CITY OF SOUTH GATE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2025
CALL TO ORDER Maria Davila, Mayor called a Regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
INVOCATION Steve Costley, Director Parks & Recreation PLEDGE OFALLEGIANCE Jose De La Paz, City Treasurer 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
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE (NON-AGENDA
ITEMS) Mario Dominguez is requesting the City Council place an item on the agenda to change the email fees, having to do with public records request, specifically Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC).
Lizette Ruiz, Kauffman Ave, thanked the City Council for speaking out and being involved in meetings with different government officials form the state regarding the ICE raids. She also believes the budget item should have been heard earlier in the meeting.
Francisco Gallegos, Otis Street, is concerned about the illegal fireworks in this community.
Rubin Pichardo, long-time South Gate resident, is present tonight to clarify certain comments made by Vice Mayor Barron.
Javier, South Gate resident, is asking for clarification on the city's stance regarding ICE.
Osvaldo Pichardo, San Gabriel Ave, is present tonight to clarify cornrnents made by Vice Mayor Barron and Council Member Hurtado.
Alice, South Gate resident, is concerned that people show up at Council Meetings and are accusing the current City Council Members of fraud.
Her complaint is with the Parks Department because she cannot attend the weight control meetings because they are only in Spanish.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 10, 2025
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE (NON-AGENDA
ITEMS) CONT'D Cecilia Caballero, South Gate resident, owns a company for multilingual books for children. She mentioned a literacy festival for this summer. She received a call from a good friend that was planning a pride festival but got turned down. She's present tonight supporting him.
Adolfo Varas, South Gate resident, was a keynote speaker at a graduation in the City of Bell. He stated it took him five years to advocate for his LGBTQ+ community to declare the month of June as Pride Month. He stated establishing a Pride Festival that shows unity, love, education, and resources. He thanked Councilwoman Avalos and every elected official throughout the southeast Los Angeles region, multiple different cities reaching out, wanting his Pride Festival. He hopes the City Clerk will read the emails and not give a summary. He is asking the City Council to continue supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
Laura thanked everyone for their support. She is the Membership Director for the City of Bell Chamber of Commerce. She stated the Pride Festival is to provide resources for the youth that do not have anywhere to go.
Vince, SELA Pride Festiva Chair, and resident of the cities of San Pedro and Paramount. He stated his first Pride Festival was hosted in the City of South Gate.
Miguel Angel Alvarez Godinez, LA County Commissioner on HIV, and is present tonight in support of the SELA Pride Festival. He would like this city to support its citizens.
Ezequiel Flores, South Gate resident, and reiterated what his other colleagues have stated.
EMAILS Ed Rod expressing disappointment with the City of South Gate's decision to withdraw from participating in the SELA Pride. He is urging the city to consider its decision, stating that pulling back sends a harmful message, especially to the youth.
Tenaya, South Gate resident and SELA Pride attendee, is expressing concern about the city's recent decision to withdraw from hosting this year's pride event. She emphasized South Gate needs pride celebration to support its peer residents and allies.
Sophie Ryan, South Gate resident, expresses appreciation for the city's ongoing efforts to be a safe and inclusive space and special thanks to Mr.
Costley for his long-standing support and student events over the past decades. Ms. Ryan is asking Council to review the proposal and consider the possibility of hosting the event this summer.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 10, 2025
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE (NON-AGF.NDA
ITEMS) CONT'D EMAILS Miss Ady Cortez in response to a social media post by Adolfo Varas regarding the city's involvement in the SELA Pride Festival. She states that one of Mr. Vara's staff members dropped off the event application on Wednesday, June 4'h and later reviewed and corrected by her mother before being submitted on Thursday, June 5fll. She added that he had previously been informed that the application should have been submitted 3 to 6 months prior to the event. She concluded by saying it is unfair to spread misinformation and that doing so reflects poorly on the LGBTQ community.
Miss Jennifer Daly, on behalf of Ruben Pichardo and several concerned residents regarding the city's code enforcement practices, alleging that South Gate residents are being unfairly cited for minor or unfounded violations while large commercial entities are allowed to operate without proper permits or enforcement.
Miss Martha Torres, Community Engagement Liaison with the Fair Housing Foundation, informing the city about the free services the organization provides to South Gate residents.
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS Rob Houston, City Manager stated that regarding the city's support of pride community and Pride Festival, the city has a history from both City Council and staff to support the cornrnunity and has had past pride festivals. He stated the city has a set of rules and regulations to make sure all the community members want to do events in the park.
Mayor Davila stated the City of South Gate was the first to have the Pride Festival during Covid. She stated there is a process and regulations that need to be followed.
Mayor Davila stated she has LGBTQ family members and is a big supporter of the LGBTQ community. She also informed the public that the Proclamation for Pride Month is at the next Council Meeting.
Arturo Cervantes, Director of Public Works, reported construction on the residential resurfacing project.
Steve Costley, Director of Parks & Recreation, stated the park is very busy. He mentioned the registration for classes has started for the summer quarter.
Gabriel Perez, Director of Community Development, stated staff is working on a fagade improvement program for Tweedy Boulevard.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 10, 2025
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Luis Frausto, Director of Administrative Services, stated that for a couple of meetings we have had technical issues with the streaming services.
Staff take this very seriously and have resources that have been dedicated to troubleshooting and ensuring the connection was stable.
Jon Hamilton, Director of Human Resources, has nothing to report. He wished everybody Happy Father's Day.
Darren Arakawa, Chief of Police, stated there isn't a real solution to the fireworks. He agrees staff is an issue. He mentioned the citation fees. He mentioned the street fair was well attended without any issues.
The Chief was on a conference call regarding irnrnigration with the LAPD Chief and Sheriff with the 45 Police Chiefs about what we are doing locally within the communities. He has a profound respect for the law. It is agreed in law enforcement that there is a big gap in communication with the federal govemment. The Chief stated that the federal government does not need anyone's permission to come into the community. There is no mandate that they community with the cities.
Rob Houston, City Manager stated everyone has the right for peaceful protesting that's encouraged in our democratic society and supported by the police, council and staff. But if the protesting creates vandalism or aggression that will be addressed like any other law.
Raul F. Salinas, City Attorney had nothing to report.
Jose De La Paz, City Treasurer, will save his time on the proposed budget item.
Yodit Glaze, City Clerk, spoke on the summarized email comments. She also spoke on the fee resolution Mr. Dominguez brought up. She wished everybody a Happy Father's Day.
Council Member Avalos thanked the cornrnunity and appreciated the compliments by the Pichardo family. She acknowledges the South Gate families that are afraid to leave their homes, go to work, take their children to school or the park. She's made a few social media posts if anyone needs resources, to reach out to her.
Council Member Avalos attended the Southeast Water Coalition and on April 9fh it was indicated the water rates were going to increase by 4%.
The Budget Advisory Committee indicated that it was not needed. The water increased by 3.8. She also attended the Men's Health, but a lot of the community leaders did not attend, and she understands the reason. She wished all the fathers a Happy Father's Day.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 10, 2025
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Council Member Avalos is concerned and disappointment regarding Council Member Hurtado's comtnents referring to a colleague. She is demanding this Council act through censure or mandatory training. She is asking for a public apology. Since she got on Council, she has never spoken ill will of anyone in public because she holds herself at a higher standard.
Council Member Hurtado stated that he never said any profanity about any colleague. At the request of Mr. Pichardo, Council Member Hurtado visited him over a code enforcement issue. He informed Mr. Pichardo that he was not ready to make any decision as to whether Mr. Pichardo got cited properly or not. He would forward it to the City Manager for his review. Mr. Pichardo never asked Council Member Hurtado for anything.
Council Member Hurtado stated attending a training session at the Western States Carpenters Union. He attended Cal State Dominguez in 2017 and 2019 to get a degree and one of the courses he took was Queer Studies. He had a nephew that was part of the LGBTQ community. He and his colleagues have always been respectful and supportive of the LGBTQ community events.
Council Member Hurtado stated attending meetings with local leaders from the southeast area regarding the ICE issues. He asked the public to be careful what is posted on social media.
Council Member Rios thanked everyone present tonight. He supports the LGBTQ community and understands the firework issues. He attended the Men's Health fair. He stated that the natives of this country are the American Indians. Everyone else came from somewhere. It is okay to protest, but peacefully.
Vice Mayor Barron asked if the firework fees can be increased to deter the use of them.
Chief Arakawa responded that it's City Councils decision. The fines are high already.
Vice Mayor Barron is willing to discuss increasing the firework fees.
Chief Arakawa stated many cannot pay the fines or it gets appealed. The first start would be to ban fireworks.
Vice Mayor Barron questioned the reason the SWAT truck during the street fair.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 10, 2025
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Chief Arakawa stated the SWAT truck would be driving through the alleys, and it is taken out to cornrnunity events. The SWAT truck is a military vehicle. ICE does not drive military vehicles.
Vice Mayor Barron stated they need to be the eyes to be able to inform the residents of what's going on. The news will show violence, fires but not peace'ful protests. He attended meetings with local leaders regarding ICE ISSueS.
Mayor Davila attended several graduations, the Centennial Celebration for San Gabriel Avenue, Victoria Elementary School and ribbon cutting for the Tweedy Boulevard.
Mayor Davila spoke on the ICE issues and the resources.
RECESS The City Council recessed at 8:45 p.m., and reconvened at 8:53 p.m., with all Members of Council present.
DEVIATE FROM
THE AGENDA At this time, there being no objections, Mayor Davila stated that item 6 would be considered out of its regular agenda order. 6 BUDGET ADMIN The City Council unanimously received and filed the FY 2025-26 proposed budget overview presentation by motion of Vice Mayor Barron and seconded by Council Member Hurtado.
CONSENTCALENDAR AgendaItemsl,2,34and5wereapprovedbymotionofMayorDavila and Council Member Council Member.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Hurtado, yes (recused from voting on items 3 & 4); Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Barron, yes; Mayor Davila, yes.
1 PUBLIC WORKS/
ENGINEERINGADMIN TheCityCouncilunanimouslyapproveditemsA&BduringConsent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 3 to Contract No. 2023-134-AC with W.G.
Zirnrnerman Engineering, Inc. to extend the contract term through June 30, 2026, to continue receiving engineering staffing augmentation services, for an amount not to exceed $170,000; and b. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 3 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 10, 2025 2 PUBLIC WORKS/
ENGINEERINGADMIN The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar::
a. Agreement(ContractNo.2025-39-CC)withMinagar&Associates, Inc., for Professional Engineering Services to prepare the Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey Project, City Project No. 736-RPT, in an amount not-to-exceed $78,879; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
3 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar::
a. Purchase Orders for Los Angeles County Public Works to perform bridge maintenance services on four city-owned bridges, for a cumulative amount of $117,020 plus a 10% contingency of $12,000 for a total not to exceed the amount of $129,020; and b. Appropriated $200,000 from Proposition C Funds to CIP Project No. 719-ST to fully fund these four Purchase Orders and one other Purchase Order for bridge maintenance that was previously approved by the City Council on December 10, 2024.
4 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council authorized a $300,000 transfer of Proposition C Funds from the Southeast Gateway Line Light Rail Project to the Garfield Avenue Complete Street Improvements, City Project No. 564-ST, to fully fund services rendered for the completion of construction during Consent Calendar.
5 WORKERS' COMPENSATION
ADMIN The City Council unanimously approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
a. An excess workers' insurance policy with Safety National, through Alliant for a one-year term commencing July 1, 2025, through July 1, 2026, with a premium in the amount of $178,489.00; b, Authorized payment in the amount of $178,489.00 to Alliant for the policy issued by Safety National; and
c. Authorized the Mayor to execute the "Request to Bind Coverage" in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 10, 2025 WARRANTS The City Council unanimously approved the Warrant Register for June 10, 2025, by motion of Council Member Avalos and seconded by Vice Mayor Davila.
r- i
Total ofChecks: $2,306,657.34
Less:Voids $ (1,369.34)
Less: Employee Payroll Deductions $ (402,376.33)
GrandTotal: $1,902,911.67
Cancellations: 107111, 107142, 107163, 107174, 107897, and 108088 ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Hurtado, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Barron, yes; Mayor Davila, yes.
ADJOURNMENT Council MemberAvalos unanimously adjourned the meeting at 11:41 p.m. and seconded by Council Member Rios.
PASSED and APPROVED on this 22nd day of July 2025.
ATTEST:
Maria Davila, Mayor
/- a a
Yodit laze, City Clerk
l . )