CITY OF SOUTH GATE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2025
CALL TO ORDER M aria Davila, Mayor called a Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:44 p.m.
INVOCATION Steve Costley, Director of Parks & Recreation P
LEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Manuel Arana, Chief of Police
RO
LL CALL Y odit Glaze, City Clerk
PRESENT M ayor 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 Raúl F. Salinas
1 P
ROPERTY USE ADMIN/
PERMITS Following the conclusion of the Public Hearing, the City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2025-35-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, approving the live entertainment permit for “The Place @ Tweedy” to have live entertainment at 3703 Tweedy Boulevard (“Project Site”), subject to the conditions set forth in Planning Commission Resolution No. 2025-10 and any limitations and/or conditions the City Council may wish to impose by motion of Mayor Davila and seconded by Council Member Hurtado.
G
abriel Perez, Director of Community Development, stated John Signal, Planning Manager, will be giving the presentation.
J
ohn Signal, Planning Manager, gave the presentation.
M
ayor Davila is pleased to see a business finally coming in. That building has been vacant for a long time and has become an eyesore.
R
aúl F. Salinas, City Attorney asked Mayor Davila if the applicants’ representative is present to speak first and be identified for the record.
Silv
estre Madrigal Jr., 9600 Gallatin Road, Downey, CA., grew up in Downey and has seen the city’s turnaround with the businesses. The City of Bellflower also with SteelCraft. Mr. Madrigal has a passion for business and business owners and making an effort to help business owners with their dream.
M
ayor Davila asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak on this item.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 28, 2025
1 PROPERTY USE ADMIN/
PERMITS CONT’D Ms. Pereira, Mr. Madrigal’s fiancé, is in support of him helping businesses succeed.
Speaker spoke in support of the proposed project.
Genesis Clara-Martinez, applicant, is excited and honored to be able to enter into this community.
Adela Herrera, South Gate resident, is in support of the proposed project.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Davila closed the audience portion.
EMAILS Eleven emails in support of the proposed project and zero in opposition.
Council Member Hurtado is in support of the proposed project but asked how the business is going to control the noise from not impacting the residents.
Mr. Madrigal stated a noise study report was done and it was recommended that a couple of sound bearing walls and limiting the musicians. He also stated that the business closes early, at about 9 or 10 o’clock.
Council Member Hurtado asked about the alcohol and if it would affect the business to stop serving early.
Mr. Madrigal doesn’t believe it will affect the business.
Councilwoman Avalos asked if there was outreach to the community in that area? And if so, what was the feedback from the community?
Mr. Madrigal believes there was no outreach to the community. Letters were mailed to everyone to attend tonight’s City Council meeting.
Mr. Houston asked Mr. Perez if the noticing was done through the surrounding community as per normal protocols?
Mr. Perez stated that there isn’t a direct requirement for the applicant to do outreach around the project. The city has requirements in the code that public hearings need to be advertised to property owners and residents, within 500 ft.
Mr. Signal stated the city mailed 900 joint notices; the radius requirement is 1,000 ft. to neighbors, owners, occupants, and residents.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 28, 2025
1 PROPERTY USE ADMIN/
PERMITS CONT’D Councilwoman Avalos asked the capacity of the facility? How many patriots will it hold?
Mr. Signal stated that based on the California Building Code it was used.
The size is about 7,750. It would be a little over 500 people.
Councilwoman Avalos stated that the security for the is facility will be done through cameras. What does the Municipal Code state regarding large gatherings?
Mr. Madrigal’s understanding is there will be security on site.
Councilwoman Avalos is requesting that be included in the conditions. She also asked for clarification as to the hours of operation.
Mr. Madrigal believes 9 p.m.
Councilwoman Avalos stated Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m. is fine but Sunday until 9 p.m. would be reasonable.
Councilwoman Avalos is requesting an email be sent to the police department if the noise level goes above.
Council Member Hurtado mentioned a business in Hollydale was going to have live music and the residents were not in support to due to the noise.
The business owner stated that there would be no speakers or amplifiers.
Councilwoman Avalos asked who will be applying for the ABC liquor license and will there be a time for children to play at the playground.
Mr. Madrigal stated there is no time set. And he will be applying for the ABC liquor license.
Council Member Rios is in support of the proposed project.
Vice Mayor Barron thanked the applicant for making this investment to the South Gate community.
Mayor Davila is in support of the proposed project.
Mr. Houston asked for specificity with regards to security for evenings on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Mr. Madrigal stated the security can be from 5 p.m. to close.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 28, 2025
1 PROPERTY USE ADMIN/
PERMITS CONT’D Mr. Houston stated 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. If any issue occurs it can be addressed.
Mr. Madrigal is very appreciative of everyone’s comments.
Mr. Houston asked for clarification on the hours of operation. Sunday – Thursday opened from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and then Friday and Saturday opened from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Mr. Madrigal stated that was correct.
Mr. Houston asked for clarification on the schedule of entertainment and the alcohol sales.
Mr. Madrigal stated the business will close at 10:00 p.m. so, until 9:30 p.m.
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 Brenda Rojas, Renoa Avenue stated filing 75 odor and dust complaints with the city, AQMD and LA County Department of Public Health on Green Wise Soil Technologies.
Liz Ruiz, Kauffman Avenue, stated that illegal dumping is happening on city-owned lots specifically between Nebraska and Tweedy. She stated Robert Sanchez attended the Planning Commission on the 7 th of October
wanting to thank the Planning Commission for the pickle courts at the parks. Ms. Ruiz believes Mr. Sanchez was probably at the wrong meeting.
She will be forwarding an article from NPR about investigations into ICE raids using vehicles that have had their license plate changes.
Alicia Flores Rivera, 10325 Garfield spoke about the odor coming from Green Wise Soil Technologies and what the city is planning on doing about it.
Evelyn Chacon represents AYSO and asked if anything discussion was had regarding AYSO’s concerns at Hollydale Park.
EMAILS Central Basin Municipal Water District Employee speaking anonymously out of fear of retaliation. The employee shares serious concerns about former Board Member Martha Camacho Rodriguez past conduct.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 28, 2025
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE-NON-AGENDA
ITEMS (EMAILS) CONT’D Asia Mason expresses appreciation for the reopening of Circle Park. She is also voicing serious concerns about reports of bird activity at Greenwise, potentially posing for a public health risk to nearby residents.
Juan Carlos Chavez stating Greenway Soil Technologies got a violation for having too much product on site. The company is reporting fire hazard if mounds are covered.
Anonymous email asking why the City of South Gate granted GWS a CEQA exemption in 2017.
Anonymous South Gate resident voice serious concerns about the ongoing file odors at the Hollydale and Circle Park area which have been persistent and worsening over the years.
Circle Park resident questioned why GWS composting facility on Miller Way has operated over a decade emitting strong odors and dust without being required to conduct odor studies.
Cindy Lopez submitted a public comment expressing concern about a persistent odor affecting Circle Park area.
Ella Gonzalez expressed concern about the lack of lighting at Hollydale Park, which forces the children to practice sports in unsafe dark conditions.
Roberto Sanchez asked if the State of the City Address be on YouTube.
Why is it held on the time when most residents are working. Will anyone be able to ask questions on the State of the City Address.
Maria Chavez submitted a public comment regarding the upcoming State of the City Address expressing hope the presentation will reflect city’s future financial situation rather than the polished version.
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS Rob Houston, City Manager, appreciates the healthy discussion, concern and irritation that’s going on in the neighborhood south of GWS/UWS properties. The city has been aware of those and been working with conversations both with the operator but also trying to get an understanding of where LA County Public Health is at when it comes to the regulatory process. Gabe Perez, Director of Community Development, will have additional updates. Steve Costley, Director of Parks & Recreation, will provide an update on the park situation where AYSO practices.
Mayor Davila is requesting a report on any violations UWS might have.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 28, 2025
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT’D Mr. Houston stated the city is waiting from the regulatory agencies’ report.
Raúl F. Salinas, City Attorney, cautioned City Council that this item comes up before the Council in the section dealing not on the agenda. The law allows an opportunity to briefly discuss it. He recommends this item be agendized for further discussion.
Arturo Cervantes, Director of Public Works, stated no updates.
Steve Costley, Director of Parks and Recreation, reiterated that AYSO was created in 1993 for region 106 in this area and with the understanding that the park space being used was not lit and did not have anytime soon possibility of being lit. AYSO does not currently have a permit that goes past dusk at the park.
Mr. Costley stated as to the lighting at the facility, the city has put in grant applications for construction designs. As to the bathrooms, in 2017, they were remodeled in consultation with AYSO at the time. The city removed the doors and used a barrier-looking bathroom due to the homeless and unsavory people who decided to habitat the bathrooms.
Mr. Costley highlighted upcoming community events.
Gabriel Perez, Director of Community Development, addressed the GWS, Green Wise Technologies issue. The County Public Health Department was invited to attend a Council Meeting for a presentation on their regulatory requirements.
Vice Mayor Barron informed AYSO that the city is working on a solution.
He received an invitation to go to the park tomorrow.
Luis Frausto, Director of Administration Services, stated that at the next City Council Meeting of November 11
th, City Manager and himself will be
co-presenting a finance update.
Jon Hamilton, Director of Human Resources, mentioned that November 10 th is the Marine Corps’s 250th Birthday.
Manny Arana, Chief of Police, thanked Mr. Hamilton for his service because he’s a Marine and once a Marine always a Marine. He is excited to present tonight and an honor to represent the Police Department.
The Chief stated that illegal dumping is a serious crime and it’s a problem in the City of South Gate. He invited the public to attend the Trunk or Treat on the 30
th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Seaborg Way.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 28, 2025
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT’D Rob Houston, City Manager, stated that the swearing-in of the new Chief of Police is tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. He also mentioned there will be a second presentation at the November 25th Council Meeting.
Raúl F. Salinas, City Attorney, stated no updates.
Jose De La Paz, City Treasurer, was going to request a quarterly budget update and is pleased to know it will be placed on the agenda for the Council Meeting of November 11
th.
Yodit Glaze, City Clerk, addressed the State of the City comment.
Council Member Avalos addressed the issues the community will face due to the government shutdown. She mentioned Lynwood Unified School District and LAUSD will be closing schools due to low enrollments.
Council Member Hurtado stated Council Members don’t always agree with one another. There will be lively debates.
Council Member Hurtado received an email from a friend whose child plays in AYSO asking why the city cannot have lights at Hollydale Park.
He provided an explanation.
Council Member Rios concurs with Council Members’ comments regarding AYSO. He thanked Mr. Perez for explaining the issues with Green Wise Technologies. He’s very pleased with the three Public Works employees that came up with an innovative idea to address the sidewalk issues. The employees deserve recognition.
Vice Mayor Barron attended the South Gate Kiwanis Day of Service which is their monthly cleanup. He mentioned great people that are part of the organization which are doing great work. He highlighted a student advisor at KIPP, Denise Gomez. Ms. Gomez is a teacher. He congratulated Chief Arana once again.
Vice Mayor Barron stated last Saturday, the SELA Kiwanis had their Day of Service and they partnered with LA Community Service and LA Federation of Labor at their food bank facility.
Vice Mayor Barron thanked the police department and Sean Palos for organizing a neighborhood watch meeting on his block. He mentioned that this Saturday, the South Gate Junior Athletic Association is going to be hosting their fifth Annual Toy Drive. This is done every year to raise toys that get donated to the Santa Cop program with the South Gate Police Department. Paula Torres from Compatior asked him to remind the REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 28, 2025
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT’D community that they are taking registrations for Christmas with Santa 2025. The last day to register is November 7, 2025.
Mayor Davia congratulated Chief Arana once again.
CONSENT CALENDAR Agenda Items 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10 were approved by motion of Council Member Avalos and seconded by Council Member Hurtado. Items 7 and 9 were pulled for separate discussion.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Hurtado, yes; Council Member Rios, yes; Vice Mayor Barron, yes; Mayor Davila, yes.
2 STATEMENTS OF
ECONOMIC INTEREST The City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2025-36-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, amending the City’s Conflict of Interest Code during Consent Calendar.
3 CIVIL SERVICE ADMIN The City Council unanimously approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
a. Resolution No. 2025-37-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, amending and restating Resolution No. 6377 (Rules and Regulations for the Administration of Civil Service Procedures);
b. Personnel Management Rules; and
c. Remove the Hiring Rules from a resolution and move them into an Administrative Regulation.
4 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. 2025-03-CC with T.Y . Lin International, to provide additional construction management and inspection services for the construction of for the Citywide Residential Resurfacing, Phase IV , City Project No. 699-ST (“the Residential Resurfacing Project IV”), at a cost not to exceed $112,537; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 1 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 28, 2025
5 PARKS The City Council unanimously approved items A, B & C during Consent Calendar:
a. Change Order No. 4 in the amount of $80,000 to Contract No. 2023- 58-AC with Executive Management Security Services;
b. Authorized the Director of Administrative Services to execute Change Order No. 4 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney; and
c. The reappropriation of $80,000 from Salaries (Acct No. 100-401-61- 5101) to Professional Services (Acct No. 100-401-61-6101) to fund the change order.
6 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council unanimously approved items A, B, C & D during Consent Calendar:
a. Maintenance Services Agreement (Contract No. 2025-71-CC) with CJ Concrete Construction, for sidewalk repair services, for an amount not to exceed $782,000;
b. Authorized the City Manager to approve and execute amendments to the Professional Services Agreement up to a cumulative amount of $193,000;
c. A budget amendment to add funding for part-time Engineering Aide assistance and transfer $125,000 in Gas Tax Funds from the Sidewalk Maintenance Services budget to fully fund the position which is needed to provide inspections services; and
d. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
7 LEGAL OPERATIONS The City Council unanimously approved (as amended) items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Agreement (Contract No. 2025-72-CC) with PermiTech to provide wireless consulting services; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
AMENDMENT: Approve the contract as a one-year term, authorize City Manager or his designee to extend the contract for up to two years and the $50,000 is for three years, not one year.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 28, 2025
8 DEEDS &
EASEMENTS The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar:
a. Grant Deed from GVD Commercial Properties, Inc. and Monte Mac No. 1, LP to secure right-of-way for street purposes as a part of the development located at Firestone Boulevard and El Paseo Street, at no cost to the City; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Deed in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
9 LEGAL OPERATIONS The City Council unanimously continued items A & B to the next regularly scheduled City Council Meeting of November 11, 2025:
a. Approving Attorney Retainer Agreements with the law firms of (1) Liebert Cassidy Whitmore; (2) Aleshire & Wynder; (3) Lewis Brisbois; (4) Rothans, Carpenter & Dumont; and Frost Brown Todd, LLP to continue to provide legal services to the City related to consulting, representational and legal services and
b. Authorize the City Manager to execute such agreements in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
10 MINUTES The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during Consent Calendar
a. The Special and Regular Meeting minutes of September 9, 2025; and
b. The Special and Regular Meeting minutes of September 23, 2025.
11 WARRANT The City Council unanimously approved the Warrant Register for October 28, 2025, by motion of Council Member Avalos and seconded by Council Member Hurtado.
Total of Checks: $ 4,607,978.05
Less: V oids $ (0.00)
Less: Employee Payroll Deductions $ (468,827.83)
Grand Total: $ 4,139,150.22
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 COTJNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 28, 2025 ADJOURNMENT Council Member Rios unanimously adjourned the meeting at 9:35 p.m. in memory of San Bernardino County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Nuriez and seconded by Council Member Hurtado.
PASSED and APPROVED on this 25" day of November 2025.
Maria Davila, Mayor
ATTEST:
Yodit aze, City Clerk