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HomeMy Public PortalAboutM 2014-10-21 - CCLYNWOOD CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING October 21, 2014 Item #1. CALL TO ORDER The City Council of the City of Lynwood met in a regular meeting in the. Council Chambers, 11330 Bullis Road, Lynwood, CA on the above date at 6:04 p.m. Mayor Castro 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 ALATORRE, SANTILLAN -BEAS, SOLACHE, HERNANDEZ AND CASTRO ABSENT: NONE STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Beltran, City Attorney Garcia, City Clerk Quinonez and City Treasurer Rodriguez. Item #4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Sheriff's Explorers. Item #5. INVOCATION The Invocation was given by Reverend Robert Robinson. 'Item #6. PRESENTATIONS /PROCLAMATIONS Recognition of the Importance of the In -Home Care Provider and National Family Caregivers Month (November) The City Council presented a proclamation in recognition of In -Home Care Provider and National Family Caregivers Month. The proclamation was accepted by SEIU United Members that are in -home care providers in the City of Lynwood. Mrs. Zoila Ramirez, SEIU Board Member and Lynwood resident commented on her service as an in -home care provider for her 25 year old son. Sheriff Captain Ernie Chavez — Update on Law Enforcement Issue Lieutenant Deeds reported a decrease in gang violence and overall crime in the last couple of weeks. He commented on the department's continued efforts and focus on eliminating prostitution on Long Beach Boulevard and said there have been 36 arrests since the last meeting including the arrest of a female juvenile today. He thanked the Mayor for her call to report a woman working off of Carlin and Long Beach on Saturday. He said the women -are now working the back streets to avoid being detained on Long Beach Blvd. He announced that the major crimes vice -unit will be conducting a prostitution sweep in the next few days on Long Beach Blvd. and deputies will pose as Johns. He said they are avoiding doing sting operations where the young deputies pose as prostitutes to avoid the Johns coming back. He commented on Deputy Merino's work with the dogs at the local parks and the walk through at Lynwood and Firebaugh High Schools last Thursday. He said they will continue to do the walk through as a deterrent. He provided an update regarding an extortion case that took place at Plaza Mexico in December 2013. He reported that 3 men were arrested and 2 have pleaded guilty and will serve 10 years in prison. The third individual and mastermind in the extortion case pleaded guilty and will serve 7 years to life in prison as well. He announced the Help Name our Dog Contest is now open and Deputy Merino will select the name from those submitted. He stated that they would like the winner to ride in the city's Candy Lane Parade with the dog. Council Member Alatorre inquired if the new dog is a female or male. Lieutenant Deeds said the dog is a female. He thanked Jamel Goodloe for the great work on the flier. Council Member Alatorre asked the Lieutenant for an update on the commercial vehicle enforcement deputy in regards to the number of citations issued. Lieutenant Deeds said he will present exact statistics at the next City Council meeting. Council' Member Solache told the Lieutenant that there is still activity at Lynwood Park in the early hours of the morning. He said he was concerned for the safety of the seniors that walk in the park in the morning. Lieutenant Deeds stated that the COPS Team will begin to monitor the park during early hours of the morning and make it a regular routine. Council Member Solache mentioned that the activity takes place between the area of the °restrooms and Hosler, near the soccer and baseball fields. Lieutenant Deeds commented on the importance of making residents feel safe. ? p. Council Member Solache asked that they continue .monitoring the park by the gazebo area in the evening .as well when other residents come to walk and run in the park. Council Member Santillan -Beas commented regarding a complaint she received from a resident that lives on Barlow between Martin Luther King and Norton. She said an ice cream truck vendor circulates the streets around 10:45 p.m. She is concerned that they might be selling something other than ice cream and might not be licensed in the city. She asked the Lieutenant to look into this complaint and mentioned that ice cream trucks should not be circulating at those hours of the night. Mayor Castro explained that ice cream trucks are allowed to circulate until 8 p.m. during the summer but the schedule should have changed by 6 p.m. by now. She asked the City Manager to look into the current time schedule. City Manager Beltran said that' he would provide City Council an .update tomorrow. Lieutenant Deeds said he will put in a patrol request and advised Council Member Santillan -Beas to tell the resident to call the station as soon as they hear the ice cream truck. Mayor Castro thanked Lieutenant Deeds for everything they have done and is glad they are still working on the sex trafficking issues, however she mentioned that the women are starting to come back on the weekends. She commented on the individuals that hang out by Atlantic Liquor and Cork &' Bottle and mentioned that they urinate and consume alcohol in public. Lieutenant Deeds stated that Sergeant Shigo was there last week and talked to the owner and said he was cooperative. He said they will continue to monitor the location. • City Council Members Reporting on Meeting Attended (Gov. Code Section 53232.3 (D)). Council Member Santillan -Beas reported that she is a Board Member for Hub Cities Consortium which is comprised of six cities. She stated that the cities are alternating holding the board meeting in their city to increase community participation. She said a total of thirteen residents attended the ;meeting in :Lynwood last night. Mayor Castro reported attending her monthly coffee with the seniors meeting this morning. She asked staff to address the multi - purpose room flooring issue and asked that the word "babies" be removed from the newsletter. She mentioned a concern with the air conditioner at the senior center. She said the seniors had an opportunity to say good -by to the former City Manager and the new City Manager was introduced to the group. Lastly, she said they went over the process of filling out the citizen request forms with the seniors. She asked the City Manager to encourage the use of the citizen request forms in order to keep a paper trail. Council Member Santillan -Beas congratulated Council Member Solache for being selected as Democrat of the Year for the 63rd District. Mayor Castro stated that Council Member Solache was honored at the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt dinner by the Los Angeles County Democratic Party. She commented on his involvement in politics at a very young age and his passion. She added that this is the first year that an elected official is nominated and honored at the dinner. Council Member Solache thanked Ms. Battle, Mayor Castro and former Mayor Jim Morton who were in attendance at the recognition dinner. He congratulated Mayor Castro for the Mayor's State of the City Address event and thanked staff and for putting together the event and for streaming it live on You Tube. He commented on the posts on Twitter and Instagram of those residents that were not able to attend the event but watched it on You Tube. He announced that radio personality Carlos Alvarez has committed to come to Lynwood every two weeks on Saturday at 10 a.m. for an Insanity Class at the Lynwood Park Gym. He invited the residents to come out and participate in the free event. He added that Mr. Alvarez has also committed to come out to the Lynwood Weight Loss Challenge event that will begin on January 17, 2015. He reiterated his concerns about keeping the parks safe and mentioned that the public works employees have done a great job in keeping the park clean. Mayor Castro thanked staff for going above and beyond for the Mayor's State of the City Address. She thanked Ms. Payne for watching the event live and asked that her name be added to the invitation list so she may be invited next year. She elaborated on the coffee with seniors meetings and said the meetings are an opportunity to provide the seniors with a rundown of what the City Council is doing and give them an opportunity to discuss their concerns as well. She added that more seniors are beginning to attend the meetings that are held every third Tuesday of the month at 9 a.m. and said she hopes the tradition to hold these meetings continue with the new Mayor that comes in the first week of December. Item #7. CITY OF LYNWOOD AS THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE LYNWOOD REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY It was moved by Council Member Solache, seconded by Council Member Alatorre to recess to the Lynwood as the Successor Agency to the Lynwood Redevelopment Agency at ,6:37 p.m. The City Council meeting reconvened at 6:39 p.m. PUBLIC ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Regarding'Agenda Items Only) Maureen McDonald of Johnson Controls commented in support of Item #21- Consideration to Issue a Request for Qualifications from Qualified Firms to Conduct an Energy Audit of City Facilities, Develop Energy Savings Measures and to Propose Implementation Strategies. She requested that the City Council consider adding an additional week to submit Statements of Qualifications. Harry Gibbens commented in regards to Item #19 — Claim for Damages by Sylvia Halcomb. He pointed out several observations he made by going out to look at the locations discussed in the staff report. He mentioned his concerns about some areas that may need repair in the area of Clark and Wright Rd. He recommended that .a program be implemented to regularly inspect the area so that maintenance is done immediately when needed. He asked council to address the needed repairs. He asked for a timeframe of when the repairs be completed. Mayor Castro thanked Mr. Gibbens for his report and for pointing out a problem and offering a solution. She said this is not the first time she hears of the street conditions in the area of Abbott Elementary. NON - AGENDA PUBLIC ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mohammed Mubarak, Boxing Journalist, Artist and friend of Compton Council Member Isaac Galvan introduced himself and commented on his artwork. He mentioned that he has done artwork in the City of Compton for their, Council Chambers and City Hall Lobby. He provided his website information and phone number and invited Council to take a look at his artwork and contact him should they be interested.. Mayor Castro welcomed Mr. Mubarak and thanked him for coming to Lynwood. She referred him to speak to Mark Flores in regards to his artwork and to Ms. Rozie Carrillo in regardst to the possibility of volunteering and teaching art classes at the Senior Center. Irene Garcia commented on an ,issue with the trolley that took .place on September 27th at the trolley stop on. the corner of Santa Fe and 111th Street. She explained that the trolley was over an hour late and also mentioned that this - particular driver stops and exits the trolley to pick up aluminum cans. She commented on another situation that occurred October 4th where the driver was braking abruptly and jerking the .passengers around. She suggested that the drivers be monitored without notification. She asked When there will be a checkpoint to address the issue of unlicensed drivers as a public safety .measure. Mayor Castro asked ,Mrs. Garcia to put her trolley complaint in writing in order to address the issues with the trolley company. Maria Viera asked why requests for public information regarding investigative reports are not provided when requested. She mentioned requesting a copy of an investigative report that has already been completed and the employee is no longer employed but was notified it could not be provided to her. She commented about an investigative report on a particular Council Member that was made public and circulated by another Council Member once it was completed. Mayor Castro responded and advised Mrs. Viera that she will call her tomorrow with a response. Francisco Arce commented on behalf of the Compton Community College District and asked the City Council to endorse the facilities bond Measure C that will be on the November 4th ballot. He mentioned that the bond will allow the college to continue the construction and renovation project at the campus. Aida Munoz commented on the need for street repair on Walnut and Birch. She mentioned that the street has many pot holes and other streets in the area have been repaired except Walnut. She asked for Council's attention to this issue. Mayor Castro asked the City Manager to respond to Ms. Munoz in writing and let her know if her street is on the list of streets to be repaired Daniel and Anthony Miranda commented in support of Measure C. They mentioned that they are Lynwood residents that attend Compton Community College and are asking everyone to vote yes on the measure. Milton Ford commented regarding a tree in front of his home on Cedar Avenue that needs trimming and has raised the sidewalk. He also commented on dogs that are running lose on Cedar and Alpine about 3:30 p.m. Mayor Castro stated that the City Manager will have someone address the situation on Cedar. Mr. Williams, Head Baseball Coach and Physical Education teacher at Compton College commented in support of Measure C and the need to enhance the college facilities to attract students in the community. Lorene Reed commented regarding Item #18 - CLAIM FOR DAMAGES BY NATHAN & LUCILLE GIPSON and mentioned that they are seniors that required help to file the claim. She asked Council to consider settling the claim for the Gipson's for the full amount. Santiago Lopez commented in regards to the need to repave Olive Street. He mentioned submitting a petition with -50 signatures from residents in that area a year ago and said that the Public Works -Director came out to look at the street but the issue has not been addressed. CITY COUNCIL ORALS Council Member Alatorre commented on the parking and safety issues caused by parents at Lincoln Elementary. He thanked the Public Works Director for coming out to look at the area and to see if there is anything that can be done to alleviate the issues. He thanked the Finance Director for providing the report to them. He commented on the issues raised at the last meeting regarding the extension of the contract for maintenance of the median islands and requested an update` on the current vacant positions in the Public Works Department as well as a timeframe of when they will be filled..He requested a report on the cost to outsource the maintenance of the medians or do it in house, including repairing the damaged irrigation system. He commented on the agreement with the contractor hired to maintain the medians and said the contract states they were required to maintain the sprinkler system. He asked the Department Heads to hold contractors accountable when the work they are hired for is not performed. He stated that he would like the city to go after the contractor and hold them accountable. He asked the rest of the Council to join him in this effort. Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez commented on an increase in gas tax beginning January 1St. He mentioned it is a hidden tax that was voted on back in 2006 and said many people are not aware of it. He stated that he will be going to Sacramento to speak against the hidden tax and will also speak on Univision. He -urged everyone to sign the petition to stop this hidden tax that will have a huge impact on local businesses and transportation that will affect all of us. Mayor Castro commented on the median island contract. She asked the City Attorney to review the agreement for breach of contract and hold the contractor accountable. She mentioned seeing individuals working on the median islands and said she knows the new Director will take the necessary steps to address this matter. She commented on the trolley stop on the corner of Fernwood and Atlantic and said the stop is not visible, it's not ADA compliant, there is no bench to sit, down and it's not a safe place to stand. She added that the trolley speeds by and she asked staff go to the location and take a look. In regards to the gas tax mentioned by Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez, she is opposed to it and asks that it be completely stopped. She gave her opinion on the matter and mentioned that it is way to get money out of the tax payers' pockets. She suggested to the residents to vote "No" when they don't understand the propositions on the ballot. She asked the resident to call their legislators and write letters opposing the tax. Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez commented on the 25 million dollars already appropriated for the .bullet train Governor Brown wants to build from Los Angeles to Sacramento: Council Member Solache commented on a picture that was sent to him by a resident regarding a mini stop sign on the corner of Long Beach and Sanborn. He asked that staff ask Plaza Mexico to change that stop sign. CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez, seconded by Council Member Solache to approve the consent calendar and receive and file staff reports. AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS ALATORRE, SANTILLAN -BEAS, SOLACHE, HERNANDEZ AND CASTRO NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE Item #8. MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS Regular Meeting — October 4, 2014 Item #9. APPROVAL OF THE WARRANT REGISTER RESOLUTION NO. 2014.184 ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION 'OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING AND APPROVING THE DEMANDS AND WARRANTS THEREFORE AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS ALATORRE, SANTILLAN -BEAS, SOLACHE, HERNANDEZ AND CASTRO NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE Item #10. FY 2015 -16 BUDGET PROCESS CALENDAR Staff recommends that the City Council receive and file this report. Item #11. A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ADOPTING A LABOR COMPLIANCE PROGRAM FOR PROPOSITION 84 FUNDED 4 PROJECTS RESOLUTION NO. 2014.185 ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD APPROVING AND ADOPTING A LABOR COMPLIANCE PROGRAM FOR PROPOSITION 84 FUNDED PROJECTS Item #12. CLAIM FOR DAMAGES BY VERONICA LEDESMA Staff recommendation that the City Council reject the claim of Veronica ,Ledesma v. City of Lynwood and direct staff to send a letter of rejection based on questionable liability against the City was approved. Item #13. CLAIM FOR DAMAGES BY MARIA DIAZ Staff recommendation that the City Council pay the claim of Mrs. Maria Diaz v. City of Lynwood in the amount of $2,255.14 was approved. Item #14. CLAIM FOR DAMAGE'S BY SALVADOR DIAZ Staff recommendation that the City Council pay the claim of Mr. Salvador Diaz v. City of Lynwood in the amount of $2,194.31 was approved. Item #15. CLAIM FOR DAMAGES BY ARMANDO HENRIQUEZ Staff recommendation that the City Council reject the claim of Armando Henriquez v. City of Lynwood and direct staff to send a standard letter of rejection was approved. Item #16. CLAIM FOR DAMAGES BY JUAN M. CERVANTES Staff 'recommendation that the City Council reject the claim of Juan M. Cervantes v. City of Lynwood and direct staff to send a standard letter of rejection was approved. Item #17. CLAIM FOR DAMAGES BY MARIA QUEZADA Staff recommendation that the City Council reject the claim of Maria Quezada v. City of Lynwood and direct staff to send a standard letter of rejection was approved. Item #18. CLAIM FOR DAMAGES BY NATHAN & LUCILLE GIPSON Staff recommendation that the City pay the claim of Nathan & Lucille Gipson v. City of Lynwood in the amount of $4,175.00 was approved. Mayor Castro asked staff why they were recommending approval of half of the amount of the original claim. - Haydee Sainz, Human Resources Director responded and said that in the past Council directed staff to negotiate amounts and the claimants had agreed to half of the amount of the original claim. Council Member Santillan =Beas asked the City Manager to review the claims process and go back 12 months to determine how much has been paid out as well as claims denied and come back with a recommendation to the City Council. Mayor Castro explained to the City Manager that in the past there was a list of residents that were having their sewer laterals cleaned up because there was an existing problem with the city trees; however the process was never approved by the Council and was only under the City Manager purview. City Manager Beltran said that they will put the history together and provide an update in the green memo. Item #19. CLAIM FOR DAMAGES BY SYLVIA HALCOMB Staff recommendation that the City Council reject the claim of Sylvia Halcomb v. City of Lynwood and direct staff to send a standard letter of rejection was approved. NEW /OLD BUSINESS Item #20. REQUEST FOR USE OF BATEMAN HALL FOR LATINO HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SYMPOSIUM It was moved by Council Member Solache, seconded by Council Member Alatorre to approve the resolution. RESOLUTION NO. 2014.186 ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD APPROVING THE USE OF THE BATEMAN HALL AUDITORIUM AND WAIVING THE RENTAL FEES IN THE AMOUNT OF $454 AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS ALATORRE, SANTILLAN -BEAS, SOLACHE, HERNANDEZ AND CASTRO NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE Item #20 -A. SUBSEQUENT NEED ITEM - REQUEST FOR USE OF BATEMAN HALL City Attorney David Garcia introduced the subsequent need item, a request from the nurses of St Francis Medical Center for the use of Bateman Hall on October 27th from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in regards to the effort to oppose the sale of St. Francis Medical Center to Prime Health Care. Council Member Alatorre mentioned that he had read a report that stated that the sale had taken place. Mayor Castro explained that this type of sale requires review from the Attorney General and Kamala Harris has until February to decide if she will veto the process. She mentioned that sales to Prime Health Care have been previously blocked due to their history of overcharging Medical and Medicare. It was .moved by Council Member Santillan -Beas, seconded by Council Member Solache to add the subsequent need item to the City Council agenda. AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS ALATORRE, SANTILLAN-BEAS, - SOLACHE, HERNANDEZ AND CASTRO NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE It was moved by Council Member Solache, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez to approve the request for the use of Bateman Hall. AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS ALATORRE, SANTILLAN-BEAS, SOLACHE, HERNANDEZ AND CASTRO NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE Item #21. CONSIDERATION TO ISSUE A REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FROM QUALIFIED FIRMS TO CONDUCT AN ENERGY AUDIT OF CITY FACILITIES, DEVELOP ENERGY SAVINGS MEASURES AND TO PROPOSE IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES Council Member Alatorre asked that once the RFQ closes Council receive a copy of the RFQs for their review. Mayor Castro said they should always receive them. Council Member Santillan -Beas asked if two weeks would be sufficient time and if staff was comfortable with it. City Manager Beltran said it is up to the Council to decide how much time they give to respond. .Mayor Castro stated for the record, "I made it very clear that I wanted the shortest time available to get this out of the way. I don't mean to be rude to any other organization but it was one, we have to go through the motions just simply because of the four fifths requirements and anybody if they're going to submit their proposal it's not really so much for staff it's for the vendor and at this point I am not at that situation but I just want to get this over with as soon as possible ". It was moved by Council Member Solache, seconded by Mayor Castro to approve the resolution. RESOLUTION NO. 2014.187 ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD AUTHORIZING STAFF TO ISSUE A REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS TO RECEIVE STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS FROM QUALIFIED FIRMS TO 'CONDUCT AN AUDIT OF CITY FACILITIES, DEVELOP ENERGY SAVINGS MEASURES AND TO PROPOSE IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS ALATORRE, SANTILLAN -BEAS, SOLACHE AND CASTRO NOES: COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ . ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE Item #22. CAR SHOW TOY DRIVE — REQUEST FOR USE OF LYNWOOD CITY PARK It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez to approve Option #1. Mayor Castro made a subsequent motion to approve Option #2. The Council commented on the contract that was approved with Pageantry at the last meeting. Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez asked Mr. Flores to elaborate on the contract with Pageantry because he understood that it included the cars to be used in the parade. Mark Flores, Acting Director of Recreation explained that they have contracted with Pageantry for a minimal amount of cars but they are always in need of more vehicles due to last minute entries from community groups that want to participate in the parade. Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez asked Mr. Flores why he would recommend Option #1. Mr. Flores responded and said that it is hard to rely on the Showtime Car Club or any car club on a volunteer basis. Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez asked if they used Showtime Car Club last year. The response was yes. Council Member Santillan -Beas asked how many toys were donated last year by the car club. Mr. Flores responded less than one toy per car but it should have been a minimum of one per car. Mayor Castro stated that one of the conditions would be one toy donation per car entry. Council Member Santillan- Beas asked how many cars will enter this year. Mr. Flores said that last year it was 50 cars and the idea is to have a year -end party for the car club. Mayor Castro made a motion to approve Option #2. She asked the car club representative if there was a limit on how many cars could be used by the city for the parade. The response was there is no limit. Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez asked if Option #2 is selected will there be a commitment from the car club for a minimum amount of cars. Mr. Ismael from Showtime Car Club stated that they will commit to 5 cars minimum and they will have more available if needed. Mayor Castro asked how many cars came participated for the toy drive. Mr. Ismael responded and said that there were about 50 cars. It was moved by Mayor Castro, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez to approve Option #2 — Approve event fee waiver of the applicable $400 Large Group fee, require a minimum donation of one toy per show car at the event to the City and a minimum participation of four Showtime Car Club member classic cars for the 2014 City Christmas Parade. City provides the requested facility area and the listed support services. AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS ALATORRE, SANTILLAN -BEAS, SOLACHE, HERNANDEZ AND CASTRO NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE Item #23. APPROVAL TO RETAIN STETSON ENGINEERING SERVICES TO PREPARE A WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND PROVIDE TRAINING FOR COLLECTING SAMPLES Mayor Castro asked the City Attorney if he reviewed the item. City Attorney Garcia stated that he reviewed the staff report and made some minor changes. He asked that if it is approved he have the opportunity to review the agreement. Mayor Castro asked that the caveat be added that it be reviewed by the City Attorney. Mayor Castro asked the Public Works Director if he had any statement or opinion regarding this firm. Mr. Stalker said that he has known Stetson Engineers for many years and they are a very good company. . Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez commented on the mistakes made that will cost the city more taxpayer money regarding this project. Mayor Castro commented on the citation issued to the city and said she found out about it through an employee rather than from the Director. It was moved by Mayor Castro, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez to approve the resolution. RESOLUTION NO. 2014.188 ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD APPROVING A CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LYNWOOD AND STETSON ENGINEERS INC. TO PREPARE A WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND PROVIDE REQUISITE TRAINING FOR COLLECTING SAMPLES; AND AUTHORIZING APPROPRIATION IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $25,000 AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS ALATORRE, SANTILLAN -BEAS, SOLACHE, HERNANDEZ AND CASTRO NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE Item #24. RENEWAL OF CONTRACT WITH STEINY AND COMPANY, INC. AND APPROVAL OF CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER FOR THE LYNWOOD TRAFFIC SIGNAL UPGRADE PROJECT, PROJECT NO. 4011.67.988 Mayor Castro asked Interim Public Works Director for an explanation of the request for a change order. Mayor Castro stated for the record, "We know it was not your fault ". Mr.Stracker explained that Steiny found many items underground that had not been investigated during the design portion of the project which is why they had to request additional funds to -take care of those items. He added that because the project was put on hold for a while they are asking for an extension to their contract. Mayor Castro asked Mr. Stracker if he will ensure that they stay on their timeline. Mr. Stracker responded and said that he will work .very closely with them on this project and others that come up. Council Member Santillan -Beas asked Mr. Stracker if the situation with the design was something that should have been caught when the design was presented. Mr. Stracker 'responded that in this case there was a lot of underground damage done -to the wires such as water damage and ant damage that was not foreseen. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez, seconded by Mayor Castro to approve the resolution. RESOLUTION NO. 2014.189 ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF 'LYNWOOD RENEWING THE EXISTING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND STEINY AND COMPANY, INC. FOR THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, PROJECT NO. 4011.67.988, APPROVING CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 1, IN THE AMOUNT OF $56,382.93 AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS ALATORRE, SOLACHE, HERNANDEZ AND CASTRO NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS SANTILLAN -BEAS ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE Item #25. MAINTENANCE OF MEDIAN ISLANDS Council Member Santillan -.Beas asked staff who is doing the work on the median islands close to Beechwood and Sanborn. Mr. Stracker responded and said that Public Works did not have any work scheduled there. Council Member Solache commented and said it could be a contractor for the. sanitation work being done on that corner. Council Member Alatorre commented on invoices submitted by the contractor that was providing the maintenance service for the median islands. He said that the contract was terminated on September 30th and Council had given direction that no invoices submitted after that day is .paid. He asked that the Finance Director not process those invoices and that the City Treasurer not sign any checks for that contractor to be paid. Mayor Castro and Council Member Solache commented on the individuals they observed working in the median islands. Mayor Castro mentioned thinking they were fixing the sprinklers. Mayor Pro Tern `Hernandez commented on 'his thoughts about having the work done in house but wants to know if the Public Works department has the man power and tools to do the work. Council Member Alatorre suggested giving the city employees some overtime and having them do the work. Mayor Castro commented on council's direction to staff to bring options to the City Council on how to proceed with the .maintenance of the median islands either doing it in house or outsourcing it. Mr. Stracker stated that they will bring some options forward to Council on how they will get the median islands accomplished. Council Member Santillan -Beas suggested going out for an RFP and temporarily acquiring the services of Montes Gardening to address the median islands situation should city staff not be available to do the work. Mr. Stracker said they recommend going out for an RFP to bring someone in that can do the job and he has a few names. Council Member Alatorre asked staff regarding Hillcrest who was hired to do some repairing of the irrigation system. He wants to know what the extent of the work is. Council Member Solache asked that they consider giving the employees the opportunity to do the work before outsourcing it. It was moved by Council 'Member Alatorre, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez to approve Option #2 — Authorize staff to maintain all medians in -house in the interim; authorize staff to issue a request for bids for the rehabilitation of the landscaped medians and irrigation system; and authorize staff to issue a request for bids for the on- going maintenance of the median islands. AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS ALATORRE, SANTILLAN -BEAS, SOLACHE, HERNANDEZ AND CASTRO NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE Mayor Castro announced that there will be a workshop on drought resistant lawns on October 25th at Bateman 'Hall. She recommends that the residents attend and mentioned that the City Manager will be looking "at revising the city ordinance because at this time it is not water drought friendly. She acknowledged Compton Council Member ]saac Galvan of the 2nd District in the audience. She asked Mr. Galvan if he would like to make a statement. Council Member-Galvan announced a Diabetes Awareness Event to be held November 8th He stated that it will be a live boxing show with 7 professional boxing fights as well as a concert by DJ Quick and Gabriel Rivera, brother of the late Jenni Rivera. He provided 2 tickets to each Council Member and said it is a charity event and every dollar raised will be donated to the American Diabetes Association. Council 'Member Galvan congratulated Council Member Solache for being selected as Democrat of the Year. Mayor Castro thanked Council Member Galvan for visiting and asked him to have his staff forward the boxing event flier to them so that they can help with advertising. CLOSED SESSION It was moved by Council Member Alatorre, seconded by Council Member Santillan- Beas to recess to closed session at 7:56 p.m. The City Council reconvened at 8:52 p.m. Item #26. CLOSED SESSION A. With respect to every item of business to be discussed in closed session pursuant to Section 54956.9: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL —ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: Number of Cases: Four No reportable action taken. ADJOURNMENT Having no further discussion, it was moved by Council Member Solache, seconded by Council Member Alatorre and carried to adjourn the regular Lynwood City Council meeting at 8:53 p.m. + .- aria Quinonez, City Clerk