CITY OF SOUTH GATE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2024
CALL TO ORDER Gil Hurtado, Mayor called a Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
INVOCATION Pastor Bobby Scott, Community of Faith Bible Church
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE: Arturo Cervantes, Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director 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
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE - NON-AGENDA
ITEMS Elizabeth C, a fellow resident asked if it was possible to increase the police presence on Kansas Avenue between Long Beach Boulevard and Stanford Avenue. She also wanted to place her concerns of the median that was placed along Long Beach Boulevard.
Thomas Buckley, wanted to bring attention to his concerns regarding the median that has been placed along Long Beach Boulevard.
Armando Velazquez, representative of the Kiwanis Club, wanted to inform the public that the Kiwanis Club will conduct their monthly Kiwanis Clean-up meeting on Saturday, February 17th, 2024, at 9 am. Mr. mentioned they will be adding a Kiwanis Club to the Southeast District and encouraging anyone interested to join.
Armando Munoz placed his concerns on the importance of Jet fuel regulations.
Maria Vasquez, also an airport employee, thanked the council for taking the time to hear about their experiences, the importance of Jet fuel regulations.
A representative from the American Red Cross mentioned there will be an event taking place where the American Red Cross will install smoke alarms free of charge in the City of South Gate. While they are looking for more volunteers, those volunteers will be trained to assist in the REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTF,S OF FEBRUARY 13, 2024
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE - NON-AGENDA
ITEMS CONT'D installation of smoke alarms. These smoke alarms would be given to all if requested. Flyers were left with staff.
Roberto, a resident, shared his concerns about the recent crime rate and our Police Department's response time.
Mr. Nayola, Isidro, 8422 Victoria Avenue, expressed his concerns with the South Gate Golf Course of certain holes being closed for far too long.
Antonio Gutierrez, 8441 South Gate Avenue, expressed his concerns of endorsing certain individuals to represent us in school-related matters.
Ozzy Pena, a local gas company representative, explained they currently have a scholarship program that is open until March 19Ih. Information was left with city staff for anyone interested in applying.
Mr. Lopez, 2412 Glenwood Place, shared his concerns of maintaining and cleanliness on the West side of the city.
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
A concerned resident spoke on the reoccurring issue of potholes in the City and homelessness issues.
Arturo Cervantez, Director of Public Works, addressed the comments on issues surrounding the construction of Long Beach Boulevard. He noted that, unfortunately, there have been a few vehicle accidents on the Boulevard. He reassured the residents the contractors are reliable should there be deficiencies. Regarding garbage along the streets mentioned, the Public Works Department will investigate it. Areas in which there is heavy foot traffic are much more prone to trash generation along the streets.
Public Works will investigate the construction equipment on the corner of Santa Fe and Long Beach Boulevard. Lastly, he spoke about potholes and railroad cleanliness in the city. The Public Works Department is working tirelessly to fix the issue. Railroad cleanliness is a bit difficult because some parts are not in the city's Jurisdiction. The Public Works Department will try to contact such agencies to see if we can schedule a clean-up.
Mr. Cervantes mentioned the parks are undergoing fence renovations, and that may be the cause of some of the closures of the holes on the golf course.
Moving forward, Ms. Meredith Elguira, Director of Cornrnunity Development, shared some announcements. She wanted to remind staff and residents we have a Citizen's Advisory meeting on Thursday, February 15th, at 6 pm.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 13, 2024
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Ms. Elguira noted for future reference to notify Council if their commissioners do not attend the meetings.
Wendy O'Kelly, Director of Administrative Services, shared a few reminders to residents and community members about the two credit programs (Water Credit Rebuild Reimbursement Program). She notes that the city is still taking applications. She continues by explaining that they are still processing some of the credits into the residents' accounts. Since the water consumption has affected the sewage rate. The Administrative Service Department has discovered an additional credit that the staff is still applying to accounts. She lastly notes that most individuals applying for one of the programs will most likely fall into the other. On February 22nd, City Hall will host a Long Beach Community Action plan in-house from 9 am to 2 pm. The previous meeting was canceled due to the rain.
Jon Hamilton, Director of Human Resources, shared the new job opportunities in the city.
Darren Arakawa, Chief of Police, reassures the residents that officers are out in the field patrolling. Nevertheless, he will try to bring the specific areas that were mentioned by residents to the officers' attention. He continues by encouraging residents to call dispatch when the incidents occur so officers can respond. Regarding parking concerns at/near intersections, there is a state law that allows cities the ability to cite vehicles parked twenty feet from the intersection that will take effect on January 1st, 2025. He states that the Police Department will begin that educational campaign to notify residents that there will be no parking allowed twenty feet from any intersection. Moreover, he discussed the concerns regarding Calden Courts. He notes at the next council meeting, he will be presenting 2023 crime report statistics. Calden Courts is fifth on the list for the highest for call of service. At large, many of the violent crimes have gone down; however, property crimes have increased. Chief Arakawa and his staff are coming up with strategies in hopes of lowering crime rates. Lastly, he wanted to speak about the railroad right away. He explains that the Police Department is actively working alongside the agencies that own the railroads for clean-ups and towing away vehicles with no registration and stolen vehicles. Chief Arakawa shared that the South Gate Police Department responded to 45,000 calls for service. The response times for priority one calls, which consist of active crimes or felony types of crimes, are relevantly low. Non-in-progress calls do take a little longer for an officer to respond. Nevertheless, Officers are trying their best to respond.
Rob Houston, City Manager wanted to echo the sentiment of the staff and appreciation of the residents' involvement in the community. He encourages all residents to call our city staff to address such issues.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTF,S OF FEBRUARY 13, 2024
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Raul F. Salinas, City Attorney, wanted to speak briefly about the comments made about homelessness on the railroad tracks. He notes that the railroad tracks are preempted by federal law. Meaning that the restraints are limited. Moreover, Mr. Salinas explained that a legal case that brought to the attention of homeless clean-up. He states that on January 12", the U.S. Supreme Court decided to accept an appeal made by a district court to deny the City of San Francisco to clean up the streets.
Lastly, he thanked City staff for their efforts in publicizing the Levine Act.
Yodit Glaze, City Clerk, wanted to speak on the elections that are coming up on March 5fh. She has worked closely with the LA County Registrar- Recorder/ County Clerk's Office, along wih the voting center at South Gate Park. We have also added more voting centers at local schools, consisting of Bryson Elementary School, Montara Elementary School, and South Gate Middle School.
Jose De La Paz, City Treasurer, had nothing new to report.
Council Member Avalos wanted to acknowledge everyone in the council chambers and thank them for their participation. She wanted to share her gratitude to the Public Works employees for their work during this past storm. Ms. Avalos also took the time to welcome two new companies into South Gate, Twisted Wetzel and KFC. Lastly, she wishes everyone in our cornrnunity a happy belated Lunar New Year.
Council Member Barron encouraged residents to get involved in election season and advocate for the community. He also provided the City's mobile app, "South Gate Coru'iect," for those who want to share their thoughts. Mr. Barron echoed similar comments to Mr. Velasquez regarding the updates on the Kiwanis Club. He also noted that there are sign-ups for baseball and softball for the children in the community.
Council Member Rios thanked the audience for attending the council meeting. He thanked the American Red Cross for attending the meeting and sharing important information on the smoke alarms. He also noted the importance of sharing awareness on the Jet fuel that is affecting our local community. He thanked all the representatives that came to the meetings.
Mr. Rios continued to speak briefly about the new college development on the corner of Santa Fe Avenue and Firestone Boulevard.
Vice Mayor Davila echoed similar comments and thanked those who attended the meeting in person and via Zoom. She encourages the community to speak about their concerns. She states they have an open- door policy to speak to residents. She mentioned that she would be taking a trip with the Central Metro Council to see what improvements that our
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 13, 2024
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D local buses can make. Vice Mayor Davila also mentioned the South Gate Multicultural Woman's Club would be hosting their annual Conference.
Mayor Hurtado thanked those who participated in attending the meeting and shared their concerns.
CONSENT CALENDAR Agenda Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are Consent Calendar Items.
Mario Dominguez expressed frustration with council members supporting item 1 and requests their support on two (2) projects he suggests.
Thomas Buckley referenced item 8, the minutes show the header as 2023 instead of 2024. He also stated the December 12'h minutes were missing.
Alice, resident, states the City of South Gate has nothing to do with any other company not pertaining to our city.
Mayra Castaneda, healthcare worker from St. Francis and Resident of South Gate, thanked council members for supporting this item and explained how St. Francis provides services Lynwood and South Gate.
Scott, Former Nurse Practitioner at St. Francis, stated that this issue is an entire Los Angeles problem as it is the closest trauma center to the neighboring cities. He stated that they will continue to speak up for what is right.
Sonia Rodriguez, one of the 9 terminated members of St. Francis, states that their patients are like family. She also echoed that this is a Los Angeles issue as it affects everyone in nearby cities.
Sandra Marquez, Resident and former healthcare worker, claims St.
Francis is one the worst violators of Title 22. She described healthcare workers trying their best even with unsafe staffing numbers.
Jovanna Laborin, Resident, spoke about a specific incident where the hospital could not locate a deceased patient when family members arrived.
The hospital claimed they were not there. When an investigation was made, 15 errors were found, and healthcare workers confessed that they were told by the Directors what to say.
Mr. Chavez, healthcare worker from St. Francis, claims that St. Francis has provided unsafe working conditions as well as healthcare for their patients.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 13, 2024
CONSENT CALENDAR
CONT'D Mayor Hurtado thanked the staff for coming and speaking. He spoke about receiving care when he had a heart attack and how they have been there for the community. He mentioned how the Lynwood Mayor was denied access when asking for information.
Council Member Avalos addressed her email from Ms. Castaneda and continued by correcting that these healthcare workers were not "allegedly" terminated, they were in fact terminated. She spoke on an incident regarding her uncle who was seen by St. Francis medical center before passing. She stated she supports this item as it is important to our community.
Council Member Barron stated that when a private company is endangering the lives of residents in our community, the city will do what they can to provide a resolution.
Council Member Avalos stated that she wanted to pull item 8 to make corrections.
Vice Mayor Davila thanked the healthcare workers for speaking. She stated her support for the resolution as it is important for the community.
Council Member Rios stated a letter should be sent to the hospital to try to reinstate the healthcare workers with their jobs.
Ms. Glaze addressed the comment on item number 8 and stated council members cannot be blamed for missing minutes as it is the City Clerk's Office that handles the minutes. They are not touched by any of the Council Members.
Agenda Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 were approved by motion of Council Member Avalos and seconded by Vice Mayor Davila. Item 8 was removed from the agenda and continued to the next council meeting.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Davila, yes; Mayor Hurtado, yes (recused from voting on item 2).
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 13, 2024 I
HEALTH, SAFETY &
WELF ARF. SERVICES The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during consent calendar:
a. Resolution No. 2024-05-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, in support of the reinstatement of healthcare workers who were allegedly terminated improperly, and in support of healthcare workers seeking higher compensation and better working conditions at St. Francis Medical Center; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Resolution in a form acceptable to the City Attorney and directing the City Manager to transmit a copy of the Resolution forthwith to St. Francis Medical Center.
2 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council made a finding and adopted Resolution No. 2024-06- 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.
SOLID WASTE MGMT The City Council unanimously approved items A, B, C & D during consent calendar:
a. Resolution No. 2024-07-CC approving the Amended
and Reinstated Joint Powers Agreement ("JPA") (Contract No. 2082) with the Los Angeles Area Integrated Waste Management Authority to continue City membership in the JPA, which has annual membership dues estimated at $41,889;
b. Amended and Reinstated Joint Powers Agreement;
C. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney; and
d. Appropriation of $7,483 in Solid Waste Funds to fully fund membership dues for Fiscal Year 2023/24.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 13, 2024 WATER The City Council unanimously approved items A, B, C & D during consent calendar:
Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") (Contract No. 2024-13- CC) with the Los Angeles County Flood Control District to secure $2,342,400 in Proposition 1 Round 2 Integrated Regional Water Management ("IRWM") Implementation Grant Funds for the Water Main Replacement Phase I, City Project No. 689-WTR; Authorized the Mayor to execute the Memorandum of
Understanding in a form acceptable to the City Attorney; Appropriated $2,342,400 in Proposition 1 Round 2 IRWM Implementation Grant Funds to fund the Project; and Authorized payment to the Los Angeles County Flood Control District of up to $105,408, as required by the Memorandum of Understanding.
FINANCIALSERVICES TheCityCouncilunanimouslyapproveditemsA&Bduringconsent calendar
Amendment No. 2 to Contact No. 2023-94-CC with MV Cheng & Associates, through June 30, 2024, for temporary professional finance and accounting services in an amount not-to- exceed $85,000;
Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 2 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
6 PUBLIC WORKS/
ENGINEERINGADMIN TheCityCouncilunanimouslyapproveditemsA,B&Cduringconsent calendar:
Professional Services Agreement (Contract No. 2024-14-CC) with Nobel Systems, Inc., to consolidate existing Geographic Information System ("GIS") services under one agreement, as well as to expand services to enhance the Field Operations Division's GIS-based Service Request System, in an amount-not-to-exceed $685,500 for a term of five (5) years with the provision to extend for two additional years;
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 13, 2024 Appropriated $27,300 in Water Funds, $12,100 in Gas Tax Funds, and $20,000 in General Funds for Fiscal Year 2023/24 services; and
Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a fornn acceptable to the City Attorney.
7 CITY p.xcitaanns MGMT The City Council unanimously approved items A, B, C & D during consent calendar:
A 3-year Agreement (Contract No. 2024-15-CC) with Syntech Systems Inc. for the installation of fuel management systems at the Public Works Corporate Yard, Parks Yard, and Police Station, for an amount not-to-exceed $124,460;
Appropriation of $6,156 from Fleet Management Funds; Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney; and
Rescinded a prior award by the City Council on April 26, 2022, to E.J. Ward in the amount of $165,420 based on the contractor's failure to execute a similar agreement.
8 MINUTES The City Council unanimously continued to the City Council meeting of February 27, 2024, by motion of Council Member Avalos and seconded by Council Member Barron:
Approving the Special and Regular Meeting minutes of December 12, 2023;
Approving the Special and Regular Meeting minutes of January 9, 2024; and
Approving the Special and Regular Meeting minutes of January 23, 2024.
RECESS The City Council recessed for five minutes.
DEVIATE FROM
THE AGENDA Vice Mayor Davila requested Item 11 be considered out of its regular agenda order. There being no objections, Mayor Hurtado stated that item 11 would be considered out of its regular agenda order.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 13, 2024 11 CITY COUNCIL
APPOINTMENTS Tl'ie City Council unanimously approved by motion of Council Member Avalos and seconded by Council Member Barron:
a.
b.
A motion by Council Member Maria del Pilar Avalos to remove her appointee, Adolfo Varas as Commissioner from the Parks & Recreation Commission; this motion must be approved by the City Council with a four-fifths vote; and
Directed the City Clerk to open the application process to fill vacancies in the Parks & Recreation Comn'iission, the Tweedy Mile Advisory Board, and the Citizens Advisory Committee.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Davila, yes; Mayor Hurtado, yes.
Mr. Salinas explained the process of removing someone from their appointment.
11 CITY COUNCIL
APPOINTMENTS
Thomas Buckley requested roll call once again as he did not hear the votes for the previous items and expressed concerns about the removal of the COmmlSSlOner.
Mario Dominguez echoed concerns about the removal of the commissioner.
Council Member Avalos addressed Mr. Varas and thanked him for his service. She stated there have been interests in this position and is open to any community member.
EXCUSED FROM
MEETmG Vice Mayor Davila was excused from the meeting and departed from the Council Chambers.
9 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council received and filed a presentation of the Tweedy Mile Complete Street Project, City Project No. 614-ST, Federal Project No.
ATPL-5257(039) and collect public input by motion of Council Member Avalos and seconded by Council Member Barron.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 13, 2024 Mr. Cervantez and Jose Guerrera gave the presentation on the project.
Thomas Buckley expressed concerns on the medians on the road and asked for delineators to be properly placed.
Mario Dominguez stated support of this project.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Davila was recused from voting; Mayor Hurtado, yes.
10 WARRANTS The City Council approved the Warrants and Cancellations for February 13, 2024, by motion of Council MemberAvalos and seconded by Council Member Rios:
Total of Checks:
Voids:
Total Payroll Deductions:
Grand Total:
Cancellations: 104495
$5,732,792.81
($ 0.00)
($ 752,181.92i
$4,980,610.59
Thomas Buckley mentioned spending on delineators in construction projects occurring in the city.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Davila, absent; Mayor Hurtado, yes.
ADJOURNMENT Council Member Avalos adjourned the meeting in memory of the three victims that lost their lives in our surrounding sister cities (Cudahy, Bell, and Huntington Park) at 9:40 p.m. and was seconded by Council Member Barron.
PASSED and APPROVED this 26" day of March 2024.
ATTEST:
A=/
Gil Hurtado, Mayor Yo! ? ::'§ Clerk