CITY OF SOUTH GATE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2025
CALL TO ORDER Maria Davila, Mayor called a Special City Council Meeting to order at 6:44 p.m.
INVOCATION Steve Costley, Director of Parks & Recreation
PLEDGE OFALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Gabe Perez, Director of Community Development
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 Rail F. Salinas
PUBLIC HEARING
DENY EXT. OF TEMPORARY
USE PERMIT N0. 2020-01 The City Council considered:
a. Conducting a public hearing pursuant to South Gate Municipal Code Section 11.50.040.B;
b. Accepting the determination that this matter is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act; and
c. Adopting the findings as outlined in the Resolution (Attachment A); pnd
d. Upholding the decision of the Planning Commission to uphold the determination of the Director of Community Development to deny an extension of Temporary Use Permit No. 2020-01.
2 PUBLIC HEARING
TERMINATING TRUCK
TRALER STORAGE The City Council considered:
a. Conducting a public hearing pursuant to South Gate Municipal Code Section 11.50.040.B;
b. Accepting the determination that this matter is exempt from the California Enviroru'nental Quality Act; and
c. Adopting the findings as outlined in the Resolution (Attachment A); and
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 22, 2025 d. Upholding the decision of the Planning Commission upholding the determination of the Director of Community Development that the legal, nonconforming use for a metal processing and/or recycling activities at the subject property have been abandoned and can no longer be conducted, and the use of the site for truck trailer storage as a principal use unrelated to metal processing/recycling activities is not a legal, nonconforming use and must be immediately terminated. 3 PUBLIC HEARING
DENYING ZONE CHANGE
FROM INDUSTRIAL FLEX
TO HF.AVY MFG. The City Council considered:
a. Conducting a public hearing pursuant to South Gate Municipal Code Section 11.50.040.B;
b. Accepting the determination that this matter is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act; and
c. Adopting the findings as outlined in the Resolution (Attachment A); and
d. Denying the zone change of the subject property from IF (Industrial Flex) to M3 (Heavy Manufacturing) and amendments to the Cornrnunity Design Element and Housing Element of the General Plan regarding removing the subject property from the South Gate College District.
City Attorney Salinas stated that a public hearing is like being in a court of law except there's no judge. The judge is replaced by the members of the City Council. It is important to respect the viewpoints that are offered by everyone whether you support them or not.
Mr. Salinas informed the City Council that the representative for the applicant is present and have him introduce himself.
Alfred Fraijo, attorney at SOMOS Law Group, and counsel for the applicant as it relates to items 1, 2, and 3. Mr. Fraijo is requesting a continuation of tonight's items to allow for his client to consult with the city and negotiate a resolution of this matter. The applicant would like to explore the withdrawal of its appeals in favor of a timely and reasonable termination of the current uses at the site. Although his client maintains that the use at issue is longstanding and grandfathered it has also considered with care'ful consideration the comments from the public.
Mr. Fraijo is asking Coiu"icil to direct staff to meet and confer with his client.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 22, 2025 City Attorney Salinas clarified that tonight's request is not for an indefinite period of time, but the City Council's next regularly scheduled meeting is May 13th and that is the date Mr. Fraijo is requesting the Council to consider in order to present a resolution to the Council and the public withdrawal of the appeal.
Mr. Fraijo has confirmed that date and reiterated his client wants to resolve the matter as soon as possible.
City Attorney Salinas stated that since public hearings were publicly noticed, and members of the public are present, it should be open to the public understanding that the request before the Council is to continue all three items to May 13'h.
Mayor Davila asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak on all three items and any emails received.
The following people expressed opposition to said appeals: Lizette Ruiz, planning commissioner; Mario Dominguez, Jr.
City Attorney Salinas reminded the public that the motion that's pending before the Council is whether to continue the public hearings or not. After hearing public comments, if the City Coiu'icil decides not to continue the public hearings, then it will be open to the public to talk about the actual merits of the appeals.
Continuation of the following people expressed opposition to said appeals:
Omar Ruiz; Jennifer Daley, SELA for a Better Tomorrow; Joanne, Cancer Research Advocate; Amber Rivera; Jonathan; David Moreno, 8429 Santa Fe Avenue; Javier, South Gate resident; Janet Preciado Vargas, Southeast LAYouth Organizer for Communities for a Better Environment,, Thomas Buckley, South Gate resident; Lillian Buckley, South Gate resident; Gabriel Guerrero, South Gate resident; Jose Luis Zerba, Walnut Park resident; ClaudiaAleman, South Gate resident; Ms. Ortiz, South Gate resident and Master's Student and Researcher at USC for Environmental Justice Spaces; Alejandra, member of Communities for a Better Environment and a student at South Gate High School; Ady Cortez, South Gate resident and a student at South Gate High School; Kate, South Gate resident and a USC student; Maricela Talamantes, City of Lynwood resident; Janeta Esmeralda Vasquez
Having no one else come forward nor any emails, Mayor Davila closed the audience portion.
City Attorney Salinas stated that the request is to continue the public hearing to the regular meeting of the City Council on May 13th and if the Council wants to take up that request it would be in the form of a motion.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 22, 2025 Vice Mayor Barron asked for clarification on the termination of use mentioned by the attorney.
City Attorney Salinas stated that the request for additional time is to allow for the applicant to propose conditions that would be acceptable to the City Council with respect to the termination of the use of the property for its current use including a withdrawal of the appeal that would include the zone change as well as the continued trucking use.
Council Member Hurtado stated the applicant is asking for a continuation and if the Council vote no would they be prepared to address the issues tonight.
City Attorney Salinas stated that if the request is not to continue then we would move forward with the public hearings this evening.
Mayor Davila asked Mr. Fraijo to come forward.
Mr. Fraijo indicated their preference is to continue the matter. Their expectation is that their client has indicated previously and gives him authority to represent tonight that their interest is to withdraw the appeals and not proceed with the presentations that they would otherwise make as it relates to those appeals because they would be rendered moot. Should they proceed with their intention which is to close out the use at the site as has been requested and recommended by the commission.
Mayor Davila motioned to continue the items to the City Council Meeting of May 13, 2025, and seconded by Vice Mayor Barron.
Council Member Hurtado asked if the items are continued, it would be final.
City Attorney Salinas answered the request is just to continue to May 13th Council can indicate that there will be no further continuance as part of the motion.
Council Member Hurtado, if the motion is to continue, he does not believe it's going to go past that.
Council Member Avalos asked for clarification if the applicant's attorney is withdrawing the appeals.
Mr. Fraijo stated that the request is to continue the items so that they can proceed with a formal withdrawal. The purpose of the continuance is that they can work with city staff at the direction of this Council to provide for what they believe is the proper termination of the use. That would be the result if we don't continue with the appeals that we withdraw the request
REGULAR CITY COtJNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 22, 2025 for zone charige, temporary use permit and the Director's determination related to their judgment that the use is no longer grandfathered.
Council Member Rios is upset that the applicant is not present and felt this situation should had been resolved a long time ago.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, no; Council Member Hurtado, yes; Council Member Rios, no; Vice Mayor Barron, yes; Mayor Davila, yes.
RECESS The City Council recessed at 7:57 p.m., and reconvened at 8:09 p.m., with all Members of Council present.
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE - NON-AGENDA
ITEMS Mario Dominguez, Jr., asked when this city will be getting fiber optic cables because that enables us to have phone-based calling feature or the possibility of having Zoom. Mr. Dominguez spoke with Richard Iglesias, City Clerk, for the City of Cudahy and they have Zoom and live stream their meetings. Mr. Dominguez was inquiring if the City of South Gate can possibly live stream the meetings too.
Ms. Ortiz, South Gate resident, is asking the City Council and City Manager to investigate traffic control and safety measures on Garfield Avenue.
Dinora Valle, South Gate resident, is asking the City Council for help with a roof contractor.
Mayor Davila asked if Community Development would be able to assist her.
City Manager Houston stated it could be a Better Business Bureau. It's unlikely to be a city related issue.
Lizette Ruiz, Kauffman Avenue, submitted a couple pictures today regarding the continuing blocking of pedestrian walkways through the corners. Ms. Ruiz also submitted an article a couple of weeks ago regarding Jeff Bonta's lawsuit regarding CEQA.
Janet stated that two weeks ago the city went to her mother's house and removed two trees. Her family never asked for the trees to be removed.
They called asking if the city would trim the trees. She is asking that two fniit trees be planted.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 22, 2025
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE - NON-AGENDA
ITEMS CONT'D CouncilMemberAvalosaskedfortheaddress. Janetreplied,10458 Stanford Avenue.
Council Member Hurtado asked if the trees were on private property or the sidewalk. Janet replied, on the sidewalk, but the city cannot just remove trees.
Kate, South Gate resident and a Master student at USC School of Social Work is here speaking on behalf of her neighborhood in Hollydale asking the city to invest in Hollydale.
Thomas Buckley, South Gate resident, brought up two grievances regarding public records request.
Armando Velasquez, Independence Avenue, stated that this Friday will be their first Annual Golden Apple and Heart of a Hero Honors Ceremony.
Seventeen teachers will be recognized, fourteen of which are from South Gate, and the majority are LAUSD teachers. One South Gate Police Officer and fire department will also be recognized.
Mayor Davila asked Mr. Velasquez to provide the names of the people being recognized so a Certificate of Appreciation can be presented.
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS Arturo Cervantes, Director of Public Works, provided an update regarding requesting an update on the COG's Regional fiber optic project.
Mr. Cervantes stated that the city is familiar with the Garfield Avenue traffic. The city has invested over $6 million dollars in traffic, bike and safety improvements. The city is also planning to add a traffic signal at the intersection of Glady Street and Garfield. Also, a protective cross walk midway between Circle Park and Imperial Highway.
Mr. Cervantes stated that regarding the removal of trees, the city has strict rules against removing trees. When trees are removed there are specific reasons (tree has died, tree is in danger of fallen, or weather has impacted it). He will follow up on the reasoning of these two trees removal.
Mr. Cervantes stated that the Tweedy Mile Complete Street Project is almost completed.
Steve Costley, Director of Parks & Recreation Earth Day, is this Saturday, and he'll have Mr. Cervantes speak on it.
Mr. Cervantes thanked the City Council for recognizing Earth Day. It is taking place this Saturday, April 26Ih.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 22, 2025
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Mr. Costley stated that on the same day in the evening there will be Mom's Prom for the first time. On May 3rd at 10:00 a.m. there will be the opening of the JAA with a new president.
City Manager Houston introduced Gabriel Perez, the new Cornrnunity Development Director. Mr. Perez comes from the City of Coachella.
Jon Hamilton, Director of Human Resources, stated if anyone is interested in working for the City of South Gate, please see the city's website.
Darren Arakawa, Chief if Police stated that this Thursday between 5-7 p.m. is "Tacos with a Cop" inArea 5 on Garfield Avenue at Estrada's Meat Market.
The Chief thanked Armando Vasquez for the Hero Award. Officer Pedro Gutierrez will be honored that night.
Rob Houston, City Manager, is happy to see Tweedy Boulevard almost complete and is looking forward to partnering with the businesses on Tweedy to make certain the investments are shared.
Rail F. Salinas, City Attorney, stated that the city receives through the City Clerk's Office a significant number of Public Records Act Request.
The City Clerk's Office does a wonderful job working within its resources.
It relies on various departments to return documents compliant with the Public Records Act.
Jose De La Paz, City Treasurer, stated that the meetings on the city's website should be straightforward. Mr. De La Paz inquired about the fiber optic. He was asked if the city has a moratorium on trenching.
Mr. Cervantes stated there has not been an opportunity to review the fiber optic design. He stated there is a pavement moratorium.
Mr. De La Paz stated the businesses on Tweedy northside between Tweedy and California have been complaints regarding homeless encampments.
Mr. De La Paz stated that 250 schools were present at the Robotics World Championship in Houston, TX.
Mayor Davila asked to follow up with the Principal from STEAM to recognize all the students that participated in this program for the second meeting in May.
Yodit Glaze, City Clerk, thanked City Attorney's explanation on the Public Records Act Request.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 22, 2025
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Council MemberAvalos asked if the cost of PRA's is on the city's website.
She also stated that Vector Control will be providing a presentation at the next Council meeting. She attended Congresswoman Barragan's town hall meeting about what's going on in Washington D.C. and asked city staff if it's possible for Council to hold a town hall meeting for the immigrant community to be informed as to what they can do. She said the City of Lynwood had a town hall meeting.
Council MemberAvalos received complaints about bikes and scooters riding on the sidewalks. She asked if tonight's meeting can be adjourned in memory of Pope Francis.
Council MemberAvalos stated that when she was mayor, the Vatican reached out to her that in 2026 Pope Francis wanted to bring "La Pelota de Trapo" (The Rag Ball) program.
City Attorney Salinas informed CouncilwomanAvalos that the City Manager brought to his attention that we do list the price per page for the PRA's on the city's website.
Council Member Hurtado stated that Channel 7 had posted on social media about Kilmar. He wants everyone to know that Council is listening to the public and reading emails.
Council Member Rios is requesting the city be mindful when cutting down trees. He understands about investing in the Hollydale area. Many businesses on Tweedy Boulevard are happy how the boulevard is coming along.
Council Member Rios welcomed Mr. Perez, the new Director of Cornrnunity Development.
Council Member Rios is willing to work with the city staff member that works with the homeless. He congratulated the B2V team and the Legacy High School Robotics team.
Vice Mayor Barron agrees with Council Member Rios about the homeless.
He thinks the police department does a great job going out and identifying the individuals that actual want the help.
Vice Mayor Barron attended a meeting with city staff and Union Pacific about all the illegal dumping and homeless population around the railroad tracks.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 22, 2025
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Vice Mayor Barron stated that it is not okay to scare children at schools.
He appreciates it when the community attend meetings and speaks about their concerns.
Mayor Davila has nothing to report.
CONSENT CALENDAR Agenda Items 4, 5 and 6 were approved by motion of Council Member Hurtado and seconded by Council Member Avalos.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Hurtado, yes; Council Member Rios, yes, but no on item 5; Vice Mayor Barron, yes; Mayor Davila, yes.
4 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. ResolutionNo.2025-11-CCentitledResolutionoftheCityCouncilof the City of South Gate, California, preliminarily approving the Engineer's Report for the proceedings of the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Annual Levy and Collection of Assessments for the Street Lighting and Landscape Maintenance District No. l; and
b. Resolution No. 2025-12-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, declaring the City's intention to levy and collect assessments under the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Annual Levy and Collection of Assessments within the Street Lighting and Landscape Maintenance District No. I and setting a Public Hearing for May 27, 2025.
WATER The City Council approved items A, B, C & D during Consent Calendar:
a. Professional Engineering Services Agreement (Contract No. 2025-24- CC) with MNS Engineers, Inc., to prepare design and construction documents necessary for the Demolition of Salt Lake Water Tank, City Project No. 734-WTR, for an amount not to exceed Two Hundred Ninety-One Thousand Five Hundred and Ten Dollars ($291,510); b. Appropriated $350,000 in Water Funds for the Demolition of Salt Lake Water Tank, City Project No. 734-WTR;
REGtJLAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 22, 2025 5 WATER CONT'D
c. Authorized the City Manager to approve and execute amendments up to a cumulative amount of $100,000; and
d. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
6 MINUTES The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. SpecialandRegularMeetingminutesofMarchll,2025;and
b. Special and Regular Meeting minutes of March 25, 2025. 7 WARRANTS The City Council unanimously approved items A & B by motion of Council Member Avalos and seconded by Vice Mayor Barron:
a. Check No. 109714 from April 8, 2025; and
b. Warrant Register for April 22, 2025.
Total ofChecks: $3,524,972.94
Less:Voids $ 0.00
Less: Employee Payroll Deductions $ (612,163.86i
GrandTotal: $2,912,809.08
Cancellations: 109830
ROLL CALL: Council MemberAvalos, yes; Council Member Hiutado, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Barron, yes; Mayor Davila, yes.
ADJOURNMENT Council Member Rios unanimously adjourned the meeting in memory of Kenneth G. Leabres, long-time South Gate resident and father of South Gate employee James Leabres and Pope Francis at 9:49 p.m. and seconded by Council Member Avalos.
PASSED and APPROVED on this 27' day of May 2025.
ATTEST:
Maria Davila, May"or Yodit City Clerk
LJ