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HomeMy Public PortalAboutM 2013-12-03 - CC LYNWOOD CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING December 3, 2013 Item #1. CALL TO ORDER The City Council of the City of Lynwood met in a regular meeting at Bateman Hall Auditorium, 11330 Bullis Road, Lynwood, CA on the above date at 6:25 p.m. Mayor Alatorre presiding. Item #2. CERTIFICATION OF AGENDA POSTING BY CITY CLERK City Clerk Quinonez announced that the Agenda had been duly posted in accordance with the Brown Act. Item #3. ROLL CALL PRESENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS CASTRO, SANTILLAN-BEAS, MORTON, RODRIGUEZ AND ALATORRE ABSENT: NONE Staff present: Interim City Manager Warne, City Attorney Galante, City Clerk Quinonez and City Treasurer Hernandez. Item #4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Castro. Item #5. INVOCATION The Invocation was given by Reverend Robert Robinson. Item #6. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS • Video slideshow honoring Council Members Jim Morton and Ramon Rodriguez • Recognition of Summer Interns - Recognition of Summer Interns- the Mayor and Council acknowledged the' Mayor's interns, Victor Ortiz and Jose Rosas for their involvement and dedication in the Mayor's Intern program. Mayor Alatorre commented on the internship and hoped the new Mayor implements the intern program and stated that his door will always been open for the interns. He encouraged them to continue being active in the community. • Proclamation for Ms. Alma Barrera, Lynwood Resident, and Volunteer for Teleton USA - Ms. Barrera received a proclamation in recognition of her participation in the fundraising efforts for Teleton USA which included raising funds for special needs children in Lynwood and raising $750,000 for Children's Hospital Los Angeles. • Proclamation for the 50 Years Memorial of the Assassination of Former President Jack Kennedy • Proclamation to Superintendent Paul Gothold in recognition of his leadership and accomplishments during his time at LUSD and for his initiative to keep open communications with Mayor Alatorre. • Plaque Sheriff Commander Joseph M. Gooden — Update on Law Enforcement Issues — The City Council presented a plaque to Commander Joseph Gooden in recognition of his dedication to the City of Lynwood and promotion to Commander. Commander Gooden commented on his tenure in the City of Lynwood since 2011. He commented on the support he received from City staff and officials during this time. He acknowledged the deputies, Lieutenant Chavez who was promoted to Captain and assured the community he is the best person for the job. • Plaque for Council Member Jim Morton - City Council presented a plaque to Council Member Morton in recognition of his tenure as Council Member in the City of Lynwood. He was also presented with certificates from Assembly Member Antony Rendon, Congresswoman Janice Hahn and a plaque from Senator Ricardo Lara. • Plaque for Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez— City Council presented a plaque to Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez in recognition of his tenure as Council Member in the City of Lynwood. He was also presented with certificates from Assembly Member Antony Rendon, Congresswoman Janice Hahn and a plaque from Senator Ricardo Lara. Lynwood Residents also presented Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez with a plaque for his years of service to the Lynwood community. Ms. Domitila Aguilar addressed Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez and thanked him on behalf of the community. • Sheriff Captain Joseph M. Gooden — Update on Law Enforcement Issues; Council Member Castro introduced Lieutenant Ernie Chavez as the new Sheriffs Captain. She acknowledged the new Captain for his service and dedication. She mentioned the various projects that the new Captain has worked on to better the community. Captain Chavez commented on the various ranks he has served and he is proud to work in this community. Captain Chavez reminded the community to be safe during their Christmas shopping. He asked residents to be cautious of people knocking on doors and introducing themselves as Edison employees. He asked that the residents to immediately contact the Sheriffs Department if anyone comes to their door. He stated that he is looking forward to the Christmas parade. • City Council Member Reporting on Meetings Attended (Gov. Code Section 53232.3 (D)) - NONE Mr. Rodriguez requested that he and Mr. Morton be given an opportunity to address the residents at this time. Council Member Rodriguez thanked the community for coming in to the meeting and congratulated the incoming council members. He thanked the community for trusting him and commented on his long and fruitful journey. He stated that he will never forget the trust the community placed on him and thanked the staff and encouraged them to keep up the good work. He stated that 'it was an honor and advised the future council members to not forget who elected them and to work for the community. He commented on the many friends that will approach them while in office and suggested that they be very careful. He stated that is/was an honor working with the council. Council Member Morton commented on the many campaigns he worked on for previous council members. He stated that the former council members were great role models to him. He commented on the committed service of Janice Hahn and Kenneth Hahn and the reasons why he decided to run for the council; which was the many years of corruption. He stated that he ran four or five times to get on the city council and spent approximately 100,000 dollars out of pocket. He stated that he wanted to bring in a big box for the city. He acknowledged the Community Development Director Sarah Withers and stated that he wanted to set up a foundation for disaster relief for the Lynwood community. He commented on the reason why he wanted Ham Park named after Yvonne Burk and Adolfo Medina. He stated that he really didn't have an opportunity to put his all into the campaign due an accident when receiving recognition from the Democratic Party. He stated that he will be running again in two years because the Lynwood community is his family. Mayor Alatorre thanked both Mr. Rodriguez and Mr. Morton for their service to the community and reminded them not to be strangers and come around. Item #7. RECITING THE FACTS AND DECLARING THE RESULTS OF THE NOVEMBER 5, 2013 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION It was moved by Council Member Santillan-Beas, seconded by Council Member Castro, to approve the resolution. RESOLUTION NO. 2013.153 ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD, CALIFORNIA, RECITING THE FACT OF THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD ON NOVEMBER 5, 2013, DECLARING THE RESULT AND SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS ARE PROVIDED BY LAW Item #8. SWEARING IN CEREMONIES 1. Council Member Maria Santillan-Beas — Council Member Santillan-Beas was sworn in by Father Rigo of St. Emydius. She was joined by her three children and her husband. City Clerk Maria Quinonez read the certificate of election for Maria Teresa Santillan-Beas. 2. Council Member Edwin Hernandez - Edwin Hernandez asked his children and wife to join him in the front. He was sworn in by the President of the Clergy Council for the Sheriffs Department. City Clerk Maria Quinonez read the certificate of election for Edwin Hernandez. 3. Council Member Jose Luis Solache — Jose Luis Solache was sworn in by a Lindbergh Elementary 6th grade student, Fatima Larios. He was joined by his mother, father and second mom his aunt Mary Solache.. He presented his letter of resignation to LUSD Board President Maria G. Lopez. City Clerk Maria Quinonez read the certificate of election for Jose Luis Solache. Item #9. CITY COUNCIL REORGANIZATION Mayor Alatorre read the excerpt of the Government Code for City Council reorganization. City Attorney Galante stated that any council member can make a nomination and no second is needed. It was moved by Mayor Alatorre to nominate Council Member Castro as Mayor. The motion was approved by general consent to appoint Council Member'Castro as Mayor. It was moved by Council Member Solache to nominate Council Member Hernandez as Mayor Pro Tem. The motion was approved by general consent to appoint Council Member Hernandez as Mayor Pro Tem. Item #10. COUNCIL RECESS TO: • CITY OF LYNWOOD AS THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE LYNWOOD REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY The Lynwood City Council recessed to the Successor • Agency to the Lynwood Redevelopment Agency at 7:55 p.m. • LYNWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY The Lynwood City Council recessed to the Lynwood Housing Authority at 7:57 p.m. PUBLIC ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Jim Lissner commented against red light cameras in the city. He stated that red light cameras are not effective and that South Gate and Inglewood have gotten rid of the cameras a few months ago. He commented on the cost to the city for having the cameras and also stated that the courts dislike the cameras. He would like the cameras to be removed and other measures to be implemented. Harry Gibbens welcomed the new council members. He asked that the City Clerk read his letter. In the letter he commented on the city credit cards and asked that they be cancelled. He commented on credit card late fees. He commented on better money management, the city hall renovation project and on the on the city council increase. He asked that council stop the increase. Orro Martinez commented on being a new property owner in the City of Lynwood. He is concerned with the contract with WRI. He commented on paying an increment for trash fees with the new contract and asked council to do something about the increment for the community. He stated that there is a 55 percent increase in fees with the new contract. He asked for the contract to be revised and congratulated the new council members. Frank Calderon was concerned that there are only Spanish agendas distributed to the public at the meetings. He commented on his constitutional rights. Margaret Araujo commented on seeing many changes taking place. She commented on being very proud to stand here to congratulate the city council and would like to see great things coming from the .council. She asked that council not listen to one senior or one community person because they are elected by the community. She thanked Edwin Hernandez for his leadership in the Chamber of Commerce. She addressed Council Member Solache regarding knowing him since he was a little boy and stated that she did not see him staying on this council but using this as a stepping stone. She addressed Council Member Maria Santillan-Beas and told her she has been a gift for the senior center. She thanked her for being involved with the senior center. Ms. Araujo also stated that she was happy that Council Member Castro was appointed as Mayor. Pearline Calderon welcomed the new council members. She commented on the Spanish agendas and stated that when she and her husband arrived to the meeting all the English agendas were gone. She commented on the water rates and stated that the rates are very high. She commented on a senior who approached her and could not afford to pay her water bill. She asked council to • take the billing back to the way it used to be. She commented on the millions of dollars the city received from the trash company. She asked what the money would be used for: She stated that she talked to the city manager about using some of the money for the senior center because there is no money for the senior programs. She sang the jingle bells song to council. Karina Macias, Council Member for the City of Huntington Park congratulated the new elected city council. CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Council Member Santillan-Beas, seconded by Council Member Alatorre to approve the consent calendar and received and file staff reports. AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS, ALATORRE,- CASTRO,. HERNANDEZ, SANTILLAN-BEAS AND SOLACHE NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE Item #11. MINTUES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Regular Meeting - May 21, 2013 Special Meeting - May 28, 2013 Regular Meeting — June 18, 2013 Regular Meeting —July 2, 2013 Special Meeting - November 5, 2013 Item #12. APPROVAL OF THE WARRANT REGISTER RESOLUTION NO. 2013.154 ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING AND APPROVING THE DEMANDS AND WARRANTS THEREFORE Item#13. PROJECT ACCEPTANCE - STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, PROJECT NO. 4011.67.006 RESOLUTION NO. 2013.155 ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD APPROVING PROJECT CHANGE ORDER NO. 2, ACCEPTING THE STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, PROJECT NO. 4011.67.006, AS BEING COMPLETE AND AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/CITY ENGINEER TO RECORD THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION Item #14. APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT TO CONTINUE PROVIDING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES REGARDING HOUSING RELATED PROJECTS FOR THE LYNWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY AND GRANT SUPPORT SERVICES RESOLUTION NO. 2013.156 ENTITLED: A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD (CITY), AND THE CITY OF LYNWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY (LHA) APPROVING THE AGREEMENT WITH MDG ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR ON-CALL SERVICES FOR THE HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM, AFFORDABLE HOUSING RELATED SERVICES, AND GRANT RELATED SERVICES NEW/OLD BUSINESS Council Member Santillan-Beas made a motion to table the New & Old Business Items #15 and #16 to the December 17, 2013 council meeting. The motion was approved by general consent. Item #15. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION BY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS OF A VOLUNTARY FREEZE OR WAIVER OF CITY COUNCIL COMPENSATION INCREASE SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN DECEMBER 2013 Item #16. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION BY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS REGARDING THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM (CALPERS) CITY COUNCIL ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION Council Member Santillan-Beas thanked her volunteers, the residents, her family members and God for her re-election. She commented on her priorities when she began to serve on the council, which includes public safety, affordable housing and stopping corruption. That has been the focus of a number of council members that she has served on the council with, a total of fifteen and stated that they have all focused on stopping corruption. She commented on the reduction of homicides in the city which she believes was accomplished by the partnership with the Sheriff's Department, the Blockwatch group and residents. She encouraged the community members to get involved. She commended the K9 dogs and the amount of drugs that has been seized because of the dogs and the technology at Century Sheriffs Station. She commented on the partnership with Habitat for Humanity and the new state of the art building on Carlin. Additionally, the City is operating with a very low budget and we are still providing the same services. Also, the programs that have recently been implemented have been very successful, such as the Movies at the park, Farmer's Market, and the Cash for Chunkers program. Councilmember Santillan-Beas stated that we will continue to look for the big box for the city and she is excited about the upcoming walking park. Her goal is to also implement a "Lets Keep Lynwood Clean Campaign" in which high school students would participate in the campaign to complete their mandatory community service hours. She commented on the . parking issues on the streets, the garage conversions and two garage fires in the city. Councilmember Santillan-Beas promised to continue to work for all the residents in the City of Lynwood. She invited the community higet involved and come to council meetings and budget meetings. She thanked those that supported her and stated that she is excited to be part of the.positive change. • She congratulated the new Mayor Aide Castro and congratulated the new Council Members Jose Luis Solache and Edwin Hernandez. Council Member Solache apologized for the delay in starting the celebration. He commented on working together with the rest of the Council Members, council member decorum and assured the community that he will never discuss election issues at the dais. He stated the he would only discuss the peoples' business on the dais and no other council;members' personal issues. He stated that he will be respectful of his colleagues and stated that he is excited that Lynwood heard his message. He commented on customer service and his experience as an employee working at McDonalds and Bank of America. He would like to see a friendlier Lynwood City Hall. Mr. Solache stated that he is dedicated to making sure the council takes care of the employees and respect the employees. He commented on collaboration and partnership and working together and he looks forward to working with the community to make Lynwood better. Mr. Solache thanked everyone for their time and said he looks forward to working with the elected members, Mayor Castro and Council Member Alatorre and thinks stated it was time to move the city forward and thanked those that supported him. He addressed the audience in Spanish with the same comments. Council Member Alatorre congratulated the newly elected council members. He thanked everyone for being here. He commented on his tenure as mayor and his accomplishments. He commented on the new trash hauling contract and that it will be good for the City of Lynwood. He thanked Finance staff and the Interim City Manager and the Public Works Director for looking at the actual numbers for the trash contract. He commented on the new city hall project and how over budget the project was and stated that during his tenure as Mayor the community saved the Lynwood community 9 million dollars on a project that had no funding. He thanked staff for all their collaboration and stated that he is here to serve the Lynwood community and is here to work with the surrounding communities to keep the city safe. Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez thanked God for being here. He thanked his family • and wife and announced that they would be celebrating 25 years of marriage.on Saturday. He thanked God for his father who has been ill and thanked the volunteers, the Rotarians, the Chamber of Commerce, Blockwatch, Lynwood Sports Association, Century Foundation, the Clergy Council and all the clubs he has been a member of all these years. He thanked Mr. Rodriguez and Mr. . Morton for their work and support. Also, Mr. Hernandez thanked the new group of council members and stated that he believed this is the All-Star team. He asked the community, staff and colleagues to work together. Mayor Castro announced that she had certificates for the elected council members from Assembly Member Anthony Rendon that should hand to them. She presented the members of council with personal gifts on behalf of her husband Jose Castro and herself. She stated that she was happy and ecstatic and commented on the past two years not being fun but looking forward to the amazing work that will be done in the city. She acknowledged Council Member Santillan-Beas for being a great leader and great mentor to her. She acknowledged Council Member Solache for his leadership and acknowledged that because of him the doors of communication between the city and the school district were opened. She also thanked him for being a good friend and she thanked Council Member Alatorre for being humble and said she appreciates that from him and wants him to know that he is part of this five council member team. She addressed Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez as a phenomenal man and man of God. She stated that she was excited to work with him. She commented on him saving the city over $200,000 in bank fees during his tenure as City Treasurer and stated that they will all move forward together. CLOSED SESSION NONE ADJOURNMENT Having no further discussion, it was moved by Mayor Castro, seconded by Council Member Alatorre, and carried to adjourn the regular Lynwood City Council m--ting at 8:42 p.m. aticL) araisesasid Aide Castro, Mayor aria Quinonez, Ci y Clerk/