CITY OF SOUTH GATE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2025
CALL TO ORDER Maria Davila, Mayor called a Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:41 p.m.
INVOCATION Pastor Ernesto Trejo, South Gate Church of Christ PLEDGE OFALLEGIANCE Darren Arakawa, Chief of Police 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, Special Counsel Craig Hardwick
ABSENT City Attorney Raul F. Salinas
l
WATER The City Council unanimously received and filed the City of South Gate 2025 Public Health Goals ("PHG") Report, as required by the California Health and Safety Code by motion of Council Member Hurtado and seconded by Council Member Avalos.
Arturo Cervantes, Director Public Works, stated that state law requires water systems with over 10,000 connections to prepare Public Health Goals report every three years. Mr. Cervantes stated Chris Castillo, Water Manager, will be making a presentation.
Chris Castillo, Water Manager, gave a presentation.
Council Member Hurtado appreciated the presentation including the information about dark water. He would like the residents to be aware of solicitors that are trying to sell water filters which are not necessary.
Council Member Rios asked Mr. Castillo to elaborate on the flyer the community received a regarding the water. He also noticed a tractor at the Boy Scouts and asked if that's going to be a treatment facility.
Mr. Castillo explained the flyer was to inform residents about PFAS was detected in two of the wells. The city has six wells. The PFAS is above health goal, but below the standard. The city can serve that water per state requirements, the city is actively pursuing a design to treat it.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 26, 2025 l
WATER CONT'D Mr. Cervantes stated the city is required by state law to issue that flyer.
Council Member Avalos sits on the Southeast Water Coalition stated that 3M has paid 1.1 million dollars toward the treatment of the PFAS and the congresswoman allocated some funding for the PFAS treatment plant the city is planning to build.
Mayor Davila asked if the notice will be included with the water bill.
Mr. Castillo stated that it will be included in the water bill.
Mayor Davila asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak on this item.
Liz Ruiz thanked everyone for the presentation and is glad for the treatment.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Davila closed the audience portion.
Vice Mayor Barron thanked Mr. Castillo for the presentation. It is very important to continue educating the residents on this issue.
Council Member Hurtado recommended a movie called Dark Waters showing how PFAS got into the water system.
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 Vivian Alvarez is the new library manager at the Hollydale Library. Ms.
Alvarez stated that the Hollydale Library is also open on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. while the Leland Weaver Library is closed.
Ms. Alvarez mentioned that the Hollydale Library has been chosen to host Daddy and Me story times, and the annual bookmark contest is set to begin next week on September 2, 2025.
Ana, Director for the South Gate Chamber of Commerce, extended an invitation to everyone to attend a job and resource fair on Friday, August 29'h from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., held at the Henry C. Gonzalez Auditorium.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 26, 2025
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE-NON-AGENDA
ITEMS CONT'D Alan Savore, Asset Protection Operation Coach, and on behalf of Walmart and Azalea Plaza, is here to extend their deepest appreciation to the South Gate Police Department.
Solomon Lopez, Recreation Coordinator for the Girls Clubhouse, stated that without the dedication and hard work of the city employees, there would be no city services, no services delivered and no cornrnunity to sustain.
James Markel, 9520 Hildreth Avenue, expressed his concerns about the ongoing contract negotiations.
Albert Rodriguez, PD employee, expressed his concerns about the current negotiations.
Cynthia Anderson saddened and shocked at the tone coming from CouncilwomanAvalos and questioning if the JAA had insurance or special privileges. It is well known that all organizations must have insurance, go by the same standards and benefits. She is asking the Council Members to keep youth sports out of their political games.
Liz Ruiz stated that regarding the complaints related to UWS/GWS, is familiar with the fertilizer smell that reached her home about a mile away during her pregnancy.
Ms. Ruiz also stated how inappropriate it was to bring up a complaint against the JAA without its complete context. She commends the JAA volunteers for trying to provide alternatives instead of the refund as per their own guidelines. The organizations need to be valued for what they do for our community. They provide a safe space for kids to learn and play.
Charles Leon, Regional Coordinator with SEIU Local 721, represents two bargaining units in the City of South Gate. Mr. Leon read a letter from MEA but stands in support and in solidarity with every city worker arid every city employee in South Gate in the record.
Nelson Hermosillo, 10135 Dorothy Avenue mentioned many South Gate employees making the choice of leaving to other better paying cities.
South Gate has great employees who choose to stay although the salary and benefits are not keeping up with it. He examined the warrant register and notices spending money on things not necessarily needed.
Senaido Beltran has a business in South Gate since 1994 and is here to extend his appreciation to the South Gate Police Department.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 26, 2025
C(MMENTS FROM THE
AUmENCE - NON-AGENDA
ITEMS CONT'D Cynthia Esquivel finished a comment stated earlier. She invited Councilwoman Avalos to make time and volunteer. She also supports the South Gate employees.
Francisco Robles, MEA Vice President, finished reading the letter Mr.
Leon was reading into the record.
Alan Flores, South Gate resident, is present in defense of the JAA regarding comments made by Council and on social media.
Henry Gonzalez, South Gate resident, thanked ChiefArakawa for his service to the South Gate cornrnunity. He is recommending the city to look at Captain Arana for the Chief of Police position.
Cystal, South Gate resident, is in support of the Police Department.
EMAILS Mario Dominguez, South Gate resident, urges the City Council to submit a grant application by October 31St to the Regional Park and Open Space District for a splash pad.
Yolanda Rocha, South Gate resident, expresses concerns about traffic safety, ongoing parking violations, and individuals unlawfully collecting recyclables from residential areas. She urges the city to improve enforcement and communication to address these persistent neighborhood issues.
Community Member expressing disappointment with city manager and city council members criticizing the spending on today's agenda as reckless and irresponsible.
Thomas Buckely, South Gate resident, asked city council members regarding simple electronic public records requests. Email production should be free to the public as outlined in Government Code Section 6253.9.
Maria Chavez stating organizations using city parks, not just South Gate JAA, should be reviewed to ensure transparency and proper use of public resources.
A public comment from Edgar Pelayo, submitted for the August 26, 2025, meeting, was inadvertently missed and therefore not read during the meeting. Ms. Glaze has apologized to Mr. Pelayo and shared his comments with City Council.
Edgar Pelayo expressed concern that despite the city's poor financial condition, current spending suggests otherwise, questioning the timing of
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 26, 2025 EMAILS CONT'D equipment purchases given the budget challenges. He urged City Council to be transparent about future spending plans and how they align with the cornrnunity's financial realities.
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
puoucrryoppictars ArturoCervantes,DirectorofPublicWorks,updatedCityCouncilandthe public on the residential resurfacing project.
Steve Costley, Director of Parks & Recreation, mentioned that it has been a great summer for South Gate residents.
Gabriel Perez, Director of Community Development, stated the city is following up on the odor or dust coming from UWS/GWS.
Council Member Hurtado asked Mr. Cervantes to speak about speed bumps.
Mr. Cervantes stated the city has a speed bump policy residents can apply.
Luis Frausto, Director of Administrative Services, received feedback regarding layout of the warrants. He and the accounts payable team are coming up with a solution to extend the description for each of the payments.
John Hamilton, Director of Human Resources, has nothing to report.
Darren Arakawa, Police Chief stated that on Saturday, September 6'h the Pink Patch Project and LA County Sheriff's will be hosting a 5k run at Frank Bonelli Park, San Dimas. He also mentioned that next week he and eight female employees will be attending the Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Conference in San Diego. He mentioned this past weekend the police seized more guns.
Rob Houston, City Manager, explained the reason why no clapping is not allowed.
Craig Hardwick, Special Counsel, has nothing to report.
Jose De La Paz, City Treasurer, suggested the directors highlight how much the expenditure on the warrant register is for general fiinds versus other funds.
Yodit Glaze, City Clerk, addressed the public comment regarding the cost for electronic public requests.
RF,GULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 26, 2025
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Council Member Avalos thanked everyone for attending tonight's meeting and on YouTube. She clarified misinformation and it is not political. She would like an evaluation of all the youth organizations that utilize the park and if necessary, increase fees.
Council Member Hurtado asked Chief Arakawa to clarify that the Pageant of the Trees will not be canceled due to his retirement.
Chief Arakawa stated that the Pageant of the Trees is the Youth Commissions biggest fundraiser.
Council Member Hurtado stated COVID cases are still going up and suggested everyone be careful. He mentioned the South Gate has a lot of youth programs, the Boy Scouts use the huts, Henry Gonzalez and his wife are with South Gate Youth Football and the Aztecs, they use the fields for free. Because South Gate does not have a football field, the city pays LAUSD for the use of their fields. The Aquatics Team use the swimming pool free of charge. The South Gate JAA charges $80 for registration, Downey JAA is $300, and Paramount JAA also $300. The JAA pays rent ($150amonth). HewouldliketheUrbanOrchardtobepromotedmore.
He asked Mr. Costley to give an update on Circle Park.
Mr. Costley stated that between Arturo and himself can give an update.
The park is still in progress; it's getting plants and lawns.
Mr. Cervantes stated the contractor is trying to do his best, unfortunately the contractor is new to municipal park projects. The grand opening is preliminarily scheduled for the middle of October.
Council Member Rios mentioned residents were concerned about not having access to the Urban Orchard.
Mr. Costley stated there is access to the Urban Orchard. It is open from dawn to dusk.
Council Member Rios stated that it was Circle Park.
Mr. Costley stated there being a question regarding access from gates on the south side of the park. The park was built on Edison Easement. The residents built their own gates, unpermitted to access the park either with their vehicle or with themselves. In the new operation of the park, staff spoke with Edison about that concept and Edison did not agree to it.
Council Member Hurtado knows a cornrnent was made about looking into the finances of the JAA. A while back this was brought up and City
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 26, 2025
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT'D Attorney Salinas with City Manager Flad reviewed the books. Questions were answered.
Council Member Rios asked the chief about the percentage of female officers in the South Gate Police Department. He enquired about grants for a splash pad.
Chief Arakawa stated about 15% of female officers.
Mr. Houston stated discussions with staff have been held regarding this.
There are needs in the community for renovating parks and other city projects.
Council Member Rios attended the elected open house for Jose Solache.
He thanked everyone that attended the college open house.
Vice Mayor Barron thanked all the employees attending tonight's meeting and voiced their opinion on the negotiations. City Council respects the employees' work and effort. He agrees with Council Member Rios regarding projects for the city. He mentioned Urban Orchard got TikTok famous by a group of mothers that take their families.
Vice Mayor Barron addressed the comments made regarding the JAA and thanked the members of the JAA that attended tonight's meeting and spoke.
Mayor Davila stated receiving a complaint from Mr. Miranda regarding electric bikes. She thanked the JAA for the great job they have been doing and the other organizations too.
RECESS The City Council recessed at 8:32 p.m., and reconvened at 8:38 p.m., with all Members of Council present.
CONSENTCALENDAR Agenda Items 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 were approved by motion of Council Member Rios and seconded by Council Member Avalos. Items 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 were pulled for separate discussions.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Hurtado, yes (recused from voting on item 3); Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Barron, yes; Mayor Davila yes.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 26, 2025 WATER The City Council unanimously approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
a. Third Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding (Contract No. 2940) between the Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Joint Powers Authority and participating agencies ("MOU Amendment") for administration and cost sharing for the implementation of the Lower Los Angeles River Watershed Management Program and the Coordinated Integrated Monitoring Program from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2030 or the expiration of the forthcoming Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit, whichever occurs first, in an amount not-to-exceed $631,430;
b. Appropriated $14,286 from Measure W for FY 2025/26 expenditures; and
c. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Third Amendment in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
3 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. 3139 with Security Signal Devices, Inc., to install security systems at the Urban Orchard Park for the education building and maintenance garage and to provide monitoring services, for an amount not to exceed $25,239,
b. Authorized tlie Mayor to execute Amendment No. 2 in a form approved by the City Attorney; and
c. Authorized transferring $4,356 in Measure W Grant Funds from the FY 2025/26 Capital Improvement Program to the FY 2025/26 Public Works Operations Budget to pay for monitoring services for this fiscal year. 4 BUILDING CODE
REGULATIONS The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 1 to Agreements with Melad and Associates, Inc. (Contract No. 2022-65-CC) and True North Coinpliance Services (Contract No. 2022- 66-CC) to provide plan check and building inspection services in tlie amount not to exceed $1,500,000, over a two-year extension term, funds allocation starting July 1, 2025, until September 30, 2027; and b. Autliorized the Mayor to execute tlie Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 26, 2025 5 COffllTY DF.V/
HOUSING The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 3 to Contract No. 2022-85-AC with BDO, to continue providing as needed accounting and financial services to the City of South Gate Housing Authority ("SGHA") effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100,000; and b. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 3 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
6 COMMUNITY DEV/
HOUSING The City Council unanimously appropriated grant funds in the amount of $6,077.66 from Community Development Block Grant ("CDBG") and $10,992.50 from Community Development Block Grant- Coronavirus ("CDBG- CY') to fund FY 2024-2025 Public Service Grants during Consent Calendar. 7 PUBLIC WORKS/
ENGINEERINGADMIN TheCityCouncilrinanimouslyapproveditemsA,B&CduringConsent Calendar:
a. Authorized purchasing six (6) 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning trucks from National Auto Fleet Group, utilizing the Sourcewell Co-Op Purchasing Prograi'n in an amount not-to-exceed $385,032, or $64,172 per truck; b. Appropriated $128,344 in Water Funds to fully fund the purchase of two (2) Ford F-150 Lightning's for the Public Works, Water Division; and c. Authorized the City Manager to execute the documents necessary to complete the purchase transactions to acquire the trucks in fornns acceptable to the City Attorney.
8 PUBIIC WORKS/
ENGINEEtuNG ADMIN The City Council unanimously approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
a. Authorized the purchase of one (1) John Deere 320 P-Tier Backhoe Loader from Coastline Equipment, utilizing the Sourcewell Co-Opt Purchasing Program in an amount not-to-exceed $182,906;
b. Appropriated$2,866fromWaterFunds(Account41l-731-71-9003)tofully fund the purchase; and
c. Authorized the City Manager to execute the documents necessary to purchase one (l) John Deere 320 P-Tier Backhoe Loader in a fori'n acceptable to the City Attorney.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 26, 2025 9 PUBLIC WORKS/
ENGINEERINGADMIN TheCityCouncilunanimouslyapproveditemsA&BduringConsent Calendar:
a. Authorized the purchase of one (l) Rizon Electric truck with 14" stake bed from National Auto Fleet Group, utilizing the Sourcewell Co-Opt Purchasing Program in an amount not-to-exceed $224,359; and b. Authorized the City Manager to execute the documents necessary to purchase one (1) 2024 Rizon with 14" stake bed in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
10 PUBLIC WORKS/
ENGINEERINGADMIN The City Council unanimously approved a Purchase Order with Ford of Downtown LA for the purchase of a F150 Crew Cab Half Ton Electric Truck for the Parks and Recreation Department in the total amount of $76,117.45 during Consent Calendar.
11 MINUTES The City Council unanimously approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
a. The Special and Regular Meeting minutes of July 8, 2025; b. The Special Meeting minutes of July 16, 2025; and c. The Special and Regular Meeting minutes of July 22, 2025. 12 WARRANTS The City Council unanimously approved the Warrant Register for August 26, 2025, by motion of Council Member Rios and seconded by Council Member Avalos.
Total ofChecks: $ 9,441,886.06
Less:Voids $ (0.00)
Less: Employee Payroll Deductions $ (837,650.01)
GrandTotal: $ 8,604,236.05
Cancellations: None
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Hurtado, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Barron, yes; Mayor Davila, yes.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 26, 2025 ADJOURNMENT Council Member Hurtado unanimously adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m., in memory of Jose Jesus Covarnubias Casillas, father of Jose Covarrubias, South Gate employee and seconded by Council Member Avalos.
PASSED and APPROVED on this 23rd day of September 2025.
Maria Davila, Mayor
ATTEST:
Yodit , City Clerk