CITY OF SOUTH GATE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
CALL TO ORDER Maria del Pilar Avalos, Mayor called a Regular City Council Meeting to order to 6:38 p.m.
INVOCATION Steve Costley, Director of Parks & Recreation
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE Jon Hamilton, Director of Human Resources
ROLL CALL Sonia Guerrero, Recording Secretary
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
LATE Yodit Glaze, City Clerk arrived at 7:03 p.m.
1 COMMUNITY DEV/
HOUSING Following the conclusion of the Public Hearing, the City Council unanimously approved items A & B by motion of Council Member Rios and seconded by Council Member Davila.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Davila, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes; Mayor Avalos, yes.
a. Resolution No. 2023-60-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, approving the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER); and
b. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to submit to the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development the City's FY 2022-2023 CAPER.
Meredith Elguira, the Director of Community Development, introduced Housing Manager Carol Averall.
Ms. Averell explains that the purpose of this report is to provide information on the closing of the fiscal year and an evaluation of the report. The report covers the accomplishments of the CDBG and home- funded projects for the year 2022-2023. This year, the city was able to REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 1 COMMUNITY DEV/
HOUSING CONT'D assist one business with commercial rehabilitation. While also assisting three hundred and fifty-three direct client services that included discrimination allegations and landlord/tenant counseling sessions were provided via the Fair Housing Foundation. Eleven thousand nine hundred fifty-six graffiti abatement assignments were completed, and staff responded to two thousand one hundred and thirty-eight calls. She also wanted to mention that they were able to assist one hundred and fifty-six people via CDBG-CV funded public service activities for college internships through the CLLI, Family Violence Program, and Police Explore Program through the South Gate Police Department, Rental and Utility Assistance through HVC and assistive technology and minor home modifications were provided by the Southern California Resource Service for Independent Living. She lastly covered some recommendations, such as adopting a resolution to receive and approve the Program year 2022- 2023 CAPER and authorizing the City Manager to submit the CAPER to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Mayor Avalos asked if anyone in the audience and zoom wished to speak on this item.
Mario Dominguez first wanted to ask why there were so many zeros on the chart provided by Ms. Averell. He also expressed that the city should do a better job of notifying the public that the city has programs to assist the residents. He shared that he wanted to apply for a program for housing improvement program but was unable to due to the fact that the value of the property cannot surpass six hundred thousand.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Avalos closed the audience portion.
Ms. Averell responds to Mr. Dominquez's concerns regarding the chart shared. She explains that no units were developed this year, so there was nothing to report in value.
Council Member Barron asked if Ms. Averell could go over what programs the city is developing to change the numbers hopefully reported.
Ms. Averell shared that the city is currently in the process of working on an affordable housing unit for sale for low-income families. They are also working with Habitats for Humanity. Two of those units are for rent, and twelve will be for sale.
Council Member Barron explained that he truly believes that the program will be able to assist community members with affordable housing and thanked Ms. Averell for the information provided in the presentation.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 1 COMMUNITY DEV/
HOUSING CONT'D
Council Member Rios asked Ms. Averell if she could briefly discuss job opportunities and if anyone benefited from these programs.
Ms. Averell explained that the Helpline Youth Counseling received CDBG coronavirus funding to cover the rent for many of the families that were not able to afford it. They are also working with ARPA funds.
Council Member Rios asked if any funding occurred for job opportunities.
Ms. Elguria responded to Council Member Rios question and explained that no funding was provided for job training programs last year. However, funding was provided to an internship program. That is something that they are exploring next year.
Mayor Avalos wanted to clarify Mr. Dominguez's comment on the house renovation program that if your property exceeds the value of six hundred thousand, you do not qualify. She asked if that applies to the land or the building itself. Many of our properties in the city fall into a category in which the property land exceeds the value, but the actual building is delipidated.
Ms. Averell explains that the program requires the property to be evaluated before a loan can be given. If we look at the property value that exceeds the value of six hundred thousand and the city grants a loan of fifty thousand, then the property will not qualify because it falls out of the threshold of six hundred and thirty thousand. She also explains that she spoke personally with Mr. Dominguez about a program for senior citizens in which they will be able to gain assistance on home improvements.
Mayor Avalos wanted to clarify that this is a separate program.
Ms. Averell responded yes.
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE (NON-AGENDA
ITEMS)
Olivia Mora, 5246 Wood Ave, claims that her landlord authorized the city to inspect the property without the tenant knowing and then proceeded to give the tenant the eviction letter. The tenant claims the electrical panel went out, leaving her and her family without electricity. She claims to have called the police to assist. Edison responded that the electrical wiring was not correctly connected, resulting in a small fire on the property. She contacted the Community Development Department for assistance and said they informed her that electricity is a luxury and not a necessity. She asked the council for assistance.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE (NON-AGENDA
ITEMS) CONT'D Bill Wallace, 8823 Beaudine Ave, noted the last time he attended a meeting for a Prop he advocated for. He noted that you could obtain more information online. He encouraged fellow residents to participate in the Proposition.
Nicolas Cortuva explained how he works for an organization for tenant rights. He noted the importance of having tenant protection. He also wanted to commend Ms. Mora for sharing her story.
Gabriel Guerrero speaks about tenant rights and the injustices of rent prices. He asked the council to be compassionate and help those requesting rent assistance. He has lived in the city for years and noticed a drastic change. He lastly thanked the council for their help.
Miguel Molteo wanted to speak about tenant protection and healthy housing. He is a fellow resident of the city, currently a tenant in the city.
He feels that code enforcement needs to assist tenants.
Maria Sandoval asked the council for assistance. She states that there is a parking issue. She told David Torres that the city would post no parking signs along the streets. Unfortunately, nothing has been done, and people continue to park there. She stresses that some vehicles have been parked there for the past four months. She would appreciate the council's help because these parked cars are bothersome.
Fellow resident Francisco explains that he has parking issues along his street. He spoke to the traffic bureau to address this issue. He also wants to discuss the traffic on Firestone Blvd and Imperial Hwy.
Fellow resident Jose wanted to echo similar concerns about parking on Southern. He states that more motorhomes are coming into the city far from his property.
Ashely Esquivel wanted to speak with the council regarding the increased monthly payment for the water. She would like to propose a solution for this water bill increase. She wants to know the steps to help the residents during this time.
Mario Dominguez wanted to clarify what makes winning a financial report so important. He also wanted to know which committees are involved.
Irma Lopez is from the city of Cudahy. However, she came to the meeting to express her concerns about the recent increase in the city. She asks the council to help her fellow citizens with some form of rental control.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE (NON-AGENDA
ITEMS) CONT'D Thomas Buckley wanted to echo similar concerns regarding the water bill.
Ms. Alice disagrees with renter control. She also spoke to the council regarding the water bill. She spoke regarding the issues of parking on Southern.
Veronica Sanchez lives in the city of Cudahy. She supports Renters Control. She explains that people like herself who live from paycheck to paycheck struggle the most. She stresses assistance from the council.
Betty Sanchez also came in to support the renter's control. She explains that times have changed, and many cannot purchase a home. She hopes the council can help with some form of rental control.
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS Meredith Elguira, Director of Community Development, responded to Ms.
Mora's concerns. She explains that the code enforcement department is addressing the issue.
Mayor Avalos requested specific resources, such as phone numbers for the appropriate departments, to help assist her during this time.
Mayor Avalos thanked Mr. Wallace for sharing and encouraging fellow residents of the Proposition.
Mayor Avalos asked Mr. Cervantes if he had any update on this issue. She is aware that Ms. Sanchez has come in for this issue prior.
Chris Jeffers, City Manager, explains that some parts of Southern, the city does not own. Many of those areas are owned by the Department of Water and Power.
Vice Mayor Hurtado explains that this is a recurring issue along Independence. He also notes that there is illegal dumping that is occurring.
Council Member Barron wanted to echo similar concerns. He explains how it can be a burden on our street.
Vice Mayor Hurtado continued by asking if there was some form of conversation occurring or if there was a status with the Department of Light and Water.
Wendy 0' Kelly, Finance Director, addressed the recent concerns regarding the water bill.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Mr. Jeffers stated that the city has provided assistance for residents who needed it regarding their utility bills.
Jose De La Paz, City Treasurer, wanted to echo concerns of the water billing and the shift in price increase and decrease.
Captain Perez addressed the parking situation and what they are doing to help resolve it.
Arturo Cervantez, Director of Public Works, explained the traffic signal synchronization program and why there is a challenge in certain parts of the city.
Mayor Avalos stated that the issue of rent control will not be discussed at this time.
Ms. 0' Kelly went over the LIHWAP program and the covid relief credit.
Mr. Cervantez provided an update on the capital improvement projects going on around the city.
Steve Costley, Interim Director of Parks and Recreation described the Glow Party at South Gate Park. He also went over upcoming events happening in the city.
Ms. Elguira encouraged residents to provide Community Development input and the active outreaches happening.
Yodit Glaze, City Clerk, explained the reasoning for her late arrival and had nothing else to report.
Mr. De La Paz had nothing to report.
Jon Hamilton, Director of Human Resources, went over the positions that are available to apply for.
Mr. Perez provided an update on new police officers joining South Gate Police Department.
Mr. Jeffers reminded the public of a zoom meeting regarding an update on the Tweedy Mile Project.
Raul F. Salinas, City Attorney, recognized the loss of former Mayor William De Witt.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D
Council Member Davila attended the Glow Party at South Gate Park and enjoyed seeing a lot of teenagers having a great time. She also recognized the loss of Mr. De Witt.
Council Member Barron commended code enforcement in addressing an issue that a resident had. He also wanted to remind residents about the monthly newsletter. He stated there are still gift cards available for use around the city and new businesses that just opened. He also wanted to bring awareness to theft and fraud being more prevalent for the elderly population.
Council Member Rios recognized the loss of Mr. De Witt and provided events happening at ELAC and around the city.
Vice Mayor Hurtado asked if it was possible for South Gate to have their own school district. He also addressed people's concerns on rent control.
He echoes recognition for the loss of Mr. De Witt.
Mayor Avalos also spoke some words describing Mr. De Witt and remembrance of 9/11. She also reminded the audience of submitting name ideas for the West Santa Ana Branch and welcomed students going back to school.
CONSENT CALENDAR Agenda Items 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 were approved by motion of Mayor Avalos and seconded by Council Member Rios.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Davila, yes (recused on Items 10d and 10e); Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes (recused on Item 2); Mayor Avalos, yes (recused on Item 5).
2 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council made a finding and adopted Resolution No. 2023-61- 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.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 3 PERSONNEL BENEFITS/
RETIREMENT ADMIN The City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2023-62-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 approve and adopt a comprehensive pay schedule for all full-time, part-time, and elected officials within the Ca1PERS during Consent Calendar.
4 CITY MEMBERSHIPS The City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2023-63-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, designating Mayor Maria del Pilar Avalos to serve as the City's voting delegate, Council Member Maria Davila as the alternate voting delegate, and Council Member Al Rios as the second alternate voting delegate during the Annual Business Meeting/General Assembly at the 2023 League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo on September 20-22, 2023, during Consent Calendar.
5 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING
6 WATER
The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. 3563 with Mark Thomas & Company, Inc., to provide additional engineering services and to extend the term of the Agreement through December 31, 2024, for the Long Beach Boulevard Street Improvements Project, City Project No. 515-ST, for an amount not to exceed $67,515; and b. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 2 in a form acceptable to the City.
The City Council unanimously approved items A, B, C, D, E & F during Consent Calendar:
a. Agreement (Contract No. 2023-129 -CC) with Bali
Construction, Inc., for the construction of the Stormwater Infiltration Wells Improvement Project, City Project No. 670-SD, in an amount not-to-exceed $280,480;
b. Appropriated $87,880 from Measure W, and $222,718 from the LAUSD Escrow fund to fully fund the Project;
c. Authorized the City Manager to administratively approve change orders, not to exceed an aggregate sum of $75,000;
d. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney;
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 6 WATER CONT'D
e. Determined this Project categorically exempt pursuant to the guidelines of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), under Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 15301, Class 1(b) exemption for replacement for public utility services; and
f. Approved the Notice of Exemption for the Stormwater Infiltration Wells Improvement Project, City Project No. 670-SD and directing the City Clerk to file it with the Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder's Office.
7 WASTEWATER MGMT The City Council unanimously authorized the Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works to approve Change Order No. 3 to Contract No. 2022-105-CC with Southwest Pipeline and Trenchless Corporation to fund emergency repairs that were necessary to complete the construction of the Sewer Lining Project, City Project No. 629-SWR, in the amount of $36,000 during Consent Calendar.
8 CITY COUNCIL
APPOINTMENT
The City Council unanimously approved items A, B, C, D & E during Consent Calendar:
a. Ratified the nomination by Mayor Maria del Pilar Avalos of Alejandra Flores Padilla to the Citizens Advisory Committee; b. Ratified the nomination by Mayor Maria del Pilar Avalos of Ana Zavala to the Citizens Advisory Committee;
c. Removed Mayor Maria del Pilar Avalos' current appointee, Ivy Duarte, from the Planning Commission and ratifying the
nomination by Mayor Maria del Pilar Avalos of Brigida Salinas to the Planning Commission;
d. Ratified the nomination by Mayor Maria del Pilar Avalos of Adolfo Varas to the Parks & Recreation Commission and removing him from the Tweedy Mile Advisory Board; and
e. Ratified the nomination by Mayor Maria del Pilar Avalos of Araceli Macias to the Citizens Advisory Committee.
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~MI HOUSING The City Council unanimously received and filed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2023 Community Brownfields Assessment Grant City Council Quarterly Briefing during Consent Calendar.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 10 MINUTES The City Council approved during Consent Calendar:
a. The Special Meeting minutes of June 26, 2023;
b. The Special and Regular Meeting minutes of June 27, 2023; c. The Special and Regular Meeting minutes of July 11, 2023; d. The Special and Regular Meeting minutes of July 25, 2023; and e. The Special and Regular Meeting minutes of August 8, 2023. 11 STREET SWEEPING The City Council unanimously approved items A & B by motion of Mayor Avalos and seconded by Vice Mayor Hurtado:
a. Amendment No. 3 to Contract No. 3542 with Nationwide Environmental Services to extend the term for street sweeping services by seven (7) years, and provide a COVID related adjustment; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 3 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
12 WARRANTS The City Council unanimously approved the Warrant Register for September 12, 2023, by motion of Council Member Davila and seconded by Mayor Avalos.
Total of Checks: $8,302,534.09
Less: Voids $ ( 13,625.00)
Less: Employee Payroll Deductions $ (798,462.46)
Grand Total: $7,490,446.63
Cancellations: 101812
ADJOURNMENT The City Council unanimously adjourned the meeting in memory of LilyRose Diaz (8-year-old resident tragically passing of neuroblastoma cancer), long-time resident, business owner and South Gate Elected Official Bill De Witt, and long-time friend and member of the community Camilo Renteria, President of the Pedro Duran Baseball League at 9:37 p.m.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 PASSED and APPROVED this 10th day of October 2023.
ATTEST:
Maria del Pilar Avalos, Mayor Yodit G1 ze, City Clerk