Cerritos City Council Meeting Minutes
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS
HELD FEBRUARY 22, 2007
CALL TO ORDER
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Cerritos City Hall, 18125 Bloomfield Avenue, Cerritos, California.
INVOCATION
Mayor Pro Tem Lee offered the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilman Edwards 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
Veterans of VFW Post 1846 made a presentation to the City Council in appreciation for the Cerritos Veteran's Memorial.
The City Council presented the following proclamations to: VFW Post 1846 for their efforts in assisting in the development of the Cerritos Veteran's Memorial; Rodolfo "Rudy" A. Pulido for serving as Post Commander of VFW Post 1846 from 2004 to 2006; Sarah Hagge for serving as Miss Cerritos 2006; and L. B. and Mary Ellen Strawn in celebration of their 60th Wedding Anniversary.
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Ing-Yung Li Tse, Cerritos resident and Chairperson of the Whitney High School Foundation, invited the Council to the Foundation's March 25 international-themed fundraising event at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.
Chris Fuentes, Cerritos resident, commented on the success of the City, and with regard to Councilman Crawley recognized that everyone makes mistakes.
Kitt Ho, Cerritos resident, encouraged Councilman Crawley to apologize for, and suggested the Council take action regarding, an e-mail that contained foul language, which was attributed to another Councilmember.
Councilman Crawley thanked those who have stood by him, particularly his wife; appreciated the fair handling by the press and the District Attorney; referenced the letter of apology to the newspapers, and his apologies to Mrs. Coomes and Councilman Edwards. He referenced his lapse in judgment, noting he should have signed his own name and sought understanding and extended further apologies publicly to Mrs. Coomes, Councilman Edwards, his colleagues, staff, and residents of Cerritos.
Councilman Edwards indicated he had talked with Councilman Crawley, noting he was advised not to earlier. Councilman Edwards expressed that he had been devastated because his reputation and integrity had been compromised and his efforts were to find the truth to clear his name in honor of his parents. He added that this has been difficult on his family and his wife, and it was not an easy decision to pursue, noting that a tremendous blow had been suffered by all. He thanked supportive residents, family and friends.
Councilwoman Kappe indicated she had listened to both Councilmembers Crawley and Edwards and had read the information involved in the investigation. She expressed her deep disappointment of Councilman Crawley's actions and noted that sometimes an apology is not enough.
Mayor Pro Tem Lee recognized that Councilman Crawley had acted bravely in apologizing and identified resident e-mails she had read regarding this matter, noting that preventing this from happening again in the future should be pursued.
Mayor Bowlen expressed that he was deeply dismayed and upset with the situation and indicated he would concur with looking into the matter.
MOTION: Councilwoman Kappe then moved to place on the City Council agenda of March 8, 2007 a vote to consider the censure of Councilman Crawley. The motion was seconded by Councilman Edwards and carried, with Councilman Crawley abstaining.
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 February 22, 2007, Checks 88253 through 88680, in the total amount of $21,756,648.84. The motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Treasurer’s Report for the period ending December 31, 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 December 31, 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 February 8, 2007 Special and Regular City Council Meetings. The motion carried unanimously.
It was noted the following public hearing items would be considered concurrently.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A request by property owners Eunie Grace E. Sulio, Timothy T. Spencer, and Roxanne Sulio Spencer, to amend the Development Map (zoning) designation of a parcel measuring approximately ±0.426 acre, located at 19327 Gridley Road, Cerritos, California, 90703. The subject site is zoned RS-6500, single-family residential (APN 7049-022-042).
Consideration to waive reading of and introduce AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS AMENDING THE CERRITOS DEVELOPMENT MAP BY CHANGING THE ZONE CLASSIFICATION OF APPROXIMATELY ±0.426 ACRE OF LAND LOCATED ON THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF GRIDLEY ROAD AND ELOISE STREET (APN 7049-022-042), FROM SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (RS-6500) TO SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (RS-5000).
Negative Declaration*
Development Map Amendment 2007-1
*One Negative Declaration has been prepared for Tentative Parcel Map 68395 and Development Map Amendment 2007-1.
A development proposal by property owners, Eunie Grace E. Sulio, Timothy T. Spencer and Roxanne Sulio Spencer to divide their residential property into three (3) parcels, to demolish one existing residence on the property and to construct three (3) new residences. The property is located at 19327 Gridley Road, Cerritos, California, 90703, and is zoned RS-5000, Single-Family Residential (APN 7049-022-042).
Tentative Parcel Map 68395*
Precise Plan 2007-3**
*One Negative Declaration was prepared for Tentative Parcel Map 68395 and Development Map Amendment 2007-1.
**Pursuant to Section 15303(a) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Precise Plan for the residential development portion of this project is categorically exempt.
Title was read to the foregoing items, the public hearings opened, and staff called upon for reports.
Advance Planning Manager Lopez provided an overview of the staff report dated February 22, 2007 and the proposed Development Map amendment. He reported that no comments had been received regarding the Negative Declaration and the Planning Commission and staff are recommending approval.
Current Planning Manager Hamilton, provided an overview of the proposal and existing site conditions, site plan and elevations.
The following was confirmed during ensuing discussion: two houses would be owner-occupied, with the third being for sale; landscaped screening would be required to assist in privacy screening for adjacent residences; and driveways were designed to allow for adequate turn-around space such that vehicles could exit the driveways without backing onto Gridley Road.
Interested parties were invited to present testimony.
Chris Fuentes, Cerritos resident, spoke in favor of the proposals.
Ali Soliman, representing the applicant and Cerritos resident, supported the project.
Paul Bellenbaum, Cerritos resident, suggested installation of a traffic light by the school to slow down traffic.
No one else wished to comment and the public hearing was closed.
Negative Declaration*
Development Map Amendment 2007-1
MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Kappe and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lee that the City Council:
A. Certify and approve the Negative Declaration for Development Map Amendment 2007-1, which was completed in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and
B. Direct staff to file a Notice of Determination in accordance with Section 3.5 of the Environmental Impact Report Guidelines of the City of Cerritos;
as recommended in the staff report dated February 22, 2007. The motion carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE NO. 922
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS AMENDING THE CERRITOS DEVELOPMENT MAP BY CHANGING THE ZONE CLASSIFICATION OF APPROXIMATELY ±0.426 ACRE OF LAND LOCATED ON THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF GRIDLEY ROAD AND ELOISE STREET (APN 7049-022-042), FROM SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (RS-6500) TO SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (RS-5000).
MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Kappe and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lee to waive reading of and introduce Ordinance No. 922. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers - Crawley, Edwards, Kappe, Lee, Bowlen
NOES: Councilmembers - None
ABSENT: Councilmembers - None
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers - None
Tentative Parcel Map 68395*
Precise Plan 2007-3**
MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Kappe and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lee that the City Council:
A. Approve Tentative Parcel Map 68395, making the findings set forth in Cerritos Planning Commission Resolution No. PC 2007-6; and
B. Approve Precise Plan 2007-3, making the findings outlined in Cerritos Planning Commission Resolution No. PC 2007-7;
as recommended in the staff report dated February 22, 2007. The motion carried unanimously.
Consideration to waive reading of and adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL ADOPTING THE CITY OF CERRITOS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN.
Advance Planning Manager Lopez reviewed the Cerritos Economic Development Strategic Plan as part of the staff report dated February 22, 2007, including Economic Development Commission participation in developing the plan. A brief discussion ensued regarding new and continuing revenue sources subsequent to the Redevelopment Agency going dark.
RESOLUTION NO. 2007-2
A RESOLUTION OF THE CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL ADOPTING THE CITY OF CERRITOS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN.
MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Kappe and seconded by Councilman Crawley to adopt Resolution No. 2007-2. The motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC WORKS ACTIVITIES
Consideration and award of contract for citywide sidewalk, curb and gutter repairs in the City of Cerritos, Bid No. 1051-07.
MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Lee and seconded by Councilwoman Kappe to award a contract for citywide sidewalk, curb and gutter repairs, Bid No. 1051-07, to C. J. Concrete Construction, Inc. in the amount of $433,330 including Additive Alternates A, B and C, and to reject all other bids. The motion carried unanimously.
Consideration and award of contract for inspection services in conjunction with citywide sidewalk, curb and gutter repairs contract, Bid No. 1051-07.
MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Kappe and seconded by Councilman Crawley to award a contract to Koury Engineering & Testing, Inc. to perform the required inspection services for Bid No. 1051-07, citywide sidewalk, curb and gutter repairs in the City of Cerritos, in an amount not to exceed $37,125. The motion carried unanimously.
Consideration and approval of an Implementation Agreement in conjunction with the Gateway Cities Council of Governments to proceed with a 91/605/405 Major Corridor Study.
MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Lee and seconded by Councilwoman Edwards to approve and execute an Implementation Agreement in conjunction with the Gateway Cities Council of Governments to proceed with a 91/605/405 Major Corridor Study, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney on the agreement. The motion carried unanimously.
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS/COMMITTEE REPORTS/REPORT ON MEETINGS
The City Council congratulated former Recreation Superintendent Joe Mendoza on his retirement and commended his service to the City.
Councilman Edwards commented on his attendance at the Volunteer Coaches awards and the Cerritos Park East running track dedication.
Councilman Crawley noted he was unable to attend events due to his school schedule, and he commented on the Independent Cities Association meeting he attended where municipalities and terrorism was discussed.
Mayor Pro Tem Lee reported on her attendance at the Volunteer Coaches awards.
Councilwoman Kappe noted she had had knee replacement surgery on February 5 and thanked everyone for their good wishes for her recovery. She recognized the passing of Dearborn Michigan Mayor Michael Guido who was involved with the National League of Cities and United States Conference of Mayors and asked that the meeting be adjourned in his memory. Councilwoman Kappe also noted that Lillian Whitehorn, mother-in-law of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Maynard Law and Cerritos resident had passed away recently and asked that the meeting also be adjourned in her memory. She reminded everyone to vote on March 6.
Mayor Bowlen also referenced the Cerritos Park East running track dedication and Volunteer Coaches awards, and suggested that a Hall of Fame be established.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m. in memory of Lillian Whitehorn, Cerritos resident and mother-in-law of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Maynard Law, and Dearborn Michigan Mayor Michael Guido, both of whom passed away.
/s/ Josephine Triggs
Josephine Triggs, City Clerk
ATTEST:
/s/ Paul W. Bowlen
Paul W. Bowlen, Mayor
Approved: March 8, 2007
