CITY OF SOUTH GATE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2024
CALL TO ORDER Gil Hurtado, Mayor called a Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:57 p.m.
INVOCATION Pastor Angel Solorzano, Centro Cristiano Rios de Agua Viva
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 Rob Houston, Special Legal Counsel Craig Hardwick
ABSENT/EXCUSED City Attorney Raúl F. Salinas
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE - NON-AGENDA
ITEMS Paul Jones requested City Council to pass a proclamation to make the City of South Gate a Purple Heart City.
Julie Hernandez Chan represents Hollydale and Leeland R. Weaver Libraries. Invites the youth to participate in the 45th Annual L.A. County Library Bookmark Contest. Deadline is October 5, 2024.
Mayra Rodriguez, Resident. Here to support Mr. Rodrigo Ochoa (Section 8 employee) regarding his termination.
Joanna Guerrero, Resident. Here to support Mr. Rodrigo Ochoa (Section 8 employee). He has changed her life and that of her family.
Samantha Hernandez, Resident. Here to support Mr. Rodrigo Ochoa (Section 8 employee). Grateful to Mr. Ochoa for providing a healthy and livable space.
Mrs. Chavez, Resident. Here to support Mr. Rodrigo Ochoa (Section 8 employee). This year Mr. Ochoa dedicated his time to solve issues in my apartment.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 27, 2024
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE - NON-AGENDA
ITEMS CONT'D Elvira Lujan, Resident at Senior Villa Apartments. Here to support Mr.
Rodrigo Ochoa (Section 8 employee). Issues with her home. Mr. Ochoa helped her find another place to live.
John De Jesus Cazares. Speaking on behalf of late mother Deliz De Cazares. Mother was diagnosed with cancer while living in an apartment n bad conditions. Mr. Ochoa came in and assisted his mother immediately
Elva Spiker, Property Owner. Here to support Mr. Rodrigo Ochoa (Section employee). Mr. Ochoa has helped rent out her properties to the needy she stated that he has the passion to help people. Not for money. There ar not enough people like Mr. Ochoa in this city.
Blanca Garcia, Resident. Here to support Mr. Rodrigo Ochoa (Section 8 employee). Mr. Ochoa helped her fix problems in the apartment. They were evicted and he helped her find another place to live.
Yvonne Mendoza, Resident. Here to support Mr. Rodrigo Ochoa (Section 8 employee). Was previously denied Section 8 and Mr. Ochoa immediately helped her get approved. Today she signed her lease and he's the only person who assisted her.
Email: Brenda Moran, Resident. Supports Mr. Rodrigo Ochoa (Section 8 employee). His support has been crucial and instrumental in improving their living conditions.
Email: Patrick Pearson, JPP Investment, LLC. - Property Owner. Supports Mr. Rodrigo Ochoa (Section 8 employee). Complements Mr. Ochoa for the way he runs department. He is valuable, knowledgeable, and courteous. A treat to deal with him. Mr. Ochoa has changed lives.
Email: Mario Dominguez, Resident. Dissatisfied with the August 21, 2024, Special City Council meeting. Meeting was purely informational and not necessary for the public to be present. No direction given to general plan or the traffic study. Issues were left unresolved.
REPORT AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS Arturo Cervantes, Director of Public Works. Update on The Tweedy Mile Complete Streets Project. Construction began yesterday, August 26, 2024.
CIP Updates on Hollydale and Circle Park Renovations. Schedule to begin construction September 16, 2024.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 27, 2024
REPORT AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Urban Orchard Project on hold. Currently under review by County.
Final stages on the CIP Complete Streets Projects. Completion dates between August 29-September 5, 2024.
Steve Costley, Director of Parks & Recreation stated that all departments Closed for Labor Day.
All Fall classes and activities available to sign up on website.
City of South Gate will host the L.A. Phil Harmonic on September 25, 2024. Doors open at 6pm. Concert begins at 7pm.
Meredith Elguira, Director of Community Development mentioned the CAC Meeting tomorrow at 6:30pm.
Response to Mayor Gil Hurtado. People are allowed to join more than one (1) commission. Will provide updated lists of all commissions.
Wendy O'Kelly, Director of Administrative Services. Reminder of the Sewer Rate Increase effective on July 1, 2024. Any questions, please contact 323-563-9586 or email at [email protected] Jon Hamilton, Director of Human Resources. If interested, there are several job opportunities on www cityofsouthgate.org to apply.
Darren Arakawa, Police Chief. Will be a keynote speaker with Sheriff Luna at the Contracts Cities Conference regarding current events and Proposition 26.
Request closing this meeting in Memory of Police Officer Austin Machitar killed yesterday on the line of duty.
Rob Houston, City Manager. Response to Section 8 Tenants. Mr. Ochoa is a contracted inspector not a city employee. Currently, in the process of hiring permanent housing inspectors. Please address any issues with our current staff. Feel safe to do so. We appreciate and would like to work together with you in the future.
Al Rios, Councilmember. Expressed his frustration regarding Mr. Ochoa's last day with the City of South Gate.
Jose De La Paz, City Treasurer. Nothing to report
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 27, 2024 CONT'D Yodit Glaze, City Clerk. Will be scheduling a Meet & Greet for all qualified candidates in September 2024.
Al Rios, Councilmember. Thank you to all in attendance and have a great Labor Day.
Joshua Barron, Councilmember - Inquiring about the next scheduled golf tournament. Event is scheduled for September 1, 2024. Registration online.
Residents need an update regarding streetlights on Duane area. Refer to website for updates.
Labor Day - Please celebrate safely. No drinking and driving.
Maria Del Pilar Avalos, Councilmember - Concern regarding the new construction dust complaints received.
Missed Employee recognition event and appreciates Joshua Barron and staff for cooking.
Happy Labor Day.
Reminder of The State of the City.
Vice Mayor Maria Davila - Attended the construction groundbreaking.
Stay away from the area if you can in order to avoid a slip and fall.
Asking for prayers for Officer Machitar.
Happy Labor Day. Be Safe.
Mayor Gil Hurtado - Explains The Brown Act to all those in attendance.
Regarding Ca. Edison - Our city lights are 90-year-old and belong to Edison Co. Parts are no longer available.
Edison is currently working on replacing streetlights effected.
City is currently working on these issues.
Please support local shops in the city during construction.
RECESS City Council recessed at 8:30 p.m., and reconvened at 8:12 p.m., with all Members of Council present
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 27, 2024 CONSENT CALENDAR Agenda Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 were approved by motion of Council Member Avalos 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 voting on items 1 and 10).
STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council made a finding and adopted Resolution No. 2024-62-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.
WATER The City Council unanimously approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
Resolution No. 2024-63-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, approving Transfer Agreement No. 2024MP77 (Contract No. 2024-67-CC) with the Los Angeles County Flood Control District for Safe, Clean Water Program funds for Fiscal Years 2024/25 through Fiscal Year 2027/28, in the amount of approximately $980,000 Million annually;
b. Authorized the Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works or designee to submit Annual Expenditure Plans and Annual Reports; and
c. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
PERSONNEL RECRUITMENT
& SELECTION The City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2024-64- CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, to approve the reclassification of the full-time Senior Secretary position in the Public Works Department to a full-time Executive Assistant position during Consent Calendar.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 27, 2024 PERSONNEL. RECRUITMENT
& SELECTION The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-65-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, taking the following actions during Consent Calendar:
a. The reclassification of the full-time Senior Administrative Analyst position in the Police Department to one full-time Police Administrative Analyst position; and
Directed staff to update the Consolidated Salary Pay Table for the city of South Gate by adding the full-time position of Polic Administrative Analyst at Pay Grade 610 ($6,362 - $7,73 monthly), a Non-Exempt Classification assigned to the
Professional Mid Management Association ("PMMA").
FINANCIAL SERVICES The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 3 to Contract No. 2023-94-CC with MV Cheng & Associates, through December 31, 2024, for temporary
professional finance and accounting services in an amount not-to- exceed $85,000; and
Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 3 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
HOLLYDALE PARK
ADMIN The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. 2024-25-AC with Executive Management Security, Inc., to continue provide security services for the Hollydale Community Park, City Project No. 607-PRK, in an amount not to exceed $50,000; and
Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
STREETSSIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council unanimously approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. 2024-46-AC with Applied Research Associates, Inc., to fund additional services for the City's Pavement Management System, City Project No. 716-RPT, for an amount not to exceed $13,530;
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 27, 2024
STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING CONT'D Appropriated $20,000 in Measure R Funds to fully fund all costs necessary to complete the Pavement Management System, City Project No. 716-RPT; and
c. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Professional Services Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
HOLLYDALE PARK
ADMIN The City Council unanimously approved items A, B, C, D & E during Consent Calendar:
a. Agreement (Contract No. 2024-68-CC) with ZZ Construction, Inc., for the construction completion of Hollydale Community Park, City Project No. 607-PRK, in an amount not-to-exceed
$2,001,373;
Appropriated $499,931 received from Great America Insurance Co., as payment for losses the City incurred due to Contract No. 2022-84 CC being terminated for contractor default, to fund the Hollydale Community Park, City Project No. 607-PRK;
c. Authorized the City Manager to approve change orders administratively up to a cumulative amount of $200,000 to avoid delaying construction if change order work is needed;
d. Authorized the City Manager to approve pre-payments of construction progress payments for the construction contract to meet compliance with state legislation that requires payments within 30 days; and
Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
STREETS/SIDEWALKSI
LANDSCAPING The City Council unanimously authorized the City Manager to approve Contract Change Order No. 1 to Contract No. 2024-06-AC with Discount Tree Care Arborist, Inc., for the removal of two (2) additional trees that were impacted by the construction of the Residential Resurfacing Project, Phase I-III, City Project No. 662-ST, in an amount not-to-exceed $7,400 during Consent Calendar.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 27, 2024
STREETS/SIDEWALKSI
LANDSCAPING The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Completion of construction of the Urban Orchard Interim Control Work, City Project No. 539-PRK, effective June 28, 2024, constructed by Los Angeles Engineering Inc.; and
b. Directed the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder's Office.
11 EQUIPMENT PURCHASE
ADMIN The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Authorized the purchase of a Ford-550 Truck and Valve and Vacuum Installation from Pres Tech, utilizing the Sourcewell Co- Opt Purchasing Program, for the Public Works Department in an amount not-to-exceed $292,357; and
b. Authorized the City Manager to execute the documents necessary to purchase the Ford-550 Truck and Valve Operator in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
EQUIPMENT PURCHASE
ADMIN The City Council unanimously approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
a. Authorized the purchase of two 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV LT vehicles from Winner Chevrolet/Elk Grove Auto Group for the Administrative Services Department, in an amount not to exceed $80,000;
b. Approved the purchase of related equipment in an amount not to exceed $6,100;
C. Appropriated an additional $10,364 in unreserved South Coast Air Quality Management District ("SCAQMD") Subvention Program funds for the purchase of two electric vehicles;
d. Appropriated $6,100 from the Capital Asset and Vehicle Replacement Fund for the purchase of the necessary equipment; and
e. Authorized the Administrative Services Director or her designee to execute the associated documents in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 27, 2024 13 MINUTES The City Council unanimously approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
Special and Regular Meeting minutes of July 9, 2024; and Special and Regular Meeting minutes of July 23, 2024.
14 WARRANTS The City Council unanimously approved the Warrant Register for August 27, 2024, by motion of Vice Mayor Davila and seconded by Council Member Avalos.
Total of Checks: $5,908,111.81
Less: Voids
Less: Employee Payroll Deductions $ (392.060.00)
Grand Total: $5,516,051.58
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Barron, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Davila, yes; Mayor Hurtado, yes.
ADJOURNMENT Vice Mayor Davila unanimously adjourned the meeting in memory of Officer Austin Machitar and in support of everyone suffering from cancer at 8:19 p.m. and seconded by Council Member Avalos.
PASSED and APPROVED this 24%h day of September 2024.
ATTEST:
Gil Hurtado, Mayor Yodit Glaze, City Clerk