CITY OF SOUTH GATE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JULY 11, 2023
CALL TO ORDER Maria del Pilar Avalos, Mayor called a Regular City Council Meeting to order to 6:31 p.m.
INVOCATION Steve Costley, Acting Director of Parks & Recreation
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE Darren Arakawa, Police Chief
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
1 COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE (NON-AGENDA
..•. ITEMS)
Following the conclusion of a public hearing, the City Council unanimously accepted and appropriated the FY 2022/23 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Funds, in the amount of $48,387 for the purchase of equipment for sworn personnel by motion of Council Member Davila 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.
Darren Arakawa, Police Chief, explains the proposed use of the funding this year will be to offset the cost for the Acts On program and to continue the use of necessary equipment out of the field.
Resident Mario Dominguez states his support for the funding and asked about the camera usage on Police officers.
Mr. Arakawa explained that every Officer on the field has been assigned a camera and the policy is that anytime an Officer has any contact with the community the body camera is activated.
Resident Gabriel Torres expressed how much he enjoys working in the park and wanted to propose the idea of having an event called "Car free Sunday" on the Tweedy Mile. It would consist of the community coming together and allowing vendors to sell.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
11.......
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 11, 2023
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE (NON-AGENDA
ITEMS) CONT'D
Resident Mario Dominguez commented with his support on the "Car Free Sunday" idea and then expressed frustration over false accusations regarding the council members.
Resident Thomas Buckley asked about an update on an upcoming deficit.
Liz Ruiz, Resident on Kauffman St, asked for an update on the construction of the entrance of the 710 Fwy on Firestone and also an upcoming meeting at the Parks and Recreation Department.
Arturo Cervantes, Director of Public Works, provided the information that there are updates of the 710 Fwy construction on the city's website and they are scheduled to complete design in March of 2024.
Kristopher Ryan, Director of Administrative Services, addressed the issue on the deficit of the general fund and stated that the public has access to the general budget forecast online on the city's website.
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS Steve Costley, Interim Director of Parks & Recreation, announced the annual Fun Run at South Gate Park and the Art Festival on the river.
Meredith Elguira, Director of Community Development, stated the extension of the Home Recognition program to August 31st and highly encourages everyone to participate.
Jon Hamilton, Director of Human Resources, announced new positions that are listed on the city's website.
Darren Arakawa, Police Chief publicly recognized Officer Georgina Vargas for aggressively pursuing drunk drivers in the city of South Gate.
He also announced that they have received a grant award from the Alcohol and Beverage Control for their enforcement efforts.
Chris Jeffers, City Manager, reported that State Senator Gonzalez and Assembly Member Rendon were able to secure 2.7 million dollars to apply for capital projects. He also stated the EPA meeting that will take place at South Gate Park concerning properties that are contaminated (5211 Southern Ave. and 9301 Rayo Ave). The allegations against the council were addressed as well.
Raul F. Salinas, City Attorney, spoke on the allegations and criticism against the council.
Yodit Glaze, City Clerk, encourages everyone to participate in the Fun Run at South Gate Park.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 11, 2023
Am. REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D
Jose De La Paz, City Treasurer, commended the LA County Police Department and Fire Department for their quick response in aiding a bicyclist along the LA River that suffered a cardiac arrest.
Council Member Barron described his experience in public events he attended in the city. He also encouraged residents to participate in the Home Recognition program and there are still open slots for the swim lessons.
Council Member Davila expressed thoughts on the Car Free Sunday proposal and believes it is a good idea. She also thanked the Police Department for their efforts.
Council Member Rios expressed how interested he is in upcoming activities and proposed activities.
Vice Mayor Hurtado states a need to publicize the Backpack giveaway to be able to reach all families that need the supplies. He also expressed his thoughts on comments from Mr. Dominguez on the allegations of the council.
Mayor Avalos commended Gabriel Torres on his engagement for the city of South Gate and the Police Officers who protected City Hall during council meetings.
Mario Dominguez wanted any updates regarding the camera system in the Council Chambers.
Thomas Buckley wanted to thank the community and express disappointment with the council for not allowing more callers speak during the prior meeting.
Mr. Jeffers touched base on the camera system requested by Mr.
Dominguez and stated the process needed to move forward.
CONSENT CALENDAR Agenda Items 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 were approved by motion of Council Member Davila and seconded by Council Member Rios.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Barron, yes (recused on Item 6); Council Member Davila, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes (recused on Item 3); Mayor Avalos, yes (recused on Item 6).
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 11, 2023
2 MUNICIPAL CODE
ADMIN The City Council unanimously waived the reading in full and adopted Ordinance No. 2023-04-CC entitled Ordinance of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, amending provisions of the South Gate Municipal Code pertaining to Sidewalk Vendors Section 2.10.150 (Businesses requiring a business permit) and Section 2.10.970 (Sidewalk Vending Program) of Chapter 2.10 (Business Regulation) of Title 2 (Licenses - Business Regulations), and Section 7.39.010 (Sales from Nonmotorized Vehicles on City Streets Prohibited) of Chapter 7.39 (Sales from Nonmotorized Vehicles on City Streets Prohibited Except During City-Sponsored Parades) of Title 7 (Public Safety And Morals), and Section 8.14.010 (Unlawful Parking - Peddlers, Vendors and Vehicles advertised for sale or rent) of Chapter 8.14 (Unlawful Parking - Peddlers, Vendors and Vehicles Advertised for Sale or Rent) of Title 8 (Traffic) of the South Gate Municipal Code during Consent Calendar.
3 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council made a finding and adopted Resolution No. 2023-44- 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.
4 PERSONNEL BENEFITS/
RETIREMENT ADMIN The City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2023-45- CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, approving the initiation of the Ca1PERS process for retirement cost sharing under Government Code Section 20516(a) for unclassified executive management contract employees during Consent Calendar. 5 ANIMAL CONTROL The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar.
a. Amendment No. 4 to Contract No. 3525 with the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority for annual cost increase for animal control and sheltering services in an amount not to exceed $792,630 for Fiscal Year 2023/24; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 4 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 11, 2023
6 TRANSPORTATION
PLANNING/ADMIN The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar. a. Amendment No. 3 to Contract No. 3378 Measure R Funding Agreement with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan
Transportation Authority ("Metro") retroactively extending the lapsing date from June 30, 2022 to June 30, 2024, for the Firestone Boulevard Regional Corridor Capacity Enhancement Phase II Project, City Project No. 476-TRF Metro Project ID No.
MR306.33; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 3 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
7 PUBLIC WORKS/
ENGINEERING ADMIN The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar.
a. Amendment No. 3 to Contract No. 2020-16-CC with KOA Corporation for a street lighting engineering study for an amount not to exceed $62,418; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreements in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
Liz Ruiz wanted more clarification on the street light replacement project.
Mr. Cervantez went into detail about the KOA amendment and the need for the project.
8 WATER The City Council unanimously approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar.
a. Agreement (Contract No. 2023-96-CC) with HydroScientific West to upgrade the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System Upgrade, City Project No. 647-WTR, in an amount not to exceed $597,621;
b. Appropriated $200,000 in Water Funds from the unrestricted balance of the Water Fund to fully fund the project; and c. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 11, 2023
9 DATA PROCESSING
SERVICES
10 MINUTES
The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar.
a. Professional Services Agreement (Contract No. 2023-97-CC) with ClientFirst Technology Consulting for project management services associated with the City's Technology Master Plan in an amount not-to-exceed $150,000;
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
The City Council unanimously approved items A, B, C, D & E during Consent Calendar.
a. The Regular Meeting minutes of February 14, 2023;
b. The Regular Meeting minutes of April 11, 2023;
c. The Regular Meeting minutes of May 23, 2023;
d. The Special and Regular Meeting minutes of June 13, 2023; and e. The Special Meeting minutes of June 20, 2023.
11 WASTEWATER MGMT The City Council unanimously approved items A, B, C & D by motion of Council Member Rios and seconded by Council Member Barron. 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 (Contract No. 2023-98-CC) 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.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 11, 2023
12 WARRANTS
The City Council unanimously approved the Warrant Register for July 11, 2023, 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.
Total of Checks: $2,163,641.57
Less: Voids (55.00)
Less: Employee Payroll Deductions $ (372,705.82)
Grand Total: $1,790,880,75
Cancellations: 101570
ADJOURNMENT Vice Mayor Hurtado unanimously adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m. and seconded by Council Member Rios.
PASSED and APPROVED this 12 th day of September 2023.
ATTEST:
Maria del Pilar Avalos, Mayor Yodit Glae, City Clerk