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Cerritos City Council Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS
HELD SEPTEMBER 14, 2006


CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Paul Bowlen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Cerritos City Hall, 18125 Bloomfield Avenue, Cerritos, California.

INVOCATION

Reverend Dr. Keith Tanis of New Life Community Church in Artesia offered the invocation.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Boy Scout Troop 394 led the assembly in the salute to the flag.

ROLL CALL

The City Clerk noted attendance of the following Members of the City Council:

Councilman John F. Crawley
Councilman Jim Edwards
Councilwoman Gloria A. Kappe
Mayor Pro Tem Laura Lee
Mayor Paul W. Bowlen

PRESENTATIONS

Mayor Bowlen presented a proclamation to Teresa Brunella, Director of Volunteer and Community Outreach for the Greater Long Beach Chapter of the American Red Cross, proclaiming September, 2006 as Preparedness Month in the City of Cerritos.

PUBLIC COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS

Merri Wheaton, Cerritos resident, offered a prayer.

Tony Smith, Cerritos resident, expressed that he is frequently stopped by Sheriff Deputies while driving in the City, and the Council directed staff to meet with Mr. Smith.

Mona Hawkins, Cerritos resident, also expressed that her son is also frequently stopped by Sheriff Deputies while driving in the City.

Darryl Hill, Tracy High School student, referenced Cerritos High School Assistant Principal Charles Brotchner, and he was directed to the ABC Unified School District.

Alon Barlevy, Cerritos resident, Community Safety Committee Member and President of the Hubert Humphrey Democratic Club, reiterated comments from the last Council meeting regarding conflict of interest allegations involving Economic Development Commissioner Grace Hu; and expressed concern with her participation at the next Economic Development Commission meeting. Mr. Barlevy also requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Cerritos resident Julius Rothman who recently passed away.

Armand Carrol, Cerritos resident, expressed concern with the conflict of interest allegations involving Grace Hu and suggested her resignation from the Economic Development Commission.

Mary O. Su, Cerritos resident, expressed concern with the conflict of interest allegations involving Grace Hu, referenced a petition signed by residents concerning the issue, and suggested her resignation from the Economic Development Commission.

Mona Hawkins, Cerritos resident, discussed the conflict of interest allegations involving Grace Hu, suggested her resignation from the Economic Development Commission, and opined Ms. Hu’s financial gain concerning this issue.

Mark Muto, Cerritos resident, spoke in support of Grace Hu and suggested the Council not compel her resignation from the Economic Development Commission.

Donald Izumihara, Cerritos resident, expressed concern with the conflict of interest allegations involving Grace Hu, suggested an investigation of the allegations and the placement of the matter on a future City Council agenda.

Randy Economy, Cerritos resident, expressed concern with the remarks made by Community Safety Committee Member Alon Barlevy about Grace Hu and read excerpts from an e-mail dated September 9, 2006 from Mr. Barlevy concerning Grace Hu. He argued that Mr. Barlevy is using his position on the Community Safety Committee for political gain and suggested his removal from that Committee.

Allen Wood, Cerritos resident, discussed the conflict of interest allegations involving Grace Hu and expressed concern that partisan politics is being introduced into a non-partisan environment.

Matt Coble, Cerritos resident and political researcher, discussed questionable campaign strategies used to discredit candidates running for office; expressed concerns with allowing partisan politics at City Council meetings; and encouraged the Council to continue functioning in a non-partisan manner.

Grace Hu, Cerritos resident and Economic Development Commissioner, disputed the allegations expressed this evening; and read excerpts from the Statement of California Department of Corporations Stipulated Order.

At the request of the Mayor, the City Clerk acknowledged receipt of two emails from Cerritos resident Jim McMahon requesting that overnight parking permits and enhancement of the City’s website be placed on the next City Council agenda.

MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Kappe and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lee to place the matter of the consideration of the possible removal of Grace Hu as a member of the Economic Development Commission on a future agenda after the upcoming November election. The motion carried with Councilman Crawley dissenting.

CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS

Approval of Register of Demands

MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Kappe and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lee to approve the Register of Demands dated September 14, 2006, Checks 84007 through 84160, Checks 84161 through 84342, Checks, 84343 through 84437 and Checks 84438 through 84611, in the total amount of $9,032,986.54. The motion carried unanimously.

Approval of Treasurer’s Report for the period ending June 30, 2006

MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Kappe and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lee to approve the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending June 30, 2006. The motion carried unanimously.

Approval of Minutes

MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Kappe and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lee to approve the Minutes of the August 24, 2006 Regular City Council Meeting. The motion carried unanimously.

Miscellaneous

Consideration and award of Bid No. 1035-07, printing of the 2007 Cerritos Community Calendar.

MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Kappe and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lee to award Bid No. 1035-07 for the printing of the 2007 Cerritos Community Calendar to Anderson Printing in the amount of $32,328.86. The motion carried unanimously.

Consideration and award of Bid No. 1031-07, purchase of one new forklift.

MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Kappe and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lee to award Bid No. 1031-07 for the purchase of one new forklift to Material Handling Supply, Inc. in the amount of $36,020.50. The motion carried unanimously.

Pending Legal Matters

Ordinances for First Reading and Introduction

CONSIDERATION TO WAIVE READING OF AND RE-INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 915 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS AMENDING CHAPTER 10.12 OF TITLE 10 OF THE CERRITOS MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROHIBIT STREET PARKING ON DESIGNATED DAYS FOR STREET SWEEPING.


Continued from the August 24, 2006 City Council meeting.

Community and Safety Services Director Berg noted that at its August 24, 2006 meeting, the City Council directed staff to conduct additional research relative to sweeping each side of the street on alternate days and the availability of sound reduction technology, noting that staff was unable to identify sound reduction technology equipment that is substantially quieter than the existing street sweeping equipment. He discussed the survey conducted by staff confirming that vehicles are blocking street sweepers and the availability of sufficient off-street parking in residential areas; indicated that street sweeping on each side of the street on alternate days would require sweeping twice a week due to the large number of cul-de-sacs; and indicated that parking restrictions in four hour blocks of time are anticipated, the exact times of which have not been determined.

Interested parties were invited to present testimony.

Armand Carrol, Cerritos resident, stated that he has six vehicles and is required to park one vehicle on the street; noted that street sweepers arrived in his neighborhood this morning at 6:00 a.m. when many cars were still parked on the street; expressed opposition to requiring residents to move their vehicles unless a specific time is designated for street sweeping; and indicated a preference for sweeping each side of the street on alternate days.

Alon Barlevy, Cerritos resident and Community Safety Committee Member, agreed with the comments made by Armand Carrol; indicated that available residential off-street parking is on private property; and suggested sweeping alternate sides of the streets leading to cul-de-sacs to allow vehicles to park on adjacent streets and not in other neighborhoods.

Tracy Winkler, Cerritos resident, indicated a preference for sweeping each side of the street on alternate days if an ordinance is adopted, and observed that it is inconvenient for individuals to move their vehicles.

Jerry Kamashian, Cerritos resident, suggested additional research of sound reduction technology equipment to reduce noise levels 10-15 decibels for night sweeping; referenced the noise levels provided by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association; and inquired if the current street sweeping company could make the investment in sound reduction technology equipment.

No one else wished to address the City Council and the public input portion of this item was closed.

Discussion ensued regarding the following: the costs of sweeping each side of the street on alternate days; street sweepers arriving in residential neighborhoods before the designated street sweeping times and the commitment of street sweeping contractor to adhere to the street sweeping schedule; parking tickets not issued when street sweepers arrive earlier than scheduled; National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater mandates; issuance of warning notices during an educational period; and the number of vehicles with overnight parking permits blocking street sweepers.

ORDINANCE NO. 915

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS AMENDING CHAPTER 10.12 OF TITLE 10 OF THE CERRITOS MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROHIBIT STREET PARKING ON DESIGNATED DAYS FOR STREET SWEEPING.

MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Kappe and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lee to waive reading of and re-introduce Ordinance No. 915. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers - Edwards, Kappe, Lee, Bowlen
NOES: Councilmembers - Crawley
ABSENT: Councilmembers - None
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers - None

Councilman Crawley indicated a street sweeping preference that would allow residents an option to move their vehicles to the opposite side of the street or to a location within their neighborhoods near their homes.

At the request of the Mayor, the City Clerk acknowledged receipt of an email received from Cerritos resident Jim McMahon in opposition to Ordinance No. 915.

Consideration to waive reading of and introduce AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS ADDING CHAPTER 1.18 TO THE CERRITOS MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING THE CITY SEAL AND CITY LOGOS.

ORDINANCE NO. 917

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS ADDING CHAPTER 1.18 TO THE CERRITOS MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING THE CITY SEAL AND CITY LOGOS.

MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Edwards and seconded by Councilwoman Kappe to waive reading of and introduce Ordinance No. 917. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers - Crawley, Edwards, Kappe, Lee, Bowlen
NOES: Councilmembers - None
ABSENT: Councilmembers - None
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers - None

Resolution for Consideration

Consideration to waive reading of and adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS IDENTIFYING AND ESTABLISHING OFFICIAL CITY LOGOS.

RESOLUTION NO. 2006-29

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS IDENTIFYING AND ESTABLISHING OFFICIAL CITY LOGOS.

MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Edwards and seconded by Councilwoman Kappe to waive reading of and adopt Resolution No. 2006-29. The motion unanimously carried.

RECESS AND RECONVENE:

Mayor Bowlen called a recess at 8:30 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:35 p.m. with all Members of the City Council in attendance.

PUBLIC WORKS ACTIVITIES

Consideration and award of a professional services contract for the design of a ±11-acre, multi-family, affordable housing development of 240 units located at 16700 Norwalk Boulevard (APN 7012-001-900).

Public Works Director Arbogast presented an overview of the staff report dated September 14, 2006 and the design process.

Tracy Winkler, Cerritos resident, inquired about the selection process for the professional services contract; and suggested a two-part contract, one part for the conceptual plans and the second part for the engineering plans.

MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Edwards and seconded by Councilwoman Kappe to award a professional services contract for the design of a ±11-acre, multi-family, affordable housing development of 240 units located at 16700 Norwalk Boulevard (APN 7012-001-900) to the Woods Group Architects in an amount of $617,330. The motion carried unanimously.

Consideration and award of a professional services contract for the design of a ±41,000 square foot office building at 12616 183rd Street (APN 7030-002-902).

MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Lee and seconded by Councilman Edwards
to award a Professional Services Contract for architectural services for the design of a ±41,000 square foot office building at 12616 183rd Street (APN 7030-002-902) to CWA AIA, Inc. in an amount not to exceed 7.5 percent of construction costs.

Consideration of a one-year extension to the agreement with R.F. Dickson Company for street sweeping services.

MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Lee and seconded by Councilwoman Kappe
to grant R.F. Dickson Company a one-year extension to the agreement for street sweeping services, along with a C.P.I. based fee increase of 5.2 percent. The motion carried unanimously.

New and Old Business

Review and approval of expenditure of supplemental law enforcement services funds in accordance with state grant monies established by SB823 (Poochigian) of 2002 for Fiscal Year 2005-06.

MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Kappe and seconded by Councilman Edwards to acknowledge the expenses of the 2005-2006 Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund; and authorize the City Manager to sign the Certified Expenditure Report and submit the document to the County's Chief Administrative Officer. The motion carried unanimously.

Consideration of amendment to agreement between the City of Cerritos and Dapeer, Rosenblit and Litvak to extend the agreement to June 30, 2007 and increase the hourly rate for legal services effective August 1, 2006.

MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Crawley and seconded by Councilman Edwards to approve an amendment extending the contract between the City of Cerritos and Dapeer, Rosenblit and Litvak, LLP for one year until June 30, 2007; approve the increase in hourly rate for legal services to $160.00 effective August 1, 2006; and authorized the City Manager to sign the contract between the City of Cerritos and Dapeer, Rosenblit and Litvak, LLP for legal services to assist with code enforcement and community development activity. The motion carried unanimously.

Consideration of agreement between the City of Lakewood and City of Cerritos for reimbursement of costs of Sky Knight Helicopter.

MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Kappe and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lee to authorize the reimbursement of $128,898 to the City of Lakewood for Cerritos’ share of the cost of the new helicopter for the Sky Knight Patrol Program; and authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement between the City of Lakewood and City of Cerritos for reimbursement of costs of Sky Knight Helicopter. The motion carried unanimously.

Review and consideration of a new location for the 50th anniversary mosaic art piece in the Cerritos Civic Center generally located within the northwest corner of Bloomfield Avenue and 183rd Street (APN 7025-028-904 and APN 7025-028-907).

MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Kappe and seconded by Councilman Edwards to concur with the recommendation of the Fine Arts and Historical Commission and approve the new location for the 50th anniversary mosaic art piece to be in the Cerritos Civic Center (APN 7025-028-907); and to replace the first tree planter, east of the Dolphin Fountain, between the Library and City Hall. The motion carried, with Mayor Bowlen dissenting.

Mayor Bowlen indicated a preference for the 50th anniversary mosaic art piece to be located in the Sculpture Garden.

CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS/COMMITTEE REPORTS/REPORT ON MEETINGS

Mayor Pro Tem Lee commented on an article published in the Los Angeles Times on September 3, 2006 regarding the success of the City of Cerritos; reported on the Water Show held on September 9, 2006 at the Swim and Fitness Center and reviewed statistics on the use of the Center; recognized synchronized swimmers Jane Kok, Jenny Woo, Jenny Kok and Debbie Chen; and announced that she would be attending, at her own expense, an International Mayors Conference in China where she has been invited to speak about the City of Cerritos.

Councilwoman Kappe reported on her attendance at the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Exposition held in San Diego, September 6-9, 2006; and discussed her experience traveling on the Sky Knight Helicopter.

Councilman Edwards reported on his attendance at the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Exposition; and commented on the Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony and Patriotic Concert held in honor of the September 11, 2001 victims and heroes.

Mayor Bowlen commented on the Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony and Patriotic Concert; reported on his attendance at the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Exposition; and commented on the article in the Los Angeles Times regarding the City of Cerritos.

CLOSED SESSION

Assistant City Attorney Steres announced the following Closed Session item:

Personnel matters pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6: CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Agency Negotiators: Vince Brar, Denise Manoogian and Patricia Leyva
Employee Organization: Part-time Bargaining Unit, AFSCME, Local 619


The City Council convened in Closed Session at 9:35 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 9:50 p.m., with all City Councilmembers in attendance.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m. in memory of Cerritos resident Julius Rothman who recently passed away.

 

/s/ Josephine Triggs
Josephine Triggs, City Clerk


ATTEST:


/s/ Paul W. Bowlen
Paul W. Bowlen, Mayor

Approved: September 28, 2006

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