CITY OF SOUTH GATE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JULY 25, 2023
CALL TO ORDER Maria del Pilar Avalos, Mayor called a Regular City Council Meeting to order to 6:35 p.m.
INVOCATION Steve Costley, Acting Director of Parks & Recreation
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE Joshua Gonzalez, South Gate Police Officer ROLL CALL Yodit Glaze, City Clerk
PRESENT Mayor Maria del Pilar Avalos, Vice Mayor Gil Hurtado, Council Member Joshua Barron, and Council Member Al Rios; City Treasurer Jose De La Paz, City Manager Chris Jeffers, City Attorney Raul F. Salinas ABSENT Council Member Maria Davila
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE (NON-AGENDA
ITEMS) Bill Wallace brought to the council's and fellow community members' attention a statewide petition for Death Tax on August 21st. He wanted to bring awareness to the importance of the petition. He would appreciate the participation of fellow residents.
Maria Herrera, 8999 McNerny Ave, asked for the council's assistance with a property she owns. She faces numerous problems, such as parking and illegal dumping/littering. She called to speak with Dave Torres regarding the issues. More than a month has passed, and she has not gotten any further reassurance. She would like to know the status of the issue.
Gabriel Torres wanted to speak to the council regarding a bike path on Southern Avenue. He proposed an idea to add speed bumps for the safety of cyclists along Southern Avenue. He also asked if the city could incorporate more plants on the pathway passing San Juan on to Southern.
Celestino Casada, 10206 Garfield Ave, wanted to speak to Council about his concerns regarding construction that is occurring near his home. He also discussed the construction of a median in the city.
The resident echoed similar concerns of the median.
Ernie Pada, a fellow resident from Gate Lee and Garfield, stated his concerns about the occurring median development.
Rowland Santos echoed similar concerns on the development of Gate Lee.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 25, 2023
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE (NON-AGENDA
ITEMS) CONT'D Mario Dominguez voiced similar concerns about the median that is being built. He also requested that the city incorporate more greenery on Southern Avenue. He would also like to schedule a meeting with Council Member Rios to discuss a few projects he has in mind.
Thomas Buckley voiced his concerns about trailer homes parked on the railroad track on Independence Avenue in between Chestnut and Victoria Ave.
Sandy B echoed similar comments to Gabriel Torres concerning the bike path on Southern Ave. Entire city lacks bicycle parking or safe bicycle infrastructure. She also wanted to report the motor homes/ trailer homes.
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS Arturo Cervantes, Director of Public Works, explained the median construction and the purpose as to why it would provide a safer route.
Council Member Barron wanted to share his experience when a median was put near his home and how it resulted in providing more safety down his street.
Chris Jeffers, City Manager, explained how comments from the audience are for Non-Agenda items and should be a limited discussion.
Mayor Avalos requested for issues stated from the audience be addressed and for City Officials to reach those individuals to work together and find a solution.
Wendy O'Kelly, Deputy Director of the Finance Department reported that the Finance Department is preparing for auditing season in October. In April, the auditor contacted City Officials and told them they could contact them directly if they had further questions.
Jon Hamilton, Director of Human Resources, announced new positions that are listed on the city's website.
Darren Arakawa, Chief of Police, reminded community members of National Night Out. He explained how this event allows for the Police Department to have a fun interactive event with the public. Mr. Arakawa also wanted to note the Explorers' Excursion that will be taking place in Culver City. This event builds on the Explorers' confidence to continue becoming better adults.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 25, 2023
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
........ FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Mr. Cervantes spoke briefly on a few projects occurring on Garfield, Tweedy Mile, Firestone, and residential streets. He also noted that on August 7 construction on Long Beach Blvd will begin. All these projects are for aesthetics and the safety of the public.
Steve Costley, Director of Parks & Recreation, wanted to remind community members that Friday, July 28, is the last concert in the concert series. There will also be an Arts festival in Hollydale Park. He also mentioned that National Night Out will be held at City Hall. There will also be Dodger Night Event on August 18. He encourages all families to come out to the events.
Meredith Elguira, Director of Community Development, wanted to remind residents of the Home Recognition deadline. She also mentioned the CAC Meeting and wanted to remind appointees to attend the meeting on August
2. Yodit Glaze, City Clerk, is excited about Tuesday's National Night Out Event. She is also recruiting council for the dunk tank.
Jose De La Paz, City Treasurer had nothing to report.
Mr. Jeffers responded to the questions regarding RVs on Independence. He stated that the Police Department has and will continue to go out to address the community concerns regarding RVs. Mr. Jeffers advised the community members to call the traffic bureau for any concerns regarding mobile homes/RVs parked on Independence. Mr. Jeffers also mentioned that he is communicating with a local Congresswoman to help obtain federal funding. Lastly, Mr. Jeffers mentioned that he and Lieutenant Garcia attended an event aiding the homelessness issue. He noted that this event was where they could see programs at the county level and how other cities are handling the growing number.
Raul F. Salinas, City Attorney, had nothing at this time to report.
Council Member Barron reminds residents of the South Gate Police Department app and the South Gate Connect app to connect with the Public Works Department regarding damages on the street or other general concerns. He noted that both are resourceful apps. He noted that all reports made on the app will be directly sent to Department Heads. He also wanted to remind community members that the parks' basketball, softball, and soccer are still accepting sign-up applications. He briefly spoke about the Movie at the Park Event and the Back-to-school event. Lastly, he had questions regarding the pavement project and parking placement.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 25, 2023
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Mr. Cervantes explained that the residential rehabilitating projects are occurring on residential streets for the better of the community. He continues to explain that these projects occur in two phases. The first is grinding off the pavement, which occurs during the day. The second is applying the new pavement, which also occurs during the day. Vehicles will be asked to be removed from the street during work hours, but residents can park on the streets after 4 pm. Residents will be impacted during the workday but can park their vehicles in the evening.
Mr. Jeffers ensures that residents will not be penalized for parking restrictions on streets where construction occurs.
Council Member Rios reminds the community of the gift card and food insecurity programs. Mr. Rios asked if the tree in front of the senior center would be removed.
Mr. Costley reassured Mr. Rios that the tree was not in the removal process. Instead, the area may be sectioned off to allow the grass to grow.
Mr. Rios also wanted to note the importance of working with non-profits to build more affordable housing in the community. He lastly mentioned the construction occurring for ELAC and how beneficial it will be for the local students.
Vice Mayor, Hurtado, thanked Steve Costley and the staff for the activities at the park. Mr. Hurtado also urged the city to contact LA County to assist the city with cleaning the dry brush along the riverbed. Lastly, Mr.
Hurtado also encouraged the residents to call him with concerns. He is always willing to help or refer them to appropriate individuals.
Mayor Avalos thanked everyone who attended the meeting. She noted that she attended the LA Sanitization meeting and reported that our Covid numbers are dropping significantly. Mayor Avalos also attended a meeting with the Mayor of Los Angeles. She also noted the backpack and State of the City events coming up soon.
CONSENT CALENDAR Agenda Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 were approved by motion of Council Member Rios and seconded by Mayor Avalos.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Davila, absent; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes (recused on Items 1 & 8); Mayor Avalos, yes.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 25, 2023
STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council made a finding and adopted Resolution No. 2023-48- 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 WASTEWATER MGMT The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 3 to Contract No. 2020-09-CC with W.A. Rasic Construction Company, Inc., to extend the term and fund on call services for one additional year to January 31, 2025 and fund emergency sanitary sewer system repairs, for a not-to-
exceed amount of $168,919;
b. The transferring $68,919 in ARPA Funds from the Sewer System Relining Improvements, City Project No. 709-SWR to Contract No. 2020-09-CC with W.A. Rasic, Inc. to fund emergency sanitary sewer system repairs that were performed on California Ave; and c. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 3 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
3 DEVELOPMENT The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. 2823 Infrastructure Financing and Fee Waiver Agreement and Joint Escrow Instructions with Atlantic-Firestone, LLC., revising Attachment No. 4, Scope of Development, Signage Criteria for the azalea Regional Shopping Center; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 2 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 25, 2023
4 TRANSPORTATION
PLANNING/ADMIN The City Council approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. 2022-55-CC Master
Cooperative Agreement for the Design, Construction and
Operation and Maintenance of a Portion of the WSAB Project with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. b. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. 2022-55-CC Master Cooperative Agreement for the Design, Construction and Operation and Maintenance of a Portion of the WSAB Project in a form approved by the City Attorney; and c. Authorized the City Manager to execute any future amendments to Contract No. 2022-55-CC Master Cooperative Agreement for the Design, Construction and Operation and Maintenance of a Portion of the WSAB Project that are proposed to make any adjustments that are non-substantive and for technical clarifications in a form approved by the City Attorney.
5 COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE
PROGRAMS
The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Right to Non-Exclusive Temporary Use Agreement (Contract No. 2023-106-CC) with Human Services Association (HSA) for the Hollydale Community Center to provide early childhood and pre- school services for children in South Gate and surrounding communities; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
6 PUBLIC WORKS/
ENGINEERING ADMIN The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Authorized the purchase of a 2024 VHX42 Wet/Dry Hydro Excavator Truck from Gapvax, Inc., utilizing the Sourcwell Co- Opt Purchasing Program, in an amount not-to-exceed $729,524, for the Water Division of the Public Works Department; and b. Authorized the City Manager to execute the purchase documents necessary to purchase the Hydro Excavator Truck in forms acceptable to the City Attorney.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 25, 2023
7 PUBLIC WORKS/
ENGINEERING ADMIN The City Council approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
a. Authorized the purchase of a 2023 Ford Super Duty F-550 Dump Truck from National Auto Fleet Group, utilizing the Sourcewell Co-Opt Purchasing Program, in an amount not-to-exceed
$105,895, for the Water Division of the Public Works Department; b. Authorized Unit No. 329, which is a 1985 Ford Dump Truck, to be deemed surplus property; and
c. Authorized the City Manager to execute the documents necessary to purchase the 2023 Ford Super Duty F-550 Dump Truck in forms acceptable to the City Attorney.
8 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING
The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Received and filed a Cooperative Implementation Agreement (Contract No. 2023-107-CC) with the California Department of Transportation administratively approved by the City Manager under the authority granted by Resolution No. 2023-32-CC, to receive up $5,000,000 in grant funds for the construction of the Urban Orchard, City Project No. 539-PRK; and
b. Appropriated $5,000,000 in grant funds to the Urban Orchard, City Project No. 539-PRK.
9 COMMERCIAL ASSESSMENT
DISTRICTS The City Council received and filed an update on the marketing services for the Tweedy Mile Business Improvement District (BID) by motion of Vice Mayor Hurtado and seconded by Council Member Barron.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Davila, absent; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes; Mayor Avalos, yes.
Mario Dominguez voiced his frustration on funding the marketing services and not fixing the Tweedy Mile Street.
Thomas Buckley thanked the city and thinks these services are great. He also offered his photography and video services if the city ever needs help.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 25, 2023
9 COMMERCIAL ASSESSMENT
DISTRICTS CONT'D Vice Mayor Hurtado expressed how much he enjoys spending his time at the Businesses on the Tweedy Mile and how unfortunate it is for businesses to close due to lack of marketing services.
Council Member Barron supports the marketing services as he explained a lot of businesses do not know how to navigate social media and help promote their business.
Mr. Jeffers explained how the funds are raised through the businesses and allocated.
10 CITY HISTORY The City Council received and filed the update on the past and upcoming activities for the City's 100th Birthday Celebration by motion of Vice Mayor Hurtado and seconded by Mayor Avalos.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Davila, absent; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes; Mayor Avalos, yes.
Mario Dominguez stated the firework mishap on 4 th of July and requested to add a firework show on the LA River.
RECESS Mayor Avalos announced that Council will take a 5-minute recess. 11 ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY CONTROL The City Council received and filed the update on the proposed remediation plans being considered by the Environmental Protection Agency on the Jervis B. Webb and Southern Avenue Industrial Area Superfund Sites within the City by motion of Vice Mayor Hurtado and seconded by Mayor Avalos.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Davila, absent; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes; Mayor Avalos, yes.
Mario Dominguez is concerned about having more contaminated sites in South Gate and what companies are doing to prevent contamination.
Mr. Jeffers addressed Mr. Dominguez's concerns and provided the testing process that happens to make sure water is tested.
Council Member Barron asked about the timeline on starting the remediation process.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 25, 2023
11 ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY CONTROL
CONT'D Mr. Jeffers provided the timeline according to the processes.
Vice Mayor Hurtado commented on the lack of regulations years ago that resulted in the contaminated sites.
Council Member Rios commented on his concerns about the health impact these contaminated sites have on the residents.
12 WARRANTS
The City Council approved the Warrant Register for July 25, 2023, by motion of Mayor Avalos and seconded by Council Member Rios.
Total of Checks: $7,341,753.79
Less: Voids $ (3,513.98)
Less: Employee Payroll Deductions $ (421,396.33)
Grand Total: $6,916,843.48
ADJOURNMENT
Cancellations: 101302, 101590, 101600, 101950, 102007
ROLL CALL: Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Davila, absent; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes; Mayor Avalos, yes.
Mayor Avalos asked about the grand total being higher than usual.
Council Auditor Barron explained that insurance payments and an additional payment made to Ca1PERS that made the difference on the grand total.
Council Member Rios adjourned the meeting in memory of Maria Estela Ruiz De Silva (Council Member Davila's mother) at 9:43 p.m. and seconded by Council Member Barron.
PASSED and APPROVED this 12 th day of September 2023.
ATTEST:
Maria del Pilar Avalos, Mayor Yodit Gla e, City Clerk