CITY OF SOUTH GATE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 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 Giselle Hernandez, Marketing & Comm. Engagement Mgr.
ROLL CALL Yodit Glaze, City Clerk
PRESENT Mayor Maria del Pilar Avalos, Vice Mayor Hurtado, Council Member Joshua Barron, and Council Member Maria Davila; City Treasurer Jose De La Paz, City Manager Chris Jeffers, City Attorney Raul F. Salinas ABSENT/EXCUSE Council Member Al Rios
1 PERSONNEL BENEFITS/
RETIREMENT ADMIN The City Council conducted a public hearing and adopted Resolution No. 2023-69-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, giving notice of the City's intention to approve an amendment to the contract between the City and the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide employee cost sharing of 1% for the unrepresented executive management contract employees effective on December 17, 2023, by motion of Council Member Davila and seconded by Vice Mayor Hurtado.
Jon Hamilton, Director of Human Resources, explained the process of amending this request to provide certain pension benefits to employees and once this is approved the next step would be the Introduction and first reading of the ordinance to proceed with the amendment to our contract with CalPERS. He stated the departments that agreed for the cost sharing program that will provide those benefits to employees.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Davila, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes; Mayor Avalos, yes; Council Member Rios, absent.
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE (NON-AGENDA
ITEMS) Juan Ramon Cortez, 9637 South Lake Ave, spoke on tree trimming and his confusion as to why only a certain part of the street was trimmed.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 10, 2023
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE (NON-AGENDA
ITEMS) CONT'D Sandra Hernandez, 10336 Pinehurst Ave, spoke of her concerns on her high-water bill of $1,047 when she normally paid between $50-$150 monthly. She mentioned being told she could not reach Mayor Avalos or City Council Members about the issue and should address her concerns with the water department.
Eddie Hankins, 10431 St. James Ave, echoed similar concerns on the high-water bill.
Ruben Pichardo, 9210 San Gabriel Ave, also echoed concerns of their water bill and expressed frustration on what is happening with the bills.
Mario Dominguez spoke of tree trimming requests he made with Public Works and how it could liave been a mistake with the way the trees were taken down.
Thomas Buckley echoed for the residents that have experienced high water bills and asked the council to investigate this matter.
Bill Wallace asks residents to sign a petition for property taxes of property inheritance
Mayor Avalos stated that the Council Members and herself are always available and should not be told by employees that they cannot reach out to them regarding Ms. Hernandez's statement.
Arturo Cervantez, Director of Public Works, explained the increase in the water bills and stated they have done an analysis and only 11 residents had an inegularity.
Chris Jeffers, City Manager, suggested adding the water bill issue to the agenda to have more questions answered.
Council Member Davila asked if there were still ARPA funds to be able to help with utilities.
Mayor Avalos stated that residents are being heard and they will look into the matter.
Vice Mayor Hurtado stated that because the water bill issue is not on the agenda and cannot go back and forth with residents as it could violate the Brown Act. He also echoed that the issue should be looked at and that residents are being heard.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 10, 2023
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE (NON-AGENDA
ITEMS) CONT'D Mr. Jeffers addressed the difference between a bush and a tree regarding Mr. Cortez's statement and there are different stages in the process of trimming.
Yodit Glaze, City Clerk, asked if Mr. Cortez's request can be looked at as he has attended for the second time.
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS Mr. Cervantez provided an update on the tree trimming process and how it is determined for certain trees to be taken down completely or saved.
Steve Costley, Interim Director of Parks and Recreation, announced the Azalea Art Walk happening on Saturday and upcoming Halloween events happening at South Gate Park.
Meredith Elguira, Director of Community Development, recognized the homeowners that won the Home Recognition Program.
Ms. Glaze, City Clerk had nothing to report.
Jose De La Paz, City Treasurer, had nothing to report.
Wendy O'Kelly, Deputy Director of Administrative Services, reiterated the LIHWAP program that can assist residents in their utility program.
Mr. Hamilton presented the jobs currently available to apply.
Darren Arakawa, Chief of Police, spoke on the car show that happened over the weekend and the pleasant experience they had. He also announced the Pageant of the Trees that will be occurring over the Holiday season. He reminded everyone about World Mental Health Day and keeping yourself safe.
Mr. Jeffers recognized the ELAC political science class and how the Council Members are of service to them to speak on government topics.
He also reminded the public about finding events around the city on South Gate city website. He also spoke on resources for Mental Health and the importance of taking some time to pause from life amid many suffering around the world at this moment.
Raul F. Salinas, City Attorney, echoed comments on Mr. Jeffers' statement.
Mayor Avalos acknowledged the wars that are happening and how blessed we are that we are safe.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 10, 2023
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Council Member Davila echoed Mayor Avalos' statement on how blessed we are. She described her experience in events she attended this past weekend. She directed a comment to Wendy O'Kelly about customer service in the water department and suggested training. Her thoughts and prayers to people that liave lost their life in recent accidents.
Council Member Barron spoke on the Henry Gonzalez renaming and how nice it was to see the family and all who attended. He described his experience at the State of the City diru'ier and the car show event that he was a part of. He also spoke on the homeless issue and the meeting he had with Carol and Meredith.
Council Member Davila expressed gratitude for the State of the City event that took place and reminded the students at ELAC that they have an open-door policy.
Vice Mayor Hurtado recapped events he attended around the city. He also emphasized that we are here to provide service to the community and should be treated in a respectful manner and voiced his support in the healthcare strike currently happening. He ended with recent accidents that have taken lives of innocent people and some confusion of maintenance work of Public Works.
Mayor Avalos stated that customer service is a staple in our city and customers should be treated respectfully. She thanked all the sponsors of the State of the City event. She expressed safety when driving as there have been more accidents taking the lives of innocent people.
CONSENTCALENDAR Agenda Items 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 were approved by motion of Council Member Davila and seconded by Vice Mayor Hurtado. Item 2 was pulled for separate discussion after consideration of the warrants.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Davila, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes; Mayor Avalos, yes; Council Member Rios, absent.
3 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
SYSTEMS MGfMT The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Resolution No. 2023-71-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California authorizing the City's appointee to the Eco-Rapid Transit ("ERT") to vote to terminate the JPA under Section 3.2(i) of the Joint Powers Authority Agreement; and
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 10, 2023 3 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
SYSTEMS MGMT CONT'D
b. Authorized the City Manager to take steps to complete the City of South Gate withdrawal from the ERT.
PERSONNEL ADMIN The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-72-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, amending Resolution No. 6454 (Salary Resolution and Position Classification Plan) by taking the following actions during Consent Calendar:
l) Creating the full-time position of Court Liaison Officer in the Police Department;
2) Approving the classification specification for the full-time position of Court Liaison Officer;
3) Updating the Consolidated Salary Pay Table for the City of South Gate by adding the full-time position of Court Liaison Officer at Pay Grade 516 ($4,440 - $5,397 monthly), aNon-Exempt Classification assigned to the Municipal Employees Association ("MEA");
4) Creating the full-time position of Records Management Technician - Police in the Police Department;
5) Approving the classification specification for the full-time position of Records Management Technician - Police; and
6) Updating the Consolidated Salary Pay Table for the City of South Gate by adding the full-time position of Records Management Technician - Police at Pay Grade 541 ($5,332 - $6,482 monthly), a Non-Exempt Classification assigned to MEA.
5 SURPLUS PERSONAL
PROPERTY MGMT The City Council approved an Option Agreement (Contract No. 2023-141- CC) with Primestor Development, LLC., to purchase City owned property at 4909 Mason Street, Assessor Parcel No. 6216-032-900 during Consent Calendar.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 10, 2023 6 ptmcnasisc SERVICES The City Council approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
The Purchase Order Agreement with Norm Reeves Ford for Four (4) Ford F-150 Pickup Trucks, in an amount not-to-exceed $262,915, for the Water Division of the Department of Public Works;
Appropriated $2,915 in Water Funds to fully 'fund the $262,915 purchase price; and
Authorized the City Manager to execute the documents necessary to purchase the vehicles in forms acceptable to the City Attorney.
The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:LAW ENFORCEMENT Accepted completion of construction of the South Gate Police Department Detective Bureau Remodel Project, City Project No. 642-GEN, effective July 14, 2023; and
Directed the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder's Office.
8 WATER
The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
Accepted completion of construction of the Citywide Valve Replacement Project City Project No. 688-WTR, effective September 12, 2023; and
Directed the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder's Office.
9 INVESTMENTS The City Council received and filed the Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, during Consent Calendar. 10 MINUTES The City Council approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
The Regular and Special City Council Meeting minutes of August 22, 2023;
The Regular and Special City Council Meeting minutes of Septemberl2, 2023; and
The Special City Council Meeting minutes of September 16, 2023.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 10, 2023
CITY COUNCIL/ PUBLIC
The City Council considered:ACCESS CORP. ADMIN
a. Approving an Agreement with Granicus to install video and broadcast equipment in the Council Chambers in City Hall and provide video production services for a three-year term; b. Appropriating $57,400 in one-time costs from the ARPA Fund and $55,400 in on-going costs from the Public Access Fund; and C. Authorizing the Mayor to execute the agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
Item 11 was continued to the next City Council Meeting of October 24, 2023, by motion of Council Member Davila and seconded by Vice Mayor Hurtado.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Davila, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, yes; Mayor Avalos, yes; Council Member Rios, absent.
12 WARRANTS The City Council approved the Warrants and Cancellations for October 10, 2023, by motion of Mayor Avalos and seconded by Council Member Davila.
Total of Checks:
Voids:
Total Payroll Deductions:
Grand Total:
Cancellations: 102499, 100583
$4,137,442.29
($ 1,900.00)
($ 398,461.45)
$3,737,080.84
EXCUSED FROM
ITEM 2 Council Member Hurtado left the meeting prior to the discussion of Item No. 2 and was recused from voting on this item. Council Member Hurtado departed the Council Chambers at 8:45 p.m.
2 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council made a finding and adopted Resolution No. 2023-70-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
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 10, 2023 2 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING co'xarn Municipal Code and the California Public Contract by motion of Council Member Davila and seconded by Mayor Avalos.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Davila, yes; Vice Mayor Hurtado, absent; Mayor Avalos, yes; Council Member Rios, absent.
ADJOURNMENT Council Member Davila adjourned the meeting in memory of the honorable Senator Dianne Feinstein, Police Officer Chad Swanson for the City of Manhattan Beach, his parents reside in South Gate, Emilio Guerrero, DA Investigator & his wife Anabelle Guerrero, Enrique Moreno, Jose Mauricio Ochoa, family member of Council Member Rios at 8:48 p.m. and seconded by Council Member Barron.
PASSED and APPROVED this 14I'1 day of November 2023.
ATTEST:
Maria del Pilar Avalos, Mayor Yodit City Clerk