City Council - Regular Meeting

I would like to call the regular meetings of the housing successor and successor agency and city council to order. Roll call, please. Council member Rounds, here. Council member Mora, here. Council member Martin here. Mayor Pro Tim Rodriguez here. Mayor Zamora here. Public com public comments are now open. The public may address the city council on close session items only. For those that are here to make public comment, you will have an opportunity once the city clerk announces your name. You will have three minutes to speak. City clerk, do we have any members of the public wishing to speak? We do not. I will now close public comments. [clears throat] Close session. I would like to call upon our righteous and worthy city attorney.

Thank you. Can you raise the close session item, please? Thank you for that introduction, mayor. Uh at this time, the city council and the mayor will recess into close session to discuss the sole item posted on today's agenda. Um upon completion of discussion of the item, I will report out in open session when we reconvene. Thank you. We will now recess to close session. We will reconvene the meeting after close session discussion to hear a report from the city attorney and to continue with the rest of the meeting. That's it.

I walked in. I started

you went to Joe Angel before meeting. No, no, no. It was him. That's why I did that. Where were you?

All right. I want to reconvene the meeting of the closed session report. I would like to reconvene this meeting. City attorney, any close session report? Yes. Thank you, mayor, members of the city council. the record to reflect that the city council recess into close session to discuss the single item on tonight's close session agenda. With respect to this item, the city council received a briefing from city staff. Feedback was provided, but no final action was taken in close session. Thank you. And do we have to adjourn that meeting?

No. All right. So, we can continue. All right. So, I I would like to call the regular meeting of the housing successor successor agency and city council to order. And I would like to call upon Pastor Ray Lou from Calvary Chapel, Santa Fe Springs to lead today's invocation. Thank you.

Well, it's good to be with you all. Why don't you join me as we pray? Father, we do thank you for uh your work and your blessing upon this city, Lord. And one of the ways you bless this people is providing leadership. So we pray, we pray for our city council, we pray for our leaders, Lord, that you would grant them wisdom and knowledge and understanding, Lord, that they would lead us in a way that is true, in a way that is right, in a way that brings and invites your blessings upon this city. And so I pray for them that you would just anoint them, fill them, that they can they can do the work that you have called them to do. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Thank you all for having me. Thank you, sir.

I would like to call upon the YElC to lead us in the pledge of allegiance. So, if you guys can please stay standing,

please place your right hand over your heart. Ready to begin. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Before the ladies sit down, um name, school, any activities that you guys are involved in other than YlC. My name is Miranda Martinez. I go to Santa Fe High School and I'm involved with clubs. Clubs on campus and Medcore. Is that the name of the club? Clubs on campus? No, like just clubs like I go to.

Yeah, I go to the clubs that they host like um the medical career club and women achieving greatness. Oh, okay. That's better. My name is Scarlet Espinosa. I currently go to Rosary Academy. I am involved on two clubs, a woman in business and RAD. Um, I participate in volleyball. I also do beach volleyball and I also do club volleyball. Wow. Wow. Thank you guys. Would you girls like to take a picture real quick? You guys want to take a picture with us? You can come back here and just face. And I don't know if you want to take a picture with us, Pastor Ray. You guys want to stand real quick?

What position do you put? which

Thank you.

Changes to agenda. Mr. Mr. Bodilla, Mr. Mayor, we have no changes tonight. Public comments on uh non-aggenda and non-public hearing agenda items. Public comments are now open. The public may address the city council on any item on the agenda or any other matter within the within the council's jurisdiction. You will have an opportunity to speak for three minutes once the city clerk announces your name. City clerk, do we have anybody anyone wishing to speak? Mayor, we do not. I will now close public comments and move on to the next item, staff communications, community interest. Mr. Boadia, Mr. Mayor, we have one item of staff communication. I'd like to call up Gus Hernandez, parks and rec director.

Thank you, Renee. Good evening, mayor and members of the city council. I'd like to invite our community out to our President's Day carnival, which will be held on uh Monday, February 16th, President's Day over at the activity center. We have crafts, games, food, and our presidential uh food, the hot dog combo. Uh we we'll also have our community workshop for our parks, recreation, and community services master plan. Should be a day of fun, and I invite the whole community to come out. Thank you. Thank you.

So, I I It's not only for kids, right? It's also for senior citizens that want to go get the hot dog combo. All right. U [laughter] public hearing of item number two. And can we have the city attorney read the public hearing? Yes, mayor, members of the city council. We have a public hearing first reading of ordinance number 1166 amending sections 155 175.2 and 155.637 637 within title 15 chapter 155 of the Santa Fe Springs Municipal Code and determining that the project is exempt from SQA.

Mr. Bovadilla.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh before you is public hearing for um a new U-Haul that's slated to u be placed over across the street from the transportation facility. Um it's a it's a difficult site. Um it's it's adjacent to a railroad. Access is very difficult. Uh there's been um no interest in in other types of of development on that site and we feel that this is the best development that uh could take place on that site considering its access and where it's located. So before you mayor is consideration for you to consider this item. [snorts] The public hearing is now open. Any wishing anyone wishing to be heard please approach the podium and state your name. Seeing city clerk, do we have any speakers?

Mayor, we do not. All right, I would like to close the public hearing. Um, council, any any discussion before we move to approval? I mean, I know I have one question. Are are we getting a sales tax on it? Yes, we are. They are. They are putting a retail component on the site. That was something that we requested that uh they add uh rental and other items that can be sold on site. So there will be a a sales tax component to this. Good. Mayor, I just have one question. Um what is the time frame for this to be in operation?

We have a representative from U-Haul tonight if if you don't mind, mayor. And if you don't mind stating your name only. Sure. My name is Robert. Thank you, mayor and council members. Um we don't have a time frame. We still are in process of submitting and getting for approvals. We've been working with Mr. Bobia and when uh regarding the site and I believe we have a plan in place. It's just a matter of getting through this hurdle so that we could start moving forward and then get real aggressive in our movement. Good. Good. Typically your construction is about 12 14 months. I've seen a couple of them that have gone that and some of them that have been a little bit longer. It just depends on what the build is going to be.

So, we're looking at 2027 to be able to go in and rent something hopefully. Okay. But if you need to rent something now, I'm pretty sure he has a Yeah, we definitely have some spots for you. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. Anybody else? Can I get a motion? I'll move second. Motion by Mr. around. Second by Miss Martin. All those in favor say I. I.

I. Those opposed. So ordered. Consent calendar. Housing successor successor agency and city council consent calendar. We have a total of seven consent items numbers 3 through 9. If uh is there a motion for the approval of consent calendar? Is there is there a motion or does anybody need to talk? May I just want to bring up a point? Um you're going to approve the consent tonight with item five. That is resolution number 9,999. Um is that after this resolution, the next resolution will be resolution 10,000. So in the history of of Santa Fe Springs, uh you will breach the the 10,000 limit uh after today's meeting. So just a matter of of history for you.

Is that item five or six? I have it I have it down for six. Sorry, it's item six. Sorry. All right. Can I get a motion? Oh, go ahead. Excuse me. Item number eight is uh landscape maintenance services. Is this merchant? Yes.

Okay. I just wanted to say that uh we brought merchant on and uh we were told that there was going to be uh they were going to be participating in in our city doing a lot of uh community activities. uh uh putting making our city look great, but when it happened, they they came on and what I seen was just basically green. I would like to see more uh color in our city, uh more improvements, and I know with that comes more money. So, back when we approved this, it was very it was less than what we the other people were doing and it was because they took out all of the uh all of the

color color in our city. So, it really we weren't really getting a deal. The pe the other people that wanted to bid on this, they were serving our community and putting a lot out there. And that's what we want to see. We want to see somebody that if you say you're going to put out in our community, you're going to donate, you're going to be a part of our city, then be a part of it because we will hold you to it. And uh you want to be back in our city, you want us to vote this in again, but we want to see uh we want to see more from you. direct public works to do that for them to

so uh mayor members of the council so this um item item 8 landscape maintenance services it does include additional services that weren't included in the previous contract so we did make additional additions to the contract that if Mr. Enriquez can come up and kind of give us a little bit more detail on that.

Thank you mayor members of the council. So what you have before you there are some added services. Um there is some additional budget for more color um change outs and perhaps more color locations for for flowers. Um that is built in. Um there's also uh we've added some more uh supervisor time because the previous contract only had 30 hours of of the manager for the service for Santa Springs. That person is now here 40 hours a week. And uh and what you see before you is actually um very much in line with uh the amount we've been paying for the last 5 years if you consider CPI increase. Um so there there's not much of an increase given the fact that we're getting some additional service and capacity in the contract.

And I and I will say this because this is a very blaring observation. Um our soaring dreams area that we have the whole grass area. If you were out there maybe two months ago, you would see that the the color wasn't that great. It was sort of yellow, not not really well manicured. Uh clippings would always be on the sidewalk. Um now there's going to be more attention paid on that area. If you see it today, it's green. When they mow it, they clean up. Um that wasn't part of the previous contract and no no disrespect to them, but that's what we had we were paying for. We've changed that and we've added things to improve those areas as well in this contract

because I know in the past I know um council member rounds you know I know in one of the meetings that we were here you had brought up like that how the mediums were kind of dry and stuff like that and and and you know and I know for all of us I mean when it comes to the manicure of our city I mean that's the first thing that prospective businesses look at they when they come in or or perspective even homeowners or whatever it may be they get off that free freeway and they start driving through our medium and and those are things that they they want to see that are that are well-maintained. So I I mean I agree with uh with Mayor Pro Tim Rodriguez. I'm pretty sure we all agree that we want to see a greatlook city. I mean, that's the whole point that, you know, we did the Rose Parade float to show color and, you know, to get our name out there, but we want to make sure that we stay vibrant, that people look to Santa Fe Springs that as not just another city, but but but as a city of, you know, that's looking out not only for the best interest for their residents, but, you know, for their business community. And uh other than that, I mean I mean um I know that in what uh Mayor Pro Tim Rodriguez is asking for is what it sounds like it's a community benefit. So how are you guys going to get involved with the city? you know, um we, you know, um you know, we can't adhere for you guys to give a certain amount back to the city, but it's like, what are you guys going to do to per, you know, participate and be involved actively with this community? Cuz I know some of the council members up here always say, "We're a family, but how can we be a family and yet, you know, you guys are doing the maintenance and we have an event, we have a fun run, we have anything and you know, so things like that, I guess." But I know the community benefit would be actually um really good. I know there's a there's a nonprofit. There's different things, you know, that people can get involved with and go from there.

Mayor, we we'll ensure that we uh inform them of all the uh great things we do and make sure that they uh participate in our events. Thank you. Thank you. Can I get a I'll move second. Moved by Martin, second by Mora. All those in favor? I I I those opposed. So ordered. All right. Appointments to board, committees, and commissions. Council member rounds. None tonight. Mayor. Council member Mora. Tonight, Mayor. Council member Martin. Mayor Prom Rodriguez. None tonight, Mayor.

And I have none. Council comments. AB1234. Council conference reporting. Council member Rounds.

Thank you, Mayor. Uh, no. No report on AB 1234. Uh no conferences since the last time we reported out or I reported out. Um just I want to thank the residents staff. Congratulations U-Haul for uh another facility. Um uh in our city. I uh it it's uh starting out to be a great year and uh looking forward to um to a great 2026. It's already it's already there and uh don't be surprised pretty soon we're going to start uh designing our next float I believe. So um that'll that'll be a couple weeks

that'll be out there pretty soon. So um somebody asked me about that and I just said you know it was great because it brought the community together. It brought and it was a team effort by the entire city. And where is Arlene? Arlene, thank you for everything you did and Kylie where I know she's not here tonight, but what she did for the you two were the top of the list, but you set the bar high for everybody else and they followed your lead. So, congratulations on that and um here we go another year. Thank you, Council Member Mora.

Well, not much happened in a week. Uh but uh you no conference but I do agree with uh what uh council member round said you know ditto what he said. Um I did attend the open house that they had last Saturday with the city uh jobs for u uh PSOS lifeguards wreck and uh it seemed to go pretty well. There was a lot of people that came in and out. They got a lot of good information and those that left they were excited and hopeful to be working for this great wonderful city that we have. I miss Cormania. I know it was a great event. Um I was just not able to make it. But my son did go. He participated. He had a good time. He did

and he got some prizes and you know he he had a great time. So with that uh yeah we got 11 months and it'll be Christmas again. So January is gone but looking forward to this year. Thank you Council Member Martin. Thank you. Um nothing to report, no conferences, nothing like that this time. Um it was a [clears throat] short week. It seemed like we barely was were here and uh nothing really happened but we were last week.

No, I missed on quarter mania. Um thanks for coming in, chief. Nice seeing you. Great seeing you. Not that we don't mind seeing the captain, but it's good seeing you, too. Um happy birthday to the girl that always puts us in line and keeps us straight, gives us our phone calls and reminders. Happy birthday, Priscilla. Thank you for doing what you do for us. Happy birthday. Amen. Mayor Prom Rodriguez, don't worry, we'll sing Priscilla happy birthday when Oh, we will. Yes. Uh I would like to say too that the quarter mania uh given by our Are you the president of the leaf? Uh yes, he is. Sometimes

our mayor is the president of the leaf and we had our quarter mania and it was amazing. I want to thank our uh my commissioner Isabelle well our commissioner Isabelle Cervantes. She's on the leaf and you guys did an amazing job. It was so nice and all the the funds go to the children, the youth in our community for anything that uh where there is a need. So, I'm really happy that we have this uh this program and we do get to win a lot of nice purses and

uh plants and just all sorts of gifts. They really had some nice gifts and I saw Janie and Gilbert there. I saw um Yoko. Everybody was just so nice to be there and and uh just amongst family. So, thank you so much. I saw Gus over there, too, with his family. It was very nice. Yes. And uh Priscilla, happy birthday. Another one bites the dust, huh? But you know what? You are a beautiful lady. And that's okay because that's another day that God has given to us. I want to thank everybody for being here and I look forward to uh the uh President's Day. I'm saving all my pennies. So, thank you. Well, I would like to just start off by Is it all right if we guys if we sing happy birthday to Miss Priscilla Morenos on the count of three? Ready? Yeah. Priscilla, can you please stand up over here? Right here in the front, please. Hey, it's my meeting now. I can, you know, I can have you. [laughter] My bad. I know I'm going to get him later on, but this is Priscilla. just in case if she has these pierc this piercing look right now, but it's okay. Um towards everyone else, if you ever need anything from city council, city manager, this is the gatekeeper. All right, just to let you know, treat her right and then everything goes the way you you expected. So, on the count of three, ready? 1 2 3. Happy birthday to you.

Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear Priscilla. Happy birthday to you. Thank you. [applause] She takes gift cards, checks, cash, Venmo, Zel, Apple Pay, you name it. She likes to eat at Maggie's Pub just just to help people out if they just in case. Um, what is it? Her coffee is mocha. What is it? Mocha. Mocha. Mocha.

Yeah, something like that. I just know we had a jasmine and that I don't even know how that one is just like eight different things. And then we have Adriana. Are you shadowing or what? All right.

Wow. Good answer right there. Wow. And then we also have Natalie Tong um representing. Um you want to you have anything to say? You want anything to add? Assembly Member Pacheco's office. Allie's Natalie's actually getting getting um at our events, we're going to have actually have her give out, you know, a one minute session of whatever is happening with the Assembly Member Pekco. So, get ready for that. Okay, I'm just kidding, Natalie. But other than that, I'm I have nothing to report when it comes to AB1234 council conference reporting. Um Chief V, thank you for being here. Um, Chief Aviv, it's real hard for him to get over here at times cuz he loves to be in a very long- winded meeting. So, uh, very different over here. Sir, hopefully you have some food. Um, we thank you and just make sure you tell all your officers that we thank you and we support all the all that they do for not only for the city of Whittier, but especially the city of Santa Fe Springs. And also, Captain once again, thank you, sir. Um, Quarter Mania was always a huge hit. So to everybody who helps out with quarter mania, I I would just like to thank the committee itself. Um it's Mary Aras, Isabelle Cervantes, uh Naen Quinn, and Deli Owens. And you know, they even though I can be the president of that foundation, it it makes it really difficult because imagine you're trying to hold two seats and and trying to hold multiple hats and but when you have people like them, makes it real easy. makes everything um easy and you know it just everything just falls in line. So I mean kudos to them. But to all our staff, thank you for being who you are. Um of course we love over overachievers and we want you to do do the do the best that you can for the city of Santa Fe Springs. We want to make sure that everybody here is well taken care of, but you also have to take care of this community. Um and as

if you would your own, you know, whether it be your spouse or your loved ones. Um, we just want you to put that much care into it. So, thank you once again. Happy birthday, Priscilla. And we're gonna adjourn this meeting today at I don't even know the time. What is it? 6:25. Meeting adjourned.