Cerritos City Council Meeting Minutes
MINUTES OF A JOINT SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS AND THE CERRITOS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY HELD FEBRUARY 18, 2009
CALL TO ORDER
The joint special meeting was called to order at 2:45 p.m. at the City Council Chambers, Cerritos City Hall, 18125 Bloomfield Avenue, Cerritos, California.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Mayor led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Councilwoman/Member Carol Chen
Councilman/Member Joseph Cho, Ph.D.
Councilwoman/Member Laura Lee
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Bruce Barrows
Mayor/Chair Jim Edwards
Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, 39th Congressional District was also in attendance.
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
The Mayor/Chair called for public comments. There was no response.
MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR CONSIDERATION
The City Council/Redevelopment Agency met with Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, 39th Congressional District, for the purpose of discussing matters of mutual concern and interest, including:
A. Requests for Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009-2010
B. Requests for Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010-2011
C. Review of Economic Stimulus Package
Congresswoman Sanchez thanked the City Council for an opportunity to discuss potential funding of City projects and priorities for the coming year. She commented on the recent passage and purpose of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and its impact on local government, noting that every effort would be made to ensure that State government and agencies move stimulus package monies quickly to local government. She identified the Cuesta Villas photovoltaic energy system and the public safety technology improvements at the Cerritos Sheriff's Station as projects being considered for funding opportunities in Fiscal Year 2009 and noted that City priorities for Fiscal Year 2010 would be given funding consideration as well. Congresswoman Sanchez also announced that she has accepted a seat on the Ways and Means Committee, and was appointed to the subcommittee on Social Security and the Trade Subcommittee.
City Manager/Executive Director Gallucci reviewed Fiscal Year 2009 and Fiscal Year 2010 City project funding requests.
Discussion ensued regarding the Del Amo bridge re-alignment project; green projects; and allocation of funding according to formula for certain types of projects that cities can apply for from the State.
At this juncture the Mayor/Chair invited comments from interested parties. There was no response.
With regard to the stimulus bill, Congresswoman Sanchez noted that attempts were made for direct funding to local governments, however, the Senate version of the bill changed that in addition to changes that resulted in smaller states receiving a similar share as larger states like California. She added that the bill is a great way to stop the downward slide of the economy through tax credits, investments in renewable energy, healthcare infrastructure and creation of jobs. Congresswoman Sanchez announced an event in late March or early April of this year to assist constituents who qualify to apply for earned income tax credit and that specifics of the event would be mailed to all households within the District.
The City Council/Redevelopment Agency thanked Congresswoman Sanchez for the meeting and commended her staff for its responsiveness to the City.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m.
/s/Josephine Triggs
Josephine Triggs, City Clerk
/s/Art Gallucci
Art Gallucci, Redevelopment Agency Secretary
ATTEST:
/s/Jim Edwards
Jim Edwards, Mayor/Chair
Approved: February 26, 2009
