CITY OF SOUTH GATE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2025
CALL TO ORDER Maria Davila, Mayor called a Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
INVOCATION Pastor Ernesto Trejo, South Gate Church of Christ PLEDGE OFALLEGIANCE Hector De La Torre, former South Gate Mayor and former California State Representative
ROLL CALL Yodit Glaze, City Clerk
PRESENT Mayor Maria Davila, Vice Mayor Joshua Barron, Council Member Maria del Pilar Avalos, Council Member Gil Hurtado and Council Member Al Rios; City Treasurer Jose De La Paz, City Manager Rob Houston, City Attorney Raul F. Salinas
GUEST SPEAKER Hector De La Torre stated that the Gateway Cities of Council of Governments is an association of twenty-seven cities, eleven unincorporated areas from East LA to Long Beach. From here to Orange County boarder. This association does things collaboratively that spill over city lines, transportation, housing and homelessness, environment, economic development, and health & wellness.
DEVIATE FROM
THE AGENDA At this time, there being no objections, Mayor Davila stated that item 2 would be considered out of its regular agenda order. 2 MUNICIPAL CODE ADMIN/
PROPERTY USE ADMm/
PERMITS Following the conclusion of the Public Hearing, it is recommended that the City Council:
a. Determine that the proposed text amendment is exempt from further review under the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., "CEQA") and the regulations promulgated there under (14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq., the "CEQA Guidelines"), because it consists of only minor text revisions and clarifications to existing zoning regulations and procedures related thereto, and will not have the effect of substantially changing regulatory standards or findings required. Therefore, in accordance with CEQA, the proposed text amendment is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) because the activity is governed by the REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 25, 2025 2 MUNICIPAL CODE ADMIN/
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PERMITS CONT'D general rule that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential to cause a significant effect on the environment. In this case, the proposed text amendment will not have a significant effect on the environment.
Furthermore, determine that in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the request for approval of a Conditional Use Permit ("CUP") qualifies for a categorical exemption under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, (Class 1) "Existing Facilities", in that the project will not result in any alterations or expansion to the existing buildings within the project site.
Introduce an Ordinance, waive further reading and read by title only:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 11.21 (LAND USE
TYPES) OF TITLE 11 (ZONING) OF THE SOUTH GATE
MUNICIPAL CODE (SGMC), RELATING TO RESTAURANTS
AND ANCILLARY ALCOHOL SALES WITHIN ALL OPEN
SPACE (OS) ZONING DISTRICTS IN THE CITY.
PRESENTATION FROM
CITY STAFF, APPELLANT
Uphold the action taken by the Planning Commission at its December 5, 2024, meeting, by adopting a Resolution attached hereto (Attachment A), approving a Conditional Use Permit (CUP 24-15) to allow the sales of alcohol (ABC License Type 41 - beer and wine) for on-site consumption in conjunction with an existing restaurant/cat6 located within a soccer facility at 9599 Pinehurst Avenue (the "SoFive Soccer Complex").
AND SOFIVE David Crabtree, Interim Director Community Development - Speaks and provides a PowerPoint presentation regarding Conditional Use Permits Rodrigo Pelayo, Senior Planner - Speaks and provides a PowerPoint presentation regarding Amending Ordinance No. 2024-07 Joshua Barron, Vice Mayor - Asks why this ordinance not quali'fy for CEQA?
Rodrigo Pelayo, Senior Planner - They do not qualify because they are not proposing any type of development project.
Raul F. Salinas, City Attorney - It is a good time to call up the appellant.
Maria Davila, Mayor - Calls up Caroline Maravilla
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 25, 2025 PRESENTAanON FROM
CITY STAFF, APPELLANT
AND SOFIVE CONT'D Caroline Maravilla, 9311 Hildreth Avenue - Resident/Appellant - Upset due to the short notice she was given for this public hearing. She expresses that the cornrnunity has spoken and want to stop the selling of alcohol at South Gate Park/SoFive and stop rezoning of all Sout Gate Parks.
Raul F. Salinas, City Attorney -Asks Ms. Maravilla if this concludes her presentation
Caroline Maravilla, 9311 Hildreth Avenue, Resident/Appellant - Confirms the completion of her presentation.
Michael Ayaz, Attorney for Applicant SoFive Soccer Centers - Would like to introduce speaker Victor Linares
Victor Linares, Mayor Pro Tem for City of Covina - Speaks regarding the positive relationship between the City of Covina and SoFive Soccer Center.
Michael Ayaz, Attorney for Applicant SoFive Soccer Centers -Apologizes for requesting a continuance from the last hearing. He is here to address all concerns and answer any questions. Mr. Ayaz provides Unlocking New Horizons: SoFive South Gate Beer & Wine License Application Presentation on behalf of the Applicant.
Louis Gerbier, Chief Hospitality Officer at SoFive Soccer Center - Explains the success in the City of Covina and SoFive positive history in this type of business. Kindly ask for an opportunity to serve and contribute positively to the cornrnunity.
Raul Salinas, City Attorney -Asks Michael Ayaz if this concludes his presentation
Michael Ayaz, Attorney for Applicant SoFive Soccer Centers - Asks City Attorney if he has received his letter.
Raul Salinas, City Attorney - Confirms his letter is part of the file.
Michael Ayaz, Attorney for Applicant SoFive Soccer Centers - Concludes his presentation
RECESS Prior to the conclusion of item 2, the City Council recessed at 8:17 p.m., and reconvened at 8:27 p.m., with all Members of Council present.
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PERMITS cor'rr'n Mayor Davila asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak on this item.
Jesus Huerta, 9822 PinehurstAvenue - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park
Francisco Gallegos, South Gate Avenue - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park
Eddie Rivas, Orange Avenue - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park Jesus Miranda, 8466 San Vincente - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park
Jose Zendejas, 10207 PinehurstAvenue - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park
Andrew Correa, Cypress Avenue/Class President Legacy High School - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park
Rufino Franco, GM Covina Center - Previous employee at SoFive South Gate. Supports the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park
Ricardo Flores, Resident - Supports the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park Emmanuel Carrera, Resident - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park Olivia Quijano, 9604 Pinehurst Avenue - SoFive has been a nuisance since the beginning. Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park Leo Quijano, Resident - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park Matthew Maximo, Resident - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park Kati Meza, Resident - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park Miranda, Resident - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park ClaudiaAleman, Resident - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park Sandra Hernandez, Pinehurst Avenue - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park
Rigoberto Gonzalez, Resident - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 25, 2025 2 MUNICIPAL CODE ADMIN/
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pesxrrscoxr'o Pedro, Resident - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park Gabriel Guerrero, Resident - Supports the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park Jose Antonio Outierrez - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park Lupe Terrez, Resident - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park Patricia Perez, Resident - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park Genesis Rivas, Orange Avenue - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park
Daniel Henandez, Resident - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park Nelda Aguilar, Cypress Avenue - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park
Vanessa Marin, Orange Avenue - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park
Roxanne Carbajal, Resident - Supports the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park Ruben Chipardo, Resident - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park Angelica Martinez, 10129 0range Avenue - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park
Edgar Pelayo, Resident - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park Reina Colon, Orange Avenue - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park Jirnmy Ozaeta, Planning Commission - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park
Mario Dominguez, Resident - Supports the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park Rosa Sandoval - Resident - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park Manuel 01guin, Orange Avenue - Opposes the sale of alcohol at SoFive/Park
RECESS Priorto the conclusion of item 2, the City Council recessed atlO:18 p.m., and reconvened at 10:24 p.m., with all Members of Council present.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 25, 2025 2 MUNICIPAL CODE ADMIN/
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PERMITS CONT'D
EMAILS The City Clerk stated receiving a total of thirteen emails. Nine of which were in support of the alcohol sales at SoFive and three emails opposing the proposals. Additionally, there was one email that was neither in support nor in opposition to the matter. This email was from Claudia, and she criticizes Council Member Rios. She referenced his signature on the ordinance dated November 9, 2021, when he was mayor and allowed alcohol sales at the park. Where he attends :tunctions drinking at the park.
She accuses him of using this as a political platform for his re-election campaign and points out his lack of action during his eight years in council and never mentioning the park during the meetings.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Davila closed the audience portion.
COUNCILCOMMENTS GilHurtado,CouncilMember-Wereadtheinformationprovidedtous and we come in with an open mind but there is misinformation out there.
No one in the council has planned to bring alcohol into the city. We do not come here with our minds made up.
I am here to tell you I am not on TikTok.
The school you mentioned in your presentation was never abandoned.
No one can control someone who drinks. Opening the door for someone to drink and making it accessible at a park makes it a bit more difficult.
I spend approximately 1,000 hours at the park every year and we do see beer cans and see the issues at the park. There are restaurants and bars but not at the park.
The only pro I saw was that this will only make money for SoFive. Right now, I do not see myself agreeing with the appellant.
Maria Davila, Mayor - Would like to ask the attorney Ayaz how many petitions he presented were South Gate residents?
Michael Ayaz, Attorney for Applicant SoFive Soccer Centers - They were contacts we already had in our system, guests that came to the community events, and emails.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 25, 2025
COUN(IL COMMENTS
CONT'D Maria Davila, Mayor - What programs does SoFive provide to our schools? How many kids take advantage of the opportunity and use the facility?
Michael Ayaz, Attorney for Applicant SoFive Soccer Centers - We provide Tweedy Elementary a facility to play and train. We do not charge them.
Options for young people across L.A. but we do charge. Approximately, 200-250 kids play at the facility at one time.
Joshua Barron, Vice Mayor - I have a question regarding Condition #26 clearing the parking lot is a very difficult thing to do. How do you see SoFive do what our staff find difficult to do?
Michael Ayaz, Attorney for Applicant SoFive Soccer Centers - We have a code of conduct for our staff and have an exiting plan. We use additional staff to make sure the push is made to clear the parking lot.
Joshua Barron, Vice Mayor - My personal belief is knowing what I can do as a responsible adult. I would like to mention that we have had events that serve alcohol at the park. Events and parties. We've had zero issues at these events.
I hear what the residents are saying because I have seen Marijuana used at the skate park, Alcohol drinking at the basketball area. We have not done a good job managing those issues. These issues are not against SoFive. Not all cities have a gem like a soccer center.
Joshua Barron, Vice Mayor - The decision that is made here is not about money. The revenue we see is very minimal. We must decide what our residents want us to do. Does that park space have a system to make the area better? We need to balance the needs of our city, residents and businesses
Maria Del Pilar Avalos, Council Member - Thank you to the community that came out today and those on YouTube. We needed to hear from the community.
I appreciate SoFive for being in our community for so many years. I agree that the issues that are going on at the park.
My issue would be the operating hours. What would be the hours of serving aIcohol?
Michael Ayaz, Attorney for Applicant SoFive Soccer Centers -As approved the hours of alcohol seize at lO:30pm or half hour before closing. Extended during the weekend because school is not in session.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 25, 2025
COUNCIL COMMENTS
CONT'D Maria Del Pilar Avalos, Council Member - What time would you begin serving alcohol?
Michael Ayaz, Attorney for Applicant SoFive Soccer Centers - During the week it would be at 2pm due to the school. During the weekend it will be from the time we open to lO:30pm.
Maria Del Pilar Avalos, Council Member - Would you be able to flex on those hours?
Michael Ayaz, Attorney for Applicant SoFive Soccer Centers - We would be willing to do 4pm but willing to do lO:OOpm.
Maria Del Pilar Avalos, Council Member - Good to see the patio area has a 3-feet rail and we do have many conditions for the safety and welfare of the community. We do have a 6-month probationary period.
In the past, how many incidents have been reported? Darren Arakawa, Police Chief - None in 2024 and none this year.
Gil Hurtado, Council Member - I would like to clear up the comment about making money. I am not holding Goals or SoFive responsible for marijuana use. My cousin was a professional soccer player in Puebla, Mexico. Died due to his alcohol use. I think having alcohol at the park is the main issue.
Raul F. Salinas, City Attorney stated this concludes the public cornrnent period, but it is still part of the public hearing, and this is the stage where the council is able to ask questions of the appellant or of the respondent party present.
Mayor Davila asked if the appellant was still present. She was no longer present.
Council Member Hurtado thanked everyone for being here and providing their thoughts on this matter.
RECESS Prior to the conclusion of item 2, the City Council recessed at 11:07 p.m., and reconvened at 11 :09 p.m., with all Members of Council present.
Council Member Hurtado motioned to approve Resolution No. 2025-10- CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, reversing the action of the Planning Commission and denying the request for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP 24-15) and seconded by Council Member Rios.
REGULAR CITY CO{JNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 25, 2025 ROLL CALL:
Council Member Avalos passed requesting the City Clerk to come back to her.
Council Member Hurtado, yes
Council Member Rios, yes
Vice Mayor Barron, yes
Mayor Davila, yes
Council MemberAvalos informed the community the city has already been selling alcohol at the park for the past three years. This organization came before Council to ask for CUP to sell within their premises. She is conflicted believing South Gate was ready to move forward, being responsible for one's actions. She is siting with the community. Yes.
City Attorney Salinas informed Mayor Davila of item B to this agenda.
The option is not to take any action on item B.
Council Member Hurtado stated that would be the order.
City Attorney Salinas stated if there is no motion the item just dies on its OWn.
1 COMMUNITY DEV/
HOUSING Following the conclusion of the Public Hearing, the City Council will consider:
a. Adopting a Resolution approving Substantial Amendment No. 7 to the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan; Substantial Amendment No. 2 to the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Annual Action Plan; Substantial Amendment No. 4 to the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan; Substantial Amendment No. 1 to Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Annual Action Plan; and Substantial Amendment No. 1 to Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan programming Community Development Block Grant ("CDBG") funds to the Street Improvement Project and South Gate Park Improvement (Attachment A);
b. Authorizing the City Manager or the Cornrnunity Development Director to initiate appropriate action necessary to implement projects and programs as noted in the FY 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan; and
C. Continue the Public Hearing to the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of March 11, 2025.
Mayor Davila asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak on this item.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 25, 2025 l
COMMUNITY DEV/
HOUSING CONT'D Mario Dominguez stated that the Citizen's Advisory Committee ("CAC") will be having a meeting tomorrow and he will be asking the committee to allocate $160,000 from the 1.7 million dollars to the Parks & Recreation Department for a splash pad. He is asking Mr. Costley, Director of Parks & Recreation, to be present at the CAC meeting.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Davila closed the audience portion.
Item l was unanimously continued to the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting of March 11, 2025, by motion of Mayor Davila and seconded by Council Member Hurtado.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Hurtado, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Barron, yes; Mayor Davila,
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE - NON-AGENDA
yes.
ITEMS Mario Dominguez, Resident - Unhappy due to not moving forward with Parks Master Plan.
EMAILS
Mary Gonzalez, Resident - Congratulations to council for deciding to keep our children safe.
Lizette Ruiz, Resident - Inquiring about the EIR Process related to 15,000 square foot warehouse limit. When will it begin?
Marino Gonzalez & Rosie Navar, Residents - Filed complaint regarding tree causing issues to their homes. Tree roots have damaged water lines.
This is causing bills over $1,000. Ms. Navar uses a wheelchair, and this issue is a safety hazard.
Cynthia Esquivel, Residents - Issues with the closure of the Business License closure. She questions various issues with expenditures and totals not reflected on recent budget report.
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROMCITYOFFICIALS MariaDavila,Mayor-ThankyoutoDinafortranslatingtodayandfor doing a great job on behalf of council.
Gil Hurtado, Councilmember-Accident on SantaAna and Garden View.
Can we investigate this and see if we can make this safer? Maria Davila, Mayor - Can we investigate what is going in the park? The drinking, gambling, etc. We need to fix this problem.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 25, 2025 CONSENTCALENDAR AgendaItems3,4,5,6and7wereunanimouslyapprovedbymotionof Mayor Davila and seconded by Council Member Hurtado. Councilwoman Avalos pulled item 7 for separate discussion.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Hurtado, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Barron, yes; Mayor Davila, yes.
3 EMERGENCY/DISASTER
PLANNING/PROGRAMS The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Resolution No. 2025-07-CC entitled Resolution authorizing the application for the California Governor's Office Of Emergency Services, requesting $1,226,000 in grant funds, for the Emergency Operations Center, City Project No. 582-ARC; and
b. Authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to execute, on behalf of the City, all documents required to submit the application and implement the grant.
4 ENERGY AND CONSERVATION
PROGRAMS The City Council unanimously approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
a. Agreement (Contract No. 2025-18-CC) with Oscar's Electric, Inc., for the installation of three Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in the City Hall's underground parking garage, in an amount not-to-exceed $25,843;
b. Appropriated $35,000 from the AQMD Fund Balance to fully 'fund the purchase and installation of the Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations; and
C. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 25, 2025 5 WATER The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
Accepted completion of the Automatic Meter Reading ("AMR") Upgrade, Phase III City Project No. 649-WTR by T.E. Roberts, Inc., effective February 25, 2025; and
Directed the City Clerk to file a No'tice of Completion with Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder's Office.
6 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
Accepted completion of construction, effective February 21, 2025, of the Long Beach Boulevard Street Improvements, City Project No. 515-ST, constructed by Sequel Contractors, Inc.; and Directed the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder's Office.
7 MINUTES The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
Special and Regular Meeting minutes of January 14, 2025; and Amended Special and Amended Regular Meeting minutes of January 28, 2025.
8 WARRANTS The City Council unanimously approved the Warrant Register for February 25, 2025, by motion of Mayor Davila and seconded by Council Member Avalos.
Total ofChecks: $3,497,785.48
Less:Voids $ 0.00
Less: Employee Payroll Deductions $ (441,351.63i
GrandTotal: $3,056,433.85
ROLL CALL: Council MemberAvalos, yes; Council Member Hurtado, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Barron, yes; Mayor Davila, yes.
REGULAR CITY COtJNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 25, 2025 ADJOURNMENT Council Member Hurtado unanimously adjourned the meeting in memory of the Daniel Glaze, a long-time South Gate resident at 11:48 p.m. and seconded by Council Member Rios.
PASSED and APPROVED on this 25' day of March 2025.
ATTEST:
Maria Davila, Mayor Yodit G , City Clerk