CITY OF SOUTH GATE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2025
CALL TO ORDER Maria Davila, Mayor called a Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:40 p.m.
INVOCATION Steve Costley, Director of Parks & Recreation PLEDGE opau.nctscb Franklin Arroyo, Recreation Coordinator ROLL CALL Yodit Glaze, City Clerk
PRESENT Mayor Maria Davila, Vice Mayor Joshua Barron, Council Member Gil Hurtado and Council Member AI Rios; City Treasurer Jose De La Paz, City Manager Rob Houston, Special Counsel Jerry Ruiz ABSENT/EXCUSED Council Member Maria del Pilar Avalos, City Attorney Raul F. Salinas l
PRESENT ATION The City Council received a presentation from President Monte Perez and Marco Tarantino from LACCD Bond project will provide update on construction of new campus.
2 CITY COUNCIL
APPOINTMENTS The City Council ratified the appointment by Council Member Gil Hurtado of Mayra Castaneda to the Planning Commission by motion of Council Member Hurtado and seconded by Vice Mayor Barron.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Hurtado, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Barron, yes; Mayor Davila, yes; Council Member Avalos, excused.
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE-NON-AGENDA
ITEMS South Gate resident, concerned about plans to build fifty-four (54) condominiums with the lack of visitor parking. The South Gate streets were not design for the volume of vehicles this will create. The residents are not anti-development but do believe strongly in responsible development.
Jose Morales, 5343 Almira Rd., opposes the proposed development at 10130 Adella Avenue and is asking Council to support the residents' requests.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 25, 2025
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE-NON-AGENDA
ITEMS CONT'D Rob Houston, City Manager, stated being present at the Plaru'iing Cornrnission meeting and there was discussion regarding traffic impacts, the cunent k-rail that is in place to stop traffic from legacy Lane into this neighborhood could be replaced with a gate in case of an emergency. The gate would not be open all the time. The apartment would have access throughAtlantic Avenue and not through the neighborhood. Mr. Houston also stated that testing of the soil has occurred, and studies can be provided.
Leticia Morales, 5359 Almira Rd., thanked the City Manager for his comments. Ms. Morales mentioned that since the traffic lights were put in place, there have been sever traffic jams during school hours. If a building with so many units is built then that means more people, more traffic.
Rosana Larosa, 5205 Almira Rd., opposes the development of 10130 Adella and appreciates the City Manager's additional information.
Arturo Alvarez, 5305 Aldrich Rd., is concerned about the development behind their homes. Mr. Alvarez stated the traffic is horrible.
Susan Janer, 5314 Batavia Rd., asked Council to listen to her neighbors' objections.
Lizeth Batres, South Gate resident, opposes the condominium project on Adella.
Ricardo Barba Ochoa, 9719 HildrethAve., thanked everyone for their hard work, he too, is a civil servant and it's a thankless job. Mr. Barba Ochoa spoke about how fireworks are an antiquated means of celebration and traumatizing not only pets, but military veterans. He hopes there is another way to celebrate without fireworks.
Daniela Solorzano, South Gate resident, is concerned about the proposed condos at 10130 Adella and the lack of transparency around the extent of contamination and cleaning plans. Ms. Solorzano also opposes the removal of the k-rail.
Lupe Perez, area four, opposes the Adella project atlOl30 and the removal of the k-rail.
Darla, Aldrich Rd., opposes the Adella project at 10130 and the removal of the k-rail.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 25, 2025
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE-NON-AGENDA
ITEMS CONT'D Liz Ruiz, South Gate resident, thanked Chief Arakawa for responding to the public cornrnent regarding animal abuse. Ms. Ruiz is a South Gate Plaru'iing Commissioner. She is bringing up a concern regarding residual contamination at some sites.
James Ganeo, South Gate resident and Boy Scout of Troop 468. He is asking for support for his Eagle Scout service project and helping teens within the foster care system.
Armando Velasquez, Independence Ave., an exciting report from the Kiwanis Club of South Gate, Vice President Ernma is in the audience, are launching a new tradition in the City of South Gate. It is the Golden Apple and Heart of the Hero Award Ceremony Program for educators and first responders. The event is Friday May 2nd at the Henry C. Gonzalez Auditoriiun. They are selling tickets, selling tables and soliciting sponsorships.
F,MAILS Claudia Rivera, South Gate resident, is frustrated that her email was misrepresented at last week's Planning Commission meeting where it was only stated that she was against the project however that wasn't what her email was about. It criticized people for going to meetings talking about corniption. She stated if the content of our messages is not going to be conveyed then people should not be allowed to submit emails at all.
Jennifer Daily commends the South Gate Planning Commission for rejecting the appeal and the zone change for the Engle's illegal truckyard at 8530 Alameda Street, citing health and safety concerns. She asks the City Council to uphold the commission's decision if the appeal is brought before them and criticizes the lack of enforcement. She also questions the termination of the Community Development Director, Ms. Meredith Elguira.
Mario Dominguez, South Gate resident, expresses his dissatisfaction with Jennifer Daily's statements, particularly her accusations that the City Council members are crooked and corrupt. He appreciates Ms. Daily who spoke against the business. He appreciates Mr. Salinas for clarifying the governrnent structure and dismissing the faulty accusations.
Mayor Davila commends everyone present tonight with their concerns and stated their questions will be addressed.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 25, 2025
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS Arturo Cervantes, Director of Public Works addressed the concerns with regards to potential issues on Santa Ana and potential solutions. William Orejana is an individual from the Traffic Engineering Division that was tasked with contacting the residents and explaining some of the challenges with attempting to install a speed hump on SantaAna.
Mr. Cervantes provided an update on the Tweedy Mile Complete Streets Project.
Steve Costley, Director of Parks & Recreation, provided an update on the Azalea Festival this past weekend.
David Crabtree, Interim Director of Community Development, appreciates the comments from the public regarding the recent Planning Commission action.
Jon Hamilton, Director of Human Resources, stated that there are job listings on the city's website.
DatrenArakawa, Chief of Police stated a police officer graduated from the academy last week. The officer was a former dispatcher at the Bell Police Department. He stated three candidates are getting ready to attend the academy. A recent lateral was hired from the LA Sheriff's Department.
The Chief stated responding to Ms. Ruiz's email. He adopted a dog from SEAACA and cats from the streets. SEAACA is a contract the city works with to handle animal control services. SEAACA services fourteen cities.
The City of South Gate gets 40 hours of service from a fully dedicated animal control officer.
The Chief reminded everyone that tomorrow at Chick-fil-A is the Meet the S.W.A.T. team. And, this Thursday is the Baker to Vegas fundraiser at Astro Aluminum.
Rob Houston, City Manager - nothing to add.
Jerry Ruiz, Special Counsel - nothing to add.
Jose De La Paz, City Treasurer - nothing to report.
Yodit Glaze, City Clerk - nothing to report.
Gil Hurtado, Council Member, had hoped the residents were still in the audience. He explained the reason why the city is required to build 8,282 housing. He also stated that the city takes accidents very seriously.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 25, 2025
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D He explained the streets have been examined by traffic experts. People are failing to follow the laws.
Mr. Hurtado thanked Laura Gonzalez and the South Gate Youth Football for the jacket.
Al Rios, Council Member, thanked the public for attending tonight's meeting with their concerns. He asked if the city participated in the homeless count this year. He thanked the Mayor for inviting the folks from the college to give a presentation on the construction/time frame. He also appreciated the Vice Mayor's positive cornrnents on the college.
Joshua Barron, Vice Mayor, had hoped the residents were still in the audience. He lives on the westside near the Calden apartments that have 217 units. The city is asking developers to bring in projects where people can purchase/invest in the community. Mr. Barron explained about preferential parking.
Maria Davila, Mayor, stated that anyone is welcome to email/call the City Manager and including any of the Councilmembers with inquiries. She attended the Azalea festival. Ms. Azaelita was canceled due to lack of participation. She reported on the committees she attended.
Gil Hurtado, Council Member, informed the Mayor that the Wi-Fi went down for fifteen minutes. Part of the meeting was not seen.
RECESS The City Council recessed at 8:31 p.m., and reconvened at 8:39 p.m., with four (4) Members of Council present.
CONSENTCALENDAR Agenda Items 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 were approved by motion of Mayor Davila and seconded by Council Member Hiutado.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Hurtado, yes (recused from voting on 7); Council Member Rios, yes (recused from voting on 6); Vice Mayor Barron, yes; Mayor Davila, yes; Council Member Avalos, excused. 3 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. 2025-05-CC with NV5 for the preparation of the Comprehensive Safety Action and Local Roadway Safety Plan City Project No. 731-RPT, for an amount not-to-exceed $17,460;
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 25, 2025 3 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING CONT'D
b. Appropriated $17,460 in Proposition C Funds to fully fund the Comprehensive Safety Action and Local Roadway Safety Plan, City Project No. 731-RPT; and
c. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 1 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
4 GENERAL PLAN The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Received and filed the General Plan and Housing Element annual progress reports for calendar year 2024; and
b. Directed staff to file the annual progress reports to the State Department of Housing and Community Development and the Office of Planning and Research prior to the April 1, 2025, deadline. 5 PARKS The City Council approved items A, B, C, D, E, F, G & H during Consent Calendar:
a. Appropriated$63,529fromMeasure"A"fundtoaccount#lOO-461- 6101 (Professional Services) which includes $57,529 for replacement of flooring and $6,000 in contingency; and
b. Approved the purchase and installation of flooring and wall base, from DFS Flooring, for Hollydale Community Park building in the amount of $57,529; and
c. Appropriated $27,876.25 from Prop "A" fund to account #100-461- 6101 (Professional Services) which includes $24,876.25 for repairs to the building and $3,000 in contingency; and
d. Approved the purchase and installation of door closers, from Lawrence Doors, for the Henry C. Gonzalez Auditorium in the amount of $24,876.25; and
e. Appropriated$37,295fromMeasure"A"fundtoaccount#lOO-461- 6701 (Equipment Maintenance) which includes $37,295 for a replacement lift;
f. ApprovedthepurchaseofADAwheelchairlift,fromAscension Wheelchair lift, for Heruy C. Gonzalez Auditorium in the amount of $37,295; and
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 25, 2025 5 PARKS CONT'D
g. Authorized the City's Purchasing Division to issue a Purchase Order for these projects in accordance with the City's purchasing ordinance and policies; and
h. Authorized the Director of Parks & Recreation to execute any additional documents as may be required to properly implement and manage this purchase.
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LANDSCAPING The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Authorized the City Manager to approve a Purchase Order with Carol Electric Company, Inc., on a sole-source basis for repairs to the electrical and irrigation systems of the Firestone Boulevard Median, located between Santa Fe Avenue and Calden Avenue, in an amount not to exceed $165,700; and
b. Appropriated$l90,OOOinGasTaxFundstofundtherepairsand construction contingency.
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LANDSCAPING The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Accepted completion of construction, effective September 13, 2024, of the Garfield Avenue Complete Street Improvement, City Project No. 564-ST, constructed by Sequel Contractors, Inc.; and b. Directed the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder's Office.
8 MINUTES The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. The Special and Regular Meeting minutes of February 11, 2025; and b. The Special and Regular Meeting minutes of February 25, 2025.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 25, 2025 9 WARRANTS The City Council approved the Warrant Register for March 25, 2025, by motion of Mayor Davila and seconded by Council Member Rios.
Total ofChecks: $3,252,598.60
Less:Voids $ (2,650.02)
Less: Employee Payroll Deductions $ (533,203.25)
GrandTotal: $2,716,745.33
Cancellations: 106027, 106140, 106268, 106272, 106347, 106359, 106478, 106537, 106568, 106750, 106770, 106943, 107011, 107012, 109500
ROLL CALL: Council Member Hurtado, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Barron, yes; Mayor Davila, yes; Council MemberAvalos, excused.
ADJOURNMENT Council Member Hurtado adjourned the meeting in memory of Liliana Salazar Lopez, Mayor Davila's daughter's mother-in-law at 8:48 p.m. and seconded by Council Member Rios.
PASSED and APPROVED on this 22nd day of April 2025.
ATTEST:
M*a Davila, Mayor Y Glaze, City Clerk
L J