CITY OF SOUTH GATE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2025
CALL TO ORDER Maria Davila, Mayor called a Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:41 p.m.
mVOCATION Steve Costley, Director Parks & Recreation PLEDGE OFALLEGIANCE Ms. Griego, LAUSD Board Member, District 5 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
GUEST SPEAKER Karla Griego, LAUSD Board Member, District 5, acknowledged the pain, suffering and fear our communities have endured and experienced in the past couple of months, especially in the southeast cities. She too is outraged by the inhumane attacks on the irnrnigrant communities across Los Angeles during the last couple of months. Despite these unprecedented times, she's seen the resilience and perseverance of families, communities and of councils throughout the southeast cities. It gives her hope because that shows that better times are ahead. She thanked everyone present, Mayor Davila, who stood in solidarity with LAUSD yesterday with other city representatives during their press conference.
She is excited and grateful that the City of South Gate will also be working with the district to support the students' return to school. As a school board member representing the students in South Gate, she shared what the LAUSD has and what they are doing to ensure a safe opening and return to schools.
Ms. Griego invited everyone to their District 5 0ffice open house, on August 27'h at Gage Middle School from 4 to 6 p.m.
Mayor Davila thanked Ms. Griego for being here tonight and sharing information.
Councilwoman Avalos and Council Member Rios welcomed Ms. Griego to South Gate and enlighten everyone with all the resources.
Council Member Hurtado has reached out to Ms. Griego few times and she is very responsive. He thanked her for being very responsive.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 12, 2025 cugsrspyayncos'ron Ms. Griego stated that the whole district is her heart. She is a 20 year teacher, and teachers love all their students. Her goal is to make sure the cornrnunities get representation and be heard.
Vice Mayor Barron thanked Ms. Griego for being here tonight and providing information. This reassures families and members of the community that we have a school district taking this seriously and have created a game plan to handle these situations.
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUInENCE - NON-AGENDA
ITEMS The following Abel Silva, Francisco Loza, Roberto Sanchez, and Mr.
Castillo came before City Council asking for their assistance to permit their group to continue gathering at South Gate Park doing activities on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For the last three weeks they have been harassed by the South Gate Park Ranger that won't allow them to continue with their activities. On a couple of occasions, the Park Ranger has become a little aggressive. The group is not causing any harm or any grievance to the park. It was recommended to the group to rent a soccer field, but they cannot afford it.
Mayor Davila requested Mr. Sanchez give Steve Costley his number.
Edgar Pelayo, South Gate resident, informed the group who just spoke that on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in this building, we'll have a Parks & Rec Commission meeting. He thanked the chief for answering their questions regarding horses. He also thanked the officers for providing their time and resources for the horses.
Mr. Pelayo commented on some concerns from people that just come, criticize and don't provide any type of solution to any of the issues going on in the city.
Roberto Sanchez thanked the city for the pickle ball strip lines at the South Gate tennis courts. He is recommending using one teru'iis court for four pickle ball nets.
EMAILS Brenda Rojas, PhD, South Gate resident, stated that GWS/UWS a composting facility located in the City of South Gate, has a history of documented odor and dust complaints with the city and South Coast Air Quality Management District dating back at least 2015. On August 7, 2025, Dr. Rojas confirmed with AQMD supervisor that recent odor complaints have not been routed to the local enforcement agency as required under California Health and Safety Code 41705.
Roberto Sanchez, South Gate resident, requested an update on the virtual attendance and participation options for city council meetings. He expressed concern over the city's budget deficit, pointing out inconsistent
RF,GULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 12, 2025 EMAILS CONT'D figures and urged city officials to take responsibility and find solution to the financial challenges.
South Gate resident, concerned about ongoing dust and order issues from the UWS composting facility affecting Circle Park area for over 10 years and complaints not reaching the proper channels. The resident recommends the city distribute a survey to nearby residents and businesses to address the extent of the problem and demonstrates its cornrnitment to the community's well-being.
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROMCITYOFFICIALS ArturoCervantes,DirectorofPublicWorks,nothingtoreport.
Steve Costley, Director of Parks & Recreation, commented on community events.
Gabriel Perez, Director of Community Development, informed City Council that staff is following up on the concerns regarding order or dust potentially coming from UWS or GWS. The complaints are getting logged and veri'fying those complaints do come from there or if it's another source. The city is in communication withAQMD.
Luis Frausto, Director of Administrative Services, nothing to report.
Jon Hamilton, Director of Human Resources, nothing to report.
Chief Arakawa reiterated that the Police Department has plenty of personnel on duty that will be able to assist school police if it's necessary.
He also mentioned six weeks away from the South Gate car show. The funds benefit the toy drives. Saturday, September 6 the Pink Patch Project and LA County Sheriff's Department have put together a 5K Run at Frank Bonelli Park in San Dimas.
The Chief attended the funeral services for Detective Lemus from the Sheriff's Department. He mentioned that police work is a very dangerous job and the women and men that protect this community and across LA County, sometimes they don't know if they will be coming home.
Detective Lemus left behind his wife and three children. He is asking the public to always support the police officers. It's easy to criticize police officers for one incident that happens in the Midwest or on the other side of the country.
Rob Houston, City Manager, reported that HdL will be taking over the business license process this week. There will be an online portal for people to access instead of coming into city hall to apply for a business license or renew their business license.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 12, 2025
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Raul F. Salinas, City Attorney reported that today the City of South Gate joined about 20 other cities in filing an amicus brief before the United States Supreme Court. The purpose of the brief was to the city's position with respect to requesting the Supreme Court to uphold the stay order that was issued by a federal district court judge in coru'iection with the irnrnigration activities and enforcement activities that were going on. The district court issued a stay order. It appealed to the ninth circuit which upheld the district court's order.
Jose De La Paz, City Treasurer, nothing to report.
Yodit Glaze, City Clerk, stated that we encourage our civic engagement and welcome residents to participate in our meetings. While we currently do not have a virtual option, she invites everyone to attend in person in the Council Chambers to share their concerns directly or email your comments to her. She will then forward the comments to the City Council Members.
Council MemberAvalos welcomed everyone present tonight and on YouTube. She had an opportunity to attend the Southeast Water Coalition.
South Gate joined in a lawsuit several years ago with 3M and received a report from the Council from New Orleans indicating the city received some monies from 3M. She would like to know how much the city received. The City of Pico Rivera received $lmillion.
Mr. Salinas does not have the exact amount, but perhaps before the City Council Meeting is up, he can get that information for her.
Council MemberAvalos stated that the Southeast Water Coalition is opening membership to other cities that are water providers to their residents. She will be attending Vector Control this Thursday. She asked Mayor Davila for an update on the HUB Cities.
Council Member Hurtado welcomed everyone present tonight. He stated City Council receives copies of the emails received by the City Clerk. He stated that these are difficult times for everybody due to the raids and doesn't want to give anyone false hope.
Council Member Rios asked if the group that was present tonight are using the wrong place of the park.
Mr. Costley stated that when organized leagues show up at a park without a permit it becomes a large liability for the Parks & Recreation Department and the city and some states laws that are not being adhered to.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 12, 2025
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Council Member Rios thanked Mr. Costley for the explanation. He asked if the city could do anything regarding ebikes and other motor vehicles.
ChiefArakawa stated that there is lots of con:fusion about ebikes even in the legislature because they're so new. The bikes that don't have pedals but are electric run vehicles are technically not legal for the streets.
Council Member Rios thanked the Chief. He invited everyone to the open house campus tomorrow on Santa Fe Avenue between 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Vice Mayor Barron attended both events at both parks and it was well attended. He asked Mr. Houston and Mr. Perez if the staff are providing status on the odor and dust complaints to the residents.
Mr. Houston responded that staff have had communication with the main leader of the neighborhood.
Vice Mayor Barron thanked Mr. Houston for providing the invite on August Ist with Assembly Member Jose Solache at the Maywood YMCA.
Maywood YMCA was awarded/allocated funds to be able to offer resources to local cities.
Mayor Davila stated that on Monday at 4:00 p.m. the new local LAUSD Superintendent, Dr. Ortiz, will be having a meeting at South Gate Middle School. She will not be attending the County Sanitation meetings because they go dark the whole month of August. And regarding Councilwoman Avalos' question regarding HUB Cities, HUB Cites is in the process of contracting a new Interim Director because the previous director, Joe Martinez retired. Andy Pasmant will be the Interim Director and helping HUB Cities with the finances. Unfortunately, HUB Cities did not get the grant from the county, which will be appealed.
Council Member Hurtado mentioned his son's wife is expecting their third child.
cohsyrqr CALENDAR Agenda Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 were approved by motion of Council MemberAvalos and seconded by Mayor Davila. Items 3, 4, 6, and 7 were pulled for separate discussions.
ROLL CALL: Council MemberAvalos, yes; Council Member Hurtado, yes (recused from voting on item 3); Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Barron, yes (recused from voting on item 1); Mayor Davila, yes (recused from voting on item 4).
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 12, 2025 1 COMMtJNITY
PROMOanON The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Resolution No. 2025-25-CC entitled A Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, State of California, approving a 150-foot- high flagpole at 2323 Firestone Boulevard; and
b. Finding the project categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") review under Section 15311 (Class 11) of the CEQA Guidelines because the project is for the placement of an accessory structure such as a flagpole on an existing industrial facility.
WASTEWATER MGMT The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. 2022-63-CC with John L. Hunter and Associates, Inc., to extend the contract term through June 30, 2026, for the management of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ("NPDES") Program, in an amount not to exceed $111,643; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 1 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
PARKS The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. 2023-125-CC with Z&K Consultants, Inc., to extend the contract term through September 30, 2025, in order to provide construction management and inspection services through construction completion of the Circle Park Improvement, City Project No. 609-PRK, in an amount not to exceed $99,875; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. l in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 12, 2025 4 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. 2024-57-CC with Gannett Fleming, Inc., to provide 20 days of additional construction management and inspection services through the completion of construction for the Tweedy Mile Complete Streets Project, City Project No. 614-ST, Federal Project No. ATPL-5257(039), in an amount not to exceed $69,155; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 1 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
5 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPnSiG The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Accepted completion of the construction of the Thermoplastic Striping of Streets Citywide Project, City Project No. 654-ST ("Project"), completed by WGJ Enterprises, Inc., ("Contractor") effective June 9, 2025; and
b. Directed the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder's Office.
6 PARKS The City Council unanimously allocated funding in the amount of $22,500 from the Park Enhancement Fund Account No. 271-490-61-0000 for the repairs to the batting cages located at South Gate Park during Consent Calendar.
7 LEGISLATIVE SERVICES The City Council unanimously adopted the City's 2025 Legislative Platform containing the City's state and federal legislative priorities during Consent Calendar.
Council MemberAvalos directed staff to seek funding for the SELA Cultural Center and for additional park projects off the riverbed. 8 COMMUNITY DEV/
HOUSING The City Council unanimously appropriated Grant Funds in the amount of $333,057 from CDBG to fund the Public Service Grants and Neighborhood Revitalization Grant Program during Consent Calendar.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 12, 2025 WARRANTS The City Council unanimously approved the Warrant Register for August 12, 2025, by motion of Council Member Avalos and seconded by Mayor Davila.
Total ofChecks: $ 6,835,181.16
Less:Voids $ (0.00)
Less: Employee Payroll Deductions $ (837,650.01)
GrandTotal: $ 5,997,531.15
Cancellations: 110778
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Hurtado, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Barron, yes; Mayor Davila,
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
yes.
CONT'D Councilwoman Avalos stated she forgot to speak on an item earlier tonight. She stated that as a Member of the City Council she is formally requesting a thorough review and clarification of the city's relationship with the Southeast Junior Athletic Association. This is based on recent resident communication and troubling patterns regarding organizational behaviors that she has significant concerns about transparency, governance, and potential legal and financial exposure to the city. It is unclear the separation between the city and the organization. There is no documentation that she has seen that clearly defines the operation or legal boundaries between the city and this nonprofit organization. The lack of clarity has caused confusion among some of the residents and appears to blur some of the important lines of responsibility. Notably, one of the residents reached out with several concerns regarding a refund referred.
They asked Council Member/Vice Mayor, and he basically referred this individual to the Parks & Recreation Director. Why was this referral made to the Parks & Recreation Director directly? Under what authority is this direction occurring, and what is the city's explanation when elected officials refer grievances to municipal staff. Staff should not be involved in their internal businesses or disputes. She is also recommending this issue be placed on the City Council agenda to allow full discussion, community input, and reassessment of the appropriateness of the relationship. She has received emails from this specific resident and a group of parents.
Mr. Salinas advised Councilwoman Avalos to direct her requests over to the City Manager because of the City Manager for of government as opposed to having anyone from the Council direct staff. There are limitations in the city's municipal code. He also asked her to pass her notes that might have those inquiries to the City Manager.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 12, 2025
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Mr. Houston appreciates the concerns and to please forward them to him.
He encourages her to work with him versus using this forum for those kinds of initial conversations because he does not believe this has been brought up before.
ADJOURNMENT Council Member Hurtado unanimously adjourned the meeting at 8:27 p.m., in memory of Rigoberto Duran, long-time South Gate resident, father of Danny Duran and uncle to Juvenal Sanchez, South Gate employees and seconded by Council Member Avalos.
PASSED and APPROVED on this 23rd day of September 2025.
Maria Davila, Mayor
ATTEST:
Yodit City Clerk