CITY OF SOUTH GATE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2025
CALL TO ORDER M aria Davila, Mayor called a Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
INVOCATION Pastor Ernesto Trejo, South Gate Church of Christ PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Jon Hamilton, Director of Human Resources RO
LL CALL Y odit Glaze, City Clerk
PRESENT M ayor Maria Davila, Council Member Gil Hurtado and Council Member Al Rios; City Manager Rob Houston, City Attorney Raúl F. Salinas ABSENT/EXCUSED V ice Mayor Joshua Barron, Council Member Maria del Pilar Avalos and City Treasurer Jose De La Paz
1 PRESENTATION The City Council received and filed a presentation from Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District by motion of Council Member Hurtado and seconded by Council Member Rios.
2 PUBLIC HEARING
PROPOSED AGREEMENT The City Council approved items A, B & C by motion of Council Member Rios and seconded by Council Member Hurtado:
a. Di
scussed a proposed Agreement (Contract No. 2025-29-CC) for the termination of all truck trailer storage, the removal of all trucks trailers, the implementation of air quality monitoring, and the transition of the property at 8530 Alameda Street, South Gate (“Subject Property”) to a legally allowable use;
b. A ccep
ted the determination that this matter is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act; and
c. Aut
horized the City Manager to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
RO
LL CALL: Council Member Rios, yes; Council Member Hurtado, yes; Mayor Davila, yes; Council Member Avalos, excused; Vice Mayor Barron, excused.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 13, 2025
3 PUBLIC HEARING
DENY EXT. OF TEMPORARY
USE PERMIT NO. 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;
c. Adopting the findings as outlined in the Resolution (Attachment A); and
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 (“TUP”) No. 2020-01.
4 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 Environmental Quality Act;
c. Adopting the findings as outlined in the Resolution (Attachment A); and
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.
5 PUBLIC HEARING
DENYING ZONE CHANGE
FROM INDUSTRIAL FLEX
TO HEA VY 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;
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 13, 2025
c. Adopting the findings as outlined in the Resolution (Attachment A); and
d. Dening the zone change of the subject property from Industrial Flex (“IF”) to M3 (“Heavy Manufacturing”) and amendments to the Community Design Element and Housing Element of the General Plan regarding removing the subject property from the South Gate College District.
City Attorney Salinas reiterated that a public hearing is like being in a courtroom and that the members in the audience respect the various viewpoints.
City Manager Houston stated these items were continued from the April 22 nd City Council Meeting. Mr. Houston stated the Engle Properties Group has a proposal for an agreement that’s before Council tonight. There are three items that will be packaged into a single discussion. Both the City and Alameda Engle representatives have agreed to do a single presentation. The order of speaking will be Alameda Engle Properties’ representative’s, the city’s representative, Jim Eckart and then public comment.
City Manager Houston asked the Alameda Engle Properties’ representative to present his presentation.
Alfred Fraijo attorney at SOMOS Law Group, and counsel for the applicants stated his clients are in agreement that the truck trailer and container use on the property should be retired once and for all. His clients are present as requested by this body to express their commitment to reaching a resolution with the city tonight. They are prepared with written documentation to formally withdrawal the items on the agenda concerning items 3, 4, and 5.
Mr. Fraijo spoke on the merits of the cessation agreement and requested City Attorney Salinas to submit as part of the public record. Mr. Fraijo stated Mr. Jason Engle would come up and say a few words.
Jason Engle on behalf of Alameda Engle Properties and his father, the owner of the property, stated that his grandfather started in South Gate in 1973 and for four generations have been part of the South Gate community. The care and wellbeing of the community is a core value of their company. They are very proud of the business being built, jobs they have been able to provide and collaboration with the city over the pass fifty-five years. Suggestions that his family is not concerned about the wellbeing of this community are inaccurate and hurtful. They have listened and appreciated the concerns expressed by the neighbors. It is difficult to give up a business they have worked so hard to build and REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 13, 2025
maintain, but having heard the neighbors, the succession agreement is the best path forward.
John Signo, Planning Manager, spoke on the background of the Alameda Engle Properties. He also spoke on the Planning Commission’s decision to deny the appeal.
Jim Eckart, City Prosecutor, spoke on item 2 to try and resolve items 3, 4 and 5.
Mayor Davila asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak on these items.
The following people expressed opposition to the Alameda Engle Properties and are asking Council to approve the cessation agreement:
Jennifer Daley; JoAnn, cancer research advocate, sustainable designer and deeply concerned community member; Jonathan Contreras; David Moreno; Omar Ruiz; Andrew Herrera; Rosemary; Jennifer Ganata, member of Community for Better Environment; Janet Preciado Vargas, Southeast Youth Organizer for Communities for Better Environment; Sofia Rodriguez, member for Communities for Better Environment and South Gate resident; Ozzie Orosco, member for Communities for Better Environment; Nathan Villareal, member for Communities for Better Environment; Araceli Rivas, member for Communities for Better Environment; Liz Ruiz, member for Communities for Better Environment, South Gate resident and Planning Commissioner; Roberto Beltran, South Gate resident; Alexander, youth member for Communities for Better Environment, provided letters from youth members; Gabriel Guerrero, South Gate resident and member for Communities for Better Environment.
Thomas Buckley opposes the agreement.
Mayra, South Gate resident, is bothered when individuals claim, “back door deals” and if so, why have they not been reported. She also stated that a certain social media will remove and block individuals that question certain posts. She thanked the city for everything that’s being done and City Council Members.
EMAILS: Isabel Gomez stated the Alameda Engle Properties should be shut down and a plan made for quick and effective cleanup of the site.
Mario Dominguez expresses strong opposition to the continued operation of the local business owned by Engles. He urges the Council to reject all appeals and to accept the agreement.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 13, 2025
Ms. Zepeda, Santa Fe Avenue, urges the City Council to uphold the Planning Commission’s decision to deny Engles’ permit to operate.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Davila closed the audience portion.
City Attorney Salinas stated hearing closing remarks by the representative for Engles and then followed by the City’s representative.
Alfred Fraijo counsel for the applicants stated their willingness to work with the community. The agreement does not solve all the industrial use surrounding the property. He understands there were some comments referring to trembling and vibration. The property has been the subject of that because of the railroad that’s in proximately of the property. Mr.
Fraijo stated the property concerning environmental conditions and contamination has been the subject of two decades of cleanup. Mr. Fraijo is submitting their letter, formerly withdrawing from the items 3-5. After the hearing and regardless of the outcome, he is happy to speak with CBE, SELA for a Better Tomorrow about future uses on the property and in partnership with City staff, City Manager and in support of the community that have been present.
Jim Eckart, City Prosecutor, responded to comments from the community.
City Attorney Salinas stated that Council should consider item 2 and if the cessation agreement is approved then no action on items 3, 4 and 5 would be needed.
City Council Hurtado questions why policy was not followed. He also asked what steps are being taken so this won’t happen again.
City Manager Houston stated the city has limited resources on behalf of the code enforcement staff. When the city receives information from residents on certain private or business violations the city investigates.
City Council Hurtado questioned city staff having authority to give temporary use permits and how to avoid that in the future.
City Manager Houston stated the current staff have a clear understanding that it is a very limited use such as two or three days.
Council Member Hurtado asked City Attorney Salinas how much of a certain case can be shared.
City Attorney Salinas stated that the city received back from the state a property that was granted over to the city’s housing authority. The property was being used as a place where used tires were being sold. The REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 13, 2025
city was able to deal with the property owner but there was a sub-tenant located on the property. Trying to get that sub-tenant out was a long and difficult process. The sub-tenant then filed a lawsuit against the city claiming that the city had condemned the property through inverse condemnation and prevented that sub-tenant with whom the city had never delt with affecting their business. What started out with the city’s goal of trying to clean the property out, acquire it and take control of it took a very long time because the lawsuit was filed and then the courts set the very first status conference in the case nine months away because judges in the courthouses are overworked. Many have over three hundred cases.
Council Member Hurtado brought this up because of comments stating, “back door deals.” Environmental issues are taken very seriously. He mentioned three sites that are contaminated. He also mentioned on a social media page that all they do is attack the city.
Council Member Rios thanked the community and Engles for attending tonight’s meeting. He hopes Council will be kept informed with the progress of the property. He also hopes it can be done in less than a year.
Mayor Davila thanked the community and Engles for attending tonight’s meeting. She also thanked City staff and the attorney for working on a solution.
City Attorney Salinas stated that the record should reflect that because item 2 was approved that means automatically items 3, 4 & 5 are withdrawn by the appellant and need not be taken up by this Council.
RECESS The City Council recessed at 8:42 p.m. and reconvened at 8:50 p.m. with three Members of Council present.
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE (NON-AGENDA
ITEMS) Video not audible.
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS Steve Costley, Director of Parks & Recreation, stated the Memorial event is scheduled for May 24th at 10:00 a.m. by the fountain and the public is invited to attend. The Men’s Health Fair is taking place on the same weekend as the Tweedy Street Fair.
Gabriel Perez, Director of Community Development, has nothing to report.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 13, 2025
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT’D Rob Houston, City Manager, introduced the new Administrative Services Director, Luis Frausto, he comes from South Pasadena and before that Long Beach.
Luis Frausto, Director of Administrative Services, is excited to work for the City of South Gate.
Mayor Davila welcomed Mr. Frausto to the city.
Jon Hamilton, Director of Human Services, has nothing to report.
Darren Arakawa, Chief if Police, stated that the city will be receiving Measure A funding from the County. The Police Department are preparing a proposal.
The Chief thanked the Council for attending the Heart of a Hero award for the Kiwanis. He mentioned Pedro Garcia; Police Officer took leadership role in the city to do a lot more outreach to the unhoused people of the community. He also stated this is National Police Week.
Rob Houston, City Manager, mentioned there is a study under way regarding fees.
Raúl F. Salinas, City Attorney, has nothing to report.
Yodit Glaze, City Clerk, spoke on the public records request. She also stated the public notice regarding our board commissions and committee’s vacancies is on the city’s website. She mentioned the Youth Commission is providing scholarships this Monday at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Council Member Rios has nothing to report.
Council Member Hurtado attended the 5K. Residents have reached out to him regarding other issues in the city. He has enjoyed coaching this year’s South Gate High School softball team. He mentioned a social media page that states South Gate Councilmembers are corrupt. If there is any corruption at City Hall, then it should be brought before the District Attorney’s Office.
Mayor Davila attended the Earth Day event, the Teachers Appreciation and Hero Award by the Kiwanis, the opening of JAA, Omenaje a Ti Mama (Tribute to You Mom), Spring 5K. She commended everyone for a great turn out.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 13, 2025
CONSENT CALENDAR Agenda Items 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 were approved by motion of Mayor Davila and seconded by Council Member Rios.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Rios, yes; Council Member Hurtado, yes (abstained from item 9); Mayor Davila, yes; Council Member Avalos, excused; Vice Mayor Barron, excused.
6 PERSONNEL RECRUITMENT
& SELECTION The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-13-CC entitled Resolution to approve the reclassification of the full-time Deputy Director of Finance position to a full-time Accounting and Finance Manager and the retitling of the full-time Budget and Finance Manager position to a full-time Budget and Procurement Manager in the Administrative Services Department during Consent Calendar.
7 PARKS The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. 2023-58-AC with Executive Management Security, Inc., to extend the term of the Agreement for unarmed security services in the amount not-to-exceed $115,000 and to continue services through November 1, 2025; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 2 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
8 FINANCIAL SERVICES The City Council approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 4 to Contract No. 2023-94-CC with MV Cheng & Associates, through June 30, 2025, for temporary professional finance and accounting services in an amount not-to-exceed $85,000;
b. Appropriated $85,000 from the General Fund reserves to expenditure account number 100-301-12-6101 (Professional Services) to fund temporary professional staffing service; and
c. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 4 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 13, 2025
9 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council approved items A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I & J during Consent Calendar:
a. Agreement (Contract No. 2025-30-CC) with Sequel Contractors, Inc., to construct the Citywide Residential Resurfacing, Phase IV , City Project No. 699-ST, and the Citywide Sidewalk Improvement Project, Phase X, City Project No. 698-ST, in an amount not-to-exceed $3,638,773, inclusive of the $3,546,573 Base Bid and $92,200 in Additive Alternate Bid;
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney;
c. Authorized the City Manager to approve contract change orders up to a cumulative amount of $545,816 to avoid delaying construction and payment of invoices involving change order work;
d. Transferred $70,000 in Measure R Funds and $100,000 in Development Funds from the Firestone Boulevard Enhancement Capacity, City Project No. 476-ST to the Residential Resurfacing Phase IV , City Project No. 699-ST, to fund drainage improvements at the intersection of the Firestone Boulevard and Dearborn Avenue;
e. Transferred $89,000 in Measure R Funds and $101,000 in Prop C Local Return Funds from the Garfield Avenue and Imperial Highway Street Improvements, City Project No. 419-ST to the Residential Resurfacing Phase IV , City Project No. 699-ST, to fund the construction of the U-turn pocket on Imperial Highway;
f. Appropriated $752,540 in Community Development Block Grant (“CDBG”) Funds to the Residential Resurfacing, Phase IV , City Project No. 699-ST to fund improvements on Industrial Avenue, Pinehurst Avenue, and Hildreth Avenue;
g. Transferred $210,000 in Road Mitigation Funds and $250,000 in Urban Greening Funds from the Long Beach Boulevard Street Improvements, City Project No. 515-ST to the Residential Resurfacing Phase IV , City Project No. 699-ST, to fund ADA curb ramps, pedestrian lighting, and traffic loop replacements on Long Beach Boulevard;
h. Appropriated $350,000 in Water Funds to the Residential Resurfacing, Phase IV , City Project No. 699-ST to fund water improvements on Frontage Road East;
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 13, 2025
9 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING CONT’D
i. Adopted a finding determining the Residential Resurfacing Project IV as categorically exempt under Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 15301 and the projects are categorically exempt under Existing Facilities Section 15301 Class (c) Existing highways and streets, sidewalks, gutters, bicycle and pedestrian trails, and similar facilities (including road grading for the purpose of public safety) and to be categorically excluded under Section 326 of amended Chapter 3 of Title 23, United States Code (23 U.S.C. § 326) without significant impacts on the environment as defined by the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”); and
j. The Notice of Exemption for the construction of the Residential Resurfacing Phase IV Project and directing the City Clerk to file it with the Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder’s Office.
10 COMMUNITY
PROMOTION The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Agreement (Contract No. 2025-31-CC) with the South Gate Chamber of Commerce for promotion of community activities in Fiscal Year 2025/2026 in the amount not to exceed $50,000; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
11 PARKS The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Change order in the amount of $26,840 to increase the overall original purchase order issued to Fast Deer Charter, Inc., to the amount of $67,141 (P.O. No. 0008804) to provide transportation for Parks and Recreation trips for the remainder of the current fiscal year 2024/25; and
b. Authorized the Director of Parks and Recreation to execute any additional documents needed.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 13, 2025
12 PARKS The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Purchase order with ABV Scoreboard Services, Inc. (NEVCO) for delivery, and installation of scoreboard equipment at the Sports Center in the amount of $77,589.23; and
b. Authorized the Director of Parks & Recreation to approve any additional costs needed to complete the purchase and installation of the scoreboards.
13 PERSONNEL ADMIN The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-14-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, making certain findings that allow a recently retired Director of Finance to be hired for temporary part-time employment with the City of South Gate commencing within the 180-day wait period from his retirement from the City of South Pasadena by motion of Council Member Hurtado and seconded by Mayor Davila.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Rios, yes; Council Member Hurtado, yes; Mayor Davila, yes; Council Member Avalos, excused; Vice Mayor Barron, excused.
14 BUDGET ADMIN The City Council approved by motion of Council Member Hurtado and seconded by Council Member Rios:
a. Fiscal Year 2024-25 Mid-Year Budget Report and Adjustments;
b. Fiscal Year 2023-24 Capital Improvement Program Carryovers; and
c. Adopted Resolution No. 2025-15-CC entitled A Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate approving Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Mid-Year Budget Amendments and Adjustments.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Rios, yes; Council Member Hurtado, yes; Mayor Davila, yes; Council Member Avalos, excused; Vice Mayor Barron, excused.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 13, 2025 15 WARRANTS The City Council approved the Warrant Register for May 13, 2025, by motion of Council Member Rios and seconded by Council Member Hurtado.
Total ofChecks: $4,401,372.00
Less:Voids $ (2,351.02)
Less: Employee Payroll Deductions $ (382,601.36)
GrandTotal: $4,016,419.62
Cancellations: 104574, 104575, 105343, 106463, 106819, 107089, 107642, 107675, 107694, 107712, 107764, 107848
ROLL CALL: Council Member Rios, yes; Council Member Hurtado, yes; Mayor Davila, yes; Council Member Avalos, excused; Vice Mayor Barron, excused.
16 CITY COUNCIL
APPOINTMENTS The City Council continued the appointment by Council Member Maria del Pilar Avalos of Margarita Valenzuela to the Plaru'iing Commission to the Regularly Schedule City Council Meeting of May 27, 2025.
ADJOURNMENT Mayor Davila adjourned the meeting at 10:35 p.m. in memory of Juana Beatriz Gutierrez, who passed away April 28, 2025. She was a co-founder of Mothers of East L.A., known as a local force to be reckoned with who inspired so many throughout the environmental justice movement. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hurtado.
PASSED and APPROVED on this 24' day of June 2025.
ATTEST:
Maria Davila, Mayor Yodit Gl City Clerk