March 11 Minutes

CITY OF SOUTH GATE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2014
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Gil Hurtado called a Regular City Council meeting to order at 6:30
p .m.
INVOCATION
Steve Lefever, Director of Community Development led the Invocation.
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE
Virginia Johnson, Citizens Advisory Committee Member led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
City Treasurer Maria Belen Bernal
PRESENT
Mayor Gil Hurtado, Vice Mayor Henry C. Gonzalez, Council Member
Jorge Morales, Council Member Maria Davila and Council Member Bill
De Witt; City Treasurer Maria Belen Bernal, City Manager Michael Flad,
Special Legal Counsel Jerry Ruiz
ABSENT/EXCUSED
City Clerk Carmen Avalos and City Attorney Raul F. Salinas
1
STREET VACATION
The City Council considered conducting a Public Hearing regarding a
Resolution ordering the vacation of Rayo Avenue north of Reisner Way,
and Reisner Way east of Rayo Avenue to Shultz Properties, Inc., and
unanimously continued the public hearing to March 25, 2014, by motion
of Council Member Davila and seconded by Council Member De Witt.
COMMENTS FROM
THE AUDIENCE
Virginia Johnson, 5751 McKinley Avenue mentioned the Hollydale
library does not receive the Wave newspaper.
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Paul Adams, Director of Parks & Recreation mentioned a Ribbon Cutting
on Saturday, March 29 th at 9:00 a.m. at the south end of Hollydale Park
and then at 10:00 a.m. a tree planting.
Steve Lefever, Director of Community Development mentioned the first
retail store (Ross Dress for Less) at the azalea opened and this coming
weekend Ulta Cosmetics and Beauty will open and then the remainder of
the stores will start to open as March ends and April begins.
Council Member Davila mentioned the Women's conference on March 27
from 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at the Park Auditorium.
Council Member Morales had an opportunity to visit the modernized
library. He informed City Manager that the Public Works Graffiti crew is
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 11, 2014
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONTINUED
doing a great job in removing graffiti but the newspaper stands seem to be
neglected. He wants to know who is responsible to maintain the stands.
Council Member De Witt attended the County Sanitation District and
toured the new rail yard. The Water Replenishment District has
considered their process of raising their replenishment assessment. That's
the amount they charge the cities and private water companies that pump
water.
Vice Mayor Gonzalez invited Steve Lefever to the Rotary meeting to
speak on the stores and restaurants opening in the azalea. Today, the Vice
Mayor met with School Board Member Bennett Kayser and members of
his staff
Mayor Hurtado mentioned the 1-710 Project Committee will be having a
presentation on projects along the 1-710. Mayor asked Council Member
De Witt to speak on the Superfund Sites meeting.
Council Member De Witt explained that it is a potential Superfund Site on
the property on the west side Rayo just south of Firestone between
Firestone and Southern. And, also on Southern east of Rayo the Federal
EPA have been looking at these two sites for some potential
contamination in the soil.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Agenda Items 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 were unanimously approved during
consideration of the Consent Calendar by motion of Council Member De
Witt and seconded by Mayor Hurtado. Items 4 and 5 were removed for
separate discussion.
2
STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING
The City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 7587 entitled – A
Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate initiating
proceedings for the annual levy of the FY 2014-2015 assessments and
ordering preparation of an Engineer's Report for Street Lighting and
Landscaping Maintenance District No. 1 and rescinding Resolution No.
7584, during consideration of the Consent Calendar.
3
WATER
The City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 7588 entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate approving the
applications for grant funds for the Sustainable Communities Planning
Grant and Incentives Program under the Safe Drinking Water, Water
Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond
Act of 2006 (Proposition 84), during consideration of the Consent
Calendar.
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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 11, 2014
4
PERSONNEL ADMIN
The City Council considered adopting a Resolution amending Resolution
No. 6454 (Salary Resolution and Position Classification Plan)
reclassifying a Senior Typist Clerk to a Secretary in the Public Works
Department and amending the job specification for Secretary.
Mayor Hurtado asked if any further details on item 4. Michael Flad, City
Manager replied that Mr. Cook is present to answer any questions Council
may have. Mayor Hurtado asked if anyone in the audience wishes to
speak on this item. Seeing no one step forward; Mayor Hurtado closed the
audience portion.
Council Member Davila is concerned about reclassifying positions and
that other departments are going to start asking for reclassifications. She
thinks this item should be brought back at the next fiscal year for further
discussion. City Manager Flad explained that this came from the
employee through a pre-grievance procedure, whereby an application has
been made to management saying, "I believe my position is classified
wrongly that I'm being required by management to perform duties that
exceed what are my duties that fall within my pay classification." Then an
audit is essentially done of the position of the person in the position with
Union oversight. Union consent and an agreement are essentially struck.
Management now agrees that after objective studies have been done that
you are required to do work that falls outside the scope of the job
description and the pay scale. Staff is recommending to mitigate or to
allow for compensation and classification of this employee. Council
Member Davila mentioned other department's working out of their
classification. City Manager explained that there's a difference between
doing more work and doing work that is different. There is an option; pull
the duties away from the person that's conducting the duties and spread
them among other employees and wait and bring this issue back to
Council during the budget. City Manager has spoken with the department
regarding this issue. It is staff's recommendation to approve the item, but
if it's not approved it can be brought back as part of the budget. Council
Member Davila feels this item should be dealt with during the new fiscal
year and include other positions.
Vice Mayor Gonzalez explained the Union has the right to represent
people. Vice Mayor wants to know if staff met and confer.
Council Member De Witt asked if this is a full-time position and not a
part-time position. City Manager confirmed that it is a full-time position.
Mayor Hurtado worked as a supervisor for 29 years for the U.S. Postal
Service and employees were working outside their classification and the
Union got involved.
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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 11, 2014
4
PERSONNEL ADMIN
CONTINUED
Council Member Davila stated the city needs to be ready if grievances are
received during the week.
Council Member Morales asked to be walked through the process. The
Union identified and brought this item forward. City Manager reiterated
his earlier comments.
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 7589 entitled – A Resolution of
the City Council of the City of South Gate amending Resolution No. 6454
(Salary Resolution and Position Classification Plan) reclassifying a Senior
Typist Clerk to a Secretary in the Public Works Department and amending
the job specification for Secretary, by motion of Council Member De Witt
and seconded by Mayor Hurtado.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Morales, yes; Council Member Davila,
no; Council Member De Witt, yes; Vice Mayor Gonzalez, yes; Mayor
Hurtado, yes.
5
COMMUNITY
PROMOTION
The City Council considered:
a. Approving the 2014 Tweedy Mile Street Fair to be held on June 6,
June 7 and 8, 2014, hours of operation to be Friday – 5:00 p.m. to
12:00 a.m., Saturday – 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., and Sunday – 12:00
p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and boundaries from Alexander to California on
Tweedy Boulevard; and
b. Approving the agreement with Tweedy Mile Association to use the
public right-of-way for the 2014 Tweedy Mile Street Fair; and
c. Authorizing the Mayor to execute the agreement in a form acceptable
to the City Attorney; and
d. Authorizing the Tweedy Mile Association to organize and conduct a
sidewalk sale each day of the fair between 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Mayor Hurtado asked if any further details on item 5. Michael Flad, City
Manager replied that Mr. Cook is present to answer any questions Council
may have. Mayor Hurtado asked if anyone in the audience wishes to
speak on this item.
Greg Martinez, 2603 Ohio Avenue informed Council that he is a board
member of the Tweedy Mile Association and took the duties of Chairman
for the street fair. They are looking forward to another successful street
fair. Mr. Martinez gave all Council Members a copy of a letter sent out on
January 10 which preceded a letter sent out in December. The letter states
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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 11, 2014
5
COMMUNITY
PROMOTION CONT'D
that the Tweedy Mile Association is asking for three year agreement so
they can forecast and negotiate better prices for the association. Ms. Bates
is present to answer any questions. The hours are not being changed.
Vice Mayor Gonzalez received a phone call from Ms. Bates but they were
not able to communicate. He would like to know if Ms. Bates has
something different to speak about.
Ms. Lavern Bates, 3470 Tweedy Boulevard stated that if the association
had more time they would have better sponsors. She mentioned the
association used to have a three year contract.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Hurtado closed the audience
portion.
Vice Mayor Gonzalez asked City Manager Flad if there would be a
problem with the request. City Manager Flad stated there would be no
problem, recommended Council approve tonight's agreement and then
return with an amendment to the agreement to add the next two years.
The City Council unanimously approved the 2014 Tweedy Mile Street
Fair to be held on June 6, June 7 and 8, 2014, hours of operation to be
Friday – 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., Saturday – 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., and
Sunday – 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and boundaries from Alexander to
California on Tweedy Boulevard, by motion of Vice Mayor Gonzalez and
seconded by Mayor Hurtado; and
a. Approved the agreement (Contract No. 2986) (as amended) with
Tweedy Mile Association to use the public right-of-way for the 2014
Tweedy Mile Street Fair; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute the agreement in a form acceptable
to the City Attorney; and
c. Authorized the Tweedy Mile Association to organize and conduct a
sidewalk sale each day of their fair between 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
AMENDMENT: Return with an amendment to the agreement to add two
years.
6
WATER
The City Council unanimously approved an agreement (Contract No.
2987) with Security Signal Devices, Inc. (SSD), the City's current
Security Alarm provider, for installation of a video-alarm system at Well
No. 27 Treatment Facility, during consideration of the Consent Calendar;
and
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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 11, 2014
6
WATER CONT'D
a. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable
to the City Attorney; and
b. Authorized the Director of Public Works to sign all subsequent
agreements, amendments and documents as required completing the
Project to the extent permissible by the South Gate Municipal Code.
7
PUBLIC WORKS/
ENGINEERING ADMIN
The City Council unanimously approved Amendment No. 2 to Contract
2494 with Nobel Systems, Inc., to continue hosting the City's Geographic
Information System (GIS) for an additional three (3) year term, during
consideration of the Consent Calendar; and
a. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 2 in a form
acceptable to by the City Attorney.
8
COMMERCIAL ASSESSMENT
DISTRICTS
The City Council accepted as complete the Tweedy Mile Business District
Street Sign Panel Refurbishment (Phase 1), City Project No. 489-TRF, as
of February 13, 2014, during consideration of the Consent Calendar; and
a. Directed the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with the Los
Angeles County Recorder's Office.
9
BUILDING CODE
REGULATIONS
The City Council unanimously received and filed the Building and Code
Enforcement Semi-Annual activity Report, during consideration of the
Consent Calendar.
10
MINUTES
The City Council unanimously approved the Special and Regular Meeting
minutes of February 11 & 25, 2014, during consideration of the Consent
Calendar.
RECESS
The City Council recessed at 7:37 p.m., and reconvened at 7:43 p.m., with
all Members of Council present.
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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 11, 2014
11
PARKS
The City Council considered:
a. Authorizing staff to negotiate a license agreement with Banda Channel
to hold a one day musical event at South Gate Park before the end of
2014;
OR
b. Directing staff to focus its efforts and resources into the existing
special events currently offered by the Parks & Recreation
Department.
Mayor Hurtado asked if any further details on item 11. Paul Adams,
Director of Parks & Recreation stated staff has been working with
Council. Brought back a couple of items before this related to holding
some musical events at South Gate Park. The last option brought to
Council was not acceptable and here's a different option. Mr. Adams
pointed out Councils' direction at the last Council meeting was to bring
back a variety of options. Mr. Adams stated there would be no alcohol or
admission fee. Mr. Adams would like to call up the representatives and
have them speak about what they are offering. Mayor Hurtado asked to
state their names and address for the record.
Alex Castarieda, 4725 Abbott Road, Lynwood, Ms. Samaniego, Long
Beach, and Gerardo Tello thanked Council for considering tonight's item.
This event will be free and family oriented. They will have media from
both Mexico and United States.
Vice Mayor Gonzalez would like to know what Banda Channel has to
offer. Mr. Adams is not familiar with the Latin music scene and asked
them to include some examples of the artists they either represent or
would be looking to. This information is in the Council's package.
Alex Castarieda stated Banda Channel is a TV channel through internet
and Radio Rotas is also a radio station through internet. Banda Channel is
proposing a one day musical festival and includes the Guinness Book of
World Records, have contacted numerous bands, not only local talent, but
Grammy nominated and Grammy award winning artists. They want to set
a Guinness Book of World Records to have 100 bands simultaneously
play.
Vice Mayor Gonzalez asked about time frame to put the event together.
Ms. Samaniego stated the date would be Saturday, August 30 th and they
would have vendors on site too.
Vice Mayor Gonzalez asked Mr. Adams if that date is available. Mr.
Adams stated the date is available.
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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 11, 2014
11
PARKS CONT'D
Council Member De Witt asked how many people would be attending.
Ms. Samaniego anticipates 4000 people.
Mayor Hurtado asked if there would be security. Ms. Samaniego stated it
would be safe. She has worked with Liberman Broadcasting who executes
Fiestas Patrias event at the Whittier Narrows every year. Mayor Hurtado
is concerned that the agenda bill states, "fiscal impact: none" because the
Police Department are responsible for public safety. Mr. Adams stated
that if Council directs him to move ahead the next step would be to
negotiate an agreement with Banda Channel which would include all those
requirements.
Vice Mayor Gonzalez asked Chief of Police Davis if he's had discussions.
Chief of Police Davis stated having discussions with Parks Director
Adams regarding public safety and traffic control.
Mayor Hurtado asked if anyone in the audience wishes to speak on this
item. Having no one come forward, Mayor Hurtado closed the audience
portion.
Mayor Hurtado asked City Treasurer Bernal if she wishes to speak on this
item. City Treasurer Bernal stated in comparison to the previous event
that was being proposed at the park; this is a non-alcohol event, free to the
public it will be well attended.
The City Council considered:
a. Authorizing staff to negotiate a license agreement (Contract No. 2988)
with Banda Channel to hold a one day musical event at South Gate
Park before the end of 2014;
OR
b. Directing staff to focus its efforts and resources into the existing
special events currently offered by the Parks & Recreation
Department.
It was moved by Mayor Hurtado, seconded by Council Member De Witt,
and unanimously carried to select option A.
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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 11, 2014
12
WARRANTS AND
CANCELLATIONS
The City Council unanimously approved the Warrants and Cancellations
for March 11, 2014, by motion of Vice Mayor Gonzalez and seconded by
Council Member Davila.
Total of Checks:
$2,115,435.00
Voids
(479.46)
$
Total of Payroll Deductions: $ (435,258.38)
Grand Total:
$1,679,697.16
Cancellations: 52043, 52135
ADJOURNMENT
Council Member Davila unanimously adjourned the meeting at 7:57 p.m.
and seconded by Vice Mayor Gonzalez.
PASSED and APPROVED this 25 th day of March, 2014.
ATTEST:
Gil Hurtado, Mayor
Carmen Avalos, City Clerk
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