Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAbout2023-03-21 - CC REGULAR MEETINGLynwood City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes March 21, 2023 01. CALL TO ORDER The City Council Regular Meeting of the City of Lynwood met in the Council Chambers, 11350 Bullis Road Lynwood, CA 90262 or Web conference via ZOOM - To participate via Zoom.or by telephone: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-253-215-8782 Meeting ID: 835 2029 8238 on the above date at 6:00 p.m. Meeting called to order at 6:02 p.m. Mayor Flores presiding. 02. CERTIFICATION OF AGENDA POSTING BY CITY CLERK City Clerk Quinonez announced the Agenda had been duly posted in accordance with the Brown Act. 03. ROLL CALL OF COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS CAMACHO, MUNOZ-GUEVARA, SOLACHE, MAYOR PRO TEM SOTO AND MAYOR FLORES ABSENT: NONE STAFF City Manager Hernandez, City Attorney Tapia, City Treasurer Cuellar, PRESENT: and City Clerk Quinonez ABSENT: NONE 04. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Lynwood Sheriffs Explorers. 05. INVOCATION The invocation was offered by Evangelist Tracy Allen. 06. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS • Update on Law Enforcement Issues. • City Council Members Reporting on Meetings Attended (Gov. Code Section 53232.3 (D)). • City Videos. • Proclamations. 07. COUNCIL RECESS TO: City of Lynwood as the Successor Agency to the Lynwood Redevelopment Agency MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Solache, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Soto to recess to the City of Lynwood as the Successor Agency to the Lynwood Redevelopment Agency Meeting at 6:41 p.m. Motion carried by 5/0 vote. 1 ROLL CALL: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS CAMACHO, MUNOZ-GUEVARA, SOLACHE, MAYOR PRO TEM SOTO AND MAYOR FLORES NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE Lynwood Housing Authority MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Camacho, seconded by Council Member Solache to recess to the Lynwood Housing Authority at 6:43 p.m. Motion carried by 5/0 vote. ROLL CALL: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS CAMACHO, MUNOZ-GUEVARA, SOLACHE, MAYOR PRO TEM SOTO AND MAYOR FLORES NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE Lynwood Utility Authority MOTION: It was moved by Member Solache, seconded by Member Camacho to recess to the Lynwood Public Financing Agency at 6:44 p.m. Motion carried by 5/0 vote. ROLL CALL: AYES: MEMBERS CAMACHO, MUNOZ-GUEVARA, SOLACHE, VICE PRESIDENT SOTO AND PRESIDENT FLORES NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE Lynwood Public Financing Agency MOTION: It was moved by Vice Chair Soto, seconded by Commissioner Camacho to recess to the Lynwood Public Financing Agency at 6:47p.m. Motion carried by 5/0 vote. ROLL CALL: AYES: COMMISSIONERS CAMACHO, MUNOZ-GUEVARA, SOLACHE, VICE CHAIR SOTO AND CHAIR FLORES NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE The City Council reconvened to the regular City Council meeting at 6:49 p.m. PUBLIC ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Regarding Agenda Items Only) NONE NON -AGENDA PUBLIC ORAL COMMUNICATIONS The following individuals spoke or emailed comments regarding non -agenda items: Michelle Zuno, Anthony Arecibo, Cindy Donis, Alexa, Carla De Paz, Ruby Rivera, Oscar Zarate, Maria Padilla, Paola, S. Munoz, Maricruz Sanchez, Paul Cole Padilla, Mayra Rodriguez, Mr. Medal, Estela Mata and Mr. Gary Hardy. Public Hearing MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Solache, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Soto to open Public Hearing on item number eight (8). Motion carried by 5-0 vote. ROLL CALL: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS CAMACHO, MUNOZ-GUEVARA, SOLACHE, MAYOR PRO TEM SOTO AND MAYOR FLORES NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE PUBLIC COMMENTS: NONE MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Solache, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Soto to close Public Hearing on item number eight (8). Motion carried by 5-0 vote. ROLL CALL: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS CAMACHO, MUNOZ-GUEVARA, SOLACHE, MAYOR PRO TEM SOTO AND MAYOR FLORES NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE 08. HOME -ARP ALLOCATION PLAN MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Solache, seconded by Council Member Camacho to approve the item. Motion carried by 5/0 vote. ROLL CALL: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS CAMACHO, MUNOZ-GUEVARA, SOLACHE, MAYOR PRO TEM SOTO AND MAYOR FLORES NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE 3 Approved and Adopted RESOLUTION NO. 2023.026 ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD APPROVING THE SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT NO. #1 TO THE CDBG FISCAL YEAR 2021-2022 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN, APPROVING THE HOME -ARP ALLOCATION PLAN AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, OR THEIR DESIGNEE, TO SUBMIT THE PLAN TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Mayor Flores announced the Public Hearing for item number nine (9) renewal of Torrance Pipeline Company, LLC, Pipeline Franchise was currently open as it was continued from previous March 7th regular meeting and he requested comments from the public regarding item number nine (9). PUBLIC COMMENTS: Dyana Pena, Chapter Chair of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club expressed her concern regarding item number nine (9). Morgan Goodwin submitted a written comment regarding item number nine (9). Terry Shinde and Joshua Briscoe spoke online via Zoon regarding item number nine (9). MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Solache, seconded by Council Member Camacho to close Public Hearing on item number nine (9). Motion carried by 5-0 vote. ROLL CALL: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS CAMACHO, MUNOZ-GUEVARA, SOLACHE, MAYOR PRO TEM SOTO AND MAYOR FLORES NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE 09. RENEWAL OF TORRANCE PIPELINE COMPLANY, LLC, PIPELINE FRANCHISE: RE- OPEN PUBLIC HEARING; RECOMMEND INTRODUCTION FOR FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE FRANCHISE AND A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO GRANT A PIPELINE FRANCHISE TO TORRANCE PIPELINE COMPANY LLC MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Solache, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Soto to approve item number nine (9) with the following corrections: Section #4 was revised to two (2) years and Section #12 was revised to $2,000.00. Motion carried by 4/1 vote. ROLL CALL: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS CAMACHO, SOLACHE, MAYOR PRO TEM SOTO AND MAYOR FLORES NOES: COUNCIL MEMBER MUNOZ-GUEVARA ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE 4 First Reading ORDINANCE NO. 1757 - FIRST READING Approved and Adopted RESOLUTION NO. 2023.017 ENTITLED: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD GRANTING A NONEXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TO TORRANCE PIPELINE COMPANY TO OPERATE AND MAINTAIN A PIPELINE SYSTEM FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF OIL AND GAS UNDER CERTAIN PUBLIC WAYS AND PUBLIC PLACES IN THE CITY OF LYNWOOD; SETTING FORTH CONDITIONS ACCOMPANYING A GRANT OF NONEXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE; PROVIDING FOR AMOUNT AND METHOD OF PAYMENT BY FRANCHISEE FOR THE PRIVILEGE GRANTED, AND PROVIDING FOR THE TERM OF THE NONEXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE AND A RESOLUTION OF THE. CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO GRANT A PIPELINE FRANCHISE TO TORRANCE PIPELINE COMPANY LLC Consent Calendar All matters listed under the Consent Calendar will be acted upon by one motion affirming the action recommended on the agenda. There will be no separate discussion on these items prior to voting unless members of the Council or staff request specific items be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action. MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Solache, seconded by Council Member Camacho to approve the consent calendar. Motion carried by 5/0 vote. ROLL CALL: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS CAMACHO, MUNOZ-GUEVARA, SOLACHE, MAYOR PRO TEM SOTO AND MAYOR FLORES NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE 10. APPROVAL OF THE WARRANT REGISTER Approved and Adopted RESOLUTION NO. 2023.027 ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD ALLOWING AND APPROVING THE DEMANDS AND WARRANTS REGISTER DATED MARCH 21, 2023 FOR FY 2022- 2023. 11. PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES Approved Meeting Minutes for Lynwood City Council October 4, 2022 Regular City Council Meeting, November '1, 2022 Regular Closed Session Meeting, November 1, 2022 Regular City Council Meeting, December 6, 2022 Regular City Council Meeting, December 20. 2022 Regular 12. TREASURER'S MONTHLY INVESTMENT REPORT Received and Filed TREASURER'S MONTHLY INVESTMENT REPORT 5 13. SENIOR CONGREGATE AND HOME DELIVERED MEALS SERVICE Approved and Adopted RESOLUTION NO. 2023.028 AND FOUR-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH HUMAN SERVICES ASSOCIATION FOR THE CITY'S SENIOR NUTRITION MEAL PROGRAM ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A FOUR-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH HUMAN SERVICES ASSOCIATION FOR THE CITY'S SENIOR NUTRITION MEAL PROGRAM 14. APPROVAL OF SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT-CHRISTIANSEN AMUSEMENTS CARNIVAL Approved and Adopted RESOLUTION NO. 2023.029 ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA APPROVING THE CHRISTIANSEN AMUSEMENTS CARNIVAL EVENT FOR APRIL 20, 2023 — APRIL 23, 2023 15. RECOMMENDATION TO REJECT ALL BIDS FOR THE CITYWIDE SURVEILLANCE CAMERA, LICENSE PLATE READER, AND MOBILE CAMERA SYSTEM AND INST Approved and Adopted RESOLUTION NO. 2023.030 ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD, REJECTING ALL BIDS FOR THE CITYWIDE SURVEILLANCE CAMERA, LICENSE PLATE READER, AND MOBILE CAMERA SOLUTION AND INSTALLATION RELEASED ON OCTOBER 3, 2022 AND ISSUING A NEW FORMAL BID PROCESS FOR CITYWIDE SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS New/Old Business 16. AGREEMENT FOR FIREWORKS DISPLAYS FOR THE CITY OF LYNWOOD'S INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION SHOWS IN 2023 AND 2024 MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Solache, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Soto to approve the item. Motion carried by 5/0 vote. ROLL CALL: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS CAMACHO, MUNOZ-GUEVARA, SOLACHE, MAYOR PRO TEM SOTO AND MAYOR FLORES NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE Approved and Adopted RESOLUTION NO. 2023.031 AND A TWO-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH PYRO SPECTACULARS 6 ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A TWO-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH PYRO SPECTACULARS FOR THE CITY'S INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION FOR 2023 AND 2024 17. COMMERCIAL FACADE GRANT PROGRAM UPDATE MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Camacho, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Soto to receive and file the item. Motion carried by 5/0 vote. ROLL CALL: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS CAMACHO, MUNOZ-GUEVARA, SOLACHE, MAYOR PRO TEM SOTO AND MAYOR FLORES NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE Received and Filed COMMERCIAL FACADE GRANT PROGRAM UPDATE CITY COUNCIL ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION Council Member Munoz -Guevara stated he wanted to start his comments with some incredibly awesome positive news by acknowledging Lynwood High School Basketball Team won the CIF State Championship and remarked that Jason Crowe Junior is the best freshman in the country. He mentioned he has heard rumors that Jason is signing a commitment to his alma mater, UCLA. He expressed his excitement of being able to join the team at their last game at Lynwood High but said unfortunately he was not able attend the victory game in Sacramento. Council Member Munoz -Guevara pointed out that he has been bringing up the issue of renter protections at every single meeting since being voted into office. He indicated that being on the dais really is not about him but about the needs of the residents in the community and the issues that matter to them. He said that many folks are very, very anxious about housing. He commented that he works for a labor union in his day job and noted that unions historically have focused on wages and economics; however, he confirmed that housing is the second biggest issue for their members. He stated that it is important to consider the issue at this time due to the circumstances that many folks are living in. He expressed that he empathizes with the situation as he gets each side of the issue and has engaged in conversation with both the landlords and renters. He observed that many of the wealthy west side cities such as Santa Monica and West Hollywood together with some of our southeast neighbors, Bell Gardens, Cudahy, Maywood and the City of Los Angeles have enacted protections and so these cities are not under fire. Council Member Munoz -Guevara revealed that he was invited by some of our housing groups to visit several of the apartments in our city and disclosed that what he 7 witnessed in some of these apartments is just really heartbreaking. He described a conversation he had with a renter who is 78 years old that is taking care of his 98 -year - old mother as they both survive on social security benefits. He ascertained that these folks are getting a rate increase effective April 1st to $1,610 and this renter presented a paycheck stub from social security reflecting $1600 monthly benefit deposit. He indicated that the difficulty now is they have to tap into the mother's social security and try to figure out the rest. He stated it is becoming economically impossible for many of our residents to sustain their housing. Council Member Munoz -Guevara said he had the opportunity to interact with school board member Gary Hardy to discuss issues that our schools are facing including student enrollment declining over the last five year period as it is pointed out our students are leaving our schools because their families many times cannot afford to live here. He recognized that student displacement directly correlates to the issue of school funding in our community. He commented that many families are moving to the Antelope Valley, Victorville and other the high desert communities that are more affordable. He said staff in Supervisor Han's office and Board Supervisors are putting the burden on us, the small cities to take action after being under the County's protections for over three years. Council Member Munoz -Guevara concluded his remarks by encouraging Council to be in dialogue and conversations for action on this important issue and to come up with legislation that reasonable and sensible to provide some protection to Lynwood's residential renters. Council Member Camacho expressed her enthusiasm for Lynwood High School boys' basketball team winning the CIF State Championship and she noted that it was the boys' basketball team's first state championship win in the high school's history. She stated that the girls' basketball team have brought home the state championship several times, but she indicated this is the first time state championship win for the boys' basketball team. She acknowledged a remark from one of the commentators describing Lynwood as a small community; she spoke to this victorious occasion as it really brought the community together collectively with visual support from community leaders representing the school board members, the entire city council members and also included many alumni residents that were there. She remarked that she was proud to hear so many very nice comments about Lynwood made on TV. Council Member Camacho extended thanks to city staff that has been handling the issues involving the large volume of rain we have been subjected to and expressed gratitude for their responses to the demanding work associated with all the rain that we have been experiencing. She concluded her comments by indicating she is looking forward to the women's event scheduled on Saturday to celebrate Women's History Month and extended appreciation to staff for all their efforts in organizing the event. Council Member Solache conveyed excitement as across the board and community wide for Lynwood High School boys' basketball team winning the CIF State Championship. He shared an audio he received from a resident and stated it was very appropriate. He continued to praise Lynwood High School as an amazing school, applauded Mayor Oscar Flores, Lynwood Superintendent Gudiel Crosthwaite, and especially praised Lynwood High School Principal Ana Gonzalez as the best principal in in public schools right now. He emphasized that her care for our students is outstandingly displayed as she provides exceptional encouragement in the roll of the head coach of the basketball team. Council Member Solache pointed out Patty Rodriguez as a Lynwood alumni that obviously works for Kiss FM. He declared her a superstar because she ensured that not only was our team featured on Kiss FM Live with an outstanding interview, but Patty also invited our team to the Crypto Center. He encouraged the community to keep celebrating our students as they have earned their place and remarked that Jason Crowe Junior is a superstar. He stated that it is impressive that he is a freshman and scored 40 points during the game and the whole team did phenomenal. He remarked that Jason is definitely our next Kobe and suggested to invite the team here to acknowledge their celebration and provide some sort of community acknowledgement such as a parade or a trolley ride throughout the city. Mayor Pro Tem Soto also congratulated our high school basketball team on their victory and indicated that she would like to see an activity provided to celebrate our students. She remarked that they are doing their best for our community and we should recognize their amazing efforts that brought the championship to Lynwood. She concluded her comments by addressing her concern regarding rent control and expressed that the current situation does break her heart. She indicated that as a community member she cares about everybody and noted the small landlords also need protection. She questioned how as council members can protect everybody not only one group. Mayor Flores declared the Lynwood High School boys' basketball team as amazing and he noted that the way the team carried themselves was outstanding. He supported the suggestion for a genuine celebration for what they accomplished as a team and applauded the awareness they generated for our city and small community. Mayor Flores spoke to renter protections issue and noted that there are many concerns that need consideration at minimum. He stated he wants to hear from more folks on all sides. He requested that staff conduct a review or study of available protections that exist now as well as resources available. He noted that at the State level, there are resources and at the County level as well, however he indicated from what has been expressed today it appears that the County is just wiping their hands of renter protection issues. He stated that it is incumbent upon us to communicate with those 9 agencies at the higher levels to inform them how important it is for their involvement and not just simply wipe their hands for us to decide on appropriate action at a local level. Mayor Flores recognized the need to identify resources required to take care of our people at all levels. He remarked that suggestions to lower the percentage of rent increase brings into consideration of the rights of the landowner. He noted that any council action taken would affect them also. He requested staff to provide a list of details for council consideration. He mentioned that he is aware that either Baldwin Hills or Baldwin Park has a side -by -side list and he requested staff to look into what is available on their website. He felt this would help Council to initiate and continue relevant discussions locally as to how to address resources available to our city and our residents. Mayor Flores stated he was not happy personally hearing supervisors. just passing this issue down, but would rather prefer a collaboration with everybody and notjust totally • push it down because in the end there is the bigger problem. He mentioned that Senator Bernie Sanders talked about this problem stemming from a bigger issue. Mayor Flores noted that he spoke with the representative from SCIU and expressed the need to get together with the rest of the unions and actually talk together and go fight that big fight. He said he was sure that the unions are going to have cities behind them even if you want to go to the Federal level with this fight, just imagine us working together. Mayor Flores indicated that during that meeting it rang a bell loud that the supervisors consider us as the little people, even those individuals on the dais. He said it is shameful and we need to address that. He noted a lot of this happens because of the vote with 15% of us that are registered come out to vote, but he noted this could be powerful too. Mayor Flores concluded his comments stating he wants more information in order to be knowledgeable of what is available for the renter and the landlord whomever it may involve. Council Member Munoz -Guevara request to make an additional comment that he forgot to include in his remarks. He expressed appreciation to have our City Clerk Ms. Quinonez attending the meeting tonight as she has been recovering from an auto accident, and was out for a while. He conveyed everyone was glad to have her back in person. City Clerk Quinonez thanked everyone for their kindness and she expressed she was grateful to be alive. STAFF ORAL COMMENTS City Manager Hernandez indicated that he spoke to the school superintendent about 10 inviting the basketball team to one of the council meetings. He also said he was open to entertain concepts and ideas from city council as to what we can do to recognize the boys' basketball team further. City Manager Hernandez commented that he did listen to the board of supervisors' conversation regarding renter issues and noted that they punted when taking action to initiate the conversation. He remarked that this is a regional issue not just a local concern and commented that he has been involved in municipal government for some time- but finds it fascinating how our congress folks, our assembly and our county supervisors miss the mark on regional and social issues. He observed that unfortunately local government does all the heavy lifting and 99% of what the residents really benefit from. Director Flores made mention of a couple of quick community events for everyone's information. He begin with stating that this Saturday is our Women's History Month Conference held at Bateman Hall. He noted that the starting check -in time is at 9:30 a.m. and the program will start at 10 a.m. He announced the event features a keynote speaker, Anna Flores, who is the founder and CEO of We All Grow Latina, the renowned network of digital influencers and creators. He highlighted that, a distinguished panel consisting of news anchor from Telemundo, Sandra O'Neill, business coach and lifestyle personality, Daniela, lean actor and TV, hostess, Nia Chama and AEG executive Jay Requinto. He said the program will also feature lunch giveaways, a women owned vendors market, and of course opening comments from our own Mayor Pro Tem Soto and Council Member Camacho. He remarked that the event VPS have been filled and they are expecting a great crowd on this Saturday. His second point announced that our Dodgers Dream Team registrations are open and the program sells out quick; multiple divisions have already sold out because of the popularity of the program, He encouraged everyone to please save the date for spring program as council is invited for opening day on April 15th Lynwood City Park. He mentioned that we need volunteer coaches across all age divisions and noted that further details are available and to please contact the Recreation Department for more information. Director Flores concluded his comments by encouraging the community to take advantage of our expanded program offerings especially over at the senior center as there are new field trips starting next month. He also noted a new senior yoga class and a new health and fit fitness class as well as many of the programs that our seniors love. He stated that all this information is available on the website or on our social media at Lynwood Parks. Community Development Director Linares presented a quick slide update for project to inform Council that the 7 -Eleven retail store gas station is opening as permits were issued. He said construction is complete and a certificate of occupancy for the gas station/7-Eleven was released. He indicated that staff would be working with the 11 mayor's calendar to schedule a ribbon cutting and that more information to come on the ground opening a ribbon cutting event or we will present a certificate to the owner. He concluded his comments by mentioning an additional car wash was approved and is under construction along Atlantic and there will be more information provided in the near future. ADJOURNMENT Having no further discussion, it was moved by Council Member Solache, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Soto to adjourn the regular Lynwood City Council meeting at 9:12 p.m. in memory of Marie Stephanie Salinas. aria Quinonez," ity Clerk /nb 12 Oscar Flores, layor