Cerritos City Council Meeting Minutes
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS
HELD JUNE 28, 2007
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Cerritos City Hall, 18125 Bloomfield Avenue, Cerritos, California.
INVOCATION
Reverend Charles Ara, retired, offered the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Boy Scout Troop 1005 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 Bruce W. Barrows
Councilman Joseph Cho, Ph.D.
Councilman John F. Crawley
Mayor Pro Tem Jim Edwards
Mayor Laura Lee
PRESENTATIONS
Floyd Hayhurst, Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs presented a plaque to the City in appreciation of the City's ongoing support of public safety services.
Proclamations were presented to the following: Lewie and Clareece Woodson on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary; and Tracy High School Principal Tom Drulias for Tracy High School being named a 2007 California Model Continuation High School.
CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS TO VACANCIES ON VARIOUS COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Edwards and seconded by Councilman Barrows to confirm the appointment of Lewie Woodson to the Let Freedom Ring Committee. The motion carried unanimously.
The City Clerk then administered the oath to Mr. Woodson.
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Merri Wheaton, Cerritos resident, offered a prayer.
Jeannie Nguyen, Youth Organizer for Young Empowered Advocates for Health (YEAH), indicated she was not a Cerritos resident and asked that the health of Cerritos youth be prioritized by protecting them from the dangers of tobacco. She indicated that speakers after her would comment on assertions of the sale of tobacco to minors within the City and concerns that youth are able to obtain cigarettes.
Sharon Lee, Cerritos resident/student, expressed her concern regarding tobacco sales to minors and offered tobacco retail licensing as a solution.
Josh Nguyen indicated he is a former Cerritos resident and concurred with the comments of the previous speakers, noting that fines associated with tobacco retail licensing would be minimal and that current sting operations are ineffective.
Sofia Shin, Cerritos resident/student, opined that the YEAH presentation at the Community Safety Committee meeting was not taken seriously and that a great number of Cerritos youth smoke. She urged the Council to protect the health of the youth.
Alon Barlevy, Cerritos resident, current Parks and Recreation Commissioner, and in 2006 a member of the Community Safety Committee, presented and discussed the results and findings of a September 20, 2006 agenda report to the Community Safety Committee regarding tobacco compliance sting operations, noting that YEAH had presented information regarding the sale of tobacco to minors at that meeting. He added that the Committee received and filed the report with no further action and that he dissented. He spoke in support of a tobacco retail licensing ordinance and responded to inquiry that he was not speaking on behalf of the Committee or Commission.
Soo Yoo, Cerritos resident, indicated that she is an academic consultant/college advisor, youth pastor, and associated with Gateway Academy. She spoke in favor of efforts to not allow youth access to cigarettes.
Jerry Kamashian, Cerritos resident, expressed that cigarette smoking can lead to other more dangerous substance abuse and supported the adoption of a tobacco retail licensing ordinance.
Daniel Yoon, Cerritos resident/student, presented 101 YEAH surveys that were completed by students from Whitney, Cerritos and Gahr High Schools, Carmenita Middle School and Whittier Christian School entitled "Anonymous Cerritos Youth Tobacco Survey" and briefly reviewed the survey results.
Geneve Villacres, representing State Senator Alan Lowenthal, read a letter from Senator Lowenthal in support of the efforts of YEAH with regard to a tobacco retail licensing ordinance.
Ann Lee, Cerritos resident/student, presented a petition containing approximately 306 signatures of individuals in favor of a tobacco retail licensing ordinance.
Catherine Agpada, Cerritos resident and American Cancer Society representative, read a letter in support of a tobacco retail licensing ordinance.
Hamil Tank, Cerritos resident/student, presented a DVD produced by YEAH related to tobacco retail licensing. He read a transcript of one of the interviewees in the DVD who supported tobacco retail licensing efforts.
Kit Ho, Cerritos resident, supported the efforts of YEAH to effect the passage of a tobacco retail licensing ordinance, citing health issues associated with tobacco smoking.
Steven Gallegos, American Lung Association Tobacco Prevention and Control Coordinator, indicated he was speaking to advocate for a tobacco retail licensing ordinance and offered statistics in support of such an ordinance.
Alicia Lopez, Program Director at Valley Community Clinic in North Hollywood for the Tobacco Prevention Program and Chair of the Alliance to Keep Kids Tobacco Free of Burbank, discussed statistics related to retailers selling tobacco products to minors and indicated that retail licensing ordinances are a deterrent to this practice. She noted that the City of Burbank tobacco retail licensing ordinance will become effective in July, asserting that tobacco retail licensing is good for business and the license fee is not excessive.
Statice Wilmore, City of Pasadena Tobacco Control Program Coordinator II, discussed tobacco retail licensing in Pasadena and presented the City of Pasadena cost study of tobacco retail licensing dated May 2007. She responded to inquiries regarding program costs, noting that there are 135 retailers subject to the ordinance and the program supports two staff people and four undercover officers three to four hours quarterly, with a fee increase from $135 to $211 effective July 1, 2007.
Edward Lee, Cerritos resident/student, expressed concerns with regard to the health of youth and their access to tobacco, urging consideration of a tobacco retail licensing ordinance.
Joseph Lee, Cerritos resident/student, asked that investment be made in the youth of the community by adopting a tobacco retail licensing ordinance.
MOTION: Following discussion, it was moved by Mayor Lee and seconded by Councilman Cho to direct staff to prepare and transmit to the City Council a memorandum regarding tobacco retail licensing. The motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
Approval of Register of Demands
MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Barrows and seconded by Councilman Crawley to approve the Register of Demands dated June 28, 2007, Checks 91599 through 91911, in the total amount of $3,687,245.95. The motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Treasurer’s Reports for the periods ending April 30, 2007 and
May 31, 2007
MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Barrows and seconded by Councilman Crawley to approve the Treasurer’s Reports for the periods ending April 30, 2007 and May 31, 2007. The motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Barrows and seconded by Councilman Crawley to approve the Minutes of the June 12, 2007 Joint Special Meeting of the Cerritos City Council and Cerritos Redevelopment Agency and the June 14, 2007 Regular City Council Meeting. The motion carried unanimously.
With concurrence of the City Council, the following item was taken out of order.
NEW AND OLD BUSINESS
Review and consideration of a proposal to amend the United States Constitution as it relates to world peace.
Assistant City Manager Matsumoto reviewed the staff report dated June 28, 2007.
It was noted that a related document provided by Angel Soto this afternoon was provided to the City Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Edwards indicated that although he voted to place this matter on the agenda to allow those on both sides of the issue to be heard, citing freedom of speech rights, this is a national issue that would be more appropriately addressed through elected officials at that level and that he was elected to represent the citizens of Cerritos to decide issues of the City of Cerritos.
Councilman Barrows, in referencing his dissention at the last meeting to place this matter on the agenda, indicated that the Council is elected to provide local adequate government, as noted in Section 1101 of the City Charter. He received clarification that there is not currently, nor has there been in the past, staff members trained in affecting national policy issues, and that the cost of such a position is not known at this time.
Those wishing to address the City Council on this matter were invited to the podium.
Angel Soto, Cerritos resident, and Gladys Gutierrez, Long Beach resident, presented and read portions of a corrected version of the document that was provided to the City Council this afternoon in support of the world peace amendment to the United States Constitution proposed by People for a Friendlier World, Inc. Ms. Gutierrez indicated that among the suggestions of the role of the City in this process is the proposal that the City Council provide a liaison to work with People for a Friendlier World, Inc. She added that what happens at the City level affects the nation and the City's commitment to this amendment would almost guarantee its approval by the State Assembly and Senate.
George Medina, Cerritos resident, spoke in support of the proposed amendment, which he asserted was initiated in Cerritos in 1999, and commented on the benefits of world peace.
Peggy Lee, Cerritos resident, indicated that this amendment was discussed at the June 2007 Hubert Humphrey Democratic Club meeting, acknowledged Angel Soto for drafting the amendment, and thanked the Council for placing the matter on the agenda. She urged that deliberations reflect the positive nature of the idea, asking that the Council accept the amendment and send it to Congresswoman Linda Sanchez for further action.
Charles Ara, Cerritos resident, referenced the vision of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Caesar Chavez in encouraging approval of the amendment.
Hugh Villegas, Cerritos resident, in referencing the Hubert Humphrey Democratic Club discussion of this matter, indicated he was not speaking on behalf of any organization or group of persons. He indicated the City's resources should be directed toward local issues, commented on the amendment in the context of the Korean War and World War II, and questioned the effectiveness of such an amendment.
Ernesto Ferrer, Laguna Niguel resident and President-elect of the Southern California Philippine U.S. Veterans Association, expressed that the proposed amendment to not go to war unless the United States is attacked is not feasible and commented on the ramifications of the amendment on other aspects of the Constitution.
John Skiles, Cerritos resident, indicated the proposed amendment would be more appropriate at the Congressional level, but not at the City level where local issues should be addressed.
Alon Barlevy, Cerritos resident and President of the Hubert Humphrey Democratic Club, noted that the amendment is the work of Club member Angel Soto and is not the work of the Club. He added that the Club endorses Mr. Soto's efforts and has urged its members to speak in support of the amendment.
George Ray, Cerritos resident, urged the City Council to vote against the item, not the issue, noting that this is not the appropriate forum for this matter and the Council should concentrate on City business. He cautioned that should this matter be considered by the Council, other groups will take City time to advertise their issues.
Alan Wood, Cerritos resident, indicated he is in favor of world peace and is not speaking to the merits of the amendment. He stated the Council was elected to deal with issues directly affecting Cerritos and that this matter should be addressed under the Public Comments portions of the agenda, not as an agenda item. Mr. Wood continued that consideration of this amendment would open the door for bringing forward issues to the Council that do not pertain to City business.
Denise Stabile, Cerritos resident, opined that the community is in a position to have the luxury to deal with lofty goals such as the proposed amendment and urged the Council to put forth effort toward positive change by sharing the City's efficiency, knowledge and ability to get things done.
Matt Kauble, Cerritos resident, indicated the proposed amendment would prevent military response in certain instances such as hostage rescue, humanitarian relief or terrorist training camp destruction.
Roger Garrett, Cerritos resident, discussed historical references leading to World War II and indicated that although we need to think of and want peace throughout the world, there are enemies who want to destroy our country. He expressed that the Council should be concerned with local issues and not consider the proposed amendment.
Merri Wheaton, Cerritos resident, read from a 2003 newspaper article by Michael Sneed about events leading up to World War II, drawing parallels to the Iraq War, and expressed that the City should not be involved with the amendment.
Councilman Crawley indicated that the City is not the correct venue for the amendment and suggested Mr. Soto talk with Congresswoman Sanchez for submittal of the amendment to the U.S. Congress, noting that the item should not be on the agenda and that Mr. Soto can address this issue during the public comments portion of the meeting.
Councilman Barrows indicated that residents expect the Council to operate on a non-partisan basis to enhance the City's position when addressing legislative issues, expressed that the Council should not be involved in foreign policy, and noted that the Council should concentrate on issues affecting the City.
Councilman Cho thanked residents for expressing their opinion and the Korean War veterans for their service. He noted that because national politics affects our quality of life it is a local issue and that an idea of no pre-emptive war and world peace is laudable. He recommended the City Council recognize People for a Friendlier World, Inc. and issue a proclamation for their dedication for world peace.
Mayor Pro Tem Edwards reiterated his earlier comments and expressed concern for other countries that depend on the United States for protection. He indicated he is not aware of anyone opposed to world peace, but the amendment should be addressed at the legislative level.
Mayor Lee expressed that it was appropriate to place this matter on the agenda to give residents an opportunity to comment on the amendment. She indicated that peace is a gift to bestow on our children and suggested that studying and understanding Asian history as well as European history is important given our diverse community.
MOTION: Councilman Crawley moved to take no action on a proposal to amend the United States Constitution as it relates to world peace and to receive and file the related staff report dated June 28, 2007. The motion was seconded by Councilman Barrows and carried, with Councilman Cho and Mayor Lee dissenting.
The regular order of the agenda was resumed at this juncture.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
An appeal of a decision of the Cerritos Property Preservation Commission denying a request to remove a parkway tree adjacent to the property located at 12314 Elgers Street, Cerritos, California (APN 7025-025-034), Case No. TR 2007-1, Appellant: Tippie Helliwell.
Appeal to the City Council PPC 2007-1
Title was read to the foregoing item, the public hearing opened, and staff was called upon for a report.
Parks Superintendent Kuh reviewed the appeal and related staff report dated June 28, 2007. He reported that the Property Preservation Commission heard the matter and denied the tree removal request.
In response to Council inquiry, Mr. Kuh commented that the seeds of the subject tree do not stain and are approximately one-half inch in diameter and confirmed that the appellant had commended the City on its trimming of the subject tree.
Interested parties were invited to comment. No one wishing to present testimony, the public hearing was closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Edwards and seconded by Councilman Barrows to uphold the determination of the Property Preservation Commission denying the property owner's request to remove the parkway tree located at 12314 Elgers Street, Cerritos, California, in accordance with the City’s Tree Ordinance; and directed staff to inform the property owner of the City Council decision regarding the removal of said parkway tree. The motion carried unanimously.
RECESS AND RECONVENE
A recess was called at 9:30 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 9:40 p.m. with all members of the City Council, as previously noted, in attendance.
A proposal by the property owner, Duc Tran, MD Chevron, 11355 Artesia Boulevard, Cerritos, California, 90703, to convert the existing mechanic bay use at the existing service station to a convenience service station use. A small addition to the building is also proposed for storage purposes. The subject site is zoned CN, Neighborhood/Commercial (APN 7034-003-050).
Conditional Use Permit 97-7(A)(2007) Amendment*
Precise Plan 97-10(A)(2007) Amendment*
*Pursuant to Section 15301(e) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this project is categorically exempt.
Title to the foregoing item was read, the public hearing opened, and staff called upon for a report.
Senior Planner Cisneros provided an overview of the staff report dated June 28, 2007 and presented project details including review of the site plan, elevations, and floor plans. She responded to inquiry of the Council by noting that there is a distance of 26 feet between the back of the storage building to the rear parking area.
During ensuing discussion regarding the proximity of the site to Gahr High School, it was agreed that Condition 45 should be modified by adding specific language prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products to minors.
Those wishing to present testimony were called upon.
Paul Bellenbaum, Cerritos resident, requested and received clarification that there is a liquor store across from the subject location in the City of Artesia and the City has authority only over those establishments in the City of Cerritos.
MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Edwards and seconded by Councilman Cho that the City Council:
A. Approve Conditional Use Permit 97-7(A)(2007) Amendment, making the findings set forth in Cerritos Planning Commission Resolution No. PC 2007-18; as amended, to modify Condition 45 by adding: "…The sale of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products shall be strictly regulated so that sales of these products are not made to under age parties such that persons under 21 shall not be permitted to purchase alcoholic beverages and persons under 18 shall not be permitted to purchase tobacco products."; and
B. Approve Precise Plan 97-10(A)(2007) Amendment, making the findings outlined in Cerritos Planning Commission Resolution No. PC 2007-19, as amended, to modify Condition 45 by adding: "…The sale of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products shall be strictly regulated so that sales of these products are not made to under age parties such that persons under 21 shall not be permitted to purchase alcoholic beverages and persons under 18 shall not be permitted to purchase tobacco products.";
as recommended in the staff report dated June 28, 2007. The motion carried unanimously.
Consideration to waive reading of and introduce AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS DESCRIBING THE CERRITOS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY’S PROGRAM TO ACQUIRE REAL PROPERTY BY EMINENT DOMAIN WITH RESPECT TO THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE LOS CERRITOS REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA.
Consideration to waive reading of and introduce AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS DESCRIBING THE CERRITOS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY’S PROGRAM TO ACQUIRE REAL PROPERTY BY EMINENT DOMAIN WITH RESPECT TO THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE LOS COYOTES REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA.
Title to the foregoing item was read, the public hearing opened, and staff called upon for a report.
Redevelopment/Economic Development Administrator Anthony provided background information pertaining to the US Supreme Court decision in Kelo v. City of New London and the provisions of Senate Bill 53 requiring adoption of an ordinance that contains a description of the Agency's program for the acquisition of real property using eminent domain. He presented such ordinances for each of the project areas, which contain a statement that the Agency's power of eminent domain expired on January 7, 1999 and the program is simply a statement that the Agency no longer has any eminent domain authority.
Interested parties were invited to address the City Council. Hearing no response the public hearing was closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Barrows and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Edwards to waive reading of and introduce :
ORDINANCE NO. 924
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS DESCRIBING THE CERRITOS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY’S PROGRAM TO ACQUIRE REAL PROPERTY BY EMINENT DOMAIN WITH RESPECT TO THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE LOS CERRITOS REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers - Barrows, Cho, Crawley, Edwards, Lee
NOES: Councilmembers - None
ABSENT: Councilmembers - None
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers - None
MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Barrows and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Edwards to waive reading of and introduce:
ORDINANCE NO. 925
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS DESCRIBING THE CERRITOS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY’S PROGRAM TO ACQUIRE REAL PROPERTY BY EMINENT DOMAIN WITH RESPECT TO THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE LOS COYOTES REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers - Barrows, Cho, Crawley, Edwards, Lee
NOES: Councilmembers - None
ABSENT: Councilmembers - None
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers - None
Consideration of the Combined Financial Program for the City of Cerritos and Cerritos Redevelopment Agency for Fiscal Year 2007-2008.
Consideration to waive reading of and adopt A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS AND THE CERRITOS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008, APPROPRIATING THE FUNDS NECESSARY TO MEET THE EXPENDITURES SET FORTH THEREIN, AND APPROVING THE CITY OF CERRITOS/CERRITOS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INVESTMENT POLICY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008.
Title to the foregoing item was read, the public hearing opened, and staff called upon for a report.
Budget Manager DeMasi gave an overview of the staff report dated June 28, 2007 and presented the budget and investment policy to the City Council.
It was noted that no substantive changes had been made in the investment policy in the last four years. Discussion ensued regarding the possibility of not funding the tennis courts at Gahr High School in light of the disrepair of facility upgrades that were made for the School District in the past and the need to address other recreational demands of Cerritos residents. The maintenance schedule and measures taken to protect facilities and the normal wear associated with heavy usage of these facilities was also referenced during the discussion. It was also observed that if an item were removed from the budget, the Council could add that item back into the budget at a later time, if it chose to do so. At the request of the Council the community program allocation process was reviewed by staff.
Those wishing to present testimony were called upon. There was no response and the public hearing was closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Barrows and seconded by Mayor Lee to remove Project 40004, Gahr High School tennis court rehabilitation, from the capital project program. The motion carried, with Councilman Cho and Mayor Pro Tem Edwards dissenting.
MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Barrows and seconded by Councilman Cho that the City Council:
A. Receive and file Planning Commission Resolution No. PC 2007-27 finding the Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Year 2007-2008 in conformance with the General Plan for both the City of Cerritos and the Cerritos Redevelopment Agency;
B. Approve the revision of the City/Agency current mileage reimbursement rate to $0.485 per mile and provision for automatic adjustments on July 1 of each year to conform with future Internal Revenue Service mileage reimbursement rates; and
C. Waive reading of and adopt:
JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2007-10 and CRA 2007-4
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS AND THE CERRITOS REDVELOPMENT AGENCY APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008, APPROPRIATING THE FUNDS NECESSARY TO MEET THE EXPENDITURES SET FORTH THEREIN, AND APPROVING THE CITY OF CERRITOS/CERRITOS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INVESTMENT POLICY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008,
as amended, to remove Project 40004, Gahr High School tennis court rehabilitation; and
as recommended in the staff report dated June 28, 2007. The motion carried unanimously.
Consideration to waive reading of and adopt A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL AND CERRITOS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY APPROVING A REPORT PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTIONS 33445 AND 33679 AND AUTHORIZING THE CERRITOS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY TO FUND PORTIONS OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS/ CERRITOS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008.
Title to the foregoing item was read, the public hearing opened, and staff called upon for a report.
Redevelopment/Economic Development Administrator Anthony provided an overview of the staff report dated June 28, 2007.
Interested parties were invited to present testimony. No one wished to comment and the public hearing was closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Barrows and seconded by Councilman Cho that the City Council waive reading of and adopt:
JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2007-11 and CRA 2007-5
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL AND CERRITOS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY APPROVING A REPORT PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTIONS 33445 AND 33679 AND AUTHORIZING THE CERRITOS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY TO FUND PORTIONS OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS/ CERRITOS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008;
as amended, to remove Project 40004, Gahr High School tennis court rehabilitation. The motion carried unanimously.
PENDING LEGAL MATTERS
Consideration to waive reading of and adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FROM THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FOR FOURTH SUPERVISORIAL DISTRICT EXCESS FUNDING FOR CERRITOS FORESTATION PROGRAM.
It was noted that any Cerritos at-risk youth would be identified first for accommodation in the At-Risk Youth Recreation and Service Facilities category.
MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Barrows and seconded by Councilman Crawley to waive reading of and adopt:
RESOLUTION NO. 2007-12
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FROM THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FOR FOURTH SUPERVISORIAL DISTRICT EXCESS FUNDING FOR CERRITOS FORESTATION PROGRAM.
The motion carried unanimously.
NEW AND OLD BUSINESS
Review and consideration of an on-going program to construct and retrofit accessible ramps compliant with all State and Federal requirements, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at every arterial and residential street location throughout Cerritos.
MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Barrows and seconded by Councilman Cho to receive and file the staff report dated June 28, 2007 related to the progress of the City's program to construct and retrofit accessible ramps compliant with all state and federal requirements, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), at every arterial and residential street corner location throughout Cerritos. The motion carried unanimously.
Review and consideration of a report to the Cerritos City Council to provide additional information as it relates to the 2008 funding requests submitted to our Federal representatives.
MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Barrows and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Edwards to receive and file the staff repot dated June 28, 2007 related to the 2008 funding requests submitted to our Federal representatives; and with regard to the Del Amo Boulevard bridge, staff was directed to seek a unified approach between all of the agencies involved to seek the earmarks at the appropriate time. The motion carried unanimously.
Consideration of a request of the American Association of University Women regarding its October 8, 2007 Candidate's Forum.
MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Barrows and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Edwards to authorize the use of the city Council Chambers by the La Palma-Cerritos Branch of the American Association of University Women on Monday, October 8, 2007 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., for the purpose of holding a candidates' forum for ABC Unified School District Board candidates in the upcoming November election, with the City absorbing the costs associated with cable casting the event. The motion carried unanimously.
A request by PGG Corporation, 17909 Jersey Avenue, Artesia, CA, 90701, for approval of a time extension to Precise Plan 69-10 (A)(2006) Amendment which was approved for upgrades to the existing building and site related to a previously proposed convenience store use within an existing commercial building located at 19430 Pioneer Boulevard, Cerritos, California, 90703. The subject site is zoned CN, Neighborhood/Commercial, and is located within the Los Coyotes Redevelopment Project Area (APN 7054-018-011).
MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Edwards and seconded by Councilman Cho to approve a six-month time extension for Precise Plan 69-10(A)(2006) Amendment expiring November 9, 2007, making the findings set forth in Cerritos Planning Commission Resolution NO. PC 2007-24. The motion carried unanimously.
REPORT ON PENDING LEGISLATION
Councilman Barrows discussed the success of the existing safe surrender of newborns program and the potential negative health impacts of Assembly Bill 81 on this program.
CONSENSUS: Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to provide background information on Assembly Bill 81 relating to safe surrender of newborn infants.
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS/COMMITTEE REPORTS/REPORT ON MEETINGS
Councilman Barrows reported he had attended the retirement party for South Gate City Manager Gary Milliman and presented a plaque on the City's behalf.
Councilman Cho indicated that the world peace movement is not a partisan/political issue, but a humanitarian issue, which should start right now in Cerritos, and he addressed the perception of the City historically and presently. He expressed hope that one day everyone who sees the City's Rose Parade float is reminded of the world peace movement that was discussed earlier in the meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Edwards commented on the Community Golf Tournament, and invited everyone to the upcoming Relay for Life event on Saturday, June 30, at Gahr High School, and to the July 4th Let Freedom Ring Celebration.
Mayor Lee also commented on the Relay for Life event and Let Freedom Ring Celebration.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 11:05 p.m.
/s/ Josephine Triggs
Josephine Triggs, City Clerk
ATTEST:
/s/ Laura Lee
Laura Lee, Mayor
Approved: July 12, 2007
