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.
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