CITY OF SOUTH GATE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2024
CALL TO ORDER Gil Hurtado, Mayor called a Regular City Council Meeting to order to 6:36 p.m.
INVOCATION Tina Fierro, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreations
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGI ANCE Meredith Elguira, Director of Cornrnunity Development ROLL CALL Yodit Glaze, City Clerk
PRESENT Mayor Gil Hurtado, Vice Mayor Maria Davila, Council Member Maria del Pilar Avalos, Council Member Joshua Barron, and Council Member Al Rios; City Treasurer Jose De La Paz, City Manager Robert Houston, City Attorney Raul F. Salinas
l
COMMUNITY DEV/
HOUSING The City Council conducted a public hearing and unanimously approved items A & B by motion of Council Member Avalos and seconded by Council Member Rios:
ROLL CALL: Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Council Member Avalos, yes; Vice Mayor Davila, yes; Mayor Hurtado, recused.
a. Resolution No. 2024-01-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, approving Substantial Amendment No. 3 to the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan Programming Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in the amount of $450,228 to the South Gate Park Fence Project (Attachment A); and
b. Authorizing the City Manager or the Community Development Director to enter into an agreement with an eligible subrecipient and to purchase supplies, programs, and equipment as noted in the FY 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan.
Mayor Hurtado chose to recuse himself from this public hearing.
Vice Mayor Davila took over for this time.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 9, 2024 1 COMMUNITY DEV /
HOUSING CONT'D Carol Averell, Housing Director, presented some corrections to this plan in order to have access to those funds and be allocated to projects around the city.
Council Member Barron asked for clarification on the code enforcement programming and the impact on the general fund. He also asked about the park enhancement fund and the fencing project.
Council Member Avalos asked if the funds that are transferred would be the only amount and no other amount would be requested.
Ms. Averell responded by saying that it would be the only funding that could be reprogrammed.
Council Member Rios asked how much the fence project is and his concern is that projects should be focused more on low-income families.
Ms. Averell responded that the CDBG is contributing 1.6 million for the fence project and stated that there are projects benefiting low income, but because of the timeliness of this project they will have to transfer those funds.
Vice Mayor Davila stated that this is regarding last year's funding and this year's funding could be leaning towards those who need it most.
Meredith Elguira, Director of Community Development, responded to concerns about the funding and the process of applications.
Council Member Avalos stated that if these funds are not transferred to the fence project, then we would have to give those funds back and not be able to use it.
Mario Dominguez wanted clarification on when this project would start and end as well as whether the City has enough funds for it to be completed.
Thomas Buckley expressed concern about the project and how the community does not need this project and allocating the funds into the community that helps the residents.
Tina Fierro, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation, stated that the fencing project has begun and is set to be completed by the end of April 2024.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 9, 2024 1 COMMUNITY DEV/
HOUSING CONT'D Arturo Cervantez, Director of Public Works, explained why the funds could not be used for the graffiti removal project.
Council Member Barron wanted to remind the public that the Park Fence project benefits everyone in the community and not just certain individuals.
DEVIATE FROM
THE AGENDA Vice Mayor Davila requested itei'n 6 be considered out of its regular agenda order. At this time, there being no objections, Vice Mayor Davila motioned, seconded by Council Member Avalos, item 6 be considered out of its regular agenda order.
6 CITY COUNCIL
APPOINTMENTS The City Council approved items A & B by motion of Mayor Hurtado and seconded by Vice Mayor Davila.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Barron, yes, Council Member Rios, yes, Vice Mayor Davila, yes; Mayor Hurtado, yes.
a. Appointed representatives to various outside boards and agencies of which the City of South Gate is a member; and b. Ratified the appointment of the City Council Auditor by the Mayor, as stipulated under South Gate Municipal Code Section
1.04.170. (Auditor)
Mayor Hurtado stated that Vice Mayor Davila would like to be a representative for HUB cities.
Council Member Avalos requested to continue representing HUB cities.
Mayor Hurtado would like to see Vice Mayor Davila appointed and would see if it is possible to become effective after the meeting Council Member Avalos has with Hub cities.
Council Member Rios explained why he did not attend meetings.
Council Member Barron explained the meetings he attends.
Vice Mayor Davila explained the dates for the meetings and how it works quarterly.
Raul F. Salinas, City Attorney, listed the Council Members to their appointed outside boards and agencies as follows:
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF J ANUARY 9, 2024 6 CITY COUNCIL
APPOINTMENTS
CONT'D City Council Auditor remains as Council Member Barron County Sanitation Director will be Mayor Hurtado and alternate will be Vice Mayor Davila
Gateway Cities Council of Governments (COG) will be Vice Mayor Davila and alternate will be Council Member Avalos Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District 2 year term is Council MemberAvalos
HUB Cities Consortium will change to Vice Mayor Davila after this week and alternate will be Council MemberAvalos
Independent Cities Association (ICA) will be Council Member Barron and alternate will be Council Member Rios
Independent Cities Finance Authority and alternate will be Mayor Hurtado and alternate will be Vice Mayor Davila
Independent Cities Risk Management Authority (ICRMA) will be Vice Mayor Davila and alternate will be Jon Hamilton
League of California Cities will be Council Member Rios and alternate will be Council Member Barron
Southeast Water Coalition Joint Powers Authority (SEWC) will be Council Member Avalos and alternate will be Council Member Barron Eco-Rapid Transit Authority is on hold with Vice Mayor Davila and Council Member Avalos
Los Angeles County City Selection Committee will be Mayor Hurtado and alternate will be Vice Mayor Davila
California Contract Cities Association (CCCA) will be Council Member Barron and alternate will be Mayor Hurtado
School Safety Collaborative will be Vice Mayor Davila and alternate will be Council Member Avalos
Southeast Community Development Corporation subject to change pending correspondence from organization with Council MemberAl Rios and Council Member Barron
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 9, 2024
EXCUSED FROM
MEETING At this time, 7:19 p.m., Vice Mayor Davila was excused from the meeting and departed from the Council Cliai'nbers.
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE (NON-AGENDA
ITEMS) Thomas Buckley voiced concern about the safety of the city council meetings as one resident wanted to shoot another resident with Chief Arakawa's gun. He feels frustrated that no one on the Council showed any concern for his remarks on using gun violence.
Mario Dominguez spoke on his remarks that were made and how he received a restraining order due to his statements.
Liz Ruiz, Kauffman Ave, voiced concern on the Firestone bridge construction due to the traffic being a problem.
A resident, Jovanna, spoke on her freedom of speech and how it can be misconstrued. She expressed that her family was harassed by false accusations of others.
A resident asked if social media pages are allowed to make false statements without consequences.
Armando Velasquez, Independence Ave, spoke on the Kiwanis Club and their clean-up project on January 20"1 at Victoria Elementary. The first middle school program was introduced at Southeast Middle School. Also announced a new Kiwanis club is starting.
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROMCITYOFFICIALS ArturoCervantes,DirectorofPublicWorks,spokeontheFirestone project and stated that is being done in two phases. One of the phases is under the jurisdiction of Caltrans which is why it is being delayed. The next phase is under design and will begin construction in 2025.
Mayor Hurtado directed a concern to Tina Fierro about the delays of the construction of the North Playground.
Tina Fierro, Deputy Director of Parks & Recreation, explained the concerns of the delay which were the back orders on some items of the playground.
Mayor Hurtado voiced speculations of comments made on social media about the council not caring about repairs in the city, but there are important reasons as to why some repairs are not made right away.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 9, 2024
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Mt's. Fierro went over the costs of the repairs and how there are adjustments to allow some room for the cost of those taking place.
Robert Houston, City Manager, met with Mrs. Fierro about the completion of the projects and letting the public know about the delays.
Mayor Hurtado stated that certain parts are constantly being updated with safer alternatives arid delays the ordering of parts.
Meredith Elguira, Director of Community Development, wanted to remind the council of the request of 'tunding applications for CDBG.
Wendy O'Kelly, Director of Finance, reported on the LIWAP and the meeting that will take place Friday, January 191h to get assistance for their water bill.
Jon Hamilton, Director of Human Resources, went over the available positions at this moment.
Darren Arakawa, Chief of Police, reminded everyone that it is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and extended his thanks for Law Enforcement in taking care of the community. Went over the 26t'l Annual Explorer Program events that the Explorers are a part of. He has also assumed the Presidency of the Los Angeles County Chiefs.
Mr. Houston expressed support to law enforcement officers and being a great influence in the County. He emphasized that Sacramento is creating new laws and wanted to highlight some of them for everyone to be aware of. The first one is SP 679 on landscaping in order to command water saving. SB 16 a change to paid sick days and sick leave that changed from 3 to 5 days of paid sicks days and allowing employees to roll over days.
SB 329 City Council members compensation increased the maximum amount of compensation to council members by inflation rate. AB 413 that will come into effect 2025, which requires no parking within 20ft of an intersection to increase pedestrian safety.
Mr. Salinas explained how some comments should not be tolerated as there are cornrnents that prevent others wanting to participate. He reiterated that public comment should be based on the content that will be discussed. He feels is important in creating an inviting environment for the community.
Yodit Glaze, City Clerk, expressed thankfulness for her staff Sonia and Raquel for filling in for her while she was out.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 9, 2024
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Jose De La Paz, City Treasurer, reported the sewer fund must be focused on as we begin the year.
Council Member Avalos commended Chief Arakawa for his efforts and congratulated him for his accomplishments. She also acknowledged all the law officers who continue to provide their service to us. She also announced that she will not be attending the next council meeting as she will be attending a conference with Vector Control.
Council Member Barron spoke on a few programs that have started and he has attended. He asked about the Centennial Ball and if there was any help he could provide. He provided more details on the bricks that are for sale to be put outside City Hall.
Mrs. Fierro provided details on the Centennial Ball and encourages the public to purchase a ticket to attend.
Council Member Rios congratulated Chief Arakawa and extended a prayer for Mr. Steve Costley and his family. He voiced a concern for having trouble hearing the public in their sound system. He also announced events happening at the College and encourages the public to be careful when they are out and driving.
Mayor Hurtado spoke on his beliefs and addressed comments made by some individuals. He suggests having a better sound system as it is difficult to hear certain things from callers on zoom.
Mayor Hurtado corrected a law regarding compensation brought up by Mr.
Houston. He also mentioned another law SB 4 and it has to do with places of worship being able to build housing units on their property. Also, a new law allowing undocumented immigrants being able to apply for health insurance. SB 649 is another law he mentioned about speed laws and asked what cities that applies to. Lastly, he addressed comments about social media pages and laws that people need to know about being a public figure.
CONSENTCALENDAR AgendaItems2,3,4and5wereapprovedbymotionofCouncilMember Rios and seconded by Council Member Barron.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes (abstained on item 5a); Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Davila, absent; Mayor Hurtado, yes (recused from item 2).
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 9, 2024 2 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council made a finding and adopted Resolution No. 2024-02- CC Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, entitled 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.
3 WASTEWATER MGMT The City Council approved items A, B & C during consent calendar:
a. Amendment No. 4 to Contract No. 2020-09-CC with W.A. Rasic Construction Company, Inc., to fund emergency sanitary sewer system repairs, for a not-to-exceed amount of $100,000 to pay for emergency repairs completed and repairs that may arise through January 31, 2025.
b. The transferring $100,000 inARPA 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 services; and
C. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 4 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
4 PARKS The City Council approved items A, B & C during consent calendar:
a. Change Order in the amount of $30,000 to the original Purchase Order issued to Inter-Graphics Company to print, fold, and mail the "South Gate Connect" brochure; and
b. Authorized the Director of Parks & Recreation to execute any additional documents needed to allow for the future issues of the "South Gate Connect" to be produced.
5 MINUTES The City Council approved items A, B, C, D & E during consent calendar:
a. The Special and Regular Meeting minutes of October 24, 2023; b. The Special and Regular Meeting minutes of November 14, 2023;
C. The Special Meeting minutes of November 20, 2023;
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 9, 2024 S
MINUTES CONT'D The Special and Regular Meeting minutes of November 28, 2023; and
The Special Meeting minutes of December 4, 2023.
7a
Wj!kRRANTS The City Council approved the Warrant Register for December 26, 2023, by motion of Council Member Avalos and seconded by Council Member Rios.
Total of Checks:
Less: Voids
Less: Employee Payroll Deductions
Grand Total:
$5,228,976.31
$ (0.00)
$ (597,170.65)
$4,631,805.66
Cancellations: 103918,103960,102546,100831,101697
7b
WARRANTS The City Council approved the Warrant Register for January 9, 2024, by motion of Council Member Avalos and seconded by Council Member Rios.
Total of Checks:
Less: Voids
Less: Employee Payroll Deductions
Grand Total:
Cancellations: 104044
$1,141,141.25
$ (0.00)
$ (389,827.70)
$ 751,313.55
ROLL CALL: Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Rios, yes, Council Member Avalos, yes; Vice Mayor Davila, absent; Mayor Hurtado, yes.
ADJOURNMENT Council Member Barron adjourned the meeting in memory of Benjamin Miranda, South Gate resident at 8:58 p.m. and seconded by Council Member Avglos,
PASSED and APPROVED this 27I'1 day of February 2024.
ATTEST:
Gil Hurtado, Mayor Yodit aze, City Clerk