Rios recused themselves from voting on Item 15. Since 3 members of Council were recused from voting a random selection was held to determine which member of Council would vote. Council Member Barron drew the short straw and voted on Item 15.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Davila, yes, Council Member Rios (recused on Item 15), yes, Vice Mayor Hurtado (recused on Items 1 & 6), yes; Mayor Avalos (recused on Item 15), yes.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 27, 2023
1 a.m., STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council made a finding and adopted Resolution No. 2023-40- 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.
2 PERSONNEL RECRUITMENT
& SELECTION The City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2023-41- CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, amending Resolution No. 6454 (Salary Resolution and Position Classification Plan) to update the job classification specification for the position of Public Works Senior Management Analyst in the Public Works Department during Consent Calendar.
3 PERSONNEL RECRUITMENT
0..... & SELECTION The City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2023-42- CC entitled Resolution amending Resolution No. 6454 (Salary Resolution and Position Classification Plan) to retitle the positions of Administrative Analyst and Management Analyst in the Human Resources Department to Human Resources Analyst; approve the Job Classification Specification for the position of Human Resources Analyst; approve the update to the Job Classification Specification for the position of Human Resources Technician; approve the adjustment of the Salary Pay Table to add the salary pay table for the Human Resources Analyst; and remove the pay table for Administrative Analyst during Consent Calendar. 4 PERSONNEL RECRUITMENT
& SELECTION The City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2023-43- CC entitled Resolution amending Resolution No. 6454 (Salary Resolution and Position Classification Plan) by reclassifying the Training Specialist classification to Training Manager; approve the Job Classification Specification for the position of Training Manager; and approve the adjustment to the Salary Pay Table to add the respective salary range and salary pay table for the Training Manager during Consent Calendar.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 27, 2023
5 COMMUNICATIONS
MEDIA/SYSTEMS
6 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING
The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 3 to Contract No. 2873 with Bear
Communications, Inc. for a two-year extension, to secure maintenance services for the City's radio communication system, and the FCC channel sharing license, for an amount not-to-exceed $80,788; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 3 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
The City Council approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. 2021-147-CC with BKF Engineers, Inc., to prepare design and construction documents to rehabilitate Frontage Road East under the Citywide Residential Resurfacing Project, Phase IV, City Project No. 699-ST, in an amount not-to-exceed $79,677;
b. Appropriated $800,000 in Gas Tax to the Citywide Residential Resurfacing Project, Phase IV, City Project No. 699-ST; and c. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
7 PUBLIC WORKS/
ENGINEERING ADMIN The City Council unanimously approved items A, B, C & D during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. 2020-16-CC with KOA
Corporation for As-Needed Engineering Services to extend the term through June 30, 2024;
b. Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. 2020-17-CC with Interwest Consulting Group, Inc. for As-Needed Engineering Services to extend the term through June 30, 2024;
c. Amendment No. 4 to Contract No. 2020-15-CC with Willdan Engineering for As-Needed Engineering Services to extend the term through June 30, 2024; and
d. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Amendments in forms acceptable to the City Attorney.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 27, 2023
9 PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
10 RISK MGMT
The City Council unanimously approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 1 to Contract 2022-15-CC with Northgate Gonzalez, LLC., to extend the Food Insecurity Assistance Program through June 30, 2024;
b. Appropriated a total of $200,000 to Northgate Gonzalez, LLC., for FY 2023/2024; and
c. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 1 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
The City Council unanimously approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 1 for Contract 2022-61-CC with Conservation Corps of Long Beach to extend the term of the Agreement for one (1) year through June 30, 2024, for the Employment and Job Training program, and providing for an option to extend the Agreement for an additional 3 years;
b. Appropriated a total of $246,950 for FY 2022/2023 and FY 2023/2024; and
c. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 1 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
The City Council unanimously approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
a. An excess workers' compensation insurance policy (Contract 2023- 85-CC) with Safety National Corporation, through Alliant Insurance Services, Inc., for a one-year term from July 1, 2023, through July 1, 2024, with a premium in the amount of $177,064; b. Authorized payment, in the amount of $177,064, to Alliant Insurance Services, Inc., for the policy issued by Safety National Casualty Corporation; and
c. Authorized the City Manager or his designee to execute the "Request to Bind Coverage" in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
8 EMERGENCY/DISASTER
PLANNING/PROGRAMS
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 27, 2023
11 PUBLIC WORKS/
ENGINEERING ADMIN The City Council unanimously approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
a. Agreement (Contract No. 2023-84-CC) with ACMS
Group, Inc., for a 5-year term to provide its Dossier on-Demand Solution fleet maintenance management software, in an amount not to exceed $132,403;
b. An appropriation of $10,792 from Fleet Funds to fully fund Year One service fees of the five-year Agreement; and
c. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney.
12 WASTEWATER MGMT The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Agreement (Contract No. 2023-86-CC) with Lee & Ro, Inc., for engineering design services for the Concrete Sewer Pipelines Rehabilitation, City Project No. 709-SWR, for an amount not to exceed $526,745; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
13 LAW ENFORCEMENT The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Agreement (Contract No. 2023-87-CC) with OneIT, Inc., for three years of data backup and disaster recovery services in the amount of $64,656; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
14 CITY FACILITIES MGMT The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Purchase Order with Carrier Corporation to purchase an 80-ton air cooled chiller as necessary for the construction of the South Gate Police Station HVAC Replacement Project, City Project No. 667- GEN, in an amount not to exceed $103,249; and
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 27, 2023
14 CITY FACILITIES MGMT
CONT'D
b. Authorized the City Manager or his designee to execute the documents necessary to purchase the chiller in forms acceptable to the City Attorney.
15 DEEDS & EASEMENTS The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Accepted a Grant Deed from the Los Angeles Community College District to secure right-of-way for street purposes as part of the development located 2525 Firestone Boulevard, 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.
16 CITY - WIDE RECORDS
MGMT PROGRAM The City Council unanimously approved the destruction of documents relating to service requests, construction activities, building plans and Code Enforcement documents collected by the Building and Safety Division, in accordance with the adopted South Gate Records Retention Schedule during Consent Calendar.
17 MINUTES The City Council unanimously approved items A, B, C, D, E, F & G during Consent Calendar:
a. The Regular Meeting minutes of January 24, 2023;
b. The Regular Meeting minutes of February 28, 2023;
c. The Regular Meeting minutes of March 28, 2023;
d. The Special and Regular Meeting minutes of April 25, 2023; e. The Special and Regular Meeting minutes of May 9, 2023; f. The Special Meeting minutes of May 16, 2023; and
g. The Special Meeting minutes of May 23, 2023.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 27, 2023
18 WASTEWATER MGMT The City Council unanimously continued item 18 to the City Council Meeting of July 11, 2023 by motion of Council Member Davila and seconded by Mayor Davila:
a. Receiving and filing the Sewer Rate Study Report;
b. Selecting Alternative No. 2 of the Sewer Rate Study for the proposed sewer rate structure changes and directing staff to initiate the Proposition 218 process;
c. Approving an Agreement with NBS Financial Group (NBS) in an amount not to exceed $32,500 to conduct the required Proposition 218 process, including educational material development; and d. Authorizing the Mayor to execute the Agreement 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.
19 WARRANTS The City Council unanimously approved the Warrant Register for June 27, 2023, by motion of Council Member Davila and seconded by Mayor Avalos.
Total of Checks: $2,878,866.24
Less: Voids (0.00)
Less: Employee Payroll Deductions $ (414,527.57)
Grand Total: $2,464,338,67
Cancellations: 100975
ROLL CALL: Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Davila, yes, Council Member Rios, yes, Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes; Mayor Avalos, yes.
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE Resident Mario Dominguez commented on agenda item 14 on the funds being used for the chiller system and not funding the camera system he has requested.
Resident Thomas Buckley suggested the 19-million-dollar deficit should be listed as item 1 as he considers it an emergency status.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 27, 2023
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE CONT'D
Arturo Cervantez, Director of Public Works, addressed Mr. Dominguez's concern and stated that the current chiller system does not meet the needs of the building.
Mario Dominguez expressed frustration on moving agenda items to a later date.
Mr. Jeffers responded by saying that there are other matters that need to be addressed as the reason for moving agenda items.
Council Member Davila wanted to announce the paper shredding event by UWS at South Gate Park.
ADJOURNMENT Council Member Davila adjourned the meeting at 8:54 p.m. and seconded by Mayor Avalos.
PASSED and APPROVED this 12 th day of September 2023.
ATTEST:
Maria del Pilar Avalos, Mayor Yodit ze, City Clerk