CITY OF SOUTH GATE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2025
CALL TO ORDER Maria Davila, Mayor called a Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:46 p.m.
INVOCATION Steve Costley, Director Parks & Recreation PLEDGE OFALLEGIANCE Raul F. Salinas, City Attorney 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 Attorney Raul F. Salinas, Assistant City Manager Arturo Cervantes
EXCUSED/ABSENT City Manager Rob Houston
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HOUSING Following the conclusion of the Public Hearing, the City Council:
a. Adopted Resolution No. 2025-22-CC Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, receiving and approving the Five-Year 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan;
b. Authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to submit to the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development the Five-Year 2025- 2029 Consolidated Plan and FY 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan (as amended); and
c. Authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to enter into agreements with eligible subrecipients in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
Carol Averell, Housing Manager, gave the presentation.
Mayor Davila asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak on this item. Seeing no one step forward; Mayor Davila closed the audience portion.
EMAILS Mario Dominguez urges the City Council to allocate CDBG funding to the Department of Parks and Recreation.
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HOUSING CONT'D Edgar Pelayo advocates for the CDBG funding to be used for the Parks and Recreation Department.
RECESS Prior to the conclusion of item 1, the City Council recessed at 7:00 p.m., and reconvened at 8:57 p.m., with all Members of Council present.
Council MemberAvalos questioned how this business has been conducted for the last five years. There is information attached to the staff report as to how the CAC allocated the funds back in February.
Ms. Averell stated the item went before the CAC for their recommendations, but HUD had not released the allocations until May.
Mr. Salinas asked Ms. Averell to explain the posting notice.
Ms. Averell stated that once the allocations are received, the city prepares the documents and then posts the consolidated plan and aru'iual action plan on June 5'h because there is 30-day notice for public review requirement.
Council MemberAvalos has an issue as to how these funds were allocated.
There is an item for $12,000 and asked the meaning of "other CDBG activities," and can that funding be used for food insecurity.
Ms. Averell stated the food programs fall under the public service grants.
The public service grants have a cap of 15% and during the presentation it was mentioned the amount was maximized. The CAC makes these recommendations; however, the City Council can make any changes to the recornrnendations.
Council MemberAvalos asked if the $12,000 can be allocated into food insecurity due to the need.
Ms. Averell stated not for the food insecurity because it falls under the public service grants. The council can move funds within that 15% cap under the public service grants. The only amount that can be utilized for public service grants is $178,895.
Council Member Avalos asked if the $12,000 can be allocated directly to the businesses that have been heavily impacted?
Ms. Averell stated if it's economic development, yes.
Council Member Avalos would like to make an amendment to ensure that the $12,000 be allocated to the small businesses that have been impacted due to the current situation.
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HOUSING CONT'D Ms. Averell stated Ana Marie LeNoue is present, and she can clarify.
Ms. LeNoue stated that the South Gate Women's Business Center, is the Chamber of Commerce application. She also stated that within the dollars that are mentioned on the staff report, $12,000, $451,000, and $513,990 can be distributed to a business assistance grant program.
Mayor Davila prefers to allocate funds from another program.
Council Member Hurtado suggested the neighborhood revitalization progmm.
Council Member Avalos wants to make certain the $12,000 will be allocated to all businesses, not just members.
Ms. LeNoue stated that this is a new program the Chamber is presenting to the city.
Mayor Davila suggested taking $15,000 from the neighborhood revitalization program and leaving $400,000. Use the $15,000 for the businesses.
Council Member Avalos suggested $75,000 because there are a lot of businesses that have been impacted. She knows of at least five businesses that are closing at the end of July.
Ms. Averell and Ms. LeNoue's recommendation for allocating funds from the neighborhood revitalization and the street and sidewalk improvement project.
Mr. Cervantes stated in public works, we are overseeing the streets and sidewalks citywide. We have a plan that calls for over $80 million in street improvements needed. Sidewalk improvements are due to sidewalk issues throughout the city. He recommends preserving the $513,990.
Council Member Avalos asked if we could allocate fiinding from the neighborhood revitalization program, $75,000 or $50,000? Ms. Averell stated yes, some funding can be allocated.
Vice Mayor Barron asked for an example of what that program does.
Ms. LeNoue stated that the program is similar to the home funded residential rehabilitation program except there are different requirements for CDBG funded rehab versus the home rehab. Under the CDBG.
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HOUSING CONT'D Mr. Salinas asked given that the administration didn't finalize these numbers until May, was the deadline extended for the city to approve of this?
Ms. LeNoue stated that the deadline originally every year is May 15fh. The allocation numbers were issued May 12"1 or the 14". Then the city is given 60 days to finalize the product that is before the City Council. The deadline is this Friday. The city is planning to submit this on Friday pending approval.
Mr. Salinas asked if the City Council did not approve this item tonight, does the city loses the money.
Ms. LeNoue stated the city would not lose the money until August 16I11.
Vice Mayor Barron asked if City Council makes any changes, it has to be posted as a change and it must come to City Council.
Ms. LeNoue stated the City Council can make changes tonight because it is a public hearing.
Mayor Davila asked Councilwoman Avalos how much is she asking for? Council Member Avalos was asking for $75,000 for businesses that are in dire need.
Mayor Davila stated there must be requirements.
Council Member Avalos asked about requirements.
Ms. LeNoue recornrnended allocating funds for the program and then staff will work to develop guidelines and return to City Council for approval.
Council Member Avalos suggested at least fifteen businesses can be helped with $1,000.
Mayor Davila asked when the businesses would be able to use the funds.
How long would it take for staff to develop guidelines.
Ms. LeNoue stated the city implemented a business assistance program with CDBGCV funds with the pandemic money. Staff can go back to those regulations/ guidelines. The direction from City Council is to assist businesses that are struggling due to the immigrant community not being able to come out and shop local.
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HOUSING CONT'D Council Member Hurtado directed to also demonstrate that there has been a negative impact.
Ms. LeNoue asked for staff guidance from the City Council what would be the level of criteria so staff can explore and return with those guidelines.
Council MemberAvalos stated that businesses were generating on average $5,000 gain in a month and now they are at $2,000, an extra $1,000 would come in handy to keep the business open or employees that they already have.
Mayor Davila asked if it is first come, first serve then the businesses that are impacted won't be receiving any 'funds.
Mr. Salinas stated that the City Manager suggested allowing staff to work out the details and since we have until August 16".
Ms. LeNoue stated the deadline is July 13I11, but staff are submitting on the 1 Ith if it is permitted. The deadline to lose the funds is August.
Council MemberAvalos stated making a friendly amendment allocating $50,000 for economic development and staff will work on logistics.
Ms. LeNoue stated for clarification purposes because specification is needed, it would be for small business assistance program. And then return to City Council with the guidelines. That would be outside of the money piece. The money piece is part of the con plan and action plan.
Council Member Avalos replied yes.
Mr. Salinas stated that the motion would be to amend the neighborhood revitalization program by allocating $50,000 from the neighborhood revitalization program and direct staff to come up with guidelines consistent with what has been discussed for disadvantaged businesses in the city and make sure it is consistent with federal law.
Council Member Avalos wants to make sure that the funds the chamber receives are opened to all small businesses in South Gate, not just to members. She would also like to meet withAnna and inquire what the chamber is doing for South Gate businesses that are struggling due to people not shopping.
Ms. LeNoue stated the following changes would stay the same except for the neighborhood revitalization program would drop down to $365,000 and would add a small business assistance grant program at $50,000.
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HOUSING CONT'D Staff's recommendation was unanimously approved (as amended) by motion of Council Member Avalos 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, yes.
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE - NON-AGENDA
ITEMS Vicky, South Gate resident, was disappointed with the cancellation of the celebration for the 4'h of July at the park. She understands the iSsues with the immigration law, but South Gate residents had the right to participate in the celebration for the 4'h of July.
Alice Cueto, South Gate resident, was disappointed that the 4"1 of July celebration was canceled. She feels for the vendors that lost income on that day.
Lizette Ruiz, Kauffman Ave, commanded the city for cancelling the event.
She once again is asking the police department to enforce the law against masked individuals with no ICE identification. She is part of the AB617 Community Steering Group, which focuses on lowering emissions in our regions of Southeast LA and isn't certain if the city received an email from Solace or Assembly Member asking for letters of support because they are running out of funding.
Alyssa Gomez is a case manager providing field-based mental health services so the SELA community. She is urging City Council to follow Huntington Park's lead in enacting a city ordinance that declares itself a sanctuary city.
EMAILS Mario Dominguez urges the City Council to pursue a regional park open space district competitive Measure A grants this July to fund the planning and design of a splash pad at South Gate Park.
Thomas Buckley expressed concerns that the South Gate City Clerk's Office is ignoring his public records request emails.
Edgar Pelayo expresses concern that the City Council and staff are not treating the city's budget deficit with the urgency it deserves. He criticized the current approach of relying on residents to cover the shortfall through increased taxes, fees, and services that were cut. He urges the City Council to consider all options such as outsourcing contract renegotiations and re- evaluating pay raises and prioritizing the needs of South Gate residents over special interests.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF .nJLY 8, 2025 EMAILS CON'TD Roberto Sanchez expressed frustration over the city's financial situation and the poor condition of the South Gate's infrastructure questioning who is responsible for the neglect. He also criticized the decision to spend money on horses. He has no confidence in long-serving Council Members and believes new competent leadership is needed to restore the city.
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS Steve Costley, Director of Parks and Recreation, stated that the first successful concert at the park was held last on Thursday. Mariachi Divas played. About 450 people showed up. He also stated that this Saturday, July 12'h at 10:00 a.m. will be the grand opening of the newest park, the Urban Orchard. The Aru"iual Fun Run is taking place on Saturday, July Igth at 10:00 a.m.
Gabriel Perez, Director of Community Development, nothing to report.
Luis Frausto, Director of Administrative Services, the staff is continuing to work on the budget and hopes to present an updated budget for consideration on July 22nd. He looks forward to meeting with the Ad Hoc Committee
Jon Hamilton, Director of Human Resources, nothing to report.
Chief Arakawa stated that he bears most of the responsibility for cancelling the fireworks show. He had received information of potential protests countywide. He prefers to get criticized for cancelling versus getting criticized a'fter the fact that he was ill-prepared to protect the city and the citizens.
Chief Arakawa mentioned an incident that happened in area 5 on Main Street the day before the 4th of July. The South Gate Police Department investigated where 30 tons of fireworks were seized. The fire department was called for assistants, public works and Mr. C's Towing were also helping. Five people were taken into custody. He apologized to the residents who were temporarily displaced for several hours. An evacuation had to be done due to the volatile nature of the fireworks. Restitution will be requested during the criminal court proceedings to reimburse the city for all the costs.
Chief Arakawa stated that an agenda item will be presented at the next council meeting regarding the police department being awarded $100,000 grant from the California Highway Patrol to enforce impaired driving, marijuana impairment and it includes the purchase of a vehicle to be used for the traffic division.
Mayor Davila thanked the police department and everyone that worked to remove the fireworks from the city.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 8, 2025
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Arturo Cervantes, Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works, stated that Circle Park is being renovated and completion is expected at the end of this month. Another project is residential resurfacing.
Rail F. Salinas, City Attorney stated the time that it's taken to respond to a certain public record act request. It's a unique time period that the city has taken for this, but it involves reviewing electronic records, which require a bit of review time. It is not a function of the City Clerk's Office or their failure to try to move these along. He replied to the requesting party this a'Jternoon. He also explained the reason for cancelling the fireworks.
Jose De La Paz, City Treasurer, nothing to report.
Yodit Glaze, City Clerk, nothing to report.
Council Member Avalos thanked the community for attending tonight's Council Meeting and on YouTube. She understands the concern about cancelling an event as the 4Ih of July, but given what happened yesterday in MacArthur Park, she would not put this community in harm's way.
Council MemberAvalos was in Portland representing the educators of the State of California, and the NEA President, Becky Pringle, is going back to Washington, D.C. and reminding Congress that took money from the union, that the teachers don't forget. She acla'iowledged and gave credit to a local nonprofit, Compatior because they are committed to the City of South Gate.
Council Member Hurtado remembered sometime in the 1980's he was doing some research, and he ran across an event that took place in 1954 called Operation Wetback, Dwight D. Eisenhower was President at the time, and everyone was getting departed people of color, Mexicans (whether born here or not). He was thinking we won't have to go through that again and here we are, history is repeating itself.
Council Member Hurtado stated the city is a municipality, it is at the lowest level. It's the Federal Government, State, County and then the cities. He has reached out to the state, Gavin Newsome's Office, an assembly member, state senator and they are all trying everything, lawsuits.
Council Member Rios thanked the community for attending tonight's Council Meeting. Thanked the chief for his explanation. It is important for the community to understand the dynamic. He asked if ICE communicated with the police department.
Chief Arakawa stated there has been no communication with ICE.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 8, 2025
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Council Member Rios stated this country is made of immigrants. He wondering if the city can use ARPA funds to help the community. He questioned why trees need to be removed and/or cut down.
Council MemberAvalos understands Council Member Rios, but she stated that Long Beach Boulevard between Southern and Long Beach Boulevard is a health hazard.
Mr. Cervantes stated that about a year or a year and a half ago, the city was experiencing issues with a lot of larger trees coming down, there were a lot of liability claims coming in. A hazardous assessment review was done of all the trees and a list of the priority trees for removal based on actual hazards was reviewed by an arborist. The trees that are being removed is that last phase of those trees that we consider potentially hazardous that could come down during rain or heavy events.
Council Member Hurtado stated that if anyone needs essentials, Southeast Leadership Network has number. Many people have been reaching out to them. The numbers are 562-842-6070 or 323-804-6639.
Council Member Avalos suggested a recorded line for people to call in and be able to disseminate to different organizations to be able to provide assistance.
Vice Mayor Barron thanked the chief for his explanation. It was a hard decision to make and important to always keep the cornrnunity safe. He is a volunteer with the Southeast Leadership Network. There are a few volunteers here that are part of the Kiwanis, and we do weekly food boxing events. The list has grown to 150 families all through the southeast Los Angeles area. He thanked the non-profits that are finding the resources that are being able to be provided. A lot of these non-profits don't want their name mentioned because they receive federal funding. He spoke about the Big Beautiful Bill that will provide $140 million to the new ICE agents hired to detain undocumented people. The federal government spent $30 million in the month of June to arrest 1,700 undocumented, and criminals. We need to work together and see the accomplishments.
Mayor Davila thanked the community for attending tonight's Council Meeting. She concurs with City Councils' comments. We need to work together and help families who are in need. She thanked the Southeast Leadership Network for their help. Thanked her colleagues for their work and support to the families in need.
Vice Mayor Barron thanked members of the staff for their support during this time.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 8, 2025
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D City Clerk Glaze asked for clarification on the tree trimming.
Mr. Cervantes stated there is maintenance which includes tree trimming on all the city's trees. On occasions, residents don't want trees to be trirnrned aggressively, but the city continues as a normal course of business. In terms of trees that need to be removed that are considered hazardous are being removed.
CONSENT CALENDAR Agenda Items 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 were unanimously approved by motion of Council Member Avalos and seconded by Mayor Davila.
RECESS Prior to the conclusion of the Consent Calendar, the City Council recessed at 8:09 p.m., and reconvened at 8:15 p.m., with all Members of Council present.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Hurtado, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Barron, yes; Mayor Davila, yes.
POLITICAL SUPPORT The City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2025-21-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, voicing opposing unlawful immigration enforcement tactics that violate federal law and constitutional protections during Consent Calendar.
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LANDSCAPING The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 2 to Contract 2020-02-CC, Measure R Funding Agreement with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority ("LACMTA"), to reprogram $89,594 in remaining funds from the Imperial Highway Improvements (Phase j), City Project No. 496-ST, Metro Project ID No. MR306.57, to the Imperial Highway Improvements (Phase Ir), City Project No. 699-ST, Metro Project ID No. MR306.57, for additional median improvements; and b. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. 2020-02-CC in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 8, 2025 CITYFACILITIESMGMT TheCityCouncilunanimouslyapproveditemsA&BduringConsent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. l to Contract No. 2022-60-CC with Ron's Maintenance, Inc. ("Agreement") for an extension of 12 months to continue catch basin maintenance services in Fiscal Year 2025/26, for an amount not-to-exceed $139,193; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 1 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
5 DATA PROCESSING
SERVICES The City Council unanimously approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. 2023-97-CC with ClientFirst Technology Consulting, retroactively effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, for an amount not to exceed $167,280; b. Appropriated $167,280 from the Information Technology Fund to Account No. 522-305-12-6101 to fully fund this amendment; and c. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 2 in a form approved by the City Attorney.
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LANDSCAPING The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. 2024-82-CC with Mariposa Landscape Services, LLC, to include additional services for the annual maintenance of newly constructed and landscaped medians along Garfield Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard, as well as a one-time vegetation restoration project for street medians citywide, an irrigation water control equipment replacement, and a contingency fee for a total amount not to exceed $451,370; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 1, in a form acceptable, to the City Attorney.
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ENGINEERINGADMIN TheCityCouncilunanimouslyapproveditemsA&BduringConsent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. l to Contract No. 2025-26-AC with Willdan Engineering ("Agreement") to extend the term of the contract on a month-to-month basis for up to nine (9) months, to continue staff augmentation services until the vacant Street and Sewer Superintendent position is filled, for a not to exceed amount of $126,277; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 1 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
8 CITY FACIIJTIES MGMT The City Council unanimously authorized the City Manager to approve a Purchase Order with HERC Rentals, Inc. to fund equipment rentals needed to operate the HVAC systems at the Police Station Detective Bureau and Main Jail Areas for $14,286 monthly, for up to a seven-month period and an amount not to exceed $100,002 during Consent Calendar. 9 WARRANTS The City Council unanimously approved the Warrant Register for July 8, 2025, by motion of Council Member Avalos and seconded by Mayor Davila.
Total of Checks: $5,153,563.72
Less:Voids $ (23,665.43)
Less: Employee Payroll Deductions $ (518,397.58)
GrandTotal: $4,611,500.71
Cancellations: 105973, 106265, 107148, 110385, 108030, 107346, 106613, 107173, 107144, and 108381
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Hurtado, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Barron, yes; Mayor Davila, yes.
ADJOURNMENT Council Member Avalos unanimously adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m. and seconded by Mayor Davila.
PASSED and APPROVED on this 26" day ofAugust 2025.
ATTEST:
MariA Davila, Mayor Yodit City Clerk