CITY OF SOUTH GATE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2024
CALL TO ORDER Gil Hurtado, Mayor called a Regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
INVOCATION Pastor Ernesto Trejo, South Gate Church of Christ
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE Darren Arakawa, Chief of Police
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 Raúl F. Salinas
ABSENT/EXCUSED Jose De La Paz, City Treasurer
PERSONNEL BENEFITSI
RETIREMENT ADMIN The City Council conducted a public hearing unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2024-59-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 ("CaPERS"') to provide employee cost sharing of an additional 1% for the local miscellaneous members in the SGDMA (for a total of 2%), ar additional 1% for the classic local police officers in the SGPMA (for total of 2%), and for an initial 1% for new ("PEPRA") local police members in both the SGPOA and SGPMA by motion of Mayor Hurtado and seconded by Vice Mayor Davila.
Jon Hamilton, Director of Human Resources presented the item.
Mayor Hurtado asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak on this item or if any emails were received. Seeing no one step forward and no emails received; Mayor Hurtado closed the audience portion.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Davila, yes; Mayor Hurtado, yes.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 13, 2024
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE (NON-AGENDA
ITEMS) Susan Furman, Public Relations Coordinator for World Mission Church of God Introduction of church requested Partnership and endorsement to serve the South Gate Community.
Amy Lu, Leland Library on Tweedy mentioned Friends of the Library Book Sale.
Maria Sandoval, Resident on McNerney and Southern is thankful to the city for vehicle removal. Ms. Sandoval stated there is a new issue with Trash Company and it needs Council assistance.
Jovanna Laborin, Resident/Commission Member thanked Yodit Glaze and Staff for being very welcoming and helpful. She mentioned complaints from residents due to conflicting parking signs on Seminole & Elizabeth.
Email: Mr. Mario Domingues attended Commission Planning Meeting on August 06, 2024, regarding Mural on records store. He stated the City acks oversight on murals on private property and requested City Counc raft an ordinance that includes residents' input on conten
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS Arturo Cervantes, Director of Public Works spoke on the Murals and stated there is no current policy. The Planning Committee have oversight on location and site.
Mr. Cervantes gave an update on the CIP - Urban Orchard Project, Tweedy Mile - Completion 2025. He will investigate parking signs on Seminole & Elizabeth and encourages residents to access Go South Gate App Steve Costley, Director of Parks & Recreation mentioned that the Camp Night was very successful. Twenty-six (26) families attended. Mr. Costley reported that on September 25, 2024, the L.A. Phil Harmonic will be playing at the park it's a free event.
Meredith Elguira, Director of Community Development stated that the Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting is scheduled for August 28, 2024.
Wendy O'Kelly, Director of Administrative Services received Certificate of Financial Excellence of Reporting by GOFA.
Nellie Cobos, Deputy Director of Human Resources mentioned job openings are available on the City of South Gate's website.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 13, 2024
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Darren Arakawa, Police Chief thanked everyone that attended the National Night Out. The Chief met with LAUSD staff-Preparing for New School For he spave i umunication May the Price Chicks & Serialive Rob Houston, City Manager encourages residents and staff to submit issues on the South Gate App
Raúl F. Salinas, City Attorney shared his recent trip to Paris and flying back with the Olympics Flag. He encourages reaching out to Olympics Committee about hosting events at the park.
Yodit Glaze, City Clerk stated the Nomination period is over. She mentioned the qualified candidates and wished all candidates' good luck.
The candidates will be posted:
Alan Garcia
Franbert "Frankie" Calderon
Incumbent-Maria Del Pilar Avalos
Incumbent-Gil Hurtado
Incumbent Maria R. Davila
Council Member Avalos welcomed back students for this 2024-2025 school year. Stated resident's complaints regarding crosswalk on Orchard & Long Beach Blvd. She attended the Vector Control Meeting regarding West Nile Infections. She also attended the Southeast Water Coalition and nomination period open for 1 seat. She attended the National Night Out. It was very Nice. She wished a Happy Birthday to Ariela.
Council Member Rios thanked the residents in the audience for joining us.
He was recently, sick with Covid. There is a surge in cases. Please be safe.
He made an announcement of the passing of former Assemblyman and Councilmember Richard Alatorre.
Council Member Barron requested a future presentation that shows the functions of the app. He is looking forward to Labor Day Gold Scramble, L.A. Phil Harmonic Event and asked if Y.O.L.A. (Youth Orchestra of L.A.) can also me invited. He reminded everyone of the Movies at the Park. He questioned the Chief regarding fake parking tickets. He wished a Happy 20th Anniversary to his wife.
Vice Mayor Davila attended National Night Out. She mentioned her trip to Washington D.C. from September 16-18 to advocate for funding for Southeast Gateway. She congratulated her daughter and mentioned the baby is coming March of 2025.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 13, 2024 REPORTS AND COMMENT:
ROM CITY OFFICIAL
CONT'D Mayor Hurtado stated that family is the most important thing and reminded residents of solicitors. All require a permit to go door to door.
CONSENT CALENDAR Agenda Items 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 were approved by motion of Council Member Avalos and seconded by Vice Mayor Davila.
Lizette Ruiz, Resident on Kauffman spoke on the following items :
Item #5 - Need more clarity on the Water treatment at South Gate Park.
Where is the testing done? Can a report be available to residents? Item #11 - Happy about the purchase of the Electric Truck for Public Works. Glad to see more charging stations in the city.
Item #12 - Believes hiring a grants writer is a good idea. Does not like to see patch work done on our city streets. It is not a long-term solution.
Arturo Cervantes, Director of Public Works stated that the City of South Gate drinking water is within state & federal drinking quality standards.
Jovana Laborin, Resident is present to answer any questions anyone might have on Item #6.
Emails:
Mario Dominguez, Resident spoke on the following items:
Item #6 - Is Mayor profiting from the snack bar at South Gate Sports Center?
Item #12 - Satisfaction on hiring a grants writer.
Mayor Hurtado stated that Liz Ruiz is the most knowledgeable resident in our community on environmental issues. On #12, he responded to the email received and stated no money profits are being made and the Snack Bar is run by unpaid volunteers ONLY.
Raúl F. Salinas, City Attorney informed the public that City Council recuse themselves from what is required by the Brown Act. There is no evidence of any financial gain.
Mr. Cervantes stated there are issues with uplifted sidewalks. The city goes out within 24 hours and patch asphalt due to immediate hazard. He informed the public to contact Public Works Department if you have any questions.
Councilwoman Avalos asked if there is an RFP on Item #6? She appreciates all the volunteers of the JAA.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 13, 2024
CONSENT CALENDAR
CONT'D Steve Costley, Director of Parks & Recreation responded to Councilwoman Avalos stating since 1989 the Snack Bar had been run by Outside Vendors. He stated the labor costs are too high, and the cost factor was not there.
ROL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Barron, yes (recused from 6 and 8); Council Member Rios, yes (recused from 8); Vice Mayor Davila, yes; Mayor Hurtado, yes (recused from voting on items 2 and 6).
STREETSSIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council made a finding and adopted Resolution No. 2024-61- 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.
PERSONNEL. RECRUITMENT
& SELECTION The City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2024-60- CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, to approve the creation of one additional Associate Engineer position in the Public Works Department during Consent Calendar. 4 LEGAL OPERATIONS The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. 1886 with the law firm of Dapeer, Rosenblit & Litvak, LLP increasing their hourly rate for Code Enforcement Legal Services; and
Authorized the Mayor to execute the Amendment in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
5 WATER The City Council unanimously approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
a. Agreement (Contract No. 2024-65-CC) with Tetra Tech to prepare lesign and construction documents for the Per- an
Polv fluoroalkyl Substances ("PFAS") Treatment Plant System for the South Gate Park Water Wells - City Project No. 666-WTR, for a not to exceed amount of $674,222;
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 13, 2024 5 WATER CONT'D Authorized the City Manager to approve and execute amendments up to a cumulative amount of $100,000 to avoid delaying the design schedule to be funded with project contingency grant funds; and
c. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
PARKS The City Council discussed, provided direction and approved items A & B during Consent Calendar regarding the operation of the Snack Bar at the South Gate Sports Center:
a. Concession Agreement (Contract No. 2024-66-CC) with the South Gate Junior Athletic Association to provide food vending services to South Gate Park patrons, for a term of three years; and b. Authorized the Vice-Mayor to sign the contract in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
PARKS The City Council approved option B and C, D, E, F & G by motion of Council Member Rios and seconded by Council Member Avalos:
a. Agreement with Loghmani & Associates Design Group Inc., for the construction of the Circle Park Renovation, City Project No. 609-PRK, in an amount not-to-exceed $4,992,438, inclusive of the Base Bid and Additive Alternates A and B, with a construction completion schedule of 165 working days; or
b. Agreement (Contract No. 2024-64-CC) with Loghmani &
Associates Design Group Inc., for the construction of Circle Park, City Project No. 609-PRK, in an amount not to exceed $5,167,438, inclusive of the Base Bid and Additive Alternates A, B and C, with a construction completion schedule of 132 working days; C. Appropriated, (a) $1,000,000 from Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District ("RPOSD"), Grant No. 10120, (b) $2,517,835 from ROPSD, Grant No. 10123, (c) $1,500,000 from Rendon Fund, and (d) $400,000 from Rendon 2024 for a grand total appropriation of $5,417,835, to fully fund the construction phase of the Project;
d. Authorized the City Manager to approve change orders administratively up to a cumulative amount of $499,239 to avoid delaying construction if change order work is needed;
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 13, 2024 7 PARKS CONT'D e. Declared Circle Park, City Project No. 609-PRK, to be Categorically Exempt under Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 15301 Class 1 of the California
Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA");
f. Authorized the City Manager to approve pre-payments of construction progress payments for the construction contract to within 30 diance with state legislation that requires payments g. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Davila, yes; Mayor Hurtado, recuse.
DEEDS & EASEMENTS The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Accepted a Grant Deed from LA Promise Fund Facility LLC., to secure right-of-way for street purposes as part of the development locate 2340 Firestone Boulevard, at no cost to the City; and Authorized the Mayor to execute the Grant Deed in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
EQUIPMENT PURCHASE
ADMIN The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Authorized the purchase of a 2024 John Deere 544 P-Tier Wheel loader ("Wheel Loader") from Coastline Equipment, utilizing the Sourcewell Co-Opt Purchasing Program, for the Public Works Department in an amount not-to-exceed $262,950; and
b. Authorized the City Manager to execute the documents necessary to purchase the 2024 John Deere 544 P-Tier Wheel Loader in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 13, 2024
EQUIPMENT PURCHASE
ADMIN The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
Authorized the purchase of a MCO19 Wireless Column lift ("Column Lift") from LIFTNOW from the Sourcewell Co-Opt Purchasing Program, to enhance maintenance of heavy vehicles, in an amount not to exceed $80,909; and
Authorized the City Manager to execute the documents necessary to purchase Column Lift in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
EQUIPMENT PURCHASE
ADMIN The City Council unanimously approved a Purchase Order with Norm Reeves Ford for the purchase of a F150 Crew Cab Half Ton Electric Truck for the Parks and Recreation Department in the total amount of $70,899.43 12 GRANT ADMIN The City Council unanimously approved appropriations in the amount of $50,000 in Measure R, $50,000 in Measure M, and $50,000 Prop C to fund as-needed, professional grant writing services.
WARRANTS The City Council unanimously approved the Warrant Register for August 13, 2024, by motion of Vice Mayor Davila and seconded by Council Member Rios.
Total of Checks: $22,424,809.77
Less: Voids $ (2,047.45)
Less: Employee Payroll Deductions $ (991,827.67)
Grand Total: $21,430,934.65
Cancellations: 104203, 106479, 106562
Email: Mr. Mario Dominguez, Resident is concerned about this item and questions if city can afford this number?
Council Member Barron stated the amount is high due to large payout for retirements. This payout saved the city $300,000.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Davila, yes; Mayor Hurtado, yes.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 13, 2024 ADJOURNMENT Mayor Hurtado unanimously adjourned the meeting in memory of Richard Alatorre at 8:47 p.m. and seconded by Council Member Rios.
PASSED and APPROVED this 24th day of September 2024.
ATTEST:
Lee that
Gil Hurtado, Mayor