CITY OF SOUTH GATE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL IVIEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024
CALL TO ORDER Gil Hurtado, Mayor called a Regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:llp.m.
INVOCATION Tina Fierro, Deputy Director of Parks & Recreation
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE. Yodit Glaze, City Clerk
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
WASTEWATER MGMT The City Council unanimously approved items A, B, C & D by motion of Vice Mayor Davila and seconded by Council Member Barron:
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Davila, yes; Mayor Hurtado, yes.
a. Conducted a public hearing pursuant to Section 6(a)(2) ofArticle XIII D of the California Constitution regarding the proposed sewer fee rate increases for which on November 14, 2023, the City mailed notifications to all real properties affected by the proposed increase to notify property owners or tenants receiving sewer service about the proposed rate increase;
b. During the Public Hearing, considered all protests against the proposed increases;
C. If written protests against the proposed increases are presented by the owner or tenant of a MAJORITY of the affected parcels of real property, comply with said Article XIII D by resolving to NOT increase the fee; and
d. If written protests against the proposed fee are presented by the owners or tenants of LESS THAN A MAJORITY of the affected parcels of real property, resolve to INCREASE the fee as authorized by said Article XIII D.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 23, 2024 l
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CONT'D Arturo Cervantes, Director of Public Works, provided a background and stated that the funds would not be able to cover the expense of the update of the system. He went into depth and explained that over the course of 5 years there will be a deficit. He also explained the exact amount of the increase for tenants.
Robert Houston, City Manager, added that he feels they have provided the necessary information to let the public know about the increase and understanding the concept of funds being brought in going forward would be a reserve for future maintenance issues.
Council Member Avalos asked a clari:tying question of single-family homes in comparison to multi-family homes and how they will be able to differentiate
Mr. Cervantes explained how having an ADU would be considered either single family or multi family.
Mr. Nick, MPS, recommended asking the rate consultant to determine how ADU would be treated under this rate structure.
Council Member Barron added that anything built as an ADU would be considered a multi-family home.
Mr. Cervantes explained the difference of a commercial property as well.
Mayor Hurtado asked if anyone in the audience and zoom wished to speak on this item.
Thomas Buckley expressed frustration from residents on increasing utilities since there were some issues with the water bills in the past months.
Mario Dominguez stated he disagrees with a previous speaker and expressed support for the sewer rate and feels the increase is actually too low.
Liliana Jimenez states disagreement on the increase of the sewer rate as she is not sure where those funds are going to.
A resident expressed confusion as to when the proposed increase would take into effect and would like more community input to answer more questions.
Andrea Paulina, Hollydale st., expressed support for the increased sewer rate that will potentially take into effect.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OFJ ANUARY 23, 2024 l
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CONT'D Ricardo expressed his concern for Prop 218 and how the votes would be considered.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Hurtado closed the audience portion.
Mr. Cervantes confirmed that the rate increase would come into effect July 2024.
Council Member Barron asked when the last time we had a sewer rate increase and when was that fund operating in deficit.
Mr. Cervantes confirmed that the last time there was an increase was in 2010.
Wendy O' Kelly, Director of Finance, checked her records back from 2019 and was able to see a $600,000 deficit during that time and explained she would have to check further back to confirm that answer.
Council Member Barron stated that the city has been funding the deficit in the past years. He also wants clarification on where the 'funds collected will be going to as many residents were still confused about that.
Mr. Cervantes explained that there has been no funding for COP and does not have the exact numbers. He confirmed that the funds would go to covering its own expenditures in the sewer system.
Council Member Barron continued to explain how the sewer rate increase is as low as a cup of coffee.
Mr. Cervantes explained how the 4-cent difference would continue a'fter the first increase.
Council Member Rios asked at what point in the increase will be self- sustairung
Mr. Cervantes answered with the accomplishments by year 5 and how there will be enough revenue and start generating a reserve.
Council Member Rios stated he did not see the notice and that some residents might have also not looked at it. He encourages better public notices to let Residents know about increases.
Mr. Cervantes explained the funding sources for expenditures that the city needs.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 23, 2024 l
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CONT'D Ms. O'Kelly explained the salary savings and how it used to tie up the entire fund and meet the budget requirement.
Mr. Houston stated that they will make sure the public is aware of future enterprise funds to increase health in the community.
Mayor Hurtado explained that although he understands no one wants to see increases, but at some point, the increases have to happen.
Council Member Rios said that if the increase does not happen then it can affect other recreational projects.
Council Member Avalos asked if this increase is tied to the water rates.
Mr. Cervantes confirmed that it is not tied to water rates, but is tied to the water consumption.
Council Member Avalos stated how more damage will occur to our general fund if no increase is established.
Jose De La Paz, City Treasurer, echoed the comments from previous comments and asked if this does not move forward what is the impact.
Ms. O'Kelly answered that we are looking at 1.1 million dollars from the general fund every year in expenditures.
Mayor Hurtado stated he understands the increase is uncomfortable for everybody, but it has to be done.
Vice Mayor Davila stated support of the funding needed for the increase.
Yodit Glaze, City Clerk, stated the votes:6 total protests received at Clerk's Office.
Raul F. Salinas asked if there was additional data to be reported out.
Ms. Glaze stated there were 16,951 notifications sent out to our city and 8,077 protests and only received 6 protests.
2 GENERAL PLAN Following the conclusion of the Public Hearing, the City Council unanimously approved items A & B by motion of Mayor Hurtado and seconded by Council Member Rios:
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 23, 2024 GENERALPLAN corrr'n ROLL CALL: Council MemberAvalos, yes; Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Davila, yes; Mayor Hurtado, yes.
a. Resolution No. 2024-03-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, adopting the findings as outlined in the Final Draft 2021-2029 General Plan Housing Element Update; and
b. Declaring the Final Draft 2021-2029 General Plan Housing Element Update is in compliance with the Environmental Impact Report prepared and adopted for the General Plan 2035 and no further environmental study is required.
Meredith Elguira, Director of Community Development, introduced Veronica Tan and expressed hopes of this being the final presentation as they are very close to being in compliance.
Veronica Tam, Veronica Tam and Associates, explained certifications needed to become in full compliance with state law. The key component of the Housing Element is the housing assessment and that is the number of housing units that every single jurisdiction within the states has to be responsible for. In South Gate, there are 8,282 new housing units. She also stated she will request an expedited review from the state.
Mayor Hurtado asked if anyone in the audience and zoom wished to speak on this item.
Mario Dominguez stated there would not be enough land to increase the building of housing. He would like to see more development between Tweedy and Atlantic.
Liz Ruiz, Kauffman Ave, stated support of more housing, but is concerned about the safety of residents.
Thomas Buckley stated concern about the Homeless crisis getting worse and brought up concerns of the infrastructure.
Ricardo voiced that there should be affordable housing for current residents as well as transit friendly neighborhoods.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Hurtado closed the audience portion.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 23, 2024 cg'nymtpbhxcorqarn MayorHurtadomadeacomparisononthepopulationofadifferentcityas opposed to South Gate. He voiced that there could be an overcrowding situation by bringing in more housing units.
Council Member Avalos asked to consider a lot of the needs the cornrnunity needs.
Ms. Elguira confirmed that there is 8% affordable housing and added it up to 10%.
Council Member Rios addressed the concern of residents leaving South Gate as schools are becoming crowded. He feels housing costs could be the issue to residents deciding to leave.
Mr. De La Paz commented on the housing situation and clarified that we need the funding to be able to create more housing.
Ms. Elguira explained the funding that is needed and what it would be used for in the Housing development.
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE - (NON-AGENDA
ITEMS) Thomas Buckley asked if there could be an adopted protocol for special city council meetings as regular council meetings have been starting after 6:30 pm. He also commented on UWS going tmough the recycling to make inspections.
Mario Dominguez suggested there should be music as residents wait for the zoom meetings to begin. He also continued with requesting the camera system for the council chambers.
Bill Wallace, 8823 Beaudine Ave, announced the petition for children and grandchildren with inherited properly.
Liz Ruiz, Kauffman Ave, addressed the poor condition of the slides at South Gate Park. She also addressed concerns of the Tweedy and Long Beach Blvd Street project as there was a covering of asphalt on a sidewalk. Lastly, she commented on how grate'[ul she is for having the city council meetings via zoom and suggested having a chat available.
Paula commented that residents should understand the walkway that is accessible and not stepping on the landscaping. She also commented that UWS is in the right in going through the recycling as it is public domain once the trash is outside.
A Resident requested an update on the Tweedy Mile Street project.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 23, 2024
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE- (NON-AGENDA
ITEMS) CONT'D Ricardo raised concerns about rising rents in the city as most are using most of their income to cover their rent.
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
puomci'ryoppicus ArturoCervantes,DirectorofPublicWorks,spokeontheprojectsthatare starting that will inconvenience residents. He explained that the city is outgrowing its infrastructure and therefore must begin these projects to better serve the community.
Tina Fierro, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation, provided an update on the slide issues and stated the slides have been ordered to be replaced.
She also spoke on events and classes being offered at the Parks and Recreation department.
Meredith Elguira, Director of Community Development, explained that there will be inspections for participants of Section 8 and stated the rent caru'iot exceed 10% for the following year.
Wendy O'Kelly, Director of Administrative Services, reported on the LIWAP event that occurred and stated there were 33 customers that applied for assistance and approved 8 of the customers on site. She also provided an update for the action report for the fiscal year.
Jon Hamilton, Director of Human Resources, provided an update of current positions available.
Darren Arakawa, Chief of Police, reported on the Explorers and their achievements and spoke on an incident regarding a Police Officer and a drunk driver. He communicated concerns and the plan is to do more enforcement for DUI drivers.
Mayor Hurtado added that DUI issues have been an ongoing problem.
Rob Houston, City Manager, spoke on the Centennial Ball and his experience. He expressed his appreciation for his Role and looks forward for the work he will partake in.
Raul F. Salinas, City Attorney, had nothing to report.
Ms. Glaze reported on how the City Clerk's Office is working closely with LA County Registry in preparing for the upcoming elections. She encourages residents to register to vote for the upcoming elections. She also mentioned the Auditorium does not meet the requirements for the voting location as it does not meet the needs of the community, but she will confirm.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 23, 2024
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Jose De La Paz, City Treasurer, asked the Chief of Police if we have looked into speed cameras. He also asked about the bricks being placed.
Chief Arakawa explained that the particular law does not apply to smaller cities, but eventually he is hoping it will take into effect.
Ms. Fierro explained that the bricks will be placed after the construction.
Council Member Avalos asked if South Gate Park Heru'y Auditorium would be able to be a voting place. She also spoke on the conference she is currently attending with Vector Control.
Council Member Barron asked about the water rebate program and if there was a cut-off date for that. He also asked about an update on Circle Park.
He emphasized the importance of listening to the community and being able to speak up on issues or concerns they may have.
Ms. O'Kelly stated that a cut-off date has not been determined.
Mr. Cervantes provided the update on the design elements of Circle Park.
Council Member Rios announced an event on February 3rd and invited the public to attend. He also looks forward to the swimming pool opening.
Vice Mayor Davila extended her thanks for the organizers of the Centennial Ball. She spoke on the event she attended with the County Sanitation Committee and urges the public to keep safe by using masks.
She announced the new name for the West Santa Ana Branch line as the Southeast Gateway.
Mayor Hurtado spoke on the efforts of staff and the services the city provides. He announced events he will be attending in February and the Centennial Ball.
CONSENT CALENDAR Agenda Items 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 were approved by motion of Council Member Rios and seconded by Vice Mayor Davila.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Rios, yes (recused from voting on item 4); Vice Mayor Davila, yes; Mayor Hurtado, yes (recused from voting on items 3, 4, and 7).
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OFJ ANUARY 23, 2024 3 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council made a finding and adopted Resolution No. 2024-04- 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 TRANSPORTATION
PLANNING/ADMIN The City Council approved items A & B during consent calendar:
a. Amendment No. 8 to Contract No. 2796, Memorandum of Understanding with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority ("MOU") retroactively extending the grant funds lapsing date from February 28, 2022 to February 29, 2024, for the Firestone Boulevard Regional Corridor Capacity Enhancement, Metro Project ID No. F3124, City Project No. 476- TRF, for the 2009 Call for Projects Program grant funds; and b. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 8 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
HOLLYDALE PARKADMIN The City Council unanimously approved items A, B & C during consent calendar:
a. Amendment No. 3 to Contract No. 2022-77-CC with Z&K Consultants, Inc., to provide additional construction management and inspection services for the Hollydale Community Park Renovation, City Project No. 607-PRK, at a not to exceed cost of $43,414;
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 3 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney; and
C. Authorized the City Manager to approve and execute subsequent amendments, should they be needed, to oversee the project through construction completion in an amount not to exceed $50,000 monthly or $150,000, in the aggregate, to be funded with budgeted grant funds.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 23, 2024 WATER The City Council unanimously approved items A, B, C, D, E & F during consent calendar:
Agreement (Contract No. 2024-03-CC) with T.E. Roberts, Inc., to replace 1725 water meters under the Automatic Meter Reading Upgrade - Phase 3, City Project No. 649-WTR, in an amount not-to-exceed $1,267,250;
Appropriated $500,000 in Water Funds to fully fund the Automatic Meter Reading Upgrade - Phase 3, City Pro'3ect No. 649-WTR; Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney;
Authorized the City Manager to approve up to $120,000 in construction change orders that may arise;
Approved the Notice of Exemption for the Automatic Meter Reading Upgrade - Phase 3 City Project No. 649-WTR; and Directed the City Clerk to file the Notice of Exemption with the Los Angeles County Recorder's Office.
CITY FACILITIES MGMT The City Council approved items A & B during consent calendar:
Authorized the City Manager to approve a Purchase Order with HERC Rentals to fund equipment rentals that were temporarily provided to operate and/or supplement the HVAC systems at City Hall, the Police Station, and Sports Center from August through October of 2023, in an amount not to exceed $1 75,690; and Appropriated $175,690 in General Funds to fund the purchase order with HERC Rentals.
8 CITY COUNCIL
APPOINTMENTS The City Council unanimously approved items A, B, C & D during consent calendar:
Removed Council Member Maria del PilarAvalos' current appointee, Brigida Salinas, from the Planning Commission and ratified the nomination by Council Member Maria del Pilar Avalos of Jenny Perez to the Planning Commission;
Ratified the nomination by Council Member Al Rios of Susan F.
Janer to the Citizens Advisory Committee;
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 23, 2024 8 CITY COUNCIL
APPOINTMENTS CONT'D C. Ratified the nomination by Council Member AI Rios of Angelica Martinez to the Citizens Advisory Committee; and
d. Ratified the nomination by Council Member Al Rios of Richard Gonzales to the Citizens Advisory Committee.
9 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/
HOUSING The City Council unanimously received and filed a report on the South Gate 2023 Homeless Census Report by City Net 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.
10 WARRANTS The City Council unanimously approved the Warrant Register for January 23, 2024, by motion of Council Member Barron and seconded by Council Member Rios.
Total ofChecks: $2,861,368.59
Less: Voids $ ( 7,500.00)
Less: Employee Payroll Deductions $ 392,128.20)
GrandTotal: $2,461,740.39
Cancellations: 98996, 104280
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Davila, yes; Mayor Hurtado, yes.
ADJOURNMENT Council Member Barron adjourned tlie meeting in memory of Elizabeth Okech, Daughter of Steve Costley, at 8:58 p.m. and seconded by Council Member Avalos.
PASSED and APPROVED this 27'h day of February 2024.
ATTEST:
Gil'!!"'/, ? Yodit aze, City Clerk