CITY OF SOUTH GATE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2024
CALL TO ORDER Gil Hurtado, Mayor called a Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:44 p.m.
INVOCATION Steve Costley, Director of Parks and Recreation
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCF. Eric Mirzaian, Deputy Director-.Field Operations 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 Rob Houston, City Attorney Raul F. Salinas, Student Volunteer Keon Sahabi
DEVIATE FROM
THE AGENDA At this time, there being no objections, Mayor Hurtado stated that item 6 would be considered out of its regular agenda order. 6 PARKING & TRAFFIC The City Council considered:
a. Adopting Resolution to prohibit overnight parking on portions of Southern Avenue and Southern Place adjacent to South Gate Park between the hours of 11:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M. of the day following; and
b. Approving finding that the Resolution prohibiting overnight parking is exempt from CEQA.
Arturo Cervantez, Director of Public Works, spoke on the issues of overnight parking and provided possible solutions.
Fire Chief provided an overview of the theft that was occurring and how the fire station would benefit from removing the overnight parking.
Carlos Amador, 9293 Park Ave, commended Mr. Houston for his efforts in doing what he can on this issue.
Email: Mario Dominguez stated that upon reviewing the map, he feels this would be a troubling issue to prohibit overnight parking as parking is already a problem. He proposes that Law enforcement should increase patrolling to lower the theft rates.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 28, 2024 6 PARKING & TRAFFIC
CONT'D Council Member Barron asked a few questions to clarify which vehicles are parking along those overnight parking areas.
Council Member Avalos asked if there were residential homes along the marked areas. She voiced concerns for residents to be able to find parking.
Council Member Rios asked if residents are aware of this resolution and when will it take effect.
Mr. Cervantez answered with explanations of how residents will be notified for a smooth transition.
Vice Mayor Davila asked how many residents park in those areas. She feels it is a large area being prohibited of parking and changing the time frame to better accommodate the community
Council Member Avalos asked what the protocol would be in notifying the residents of this resolution passing.
Raul F. Salinas, City Attorney, explained that there would be warning signs ahead of time so residents could get an idea of what is happening Council Member Rios voiced concern about this area being relocated to other parts of the community.
Darren Arakawa, Chief of Police, stated that if vehicles will be prohibited from being able to park overnight, then they would naturally find parking somewhere else. He confirmed that once the notices are posted then cars will be impounded, and people will be displaced.
Mr. Houston proposed pulling this item and bringing it back to further discussion.
Council Member Avalos made a motion to bring this item back 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, recused.
1 LICENSES & PERMITS Following the conclusion of the public hearing, the City Council waived the reading in full and introduced Ordinance No. 2024-03-CC entitled Ordinance of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, granting a ten-year franchise agreement to Pacific Pipeline System, LLC., to use, maintain, repair, and replace pipelines beneath specified public
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETmG MINUTES OF MAY 28, 2024 1 LICENSES & PERMITS
CONT'D streets, together with related appurtenances, for transmitting and distributing oil and oil products.
Mr. Cervantez provided a presentation to further explain item 4.
Lizette Ruiz, Kauffman Ave, reiterated that the length of the agreement seems like it will be too long and the emergency response plans.
Email: Mario Dominguez proposed for funding in a splashpad at Hollydale Regional Park.
Mayor Hurtado motioned to approve Item 1 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, recused.
2 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING Following the conclusion of the public hearing, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-37-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, ordering the levy of the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Annual Assessment for the Street Lighting and Landscaping Maintenance District No. 1.
Mr. Cervantez explained the assessment and the use of the funds.
Mayor Hurtado motioned to approve Item 2 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, recused.
3 PLANNING COMMADMIN Following the conclusion of the Public Hearing, the City Council considered:
a. Upholding the action taken by the Planning Comtnission at its April 16, 2024, meeting, by adopting a Resolution attached hereto; b. Or, in the alternative, reversing the Planning Commission action by adopting a Resolution attached hereto, which is a Resolution of Intent to adopt an ordinance amending the City's Zoning Code to remove certain restrictions on the size and location of warehouses
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 28, 2024 3 PLANNING COMM ADMnSJ
CONT'D in the City's Urban Mixed Use and Commercial Industrial zones; or
C. Take other such action as the City Council may determine.
Meredith Elguira, Director of Community Development, explained the appeal on warehousing uses.
Page Gosney stated the grounds for their appeal and clarified a few misconceptions. He went over the zoning code and the proposed uses.
Richard Lu spoke in favor of removing the foot notes on the appeal. He also spoke on an electrical project that was previously proposed and the reasons why the project did not happen.
Timore, the property owner of 5057 Patata Ave, is asking the City to reconsider the foot notes on the amendment. He stated that this project would not open any floodgates to the city and would be of benefit.
Armando Velasquez, Independent Ave, spoke on how this action can be of opportunity to the community.
Mario Dominguez, Resident of South Gate, voiced his disagreement as he feels it will hinder the traffic flow of the city and is in favor of resolution A.
Jorge Quintero, Representative of the Carpenters Union, asked for a removal of the restrictions as these projects will better benefit carpenter workers and residents. He feels removing the restrictions will provide more opportunity and is in favor of resolution B.
Tony Llegos, 562 Local Member, stated his support of resolution B as it would create more job opportunities for residents.
Miguel Gomez, Resident, is in support of resolution B as it would mean he would be able to work closer to home.
Jeff Stephens, CBRE Broker, voiced concerns of the square foot limitation. He is in favor of removing the limitation as it will not entice 'future companies to want to build in South Gate.
Lizette Ruiz, Kauffman Ave, expressed concerns with the appeal and voiced that there is a citywide infrastructure issue and that it will cause more traffic problems.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 28, 2024 3 PLANNING COMMADMIN
CONT'D Andrew Mayorga, Representative of the Union, expressed the opportunities that removing the limitations would bring.
Edward Dewitt, Otis St, expressed that removing the limitations would allow more options when discussing projects.
Email: Norma Cardenas Frank, Resident, expressed how the removal of limitations and opportunity for more building would create more issues that the city already faces.
Council Member Barron addressed concerns about businesses not being able to expand. He feels the ordinance should be changed to better benefit the residents.
Vice Mayor Davila stated that the ordinance should be updated as she feels it is outdated and does not allow new businesses to come into the city,
Council Member Rios expressed his concerns about the congestion that will build up over time.
Council Member Avalos stated her respects for the footnotes created by former council members. She stated her support for the residents that have concerns about removing the footnotes.
Mayor Hurtado spoke on the lack of available job positions being near the community and how far residents must travel for jobs. He feels the policies need updating.
Council Member Barron asked for clarification for what they are voting for.
Raul F. Salinas, City Attorney, clarified that the ordinance will not be changed tonight.
Council Member Avalos made a motion to uphold April 15th Planning Commission and Council Member Rios seconded.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Barron, no; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Davila, no; Mayor Hurtado, no.
Ms. Elguira clarified that the sizing will have to be determined and also mitigations and potential benefits.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 28, 2024 3 PLANNING COMMADMIN
CONT'D ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, no; Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Rios, no; Vice Mayor Davila, yes; Mayor Hurtado, yes.
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE - NON-AGENDA
ITEMS Alice, Resident, expressed concerns about careless driving in the area near the senior homes and provided a petition with signatures to help the speed limit awareness.
Blanca Borja echoed concerns of the speeding that is happening in front of the senior home.
Evelia Rodriguez, Resident at Peru'isylvania Homes, spoke on her experience of being hit by a car by speeding cars in front of the senior home.
Ana Maria, Resident, echoed concerns of the speeding issues as she does not feel safe crossing the streets.
Mario Dominguez, 10607 San Miguel Ave, spoke on making a motion to add an item to provide residents a call in option for those that cannot attend.
Lizette Ruiz, Kauffman, echoed the option of having residents call in to council meetings.
Leticia Vazquez, former Council Member from Lynwood, informed the Council on the vacancies on the Board.
Erick Alvarado, 3722 Tweedy Blvd, spoke on a zoning issue on where he wanted to open a business.
Francisco Rodriguez, Resident, expressed gratitude for the former commentator on how much support he has provided him.
Julie Hernandez, Hollydale Library, provided information and upcoming events at the Weaver Library and Hollydale.
Edgar, Resident, echoed on the call-in feature being accessible to residents as it would increase community participation.
Email: Charles Leon addressed some issues of mismanagement at SEAACA location.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 28, 2024
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE - NON-AGENDA
ITEMS Email: Juan Guerrero urged council to consider call-in features for residents to be able to participate.
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS Ms. Elguira reported on the opening of Section 8 waitlist. She also spoke on the zoning issue pertaining to a resident wanting to open a Barbershop.
Steve Costley, Director of Parks and Recreation, went over the Memorial Day event that occurred over the weekend.
Art Cervantez, Director of Public Works spoke on the Urban Orchard Project updates. He also provided updates on the Tweedy Mile Project.
He addressed the conditions on Southern and the safety of crosswalks.
Wendy O'Kelly, Director of Finance, announced when the budget meeting would occur between June 10-11.
Jon Hamilton, Director of Human Resources, provided current positions open to apply.
Darren Arakawa, Chief of Police, provided a safety plan for the Tweedy Mile Street fair.
Mr. Houston commented on the street fair and hopes to have a safe event.
He also spoke on the Public Works open house.
Mr. Salinas had nothing to report.
Jose De La Paz, City Treasurer, stated support for the inclusion of dial in for the cornrnunity.
Yodit Glaze, City Clerk, echoed what would be the best approach for technology updates for future meetings.
Council Member Avalos echoed the same sentiments about technology options for the community to be better involved. She commended the Public Works Department for their efforts and spoke on the events she attended and a Water Board Meeting coming up. She also congratulated her nephew, Christian, who just turned 21 years old.
Council Member Barron touched on the issue on Southern regarding the speeding cars. He reminded residents about the South Gate App that can help when reporting issues around the city. He also elaborated on the Home Recognition Program which closes June 9'h.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 28, 2024
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Council Member Rios extended thanks to residents and people from the community attending the meeting. He spoke on the Public Works Department event and announced an event June 8Ih by the Senior Center.
Vice Mayor Davila attended the Memorial Day Ceremony. She also spoke about her experience at the Public Works event. She announced the event she will be attending in Sacramento.
Council Member Avalos asked if Mr. Houston can consider the call-in feature for future meetings.
Mayor Hurtado spokc on the wellness event he attended. He also announced the check that was given to the Public Works Department from congress women. He also asked if High School Students are able to use the fitness center free of charge.
CONSENTCALENDAR Agenda Items 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 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; Vice Mayor Davila, yes; Mayor Hurtado, yes (recused from items 2 and 9).
Mario Dominguez spoke on item 4 and asked if Council Members can add a stipulation or clause for the Tesoro Pipeline Company to require them to invest funds towards a splashpad.
Erika Cervantez, Latino Advocacy Company, expressed support for item
8. Kathy Mesa expressed that Broadband is a necessity and not a luxury. She voiced her testimony on how slow the internet service has hindered her children's learning abilities during the pandemic.
Aida Vega, Innovate Public Schools, urges that residents of Zela have strong internet access. She voiced that residents pay very high costs for low quality service.
Mr. De La Paz addressed the concerns of the low-quality internet service and would like to outreach to internet providers to see where the discrepancies occur to better the services in the city.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 28, 2024 LICENSES & PERMITS The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during consent calendar:
a. Ordinance No. 2024-02-CC entitled Ordinance of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, granting a ten-year franchise from February 27, 2024, through and including February 26, 2034, to Tesoro SoCal Pipeline Company, LLC., to use, maintain, repair and replace a single pipeline beneath specified public streets, together with related appurtenances, for transmitting and distributing oil and oil products, within the City; and b. Appropriated $23,208 in additional franchise fees to the General Fund revenue estimates for FY 2024/25 and $10,470 plus consumer price index increase, annually, thereafter. 5 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council made a finding and adopted Resolution No. 2024-38- 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 was approved during consent calendar.
7 PERSONNEL RECRUITMENT
& SELECTION The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-39-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 the update to the classification specification for the fiill-time position of Housing Assistant in the Cornrnunity Development Department was unanimously approved during consent calendar.
8 DATAPROCESSING
SERVICES The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-40-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, denouncing digital discrimination was unanimously approved during consent calendar.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 28, 2024 CITY FACILITIES MGMT The City Council approved items A, B & C during consent calendar:
Amendment No. I to Contract No. 2023-99-AC with Engineering Design Analysis, Inc., (EDA) to provide design services to modify the design plans of the Sports Center HVAC Project, City Project No. 712-PRK, at a cost not to exceed $30,000;
Appropriated $1,200,000 in Rendon 2023, State of California Grant Funds to 'fully fund the design and constniction of the Sports Center HVAC Project, City Project No. 712-PRK; and Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. 2023-99-AC in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
WATER The City Council unanimously approved items A, B & C during consent calendar:
Professional Services Agreement (Contract No. 2024-44-CC) with Golden Meters Service, Inc., to provide services to complete the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, City Project No. 724-WTR as necessary to meet new Federal requirements, in an amount not-to- exceed $683,000;
Appropriated $683,000 in Water Funds to fully fund the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, City Pro3cct No. 724-WTR; and
Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
PUBIJC ASSISTANCE The City Council unanimously approved items A, B, C, D & E during consent calendar:
Accepted $574,497 in grant funding from the State of California, OPR/California Volunteers program; an
Entered into a General Services Agreement (Contract No. 2024- 45-CC) with the Conservation Corps of Long Beach ("CCLB") for various Workforce Development projects within the City; and Appropriated $568,497 in grant funds from OPR/California Volunteers, Californians for All Youth Workforce Program to account #100-460-61-6646 to pay for the General Services Agreement with the Conservation Corps of Long Beach; and
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 28, 2024 11 PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
CONT'D Authorized the Mayor to sign the agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney; and
Delegated authority to the Director of Parks & Recreation, or his designee, to sign and submit any additional documents including, but not limited to, applications, agreements, amendments, and payment requests which may be necessary for the completion of the General Services agreement.
12 DATAPROCESSING
SERVICES The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during consent calendar:
The issuance of a Purchase Order to VectorUSA for edge data network switches for remote-sites, licensing, three years of maintenance and the necessary network design, implementation, and training services in the amount of $176,262; and Authorized the City Manager or his designee, to execute the Purchase Order and all related contractual documents, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
13 SURPLUS PERSONAL
PROPERTY MGMT The City Council unanimously declared various vehicles and equipment listed in Attachment A as surplus property and authorized the sale of these items at auction during consent calendar.
14 MINUTES The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during consent calendar:
The Special and Regular Meeting minutes of April 9, 2024; and The Special and Regular Meeting minutes of April 23, 2024.
EXCUSED FROM
MEETnSlG At this time, 10:35 p.m., Vice Mayor Davila, was excused from the meeting and departed from the Council Chambers.
REGULAR CITY CO?JNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 28, 2024 15 MUNICIPAL CODE
ADMIN The City Council approved items A, B & C by motion of Council Member Avalos and seconded by Mayor Hurtado:
a. Received and filed the Annual Military Equipment Report; b. Finding this matter to be exempt under CEQA per Section 15061(b)(3) of CEQA Guidelines; and
C. Renewing South Gate Municipal Code 1.39.010 (Military Equipment Policy).
Lieutenant Sam Brown presented the annual report on the military equipment.
Mario Dominguez asked if a specific event merits the use of guns needed.
Chief Arakawa clarified that it depends on when the weapons would be deployed.
Council Member Rios asked what the take away is when weapons are deployed.
Mr. Brown providcd insight on what happens when the weapons are deployed.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Rios, yes, Vice Mayor Davila, absent; Mayor Hurtado, yes.
16 CITY COUNCIL The City Council considered receiving Council Strategic Goal List and review proposed priority project list designed to support the City Council Goal list. Approve Council Goals and priority project list to set 2024 priorities.
Mario Dominguez asked to add 3 projects to this goal list.
Item 16 was moved to the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting of June 11, 2024.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 28, 2024 WARRANTS The City Council approved the Warrant Register for May 28, 2024, by motion of Council Member Avalos and seconded by Council Member Rios.
Total of Checks:
Less: Voids
Less: Employee Payroll Deductions
Grand Total:
$2,900,424.50
$ 0.00
$ (439,094.16)
$2,461,330.34
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 unanimously adjourned the meeting in memory of all the men and women wlio have served at 10:49 p.m. and seconded by Mayor Hurtado.
PASSED and APPROVED this 25" day of June 2024.
Gil Hurtado, Mayor
ATTEST:
Yodit G , City Clerk