Cerritos City Council Meeting Minutes
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS
HELD MARCH 26, 2009
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 Dr. Brian Suk-Boo Lee with the Artesia-Cerritos United Methodist Church offered the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Members of Camp Fire USA, Long Beach Area Council, led the assembly in the salute to the flag.
ROLL CALL
The following Members of the City Council were in attendance:
Councilwoman Carol Chen
Councilman Jim Edwards
Councilwoman Laura Lee
Mayor Pro Tem Joseph Cho, Ph.D.
Mayor Bruce W. Barrows
PRESENTATIONS
Members of Camp Fire USA, Long Beach Area Council presented the City Council with a cake and a proclamation was presented to them in honor of their 99th birthday; presentations were also made to Commander Daryl Evans for his service as the Cerritos Sheriff's Station Captain; Manasa Iyer for her competitive accomplishments while representing Team USA at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho and the Southern California Special Olympics Winter Games in Big Bear, California;
Ryan Kim and Isaac Oh for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout; and to Veterans from the Cerritos-Artesia VFW Post 1846 and the Southern California Philippine-U.S. Veterans Association in recognition of March 30, 2009 as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Jay Gray, Cerritos resident, questioned Council priorities, asserting that consideration of the Rose Parade Float is being undertaken while cuts in senior programming, lack of proper park maintenance and mismanagement of engineering contracts is ongoing.
Chris Fuentes, Cerritos resident, requested removal of Consent Calendar Item 9A; asked that sectarian prayer be allowed as part of the City Council meetings, which would expand the number of pastors that would be willing to offer the invocation, and suggested that Councilmembers not offer the invocation from the dais. He requested an agenda item to establish a moratorium on Council travel, unless vitally crucial, and on remuneration for serving as a City Councilmember, including discontinuing dinners prior to meetings.
Jerry Kamashian, Cerritos resident, disputed the contents of a December 14, 2006 staff report related to code enforcement issues and Community and Safety Services Director Berg's responses to his December 11, 2008 letter to the City Council. He asserted that staff's conduct is not receptive in communicating with the public as it relates to pursuing Code enforcement violations.
Chris Foster, Cerritos resident, thanked the Council for responding to resident requests with regard to the adaptive recreation program/coordinator.
Catherine Gaughen, Cerritos Regional Chamber of Commerce, announced the distribution of the Chamber of Commerce directory.
Angel Soto, Cerritos resident, suggested modifications to the City Charter to create an office of full-time Mayor and provide for election of City Councilmembers by electoral districts to reduce the amount of money required to run for office.
Marlon and Mona Hawkins, Cerritos residents, commented on a formal complaint filed with regard to the handling of a Sheriff's Department response to an incident related to their sons on March 18, 2009, requested an investigation by the City, a written response to this matter, and an explanation of the complaint process.
It was noted by Community and Safety Services Director Berg that a formal complaint investigation of the incident has been initiated by the Sheriff's Department and that he and Commander Evans would be happy to speak with Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins regarding the process.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Approval of Register of Demands
MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Edwards and seconded by Councilwoman Lee to approve the Register of Demands dated March 26, 2009, Checks 107244 through 107677 , in the total amount of $6,089,335.26. The motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Edwards and seconded by Councilwoman Lee to approve the Minutes of the Joint Special Meetings of February 25, 2009 and March 11, 2009, the Special Meeting of March 10, 2009, and Regular Meetings of February 26, 2009 and March 12, 2009. The motion carried unanimously.
The following Ordinance and Resolution were considered concurrently.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM REMOVED
Ordinance for second reading and adoption. Reading of ordinance waived and ordinance adopted.
ORDINANCE NO. 945 – AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS AMENDING TITLE 1 OF THE CERRITOS MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING CHAPTER 1.10 TO ESTABLISH AN ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION PROCESS.
PENDING LEGAL MATTERS
Resolution for consideration
Consideration to waive reading of and adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS ESTABLISHING FINES FOR ADMINISTRATIVE CITATIONS.
It was noted that clarification may be required in the Resolution with regard to the first, second and subsequent violations and related fines for the same violation. The resolution was modified as follows:
"SECTION 2. Every person issued an administrative citation under the provisions of Title 1, Chapter 1.10 of the Cerritos Municipal Code shall be fined a sum of two-hundred dollars ($200) for the second same violation that occurs a second time within one calendar year of the first violation."; and
"SECTION 3. Every person issued an administrative citation under the provisions of Title 1, Chapter 1.10 of the Cerritos Municipal Code shall be fined a sum of five-hundred dollars ($500) for the same violation that occurs a third time and each subsequent same violation that occurs within one calendar year of the first violation."
Chris Fuentes, Cerritos resident, suggested a resident advocate to assist residents in Code Enforcement cases and to help residents secure help to cure Code violations before they require a hearing before the Property Preservation Commission. He added that the fine is punitive and will result in a revenue stream for the City that will result in more Code Enforcement citations.
ORDINANCE NO. 945
MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Edwards and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cho to waive reading of and adopt Ordinance No. 945 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS AMENDING TITLE 1 OF THE CERRITOS MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING CHAPTER 1.10 TO ESTABLISH AN ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION PROCESS. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers – Chen, Edwards, Lee, Cho, Barrows
NOES: Councilmembers – None
ABSENT: Councilmembers – None
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers – None
RESOLUTION NO. 2009-6
MOTION: It was then moved by Mayor Pro Tem Cho and seconded by Councilwoman Lee to waive reading of and adopt Resolution No. 2009-6 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS ESTABLISHING FINES FOR ADMINISTRATIVE CITATIONS, as amended in Section 2 and Section 3. The motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
With concurrence of the City Council, the following item was taken out of order.
Consideration to waive reading of and introduce AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS GRANTING TO CRIMSON CALIFORNIA PIPELINE, L.P., A FRANCHISE TO INSTALL, OPERATE, MAINTAIN, REPLACE, ABANDON IN PLACE AND/OR REMOVE PIPELINES FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF OIL, GAS, PETROLEUM, LIQUID HYDROCARBON PRODUCTS, AND OTHER SUBSTANCES, IN, UNDER, ALONG AND ACROSS CERTAIN PUBLIC STREETS AS SET FORTH IN SAID ORDINANCE WITHIN THE CITY OF CERRITOS.
Title was read to the foregoing item and the public hearing opened.
Management Analyst Kellam reviewed the staff report dated March 26, 2009.
Interested parties were invited to present testimony. There was no response and the public hearing was closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Lee and seconded by Councilman Edwards to waive reading of and introduce Ordinance No. 946 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS GRANTING TO CRIMSON CALIFORNIA PIPELINE, L.P., A FRANCHISE TO INSTALL, OPERATE, MAINTAIN, REPLACE, ABANDON IN PLACE AND/OR REMOVE PIPELINES FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF OIL, GAS, PETROLEUM, LIQUID HYDROCARBON PRODUCTS, AND OTHER SUBSTANCES, IN, UNDER, ALONG AND ACROSS CERTAIN PUBLIC STREETS AS SET FORTH IN SAID ORDINANCE WITHIN THE CITY OF CERRITOS. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers – Chen, Edwards, Lee, Cho, Barrows
NOES: Councilmembers – None
ABSENT: Councilmembers – None
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers – None
Due to a potential conflict of interest relating to his residence being located within close proximity to the property identified in Agenda Item 10A, Mayor Pro Tem Cho left the Council Chambers at this juncture, 8:18 p.m.
Consideration to waive reading of and introduce AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS GRANTING TO CARDINAL PIPELINE, L.P., A FRANCHISE TO INSTALL, OPERATE, MAINTAIN, REPLACE, ABANDON IN PLACE AND/OR REMOVE PIPELINES FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF OIL, GAS, PETROLEUM, LIQUID HYDROCARBON PRODUCTS, AND OTHER SUBSTANCES, IN, UNDER, ALONG AND ACROSS CERTAIN PUBLIC STREETS AS SET FORTH IN SAID ORDINANCE WITHIN THE CITY OF CERRITOS.
Title was read to the foregoing item and the public hearing opened.
Management Analyst Kellam reviewed the staff report dated March 26, 2009.
Interested parties were invited to present testimony. There was no response and the public hearing was closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Lee and seconded by Councilman Edwards to waive reading of and introduce Ordinance No. 947 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS GRANTING TO CARDINAL PIPELINE, L.P., A FRANCHISE TO INSTALL, OPERATE, MAINTAIN, REPLACE, ABANDON IN PLACE AND/OR REMOVE PIPELINES FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF OIL, GAS, PETROLEUM, LIQUID HYDROCARBON PRODUCTS, AND OTHER SUBSTANCES, IN, UNDER, ALONG AND ACROSS CERTAIN PUBLIC STREETS AS SET FORTH IN SAID ORDINANCE WITHIN THE CITY OF CERRITOS. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers – Chen, Edwards, Lee, Barrows
NOES: Councilmembers – None
ABSENT: Councilmembers – Cho
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers – None
Mayor Pro Tem Cho returned to the dais at this juncture, 8:22 p.m.
With concurrence of the City Council, the following item was taken out of order.
NEW AND OLD BUSINESS
Review and consideration of an analysis of the City of Cerritos' participation in the Tournament of Roses Parade.
Recreation Superintendent Titus reviewed the staff report dated March 26, 2009.
Ram Kakkar, Cerritos resident, indicated that the City of Cerritos float is the most expensive among city floats, with the possible exception of the City of Mission Viejo, which will not enter the parade in 2010, and noted that some cities contribute no city funds to their floats. He suggested the City of Cerritos solicit funds from other sources for the float, asserting that quality floats can win awards regardless of the cost of the float, and added that float riders should include the best student, artist or inventor as well as the reigning Miss Cerritos and Cerritos Jr. Miss.
Randy Economy, Cerritos resident, referenced the difficult economy, suggesting the float be controlled, coordinated and managed by the people and that the community take this on as a project. He asserted that a community endeavor could build a better float at less cost, and suggested the float be reduced in scale and built in Cerritos rather than Pasadena.
Alon Barlevy, Cerritos resident, indicated his opposition to the float; stated that if the City wants to attract attention and businesses it should sponsor a business expo; noted that the current charge of $5 to volunteer to decorate the float is unconscionable and if a $5 charge is required the City should make it refundable or issue a credit; and commented that more than a majority of the float volunteers are students who use the float decorating to fulfill their community service requirement.
Chris Fuentes, Cerritos resident, observed that the Rose Parade float is no longer a prudent expense and suggested a transition to a public-private partnership by fostering the creation of a community rose association to raise funds for and support the float. He suggested an all-city band Rose Parade entry as a cost saving alternative.
Paul Bellenbaum, Cerritos resident, suggested a Rose Parade equestrian entry representation of great historical figures or a stage coach.
Discussion ensued regarding the benefits of the Rose Parade Float in generating a sense of community and pride, and the City's exposure to a large audience. Additional discussion was held with regard to the possibility of more community riders on the float, scaling back the size and scope of the float with a corresponding reduction in cost, and organizing a community association or foundation to raise funds for the float. The effects of the economic downturn on the perception that the float may be too costly at this time and the difficulty in generating contributions from businesses experiencing financial hardships were also addressed as well as the possibility of determining the viability of a rose float association prior to committing to a float for this coming year in the event such an association falls short of contributions. Further discussion was held regarding moving ahead with a scaled-down float as long as no programs or services are cut; the potential of not getting back into the Rose Parade if the City does not participate next year; the considerable Rose Parade band competition and the lack of guarantees that a band participating one year would be called back the next; and the concern that City staff should not participate in fundraising efforts to avoid conflicts of interests. It was pointed out, in response to Council inquiry, that approximately $50,000 was raised for the first Rose Parade float, which cost about $150,000, and that although no major cuts in programs or services is being contemplated at this time, a guarantee that no program or service cuts would be made in the upcoming fiscal year would be difficult to confirm given the uncertain economy and the anticipated continuance of the State's fiscal crisis.
MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Cho and seconded by Councilman Edwards to participate in the 2010 Rose Parade with a smaller float at a cost of $100,000 to $185,000, and to initiate a non-profit organization to allow community participation and if there is no community support for this endeavor then discontinue participation in the Rose Parade the next year. The motion carried, with Councilwomen Chen and Lee dissenting.
RECESS AND RECONVENE
The meeting recessed at 9:20 p.m. and reconvened at 9:33 p.m., with all Councilmembers in attendance.
A request by the property owner, Kent Browning/Obispo Properties, LLC, P.O. Box 367, Artesia, California, 90701, to construct an addition to an existing
one-story industrial building located at 16717 Norwalk Boulevard, Cerritos, California, 90703. The subject property is located in the Los Coyotes Redevelopment Project Area (APN 7011-001-020).
Cerritos Redevelopment Agency Conformity Report 2009-2
Precise Plan 68-8(B)(2009) Amendment*
*Pursuant to Section 15301(e) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this project is categorically exempt.
Title was read to the foregoing item and the public hearing opened.
Current Planning Manager Hamilton reviewed the staff report dated March 26, 2009.
It was confirmed during ensuing discussion that the vehicle restoration referenced in the staff report related to personal restoration activity and was not interpreted to mean a restoration business.
Interested parties were invited to present testimony and there was no response. The public hearing was closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Chen and seconded by Councilman Edwards that the City Council:
A. Receive and file Cerritos Redevelopment Agency Conformity Report 2009-2; and
B. Approve Precise Plan 68-8(B)(2009) Amendment, making the findings set forth in Cerritos Planning Commission Resolution No. PC 2009-6;
as recommended in the staff report dated March 26, 2009. The motion carried unanimously.
The following item was taken out of order.
Review and consideration of an informational report on the implementation of the tobacco retail licensing program.
Chris Fuentes, Cerritos resident, requested and received confirmation that the past year was devoted to developing the license program, educating merchants and implementing the program, no undercover operations have been implemented as part of this program, the licensing fee is $50, and the ordinance has no sunset.
Alon Barlevy, Cerritos resident, expressed his support of the tobacco retail licensing program.
Cheryl Toledo, Asian American Drug Abuse Program Community Organizer, Culver City, supported the tobacco retail licensing program and commented on the success of similar programs in other cities.
Steven Gallegos, American Lung Association Smoke-Free Advocacy and Programs Director, Glendale, provided American Lung Association of California information related to efforts at protection from second-hand tobacco smoke, 2008 smoke free report card summary for Los Angeles County, and state of tobacco control 2008 criteria for local grades. Mr. Gallegos also commended the City of Cerritos for the great job and foresight in passing a tobacco retailing licensing ordinance to protect children and extended his appreciation to the City Council for setting an example to retailers to not sell tobacco products to children.
Ruth Satele, Office of Samoan Affairs, Carson, commended the Council on the adoption of a tobacco retail licensing program and discussed the benefits of such a program.
MOTION: It was moved by Councilman Edwards and seconded by Councilwoman Chen to receive and file the staff report dated March 26, 2009 entitled Review and consideration of an informational report on the implementation of the tobacco retail licensing program. The motion carried unanimously.
The following item was taken out of order.
A request by the property owner, Elie G. Malouf for a time extension to Precise Plan 69-22(B)(2008) Amendment which was approved to add a new service bay to an existing Union 76 gas and auto service station located at 13363 Artesia Boulevard, Cerritos, California, 90703. The subject property is zoned CN, Neighborhood-Commercial, APN 7008-015-001.
Elie G. Malouf, applicant, commented on the impact of the economic situation on his ability to obtain financing to complete the project and requested a one-year extension. He concurred with the added condition of approval regarding sale, lease and/or rental of vehicles as contained in the staff report dated March 26, 2009.
MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Lee and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cho to approve a one-year time extension for Precise Plan 69-22(B)(2008) Amendment, from February 14, 2009 to February 14, 2010 and make the findings set forth in Cerritos Planning Commission Resolution No. PC 2009-9. The motion carried unanimously.
The following item was taken out of order.
Review and consideration of a request by the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion (CEB) Adoption Committee to the Cerritos City Council to waive fees at the Iron-Wood Nine Golf Course for a fundraising event for the 1st CEB, previously adopted by the City of Cerritos.
Alon Barlevy, Cerritos resident, indicated that the Council would be setting a precedent and opening up a flood gate if the request by the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion (CEB) Adoption Committee were granted, noting that fairness and consistency would require free use of City facilities to A groups and free use of the Cerritos Center of the Performing Arts to the Friends of Arts Education.
Chris Fuentes, Cerritos resident, commended the work of the 1st CEB Adoption Committee and expressed support of the request. He added that requests should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
During ensuing discussion the 1st CEB Adoption Committee was commended for its support of the Marines of the 1st CEB through community efforts such as the golf fundraising event and that requests for assistance are considered on a case-by-case basis.
MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Lee and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cho to waive the green fees at Iron-Wood Nine Golf Course and provide other assistance as outlined in the staff report dated March 26, 2009 for a golf tournament fundraiser hosted by the 1st CEB Adoption Committee to benefit the Marines of the 1st CEB. The motion carried unanimously.
Review and consideration of information relating to the commission and committee system in the City of Cerritos.
Senior Assistant City Manager Brar provided an overview of the staff report dated March 26, 2009.
It was noted that two written comments were submitted by Cerritos residents, which were made available to the public and Council and made a part of the record for this item.
Randy Economy, Cerritos resident, spoke in support of the current commission and committee system and suggested consideration of a human relations commission that would provide outreach services to those on fixed incomes and at-risk youth, gang prevention, and drug and alcohol counseling. He asserted that commissioners should be held to a high standard, including a more strict review of those who serve on commissions.
Economic Development Commissioners Robert Buell, Lily Kuo and Pino Pathak joined fellow Commissioner Kathleen Lovell, who indicated that the scope of the Economic Development Commission should remain the same. She added that there are opportunities for the commission to become more involved with the businesses in the City, particularly in light of the current economic climate. In noting disagreement with the merger of the Economic Development Commission and Property Preservation Commission, Ms. Lovell observed the lack of synergy between the two Commissions, which she asserted would dilute the focus and impact of Economic Development Commission access to businesses, state and national economic development information and resources, and conference opportunities.
Chris Fuentes, Cerritos resident, indicated that the current Commission/Commission system works well. He suggested the formation of a senior commission or committee; disagreed with dinners before every meeting, noting they are an opportunity for staff to unduly influence the commission; agreed with retaining the commissioner stipend and conference attendance, suggesting that one or two commissioners attend the conference and bring back information to share; commented on the value of the Fine Arts and Historical Commission; suggested a review of staff interaction on the commission with regard to the intricacies of the power staff has as opposed to the commissioners.
Alon Barlevy, Cerritos resident and Parks and Recreation Commissioner, suggested the Economic Development Commission oversee an annual Cerritos business expo, the elimination of the Community Safety Committee, hold quarterly town hall style meetings at which community safety issues would be discussed, remove the Historical reference from the Fine Arts and Historical Commission, expand the Parks and Recreation Commission jurisdiction to include senior transportation services and senior housing facilities, and expand the purview of the Parks and Recreation Commission to include review of costs associated with programming as well as access to that information.
Ken Cha, Cerritos resident and Property Preservation Commissioner, referenced proposed changes suggested by Mayor Pro Tem Cho, noting that the changes related to the Property Preservation Commission were designed to bring the Commission closer to residents by fostering accountability rather than being an extension of Code Enforcement. He added that the creation of a human relations commission would accommodate residents who are reluctant to voice their concerns at City Hall due to language barriers, suggested town hall style meetings to encourage community involvement, and favored the creation of a senior commission.
Bob Houska, Cerritos resident, urged the Council to keep the current structure of the commission and committee system. He expressed that a senior commission is not necessary at this time because the Senior Center and City staff in general are meeting the variety of needs of the senior community and such a commission is not an efficient use of City funds and staff time. He added that seniors and others are welcome to express their needs and concerns to the City Council at any time.
Gail Grossman, Cerritos resident and Parks and Recreation Commissioner, suggested changing the Parks and Recreation Commission to the Parks, Recreation and Senior Services Commission or Recreation and Senior Services Commission or Community Services Commission, and also suggested a Senior Center club council comprised of members of each of the senior clubs and staff that would meet once a month or as needed, with one club member representative having direct contact with staff.
Jerry Kamashian, Cerritos resident, commended the Commissions for their work and favored changes that would improve their responsiveness to residents, particularly with regard to the Property Preservation Commission and to those residents with language or cultural differences.
Ram Kakkar, Cerritos resident, agreed with Mayor Pro Tem Cho's analysis, noting that the Commissioner/Committee Members could adjust to the proposed changes. He asserted the Council should address improved communication between the City and residents, address diversity and conflicts, maintain senior citizen well-being, and keep abreast of new trends in youth programming. He commented that adjusting programs for arts education would control expenses.
Lew Gentiluomo, Cerritos resident and Parks and Recreation Commissioner, expressed that there is no need for change, particularly in this time of economic uncertainty, and that the current system is working. He added that meetings are publicized and open to the public, referencing enhanced adaptive programming as an issue that was addressed through citizen input. He expressed concern with regard to item 2 of Mayor Pro Tem Cho's proposal that referenced the Asian population as the majority, noting that he considers Cerritos a community with a high Asian population, which is well-represented on the Council.
Matt Kauble, Cerritos resident and Community Safety Committee Member, expressed security concerns associated with televising Community Safety Committee meetings, noting that the Community Safety Committee has not reviewed aspects of televising its meetings.
Jay Gray, Cerritos resident, stated that the Commission/Committee system should be designed to enable more direct communication with residents with Commissioners and Committees Members acting as intermediaries between the residents and the Council, noting that Commissions and Committees should have more autonomy from staff. He suggested web page enhancements to accommodate direct e-mail to Commissioners and Committee Members and for automatic reminders of meetings to residents who sign-up for the service. He also favored town hall style meetings and sending fewer staff members to meetings.
Cindy Yen Chen, Cerritos resident and Planning Commissioner, indicated that Commissioners and Committee Members should be closer to residents to hear what residents want and to be able to represent the residents and make proper recommendations to the Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Cho read into the record a statement explaining the background of and providing details with regard to his Commission and Committee Reorganization Proposal and his Revised Proposal. Note: The statement and revised proposal were provided to the City Council, all Commissioners and Committee Members, and the public, and was made part of the record as an attachment to the staff report dated March 26, 2009.
During ensuing discussion Mayor Pro Tem Cho was thanked for his work in bringing forth his proposal and revised proposal, the healthy discussion that has resulted from his efforts and the ideas that could be gleaned from this endeavor. Additional discussion was held regarding the talent and devotion of the Commission and Committee Members and the possibility of further study of a number of items that were brought forth, in particular direct e-mail communication with Commissioners and Committee Members via the City's website, consideration of a business expo, possibly through a partnership with the Chamber and businesses, and development of a Commission/Committee handbook. It was also noted during the discussion that given the amount of time devoted by Commissioners and Committee Members in preparation of the items brought before them, the stipend should remain in place as well as meals prior to attending meetings, and retaining attendance at one conference per year to keep them informed and up-to-date on new programs and advances in the particular subject matter specific to each Commission or Committee. It was noted further that improvements to Commission/Committee effectiveness is always welcome, as is access to the City through communication with the Council and Commissions/Committees, Channel 3, Cerritos News, the City's website and other means of outreach, and that staff continues to be a valuable resource of knowledge and assistance to the Council and Commissioners/Committee Members. The costs associated with changes to the Commission and Committee structure during these difficult economic times were also addressed during the discussion.
Mayor Pro Tem Cho thanked everyone for their participation in this process and expressed his appreciation to Commissioners/Committee Members for their service and efforts, noting it was a good opportunity to look at ways to improve our system.
MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Chen and seconded by Councilman Edwards to receive and file the staff report dated March 26, 2009 entitled Review and consideration of information relating to the commission and committee system in the City of Cerritos. The motion carried unanimously.
MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Barrows and seconded by Councilwoman Lee to direct staff to develop a Commissioner/Committee Member handbook for Council consideration. The motion carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION OF CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Lee and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cho to make the following City Council Committee Assignments for 2009-2010:
| Standing Committees (Subject to the Brown Act) |
Councilmember | |
|---|---|---|
| ABC Unified School District | 1. Jim Edwards 2. Laura Lee |
|
| Budget/Finance | 1. Bruce Barrows, Chair 2. Joseph Cho |
|
| Performing Arts | 1. Bruce Barrows 2. Carol Chen 3. Joseph Cho 4. Jim Edwards 5. Laura Lee |
|
| Personnel | 1. Bruce Barrows, Chair 2. Joseph Cho |
|
| One-Member Standing Committees (not subject to Brown Act requirements) |
Councilmember | |
| Auto Mall | Bruce Barrows | |
| Business and Industry | Laura Lee | |
| Cerritos Community College–Liaison | Laura Lee | |
| Chamber of Commerce–Liaison | Jim Edwards | |
| County Health Department/Health Insurance | Joseph Cho | |
| Legislative | Bruce Barrows | |
| Library | Carol Chen | |
| Parks and Recreation | Carol Chen | |
| Senior Services/Senior Center | Joseph Cho | |
| Other Organizations | Councilmember | Alternate |
| California Contract Cities Association | Joseph Cho | Carol Chen |
| California Joint Powers Insurance Authority | Jim Edwards | * |
| Consolidated Youth Services Network | Carol Chen | Joseph Cho |
| Gateway Cities Council of Governments | Bruce Barrows | Joseph Cho |
| Gateway Cities Council of Governments–91/605 Corridor Cities Committee | Bruce Barrows | Joseph Cho |
| League of California Cities/City Selection/Metropolitan Transportation Authority | Bruce Barrows | Carol Chen |
| Orange Line Development Authority | Bruce Barrows | Carol Chen |
| Sanitation Districts 2, 3, 18 & 19/Waste Management | Bruce Barrows | Joseph Cho (1) Laura Lee (2) Carol Chen (3) Jim Edwards (4) |
| Southeast Water Coalition | Jim Edwards | Carol Chen |
| Workforce Investment Board–Policy Board | Laura Lee | Joseph Cho |
| Staff Committees | City Representative | |
| California Joint Powers Insurance Authority | *Art Gallucci, City Manager, Alternate *Denise Manoogian, Administrative Services Director, Alternate |
|
| Central Basin Water District | Charlie Emig , Water Superintendent | |
| Gateway Cities Council of Governments–91/605 Corridor Cities Committee | Art Gallucci, City Manager | |
| Youth/Juvenile Diversion | Greg Berg, Community & Safety Services Dir. | |
The foregoing motion carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATE/TEMPORARY ALTERNATE MEMBERS TO THE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICTS 2, 3, 18 AND 19
MOTION: It was moved by Councilwoman Lee and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cho to appoint Mayor Pro Tem Cho as the Alternate to the County Sanitation Districts 2, 3, 18 and 19, with Councilwoman Lee as the first Temporary Alternate, Councilwoman Chen as the second Temporary Alternate, and Councilman Edwards as the third Temporary Alternate. The motion carried unanimously.
PENDING LEGISLATION
City Manager Gallucci referenced the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and commented on the City's efforts in applying for related grants and other funding opportunities.
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS/COMMITTEE REPORTS/REPORT ON MEETINGS
Councilwoman Chen reported on her attendance at the Youth Basketball Awards Ceremony.
Councilman Edwards commented on his attendance at the Youth Basketball Awards Ceremony and National League of Cities Conference in Washington, D.C. He also commented on fire fighting equipment that was donated to Sister City Loreto, Baja California, organized by the Friends of Loreto Foundation. He requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Cerritos resident Herbert R. Buck.
Councilman Cho reported on his attendance at the National League of Cities Conference in Washington, D.C.
Mayor Barrows reported on his attendance at the National League of Cities Conference in Washington, D.C.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 11:57 p.m. in memory of Cerritos resident Herbert R. Buck, who recently passed away.
/s/Josephine Triggs
Josephine Triggs, City Clerk
ATTEST:
/s/Bruce Barrows
Bruce Barrows, Mayor
Approved: April 9, 2009
