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LongBeachCC_05192015_15-0449 | Speaker 1: Item 11 Communication from Councilman Austin, Councilwoman Gonzalez and Councilwoman Price. Recommendation to request the city attorney to draft a resolution in support of the Meatless Mondays campaign.
Speaker 0: Okay. There's no motion. Councilmember Austin. Turn this over to Councilor Austin.
Speaker 3: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And I'd like to thank my colleagues, Councilmember Gonzalez and Price, for joining me on this item. Before you are to consider a resolution in support of the Meatless Mondays campaign, the City Council has often had agenda items that merely seek to raise awareness about certain community issues. Just as in the past, when the City Council has passed resolutions in support or opposing propositions or in support of wearing a certain color for certain cause, it did not mean that we were expecting that everybody would necessarily vote a certain way or require that anyone wear a certain color in support of a certain cause. Tonight's agenda is merely a way to wear, raise awareness and add to the dialog about the need for healthier food options, including more fruits and vegetables to be available. And raising awareness on this issue, I believe, is important to Long Beach. A study a few years ago showed that Long Beach had the highest rate of obesity and overweight children between the ages of two and five, anywhere in California, a rate of 40%. Recent studies have indicated that nearly half of all fifth, seventh and eighth graders in Long Beach are considered overweight or obese by federal standards. Obesity, especially in children, can have lifelong health impacts, including diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases, heart disease and some types of cancer. Many cities have adopted similar resolutions in recent years. Meatless Mondays, including Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland and San Francisco. Many restaurants and schools have also embraced this concept and have expanded the healthy options that they offer if even for one day a week. People think a little bit more about what they're eating and consider trying new, healthier menu options. Then this resolution will have accomplished its purpose. I'm glad. I'd like to thank my constituent, Mr. Roy Drew Alexis, for helping me become aware of this campaign and bring it to the city council's attention. And I would ask for your full support of this, I think, worthwhile motion.
Speaker 0: Councilwoman Gonzales. Oh.
Speaker 2: I want to thank Councilman Austin for bringing this forward. I know that it's been a hot topic lately all of a sudden, but I signed onto the agenda item because having a different perspective, in my opinion, on eating habits is extremely important. Our eating behaviors have contributed to more than two thirds of adults and one third of children becoming overweight or obese. And I've also learned that my own alma mater, Cal State, Long Beach, their dining hall, encourages meatless Mondays, offering a variety of vegetarian options. In addition, the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee also made strong recommendations. Their advice, of course, is to adopt a plant strong diet, meaning more fruits and vegetables and fewer animal products. In addition, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization stated that the meat industry generates nearly one fifth of the man made greenhouse gas emissions that are accelerating climate change worldwide. And astonishingly enough, this statistic totals more than the emissions from transportation alone. This cuts down on your meat. Cutting down on your meat intake can help conserve water as well. And an estimated 1800 to 2500 gallons of water go into a single pound of meat of beef, whereas other meat alternatives such as tofu only take 220 gallons of water per pound. So in addition to being healthy and making this merely your recommendation, it's also a global idea of ensuring we're being sustainable, that we're being more environmentally conscious and friendly, and especially in a city that is moving more towards community gardens and healthy food options. And so I welcome my council colleagues to support this. And thank you, Councilman Austin and Councilman Price.
Speaker 0: Councilwoman Price.
Speaker 2: Thank you. I, too, want to thank Councilman Austin for bringing this forward. And I want to reiterate what he said, which is this is a a campaign to raise awareness. It's not a mandate by any stretch of the imagination. So I think that's important to to think about it in this context. The initiative was created in association with Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. It's a campaign to promote healthy habits, and starting the campaign on a monday really promotes good choices for the start of the week. This is the same message that I shared with my family last night when they asked me why we were not having my famous spaghetti sauce that I use that has ground beef in it. I told them that we were not having that last night, that we were going to participate in Meatless Mondays and and explain to them the benefits of using the opportunity to have more fruits, vegetables and salads in our diet. It's something that we don't do. And I think it's a really great opportunity for them to learn different alternatives in terms of their diet and making healthy choices. This initiative has been embraced by multiple school districts because they want to encourage healthy eating at a young age. In fact, it's interesting. In 2010, Fox News Sunday House Call with Dr. Isidore Rosenfeld aired a segment featuring Meatless Mondays. He cited that studies showed that meat consumption can impede weight loss and is unhealthy. Dr. Rosenfeld still presents a healthy Monday tip on his show each week. I thought that might be a relevant fact this evening. Studies have led to lots of policies and initiatives over the years that are embraced by local governments smoking laws and prohibitions , restrictions, snack offerings at school, promoting healthy snack options for children. This is just another opportunity to raise awareness within our city and to encourage our residents to think about their lifestyle, their welfare, their future health, and really to take it as an opportunity to choose if they want to try something different. On Mondays, why not give it a shot? Thank you, Councilman Austin, for bringing this forward.
Speaker 0: Councilmember Ringo.
Speaker 7: Thank you, Bear. I want to commend my colleagues for bringing this forward. It's obvious that there are many studies that show that meat can be very harmful to one's health. And having one day out of the week to just stay away from eating meat products is, I think, commendable. One of the things that I always look forward to in terms of meals is that diversity and the opportunity to eat and try other things and doing it once a week, I think, is does it provide any greater harm than it than trying to do anything else and anything in in great quantities? Having great quantities is always going to hurt you. So I want to commend my council members on this. I support it and I look forward to Meatless Mondays. Maybe something less Tuesdays, too.
Speaker 0: Okay. Thank you. I have Councilwoman Mango.
Speaker 5: Thank you. I would be remiss if I didn't offer a few alternatives. How about pro veggie Monday or care about what you eat Monday or sugar free Monday? I've had calls from some businesses specifically that serve meat and steak and things like that, and it really contributes to the health of their business. And we as an organization could encourage or encourage restaurants and eateries to. Expand their selection. But if we were really passionate about meeting Meatless Monday, then maybe our own cafeteria should be meatless. I really am going to stand with the businesses today. I do support eating salads. I had a salad for dinner last night and I think it's a great thing. I just don't think that city government really should be in the business of telling people and making proclamations based on preferences. But thank you for bringing the item forward. It is important and I hope that our city and our constituents and our our children will really look at the sugar intake that they have and how that impacts obesity, because I do have diabetes in my family.
Speaker 0: Okay. Thank you. We're going to go now to public comment. So please come forward for public comment and then we will come back to council. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, vice mayor and council members. My name is Drew Alexis. I'm a Long Beach resident, and I support the issuance of a Meatless Mondays proclamation. And thank you for your service to Long Beach and for allowing for this discussion. Some may fear that a proclamation is government intrusion into one's personal choices. And I want to get some background on the campaign, because the campaign is really designed to do nothing more than provide information concerning the impact of our food choices on our health and on the environment, and simply to encourage us to make healthy decisions. Meatless Monday started during World War One. It was a campaign to urge Americans to reduce their consumption of staples to aid in the war effort. Meatless days were introduced to encourage Americans to show support for the war and free resources to furnish to our European allies. The campaign was established again during World War Two to help the nation's Second World War effort. And in the immediate postwar years, the campaign was continued to help feed war ravaged Europe. In 2003, researchers at Johns Hopkins University recommended cutting meat intake by 15% to lower the risk of preventable diseases. The School of Public Health launched the Meatless Monday campaign as a public health awareness campaign, and of course, Monday was selected because research shows that Monday is the perfect day to kick start healthy weekly behavior. Since 2010, Meatless Monday proclamations have been passed in 16 cities, including five in California. Many of these cities have found that passage of a proclamation is an opportunity to involve the community in the values expressed in the campaign. In Loudoun County, Virginia, for example, one of the most conservative Republican counties in Virginia. After passing a meatless Monday proclamation, the county partnered with area restaurants to offer special dishes, discounts and a lottery for free meatless meals, not surprisingly, and to address Councilwoman Mango's comment, many restaurants and communities that have adopted these proclamations actually support the proclamations completely because Monday is traditionally not a busy day for restaurants. That's a community based campaign to promote meatless meals on Monday may serve as a very good business opportunity for many of our local restaurants. In a few moments, you will hear from individuals who will share some important environmental benefits of eating meatless on Mondays. I wanted to to share a few words as to why Meatless Monday is also beneficial to our health. To quote Dr. Lawrence Hansen, a professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine who spoke at a school district meeting in San Diego. I have five reasons why the district should adopt Meatless Mondays heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes and obesity. It is no surprise that many hospitals and 28 teams from the most prestigious U.S. public health schools support the campaign as a tool to fight these awful and often preventable diseases. It is also no surprise that well-respected organizations working to advance public interest, such as the American Public Health Association, also endorse Meatless Mondays. According to a study by UCLA, 40% of children in Long Beach are obese. The American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends reducing meat consumption to decrease the risk of various health problems, including obesity. And the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health concluded that by replacing meat with an equal serving of legumes, healthy grains are nuts. One day a week would reduce the risk of early mortality by as much as 11%. Given the staggering rate of obesity in Long Beach we can afford, can we afford not to take reasonable steps to influence our residents to enjoy meatless meals at least one full day per week? I encourage you to vote in favor of this resolution. Thank you. Thank you, sir. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 10: Hello. My name is Vince Plods in. I moved to Long Beach in the late seventies while attending Long Beach State. I have watched the city grow and become a great place to live. My family and I reside in Susy Price's district. As as we all know, California is in a historic drought. Neither the short or the long term prognosis is encouraging. We are all being asked to take major steps to conserve water. Shorter and less frequent showers, brown lawns, etc.. And this is fair. This is not just a governmental issue. This is a citizen and a community problem. However, this is literally a drop in the bucket. We are ignoring the elephant in the room. The meat and dairy industry is responsible for almost half of California's water usage. Production of meat and animal products use more than half of the U.S. is freshwater supply. More of California's total water usage goes to livestock than any other cause. This is not sustainable. The estimated water to produce a pound of beef is a conservative. 1800 gallons. 700 gallons for a pound of pork, 430 gallons for a pound of eggs. Cattle need more water than any other large land mammal. Dairy cows range between 30 to 50 gallons per day. At first I found these numbers staggering, almost unbelievable. I researched it further and verified it with multiple sources. My next question was How can Ralphs or McDonald's possibly show a profit? Agro farming is very heavily government subsidized, so you are not just paying for your burger, you are paying for everyone else's. There is a very real connection between animal based diets and devastating water shortages. A vegan, meaning no meat or dairy diet, averages between three and 400 gallons daily. Vegetarian diet includes dairy jumps to approximately 1000 gallons daily. A heavy meat based diet can rise to 4000 gallons daily. Consequently, it takes less water to produce a year's food for a vegan diet than to produce a month's food for a heavy, carnivorous one. If these numbers do not seem important, I believe they will. Cutting animal products from meals one day a week would save an enormous amount of water. Change always comes with criticism and scrutiny, as it should. The perception that meat is necessary for protein is a myth. There are cultures and religions that are meatless and have and have sustained for many, many centuries. No one is going to be force fed broccoli or broccoli, only diet. This is merely a suggestion that we keep an open mind and look at all of our options. Here are some of the people already on board for Meatless Mondays. 50 school districts, 100 colleges and universities. Over 650,000 meatless meals are served in the L.A. Unified School District. And Meatless Monday resolutions have been passed in Dallas, Boston, Berkeley, Oakland and San Francisco. Think of it like Taco Tuesdays, but with many, many more options and healthy benefits. On a personal note, my parents, members of the great generation, dine primarily on the American diet, meat and potatoes. My father died of heart disease. My mother passed of diabetes.
Speaker 0: I don't serve. I'm sorry. Time's up. Time's up. But I don't think you call it.
Speaker 10: I just think this is a I would respectfully encourage that. The Long Beach City Council.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Serve time. Time is over.
Speaker 10: And I thank you for this opportunity.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 2: Hello. My name is Genesis Butler and I'm eight years old. I go to school and Monica Elementary and I love the city of Long Beach. I'm a vegan child. And one of the main reasons I went vegan is because of the damage. Eating meat is taking not only your health but the environment too. I researched the meat industry after my mom told me some facts and that is when I found out raising cattle and killing cattle for food is taking a toll on the planet. The animal and agriculture industry is hurting our planet. 18% greenhouse gas emissions are from animal agriculture. That this is more exhaust from all transportation, from animal agriculture is also leading ocean dead zones, water pollution and habitat destruction. It is also affecting our water supply. Right now, we're in the worst drought in history. We kept being told to take shorter showers or not. What are you? But that's only 4%. California's water footprint is linked to direct household use. The water footprint for meat and dairy is 47%. It takes it makes much more sense to urge people to limit eating meat. The footprint is a lot higher than the footprint for direct household use. I'm a kid and I'm really scared about the drought. I'm afraid I won't have water near the future. We can do something about this by having Meatless Monday for our city. I really think people will accept it and want to give it a try after they learn how much water it takes to make a meat dish. Did you know it takes 2500 gallons of water to produce a pound of meat? That's the same as a cup of showering. I know children will also be willing to give it a try when they learn. When I eat my lunch with my friends, they always throw away all their school lunch and only the piece of fruit or dessert. Because I see the rest of the nasty. They all they always eat all my food, my meatless lunches. My mom sent me when she even had to start sending me more food because they were eating all my food. Recently with Congressman Tony Cardenas said, We all have the tools to make a difference. Sometimes they're disguised as fortune knives. Let's put them in a good use. I agree with Mr. Cardenas. The city of Long Beach can save hundreds of millions of gallons of water each week by saving by not having me one day out of the week. Kids like me, that's their future, where they won't have to worry where they're getting the water from. Please consider Meatless Mondays. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Thank you very much. Next. Any of the public speakers, please come forward. If there's any others, please come line up so I can use our last one on the topic. Okay, then I'm going to cut off the speakers list, please.
Speaker 2: My name's Robin Hicks. I'm in the fourth District District, and.
Speaker 0: We actually make sure that we lift up your right.
Speaker 2: Just to follow with that, Justin. So I'm a 30 year vegetarian, ten year vegans, very healthy. When you're talking about personal preferences is not a personal preference issue with topsoil erosion, with the Amazon destruction, which most of it is due to cattle ranching, some of it that ends up here with dead zones in the rivers, with water , with the drought situation. This is not a personal preference issue. People's meat habits affect everyone because the environment is all of our environment. So when people are having a heavy meat diet, it is not a personal preference issue. It is affecting everyone. It's infecting the entire environment, affecting the rainforest, affecting topsoil erosion, affecting the drought. It is not a personal preference issue. It's affecting everyone. And please support Meatless Mondays. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. And oh, we do have another one. Please come forward. Okay.
Speaker 2: Hi. My name is Ashley. As a member of the Long Beach business community, I wholeheartedly support this resolution. I'm the general manager of a restaurant.
Speaker 5: In the arts district, and I believe.
Speaker 2: That a program.
Speaker 5: Promoting healthy, plant based eating will be beneficial for us as a community on two.
Speaker 2: Fronts that haven't already been mentioned. So the first one is that restaurants are notoriously slow on Mondays, whether they're a vegetarian restaurant or a steak house, whatever, because everybody goes out on the weekends. And so restaurants typically take.
Speaker 5: A big dip in sales on Mondays.
Speaker 2: So encouraging our residents to go.
Speaker 5: Out and eat healthy on this day is a great.
Speaker 2: Marketing tool that will be beneficial for all the restaurants in our city. The second thing, which is a little closer to home for me, is that I was born in Long Beach. I've lived here my whole life. I've traveled all over the world, but I've always called Long Beach my home because Long Beach is such a forward thinking and beautiful community. So Long Beach has raised me to be well educated, cultured, and simultaneously compassionate.
Speaker 5: To all living beings.
Speaker 2: And because it's so progressive and still remains to keep its integrity, I think encouraging our residents to eat a healthy, plant based diet once a week seems like the next natural evolution for our city. So thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you very much. Okay, we're going to turn to the public. Please come forward. Is there anyone else for public comment? Please line up. If not, I'm closing the speakers list.
Speaker 2: Hi, my name is Barbara and I'm a registered dietitian for 30 years and a lot of the issues that were just addressed right now had to do with the environment and health. And this is all true, but meatless Mondays in the school district is really addressing our children. And I work in dialysis unit and when I see everybody with obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and yet I asked them what you know, what are you eating? It's always a hamburger, it's always the meat. And I have to specifically say, do you eat any fruits and vegetables? So the whole idea of Meatless Mondays is that our children grow up to know about eating fruits and vegetables. Dialysis where I work is $1,000,000,000 a year strain on Medicare. We all know Medicare is running out. So let's try to prevent dialysis, diabetes, obesity and save our children in doing so.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Councilmember Richardson.
Speaker 6: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I think this discussion has brought out one very critically important question, and that is, what school does this young lady attend? Yeah. So I'm going to write that down. I just want to say congratulations to whatever strategy was employed to make this happen. I think your family must be doing a great job, and raising your family is really a testament when you see your daughter and and to have her at the city council dais to talk about an issue and and really articulate it better than any of the other speakers today, I think really says a lot about Long Beach schools and a lot about your family. So I just want to chime in and say how impressed I am and best of luck. And when you're ready for an internship or a job, just just give us a call. We're hiring policy interns.
Speaker 0: Next, there's Councilwoman Mangum.
Speaker 5: I, too, want to say how impressed I am. You've made it on Twitter. You're being followed by a bunch of people in the Long Beach Post. I think you did a really good job articulating it. And I want to give a particular thank you to the members of the community who actually listen to the things that councilmembers say and address those issues instead of coming prepared with what they want to say because they want to say it because they have a point to make, but not really being able to have a dialog. I think that one of the the challenges that the process of the parliamentarian rules have is that we don't really get to have a dialog about it unless you contact our offices in advance of the meeting when the agenda is posted. And I'd wished that I'd heard some of these options in advance, I still don't know that I feel that it's a council decision to say Meatless Monday, but I am open to the ideas of pro veggie Monday. I am an owner of a community garden. I've eaten more vegetables in the last year than my whole life combined probably, and I think it is good for awareness. We're also asking the community businesses, restaurants specifically to do some farm to table. So there are other initiatives out there. I'd be interested in seeing an option where we utilize this as a promotional tool for restaurants so that they would come together. I would be supportive of something like that. The meatless part is really not not excellent for our steakhouses and others, and even if they are struggling on Mondays, I wouldn't want to contribute to that. But thank you for the alternatives. Thank you for the options and I hope that we'll do a campaign together. I'm contact my office and I'm open to helping the restaurants in my district and citywide.
Speaker 0: Thank you. We have a couple other council speakers. Councilmember Austin.
Speaker 3: Yes, I'll be short. I just wanted to say thank you for all of the speakers when I thank my council colleagues for chiming in. This has been a very healthy conversation and healthy dialog. As a city council and as elected officials, I think we do have a responsibility to promote a healthy community. And in promoting a healthy community, we are promoting a healthy workforce which is going to be a more efficient workforce and is going to help us attract the the big businesses with great jobs too. Long Beach, where Beach City and we have a lot to offer in this campaign, I think is is just a it's an awareness campaign that we should all have and I think we've all been to I really feel good about bringing this issue before us because those of you in the audience and those of you watching at home, you've been educated a little bit more about this issue. And so, again, I look forward to hopefully everybody supporting this worthwhile resolution this evening.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Councilmember Andrews.
Speaker 8: Yes, thank you, Mayor. You know, at first I wasn't that excited because I've been getting so many negative comments at school and I love about Meatless Monday, but I thought about it because my wife, she's vegetarian. But after getting the statistics from this young lady, I know I'm not going to eat any meat on Monday. I mean, it's just you just tremendous young lady, because I didn't know anybody but you with the statistics you just gave me. How could I not? Thank you again. And everyone, listen, I don't know what to say. I just hope my little granddaughter could just go to your school, too. Thank you again.
Speaker 0: Thank you. With that, we have closed the speakers and coming from the council. So we're going to call for a vote with a motion in a second. Members, please go ahead and cast your vote.
Speaker 1: Earlier in the. Okay.
Speaker 0: Okay.
Speaker 1: Motion passes, seven two.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Moving on to item 12, please.
Speaker 1: Item 12 Communication from Councilwoman, Mango, Chair, Economic Development and Finance Committee Recommendation to refer the Economic Development Commission. The issue of marketing the open counter software. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to request City Attorney to draft a resolution in support of the Meatless Mondays campaign in support of comprehensive sustainability efforts, as well as, to further encourage residents to eat a more varied plant-based diet to protect their health, and to encourage restaurants and markets to offer a greater variety of healthier food options. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_05192015_15-0356 | Speaker 1: Item 12 Communication from Councilwoman, Mango, Chair, Economic Development and Finance Committee Recommendation to refer the Economic Development Commission. The issue of marketing the open counter software.
Speaker 0: Councilwoman Mongo.
Speaker 5: Yes. I am so thankful to the work that our city staff have done to make business easier in Long Beach for those of you who had not seen the presentation. Are we doing a self-report on this? Are we riding on the coattails of the Enough Staff report? Before I say what's in it?
Speaker 0: We're ready to self-report.
Speaker 5: We don't need.
Speaker 2: Okay.
Speaker 5: I don't know that we need a staff report. I don't see the nods of the council that we do. I think many of us are pretty informed on what this program is. And at the end of the day, what I think we all know it is, is a tool to make it easier for businesses to find locations and locate in Long Beach and to go through the process knowing and understanding the costs ahead of them, the timeline ahead of them, and what they can expect when they do business. With Long Beach, we are making great strides to move towards being a more business friendly city, and I know that this is going to be a huge step in the right direction. So thank you to staff and all the work you've done and the presentations are on line from the EDF committee, and I hope that my colleagues will be supportive.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Councilmember Richardson, to your second. Yeah. Was a call for the question. Okay. Actually, I wouldn't have one council call me. Let me just get. Okay. See, no public comment on this. No public comment. Please cast your votes.
Speaker 1: Motion carries unanimously of 13. Communication from Councilman Austin. Chair State Legislation Committee Recommendation to adopt. And support position as position SB 16 bill, a state proposal that will provide a new temporary funding source for state and local, street and road projects. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to refer to the Economic Development Commission the issue of marketing the OpenCounter software for consideration and recommendation. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_05192015_15-0435 | Speaker 1: Report from Health and Human Services recommendation to receive and file a presentation from the Department of Health and Human Services on the status of the city's healthy food and vending policies citywide.
Speaker 0: Okay. Now that we do have a staff report for this, so I'm going to turn this over to city staff, mayor, councilmembers. We have a report from our Health and Human Services Director Kelly Colby to talk about our healthy food and beverage vending policies. Kelly.
Speaker 12: Good evening, Mayor. City Council. I'm here to report out on our healthy snack and beverage and vending policies. Thank you to all of those who just who were talking around the meatless Monday to a lot of the data that we would normally talk about in these presentations have already been covered. So I'd like to talk a little bit about why we think these policies are important. And actually, I need the the keyboard and keyboard. Okay. I think you. So why are these policies important? We advocate for healthy food policies to support individuals and communities in Long Beach to have greater access to healthy foods. These pictures show some of the many activities a healthier diet supports in our great city. And for me, so much of what we do as the health department is to support people in their quality of life. When you don't feel well, it's much harder to learn, work and do the things you love to do. It's all of this just so interconnected. And you can see here how much fun they're having out now. As a quick context. As you heard a number, a number of statistics presented earlier, many a Long Beach struggle to attain and maintain a healthy weight. Right now, only about one third of adults and approximately half of our youth are at a healthy weight. And it's a quality of life issue. It's also a financial issue. Nationally, we found that the more that people get beyond their healthy weight, the number of six days, sick days, medical claims and health care costs associated with that person increase. In California, the economic cost of overweight, obesity and physical inactivity are estimated at $41 billion a year. In addition, this chart shows the impact of poor nutrition as well as the lack of physical activity in tobacco and individuals in Long Beach. What we know is that three behaviors the lack of physical activity, poor nutrition and tobacco use contribute to five chronic diseases, which are heart disease, cancer, respiratory conditions, stroke and diabetes, which account for 66% of the deaths in Long Beach. So the more that we can support individuals and communities to access and enjoy health and nutrition, the greater impact we can have together on these numbers. So in Long Beach, when we talk about supporting health, we talk about education, access and choice. So we educate people of all ages about what it means to be healthy. We work to ensure access to healthy nutrition, safe places for physical exercise and recreation and health care. And we support healthy choices. So that healthy choice is an easy choice. We had these conversations. The healthy snack and beverage policies help with all three. We have the conversations with youth about why they're getting healthier food. We're providing access and we're supporting they're making healthy choices in the future because I've learned the healthier items taste as good as the others. And in fact, we heard at school they threw out everything but the fruit so they know that they taste good. We also know that in many cases, schools and afterschool programs, parks programs are the only opportunity for healthy options for youth. We are really creating the pathway to access those healthy options because many of our children and families don't have easy access. And by providing them through these programs, we increase their opportunity. So a little bit about a background of the policy. April 2011, the City Council passed a motion to craft healthy food policies by focusing on food service, citywide meetings and food and beverage items sold in vending machines. In that same in December of that same year, the Healthy Snack Food and Beverage Policy and the Healthy Beverage Vending Policy were adopted by the Council. There are two policies. The nutritional guidelines in these policies are taken from established guidelines that are aligned with the standards for the California schools, and they're consistent with the messages provided by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The primary purpose of the Long Beach healthy snack food and beverage policy is to promote good health among Long Beach residents and to make Long Beach a healthy world class city. It focuses on snacks and beverages served at youth oriented meetings. Adult oriented activities are also encouraged to provide the healthy choices. When we talk about youth sites, which are talking about city sites that are open to the public, that are focused primarily on children under the age of 18 and are served in places like community health centers, libraries, parks, sites or other spaces that regularly host out-of-school time programs and athletic facilities that are used by youth teams. When we talk about snack foods, we're talking about foods that are not accompanied by an entree. So if an entree is served, it's not under this policy. Examples of healthy snacks. I won't read them all, but essentially there are a number of different items that fit around baked chips, pretzels and popcorn, fresh fruit and vegetables, low fat cheeses in yogurt, hummus and peter chips, those kinds of things. What you won't find on these lists are the large cookies or large muffins, donuts, croissants, pastries, or other kinds of chips. We actually have a smart and final list that we passed out that actually identifies exact items that we that we see fit under this policy. In terms of examples of healthy beverages, basically sugars, sodas and beverages are not included. It's anything that that isn't doesn't have you know, that doesn't have that there's not sugar sweetened. And for adults, we add diet soda, coffee and tea. So the ones above are primarily for youth. And then we add. So diets that are coffee and tea for adults. Snack food vending machines in public areas are required to stock the healthful items. So those that are not in public areas are not part of this policy, as well as those that are provided by vendors that are not directly under city control, such as our golf courses, airport and the City Hall snack shop vendor. Overall the healthy snacks criteria. You can see them there, 35% or less of calories from fat. There are exceptions for things that are healthy, such as nuts, seeds and vegetable based spreads, low fat cheeses and 10% or less of the calories from saturated fat. 35% must be sugar by weight. The exception to that are fresh and dried fruits and low fat yogurt products. Here are the criteria. Essentially, we're talking about drinks with no added caloric sweeteners, milk and dairy alternatives or low fat and low sugar. There are a number of exemptions to the policy. So it is for snacks only. It does not apply to meals and entrees. It's it focuses only on snacks that are purchased with Cindy to refunds. It does not apply to items that people bring to work or to different activities. It does not apply to special events like parades, festivals, groundbreaking ribbon cutting ceremonies, and nor does it apply to vendors in locations not under directly control. So people are bringing things to it. People are bringing things to their meetings. It does not apply in those cases. The beverage vending machine is focused on public areas as well. And there you can see the options that can be provided for those vending machines that are not specific to our youth. We allow for diet sodas and diet teas. Overall in terms of the vending machine impact, the original contract that went into place prior to this healthy policy, we had 146 vending machines and about $300,000 in revenue. The RFP did not go back for renegotiation. Instead, we went on a month by month contract. Prior to that month by month, they had already had a decline to 63 vending machines. So we had already lost over 100 sorry, about 80 machines along the way. And so by the time that this policy came into place, we were at 63 vending machines and we currently stand at 54 that are covered by the policy and we generate approximately $24,000 in annual revenue. In talking with Parks and Recreation, there's no evidence of direct relationship between the healthy vending policy and any reduction in the vending machines. The numbers were dropping prior to the policy. There are many positive results in conversations with Parks and Rec staff. What they're saying is that they're really finding that kids have bought into this, that parents have bought into it. There's no camp. There's very little complaints there, a little bit of complaining up front. And they got used to it and it's just what it is. And that when they're running youth programing, they're running them with healthy snacks, healthy beverages, and they see it's actually a really nice way to help students learn more about healthy things. And then they go home asking their parents to buy them. So we've been thinking about ways to expand. And right now, most of the work that we've been doing, most of the policy focuses on youth related activities. We'd like to propose that we move this forward, that we also include community meetings, groundbreaking and ribbon cuttings. This includes a lot of activity that we do as a city with the with adults in our meetings. The same the same qualifications are the same guidelines would be applied to this as well. And with that I and my report and I'll take questions.
Speaker 2: Councilwoman Gonzalez. Kelly, I want to say thank you. You've done tremendous work with promoting healthy policies. And I think this is really mindful and you've done a great job with this, especially as we're looking towards our new civic center and what that will entail and include. So thank you. I remember a few years back as a field deputy here in the district, I had done health assessment with the health department and we walked from Drake Park to we started at a certain point and we walked to different areas, you know, liquor stores. We looked at ads, we looked at different components of, you know, just as on our walk, you know, how many fast food chains were in that whole walk? Are we. Is that something we're looking to go back to reviewing again? I don't know if it's.
Speaker 12: Yeah, we're doing that already through our X three data, our communities of excellence. So we actually have had staff out walking neighborhoods looking at what's available and what's in place and then in some places starting to work with some local business about how to start to shift some of that.
Speaker 2: Okay, great. So you are doing that currently and I know you're working on getting data. Is that something that we can get? Soon or where would we be able to find that now?
Speaker 12: Yeah. The six three data are available and we can it's actually on our website but I can, I can send you more information about that.
Speaker 2: I can just go on the website. Thank you and great job.
Speaker 6: Thanks, Mr. Mayor. Kelly, thank you so much for this presentation. I think it was March when we brought it to city council and asked for a presentation on this policy. I remember when this was originally crafted in 2011, I believe it was Councilmember Neal. I think it was Councilmember Lowenthal at the time, Councilmember Garcia. I don't remember who else the person was, but I remember all the discussions around the Coca-Cola contract and compliance, and there was a lot of discussion about whether we would be able to enforce a policy like this around our our events. So I have just a few questions. The intent of this was to get an update, see how compliant we've been on this, and then see where we want to take it in terms of next steps. And I'm glad to see that you included in your presentation where we will go in terms of next steps. So my first question is in regards to the policy in terms of vending, have how do we ensure that the that the vending machines stock what we say that they stock in terms of the sugars, sugar free beverages? So how do we regulate that?
Speaker 12: When the when the policy first went into effect. So the contract for the vending machines that are covered under this policy is operated by Parks Rec and Marine. At the time that this policy went to a death to effect, coped advised PR and that they all the nine noncompliant machines would be replaced and that they would bring them into compliance. At that time that was done. Beyond that, there hasn't really been much more enforcement of the policy other than anytime that we have new product offerings in new machines, we make sure that they cover that they are stocked correctly.
Speaker 6: Great. And then in terms of the actual snacks at events, so are all the departments at this point participating in that?
Speaker 12: Well, right now it's just youth focused. So snacks are only focused on youth, which is essentially parks and rec, afterschool programs, those kinds of things. And yes, they're engaged in that.
Speaker 6: Okay. So so Parks Library sort of are front line departments that do youth related work. Right. Compliant with the policy? Yeah. Okay. So walk me through one final time. If we were to say that, hey, we you know, we've got momentum here. We've we've done what we said we were going to do in terms of this policy. And we want to take it to take it to the next step and take it further. What would be your recommendation, what it specifically be in terms of the snacks, or is there more that we can do in terms of the vending machines as well?
Speaker 12: So the first the first as we as I ended the presentation, so we would focus the healthy snack and beverage policy to expand that to our community meetings. So we'd be working with adults and youth in that part, groundbreaking and ribbon cutting. So that is a lot of the outward facing activities that we do as a city with our with our community. So that would be the first place there are conversations going on about vending opportunities. And there, you know, that there are possibilities. A lot of cities have moved to a 50% healthy and then others have moved to 100% healthy options in their vending.
Speaker 6: Sure. So so that said, I know that the policy as it is, it limits us to youth focused then outward facing vending machines, the inward facing sort of like at our public works yards and everything are not regulated. And then our outward facing, youth focused events are, you know, the policy applies to but not to the adult oriented. So what you're saying is, as a next step, we can go to just outward facing and events in general. We provide healthy options and then and then just make sure that inward facing vending machines have a 5050 split. So you would recommend that that's the next step.
Speaker 12: That's a current that that is the current conversation. The American Heart Association has been in conversation with, uh, Councilman Austin and with me about some of that, some of that work.
Speaker 6: Okay, good. So I think that's where, where we want to go. So do you need a motion on that to make that happen? So I'd like to just make that motion and that's that'll be my motion that we go ahead and move forward with the next step. The next update to the healthy snack and beverage policy.
Speaker 0: Okay. There's been a motion in a second. I'm just trying to understand that I thought that we were doing that. But let me let me continue to go down the speaker's list here. So there's the motion. I think the city attorney is to move forward with the planets could would be a substitute motion. Right. There was an original motion corrected.
Speaker 6: On the maker of the original motion. I just push that still and it would be right. So, yes, I'm changing my original motion. I think what it is, is I think the best way to say it is to amend our policy to include the new the next step in regulation. So that will be the motion.
Speaker 12: So I read it so that we would expand the healthy snack and beverage policy to cover community meetings, groundbreaking and ribbon cuttings. And then as we are looking at new new vending contracts would be a 5050. So it would provides a healthy choice within the vending itself.
Speaker 0: There's been a motion who seconded that. I'm sorry. Councilor Brosnan, is that you? Or could you just push the motion so we have the motion. Okay. We got Richardson and your Ranga. Next up, I have a concern for your English. You want to speak to that or not? Okay. Councilwoman Price.
Speaker 2: Thank you. I just wanted to thank you for all the great work that you've done on this. I really do believe that setting good policies starts with creating a culture, and I'm proud of the culture that we're creating in the city of Long Beach in terms of the education and the opportunities that we're providing to our children to make good choices regarding their lives. I can say I know several of my colleagues have probably experienced the same thing when you travel to some other states in the United States and they don't have that type of culture. It's kind of shocking coming from a state like California and especially a city like Long Beach. And I was born in North Carolina and my husband's family lives there. And we recently went there for a family related issue. And our kids were just shocked when we go to restaurants because of the food offerings that they have, you know, most everything is fried. It's very difficult to find a place that has anything other than iceberg lettuce. It's just very different than the culture that we have in California. So I'm very proud of our city departments. And especially given the report that you've given us tonight, the efforts that you're undertaking to teach the youth and about healthy choices and make sure that we are putting into place all that's necessary for them to be able to actually effectuate and carry out those those choices. So thank you for all the work that you do and for your fantastic report. We look forward to working with you in the future on this.
Speaker 12: Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Councilmember Austin.
Speaker 3: Thank you. And I just want to make sure I understand the the substitute motion on the floor. That is, does that actually change the policy? It does. Okay. So I'm going to definitely support this. This is consistent with some of the work that we have been doing. We've been doing conversation for a few months now with the American Heart Association working to build community support with community organizations. It's just unfortunate that they weren't here to be here to to see this. But I think their their hard work is certainly recognized in Councilmember Richardson's substitute motion. We had actually planned on bringing this this item before this council four four on a separate motion or agenda item. But it's here before us this evening, and I'm happy to support it because it's the right thing to do. There are a lot of people who have dietary restrictions, who are diabetic in the city of Long Beach. And this, I think, goes to prevent that, but also provide options for those individuals to to to use the vending machines and understand that there's going to be a healthy choice in front of them. And so with that, I will be happy to support this and encourage everyone else to do the same.
Speaker 0: Any public comment on the item? Signatories. Castro, please come forward.
Speaker 2: Good evening, everyone. My name is Violet Ruiz of the government relations director for the American Heart Association. And I just want to speak in strong support of this new policy. I know this was introduced a few years ago, and I want to thank Kelly Collopy for really giving that excellent report and taking a look at a comprehensive policy that not only will focus on our children, but on our 6000 plus city employees and for all the constituents that come and attend all of our meetings and eat from.
Speaker 1: The vending machine.
Speaker 2: So I really want to thank the city council and the city for really creating a culture of health here in Long Beach and offering healthier opportunities for snack and beverages.
Speaker 1: Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. See no other public comment. Please cast your vote.
Speaker 1: Motion carries unanimously.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Next item, please.
Speaker 1: Item 16 report from Long Beach Gas and Oil. Recommendation to adopt a resolution authorizing the city manager to adjust certain rates for natural gas service to reflect market conditions citywide. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to receive and file a presentation from Department of Health and Human Services on the status of the City’s Healthy Food and Vending Policies. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_05192015_15-0436 | Speaker 1: Item 16 report from Long Beach Gas and Oil. Recommendation to adopt a resolution authorizing the city manager to adjust certain rates for natural gas service to reflect market conditions citywide.
Speaker 0: Okay. Thank you. Mr. Wesson, as you had a quick staff report from our gas and oil director, Chris Garner.
Speaker 4: First, I have to confess, hearing all this talk about health food being your gas meal director, I'm craving a Tommy's chili burger really bad right now. But starting tomorrow, it's going to be all celery.
Speaker 0: Just don't have it on my desk.
Speaker 4: Okay. No mayonnaise. As you're aware, there's heightened concern nationwide regarding the failings. Excuse me. Utility infrastructure, be it natural gas, water, electricity, sewer, etc.. After the major natural gas pipeline explosion in a neighborhood in Northern California in 2010 that killed eight people and destroyed nearly 50 homes, the state has pushed for greater reinvestment of gas repair money into the replacement of older or susceptible natural gas pipelines and Long Beach. We've been doing the same with our own 1900 miles of underground natural gas pipelines in Long Beach and Signal Hill. This rate adjustment before you tonight will help us continue the progress we have made to ensure the safe delivery of natural gas to 150,000 gas customers. In addition, this will allow us to increase our level of service provided to our customers as we look for ways to shorten appointment windows and decrease wait times in our utility call center. For the average residential customer, their monthly gas charge or monthly gas bill will increase by an estimated 1.40 $0.06 per month. This proposed rate adjustment is consistent with the provisions in the city charter that require that the gas rates be market based and comparable to those charged by other gas tools in Southern California. That concludes my report.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Any council comment? I have a motion in a second. Seeing none. Oh, okay. Customer Supernova.
Speaker 4: Just a question. Thank you for the report, Mr. Gardner.
Speaker 0: I understand we that our last rate increase was.
Speaker 4: Just seven months ago. What can you predict how soon we'll have another increase? It's very unusual for us to have more than one rate adjustment in a year. What we do for the teachers, we compare our rates with Southern California Gas Company on a regular basis. It was unusual this year because they adjusted their rates more than once, largely due to increased pipeline investment that the CPC is putting on their plate. In addition, the provisions of the cap and trade in 2015 natural gas utilities were included for the first time, and so there's been some adjustments on rates in that regard, but I suspect it will be at least one year before we come back. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Any public comment on the item? CNN, please cast your vote.
Speaker 1: Motion passes unanimously.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Next item, please. 17.
Speaker 1: Report from Parks, Recreation and Marine. Recommendation to adopt a resolution authorizing the city manager to submit a grant application to the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District in the amount of $623,600 for the implementation of Phase two of the de Forest Wetlands Project. | Resolution | Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager to adjust certain rates for natural gas service to reflect market conditions by implementing Gas Rate Schedules 1 through 5, 7, 9, and special conditions and incentives in Exhibits A and B. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_05192015_15-0458 | Speaker 1: Communication from Councilwoman Price, Councilwoman Gonzalez, Councilman Andrews and Councilmember Ranga. Recommendation to request the Senior Citizen Advisory Commission review senior programing offer throughout the city and make recommendations on how senior citizen programing can be improved and or expanded.
Speaker 0: Councilman Price.
Speaker 2: Thank you. I encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of this item. I'm hopeful that our senior citizen commission will get some opportunities to study this issue for us and come back with some recommendations that will help us enhance our senior programing throughout the city. And I want to thank my colleagues who joined me on this item. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you, councilman. The second JFC with councilman turanga. Give any comments?
Speaker 7: Thank you. I want to thank Councilmember Price for putting me for allowing me to participate in this resolution. I think it's going to be wonderful to see what kinds of programs are out there for senior citizens, especially. I'm looking forward to see what we have in seventh District.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Councilwoman Gonzales.
Speaker 2: I really want to thank Councilwoman Price for bringing this forward and inviting me to be a part of this, especially, you know, for my district, who has, you know, a very overwhelming number of seniors we hear very often and every single day about how much they need help from us here in the city. And so I know that specifically when we look at this, I know Chavez Park has had a meal program, a senior meal program that was taken away some time ago. So I would certainly like to look into that. In addition, I know that there's also been. A discussion about homebound seniors and including that. So if we can maybe if I can make a friendly amendment into that, including that in our motion, that would be great, because I know that's something that is very important for the research and review of for our commission.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Councilman. Councilmember Austin.
Speaker 3: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And also like to thank Councilmember Pryce and the rest of the council members for bringing this forward. This is really consistent with some of the work that we've been doing in my district right now with our eighth District Advisory Senior Advisory Committee. I believe that it actually meets tomorrow and they will be coming back with recommendations on the district level in one of our ah ah ah advisory committee members is actually on the Senior Citizen Advisory Commission. Ms.. Winnie. And so I'm completely supportive of this, and I look forward to to hearing what the recommendations are. I think we do need to do more to to make sure that our seniors are aware of the many great services available to them here in the city of Long Beach. And where we have our shortfalls, we certainly need to address them.
Speaker 0: Kotsenburg.
Speaker 8: Yes, thank you. I mean, I am fully supportive, this side of recording, you know, these programs are available to our seniors because it is so important, you know, to all of us to stay as healthy and active as we can. You know, offering a variety of programs added longevity to our lives, I think. And it's very important that we find ways to stay active and keep our social calendar. And I second that motion that Mrs. Gallina made our second in motion.
Speaker 5: Councilwoman Mango I'm supportive of the motion. I think that when Councilmember Gonzalez brings up the loss of the senior meal program, I know that this is a dialog that I started with our Health and Human Services Director within days of starting in this department. And I don't know that I've received any feedback specifically related to our funding. So for those of you who don't know a lot of the funding for our senior male programs and our homebound seniors that Councilmember Gonzalez and Councilmember Price and Councilmember Austin talk about, that money comes from the federal government. And many of you have heard me say before that when you take the amount of money coming back from the feds to our community and we're only getting back $0.73 on the dollar, where there are communities across this country that are getting $2 and change. And so I'd be really interested in knowing or at least having Health and Human Services provide a report to the commission on those different programs that are coming to us when this gets to them, so that they're informed of the options and then potentially utilizing them as an advocacy group for us at the county and state and federal level for the reallocation of those funds through the state agency that distributes the funds based on a number of factors. So I hope that that report would be available to the Commission and submitted as a two from four to the Council in advance. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Any public comment on the item? CNN. Please cast your votes.
Speaker 1: Motion passes unanimously.
Speaker 0: 24.
Speaker 1: Communication from Councilmember Richardson, Council Member Suber nor Councilman Andrews and Councilmember Urunga. Recommendation two Respectfully request the city manager to present a report within 30 days on the status of summer youth activities citywide. In addition, host a series of pre summer community briefings to educate the public on the city's coordinated summer efforts. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to request the Senior Citizen Advisory Commission review senior programing offered throughout the City of Long Beach and make recommendations to the City Council on how senior citizen programming can be improved and/or expanded in the City in order to better serve our senior population;
Request the Senior Citizen Advisory Commission include in their analysis the following elements and report back to the City Council:
• The number of senior citizens we have in the City of Long
Beach;
• The benefits of senior programming for our senior citizens;
• The need for senior citizens to have a safe place to go for a hot
meal, during extreme weather, and where senior citizens are
presented with learning and/or socializing opportunities;
• Senior programing in highly dense neighborhoods;
• Proximity of senior centers to our senior population and to
mass transit; and
Request the recommendations made by the Commission include non-fiscal options such as changing program hours or offering different programs in order to promote variety. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_05192015_15-0461 | Speaker 1: Communication from Councilmember Richardson, Council Member Suber nor Councilman Andrews and Councilmember Urunga. Recommendation two Respectfully request the city manager to present a report within 30 days on the status of summer youth activities citywide. In addition, host a series of pre summer community briefings to educate the public on the city's coordinated summer efforts.
Speaker 6: Council Member Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Brought this item forward tonight in the same spirit as the after school item last week by a council member, Councilmember Price, as well as the senior staff. I mean, we have a real focus on on on programs right now, but we're heading into summertime. So that said, I want to make sure that we that the public understands the city's coordinated efforts that we have in place to ensure a safe and engaging summer for our youth. These efforts don't just include various department activities and summer jobs, but also a number of public safety strategies that our North Commander briefs me on regularly . Our city has an outstanding reputation for youth programing, particularly in our Parks and recreation department and our libraries, and essential that our public not only knows about these opportunities, but utilizes them. And I understand that my request is on a tight timeline, and I understand that. So I'm open to having some of these pre summer community briefings as a part of larger events that might already be planned through the month of June. So so that would be my motion.
Speaker 0: Yeah. There's been a motion in a second. Councilor Marie Ranga.
Speaker 7: I want to thank you for bringing this up. It's important that the community know what's going on this summer, because I think it's one of those situations where we have to keep our youth busy.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Councilor Andrews.
Speaker 8: Yes, thank you, Mayor. I also would like to thank our contribution to bringing this item forward, because it's important that we do have a variety of summer activities for our youth. And my greatest concern is that we don't have enough activities going on, you know, in each park. And I say it, I've said it several times before, and I will continue to say it. Like you say, I'm a busy child. It's a good challenge. And I'll keep that theme, you know, out the trouble. Okay. Thank you.
Speaker 0: We like that. Councilman manga.
Speaker 5: I think I'd like to add a small friendly to have them also provide something that we as council members can put into our newsletters and a Twitter and the such. Because each and every one of us has a constituency and a following, thousands of community members that could could really take advantage. And while a report is important for all of us to know, I think that short picture oriented links to where kids can go in the community. And then I'll also use this as a quick forum. I'm a supporter of people making a living. It's just also important to know that the city of Los Angeles and the. The decision that they made today to increase up to $15 an hour without minimum wage for minimum wage, without an exclusion for our youth programs, actually dilutes the number of youth jobs available because the feds don't take that into consideration. So if we're going to have this dialog locally about minimum wage, we need to be advocating at the federal level that cities that have a higher minimum wage would receive an apportionment of funding that would be equivalent to the work hours of the summer youth and or an exemption for summer youth programs. Because these entry level jobs for youth that are coming out of mixed shop workforce development are critical to their ability to hold a job long term. So just looking into how the summer youth jobs fit into all of this and finding a way that those aren't depleted dramatically with the the future of wages in our community.
Speaker 0: Councilman Gonzales.
Speaker 2: It's great that we're looking. We just looked at after school programs and we're looking at summer programs. And I'll tell you, you know, our city staff is amazing in the sense that, you know, when we especially with communities that certainly need it, like Washington neighborhood, I'm hitting it pretty hard and I know that we have be safe there. We have be safe at Drake Park and it's really working collaboratively with our departments as well. Health Department, we're going to be doing a canvass out in Washington neighborhood to make sure that people know about the summer program. So I would even encourage my council colleagues to do that as well. And I think our development services, our health department, Pacific Gateway for collaborating with us on that, because otherwise, you're right, sometimes these folks would not know about these summer programs. And I think every effort that we can take to do that at the council offices and just as a city is is great. So thank you for bringing this forward.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Any public comment on the item? CNN. Please cast your vote.
Speaker 1: Councilwoman Pryce. Motion carries unanimously.
Speaker 0: And finally, 25.
Speaker 1: Communication from Councilmember Richardson, Councilwoman Gonzalez, Council member, Super Nine Council member, your UNGA recommendation to request a resolution in support of the James Zadroga 911 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to respectfully request City Manager to present a report to City Council within 30 days on the status of summer youth activities citywide, including Be S.A.F.E, summer youth jobs, summer programming, summer school, and violence prevention strategies.
In addition, as part of public outreach and engagement, host a series of pre-summer community briefings in North, East, Central, and West Long Beach by the end of June to educate the public on the city's coordinated summer efforts. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_05192015_15-0462 | Speaker 1: Communication from Councilmember Richardson, Councilwoman Gonzalez, Council member, Super Nine Council member, your UNGA recommendation to request a resolution in support of the James Zadroga 911 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act.
Speaker 0: Councilor Richardson.
Speaker 6: Thanks, Mr. Mayor. I'm honored to bring this item forward. This request tonight in support of the many responders and citizens who are infected, who are affected in the catastrophic and catastrophic days following the terrorist attacks of September 11th. Not only were individuals within New York affected, but all other emergency responders who came from across the country to provide assistance at the disaster sites. Many of the responders and citizens affected continue to experience long term illnesses. An estimated 30,000 individuals remain ill as a result of the attack. Health conditions range from over 60 types of cancer, respiratory and gastrointestinal disease, physical ailments, psychological issues. In order to help these many individuals, Congress passed the James Zadroga 911 Health and Compensation Act in 2010, which establishes programs to provide medical treatment and financial compensation to these thousands of 9/11 survivors. So unfortunately, the bill is set to expire shortly. The World Trade Center health program finishes in October 2015 and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund October 2016. So the bill is up for reauthorization, and so we want to guarantee that victims continue to receive the necessary care. So I urge my colleagues to support this recommendation, to adopt this resolution in support of the reauthorization of the Act.
Speaker 0: Councilwoman Gonzales.
Speaker 2: I really want to thank you for bringing this forward. It's it's really important that we recognize this and that we support this. So thank you.
Speaker 0: Councilman Andrew.
Speaker 8: Thank you very much. You know, I'm in total support of this item. We have two members of our Long Beach firefighters. You know, who was helped and recovery from the effort of the 911. You know, one of those four New York firemen and the other came from San Diego to work at Ground Zero. They now search the Long Beach, you know, fire department. So we need to make sure that they are taken care of. I think this is extremely important. Thank you very much.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Any public comment on the item? Rex Pritchard, president of Long Beach firefighters.
Speaker 6: One of the thing, Councilman Richardson, for bringing this forward and the coauthors. Yes, there are. Like Councilman Andrew said, we do have.
Speaker 0: Two Long Beach firefighters who.
Speaker 6: Go for yearly checkups and numerous firefighters throughout the county. So this is a nationwide issue.
Speaker 0: And I appreciate your support. Thank you. Thank you. Any other public comment, please go and cast your votes.
Speaker 1: Motion carries unanimously.
Speaker 0: Okay. Next up, we have the end of the end of the agenda. Do any other new business? Q. There isn't a 26 is it. It's not in my. Is there. Is there another item. No. Yep. Councilman Gonzales. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to request resolution in support of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_05122015_15-0403 | Speaker 1: And this will be a lot this will be very similar to that. So thank you for everyone, for all the hard work. And with that, we're going to move on to our first hearing. So much for this. Back over to the court.
Speaker 2: Hearing Item number one report from Financial Management. Recommendation to receive and file the biennial report on public convenience. A necessity regarding taxicab service and conclude the hearing. Find that the number of authorized taxi cabs is insufficient. Find that yellow, that Long Beach Yellow Cab is in full compliance. Amend the permit to authorize operation of 199 cabs. Approver requested change in trade dress and allow for discounted fares to ensure the customer base is offered the most competitive pricing citywide.
Speaker 1: Think I'm going to turn this over right now to Assistant City Manager Tom Modica, who's going to turn it over to staff. And I think there's also some changes to the proposal. So here's Mr. Modica and.
Speaker 9: Oath required for this.
Speaker 1: Yeah. Mr. Modica I would do the oath first please.
Speaker 2: You and each of you. Do you solemnly state that the testimony you may give in this cause now and pending before this body shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
Speaker 5: I do. I do.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Mr. Motor.
Speaker 5: Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Speaker 8: Members of the City Council. The staff report will be given.
Speaker 5: By Jason MacDonald, our purchasing and business services manager. Thank you, Mayor. Council Members Jason McDonald on behalf of the Business License Division in the Financial Management Department. Tonight you have in front of you the biannual report for public convenience, a necessity regarding taxicab services. Staff has completed its investigation and is recommending that council find the number of cabs should be increased. Approve a change in trade, dress or vehicle logo which was provided to you and allow for discounted fares. We are prepared to address any questions or concerns regarding the item that has provided. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you. There has been a motion in a second on the item. What I'm going to do is I'm to open up for any any public comments first on this, and then we'll bring it back to the makers of the motion for the official part of the hearing. Any public comment, please come forward.
Speaker 6: Good afternoon, Mr. Mayor and Council. I'm Cheri Beasley. I'm the executive director at the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House. And I appreciate the opportunity to just share with you briefly. Since opening in December of 2011, Long Beach Yellow Cab has been a tremendous supporter for our families. I can tell you that just last year we served approximately 700 families, which equates to about 3000 people. Many of those don't come to our Long Beach Ronald McDonald House with transportation. Since opening, Yellow Cab has been providing taxi script, which means there is transportation for those families without vehicles for much needed. Visits to local businesses to just have some normalcy while they're dealing with the burden of their child in the hospital. Without without the support from Yellow Cab. We do not have the resources to provide transportation for these families. So I hope in your consideration on these items today, you you I urge you to vote yes in favor of them being the great community supporter and support to our Long Beach Ronald McDonald House. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Okay. Thank you. Next Speaker.
Speaker 3: Mary Garcia. Council Members. City Manager Pat West. Sherrie mentioned about the community outreach that Yellow Cab does, and they're one of the great partners in the community that whenever there's something needed, Yellow Cowboy steps up to the plate. And they always they are always part of the community. And but aside from that, I can't tell you how many visitors have told me and told our staff their great experiences that they had that they've had in the Yellow Cab Taxi. And what's exciting to me is the drivers actually take the time to talk about Long Beach, talk about the changes that are in the city.
Speaker 8: And they're Long Beach proud.
Speaker 3: We have salespeople driving those cabs. And I hear it often when the visitors leave, the great experience that they've had when they've used the yellow cab. So in addition to being a great community supporter, they also are a great business leader and they are definitely part of the Long Beach fabric and I believe makes us more competitive city by being so. Anyway, we urge you to support staff's recommendation on the pilot program. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Mr. F's.
Speaker 8: Evening. Members of the Council. Mr. Mayor. Mr. City Manager, on behalf of the 257 least drivers and driver owners of Long Beach Yellow Cab Cooperative Inc. I want to thank you all for your work on this item, but in particular, I want to single out the fine work of Jason McDonald and our tourists, Sanchez and Mark Taylor . As we move forward with this, we look forward to continuing to work with the city and its fine staff. And so I want to thank them. Right now I have a couple of people I want to introduce. We have several of our driver owners and our at least drivers. Could you please stand? These are the people that serve the city day and night, every single day without fail. And I just want to point them out. Thank you. Thank you. I also want to point out that this year in in particular, with respect to the the rebranding we had, we were so fortunate this year to have five fellows from Cairo, Southern California, five young geniuses working with us, and three of them are here. So if I could get them to stand and just acknowledge their their great work. All right. Thank you. You know, we as an industry find ourselves the reluctant participant of one of the great public policy debates that's going that is going on today. Hardly a day goes by that you don't hear the news. Cities everywhere are struggling with really what to do with their taxicab companies to address issues of the of the unlevel playing field that exists. And so I want to thank Long Beach for for taking the lead. I have a lot of experience with our International Taxi Trade Association. And to my knowledge, this is the first time that a city has has looked at constructive ways to to relax regulations while maintaining all the benefits of the taxi industry, including fingerprint based background checks, full time insurance, AXA, accessible transportation for people in wheelchairs and the like. I want to make myself available for questions on the first item, which is the public convenience and necessity hearing. And, and thank you in advance and urge your your vote yes to direct the staff to proceed with the pilot program, which will end up giving us the flexibility in order to succeed. Our goal is to have a business model that allows us to serve each and every customer who who wants our service. The current business model does not allow that. In the end, it's going to be the customer who benefits from better service. So thank you very much and we look forward to working with you.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Mr. Ralphs. We're all set. They're seeing no other public comments. I'm going to turn this over. I'm going to have the council deliberate and close the hearing to start us off as the maker of the motion. Councilwoman Mongo.
Speaker 9: Thank you to staff and thank you to our community partners and Yellow Cab. Many of you heard at our Economic Development and Finance Committee meeting how we've discussed the importance of having a partner in our community to ensure that we can serve our disabled community, our airports and and the others. And while we are supporters of business and the new opportunities that are coming, we want to be sure that our partner, Yellow Cab, who's been there for us through the years and has supported our residents, who has been our partner in going green, who has been our partner in ensuring that our disabled community can get to and from visits to their family and the community and their hospitals and their doctor's appointments, that they have that opportunity to have an even playing field. I appreciate and look forward to the opportunity to see how they explore their new branding and the 199 car variants. And for those of you who are interested in knowing more about the pilot program, that'll be an item tow later. But right now on this hearing, I hope that we have enough support to make this happen.
Speaker 1: Great. Thank you. And the second year of the motion, Councilwoman Price.
Speaker 6: Thank you. I want to echo what Councilwoman Mongo just said and acknowledge the wrong the long partnership that Yellow Cab has had with the city of Long Beach. They have proven themselves to be a responsible business operating within the city. Having been very involved, myself and Mothers Against Drunk Driving and organizations that promote the use of taxi cabs. I will say that they have. Embraced efforts that some other cities have been slow to embrace in terms of transportation options available. So I want to thank them for that. The industry is absolutely changing and there's no question about it. I want to give this particular business an acknowledgment for understanding what it means to stay current and make some significant changes to your operations and your business model in light of the changing industry. One of the things that I've found when we talk with a lot of our businesses in the community, mostly smaller businesses, but the changes are happening around them and they're reacting to them and sometimes they're responding too late and they're not understanding what happened. But the truth is that their business model did not change in light of the surrounding environment around them. And so the fact that you are rebranding yourselves, I think is huge. There's all sorts of data and research out there that talks about how a brand impacts a company's success. So I think that's huge. And changing basically your service model. The fact that we are one of the first cities to kind of embark upon this process of relaxing some of the requirements or thinking outside the box in terms of what we can do to help a business is something that I'm happy to be doing. I think it's it remains to be seen in terms of what other cities do and where we go with this debate in the in the nation as a whole. But given the fact that we have a long partnership with with this particular business, I think that it's a it's definitely a venture worth taking and pursuing and doing what we can to make sure that we are in a position to support you, support your growth and support your staying in the city as a healthy, growing industry and business. So I hope that my colleagues join us and moving forward, I want to thank staff for coming to us with these recommendations. I know they've worked really hard and our team has really educated those of us who are on the Economic Development Finance Committee, really about the industry and the changes in the industry and the real necessity for us to try to do something to solidify the partnership and really to support the partnership. So thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Councilmember Andrews.
Speaker 4: Yes, thank you, Mayor. I, too, would like to echo and what I to council members are speaking about the yellow card. You know, I am in fully support of the yellow cab, you know, request to authorize additional cabs as well as offering competitive prices to our constituents. They have been a very reliable company in our city and has been a strong reputation of constantly giving back to our community and providing a level of outstanding services now to pay. They've known to pay their fees, often discounted towards our seniors and disability and the 50 square miles of guaranteed coverage. I can go on and on about the bill, the benefits of having them in, not only in my community but throughout the entire city of Long Beach. It is truly a privilege to work with the company who has been in business for so many years and is known to know for their standards and have never, ever wavered . I also would like to echo Mr. Goodman statement whenever you need call on the yellow cab and they will be there. I want to thank you guys so much for being out, you know, in our city of Long Beach. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Councilwoman Gonzales.
Speaker 6: You guys do such a great job. It's it's been said many times over, but a few of the other things that you all do, you know, you help people go out and vote, which is very important. Seniors are being taken care of. I know myself, I'm a downtown resident. So oftentimes to get to the convention center, it's taking yellow cab. And so y'all have been a real amazing staple. And you're changing your business model. You're doing the rebranding to stay competitive. And we are, you know, cutting edge here in the city. And we want to make sure that, you know, businesses have a fair chance. So thank you for being here. Appreciate it.
Speaker 1: Councilmember Richardson.
Speaker 8: Thanks, Mayor. I think Yellow Cabs is a great company. I've certainly had my share of cab rides. And I'll just say, I think the the the rebranding is fantastic. These cars look great. I'm looking forward to download an app. And so best of luck to you. I'll be obviously voting in in favor of this, but I look forward to the next chapter of Long Beach Yellow Cab. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Councilmember Austin.
Speaker 7: And I don't know to say anything that hasn't already been said, but yes, I will support this item. And Yellow Cab has always been a great community partner. It's been there for all of the big events. And so if you have any pedicabs, I invite you to beat Streets on June six.
Speaker 1: Before we go to a vote, I'm going to make a couple quick comments. Let me just first, obviously echo what the council said, but I want to make sure that we're very clear what the council's doing tonight actually is the first of its kind across the country. This has not happened anywhere else where a city is actually deregulating a taxi company to allow it to be more competitive in the current market marketplace. Right now, I think it's there's a nationwide conversation happening about the sharing economy and what that means to industry, and particularly industry that has for a long time provided good jobs for the people with a steady paycheck, provided good service. And so what Yellow Cab is doing by by moving to this new model and by the city supporting it, is allowing this company to innovate, to deregulate, and to be able to be competitive with the other models that are out there. In addition to that, I think the rebrand is really incredibly thoughtful. I think that it's going to be exciting to see a new app as well as a new brand that will be competitive. All the other products that are out there. And this is not about not supporting what is happening in the sharing economy. This is about supporting a community partner that has been with us for a long time and ensuring that those services that are only provided by taxi companies, the services to the disabled, the services on Election Day, the services for seniors, the easy access to for tourists who are dependent on seeing a cab when they arrive at the airport, remain in the city, and to ensure that we stay competitive across the country. So this is actually a very important and significant moment, I think, and I'm really proud of Long Beach for taking the lead on this issue. This issue, any time it's come before a city. At any city has been, quite frankly, a total disaster. And I think you've seen a breakdown of people working together. And I think this has been something that I'm really, really proud of. And I want to thank Yellow Cab. I want to thank city staff. And I want to thank the council for for being so thoughtful here. And with that, we'll call the vote.
Speaker 2: Motion carries.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Thank you. Item item 20, please. | Public Hearing | Recommendation to receive and file the Biennial Report on Public Convenience and Necessity Regarding Taxicab Service and conclude the hearing; find that the number of authorized taxicabs is insufficient for the needs of the City; find that Long Beach Yellow Cab Cooperative, Inc. (LBYC), is in full compliance with the terms and conditions of the current permit; and authorize City Manager to amend the permit with LBYC to authorize operation of 199 cabs, approve a requested change in trade dress, and allow for discounted fares to ensure the customer base is offered the most competitive pricing. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_05122015_15-0416 | Speaker 1: Item nine.
Speaker 2: Item nine Communication for Mayor Garcia. Recommendation to request the Economic Development Commission to provide recommendations on matters including the city permitting process. A long range property management plan, sales tax leakage and property development projects, including the Civic Center and Douglas Park projects.
Speaker 1: There's been a motion and a second attorney public comment on the item. Seeing none before we cast their votes. I note that the new chairman of the commission, Frank Cullen, is up there. So, Frank, good to see you. Thank you for serving. Members, please cast your votes.
Speaker 2: Motion carries nine zero.
Speaker 1: Item number. I'm sorry. Actually, we're going to hear there's a third commission item, but it's actually under new business, I think. And we're just going to move that since they're all part of the same thing. So can we hear item? I believe it's 19. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to request Economic Development Commission to provide recommendations to the City Council and the City Manager on matters including the city permitting process, the long range property management plan, sales tax leakage and property development projects including the Civic Center and Douglas Park Projects in accordance with Long Beach Municipal Code Section 2.36.030. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_05122015_15-0443 | Speaker 2: Item number 19. Communication from Councilwoman Price. Councilwoman Gonzalez. Vice Mayor Lowenthal and Councilman Austin. Recommendation to request the City. Request the Commission on Youth and Children to review the current afterschool programs offered throughout the City of Long Beach and make recommendations on how afterschool programs can be improved and or expanded in order to better serve our youth
Speaker 1: . Okay. Thank you. There has been a motion in a second by Councilmember Austin and seconded by Councilwoman Mongo. Councilmember Austin.
Speaker 7: And I'd like to defer to Councilmember Price on this.
Speaker 1: Councilwoman Price, Thank you.
Speaker 6: I want to thank my colleagues for signing on to this item. I believe that our city commissions, some of them are a bit underutilized. And this one in particular, I think, could definitely assist us in exploring what afterschool and youth programing we have in the city where there are areas of deficiency and what we might be able to do to improve those areas. I want to thank our mayor for all the work that he's done to improve our city commission since taking office and providing them with appropriate tools to be able to participate in the governance that we do. I think that we've come a long way in regards to making our commissions relevant in the regards to this particular commission. This particular commission is designed to advise the Mayor and City Council on issues relating to the city's provision of services to youth and children. They were derm. They have been dormant for a while and I look forward to giving them this task. I'm a firm believer in letting our youth have a meaningful voice when it comes to city government. Currently, my office has partnered under the leadership of Councilman Richardson, who led the way with participatory budgeting. But we are working with the participatory budgeting staff, and we've undertaken the second youth led participatory project in the country. We've set aside $75,000 of our one time funds to allow our youth to decide how to spend those funds in order to improve a park project within our district. As a working mom, I also understand the importance of providing quality afterschool programing and opportunities for our kids to learn leadership skills and to be meaningful members of the environment where they will hopefully be future leaders. So I hope that my council colleagues will support me in this and send forward to our Commission on Youth and Children . This item for them to explore, study and provide recommendations for our consideration. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you very much. Councilwoman Monga was a second year of that motion. Okay. Okay, great. So now I'm going to Vice Mayor Lowenthal.
Speaker 11: Thank you. Just simply to thank Councilmember Price for raising the issue. And I do realize it's been dormant for quite some time. So I look forward to hearing the commission's feedback and really working on this very important extension of the school day for many students and working families. So, Councilwoman, thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Councilwoman Gonzales.
Speaker 6: Yeah. I'm glad. I think Councilwoman Pryce as well for bringing this forward. As a mother, myself, of three boys, I think it's very important that children have a place to go after school. And especially, you know, in communities like the first district that I often see where Park Park places are very, you know, sparse. And it's very over populated, it's dense. There isn't much many places to go. And so I think it's important that we look into this a little bit deeply as far as, as we mentioned here, neighborhoods with potentially historic high crime rates, proximity from schools to sites or school sites to the afterschool programs, sites and so on. And so I think, Councilman Price, again, for bringing this forward, this is much needed.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Councilman Mongo.
Speaker 9: Having already been involved with some of the principals in our district related to child care, I hope that we will work to include our school board members from all of each unified school district. As someone who's worked in child care for many years, I find it important to know the options available to each of our schools and on campus. Programs are really a huge component of that. And so I hope we'll work collaboratively, collaboratively with our school board members and our local principals to make sure that this is a very partnership, a big partnership between organizations.
Speaker 1: Councilman Richardson.
Speaker 8: Thanks, Mr. Mayor. I think this is a good item in terms of giving our commission something relevant to work on over the course of the summer. I want to just encourage city staff and the city council to not keep not take our eye off the ball in terms of the summer as our Game of Thrones friends, my might might know Summer is coming. And for a lot of our communities that means a lot of kids out of school, and that means that we need to make sure that we do have a comprehensive plan inclusive of our parks, libraries and public safety to ensure that, you know, as Councilmember Andrews would say, a tiger kid is a good kid. So so I want to make sure that we that we have that. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Councilmember.
Speaker 7: I think that was an O'Donnell quote. Quote, by the way. Yeah.
Speaker 8: You got the creative in that.
Speaker 7: Watch out for those dragons in the summer. I'd like to also just echo the comments and express my enthusiastic support for this item. Thank you for bringing it forward. Bringing it forward. Councilmember Price. We potentially have two new parks that could be developed in the eighth District, which will add great greenspace and recreational opportunities for our youth . I've developed a youth advisory council for the eighth District. I know they're going to be engaged in that process, and we can call that participatory budgeting as well, because there'll be significant resources put into that part, those parks. But that said, you have my full support on this item.
Speaker 1: Thank you. And I also want to thank Councilwoman Price. She had mentioned this to me before, and I very thankful. I think any time the council brings things forward for the commission to look at, I think it's great. I also added that the the Commission on senior issues as well is looking for some additional work. And so if anyone has suggestions for them, I. I met with a bunch of them this last weekend, a great group of people. And if the council wants to bring something forward and not on that end, that would be really, really helpful as well. Any public comment on this item? Okay. Please cast your votes.
Speaker 2: Motion carries nine zero.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Item number ten. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to request the Commission on Youth and Children review the current after school programs offered throughout the City of Long Beach and make recommendations to the City Council on how after school programs can be improved and/or expanded in the City in order to better serve our youth;
Request the Commission on Youth and Children include in their analysis the following elements and report back to the City Council:
• The number of youth we have in the City of Long Beach;
• The benefits of after school programming for our youth;
• The number of working families where both parents work
outside of the home;
• The need for children to have a safe place to go after school
where they are presented with learning and/or play
opportunities;
• After school programs in highly dense neighborhoods with
historically high crime rates;
• Proximity from the school site to the after school program site;
and
Request the recommendations made by the Commission include non-fiscal options such as changing program hours or offering d | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_05122015_15-0417 | Speaker 1: Thank you. Item number ten.
Speaker 2: Communication for Mayor Garcia. Recommendation to request the city attorney to draft an ordinance to amend. Ordinance number c6646 governing the Bixby Nose Parking and Business Improvement Area and Advisory Board.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Just briefly, this is something we've been working on for a while. It's a clean up. And the commission we worked on this with Councilor Morrison's office, as well as the Bixby Knolls Improvement Association and Staff and Coulson Barracks. And want to make a couple of quick comments.
Speaker 7: Certainly, I would just ask for your full support. This is, in fact, what we would call clean up legislation or a clean up ordinance that will clean up our practice debt and encourage a practice that is currently the practice throughout the city with business improvement districts. For some reason, the business Bixby knows business parking and business improvement area was when it was created had a specificity that that that appointees would be of the mayor's office and that's not really how things have worked for for several years. And so this would allow the Bixby notes Business Improvement Association to have their board development just like every other business improvement association throughout the city. And so I would ask for your unanimous support.
Speaker 1: Any public comment on this item? CNN Please cast your votes.
Speaker 2: Motion carries nine zero.
Speaker 1: Next item. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to request City Attorney to draft an ordinance to amend Ordinance No. C-6646 governing the Bixby Knolls Parking and Business Improvement Area and Advisory Board. The amendment will eliminate the Mayoral appointed Advisory Board thereby making the Bixby Knolls Parking and Business Improvement Area consistent with the other Business Improvement Districts in the City. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_05122015_15-0419 | Speaker 2: Item number 12. Communication from Mayor Garcia. Recommendation to request the city attorney to draft an ordinance to amend the Long Beach Municipal Code governing the Board of Health and Human Services.
Speaker 1: Thank you. This is another kind of cleanup item. This is a recommendation by Health Department staff to make it easier to facilitate and increase membership. And so I want to thank Kelly Colby for making these suggestions. And they make sense. And with that, there's a motion by Councilman Mongo and Councilmember Andrews. Is there any public comment on the item? Seen Councilman Mongo DiGiovanni comments come from our industry. Any comments? OC Commissioner Richardson, do you have a comment?
Speaker 8: Sure. Just a quick question. How many, how many, how many people sit on this health commission? How many members of the commission have?
Speaker 1: Waiting for a copy here.
Speaker 5: No, she's not. Okay.
Speaker 1: Well, these are these are demonstrators. Question This would be a question for Ms.. Collopy. How much is it? 19.
Speaker 5: 19.
Speaker 8: Seems like a big commission. And. And also is a lot of. Like in recent years. Since it's. Since it's begun began. Health has gotten more localized and place based. And I would I would encourage like if we're going to make some changes, we look at like grabbing folks or doing some on the ground work and some of the local communities, the Coalition for Healthy North, Plan B, so on and so forth, that can make sure that the city's strategy around health is complementary to the on the ground strategy. So just some comments.
Speaker 1: Great. Thank you. Any public comment on the item? CNN. Please cast your votes.
Speaker 2: Motion carries nine zero. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to request City Attorney to draft an ordinance to amend Long Beach Municipal Code Chapter 2.24 governing the Board of Health and Human Services. The amendments will simplify the membership requirements and update the role of the commission to match the current responsibilities of the Department of Health and Human Services. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_05122015_15-0409 | Speaker 1: Next item 13.
Speaker 2: Report from Development Services recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record and adopt a resolution directing the further implementation of the alcohol nuisance of Abatement Ordinance citywide.
Speaker 1: Okay. Conservative staff.
Speaker 5: Yes, we can have a quick report by Linda Tatum.
Speaker 6: Good afternoon, Mayor Garcia and members of the Council. This item is a city council authorization for staff to continue the implementation of the alcohol, a nuisance abatement ordinance that the City Council adopted in August of 2013. The initial implementation of this ordinance targeted the eighth and the ninth Council districts north of the Alamo Boulevard, and staff essentially worked very directly with the business and the property owners to implement some of the requirements of the ordinance to achieve cleaner, safer and more esthetic business operations. Each of the 26 businesses in this initial implementation phase have been have met all of the requirements of the ordinances regulations, and these are detailed in the staff report. For example, enhanced lighting and surveillance systems have improved safety and security in and around these businesses. And also the removal of the exterior payphones have decreased the amount of loitering and reduced other unlawful activity around these businesses. So essentially, given the effectiveness of the ordinance in its initial implementation, staff is now requesting the approval of the recommended resolution to expand the implementation of this ordinance citywide. New areas of the city to be addressed will be done on a based upon the number of existing businesses, type 21 businesses with type 21 licenses that don't have a copy. And of course, based on staff availability, in conclusion, I'd like to recommend that the City Council receive the supporting documentation into the record and adopt a resolution directing the further implementation of the Alcohol, Nuisance and Abatement Ordinance citywide.
Speaker 1: Okay. Thank you. Councilor Austin.
Speaker 7: Yes. I want to just just commend staff for the implementation of this alcohol nuisance abatement order. It has been very successful in the North Long Beach communities. We have turned around a number of very, I would say, blighted liquor stores that are now in compliance. I was happy to talk to Cocoa Sponsor this item with then Councilmember Steve Neill. I know for a fact that Councilmember Richardson, in his role as a chief of staff for the members, still, Neal, worked very hard on this as well. This has been a huge success for North Long Beach and deserves to be expanded outside of the pilot area. So I support this and would ask for your full support as well.
Speaker 11: Thank you, Councilmember Austin Councilmember Councilwoman Gonzalez.
Speaker 6: I wanted to say thank you and know I have. It's been a long time coming for city wide because I know I've bothered many of you for a lot of the different areas we have in the First District, particularly some. I'm glad to see that this is citywide and that we've made a step in the right direction for this. I see here the addresses. Is there a way to get the actual the business names on here? I don't I just see addresses for the locations in each district. Yes, we can get business names. Okay. Wonderful. Well, thank you very much. I appreciate it.
Speaker 11: Thank you, Councilwoman. Council member Urunga.
Speaker 3: Thank you very much, Mayor Little. I too am very pleased to see that here is an opportunity where we have a pilot program to go out and do its job and come back with a positive recommendation as we knew we wanted to have. It's wonderful. I want to thank staff for due diligence on getting this to us. You know, I received a number of calls even in my district about some of our blatant extortion. So I'm looking forward to having this go citywide. I think it's going to be a boon for our neighborhoods and for our district. Thank you very much.
Speaker 11: Councilwoman Mongo.
Speaker 9: Yes, I am excited that we have a pilot program that's going citywide. I do have a specific question outside of some of the grocery stores in the city and occasionally the liquor stores. It has become even more prevalent that people who don't live in the area are charging their cell phones on the outdoor outlets. So as people are receiving their free cell phones and shying away from the use of the payphones, the outdoor outlets have become a new loitering area. Is there a possibility of discussing some options for having those locked on a regular basis? I know the grocery stores don't mind individuals using their electricity because it's a small amount of money. But in terms of the customers, they're not always as thrilled about people standing outside waiting for their cell phones to charge when they're walking in and out of our grocery stores.
Speaker 6: Yes, we can certainly look at that.
Speaker 9: I'd appreciate something in a two from four about what our options are. And maybe we'll bring a motion. Thank you.
Speaker 11: Thank you, Councilwoman. Councilmember Richardson.
Speaker 8: Thank you, Vice Mayor. So I think this is this is a good moment. As you know, this is some history for North Long Beach. And folks have been on council for a while, have known or have paid attention. The council for a while have known how much work has gone into this. I actually remember the first conversation. It was actually a conversation with Mike Mayes and myself when we were brainstorming what to do around liquor stores. It was back when Councilmember Neil and Councilmember Gavlak were on the council and it and a concept came out to to to take this concept from Oakland carpe diem to proved that they had tried and maybe didn't get it right and try it out here. You know, took some time to work on it. And then later on, Councilmember Austin came on the council and he joined in support. And I'm happy that and now that Councilmember Neil's moved on, this pilot has proven successful and I'm very proud. This is a very proud moment for us to take it from concept. Test it now. We have a proof of that concept, a proof of this policy. And now we're going to expand it citywide with demonstrated with results that we can demonstrate of how to really effect meaningful systems, change to create a meaningful impact in the lives of our residents. So this is a good moment, and I look forward to seeing what the impact is going to be when we go citywide and and the residents north Long Beach, who have done done tremendous work, focused group surveys, sort of paying attention to those those liquor stores, those residents have really done a great job it moving this along. So so thank you. Congratulations to the city staff and to everyone involved.
Speaker 11: Councilman Andrews.
Speaker 4: Thank you, vice mayor. You know, I'm definitely in favor of this. I call it, you know, ordinance, because I would like to see this ordinance take effect in my district as soon as possible because we're truly in dire need of this implement happening as quick as possible. And thank you again for bringing support to the diocese.
Speaker 11: Thank you, Councilman. Councilmember Your Honor.
Speaker 3: Yeah. Just a brief follow up on Councilmember Andrew's question at the end. What's the timeline on full implementation of this program?
Speaker 6: The essentially, it took approximately 15 months for the for the implementation of the first two districts in the pilot program. But we learned a lot of important lessons. And I think going forward, we can certainly be a lot more efficient. So I would I would guesstimate roughly 8 to 12 months to do the next two districts roughly. But we can certainly come back. We'll certainly make every effort to make it as quick, quick as possible.
Speaker 11: Is that? Is that to your satisfaction?
Speaker 0: No.
Speaker 11: Would you like to.
Speaker 3: Right now.
Speaker 11: Okay. Okay. Councilwoman Gonzales.
Speaker 6: I just remembered my question. I'm sorry. Are we including in this? It says the last bullet point. The business does not result in any adverse effects, jeopardize or endanger the health, peace or safety of persons residing, visiting or working in the surrounding area. Is that does that relate to police calls for service or are we including that in this or how is that relatable to that, if any? It's police calls and calls for service as well as code enforcement. Any code enforcement calls. Okay. And is there a particular threshold or are we just. Well, we generally look at all of those, but we don't have a particular threshold, but we just notice that those numbers have been reduced. Okay, great. Thank you.
Speaker 11: Thank you, Councilwoman Gonzales. And I also wanted to add my gratitude for staff to staff for keeping this program moving forward. It's been some time, and I think it might come as a surprise to a lot of us that District two has a great deal of liquor stores without cups and maybe even the greatest number, which surprised me when we found out. So our residents are anxiously awaiting the expansion of this ordinance, and I hope our liquor store owners do take advantage of the commercial improvement rebate program. Funding to rebrand themselves with whether it's new paint or new signage, would certainly be a better part of the neighborhood and a good neighbor. So thank you to staff. I, I personally appreciate this. Good job, everyone. With that, is there any member of the public that wish to address Council on item 13? Please come forward.
Speaker 8: Good evening once again. My name is Tony Esparza. My address is on file with the city clerk's office. I'm also in favor of this recommendation. There's a proliferation of liquor stores in my neighborhood. It seems like every corner now around my house, there's a liquor store. And I'm all for business being business friendly. But at what point? Is a business. You know, not something for the neighborhood, because, for instance, my local liquor store on Long Beach Boulevard, just north of Market, they discovered some gambling machines that they were doing illegal stuff there. I mean, at what point is. Licensing or permitting, come in and say, hey, you know what? We're not going to renew your license. I mean, there's there's got to be a line somewhere where we're business friendly. But to a point where it doesn't disturb the community. As far as, you know, having one on every corner doesn't make any sense. I mean, I'm all for it if it's like a full service.
Speaker 5: Store.
Speaker 8: Or a restaurant. I mean, we need more of those because we only have one store in Long Beach Boulevard. Otherwise I've got to drive to Vons and Bigsby knows. But I'm in favor of this. And thank you for staff for putting it together. Finally.
Speaker 5: Thank you.
Speaker 11: Thank you. Seeing no other speakers members cast your vote.
Speaker 2: Mungo. Motion carries nine zero. Item 14 Report from Development Services and Public Works. Recommendation to execute the Artesia Boulevard Study Implementation Agreement with the Gateway Cities Council of Governments for an amount not to exceed $36,890. District nine. | Resolution | Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record and adopt resolution directing the further implementation of the Alcohol Nuisance Abatement Ordinance (ANAO). (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_05122015_15-0410 | Speaker 2: Mungo. Motion carries nine zero. Item 14 Report from Development Services and Public Works. Recommendation to execute the Artesia Boulevard Study Implementation Agreement with the Gateway Cities Council of Governments for an amount not to exceed $36,890. District nine.
Speaker 11: Mr. City Manager, is there a staff report?
Speaker 5: Yes. Linda Tatum.
Speaker 6: This item is a request that the city participate in the to fund a master plan for Artesia Boulevard. This is a regional project and the cost to the city or the cost for preparing the master plan regarding making sure that the street is enhances its functionality for pedestrians as well as all modes of travel as well, as well as some esthetic improvements for the corridor. The the proposal is for the city to share on a pro-rata basis based upon the cost of the study per mile. Among all of the cities that touch the 12 mile length of that corridor in the city of Long Beach, a share of that cost is $36,890. And this cost will be borne by three different departments or three different whose members?
Speaker 11: TATUM Yes. Can can we give her our attention? I think someone's mic is on. Thank you. Please continue.
Speaker 6: Thank you. So this the cost is going to be borne by three different bureaus within the Development Services Division. But the total cost of the city for this preparing the master plan would be $36,890. So the city or the retirement staff is recommending that the city council approved the funding for the city to participate in the master plan for the Artesia Boulevard corridor.
Speaker 11: Thank you, Councilmember Richardson.
Speaker 8: Thanks, Vice Mayor. We had a little confusion about who led on who led on it and pushed push the button and.
Speaker 11: We all clear.
Speaker 8: Now. It's all good. The reason I wanted to just speak up and say something was this is really exciting. And again, this was this was a vision that Councilmember Neill, my predecessor, actually stated at the dais when he when he was sworn in, he said uptown should be a preview to downtown. And for most folks, a lot of folks, their experience in Long Beach is when they get off the 91 freeway and cut across Artesia Boulevard and connect to Lakewood or wait till traffic or going all the way down to the 605. This is tremendous, the fact that we've gotten all of these cities on board from Compton to Carson to let's see, Bellflower, Lakewood, Cerritos in Artesia, all in one committee to two master plan, 12 miles, miles of Artesia Boulevard, really emphasizing its regional significance. So I'm really proud of this. And I think this is a really tremendous moment for for North Long Beach to lead again on this, especially considering the last line item, North Lambie's lead. And in this one we really led and it's been years of years of work. So thank you so much.
Speaker 11: Thank you. Council Member Andrews as the second year of the motion, did you want to make any remarks? Excellent. Thank you, Councilwoman Gonzalez.
Speaker 6: I just want to congratulate Councilman Richardson. He's always talking about Artesia Boulevard. I'm always talking about Pine Avenue and creating a renaissance in downtown. And he's always talking about uptown, and you're always putting a light on that. So I just want to congratulate you for that.
Speaker 11: Councilman Austin.
Speaker 7: Yes. I also want to just say that this is this is an exciting item and there is a lot of hope for this. As the city's representative one, the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, I just wanted to report out that we did include this in our strategic transportation plan last week at our meeting, which in which several of the the partnering cities in the region supported this as well. And so this is one thing that will be a priority for not only our city, but for our regional partners as well. So look forward to working with Councilmember Richardson and the entire council on this.
Speaker 11: Thank you. And I'd like to congratulate Councilmember Richardson on this effort as well. Seeing no further comment on this side of the dais, is there any member of the public that wish to address the Council on item 14? Seeing None members cast your vote.
Speaker 2: Motion carries nine zero.
Speaker 11: Item 15. | Contract | Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute the Artesia Boulevard Study Implementation Agreement with the Gateway Cities Council of Governments for an amount not to exceed $36,890. (District 9) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_05122015_15-0411 | Speaker 11: Item 15.
Speaker 2: Report from financial management. Recommendation to award a contract to enterprise fleet management for leasing vehicles for various police operations in an annual amount not to exceed $155,000 citywide.
Speaker 11: Is there a staff report, Mr. City Manager?
Speaker 5: Yes, we have a brief staff report from our fleet manager, Dan Perlmutter. Good evening. Over the years, the police department has used a variety of procurement options to secure vehicles for undercover operations, and we are jointly working to renew that fleet, which has aged considerably. The undercover fleet is currently a mix of leased and city owned assets and this is proven effective in meeting the department's operational needs. This proposal is a continuation of a leasing program initiated for the Department in 2011. The police department has factors unique to their operations and under certain circumstances, may need to take a vehicle out of service and replace it with very short notice. Staff researched options for quick and efficient vehicle swap out services and determined that leasing a small portion of vehicles for these operations would satisfy the department's operational need. Lucent provides the option to quickly swap out a vehicle for a like unit, along with minimal administrative delay. Additionally, since the current police undercover vehicle fleet is aging and becoming unreliable, maintenance costs and downtime have been rising significantly. What should be a simple Preventive Maintenance Service has turned into extended visits to the repair shop, as entire vehicle systems have to be replaced or rebuilt. Vehicle availability has been reduced, affecting police operations. This lease option will enable a near term replacement of the most troublesome vehicles, leading to immediate savings in maintenance and fuel costs and an improved level of service to the to support department operations. At this time, city staff recommend securing a limited number of vehicles for undercover operations through leasing. This will assist the police department by providing for a quick vehicle swap out if needed and replacement of their most agent vehicles in the near term. This contract provides for lease of up to 20 vehicles of various makes and models for an annual amount not to exceed $155,000 for a period of four years. Extensive local outreach was done for this bid. However, a nationwide leasing firm enjoys significant advantages in purchasing power and access to capital. Fleet will be returning to council with recommendations to replace the remainder of the undercover fleet through a series of new and used vehicle purchases, which is the most cost effective procurement method for the majority of that fleet. That concludes my presentation. I'm happy to address any questions of counsel.
Speaker 11: Thank you. Councilmember Andrews, would you like to? Wonderful. Councilman Austin. No, thank you. Is there any member of the public that wishes to address the Council on item 15? Seeing nonmembers cast your vote.
Speaker 0: You're welcome.
Speaker 2: Motion passes nine zero. | Contract | Recommendation to adopt Specifications No. ITB FS15-005 and award a contract to Enterprise FM Trust, dba Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc., of St. Louis, MO, for leasing vehicles for various Police operations, in an annual amount not to exceed $155,000, including tax and fees, for a period of four years; and authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to enter into the contract, including any necessary amendments thereto. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_05122015_15-0412 | Speaker 11: Item 16.
Speaker 2: Report from Fire and Financial Management. Recommendation to adopt a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a contract with Westnet for the purchase and installation of equipment to upgrade the fire station alerting system without advertising for bids in an amount not to exceed $215,326 and increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund in the fire department by $215,326 citywide. This item requires two votes.
Speaker 11: Mr. West.
Speaker 5: Yes? Administrative Bureau Chief for the fire department, David Honey will give a brief report. Good evening, Vice Mayor Lowenthal. Members of the city council, the first in a learning system, was installed in the fire communication center and all fire stations in 2003. The system is the interface between the fire communication center and the fire stations and gives first responders of the fire department information detailed information about emergency calls in each response. Most stations are still using the original technology from the 2003 installation date, and since then, WESTNET has made available to its clients significant upgrades. And much like using older computer equipment that advances quickly. We're now using 12 year old technology and have the opportunity to upgrade that. The purchase also includes a request to purchase turn out timers, which would give.
Speaker 8: First responders a visual readout of the time elapsed since the call came in. And what that does is allows the.
Speaker 5: Firefighters to to meet response time goals.
Speaker 8: And get out of the station.
Speaker 5: Quicker and responding to the incident. The cost is.
Speaker 8: $215,326, and the funding source is a fire facility's impact fee.
Speaker 5: And that concludes my report, and I'm available for any questions.
Speaker 11: Thank you, sir. Councilmember, your Urunga. Do we have? A secondary of the motion is up and there we go. Councilmember Granger.
Speaker 3: I'm glad to see that the fire department is on top of this. It's obviously a big issue for the community when you're talking about response times, and I hope that this new piece of equipment really works for them. Thank you.
Speaker 11: Councilwoman Mongo.
Speaker 9: While I appreciate that it's time to upgrade. They haven't been upgraded since 2002 and ten years has gone by. I hope that when we're put into these situations with sole source agreements as councilmember prices motion brought before our Council several weeks ago stated, we really need to do. It would be helpful if there were additional options in terms of knowing had we been with a competitive company and what that upgrade cost would look like, because we obviously don't have any alternatives because we're in this position. But in spending almost a quarter of $1,000,000, it's important to know how far deep into this hole and how many how long it'll be until the next upgrade. So that if we do need to make $1,000,000, multimillion dollar transition out and we'll know what options we have, because I know all this is the premier system and I'm proud to have it here in Long Beach and L.A. County uses the same system. There are alternatives, and I want to make sure that our upgrade costs are not exceeding that of our neighbors.
Speaker 11: Councilman Andrews.
Speaker 4: Yes, I also would like to tackle that. But the biggest part about it, I think when we talk about this type of money and public safety, I don't think that there's anything we should ever want to turn around looking back on. We definitely want to upgrade anything we need. When we're talking about public service. And I totally will. Okay. This motion.
Speaker 11: Thank you. Is there any member of the public that wish to address the Council on item 16? We are only taking one motion on this item. Seeing nonmembers cast your vote.
Speaker 2: Motion passes nine zero. | Resolution | Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager to execute a contract with Westnet, Inc., of Huntington Beach, CA, for the purchase and installation of equipment to upgrade the fire station alerting system, without advertising for bids, in an amount not to exceed $215,326; and
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund (CP) in the Fire Department (FD) by $215,326. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_05122015_15-0413 | Speaker 11: Item 17.
Speaker 2: Report from Parks, Recreation and Marine. Recommendation to issue a right of way entry permit to a comm for the drilling of soil vapor sampling wells and the installation of temporary vapor testing equipment in the Baker Street Mini Park and the Wrigley Heights Dog Park consistent with the cleanup abatement order District seven.
Speaker 11: There's been a motion by Councilmember Urunga and seconded by Councilman Austin. Is there a staff report?
Speaker 5: Yes. Vice Mayor, we have a quick staff report from Parks Rec and Marine manager Bob Livingston. Thank you, Mr. West. Madam Vice Mayor, members of the Council, the L.A. Regional Water Quality Control Board has issued a clean up and abatement order for a former oil property located in District seven between the L.A. River, Wardlow and Baker Roads and Golden Avenue. There's a map in your packet as part of the clean up an abatement order. Approximately five soil vapor sampling wells have been ordered in areas that are adjacent to the former property or actually into city parks. The Baker Street mini park in the Wrigley Heights Dog Park. Since those wells are not on the subject property, they need to have a right of entry permit in order to conduct the clean up and abatement order. There would not be any noticeable disruption of the Baker mini park, but for safety of the dogs and their humans and also the workers, we would have to close the Wrigley Dog Park on the Friday before Memorial Day and then either two or three days after Memorial Day to do the actual drilling. That concludes our staff report. I'd be happy to answer any questions about the permit. We also have some representatives from Tesoro that owns the property or from AECOM that'll be doing the testing if you have any questions for them on the technical aspects.
Speaker 11: Thank you, Mr. Livingston. Councilmember Durango.
Speaker 3: Thank you for the staff report. I want to thank to all who are here tonight for volunteering actually somewhat to do this this study. There's been some reports of some vapors escaping from that property out there. And and they basically got stuck holding the bag. So I want to thank you for that. I want to thank you for taking your leadership in reaching out to the communities and being so accessible to them and answering all their questions. So if there's any questions that the Council may want to ask regarding what the project is and what it involves, I want to thank Brisa for being here this evening to provide those out those answers to those questions. Thank you again.
Speaker 11: Thank you. Is there any member of the public that wish to address the Council on item 17? CNN members cast your vote.
Speaker 2: Motion carries nine zero. | Contract | Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all documents necessary to issue a Right-of-Entry Permit to AECOM, a Delaware Corporation, and/or its agents, for the drilling of soil vapor sampling wells and the installation of temporary vapor testing equipment in the Baker Street Mini Park and the Wrigley Heights Dog Park, consistent with the Cleanup Abatement Order, for a term of one year, with four, one-year renewal options at the discretion of the City Manager, or his designee. (District 7) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_05122015_15-0414 | Speaker 11: Item 18, which I believe will require two motions.
Speaker 2: Report from Human Resources and Financial Management. Recommendation to award a contract to a managed health network for provision of employee assistance services for a total amount not to exceed 101,161 per year for a period of three years and declare Proposition L ordinance read for the first time and laid over to the next regular meeting of the City Council for Final Reading Citywide.
Speaker 11: Sir. Staff Report. Mr. WEST.
Speaker 5: Yes. Vice Mayor, this is our director, Debbie Mills, and new manager Michelle Hamilton. Vice Mayor and members of the council. This item requests authorization to contract with Managed Health Network MH and to provide employee assistance services to our city employees and their families. It also includes a propositional ordinance that makes findings and determinations in accordance with the city charter. An Employee Assistance program is designed to provide counseling services to employees and their immediate family members and or to refer employees to professional counseling for a variety of issues, including things like family problems, work related problems, health and wellness issues, work life issues, as well as individual and group grief counseling as part of a budget recommendation. A couple of years ago, management partners was asked to evaluate the city's in-house employee assistance program as compared to best practices in the marketplace. They compared our plan to other peer agencies, and they found that only one other agency had an internal ERP program like ours. They also determined, after several interviews, examination of documents looking at business practices and processes, that an external ERP program would be more well-received by our employees and also a more utilized. A request for proposal was developed and the top four firms were interviewed by an expert panel. The panel unanimously selected Managed Health Network MH N, which is a subsidiary of HealthNet, Inc.. They have provided EAP services for over 38 years and they provide services for about 350 government agencies.
Speaker 6: The financial management and human.
Speaker 5: Resources departments have determined that the services MEITUAN provides are actually superior in scope and breadth as compared to those of our former in-house program. Also, the cost of the contract is estimated to be $101,161 per year and would be funded from the appropriation that is currently budgeted for the in-house ERP program. After the program is fully implemented in FY16, the insurance fund would realize some savings and there would be some offset and there would be some reallocation to other funds that you would see as part of the budget process. It's anticipated an ongoing citywide savings of about $136,000 would be part of the FY16 budget. It's important to note that no city employees will be displaced of the two employees that were formerly providing in-house services. One employee has transferred to another position in the city and the other employee has retired. Lastly, I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce Michelle Hamilton. She's new to human resources and is going to be in charge or is in charge of our employee benefits division. So you'll see her face. She came to us from the chancellor's office with a wealth of knowledge and employee benefits. She'll be responsible responsible for implementation and management of this new ERP program. And we'd be happy to answer questions.
Speaker 11: Thank you, Miss Mills. Councilwoman Mongo.
Speaker 9: Yes. I want to think the H.R. department, IAP programs are crucial to the health and vitality of a workforce. And I think that those of us who sit on it enough and do some of the settlements know that the EAP programs can really be a mitigating factor in getting us through some of these. So I really appreciate your work on this and I'm excited that we're moving in this direction. I know that our internal staff are always capable. There's always just that perception from city staffers that if an outside organization is handling it, that it's it's a little bit different for them, their own H.R.. So I'm very supportive of this.
Speaker 11: Councilman Austin.
Speaker 7: Yes. Thank you. And as somebody who works in the labor relations field, I can tell you that EPA is is is a valuable tool for. For our city employees to utilize when in need. I did have a couple of questions regarding the the 2.5 FTC. What are what's happening with the city employees who were involved in that program?
Speaker 5: Yes. One employee has taken transferred to a job at the Health Department and the other employee has retired. The the half time was a part time clerical person that hadn't been used recently.
Speaker 7: Can't thank you enough. I just also like to just comment that this will save us and your savings of $136,000. And it's great to see that our man management partners have actually saved us some money finally.
Speaker 11: Council member Urunga.
Speaker 3: Catch your sarcasm there. Councilmember Alston Having been involved with the AP to a certain extent, when I was at the Health Department, I was aware of those employees that were working there in that capacity at that time, also had other affiliated responsibilities with our police and fire departments. And in terms of being members of the Met team, I think it was the mental evaluation team. I'm not sure if that's the correct acronym for that. But when there was a situation in the community or or a response necessary, that would require a team of professionals to evaluate a resident or a citizen in in distress or some kind of emotional disorientation that this team would go out there, make the evaluation to ensure that the that the situation was either one that was controlled. Bottom line, is this contract going to be able to address those issues? Is there another alternative method that the police and fire departments will be able to use to address such situations when there is a resident or citizen in distress on the community, whether it's a fire issue or a police issue.
Speaker 5: Yes, Councilmember, I did. I believe that most recently. The police met team is operating a little bit differently that maybe it was in the past and they are not requiring any assistance from the city EAP program, although you know, of course we know that they're there, that they're a resource that we could use. So if if the city needed them or they needed us, we would certainly. Make sure that our ERP provider would be aware of any, if any assistance was needed.
Speaker 3: Which raises the question, turning to our the employees who used to who did provide the service, they were required to maintain their licenses and their status as bona fide counselors. Is there a method for us to ensure that these consultants are going to be duly licensed and capable of doing these jobs?
Speaker 11: Yes.
Speaker 2: Immigration is a nationally a national company.
Speaker 11: So they are required to.
Speaker 9: Have licensed clinical.
Speaker 11: Technicians.
Speaker 9: That will be.
Speaker 6: Servicing.
Speaker 11: Clients such as the city of Long Beach. So that is a requirement and that would also be part of the contract as well.
Speaker 3: I thought I had some thoughts, but I'll let it go. Thank you.
Speaker 11: Councilwoman Gonzales.
Speaker 6: I'm also glad to see that we're we're relooking at this, reviewing it and seeing what else we can do. What type of outreach right now is being done for to let employees know that this program even exists?
Speaker 5: I'll take a try at that one until the council approves this. We have not done any outreach. However, that would be something that Michel would handle. There would be a timeline, an implementation timeline. And, you know, our goal would be to get it implemented as soon as possible.
Speaker 6: Great. I would love to see more. I know when we hopefully pass this. I'd love to see this pass that we do have more outreach for our employees to know what specific resources are available to them because this is such a valuable program. I can imagine that a lot of employees didn't know that this even existed, so it'd be great to have that more, you know, out in the in the public realm.
Speaker 5: I can tell you that in her short time here, Michelle has already done a lot of work in communications. Recently there was a seminar given on cancer awareness. She has another one scheduled on. Elder care and there's also some wellness thing. So I think this will be a great partnership with from the employee benefits side where there'll be a lot of synergy and you know, they can. The goal certainly is to communicate more with our employees.
Speaker 6: Great, wonderful. Thank you.
Speaker 11: Thank you. Is there any member of the public that wish to address the Council on item 18? Singing None on the first motion. Mr. City Attorney, is it to approve the recommendation?
Speaker 5: Yes, it would be to approve the recommendation. Adopt the specifications. Thank you.
Speaker 11: Okay, members, cast your vote. Please.
Speaker 2: Motion passes nine zero and.
Speaker 11: The second motion. Mr. City Attorney.
Speaker 5: We need a motion to declare properly ordinance, read for the first time and lead over to the next meeting.
Speaker 11: Okay. It's been a motion and a second. Is there any member of the public that wish to address council on the second motion seeing none. Members, please cast your vote.
Speaker 2: Motion carries nine zero.
Speaker 11: We have already addressed item 19 and item 20, item 21. | Ordinance | Recommendation to declare ordinance making findings and determinations regarding contracting for work usually performed by City employees and authorizing City Manager to negotiate and enter a contract with Managed Health Network for employee assistance services, read and adopted as read. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_05052015_15-0394 | Speaker 3: Item number eight a communication from the City Clerk recommendation to adopt a resolution declaring results of the City of Long Beach. Special Special Municipal Election Held Tuesday, April 14th, 2015.
Speaker 0: Thank you very much. Okay. First, we have three presentations tonight and the first will be on the swearing in of our new and newly elected fourth District Council person. Mr. Dill Supernova. We didn't do it. We didn't do the role. Excuse me. Why don't we just take a vote first?
Speaker 1: Public comment.
Speaker 0: Any public comment? See, I knew that's the way it was going to go. That's why I rushed it right through. Okay, now we'll take the vote.
Speaker 3: Motion passes seven zero.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Okay. Now, we want everyone to know that Mayor Garcia will not be here tonight because he is with guys. He's in the White House. Okay. And reception tonight with the Washington, D.C. president in Long Beach and invitation of the president and the first lady. | Resolution | Recommendation to adopt resolution declaring results of the City of Long Beach Special Municipal Election held on Tuesday,
April 14, 2015. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_05052015_15-0368 | Speaker 3: Item number one report from Financial Management Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record. Conclude the hearing and grant an entertainment permit with conditions on the application of Mario El Mera Montes 2476 Santa Fe Avenue for Entertainment with dancing by Patrons and Performers. District seven. There's an oath to be taken with this item.
Speaker 0: Do we need to vote on this?
Speaker 3: Yes.
Speaker 0: Okay. Please.
Speaker 3: But. You and each of you. Do you solemnly state that the testimony you may give in the cause now and pending before this body shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God.
Speaker 0: Is anyone any comment from the con artist.
Speaker 2: Mr. Mayor or Mr. Mayor pro tem, I guess, and members of the City Council. I like the staff report that will be handled by Jason MacDonald, our purchasing, purchasing and business services manager. Okay. Good evening. Council members. Jason MacDonald for the Financial Management Department. Tonight you have in front of you the application for entertainment with dancing for Mario L. Mira is doing business as Rincon Chico Grill 2476 Santa Fe Avenue in District seven. All of the necessary departments have reviewed the application and proposed conditions are contained in the packet that was provided. We are prepared to discuss any questions or concerns along with the police department regarding the application or its conditions. Our office has received one complaint regarding this application following the public notice period. That concludes our report. We're available as needed. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Okay.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Is Mr. Moyo here? Fine. Would you like to speak? And it was like public comment on it.
Speaker 2: Good evening, everybody. All I want to do, I'm getting close to retire. I'll be 60 years old. I'm 60 already. Well, in two more years, I began. And I would like to bring the flavor of San Pedro Fish Market to Long Beach, which is nothing but seafood. Maybe steak or sounds like that. A nice dinner. That's what I intend to do at the place. I am really getting tired of running like a club because when I got here in 1992. I invested like $1,000,000 in between the house and our business. So that's my intention. That's all I want to do. I am not the type of man that does something other different than all my life. I've been in one job 35 years at some Pedro fish market. Probably in the next two years I'll be retired and I want to. See if I can achieve the dream of my life. And for that, I'll. I hope you guys support me and the community also. If anybody around here get to know me and get to see me, the things that I do. And if I don't get the things that I want, I just stay with the places that I have. I don't need to go through this stuff, really. It's just it's amazing. I mean, waiting for two years for this play at the ABC and then I come over to see in a play and I'm just facing nothing but . I don't know. It doesn't make sense. You know, I want to bring business along, which no business and Long Beach. I invest a lot of money in long vision and still getting. I can't figure that out.
Speaker 0: Thank you. We probably come into. Sure. And Serena.
Speaker 7: That's just my austerity. He presented entitled to you there. But on the road I saw and as soon as soon that woman told Kid, I said, William, is it is with you, which is worthy. Basically what I'm saying is that I'm thinking. Mr. the amount as we're being here this evening. I think that his establishment moving it from a nightclub bar to a restaurant is is good. It's helpful for the community. And I wish that he could as well. We can call that. I used to go to your place when it was Ms. Ways back back in the day, long time ago. And I'm glad to see that there's progression in your establishment. That's very good. However, there's not this motion is not being made without some concerns. There are some concerns in the community about the establishment. But I hope that we can work those out. I hope that we, through the seventh District to my staff, that we are able to get you and the community surrounding community together and to work to work things out for yourselves. So my recommendation is to accept the the the request with the conditions as presented. As presented. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Jessica. Okay. Mr. Larson. You have to speak.
Speaker 4: A certain emotion. Good luck.
Speaker 1: To.
Speaker 0: Anyone else. I also, when Mr. Durango was talking about the ways that back in the days when he was even born, I should go there all the time. It's a wonderful place, you guys. And especially since he's going to want to turn into a restaurant. I would truly be in favor of this. And congratulations, sir. Now, could we get a vote to get a vote? At any public camp. I thought we would win. Yes, we started. Public comment. Mr.. In one more public comment. If not, we'll make a vote, please.
Speaker 3: Motion passes 8080.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Thank you. Now we will have public comment. Our first speaker. Speaker. Richard Surace. Would you please come to the podium? We're going to have Pete Peterson behind him and Jeff and Mr. John. Did you guys get lined up in that order? | Public Hearing | Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record, conclude the hearing and grant an Entertainment Permit with conditions on the application of Mario L. Miramontes, dba Rincon Chico Grill, 2476 Santa Fe Avenue, for Entertainment With Dancing by Patrons and Performers. (District 7) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_05052015_15-0376 | Speaker 3: Motion passed on item number 13 seven zero. Item number 14 Report from Development Services Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record and adopt the finding to sustain the appeals from Lorri, Andrew and Chuck Fowler, overturning the decision of the Planning Commission to accept a categorical exemption and approved as an approved ACP to allow the sale of beer and wine for offsite consumption at 5740 Atlantic Avenue District eight.
Speaker 0: When I see we have a first and a second. Is there any comment on the idea? Anyone I speak for monetizes it. Get me started.
Speaker 4: So I'd just like to. To recommend approval of this. We we talked about this issue. It pretty we debated it pretty, pretty thoroughly a few weeks ago when it came before the council. I think it makes good sense for, uh, for the Long Beach community to approve this recommendation.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Anyone coming from the diocese, if not, won't take a vote.
Speaker 2: I just want to make sure that the motion includes approval of the findings that have been prepared by staff that are included in your packet. And the findings are what have been revised to support the approval of the appeal.
Speaker 0: It started.
Speaker 4: So moved. Okay.
Speaker 0: Can we take a vote now, please?
Speaker 3: Did you hear public comment?
Speaker 0: Yes, I. Okay.
Speaker 1: Okay.
Speaker 0: I'm aware of it.
Speaker 3: Motion passes seven zero. Item number 15 Report from Financial Management and Parks, Recreation and Marine recommendation to adopt a resolution authorizing the issuance of a marine revenue bond in aggregate amount not to exceed $125 million. District three. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record and adopt findings in response to the March 24, 2015 decision of the City Council to sustain the appeals from Laurie Angel and Chuck Fowler, overturning the January 15, 2015 decision of the Planning Commission to accept a Categorical Exemption
(CE 14-114), and approve a Conditional Use Permit (Application No. 1409-13) to allow the sale of beer and wine for off-site consumption at an existing gas station convenience store located at 5740 Atlantic Avenue in the Commercial Neighborhood Pedestrian (CNP) zoning district. (District 8) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_05052015_15-0377 | Speaker 3: Motion passes seven zero. Item number 15 Report from Financial Management and Parks, Recreation and Marine recommendation to adopt a resolution authorizing the issuance of a marine revenue bond in aggregate amount not to exceed $125 million. District three.
Speaker 0: Mrs. Price.
Speaker 6: Thank you very much. I want to just take a moment to express express my sincere appreciation for the following city staff members. John GROSS, Director of Financial Management. David Nakamoto, city Treasurer. Lori Coe, debt service manager. George Chapman, Parks Rec and Marine Director and Alfreda Hallinan, Manager of the Marine Bureau. These individuals each put in long hours and a lot of hard work to put together this bond package. These bonds are special, limited obligation bonds secured solely by the Pledge of the Marina Fund revenue. The bonds will never be considered a city debt impacting the general fund, and the bonds will allow the rebuild to be completed without any more tidelands funds, money or the use of the State Department of Boating and Waterways loan of 16.9 million, which we approved earlier this year. The bond money will also repay the $59.2 million in DBA loans that the city has already borrowed and that we owe for earlier phases of the rebuild. The actual amount of the bonds to be issued is approximately $120 million, with 49.2 million to complete the marina, rebuild 61.5 million to repay the state loans, including interest and an $8 million reserve. The extra 5 million in the authorization is a contingency amount. Not sure if I got all of those numbers correct, but I will say in a nutshell that I am so grateful for staff for the amazing work that they did on this. And I'm very happy for the city as a whole to be able to rebuild these marinas. They are in an extremely dilapidated condition. Given a city of this size and the offerings that we provide to the boating community, the marina does not reflect the quality or the image that we want for the city of Long Beach. So to be able to do this through this offering is a huge progress for our city and for the third district as a specifically. So thank you, everybody, for all the great work that you did. I know you put a lot of time into this and thank you for giving me a personal briefing. It was one of the few occasions where John GROSS was able to deliver some really super positive news given our fiscal climate. So I'm very, very grateful to have had that opportunity to meet with with the team. So thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. And thank you, John. That's wonderful. Mr. Hodgson.
Speaker 4: Yes. I also wanted to just join in and and congratulate congratulate the city, congratulate the the stakeholders in the Marine marina area. I know I remember, you know, about a year ago, this this chamber was filled with individuals who are pleading for us to do something to improve the the Marina, particularly Alamitos Bay. And it just shows that through creative financing, you know, a year ago, there was there was very little hope and we didn't really have a pathway to get it fixed. But it shows a big kudos to John GROSS but also George Champion and your team for coming together and coming up with the creative financing to make this happen. And, you know, this will our marina as well will reflect the and exemplify the excellence of our city. Congratulations, everybody.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Thank you, Councilman Orson, do you have any public comment?
Speaker 2: Larry. Good to see you guys. Having followed this issue since the project was first started, I support, in essence, what the council person and the staff has suggested. I'm, however, going to suggest that we wait until approximately a week after June the eighth. And by waiting, I think we will be able to get a better bond rate on June 8th in the Superior Court of California. In Los Angeles, there will be a. During a. A hearing before Judge Kennedy. The outcome of which. Could have an impact and the impact being a reduced rate based on the fact that. If the ruling goes, as I think it will go. There will be certain individuals on the 13th and 14th they will be on the fast track to enter their careers was making license plates. That will certainly. Reflect and enable the city to approach the bond issue to. And get a better rate by saying we have a stellar management. And our problems have been solved. That have been so long playing it a plague is so I don't think six, six or seven weeks is going to rock the boat, but the date is set. It will be June 8th, and at that time we get a pretty good indication that there might be a couple of weeks of appeal after that. But I don't think so. I think they've got a pretty good handle on how that's going to go. So hold off for six weeks. We'll get a better rate. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Could you. Is it? I said it. Oh, yeah. Excuse me. Please take a vote.
Speaker 3: Motion passes seven zero. Item number 16 report from Long Beach Gas and Oil and Financial Management Recommendation to award a contract to independent utility supply for furnishing and delivering Mueller products in an annual amount not to exceed 235,000 citywide. | Resolution | Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing the issuance of Marina Revenue Bonds, Series 2015, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $125,000,000, and the execution of various related documents. (District 3) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_05052015_15-0400 | Speaker 3: Item number 18. Communication from Councilwoman Gonzalez, Council Member Oranga and Council Member Richardson. Recommendation to direct City Manager to give an updated report on the process for submitting a grant request. What staff, resources and structure are needed for the city to be competitive for the funding and any other factors pertaining to the cap and trade program?
Speaker 0: Councilwoman Gonzalez.
Speaker 3: So I want to thank my colleagues, Council Member Ranga and Rex Richardson tonight for helping me bring this item up. This agenda items intent is for the city manager as I mentioned, to come back to the council with an updated report on cap and trade. I also want to thank Diana Tang. I don't know if she's here tonight, but I want to thank her for her December 2014 memo, in which she did a lot of hard work, and which also included a letter from the Mayor to the Strategic Strategic Growth Council on their draft guidelines on the disadvantaged communities scoring and the need to change that. In addition, I'd like to thank our community partners Renee Castro, Dean and Giselle, as well as the BBC, for always being on top of these issues and ensuring that this stays on the city's radar. And what the intention for this is to certainly look into working together collaboratively as a city and as a community to allow us to have the biggest impact and best proposals to this and offer the best proposals to the Strategic Growth Council. We also need to clearly understand the process and be in front of this versus chasing after it and make sure, making sure that we are making as, as I mentioned, the best impact as it relates also to public health, transportation, housing sustainability and overall investment in our disadvantaged communities. So I look forward to. Making the motion and then we did that already and thank you for your support. Council member Gordon Gunn seconding that.
Speaker 0: Yes. Mr. Elanga.
Speaker 7: I also want to thank Councilmember Gonzalez for bringing this forward and and to our community partners to keeping that keeping us on tap. What's going on with the issues that are important to the community? This is important public policy and strong support.
Speaker 0: Thank you. The only public comment. Excuse me right after this. Mr. Councilman Alston.
Speaker 4: I want a public comment to too long, but just to let you know that this is a high priority and it's something that we are looking at on our state land committee. We we do talk to our legislators about this. We have talked about this and as well as with the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, we have raised these issues. The methodology in which how these funds are going to be delivered back to communities is so important. And I want to echo your your applause of our government relations manager, Diana, actually, because she has kept us completely briefed and on point on this issue. And so I'm glad to see the council is engaged in talking about this behind the rail. As a council, this is extremely important to to the entire city of Long Beach. I mean, it's going to how this methodology works will determine, you know, how we are able to to apply those funds and if we have the funds to to work with in the near future. So I applaud you for bringing this forward and recommended unanimous support.
Speaker 0: Yes.
Speaker 3: Spencer and I failed to mention in our agenda item the timing. So I would like to ask for staff to come back in 45 days, if possible. And Diana, I don't know if you have any information you'd like to share any a small report. I know we're getting full information back in that time, but do you would you like to share anything at this time? Sure. Councilmember members of the city council, this is an incredibly complex program. As you know, there are multiple different grants, programs that are being administered as a part of cap and trade. So cap and trade in and of itself is a source of revenue. But underneath that revenue source, there are about 11 different grant programs, the majority of which is the high speed rail project. So that takes up a large chunk of the cap and trade revenues that are out there. The Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Grant Program that is administered by the State Strategic Growth Council is the primary program for which cities are eligible for funding. And in this year there was about $130 million that were available to cities. However, staff did do an extensive review of the grant guidelines, as you noted, and that December 2014 memo and discovered that the window of funding or the scope of funding, I should say, was quite limited. And so for that reason we did not apply. But based on what we know this year, the grant guidelines for next year haven't been released yet. But based on what we know this year, staff is strategizing between several departments Public Works, Health, our Department of Sustainability to put together a proposal development services. Sorry for that omission earlier to put together a proposal that does meet the criteria of the existing proposal. And if things change in the next year, then we will adapt as needed. But there are a number of programs, one of which the city is most eligible to apply for. The majority of the funds, I would say, is for high speed rail and transit. And so we are working and and will see what we can do to bring some of these funds to Long Beach.
Speaker 0: Thank you. You know, we're probably coming.
Speaker 2: Thank you. Thank you, sir. Members of the council. Thank you so much. My name is Rene Castro. Live at 616 Grand Avenue, proud resident of the third district. And I want to congratulate new councilmember supernova. Congratulations, your victory. And we are looking forward to working with you. First of all, I'd like to thank, of course, Councilmember Gonzalez, Councilmember Ranga and Councilmember Richardson for putting us on the agenda tonight. As Councilmember Gonzalez stated, this is a really unique time. This is trance transformative legislation at the state level, cap and trade. What's happening? And tonight, we just have three speakers. We just want to illustrate what we see as an opportunity, as Dana Tang mentioned. Of course there is. There are dollars available through the Strategic Growth Council, but there are so many other programs where the city can access necessary funding. So I just want to take a minute or so just to illustrate illustrate some of that. I see I have 2 minutes left. So there are many programs. There's lots of money. And most of Long Beach is eligible for a cap and trade dollars. Finally, we can do a lot of work by working together. So just really quickly, in terms of programs, of course, rail and bus capital, improvements in service expansion, affordable housing, as Tania stated. Electric and hybrid vehicles, busses and trucks. In fact, I just applied for a $2.3 million grant to bring electric vehicle employee shuttles to Long Beach to purchase eight shuttles for three of our largest nonprofits, reduced emissions from diesel trucks, weatherization and renewable energy for low income households, energy efficiency and state owned public buildings. Water, energy efficiency projects. Wetlands and watershed restoration. Waste diversion just to name a few. So the Strategic Growth Council is one agency, but there are many other agencies. For example, the $2.3 million grant I just wrote was to the California Air Resources Board. So the main objective of cap and trade in SB 535 is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. So anything related to that at Long Beach and our partners, we can we can actually say that we're reducing pollution. Greenhouse gas emissions will be eligible for funding. So just some numbers here really quickly. The cap and trade program will get at least 1 billion this year and possibly more. The program is projected to bring a total of between 12 to 45 billion through 2020. And 10% of the revenues must be invested in projects located in disadvantaged communities. These are communities, as you know, and this is why we're so thankful that the councilmembers along the 17 corridor partnered with us, because you represent the most vulnerable and pollution burdened communities in the city, and there are ways for us to rectify years and
Speaker 0: . Years and years of.
Speaker 2: Marginalization there. Thank you so much.
Speaker 0: Yes, thank you.
Speaker 3: Good evening, council members. My name is Sylvia. I'm the project manager with the Long Beach Alliance for Children with Asthma and also a steering committee member with the Building Healthy Communities Hub based here in Long Beach. I wanted to speak on this item tonight to establish for you the need, because we work with families whose children asthma is out of control. Oftentimes we find that many of those triggers are from triggers within the home, but also those are also triggers from living near roadways or being exposed to diesel pollution. USC conducted a study and over 20 years following children from elementary school through high school. Some of those children were based right here in Long Beach, and they found that children who were growing and whose lungs were developing and being exposed to near roadway diesel pollution that their lungs actually did did not fully develop. There were also higher numbers of asthma. And when the U.S. followed up that study more recently and their their study there, their findings were published recently. They found that as air pollution was as air quality had improved, that the children living in these areas, their health had also improved. So what I wanted to establish for you is a support for for this item this evening. Because as we invest in some of these other transportation projects and affordable housing, we're also we would also receive a co benefit for families whose children are experiencing asthma and other also other kinds of health conditions that are caused by diesel pollution. So I wanted to share with you some of the statistics that were found in some in some of the journals. They found that 9% of all childhood asthma cases in Long Beach were attributed to traffic proximity. In other words, the closer you are to the source of pollution, the the higher that that risk. This cost was actually $18 million per year. They also found in 30 to 40 studies of long term effects of exposure to diesel, that studies of workers like truckers, railroad workers, miners showed an elevated risk for lung cancer among these exposed workers. They've also found that there was a higher rate of death and for cardiovascular disease or COPD. So as we invest in these projects, we would find that there would be a co benefit to children, to our workers and our families in the city of Long Beach. So I would encourage that support for a shared, collaborate, collaborative table that could further explore opportunities for partnership and benefit to the city of Long Beach. Thank you for your time.
Speaker 0: Thank you so much. Thanks, Speaker.
Speaker 3: Good evening, everyone. My name is Giselle Fong and I am a resident of the seventh District.
Speaker 8: And chair of the Building Healthy Communities, Long Beach Environmental Health Work Group. I'm commenting on this item tonight because we believe that Long Beach can be more competitive in accessing cap and trade and SB five through five funds by working with building healthy communities, Long Beach and our partner organizations. As mentioned previously, Long Beach is very, very competitive based on the indicators that are laid out in the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, grant guidelines, leverage, leveraging our expertize of our environment, of our environmental health partners and the resources of our broader collaborative will help the City of Long Beach move its current plans and priorities forward plans like the mobility and health elements, the West Long Beach Livability Plan, the Healthy Communities Policy and many, many more hold important potential for Long Beach residents who are burdened by pollution. We realize that the city staff currently have an internal table to discuss the the opportunity of cap and trade program. But a quick review of the guiding document reveals that the state of California is looking for applications that demonstrate holistic approaches to maximizing the opportunity of cap and trade and SB 535. This will require local partners, partnership with local assets, partnership like Building Healthy Communities, Long Beach City Fabric, Green Education Inc and our environmental health work group , the Long Beach Alliance for Children with Asthma, East Yard, Communities for Environmental Justice and many, many other partners.
Speaker 3: In fact, PHC and our partners have already applied.
Speaker 8: For 3.2 million in grants, but we could apply for much more and have projects that are that are comprehensively connected if we partner with the city. Our hope is that from today's motion that the city manager comes back with a recommendation to establish a collaborative table to share learning, resources, design and planning with grant writing skills. There's evidence of our partner history of partnership. For example, the partnership between city city fabric, the city of Long Beach and the Terminal Island Freeway, for example. We support the recommendation for a shared collaborative table and we are building healthy communities. Long Beach want to extend ourselves as a resource to the city and are excited about working with the city. We appreciate the leadership of the City Council for bringing this forward and also recognize the Mayor and the Council for their leadership and vision on sustainability. Thank you so much.
Speaker 0: Thank you. In public comment. That 19. Okay. Now, would you please take a vote?
Speaker 3: Motion carries seven zero. Item number 19. Communication from Councilwoman Mongeau. Councilman Austin and Councilmember Richardson. Recommendation to request City Attorney to draft a resolution in support of Assembly Bill 88. California Legislature 2015 2016. Regular Session. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to direct City Manager to give an updated report on the December 2014 memo, and the process for submitting a grant request, which City projects are being considered, research what other cities and counties are doing, how local community partners are being included, what kind of staff resources and structure are needed for the City to be competitive for the funding, and any other factors pertaining to the "Cap and Trade" program. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_05052015_15-0401 | Speaker 3: Motion carries seven zero. Item number 19. Communication from Councilwoman Mongeau. Councilman Austin and Councilmember Richardson. Recommendation to request City Attorney to draft a resolution in support of Assembly Bill 88. California Legislature 2015 2016. Regular Session.
Speaker 0: Yes, Councilwoman Michael.
Speaker 8: I appreciate that the council is stepping away from our traditional process of going through our state pledge committee because of the timing of this. And there isn't another state large committee meeting before then. But I think that this Assembly bill is an important opportunity for our low income communities to replace their appliances with water efficient appliances through a partnership with the utility companies. And it does not seem as though there would be a loss of revenue to the city in sales tax revenue because they would not have otherwise purchased those appliances because they cannot afford them. So I hope that I have the support of my colleagues.
Speaker 0: Thank you. It must come to pass.
Speaker 4: Yes. And I want to thank Councilmember Mongo for bringing this forth. Yes, I'm on the state lands committee. We do have a pretty robust agenda. But this is a good bill that should be supported. It has a negligible impact on our sales tax revenue for the city, but will have a great benefit for many low income constituents who take advantage of this this city pass. And it seems to have pretty strong support from our local legislators today. So I'd also encourage us our support on this as well.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Councilman Orson. Is there any public comment on this? If not, take a vote.
Speaker 3: Motion carries seven zero.
Speaker 0: No new business. I would go first, but I'm going to be cordial and go last because I am pro-tem mayor today. Okay. That's Mr. Turanga. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to request City Attorney to draft a resolution in support of Assembly Bill 88, California Legislature - 2015-2016 Regular Session. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_04212015_15-0354 | Speaker 2: Item number 22 communications from Vice Mayor Souza Lowenthal, Councilwoman Lena Gonzalez and Councilwoman Susie Price. Recommendation to respectfully request the Mayor and City Council to join with cities, states and countries in commemorating the 100th anniversary of a tragic period in a collective in our collective human rights history known as the American Armenian Genocide. And request city attorney to draft a resolution recognizing the Armenian genocide and its place in history.
Speaker 0: Thank you. I'm going to turn this over now to Vice Mayor Lowenthal.
Speaker 3: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And I wanted to thank our co-sponsors and really the entire council for taking this up for consideration. I'd like to first move the item and also make some comments. I.
Speaker 0: There's been a motion and a second by Vice Mayor Lowenthal and Councilwoman Price. Vice Mayor.
Speaker 3: I want to thank Councilmembers Pryce and and Gonzales for co-sponsoring this item. I'd like to also acknowledge and many of you have seen this individual in our room today, I'd like to acknowledge Governor George Deukmejian for his leadership and advocacy on the issue, certainly going back to at least 1986, officially as an elected official, but probably in his heart for much longer than that. We'll have a chance to hear from the governor shortly. Lastly, I'd like to thank all of our city staff and community members in attendance for this issue. Although it's customary for city staff not to speak on council items, I appreciate your being here in support. The use of the term genocide should never be used lightly, and our bringing this forward is not a suggestion of that. It's actually just the opposite. Its origin actually comes from Raphael Lemkin, who in 1944 used the Greek word Genoese race or tribe and the Latin side for killing. In describing the Nazi policies during the Jewish Holocaust, however, it's said that Mr. Lemkin also drew heavily upon his study of experiences of Armenians during the 19th century and early 20th century of the Ottoman Empire. The Armenian genocide is considered the first genocide of the 20th century and the prototype for future regimes intent on eliminating all traces of a particular people or culture. The denial of this atrocity and the willful ignorance of historical facts for the purpose of geopolitical diplomacy does not diminish what most history historians. Countless countries, cities and states know to be absolutely true. That the Armenians were systematically systemically subjected to deportation, expropriation, abduction, torture, massacre and starvation by the Ottoman Empire. And so tonight, I'm proud to recognize the importance of two thriving communities in our American culture, while acknowledging the willful genocide committed in their ancestral homelands. And many have espoused on this topic academically, politically, personally. And I think it's one that certainly it serves us well to keep at the top of our conversations, at the top of our minds, so that we're reminded to always reject such tendencies toward human cruelty. And I appreciate greatly when great leaders can take a position and make statements, statements that many people hear across the world and over the Easter holidays. Many of us heard the Pope make a very profound statement that when you don't call something by name, it commits psychological violence and it continues to commit that violence throughout history. And so when you don't call something by name, it's a wound that continues to bleed. And so what I am thankful for is for those of us who have an opportunity to serve in local government, in these very local capacities, that we don't have to be silenced by the fact that leaders beyond us do not exercise the courage to call things by name. So I'm often very proud of this council. But tonight I am most proud because of something that we do often, which is call things by name so that we can start the healing process. And with that, I'd like to invite our president and friends and Turkey to do the same. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Councilwoman Pryce. Okay. I think I had just a second, but I can go to Councilman Gonzales.
Speaker 4: Go ahead.
Speaker 5: Please. I just wanted to thank Vice Mayor Lowenthal for bringing this forward. It's always very difficult to talk about genocide. I know we're here for Cambodian genocide and recognizing that as well. And it's always very difficult. But I think here in Long Beach, we've certainly made a statement with this and in her leadership in bringing this forward , I think is very important. And I also want to thank Governor Deukmejian for being here as well. I know he's certainly a a leader in his own right. And we we just appreciate this bringing this all coming to light, especially as multicultural as we are here in Long Beach. So thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Councilwoman Pryce.
Speaker 5: Thank you. I, too, want to thank Vice Mayor Lowenthal for bringing this item forward and allowing for us to all stop for a moment and remember the past and where we've come. And the message that she shared was one that I think we all feel very strongly about here on the city council. And as members of this community together today, we commemorate a great tragedy of history. Between 1915 and 1918, approximately 2 million Americans were eliminated from their homeland through forced deportations and massacres. The surviving refugees spread around the world and eventually settled in some two dozen countries and all continents of the globe. They are now in our communities as some of the most thriving, successful and hardworking members of our society. I want to take a moment to acknowledge, as the vice mayor has done, Governor Deukmejian, who is here, a resident of my district, and someone who I am very proud to associate with the Armenian community. In my profession, I have the honor and the privilege to work with many prosecutors who are of Armenian descent and many judges who have been appointed through the past decades who are of Armenian descent. And I'm incredibly proud that the history and the past of this community has made them stronger and such active members and contributing members of my world and my, my society. So I want to thank the vice mayor for bringing this forward and commemorate this tragedy together with all of you. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Councilwoman Mongo.
Speaker 6: I too, want to echo the sentiments of my colleagues. I think that it's important for us as a country to know where we came from and to know where the rest of the world has come from, to know where we're going. So thank you all for this important remembrance.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Vice Mayor Lowenthal.
Speaker 3: Actually, if I may just speak last.
Speaker 0: Sure. Councilmember Austin.
Speaker 7: Yes. I just wanted to just just weigh in on this. I don't think there is a euphemism for the word genocide. And so I thank you for bringing this forward. It's been 100 years. And the Armenian people. There are many, particularly personal friends of mine and very feels very strongly about this. This body does not have to worry about, you know, international natal relations or anything like that. We can do what's right tonight. And so I'll be voting in support of this motion. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Okay. Thank you. And also before we go, before the vice mayor closes up, I do want to also thank you, vice mayor, for bringing this forward. I wholeheartedly agree that it will be a great day in our country when we're able to verbalize, which certainly was a horrible genocide and a tragedy. And so thank you for bringing this forward. I'm going to go also open this up now for for public comment that you want to speak first. Okay.
Speaker 3: Vice Mayor, briefly, I wanted to thank Councilmember Councilwoman Gonzalez for mentioning that we do have the Cambodian American community here as well. And what I'm reminded of on Sunday, we celebrated in the Jewish community, celebrated as a strange word. We recognized Yom Hashoah, which is the recognition of the Jewish Holocaust. And so all of this coming together at the same time, as Councilwoman Gonzalez mentioned, reminds me that it's in the understanding, the commonality of suffering, that we actually rise and elevate ourselves as a human race and and through tragedy, we can do that and through understanding one another's commonality of suffering. And so I don't think it's a coincidence that we all come together for this sort of an acknowledgment and understanding. But I'm grateful to live in a city like this where we can have such a strong multicultural presence and and strong understanding of one another's experiences, because it's in that understanding that we don't separate ourselves as us and other. There is no other. We are the US and we are the other together. So. And Mr. Mayor, I'd like to recognize that the governor's wife is here as well. Gloria's here. And I apologize for not mentioning that earlier. We are so thankful that both of you are here together.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Now, I'm going to be opening this up for public comment, but I am going to invite the governor first if wanted to make some comments.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Members of the city council. When you get old like I am, it takes a little while longer to take a few steps. Huh? I'm living in Long Beach. Because. Just excuse me.
Speaker 1: Because many years ago, how many years we've been married? 58 years. Okay.
Speaker 4: I was living. In Los Angeles. And. Hey.
Speaker 1: Excuse me.
Speaker 4: I don't know what's better with me. I. I was living in Los Angeles and. Got to meet various people. Well, thanks a lot. Thank you. Do I have to return this? And. I met this lovely young lady who was at this event that I attended, and she lived in Long Beach. So. That evening concluded, and I think it was a day or two later. I called her to ask for a date, and she lived here in Long Beach. So. Excuse me. I apologize. So anyway. I came down here to pick her up, to go out on our first day. And I got to know a little bit about Long Beach that day and then subsequent dates. I especially enjoyed visiting the Belmont Shore area of the city. And after a few other dates and going here and there in the community. I found out that there were no lawyers practicing law in the Belmont Shore area of Long Beach. They were all downtown. So. I thought I'd look into it a little bit more. And I went to the local community newspaper. And found out a few more facts and I won't track this out. But anyway. That's what led me to Long Beach and. I decided to open an office on the second floor of a bank building. An independent bank building at the time. In Second Street in Long Beach. So I did that. And then. Shortly thereafter, we bought a house there, which we still live in. And that's how many years ago? Not only am I getting old, but I don't remember anything. But anyway, so we got active in the community. And we bought this house. On the East Broadway, and we've been living there ever since. And I became active in the community, and the community was very welcoming. And I began to make a number of friends and get involved in different activities. And so. To try to make a long story short. That's how it all began. And. We're still here. Now, fortunately. Some good things come out of some horrible things. But when the. Ottoman Empire.
Speaker 0: Embarked upon an.
Speaker 4: Effort to eliminate all Armenians in their nation. Uh, my.
Speaker 0: My parents.
Speaker 4: And my wife's parents who were.
Speaker 0: Living there at the time.
Speaker 4: Left that part of the world and made their way to the United States. And eventually. My wife's family made their way to Long Beach. And so. And Long Beach was very welcoming to them and has been very welcoming to us. And I'm very thankful and appreciative of that. Time went on and I started getting more involved in the community and. Most of you know the rest of the story of wound up getting involved in politics. No. Some folks probably who don't like that, that I got involved in politics who don't agree with me on things. Maybe they're not all that. Happy with. The purpose of this item being on your agenda tonight. But throughout the world. In in nations, in states and communities. There are occasions similar to this one where we both acknowledge and appreciate very much the few minutes that you're allocating to this item and. In honor of our ancestors. Many of whom did not make it did not get through the genocide. Who were. Who died and or who then? Those who did not die were dispersed all throughout the world. And you find people from. Our nationality just about any place in the world where you go. So I just wanted to come and tell you how much I appreciate you taking time to recognize this. Just as your agenda item shows. There's a lot of cities and states and. And countries that are. Taking a few minutes to recognize and commemorate this 100th anniversary. Uh. It's certainly our hope that. People will take a minute or two to reflect upon it and. When? Situations arise. During the course of their lifetime so that they will remember this and remember that, yes, it is possible a nation can be wiped out. And. So we have to be vigilant all the time. All the time. And. But we are. Most appreciative of those of you who. Are giving us this opportunity, as is happening in other places throughout the country, in the world. And. I'm proud to be here to represent my families and. And to honor those who did not. I lived through the through the genocide. So on the one hand, it was a horrible, horrible. Crime and situation, on the other hand, were not for that. I wouldn't have found myself and my here in this wonderful city of Long Beach. And I'm most grateful and appreciative of that. So thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you. Members of the council. And. Wherever you see or hear. Individuals. Talking or acting. Has. We saw back 100 years ago. Remember that it can happen. It can happen here and do whatever you can within your power to. Try to see that it does not happen. So again. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Members of the council. Thank you very much.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Governor. That was. There were some great words. Thank you very much. And we all admire and appreciate your service. I know we're in public comment if there's any other public comment on this topic. Please come forward.
Speaker 8: Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Hello, people. My name is Steve Updike. I'm here to say it's about time, sir, that they actually recognize this genocide. My father was born during the Armenian genocide. He's Jewish. So my family were dying in the Holocaust in Germany. And today, because I went to the Church of Scientology, I've been blackballed here in Long Beach because Scientology helped me get me off dope. And here it is. There's people here in Long Beach who want a genocide against me today. This is what's going on today, Governor. The truth of the matter has to be coming up, because I've been weeping, as you say, Suja. I've been weeping. And there needs to be attention on the fact that the Church of Scientology saved my life by getting me off dope. Okay? So I owe them my life. So this genocide or this attack on the Church of Scientology must stop? They are good people. As a matter of fact, Governor, I have done business here in Los Angeles most of my life, and I have had the best people are Armenian people that I've done business with. You're welcome, sir. I truly mean that you are the best people to do business with.
Speaker 4: And I have to respect you. And I have to respect the fact that it wasn't.
Speaker 8: Just a genocide against the Armenian people, but it was because you're a Christian and my mother is Christian and Christians are also have their problems. So when I come out and say I'm Jewish, no, my mother was Christian. They raised me to be Christian. So I'm Christian, but I had a drug problem. So I went to the Church of Scientology and they got me off dope. Is that a bad thing? No, sir, that's a good thing. They're good people like you are the same as Christians who raised me. They taught me to love and help. Okay? And that's what I did. Love and help. And today I see there's too much hate. And that's why I'm speaking out against the hate.
Speaker 4: It has to stop.
Speaker 8: The hate has to stop. It doesn't matter who we are or what we believe in. We're all here together to survive. We need to help each other and love each other. We're going to make it. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you, sir. Next speaker.
Speaker 4: Good evening, Mr. Mayor. Members of the City Council. Governor. Agent. My name is Craig Koch, and I'm a resident at 5745 East Rose Bay in the fifth District. And as a proud Armenian-American, I just want to take a moment to thank you very much for taking on this issue and being proud enough to say the word genocide with this with this atrocity that occurred 100 years ago to our people. Unfortunately, other levels of government haven't been as open and has haven't been as willing to use that word, which is unfortunate. But I am so proud of you today to be able to take this agenda item, bring this matter forward to the public, and use the word genocide in describing the atrocities that occurred to our people 100 years ago. Governor, thank you very much for your time. Mr. Deukmejian, thanks very much for being here. And again, appreciate your support. Have a good evening.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Great. We're going to now see no other see no other public comment will go to a vote. But for that, I have Councilman Andrews wanted to say a few words. Yes.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Vice Mayor. First of all, I'd like to thank the vice mayor, Susana young councilwoman, that to bring this to our diocese, because the fact that I think not only here, you know, in America, all over the world, we're seeing atrocities is happening to all nationalities. And I think this is so important and we get a chance to see all of these things come to to the real to let people know that it's not all like we think it is. There's things happening all over the world and we must take it here to these things and let individuals know we have to bring this to attention and didn't even know. We've come a long ways, but we still have a long ways to go. And Deukmejian, you and your wife. I was very fortunate to be able to have your son in my government class and I know he got a so just.
Speaker 0: Thank you and what that will go ahead we'll go ahead and take a vote. Please cast your votes.
Speaker 2: The motion passes seven zero.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Governor, thank you again. The subject. Major, thank you again. We're going to now move on to item 22, Madam Clerk.
Speaker 2: Item 20. Item 22.
Speaker 0: I'm sorry. Item 20.
Speaker 2: Communicate. Item number 20. Communications from Councilman Eddie Andrews. Recommendation to request City Council to adopt a resolution to recognize April as Cambodian Genocide Awareness Month. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to respectfully request the Mayor and City Council to join with cities, states and countries in commemorating the 100th Anniversary of a tragic period in our collective human rights history known as the Armenian Genocide; and
Request City Attorney to draft a resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide and its place in history. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_04212015_15-0341 | Speaker 2: Communicate. Item number 20. Communications from Councilman Eddie Andrews. Recommendation to request City Council to adopt a resolution to recognize April as Cambodian Genocide Awareness Month.
Speaker 4: Yes. First of all, I make a motion.
Speaker 8: Okay, fine.
Speaker 4: We'll take a few seconds before we get started, if you don't mind. Okay. Thank you, everyone. You know this I think every time we talk about genocide and we talk about individuals who've been brought up under these certain atrocities, you know, we have to think of everyone, not just ourselves. And I think this.
Speaker 8: Is really amazing when we can sit here and bring this to the study of Long Beach, because.
Speaker 4: The fact that we are really very aware and the energy of people and we reach out to try to show love all over the world. And tonight, I am very, very fortunate to be able to speak for a group of individuals who I feel so much love for, because the fact that they show a lot of love for.
Speaker 8: Me and this that Cambodian.
Speaker 4: Community, you know, with over 20,000 residents of the Cambodian descent.
Speaker 8: To Long Beach, as it is.
Speaker 4: Known as Cambodia, capital of the United States, this includes thousands of Long Beach, Cambodian community residents that have been affected by the Cambodian genocide known as.
Speaker 8: The Killing.
Speaker 4: Fields. April 17 marked 40 years since the atrocity in which 1.5 to 3 million people were killed. The cameras, torture, mass execution, use of forced labor and melt malnutrition led to the death of an estimated 25% of the total population. The Cambodian genocide was one of the greatest human tragedies of the 20th century. The Cambodian people to persevere, perseverance, reestablished families and communities in Long Beach. This perseverance have enhanced the cultural diversity in the city of Long Beach and across the world. The scars of genocide as carried by the survivors in the families and the victims living in our city. Tonight, I ask the city council to pay tribute in honor of those who suffered. Unimaginable tragedies. And that we recognize April as Cambodian Genocide Awareness Month. And I'd like to bring you the Cambodian people up to.
Speaker 8: The podium with you, the mayor.
Speaker 4: And to say a few words.
Speaker 0: Absolutely. Thank you. I'm going to. Before I get to public comment, I do have two councilmembers, a couple of customers queued up to speak. And then we'll go to public comment. Councilman Price.
Speaker 5: I want to thank Councilman Andrews for bringing this item forward. And I want to thank all of the people in the audience who came to support this particular item and for raising awareness and allowing us to stop and reflect on our history and the future. So I want to thank you for bringing this to our attention and allowing us as a council to commemorate and honor this community. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Councilwoman Gonzalez.
Speaker 5: I also want to say thank you to Councilman Andrews and the Cambodian community for coming forward. I know, again, this is not always very easy to to to look back on, but we certainly need to recognize that you all certainly share your culture with us. And so very proud to have you all and as residents of Long Beach. So thank you for being here tonight.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Councilmember.
Speaker 7: Thank you. I would like to thank Councilmember Andrews for bringing forth this item. And to to my Cambodian friends in the audience, I say to you, thank you for being here. This is a very emotional city council meeting, but also a very serious matter before us in terms of genocide and the killing fields. We have spent the past week in celebration with our Cambodian community as we celebrate the new year last weekend. But we also commemorate this 40 years of this genocide, and we say that proudly in this city. Unfortunately, it happened. And and that's something that we will never change. But I think the city of Long Beach benefited in some regards in a large way, because we we picked up, in addition to the fabric of our city and to our community, and that is the Cambodian people. And here in Long Beach, here in the United States, you can only look forward and not look backward. And so we commemorate 40 years today. But I ask that we look forward. I think the future is bright in terms of education and in access to to everything that this great country has to offer. So thank you very much. I just wanted to say that.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Councilwoman Mongo.
Speaker 6: I, too, wanted to join my colleagues in commemorating this event. It's important that we all stand together. And your community has just been so welcoming and celebratory throughout the New Year and everything. We just really want to thank you for being such good citizens of Long Beach.
Speaker 0: Councilman Ranga.
Speaker 7: Thank you, Mayor. And I, too, want to extend my congratulations to Councilmember Foster for bringing this forward. It's an important milestone.
Speaker 1: So that's what we look at.
Speaker 7: The way.
Speaker 4: We look.
Speaker 1: At.
Speaker 7: It. I look at NAMI. The 40 years ago, I was I was a student at Cal State, Long Beach. And in 1978, I did a research paper, a white paper, if you will, on the impacts and the change in diversity in the school system. Allow me to us the and a big part of that was the growing population of young Cambodian students attending our schools and knew then that it was going to be an important community. And Long Beach. I had the honor five years later, six years later of being part of a groundbreaking event that created that. That made a change from what was then called the Centro de la Raza, which was a Latino serving institution back at the time, right there in Anaheim and Junipero. And that converted over to the what became the UCC, the United Cambodia Community Center. And I was part of that transition because it was it was important to note that the growing influence in the growing population and the growing effect that the Carmona community would have in Long Beach was prevalent even then, as it is today. And I congratulate you on your being able to establish your roots here and to have Long Beach as your as your capital here in the U.S. as it is, the largest community of Cambodians outside of Cambodia here reside here in Long Beach. So I welcome you and I and I hope to continue to work with you. And someday, someday, maybe we'll see a Cambodian behind these days.
Speaker 0: Thank you. We're going to as we open it up to public comment, I just want to say I see so many of my friends here in the audience, obviously, and I just thought we were just all together. I think Friday night in big finals at a great event that Councilmember Austin hosted there. I also want to make sure that we note and I think this was really substantive, is that the California state Senate, thanks to Senator Ricardo, Lara, also brought forward, I thought, which I thought was a really great gesture, an opportunity to recognize a real tragedy, but also celebrate such a all the contributions that that Cambodians and Cambodia Americans have made, not just to Long Beach, but to the state of California. And so I know he obviously can't be here today, but I did want to mention that that was a real special event. I saw the photo of all of you in Sacramento or many of you in Sacramento. And I that was a really nice moment. Let me let me just add that and you've all heard me say this many times, but our Cambodian community is one of the best things about our city. It's absolutely one of the best things we're most proud of in the city of Long Beach is all of you. It's the yummy food. It's the music, it's the culture. It's the vibrancy. It's the small businesses, the jobs you provide, all the work that that all of you do every single day. So I know for me, we certainly are honoring a terrible, horrific moment in time and an anniversary of that. But I also view it as an opportunity to celebrate. One of the things that makes Long Beach, Long Beach, and that is all of you and the work you're all doing. So thank you for being here. Really, really appreciate that. So with that, I know a few of you are going to make some comments. So it is public comment. If anyone wants to make a comment, please come forward and then we will present you with with a proclamation.
Speaker 8: Okay. I'd like to make a comment, but to put in a short 3 minutes is probably not going to do it. Probably gonna need a little more than 3 minutes. Good evening, honorable mayor. Vice Mayor, Council members, city official and ladies and gentlemen, my name is Charles Song. I am a commissioner to the Pacific Gateway Workforce. And I'm also the president of the American Civic Engagement. I'd like to thank you all for allowing me the opportunity to speak on behalf of my fellow Cambodians. Who are here to witness the historic event unfold in this chamber this evening. As a young child. I was a victim and a survivor of a conflict. War that left six anchors a scar on my stomach. Today. In 1972, I was blown up. But a hand grenade and left to die. But I survived. Three years later, like many other Cambodians. Who lost many of their families, friends and relatives. I, on the other hand, had lost. Many relatives of my own, including my oldest brother. Who was missing? Missing. During an escape attempt. One late evening in 1997. Not to mention one of his friends. And now hanging himself the next day. And the other was captured and beaten to death. I survived that, too. How can I ever forget the evening my body was soaking wet blood. With my hand holding part of my intestine and ran for help. That was the fault of the governor. He set the tone for that. Sorry. Yes. How can I ever forget the morning I woke up not knowing when and how one of my friends dying. Lying next to me. How can I ever forget the shot that fire from the AK 47 echoing the mountain? Well, my brother and I tried to escape. How can I? Ever forget. The many weeks. That, my friend. Thank you so much. Thank you. To my wife. My. Thank you. Many weeks on. My friends and I had I hadn't tied so tight in the back and not knowing whether or not. We will go into live. Or be killed at any moment. How can a man like me ever forget the early evening? What? I woke up. Knowing my head coach of the red blood lying and just away from the way I'll feel with skeleton smiling. That's body. A new fresh slogan stacking up. On each other. How can I ever forget the day we were cut? In the middle of the crossfire, you feel that the explosion, rockets and propelled grenades. I survive all these. But I still do not know how and why. I only know life does. Has its purpose and the destiny within the three year, eight months and 20 days of the atrocity. They cannot fly and other crimes against humanity. The Khmer Rouge will help more than a million lives and left millions of survivors with haunted memories and scar of horrific images that led to the suffering of a post traumatic syndrome they are facing each and every day. And you are looking at. A living proof. Of a man who lived through this ordeal. Somehow I knew I will live to one day, to one day to tell the story to my children, to my young generation and the world. Because we cannot afford. This type of the history to repeat itself as a five time survivor. The greatest day for me and my family, I have to say. The day when I stepped foot in America 32 years ago. America has given us a new hope. And an opportunity to not only enjoy the freedom. But also allow us, our children, to become who we are and who we would want to be. It was done when I realized it was done when I learned the only way for me to heal my deep bond is to forgive. The past and looking for a new beginning. And it was then when I realized there is a great sense of pride within me. So I began to create a deep passion within myself to what other human being that led to the countless hours. A volunteer with the Red Cross and the contribution. That I made a great deal of my effort to the society and the community that I have come to love very dearly for the past 20 years, knowing that I may not get up the next day and do it again. Thank you, America. On Obama. Why is Maya? Council members. In particular councilmember other sixth District Honorable Councilman de Andrew. Today you are made a history. You are made an official. By passing, I hope there's a resolution to allow the city to recognize the manner of April at the Genocide Awareness Month. This is also a historic day for all Cambodians. On behalf of all the Cambodian genocide survivor. All my young fellow brothers and sisters and those millions who lost their lives. We thank you. We thank you from the bottom of our heart. Four Put this resolution forward. This good cognac tester will be for ever being a hot. Thank you. May God bless us all and may God bless America. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 8: Good evening. Major Robert Garcia. Why is Major Sergio Lowenthal Councilman. Leandro Councilman. I lost in another distinguished elected official in the chamber for supporting the resolution. My name is terrible. I'm going to survive. Survivor The Killing Field. My statement probably different from my fellow Cambodian. I talk from my experience as a by culture. American culture and Cambodian culture. Five years before the Holocaust in Cambodia. That meant in the spring of 1974, 1970. When President Richard Nixon sent American ground troops to wipe out the comedies Vietcong and North Vietnamese Century in Cambodia. I was a young teenager. In the junior high school. So up to now for 45 years. I mean, addicted to American culture. But from the good side, not the bad side. During the early 70, many Americans didn't burn an American flag, spit at American veteran coming back from Vietnam. In contrast. As a young teenager in Cambodia during that time. We see American troops as our heroes. The volunteers joined the Cambodian armed forces when we just 15 years old. The M-16 is higher than us. We are very patriotism, just like American veterans, because we are staunch anti-communist. Beside that. Of course, many of my high school students keep long hair hippie. Some try to smoke pot like the Beatle. But majority joined the armed forces fought bravely side by side. What is a part of the American coverage because other countries prevent American ground troops from entering Cambodia. What more besides patriotism and the love for America at the American music? Apple right now in my iPhone I have several hundred some of the 60 and the early 70 always. One of the songs that I would like to remind you is the reflection of my life by the marmalade. For those older you will probably remember beautiful song. So tonight it's a reflection on my life. I remember what's going on during the killing field, of course, before the war. I see the fighting, the bloodshed. In high school. I studied World War One. World War Two, I study American Civil War. I study about the Jewish Holocaust in Auschwitz camp in Poland. In my class, but I never tested. Until Cambodia fall into the comedy town. Then I can feel how the Jewish who survived the Holocaust or they are. My fellow Americans survived the Turkish atrocity in World War One. We were evacuated from the capital city, but not knowing in advance. I live, lie slow at the countryside, working more than 16 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. But not complain complain up in this. A lot of people die a slow labor. Starvation disease. Anything that led to American will be executed. I tried to keep my addiction to American music in my heart, but I missed so much. So for fire, I witnessed the starvation, the killing, the bloodshed, everything. But the Holocaust keep me strong. After the fall of the Khmer Rouge. I said to the refugee camp. I survived the wall on the border between the Cambodian and Thai comedy troupe and the Vietnamese occupation of Cambodia. We survived because we. B. B. Struggle during the Khmer Rouge. When we came to America, we tried to learn. Yes or. To pull ourselves as a productive citizen and a law abiding citizen of this country. So I called several famous statesmen one. From a Japanese. A rookie. I forgot his name. Mr. Haruki Murakami, he said. When you come out of the storm. You wouldn't be the same person that walked in. That how the storm is all about. So the Khmer Rouge holocaust on kidney stone. And there's another quote. Rich people revenge. Strong people forgive. Intelligent people ignore. Of course. I forgive you. What happened in Cambodia? But I cannot forget. We can forgive, but. If they said the. Remember the past and embrace the future. So. This evening. I am very honored and grateful to all the elected officials, the American public, as well as the U.S. government. For saving the life of my Cambodian refugee to come to America. When you look all over the world in the post-Cold War. When people try to escape. They dream to come to America. Because this is a seven. That's why I encourage my people to protect themselves and to defend this country. This is the last heaven. Just Love, Not a Song of the 60 by the Led Zeppelin Stairway to Heaven by Jimmy Page. Robert Plant. I still remember in Cambodia during the 70. Before you go to America. You had to go through hell in Cambodia. You wouldn't appreciate how even unless you went through hell. So today I humbly. Grateful to all of you. And thank you, America. Essential Project in Long Beach. As I forgot to mention another name. A gentleman when I was in Sacramento a few days ago. California State Senator Ricardo Lara for having the resolution to recognize our Holocaust sanctuary. So I appreciate your effort.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Thank you, Charles. And just before we go to the next speaker, I want to also make sure this is a really, really important occasion. I want to make sure that we give everyone the opportunity to say what they need to say. I also want to be respectful. We have three other presentations next to, so we're going to try to do our best to manage the time appropriately. So because your words are so very important and so that the best that we can keep to the 3 minutes. But I understand if other things need to be said, we're going to honor that. So please.
Speaker 8: Just Mr. Mayor, we will obviously have the time and we will speak as a group to save time. Well, good evening, honorable mayor and honorable city council members. My name is Kim Chi Cook, the chief executive director of the Cambodian Association of Garcia. On behalf of my colleagues, the leaders of the Cambodian Advocacy Collaborative, which comprised of Cambodia Association, America, Family and Good Health, American Action, My Parent Association and United Cambodian Community. And on behalf of the Cambodian community leaders, Cambodian genocide survivors and the Cambodian residents in Long Beach, we feel humbled and honored to be here tonight supporting the city's resolution to recognize April Cambodian Genocide Awareness Month in the city of Long Beach. Whereas, as the city resolution recognizes the Cambodian genocide during the period of the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979 as one of the greatest human, tragic tragedies of the 20th centuries. This resolution is serve as a grand testimony to our children and grandchildren that despite of the horrific pain and suffering the Cambodian survived, survivors have to do have great resiliency, pride, perseverance, and continue to strive in rebuilding their lives in Long Beach, the place we now call home. In addition, the city resolution will recognize and highlight the numerous contributions of the Cambodian people who have made it to the social and economic revitalization of the central Long Beach and the establishment of the largest Cambodian community outside of Southeast Asia. In Long Beach, we have been able to move forward into a brighter future while maintaining our cultures and heritage, our cultures, our heritage and genocide. Experience is a legacy that we pass on to the future generations and a gift that we are proud and honored to share with the broader Long Beach community to be cherished and remembered to help prevent genocide from happening anywhere else in the world. We are blessed and thankful for amazing and supportive elected officials, including Mr. Mayor Garcia and Councilman de Andrew. Community leaders, community members who have made this resolution possible. Again, thank you very much and happy Cambodian New Year. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you so much. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 8: Getting everyone. Um, my name is Joe, and I live in the sixth district as a second generation Cambodian. I believe that knowing your roots and tradition is important to knowing yourself. Growing up, I didn't know much about the Cambodian genocide. I knew it was bad and that people died. But I was it. It was not until I volunteered in a united Cambodian community to learn about why the genocide happened and what my people went through. I feel that educating and creating awareness about the genocide is important to letting people, especially younger Cambodians, known about who they are and our identity as a Cambodian Americans. I urge you to support this resolution to recognize April as Genocide Awareness Month. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you so much. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 5: Good evening. My name is so plus so come along beach resident living in Belmont Heights. It is an honor for me to stand up here and share with you a little bit of my story and also what it mean to have April as Cambodia Genocide Awareness Month. As a child born into a world of bloodshed where man killed one another for no purpose, watched others being tortured for a blind ideology and on the verge of death myself many times because of hunger and disease, I can never erase these memories from my mind. I was not even three when the Khmer Rouge took full control of Cambodia on April 17, 1975, and set out on their ruinous effort to create a utopian agrarian society in only three years and eight months. An estimated 2 million people, or a quarter of the country's population died, including eight of my aunts, eight of my 11 aunts and uncles and numerous cousins. I am one of the lucky children that survived, but my story is no different than others. And Cambodia is not the only country that has suffered genocide. Genocide is not just an event of the past. For example, the Janjaweed crisis in Darfur clearly shows that genocide remains a reality in the modern times of the 21st century. How do we seek justice for an almost unimaginable scale of criminal behavior? How can we honor those who have passed? We are the fortunate ones that need to untangle questions of guilt, punish the perpetrators, and work to prevent future crimes of such magnitude. There's a saying a river never forgets its source. That is why it is important to have a time that is recognized as the Genocide Awareness Month. It is important not to forget our past by remembering our relatives who suffered. We bring honor to them by raising awareness. We can encourage our national government to intervene to prevent future crisis. If we can prevent one child growing up amidst the madness of genocide and suffering its long term consequences, we will have accomplished more than we can imagine. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you. Member of City Council, especially Councilman de Andrew, for bringing awareness of the Cambodian genocide.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Next speaker.
Speaker 8: Good evening, Mr. Mayor. Members of the City Council. My name is Weston Labar, and I'm the chairman of the board for the United Cambodian Community. And on behalf of the entire board this evening, I'd like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for bringing this issue forward. I'd like to thank Councilman Andrews for asking you to consider this resolution. And I'd like to preemptively thank you all for supporting it. And to our members and the Cambodian community. I'd like to thank you for allowing us to serve on your board.
Speaker 6: Okay. My name is Sommer Hansen from. Children's Day, which needs to be about peace, love and happiness. We need to. You know, make more of a commitment. We really wanted to focus a lot more on peace this year. And you know. It's a lot of. You know, I mean, there was the Indians and the Irish and the blacks. Jews, white. You know, we were all, you know, brothers and sisters from one mother. Ultimately, it's told in the journey of man is proven scientifically and. Anyway, Superintendent Steinhauser said that Long Beach oh my goodness. Is really improving so incredibly in in character and all kinds of really good things. And we we're very, very lucky to live in the community that we do. And let's help show America and everybody else, you know, in the world, you know, how to. You know, live the. The Golden Rule rule and do the very best we can to be a place on earth where heaven shows up for. You know, for today and for future generations. Things are getting better. Oh, my Lord. Was really make a commitment to do our very, very best. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Senator. And thank you all for for speaking. I want to thank you all for coming forward and speaking. Sir, I assure you, you have to come to the fore. Two for two. If you. And then after our speaker here, we'll go ahead and go to a vote and we're going to take a picture. Okay. So. Yes, sir.
Speaker 4: My name is Drew. I live in Long Beach. You call us Cambodian, and that's good. But we also go by other name. We like to call ourselves Khmer.
Speaker 7: I am here. Not to take a lot of your time.
Speaker 4: I'll ask this. Oh.
Speaker 8: I wish. Deep down in my heart. To thank God.
Speaker 7: Jesus Christ. They have a grandfather. And that's it.
Speaker 4: If you want to.
Speaker 7: Talk about genocide. All you have to do is just turn your TV on. And you could see for yourself right now, even today. Thank you so much.
Speaker 0: Thank you so much. Will close public comment. And now I'm going to go ahead and turn this back to council then for a vote. Vice Mayor Lowenthal.
Speaker 3: Has there been a motion by Councilmember Andrews?
Speaker 0: Yes, with a motion.
Speaker 3: Councilmember Andrews, do you want to go first? No. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. All right, I. I appreciate that. I wanted to thank everyone that came today to share their personal stories. It's. I know how incredibly painful it must be. It's certainly painful for those of us here that are part of your community and family today. And the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge regime directed at the Cambodian people are made all the more painful by the fact that we have so very personal and some professional relationships here in Long Beach with many individuals that lived through such a horrible human tragedy. And we also have immediate relatives that suffered at the hands of their oppressors. And so it's and we're all very proud that Long Beach is home to the largest Cambodian American community outside of Cambodia. And that's something that we're very deeply proud of. We're proud that you all came together and encouraged us to designate Cambodia Town as the first in this country. I think every step that you take to. To demonstrate how much you are thriving as a community in your new homeland is something that we can all celebrate and and share in that joy. We focus on the tragedies because we must so that we won't forget. And the last speaker is absolutely correct if we wanted to see genocide. We don't have to look back in history. We can just turn on the television and we can read the newspaper. And so it happens every day. And it's it's something that I wish we could say that we have outlived outgrown, but it's not. So my heart goes out to those of you in the audience tonight and those loved ones watching at home. I know there isn't a single one of you here that has not had a very personal experience with this atrocity. And I do want to thank everyone as well. For those of you. To all of you especially that came to speak because you and your family chose Long Beach as your home. I often joke with people and I say, you know, you have me at Long Beach, but thank you for having us and calling Long Beach your home. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. And with that, we're going to go to tick, tick, tick. Can I just.
Speaker 4: 1/2. Could I have the what I named to the ambassador, the Cambodian cherry? Would you just stand up and let. This is. She's an organizer. She's a go getter, too. I just want to thank you. And you guys really seriously, we love you. Please don't ever forget us because we'll never forget you. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Please go and cast your votes.
Speaker 2: Motion carries seven zero.
Speaker 0: Great. I know we have the resolution here which will do the photo and then we'll get back to the agenda.
Speaker 1: What I'd like to do is I'm going to have a few of you here because we can't get everybody down. So would you all like.
Speaker 4: To stand up and.
Speaker 1: Okay. Are you okay? Okay. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Okay? Yeah. Okay. Everyone stay here.
Speaker 0: I'm going to pay city council.
Speaker 1: What you guys want. Everybody? Yeah, please give everybody.
Speaker 5: Oh, I got to take this.
Speaker 1: We got. Here we go. Thank you, guys. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for everything. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you for coming to get the information so that we can.
Speaker 0: Okay. Now we're going on to our we have a couple of presentations, so we're going to move on to those. And we're moving on first to our presentation on Denim Day, which we obviously do every single year, which is very exciting. So I'm going to have action and I'm going to invite, I think, Sharon. Sharon where Sharon? I think I saw her a minute ago. Oh, there she is. Okay. Sharon from Animal House is going to come up and say a few words. | Resolution | Recommendation to request City Council to adopt resolution to recognize April as Cambodian Genocide Awareness Month. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_04212015_15-0352 | Speaker 2: Communications firm Mayor Robert Garcia recommendation to receive an FA presentation and present proclamation honoring City Clerk Larry Herrera Cabrera on the occasion of his retirement.
Speaker 0: Thank you very much, Madam Clerk. And today and we're going to begin a real great opportunity to to celebrate and to honor someone that has been a fixture of Long Beach. Certainly of our city council meetings, and has provided service him and his team to this entire body and multiple mayors and council members before us. In fact, Leroy Cabrera has been here at the city of Long Beach, now serving 25 city council members and three separate mayors. He's been with us here for 13 years and has provided really great leadership and made a lot of really important reforms with the city clerk's office and really hired also an all star team to support the city. We're going to have obviously some comments from a few folks. But before we do that, there is some some people that want to say a few words and honor, Larry. And so I'm going to have them come forward first. And they're representing different legislators that I'm going to present, Larry, with our official proclamation. And, of course, Mr. West and a few others also want an opportunity to to say some words. So to start us off. I'm going to invite Helene and so from Congressman Alan Lowenthal as office to say a few words. And I'm going to ask you also have Larry come up and stand up there the whole time so you can.
Speaker 1: Hear from him.
Speaker 5: Thank you. It's a pleasure to be here. Mayor and city council members and Larry. I saw the picture. You know, I was just commenting that I've seen the before and after Larry picture. Have you seen that? Yeah. Anyway, I spoke to Congressman Lowenthal today. He's in Washington and he said to make sure to say how much he appreciated that you've always been approachable and he wanted to wish you the best in your retirement. And on behalf of Congressman Lowenthal, in appreciation for more than 12 years as city clerk for the city of Long Beach and working as the mayor said, 25 city council members and three mayors. That's amazing for your vision, integrity and commitment to innovation and transparency in elections and legislative systems. And really to be commended for 43 years of public service. That is amazing. And thank you for your commitment to our community. Good luck.
Speaker 4: Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. And next, we have from State Senator Ricardo Lara's office. Korean.
Speaker 8: Mr. Mayor and members of the Council.
Speaker 0: Mr. HERRERA.
Speaker 4: We wanted to be here today.
Speaker 8: Also to thank you for your.
Speaker 4: Service. I had the pleasure of.
Speaker 8: Working with Larry when I worked for the council. I can tell you from experience, he is very.
Speaker 4: Knowledgeable, very.
Speaker 8: Approachable and just a great guy all around to work with. And so on behalf of Senator Ricardo, Lara and Senator Hall, we wanted to give you these certificates of recognition for your service to the city of Long Beach and wish you the best in your retirement. Congratulations.
Speaker 0: Thank you. And next up, we have from some member of Patrick O'Donnell's office. Marisol Barajas.
Speaker 1: Yes.
Speaker 5: Good evening, mayor and city council members. It's a pleasure to be here on behalf of Assembly Member Patrick O'Donnell. As you know, he's in Sacramento today and he wanted to make sure we provide a certificate.
Speaker 6: Of recognition for Mr. Larry Herrera. Recognition of your years of.
Speaker 5: Dedicated service to the people of Long Beach has been a pleasure working with you to ensure accessibility and transparency. Also, I'd like to add, as someone who also has worked in the city of Long Beach for over ten years and advocated for the community and brought a lot of Spanish speakers to these meetings. I do want to say on behalf of many of the committee leaders, that it was.
Speaker 3: Nice.
Speaker 5: For them to see Larry Herrera at the council sitting here because they felt very comfortable having him here and he was very approachable.
Speaker 6: And so, once again, on behalf of Assembly.
Speaker 5: Member Patrick O'Donnell, he wants to wish you for the best in your retirement. Congratulations. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Thank you. Next up, we have some words from our city manager. Mr. West.
Speaker 8: Larry, congratulations. This is a big day for you. It's a big day for all of us speaking on behalf of the entire city management team. And again, you've served three city managers and worked with us and mentored us. But the entire city management team really relishes your leadership, specifically in all of the commissions that the city has, all the committees, and working with us to get those started. And one of the biggest things that you've done is transition us into register and getting us so much more transparency on the Web for the entire public and as well as the staff as well. So with that, I really, really congratulate you. Been a real pleasure to work with and I've learned a lot from you, Larry. So congratulations from the entire management team. Thank you very much.
Speaker 4: Thank you.
Speaker 0: I know that we also have some comments from your current city clerk staff and to say a few words on behalf of all of them, I'm going to turn it over to Daisy.
Speaker 2: Well, I want to take this time to share with you all what I really think about my boss. If I was asked about what my boss expected, I found a quote and I thought it was best stated by Doug Larson. Accomplishing the impossible means only that my boss, Larry, will add it to your regular duties. If asked, who am I bosses? Well, Theodore Roosevelt said it best. People ask the difference between a leader and a boss. The leader leads and the boss drives. I was fortunate to have both Larry leads and he drives the person that Larry is to all of us in the city clerk office, I think expressed was expressed best by Flavia Wieden. Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never, ever the same. Larry, thank you for always managing a way to inspire me to devote to excuse me, I'm so emotional because Larry has been such a big impact in all of our lives, but he has inspired me to deliver my best. And for that, I give you full credit. It was it will be difficult to fill the void created by your absence as an employee, a mentee, friend, family to me and my son. Ruel such an impact. You have been to us both. We love you all. We love you and your family very much. I speak on behalf of my son and myself, and I'm sure the entire office. We just enjoy everything you've done for us. Thank you, Larry.
Speaker 0: Thank you. That was very nice of you. Before I turn this over to the council, we'll say a few words. I'm going to open this up for public comment. If anyone wants to make a public comment, please come forward. And make sure you identify yourself for the record. Thank you.
Speaker 5: Good evening. My name is Laura Merrifield and I'm a second district resident and I'm representing building healthy communities and also the.
Speaker 6: Language Access Coalition of Long Beach. And we also just wanted to extend our gratitude for your work. Long before there was a language access policy, you were working very hard to ensure interpretation for a limited, English speaking.
Speaker 5: English proficient residents. And you've continued to do that work and really help. And your enthusiasm, I think, has carried this policy very far and shows your.
Speaker 6: Commitment to civic engagement for our government being open to everyone. And so we just want to thank you so much for your work.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Mr. Johnson.
Speaker 8: Honorable Mayor and Council Members. My name is James Johnson. My address is on file. And, you know, as some of you may know, I used to work for Larry Herrera Cabrera way back when. He was just Larry Herrera that long ago. So I wanted to come here tonight with a couple of secrets. Things you may not know, may not have made the presentation. First, secret that Larry is a recovering politician. You may not know this. Larry ran for office in Santa Barbara and to the great fortune of Long Beach. He did not win that race. And actually, it's a great story because it was that loss that allowed this incredible career here in the city of Long Beach. You may not also know that Larry had a lot of calls in here. City clerk, his had quite a reputation in the state of California, people trying to lure him other places. But Larry always said no. He said, you know, my work here is here in Long Beach. And I think we're all lucky that he he said that showed his commitment. But I also want to come down here, too, to thank you personally, Larry. I want to thank you for being a great mentor, not just to me, to many others, as you've heard. I remember when we worked together on Change the Elections Code to save the city from all those ballots. I remember that went went to waste that weren't going to be used. You taught me about the philosophy of continuous improvement of always striving to do better. I remember working with you to extend the agenda from 3 to 8 days, which, of course, we enjoy today. You taught me the value of transparency. How good process.
Speaker 4: Could create good policy.
Speaker 8: I want to thank you for being a great public servant. Always thinking about how to make our elections easier to participate in, particularly for the disabled and for those who didn't speak English as their native language. You heard that earlier tonight. But most of all, Larry, I want to thank you for being a true friend. Larry, Long Beach is lucky to have had your service, just as I'm lucky to have known you. I hope you're with your free time you have now. You'll be making some of your famous tamales. And if you do, you know where to find me. My wife or mine is last year said, why don't you put the all of it? Oh, Larry told me to put all of. I forgot. So some things I didn't learn from you, Larry. Sorry, but I want to congratulate you on your retirement and best wishes for the adventures to come.
Speaker 0: Thank you, James, for being here.
Speaker 4: Larry, good to see you. I do want to echo everything everybody has said. I'll take one. Little different approach. I would not accept his resignation. I would pay whatever was necessary to have him stay on until later this year when we have either the federal master overseeing the city or we have the new mayor and new city manager in place at that time. At that time. You will have earned it. Thank you very much. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Mr.. Good to that that concludes public comment. Now to turn this back over to the city council and myself to say a few words and then going to let Larry kind of close us out. So start us off. Councilman Gonzalez.
Speaker 5: Larry, I want to thank you tremendously for your work here in Long Beach. I know I've only been here in the city for six years, but in those six years, you have been very approachable. I've learned so much. Just recently, being on the Elections Oversight Committee and working with you on election reform and all of all of the great things that had happened currently are happening. And soon to be will be happening. And so I'll certainly carry that with me as we go forward with elections oversight and just in general. So thank you for being an amazing public servant, not because you had to, but because you really want to. And I know that will carry you through with your your next endeavors. So thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Councilwoman. Councilmember Rankin.
Speaker 7: Thank you, Mayor. And congratulations, Larry. I have a unique experience with you, obviously, because my predecessor in the seventh District, Tony Harris Wodonga, was in the committee that hired you and she says you were lucky bastard. Where? Wherever I applied for the job of getting selected. But she made she doesn't regret that that decision that all she she sends me right now right there congratulating you on your retirement and wishes you very well. And to my part, you were as people were saying you're a mentor and you were also one of the things that hasn't been said. You were also president of Temple, the Latino managers of professional organizations. For many years. You established the many, many, many Peres Scholarship Fund that over the years, I think we gave around, what, $20,000 or so to desiring students in in the Long Beach Unified School District, along with City College and Long Beach State. So that's certainly a legacy that you will leave in regards to those individuals, and especially for having been part of their process and their educational professional development as you have been for your staff. And personally, I will always remember that day you took me to a Manny's at the park out there in Rosemead. That really wasn't a many step, but it's okay, I'll forgive you for that because the original is still there on Evergreen and and East Los Angeles. And also he went to Garfield High School, a school that I was enrolled to go to but never made it. But he always reminds me about some of my my fellow students who were there and graduate with me. And and I'm pretty sure that in your retirement, you're probably going to be making some music. So go out and make some music. Congratulations.
Speaker 0: Big a councilmember.
Speaker 6: Councilman Mongeau also is a member of the Elections Oversight Committee. It has been a pleasure to work with you on many of the initiatives that this Council has already really pushed through pretty quickly as compared to any previous council. And it wouldn't have been possible without your hard work. I know we asked for a lot of research, but it was really important to us to make sure that we were making the good decisions on behalf of the citizens. So thank you for your support and research and for leading a strong team of individuals in the city clerk's office. Because I think that being a city clerk is an important role and being a good boss is is an even more important role for this city. So thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Council member Austin.
Speaker 7: Thank you. And I, too, like to join in the congratulations for Larry for his retirement. I'm envious. One of these days and it was mentioned that you you had a political ambitions once. You might want to do it. Council member. You didn't. Retiring. Didn't go into public service later on as an elected official. That's still an option for you. I want to thank you for your for your exemplary service to our city. And I can just just tell tell everybody. Upon getting elected in 2012, Larry was warm and welcoming and full of information. And, you know, I can tell you, for a new council member coming into this this forum, you know, it's great to have a very knowledgeable city clerk welcoming you to to to the building. So I want to say thank you for that. I've found you over the last several years, and 2012 was my first foray into politics here in City Hall. But from way back, you've always been a man of great honesty, integrity, knowledge, great consciousness, but also influence here in City Hall. He's been a quiet leader in this building. There's a lot of people who who owe their careers and a lot, too, to Larry Herrera. And so you're going to be sorely missed and you are truly well worthy of this special recognition here this evening. You work to improve our election processes. I can recall the circumstances in which you were hired. We are light years ahead of that. Our meetings are far more innovative. And when I look at the city clerk's office, I've developed and mentor professionals who are very well studied and understand the role very, very well. And so we're lucky for that. You not only mentored folks in the city clerk's office, you know, but like I said, he's been a quiet leader in this this in city hall. He's mentored people throughout this entire building, the city and community, for that matter. And so for that, you know, I recognize you as a as a real leader. And in retirement, sir, and your impact on this city will be be felt for many, many years after you're gone. And I wish you all the best in your retirement. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Vice Mayor Lowenthal.
Speaker 3: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And, Larry, I wanted to thank you for being open to a lot of our suggestions. You really are the expert and have your your finger on the pulse of what was going on in terms of technology for voting. And I know you always strive to be sure that the customer, which is the residents and those that are eligible to vote and decide to vote, you always made sure that they were your preeminent focus. And we looked at a lot of things because of you. You nudged the county to do more. But I wanted to also thank you for taking the time to review other, more challenging concepts such as instant runoff voting. If you remember that, that wasn't too painful, is it? Yeah. Okay.
Speaker 1: Yeah.
Speaker 3: That was a little painful, but you always see how graceful you are. So we have definitely brought things for consideration that you probably knew was not the best for our city at the time. But certainly you were a believer that if it was going to get more people to vote and interested in voting, then certainly we should try it. So thank you for that. I think that's that's my most favorite memory of you, which is you never lost sight of our customers.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Councilmember Andrews.
Speaker 4: Yes, thank you, Mayor. You know, Larry, for everything everything. I want to thank you for your enthusiasm, for making our documents more transparent. It's been an inspiration that will long term impact on the city clerk office and how it is ran. I really appreciate your constant willingness to help. Your guidance and support throughout my years in office. And I truly appreciate that you've always been my top go to guy. You've done so much for all of us and the Long Beach community. You'll be truly missed but never, ever forgotten. Good luck, big guy.
Speaker 0: Thank you. And Councilwoman Price.
Speaker 5: Thank you. I want to echo what all of my colleagues have said and let you know that it's been a pleasure to get to know you. It's only been, what, ten months or so. But of course, I met you during the election process and for a first time participant in a political race. You are very patient and responsive and really a great source of comfort for someone who's going through something like that for the first time. So. On a personal note, I want to thank you for that. You are always a great person to go to with questions. And I know that you've served the city, the citizens of this city very well through your service. So I want to thank you, wish you the best of luck. And I hope that you enjoy every single day that you've worked so hard to earn. So thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. I'm going to go last. So, Larry, I mean, you've been the clerk since I've been to City Hall, first as a staff member for a short while and then as a councilman winning my special election that very first time and then getting reelected. And then, of course, through our campaign for mayor. So I've got three election certifications all signed by you. They're all hanging up in my office wall for those three elections. And I want to just to say, if you know a few things and add to what my colleagues said, first, congratulations. And I think it's a very happy time for you and for your family. Also, just thank you for your leadership throughout the years. I mean, a lot of people, if you think about the accomplishments of the office and I know that you view the accomplishments like a team effort. Right. You have always put your team first. And I really appreciate that. But I think about the lobbying ordinance, which you helped spearhead and get us through the open government policy that the city has the EA commenting and kind of the that switch over to electronic services for the community. All the reforms you've made so that people with disabilities can actually vote in more and more private way or have more access to the ballot box. All very, very important. All the reform you did on campaign finance, on campaign transparency, the work you did on charter reform, I know that that James spoke a little bit earlier, but there was an incredible amount of work that happened when all the charter reform amendments and changes throughout the years came before the city. That was all really, really important work. Personally, I also think you did great work getting the Assembly bill through that allowed civil marriages at city halls for all for all California clerks. And I think that was a really special moment so that we were able to also have all civil marriage, including same sex marriages here at City Hall. So that was something I think that we're very proud of the work that you did. You know, in addition and then I think Councilmember Ringa mentioned that you're really the lead guy on the Latino manager's work and you pushed that for so many years. And I think it reminds those of us that as you're heading out, that it's really important for us to pick that back up and continue that. I know that's a very special organization for you, and I see our turn over there because, you know, you're going after you're going to make sure it happens. And so, you know, we got to ensure that the work that happened there continues. The amount of scholarships that you helped raise money for that that all continues. And I want to also say that one thing I'm always struck by is that your team at the city clerk's office is a complete reflection of the city of Long Beach. And if you know and you've had a chance to meet who works down at that office, but your entire you made a deliberate. Decision to ensure that the people that serve the community through its elections, records, management, all the work that happens in there also reflect kind of the beauty and diversity of the entire city of Long Beach. And I think that's something that is not always done by managers. It's hard. It's hard work. But you did a great job and you should be very proud. I think that you're leaving the city with a great team of managers and employees that love Long Beach and love the work that you all do. I also, you know, take this time to personally probably apologize for some of our conversations during election seasons because I've always been a very active on giving you a call during particularly this last election. And I do get very, you know, emotional when it comes to elections. And you have always were so good to me during the elections and just giving straight forward answers, being ethical, being honest, even when when when candidates and I'm not just including myself, but all of us that have been candidates get so passionate sometimes on the other end of that phone when there's an issue and you just took them all with stride and you listened and you know, there was a problem, you fixed it. And we really appreciate that because I think going through those elections and knowing that there was someone that was competent and incredibly organized on the other side, I think gave a lot of us the peace of mind because that is a very, very difficult process to go through. And you always did it well. And so if I ever you know, I was a little excited on the phone, I think for our on behalf of all of us former candidates, you know, we want to thank you for for that. And so before I turn over to you, I am going to read the proclamation, because I think it's fitting on on on your last, you know, meeting, I think officially because you this is your last meeting with us as a council. And then I know we're going to have a little nighttime celebration for you and your friends. I believe April 29th, I think is that is a date. And so that'll be that'll be fun. But I'm gonna read the proclamation to Larry Herrera. CABRERA And whereas Larry Herrera Cabrera served for 12 and a half years as a city of Long Beach, a city clerk working alongside 25 council members and three mayors. And. Whereas, in May of 2004, the City Clerk's Association of California recognized Larry Herrera Cabrera as City Clerk of the Year. And. Whereas, in January of 2007, the City of Long Beach became California's first non county jurisdiction to procure and operate a modern voting system with no state or federal subsidy. And. Whereas, during Larry Herrera, Cabrera's tenure, Long Beach became known for a pioneering record of transparency and technology initiatives related to legislative systems like video streaming election smartphone apps, campaign finance reporting and electronic electronic filing of statements of economic interest for elected and appointed officials. And. Whereas, Larry Herrera Cabrera was instrumental in the passage of AB 1525, which gave all California city clerks the authority to conduct civil marriage ceremonies. And. WHEREAS, Larry Herrera Cabrera served as president of the Latino Managers and Professionals Organization, an inclusive organization dedicated to professional development, good government and provision of scholarships to disadvantaged youth in Long Beach. Therefore, be it resolved that I, Mayor Robert Garcia and the Lombard City Council on behalf of the People City of Long Beach hereby proclaim our gratitude and appreciation to Larry Herrera Cabrera's years of devoted service and wish him continued success in all of his endeavors and his retirement. And so with that, Larry, I'm going to turn it over to you and then we're all going to go up and take a picture.
Speaker 4: I want to thank you all for those kind words from the city management team, city council, the congressman's office, the assembly man's office, and our community representatives. It's been an honor to serve the residents and the voters of the city of Long Beach for the last 12 years, as well as working with my coworkers, managers and other employees in every department. I just have to say this. 25 Council Members. Bonnie Lowenthal. Dan Baker. Frank Colonna. Dennis Carroll. Jackie Kelly. Laura Richardson. Tony. I rang Rob Web Alert Robert Garcia when he was on City Council. Susan Lowenthal. Garry DeLong. Patrick O'Donnell. Gerry Ships. Key D Andrews. James Johnson. Ray Gammage. Stephen Neil. Susie Price. Darrell. Super nice. Soon to be Stacy, Mango, Roberto Lunga, Al Austin and Rex Richardson. Mayor O'Neill. Mayor Foster. Mayor Garcia. City Manager Jerry Miller. City Manager Pat West. City attorney Bob Shannon. City attorney Charlie Parkin and the good guy over there, Mike May's go to guy. I want to thank you all for allowing me to work alongside you. I hope I've left you with a team that accepts responsibility, adapts to change, is innovative, believes in teamwork, and believes in continuous improvement and learning. A couple of the people who were here on day one when I first arrived on December 2nd, 22 are here tonight. Irma Heinrichs and Monique de la Garza. Alison Byrne My daisy got here a couple of years later and we have a couple of newbies that are here tonight. Pablo Rubio and Megan Winkleman, they are going to be an awesome team and I look forward to making a great selection, whoever the next city clerk might be. The highlight of my professional career. Took place in I think it was May 1968. When I met Robert Kennedy and shook his hand in San Gabriel, California, that's when I knew I wanted to work in public service. The second highlight of my professional career as I was driving on the trail, Grandy by Resurrection Cemetery next to the Manny's, that really wasn't Manny's. And I got the phone call from Eric Middleton, and he said, Larry, you got the job. I pulled over to the side of the road right in front of the cemetery because I was on my way to my my mother's house just to visit. It was one of the happiest days of my life. And coming to Longreach again has been it's been the best it's been the best job I've had since I was a playground director for the Los Angeles Unified School District in the early 1970s. And I tell you, I'll just leave you with these words. I'll quote from Robert Frost in his poem, Stepping into the Woods on a snowy evening. And he concludes the poem with this with this phrase. The words are lovely. Dark and deep. But I have promises to keep and miles and miles to go before I go to sleep. I wanted to thank you all for letting me be your city clerk. And I look forward to everything that there is to come. My brother Mario is here. He's up there in the garden while my wife Catherine is here. The grandson, Cruz, who if he didn't live in San Clemente, I'd probably be living in Long Beach. So I wanted to thank you all very much. Good night and God bless everybody. Thank you.
Speaker 6: I wanted to note that we.
Speaker 2: Actually put Larry on a timer, a special request from Charlie Perkins, city attorney.
Speaker 6: It was a very.
Speaker 1: Excuse me. You're my wife. Can you? Hold on. Yeah. Oh, yeah. Okay. Okay. Yeah. There you go. Maybe. Thank you, David. It was my fault. Yeah, I don't.
Speaker 7: He's got to get him out of college.
Speaker 1: Yes.
Speaker 3: So. Mr. City Clerk, I just wanted to share that you have a 26th member, Councilwoman Lena Gonzalez, added to your list, but I know 20. She is the 25th. Okay. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Well, thank you again. And thanks again, Larry. We'll see you at what is it? I think it's Alegria on the 29th, that Wednesday night for a final farewell. And thanks, everyone, for participating. Let's give Larry and his family a round of applause again. And now now we come back to the regular agenda for our first hearing. And I believe there's no oath required. Madam Court hearing one.
Speaker 2: Forgive me, but we did not make a motion or a vote.
Speaker 0: Oh, we have the receiver. That's right. That's right. There's a motion in a second by Councilmember Bongo and Councilman Turanga to receive and file. I did already take public comment, though, before the motion. So we're good there. Please cast your votes.
Speaker 2: Motion carries seven zero.
Speaker 0: Great. Thank you. And now moving on to hearing one. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to receive and file presentation, and present proclamation, honoring City Clerk Larry Herrera-Cabrera on the occasion of his retirement. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_04212015_15-0348 | Speaker 2: Item number one report from city attorney recommendation I received supporting documentation into the record. Conclude the hearing. Declare ordinance imposing a moratorium prohibiting the exemption of certain alcohol related uses from the requirement of obtaining a copy before commencing operations. Adopted as read and laid over to the next regular meeting of the City Council for final reading, declaring the urgency thereof and declaring that this ordinance shall take effect immediately citywide.
Speaker 0: Thank you. We are moving on to the hearing. There's no oath. So I'm going to turn this verse over to the city attorney, I believe.
Speaker 9: Mayor Garcia, members of the City Council. On March 17th, there was an agenda item placed by councilmembers Richardson, Gonzales and Urania that resulted in the city council voting 8 to 0 to adopt a minute order to initiate a moratorium process to temporarily prohibit the granting of cup exemptions for certain alcohol related uses in the city. On tonight's agenda is the actual moratorium ordinance that will formalize the moratorium for a 120 day period, while planning staff and the Planning Commission undertake to study a study to determine if the city's current CFP regulations are appropriate or if other zoning regulations need to be put in place. That will better serve the interests of the city and its residents. If the ordinance is adopted to tonight, it will go into effect immediately as an urgency ordinance will apply to any application that may be filed after the date of March 17th and will prohibit the city from issuing any further CFP exemptions until planning staff and the Planning Commission are able to complete their study and formulate recommendations for the City Council in accordance with the Council's direction on March 17. Both grocery stores and restaurants serving alcohol with meals only without a standalone bar will be exempt from the moratorium and will still be able to apply for a CPA exemption during the moratorium period. Under the city's charter, this action tonight calls for two separate votes. The first motion should be to declare the urgency of this matter so that the ordinance will become effective immediately. And the second motion and vote should be to adopt the ordinances read. That concludes our report. If you have any questions, I'd be glad to answer them.
Speaker 0: Is there any public comment on the hearing? Seeing none. I'm going to. Oh, there is. Oh, sure. Please go ahead.
Speaker 2: Good evening. I am Francis Emily Dyson Harris and I reside in District one. And I want to say that I wholeheartedly support that you declare the urgency of this and to move forward on the second matter of concern. And you do an absolutely phenomenal and I think this can be an absolute blessing to the community as well as to the city.
Speaker 0: Thank you very much. See no other public comment for there's two votes, right? Right. Mr. City Attorney. So we have. Can I get it? We have a motion for the first. For the first vote.
Speaker 9: Or the urgency.
Speaker 0: Correct. And that's Councilmember Austin and Councilmember Ranga. So please go ahead and cast your votes.
Speaker 2: Councilwoman Mongo. Thank you. Motion carries seven zero.
Speaker 0: Thank you. And if we can get a couple of motions for the second part of the hearing. Councilman Gonzales and Councilmember Austin. Okay. We've done public hearing, I think. I mean, public comment for both of those together saying that no other public comment. We will go and take a vote.
Speaker 2: It's Maryland, the. Motion carries seven zero.
Speaker 0: Great. Thank you. Now we will go to the concert calendar and then we have public comment as well. So can I get a motion for consent? Okay. There's a. Can I get a motion in a second for consent? | Emergency Ordinance | Recommendation to declare ordinance imposing a moratorium relating to the City's current Zoning Code provisions that exempt certain alcohol related sales uses from the requirement to obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) before commencing operations; declaring the urgency thereof and declaring that this ordinance shall take effect immediately, read and adopted as read.
(Ordinance No. ORD-15-0011) (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_04212015_15-0342 | Speaker 2: Motion carries seven zero. Item number 25. Yes. I'm sorry, 23. Excuse me. Item number 23, report from Long Beach Gas and Oil Recommendation to execute an amendment to the Surf Operations and Maintenance Agreement with Covanta on of Long Beach Renewable Energy Corporation to provide a discount to the operating fee and recognize a change in the name of the operator. District two.
Speaker 3: There's been a motion by Councilmembers Councilwoman Mongeau and Councilman Austin. Councilman Mongeau. Did you have any comments?
Speaker 6: I'm just thankful that the city staff have had the foresight to move forward on this. Thank you.
Speaker 3: Like a staff report? Sure.
Speaker 8: Mr. Chris Garner.
Speaker 4: Thank you. Tonight, what we brought to you is we've had a contract since 1994 with the Montana Pacific Power to operate surf. And then they were bought out later on by Covanta, which is operated in excellent manner. Surf since then. The the term of the existing contract expires December 2018, and its proposed amendment tonight will reduce our operating costs by $1 million annually for the next eight years and will allow the continuous operation of serve for a period of five years beyond the current term. While the city explores the long term financial feasibility of the plant beyond 2018.
Speaker 3: Thank you. Are there any questions for staff? Okay. There's been a motion and a second. Is there any member of the public that wish to address the council on this item? Seeing none. Members cast your vote. I mean. Yes.
Speaker 2: Motion carries seven zero. Item number 24 Report from Public Works Recommendation to receive and follow the application of Flippin Pizza four. I wanted to say that. | Contract | Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute an amendment to the Southeast Resource Recovery Facility (SERRF) Operations and Maintenance Agreement No. 23336 with Covanta Long Beach Renewable Energy Corporation. This amendment will extend the term of the agreement from December 8, 2018 to June 30, 2024, provide a discount to the operating fee, and recognize a change in the name of the operator. (District 2) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_04212015_15-0345 | Speaker 2: Motion carries seven zero. Item number 26 Report from Public Works. Recommendation to Adopt Resolution to submit an application to the United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation for grant funding for water smart and increase appropriations in the CPP Fund by 300,000. Districts one and two.
Speaker 3: Thank you, Councilwoman Gonzalez.
Speaker 5: Actually, can I request a staff report.
Speaker 2: First, please?
Speaker 8: Vice mayor, council members. This really is a very, very, very exciting opportunity. We're going to be one of the leaders in this effort if we're able to achieve this grant. And I'm going to turn it over to our. Malloy and to talk about how special it is in stormwater management.
Speaker 7: ORA Vice Mayor and honorable council members. The item before you is for your approval so we can apply for an application for a grant from the United States Department of Interior's Bureau of Reclamation. The purpose of this grant is for us to be able to conduct a feasibility study for construction of a treatment plant which will treat low flow stormwater and and this this type of system. There's only one facility in California which the city of Santa monica has constructed. The project that we have in view will eliminate all the needs for our trials and requirements from our Water Quality Board. And it would be a unique facility to produce reclaimed water so it could be utilized for our parks. We can't even think about expanding that to selling to our partners like the surf and also industrial uses. So this is extremely exciting for us. This is an incredible project for the city and I would say this is cutting edge technology that we're looking for in innovation and also in sustainability. That concludes my report. If you have any questions, I'll be glad to answer them.
Speaker 5: I just wanted to say thank you because this is very cutting edge. And I think learning about it from you was just it blew my mind because to would be, I think, the first in the nation to be able to do this. And it's in Long Beach on the west side of the city and in an area that I'm particularly very excited about as it changes the Drake Chavez expansion, Shumaker Bridge I mean, those are all priorities for our office, I think, for the city. So I want to thank you for your leadership in this, and I look forward to potentially getting the grant and seeing where we go from there.
Speaker 7: Thank you.
Speaker 3: Thank you, Councilman. Councilwoman Gonzales. I'd also like to add some comments and thank the M.A. and second hour of the motion. So in light of our prior discussion on water conservation tonight, I'm definitely inspired by the potential of Long Beach must to address our regional water quality requirements while simultaneously providing a reusable water source for our parks on the west side of Long Beach, improving the recreational water quality of our local beaches, and helping to restore or sustain future wetlands projects. So I think this is just another one of the examples, at least certainly of our city making lemonade out of lemons. Considering the fact that we're uniquely located at the mouth of two urban rivers, we often hear us talk about these this this fact of these two rivers converging together. And the summer runoff is something that we're challenged with on not just in storm events, but really during the summer, during dry weather times. We do get runoff there and it's highly concentrated, polluted water. So kudos to our staff for your work on this. We're looking forward to it and we think we'd be a great demonstration city. Thank you. Is there any member of the public that wishes to address the Council on this item? Seeing nonmembers cast your vote.
Speaker 2: Motion passes seven zero. Item number 27. Report from Public Works. Recommendation to amend agreement with Waste Management to provide residential recycling collection operations at an estimated cost of 350,000 per month on an interim basis, pending completion of a procurement process citywide. | Resolution | Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or his designee, to submit an application to the United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, for grant funding for the Development of Feasibility Studies under the Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program (WaterSMART); and
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund (CP) in the Public Works Department (PW) by $300,000. (Districts 1,2) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_04212015_15-0346 | Speaker 2: Councilman. Motion carries seven zero. Item number 28 Report from Public Works and Financial Management. Recommendation to adopt resolution to execute a contract with Consolidated Fabric Fabricators Corporation for the purchase of commercial trash containers in an annual amount not to exceed 180,000 citywide.
Speaker 3: Key to emotion is emotion and a second tour staff report.
Speaker 8: Aura.
Speaker 7: I want to be like Chris Garner when I grow up. Oh the item be put before you. Honorable. Vice Mayor and council members is for a piggyback contract with the purchase of trash receptacles or containers and the amount of hundred $80,000. We have worked with this company before, but we're using the piggyback with city of Santa monica, and we're looking for your approval.
Speaker 3: There's been a motion by Councilman Austin and a second by Councilmember Urunga. And thank you, Mr. Milloy. And so any member of the public that wishes to address counsel on this item seeing none. Members, cast your vote.
Speaker 2: Motion carries seven zero. Item number 29 Report from police. Recommendation to determine the application serves the public convenience and necessity and received for the application of Trader Joe's company for premise to premise transfer on an ABC license at 4250 Man Beach Boulevard, District eight. | Resolution | Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager to execute a contract with Consolidated Fabricators Corporation, of Vernon, CA, for the purchase of commercial trash containers on the same terms and conditions afforded to the City of Santa Monica, CA, in an annual amount not to exceed $180,000, for a period of one year, with the option of renewing for one additional one-year period, at the discretion of the City Manager. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_04072015_15-0300 | Speaker 0: Item 19 Report from City Manager, Financial Management and Human Resources Recommendation to execute a Citywide Project Labor Agreement with the Los Angeles Orange County's Building and Construction Trade Council and the Signal Signatory Craft Councils and local unions signing the agreement for all covered projects over 500,000 citywide.
Speaker 1: Thank you very much. We're going to turn this over to city staff for the staff report and then I'm going to open up the hearing. I'm going to ask first for a public comment, unless there's any objection that the council wants to go first and then the council would weigh in at that point. But let's turn this over to staff.
Speaker 10: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Council Members. In November of 2014, the City Council gave direction to.
Speaker 9: The staff to work with the Trades.
Speaker 10: Councils and prepare a project labor agreement that would encompass basically all projects with a threshold over $500,000 and run for five years. So with that, we've been spending a lot of time over the past few months and we have what we think is satisfactory to the direction given by the Council. I'm going to turn this over to the folks who have been crafting this. Craig Beck has been leading the charge, a bureau manager in gas and oil, along with Nick Shultz, who's our bureau manager in charge of our Workforce Investment Bureau and also one of the deputy city attorneys, Linda Vu. So, Craig, if you could.
Speaker 11: Walk us through this.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Good evening, Mr. Mayor, and members of the city council. As the city manager indicated. We've been meeting with the L.A. and Orange County Building Trades Council to have a discussion about developing a citywide play for Long Beach. After the council took action on November 11th with the direction to finalize an agreement. We've had a number of meetings. We started off by looking at other plays that exist within the state of California and really looking at those provisions and trying to determine what best provisions we should pull out and include in our plea agreement. After a number of discussions and negotiations, the trades and your staff are here tonight to present to you what we believe is a play that council should consider and improve. I'm going to just go over the major recommendations that are included in the play agreement. Please, if there's anything specific that that I need to go into more detail, I'm happy to do that. But if you bear with me, I'll I'll touch on some of the finer points of.
Speaker 9: The.
Speaker 1: Proposed play. And so the major element is that this would include all public works construction activity outside of the public right away that are above $500,000. And that's a pretty extensive list. We believe that that is somewhere in the neighborhood of $28 million annually over the term of this agreement, which is right now five years. Other real important component of this play is to include a local hiring element, because what we're really trying to achieve here is putting Long Beach residents to work on Long Beach projects. And that hiring goal would be 40% local residents. In addition, we think it's important to reach out to those that are disadvantaged in our community and veterans. And specifically, there's an element where 10% of those individuals would be targeted for employment on the playing. We worked long and hard to think about how do you create access into construction jobs? And one of the key elements of creating access is providing a pre apprentice training program. There are a number of entities out there today that do provide that. But we really sought to create a partnership between Pacific Gateway and Long Beach City College, and the building trades themselves to develop a pre apprentice programs for residents to go through and really prep them for the apprentice trades and some of the testing.
Speaker 9: Criteria that an individual would go.
Speaker 1: To to get into an apprentice program. And we really believe that that's going to help create a lot of success, that partnership between City College and our Pacific Gateway and trades themselves. There was a lot of discussion before about tiers and how do you focus your hiring within the city? And we believe the best way to address that is to include tiers that focus entirely in Long Beach. So our Tier one hiring program would include all of the zip codes within the city of Long Beach.
Speaker 9: And really put preference here locally. There are a number.
Speaker 1: Of elements relative to how do you do reach out and how do we ensure that we're having the best success from a play? So we've included a role of what we're calling a play administrator and that individual or entity. This will likely be contracted out to a firm that would would do a lot of the coordination work, making sure that people seeking employment are connected with employment opportunities, making sure that contractors know how to work with the trades if they don't already, and really making those connections and priming the pump, so to speak, to ensure that we have a lot of local residents ready for those employment opportunities on our projects. There is a no strike provision which can be very important, especially on large multi trade projects. Think of a large park project or even the new civic center that's currently under discussion. How a play can benefit getting that those type of projects completed on time. And then lastly, for large projects, we wanted to ensure that there was extra help relative to outreach. And so there was a coordinator role that that was added. The coordinator would really be somebody hired by that contractor for large projects, over $10 million to ensure that those outreach efforts are doubled. On large projects, you can you can understand that a larger project has a larger a longer construction timeline and therefore more opportunities for making those employment connections. And we wanted to ensure that the outreach was sufficient for those opportunities. I believe that covers the main tenants of the agreement. Before you this evening, I stand ready to answer any specific questions.
Speaker 9: Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you. And we do have a motion and a second. So I think we're going to the motions will be made and then we will hopefully move on to public comment and then come back for a, I'm sure, a robust discussion. Councilwoman Gonzalez.
Speaker 6: Yes. Craig, thank you for the staff report. I wanted to ask a few questions of both you and Nick. I know you both have been working very diligently on this play, both from the logistics side and then also the local hire side. But I know there's also been a lot of concern stemming from the community, and I want to get those out in the air.
Speaker 4: Before we before we move forward.
Speaker 6: So you describe the play administrative role. Would you say at this point that's the only cost that we can specifically identify from the play? Is that.
Speaker 4: Correct?
Speaker 1: Yes. Thank you for prompting me on that. I think one of the directions that came out of the council action in November had to do with the fiscal impact of a place. Staff did a significant amount of analysis.
Speaker 9: Looking at where would cost likely be incurred. We were not able to find anything definitive that would show.
Speaker 1: That our construction costs would increase, and that's primarily due to the fact that we have to pay prevailing wage on all of our city projects and prevailing wage tracks very closely to.
Speaker 9: Union wages.
Speaker 1: So what is in the staff report that you're alluding to is there would be a cost for hiring.
Speaker 9: A play administrator.
Speaker 1: We've set that.
Speaker 9: Cost right now at.
Speaker 1: Roughly 1% of the construction budget. So on a $28 million annual expenditure, that's roughly $280,000 in cost. We don't know exactly what that will be because we haven't bid that yet.
Speaker 9: But that's what we've indicated as our best estimate of the play administration element.
Speaker 6: Great. Thank you. I know a couple of my colleagues had concerns with that last time, so I just wanted to make sure that we had that clear and then the job. I see. Let me back back up. The Jack, the Joint Administrative Committee seems to me to be a really good committee that would possibly be able to review things as we go along. And the job coordinator was one of those things that said at $10 million. And I understand, you know, that's what we're at now, but it's possible that it could review it for maybe lowering it.
Speaker 4: In a future at a future time. Is that possible?
Speaker 9: Yeah. I think the.
Speaker 1: Goal here is to have success and ultimately to achieve a 40% local hiring goal. And to achieve that success, we want to create some flexibility within the document. So if there's areas that we're falling short in and we need to strengthen, say, an outreach effort as an example, that we would use the Joint Advisory Committee and that committee consist of representatives from both the building trades and city to talk about areas of inefficiency and how we can make improvements. And so in your example, yes, that the Joint Advisory Committee could make a recommendation to lower the project threshold to for the coordinator role to ensure that there's more outreach done on larger projects.
Speaker 6: Great. Because I know you've talked about this as kind of a living document. It's going to evolve and this Jack will be really instrumental in that process. Next question is regarding best efforts versus requirement. I know we've gone through this quite a bit. You've met with numerous community members on this specific item in reference to local hiring. So how will we see the different points of accountability? I know from Jack Pacific Gateway. Can you run through that a little bit and how we will understand how many of our local folks will actually get jobs on site?
Speaker 1: Yeah, I think first and foremost, there is a craft referral form that's alluded to in the document where this is a specific form that would go to the various trades. And I think we all need to understand that we have a number of different disciplines or building trades that will be involved in this play. It's not just.
Speaker 9: One group or one.
Speaker 1: Union, it's individual trades. It will be dispatching representatives to the needs and the jobs that come up. Electricians may have a slightly different dispatching mechanism than, say, the plumbers. And so what we wanted to ensure is that we use a craft referral form. So all of those dispatching entities are following the same process. And those forms would actually be filled out for everybody that's referred and then collected by the play administrator, which truly allows us to track how are we having our level of success. So you mentioned the Joint Advisory Committee that's certainly in place to address areas of deficiency, as we mentioned earlier. And then the play administrator themselves, working with all of our partners, the trades Lummi City College Pacific Gateway, to bring all of those elements together to inform the council about.
Speaker 9: The progress moving forward.
Speaker 6: And that will be on an annual basis.
Speaker 4: Is that what we've proposed so far.
Speaker 6: For the Council to.
Speaker 4: Correct.
Speaker 9: And following Council's direction, we would come back annually and provide a report.
Speaker 1: Both on the local hire element and any costs that we see associated with the play.
Speaker 6: Great. Thank you. And then I have a couple of questions for Nick. I know that there has been some confusion on the disadvantaged workers. So can you describe that on your end and what that is?
Speaker 12: Exactly sure. What we propose for disadvantage worker was an income based definition and what we looked at was the 70% lower lower standard of living definition commonly used in federal federal programs for eligibility. It's dependent upon actual income, the poverty established poverty level of 70% of that and it factors in your family size as well. Our thought in that was if somebody is unemployed or underemployed, that's all we need to know in. Terms of having to connect them to to a better opportunity. So if they can come in, they can disclose and demonstrate that all the other barriers are associated, disabilities are really fall off to the side. We just know that they need a job or they need a better job and we can help to get them connected.
Speaker 6: Great. And I know we're going to have a Long Beach City College pipeline. So can you discuss that and your work with them closely as well as with the community members and how that's going to flush out as we as we roll this out?
Speaker 12: Sure. And getting a partner in the community that the the trades could could recognize and support was very important to us in this process. Pacific Gateway sees ourselves as the neck of the funnel. So we need all the community based organization and support to refer folks who are in need of employment or better employment. There has to be some assessment process and ultimately some referral to an organization that provides a qualified curriculum that's going to allow them to test and actually gain access into into the internship program or into, excuse me, apprenticeship programs. The the City College, we feel, is the best lever to support people in those transitions and through that process, simply because our federal funds can be leveraged with opportunities to access power, the ability to benefit under Powell, especially when construction is a recognized pathway type of a program. So we wanted to make all that available and leverage both on behalf of the residents. The other piece of this is we're uniquely qualified at Pacific Gateway from a tracking aspect of things. All of our participants are connected back to the federal base wage record. So we can tell you, we can tell you when they attained, how long they've retained, and how many wages they've earned in quarters since they've actually gained employment. And we think that will help with the local hire provision strictly because if somebody who's qualified for an apprenticeship been in an apprenticeship but isn't working hours is out there or on the bench, as they say, our system's going to pick that up. And when a craft request form comes in, we're going to be able to refer that person now as living in Long Beach, following within those first tier zip codes and ensuring they move to the top of the list and get that employment opportunity.
Speaker 6: Great. Thank you. And then the last question, I know it's been brought up a concern of the minimum, the five year agreement, basically, and how I know a lot of communities have been concerned because it doesn't if we had anything lower, it may not open the opportunity for various other trades. And so and also as as.
Speaker 4: As well as.
Speaker 6: Increasing wages. I know that was something we discussed. Can you go into detail about how important the five year agreement is to keep.
Speaker 4: Keep it locked?
Speaker 12: Certainly, I think and again, as you alluded to, we thought five years was appropriate because it's the appropriate amount of time in some of the trades that will be covered in the agreement where somebody actually moves from apprentice to journeyman. So if you want solid and consistent data about wage and impact on wage for local residents, you're going to need for them to make that transition from apprentice to journeyman to actually judge the success of the program in the pilot.
Speaker 6: Great. Thank you. I will just say that, you know, a tremendous amount of support in the last eight months that I've been working on this. I mean, it's been I think for some people, it's they've they've said it's been almost 13 years, I hear, in the making. But this is certainly an incredible effort in the parts of the city as well as the trades and making this come to a really well-balanced play that will strive to get folks back to work. It's really been a privilege to help lead this and help support this. That's why I'm making the motion tonight to move forward with this. And I'm especially grateful for a few folks. There's Assemblymember Patrick O'Donnell who kind of led this effort before he left the council. My colleagues that were, you know, here from the beginning, Austin Richardson Turanga, as well as our city management and city staff, Linda Vu, Nick Shultz and Craig Beck. I have to say that they have been so amenable to creating good solutions for us and looking at alternatives. When the community came forward, we were able to provide answers and provide solutions and alternatives. And that's the wonderful thing. Also to Ron Miller. I know he's been working really hard at negotiating, but it's also been something that he understands, needs to be amenable to the community and not just any community, not Los Angeles, but the Long Beach community. It's really important. So with that, you know, we were able to come up with a few different successes. I think we came up with a plan that was customized to Long Beach, but it was, you know, 40%, which I think is robust in local hiring, where most cities have 30%. So we're about 10% higher than most cities. The first tier is Long Beach, which is very important to us here. When the community asked for disadvantaged workers, we provided that 10%. As Nick had mentioned, that's based on extremely low incomes. And unfortunately, we have those incomes we have those zip codes in our city. When the community also asked for a community coordinator. You know, we heard loud and clear. And so that was included at the $10 million threshold. And I think, you know, all of this together has really, like I said, made a customized play for all of us. And I think in addition to that, working with our Long Beach City College to create that pipeline, making sure that Pacific Gateway, as they've so promised, and I know that they will work very hard at creating that connection with our community to ensure that folks are actually getting to work in Long Beach is very important. So the local community benefits associated with the sound development, you know, this is going to be on budget, it's going to be on time. We'll create opportunities for our residents as mentioned, and make them make sure that they get back to work and offer new opportunities as well. And so I'm asking for support and any suggestions that can be provided to the council tonight. But my motion is to move to approve.
Speaker 1: Okay. And there's a second with Councilmember Richardson. I'm concerned Richardson going to make a few comments that they're going to go to public comment.
Speaker 7: As a matter of fact, I'm going to. Yeah, I'm going to oblige you. Let's hear from the public, and then I want to give my comment.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Great. Thank you. So we're going to turn this over to the public. To start off, I want to invite up to the public first Congressman Alan Lowenthal, who's here to have two members of Congress that are here today. So I want to please both give them the courtesy to do public comment first. And so, Congressman Lowenthal, please.
Speaker 11: Thank you. Thank you. Mayor Garcia and city council members. I look around at. It seems like yesterday that I was sitting right over there when I first started. That's what makes this such a I'm here first to show support and approval of the the recommendation of city staff to create a citywide play. Even before I was on the city council and in the early 1990, too, Long Beach had a I was a faculty member at Cal State, Long Beach. And I was asked by the city to work with the city to coordinate between the University City College to help all the displaced workers. We were losing lots of workers at that time. And how Long Beach was going to create partnerships to make sure that we would find jobs for our workers. I first started with the Starkist tuna, the closing of the plant down in the port where we lost hundreds and hundreds of workers. And then I work with at that time, before it was Boeing and when it was the end of the McDonnell Douglas era. I just have to say that this city really does work well with with creating those kinds of partnerships. And now it's time to take it to the next level and to create the citywide play. I just want to say just a few words that that just really indicates just how how good this a project like this will be for our city, because this is really about making sure that Long Beach.
Speaker 9: Workers are prepared for work and will get work.
Speaker 11: In this city on the construction projects. And I think that's just exactly what a city should be doing. In fact, as pointed out, 40% will be targeted to be Long Beach workers on all these projects. We've never had numbers that high. I think that's wonderful. I think the fact of having disadvantaged workers, not only those that are low income, but somebody, a group that I'm most concerned about that's returning veterans. Also, our nation needs to make sure there are projects like plays in cities so that those veterans that are coming back have a place to get into to make sure that they're rewarded by their communities. The fact that, as I pointed out over 20 years ago, we were creating partnerships now to bring Long Beach City College in, to really provide the pre apprentice training. And the support really makes what Long Beach does best a seamless system. It's not just doing the play that you're doing. You're putting in place a system that will work. That's really what's so important. And and the fact that you have oversight and the fact that you're giving it a time period to come back, all of those things are just great. And so I'm just really here to say that I support the play. Long Beach is doing it in the right way and making sure that its residents will benefit from this. And I'm just really pleased to be here and thank you for having me. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Congressman. Congresswoman now, Congresswoman Janice Hahn.
Speaker 4: Thank you. Good evening. Mayor Garcia, members of the city council. I'm pleased to be here tonight. And I, too, am coming in support of this project labor agreement. And while it is a pleasure, let me add again to represent Long Beach in the United States House of Representatives with my good colleague and good friend, Alan Lowenthal, who really represents most of Long Beach. I am fortunate to represent a very important part of Long Beach, North Long Beach. The two council districts served by Albertson and Rex Richardson. But my support here tonight and even listening to the staff report made me realize that, as Mr. Gonzalez said, you're putting together a project labor agreement that fits Long Beach, and I think that's what's important. I know you don't like me to mention Los Angeles too much, but if you'll indulge me, I will tell you that my support for project labor agreements is based on my experience that I had when I was on the City Council for ten years in Los Angeles, and we entered in to many project labor agreements. They're beneficial because they give the taxpayer a better project at the end of the day. Why? Because these projects are built by good union workmen. These projects are done on time and on budget, and these projects are built with local hires, as you've heard tonight. And these are folks who really care about their communities. They're invested in their communities. And I think plays really mean that your taxpayers get their money's worth from these publicly funded projects. Since 2001, in the small city of Los Angeles close to you, we negotiated nine project labor agreements, and some of those were our police headquarters in downtown Los Angeles. Our harbor area police station and jail facility was a project labor agreement. Our fire station 64 was a project labor agreement. Our automated traffic surveillance and control was a project labor agreements.
Speaker 5: I don't blame.
Speaker 4: The unions if you get stuck in traffic in Los Angeles. And one of the projects that I worked on specifically was with the Port of Los Angeles, and we signed a five year, $1.5 billion project labor agreement at the port. And this project labor agreement alone is supposed to create almost 20,000 jobs. So, you know, all of us in public service.
Speaker 9: What do we.
Speaker 4: Want? We want to create jobs. And with this vote tonight, you're going to create good paying jobs. And the building trades through a project labor agreement are able to offer opportunities to so many residents of Long Beach to give them good skills, good careers skills to pay their bills. And that's what we all want to do. So I encourage you to support this tonight. Thank you for letting me come tonight to Long Beach.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Congresswoman. Now I have. We're going to set the timer. And now I have representatives of our state Senator Isidor Hull, State Senator Ricardo Lara, and a swimmer, Patrick O'Donnell. And then we're going to start lining up for the rest of public comment if those three can come forward. And give their comments. Madam Clerk, make sure you start the timer and just please everyone. Just make sure you give your name for the record. Okay. My name is Nick Giles.
Speaker 11: I'm the district director for State Senator Ricardo Lawrence.
Speaker 10: So, Mayor Garcia and distinguished members of the Council.
Speaker 8: I'll be brief, but I'd like to thank each of you for your dedication to the city of Long Beach and its continued prosperity. I'll be sharing some remarks on behalf.
Speaker 10: Of the center who could not attend.
Speaker 1: As our state.
Speaker 8: Economy continues to rebound. I'm proud to say that the largest city within my district is not only recovering, but thriving by leveraging investment in public infrastructure and embarking on historic undertakings such as the new civic center. Long Beach is leading the way in demonstrating responsible growth that benefits residents and businesses alike. The proposed policy on your agenda tonight is about more than simple job creation. It's about investing in.
Speaker 11: And uplifting the working families that drive Long.
Speaker 8: Beach. I respectfully request your support for the project labor agreement. And thank you for your time.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 4: Good evening, Mayor Garcia. Council members and wonderful residents of Long Beach. My name is Heather Hutt. I'm district director for Senator Isidora. Senator Hall couldn't be.
Speaker 0: Here tonight because.
Speaker 4: He's in session at the state capitol. But he's excited to hear that you're considering a project labor agreement tonight. Project labor agreements are sound policies that will bring many benefits to residents of this great city. The nuts and bolts of play are clear. Local hire the access to apprenticeship programs and investment into a local economy. The Senator is most excited to grow our economy and create jobs for our community. Opportunity is difficult to quantify. You can't see it, touch it, and it isn't easy to come by. But if you're fortunate, you know when it's there and you grab it and take advantage of it. Senator Hall believes that by targeting local residents, disadvantaged workers and U.S. veterans, the play will make opportunity real for Long Beach residents. Thank you for your time and we hope to have your support on this important policy.
Speaker 1: Thank you so much. Next speaker.
Speaker 6: Good evening, Mayor, and members of the City Council. My name is Allison Gallagher. I'm here today on behalf of Assembly Member Patrick O'Donnell. Jerry Garcia. I regret that legislative business in Sacramento prevents me from being here tonight to speak in support of Item 19. Ever since being elected to public office, I have been a champion of project labor agreements and was proud to have agendas. The one before you this evening. Tonight is the culmination of years of conversations, collaboration and determination. I would like to congratulate and thank city staff for working with the Los Angeles Orange County Building Trades Council. Long Beach is going to be better off because of the agreement reached. The item agreement before you is actually simple and benefits the city in two simple and two basic ways. It guarantees that major municipal projects are built by contractors who agree to train workers through apprenticeship programs, and it ensures Long Beach residents have the advantage in securing jobs on one of these major construction projects. This policy will help bridge the training and employment gap to further ensure all of our city have the opportunity and access to training that ensures a decent wage. This is good for Long Beach and good for the region in the strongest possible terms. I urge you to adopt the project labor agreement. Thank you. Advanced for your support. Patrick O'Donnell.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Is this any more of a delegation representative?
Speaker 11: The Legislative Office? I'm not sure. Public comment.
Speaker 1: Okay. Public comment is now open, so make sure everyone, as we get for public comment, please say your name. And for the record, I will begin 3 minutes. Appreciate it.
Speaker 11: My name is Dave Everett. I'm here with the Associated Builders and Contractors of Southern California. And I'm kind of surprised that this council continues to support this special interest deal as well. When you look at this council and you see everything that can be built in this city.
Speaker 1: Guys, hold on 1/2. So I want to make sure that we we're going to have a very respectful hearing. And so everyone gets a chance to give their 3 minutes completely. So please continue.
Speaker 11: All right. I was trying to point out that by signing this agreement, you're discriminating against eight out of ten construction workers. Eight out of ten construction workers are nonunion. That means nationally and in California, those statistics still hold true. So if you want local hire, you're discriminating against eight out of ten construction workers here. It wouldn't discriminate against those eight out of ten construction workers. You're also assuring that Long Beach can only build four buildings for the price of five. I know you're all very involved with local governments and some of you even represent certain workers and county workers. So it would be surprising to see that you want those folks to end up with four new facilities instead of five new facilities. In addition, a November 2013 Forbes magazine article highlighted that play agreements perpetuate the discrimination that has long pervaded construction unions. In an affidavit submitted to the court, Harry C Alford, president of the National Black Chamber of Commerce, said that about 98% of black and Latino owned construction companies are nonunion and please restrict the use of minority contractors on public projects. I urge you today to vote against discriminating against eight out of ten blue collar construction workers and the working class families that depend on them. I urge you to vote against a forced union deal that restricts the use of minority contractors on public projects. I urge you to vote against the forced union deal that will assure Long Beach public servants will only get for new buildings for the price of five. I urge this Council to vote no on the special interests deal. It only favors campaign contributors and the politically powerful over the average Long Beach citizen. Lastly, I'd like to point out that the play itself has been hidden from the public. It's not posted on the website. It's nowhere to be seen. So when the final play is actually available for the public to review, I encourage you to take out the campaign material from the agenda attachments. There is an attachment there that has a building trades newspaper along with the newspapers, basically all the building trades endorsements. It seems very odd that a play agreement that would be voted on would have a newspaper full of endorsements on it. Also, when you guys come back and do the final agreement, you know, we will have a lot more criticisms of the play, but we haven't actually had a chance to see it yet. So thanks for your time. And this must be a really good agreement if if you can't even let the public see it. So thanks so much.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 8: Good evening, councilmembers. My name's Eric Christian. I'm the executive director of the Coalition for Fair Employment in Construction. And I guess I'm vexed tonight because I'm wondering where the project labor agreement is. What is it you're voting on? Staff is giving you at best an unserious explanation as to what this would cost. And apparently you have an extra $280,000 laying around annually that you can spend on something that's unnecessary. But I'm just wondering where the project labor agreement is that has been negotiated behind closed doors between a big Labor special interest group and yourselves. Nobody else was allowed in, not the Associated General Contractors, not the Associated Builders contractors, not women construction owners and executives. Nobody but a special interest group and your city staff. Yet what are you voting on tonight? It vexes me greatly and it's confusing because I'm not sure what this agenda item is. I understand the desire not to have something that's quite as implicitly and explicitly discriminatory as a project labor agreement brought out into the public, into the light of day for all to see, because it is something that has provisions within it that are implicitly and explicitly discriminatory that will increase your costs more than $280,000 a year. And if it is in fact a citywide project labor agreement, you are in direct violation of the Boston Harbor decision which explicitly stated that a project labor agreement is to be negotiated on a project by project basis. My board has authorized that. Should you in fact engage in a project labor agreement that citywide, many of whom have spoken before you some of the largest construction companies in the country, who love to work for you, who do work for you, who will not work under a project labor agreement because of the four provisions that they're all about. Everything else aside, local hire, there's nothing that's mandated and local hire you can't legally mandate local hire there goals that's all you see. And project labor agreements are goals. So for a goal of 40%, which I would simply beg to ask what is your current local hire that's never been presented as a solution in search of a problem? Instead, what plays are all about or far for specific provisions? And it's why my members will not bid your work, which will increase your costs. All workers have to be hired through a union hiring hall. Contractors are relegated to six core employees. Beyond that, all their workers have to be union. All their workers have to pay into a union health, welfare and pension plan that they will never benefit from because they won't be working long hours on the project to be vested. That's money that is lost to them. It is stolen to them. And that's why you don't want to have a project labor agreement and actually vote on it because you have to actually defend that provision. Instead, you're hiding behind an agenda item that is frankly, it's inane. It doesn't mean anything. Whereas the project labor agreement and finally you discriminate explicitly against nonunion apprentices. So Miss Horne was actually honest and she admitted this is about employing union workers. She mentioned the military. And if my wife, who's lieutenant colonel, went to work in a nonunion apprenticeship program, she couldn't work on your projects. Thank you. This item. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you, sir. Okay, next speaker, please.
Speaker 8: Bishop Todd Irvin Church one off Long Beach, California. And again, I stand before you several weeks. We came to this meeting and asked that you would consider the ministers and clergy at the table to help put together this play. I want to say thank you to Mr. West and the others who afforded us that opportunity. And again, the goal of 40% local, higher and 10% disadvantage, we believe, is a very positive step for the city of Long Beach. Thank you so much. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your efforts.
Speaker 1: Thank you, sir. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 11: Mayor. City Council members were named Piedmont Brown and live at 1891. Briton Drive Long Beach, California 90815. I've been in construction almost 40 years. I worked at a Wells Fargo Bank, the Long Beach Convention Center. I'm excited about this play to support it for our citizens and young men and women in their city for a not.
Speaker 9: Just a.
Speaker 11: Job, but a career for the rest of their life. I hope you support this. And thank you very much.
Speaker 1: Thank you, sir. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 8: Good evening, Mayor Council and staff. I'm Ron Miller, executive secretary of the L.A. Orange County Building Trades. We represent 140,000 hardworking men and women in L.A. and Orange County. Affiliated with 48 locals across 14 different trades. Thousands of our members live in Long Beach. They're homeowners community members. They're your neighbors. They coach soccer. They coach Little League there. Their kids attend Long Beach schools. Building trades members here in Long Beach tonight. Could you please stand up? We're here tonight to support a project labor agreement that will lift all boats in Long Beach. It will create a large number of jobs for the Long Beach residents. Through our building trades apprenticeships. It will bring in newcomers from your high schools and colleges, from the military and all the diverse backgrounds in the city of Long Beach. Through pre apprenticeship programs that we're going to set up with the city of Long Beach, with our building trades M.S. three curriculum. Starting this summer, we're going to create a strong pipeline for our new members to succeed in their building trades careers. The Long Beach economy is in the middle of a huge transition. You know, I was born just a couple of blocks from here many years ago. And it was a Navy town. Then it went through the aerospace, the aviation. And now it's having to reinvent itself. Long Beach is survived the departure of all those industries. And we've been there for over 100 years, right along with you surviving the labor force. We have a lot to offer the city. We want to work with your businesses and your community to make Long Beach a better place. This agreement works just as well for. Labor as it does for business. Business friendly is not a slogan for us. It's something we take seriously. We are private sector unions working for private sector companies. And if we don't make those contractors competitive, they don't stay in business and we don't have a place to work. The play is open to all contractors. In fact, prove that it's equal opportunity at the LAUSD project labor agreement. Half the company's winning bids are nonunion. These plays make economic sense. Look at the courthouse. Look at the Long Beach, Middle Harbor. Look at the Gerald Desmond Bridge. These these projects will all succeed with place. But don't take it from me. Take it from a business expert who just said the building trades people provide a lifelong trade. They take someone who might not be going to college, give them a skill set that is vital to the California economy. That comes from Rob Lapsley, president of the California Business Roundtable. Let's get this thing going and put some people from Long Beach to work.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Mr. Miller. Next speaker. My name is Gary Cook. I'm the business manager of Plumbers Local 78.
Speaker 9: I represent.
Speaker 1: To roughly.
Speaker 9: 2000 members who are dying to go to work here.
Speaker 8: A lot of them are members.
Speaker 1: I stand in support of this and I urge your support.
Speaker 8: Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you.
Speaker 9: Very good. You, Clarke, as we address a number of items for both sides. Obviously local hires make sense, period. Whether it be the hiring or the actual worker or the contractor. And I think the classic example of the buffoonery we have with the Long Beach Marina, hiring a company up in Seattle to do the work and oversee it and have to fly them down or pay for their mileage down to oversee it is absurd on its face. That's why the thing is languishing. Is it is. I would suggest that. Have we had it? A local hires local companies. This thing would have been long completed. Period. The third or fourth speaker raised some very valid questions. And quite frankly, I haven't seen the agreement. I don't know if anybody has seen it. But we should issue no contract to any entity that discriminates against anybody. Whatever the process, period. That sucks. To the people that are engaged in the negotiations, I would strongly suggest. You sharpen your number two pencils. Because. Even starting in September. And October is probably September, October, when we have a new city manager, a new mayor. It is going to be a rough almost three years before our economy in this state, in this city and indeed in the country gets back on a growth pattern period. So I think you've got to come to realities which this council often doesn't do. As evidenced by the wallet report that ranks us as the second worst managed city in the country. Buried. Indeed. Jerry Brown, our former befuddled pothead on 60 Minutes. Opined that state of California is at or near the bottom of the barrel at every single paradigm. So we've got to do something that the city and the state, but particularly the city, since that's your responsibility, has to do some serious rethinking. And I would suggest you put this issue out on a ballot measure to the people of the city of Long Beach and print it out from A to Z. Nail it to the wall like Martin Luther. Don't try to hide behind it. If there's something bad in there, flush it out. Fix it. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Next. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 8: Hi, I'm Gregory Sanders, pastor of the Rock Christian Fellowship here in Long Beach and also president of the Long Beach Ministers Alliance. And I just want to take a second and ask the pastors if they would stand and acknowledge them for coming out and being committed to this process. And a week ago I was here and I said, no one called us. But since then, after hearing our heart, our phone has not stopped ringing. And I appreciate that. I want to thank Pat West. I want to thank Nick. I want to thank Craig. I want to thank Rex. I want to thank Lina, who really opened up this opportunity to increase this dialog and come to a meaningful play. I want to say to the guys who said they haven't seen it, maybe they haven't seen it because they didn't ask. Because when we ask you share, you opened your heart. You were able to ensure that we created a document that would work for our city. As pastors, we do two things. We marry people and we bury people. But in between that time, we need them economically stabilized and we believe that this is a great opportunity. And I'm always reminded of breakfast and they say at breakfast, either you're the chicken or you're the pig, the pork. A chicken lays his eggs and keeps moving, but that bacon has to give its life. And I'm happy to say that most of our pastors here, we give our life for the city. We're committed to the economic stabilization of the city. We're not just egg layers. Who can who come in, do what we do and we go. We live here. We serve here. Our kids go to school here, our families are here. So we are excited about the beginning stages of the play, knowing that as we move forward, we can tweak it, we can refine it, we can make it work better. And so I'm really optimistic. I encourage us to move forward with it without any hesitation. Any hesitation. And let's get our city employed. Thank you guys so much. And chickens are not allowed.
Speaker 1: I was waiting for the amen at the end, but. All right.
Speaker 13: Next speaker Hi, I'm Joe Sullivan. I represent the National Electrical Contractors Association of Los Angeles, which is comprised of about 800 electrical contractors of all different sizes. Many of them are from this area of the county. We're very eager to see this project labor agreement happen. The project labor agreement will create a more competitive environment. More of our members will compete for these contracts. The reason being is they're more transparent, there's more compliance. We know that prevailing wages are being paid so that increase it creates a sense of competition and we're glad to support that. We're also glad to support local hire. We're doing that with the Los Angeles Unified School District and exceeding all the local higher targets we support. We're glad to support the veterans and disadvantaged workers as well. Moreover, we're proud of our apprenticeship program and we're glad to contribute to the ongoing education of future electricians. The apprenticeship program is a five year apprenticeship program. It costs about $35,000. It's nearly entirely privately funded. And many most of our members were former electricians. So they come from the trade to be becoming electricians. And by creating local jobs, that's how you create local small businesses. That's what they grow into. And we do have a program to help minority contract minority electricians become contractors. So we look at this as a long term investment in Long Beach. And I want to say the members are competitively compete for these jobs. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Next speaker.
Speaker 11: Mayor Garcia, council members. My name is Mike Kovacic, Jack. I am the director of Veterans Affairs for the International Brotherhood of Local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for Local 11, which represents Los Angeles County and of course, which is very much so inclusive to you here in Long Beach. What makes me uniquely qualified for this position is I spent 32 years of my adult life serving this country, this nation, these communities as United States Marine. I've participated in three wars. I on displaced. I wearing display a legion of merit to Bronze Stars with Combat V and two Purple Hearts for injuries sustained in combat. Now, as the director of Veterans Affairs for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, I am out here advocating and supporting this project labor agreement. As we've heard that terminology, local hire, which is also very much so inclusive to the ever growing veteran population that comes back and makes up that demographic. Here in Long Beach, I am out there actively advertising and recruiting in your community. Right now, the U.S. vets, the E.D., the work source centers, bringing in advertising opportunities and options to this community here of veterans who otherwise would not have these opportunities and options. This project labor agreement, it means so very much to so many. Let's provide and give an opportunity back to those veterans. Given everything that they've done on behalf of us. Thank you very much.
Speaker 1: Thank you, sir. Sir. Thank you for your service and obviously all our veterans in the audience. Thank you for your service as well. Next speaker.
Speaker 8: I look for the Long Beach. My name's Travers. I'm a union member from a local opera. An engineer.
Speaker 11: I started working as an apprentice 2011.
Speaker 8: I finished my my apprenticeship program in June 2014 and now become a full journeyman. I'm employed for managing for for about three and a half years. I worked on a middle Arbor project job that was a play for most of my apprenticeship. It's given me enough skills to move on with my career as a journeyman. Now I live. I live in the area for most.
Speaker 2: Of my life. I've grown up in a union family.
Speaker 8: So I believe in unions that we are that believe in unions and what we believe in. It's given me lots of opportunities.
Speaker 2: With having a good career.
Speaker 8: I recently got married and bought our first home and now expecting our first born. I'm grateful for our union and what they've done for us. So we have. So we can have a good chance to provide for our families. I think so far it's one of the best things that has had that happen to me. Becoming an opera engineer. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Next beaker, please.
Speaker 4: Good evening, Mayor and City Council. My name is Timur Zachary. I am a two and a half year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. I'm an apprentice. I wanted to come up here and see my support for the project labor agreement also, not just because of obviously creating jobs and what everyone else has said, but to some of the speakers who spoke about discrimination as a black female. I am very aware that in this trade or pretty much in any.
Speaker 6: Sector, private or public, there's very little opportunity for someone like me to achieve the same wage equality as her male counterparts. And that is something that's huge for me in the union. So when people speak about special.
Speaker 4: Interest groups, I don't know about being a part of a special interest group. I'm a part of a brotherhood.
Speaker 6: And I am especially interested in getting paid as much as my male.
Speaker 4: Counterparts and making sure that I do.
Speaker 3: Well and making sure that.
Speaker 6: I too can provide for a family someday, that I too can retire with dignity.
Speaker 4: So thank you very much. And I hope that you all can.
Speaker 6: Support this and be a Beacon leadership and just make sure that the other cities that see this very historic.
Speaker 4: Agreement go into place can hopefully follow suit very soon in the state of California. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Speaker. These are, by the way, we have obviously some great comments coming down. I just wanted to say that a note we have about if everyone in line takes your 3 minutes, we have about an hour of public comment still. So which is okay, you have a right to it. But just letting you all know, I think we're hearing obviously a similar message. So if we want to just kind of reinforce what your message is, if it's something that hasn't been said before, we absolutely want to hear that. But if it's you know, it's the same message that's, you know, well, if we can speed it up a little bit, we'd appreciate it. But if not, you have a right to your 3 minutes.
Speaker 0: Next Speaker Hi, good evening. My name is Ronnie.
Speaker 6: Annual Awards and I'm the deputy political director.
Speaker 4: At the L.A. County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, on behalf of our executive secretary treasurer Rusty Hicks, representing more than 700,000 workers in the county of Los Angeles. We stand here today in support of local residents and workers of the city of Long Beach. Simply put, project labor agreements are critical to building a stronger and even more economically prosperous city. We look forward to your leadership tonight and look forward to your leadership and future. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Great. Thank you. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 11: Good evening, Council. Good evening, Mary Garcia. Thank you for allowing me to be here. My name is Ricardo Ray, as I'm the veterans employment coordinator for the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, a joint effort with the United Way of Greater Los Angeles in partnership with the Building Trades Council. Just my charge is to help increase the number of veterans in the building and construction trades. Also, a marine Corps veteran served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Thank. And I just want to highlight some of the opportunities the Building Trades offers our veterans. It's really unprecedented. There's nothing like it across the country. I'm talking about things like direct entry into apprenticeship programs, really minimizing the barriers that veterans face as they transition out of the military. I'm talking about taking a veteran from the unemployment line one day into an apprenticeship program the next to me out in the field literally overnight . Direct entry, unprecedented. There's nothing like it. Also, the building and construction trades are one of the only industries that really recognizes a veterans military experience, takes their military experience, looks at it, and recognizes that by offering them a leg up in the apprenticeship program with higher pay and better opportunities if they can, if there's a correlation between their military experience and the building trades. I want to highlight some of the programs that are being led right now, like the way they have their veterans and piping program laborers with Empower America.
Speaker 8: IBEW You heard.
Speaker 11: Earlier a 50% commitment to place 50% spaces for veterans into their apprenticeship programs. And just this week, the ironworker started an all veteran class, also known as Gladiator School. And the stories that I continue to hear from these veterans is that as many programs that are available to them, all these job offers and employers trying to do a really great job at hiring our veterans, there's nothing that compares to opportunities and careers in the building trades. So I really urge you to support this play and that's my time. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Next speaker.
Speaker 9: Good evening. My name is Patrick Kelly. I'm with Teamsters Joint Council 42 and Local 952. And I want to thank all of you, particularly the mayor and the council people that we've had the privilege of knowing. We have one council woman who's the daughter of a Teamster Lina. We're very proud of what you're doing. The Teamsters Union is proud to partner with all of you. And for those of us who have been involved over here down through the years, I think it's a fantastic event that we're here tonight and that the people of Long Beach have stepped up and elected such fantastic people that we have here. I'm so proud of what you're doing. And I'm I'm proud of the electricians from Local 11 that have come out here big time tonight. And I'm also proud of the veterans and the people from the clergy and the community that are pushing to establish true partnership with the city of Long Beach. And I want to thank Ron Miller for his leadership. And I want to thank you, Mr. Mayor, for all that you're doing. I really feel that what you are is a breath of fresh air here in Long Beach. And I'm not trying to disparage anybody. I'm just saying let's move forward. And I can tell you that the Teamsters and we have thousands of members here in Long Beach. We look forward to partnering up and helping put people to work, whether it's in the trades or as truck drivers here in Long Beach. So thank you very, very much, Mr. Mayor.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Speaker.
Speaker 8: Mr. Mayor. Councilman, my name is Derek Simpson, live in the second district. And in the spirit of thanks, I'm here to say thanks as well. From the standpoint of the local hire coalition that I've been a part of, as you know, in the last two months, we've been here many night talking to you about this project labor agreement and about our concerns about a local hire policy. But tonight, it's about acknowledging the fact that we've come a long way. We've done things such as move on, the percent of total hours worked and not positions, which we felt was very important. And we appreciate that we've moved on. The fact that we have 40% local and 10% disadvantage, which are good set aside and we appreciate that the process was opened up and the ministers talk to you about answering the call when they answered the call for meaning things that are negative in our city. You can call them to come to the table on something that was proactive and positive. And we appreciate that as well. You know that we've collected nearly 600 petitions in just about two and a half weeks of just a few days a week from members of our community that also support this from all walks of life. And that was important. We've heard you talk about the Joint Administrative Committee, and we think that that's important because it allows a way to sustain the community input, that it won't stop at a city council meeting such as this, but it will be an opportunity for the community to have ongoing input. And with that, if there are indeed three positions on that committee, we hope that the Ministers Alliance will have some representation in terms of the faith base. We hope that some local content expert from our community will be able to join in that initiative as well because from that perspective we will get real feedback that is at the pulse of what this community feels as an ongoing concern. In short, thank you for all that you've done, and thank you for the spirit of openness that we hope will continue and won't stop with just the passing of a plea this evening.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 8: Good evening, Mayor Garcia. Members of the city council and city staff. My name is Bill Baxter. I'm the president of Carpenters Local 630 right here in Long Beach, where at 341 East Wardlow. Tonight, I speak in favor of this proposed project labor agreement. This agreement moves Long Beach carpenters and other trades men and women to the front of the line for good paying jobs throughout Long Beach. In addition, a proposal to have a pre apprentice program at Long Beach City College is a positive step for the citizens of Long Beach. This proposal is good government. I, I urge you to vote for this project labor agreement tonight. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you very much. Next speaker.
Speaker 4: Good evening, mayor gracey and council members. My name is hannah cooper and i'm a member of IBEW Local 11 and I'm here in support of the play. I've been an electrician for about seven years and I love it. Plays provide opportunities for women like me to learn about the trades, enroll in an apprenticeship program, and continue on to have a successful career. Research. Research shows that women in the workplace still only make $0.77 on the dollar that every man makes. But please equalize the playing field. Working under plays, women make have access to the same health care, the same retirement plan, and make the same wages as the men they work alongside. The the play on tonight's agenda will help steer other women towards a career in the trades. A career that's not only been lucrative for me, but that supported me with the training and the skills necessary to excel in the electrical industry with dignity and respect. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Next speaker.
Speaker 11: My name's John Schaefer, and I'm the business.
Speaker 8: Manager at third generation of power drivers Bridge, Dock and Wharf Builders Local 2375, located in Wilmington. So 28 North Lagoon, Wilmington. Just one of the best things about doing place nowadays is that it's verifiable proof. You know, there's no place going back to the Century Freeway. And time and time again, we're meeting those local hire goals. We were meeting these veterans, minorities, what small businesses, you know, getting them involved in all these actions so you can verify some proof. 1928 My grandfather joined the hall as a hardhat diver and said the power lines, underwater power lines that went to Terminal Island when they first started. My father in 1946 started to work on the Long Beach breakwater when they built it up as a rock layer. And my brother and I worked on the convention center. I worked on the blue line. And my kid will tell you that every time I drive anywhere near it, I usually tell him the whole story about it, and he's about tired of hearing about it. But we don't have a welder yet in the family, so I'm working on the fourth generation. This is a career you could take pride in. This is a career that you can look back and say, Look, I help people move. I helped trade move. I got created environment for jobs, with dignity, with a pension and benefits. And I was able people to have families and dignity when they go through their. You will have that same pride when you support this play. And I just want to applaud you guys for doing that. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Next speaker. Good evening, Mr. Mayor. And Council. My name is Steve Geddes.
Speaker 10: I've been a resident of the fifth district for 22.
Speaker 1: Years.
Speaker 10: And a proud member of Local one of five. For 27 years, I've been lucky enough to work on a couple of.
Speaker 1: Pilot projects.
Speaker 10: Myself, and I think they've proven themselves throughout the country to get the job done on time, get quality work. And I think setting up Long Beach for a five.
Speaker 9: Year run of place is the best thing you can do. I urge you to pass this.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Next. And what I'm going to do before the next speaker is who's the last person in line on this item? The gentleman. The red came in a closer speaker's list. Which is anyone else. Okay, if you're not, I'm going to close the speaker's list up. We've had extensive public public comment on this. If we can just move it along, that be appreciated. I know that the council is eager to to go to deliberation. So I think one more personal step then I'll make I'm going to cut the speaker's list off at at Mr. LABAR. Yes.
Speaker 9: Next Speaker. Mr. Roberts, I'm an executive for Jobs, a member of the Coalition and a close friend of Labor's. We work on about 17 projects in LA and our place and we have found as workforce development professionals we have found that project labor agreement, having people join the unions is the best, best method, best method to get people on a meaningful career track. The you get paid training that is paid for by the unions. You get good wages. The unions help replace people when they when the job is finished. You know, it's workforce development professionals that's really important. Also is what's important is make sure the community is connected. And that's what we do in L.A. as a jobs coordinator. And we make sure that we have 135 organizations in our collaborative that send us people. It is that can be a kind of community support that supports labor, that helps with the the the process that we think is important down here also. So we support what you're doing. Everybody here, at least in the coalition that I know of, is supporting the play. Thanks. Thank you very much.
Speaker 1: Thank you, sir. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 14: Good evening. My name is Alexander Herndon. I'm an attorney with the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles and our Long Beach office. And I'm also a member of the local hire coalition. Um, this plays a meaningful step towards quality jobs and careers for Long Beach residents. And while we haven't been given an opportunity to review the actual agreement, we're heartened that the city has included a significant local hiring component in it. Um, we're hopeful that that component can be fine tuned through the advisory committee and the local hire policy, um, including the participation of a jobs coordinator, which we feel is very important . Um, a jobs coordinator has proven to be a very successful way to achieve true local hiring in other areas. Um. And in other places where jobs coordinator has been utilized to. Local hiring goals have been exceeded or met. If the city wants to limit the use of a jobs coordinator to larger projects, we feel that the threshold needs to come down. It's currently at $10 million. None of the anticipated construction projects for 2015, which are subject to the play, are over that threshold. So we feel that the threshold should be lowered to $1 million. Um, but we support the play and feel that it's critical for Long Beach to ensure that those first tier, um, residents of Long Beach are able to take advantage of any play jobs that come up. Um, and in that vein, we would like to see some enumerated steps for how contractors move from one tier to the next. Um, but we feel this is a really critical step for good jobs for Long Beach residents. And we congratulate you on the play. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Next Speaker.
Speaker 4: Good evening. My name is Jackie Kaneko and I'm with the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy Lane. And we have helped lead efforts to increase standards in the construction industry since 2006 to make sure that workers and on publicly funded projects are earning prevailing wages with health and pension benefits. And that project labor agreements with local hire help increase access to apprenticeship programs for low income communities of color. Long Beach has taken a very important step in making a reality for its residents. Project Labor agreements ensure that these projects are completed on time and on budget and that has been a proven track record in the other agencies that have adopted similar policies, such as the City of Los Angeles, the County Board of Supervisors, and most recently Metro. We hope that you move forward with this project labor agreement and we also fully support the emphasis on low income residents and veterans to ensure that these folks are also have an opportunity for a career in construction. So we hope that today you make.
Speaker 6: History here in Long Beach. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you so much. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 14: Good evening.
Speaker 9: I'm Wally Baker with Jobs First Alliance.
Speaker 8: And I'm here to speak tonight on behalf of small business that supports plays. As many of you know, I spent about eight years at the L.A. Economic Development Corporation and have worked with a lot of businesses. It is very difficult for small businesses to get the kind of qualified workforce they have and they will need to say , bid on your redevelopment project. You're going to get thousands and thousands and thousands of small businesses to.
Speaker 9: Make that happen.
Speaker 8: But they need a structure and the play gives them a way of getting to the workforce, having those folks who are qualified and literally all the contractors that I know of, with a few exceptions, are small businesses that do this kind of work. They're not really big construction companies. And as somebody said, you know, a number of them are here in Long Beach, but they also want to get to trained employees. And the best way for them to do that is working with a project labor agreement. They also want to get to veterans and they want to do good things. So a project labor agreement is something that a lot of small businesses support and they work with and they've been successful. So I ask you to approve this and strongly recommend that you support small business and this place. Thank you and good evening.
Speaker 9: Mayor Garcia and fellow council staff and the public that's here today. I just wanted to, you know, say kudos to the council and staff and the building trades for, you know, rolling up their sleeves and saying, hey, we can do this, we can.
Speaker 2: Compromise, we can negotiate and negotiate a good project labor.
Speaker 9: Agreement. I just want to let you know, today we got close to 300 members that came out. Today, we got over a thousand members that live in Long Beach.
Speaker 11: Because they've got a vested interest.
Speaker 2: To work on these projects today. So I.
Speaker 9: Wanted I want our members that's here.
Speaker 1: Today from IBEW Local 11.
Speaker 9: To stand up. We got members outside that's.
Speaker 2: Over there, an overflow room with a big banner saying Project labor agreements mean local jobs. Please, we urge you to vote for it tonight.
Speaker 12: Thank you.
Speaker 1: I think they're I think they've got the flu set up in the library. I believe so. Yes.
Speaker 8: Right. Good evening, Mr. Mayor. Council members. My name is Gerry Lutely. I was born, born and raised here when living here 54 years now. So anyway, I'm an.
Speaker 9: Instructor for the Electrical.
Speaker 8: Training Institute, and we have approximately 1200 students at this time going through electrical apprenticeship. And I was going to go a lot longer, but I'm just going to keep it short. I think this play is going to be great for them. And being a.
Speaker 9: Long time Long Beach.
Speaker 8: Resident, I really feel this is going to be fantastic for the city. It's going to grow jobs and I think the city is just going to shine in the future. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Next speaker.
Speaker 10: Good evening, everyone. Hear me? I'm nervous. I'm very nervous. So my name is Ron since I came to Long Beach in 1979. I'm unemployed right now. I'm taking jobs, cash on the table. So I'm nothing against construction jobs. But there should be more offers, more opportunities. And what do you think the city council can do or the mayor's office to bring more companies into the city? I'm talking about clerical people, support people, not people that don't disapprove of construction, but can do something besides, you know, they're very important indeed. That's true. And and my own experience. Is there a way to do that to attract more companies, not just construction projects? I think that's fine. But we need companies that can provide more manufacturing opportunities. Also, would there be a way to partner with more companies to provide training skills for older workers such as myself or anyone else would be interested, you know, computer skills training under the library. I mean, I've been through many classes. I myself, my own experiences. I live on the West Side, which is, I have to say a wonderful part of the city is probably the most diverse community. It's a wonderful part of the city. And I think the West, I get shorted a lot of time because not enough attention is paid by myself. I've been the last five or six years. I've gone to many companies door to door, old school way, you know, handing out resumes, talking, no one's hiring. I went to one place a few years back. They'd laid off 15 people, 15 people. They had one girl work in an office. What's happening? They had a job fair here. Aerospace company. I don't know if you heard about it, but they had 100 openings. Guess how many people showed up? 6000 people for 100 openings. That's pathetic, man. You've got to do something to bring to bring more jobs to the city, not just construction. And not everybody is going to want to join a union. Okay. And I'll just have to say that I think you all seem to be trying some and also Tier one, please mention Tier one. And that means jobs in Long Beach. A lot of them. We need them. All kinds of jobs, not just construction. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 6: Good evening, Mayor Garcia. Council members. I'm Robin.
Speaker 4: O'Toole.
Speaker 6: I'm a journeyman ironworker. I've been in this line of work for ten years.
Speaker 4: And I support this project labor.
Speaker 6: Agreement. And I want to leave.
Speaker 4: My fingerprint on that building.
Speaker 6: Thank you for your time.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Very concise. Appreciate that. Thank you. Next speaker.
Speaker 9: Good evening, mayor and council and staff. My name is Mitch Potts and I live at reside at 3744 Gundry Avenue in the seventh District. And I also support the ironworkers local 4:33 a.m.. I represent them hard working men and women that build the skyscrapers and bridges that you see. And we'll be working on this bridge and we've worked on the Mill Harbor. We're in support of this project labor agreement, and we hope to look forward to having our members working on this, on which a lot of our members do live here in the city of Long Beach. So I want to thank you for that. Thank you for your time.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Next speaker. Good evening. My name is Nate White.
Speaker 7: I'm a co-owner of a business in Long Beach on 1644 West 17th.
Speaker 1: Street over there by PCH and Santa Fe.
Speaker 7: I just wanted to say that my employees and.
Speaker 8: I, we live and work in the area.
Speaker 7: And I'm in support.
Speaker 8: Of this appeal. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Next speaker.
Speaker 4: Hi there.
Speaker 6: I'm Deborah Philippe, and I'll try to get a hold of Mr. Gonzales.
Speaker 4: The city manager's office, the owner.
Speaker 6: And the mayor. The only person that actually has returned my call or I got a call from was Greg back. We had a brief conversation today. This is unfair. It's been hidden. It's on the agenda. It should be on the ballot. I'm a citizen of Long Beach. I want to know and I want to.
Speaker 4: Vote for the things.
Speaker 6: That are going to increase my cost and my taxes. Absolutely. Regardless of a play, the unions, I don't believe in them, to be quite honest with you. But that's not the point here. The point here is I'm a citizen of Long Beach. When you go to Ms.. Gonzalez's website for the city, you cannot get a hold.
Speaker 4: Of her or any of her staff via the website.
Speaker 6: You can't get a hold of the city manager. You can't get a hold of anybody unless you start screaming and hollering. So I'm not going away.
Speaker 4: The statistics don't match up.
Speaker 6: I I'm a previous union contractor. They're not friendly to women contractors. This doesn't work. We have sound facts. That does not work.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 0: Hello. Maria Garcia. My name is Anthea Marcos.
Speaker 6: And I voted for you. I live in North Long Beach.
Speaker 0: My spouse voted for you.
Speaker 6: And when my foster child, Viviane, turns 18 this month, she'll be voting for you as well. Okay. I was 20 like you. I like you too. When I was 23, I had finished college with my B.A., was unable to find work in my field. I could not find a career. I found jobs none more than $15 an hour. I worked for jobs seven days a week. I didn't know what to do. I didn't know how to make my payments for my house. I went actually to the career transition center was 27. That's on Atlantic Boulevard. And I heard about a.
Speaker 4: Construction apprenticeship program.
Speaker 6: For this at the city of Long Beach, and I joined that. And that was called even though an apprenticeship.
Speaker 4: Program, pre.
Speaker 6: Apprenticeship program excuse me, it was called CPP, which stood for.
Speaker 4: Construction apprenticeship.
Speaker 6: Program. I went through that. That was a ten.
Speaker 4: Week program and they gave me a bag of tools.
Speaker 6: If my first set of tools, if I got into a union, I got into the IBEW, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. They paid for my $400 set of tools, and they told me that that was just so that, you know, they would be happy to give to me so that I could make an income and pay taxes to the.
Speaker 4: City of Long Beach and.
Speaker 6: Pay it back. Well, guess what? I successfully completed my apprenticeship and I actually worked my very first job here as a journeyman that I took as a job.
Speaker 4: Job call when I turned in a journeyman was at the city. I mean, that the the site courthouse, Long Beach courthouse loved it.
Speaker 6: I loved it so much. I love my career so much. I want to share it. So I became an instructor at the Electrical Training Institute. I'm an instructor there, and I'm just thrilled to death. I pay tens of thousands of dollars in taxes every year, but I do so gladly because I'm very happy to give back to the community. I also try to buy locally. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Next speaker. Hi. My name is Ron Reeder. I'm a 28 year resident, 28 years I've been a resident of Long Beach and I have never worked in the city yet, and I would love to work in the city. And there was a job tomorrow. I would take it and. I'm struggling just like everybody else out here trying to make ends meet for my family. And I would appreciate you'd support this play. Thank you. Thank you. Speaker.
Speaker 11: Good. Good afternoon. Good evening, Mayor Garcia and council members. My name is Colin Caesar, resident of the district. I'm a 30 year resident of Long Beach. It's been a lot of time in the night district and now live in a safe district. I'm also a member of the IBEW Local for 24 years and. I'm a.
Speaker 8: I'm a product.
Speaker 11: Of this apprenticeship program, this plea agreement to do stuff like that throughout the city. Because I was able to raise myself standard of living for my family to raise a family here in Long Beach. I became a homeowner. Homeowner here in Long Beach, raised three kids and got two of my sons to follow me into the trade. They are now part of the apprenticeship program at IBEW Local 11. My daughter is going to graduate from from Long Beach Poly High School to go jackrabbits. Go jackrabbits to go to play college soccer on a scholarship. I just want you to know that these programs work. And I applaud you guys for even considering to have a plea agreement here in Long Beach because it's going to benefit a lot of disenfranchized people and lift them up out of the poverty level so they can raise their family and become homeowners here in Long Beach and become productive members of society. So I thank you so very much.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Next speaker.
Speaker 11: I guess my name is Cedric Cesar. I'm born and raised in Long Beach. I'm a part of the local living union. I'm an apprentice third year.
Speaker 12: And I want you to approve this plea. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Next speaker.
Speaker 12: Let me just start. Good evening. My name is Albert Ramirez. I'm a job developer at winter. I'm glad to be in a house full of sisters and brothers. I grew up in a household of union. My grandfather was in big strike of 34. I'll tell you, my stepdad is a retired Teamster. My mom is represented by SEIU. So I see the benefits of union and we fully support this play. Directly working with students that do not have that privilege of growing up in a household, what have you. I have many students, actually, some here that have to go home soon, want access to this opportunity and this end point to these jobs locally. So we support that and look forward to working with the city, working with the trades, to have some of our students be to be able to attend some of the employment and careers , because I see day to day the effects of not having a job. With our young Lumbee students because we service students from Long Beach. Roughly 50, 60 students. And every day there's a multiplier effect with not having a job. Struggles with sobriety. Struggles with just day to day life eating. So I see this as an opportunity for young adults that participate specifically with one to YouthBuild to be part of this. So, you know, full steam ahead. Glad to see so many sisters and brothers. And I look forward to having our our youth be part of this. Thank you.
Speaker 1: But your next speaker, please.
Speaker 8: I'm. Good evening.
Speaker 1: Sir. Missy, you'll be the last. I know. I'd cut off the speaker's list, but year will be the last. Last speaker I've been trying to. I know it keeps growing after the cut off, but I will have her. And then she'll be the last speaker. Please.
Speaker 8: Good evening, Mr. Mayor, and honorable council members. My name is Larry Henderson. I'm a retired IBEW electrician, and I want to thank you in advance for your positive support on this play project.
Speaker 2: I believe it would have a significant effect on the city of.
Speaker 8: Long Beach as. Construction projects. As a man with an excellent two wheels coming up on a guy dragging a travel boy behind a horse and. You've heard all the other positive things. And thank you very much for your support.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Next, bigger.
Speaker 12: Good evening. I'm Western Labor. I'm a small business owner here in Long Beach. I'm also on the board of the Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Board. I'm here tonight to support this proposal for a project labor agreement. I think it's so important in this day and age to grow the middle class and grow middle class jobs. And the only way you can do that is by guarantee local hiring. And I want to applaud you for taking this up. I will say, though, that I was very fortunate to be educated on this issue because of my friends in labor. I got to see the laborers training facility in Adusa, which is absolutely first class. If you haven't seen it, you should see it. They're doing amazing things and training these people to build things the right way. But I will say that not everybody in the business community is fortunate, as I am, to have those dialogs and to understand these issues. And what I'd really like to see moving forward on major issues in the city is for business and labor to come together and to have that dialog early on so everybody can understand it and be on the same page. And it seems to me like on this issue, a lot of people do get it and people do want to build good things in Long Beach and have them built the right way and put these great people to work. But that's not the case on everything. And so I really think moving forward, we need labor. We need business. God dare I say it, we need the chamber to show up and talk to labor. We need the business associations in the city to be part of this dialog, and that's the only way we're really going to get consensus on these issues. But once again, I support this as a resident. I think you guys are doing a fantastic job and thank you for allowing me to speak tonight.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Weston. Next speaker.
Speaker 9: Hi.
Speaker 11: My name is Jonathan Chase Butler. I am a student of Mr. Ramirez.
Speaker 7: I attend Long Beach YouthBuild, where we work on teaching.
Speaker 9: Students construction as well as finishing.
Speaker 7: Up high school and getting our diploma.
Speaker 11: And sometimes I think that this is a good project. It helps us get into what.
Speaker 1: We're really trying to do in construction.
Speaker 11: So I can I agree with that 100%. And I think you guys should stay forward and going on.
Speaker 1: Last speaker.
Speaker 4: Good evening, Mayor Garcia. Thank you for allowing me to speak and honorable members of council, ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters who are in the crowd tonight. I just wanted to thank you for putting this on. I'm here on behalf of myself, not the not as the member of a board of trustees on Long Beach City College . But I have to tell you, I am very excited to see that you're working together with us in the apprenticeship program and putting our Long Beach residents first and giving them the front of the line. I really appreciate that. I have been in the arena of construction for almost two decades. I'm a I've always been the only female. So I've been in the trenches. I've seen both sides, and I've seen what quality and certainty does. And it is really what I haven't heard is the that this is the fiscally responsible thing to do. You cannot put a price tag on quality, on time, on budget projects and really taking care of our fellow Americans, our men and women who deserve to get paid the right wages and not inadvertently support an underground economy, something that District Attorney Tony Rackauckas has rightfully fought. So I just wanted to offer my support and offer my partnership personally. And thank you so much. I can't wait to see jobs right here in our backyard and see really tangible results and no longer this vision of jobs where this is really tangible, measurable outcomes. And I really applaud you. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Right. Thank you. I'm going to the speaker's list is now closed. I'm going to go back to the council for deliberation and a vote. So turn this over to Councilmember Andras. Oh, actually, that's right. Because he gave his time. So Councilman Richardson, then Councilmember Andrew.
Speaker 7: Thanks, Mr. Mayor. So I wanted to make sure that we heard from everyone here so that our remarks are are tremendous. I see a number of stories that took place tonight, but one in particular is the fact that over the over the course of a few weeks, there's been a number of people who came to city council to speak about this. And I just see a progression. The fact that the ministers can come and request a seat at the table and they got that and we received. Now we have a fair and balanced project labor agreement with wide, broad community support of the folks who kept count. There was really only one Long Beach resident who spoke against this. Everyone else who spoke in support of this understood the issue and they came and they were prepared. So I want to say that that this requires tremendous thanks to get to this point, to have broad support for play like this. I want to acknowledge our city staff, particularly Craig and Nick, for doing a yeoman's job at making sure that they handle sort of all the diverse opinions and bring it together so that we can have something that we all can be proud of. I want to acknowledge the pastors in the Ministers Alliance for coming out. Thank you so much for that. You know, it was important. I wanted to make sure that we did acknowledge, Sunny, for coming down because community colleges is an important part of this. And I know earlier when we asked the elected officials to speak, we didn't do that. But I want to I'm happy that she did come down and say say a few things. Now here are my thoughts. I support this unequivocally. But the fact is, someone nailed it when they said this is this is the fiscally responsible, fiscally prudent thing to do. And the fact is, there are no surprises with the play. Everything is pre-established, pre-negotiated. We understand what the terms are and it's the right thing to do. But they were still there was still, you know, been a bunch of like propaganda that's been been spun our way. And I'll be politically correct or maybe incorrect and use the analogy of the chicken that left the egg. It's been a lot of eggs left around about this. I want to just go through and clarify some of those eggs because we want to bring home the bacon for our families. So so I was I was I heard someone say the term special interests and I take direct offense to that. I consider if you consider women making fair pay, special interests, if you consider ministers and people both white and black and Latino, people of color from all backgrounds, making a fair living. If you consider that special interest, then then I don't know. I don't I don't know that it says a lot about your credibility. Then we then we have. There was someone who said something about a higher budget. That's just simply not true. These are public jobs that already require prevailing wage, so it allows for cost stabilization. No disruptions to the construction schedule. We know this in Long Beach, there were a number of projects that were delayed, particularly because of bad contractors and the terms weren't freedom pre agreed upon. So so for example, I see my pastor in North Lambie's there fire station 12 to go many, many years to get that done due to conflicts and stop notices and and folks not paying their subs. We get rid of that. We actually can save money on this. There was a whole conversation about we exclude nonunion bidders. I want to give an opportunity to city staff to respond to that. So Nick or Craig, Mr. City Manager, can anybody just respond to that quickly? The point that this play excludes nonunion bidders.
Speaker 1: Yes. Council member certainly non union contractors are open shop contractors are eligible to bid on any of the city projects being added. An opportunity for them to bring forward core employees and core employees would be employees that were working on their job that we're nonunion.
Speaker 9: Employees at the time.
Speaker 1: So we did our best to ensure that this was open and fair and we still had opportunity for competition within the city.
Speaker 7: So it's an open process and anyone can still bid on any city project. Correct?
Speaker 1: Yes, that's correct.
Speaker 7: Okay. Then someone said that it keeps someone who's a construction worker, this nonunion, from working on long, long projects. Is that true?
Speaker 1: No, that is not true.
Speaker 7: Okay. So and then someone else said that, hey, there was a there was a lack of transparency with this process. Mr. City Attorney did we meet all our noticing requirements with this process?
Speaker 10: Yes. Councilmember. We didn't meet the notice requirements.
Speaker 7: Okay. So I can't see why anybody wouldn't support this tonight. We've gone through every single argument and. So. So I just want to I just want to close by saying thank you to Councilmember Gonzalez. She was just so you know, through this whole process. She had a baby and she was out on maternity leave. And I got to tell you, I got to tell you, she I was twisting her arm. We got to bring the ministers on board and calling people and we got to make this happen. And literally, she took my meeting. She had her baby and took took this meeting so we could we could talk about this. I want to say thank you and congratulations on bringing this this far. And then and then I want to I want to I want to just say thank you to all the colleagues with tremendous history on this councilmember. Austin Councilmember you, Ranga Councilmember Andrews has done tremendous work to bring. He's always talking about the people in his district putting them to work. So I think tonight we have a tremendous opportunity to finally take a humongous leap forward. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Councilmember Andrew.
Speaker 2: Yeah. Thank you, Mayor. You know, I think it's about time for all of us to really seriously just kind of sit down and really enjoy what we're getting to be able to accomplish tonight. A lot of this really comes from the you know, my famous slogan is like a job can stop a bullet. I don't see too many people running around that has a job talking about committing crime. This is going to create a situation in the city of Long Beach for individuals who have lived as long as I have a chance to be able to not just have a job, but you join a union, you're going to have a future. And this is what we've been looking for, because the individuals I want to get in that union get you a future because they protect your family. That's why they call themselves a family. You know, for 14 years, we have been waiting for the citywide P.A. and the city has been cautious of introducing a pilot to the city project. The airport parking lot, Middle Harbor and others have been successful in creating and bringing new jobs for Long Beach area residents. I have seen firsthand the transformation of people getting opportunities not just for a job, but a career supporting their families by giving out contracts to play. This will ensure that there's enough work for our Long Beach residents. More work means more jobs. We need to allow the unions enough time to provide their comments to her Long Beach and residents by doing this to prove that our commitment to making this work. It is time for us to put actions behind our rhetoric and start creating jobs for our residents. Therefore, I am truly, truly agreeing and supporting the way it is reading. And also, like I said, from Dr. Martin Luther King's famous slogan, How long? Not long. This is time for us to get real and make sure that this goes the way it was put in writing. Thank you guys very much.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Got to remember a camp counselor for your anger.
Speaker 11: First of all, before I start with my remarks, I want to thank all of you for being here today. Especially Mr. Miller, the congresswoman, Congressman Lowenthal, Congresswoman Hahn, the elected officials who are here. Thank you for being here. It's important that we all work together towards a labor agreement that is going to be fair. That can be just that's going to provide jobs. The the quest of every family is to reach towards the middle class. And that's what union jobs do. We had an effort a while back. Many of you might remember there was a councilwoman on this scene from 2002 to 2010 by the name of Tony Reyes, who happens to be a roommate of mine. She at that time, during her her tenure here, tried to work to get labor project labor agreements here in Long Beach. It was not her time. This is our time. This is it now. We're here because we want it now. And I'm very I'm very happy to say that I'm following her legacy and being able to vote yes on this because I truly, completely support it. There is an item here, however, that I do want to bring out, and I think it's important that we do so. When I was on the Long Beach City College Board of Trustees, we had a major contract to build buildings to make the school better, deal with this infrastructure, building classrooms and improve the quality of education that we had at that campus at the time that we entered into the into the project. I brought up the fact that I wanted to see a print. I wanted to see jobs that provided apprenticeships for our students in there. Unfortunately, at that time, the City College did not have that infrastructure to do that. The purpose of a community college is to provide certificates and diplomas, not apprenticeships. Unfortunately, we had to restructure the those those classes. And I think that now with the restructuring and now with the possibility of entering into an agreement with Long Beach City College, we now have that opportunity to to partner with lobby City College and create those apprenticeships. That's what I that's where I'm happy. I guess it took me leaving City College and joining the council to make that happen, which I'm very proud to say I'm here, I'm doing that. So with that, I just will have one question to staff in that. Will this agreement with Limey City College, your partner with the Trades and Pacific Gateway, require a name or you will require some kind of contractual agreement or what's what's the process? And in ensuring that Lumbee City College has the ability to provide those kinds of apprenticeships.
Speaker 12: First and the first steps in the process, Councilman, have already been taken. Mr. Miller and company have have met with faculty and staff at the college to ensure that the curriculum being taught in in the trades related programs are in line with the M.S. three curriculum. Once that's in place, we know that folks are getting the skills and will have the ability to pass the exam, get into get into the apprenticeship. And we'll certainly work through the process of referral and documentation of of the folks who enter the class and then track them through completion into the apprenticeship.
Speaker 11: Wonderful. That is great news. I'm very happy to hear that because I think that when it comes to the trades, Long Beach City College and any community college for that matter, plays an important role in our workforce development and having the right types of programs. There is a long way of being able to provide that. So I want to I want to thank you, Mr. Miller, and all trades and anyone who's here in support of this. Thank you very much.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Carlton Ross.
Speaker 8: Thank you. And I want to thank everyone for coming out this evening as well. This has been a long time coming. I want to first start by commending the many folks who who worked to make this this happen. The city attorney's office for their diligence on this this matter. City manager. Staff. Mr. Beck. The L.A. County. Orange County Building. Trades Council. My colleagues. Councilmember Lena Gonzalez. Rex Richardson, Councilmember. I mean, assembly member. O'Donnell, who was really a champion for this this this issue isn't here. But I know he's probably watching from Sacramento. This is a special day for Long Beach. And I want to commend the many residents who were engaged throughout this process, culminating until tonight. The Ministers Alliance were here for weeks and weeks and weeks and many other community organizations out there in support of making sure that we had the right type of provisions in this project labor agreement that worked for everybody. Tonight, everybody wins. The community wins. Labor wins. The city of Long Beach wins. Those who are unemployed and looking forward for work, they're going to win the trades they win. This play has been discussed for many, many years, and I'm just proud to be a part of this, I think, historic decision this evening to move our city forward. As a former aerospace worker and somebody who has watched many people lose jobs over the years to see and understand this history, I think Congressmember Lowenthal did a great job of kind of outlining where we have been and where we are today in terms of our job markets. This project labor agreement is necessary. And so. Pastor Sanders, I wanted to talk about your analogy. There's no chicken tonight and definitely no waffles. All right. I'm so proud to support this historic agreement without reservation. I think most of you have said most of what I need to say tonight. And so I'll be voting in support of this. Thank you very much.
Speaker 1: Councilman Price.
Speaker 6: Thank you very much. I, too, want to take a moment to thank our city staff for the excellent work that they've been doing on this project since November 11th. It was a council directive on November 11th that caused the work and the discussions to begin. And I think that staff has done an excellent job in not only working with the Trades Council, but also circling back around with council and making sure that some of our concerns are addressed in the provisions of the play. I know I speak for myself personally that I worked very closely with city staff behind the scenes as the negotiations were going on to fine tune a few of the provisions that are being proposed tonight as part of the contract. I'm very pleased that staff and the Trades Council were able to reach an agreement about the exclusion of City of Right of Way projects from the proposed contract. I've indicated this on many occasions, given the fact that our city is about to undergo a very tough financial period from now until 2021, that the decisions that we make as a body should reflect our fiduciary duty to our citizens, and that we should ensure that our obligations to our citizens are not hindered by any policy decisions that we make that may cost us additional money or cost a hit to our budget. So I'm grateful and have a lot of peace of mind that our ability to pave our streets and redo our sidewalks is not an unknown in terms of what an increased cost might be. Now there's been a lot of dialog back and forth and I know that we had a lot of supporters speak tonight and I appreciate everyone coming out. I couldn't agree with Western Labor more when he said that he had the opportunity to be educated on this process and I too had the opportunity to be educated on the process. And I'm very grateful. For those of you who know who you are sitting in the audience, who have called me consistently and made sure that I understood the process and engaged in a very collaborative process with me, I will never forget those of you who did that and who who made it very clear to me that you cared about me understanding the benefits of play and that you weren't really just looking at me as a vote, but that you really wanted me to understand what you were doing. There's a few of you who did that, and I'm not going to. I'm never going to forget those people that reached out and really educated me because that was a good learning experience for me. And you answered a lot of questions. So thank you. I think collaboration is key and we shouldn't look at policymaking as how many votes do we need to get something passed? We should look at it as if it's a good policy. How do we educate and teach people why it's a good policy and how do we bring everyone into the mix? Because I think that is what we're talking about, long term solutions, because not about today and it's not about the next five years. It's about long term solutions for our communities and our families. So I want to I want to thank the people who, as probably did for Weston, took the time and especially even those who reached out to me today and actually called me. I really appreciate that. But on both sides. But there's always been a discussion in regards to plays in terms of whether or not they cost more, the projects cost more. And that's been a concern that I raised with staff early on and to their credit and staff has worked very, very diligently on this because this play is , in fact, revolutionary. It's very expansive. It's a big project play that is not really something that we can look to other cities in order to determine what the fiscal impact would be. So our staff really had to start at ground zero to try to determine what fiscal impact would be. And to their credit, despite their best efforts, they reported back to council that they were not able to determine one way or another what the impact to the city would be. And I respect that. And I think it is an accurate statement to say that the fiscal impact could be positive. And some of the things that I'm going to talk about or it could be negative, but we just don't know and we won't know that until we get some of the data back. I think that in terms of what I've learned about the process and I just want to share before I move on to an amendment, a friendly amendment that I'd like to make for Councilwoman Gonzalez's consideration. What I've learned is that plays can in fact be very valuable. I've learned this from long discussions I've had with unnamed folks who are in the audience or some who were here earlier who've enlightened me on a lot of things. I have always believed when I thought about plays, that the project by project basis was the most prudent approach to plays. But I understand that the will of this Council and the will of all the stakeholders is to try a citywide play and see how that works. And I'm willing to give that opportunity a meaningful shot, because I think it's important. The benefits of plays aren't really subject to physical measurement. They're things that you can't really accurately measure. For example, the best part of a play, in my opinion, is the local hire component and the apprenticeship program. I want to thank IBEW for inviting me early on to their facility so that I can have an opportunity to tour it, see the training program that's involved and be incredibly impressed with the number of individuals who are lining up every morning to have the opportunity for a career that gets them on the economic ladder. That is amazing. And I'm sure there are all the trades here do that. But only one invited me out to see it. And I want to thank you for that. It was an eye opening experience for me to see hundreds of young men and women. Well, actually, not young, young, old, all ages. Standing outside for an opportunity to have. The privilege to learn a trade, something that will serve them well forever. The cost to the city that's been identified in staff's memo regarding this play, in my opinion, is an investment in its residents. It's an investment in their education and an investment in the opportunity for the people to learn a trade and get on to that economic ladder that I just like I discussed. I think it's a beneficial investment to our residents that we can't accurately measure, at least not today in at least not in short term data. But it's an investment that's worth making, and it's something that's sometimes forgotten when people talk about the unknowns of a citywide play or the unknowns of a citywide play could be a financial detriment or an increase in cost to projects. But they can also be. A career for people who may not have otherwise had one, which is a huge investment and a huge benefit. The play also ensures that people are getting paid what they're supposed to get paid pursuant to the agreement. There's a certified payroll, and that allows us to make sure that people are being paid what they're expecting to be paid. Most significantly for me tonight has been the comments by the women who are working in the trades. Good for you. And your message of equal pay for equal work is well-received by this council member. I love the city college component of this agreement and I want to acknowledge Trustee Zia, who spoke earlier today. I think that is a great collaboration between our to the city and the college and that will serve us well. I have a few areas that I think are very important for us to address and monitor before we move forward on this. On this agreement. And this is where the amendment is going to come in. I expect that in advance of tonight, I sent a list of questions to our city manager and our city attorney's office regarding measurement criteria and how we would determine whether or not this play has actually resulted in benefits to the city. And I want to thank them for being incredibly responsive and timely and getting back to me on those issues. But I expect that staff will give us data at the end of one year and hopefully annually regarding the measurement criteria associated with this play. I'm hoping that some of the following measurement criteria will be used to gauge the success of the areas of improvement for play post implementation, things like reaching the local hiring goals, whether the bids received are in line with the engineer's estimate and any other data comparing the speed of contracts, completing contracts or other contract issues, including local companies bidding on contracts as compared to years without a play. All those criteria should be considered and for us so that we can determine the benefits of this play. It's important that and I appreciate Councilman Richardson asking the question about local contractors. Much of the fiscal impact of what this might do to small contractors is unknown and it's highly speculative. And I think it's important for us to monitor that and make sure that everyone really does have the same opportunities to be involved in the bidding process. It's unknown whether this agreement will, like I said, have a positive or negative impact on the city budget. But there are several potential benefits that small contracts present to our local businesses to be involved in the city's growth and development. And we want to do whatever we can as a city to encourage those companies to be involved in the process and to get involved in city projects. Once we have measurement criteria, we'll have the option to make modifications with agreement of all parties to the Joint Administrative Committee. There are limitations under the current contract, though, in terms of what can be modified. So with that, I'd like to make the following friendly amendment and ask Councilwoman Gonzalez if she would be willing to accept it. My amendment would be to recommend the approval of the agreement tonight, with the addition of adding, the following data shall be provided to council on an annual basis. The five year agreement will come back to Council after a period of three.
Speaker 4: Years.
Speaker 6: For a full review of the agreement. And at that time, any part of the agreement can be modified by the City Council if such modification is warranted through the data that's presented. Are you agreeable to that? Friendly. Yes, I'm agreeable to that friendly amendment.
Speaker 9: What?
Speaker 7: So I was.
Speaker 1: Actually. Councilman. Councilman Pryce still has the floor, so.
Speaker 6: Thank you.
Speaker 1: She did say yes. Not right now. Customer appraisal has a four. But I don't think Councilman Price is done with that piece. You're Mr.. Mr. de attorney.
Speaker 10: Excuse me, just point of clarification on the friendly amendment to come back to council and review the document is fine. I'm not sure that we would have to talk to the trades to see if they're amenable. I don't know that the Council on their own could amend the agreement without the consent and agreement of the other party . If we're signing a five year agreement.
Speaker 6: The current agreement, or when we come back in three years.
Speaker 10: So it will come back in three years for review by the Council and negotiations on possible changes with the trades. Is that the direction?
Speaker 6: I would like counsel to have the opportunity to modify the terms of the contract with agreement with the trades. But at that three year mark.
Speaker 10: That's certainly possible as long as it's with the agreement of the trades, we could modify it at that time.
Speaker 6: And what happens if we want to modify a certain aspect of the agreement and they don't.
Speaker 10: Then it would not be modified. We would need mutual consent to to amend the agreement because the term of the agreement currently is four or five years. So if it comes back in three years in the council and that's where the Joint Advisory Committee would come in to, if they see that there's potential changes or requests, both sides have to agree to any potential amendment at the three year mark. So.
Speaker 6: Do anything at this time, is what you're saying. So so basically we we would be locked into a five year contract with no ability to modify it within that five year period. In terms of some of the aspects of the agreement that have been identified in item number 19.
Speaker 10: The two items that are not amenable at this time are the five, the five year term and the threshold. Currently, all other terms and conditions of the agreement could be amended. And I and I guess even those two could be amended if there was agreement with the other parties. So as or as of right now we are limited if it's approved as proposed and as the current motion has, on unilaterally changing the agreement by the Council.
Speaker 6: And we would be prohibited from unilaterally changing any of the provisions at all in that five year period.
Speaker 10: Unless there was an agreement by the Joint Council. And that was the recommendation. One of the amendments here or one of the recommended actions of the item before you tonight is to authorize the city manager in his discretion so that the the council this evening, if this motion passes, is delegating the authority of the council to approve that. So if there was a proposed amendment by the Joint Advisory Commission and it was acceptable to the trades and it was acceptable to the city manager, those amendments could be made without coming back to council. If you're asking for amending the agreement to come back for a full review in three years, that's certainly possible and we can do that. The I just don't want the expectation to be that the council by a by a majority vote could change this agreement without negotiating that with the other party.
Speaker 6: Okay. Let me ask you this then. In regards to this amendment, then at the three year mark, if we were to have a full review of the contract, including the measurement data that staff has provided, could the Joint Administrative Committee make a recommendation for a modification of any and all terms of the contract, including the two terms that you've just identified?
Speaker 10: I believe the answer is yes. The joint committee could review and look at various provisions or any provision of the agreement and make a recommendation back to both parties.
Speaker 3: Okay.
Speaker 6: Because right now, as it's worded and I'm looking at the item right now, it says authorize city manager at his or her sole discretion to execute any subsequent amendments to the play that are recommended by a majority vote of the Joint Administrative Committee that do not change the $500,000 coverage threshold or the five year term of the play. So could we could the friendly amendment be that the Joint Administrative Committee could make recommendations that might include those two provisions at that three year mark?
Speaker 10: We could certainly discuss that with the other side. I think the intent of that authority was to make it clear to council that those two items, if they were to be amended or to change, would come back to the Council for authorization. The city manager wouldn't have the authority to make those two changes. I think the answer is yes, that the Joint Advisory Committee could make a recommendation to shorten the agreement, make the agreement longer, or change the threshold of some dollar amount. But that clearly would come back to City Council for approval.
Speaker 6: Okay. But so that they could make that recommendation at that three year mark. So then would it be appropriate in the amendment to have at the three year mark, have council review the project and make recommendations to the Joint Advisory Committee?
Speaker 10: They could certainly do that. And then the city, three members from the city's side, could bring those up at the committee level meeting and discuss that and negotiate and see if there's interest on the other side to make changes. Yes.
Speaker 6: Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Councilman Gonzales. Okay.
Speaker 6: So with that, I know we're getting into a little bit of detail at this point, so can you clarify that for me, city attorney, just so I understand it correctly, because there's a lot going on and I want to make sure that we're not interrupting any of the negotiations that have already been in place.
Speaker 10: Thank you, Mayor. Members of the council. I believe that the friendly amendment would be to approve staff recommendation, include the annual report back of information which is already in the agreement, and then to report back to the city council at the three year mark for a full discussion of all the terms and conditions of the agreement, and that any recommendation from Council would be taken to the Joint Advisory Committee if four possible amendments.
Speaker 6: Okay. I don't know that I would be amenable to that because I think there's a lot of work that has already been put into negotiating this. And I think that we are now looking at, you know, there's two points of consideration here that seem to be very important, which is, you know, the threshold and as well as the the other item. And so I. I would not be supporting the friendly amendment at this point.
Speaker 10: Mayor, if I could just maybe I didn't make it very clear. I think that the council has the ability to do this friendly amendment at any annual mark. If the data comes back after the first year and the council believes that there is something that they can do that would improve this agreement or make it more efficient . Clearly, staff is going to take that recommendation or that information back with them. And the mechanism we have to possibly amend the agreement is to work with the Joint Advisory Committee. So I don't see that there's a downside or that would impact our current negotiations. If you would like to consider the friendly because in essence, I think staff is going to be doing that on an annual basis. Without the council, they're going to be working with the Joint Advisory Committee, and that's going to be an ongoing process. So I think this friendly amendment is an opportunity that we are documenting. When Council wants to weigh in on this, obviously they can weigh in before that or not take any action at that three year mark. So I'm not sure it would impact where we are now. I don't I don't want to speak for the trades, but I think it's a it's a it would be would not impact where we are today.
Speaker 6: Okay. So we're saying that after three years, just so I have this correctly, we are going to be perhaps reviewing this again at the.
Speaker 9: We.
Speaker 10: Would have annual meetings on an annual basis. This council is going to be informed of the status of this. And at the three year mark, there would be a discussion, I believe, a more extended discussion of the current status of the play and how it's performing today.
Speaker 6: Okay. So I just want to make sure that we're not going to have any interruption with negotiations or at the three year to review this. There's not going to be any hindrance to what's already been.
Speaker 10: No, the agreement will be in place.
Speaker 1: And just as an added note, I don't have the. Friendly amendment that Councilwoman Pryce made, I think is very similar to the that was agreed upon to the amendment that was in reiterated through Mr. Park. And so I think there was a lot of conversation that happened, but I think the simplicity of the friendly amendment is simply a five year agreement. It'll be a historic five year play for five years. Every single year the council received data. Which part of that is already in the play? But beyond that, the Council received data on top of that at year three. The Council will then have a full review of the progress of the project label agreement. As part of that, I think what Councilman Price was saying is that if there's interests for the Council to make suggestions or amendments for the play, that could be suggested, and then through the consideration of the six member negotiation group or I'm not sure the exact name of the of the group of the advisory group, then those recommendations could be made in, in, in concert with the trades as part of that, as part of the agreement, knowing of course that everything has to be negotiated. I think that was the friendly amendment. I don't find that to be much different. I think that's what she's asking for. It's still a five year agreement. It's still a project labor agreement.
Speaker 6: Okay. I just wanted to make sure we weren't interrupting anything and that after three years, it was going to be a hopeful discussion again and maybe interrupt any negotiation. So I'm. I'm fine with the friendly amendment if. But now that it's cleared up. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Okay. Thank you so much, Councilmember Richardson.
Speaker 7: So just quickly, I just have a quick clarification for the maker of the subject of the friendly amendment. So so I understand we already receive an annual report. I think asking for data is all I mean, if we're going to do this, it's okay to be transparent and we should be able to stand by our numbers and what we do. I know challenge with that, but why three years?
Speaker 6: And I can answer that because three years will be the amount of time that we need to really get a sense of what the impact is. We'll have a lot more historical data after three years. Two On the measurement criteria that identified the measurement criteria that I identified is what the city manager and city staff believe would be the criteria that we'd be looking for. And at the end of one year we'll have some data, but we won't have enough data to really get an idea of what tweaks or modifications need to be made moving forward. So it's just one year, not enough data. Three years is the right amount of data, but certainly we can move it up to two years. I was just trying to be.
Speaker 7: I don't know. I mean, the reason we said five was what the reason we said five was to have a good most most apprenticeships are about five years. You need five years to get through that, to get to that point, to actually evaluate what the purpose of it is, which is jobs. And then on top of that. So any so we're going to receive annual data at any point we can we can review it, but we established a jack. The purpose of the Jack and I'm going to compare this to collective bargaining with our employee groups. We have like ongoing joint labor management committees that meet outside during the term of the contract when they're not in actual the contract negotiation period. And they evaluate things together and make joint recommendations that a lot of times get either resolved outside the contract or when the contract comes up. They have things that have been negotiated through the through the joint labor management process that people vote on. So it would just seem a little this would be my suggestion for my second. If you want to get to a point where you want an opportunity to weigh in, that that feedback should come from the jack which is our our established group is labor and business at the table. So I would say I would be more amenable if there were a three, three year sort of study session with the Jack to talk about all the things they evaluated over three years rather than be. Right. Because they're they're going to be administering this and we're not going to limit them ongoing. And I think if we frame it that way, it's more collaborative. And it's actually the people that are going to be at the table over the course of the three year term.
Speaker 6: I think that's an excellent idea because then we are involved, the council is involved. We're taking look at the historical data. We're taking a look at the historical data with the experts who have been involved and that we can make a recommendation that makes sense to them. Let me just be clear here. I mean, this is a very simple amendment, okay? It's a five year contract. No one's trying to make it shorter than a five year contract. We're just saying that the city is going to be undergoing a tremendous fiscal crisis right around that three year mark. We may need to make some modifications and tweaks if we need to in order to stimulate local economy, in order to figure out if we're meeting our goals. The idea that we'll have an opportunity to take a look at the three year mark and I'm respectfully answering your question and I'd ask that, you know, I'm sorry here more.
Speaker 7: My mike was.
Speaker 6: Perhaps it's you know, I wasn't trying to be comical, but I'm funny a lot of times are I'm not intending to be funny. I don't know what I said there. That was funny. But I'm trying to respectfully answer your question, which is that I think that's an excellent idea because it allows us to evaluate this project labor agreement at the three year mark with people who are involved in it and perhaps make some modifications to any and all terms of the contract that will still be in place for another two years at that time. It's an opportunity for us to work with our partners to make tweaks and adjustments if we need to at the three year mark.
Speaker 7: So. So as long as long as we're clear, what we're going to evaluate is what the jack is working on. And I think, like philosophically, I don't think we I mean, if we're going to engage in an agreement and set sort of a threshold and set basis to evaluate over a five year period, I don't want to adjust it too much at three years because you're not going to have skew results at five. So I want to be clear. My second my second to your friendly is if the friendly is a review of the Jack, the Jack's sort of the recommendations from the Jack. That's what I would second.
Speaker 6: And I don't understand that.
Speaker 7: And I'm okay with the annual report, but.
Speaker 6: Not a review.
Speaker 7: Of the Jack is what I will say. And otherwise I'm not going to.
Speaker 6: And that and I don't understand that at all. I mean, I've read every aspect and every document that's been created by our staff and our city attorney in regards to this issue. And I don't know what you're talking about when you say what the Jack is working on. I mean, we're entering into a five year contract and I'm saying at three years, we should be able to review the contract and make modifications if we need to. It's it's really that simple.
Speaker 7: All right. Well, I honestly think this is a fight that's not necessary. We're essentially saying the same thing, so I'm okay with it.
Speaker 1: Okay. Thank you. I'm going to move on to the next. Counsel comment, and then we're going to wrap this up. But I do want to say something. I think it's important that everyone everyone has an important voice here. And we're trying to find consensus and we're trying to actually get to something. So this is an important vote. And I know the temperature's rising a little bit, but I want to make sure that we're all being respectful of each other's opinions. We have a friendly amendment that's been accepted by both the maker of the motion and that and the second of the motion. And that's right now where the vote is. That is on the motion. On the floor. Councilwoman Mongo.
Speaker 4: Last year when we started this process, many of you heard my personal reservations towards a. A project labor agreement. And like some of my colleagues, I too have gone out and toured some of the facilities, talked with elected officials from neighboring communities. And as Westin so clearly pointed out, we don't have a united business front in Long Beach and we need to work on that. And I'm very lucky to have good relationships with members of the business, head of the region, who have some pretty clear ideas that an agreement like this can be beneficial to both labor and business . I also want to say that throughout the evening today we heard a lot about how Labor keeps our projects on time and on schedule and that they have qualified workers. And we also want to take a moment to acknowledge that even our nonunion businesses. Finished projects on time and on schedule and with qualified workers. And we want to encourage them to bid on these projects. And so what I will say is that. Since I was elected, I've always said that I will always give my personal feelings and try to be a leader and stand up from the crowd. And I'm also open to learning and growing as a person and listening to my constituents. And in this case, I believe that with the addition specifically of the Long Beach, sort of Long Beach City College certification program and the Jordan ACE program that I hope the Jack will consider expanding to all Long Beach Unified Schools, as so many of our jobs programs have been eliminated from our schools, and also that the Jack regularly communicate with Long Beach Unified and LBC and our business partners, whoever we can find them to be and unite them potentially our new Economic Development and Business Coalition created by the Council that as this can be amended regularly, I'm open to trying this for Long Beach and seeing where it takes us because we we want our local businesses to also have 40% local hire. And so I'd also like the Jack to consider incentives for businesses that might not all already have all union labor to bid on these projects. And I know that in good faith that that will be done and we will review that in our first year. So thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Councilwoman. We're going to go ahead and go to to a vote. I want to make I'm going to make some closing comments and then we're going to vote. First, I want to obviously thank city staff for their hard work. I think that a lot of people haven't seen behind the scenes the amount of hours that the city attorney personally, Mr. Parkin, has put in as law, as well as his city attorney team on this issue, including, obviously, Mr. West, Mr. Modica, our entire city management team, and particularly Craig, who's been the lead staff on this issue to Mr. Miller and his team. Thank you for for being a partner with us on this. I want to remind us that this has been a process. In 2009, the city approved its first major project labor agreement at Middle Harbor. In 2010, the city council approved the airport project labor agreement. In 2012, the city council approved the Gerald Desmond Bridge Agreement in 2012. The City Council also moved forward with the courthouse agreement for our beautiful courthouse. And in 2014, this last year, we had conversations at the Council to move forward with project labor agreements for the Civic Center as well as the pool, which happened as we know, which happened last year. I'm proud to have been here and voted in favor of all of those project labor agreements because I believe the project labor agreements provide a consistent level of quality. They are able and they give back in so many more ways and what the community receives from the work and the investment you all do in the community. I also want to make sure I mention I know that we talked a lot about the history, but I want to also say a word also about Mayor Foster. A Mayor Foster was here and supported these project labor agreements as well when they came forward. And so I want to I want to thank him for his support. So thank you all for being here. I think it's going to be a great day for Long Beach. And I know, Ron, I mentioned to you early on that I thought that this would get done. I think this council is really been very thoughtful in bringing us to this place. And so thank you for your work again. And I'll call for the vote. Please cast your votes.
Speaker 0: Motion carries seven zero.
Speaker 1: We're going to we're going to take a five minute recess. Thank you.
Speaker 3: You have emotion? Yes, I think.
Speaker 0: Just 5 minutes. 5 minutes back. And it's.
Speaker 1: All.
Speaker 3: Right.
Speaker 0: Luckily I was able to go couple.
Speaker 6: I don't know what he said.
Speaker 3: What else should I ask? No.
Speaker 0: Well, he said 28, but now we're just going to be back.
Speaker 6: Just make.
Speaker 0: Sure I get.
Speaker 3: Her notes and everything. Yeah, yeah. Guess what it is? Yeah.
Speaker 15: And actually know.
Speaker 6: Well, I don't have notes there on my computer. So basically what I said was. So here's what I said exactly. If you want to write it down, then Rex had a recommendation that we have.
Speaker 3: Anyway. Yeah. Anyway. And that's why. Yeah.
Speaker 9: Well, good. Later in the week. Or maybe this week's crazy. Maybe first and next Monday. Give me a call. Talk about me.
Speaker 3: Yeah. Okay. Monday. Just one day. How are you doing here?
Speaker 15: Got. I know, right?
Speaker 3: So you get to name.
Speaker 15: Oh, it's very.
Speaker 3: Exciting. And I like. Right tonight. Right, right. And she said, yes. But I.
Speaker 6: Think she'll be like, oh, it's the.
Speaker 3: Same thing. Right. And.
Speaker 4: Well, the annual. That was our agreement.
Speaker 3: Yeah. Yeah, at that time. Well.
Speaker 6: The only remaining editions would be sent to.
Speaker 4: The joint advisory.
Speaker 3: The joint? Will you as counsel to writing recommendations to a jury in trying to go after group? I know. Yeah.
Speaker 1: Okay. I'm gonna call this meeting back to order. If I can get all the council members come back.
Speaker 0: And review with her.
Speaker 1: Okay. We're going to try to come on back for the rest of the meeting.
Speaker 0: Yeah. I have to admit, I have to do probably another roll call.
Speaker 3: No. Just get out of here. But.
Speaker 1: Madam Clerk, let's do all.
Speaker 11: Right.
Speaker 0: Councilwoman Gonzalez. Councilwoman Pryce. Councilwoman Mango Councilman Andrews. Councilmember Durango. Councilman Austin. Councilmember Richardson. Mayor Garcia.
Speaker 1: Okay. I'm here. We're going to turn back to the regular agenda item 14. | Contract | Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute a Citywide Project Labor Agreement (PLA) between the City of Long Beach and the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council, and the signatory Craft Councils and Local Unions signing the Agreement, for all covered projects over $500,000, for a period of five years; and
Authorize City Manager, at his/her sole discretion, to execute any subsequent amendments to the PLA that are recommended by a majority vote of the Joint Administrative Committee, that do not change the $500,000 coverage threshold or the five-year term of the PLA. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_04072015_15-0297 | Speaker 0: Item 16. Report from City Manager. Recommendation to adopt resolution to participate in a joint land use study with the United States Department of the Navy and provide up to 16,000 and in-kind services as the city's portion of the cost share agreement citywide.
Speaker 1: There's been a motion and a second. Is there any public comment on the item? Yes, sir.
Speaker 9: Very good. You. I have not had an opportunity to check the staff report. What type? What areas are we talking about? What coastline are we talking about?
Speaker 1: Well, as you know, you know, you don't get to ask questions of staff. So what I will do, though, be security just because I'm in a good mood. Mr. West, do you want to just do a you can take a seat and I'll call you back up for the rest of your.
Speaker 10: Sir Diana Tang will give a quick report.
Speaker 4: Mayor, members of the city council, the Joint Land Use Study is a partnership.
Speaker 6: With the Department of.
Speaker 4: Defense. It's a cooperative planning effort, actually, between.
Speaker 6: The military installations.
Speaker 4: So in our case, Naval Weapons Station, SEAL Beach on the Pacific coastline by Long Beach and.
Speaker 6: SEAL Beach, California, and the surrounding community. And it's designed to promote community growth and development that is compatible with an installation's training and operational missions.
Speaker 1: And we do these types of joint land use studies often. So it's a it's pretty routine for us. Okay. Please continue your public comment.
Speaker 9: I still have a.
Speaker 1: Sometimes I just continue to get clarification.
Speaker 9: So we are not talking about any actual coastline. Within the jurisdiction of the city of Long Beach at this time, is that correct?
Speaker 1: Well. Mr. SINGH.
Speaker 6: Sure, Mr. Mayor. The city's interest in the study is actually related to the explosives in Grange on the east end of the Long Beach breakwater.
Speaker 4: And we're hoping that through the Joint Land Use.
Speaker 6: Study, we'll be able to obtain some information that may be able to supplement our East San Pedro Bay ecosystem restoration study. And so the study is mainly focused on naval weapons station SEAL Beach, which is primarily in.
Speaker 4: The city of SEAL Beach, in the county of Orange. But we are interested in explosives in large piece.
Speaker 6: Of it, which is.
Speaker 4: Off the Long Beach coastline, but not on the Long Beach coastline.
Speaker 9: Seaward landward of the sea, seaward or landward.
Speaker 1: That's it. That's it. No more questions. Finish your.
Speaker 9: Public comment and.
Speaker 1: Continue.
Speaker 9: I want to make sure that we're not. Doing anything yet with great water, which eventually we will. I'm very concerned about doing anything that might. Engender the need for mitigation someplace else. You can't step. Any place. Can't do anything in the coastline. Without it having a impact someplace else within our coastline. And I want to know where that is. If we don't know, say something. Just say we haven't the faintest idea what we're doing. But what you need to understand and what so many people fail to understand if you move a square foot of terra firma on the sea floor over here, it impacts it over there. You disturb and ruin. Marine habitat. And then you have to replace that at a 2 to 1 ratio someplace else. So I want to make sure that when you're walking down and you're tearing up or it looks boring and decide we're going to build something here. What's the impact at the other end of the pike, as it were, or the other end of the break? We're. Please consider that we can't afford more buffoonery. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Please cast your votes.
Speaker 0: Ocean carries seven zero.
Speaker 1: Thank you and excited.
Speaker 0: Item 17 Report from City Manager Recommendation to approve the Revolving Loan Fund Program Administrative Plan required by the Economic Development Administration and adopt resolution authorizing the Economic Development Commission to designate three of its three of its members as the Revolving Loan Fund Committee responsible for administering the program under the plan citywide. | Resolution | Recommendation to adopt resolution to authorize City Manager to participate in a Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) with the United States Department of the Navy, and provide up to $16,000 in in-kind services as the City’s portion of the JLUS cost-share agreement. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_04072015_15-0298 | Speaker 0: Item 17 Report from City Manager Recommendation to approve the Revolving Loan Fund Program Administrative Plan required by the Economic Development Administration and adopt resolution authorizing the Economic Development Commission to designate three of its three of its members as the Revolving Loan Fund Committee responsible for administering the program under the plan citywide.
Speaker 1: Okay. There's a motion any Second Amendment to have. Councilman Price, did you have a question on the staff report on this or.
Speaker 6: Is there a staff report?
Speaker 10: Sure. Mike Conaway. Mayor, members of the city council. This item relates to an update of the revolving loan fund program administrative plan, which is required on a periodic basis by the Economic Development Administration and the establishment of a new r l p loan committee within the new Economic Development Commission. So as background, access to capital has always been kind of challenging for small and minority owned businesses, and in 1987, the city established its first loan program to address this issue. And since then, the city has been able to leverage its funding capacity through collaboration and partnerships with local banks, advantaged Certified Development Corporation and the National Development Council. The Revolving Loan Fund has been in place since 2001 with seed money from the Economic Development Administration, Community Development BLOCK Grant funds and enhanced with RDA funds. And since since its inception, the program has facilitated 52 loans totaling $4,256,000, with $1,000,000 currently outstanding and about 1.3 million available for programing. And most recently, the Department of Economic and Property Development assisted in the funding of a small business loan of $95,000 to beachy cream to expand and relocate its organic ice cream sandwich business from Santa monica to Long Beach. So since the demise of the redevelopment agency, this program has somewhat of been suspended for a certain period of time with the establishment or reestablishment of the Economic Development Commission. We're looking forward to referring this program to that commission so we can jump start it again and start engaging with our small business community.
Speaker 1: Catch them in.
Speaker 6: Appraisal? Yes. So what types of programs are improvements can businesses receive this loan for? Is there a limitation?
Speaker 10: Councilmember Price, members of the City Council, these are traditionally focused on three locations that would be for assets, for working capital and for inventory. So machinery, essentially machinery, equipment assets are inventory and working capital as well. We steer clear of construction loans as it triggers prevailing wage. And we limit our loans to $95,000 through the revolving loan fund, through the committee. And then anything over $1,000 comes to the city or $100,000 comes to city council.
Speaker 6: Is there any room for expanding the uses that would qualify under the loan? And I know you said you're excluding construction, but I know that there used to be years ago loans that allowed them to re face the facade or risk in their particular business, location or storefront. Is it possible that that could be included in this?
Speaker 10: That's absolutely included. That's correct.
Speaker 6: Okay. And how do we notify businesses of this opportunity when a new business applies in the city of Long Beach? Do we give them any materials or information about this?
Speaker 10: We have we do have handout materials. Our marketing efforts have been somewhat hamstrung in the last 18 months to two years. We have engaged the Grow America Fund group to assist in our marketing and assist in the processing of applications. We're hopeful that our partnering with Grow America and other funding agencies will allow us to market this more under the city of Long Beach. So right now it's mostly handout material. But as we start to engage in the economic and Property Development Department, we'll start bringing these these tools to the forefront.
Speaker 6: Great. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you. And Mr. Conway and Mr. West, will you make sure to add this? I mean, this one is one of the great things that we do, obviously, at the city. I know we're going to be having an economic development study session that was being planned here in the next couple few weeks. Let's make sure that there's this is part of that discussion as well as as well as all the other programs that we provide business and then the marketing efforts that we're and how we're letting business know of what we're doing as well. Okay. There's a motion on the floor. I have some speakers. Does the maker of the motion want to say anything for Mr. Andrews or want to go down the speaker's list? Okay. Councilmember Austin.
Speaker 8: Thank you. I just had a really one one question regarding the roll off committee and how would that be selected and how would they be selected?
Speaker 10: When we meet with the Economic Development Commission tomorrow, they will be selecting a chair and a vice chair and we will be bringing back to that commission, hopefully at their subsequent meeting or request for them to select the relief committee meetings. Members, I'm sorry. There is some guidelines as to who should be included on that relief committee. And typically it would involve one local business owner, another member with commercial lending experience, hopefully with a local bank. And those two requirements are a requirement of the revolving loan fund administrative plan. And then the third member can be essentially who the commission selects. So it'll be a three member, our committee.
Speaker 8: Okay. I see that that it's going to be a three member committee. And I think it says that they have business or related experience in areas such as banking, accounting, education, trade, tourism, law, technology, real estate or manufacturing. It's pretty broad. Pretty broad. And I think our Economic Development Commission pretty much reflects that. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Councilwoman Margo.
Speaker 4: I just wanted to thank the members of the community and the lending organizations that I'd met with recently and their enthusiasm for this exciting program. So thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Public comment, which we would probably comment on this one or yet? I don't think so. In a public comment case saying none, please cast your votes.
Speaker 0: Motion carries seven zero 18. Item 18 Report from City Manager and Financial Management Recommendation to enter into four agreements for as needed space planning services in an aggregate amount not to exceed 500,000 over a three year period. Citywide. | Resolution | Recommendation to approve the Revolving Loan Fund Program Administrative Plan (Plan) required by the Economic Development Administration; and
Adopt resolution authorizing Economic Development Commission to designate three of its members as the Revolving Loan Fund Committee responsible for administrating the Revolving Loan Fund Program under the Plan. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_04072015_15-0299 | Speaker 0: Motion carries seven zero 18. Item 18 Report from City Manager and Financial Management Recommendation to enter into four agreements for as needed space planning services in an aggregate amount not to exceed 500,000 over a three year period. Citywide.
Speaker 1: Okay. This is. I'm sorry. This is. I mean, you don't get any public comment on the item. Please come forward. There is a motion in a second by Andrews in Austin.
Speaker 9: Very good. Hugh Clark has the address. Will someone please explain why we have to spend over a half a million dollars to figure out whether or not essentially something fix fits? I'll give you a tape measure. Go down for the Ace Hardware, pick up a tape measure for $2 and you can measure it yourself. If you're telling us that the management of this city doesn't have the capacity to take a tape measure and measure something out or measure whether or not something fits or how much space. We certainly don't have to. You know, it's a again, an indictment of the city. If we have to spend a half a million dollars to find out if something fits or not or plan to have something fit, which is absurd on its face, it's a further urination of money, which is our biggest problem. We don't face so much of a shortfall of money. It's a shortfall of common sense.
Speaker 1: Give us a motion or a second, please cast your vote.
Speaker 0: Councilwoman Price. Motion carries seven zero.
Speaker 1: I don't. 20.
Speaker 0: Item 20 Report from Financial Management Recommendation to execute a contract with KMT fire apparatus for the purchase of six fire pumper trucks in a total amount not to exceed 3,400,000 and increase appropriations in the Fleet Services Fund in the Financial Management Management Department by 1,100,000 citywide. | Contract | Recommendation to adopt Specifications No. RFP PW14-050, and authorize City Manager to execute all documents necessary to enter into agreements with Environ Architecture, Inc. of Long Beach, CA; Gillis & Panichapan Architects, Inc. of Costa Mesa, CA; Kardent Design, Planning & Management of Long Beach, CA; and Westgroup Designs, Inc. of Irvine, CA, for as-needed space planning services in an aggregate amount not to exceed $500,000 over a three-year term, and to execute any necessary amendments to the agreements, relative to extending the terms for up to an additional one-year term, changing the contract dollar amounts, authorizing additional services, if required, within the provisions of the agreements, and adjusting the fee schedules for inflation, all provided that the aggregate total amount of contract authority is not exceeded. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_04072015_15-0301 | Speaker 0: Item 20 Report from Financial Management Recommendation to execute a contract with KMT fire apparatus for the purchase of six fire pumper trucks in a total amount not to exceed 3,400,000 and increase appropriations in the Fleet Services Fund in the Financial Management Management Department by 1,100,000 citywide.
Speaker 1: Mr. West, I want to appreciate the Council. Know what this is? This is a good thing.
Speaker 10: This is a very good thing. And I'm going to turn this over to our fleet manager down to Berlin, who can explain why it's such a good thing for our fire department and our community.
Speaker 11: Mayor Garcia, Members of Council. This is a.
Speaker 9: Contract with Kovach mobile equipment to purchase six fire trucks. New fire pumpers. Four fire pumpers were originally scheduled for a replacement this year at Fire's request.
Speaker 11: And noting that two of the pumpers in service had deteriorated during the year, we added two more for a total of six. The selected.
Speaker 14: Vendor, Colebatch, agreed to provide the same.
Speaker 11: Pricing for the additional units. Fire pumpers have a useful life of six years.
Speaker 14: There are currently 15 fire pumpers.
Speaker 11: In the city's fleet and these six that are being requested for replacement now were scheduled for 2015 and 2016 fiscal years. The current fire pumpers are 20 years old. And the cost and downtime have been mounting excessively. I'll take any questions.
Speaker 1: Okay. Thank you. Seeing no questions. There's a motion and a second. Members, please go ahead and cast your vote. Should we do public comment on this public comment saying nonmembers, please cast your vote.
Speaker 0: Come to in Austin. Seven zero. 21 Item 21 Report from Financial Management Recommendation to amend Contract with Daniels Tire Service and Sudduth Tire Company for the purchase of vehicle tiger tires to increase the annual contract amount by 130,000 citywide. | Contract | Recommendation to adopt Specifications No. ITB FS15-040 and authorize City Manager to execute a contract with Kovach Mobile Equipment Corporation, dba KME Fire Apparatus, of Nesquehoning, PA, for the purchase of six fire pumper trucks, in a total amount not to exceed $3,400,463 inclusive of taxes and fees; and
Increase appropriations in the Fleet Services Fund (IS 386) in the Financial Management Department (FM) by $1,134,803. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_04072015_15-0304 | Speaker 0: Report from I'm sorry. Item 26 Report from Public Works, Financial Management, Parks, Recreation and Marine Recommendation to increase contract. With see as legacy construction.
Speaker 3: How do you guys keep pushing? I don't mind.
Speaker 1: The raw emotion in a second. There's emotion. I say any public comment saying non-police concern. Did you want to say a few words?
Speaker 2: Just a few. I just want to thank, you know, the Parks and Public Works director, Mr. Aurora, as well as the park director, George Champion for the section work. If you guys have a chance to go by J.T. Feel, you will see the kids out there running track playing, you know, practice and football. And it's very exciting and I am very thankful for this extra money that we're saving. Thank you. I like the move to approve Councilor Brosnan.
Speaker 1: Just a comment.
Speaker 8: Yeah, just wanted to to cosign on this. I seconded the motion and and I think this is this is worthwhile. I certainly will support it. I have spent a lot of time over to the field over the last few months. And I see hundreds of kids and families and young people out there walking the track. I'm taking full advantage of this fabulous new facility park in our in our in our city. And so this is a great resource. Thanks.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Please cast your votes.
Speaker 0: Motion carries seven zero.
Speaker 1: Okay. Next up is item 27. | Contract | Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to increase Contract No. 32995 with C.S. Legacy Construction, Inc., by $690,254, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $8,700,000, for additional work required in constructing the Chittick Field project;
Increase appropriations in the General Fund (GF) in the Citywide Activities Department (XC) by $590,580; and
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund (CP) in the Public Works Department (PW) by $590,580. (District 6) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03242015_15-0214 | Speaker 1: Item one. This item requires an oath. Report from Development Services Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record. Conclude the public hearing. Consider the appeal from Laura, Laurie and Angel and Chuck Fowler and uphold the decision of the Planning Commission to approve a categorical exemption and conditional use permit to allow the sale of beer and wine for off site consumption at an existing gas station convenience store located at 5740 Atlantic Avenue in the commercial neighborhood pedestrian zone district District eight.
Speaker 0: Let me turn this over to staff.
Speaker 6: I believe we need an oath.
Speaker 1: Yeah.
Speaker 0: So we do the oath first. Yes.
Speaker 1: Please raise your right hand. You and each of you do solemnly state that the testimony you may give in the cause now and pending before this body shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God.
Speaker 6: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Members of the City Council. The staff report for this item will be conducted by Amy Bodak, Director of Development Services.
Speaker 3: Mr. Mayor. Members of the City Council, thank you for your time tonight. We are here to hear an appeal of a decision by the Planning Commission where they approved a conditional use permit for the sale of beer and wine at an existing gas station convenience store located at 5740 Atlantic Avenue in North Long Beach District eight. As I stated, the Planning Commission did hold a public hearing in January where they heard the request for a conditional use permit for the sale of beer and wine at that gas station convenience store. There were a number of public comments that were received at that meeting, and the Planning Commission voted 3 to 1 to approve the conditional use permit. An appeal was filed by two residents of the area and the appeal was filed timely. And because of that appeal, we are here tonight to hear the appeal and to consider the application and the facts that will be presented into the record. That concludes my staff report. I'm available to answer any questions after you've heard from the appellants. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. I'm going to give the appellants an opportunity to come up, please. And. What we'll do is just for for the purposes of the hearing, the appellant will get a chance to make a case in a what is considered a reasonable amount of time. So, Miss Angel, five, 5 to 7 minutes is that that's not reasonable. Okay. And then will allow the the applicant to make the same. And then after that if there's any rebuttal that the applicant wants to make in another minute or so, you're able to do that. Okay, so Matt, turn this over. Thank you. And let's go and set the clock, please, for 6 minutes.
Speaker 10: Okay. I think one of the main reasons I'm here is because we have a new planning commission and because we have a new planning commission, we don't have people that have institutional knowledge or a history of what north long beaches issues are and needs are. And there was some discussion, a lot of questions about public safety and how many alcohol related crimes there were and this and that. But there was nobody there to give any information. So given the fact that it was an incomplete process in my mind and that the Planning Commission was not really attuned to the issues in our part of town, I felt that it was necessary to represent my part of the city because alcohol is a major problem. It's a major problem in our part of town. So much so that we do have a moratorium on additional alcohol uses. That's been an agreement between the eighth and ninth Council District officers because it does adversely impact our our community. So I had a couple of people say when I told them that this was an existing license at a small convenience store that was getting that was purchased and is getting used for another purpose. Many ask me, Well, isn't that illegal? Aren't they? Are they even allowed to do that? Because the idea was to reduce the number of alcohol licenses in the neighborhood. But here we are. So I'm going to go into a little bit of historical perspective. I provided four pages of document to the city council for their review. But first of all, I want to give a historical perspective. And I in the early 1990s, the L.A. riots occurred in our part of town. And when that happened, it changed everything. We had businesses, fi, we go away, we had crime, we had all kinds of issues and problems. And because of that, we got redevelopment. So redevelopment was created in 1996 to address a lot of the blighting problem, problems that we had, and to focus on improving our corridors. And I won't go into a whole lot of detail, but I will say that. The most important area in redevelopment for North Long Beach was designated at the very intersection where this use is planning to go. It's at the corner, southeast corner of South and Atlantic. The new North Library is going to be less than 500 feet away. There's a church less than 500 feet away. It's considered a high crime area. And the ABC folks basically say if it's within the poor, within the area of a church, 600 feet, within the area of a church, and public uses public and sensitive uses then and a high crime area, it should not be allowed. But there was no protest or anybody from police to indicate that there were. Answer the questions at the Planning Commission. I understand there haven't been that many calls for service, but then there isn't any alcohol there yet. So within a half mile distance, there are over 12 convenience stores that sell alcohol. It's a half a mile away. So in the ABC license and the approval by the by Chief Luna, it basically says there is a a need, a necessity, and there's a need for a convenience to have the alcohol here. Well, not as far as I'm concerned and not as far as the ten community meetings that I went to and all the individuals that I spoke to. I have submitted a list of individuals that signed to approve what we're doing here in terms of they're supporting the appeal to deny the license and it's already been submitted to the clerk. I also received a couple of letters and there is an individual that lives catty corner that you that can see everything that goes on in the corner. He says there's police there all the time. So and then when I talked to police officers at the committee meetings, they basically say probably 80 to 90% of the crimes in North Long Beach that they're aware of have a component of alcohol involved with it. So being that this is one of the most important corners in North Long Beach and we're stuck with the fact that we have a. A successful business that's been there since 1968 and has been running profitably since then. And that we have. All these public uses that will be going in. This is going to be a major public area for North Long Beach, a gathering place. It's intended to be a pedestrian friendly area. There is no place for a lot of cars to park on that lot to be able to stop and shop and pick up alcohol. That's not what they're there. They're there to buy gasoline. It's a gas station. There's plenty of places they can just drive a half a block around the corner and they can buy alcohol. They can go next door to the restaurant or or just a half a block away and go to the bar. I mean, there are places to get alcohol and it isn't necessary to have it at this particular location. So this is all I'm going to say for now. But basically, the concern is that it's in the major location in North Long Beach for our improvements. We have alcohol available at a moment's notice. You have children that walk by that intersection, going to church and going up to Jordan High School and our major park at Highland Park every single day, multiple times a day with bus stops right there. So it isn't a necessity. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Now we're going to move on to the. Appellant. I own both. Both are appellants. I thought you had done it together. There are there. There are two separate appeals.
Speaker 3: They are separate.
Speaker 0: They all to come forward. Please.
Speaker 5: Thank you. Chuck Fowler 458. I'm going to say a few things about liquor stores and violence. There's a article I have in front of me here from Prevention Research Center of the Pacific Institute of Research and Evaluation, where they state a number of studies have been found in and near neighborhoods where there are high density places to sell. A high density of places that sell alcohol and a higher rate of violence. That is when bars, liquor stores or other businesses that sell alcohol are close together. More assaults and other violent crimes occur will point out that there is another liquor store within 300, about 350 feet of this location. There is a supermarket that sells beer and wine less than 300 feet. There's another liquor store within 600 feet. And also this is within 500 feet of the library. There's churches within 3 to 500 feet of this facility. A study of it in a study of Camden, New Jersey, neighborhoods with alcohol outlet density had more violent crime, including homicide, rape, assault and robbery. The association was strong even when other neighborhood characteristics such as poverty and age of residents was taken into account in a study of 74 cities in Los Angeles County. A higher density of alcohol outlets was associated with more violence, even when levels of unemployment, age, ethnicity and racial characteristics of other committed care and other communicate community characteristics was taken into account in a six year study of changes in numbers of alcohol outlets in 551 urban and rural areas within California, an increase in the number of bars and off premises places as in liquor stores, convenience stores, grocery stores was related to an increase in rate of violence. The effects were largest in poor minority areas and and areas of the state. Those areas already saturated with the greatest number. I would go through others because they're all over the place. But I'm going to do this one here looking at a number of things. This is from a research group from USC. At the bottom of the article, it says The research looked at cities with a population of 10,000 or more and examined both onsite liquors, liquor sales such as bars and restaurants, off site, off sale outlets such as many markets and liquor stores. An epidemiologist on the study group. Said that even by satisfying statistically controlling for variation of unemployment rates in the communities, which is considered an indicator of crime rates, the findings still show a connection between the availability of alcohol and crime. Finally, they say this is not to single out liquor stores as the number one contribution to violence, but unlike unemployment rates. It's something we can do something about.
Speaker 2: Thanks.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Now we're going to move on to the up the applicant. And give the applicant the reasonable amount of time. You have 6 minutes. Are you the only applicant here? Yes. Okay.
Speaker 5: Please begin. Good afternoon. A similar assignment. Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Mark Kelly. Shani. I am the applicant for the existing license, which is located in 55 and corner of the Linden Avenue. And you only bring it to the corner of Atlantic Avenue and South site, which is a gas stations. This has been approved by the city planning on March 15, and they imposed the toughest conditions for it to sell beer and wine in that location. And they will not allow more than after 11 p.m.. No singular no for the Owens noted it was. And on that planning commission, one of the board member mentioned there is no any report that they beer causing the crime. And he was 100% right because they appear silly in all esports games like football, volleyball, basketball, Superbowl and people drinking and there is no problem. And. When I if we sit over there, there is no impact in the community. There is no any crime in my area or even a single call from the police because we are operating very safely and very proficient. One of the things that I want to make mention that to the people up here, this license is not going to go away. You cannot take off a license and then buy the ABC code in Atlantic Avenue. They are open for more to license. Therefore, what they bring up and they said is invalid. And they are talking about their liquor store. This is not the liquor store and not is not a bar. Also, there is not any monitoring moratorium in the city of Long Beach and we are not close to any higher schools. Beside, you know that. I will experience 30 years in this business. I have six locations, three in the Long Beach, three in the Valley. I have four beer and wine license. I never had the any violation because I know how to operate. And my life. I'm the CEO of the large corporation. And we do the business right. If you want to go back and tell me what I did for the city in past 20 years, I spend nearly $8 million and invest in the city of Long Beach. I'd build up to 711 and mobilization at the corner of Atlantic Avenue. And then, I mean, they had the Chilean cortijo a huge mobilization with their car wash. And this is the last one that we, uh, we boarded and we are operating. I am providing the job to the people in the city of Long Beach to location. I have more than 25 employees that are coming in, more than hundreds of their family. They are living over there. I'm supporting for the education and I'm encourage always my employee that send their kids to the college and two of my employees they have three degrees in the college and I care about the education. Also. One the team that. I remember every time I want to do in this city, these people oppose it before I build this 7-Eleven at the corner of the Atlantic and Market. I applied to build a car wash and that location and car wash never, ever makes any crime. And when the city. Polonia Mike Braun, if I don't forget his name is Szilard, right? He went to them and they opposed everything I wanted to. They are opposed against everything. The reason they are opposing they or some competition, iran may be related to them and what to what they see. And also one thing that a year and a half ago, a new 7-Eleven has been built near their park, is less than 200 feet, and they, by law, should be not less than 500. And these people never oppose it. What is wrong? Or you're putting their finger on me only. I'm not against any business. We need to do the revenue. And I am doing more than $10 million revenue in the city and invest a lot of money. And I'm losing a lot of money in this location because since the redevelopment agency, they bought a lot of commercial toys out of the potential, you know, acres and the residential, they turn it down. All the business is gone. I'm losing every year 50 to $75000 and my business is 25% lower because there is nothing around us. And the Atlantic Avenue is like a ghost town. There are all the shops there are, you know, vacant. We need to work together as a community and improve the city while it has its base attraction and base ability. And we need that when the states allow the city selling those land and then they will come and making some difference in this area. Also the people are talking about the parking. They don't know the regulation in the gas station. Every pump called one parking. I have five pump. I have ten parking in the pumps and I have eight parking. Others say there's nothing short of parking. If it was not, the city did not allow us to operate toward the. There is no police activity in my location. Even one because is nothing wrong over there. We are okay and we do the job right. And I have the best employee working for me. Ten years, 15 years, ten years. And they are like my family.
Speaker 0: Okay, sir, if you can wrap it up with anything else.
Speaker 5: Well, thank you. I really appreciate if that in question. I'm here. You know, I can.
Speaker 0: You have. Think, you know, probably you're going to have one more opportunity if you want to have a rebuttal. But first the applicant I'm sorry, the the appellant gets an opportunity to come forward if there's anything else they want to add to that. So I just need you to step away. Just 1/2. Oh, grab a seat, please, sir, if you don't mind.
Speaker 5: Okay.
Speaker 10: So I'll be very quick.
Speaker 0: Thank you.
Speaker 10: What hasn't been mentioned? We did mention that it's a high crime area. We also have gangs. We have young kids that get into trouble, that are truant, that don't always go to school. And those are the kids that get into trouble. Those are the kids that try the drugs, that try the alcohol, that have access to a lot of issues. And I. I understand that there are a lot of business problems associated with where the the status of that location is right now. But I can guarantee you literally that things are going to be turning around because the long range financial management plan, property management plan was just approved. That property is going to be developed. It's going to have housing. It's going to have people on the street. It's it's going to be pedestrian oriented and things are going to pick up and improve. Unfortunately, we got stuck, stalled out with nothing going on there for a period of four years while the state decided to eliminate redevelopment. This isn't personal. It's just the way economics have gone where the process has gone. It's just that we do not need alcohol at that location. It's within the 600 feet that a church is, which is typically not permitted by ABC. And schoolchildren walk by there every single day. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Now, if the applicant wants one minute, anything else to wrap up?
Speaker 5: Also, I want to mention that the people up here, they are very far from the location. They are more than one and a half mile. And while this license exists in located near their residential, they are okay and a come to location. They are against it and totally they are. What are they making? It is initially the same thing. They try not to keep a business over there and I don't want to close the door over there and rejoin Italy of six employees over there. I have the old lady working six nights over there as a graveyard. I don't send it out because she's helping the children child in the college and they don't see what I am doing for the city, President Kennedy said one time to the nation, Don't ask what their country did for you. Ask what you did for your country. And I did a lot here, and I hope you don't accept my application. And this is fine. And it I appreciate it.
Speaker 0: Thank you. With that, we're going to have as many before I come back to the council for the deliberations. Is there any public comment on the hearing? Please come forward. Just say your name for the record, please, and then go ahead. Begin.
Speaker 3: Good evening, Mayor and councilmembers. My name is Sherry Olson, and I just wanted to make a couple of points here. He went over a couple things that I wanted to add to it. The store is has security cameras throughout the interior exterior of the the site itself. It actually is very well secure. We had no opposition from the police department when we applied for this license. We are not bringing in a new license into the city of Long Beach, even though there is to allow an excuse me there is to allow to bring into this area. We're not bringing in another one. We're actually buying it from around 500 feet from our store. We're taking it down the street and moving it into our location where will be kept secure. We have lockable cooler doors. We have a lot of security measures into the store that other liquor stores that were not a liquor store. We're asking for beer and wine here. We are a market. We are a family market. We service the local community. We offer the local community jobs. And not only to that, to be said, there is not a moratorium in the city of Long Beach. Moratorium is not in Long Beach and it's not in this area. And once again, the PD is not opposing this. We are been in this community for a long time, as the appellant has said, and we want to continue to service this community and be a good community neighbor. And the last thing I want to add here is that it is well, we do have a lot of parking at this location, and we do a lot for the community itself. And we're hoping that you guys will uphold the council's decision and approve our location. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 7: Hello. My name is James Rogers live one line six South Street. And I was I'm here. First of all, I don't even drink beer. I have 13 years clean and sober. But when I am living in North Long Beach, I'm tired of seeing the businesses closed that I've been living in Long Beach since I got back to Vietnam back in 71. And when the riots came, I heard a lady say something about the riots that broke out almost around Long Beach. I used to be homeless. I was homeless 19 years. I was what the city call a chronic homeless. I call it the city money and it all kind of thing. But it's not about me. I went through recovery. I became a. Productive citizen again. I'm a taxpayer today and I've been in Long Beach, like I say, since I got back to Vietnam. I've been out throughout the city living in Long Beach, north Long Beach, high crime area when I first got over there. The city of Long Beach. The police department has done a very good job. It's a clean area. Now, the main reason I'm here is I'm like I say, I'm tired of seeing the businesses closed and in my community with the businesses open. It helps the economy. Okay. If if if this business going if the license is going to make the business better, then they won't close up. But they help the economy. When business is closed down, it hurts families. That's where the crime come from. People who have no place to go then think people start doing things. Okay. So. I'm just. I'm tired of seeing it. You know, I'm long beat up my first guy here saying that some people had shirts say I am Long Beach. And then when I got up here, you know, just see you guys on the news and on the papers. And then I got to see in the district and I just say, we are Long Beach, everyone in it. We Long Beach, we I'm tired of seeing the business. Well, now, if it's, if it's not gonna affect us, then okay. And as far as the about the part, the school because my time running out it was a business open on partying in Atlantic right across the street from the park from Jordan High School. When the people start selling liquor, there didn't nobody say nothing. Now. This is this is the right here. That's my community also. But this.
Speaker 5: Is we have a.
Speaker 7: Santa Clause. If it's going to help the business prosper, then let's go with it. I thank you for for listening. Thank you. And God bless.
Speaker 0: Thank you. I have one more speaker for the hearing. Come forward and then I'm closing the hearing to do council deliberation.
Speaker 1: Good evening.
Speaker 3: Honorable mayor and members of the City Council. My name is Angie Birchard and I live and work in Long Beach. I'm a an employee of Phillips 66, who represents the 76 branded gasoline station and have worked for them for more than 21 years. I am first for this project. I've known the operator, Mark Keller Shady, in North Long Beach at Atlantic and South for over 14 years. I saw him take this location from a closed service bay location in and rebuilding it into a full service convenience store where he offers his consumers a wide variety of products and services for sale. Mark has been in this business for over 30 years and currently owns six different gasoline and convenience store locations. He knows how to operate the locations in a safe and responsible manner. Three of his locations are currently in North Long.
Speaker 1: Beach and like he had mentioned.
Speaker 3: He currently holds four beer and wine licenses and has held those for 25 years without any violations. He operates.
Speaker 1: In a.
Speaker 3: Safe and responsible manner. He employs more than.
Speaker 1: 25 people in Long Beach and has.
Speaker 3: Invested his funds in rebuilding all three locations in North Long Beach. A convenience store is just that. It's. It's about convenience. And bear in mind. Or just an alternate profit center. They're one of the products that a convenience store sells. I recommend that you approve this permit to carry beer and wine at this location. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Now I'm going to go ahead and close the hearing and have counsel deliberate. But start with Councilmember Austin.
Speaker 7: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And I'd like to thank the appellants, the applicant, Mr. Kelly, Shadi, and the other community members who came out and spoke today or provided written comments. I'd also like to thank the Planning Commission for their work on this issue. Mr. KELLER Shadi owns multiple businesses in this area as he testified, and I appreciate his efforts to successfully operate his businesses and to provide jobs. I don't know if there's any evidence that alcohol consumption or sales are going to improve or increase jobs in our area. I will say that there is no future in the past and we need to move on. However, in this case, I have to agree with the residents that this location is not conducive to the sale of beer and wine for site consumption. It's a gas station. I think it sends the wrong message. We oftentimes advocate for no drinking and driving, and picking up alcohol at a gas station is a problem. One of my first actions as a city council member nearly three years ago was to join with then member council member Steven Neal to ask the city to adopt an alcohol nuisance abatement order to address the proliferation of the sale of alcohol in North Long Beach. It's an issue that we have made great progress on and we must continue to be responsible about this. This property has been mentioned as a high crime area in allowing the sale of beer and wine can potentially further exacerbate EVER'S effects. This neighborhood church is located just footsteps away from this proposed location. Calvary Chapel of North Long Beach provided a letter here today to the mayor and city council stating their opposition to the application. And I have the letter right here. Where there are no public schools within 500 feet of this location. There is the creative beginnings YMCA preschool within 600 feet of this location. And the new North Library, which will be a community focal point for children and families throughout the area, is just under construction right across the street. Well, there is not an overconcentration of licenses within this particular census tract. There's certainly no shortage of liquor stores. There are three liquor stores that I know of within a block or two of this particular location in 12 markets that sell alcohol within a half mile of this location. Therefore. I would like to move to receive the supporting documentation into the record, conclude this public hearing, grant the appeal and request of staff to return to the City Council with the plan is to deny the conditional use permit to allow the sale of beer and wine for off site consumption at 5640 Atlantic Avenue. So move.
Speaker 0: Okay. There's been a second by Councilmember Richardson. Councilmember Richardson.
Speaker 7: 57.
Speaker 11: I stand in unequivocally unequivocal support of Councilmember Austin's. Very well thought out response in motion to this alcohol license. We've done tremendous work over the last four or five years on alcohol in the north Long Beach area. We made tremendous strides. I want to thank our planning commission staff. But I want to also say that this is another opportunity to state that there isn't representation on the Planning Commission and. 90805 and that's a fifth of the city's population. And given the changes and the things that are taking place in North Long Beach, the uptown Renaissance, I think that this is something that we need to address most swiftly. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Kate. There's been motion in a second and see no other. I'm sorry. Yes.
Speaker 10: I just a clarification. The motion that's reading says that it is to uphold the Planning Commission decision. But what I heard council member Austin say is something different from that. Have I misunderstood.
Speaker 0: The motion that he that he said out loud? It reads differently than the text.
Speaker 10: Okay. And so that will be captured.
Speaker 0: Yeah. So the clerk should capture the motion as stated by Mr. Austin.
Speaker 10: I think just our hesitation as well. Uphold the appeal. So just the hesitation when the voting scheme comes up, it just looks like we're voting on that recommendation. Okay.
Speaker 0: Thank you. No, absolutely not. Very good point. So. Okay. So the motion is to uphold the appeal. That's why that's the motion made by Councilor Brosnan. I do have another councilmember that's plugged in. So, Councilwoman Pryce.
Speaker 3: I have a question for our planning department. Is that beer and wine sales kind of common at a gas station? I mean, that's been my experience, but it really depends on the individual location because this is a conditional use permit. We have to look at the individual location and the potential for nuisance activities at each individual location. So that's that's part of the setup process. Okay. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Okay. Thank you. There is a motion on the floor on by councilmember embarrassed and sickened by Councilman Richardson. Please cast your votes. And do we want to just. Mr. Parker, do you want to read it just for the for the public what the actual motion is?
Speaker 5: Certainly, the motion is to sustain the appeal of the applicants of the Laurie Angel and Chuck Fowler and overturn the decision of the Planning Commission to approve the chemical or exemption and to return to the City Council with.
Speaker 6: Appropriate findings for adoption by the Council at a later date.
Speaker 0: Okay, and great. And then just Councilman Price, your time still. You're you're done in there, right?
Speaker 3: Okay. You know, I guess I'm not. I understand what council member Austin is and not knowing. His district is intimately as he knows it. I guess I'm having a difficult time understanding what it is about this. I understand drinking and driving and the the reference to crime and alcohol. I mean, as a prosecutor, I would say that personal choice has a lot to do with people's decisions. And the fact that someone's operating a business that sells beer and wine, I don't know that that contributes to our drinking and driving problem, but nevertheless, we don't have to litigate that at this time. But I guess I don't understand. Maybe you can explain to me why this particular location is of concern for you, because that's what I'm not understanding, because we have several gas stations in the third district that sell beer and wine and we have very responsible operators. And so not knowing the particular specifics of this location, I'm having a difficult time understanding your position, and that's okay. We may agree to disagree on it, but I don't know the neighborhood as intimately as you do.
Speaker 7: What I would just to help you understand, maybe you would maybe we need to hear from PD and understanding the difference between the beat and the car for crimes in your district versus Beat 21 and the calls for crime in North Long Beach. It's a tale of two cities very clearly.
Speaker 0: Okay. Well, Councilman Pryce still has the floor. Unless she had any other comments or questions.
Speaker 3: You know, I don't really believe that was a very constructive answer, but I don't have any additional questions.
Speaker 7: I apologize if the answer wasn't constructive.
Speaker 0: And so Councilwoman Price's as far as she's all done. So next up is Councilman Andrews.
Speaker 8: Yes. I would like to know if this appeal is denied. Will they have a chance to come back and re apply for this being wine license?
Speaker 3: Certainly, if the the once the city council takes action and chooses to adopt negative findings at when we return with those negative findings, the applicant will have to wait one year and then they can reapply for a conditional use permit. That has happened in other instances where we have had denials of a conditional use permit and the area has changed or has improved and they have come back for an application at a later date and those Cup application has been approved. So we have had situations where that has occurred.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Thank you. Next up, I have council member Austin.
Speaker 7: Yes, thank you. And again, I want to thank the residents. I think Miss Angel and Mr. Father did a great job of kind of outline why outlining why we want to uphold their their appeal this evening. This is an area that is of high sensitivity. And there is going to be a lot of economic development going on in this particular area called the North V Village in North Long Beach. We talked about the the the Library of Future Housing and Councilmember Price and any other member of the council who wants to tour the district and understand where we are going. I'll be happy to accommodate you in that regard. But if you see it and you understand it and you understand the the the challenges that we've had, particularly around alcohol in North Long Beach, you would understand our position here this evening. And I would just respectfully ask that you support the motion on the floor.
Speaker 0: Councilor Richardson.
Speaker 11: Sure. Just to chime in a little bit more about that area. It's literally on the Border Council, District eight, Council District nine. It's in the heart of a major focus of development and a major effort to clean up the area. It's in the heart of the newly established Uptown Business Improvement District, and they've taken a position opposed to this. This this area is going to be the home to a new education style corridor, because we do have a high school, we have a library, we have Highland Park. All of these are adjacent to one another, right in that same in that same sort of area. And if you take you know, you take will you walk a block in either direction? There's no shortage of liquor stores. So the issue isn't the liquor license itself. It's the specific type of liquor license. We have an overconfidence, concentration of off sale type 21 style licenses that folks can pick up a six pack, pick up, 12 pack, pick up, 40 ounce and go. And so if there was an application for a nice sit down restaurant with alcohol or something, that's a different type of amenity in the community. I think this would be a very different conversation. Or grocery store like we had a conversation about last week. This is the same type of use and I don't think there's any particular benefit to adding one more. Of the same type of license to that area, whether it's a gas station or not.
Speaker 0: Councilman Mongo.
Speaker 10: I guess my challenge is.
Speaker 9: A business took a risk on Long Beach and they purchased an alcohol license from another business that was failing and they want to be able to utilize the license that they purchased. And so I would like to find some kind of way, maybe shorten the length of time before they have to come back again or some middle ground. Because I want North Long Beach to be a place that people can believe that they can invest. I don't want this to be a symbol to our business partners that when you make an investment in Long Beach, that you come before the city council that we're going to deny your. Your choice of how to run a business that there are so many of already in Long Beach. And so I feel that it's not this particular business, but the number of businesses like it in the area that I'm hearing is the bigger challenge. And so this poor business is just a. It's really getting the bad side of circumstance. And so how do we find a way to find to support businesses that want to invest in the north side of Long Beach in this way? Can we reduce? City manager is there a way to reduce the appeal process from one year or. I mean, I don't want to. Right now I'm considering voting against the motion and that that's not my goal. I want to find a way to compromise.
Speaker 3: Madam Council member and members of the City Council and the Mayor. There is no ability for us to shorten that one year time frame. Right now I will say that the conditional use process in general is a very discretionary process. It is built in order for individual applications to be considered based on specific criteria and based on the location of the request. There are overriding circumstances related to alcohol cups. We certainly look at characteristics that are very easy to define, such as if this was within 500 feet of a school. This in this instance, it is not within 500 feet of a school. We do look at whether it's in a high crime area and clearly this is in a high crime area. We also look at whether there is an overconcentration of the same type of alcohol license in the general census tract. We are limited in our considerations of an ABC license of only looking at the similar alcohol licenses within that census tract. In this instance, we are not able to look at the other 12 or 13 additional licenses that are outside of this census tract only for the purposes of the CFP. But we do have the ability to take those additional licenses into consideration when we are considering the potential nuisance of this activity on the general neighborhood. And that is the the ability that you, as a decision making body have in in deciding and using your discretion in whether to grant or deny this type of permit.
Speaker 9: And I'm being told later on the agenda tonight, we're going to be approving a fee schedule. Did the business requesting to sell liquor at this location, which they bought the license from something within 500 feet, I think I heard paid $24,000 to have this hearing today.
Speaker 3: No, not that I'm aware of. There's a.
Speaker 0: Sir. So I can't.
Speaker 9: I have to be with the secretary that way.
Speaker 0: So has to be city staff.
Speaker 3: Until you aware of a $24,000 fee, we have a standard see up fee. And the appellants paid a fee to appeal. We. I'm looking at my staff planners and they're not aware of of this as well. We we the applicant may have paid for expediting or something like that, but we're not aware of of what that fee schedule would be that would result in a $24,000 fee.
Speaker 9: Are we able to continue this to a future meeting to find out more information.
Speaker 3: If you so choose to continue the hearing in the city council approves that? Yes.
Speaker 9: I'd be curious to know if my colleague would be interested in something like that.
Speaker 7: I stand by the motion on the floor.
Speaker 0: Okay. Thank you, Councilman. Mongo. You're done with your questions. Councilwoman Pryce.
Speaker 3: Thank you. I want to thank Counsel and Richardson for your response. Really? That's what I was looking for. Just an education of what this particular area is, because I don't I don't really don't think it's constructive to say, well, you don't have these issues in your district and I do in mine. That's really not what I was looking for. What I was asking for is what is it about this particular location? Because certainly I think even in in the eighth District, there are areas that are extremely affluent and where there's a lot of money and perhaps not the same issues of gang violence. So I wasn't trying to pit the two districts against the two. I was just saying, what is it about this particular location? And I appreciate you enlightening me on that. Councilman Richardson, my question would be this is it would it be fair to say then looking into the future, that any applications for alcohol licenses in this particular area would probably be discouraged or not supported by the elected representatives in this area?
Speaker 7: And for me, I can tell you that as the elected representative in the area, and I think Councilmember Richardson articulated it very well. Restaurants, grocery stores, other types of uses are certainly welcome. And this is not a one size fits all. This is one particular location that we believe will be a problem if there was approval for for beer and wine consumption. Or sales at the store location.
Speaker 3: Okay. Thank you. Oh, and just one other question, Ms.. Bodak, did did PD weigh in on this this application at some point? Yes, ma'am. We always go to the police department and they provide us with statistics and calls for service in the area. The area in general is a high crime area, and that weighs heavily on on our decision making, particularly if it is in relation to the other two criteria, because this is not an over concentrated area and because it was not within 500 feet of the school. The Planning Commission in a split decision did did decide to support the application. The police department did provide calls for service for the area. And specific to this address, over the course of a one year period, there were six calls for service. And absent that, because it is in a high crime area, they did express concerns. And because of those concerns, we we we did incorporate additional requirements into the application. Having said that, I will say that again, this is a discretionary process. And we, as the council member said, we do not look at this across the board and make general characteristic decisions related to the type of license or or the the individual seller. We, in fact, have approved CHP licenses at gas stations, and we've also denied cops at gas stations. It all comes down to the to the area, the the willingness of the neighborhood to support this, the potential nuisance activities that could result from that activity or the general compatibility of of the request. So it it all is all individualized. And that's the purpose of the CFP. Thank you. Thanks for that answer. I'm going to be supporting the motion made by my colleagues tonight. I think it's important to defer to the elected official in that district because they understand the needs of their community the best. I do think it's important, though, to send a message to the business community that this shouldn't be a discouraging factor for anyone else who wants to to do business in the city and to sell alcohol in the city, because this is a particular decision that's being made about this unique location and not really a broad stroke. And really, I defer a lot to the elected officials that I serve with into their into their guidance in terms of what works for their community and what doesn't. So with that, I have nothing further to.
Speaker 0: Canterbury Ranga. Then we go to a vote.
Speaker 6: Thank you, Mary. Having read and heard the testimony, I want to also acknowledge the participation of the residents who came forward to speak on this. There if there's anybody who knows your neighborhood best, it's those who live around the surrounding area and the provided the documentation here with additional information about nearby markets, bars, restaurants, grocery stores that are within a half a mile of this location, I think is compelling to me. Also, what is compelling is the fact that there is a an area that is targeted for renovation, for development, and an additional location to sell liquor out wall to shore. We are and why would not be compatible with that kind of development? So I would be supporting this motion.
Speaker 0: Okay. Thank you. With that, there is a motion on the floor, as was read by Mr. Parkin and made by Councilor Austin. Please cast your votes on the hearing.
Speaker 1: Motion carries eight zero.
Speaker 0: Can you. Thank you. And we're now going to quickly take 23 because it's actually paired with this hearing item. Madam Kirk.
Speaker 1: Item 23 Report from police recommendation to receive the application of Cerritos Shell from a person to person and premise to premise transfer of an ABC license at 5740 Atlantic Avenue determined that the application serves the public convenience and necessity. | Public Hearing | Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record, conclude the public hearing, consider the appeals from Laurie Angel and Chuck Fowler, and uphold the decision of the Planning Commission to approve a Categorical Exemption (CE 14-114) and Conditional Use Permit to allow the sale of beer and wine for off-site consumption at an existing gas station convenience store located at 5740 Atlantic Avenue in the Commercial Neighborhood Pedestrian (CNP) zoning district.
(District 8) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03242015_15-0180 | Speaker 1: Item 23 Report from police recommendation to receive the application of Cerritos Shell from a person to person and premise to premise transfer of an ABC license at 5740 Atlantic Avenue determined that the application serves the public convenience and necessity. Submit a public notice of protest to ABC and direct the city manager to withdraw the protest if if a conditional use permit is granted. District eight.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Can I get a motion, please?
Speaker 7: Well.
Speaker 0: I taking a motion and a second. Is there any public comment on 23?
Speaker 7: Mr. Mayor. Yes, I'd like to. The moment.
Speaker 0: Sorry. I was going to. I know. Give me 1/2. The clerk needs a minute to. To clear something here. I'm just waiting to get. Okay. Great. So the motion has been read, Councilman Ross. And you wanna make the motion and see if you comments?
Speaker 7: Yes. Thank you very much. And obviously, this is an issue that that relates to the previous hearing. And so with that, I'd like to move to receive the application and submit the public notice of protest to the ABC on the basis of the applicant does not have a copy with the city as well as the high crime area churches within 600 feet in the school, within 600 feet. So moved.
Speaker 0: Okay. There's a second to the motion in a second and there's no public comment on the item saying none. Members, please go and cast your vote.
Speaker 1: Motion carries eight zero.
Speaker 0: Thank you. We we have hearing to next what I'm what I'm going to try to do though, is there's a lot of people here, I think, that want to either are part of public comment or are here to support somebody doing public comment. So right after hearing two, I'm going to move up public comment and just do it right after this next hearing. That should be a rather quick one. But I just want to I want to read who's on the public comment, because we have as we know, it's a maximum of ten. So I want to read the names in an order of who I have of the ten so that we can all get prepared for for that process. So under public comment, I have Alexander Torres. Alexander Torres, Glenside. Pastor Tommy Hunter. Diane Moore. Tori Russell Senior. Terri Miller. Bishop W Todd Ervin. Gregory Sanders. Melissa martinez, Carrie Gallagher. And then I want to thank Derrick Simpson for giving up his seat so that a representative from Imam could be on the list. And so that's going to be Sal Vasquez. And I'm going to take Mr. Vasquez first and then the other speakers on the list. Okay. So that's the ten speakers on the list. Now we're going to hearing two and then public comment about.
Speaker 1: Item two, report from Development Services, recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record, conclude the public hearing and declare the ordinance. Amending the amending Title 21 of the Long Beach Municipal Code related to alcohol, beverage manufacturing and accessory tasting room. | ABC License | Recommendation to receive the application of Legend Energy, dba Cerritos Shell, for a person-to-person and premise-to-premise transfer of an Alcoholic Beverage Control License, at 5740 Atlantic Avenue, determine that the application serves the public convenience and necessity, submit a Public Notice of Protest to ABC, and direct City Manager to withdraw the protest if a Conditional Use Permit is granted. (District 8) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03242015_15-0247 | Speaker 1: Item two, report from Development Services, recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record, conclude the public hearing and declare the ordinance. Amending the amending Title 21 of the Long Beach Municipal Code related to alcohol, beverage manufacturing and accessory tasting room. Read the first time and lead over to the next regular meeting of the City Council for Final Reading and Adopt Resolution to submit the amendment to Title 21 to the California Coastal Commission for their review and certification and accept the categorical exemption citywide.
Speaker 0: Thank you. I'm going to turn this over to the city manager and to make a quick, quick start presentation. And we're going to go on to some some comments and council deliberation. Mr. WEST.
Speaker 6: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Members of the Council. Madam Clerk, I.
Speaker 5: Believe an oath is required.
Speaker 0: I don't believe there is an oath required, sir. Correct?
Speaker 1: That's right. There's no oath required for this item.
Speaker 6: Okay. Thank you. And then we had that. Here is a note. With that, I'd like to turn over the staff presentation to Amy Bodak, our Director of Development Services.
Speaker 3: Mr. Mayor, members of the City Council, and particularly to Mayor Garcia and Councilmember Gonzalez, this has been a long time coming for us, and I want to specifically give some history to this current sitting city council and of the efforts to amend the municipal code. A couple of years ago, there was a request by former Council member Garcia to consider amending the municipal code to allow us to expand our flexibility, particularly in the in the realm of manufacturing, of craft beers and craft spirits. As you probably know, there is a trend in the state and in the country to to focus on craft or artisanal products and distilleries and craft beers are certainly a burgeoning industry in Southern California. In order to take advantage of those opportunities, we looked and did a number of of we did a lot of a lot of research on areas within the state that are also doing this, particularly San Diego, who too seems to be a leader in Southern California, but closer to home, Culver City and Torrance, and then more recently, Santa Ana and Anaheim. Those those cities are leading the trend in creating more flexible land use patterns that would allow the manufacturing of craft beers or spirits with with certain proper development standards. So what we are asking for tonight is your consideration to amend the municipal code to allow for a definition of alcohol beverage manufacturing uses and provide clear development standards that would not create nuisance activities for the neighborhoods so that these businesses may go in. We do allow this type of use in the downtown plan area and the first craft brewery is going to be locating soon called the Blender, which is going to be at Long Beach Boulevard, just south of Third Street. That was the first craft brewery that will allow manufacturing to occur on site. And through that, that pilot project, we did determine development standards that would reduce any potential nuisance activities because of those those potential for nuisance activities. We are we are limiting the amount of production that a facility would be able to produce without getting a conditional use permit. We are also requiring that a tasting room not exceed a certain percentage of the floor area, typical of all alcohol business control licenses or ABC licenses. We would not allow any of these facilities to be located within 500 feet of a school, preschool, kindergarten, etc. and that also all production and storage that was used at the facility would be stored onsite and would be properly screened. The production, the tasting rooms would be available for members of the public to go and experience the craft beer or the spirits. And but the but the facility itself would not be open to the public. There would be the ability to have a small onsite restaurant. But again, there would be size limitations on the restaurant as well in order to not impact the neighborhood with parking parking nuisance activities. So with these restrictions or development standards in place, we believe that there is an opportunity to allow this type of use without a conditional use permit in specific areas of the city. And with that, we are proposing that you consider this ordinance and these development standards. I am available to answer any questions you might have. And we also have a couple of staff members who are experts in the craft brewing and can also answer questions from a personal experience as well.
Speaker 0: Thank you. I think first there's any public comment on the hearing before I go to the council. Casey None. There's a motion on the floor by Vice Mayor Lowenthal on a second, but by Councilman Mongo it just as a note, we actually two separate motions. First is the receiving the ordinance, the second part of the commission piece, correct? Mr. City Attorney That's correct. Thank you. So this is for the first one. And I'm going to make some a couple comments. I'm trying this over to Vice Mayor Lowenthal. This is an item that Vice Marie Lowenthal and I submitted actually just last year in 2014 and February. One thing about Long Beach, it's happening right now, which is really exciting, is there are some incredibly well known and well-respected craft brewery craft breweries that have opened up throughout the city and that are really getting national attention. Places like Beachwood Barbecue, there's a place that's been brewing for a long time, BBC and Councilman Price's district, which is a really well-known place, and there's a lot of interest for these kind of specialty type shops there. They're not they're not bars, per se, but they're places where we're where this kind of growing industry of of beer and craft beer is growing. And there's places like San Diego and Denver and Austin that are really have captured this market. It usually brings a lot of people to enjoy the area and to spend significant dollars in ways. A lot has become a lot like wine tasting for a lot of there's craft beer connoisseurs and there's there's wine connoisseurs. So this policy will help us expand our reach. And I want to thank the staff for working on it. And I also just wanted to add one piece. I want to make sure is Barack that as part of the motion we had discussed after passing this of putting together a kind of specialized brochure like this, like San Diego has to talk about the process of opening up a brewery or a microbrewery or a distillery and want to make sure that we still put put that together.
Speaker 3: Yes, sir. And I would like to apologize to Vice Mayor Lowenthal. I know that you were involved. And I do want to acknowledge that, because without your leadership, with the mayor's leadership, we would not be able to push this item forward. So I do want to thank you for your involvement as well. But to Mayor Garcia's point, yes, we will be following up with a specific how to guide. We have had interested parties approached the city as recently as this past week, as well as over the past few months, because they have heard that we are interested in relaxing our restrictions. And so there is growing interest in this. And we are becoming you know, we are becoming known in the area as the next potential wave for this type of industry to occur.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Vice Mayor Lowenthal.
Speaker 10: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And Mr. Burdick, I certainly don't mind if you don't ever associate my name with the adult beverages. That would be okay to take a pass on. So. But I am proud that we worked on this. Not all kidding aside, I think one of the things that the mayor and I have said for many years and certainly now, Councilmember Gonzalez is Long Beach celebrates its own sort of craft industries and no pun intended, but the craft beer industry is something that we are getting to be known for. And I'm very thankful that Beechwood Barbecue is here in our city and has invested in our city at a time that I think it was difficult to get those sorts of nationally recognized entrepreneurs and businesses to find homes in Long Beach. And so I'm glad that we have come this far. I know we are still working on the other item that the mayor mentioned, but really I do think this is an installment toward that and it provides great opportunities. People are looking to the Los Angeles County region for this sort of business, this sort of craft beers. But I think Long Beach has something very unique to offer, certainly by way of its placement, where we are and what kind of infrastructure we have and how people actually come to this city. And so it's it's nice that we have our bike lanes nearby. And I think it's all part and parcel of creating this sort of a culture that, if exercised responsibly, adds to really the luster of our city. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Councilwoman Mongo.
Speaker 9: I appreciate the work that you guys have done on this matter and look for other creative ways to bring more businesses to Long Beach. So thank you.
Speaker 0: KATZENBERG Ringo.
Speaker 6: I do want to thank both of you for bringing this voice, a visionary, bringing it last year as opposed to the first hearing. This is a youth where we could sell alcohol and have a wine tasting and have craft beers that everybody can enjoy. And it's and it's in a in a setting that would be more conducive towards bringing people to Long Beach and be able to recognize that we have some high end level of libations that everyone can enjoy. So I want to thank Amy and her staff for all the research they did in terms of looking at other cities and what they're doing there and looking forward to opening up our first establishment. And I have a feeling that I'm going to be the last. I'm going to hear about this.
Speaker 0: Thank you. With that, please take a vote on the first part of the motion.
Speaker 1: Motion. Motion carries eight zero. | Ordinance | Recommendation to declare ordinance amending the Long Beach Municipal Code by amending Table 32-1 of Chapter 21.32, Table 33-2 of Chapter 21.33, and Table 41-C of Chapter 21.41; and by adding Sections 21.15.135, 21.15.2985, and 21.45.114, all relating to alcoholic beverage manufacturing and accessory tasting rooms, read and adopted as read. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03242015_15-0248 | Speaker 0: Thank you. And can I get a motion for the second part of the hearing, which is the direction to send this to the California Coast Commission? I have a motion by Vice Mayor Lowenthal and Councilmember Richardson cleared the year ago. Please cast your votes.
Speaker 1: Motion carries eight zero.
Speaker 0: Thank you. And since we're talking about the California Coast Commission, it's probably as good a time as any of congratulating Councilmember Roberto Durango for being appointed by the California state Senate to the California Coast Commission. And he is taking my seat on the on the on the commission. So very congratulations. And let's go ahead and move on. What's the what we're going to do now is public comment and then we're going to go to right after public comment. I'm going to take 24, which is the item that is the request, the resolution on the the the farming, the UFW resolution. And then we'll go to the regular agenda. So speakers, we have first I'm going to go out and do Sal Vazquez first and then I'll do the and then up followed by. So I have Alexander Torres and and so and Sal, before you speak, if I can if everyone else, please line up over by this we can | Resolution | Adopt resolution directing the Director of Development Services to submit the amendment to Title 21 (Zoning) of the Long Beach Municipal Code related to Alcoholic Beverage Manufacturing and Accessory Tasting Rooms to the California Coastal Commission for their review and certification; and
Accept the Categorical Exemption CE-14-140. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03242015_15-0276 | Speaker 0: Okay. Thank you. Now we're moving on to item 24. So we're going to 24, which is the other. The other item that I know we have a group here for. So, Madam Clerk.
Speaker 1: Item 24 Communication from Council member Yarrawonga Vice Mayor Lowenthal. Council Member Richardson. Recommendation to request the city attorney to draft a resolution in support of the farm workers at Goodwin Farming and and right to unionize with the United Farm Workers.
Speaker 0: Okay. Thank you. I'm going to turn this over to Councilmember. You're Ranga. Are you the main author? Right.
Speaker 6: Thank you, Mayor. But wait a minute. The desk is that of the United Mine Workers. Separate before. Key to that is a gracious pursuit. But he didn't see a prosthetic, Ethan today. Yeah. Back to emotional radio. And we work about electrocardiograms prosthetic advances in the presentation. Basically, what I said is I want to thank them for their time being here. They waited a long time and thanked them for their patience and that I am now going to read my statement. I am glad to sponsor the settlement support of the United Farm Workers in their long struggle to unionize the workers at Garrison Farming . The United Farm Workers have been working since 1990 to solidify the vote held by the workers at one farming to join the union. Gary one farming has continually violated labor laws over these past many years. Laws designed to protect workers. And it is disturbing that the workers there have been unable to successfully implement their rights to unionize. It is only fitting and appropriate that we take this issue up today as we near Cesar Chavez birthday. To note that we stand with him in his last major organizing campaign. We, the city of Long Beach, along with our colleagues in other cities who have joined the call for writing a great wrong, have a moral responsibility to support social issues that negatively affect workers rights to choose a union or not. I therefore respectfully ask my colleagues to join me today in voting for this resolution to send a message to the group on farming that workers have a right to unionize and be represented and have a pathway to the middle class. Thank you. And I move that we accept this motion.
Speaker 0: Next up is councilwoman I'm sorry, the second year of the motion and Vice Mayor Lowenthal. Then Councilwoman Pryce.
Speaker 10: Sorry, Mr. Mayor. I just wanted to thank Councilmember Your Honor for raising the topic. It might not be an issue that's occurring inside the borders of Long Beach, but our residents certainly purchase from the farm that Councilmember Durango had mentioned marijuana in local supermarkets. And I firmly believe that workers should have the right to safe and healthy work conditions in our fields, in our hotels and our restaurants anywhere in California and the United States, for that matter. And I know certainly with all that is happening and the interest that we're seeing regarding the drought in California, farm workers are impacted in a way that I think a lot of folks who just go to the grocery store and pick up their items have no idea. It's just as easy as when you turn on the tap. If the water's flowing, you have no idea of the challenges. But you do have an idea. And I saw this in our farmer's market on Saturday, which we opened. Half the farmers we expected, which we traditionally would see at any other time, weren't able to be there because they are suffering and struggling. So in addition to working conditions, you have natural conditions that inhibit your ability to work. And I want to assure you that this city and this council stands with you and recognizes the contributions you provide and doesn't simply look at the bounty on our tables to decide if all of us have a bountiful life. So I want to thank you for your perseverance. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman Pryce.
Speaker 3: No problem. First of all, I want to thank all the workers and members who are here tonight. You know, I'm a part of a union, too. So I think that the desire to be part of a union and to work within a union is a very reasonable, prudent request. And and I, I think I you know, I joined Vice Mayor Lowenthal in her comments that we want nothing but safe, good working condition for our for all of our workers, all of the workers who who work in our state, in our own right, in our nation. My my question would be this. And I did a little bit of research on this last night, and perhaps Councilmember Durango, who who brought this forward, can answer a couple of questions for me, because I'm work. I'm worried about timing. And I will tell you why I'm worried about timing. So I did some research on the Internet last night, and I understand that there is actual active litigation going on. Well, first of all, who drafted this draft ordinance that we have? Was it our city attorney? Okay. Our city attorney.
Speaker 5: No, we did not prepare the. There's a proposed resolution language. The resolution that was provided by the Council of.
Speaker 3: Okay. So this resolution that we'd be adopting would not it was not prepared by our city attorney's office.
Speaker 5: That's correct. It's currently as a proposed resolution and in types of support of things like this. If it's the desire of the council to use this as our template, we'd be certainly happy to do that. If you were to change it tonight, we would modify it to whatever the council would.
Speaker 6: Like to see back that comes back. But if I could interject, this resolution was a resolution that was passed by the city of Los Angeles.
Speaker 3: Okay. And then someone just forwarded it to us to pass here. Okay. And do you know when that was passed by the city of L.A.? Because I think the appellate court has taken the case up.
Speaker 2: In the news today.
Speaker 0: Does anyone know that? That Archer. Mr. City attorney. Nope. Okay. I don't know. I don't know that we know that answer yet.
Speaker 3: Okay. Because my my concern is that I don't know how up to date the resolution is, because my understanding is that the appellate court is this is active litigation right now. And the the contract that's referred to throughout the resolution is the subject of the litigation that's going to be before the appellate court in April. And I believe that they will have a decision within 90 days of the hearing in April. So my recommendation would be to continue this until there is an opinion from the appellate court regarding some of the terms that are referenced in this resolution. And so I would request that we move this until 90 days after April, so that because there's active litigation going on. So some of the terms that we've even used here and some of the statements that are in here regarding illegal actions and things like that are actually under litigation right now by the California Appellate Court. So I don't want to pass a resolution that has conclusions in it that are currently being litigated and before the appellate court for oral argument. So I think legally this resolution and I don't know who drafted it before the L.A. City Council, but I think legally this resolution may not be accurate as it currently stands today. I understand the intent behind it. It may perhaps we can ask our own city attorneys to draft a resolution that's more in line with what the current legal status of this case is. Or we can wait until we have some resolution from the appellate court so that we can, when we're referring to things like, you know, what I don't want to do is pass a resolution that's making allegations that the appellate court comes back in in May and June and says, we're not founded. I think that would make us look like we didn't do our due diligence as a body. I'm telling you that I've researched this on the Internet, and this is going to be taken up by the California Court of Appeal in April. So I think it's premature for us to pass a resolution that wasn't drafted by our city attorney that maybe refers to terms that are going to be overruled or found to to be legally inaccurate. So perhaps we can do this in July. I don't know what 90 days from April would be. But maybe I'll make a friendly for that.
Speaker 0: There's a friendly moment by Councilman Price.
Speaker 6: I think members, although, had something to say before comment.
Speaker 10: If I may, Councilmember Your Honor, I don't disagree with Council Member Councilwoman Price. I think what I would prefer and hopefully you might agree, is to allow our city attorney to craft the resolution in a manner that perhaps excludes the language that is under challenge or under review, or actually it's under challenge and still convey the message that we wish to convey to these workers. I think there's a way to do that that Mr. Parkin would be able to do, and then we can proceed tonight.
Speaker 0: So I think I think the issue and perhaps this is in the form of I think this is perhaps in the form of a friendly to council, to customary ranga. It's my understanding, Mr. City Attorney, that the Council can direct you tonight to bring because you have you would have to bring back some type of resolution for the council to approve.
Speaker 5: That's correct. And if I understand the vice mayor correctly, we would prepare a resolution for the next council meeting that supports the farm workers and their right to unionize there and the ability of the United Farm Workers to unionize. But we would probably remove some of the language that's in the proposed resolution that makes certain allegations that are currently being litigated.
Speaker 0: I think that's what both council members are and what the councilmember and the vice mayor were asking.
Speaker 6: So I would I would be open to that.
Speaker 0: Okay. So is that a yes? Yes. Okay. So there's a new motion on the floor, which is to direct the city attorney to draft the resolution in support of the of the UFW. But it present language. It'll come back at the next meeting that perhaps would would remove some of the of the language that's being litigated currently . So that's a motion on the floor. I'm going to go through the rest of the speakers.
Speaker 9: Councilmember Mongo I really appreciate the openness to the friendly because one of the things that's really important to me is from my research, I hear that. Potentially and I don't know specifically because of the potential litigation or the pending litigation regarding whether or not there was encouraging and gathering of signatures. But if employees stood together and asked for a vote, I want to know what the answer to their vote was. I want to know what the employees want. I want to stand with employees because what I what I feel is that first and foremost, I want to be supportive of workers and jobs and what each and every one of you voted that you want. And so that's what's important to me. So I appreciate the acceptance of the friendly amendment.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Councilman Richardson.
Speaker 11: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I want to thank Councilmember U ranga for for allowing me to sign on to this item. I don't think there's very much that I need to say, except for I believe that this resolution, really the language that comes out, doesn't really have an impact on the litigation, but it has real impact on the hearts and minds and spirits of those who are at the bargaining table. So I want to say, you know, keep up the fight. We can do it. Si, se puede. And I will. And I was, you know, told by a C supporter. So I will. I will. That's what I'm talking about. So in out the way I was raised, you always take care of those who make your food. And it's that simple, right? And I don't want to make upset the folks, the work force that that keeps us fed. And I enjoy grapes. So we want to make sure we keep these people happy. But I digress. Thank you so much for allowing me to sign on to this item.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Councilwoman Gonzales.
Speaker 1: Thank you so much. Gracias for this. Not. But I must confess that.
Speaker 3: As we're, you know, standing with you and I thank you so much for being here. I know how hard you work. My dad's a Teamster, a union member, so I know personally how it is. I know some of you have, you know, heard that. But thank you just for for all that you do and for being here. And we we certainly appreciate everything you do.
Speaker 0: Don't remember your rank. All right, Tom from Boston.
Speaker 7: Yes, thank you. And I'll be very short and brief. I just want to appreciate you all for coming here this evening. I want to thank councilmember you for bringing this item forward. All labor has dignity in the work that other United Farm workers do in the Central Valley. They work under extreme conditions of the outdoor conditions and to to have the right and to come together to unionize. That is a right as a as a as an American workforce as a workforce in the United States. It's it's part and protected under united under the the migration under law. And so not under the National Labor Relations Act. And so we're here to I think the spirit of this resolution is sound and to to to the point that we need to to correct that. I am certainly supportive of that. But the fact that it's really, really gratifying to see our city employees I am UFC W standing together today on this important issue and you have my support.
Speaker 0: Thank you. And Councilmember Urunga.
Speaker 6: Thank you, Mayor. I want to clarify that the reason I accepted the amendment is because what's important to me is that we acknowledge the hard work that these workers are doing for the poor, like one farming, and that their conditions are horrible, deplorable. They've earned the right to unionize and they're not being allowed to to exercise that right. So as long as this resolution recognizes that. I'm all the way with it. There may be some language in there that is controversial that might be in litigation, and that's fine. The city attorney will wash that out. But I think it's important that we acknowledge the hard work that these workers do for us, for our communities and for our country in terms of keeping us with food on the table and doing it because it's their labor that's their choice, the work that they want to do. And I and I applaud them for being here with it. Subway. Subway. And as you.
Speaker 0: Big accounts. Remember, with that, I think it's pretty clear. I think the council's looking at going to be giving direction to the city attorney to come back. We will have public comment, but I think he probably know where the direction is going. But if there's any public comment and you want to add anything to this, please come forward.
Speaker 5: Yes. My name is Irv Hersh, and I'm I'm first vice president of the United Farm Workers. I just want to clarify a couple facts. One of what's being challenged at the appellate court is the constitutionality.
Speaker 7: Of the mandatory mediation law that was challenged by this law was passed in 2002.
Speaker 5: It was challenged by other growers. We waited for years, and we've used this law to unionize thousands of farm workers. So the challenge is is disreputable.
Speaker 7: Basically, and it will be appealed again.
Speaker 5: To the Supreme Court forever. We've waited several years for this. The law is constitutional. We've used that over and over again, just as the legislature has the right for public employees to have a mandatory mediation process.
Speaker 7: What makes this so farcical was that when we could not agree with going and invoke the mediation process, they picked the mediator and.
Speaker 5: We said, That's a fair person. We'll will abide by it.
Speaker 7: When when the mediator wrote the agreement.
Speaker 5: We accepted it, though it didn't have any medical plan for the 5000 workers, many of whom are documented. But we felt at least that's a start to get the contract process done. So we went through the procedure in terms of.
Speaker 7: Councilman Mango, in terms.
Speaker 5: Of the vote that they're claiming they want. The workers already voted.
Speaker 7: 20.
Speaker 6: Years ago.
Speaker 7: For the.
Speaker 5: Contract on the labor law. It's like being married until you're divorced. The reason why they don't have a vote is because the company used.
Speaker 7: Illegal practices to.
Speaker 5: Deny workers the right to a free election. I have five complaints litigated by the state of California.
Speaker 7: Not what I saying. It's what the state is prosecuting this law.
Speaker 8: So though.
Speaker 5: I accept the concept of something being under litigation, what I reject is the fact that this company is violated.
Speaker 7: Law repeatedly. When we had the union election.
Speaker 5: 24 years ago, when.
Speaker 7: She said Chavez was still alive.
Speaker 5: Their response was to bulldoze five labor camps and fire a thousand workers. So we were left with no majority. Now being blamed after being shot because we were bleeding on their carpet. So here we have a company.
Speaker 7: Who's violated every law.
Speaker 5: The impact of this on these workers is very simple. If we had a contract presently there, a third of the workers worked for farm labor contractors. They're still getting $9 an hour. The company raised the wages on the pressure for the direct workers for two thirds of the workers to $11. So one third of the workers are picking peaches, many of them single moms and others, and not getting any of the benefits. They're getting $9 an hour instead of the 11 they would have if they have a contract. So by delaying, the company is costing these workers millions of dollars. So we already have resolutions passed nine zero from Berkeley, 12 zero, including Republican members of the L.A. City Council, six zero with one exception from.
Speaker 7: The L.A. school district that has all this language in it. So I appreciate.
Speaker 0: The research being done. Thank you very much. Thank you very much.
Speaker 7: I wanted to clarify that we prefer a much stronger. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Well, it'll it'll it'll come back next week, so. Thank you, sir. Next speaker, please. Thank you.
Speaker 6: But I'm not as.
Speaker 1: Good with council members.
Speaker 10: My name is Alberta Vermeulen.
Speaker 6: Your travel companion. You know about me?
Speaker 10: I work for urban farming.
Speaker 6: We're part of the committee to know other the contractor.
Speaker 1: I was part of the negotiating committee.
Speaker 6: But the contract suggests that.
Speaker 1: We already have the contract, but the company doesn't want to respect that. I want to respect the contract as the.
Speaker 6: La companion without a. Know.
Speaker 1: The company is has been trying to get away.
Speaker 10: From the holes.
Speaker 1: Unions supporters.
Speaker 6: Uniform out of London as I later.
Speaker 1: Of. In any or other way they've been trying to.
Speaker 10: Push them to go away.
Speaker 6: Comparable condos around Eldorado or Atari.
Speaker 10: For example.
Speaker 1: When I began the nectarine or the Peaches.
Speaker 6: If the former the good Lord, Lord, they get down, all of them who are listening. Are you.
Speaker 1: There trying to find.
Speaker 10: A way to make a.
Speaker 3: Warning there.
Speaker 1: Like a write up.
Speaker 3: Warning to you?
Speaker 6: A party normally that is.
Speaker 1: I've been seeing different issues.
Speaker 6: Comparable Taekwondo South Korean companero if they're not allowed to wear my cuatro that.
Speaker 10: For example, I saw one of my coworkers fall.
Speaker 3: Down.
Speaker 10: And he was down like around 4 hours.
Speaker 6: A Domino's, but I don't look very good at all. No, not. But I don't.
Speaker 1: And I was working in a crew, the just crew. The whole crew has been supporting the union and. And this and they stabbed a crew.
Speaker 6: In a militarism of Korea.
Speaker 10: And the 13 the the subject crew.
Speaker 6: CONAN O'Brien. No, but I don't know.
Speaker 1: And they just make the crew they give more.
Speaker 10: Work to the crew just for the support of.
Speaker 3: The union.
Speaker 6: And those are no different. My thumbs up.
Speaker 1: So the crew was alerting us.
Speaker 10: They're giving us more word because we are supporters of the union.
Speaker 6: It was allowing us to enter mine, but there was. Not tomorrow, tomorrow.
Speaker 1: And the next year there. And they give us a word. But another crew.
Speaker 6: The party don't want. But all matters, companeros.
Speaker 1: So I have to find a job with another crew. With another crew boss and my. But my.
Speaker 10: Other coworkers.
Speaker 6: There's not much they.
Speaker 1: Can really find a crew that they can get.
Speaker 10: Back to work.
Speaker 3: In the company.
Speaker 1: Because the there was supporting.
Speaker 3: The union.
Speaker 10: That's it. Thank you very much.
Speaker 0: Thank you. I'm going to read just to repeat something in Spanish. I know there's people's coming to speak just on where were the councils that was created by talking about Espanol? If they had a snack thanks to each other, to Singapore, Orlando, Vamos, a local watering on menudo. But between. Darell, I've got to ask you that. Describe owner a young. Give our needle a proxima semana. So as I said Maccabee in a paragraph cited by council without a partizan resolution so but reciprocate also one of the youngest is getting okay.
Speaker 6: In that respect allowed us his syllabus out of that resolution.
Speaker 0: Okay, senor.
Speaker 5: Um, but I'm not just me. Numbers do not look at WADA.
Speaker 1: Good evening. My name is Daniel Rivera.
Speaker 6: So I want.
Speaker 1: I'm a girl.
Speaker 5: One worker at a Holloway lab, and I companion for those I knew. I mean that I'm his cuatro.
Speaker 1: I have him.
Speaker 10: Work.
Speaker 1: In and girl.
Speaker 10: For around two years to.
Speaker 1: Support my kids. My four kids.
Speaker 5: Durante was nine years old.
Speaker 6: All the the kids you know, I looked out.
Speaker 1: There and.
Speaker 10: Just years I.
Speaker 1: Been feeling and, um.
Speaker 10: The pressure.
Speaker 1: Um. They're the.
Speaker 5: Dang. I didn't throw out the.
Speaker 1: The pressure that we got in there. In the field work.
Speaker 5: It was color out of place at the but Amy promised companero.
Speaker 1: I will look here.
Speaker 10: I've been looking for.
Speaker 1: Oh to improve uh my life.
Speaker 10: My coworkers lives.
Speaker 5: Ebola criminals don't come with the needle. And for the second year we have.
Speaker 3: Been in the company.
Speaker 5: With this criminal activity. I knew.
Speaker 10: I was discriminated.
Speaker 1: For my union activity.
Speaker 5: Compare that for me to go Picasso.
Speaker 1: Through the door, the.
Speaker 10: Lrb the embassy. In my.
Speaker 1: Case.
Speaker 6: It was hard and I don't enjoy.
Speaker 5: Around me quality.
Speaker 1: And I was able to get back to work but was in another crew. That wasn't my. So whether you're talking about my mom, my original crew.
Speaker 6: Yeah.
Speaker 5: Companeros de la Union.
Speaker 1: And the crew. All the odds, of course, in this group.
Speaker 5: Thanks to parasail organizers and the companeros.
Speaker 1: This action affecting us to keep organizing.
Speaker 10: The ourself and to organize with my coworkers.
Speaker 6: Lack.
Speaker 5: Companion or.
Speaker 1: To company doesn't respect the law. That's why we we will like to support this film.
Speaker 3: Thank you very much.
Speaker 0: Can I just. Thank you. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 3: No press of any religion. My name is Ofelia Reyes. You say go away, Grandma.
Speaker 1: Why me? I'm a and I'm a girl. And I'm a girl. One worker.
Speaker 3: Isn't a prima.
Speaker 1: And we call.
Speaker 2: It la prima.
Speaker 3: E a how do I go the torture. I join them, bruh.
Speaker 10: I've been working there for around 14 years.
Speaker 3: Four seasons I set up in the U.S.A.. You're Mary, Kentucky killer. El Trabajo Ebro Bahama. No, no, no. Stop.
Speaker 1: Moldavia, they plan well, like Iran two years ago. I just nutters. They're, um. They're not giving us the wages they're supposed to be. They have to give us. Yeah.
Speaker 3: Yeah, this is hard, but it made me second think. I think so.
Speaker 1: You know, and because I'm a I'm a single.
Speaker 10: Mother and.
Speaker 1: And I need to work, and.
Speaker 2: I.
Speaker 1: Think. And I have five kids to support.
Speaker 3: You put us on the metro a hundred years. Who took a human director? Randal Musk. With no luck on contract.
Speaker 12: Though, as I was there was I.
Speaker 1: Was working there and then I noticed the, um, they've been paying us like contractor workers just.
Speaker 2: $99.
Speaker 3: Per year, but I have already paid dostana through. And the more I do that and the.
Speaker 1: Direct her.
Speaker 3: Employees they've been having.
Speaker 10: They work in the same field, in the same place and the same room.
Speaker 3: Father owns a dollar.
Speaker 1: And they pay them 11, $11.
Speaker 3: You know, so the rebels do agree me, Cynthia Discriminator, Paul, NATO's model.
Speaker 1: And when I realize about this difference, I feel discriminated.
Speaker 3: No excuse to throw estamos throw one more sugar in me small but strong. You've done abogado diferencia because this it's not fair.
Speaker 1: We were working in the same place.
Speaker 10: And the same.
Speaker 1: Company and they given giving us different wages.
Speaker 3: He can be in the way with this. No Mandhana, no through Caruana, through era or the league. Ms.. Laws provides order and greater autonomy.
Speaker 1: Uh, our, like, contractor workers. They they make us to law, to love the leather, to carry our own leather. And they help guards who load.
Speaker 3: Rihanna and Thrilla in a third. I mean, not at all.
Speaker 1: Okay, so. And.
Speaker 2: So the.
Speaker 10: Acquirers, I think they.
Speaker 1: Have they have they they have help to carry their their leather. And we need to get our own leather.
Speaker 3: Put a sock in the drawer, get in with them being honest. Up to Apollo they this.
Speaker 1: That's why we need you support the support of you guys. In his.
Speaker 3: Travel journals. They were very close.
Speaker 1: We really almost.
Speaker 3: Seem to be rather eager to see those, to.
Speaker 1: Be considerate.
Speaker 3: And.
Speaker 1: Grateful.
Speaker 3: He said, I can be a hello this come on your patella. You're looking at me the most.
Speaker 1: Because we are.
Speaker 10: Workers and we're just asking to respect the law.
Speaker 1: With no real contact.
Speaker 0: Senator, thank you very much. So what I'm going to do also, because I think you've heard from the council where this is going, I'm going to be cutting out the speaker's list. I think come forward if you're on the air, if you want to speak. John, I think I have a gentleman, this lady and that gentleman in the hat. I'm going to go and cut off the speaker's list and the council is going to take a vote on this. We can move on to the other items. So I have the next three people. Unless there's any objection to that, I have these three folks in line. We're going to speak and then the council's going to take a vote. Okay. Sounds good. So. So, gentleman in the Red Hat, you're the last you're the last one on the speaker's list. Okay. Speaker's list is closed, sir. No. Yes.
Speaker 7: My name's Roberto Moreno and. I've been working there for going for already like 14 years and so seasonal. And I just want it to be like the, the contract.
Speaker 5: Like, you know.
Speaker 6: Gain control to push, implement, implement the contract. Because, um, well, I mean, that's the law. And, I mean, the judge already passed the. The contract.
Speaker 7: So it should be. Implemented.
Speaker 2: And. And that.
Speaker 0: Thank you, sir. Next speaker. And my final two speakers on the list, please.
Speaker 12: Name is Suzanne Darwish.
Speaker 1: I'm a longtime supporter of farm workers.
Speaker 12: It was my first job out of seminary.
Speaker 3: Over 50 years ago.
Speaker 1: I worked for the California Migrant Ministry.
Speaker 12: And I'm sure you all know.
Speaker 1: That farm workers are at the bottom of the social and economic level because they don't have the power, and yet we need them because we all eat. So we.
Speaker 3: As you recognize, Mayor Garcia, so we.
Speaker 12: Need to care about.
Speaker 1: The conditions under.
Speaker 3: Which our food is harvested.
Speaker 12: Don't you think 24.
Speaker 1: Years in negotiation is long enough for one company this company.
Speaker 3: Has managed to evade.
Speaker 1: We have a California is lucky to have the agriculture labor relations board and the act we we are the only state in the union.
Speaker 3: We have the.
Speaker 1: Best laws in the nation.
Speaker 3: But they are not enforced because there are too many farms and not enough inspectors, which is why we.
Speaker 1: Need the union and the people that are.
Speaker 3: We. We had people dying in the fields from.
Speaker 12: Heat exhaustion and.
Speaker 3: Not water and not.
Speaker 12: Shade breaks. This is the law that they are.
Speaker 1: Entitled to that.
Speaker 12: They're only asking for that. And I think.
Speaker 1: The the ground company has managed to evade the.
Speaker 12: Agriculture Labor Relations Act, a board.
Speaker 1: Voted to.
Speaker 3: In their favor, in the favor.
Speaker 12: Of the farm workers, and they have.
Speaker 3: Managed to avoid.
Speaker 1: Fulfilling the terms of the contract. And so.
Speaker 12: I implore you.
Speaker 1: Please, to support this resolution as it was presented to you tonight and move things along. I think.
Speaker 3: 24 years.
Speaker 1: Is long enough. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. And our final speaker.
Speaker 5: My name. My name is Henry. While I used to be a farm worker back in the seventies, I worked for a company based out of Blythe, California, and we would pick garlic in 120 degree weather. And for £50 of garlic, we got paid a nickel for a while there on the farm. The farmers would try to fight the Teamsters against us. And so I've been in protests where the Teamsters would come off their trucks with baseball bats trying to club us. And so I'm urging you to support this because just think picking £50 of garlic in a 120 degree weather. And back then when you wanted to go to the restroom, they would tell you, oh, go across the street. That's someone else's land. And. You should support this. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you, sir. So with that. Public comment is now closed. There is a motion on the floor to have the city attorney draft resolution bring the language back to the council members. Please cast your votes.
Speaker 1: Councilman Richardson. Motion carries eight zero.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Motion carries. Now we're going to go back to the regular agenda. Which I believe we are now hearing. Number three. Does that sound about right or no?
Speaker 1: Yes.
Speaker 0: Yeah, it's going to be a long one.
Speaker 1: Item three report from Financial Management Recommendation.
Speaker 0: Thank you all. Thanks all for coming. Okay. Gracias. Thank you very much.
Speaker 2: Okay.
Speaker 5: Good luck.
Speaker 0: But it's worth it now. Next item. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to request City Attorney to draft a resolution in support of the farm workers at Gerawan Farming, and right to unionize with the United Farm Workers. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03242015_15-0249 | Speaker 1: Item three Report from Financial Management Report. Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record. Conclude the public hearing and adopt resolution. Amending the master fee and change charge charges scheduled citywide.
Speaker 10: Because they were competing for the.
Speaker 0: Okay. I'm going to turn this over to. Time to go.
Speaker 6: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Members of the council. This hearing, the staff report will be presented by Leah Erickson, our budget management director or manager.
Speaker 12: Good evening, Mayor, and members of the City Council. City Council's approval is being requested for second quarter changes to the master fee and charges schedule for the second quarter adjustment process. There are minimal changes and six departments have proposed a total of 19 fee changes to the schedule, along with four deletions. The Master fee and charges schedule is updated at least twice a year to allow departments to meet City Council's stated policy on user fees, which calls for full cost recovery whenever appropriate. City Council last approved an amended master fee and charges schedule as part of the 15 budget process. Some examples of the changes in the report include a change to the passport postage fee to reflect increased postage cost. There's also fees related to implementation of the Mills Act to include a change of the application fee to be 1100 per property instead of per unit. And lastly, there's also a reduction in the youth pool swim fee for the Belmont outdoor pool from $3 to $1. Proposed reductions for the remaining city pools will be heard by the City Parks and Recreation Commission on April 16th. Department representatives are here to answer any specific questions on the changes.
Speaker 9: Councilmember Mongeau If one of my colleagues has a question on changes, I have a question on the next round of this that I thought would be important for the hearing. All yield to another councilmember. Okay. Leah, Miss Erickson, if you could for a quick moment, give us a little background on what the difference is between exhibit A and Exhibit B. I know you and I have talked about the questions I've received from constituents regarding the variance and what the confusions are. Would you be able to speak to that, please?
Speaker 12: Sure. Councilwoman Mongo Exhibit A is included for reference purposes and includes the entire master fee and charges schedule. Exhibit B includes just the fees that are being changed or deleted or new fees. And so that's what city council would be approving at this point.
Speaker 9: So I read a fair share of these fees to be supportive of our idea that. We're not increasing fees. We're actually lowering fees when it comes to the pool to empower children to participate in learning how to swim, which is a valuable tool and a valuable skill to have. And then these other fees are new because of other laws and changes that we've made to be more business friendly, specifically in the downtown area. Yes.
Speaker 12: That is a that's correct. That's an establishment of an exemption process for a noise hearing.
Speaker 3: Yes.
Speaker 9: So so just to be clear, these new fees are to support the community and business. And potentially, if we had any other requests for when this comes back to us. And six months would now be the appropriate time to make that request.
Speaker 12: Yes, you could you could ask the administration to look into things.
Speaker 9: So as we've discussed, I'd like to make a formal request for the administration to look into the parking permit process. As many are aware, in the fifth District, along with my councilmember, who's missing for a quick second. All of us have been here for quite a while and needed a few bathroom breaks. We have some parking districts and the make up of how parking permits are charged there. We believe a group of constituents and myself believe that there might be a more effective way to make those charges. That would not be as costly to the residents. And I know you and I have kind of talked about that maybe the first car cost a certain amount, but each additional car would be less because the processing costs to the city would actually be substantially lower for those additional cost. And therefore, we would be able to save the taxpayers some funding while still giving them the privilege of the parking district for the areas that are so impacted by the community college, the college and other areas throughout the city. Is that something we could have back in the next iteration in the fall?
Speaker 12: Councilwoman Mango Yes, the administration can. The staff can look at that and and report back and see if any changes are warranted.
Speaker 9: My goal is that this is back before the council before we permanently make the areas that are currently temporary, permanent, because we want to make sure that we're doing the best by our citizens to ensure that those prostitution fees are reasonable. So thank you very much for that. I'll be supporting this motion or this hearing.
Speaker 10: Councilmember Gonzalez.
Speaker 3: Thank you. I also want to say thank you for I know you heard loud and clear the residents regarding the Mills Act. And I see here there's some adjustments that have been made. And so I just want to make sure that Mills Act application fee is changing per from per unit to per property. That is correct. I just wanted to make sure that was that I was reading that correctly.
Speaker 12: Councilwoman Gonzales. That is correct.
Speaker 3: Okay. And I think that's about it. But I just wanted to thank you for all that, because I know that that had been brought up a few meetings before, and you heard them loud and clear. So thank.
Speaker 2: You.
Speaker 10: Thank you, Councilwoman. There still is not a motion or a second, but we do. We are doing that. Are you okay? Thank you. Councilmember your anger.
Speaker 6: Yeah, I see that. There's also an inclusion of marriage license fees of. Does that mean that our city clerk will be administering more marriages?
Speaker 12: Yes, that is correct. There is a civil marriage ceremony. The.
Speaker 6: Okay. Is there an estimate as to what that may generate? Just out of curiosity, if you have any kind of numbers that you can work on?
Speaker 12: Councilmember Durango. We don't have an estimate of the number of couples who would choose to use the city clerk at this time. But once we have more experience, we can report back.
Speaker 6: That's all. Thank you.
Speaker 10: Councilmember Alston.
Speaker 7: Yes. I was just curious regarding the the Long Beach Airport and the commercial use permits, and I see that they have gone up significantly for filming. And how did we reach that conclusion to to almost double those fees? Is anyone?
Speaker 12: Are we? Okay. So. I don't seem to have a representative here from the Long Beach. We do. Okay. I'm sorry. I'll turn it over to. For the Long Beach Airport. Carolyn Carleton Lowe.
Speaker 1: Councilman, this councilman, this is.
Speaker 3: Our effort to.
Speaker 1: Bring our fees in line with the rest of the city and also to reflect staff time that goes into.
Speaker 10: These endeavors.
Speaker 7: Okay. So our filming permits, this is in line with what they are for the rest of the city.
Speaker 10: That's what I understand.
Speaker 7: Okay. I was just curious. It just kind of jumped out at me. I know we are making great strides as a state, you know, a local area to to encourage our filming and to continue to do that. I just want to make sure that we're being consistent. Thank you very much. Okay.
Speaker 10: So we have a motion and a second seeing no further comment. Is there any member of the public that wishes to address the Council? Mr. Goodhew.
Speaker 8: Very good Hugh Clark, as he does have a serious issue relative to the. Fees that are charged to hold rowing events. In the last six months. Within the last six months. Three events in the for the first time in the history of Long Beach, three rowing events had to be canceled because of the increased fees. Two by the junior program. One by Cal State University. It had to. Moved to another for that event, had to move it to a city that was not the second worst managed city in the country. For those who are not familiar with it, the Marine Stadium was specifically fashioned, specifically fashioned for rowing a 2000 meter course period . And I think it would be a very strong indictment. For this city. To undertake action that would undercut that. I see the city manager smiling. All right. He's clearly a buffoon that doesn't understand. The Marine Stadium was too.
Speaker 10: Good here.
Speaker 8: I realize.
Speaker 10: Oh, no, I don't think you do. You realize if you come to the mic, you will not disparage our staff. Is that clear? Is that clear? Simple. We expect civility. You have a right to speak, but civilly only.
Speaker 8: Webster defines the conduct if it would fit the category that Mr. West has displayed. Period.
Speaker 10: Well, you're.
Speaker 8: Saying that you.
Speaker 10: Develop.
Speaker 8: The Fifth Amendment and you want to throw out that one.
Speaker 10: Final chance. You have one final chance. Okay. Civility.
Speaker 8: Civility includes buffoonery. And we have that. But the record speaks for itself. I didn't make the wallet report. All right. We've got a very serious issue. This is one manifestation of it in the history of Long Beach. We've never had to do that. We've had intelligent. People that weren't buffoons. Thank you.
Speaker 10: Any further public comment. CNN members cast your vote. I'm a yes, Madam Clerk.
Speaker 1: Motion carries seven zero.
Speaker 0: Okay. We're going to go on to the next item, please, Madam Clerk. I think actually. Is it consent annexed?
Speaker 1: Yes, it's consent calendar. | Resolution | Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record, conclude the public hearing and adopt resolution amending the Master Fee and Charges Schedule. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03242015_15-0257 | Speaker 1: Item 13 Report from Financial Management Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record regarding the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act. Public Hearing and adopt resolution approving the issuance of revenue bonds by the California Statewide Communications Development Authority to benefit Brethren, Manor Senior Care or its facilities in the amount not to exceed 25 million.
Speaker 0: District seven Count Summary Ranked. Did you want to go first to get a staff report or.
Speaker 6: Would you prefer a go ahead with staff reporting? Okay.
Speaker 0: We'll do a short staff report.
Speaker 5: Mayor, council members, this is a tougher hearing, a tax equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act hearing basically through the California Statewide Communities Development Authority. We they will be issuing $25 million in.
Speaker 6: Financing to ensure that this facility.
Speaker 5: At three, three, three, three Pacific Place in District seven, which is called Brethren Manor Apartments.
Speaker 6: Remains a low income senior citizen complex. And our treasurer, David Nakamoto is.
Speaker 5: Here to answer any questions.
Speaker 6: That we might have.
Speaker 0: Okay. Councilman Ringa. There's a motion by customary rank in a second by Castro, Richardson, Guthrie, Ringo.
Speaker 6: I just want to ask if the during the remodel, if you will, that these tenant current tenants are going to be taken care of with moved to another facility. How is that going? How is that going to be taking place?
Speaker 7: Councilmember It is a plan that there will be no permanent relocations if you desire. Representatives from Brethren Manor are here also to speak.
Speaker 6: Good evening, my honorable mayor and city council members and Councilman turanga the the plan at brethren manor is to take eight units and sequentially move people out of eight units, rehab the interiors of those units, then move people back within one week. And to do that for the entire property in which we've done on a variety of different cases in other buildings here in Long Beach, in your district and in other districts, I had some concerns have been raised as to whether the the tenants who will be displaced for a while and then allowed to to resettle if their their fees or their rent is going to be changed in any way. Their rent will be abated during the period of time that they're out of their unit. And we are also going to give them a stipend which is identified in the relocation plan that we turned in to both the tax credit authority and HUD. And what about continuing rent? Will they be able to maintain the same rent? In other words, are they going to have to pay more rent because the place was renovated? Great question. There are 296 apartment units at Brother Manor, of which we have income qualified, 254 of those residents that will either be paying at or potentially below what they're currently paying. Based on the tenant protection vouchers that I think we've discussed, there will be approximately 40 residents who have incomes that are 60 to 80% of median who will be probably have a rent increase. So is that to say that the other registers where they're senior held, the senior housing facility?
Speaker 8: Correct. It is it is, as of this date.
Speaker 6: A senior housing facility, and it will expire as a Caesar senior housing facility as of July one, 2015. So our efforts are to preserve it as a senior facility. Okay. Well, I can support this motion as long as I know that and have an assurance that the tenants who are going to be. Moved out and put and allowed to return that at least they maintain that very close, if not exactly their their rental agreement that they had before before the remodel. Yes. That's the objective.
Speaker 0: Thank you, sir. There's a motion and a second. No other public comment on this. So please cast your votes.
Speaker 1: Motion carries eight zero.
Speaker 0: Q Back to the regular agenda item number nine. | Resolution | Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record regarding the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) public hearing; and adopt resolution approving the issuance of revenue bonds by the California Statewide Communities Development Authority (CSCDA), to benefit Brethren Manor Senior Care, L.P., or its affiliates, Brethren Manor Apartments, in an amount not to exceed $25,000,000. (District 7) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03242015_15-0256 | Speaker 1: Motion carries eight zero. Item 11 Item 11 Report from Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications. Fire and Police Recommendation to adopt resolution to submit the updated Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan and to amend and update the plan annually, or as requested by the Federal Emergency Management Agency citywide.
Speaker 0: It was the motion in a second. Any public comment? CNN, Please cast your votes.
Speaker 10: Mr. Mayor.
Speaker 0: Yes.
Speaker 10: I just wanted to thank Reggie Harrison for the incredible amount of work that was performed by him and his team, including those staff members from other departments. This is not a small undertaking. I know we're happy to receive this tonight, but it really, from where we stand, seems like a very huge undertaking. So thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Councilman Gonzalez.
Speaker 3: Reggie, I want to thank you as well. This was you know, it's a huge undertaking, so I appreciate it. I know my office just had a meeting with you and we talked about certain Espanol in Spanish and maybe in other languages. So thanks again for being open to that.
Speaker 0: Councilman Mongo.
Speaker 9: Emergency management is definitely one of my passions. And so when I was looking through this item, I just I really admire the hard work and dedication that went into something like this. It's no small task for a city of our size. Congratulations on. Excellent work.
Speaker 0: On price.
Speaker 3: Thank you. I, too, want to thank you for your efforts and your work. Where is he? I can't see him. Oh, okay. Thank you very much for for your efforts and for this report. I did talk earlier this week when we met about the possibility of creating a scientific review board that might be willing to work with our city on the various different types of emergencies that the city might face soon armies, earthquakes, you know, all the different types of emergencies that the state and nation prepare for. I would like to see us have a scientific review board who would work with our city staff, who's a specialist in that particular area. Is that something that you're open to looking into?
Speaker 7: Councilmember We would be very much interested in working with such a group similar to the scientists that we work with at Cal State, Berkeley and USGS on our earthquake early warning system. We'd welcome that opportunity. Thank you.
Speaker 3: Okay. Then with you know, with the city manager's permission, if it's okay, I'll I'll ask Julie Maliki from from my staff to send you some information of some scientists who have reached out to our office who would like to help us create a scientific review board and whatever process is involved with that. I'm open and available to you to help make that happen if you need any council action on that. So thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Councilman Richardson.
Speaker 11: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I want to also chime in and congratulate and thank you for for the tremendous amount of work that went into this. I know we've had conversations about our role as elected officials in this. And and I want to appreciate you for sending around the memo that outlines how we all have a role in disaster and has our elected officials. We need to prepare and play our position when the big one happens. And I also want to I want to take this moment to just, again, you know, give a plug to the CERT program. It's a great program. I went through the program myself with my wife, and I know that there is it's under a different department, but it's very much so in alignment with the work that you do. So I want to continue to just encourage us to support the CERT program and encourage our residents to enroll.
Speaker 0: Got some good.
Speaker 6: Thank you. I do want to get in line and commend Mr. Harrison for his work on this. And I know that he also had some great and wonderful support from the police department, police Chief Luna and the fire Chief Jerry. And I want to acknowledge them also for their participation in this proposal, and I want to thank them also for their work.
Speaker 0: Cancer Boston.
Speaker 7: Yes, Mr. Mayor. I'd also like to echo everyone's comments. A great job of Mr. Harrison. Job well done. It's great that our city is thinking ahead because it's not a matter of if, but when disaster strikes, we'll be prepared. Through your efforts. Thank you again.
Speaker 0: Councilman Landrieu.
Speaker 8: Thank you. Thank you again, Reggie. I know if anything does happen, you will lead us to the Promised Land.
Speaker 2: Oh, no, that doesn't sound right.
Speaker 0: There's a motion on the floor to second guess your votes.
Speaker 10: I don't want to go to the afterlife just yet.
Speaker 1: Motion carries eight zero.
Speaker 0: Next item.
Speaker 1: Item 12. Report from Financial Management and Harbor Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record regarding the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act. Public Hearing and adopt resolution approving the issuance of I'm sorry, issuance by the Board of Harbor Commissioners on behalf of the City of Long Beach Series 2015 Senior Bonds District two. | Resolution | Recommendation to adopt resolution to submit the updated Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan in accordance with the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 - Public Law 106-390; and authorize City Manager to amend and update the Plan annually or as requested by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03242015_15-0258 | Speaker 1: Item 12. Report from Financial Management and Harbor Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record regarding the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act. Public Hearing and adopt resolution approving the issuance of I'm sorry, issuance by the Board of Harbor Commissioners on behalf of the City of Long Beach Series 2015 Senior Bonds District two.
Speaker 0: Thank you. There's emotion in a second. Vice President Lowenthal, did you have any comments? This is your district.
Speaker 8: It's okay.
Speaker 0: It's technology. It's more it makes everything faster.
Speaker 10: Technology makes everything faster. I got it. I have to be faster about this. I just want to say that I support this and I think the maker. Oh, there you go. Thank you. I'll be more quick next time. Thank you.
Speaker 6: American Samoa. I do want to recognize that Steve Rubin, the chief financial officer for the Harvard Department, is here tonight to to support this.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Any public comment on the item? Mr. Hill.
Speaker 8: Larry could do quick as the address, notwithstanding the fact that we've got some stellar leadership within the board now, I think it makes eminent sense to hold off issuing these bonds until and particularly given the wildlife report that rates this city is the second worst managed city in the country, is to hold off until such time as we have the federal master that will oversee the city and replace the city manager. When you have a reputation. Of being the second worst city in the world. Oh, excuse me. In the countries West management in the country. It has to impact the rating of the bond. Period. And if you don't believe that, I would suggest you go talk to farmers and merchants or go talk to Jan Netherton, period. We will not clearly be able to get the rate we will once we have non buffoonery on the 13th floor which incidentally the definition of. Grossly ill ill educated. Is that have Webster's definition of other buffoon. And that's what we have in terms of the city management. So to get a better rate, it makes more sense to hold off until. The current mayor is in prison. We have a new mayor and a new city manager. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Period. Very excited.
Speaker 7: I got to tell you.
Speaker 0: I'm going to start when I start talking like that, actually. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Next item, period.
Speaker 1: We need to take a vote. We need a vote.
Speaker 0: Vote, period. The members, please cast your vote.
Speaker 1: Council motion carries eight zero.
Speaker 0: Okay. Next item, please.
Speaker 1: Item 14 Report from Financial Management Recommendation to adopt resolution approving the annual and Five-Year Reports for the Transportation Improvement Fee. Parks and Recreation Facilities Fee, the fire facility impact fee. And the police facilities impact fee citywide. | Resolution | Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record regarding the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) public hearing; and adopt resolution approving the issuance by the Board of Harbor Commissioners, on behalf of the City of Long Beach, of Series 2015 Senior Bonds, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $230,000,000, consisting of Harbor Revenue Refunding Bonds, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $80,000,000, and Harbor Revenue Bonds, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $150,000,000, secured by Harbor Department revenues. (District 2) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03242015_15-0260 | Speaker 1: Item 15 Report from Financial Management Recommendation to receive and file the The Fiscal Year 2015 first budget performance report citywide.
Speaker 0: Mr. West and I that you probably have a short report on this.
Speaker 5: Sure. Our budget manager, Lee Erickson.
Speaker 12: Good evening, Mayor and City Council. This is the first performance report for fiscal year 15, which covers the first four months of the year. And this information is consistent with the data that we used when we presented the budget situation on March 3rd. General fund revenue and expenses are projected to end the year within budget and the further funds, there are no revenue concerns in the general fund. We have previously reported about the situation with Uplands, Oil and Highlands operation. Staff will continue to closely monitor revenues and expenditures and will report any material changes. This concludes the staff report and I'm ready for any questions.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Casey. No questions or public comment. Please cast your votes.
Speaker 1: Motion carries eight zero 16. Item 16 Report from Financial Management. Recommendation to award six contracts to provide financial advisory services on an as needed basis in an aggregate aggregate amount not to exceed 1,200,000 per year. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to receive and file the Fiscal Year 2015 First Budget Performance Report. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03242015_15-0261 | Speaker 1: Motion carries eight zero 16. Item 16 Report from Financial Management. Recommendation to award six contracts to provide financial advisory services on an as needed basis in an aggregate aggregate amount not to exceed 1,200,000 per year.
Speaker 0: Citywide grant has been in motion in a second. Is there any public comment on this? Do you, Mr. West, you want to briefly just inform the Council what this process is?
Speaker 5: Certainly our Treasurer, David Nakamoto.
Speaker 7: Thank you, sir. Honorable mayor and members of the City Council before you as a recommendation to a ward. Both. Excuse me, honorable mayor and members of the City Council before you as a recommendation to award as needed contracts for six advisory service firms to provide the city specialized financial and advisory services only on a as needed basis . The city has historically used financial experts for various on call projects, access to specialized financial and industry expertize as necessary to preserve the city's ability to address priority issues, as well as shifting financial and legal and regulatory developments in a comprehensive and timely manner. City Council's action is requested on March 24th, 2015, to ensure that the appropriate financial expertize is available to support city initiatives. This concludes staff support.
Speaker 0: Thank you. I do have the make or the motion in the second. Do you have any comments? If management's over to Councilman Gonzales, who has a comment that Councilman Gonzales.
Speaker 3: Just had a question in the item here, it says, Local business outreach, how are we outreaching to our local businesses for this process?
Speaker 7: Councilmember Gonzalez We align ourselves with the purchasing department's practice. We've outreached through their monthly of our proposal, which reaches 30 local, minority and women owned businesses. In addition to that, the purchasing department itself published our item to 376 local businesses.
Speaker 3: Okay, so are we sending them a is it an email or what format would we I mean, how is that?
Speaker 7: I believe it's electronic format. Yes.
Speaker 3: Okay. Just wanted to thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. We have a motion on the floor. Please cast your vote.
Speaker 1: Motion carries eight zero. Item 17 Report from Fire. Recommendation to Adopt Resolution Identifying the terms and conditions for the Fire Department. Response to incidents outside the jurisdiction when when the Long Beach Fire Department is compensated or reimbursed for such responses citywide. | Contract | Recommendation to adopt Specifications No. RFP FM15-019 and award contracts to Barbara A. Lloyd, Municipal Advisory Services, of Los Angeles, CA; Frasca & Associates, LLC, of New York, NY; KNN Public Finance, of Los Angeles, CA; Montague DeRose and Associates, LLC, of Westlake Village, CA; Public Financial Management, Inc., of Los Angeles, CA; and Public Resources Advisory Group, of Los Angeles, CA, to provide financial advisory services on an as-needed basis, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,200,000 per year, for a period of two years, with the option to renew for three additional one-year periods, at the discretion of the City Manager. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03242015_15-0262 | Speaker 1: Motion carries eight zero. Item 17 Report from Fire. Recommendation to Adopt Resolution Identifying the terms and conditions for the Fire Department. Response to incidents outside the jurisdiction when when the Long Beach Fire Department is compensated or reimbursed for such responses citywide.
Speaker 0: Thank you. I have a motion in a second. Any public comment? CNN. Please cast your votes. Should one staff report on that, please? Can we get a staff report?
Speaker 5: Chief three. Mr. Mayor, council members, I'll be very, very brief. This this is the California Fire Assistance Agreement. Basically, in a nutshell, what you're doing tonight is you're authorizing us to continue to respond to the state as we are requested and also be reimbursed from the state from a portal to portal standpoint, the same way we traditionally have been in the past. On January 1st of this year, there was a change in the state at the OS level that basically stopped reimbursing municipalities for downtime and portal, the portal time only reimbursing cities for the time they actually worked on on an incident. So what this resolution will do is it will continue to get us reimbursed at the rate we traditionally have.
Speaker 0: Thank you. There's a motion on the floor. Please cast your vote.
Speaker 1: Councilman want. Motion carries eight zero.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Next item. | Resolution | Recommendation to adopt resolution identifying the Terms and Conditions for Fire Department Response to incidents outside of the jurisdiction when the Long Beach Fire Department is compensated or reimbursed for such response. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03242015_15-0263 | Speaker 0: Thank you. Next item.
Speaker 1: Item 18 Report from Parks, Recreation and Marine. Recommendation to execute a new cooperative agreement with the Friends of Long Beach Animal Shelter to provide for and shared use of a newly installed dual purpose veterinary clinic at the P.D. Pitchford Companion, Animal Village District five.
Speaker 0: Thank you. And I'm going actually have staff do a short. This is actually a really great partnership and a really great use. It's going to happen at the animal at the animal care shelter. So if I can turn this over to staff to let the council give them a heads up on what's happening over there.
Speaker 5: Thank you, Mayor, and members of the city council. I'll turn it over to Ted Stevens, who's been working with the friends of Long Beach Animal Care with this veterinary clinic.
Speaker 7: Thank you, mayor and council members. I'll try to keep it brief, but this will be, you know, there when the facility was originally built, there was not much thought given to veterinary care for the shelter, to provide veterinary care for the animals. And so this.
Speaker 8: Donated building will.
Speaker 7: Give much needed space for our veterinary and medical team to be able to provide veterinary care for the animals that come in that are injured or ill from the community. And then as part of the arrangement with friends of Long Beach Animals, they'll be able to operate a to provide spay and neuter to the public at a free or very reduced price. And that will go a long way in assisting with the mandatory spay neuter, which was passed last week.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Vice Mayor. Low info.
Speaker 10: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I know that over the last few weeks we've had a really robust discussion about the successes and challenges of our Animal Care Services mission of reducing pet overpopulation. We heard lots of comments on the issue, and I mentioned to you that pieces were beginning to fall into place from all the hard work of our staff at Animal Care and the animal care community, as well as the city council. The vet clinic is just one more important piece in that puzzle, and I want to thank everyone for a great job, everyone that's been involved, and I'm just very happy to see this come forward.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Any public comment on the item? Seeing none. And I want to make sure that we think friends of the Long Beach Animals, because if it wasn't for them, this new building would not exist. It's there fundraising efforts that have helped us get this new vet clinic. So thank you very much. If you're out there watching and please cast your votes.
Speaker 1: Motion carries eight zero.
Speaker 0: Next item.
Speaker 1: Item 19 Report from Parks, Recreation and Marine. Recommendation to execute a First Amendment to contract with Merchants. Landscape Services for Supplemental Landscape Services for a total amount not to exceed 936,000 citywide. | Contract | Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute a new Cooperative Agreement and any necessary documents with the Friends of Long Beach Animal Shelter, doing business as Friends of Long Beach Animals, to provide for the shared use of a newly-installed dual-purpose veterinary clinic at the P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village, for a term of five years, with two, five-year renewal options at the discretion of the City Manager, or his designee. (District 5) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03242015_15-0230 | Speaker 1: Item 22 Report from Parks, Recreation and Marine. Recommendation to declare ordinance amending the Long Beach Municipal Code relating to the exercise of dogs upon a design. A designation portion of the beach of the City of Long Beach read an and adopted as read District three.
Speaker 0: Councilwoman Price.
Speaker 3: Thank you. I'm pleased to announce the installation of new art pieces at Rosie's Dog Beach, the city of Long Beach work with the Arts Council of Long Beach in an effort to create distinctive artwork for the dog beach and to celebrate dog lovers alike. The artwork is a celebration of the special relationship we have with our dogs. I'm excited to have public art at the Dog Beach. Rosie's Dog Beach opened in 2003 and is located at 5000 East Ocean Boulevard between Roycroft and Argonne. The dog beach is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. I want to thank the staff for helping implement this exciting new addition to our Dog Beach, and I look forward to going out there and seeing our residents using it with their dogs this weekend. Thanks.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Councilwoman Mongo.
Speaker 9: While my spayed and license dog isn't available this weekend, we look forward to joining you at the dog beach soon. And I know your little ones don't have a dog of their own, so bring your little one's misc list price and I'll make sure that they have a dog to play with.
Speaker 0: Any public comment on the item? Scene and please cast your vote.
Speaker 1: Councilman Mango. Motion carries eight zero.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Now we have announcements for. Actually, there's a second public comment period if anyone wants to do that. | Ordinance | Recommendation to declare ordinance amending the Long Beach Municipal Code by amending Section 6.16.310 relating to the exercise of dogs upon a designated portion of the beach of the City of Long Beach, read and adopted as read. (District 3) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03172015_15-0215 | Speaker 1: Item one report from Financial Management Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record. Conclude the hearing and grant an entertainment permit with conditions on the application of Michael's Sports Lounge at 710 West Willow Street for Entertainment with dancing by patrons and Performers. District seven. Please raise your right hand. You and each of you to solemnly state that the testimony you may give in the cause now and pending before this body shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Great. Thank you very much. Moving on through this hearing, I'm going to turn this over now to city staff.
Speaker 12: Mayor, members of the council. I believe council member Austin has excused himself due to a conflict that he represents the owner of the establishment in his job as a representative for that group. So he will not be participating in the hearing this evening.
Speaker 0: Okay. Thank you.
Speaker 10: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Members of the Council for this item are the staff making. The presentation will be Jason MacDonald, our purchasing and business services manager.
Speaker 8: Mr. Mayor, council members, Jason McDonald for the Financial Management Department tonight you have in front of you the application for entertainment with dancing for you needs way.
Speaker 6: Of doing business as Michael's sports bar 710.
Speaker 12: West Willow and District seven. All of the necessary departments have reviewed the application.
Speaker 8: The application and proposed conditions are contained in the packet that was provided.
Speaker 6: We are prepared to address any questions or concerns along with the police department regarding the application or the conditions. Commander Farfan from the police department will address the calls for service. Good evening.
Speaker 10: Mayor and City Council Commander Rick Farfan, Long.
Speaker 12: Beach Police Department.
Speaker 10: During the investigative stage, which takes place from September 12, 2014 until March 17, 2015, we examined calls for service and during this time.
Speaker 12: We found there were 27.
Speaker 10: Calls for service, with the majority of them being cleared advise, which means that an officer actually went there and spoke to the owners or made contact with somebody. The remaining was when the officers arrived on scene. They didn't hear any loud music or there was any disturbance. That doesn't mean that nothing occurred, just mean by.
Speaker 12: The time the officers arrived, they didn't hear any music.
Speaker 10: We've also discovered that Migos has applied for seven or EPS occasional entertainment permits, and every time they've had an occasional entertainment permit, there's always calls for service, typically involving loud music and loud patrons. Their most recent EP was issued this past.
Speaker 12: March 12.
Speaker 10: Through the.
Speaker 8: 13th, and there were.
Speaker 10: Five calls for service between the hours of 1050 to 1:00 in the morning. Three were for music calls, and two were complaining about.
Speaker 12: Large groups that were being loud and disturbing the neighborhood.
Speaker 10: We've also contacted all residents with a 100 foot radius, and that impacted three of the residents. All three residents are opposed to an entertainment permit, citing various reasons such as loud noise.
Speaker 12: Large groups leaving trash in front of their neighborhoods, urine as frequently found in their name in front of the residents. That's a very common complaint. That concludes my report. I can be able to answer any questions.
Speaker 0: Thank you. With that, we're going to go now to public comment for this part of the hearing. So if you're a member of the public, please line up for public comment and then we will go to deliberate through the council. So please come forward. Please come forward and just identify yourself for the record.
Speaker 1: Okay. Good afternoon, everybody. Thank you very much for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Leslie Harvey and I live in the 2500 block of Main Avenue, right around the corner from Michaels Sports Lounge. I've lived there for 12 years. When my husband and I bought our house on Main Avenue, there was a mom and pop chocolate shop on the corner and a John Edwards paint shop across the street. And adjacent to that, there was a small neighborhood bar. It was a quiet neighborhood. We thought it was the perfect place to buy our first home and to raise our two boys. For many years, the neighborhood was peaceful. Our boys grew, went to school, and the eldest went away to college. This is when the trouble began.
Speaker 3: The small neighborhood.
Speaker 1: Bar had changed ownership several times and eventually became Miko Sports Lounge. With new ownership came outsiders to our neighborhood. With these outsiders came a myriad of disturbances and disrespect for the people and properties on Main Avenue. Waking up at two in the morning to loud voices, laughing, shouting, and at times fighting became a regular occurrence. Car alarms going off. Car stereo so loud that they would rattle our windows. Motorcycles revving their motors and cars racing down the street were frequently heard in the middle of the night. People were parking in front of our house, drinking in their cars, getting high, leaving their empty bottles and trash in our garden. And then we would literally watch them walk down the street and go to the bar. After six months, the first six months and over 70 phone calls to the police. My husband and I were absolutely shocked that Mika's application for a permanent business license had been granted. And we are further confounded by the news today that the fire, police and health departments recommend approval of this entertainment permit. The Long Beach Municipal Code States. The City Council shall approve the permit if it finds that it, quote, will not constitute an undue burden on the neighborhood, unquote. How can what we've been through the last year not be considered undue burden? Our peace has been disrupted. We feel like we live in the parking lot of a bar. I hope that after you hear from my neighbors and me today that you will understand our burden and not add to it. Please don't approve this entertainment per permit. Even with the conditions listed, it will add to the existing burden of living near to Mika's Sports Bar. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you so much. And just as a note, where is the actual applicant? Up here on the OC. So the applicant will go last and the applicant will have an opportunity as part of a hearing for a reasonable amount of time. So anywhere between five and 10 minutes for the applicant, but for public comment, let's get through that first. So please come forward.
Speaker 6: I. Good evening, counsel. My name is Steven Kirkpatrick. My problem is I have a neurological disease that affects my my muscles and my speech. So please be patient with me. I live two doors down from me cause I take many medications for my disease. And I've been told by my doctor to exercise, get plenty of rest, and protect myself from stress. My doctors say this stress will accelerate my disease. I got my doctor's tests. But Michael's PA has made this hard for me to avoid stress and get plenty of rest. I can't sleep because of loud disturbance of the patrons waking me up all through the night. Some. Sometimes, especially if there's an event at the bar. All of then all of the noise. Start a chain reaction with the dogs barking in my neighborhood. The loud music from the bar wakes me up even when I take medication or when I wear earplugs. How can I? How can I get away from the stress when I feel like the noisy parties in my home. This has been very stressful to keep. My health in check. Late, late, late one night has many, several Michaels patrons just to hold it down. When they when they woke me up, they didn't respond. I felt uncomfortable. Then I went back inside. The next morning, my last sprinklers were damage. More stress to me. My daughter has to park. Down the street one block when she visits me because the bar customers take up the parking in front of my house. I don't like. My daughter has to walk so far to her car at night just to visit me. I take care of my two grandkids after school, after school, when my daughter works three of those days. It bothers me that my grand kids were often hearing offensive language at the bar when they walked, when the patrons walked to the cars in front of my house. My grandkids sense that I'm distressed to me at times because of because of the bar. They don't enjoy visiting me anymore.
Speaker 0: And so you're going to get additional time. You know, you mentioned the issue, so please continue. Okay.
Speaker 6: Thank you so much. I appreciate it. Thank you. The bar is is a nightmare for me. And the stress is almost too much to bear. But it's important for me to be here to tell you that I don't just care for my health. I care from a neighborhood. But what you look like for your neighborhood, I think you would. I respectfully ask the council to deny any permits at this location. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 8: Thank you. My name is regular person. My house is right behind the barn. I lived there for 15 years with my wife and kids. You know, I'm a local business owner for 20 years. My wife and I have been married for 23 years. We have a 20 year old girl, Northridge University. A 15 year old girl in Milliken High School. And a 12 year old boy, the Newcomb Academy. You know, Puerto Rican. But Long Beach has been my home for over 20 years. You know, we were a very, very blessed family. Living the American dream. And to me, skateboard came along. You know, I have a number of various I sent to Peter Ronco and Jason MacDonald with loud patron distributors on the street, some living, you know, they were arguing with each other, some blasting their sound system of their cars as they leave. Urinating in my yard in between parked cars, in the alleyways, even some having oral sex. We have all that on video. Loud screaming at 2 a.m. from bar staff, thanking their customers for coming for coming out. You know, I caught people urinating in my yard and I asked them to please go back inside the bar or go home. You know, some of them apologize and leave. But some of them are very aggressive attitude. You know, I've been told cats obscenities even by one of the owners, the bar owners, you know, telling me that she doesn't give an F and to call the police. I have all kinds of harassments. Loud knocking on my front door, screaming from the alleyway, you know. You know, daring me to call the police, you know, on my daughter's 15th birthday, hurting, saying, you know, we were home. Two of her friends, you know, the parents couldn't pick him up from from this alone. So as we open our front doors to walk him out, you know, the parents were picking him up. We saw a patron urinating into my yard. I told to go inside the bar. You know where he told me to go? You know, how's that for a quinceanera memory? But the worst part is the loud music comes from inside the bar, from their jukebox. You know, they have already have a violation sent by Daniel Phillips from the Health Department, who came to my house to monitor noise levels twice. You know, they're still an open case. When he came, it was a very quiet night. You know, my family and I, you know, have three different levels. We cannot live in our house. Please deny the permit. But if you are considered to be out of favor before I urge you to come to my house, there's always three sides to every story. You'll be the third one. I guarantee you that. If you come, you know you. Not only that, you will deny the permit. You will probably recommend to close the bar guarantee, see the lack of sleep, listening to my stress, my health, my house and my business. I have 11 ployees that the job is in jeopardy because I don't think I can keep up with the business and all this stress. I thank you for your time.
Speaker 0: Thank you, sir. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 1: Hi. My name is Tony at Cattleman's. I live four houses down from the bar. I moved into my home in 1987. I like that. It's a diverse neighborhood. Lots of pride of home ownership. I have a great neighborhood. I'm against this permit for a lot of reasons and I appreciate the time to tell you why. It's ironic that last week, as I was thinking about what to say tonight, my partner was on the phone calling the police because of a disturbance from Mika's bar patrons. That's what this boils down to. The peaceful enjoyment of our neighborhood has been gone since Migos opened its doors last year in January. Several neighbors and I spoke to the owner of Makos Bar Mzansi in February last year, just a month after the bar opened. There are already disturbances not only coming from the bar, but from her patrons who parked on her streets because there's inadequate parking at the bar. We thought we could work something out with her to improve the problem. She said, quote, She had no control over her patrons outside the bar and her advice was to call the police when our piece was being disturbed. So my neighbors and I took her advice. We call the police when her patrons were fighting in the street, when they were yelling loudly, going to their cars, one, two, three in the morning, waking us up. We call the police because of some lewd acts in front of our homes. When the music from the bar, especially the bass, was so loud, it shook our homes. You get the idea. Loss of sleep, lots of stress. The past year has been an emotional roller coaster ride of stress. We've worked hard with our neighborhood, with city departments, police nuisance abatement and others, all in an effort to get this bad business neighbor to fall. Follow just the basic ordinances set by the city. Stop disturbing the peace. That's a lot of city resources concentrated on one disruptive business. For the record, we're very appreciative of all the efforts that the city department certainly PD has put into this issue. There have been improvements regarding Migos disruptions in the neighborhood, but the disturbances haven't gone away. Please consider this from the beginning. Miss Yancey solution was to let the police handle her disruptions rather than working things out with the family neighborhood that she moved into. Mico Sports Lounge wants to expand itself into a nightclub with live entertainment to attract more patrons. Where are they going? To park. The location is not compatible with a long established family neighborhood setting, and the bar has an established history that it is not a good business neighbor. This is a neighborhood, not Hollywood. I want the peaceful enjoyment of my neighborhood back. Please don't reward make those bad behavior. Deny the request. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. That speaker, please.
Speaker 6: Good evening. My name is Dana Dedmon and I live on Main Avenue with a view of the Mico Sports Lounge parking lot for my living room. I fell in love with and purchased my beautiful home in 1989. I was young and to be honest, I didn't pay much attention to the fact that it was near a bar . Thankfully, it turned out to be a quiet little neighborhood bar half the size that it is now. The prior owners of my house never disclosed that there were any issues.
Speaker 8: Stemming from the bar.
Speaker 6: I assume that's because there weren't any. Unfortunately, I am now experiencing all the michos related disturbances mentioned by my neighbors and friends. Although not my day job. I am a licensed real estate agent. I am trained to know.
Speaker 8: That if anyone affected by.
Speaker 6: The nuisances created by me goes were to sell a home and failed to disclose it on the transfer disclosure statement. It would be considered fraud. None of us want to sell our homes except maybe Rickey. But a buyer interested in purchasing one would most likely move on to other listings or cancel escrow after reading a truthful disclosure . Or they might make an offer with a serious discount of, say, 50 to $100000. You've heard my neighbors stories and mine, but I'd like to comment a few things that haven't been covered. Number one, as I recall from conversations with nuisance control, conditions were imposed on vehicles that are not being adhered to. Music should be contained within the bar, but the bass is rattling our homes. The rear door was to remain closed except in emergencies, and people are still going in and out. The bar is to have security guards and they do. But they are clearly not effective and frequently add to the noise problem. They were to stop the loitering on Main Avenue and behind the bar. It is still continuing. Number two In a recent meeting with the bar owner, Selina and council member during his office asked the bar owner to reach out to the neighborhood. And that didn't happen. Last weekend, just days before this meeting. The bar produced noise and patron issues comparable to some of the worst, resulting in numerous calls to the police. This either demonstrates her inability inability to control her bar or her defiance of any restrictions imposed on her. Number three, a petition requesting denial of the entertainment permit was delivered to our councilman's office earlier.
Speaker 8: Today and submitted to the city.
Speaker 6: Clerk.
Speaker 5: Before the meeting.
Speaker 6: It is signed by over 80 people, mostly living within two blocks of the bar and every household in the 2500 block of Main Avenue. If a permanent entertainment permit were approved, I believe this would increase the noise and bad behavior stemming from Michael's further affecting enjoyment of our home health and prosperity, property values. I urge you to deny this permit. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you, sir. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 1: I have a little breathing problem today, so if you'll bear with me, please.
Speaker 0: No problem.
Speaker 1: My name is Delores. Can you hear me?
Speaker 0: Delores, would you mind maybe speaking into that, Mike?
Speaker 2: This one? Yes.
Speaker 1: I thought that was okay. All right. We'll start now. Um. My name is Delores Williams I've lived in. Oh, I live for houses down from Michael's bar. I lived in my home for I've lived in my home for 28 years. I have the same nuisance complaints as my neighbors. However, I'd like to speak to the city about the nonconforming status of this location and how it contributes to the nuisance problems we are experiencing. Here's a little history about the property. The building was built in the late fifties in 1995. The city approved a permit to expand the bar to a pool hall. Not a not expand the bar, but to expand to a pool hall that doubled its size. With only 11 parking spaces. I believe it's a it's now a 3000 square foot building with a capacity load of 150. As my neighbors have said, Michaels has caused parking, congestion and noise generated by their customers. Parked on our streets at all hours, perhaps as this property was brought into compliance with city codes. Our neighborhood would be less impacted. With regards to the bathrooms. Are there enough toilets and urinals to accommodate 150 people? Again. This was built in 1959. Are the bathrooms ADA compliant as required by the city for properties offering entertainment? As you have heard, we have a big problem with bar customers urinating in public. They urinate in the streets, in the alleys and on our lawns. This behavior is offensive, unhealthy, and it's illegal. Perhaps if this property had better bathroom facilities. We would have fewer people relieving themself in public. Foremost is the difference between 1950 and the 21st century. It's technology. Please consider how digital surround sound can amplify the jukebox of today as compared to the jukebox of the fifties. In addition, and this is a big one. Social media and Internet access increases the owners ability to market to massive numbers of people within seconds. The city. The city has not recognized how unsuitable and obsolete this building is.
Speaker 0: Ma'am, I know you said you had a breathing issue, so I'm going to let you continue. Okay. Just to. Oh, no. I'm going to let you. I'm going to let you continue past the time. So.
Speaker 1: All right. Thank you very, very much.
Speaker 0: Absolutely.
Speaker 2: And congratulations, by the way.
Speaker 0: Thank you, ma'am.
Speaker 1: So the city is not recognized as a small bar. It had little impact on the neighborhood as a small sports bar. The impact on the neighborhood has grown to an intolerable level, with live entertainment being packed can only be increased. And I'd like to say that I'm disappointed with the way the city has handled this nonconforming building that's 45 years old. This building was abandoned for one year, 30 days before Michaels moved in. That was a chance for the city to jump on it and make it conforming. We would not be here today. None of us. Miss Yancey wouldn't be suffering. We wouldn't be suffering. If you guys had been doing your duty. Thank you very much. And happy St Patrick's Day.
Speaker 0: Thank you, ma'am. Next speaker, sir.
Speaker 6: Hi. Good evening. Staff and council members. My name is Steve Duprey. I've been a resident of the Wrigley neighborhood for over 12 years. I also volunteer at the Peace Garden, founded by Dee Andrews at the Martin Luther King Park. The biggest issue we have here is the negative impacts on the neighborhood. We've we've got a conflict of interest where we've got a commercial district impacting a well-manicured, well-maintained residential neighborhood. We it's been a neighborhood where you didn't have the lock the doors. You didn't have to make sure your car was locked all the time. Can I have a brief show of hands of everyone who thinks there will be a negative impact that is in the neighborhood? Okay. Their concerns are increased crime, public urination, discarded liquor containers, numerous transient individuals drinking doing drugs in cars. And if this was on your block, this is not the neighborhood. You would feel safe with your children or to leave a door open. The police department has been overtaxed, responding to the numerous complaints and enforcing any kind of curfew, further taxes, city resources. So the people who raised their hands, those are the neighbors who have pride in their neighborhood and feel stressed and impacted. And when you look at the definition of entertainment with dancing by patrons and performers. It even raises a higher question of, you know. Of what further impacts are going to be on the neighborhood. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you, sir.
Speaker 1: Good evening, Mayor Garcia and members of the City Council. My name is Joan Greenwood. I live at 2091 San Francisco Avenue and frequently pass by this establishment. Sometimes later at night that I would like. But I do. I am here speaking on behalf of our organization, the Wrigley Area Neighborhood Alliance. Our members have taken a vote following meetings and discussions and firmly stand behind the residents of the 2500 block of Main Avenue. I don't know why what they're saying tonight should surprise you, because it seems to me I've heard the residents of Belmont Shaw, I've heard the residents of downtown Long Beach say much the same as neighborhood bars. Restaurants suddenly have become clubs, nightclubs. I looked up the definition of a nightclub. A nightclub is a bar that serves more liquor than food. A nightclub requires a special federal license. Has the city checked to make sure they have that federal license? I believe the documentation says that they have complied with all local, state and federal licensing requirements. This is an expensive license to obtain. We would love Mrs. Monte's business to be successful and to be a successful Wrigley neighborhood place. But I look at what's happened since the downtown on Pine Avenue has become a hot club spot late at night. I work in the Security Pacific Bank building. And you know what my colleagues are telling me? They come back to work late at night and they're finding patrons of the club, the vault up on the second level , drinking, loosening up and urinating. Maybe it's only 20% of the patrons that carry this behavior, but we see it. We saw it with the party busses. We're seeing it down. I see it in our parking garage, the auto part right over here in First Street. I went out one night leaving the office around 10:00 at night. There were six young men waiting to go clubbing, boozing it up, putting their bottles and glasses on someone's brand new white Prius, which I know was not theirs. There's the smell of vomit in the garage because before and after they drink, they vomit. They urinate. I'm sorry. Whether it's 20% or 10%. A nightclub does not belong in a residential neighborhood. You wouldn't let that happen any place out in the city. It's a bad, bad precedent to set to say that we can continue to grandfather in these activities that put a burden on the local residents and no benefits. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Next, bigger plead.
Speaker 1: Good evening, Mayor, and members of the council. My name is Jill Hill and I have lived in the Wrigley area since 1995. I've been active in neighborhood association ever since then, ever since moving three months after I moved in. So I've seen a lot of things over the last 20 years and experienced a lot of stuff. And we have had an incident like this come up before, and you were not around at that time. This was about 1999, 2000. Our council member was regroup and ski and across the street. Then a few doors down was Showtime Sports Bar. I don't know if you remember anything from that day. Hopefully our council member. Durango remembers that they were applying for entertainment permit as well. Our council member at that time denied that permit because he listened to the residents of the neighborhood. The people that lived behind there had the same complaints that all these members that are here today are telling you, I'm not in support of this permit. The quality of life, everybody's neighborhood association is all.
Speaker 9: About quality of life.
Speaker 1: And we're no different than anybody else. We don't want to disrupt our long term neighbors that have been there the majority of their life. It's just not fair to them. I wish businesses success. I have a business. I've been a business owner for 30 years. But you know what? I'm a good business owner. I don't do things that hurt my neighbors. And in looking at some of these conditions, if this business has not done the right thing or been a good business partner up to this day, do you think that they will once you allow this permit to go through? I highly doubt it. And one other little fact that the officer who gave you some stats did not say is in the first six months that they were open, there were 60 calls that residents made about noise issues. So, please, I respectfully request that.
Speaker 4: You deny the permit. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you very much. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 11: Good evening, John Dietsch, 3600 Pacific Avenue. But living Wrigley, I've never lived in Wrigley and I don't live near the sports bar. But for about 12 years, the late eighties, early nineties, I was a neighborhood association president in the lot through this neighborhood, and I enjoyed tremendous reciprocal support from the folks in Wrigley. I owe them. This is a minimum to come down and support these folks. Friends of longstanding. I know their trustworthiness. I know their credibility. Nobody's pulling your leg about what goes on there. I don't think there's anybody behind that rail it would tolerate this kind of activity. Within a block of your personal residence. One of the things that concerns me and I'm not just about this, but things in general is about enforcement. Enforcement of conditions, enforcement of a lot of different things in this sitting right now. When I was here a couple of weeks ago, I guess it was for agenda item 23 regarding the airport. SAT through the hearings regarding the permit application where somebody wanted the one of you wanted the food sales to always exceed the alcohol sales. Who enforces that?
Speaker 8: That is to the job. Does she have staff to do that? Do you supply, you know, time and talent to.
Speaker 11: Do that as the police department have orders to do that? I lived through that very issue where I have maintained a second residence in Comber, Georgia. Police chief and I were on the same page about how to bring forward a totally enforceable situation down there. Instead, there carpetbagging city attorney copied the Athens, Georgia ordinance. You just plagiarized it. It's absolutely, totally, 100% unenforceable. And also my personal observations. I go over there quite frequently at night and as recently as 23, 28 hours yesterday, there were patrons out on the street, on the sidewalk, on Willow. And I have been asked by certain folks, the police department or are you calling 911 when you see that? Well, first of all, I'm driving and you're not supposed to use a cell phone when you're driving. Secondly, 20 years ago, if I so much as mention this to anybody in the police department with one or more stars on this caller, there would have been an undercover vice people dispatched there to either confirm or deny my observations. And every time I made allegations like this. Vice people were under cover of ice, persons were dispatched and every time my observations were validated. So I would respectfully request that you. Denied this application. People have said it's out of control. It needs to be reined in as it is right now before any more generous permitting is given. Granted. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Next speaker, please. And then I believe just just for the notes of the hearing, the last speaker on this list, that is the applicant, is that correct? Okay. So closing the speakers list with the applicant last. Please can't.
Speaker 3: Tornado. Renfroe I live within a few blocks of Michael Sports Lounge. I have supported Michael's Sports Lounge since it's opened last year. I am grateful and I acknowledge Michael's sports lounge for doing business in the Wrigley area as a loyal customer. The lounge has served multiple purposes for my friends, family and I. We have celebrated birthday parties, graduation, and it has become a place for after high school, athletic games and other school events. The occasional entertainment permit plays a great role in keeping us there, spending out money and providing a great alternative to going to Los Angeles in Hollywood. We can easily spend our money in other cities, but we choose to keep our money in the Wrigley District in which we reside and we work. In the in the area. I hope that you all will better position Mieko for greater exposure, marketability and support to maintain its long term success and growth in the Wrigley area . And making a fair decision in I am for the bar.
Speaker 1: Thank you.
Speaker 0: Okay, thank you. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 4: Hello, everyone, I am to Michael Lewis. I'm part of sports. I'm out. From the first day. Like I said, we've been here a year now. We can judge from the past bar pretense. That's not fair. You should never be raised that never judge no one until you learn them yourself. Right. That's how we all raise. We are being judge from the previous bars. If everything is indicated that we're have been done, where are the police reports that all this has been failed, that we are a new set? Yes, we have again the calls because they are being losing calls because that's how they get their way in. But it's okay because we still try to be in compliance. So then we have our security guards all day outside. In the back, we have three security guards front door, inside and back. Sometimes these things can be, you know, uncontrollable, but it's not a forest. They walk up the street too long. We controlling our air. We try to give the respect. I'm in front of this because I have never been here before, so maybe I might be short of words and not be saying things right. But I feel that we need to be treated fair. Where? Give us a chance. You guys, judging on what was there 40 years ago, we just been here a year ago. So that bar there 40 years ago, was they from us being to make our Mico Sports Lounge today because we are being in compliance we do shut the door will sorry that if the delivery people come in and bring in our orders. Okay, well how can we keep the door shut if our orders can't be in here? Okay. Yes, it might be people outside being able to see, but that's not totally on us. But we do keep it in fair. But all I'm asking you guys just give us a chance because we're being judge what was there prior before us. That is chemical sports now because there's not the indicated in the police that we have been totally erroneous to this neighborhood bar. You know, and what I have to say.
Speaker 0: Thank you very much. Okay. Finally, we're going to have the applicant. So as part of the hearing, the applicant gets what's called a reasonable amount of time, which in this case, I'm not sure if we need more anywhere between five and 10 minutes. If you don't need that time, that's fine as well.
Speaker 4: Okay.
Speaker 0: Okay. But please, please begin.
Speaker 4: My name is Didi Yancey. Demetrius Yancey, born and raised in Long Beach. Um, let me see. What. What state of California license take years. So, um, I decided to open a business. I came back to Long Beach to do a business. My mother was instrumental in starting the Martin Luther King Parade. She actually got the statue put up at King's Park. So, yes, I've been in Long Beach forever, all my life. My dad. Born and raised in North Carolina. We worked for the city for 33 years. So the thing about it is, did you laugh? You could come, go to North Carolina, start a business, have one in Sacramento. I want to come back home and start a business. I didn't know it was going to be all like this, but it is what it is. I'd like to thank the neighbors for coming out and saying wonderful stuff about me. You like that? And in my whole world, I have never cussed. I do not cuss at all. So for them to say, for this young man to say, I dropped the F-bomb. Never did that. You would ask any of my customers, do not cuss cause that probably what? I got kicked out of school. Never cussed again. How about that? So everything that they saying, like I said, what the police calls the service. It's natural. A lot of times we should look into it a little deeper. I did not tell them to call the police as an alternative. What I told them is. I'm trying to do the best that I can. I want to have the security guards walk the customers to their car. I have, um. We exit out in tears. We do last call, and we get a group out. Then we get another group out. And then we leave. We have been closed at probably for the last couple of months. We've been closed like about ten, 11:00. The ladies will do as well. We will get calls for service on days that we're shut. Just because these people have gone to the city and the city have given them the the power to say do calls for service, do calls for service that would help them that would help you to push them out. I've been told by a couple of these people here that you're not going to be here much longer. We're going to shut you down. I've had some of these people come to my customers in the parking lot. This young lady here, I guess this is her because a customer told me I'm out there getting ready to come in. She was asking me about the toilet stalls. You don't ever have to ask about the toilet stools. Come in and look at the toilet stools. Who had been on the outside? I welcome everybody to come in. I said my place could be used for whatever. We have had meetings in there. We've had repass this. We've had wedding receptions. We've had whatever you want. Fashion shows in the daytime is. I'm not there. It's just there for me almost right now. I want to say I think it's a black thing, but I'm not black. Hispanic. No.
Speaker 6: I'm sorry.
Speaker 4: But the thing about it is, whatever they're complaining about is that's that's not true. I have my log here where I have my security guards write down every time a police car for service has come. Each time a police calls for service has come, it always said nothing. Nobody. The police said nothing. I've had where the nuisance guy came out and talked to me. He said the young man said it was someone urinated in his yard. At 930, maybe ten, we went back, looked at the cameras. They said they urinated in the yard, dropped the F-bomb on him, then came back in the back door and sat in the bar. Man. The nuisance guy looked at the footage. Only people that we saw was this man dropping his family off in the front. There was no customers in the bar at all from 930 to 1030. So at what point do you keep giving them ammunition to fight me? When I'm showing you what's going on is not really what's happening. They're just looking for a reason to fight. So. And any way if they if if they have any problem. I've always told them make a come talk to me. I had this young man here call me and stated and some people out in front arguing, fighting in this truck. This lady she has on this is this. He's texting me on my phone. I said, okay, I'm I'm there. He didn't know I was there. I was sitting in a parking lot. He's describing what's going on that was not even there. And I was just like, wow, he's telling me somebody in front of his house is doing this, this and that, and it didn't even happen. So my thing is, we can't fabricate sometimes and it's okay. They don't want the bar there. I do. I want the body. That's why I bought the business. I would like, you know, two small business owners to have more say in the seventh District. I went to the meetings with the. Two associations. And what I got from them was they were upset about the Wrigley District because it was all $0.99 stores.
Speaker 6: Um.
Speaker 4: Mexican restaurants. And nasty cheese that nobody could go in. So if we trying to run businesses in the district, what kind of residents, ah, do we have that's supposed to be supporting us? That's talking about our own businesses. You know, they don't. They don't care anything about the small business owner. And that's okay because they like he said, he owned his own business. If I roll by in front of his business, sat out in front of it, taking pictures of it and everything, like he do me, what would that make me? A predator. Some type of predator. But my thing is, I am applying for a business entertainment permit because I don't want to have live entertainment partying and stuff like that. I just want to be in compliance in case we are in there dancing. We could say, yes, we have a permit and we're dancing and we're permitted. I work for the state of California and are licensed daycares, so I make sure they stay in compliance. I want to be in compliance since I applied for the entertainment license. I had that new park and I have pictures here of how the place used to look before I got there. The parking lot. We all got new pavement put down. The guy came by and cited me because I had the sign. The old sign fell off the wall and it had adhesive tape on the wall. He literally cited me because I needed to maintain the wall how it was additional. So I did. But my business partners next to me, they have graffiti on their walls and the same. Adhesive tape on the wall. Did they get cited? No, they did not. We all put new pavement down. I got a citation saying I needed a handicapped parking space. Nobody else in that whole business not got anything. That said, they need a handicapped parking space. So did I put it down? Yes, I did, because I'm trying to be in compliance. That's my whole thing. I don't have. Any problem talking with any of them. Like I told them, I'm more than open to go and talk to them. I went to the little daisy. Parade that they had. Not the parade, the daisy. Picnic when it was Martin Luther King's Day. On Martin Luther King's Day. They had a little gathering on Daisy in 19. I went out there, set out with my stuff and was introduce myself to them. So when they asked me, did I want to come out and talk to the neighbors again? No, I did not, because I already spoke with them and they already knew who I was. Those that really wanted to meet me, I put myself out there to them. So why should I have to start back over? Just so they could delay my entertainment. They know who I am. I put myself out there. So I don't know what else it is they want me to do. Do I have another hour to talk?
Speaker 0: No, just a reasonable amount of time. So I think. Oh, if you want to begin to maybe wrap up that your case.
Speaker 4: Okay. So my, my thing about it is I asked if I could, you know, really do this hearing because. Seven days a week. Entertainment stops at ten. There's no place in the world or anybody goes where you could go out and you have to stop Entertainment ten. You actually leave your house at ten. So my thing is, I'm just trying to compete. I'm not trying to have a live band. I'm trying to get a kitchen put in. So I wanted to have a little small SpaghettiOs. That's what I was trying to go for. But if not, I just have to be patient and wait. I want to do karaoke. That's what I want to do. And I want to have a deejay. I have one live band there. That's the time when the guy got the decibel levels. He said the sound was so loud. He came out there like I told him that Levels was 55. He got, what, 55.7? So my thing is I told them, how can I fix that? I told them I won't have any live bands. So what? That's it? What? Everything. They come to me with. I do it in compliance and I do try to stay in compliance. Everything they told me to do, I have done with no problem. No problem. And if you want to come see the toilets, there's more than enough toilets in here. And we are handicapped. Approved.
Speaker 6: Okay. Thank you very much.
Speaker 0: Thank you very much, ma'am. Okay. So the work, including the hearing, is now concluded and we're moving back to the council for deliberation. So I'm going to begin by turning this over to Councilmember Ranga, and then the council will go to a vote.
Speaker 10: Thank you, Mayor. Now, first of all, I want to thank all the neighborhoods, the other neighbors in the really area, those in Maine who are directly affected by this tour taking time to be out here this evening. There were a couple of other issues that that were brought up that I think I'd like to have staff refer to. One of them was the most last one regarding the noise levels. If I could have Mr. Nelson Kerr from the Environmental Services, you can please step up and give us a report on what you found in terms of the noise levels and when and how often and what did you find?
Speaker 6: Thank you, mayor, and members of the city council.
Speaker 8: I'm Nelson Clear. I function as the bureau manager for the Bureau of Environmental Health at the Health Department. And under that bureau is the NOI a community noise program. And I also serve as the community noise officer. The complaints that we received started in July. So I'll just go through a quick chronology for you. On July 2nd, we did respond to a complaint that we received. This is July 2nd of 2014. That resulted in a notification letter being sent to the owner of Nico's with a CC to the complaining party. This process is complaint driven. We received additional complaints which resulted in a scheduled noise measurement which we took on the weekend night of January 3rd. And at that time, it was about 1130, between 1130 and midnight. And there was no live music at that time. The background noise is very important. In this case, it was above what the normal noise thresholds are. It was at 56 decibels. We did get a measured level outside of Nico's at 52 to 54 decibels. And we did receive additional complaints after that. So there was no violation.
Speaker 6: There at that initial reading. The next reading we took.
Speaker 8: Was on January 17th, also a weekend night.
Speaker 6: And this was after 10:30 p.m.. And the background noise at that point was 54.7 decibels.
Speaker 8: We did create a new standard to accommodate that at 55 decibels, and we measured the sound outside of MCUs at 55.7 decibels, and that was a violation. We did issue a notice of violation to macOS Bar on January 29th. I would also like to point out that this is a logarithmic scale and if it's 55 is the standard and you're at 55.7, it's not just 0.7 above 55. This is an order of magnitude higher. This is a logarithmic scale similar to earthquakes or scales. So it's not just a little bit above it's a lot above the din. That in that where we stand now is, like I said, it's a complaint driven process. We have received additional complaints since then and we are in the process of scheduling in another reading. If we get another violation, we will have to refer the matter to the city prosecutor. That concludes my report.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Counsel Marie Ranga.
Speaker 10: Thank you, Mr. Kirk. I also want to add that we had a series of meetings with with Mr. Yancey regarding we had a large meeting with the staff there, and I shared with her the concerns that we had regarding not only the the loitering or the patrons going into neighborhoods, but also the noise levels, the the control of the back door. We also proposed some conditions. One being the ability to to shut down entertainment at 10:00. We asked her directly if she would be abided by that. She did not give us a response. The again, I want to thank the staff for their efforts in helping me, trying to determine what is the best route to take with this. I want to thank the neighbors for coming out and sharing their views. I also want to acknowledge that they're cooperative with us, including Ms.. Yancey, in meeting with my staff and with myself to try to work things out. But I am disheartened to come to the conclusion that as a representative of the really, really community and the entirety of a district, that I make the motion to deny the entertainment permit.
Speaker 0: Okay. Is there a second to the motion, please? Okay. There's been. Actually, it's okay. Council, can we count some of your anger? Can you make. Thank you. There's been a motion and a second counsel. Did you want to.
Speaker 13: Yes, I'd like to say a few words. You know, first of all, I'd like to thank everyone for coming out tonight and responding to this situation. I look at all of that. We look at languages as, you know, business friendly. And I'm actually Mr. Johnson, I know very well. I know the family. But the thing about it here, I'm just trying to find out where do we go from here? I mean, have we sat down as individuals and tried to speak with each other? I mean, we have businesses all over the city of Long Beach. Is it really that bad that we really can't sit down with each other and try to find a peaceful way of working with these individuals? You know, we can't and we just can't. But I think that in this situation, I'd like to know where do we go from here? If we deny this tonight, is that it? That they will never get another chance to be able to. Because I would just like to know and I would just really like for Mrs. Yancey and Michael's Bar that I really think that it's time for you guys to really kind of sit down and really come to some form of, you know, an understanding that if there's going to be one, yeah, you must respect the neighbors. That's anywhere. Not only just I mean, I mean in the streets, everywhere else you go, because people do really seriously, they want to have a peaceful, you know, be able to sleep at night. They want to be able to do this. They don't want to have to go through that. But I would just like to see us be able to maybe some might come to some form, you know, a conclusion that we can sit down and maybe come to some type of, you know, a better understanding with each other, because I'd like to see everybody's business thrive, but it is what it is. And I just would hope that, you know, we could get along, you know, as friendly neighbors. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. But I'm going to go back to Councilmember Turanga and we're going to go to a vote. Oh, actually, did you know what, Councilman Price?
Speaker 3: I want to echo what councilman has just said. I think that's really important. I represent a district that has a lot of restaurants that are right alongside residential communities, Belmont Shore. And now we have some restaurants and establishments on Broadway. And this is an issue that comes up for us all the time. And one of the first things that I always look for is what efforts has the business owner made to try to mitigate and try to address the issues? So, you know, I'm with Councilman Andrews. I would hope that this wouldn't be the final step, that that maybe there would be some dialog down the road. But at this point, it seems like the situation is such that if things continue to go the way that you all think they're going to go, it's going to impact your quality of life in a negative way. And so we like to see, you know, in our office and I'm sure in all the offices, people come to the middle and do what they can and not be, you know, to be neighborly and be good community partners. And that's always what we're looking for when we have hearings like this.
Speaker 0: Thank you. And finally, Councilman Ringo.
Speaker 10: Before I continue my final final comments on this, I'd like perhaps the city attorney to describe next steps. What is the process from here on out in terms of what what is the meaning of this motion.
Speaker 12: Before you this evening? Is the application for the entertainment permit. If denied by the Council, pursuant to our municipal code, the owner of the establishment will be prohibited from reapplying for a one year period.
Speaker 10: Thank you. So basically what we have at this point is that we're going to have one year of a moratorium, if you will, of being able to provide any kind of entertainment in this establishment. But there is an opportunity as well to improve those relationships with the neighbors. It's beginning to hear. Okay. To make amends or to work with the community, to try to work with them, to come to a to a that's a center so that you can thrive in your business because we all want businesses to thrive. There's no question about that. We had a bad start. I would say that there's an opportunity to do a do over, start again, meet with the neighbors and speak with them. And and if there are some issues or concerns in the future, there's an opportunity to open that door and to have open and free discussions as to how they can be a. I think that what we're trying to do at this point is to address a current issue so that to bring it up to the forefront so that we can address them in the in the back. So I hope that this is an opportunity for you and for the poor, the neighbors, or those affected by the by the business to get together and work things out. So I'm hoping that this would be the beginning of a better relationship. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. And there's a motion on the floor to deny the entertainment permit that's before the council has a hearing. So, members, please go ahead and cast your vote.
Speaker 1: Motion carries seven zero.
Speaker 0: Motion denied. Thank you. We want to thank you all for for coming out tonight. And now we're going to be moving on. Real briefly, through the consent calendar, which is 210, item 12 and the record of public comment. | Public Hearing | Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record, conclude the hearing and grant an Entertainment Permit with conditions on the application of Enaid’s Way, Inc., dba Miko’s Sports Lounge, 710 West Willow Street, for Entertainment With Dancing by Patrons and Performers. (District 7) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03172015_15-0211 | Speaker 0: Thank you. Now we're going to take 25 before moving on to the rest of the regular agenda.
Speaker 1: Item 25 Communication from Councilmember Richardson. Councilwoman Gonzalez. Councilmember, your UNGA recommendation to adopt the order declaring a moratorium against the issuance of a new exemptions from the SEAL requirement for alcohol related uses and direct the Department of Development Services and the Planning Commission to undertake a study pursuant to Longreach Municipal Code to determine whether or not the city's current zoning regulations related to SIP exemptions are appropriate or need further review and or modifications.
Speaker 0: Thank you. There's a motion by Councilmember Richardson. I'll turn it over to him. Which with the second by Councilwoman Gonzales.
Speaker 11: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. So. Currently the CFP process is one that enables us to bring in uses that might have an impact on our communities, such as alcohol, trucking, things like that, and provides a public avenue for folks to vet and evaluate those impacts in in the in year over the over years of having this contemporary process . A number of exemptions to that process have come into place that have created sort of a patchwork of holes in this ACP process. So so although there are there are a number of exemptions that that might have made sense on a case by case basis. But my concern is that we haven't taken a holistic approach at these exemptions. For example, there's an exemption for a department store or florist that sells accessory sales of alcohol. So that would be an exemption if a florist were to sell hard alcohol, for example, that's exempted from our conditional use permit process to evaluate whether or not that that could potentially have an impact on the community. And the zoning code gives no specific explanation as to why these uses are not required to go through a public vetting process prior to commencing the sale of alcohol. And the code currently doesn't distinguish between the sale of beer and wine and the sale of hard alcohol, is there? Is there a specific difference between the two? So in my research and in speaking with the city manager and city attorney, I wasn't I wasn't comfortable with the explanation for these these exemptions as they are. And I'd like for us to take a look at these so that we have a fair, clean process on how we administer conditional use permit. Now, to be clear, there are a number of exemptions that make a lot of sense and that we utilize all the time. One of them one of them specifically is the one on on restaurants that serve food. That's an exemption that I'm not saying that we need to review. There's another one that's specifically related to grocery stores, specifically grocery stores. And that's something that my motion I'm asking that that not be included. What I'm talking about is everything else, all of these things. There are department stores, there are pharmacies and florists that have that are exempt from this process. And I want to hit the pause button on that exemption. For a period of three months so that our staff can take a look at it and come back with one comprehensive look at the entire exemption process. So the moratorium would be on all of those exemptions except for like grocery stores, like outright grocery stores and restaurants that serve food. The entire policy is under review, but the exemption is just for those two. So that is my motion.
Speaker 0: Okay. There's a motion and a second. Councilman Kanjorski, want to speak to your second?
Speaker 3: Thank you. I want to thank Councilman Rex Richardson for bringing this forward because I think it's a really good review to be able to look at. I think it's it's time that we give the process a little bit more in-depth of a review, and I think it's vital for certain communities. I know in the first and the ninth and some other communities that have been inundated with other issues related to violence, related to alcohol consumption, I think we just had, you know, the a good example here on our very first hearing and how it can affect the community so much. So I just want to thank the councilman for bringing this forward. And I look forward to the review and to see what it brings back to us and what we can do going forward.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Get him to go to the speakers list. Councilman Mongo.
Speaker 4: If I could ask city staff, I know that the trend is towards department stores that actually include grocery, for example. There are targets that sell. A large section of their store is actually for grocery. So what percentage of a store would need to sell grocery? And or are we saying that it's based on square footage of the store? Is it based on sales of the store because certain types of stores aren't going be able to spend? Maybe they spend 50% of their square footage on grocery, but the price of electronics far exceeds the price of grocery. And therefore the sales wouldn't support that in terms of counting of those grocery. So what what would you term as grocery?
Speaker 12: Councilwoman, I'm going to turn this over to our director of development services, Amy Bodak, who who's been working on this.
Speaker 1: Councilmember Mongo and City Council. That's clearly something that we're going to look at. But it's and there are other jurisdictions that have a higher threshold of exemption, as well as a lower threshold of exemption. But I think the issue that we're looking at is standalone grocery stores versus general merchandizing stores.
Speaker 3: That also carry groceries.
Speaker 1: So I think that's going to be the distinction that has blurred over time in our definition of a grocery store. There are certain grocery stores that are not able to get a CPA exemption because they're frankly too small.
Speaker 3: Our current regulations are at 20,000 square feet. So, for example, you know, a fresh and easy would be required to get a cup. They would not be allowed to get this exemption. So I think we need to do.
Speaker 1: Some work on the definition.
Speaker 3: Of grocery store as well as that square footage threshold.
Speaker 4: Great. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. I may go to the city attorney and then to Councilmember Andrews.
Speaker 12: Me or members of the council. Councilmember Richardson, I think if this were to pass this evening, as as the motion has been made, the moratorium would go into effect immediately. And I was wondering if the three months could be stretched to maybe four months, because since it goes into effect immediately, it'll be three meetings before the actual moratorium ordinance will come back to you and the study session two planning commission, etc..
Speaker 11: Sure. Just to be clear, the reason I said three months is I want this I don't want this moratorium in place just for the sake of having a moratorium. I want to allow you to do this review because I think it's important. And the sooner we get this completed, the sooner we can remove that moratorium. So if you if if you guys are comfortable with four months, I'm okay with former.
Speaker 13: Yes. Thank you. Yeah. Councilman Richardson, I think this is an excellent idea because the fact that first I was a little concerned because especially when you all of a sudden you are exempt the grocery stores because of fact, I think everyone that does not have a grocery store in their area, I'm sure that they would love to get one. And by you doing what you just did, I think this would be a great idea, at least gives them a possibility and understand that they could come into those neighborhoods and knowing that they wouldn't be penalized because of, you know, the liquor situation being a grocery store. So thank you very much for bringing this item to the board.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Councilwoman Mongo.
Speaker 4: I'd actually like to ask a question of one of my colleagues on the council. It. There are often times where we can research things while the status quo is in place. I know that in other cases we've put moratoriums on and I don't know that I heard that the city staff was asking for it. But I know that Vice Mayor Lowenthal has done moratoriums in the past to do study sessions. Is there a significant benefit to doing the moratorium, or would we be able to maintain the status quo while still doing the research?
Speaker 9: So just purely from my experience in issues that we've dealt with and brought forward, the moratorium has been helpful because then there isn't a flood of applications, flood of activity. There isn't an attempt to game. The system in that short time period. And not to say that that would happen, but it does obviate the possibility of that happening. So I found it to be helpful, but that's purely from our experience.
Speaker 4: I'm from city staff. How many requests do we have pending that would be put on hold? Should we move with this tonight? How many businesses would be impacted that are currently in the that we know are coming forward with this?
Speaker 1: Right now, we have no applications on file that I'm aware of as of yesterday that would be pending. But there is an expectation of probably two coming in the next six months or so. And would they.
Speaker 4: Be exempt to the moratorium based on the conditions set forth by Councilmember Richardson?
Speaker 1: Would they be exempt from the moratorium? No, they would not be.
Speaker 4: Okay.
Speaker 0: Okay. Thank you, Councilmember Austin.
Speaker 5: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I'd just like to thank Councilmember Richardson and Gonzales for bringing this forward. As you know, particularly in North Long Beach, the issue of over proliferation of liquor stores and liquor is is has been an issue. And, you know, we tried to address that by bringing forth the alcohol nuisance abatement order, which has been largely successful. And we did so out of response to our constituents, our constituents who are saying that there are too many liquor stores and liquor is too accessible in North Long Beach. And so this moratorium, I think, allows us in last hour to kind of recalibrate our our position and and allows us this council to take a more active role and take a closer look at such licenses. I want to say that that I do do appreciate the fact that you have exempted the grocery stores, because I think that that is a it's an obvious that, you know, you you can you can you can buy liquor in a grocery store. But, you know, you can also go there and get healthy food options like food, fruits and vegetables and and other household needs for for for consumption. And so it just makes sense and it makes it very convenient for for residents to do that. And so with that, I'll be supporting this motion.
Speaker 0: Thank you.
Speaker 4: Councilman Mango Councilmember Austin, would you be open to taking. Oh, you're not on the amendment, but perhaps coming together on a substitute motion that really goes to what you said, which is to to exempt all organizations that may bring forth a request that have healthy food choices available to them in their store. I mean, while I recognize grocery stores. Primarily sell grocery. They also sell office supplies and other things. Would you be open to the idea of exempting everyone who sells grocery?
Speaker 5: I don't think it's up to me to be open to the idea. I think we have three council members who have made a motion.
Speaker 4: I was asking if you'd support a substitute motion.
Speaker 5: I think you should. I like. I like the.
Speaker 4: I originally thought you'd made the motion when I started my sentence, so maybe I can go back on.
Speaker 5: I didn't make the motion. I, I, I was speaking in support of the existing motions.
Speaker 4: Councilmember Richardson, would you be open to that friendly amendment?
Speaker 11: I think what this does is and so my answer is no, because I think the entire policy is going to get a good work over by city staff and like we want to be intentional about like we're hitting the pause button if we say. No one's included in the in the moratorium. Then what's the point of having the moratorium?
Speaker 4: Well, you have some exemptions already. Why would it change for the percentage of grocery they sell?
Speaker 11: I don't know that like. I think there's a logical argument to a restaurant with food, right. There's a there's a number of restaurants ongoing that are located in the city. But I just can't, like, think about a florist that would need to sell. Gray Goose. I don't understand that.
Speaker 4: So let me help you with that. Actually, my family used to own a basket company, and we used to sell to florists. And so graduation is coming. And upon graduation from colleges and universities, oftentimes with your bottle of champagne, along.
Speaker 11: With an issue, there's no distinction between a hard alcohol and a soft. I've been doing a lot of research and talking about this. I would say I. I support my motion in its current form, but I'd love to continue the conversation. Our city staff is is evaluating this.
Speaker 4: I just want to warn my colleagues that I have concerns for sales in the coming months because of a moratorium, specifically the only category. Well, there's one category that's artificially inflated, but with the exception of the one category that's artificially inflated, the only other category by which we meet our sales tax revenue percentages without leakage is is liquor. And so we are going into tough budget and economic times. And so while I appreciate that, we do need to look at this and I think that it needs a very serious look. I also am concerned about the viability of some of the flower shops that have contracts with one 800 flowers or FTD or any of these organizations. People want to send out graduation things. May is coming. There are wedding gifts that come with balloons that are tied to champagne bottles and the such. And I just don't want to have a disadvantage to our Long Beach stores that have national contracts because of a short term moratorium. And so I would hope that we could look at the ordinance without burdening our grocery stores and our flower shops that have not. I have not heard a complaint yet about the matter. And that does not mean that it's not. Broken. There are still things to look at, but I would hope that we wouldn't put ourselves in a fiscal standing like that. To look at a lot. I think that as we look at it, if we find certain categories that we want a moratorium on any given Tuesday, we could bring them here. So because of that, I won't be supporting the current motion, but would be open to any of my colleagues putting in a substitute that had a little bit more fiscal.
Speaker 11: Concern in council member. I think the residents of North Long Beach in areas with significant impacts from liquor would have wished the city council would have hit the pause button many, many years ago.
Speaker 0: Okay. I'm going to the speaker's list. Councilman Gonzales.
Speaker 3: I would also agree that, you know, I think when we're looking at this, I don't think it's to be anti-business. I think it's to be pro our residents and also looking at what's best for them versus just looking at it more in a fiscal lens. And so I think that when we look at this, it's really for the impact of our communities. And so I would certainly support the the policy. But I would also ask I just want to ask Amy really quickly. So we have a couple of things we're going to be scrutinizing a little bit deeper in this. So the definition of a grocery store and what were the other did you had mentioned something else.
Speaker 1: Certainly over time, as Councilmember Richardson said, there has been a blurring of lines between a general merchandizing store like a target and a grocery store.
Speaker 3: And even the the definition of a grocery store has changed as.
Speaker 1: Smaller format neighborhood markets.
Speaker 3: Have come into play. So we do really need to look at the overall definition of what a grocery store is versus a department.
Speaker 1: Store versus a general merchandizing store.
Speaker 3: And then really try to determine what square footage is we.
Speaker 1: Should be using in applying.
Speaker 3: These exemptions. We are assuming that that there would be a willingness by the Council to support.
Speaker 1: Some exemptions for.
Speaker 3: Those uses.
Speaker 1: We're just going to try to have to find that sweet spot for you.
Speaker 3: Thank you for the clarification.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Councilwoman Pryce.
Speaker 3: Thank you. Miss Bolduc, what response would you have, if any, to some of Councilmember Councilwoman Mango's concerns regarding this impacting some of the smaller alcohol vendors that might have general merchandizing attached to them? And is there something that you might be able to recommend that would hit the spirit of this agenda item, but not impact those businesses
Speaker 1: ? Well, those businesses are already in place, and so they are not actually impacted by this exemption at all. The folks that would be impacted by this ordinance or.
Speaker 3: Moratorium would be those who are planning.
Speaker 1: To come into into the the.
Speaker 4: City.
Speaker 3: We know of of two that would fit into the general grocery.
Speaker 1: Store category. We're not aware of.
Speaker 3: Any florists that.
Speaker 1: Are coming in.
Speaker 3: But we we would have had quite a.
Speaker 1: Number of concerns if the restaurants were not excluded from the moratorium.
Speaker 3: You know, that would have a debilitating.
Speaker 1: Effect on business districts. But since the current motion, as it currently stands, does not affect restaurants, we're we're pretty comfortable with the the recommendations.
Speaker 3: So it doesn't affect restaurants. And we're not going to do an exemption for grocery stores. So we're good to go.
Speaker 1: It does not affect restaurants, and we are not exempting any grocery store that currently exists.
Speaker 3: That is less than 20,000 square feet.
Speaker 1: Already has to get a copy no matter what. So we are aware of a couple of those that are coming in. They are not affected by the moratorium because they are less than.
Speaker 3: 20,000 square feet.
Speaker 0: Councilmember Richardson.
Speaker 11: And I just wanted to just underscore that point again, and I think Ms.. Bodak nailed it. Existing flaws, like, let's say Valentine's Day was coming up, those guys would not be impacted. It's literally a very narrow window of. This is in case this is so that we can hold off, hit the pause button and look at the whole policy in entirety. And we can say with certainty who gets exempt? Why is it based on square footage? Is it based on a percentage of sales? What is it? This is an opportunity to do that. But no one currently in existence is impacting.
Speaker 0: Okay. Thank you. And Councilman Mongo. Then we're going to a vote.
Speaker 4: Amy, with the two that are in the hopper, be able to apply now and then be approved upon the the conclusion of this. So I know went from three months to four months. So would they be able to apply and then wait in pending so that at the four month mark they could go through with their approvals
Speaker 1: ? Certainly we would accept the application. We would look at the rest of their application, but would not move forward at.
Speaker 3: All with any portion of their application that involved this.
Speaker 4: Exemption. That makes me more comfortable. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Okay. There's a motion on the floor. Any public comment on the item? Please come forward.
Speaker 6: Good evening, mayor and council members. My name is Rick Guyton. I'm a representative of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 324. We represent 24,000 men and women who work in the food and drug industry. And I just want to I'm here on behalf of my members who support this moratorium. We work in grocery stores, and they also live in the community. We see so many of the communities that our members live in where the communities far exceed the permits given out. And it's it's a real tragedy to see what's happening in our communities. This is a responsible thing for this council to do to go take this moratorium, look at what exists currently, what makes sense going forward. I know our members support it and we applaud this council for taking this action. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Rick. Any of the public comment. Seeing none. Members, please go ahead and cast your vote.
Speaker 1: Motion carries eight zero.
Speaker 0: Next item. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to adopt Minute Order declaring a moratorium against the issuance of any new "exemptions" from the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) requirement for those alcohol related uses set forth in Footnote 1, subsections b through e, inclusive of Table 32-1 of the City's Zoning Code; and directing the Department of Development Services and the Planning Commission to undertake a study pursuant to Long Beach Municipal Code Chapter 21.50, to determine whether or not the City's current zoning regulations related to CUP exemptions are appropriate or need further review or modification. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03172015_15-0231 | Speaker 1: Item 17 Reports from Parks, Recreation and Marine. Recommendation to execute a use agreement with the Los Angeles County Flood Control District for the construction, maintenance and operation of Wrigley Greenbelt District seven.
Speaker 0: There's been a motion by Councilmember Turanga and Councilor Andrew that Councilmember Frank is going to be the first of that motion. And then Councilmember Andrews, any public comment saying that, please cast your vote. Oh, Councilman Franco, did you want to comment, please?
Speaker 10: Thank you, Barry, because remember, Andrew's has quick fingers. Is the happy feet. First of all, I want to say thank you to the Parks Recreation Department and the Public Works Department for working on this project that the community is very excited by what's happening here to include walking paths, vistas and other enhancements. And obviously, I also want to thank our partners in the L.A. County Department of Parks Recreation as well. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. There's been a motion and a second by Councilmember Ranga and Councilor Andrews. Please cast your votes.
Speaker 1: Councilwoman. Motion carries eight zero.
Speaker 0: Next item. | Contract | Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all documents necessary for a Use Agreement with the Los Angeles County Flood Control District for the construction, maintenance, and operation of property located between approximately 26th Way and 34th Street, commonly referred to as Wrigley Greenbelt, for public purposes for a 20-year term. (District 7) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03172015_15-0232 | Speaker 1: Item 18 Report from Parks, Recreation and Marine and Financial Management. Recommendation to execute these the 10th Amendment to contract with Bellingham Marine Industries for Phase six and seven. Of the Alamitos Bay Marina Rebuild project for a revised contract amount not to exceed 66 million. Execute the Second Amendment agreement with concept Marine Associates for a total amount not to exceed 6,573,000. Execute all necessary necessary to complete phases six and seven include the Harbor and watercraft revolving fund loan of 16 million and increase appropriations in the Park, Recreation and Marine Department by 17 million. District three.
Speaker 0: Thank you. There's been a motion by Councilman Price and a second by Councilmember Austin. Councilwoman Price.
Speaker 3: I wanted to get a staff report first and then I was going to make some comments regarding what a wonderful job our staff is doing on this.
Speaker 0: Absolutely. Mr. West.
Speaker 12: Thank you, Councilmember. Mayor. We are very, very excited to bring forward to tonight based on two and three with the opportunity to complete the work in the Alameda Space Marina. The people behind me have done a lot of work in this. Our Marine bureau manager, Vito Halloran, as well as our Parks and Rec director and Marine Director George Champion and our finance director, John GROSS. So I'm going to turn it over to George for the quick staff report.
Speaker 8: Thank you, Mayor.
Speaker 11: And members of the city council and city manager. I'm going to turn this over to Leader Hallinan, who's been doing a lot of work, and I'd like her to do the presentation on this. She'll give you a brief background on what's been done so far.
Speaker 1: If I can give you a quick background on what's been done so far. So far we've rebuilt Basin one, five and four. Right now we're in the process of last April you approved a portion of Basin two and that includes 160 slips. What we're proposing to do now is the rest of the basin to add a portion of dredging in Basin three. What this will accomplish is it will accomplish us allowing us to to dredge more of what needs to be dredged within the permit expiration date of our dredging permit. And it will. We are in the process of relocating 293 vessels that will come back into basin to basin to at the completion will have 515 vessels and that will only leave us with the completion of Basin three, six and seven. So what you see before you is a deeper loan that we received in November for the completion of Basin two. And then you also see before you the funding that we that we need from our fund balance in order to do the dredging for Basin three, in order to accomplish what we need to accomplish.
Speaker 0: Thank you, gentlemen.
Speaker 3: Thank you. I want to start by commending our city staff, especially Olivia Hallinan. She is amazing and I know firsthand the incredible amount of work that she puts into making sure that the boat owners are kept apprized of the developments of the construction and that she's responsive to the needs of the the very large group of boat owners that we have active in our community. So I want to I want to thank you for giving a personal touch to the residents and the boat owners in our community. It really it means a lot to me, and I know it means a lot to my residents as well. So thank you for that. And then I want to thank John GROSS for a moment, too, because I'm going to ask him a question in a minute. But staff has done an incredible job at trying to be creative with funding sources for this major project, and that's especially appreciated at a time when we are facing some serious constraints on the available moneys that we have to work on projects in the Tidelands area and the loan as an example of some of the creative work done by our staff, our Parks Rec and Marine Department and trying to bring some revenue, some money source to these projects to complete Basin two and to complete the dredging in Basin three. So I appreciate that. I want to ask Mr. GROSS for an update on the the possibility, the bond possibility that we've discussed and see if you can give us an update in terms of what the future looks like for us in that regard, especially in regards to the necessary completion of basins three, six and seven
Speaker 8: . Thank you. We are working as a team and that's what it takes to get this done between the two departments, parks and Financial Management. At this point, with the lack of low oil revenues, we have turned our attention to see if a bond issue supported by the Marina Fund and not using any additional tidelands funds may be available to complete the water site. Improvements for the ABM rebuild as of today. We work on it every day and we are continuing to move on a potential bond issue that will, if we can sell it, if it will work out, we'll complete the rest of the water site improvements with a single additional financial transaction, a bond issue not requiring any additional tidelands money. We do not know yet whether we will be successful. We will know that over the next few months. But we're hopeful that we will be able to complete financing of the ABM, rebuild water site improvements with a additional bond issue supported by the Marina Fund and slip these.
Speaker 3: And would you be expecting that as soon as you know that you would bring that information to council? Because that is going to impact our prioritizing of Tidelands dollars, given the criteria that we've already approved as a council because of the public safety issues associated with the current docks at this.
Speaker 8: Yes, we will. But I think it's important to say that at this at this stage, we believe that the that financing appears to be viable. I can tell you that we actually won't know till we sell the bonds, and that will be after we come back to council as soon as we can for permission to try to sell the bonds. And that's when we know we'll know whether we will be successful. At this point, we are very hopeful so that we anticipate coming back in the next several months.
Speaker 3: Thank you very much. I'll be moving to approve this item, and I thank you again for your work.
Speaker 12: Mr. Mayor and council members, I also want to recognize Mr. Jerry in the audience. The chairman of the Green Advisory Board has been very, very helpful and instrumental in this as well.
Speaker 0: Thank you. And thanks again for everyone, for all their hard work. Is there any public comment on the item? Good to hear.
Speaker 8: Very good, Hugh Clark as the address as well as follow this. Project since its inception. I joined with the Council Third District in their praise of the. Director of Parks, Recreation, Marine, and particularly the Marine bureau manager. Had she been aboard when this started, we wouldn't be here tonight discussing it. It would already be finished. Period. Having said that, I want to make sure a couple of things are a couple of things. First of all, in terms of the bond rating that we're going after, I again suggest that we would inherently intensify the propensity of getting a better bond rate if we were able to demonstrate. That though we may be the second worst managed city in the country. We have recognized our problems. And that we have spent the dollars amounts sufficient to hire a federal master to oversee the city. Until we have at least this project completed and or the new mayor and possibly a new city manager in place. Second of all, I want to get into I attended the last planning commission of the Marine Advisory Commission meeting, and I listened to the very good explanations. One of the things I want to make sure of, and I have no question relative to the integrity of the Parks Department or the manager or the Marine Bureau, I do have serious concerns relative to the integrity of the Tidelands Group and the city manager. I want to make sure that any monies, particularly contingent funds, do not suddenly are not suddenly swept away and used for projects within the Tidelands area. And I'm specific and concerned about the Leeway Center based upon the information a part of that MCC meeting. The dock may be repaired, but there's nothing going to. The existing structure will remain as it is. There will be no molestation of that at all. When time comes, that will come under review again. However, I want to make sure that there's no money quietly siphoned off. To undertake that project using the same logic that was used to fund other projects. Well, it was approved in a general budget without any specifics. So I want to make sure I'm going to put my foot on the neck of that and watch that. But I really do think it makes sense. To hire that, use those moneys, hire that federal math master to over city, over see the city. And we could possibly get an even lower rate than we think we get. Now, what would they be able to get now is just good business sense to not do it. It's sort of dumb, in my view. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. The main motion and second, no other public comment. Please cast your votes.
Speaker 1: Motion carries eight zero unanimously.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Next item.
Speaker 1: Item 19 Report from police recommendation to receive and file the application of Potholder Cafe for an original application. Application of an ABC license at 2246 Lakewood Boulevard District four. | Contract | Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute the Tenth Amendment to Contract No. 31687 with Bellingham Marine Industries, Inc., for an additional $15,372,553, plus a $724,158 contingency, for a total increase of $16,096,711, for Phase 6 and Phase 7 of the Alamitos Bay Marina rebuild project, for a revised contract amount not to exceed $66,487,098;
Execute the Second Amendment to Agreement No. 29587 with Concept Marine Associates, a Division of TranSystems Corporation, to increase the contract amount by $871,489, for a total amount not to exceed $6,573,489, and extend the term to December 31, 2017, for continued construction management of the Alamitos Bay Marina rebuild project;
Execute all documents necessary to complete Phases 6 and 7, including all documents necessary to accept the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund loan of $16,900,000, as approved by the State Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating and Waterways; and
Increase appropriations in the Marina Fund (TF 403) in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department (PR) by $17,948,033.
(Dist | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03172015_15-0230 | Speaker 1: Item 23 report from Parks, Recreation and Marine. Item 22 recommendation to declare ordinance amending the Long Beach Municipal Code related to the dog exercise area on the beach. Read the first time and lead over to the next regular meeting of the City Council for Final Reading District three.
Speaker 0: There's. Let me. Let me. Let's go off the motion real quick. Hold on a second. Okay. Okay. As a catch one price. You want to make the motion? Okay. I'm gonna turn this over to staff just for a brief report.
Speaker 12: George Chapman.
Speaker 11: Thank you, mayor council members.
Speaker 8: This is an area of the dog beach that was expanded recently from 2.9 acres to 4.1 acres. We did have a permit before from the Coastal Commission for this area. This would just update that permit to include the entire area of the 4.9 acres. So it was a recent increase.
Speaker 11: In the size of the dog area. And so we'll also be putting some delineate in that dog area that some art pieces that we should be installing fairly soon in the dog beach area.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Councilman Pryce.
Speaker 3: Q I want to thank the staff. This is a very exciting project for us. We love having a dog beach. Our residents really enjoy having the opportunity to be able to have a space that they can take their dogs to because otherwise they would not be able to have their dogs on the beach. So the fact that we are putting some resource and thought into this particular service for the residents of the city of Long Beach and also visitors is very exciting. I want to thank the Parks Rec and Marine staff for working on this project. I know this is an item that we talk about at our monthly meetings and I'm glad to see that it's moving forward. So thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. And this is also my my dog's favorite place probably in the city is the dog beach. So love it. Any public comment?
Speaker 8: Please come forward. Very good. You click as it has two items on first of all. I'm dead set. I think it makes absolutely no sense to spend money on art. Work down in an area like that would simply get graffitied over in trash, period. There's no. Oh. What has to do is look at the look at the underside or look at any building along the along the bike path or the underside of the Belmont Pier. And you'll see how destructive it is of graffiti lady. A leading it is on the demarcations, I suppose I suggested to the county meeting. I think that best it. Would not cost that much money to mark it off. But just simply put tube made maybe out of styrofoam and a rubber large fire hydrants. What better for and for marking a dog park period clearly recognizable by the dogs.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Okay, thank you. And the other public comment saying none. Please cast your vote.
Speaker 1: Motion carries eight zero 23. Item 23 Communication from City Attorney Recommendation to Declare Ordinance Establishing a Small Business Recruitment, Retention and Growth Pilot Program Read and adopted as read citywide. | Ordinance | Recommendation to declare ordinance amending the Long Beach Municipal Code by amending Section 6.16.310 relating to the exercise of dogs upon a designated portion of the beach of the City of Long Beach, read and adopted as read. (District 3) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03172015_15-0115 | Speaker 1: Councilwoman Mango. Motion carries eight zero 24. Item 24 Report from Parks, Recreation and Marine and the City Attorney Recommendation to declare ordinance amending the Long Beach Municipal Code related to animal regulation read and adopted as read citywide.
Speaker 0: Thank you. There's been a motion and the second vice mayor Lowenthal.
Speaker 9: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I wanted to ask Mr. Stephens a question. We've had some further conversations with stakeholders, and there's a clarification I'd like to ask regarding the exemption for breeders. Under that exemption, we've we've been made aware of a particular contractual agreement between breeders and, say, someone who purchases a purebred animal. And under that contractual agreement, I believe it's referred to as a breeder line or breed line perhaps. And we can have Councilmember Richardson expand on that deal. My understanding of what's been described to me and my knowledge of the ordinance before us, our exemption would cover that. And so if I could have staff. Discuss that. And elaborate on it. I would appreciate that. And perhaps, Mr. Mayor, if Councilmember Richardson can articulate better. What I was trying to articulate.
Speaker 0: Just also, just for the public, there will be public comment. So as soon as this is completed, just after. I thank you.
Speaker 11: Thanks, Vice Mayor. I think so. I've done some diligence since last week too. This week to better understand how this impacts purebred dogs and purebred animals. That may not be a show dog, but might potentially be a show dog or be a part of a line, a specific line of purebreds that breeds show dogs or whatever the purposes. And a lot of times the breeders my understanding is the licensed breeders, a lot of them like have a contractual or contractual agreement with those folks that they sell their dog to, that those dogs should not be spayed or neutered because they are part of a certain line. Now, I would imagine this is a very narrow group of group of professional trade. So I wanted to I wanted to just sort of have a better understanding on that. And thank you, Vice Mayor, for for helping to walk me through that. And I would hope that they are included in the exemption for under the definition of the exemption for breeder.
Speaker 9: Thank you. And, Mr. Mayor, would you mind if staff addressed the issue? As I read it, it would be would be exempt. The owners would be on the breeder to provide that documentation to us.
Speaker 8: Mayor and members of city.
Speaker 11: Council, in my understanding and.
Speaker 8: Ted can can weigh in on this as well as when you purchase a purebred dog, you do get the AKC papers and with those AKC papers that you are part of the exemption. If you want to breed that dog, you you should have the AKC papers, too, to show the lineage of that dog. Right.
Speaker 9: Thank you, Mr. Stevens. Did you want to add to that?
Speaker 8: Yeah. Yeah, I believe that. And my conversations.
Speaker 5: With the local Kennel Club is that there is a lot of paperwork involved and a lot of time and effort that goes into making sure dogs are purebred in the lineage.
Speaker 8: And so.
Speaker 11: It would be my understanding that.
Speaker 5: Those offspring would have the paperwork that would make them eligible.
Speaker 8: For the exemption.
Speaker 9: Okay. And if I can ask staff to make sure that we have that as a issue that may come up and consider that and and acknowledge I'm acknowledging that that is part of the exemption. And so I'd like you to be sure that you have that as part of your process going forward in setting up. The requirements are not the requirements, but the process to fulfill the requirements.
Speaker 11: Vice Mayor I guess.
Speaker 8: We could probably work with the city attorney to make sure that's in the language.
Speaker 9: Okay. Thank you. And that's it for me, Mr. Mayor. I've made the motion.
Speaker 0: And the councilman.
Speaker 4: I'll withdraw my comment. It was only if there was a just a misunderstanding with what we thought the original intent was. But I wasn't the second or so. I wasn't sure if I could. Join of the friendly council Boston.
Speaker 5: Oh. With work drama comments in a la public comment person.
Speaker 0: Okay, great. So I'm going to move on to the public comment. If you have a public comment, please come forward to the mic. Please come all the way forward to line up behind Mr. Good Hill.
Speaker 8: Very good to clear. See you. Just as I mentioned the first time this subject came up, I strongly believe that we should not restrict this to our four legged friends. If we're going to spay and neuter. Extend it to all. The two legged, which are more problematic, quite frankly, than most of the four legged. And I think it will benefit the city tremendously. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. If we're going to have if we're going to speak, please come forward, ladies. Come all the way forward and just line up. Okay. Thank you. Please. And make sure everyone just introduce yourself for the record.
Speaker 1: Okay. Good evening. My name is Geneva Coates. I'm the secretary for the California Federation of Dog Clubs. We represent thousands of dog owners throughout the state. And the dog owners of the state of California have some grave concerns regarding your proposals tonight. For many decades, the city of Long Beach had a total ban on breeding before it implemented a limited permit system to allow breeding. The process is so convoluted and expensive that obtaining a breeding permit here remains an impossible dream. If a law that prohibits breeding was effective, then after decades of such a law, the City of Long Beach should be a poster child for shelter success. Now your city is considering another failed policy. A mandatory spay and neuter law. Our group is opposed to mandatory sterilization of pets, regardless of exemptions. And I think it's worth noting that while our group does represent purebred dog breeders and dog clubs that are consisting of purebred dogs, we also recognize that not just purebred dogs have a need to maintain all their body parts. We also recognize that there are dogs that hunt, dogs that guard property, guards that serve the blind. Those are very often crossbred dogs, dogs that serve in companion events. But we are opposed to the mandated sterilization of pets, regardless of exemptions. We're opposed to high fees and excessive restrictions. And some of the reasons include the most important reason. Because spay neuter mandates.
Speaker 4: Do not solve any problems. Such laws create more problems.
Speaker 1: Every place they've been tried. The ASPCA has done extensive studies on all the areas that have implemented spay neuter laws and their position paper. They state that the ASPCA is not aware of any credible evidence demonstrating a statistically significant enhancement in the reduction of shelter intake or euthanasia as a result of the implementation of spay neuter law . Another point that I wanted to bring up. I know you all received a letter from AKC from Sheila Garvey. Sheila Garvey informed you all that the AKC would not want to consider bringing back the Eukanuba shows to Long Beach in the event of a spay neuter law this past year. And I know that you're also aware that in the past years, when these shows have been held here, the revenues per show have been in the area of around $21 million. So that would be a big loss to your city. We also recognize that mandatory sterilization laws are very costly. For the city to enforce requires more manpower. There are many existing laws that.
Speaker 4: Do cover dogs that are roaming.
Speaker 1: And causing problems in the community.
Speaker 0: Thank you, ma'am. I miss all of. Thank you so much. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 1: Good evening, mayor and city council members. My name is Diane Amendola. I sent you an email about a month and a half ago regarding this. I was asked not to come and talk to you earlier because an acquaintance of mine said that her husband was going to talk to you and everything would be settled. Well, they know very well that I oppose mandatory spay neuter laws. I support education of your populace so that they understand how to keep the dogs from having litters that are unplanned. My family's always had purebred dogs and we have not spayed or neutered them, but we have not had litters. We understand what fences are about. We understand what reproduction is about. I'm astounded that you've going to hit that you're proceeding to pass this ordinance of mandatory spay neuter, which will see Eukanuba Dog Show go elsewhere, I guess. Long Beach $21 million is nothing to you to earn in a week. I thought it was a lot of money.
Speaker 4: It's just not accurate. If you're talking about economic impact versus revenue, those are just not the same. But well.
Speaker 1: I got this information from your tourism bureau, and I thought that they knew what they were talking about. You know, more than they do. Please give the second part of your ordinance that would force pets shops. To offer unregulated rescue pets for sale instead of pets from license inspected sources with health guarantees. I oppose this. This is a poor idea, which is. Encourages the importation of dogs from outside the United States for the rescue retail trade. And if you haven't noticed, rescues do sell the animals. And I've been involved in rescue. Yes. We do have to get a little bit of money for the dogs to cover the expenses that they incur. However, no one regulates them. And many of the important many rescues are importing dogs from other regions of the country, as well as from as far away as Mexican, the Caribbean, Taiwan, Europe and Asia. This is a completely unregulated cottage industry, and you're not addressing that at all. The dogs and puppies obtained from such ventures, often from unscrupulous foreign puppy mills or dogs, are kept in bad conditions. These dogs are often sick and have been known to suffer from rabies and bring rabies here. Just check with your health department if you don't. Do not believe me. These. The pet shop trade has proven by the insurance companies that take care of those dogs that those are the most regulated. Far more regulated than rescues. And they they suffer from far fewer illnesses, as the insurance companies will attest to. I'm sorry you're considering this. I don't know what more I could say to ask you not to. So thank you for listening and. I think I sent you some information about the universities are all telling us it's unhealthy to spay and neuter our dogs before maturity.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 1: My name is Ann Taft Miller. I live in the third district. I have lived there for almost 30 years and I am hoping that you will consider other options and other viewpoints than what has been, you know, seems to be the flow that is going on here. My training in graduate school, as well as my profession, required me to analyze data here regardless of my own opinions. It made me look at. Specific information, that is, and even soft data. And when? So as since this is ingrained in me, I did get on the Internet. I did look to see if there has been any appreciable or any statistically.
Speaker 2: Or any.
Speaker 1: Even a direction that was showing that mandatory spay neuter has been beneficial to communities. And I have not found that. And I did find what somebody else said, which was the ASPCA does not support this. Even though data from our American Veterinary Medical Association has been presented as to the positives about this. What was omitted was that the American Veterinary Medicine Association does not support mandatory spay and neuter. I don't know why we're going this direction. The the recommendation is that this will be funded on the backs of the 33% of the dogs in this community that are actually licensed. You are quite you. In order for you to have a neutral impact on our city budget. I do not understand this. I do appreciate the fact that you have looked at trying to bring two sides together and to look at it passing such an ordinance. My dogs would be covered. However. A personal note is that my dog has been diagnosed with Ms.. So cancer, which veterinary oncologist have specifically stated is related to early spay and neuter? My girlfriend's dog died of bladder cancer. Which was associated with early spay and neuter. My dog was spayed at five months. Her dog was neutered at 11 months. Why are you practicing veterinary medicine? I am very passionate and I am sorry. It's frustrating to me that you are moving in this direction when in fact we should be going. You know, every argument that has been given, you know, for this ordinance has been covered by licensing fields and breeders permits. I don't understand it.
Speaker 0: Thank you very much. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 1: Hello. Can you hear me? Ahead.
Speaker 4: We can. Okay. My name is Vicki Rhodes, and I am appalled that this.
Speaker 1: Council is even considering.
Speaker 4: This measure. It has been a failure everywhere.
Speaker 1: It has been tried. If you look at cities that have taken a much more progressive and much more.
Speaker 4: Open minded approaches such as the County of Ventura. You will see that they did and chose to go with an educational program. They approached their populace for education. They approached them with affordable means of getting their animals spayed or neutered. A lot of people simply can't afford it, but they want to have pets and they want to be good pet owners.
Speaker 1: You also have the kind.
Speaker 4: That are just completely irresponsible and let them run loose. The mandatory spay and neuter is not going to address any portion of those problem areas. You have 70% of your.
Speaker 1: Population of pet.
Speaker 4: Owners already not complying with your laws. So the 33% are going to shoulder the burden. The other thing that I would like to.
Speaker 1: Remind you of is something that Thomas.
Speaker 4: Jefferson said.
Speaker 1: And he said not to consider laws and civil mandates just for.
Speaker 4: The good that you think they will.
Speaker 1: Do. You need to consider.
Speaker 4: Them for the harm that they can do.
Speaker 1: This is something that you are.
Speaker 4: Considering that can do.
Speaker 1: Tremendous harm. You are deciding.
Speaker 4: Without any medical background or any veterinary knowledge.
Speaker 1: That this is what you are going to force.
Speaker 4: Upon the populace.
Speaker 1: Now I consider myself a good pet owner and a good citizen.
Speaker 4: And I to do what's right.
Speaker 1: For my dog.
Speaker 4: And my dog will be covered under one of those little slippery things that you.
Speaker 1: Call an exception. But the truth is, everybody deserves the right to discuss with their veterinarian.
Speaker 4: Or to be knowledge knowledgeable within that.
Speaker 1: Discussion about what is best for their pet. This is not in the best interest of your pet.
Speaker 4: This is not in the best interest of me and my family who love those little animals and they get attached to them. I invest time and money and it gets spent in this city. I am willing to.
Speaker 1: Support whatever program.
Speaker 4: Because I want to comply and I want everyone to be able.
Speaker 1: To comply. It needs to be fair.
Speaker 4: This is neither fair. It is not healthy. And I don't see why you feel that you have the right to do this. Additionally, if you want to contact some counties like Ventura that did go with the educational route, you will see that within a year their.
Speaker 1: Admissions into their.
Speaker 4: Shelters and clinics dropped by 40%.
Speaker 0: Thank you very much. Time's up. Make speaker, please.
Speaker 4: Happy Saint Patty's Day, Mr. Mayor. Members of the City Council. My name is Connie Koehler. I am the legislative liaison to the AKC for the soft coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America, my national breed club and a great Irish breed, and also the immediate past president of the soft coated Wheaten Terrier Club of Southern California. And I would like to talk to the economic impact of the loss of AKC Eukanuba National Championship to the City of Long Beach and Councilwoman Mongo. I do understand the difference between economic impact and revenue. Professionally. Previous speakers have stated that according to Long Beach Area Visitors and Convention Bureau, that 28,000 visitors from all 50 states and multiple foreign countries with an economic impact of 21 million, was the result of.
Speaker 3: The 2010.
Speaker 4: Single year agency show season that was at the height of the Great Recession. May I remind everyone that the contract that AKC makes with the city is for five years? So that is potentially a loss of 105 million or more over that five year period.
Speaker 1: To Long Beach.
Speaker 3: Business.
Speaker 4: This includes hotels, restaurants, retail merchants, car rentals, Long Beach Airport, etc., etc. and many employ hourly, lower income workers who spend their own income in the community, affecting yet more businesses in Long Beach indirectly. Now then there is the issue of local AKC shows. And by the way, AKC has gone on record online on their website.
Speaker 1: Saying, and I quote.
Speaker 4: From today's release of cases Taking Command, their government relations newsletter quote, AKC has informed city officials that we will no longer consider Long Beach as a site for the AKC Eukanuba National Championship, which had previously been held there from 26 to 2010, unquote. According to AKC event operations, last year's entries for local AKC shows at Queen Mary Park were 6509 dogs. They are principally from two weekends in June. Great Western Terrier Association, which includes national and local breed clubs, specialty show shows, including My Own. And the following weekend, the Kennel Club of Beverly Hills and Long Beach Kennel Club. Similar events. The economic impact if those clubs decide to withdraw as a result of the passage of your ordinance exceed.
Speaker 3: Could exceed.
Speaker 4: $1,000,000 and could be upwards of 3 to $4 million annually if the clubs decide to go elsewhere. It will not be this year, but in subsequent years. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 4: Hello. My name is Kimberly Buchanan, and I again urge you to vote no on this proposed ordinance. As I stated last week, I'm a business owner and homeowner. I currently live in District five. I've lived in Long Beach since 1988, have volunteered much time at Long Beach Animal Control and currently assist with several rescue organizations. Last week we heard.
Speaker 1: A lot of.
Speaker 4: Really sad stories about dogs on streets, dogs being euthanized in our shelter. Our group received the Animal Control Statistics statistics through December 5th of 2014. And I agree that it is shocking, shocking that the numbers have dropped so dramatically just a few years. That's all it takes. This is in large part due to the dedication and hard work of so many supporting groups and individuals who work tirelessly for the animals. The euthanasia stats that we got were approximately 4400 dogs that were impounded. We don't know if that actually includes the four other contracted cities. It may not sure. But as I look at the statistics, I have to wonder how animal control can improve any healthy, adoptable animals should be able to find a loving and permanent home out of 968 dogs that were euthanized in that time, 477 of them had serious health or behavior issues, so they were essentially non adoptable. 307 had minor health and behavior issues. What minor is, we don't know. Not sure what that is. Don't know if these dogs were made available to the public, if they were treated, if they had any training, for some reason they were euthanized. But we don't know why. Finally, out of 968 dogs, only 126 were euthanized due to time and space. Amazing. 126. Too many, of course. But what was it about those 126 dogs that they didn't get adopted? One more statistic we see is that there are 696 dogs relinquished to the shelter by their owners. Does animal control counsel these people when they try and release their dogs and try and find ways for them to keep them rather than releasing them? Those are the questions I would be asking, not what the reproductive status is. By approving this ordinance, you are taking a broad brush approach to an issue that has many facets that deserve more careful consideration. Since a councilman supporters seem to feel that this is the next step in reducing euthanasia. I would beg you to put the information online so everybody can see what the results are, just like other major municipalities do. So we can see exactly what the effect is once this does pass. If it does pass. We have an estimated 110,000 dogs in the city. 90% are already altered. We only have a 30% licensed compliance, so difficulty in enforcing existing laws. I do not believe this broad, sweeping ordinance will achieve the desired effect. Please vote no. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Next speaker, please. Go ahead, cut off. We have our last public speaker. I'm going to cut off the speaker's list, the lady in the back there, so she'll be the last speaker.
Speaker 12: I'm going to be very quick because I spoke to you at length last week. My name is Judith McMann. I'm a lifelong resident of Long Beach. I've lived in the fifth District on my own home for the last 40 plus years. And I have three dogs, two of whom are spayed. One of whom is intact and will remain intact. I fall under one of your exemptions. Regardless, he will remain intact. He's never been out of my yard. I have a lock on my yard. He's not going anywhere and he's not going to touch any other target unless I say he's going to. I just had a couple of questions about this ordinance itself. I happen to be an attorney as well, and I do read the law. I have a couple of questions which I'm hoping this council can answer for me. As I read this, it says Unaltered dogs and cats are prohibited. That means prohibited in the city of Long Beach, I presume does not say residents, dogs and cats who live in Long Beach are prohibited. It says dogs and cats, period, are prohibited. I know a lot of people that come here for dog shows. They're not going to take the chance of bringing an altered, unaltered animal in this city, period. End of subject. They're not going to do it. The other question I had, unless I'm totally mistaken, this city currently requires licensing of animals at the age of four months. This law says that at six months they must be spayed or neutered. I'm wondering what happens in the meantime if I license a puppy, an altered puppy at four months, and then I have to spay and neuter it by six months? Do I get a refund on what I've paid for the difference in license fees? That makes no sense to me. Absolutely no sense to me. Basically, that's all I have to say. Thank you very.
Speaker 0: Much. Thank you very much. And I had closer speakers list. We have one more. Is that okay? Okay. I'm going to close the speakers list after you came in. Thank you. Go ahead.
Speaker 12: Hi. My name is John Zapp. I'm a resident of the fifth District.
Speaker 6: I lived there for 30 years. I'm I'm also the owner of two dogs, two of whom compete in agility and are the top two of the top dogs in the country in agility and our breed. I've been the past president of my dog club. I've been past president of my agility club, and I'm the current vice president of my obedience club. So I know a few things about dogs and about caring for dogs and raising dogs. I'm opposed to the mandatory spay neuter law, not because it's going to affect me directly, because my dogs are going to be exempt under the way the ordinance is currently written. But I'm opposed to that. For all the other reasons that you have.
Speaker 12: Heard tonight that you heard at our last meeting last week. But I'm not here to express my opposition.
Speaker 6: To that so much anymore, because I suspect that, as we were told when a group of us were meeting with members of you, with the Senate and your staffs, as we were told that it was a done deal two months ago, I suspect.
Speaker 12: It's going to be a done.
Speaker 6: Deal again tonight. But I am here to express my personal disappointment in not being a participant in the discussions that led to the creation of this particular ordinance, the people who were most involved in dogs on a daily basis, who compete with dogs, who know dogs, who have bred dogs, who have held these contracts, written these contracts , who have like me, walked through shelters, pulled dogs. And in my case, I have fostered seven dogs, all of whom I can say have been placed in really wonderful homes. We didn't provide any input into this. We weren't part of the group that helped craft this ordinance. We were not in we're stakeholders, but we weren't at the table as as.
Speaker 12: As Councilman Andrew.
Speaker 6: Said earlier this evening to the young lady and the group from the Wrigley District, telling them perhaps over the next period of time, you can work together to try to come together. We didn't get that opportunity. We didn't get that chance.
Speaker 12: And now there's going to be an ordinance that's going to be in place.
Speaker 6: I'm going to comply with it.
Speaker 12: I'm exempt from it. One of my dogs is currently neutered. The next the next one, the other one will be spayed as soon as we come back from Nationals.
Speaker 6: However, for the 70,000 dogs in this community that aren't neutered, aren't spayed, I'm not sure how that group is going to come together with and and comply with this ordinance.
Speaker 12: They're not complying with the licensing ordinance now.
Speaker 6: It's it's a been a divisive experience and I'm sorry for that. I just wish that the council would, going forward, pull together the stakeholders and see if we can't create some sort of better thinking. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you, sir. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 1: Good evening.
Speaker 3: My name is Elizabeth Orrick. I'm the national manager of Puppy Mill Initiatives for Best Friends Animal Society. And I'm just here on behalf.
Speaker 1: Of Best Friends and our 300,000 members to.
Speaker 3: Thank you for considering the retail pet sales ordinance and for really taking a.
Speaker 1: Positive, proactive approach to.
Speaker 3: Making the City of Long Beach more humane for people and animals. And I just want to briefly remark on something that a previous speaker said about how the existing pet stores.
Speaker 1: Are supplied by breeders who are.
Speaker 3: Licensed and regulated. So the USDA is the one who regulates commercial breeders. And the the minimal standards of animal.
Speaker 1: Care allow for a breeder to have.
Speaker 3: No limits to the number of dogs they have. Some of these facilities have over a thousand.
Speaker 1: Dogs with very few, very few people to care for them. There's no limits to how often the dogs can be bred or how young or old the dogs.
Speaker 3: Can be when they're bred. There's no requirements.
Speaker 1: For veterinary.
Speaker 3: Care, daily exercise, human contact. And the most shocking thing is that these dogs are allowed to be confined to cages that are have wire bottoms, which are very uncomfortable, tiny, cramped cages stacked one on top of the other. And they only have to be six inches larger than the dogs. And those dogs are allowed to be kept in those cages.
Speaker 1: 24 hours a day, seven days a.
Speaker 3: Week for their entire lives, without ever being taken out for one single moment to stand on solid ground, feel the sun on their backs, get out of dark barns, get, get out of the elements.
Speaker 1: This is the life of the breeding.
Speaker 3: Dogs who are supplying puppies for local pet stores, and that's unacceptable. So the status quo, which is what you're trying to address, needs to change. That's why.
Speaker 1: 75 other communities throughout North America.
Speaker 3: Cities, counties now the state of Maine are all passing these ordinances because they realize that this is not appropriate. So we applaud.
Speaker 1: You for taking this.
Speaker 3: Approach, for making Long Beach a more humane city. And I want to thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. And our final speaker.
Speaker 3: Thank you. Thank you for affording me the time.
Speaker 1: I have a little thing going on here, but I did want to address you. I would like to address some of my concerns that came out of last week's meeting. First of all, I would like to comment on Councilwoman Mongo statement during her remarks at the last council meeting where she quoted I quote her I am a proponent of strong compliance policies. Councilwoman Mongo, I would like to know how you plan to mandate such strong compliance with this ordinance. The City of Long Beach is already looking at budget difficulties. This budget recommends a minimum allocation for compliance, which includes enforcement and public education. How will that be possible? With only a projected increase in licensing fees expected to balance the cost? How will it affect the budget if the compliance and licensing is not what you expect? Statistics speak for themselves from cities all over California and across the United States, that when an ordinance such as this is implemented, compliance goes down and costs go up. It is it is realistic to base. Is it realistic to base your budget on 100% compliance with only part time inspectors? With these questions in mind, I would like to request that the Director of Animal Care Services include program transparency with up to date shelters, data statistics posted on a website just as Los Angeles City Animal Service does, posting their animal control statistics monthly. Secondly, when our group began meeting with each of your office, I found it interesting and one of our very first meetings almost four weeks ago with Mr. Brock Howard. Vice Mayor Lowenthal is chief of staff who expressed his indifference in our meeting with him regarding this ordinance and remarked, and I quote, This is set in stone. Now, that was four weeks ago before any of the testimony at these council meetings took place. But after November 18th Council meeting, I ask you, how can that be? Am I to understand that you're all going through the motions here and we have just been wasting our time offering you facts, statistics, position letters from all the major organizations that should have been included in some type of stakeholders meeting for input before this important issue was voted on. May I suggest that you delay the vote on this second reading in order to build a comprehensive study, which can include all the stakeholders from both sides giving their opinions on the pros and cons of this issue. This was an idea mentioned to us when we met with both Austin and councilmen Austin and Durango, and I suggest I support this idea. I would like to thank you, Councilman Austin. Your remarks last week showed you really you really had a grasp of the problems with this ordinance. Lastly, I would like to mention thank Dr. Larry Cosman for representing the Southern California Medical Association at last week's council meeting. Although Dr. Cosman was only here present as an observer for his organization, the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association has expressed no position on mandatory spay and neuter. But I am aware that there are many interested members of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association who are presently involved in this discussion and who are concerned with the outcome here tonight. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. With that, I'm to go back to Councilwoman Mongo.
Speaker 4: First, I want to say that I always appreciate those who come and meet with our office. I take emails personally, I take meetings regularly. I'm out in the community at sometimes a dozen events a week where people approached me on any item before the council. Ted, do you want to give a little bit of input on the stakeholder group that weighed in on the writing of the ordinance that this council asked you to ensure that it was written and or any individuals that contacted your office where they all heard. Mr. Stevens?
Speaker 6: Yeah.
Speaker 5: I'm sorry. Still getting over a cold? Yeah.
Speaker 8: In addition to.
Speaker 11: All the groups.
Speaker 5: That were actually that were in support of the mandatory spay neuter, I did reach out to or spoke to the Long Beach Kennel Club representatives that came to the meeting in November. And I did speak with them and I did share them.
Speaker 8: What we were proposing and made.
Speaker 5: Sure I swayed it all of their.
Speaker 11: Concerns as they were the group that contacted me and reached out to me and and.
Speaker 5: Spoke to me at the last meeting. So I did speak to them. I did speak to several other agencies on their laws and what worked and what didn't work. And so that's that was the basis of it.
Speaker 4: So if any member of this group that felt that they were not included had reached out to you and and as our motion had said, that was in public and posted many times, had voiced interest in being a part of the process. They were included.
Speaker 5: Yes. I didn't have any other people reach out to me.
Speaker 4: Okay. Additionally, I want to set a few facts straight. Nothing is a done deal and nothing is set in stone until five members of this body have passed it. And I think that that's evidenced by the dialog that Councilmember Austin and I had last week, and that earlier this evening I was leaning towards voting no. And the comments of my colleagues and members of the public had changed my mind. I have a very heated item going on in my district right now that I inherited from a prior council, and I'm looking at it very diligently to ensure that we are we are getting all sides to the point that unaltered dog licenses cost more than spend neutering. Let me also say that. As a council member, we receive if you saw the stack of paper I had here earlier tonight, those were all public comments on a particular item in my district. And I read them all, all of them. And I write notes on things that we want to write back. And obviously with the hundreds that we receive, we can't write back to every single person individually. And most specifically, I try to take my time to write back to the people who are most informed, because a lot of the complaints we get. Are just based on things that are not factually correct. And so it's it's hard as a councilmember to try to correct the record all the time and remind people of what the facts are. So let's go through a couple of books. One, the cost of unaltered dog licenses cost more than spay and neuter and your pet. So if you an unaltered dog license at $95 for four years, you're in for approximately $400. The cost of spay and neuter and is less than that. Most dogs live beyond four years of age. Additionally, there are spay and neuter vouchers, etc., etc., etc.. And so in addition to that, Councilmember Austin and I have talked about the mobile spay and neuter clinic and other opportunities to ensure that certain parts of the community don't have access to the shelter where you buy licenses and you become compliant. And so we're working on making sure that the north side of town and the west side of town have events in their community where they can buy licenses and or have access to those vouchers. Second. The spay and neuter ordinance as written is budget neutral. Since we are allowing individuals who currently have an unaltered license to maintain their current unaltered status, there is no revenue decrease expected. And so from their. There have been complaints in the community that we are increasing the dog licensing fee by 40%. Let's talk about that, shall we? A dog license fee in Long Beach is a mere $20. We are increasing the fee to $24. That is less than a venti cup of coffee at McDonald's. I think they're 425. And so if the organizations and individuals who want the privilege of having a dog aren't willing to pay for the cost of that organization, we have bigger issues. Right now, Animal Control Services is a budget deficit annually. I know you sent over the numbers, Mr. Stevens, but what is the subvention rate of animal control services? So subvention rate is if it costs $100,000 to run the department and we only bring in $40,000 in revenue, it's only supplemented 40%. And departments like this should be prevented 100%. We don't want to lose the service, and we absolutely cannot increase redemption fees because the cost of redemption fees are deterrent for individuals picking up their animals. They just abandoned them when they see what they have to pay. And Mr. Stevens has done an excellent job of, in some cases, waiving those redemption fees to ensure those pets get back to their owners. But if you could tell me what the current subvention rate is or what the revenue the costs are from the email that you sent me. I can pull it up if I have to.
Speaker 9: Thank you, Councilmember Mongo Councilmember Austin.
Speaker 5: I don't I don't have the exact percentage on me, but it's.
Speaker 8: Little it's under 50%. Okay.
Speaker 5: 40, 45%.
Speaker 4: So less than 50%. That means that our contract services are license fees and our redemption fees don't even cover 50% of the cost to run our organization. And so this small amount of revenue spike in the short term will make that difference. For compliance. And I am I am one of the council members that stands most firmly against increasing taxes. I also am one who believes, and you'll see this in the coming months, as we're discussing right now, our parks. I'm also one who believes that those who use those services are the ones who should pay for the most, because our general fund dollars, the tax dollars brought in from sales tax revenue and property tax really need to go to streets, sidewalks, trees, the things in the community that are used by everyone. And so even some have brought to my attention that park usage is equal for taxpayers of Long Beach and people who come from other communities whose taxes pay for other parks. We're looking into that. We're looking at those options because in the next two years, we are facing a budget deficit. Additionally. I am open to discussing options of what we can do on rating systems or requirements for our rescues. I do know there is a huge difference in the quality of rescues in our community. Having worked for Animal Control, L.A. County. I've worked with dozens and dozens and there's a huge variance. So please reach out to my office and get on the calendar and we can discuss some options. Same with puppy mills. Ted, do you want to address for me quickly that licenses are at four months and the Spain and neutering is at six months and how we came up with a way around that so we wouldn't have to do a refund. Do you want to share that?
Speaker 11: I believe we would probably propose.
Speaker 5: We would be proposing a temporary fee similar to what Orange County uses. They allow puppy licenses at the same rate as an unaltered license. And then so we could propose that in the fee schedule when this takes effect in October.
Speaker 4: Because I'm definitely not in favor of refunds. It's it's a process that takes a lot of staff time that should be spent on animals. Additionally. We do not base the budget on 100% compliance. We base the budget on revenue trends. And so that's not a part of it. And then and finally, I want to say something about an issue that I've spent hours of my life on in the last week. There are too many individuals that speak for the AKC because there are people who come before us today that say they're not going to come back. And there are people who call me and say that they are. There are people in the organization who say that they were never going to come back anyway. They outgrew us and they moved to Miami for five years. And when they were considering coming back to the West Coast, we were not even in their consideration. There are others who said that and I quote, Because you have written in the breed ordinance and the exceptions as you have, you are still in consideration. And so it's really difficult for us as a city to have so many different people speaking for an organization. If the president of this organization would like to give me a call, my chief of staff will give them my personal cell phone number. In the same way that I've spoken with the president of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. And their staff has reached out numerous times over the last week to get the record straight and to have AKC provide in writing what they had specifically said. I see that you said that some things on the website. I'd be more than happy to have my chief of staff. She's right here in the front row. Find out more. But we've spent hours on the phone. I mean, just trying to weed through the individuals who call and say they are affiliated with your organization. So for the sanctity of your organization and ensuring that you have the right people speaking on your behalf, we need to work through that process. So thank you for everyone's comments and feedback. I really appreciate it.
Speaker 9: No, thank you. Public comment is complete for this item right now. Okay. Thank you. Councilmember Mongo. Councilmember Austin.
Speaker 5: Thank you, Vice Mayor. And, yes, we we debated this this issue pretty profusely last week, and I was reminded in public comment regarding a little earlier about my vote. And this evening, I won't be voting in support of this because I did make a lot of arguments. To the contrary last week. I do think the exemptions are fair and they they they do so some show some sensitivity to many of our responsible pet owners. But I think the smartest, most fiscally responsible approach would be to focus on education and registration, since 90% of our registered dogs here in Long Beach are spayed or neutered . It shows that our system is actually working. I would much rather commit resources to create seasonal job opportunities for college students to canvass and assist our city in increasing our registration numbers. I think the mandatory spay neuter ordinances draconian is a draconian leap for the city of Long Beach, and I'm not convinced that our existing ordinance is really broken. The data, in fact, I think shows significant improvement. And I think this council and the many activists here on both sides of this issue should be complimented for your involvement over the years on this issue. Accessibility to animal care services is still a major issue for majority of the residents in the city of Long Beach . This ordinance does nothing to address that district's one district's two District six District seven District. Eight District nine residents are not don't have access to animal care services. And I think if we were to. To address that in a comprehensive way. We could do a lot to to minimize our numbers in terms of euthanasia and in having, you know, our dogs and cats actually picked up from animal care services. One of the speakers addressed the transparency issue and council members, Vice Mayor Lowenthal. I would I would really love to see in this this ordinance or something come forward from this council. If not today, I'm sure something will come forward very soon, some greater transparency. You know, how many how many dogs are in cats we rescuing, how many are surrendered, how many strays are picked up, you know, and what are we doing in terms of euthanasia? And I think that transparency is merited in this regard. I mean, and more importantly, I would love to see a monthly report from Animal Care Services to to measure the real efficacy of what I presume will be this this this new ordinance, if passed. You know, I want to be able to measure, you know, where we are today and where are we going to be six months from now, where we are a year from now, should this pass? And so I'm going to tell you right now, I'm very much interested in greater transparency in that regard. I'm great. I'm very much interested in making animal care services more accessible to the rest of the city. But what I just said, like six council districts are geographically, um, I guess handicapped from, from, from, from such services and so to, to make this leap to it, to a mandatory spay neuter in law. I mean, it makes people feel good. It makes a certain segment of activists feel good, but I don't think it is a smart policy. And so with that, I will be voting no.
Speaker 9: Thank you, Councilmember Austin. I appreciate your comments and your position on this. You've been consistent and I do appreciate that. I do want to reiterate to anyone that's interested and certainly watching at home, as colleagues like to say, this isn't a panacea. It's certainly one of the many tools that we would like to implement here in our city to support our education and outreach efforts. If this were a panacea and certainly viewed as such, I would have brought it forward five years ago when I brought my animal care reform package forward. And so this is one of the last tools that we had identified as a possibility for our city after having implemented all of the others. And to your great suggestion, Councilmember Austin, I do all of that information is available. I don't know that we as a council have ever asked our animal care team for a monthly or a annually or even every six months type of report. But as someone who's been very interested in this issue, I've received those numbers because I've asked for them so that I can track the issue we've been able to. State what our percentages are in terms of the reduction in euthanasia, in terms of the reduction of the number of animals that are collected year over year. Because it's something that I personally been interested in. And so I've received that information because I asked if this council is interested in that. Certainly, I think would not only be amenable, but be happy to provide that by way of an annual report. I do think it's part of an annual report of types that I have seen, but it may not be in the format that you're looking for. I have seen those numbers and I think they're publicly available. And so I do believe we are transparent in that because we're proud of the work this animal care department has done. We have come a long way from when we used to be called animal control, and I could not be more proud of the city for that department's work. Mr. Keisler is not here today, but he was a big part of bringing forward the reform and the change with our city manager and every member of this team. And now Mr. Stevens, along with Mr. Chapman's leadership, is part they are part of that. And so. Watching the evolution of this department. It does. It makes me very proud. We have a long way to go. And that's why we have to be relentless in looking for tools to ensure that we take the most humane approach possible. And with that, I think my second Councilmember Urunga on on this item. And I think we're ready for a vote.
Speaker 1: I spent a lot of. Motion carries seven one.
Speaker 9: We took item 25, correct?
Speaker 1: Yes.
Speaker 9: And so we are on to new business. Is that correct? Yes. Okay. May I call on Councilmember your. | Ordinance | Recommendation to declare ordinance amending the Long Beach Municipal Code by amending Section 6.16.085 and by adding Section 6.16.062 all relating to animal regulation, read and adopted as read. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03102015_15-0115 | Speaker 5: Item 17 is a report from Parks, Recreation, Marine and City Attorney. Recommendation to declare ordinance amending Title six of the Long Beach Municipal Code to make it mandatory for dog owners to spay neuter their pets unless they possess a medical exclusion or exemption. And to prohibit the sale of dogs. Cat. Or rabbits in any pet shop retail business or other commercial establishments unless they were obtained from an animal shelter. Humane Society. Rescue organizations operate on the premises, possessing a valid breeding permit rate the first time and later. Witness Regular meeting of the City Council for final reading.
Speaker 0: Mr. Chaplin. Or is it? Mr. Stevens.
Speaker 7: Thank you, Madam Vice President, Vice Mayor and member of City Council. I'm going to turn this over to Ted Stevens, who is our Animal Care Services Bureau manager.
Speaker 11: Good evening and thank you, vice mayor and council members. So I'm just going to give you a brief presentation on the ordnance that you have before you. Back in November of 2014, the city council asked the city manager and city attorney to come back with the ordinance for mandatory spay neuter of dogs and to restrict the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet shops. And so I'll be speaking on that tonight. So what we're proposing is for a mandatory spay neuter ordinance to become effective on October 1st, 2015. This would allow residents to have an opportunity to come into compliance, give them a little grace, period. We're proposing that all dogs must be spayed or neutered by six months of age unless exempted. And it's important to note that we already have a mandatory spay neuter for cats. And cats are at four months of age. And we've had this since 2010. So some of the benefits of this is we believe that this will help with pet overpopulation. It's not a panacea, a cure all, but it is another tool in our tool belt to help with the fighting, the pet overpopulation problem. We believe that there is a benefit to public safety. Some studies have shown, and according to the ASPCA, that spay and neuter dogs may be less likely to bite and less likely to roam freely. We believe that there is a benefit to the health of dogs. Obviously with any surgery, there's always some some minor risk. But I think the consensus is that it's generally an easy, safe procedure and the health benefits greatly outweigh the risks. One retro retrospective study of over 40,000 dogs showed that sterilization increased the life expectancy by 13.8% in male dogs and over 26% in female dogs. And there is still a medical exemption available and that I'll be discussing in a later time. So just one more thing on the benefits of spay and neuter. This is from the American Veterinary Medical Association website, and this is quoted from them. It says Altered pets make better companion animals by reducing the incidence of many undesirable behaviors, such as heat cycles, roaming, marking aggression. Many of these behaviors lead to people surrendering their pets to animal shelters. The procedure has no effect on a pet's intelligence or ability to learn, play, work or hunt. Most pets tend to be better behaved following surgical removal of their ovaries or testes, making them more desirable companions. So I mentioned the exemptions earlier. One of the biggest exemptions is the medical exemption, and this can be permanent or temporary. Basically, the medical exemptions are an animal that is incapable of breeding for whatever reason. The other would be that the animal was not suited for surgery and that the surgery would be likely to cause death or aggravate any conditions. And so these are exemptions that are made for medical. They be certified by a veterinarian. We also have exemptions for law enforcement, search and rescue or service animals or animals that are bred for these purposes. And we also have an exemption for certified show dogs and competition or herding dogs or breeding stock for these purposes. And it's important to note that we do not have an exemption, does not require that the show dogs are actively participating in shows, which is a restriction that's found in a lot of other cities that for various reasons we felt that was maybe a little too strict. And we tried to make it as open as we could for the for the certified show dogs. And all of these require documented proof. So as far as the implication of this goes, we're proposing some additional moneys, $5,000 to help with our education, public education outreach. We're looking to increase our spay neuter voucher program by $30,000. You know, we have a lot of great partners and some of them are here tonight. Services such as Fix, Long Beach, Friends of Long Beach Animals and just some of our other partners that we deal with on a daily basis that help reach out to the people that need financial assistance with getting surgeries done. There are low cost clinics available. Golden State, snip, L.A. and some others that are out there. We've already started researching and looking for grant opportunities and other partnerships where we can bring in more funds from the outside to help with our providing that financial assistance. And as far as the enforcement piece goes. We're looking to add one part time license inspector to help just dealing with the with especially the initial part of it getting the the current unaltered animals, getting them in compliance. And it's important, though, that our enforcement is really geared towards education and warnings and providing vouchers and and low cost opportunities rather than citations. Citations are there if we need them. But it's really not our focus. Our focus is more about getting compliance and helping the individual pet owners and not coming down on them with the hammer . Some fiscal and fiscal impact things to be. We have a potential or we have we have a lost revenue as a result of the differential between the unaltered license fee of $95 and the alter license fee of $20. And that's estimated to be around 187,000. We have our implement and implementation costs that were in the previous slide that came out to about $56,000. And these costs could be or will be recovered through possibly through an increase in licensing fees, an $8 increase to the altar license fee from 20 to $28, which would increase the senior discounted altar license fee from 10 to $14 as they get a 50% discount. And there'll be a $10 increase to the unaltered license fee from 95 to $105 for the people that have the exemptions. And then we're anticipating the additional license canvasser to help bring in additional revenue as well. And so moving on to the next aspect, the restrict the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits at pet shops. We're basically proposing that no person or animal shop shall engage in the sale, barter, giving away or transferring of dogs, cats or rabbits unless the person or animal shop sells barters, gives away, or transfers dogs that are bred and reared within the city in compliance with Section 616 1900. And that is our breeding ordinance. Dogs, cats are rabbits that are obtained from a publicly operated animal shelter and or dogs, cats or rabbits obtained from a private, humane society or duly incorporated organization devoted to the rescue care and adoption of stray, managed or surrendered animals. And we will require a certificate of source for each animal that is displayed or sold at a pet shop. And this would also be effective. October 1st, 2015. And so that's it for my presentation. I'm available for questions.
Speaker 7: And if I may add, we want to thank Vice Mayor Sergio Lowenthal, who actually proposed this and took the lead on this. This is just one more tool for us. It's one more tool for us to reduce the euthanasia rates reduced to the pounds and it's much appreciated. Hopefully this will pass and we can, you know, continue our efforts to decrease the euthanasia rates and in mortgage.
Speaker 0: Thank you, George. And thank you, Ted. I wanted to. We have a motion and a second. I know many of you would like to speak. I just wanted to start off the conversation, if I may. We've started we started working together on this issue probably as early as 2007. While we're only addressing one aspect of this larger package of animal care reforms that many of you in the audience worked with us in the city and on the council to bring forward. I don't want us to lose sight of the fact that while this is incremental, it comes from a larger narrative and the larger narrative. You've already seen many installments come true. We were able to get a city veterinarian. We were able to get licensing. We were able to get lots of things that bring us to this point today. And to not finish this narrative, I think would be really a travesty. We've taken animal care in our city not as an issue by issue one particular item by one particular item, but really as that entire narrative. And it started with this city taking a really good look at what its role is when it comes to animal care. If you recall, not too long ago, we were our department was called Animal Control. And through an unfortunate situation, which we looked at as an opportunity to reinvent and rebrand ourselves as a compassionate city in this in this arena, we decided that the best name for our department was animal care. And I think you were in large part a very, very big part of us being able to do that. But that shifted our entire approach. This is one more way that we are fulfilling our aspiration of being the animal care city and councilmembers. I had stated earlier in our meeting in November, Long Beach has done a great deal to increase pet adoptions and decrease the number of dogs and cats euthanized over the last seven years. Mr. Stevens, do you recall the number of animals that we had euthanized in the last recorded year?
Speaker 11: Yes. I actually have that right here. The number of animals.
Speaker 0: Yes, total. Total.
Speaker 11: Was 4054.
Speaker 0: And that was in year 2013.
Speaker 11: 2014.
Speaker 0: Okay. Thank you. And for a city our size, that's a significant number. But we are able to say that we have, through increased pet adoptions, decrease the number of dogs and cats euthanized over the last seven years. However, we still have a real problem. That number is quite a bit less than what it used to be. I think I had read that it was about 21% less than a couple of years previous. Is that correct?
Speaker 11: It is over 1100 less than the previous year. And it's if you were to go back, if you were to go back seven years, it's about half, almost half, almost half.
Speaker 0: That's incredible. So we have done a great job in with you to educate as much as we can. And and while I believe that we must continue to educate, I also think there's a time when we have to stand up and do what is remaining. And this is what is remaining in order to capture the balance, the balance that we cannot capture with education alone. So we do still have a real problem with over with pet overpopulation. Knowingly or unknowingly, pet owners are contributing to our own overpopulation and it's become clear that we're not going to adopt our way out of this problem. We know that the vast majority of dogs selected or picked up by animal care services are unaltered, and that by reducing the number of animals being impounded, we can focus more resources and volunteer hours on adoptions, public outreach and mobile clinics, which we know all work. That said, I'd like to thank our staff for their commitment to initial warnings and education. Rather than heavy fines. And as you heard from Mr. Stevens today, our focus is still on education and not on fines. And I'm pleased to see a recommendation for more funding for the vouchers in support of our community partners. And I know many community partners are eager to see that as well, because the services are available and we must help people afford them. I also understand that our own spay and neuter clinic at Animal Care Services is close to up and running, being up and running, is that right? And that's very exciting. Finally, we've had a lot of support from various individuals, a couple of retired veterinarians, certainly, who've guided us through this entire process. I'd like to personally thank Dr. Larry Cosman, who is probably surprised that I'm calling him out, but he has been with me and my office since day one on this issue. That's probably the first few months after his retirement. So there's no rest for the weary. But I want to thank you for your commitment to this issue and really educating all of us on what the right direction is. There is no panacea, but there is a right direction and we have been moving in that direction for quite some time. Sometimes we don't get it 100% right, but we are always moving in the right direction. I think staff has done a great job of hearing the concerns from both sides of this issue and presenting us with exemptions for various types of dogs, whether they're part of a national or international organization. Service herding. We heard from a hurting last time supporting or even have a medical concern. Ultimately, my co-sponsors and I believe this ordinance is another measured step in our attempts to go from a reactive to a proactive system. And so before I turn this over, we have several speakers. I do have a few more questions. I'd like to know if by warnings if our warnings include some timetable for the resident to get their animal fixed before the fine is assigned. I know you would extended you mentioned a grace period.
Speaker 11: Yeah. I think our initial policy that we're looking at is probably 60 to 90 days and then we could provide extensions if they have, you know, circumstances beyond their control. We want to work with them and ultimately help them any way we can.
Speaker 0: We appreciate that. And are animal license inspectors able to provide vouchers out in the field while they're as part of their canvasing since they're already out there?
Speaker 1: Yes. Okay.
Speaker 0: And I also understand there are a few studies recommending that owners of large breed dogs wait until they're about 12 months of age to be spayed or neutered. Would this require a simple communication, a written notice from the veterinarian for an exemption?
Speaker 11: Yeah, we could. That would be something we definitely considered when we were trying to figure out the age. Six months was definitely the cut off we wanted to use. But we are aware that there are certain issues, like you said, with larger breed dogs and waiting until they're one years old, especially the males more than the females . And so we definitely had that medical exemption where the veterinarian could certainly give them a temporary exemption and allowed to wait until they're one year old. And that would not be a problem.
Speaker 0: When pet owners are licensing their pets, they identify the breed, correct. Would it be easier on the the pet owner if there were certain breeds that were identified as large breeds? Rather than asking for a medical exemption that we identify with in conjunction with vets, what those breeds might be? Is that a case that.
Speaker 1: We can do that?
Speaker 0: I think that would make it easier for the pet owner otherwise and easier for staff. You would not get the multitude of exemption requests. I think we like our big dogs in Long Beach. And finally, how do we handle unaltered dogs that are picked up by animal care but their owners come to reclaim them, which happens a lot. And I think it's important for us to know.
Speaker 11: I'm sure it's going to work.
Speaker 0: But how do we rate? How do we handle when we pick up dogs that are unaltered and then when their parents come to pick them up.
Speaker 11: Currently or after this ordinance or.
Speaker 1: Both?
Speaker 11: Well, currently they would come to redeem them. There is actually a penalty, a state penalty for an altered animals found at large. And in the future it would be if this were to pass, it would be simply the same way we would have come across. And this is probably how most of the enforcement would come about. Is the animal being impounded as we would? We would give them all the resources to get the get it done at a low cost or free somewhere. And then we would give them the same timeline, the warning, and work with them on the timeline to get that done.
Speaker 0: So we're still working through the education. Yes. Thank you, Councilmember Mongo.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Vice Mayor. Many of you know, the animal community is one that I am particularly attached to, having served as the budget manager for L.A. County Animal Control for several years. That agency in pounds 100,000 live animals a year and is one of the largest animal agencies in the world. And so the changes that we're able to make here that make a difference in the lives of the animals in Long Beach are really, really important to me. With that, I will pass it along to some of my colleagues because I've queued up later in the queue.
Speaker 0: Okay. Councilmember Andrews?
Speaker 3: Yes. Thank you, vice mayor. You know, I think the individuals who are in the audience, you know, for the shortness, I think you can see our vice mayor has compassion when she speaks about this, because the fact that I just heard her say. The dogs that are lost and when their parents come pick them up. So if you choose care, that is going to show you that this is your kid. So. And one of my main concerns, of course, is the cost and spreading of nutrition. And, you know, the pet owner, you know, because we have a number of senior citizens and low income individuals in our city that have pets in their compassion. So I am pleased to see that the $30,000 voucher plan has been implemented and to help these individuals and truly, you know, will vote in favor of this item. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Just briefly, Councilmember Mungo.
Speaker 4: Councilmember Andrew, since you brought it up, I'm in some in-depth meetings with Director Stevens. We talked through that the cost of an unaltered animal license with a voucher is actually more expensive. So spay or neutering their pet would actually be less expensive in the long run. And as we get through the dialog, you'll see that I had some concerns about the cost of this program as well. And we have some ideas on how we can make sure that that's going to be good for the community and good for the Department of Animal Control, good for the city and good for the residents.
Speaker 0: Council member, Austin.
Speaker 9: Well, I'm encouraged. And when we when this issue first came before the council, I raised a number of concerns regarding the effectiveness of the messaging program. And I know there are many supporters out here. I thank you for coming down here. It does make a difference. I see your signs and I feel your your compassion and heart that you have for for for the animals that you you work with. Many of you work in our animal control. Center and you are part of rescue efforts and you adopt and you promote that. And so thank you, because you guys are making an impact on our city, our city in a big way, in an important way. But I do still do have some concerns mandatory. Anytime we say mandatory, it becomes very, very intrusive, in my opinion. I think this policy, as it's laid out, actually increases the burden on low income and communities that are not so advantaged. Communities of color. Where are the enforcement efforts going to be taking place? More and more, we're going to be talking about an agenda item later, talking about bending the box. And and we passed recently legislation to start decriminalizing a lot of things in society. And I think this actually goes in the other direction. I do have a couple of questions, and I raised these questions the last time, but I think it's important that we get these on the record from Animal Care Services. Mr. Stevens How many dogs are estimated currently in the city of Long Beach Total? Are there. And I'm speaking of dogs only. I know we're talking about dogs. Cats and. Rabbits tonight.
Speaker 11: Rabbit's estimation based on from the AVMA, they have kind of a formula that they use and total dogs in our community based on the population of the estimated 102,000.
Speaker 9: Okay. 102,000. And how many dogs currently are registered in the city of Long Beach?
Speaker 11: A little over 35,000.
Speaker 9: 35,000. So that's one third of the total dogs in the city of Long Beach. The register. And of that of the registered dogs. How many dogs are currently intact?
Speaker 11: Little over 3000.
Speaker 9: 3000. So that tells me that 90% of registered dogs in the city of Long Beach are spayed or neutered. We should be given ourselves a hand as a city because of that. I think that that's a plausible to our Animal Care Services Department, and I think I would applaud this. The city council councils before us who made these tough decisions to reduce the registration rates for for dogs that are spay neuter to to to offer such incentives for people to do that. I don't know that if we if we if we show a 90% registration rate, of course, being neutered, that a mandatory policy is actually even necessary. This is this is going to be a little costly. We had a budget exercise closed session, I mean, a study session last week that paints a very dim picture for for the future, the next couple of years of our budget. The the part the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department has experienced cuts in cuts and cuts there. Their budget hasn't grown over the last several years in any way. But yet we are going to with this action tonight decrease. Decrease funding in their budget. And ask for increased cost. That's going to be a budget exercise and it's going to be a values exercise for for this council moving forward. It's and these are not one time funds. This is a structural issue. This is this is this is these are structural dollars that are going to be committed here. I do. I do. Favor the restricting the sale of dogs and cats. I think that is absolutely fine. And you know if we want to truly reduce the the. The overpopulation of animals in our city. I think that is a noble effort. But to to say mandatory spending, neutering. I think the the the the the data shows in other cities where this has been done. That the the euthanasia rate has not necessarily been decreased. It's actually increased. It's created situations where people are no longer taking their dogs, dogs and cats to the veterinarian. Which which impacts the health of the animal. And and it creates a situation where people are more more or less open with with the city of Long Beach. I'm not sure that this is going to get us to the desired result that we're expecting. But, you know, I'm open to hearing from my my council colleagues and the rest of the public to see this.
Speaker 0: Councilmember Mongo.
Speaker 4: So. First, I want to agree with the things that Councilmember Austin said. I've had extended discussions and many of you have been to the parks meetings and the soccer field meetings where we've talked about that the Parks Department is significantly underfunded and thus, as a division of the Parks Department, animal care and Control. Animal Care and control subvention rate. I don't want to use dork terms of the budget, but they don't cover their own costs with the revenues that are coming in. And we are not in a position where we can increase the redemption fees because then people give up their animals and that's even worse for the system. And so taking this hit of $187,500 annually, if not more, would be a significant hit to the city. And so in talking a little bit with. The City Attorney's office and a colleague. I can't talk with too many colleagues that would violate Brown Act, but a colleague I've come up with some language that really mitigates the concerns of anyone who wrote an email. It still gets us into compliance. It rewards those who have been in compliance. And it. Enforces bad, enforces spay and neuter as a mandatory on people who have been non-compliant and or anyone who moves to the city or adopts or buys an animal. From this day forward. So what I propose is to add language, which I have been told is not significantly different, so it doesn't have to come back again that an unaltered dog or cat that has a valid I'm sorry, not cat or an unaltered dog that has valid license from Animal Care Services Bureau shall not be subject to this section under the license lapse unless the license lapses or expires and or October 1st, 2015, whichever occurs first. So let me tell you what that means, because that's a lot of legal mumbo jumbo. So I wrote it out in in normal terms. What that means is that 2500 responsible pet owners who have an unaltered pet who has never gotten out and never been caught by animal control services, can maintain their status with their unaltered license when that animal passes away and or any additional animals are brought into the home and or any animal that gets licensed after the October one date, which is when the ordinance becomes effective, it has to be spayed or neutered. There would be no unaltered option. And so what that does is it gradually brings in the policy. It makes it so we don't lose $187,000 in one year putting that burden on the city. It still gets us into 100% compliance within one life cycle, and I think that it's a reasonable way to go. How do we feel about that, Vice Mayor Lowenthal?
Speaker 0: I need to ask. I think I saw the city attorney motioning to speak.
Speaker 7: Thank you, Vice Mayor. Remember the council? Councilmember Mongo, if I understand your language, you're talking about an amendment to the draft ordinance, section d d sub paragraph two, and you would be changing the word expires to lapses, is that correct?
Speaker 4: So that. Yes, sir. So it would not be too significant. So it would be able to pass this evening?
Speaker 7: That's correct. But the effect of that change of that one word would allow a pet owner who keeps their license current to maintain their pet in its current condition indefinitely as well.
Speaker 4: If you miss a license renewal, you would lapse and then you would be forced to become spayed or neutered. So as long as you maintained your license in good standing, you would become okay. However, if your animal got out and got to the shelter, that would put you into that other category and therefore it would not.
Speaker 7: I'm sorry. That's correct. But the difference between as written and as your proposed changes, there is now an indefinite period of time in which the owner could, if they follow all the rules, could do that as it's currently written. The later of the two dates would be the expiration date of the current license or October of 2015. So I just want to make sure we're clear on what your proposed changes.
Speaker 4: Yes.
Speaker 0: I'm sorry, Mr. City Attorney. And she said whichever comes first.
Speaker 4: So sorry.
Speaker 0: Last. Okay.
Speaker 7: It would be later. Yes.
Speaker 0: So under that, there is a way, as the city attorney said, that families could avoid spay or neutering their animal as long as they kept their licenses current, which is not in the spirit of this item. Is that correct? Mr. City Attorney, that was your interpretation.
Speaker 7: The impact of that change? Yes, we did allow the current owner, as long as they follow the rules and pay their license, they would be able to maintain their animal in the current condition.
Speaker 4: So so that's a good point. It only applies to currently registered dogs, so it only applies to the responsible pet owners. None of us here today are after responsible pet owners. We're after the irresponsible pet owner. So that is what I was hoping was still within the spirit.
Speaker 0: I will hear from other council members, but I'm not in support of that at this time.
Speaker 4: She would figure from us of how we feel.
Speaker 0: Mr.. If I could ask Mr. Chapman or Mr. Stephens if you'd like to weigh in on the impact of that. So what we've been doing is not to create necessarily tears of responsibility or tears of, you know, the ethics toward this issue. But when it's sort of a granted that we do have these exemptions when when we have a standard, I do think we should apply the standard across the board. Mr. Stevens. Mr. SHARP. Jim.
Speaker 7: Vice Mayor and Member of the City Council, it really is a policy question for a policy issue for the city council. I think at this point there would be kind of a revenue offset if if if you kind of grandfather the those folks in. But it really is a policy issue will will adopt whatever the city council wants to you know, will implement whatever the city council must adopt.
Speaker 0: Okay. So that would be according to Councilmember Austin's calculation, about 3000 or so, no. How many licensed in good standing that we have?
Speaker 11: There's license in good standing. I think it is a little over 3000.
Speaker 0: Unaltered is.
Speaker 4: Little.
Speaker 1: Unaltered.
Speaker 0: So those are the only ones that would be in the spirit of assuring that this measure passes. Those would be the only ones impacted by this. Is that correct, Mr. City Attorney?
Speaker 7: That is correct. Ones who are currently licensed animals.
Speaker 0: Okay. Now I understand Councilmember Price.
Speaker 6: Thank you. I want to congratulate Vice Mayor Lowenthal and Councilwoman Mungo, because I know that they were both very involved in this and worked very hard to bring this discussion forward. And I'm opening, too. I'm open to hearing from my colleagues tonight on. Councilwoman Mungo's. I guess it's a friendly that she's proposed. I'm not sure. But I think anything we can do to offset the costs, given our financial predicament at the city right now, is something that we should consider. And so in regards to that, I would be supportive of anything we can do to offset the costs. And again, I want to congratulate both of you for working so hard on this issue. I know it's something that that you're both very passionate about.
Speaker 0: Mr. City Attorney, did you queue up again? Yes.
Speaker 7: Thank you, Vice Mayor. Just a point of clarification from the council member from the fifth District heads, I believe offered a friendly amendment. I don't know if the maker of the motion has accepted that, but I want to be clear. When we're having a council discussion where that sits on the floor, think.
Speaker 0: I'm still listening.
Speaker 1: Thank you.
Speaker 7: So it has not been accepted at this time?
Speaker 0: No. We still have council member Austin to speak. Councilmember Alston.
Speaker 9: Thank you. And I'm actually friendly to the friendly amendment, should it be accepted. And if not, I'm prepared to offer a substitute motion to incorporate the Flint friendly amendment. I think it's very important that we not we we recognize the fact that people have been following the law, the law and the policies laid down by this council in good faith for for many years. And it's it's somewhat unfair to those responsible pet owners today to change the rules on them mid-stream. Right. For those there's there are two thirds of the dogs in this city. And pet owners in this city are unfortunately, particularly those who own dogs or are not acting responsibly. And I think this policy is really meant for those people. But if. In good faith if you've been registering your dog every year. And let's just make it clear. Not everybody who who keeps their dog intact is a breeder. Right. Not every intact animal is going to to create a litter. And I'll just be personally. Right. I've owned dogs my entire life, and I've never had a litter. Um, I've never. I haven't always been neutered. My, my, my animals either. I have two animals today. I have a girl dog. I have a boy, Don. The girl dog was was a fixed three years ago. I think I'm responsible as a pet owner because I'm not having litters in my in my household. And so I think you need to look at the the how this this policy is going to impact our residents, and particularly those who are acting in good faith and who are doing what they're supposed to be doing. They are following the law. They are they're feeding their dogs good food every day. They're giving their dogs water. They're taking the dogs for a walk. They're cleaning up after their dogs. And they're not having litters. They're registering their dogs. Those people should earn our consideration tonight as well.
Speaker 0: So if I might ask a question and hopefully you'll understand the spirit of this question. What I heard from Councilmember Mongo in the presentation of the friendly amendment was more cost oriented. The concern of the loss of revenue of $187,500 and staff had presented a full cost recovery plan. Was that correct?
Speaker 7: Yes, it was.
Speaker 0: Okay. And Councilmember Mongo.
Speaker 4: So I met with Ted and I met with George. And while the prediction is that you would increase license rates for altered and unaltered and senior dogs and that potentially that that could bring in additional revenue, you also have the fear that the people who have their intact animals, again, go underground and then don't renew their licenses as a spayed or neutered animal. One of the challenges that we have in the city and in quite frankly, that I significantly helped with when I was with Animal Control, L.A. County is enforcement. Lomis did not even have an enforcement division. And so Long Beach contracted with L.A. County for us to come out and do the canvasing in compliance. And so I really feel strongly that we need to do two things. We need to maintain that revenue in the department and use it for additional compliance and additional when animal owners go underground and they don't buy their licenses . There's also fear that they don't get their animals vaccinated and other things that are even worse for the community. I see your heads nodding. You're in the community that I've spoken to before then. I haven't spoken to any of you specifically, but I appreciate that you're knowledgeable on this issue. And so I have any fear. I have fear of reducing any revenue to the department. Any revenue that does come in on top of that would be considered one time revenue, and I hope it would be used for enforcement. As I kind of mentioned to Ted in ensuring that this would bring up the status of animal services and the resources we have to ensure compliance. I talked about compliance on the last issue and I'll talk about it again. The good animal owners aren't the ones I'm worried about. It's all the others out there that we need to enforce.
Speaker 0: Okay. And I appreciate that. And I and I do think that the concern over the loss in revenue, especially if we're making up for it by increasing fees to folks that are abiding by the rules is a concern as well as just when I heard Councilmember Austin address that, it didn't sound like it was the financial concern , your primary concern as well, because I heard you relate to your animals.
Speaker 9: I think I raised the financial concern originally. If this is going to cost us about $200,000 a year in implementing this program, and if if the will of this council is to move forward to do that, we need to be looking at everything we possibly can to mitigate those type of losses, because obviously, based on our budget outlook in our in our study session last week, we don't really have a lot of room to move.
Speaker 0: Right. And and staff did present a cost recovery plan. But as Councilmember Mongo had expressed, even under that plan, there's still a strain to pet owners. And so I just I want to be sure that we acknowledge staff for not coming here with something that just costs money. They actually came here with a full cost recovery proposal as well. We can still direct it however we'd like, but I do think I don't want it to be unsaid that they just dropped a $200,000 loss on our labs.
Speaker 4: But that's definitely not what I intended. All the best cost recovery options are well appreciated and I appreciate the small increase in animal licensing that actually puts us closer to the regional average as we discussed at our meeting. And it also trickles away the revenue of the unaltered dogs over time. And so I would hope that our city manager's office, because they are stewards of the public funds and good budget managers, they would never consider the unaltered dog licenses, the variance between the unaltered and the spayed or neutered amount as ongoing revenue. Because we would know that not to be the case anymore, because those animals will either pass away or decide to get spayed or neutered. And so I hope that we can maintain that one time funding for them.
Speaker 0: Okay. Thank you. And I am open. Mr. City Attorney. I know you keep looking at me bated breath. I am open to that friendly amendment and would like to hear from. And would like to hear from members of the public on this issue if you'd like to address council on this item. We the motion as it stands is to adopt the item with the friendly amendment.
Speaker 7: Vice Mayor Members I can, if I may. After hearing the Council member Austin speak, is it the desire of the Council that this amendment will basically grandfather in the existing owners so that this is effective as of a date certain and that no other new dog owner would be allowed into the have this exemption? Is that correct?
Speaker 0: It is. October one is the date. So anyone who is registering their animal.
Speaker 7: Rights prior to October 1st of 2015 and then maintains their license current would be able to maintain that animal. So after October 1st of 2015.
Speaker 0: The deadline, that's the deadline. And so that still leaves us in the 3000 or so unaltered registered animal. So, Judy. I. Yes.
Speaker 4: Good evening, everyone. I'm Judy Crumpton. My address is on file and I reside in Long Beach. And once again, I would like to thank vice mayor and council members, Mongo and Price for bringing this forward. I do want to address a few issues and I want to say that Ted Stevens and vice mayor covered things beautifully. So I don't want to, you know, just repeat what you're doing. But real quickly, everyone who is in support, please hold up your posters to show and these are your humane advocates who work every day tirelessly for this community and to save animals lives. Also, just real quick, this is kind of a fun thing, but it kind of gives you an idea and this is what I use in humane education and 15 dogs, 45 cats. And you for every person that is born. 15 dogs and 45 cats are also born. So think about that. All the members of your house, how many are there? And we need to do something about this because a lot of this comes from irresponsible pet owners and backyard breeders. And tonight we have the opportunity to cut these numbers down. Also, I gave our packets and Mr. Austin, I was rather hoping you in particular would have read the one packet and thank you for bringing up the Santa Cruz situation. I do want to say that the American Kennel Club has been telling folks that the that the mandatory spay neuter ordinance in Santa Cruz is not working well in your packets. From Melanie Sobel, the general manager of the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, says quite otherwise. It's an excellent letter. It addresses all of your concerns, the licensing, the cost, all of it. It's an outstanding letter. It was emailed to you guys a few days ago and it addresses. The AKC has made numerous misrepresentations about the Santa Cruz County animal shelter. In its argument against the proposed spay neuter ordinance, the AKC states that the the shelter as euthanasia rates have been essentially flat since 95. As the attached statistics demonstrates, this is incorrect. Both our animal intake and animal euthanasia rates have steadily decreased since 94, the year our county spay neuter ordinance was enacted. And it goes on and on. And another real important part Santa Cruz County's animal intake and euthanasia rates have decreased since our mandatory spay neuter ordinance took effect in 94, even with other variables such as adding an underserved area and an oh for the economic recession starting in oh eight and general population growth, mandatory spay neuter is an invaluable tool when animals end up at the shelter and when animals are causing problems in the field, it's totally successful. So please do read this before you vote tonight. Mr. Austin Also, I've talked to other general managers of other cities that have mandatory spay neuter. They say the same thing. We have lots of organizations that are here tonight. They're going to speak for themselves. Another outstanding letter from an incredible organization, actors and others for animals in complete support of mandatory spay neuter. The support just continues and goes on and on. The only way that we are going to put a dent in pet overpopulation is through prevention. Prevention. Don't let the word mandatory shake you up so much. It's really not such a bad, tough word. It has a meaning, that's all. For heaven's sakes, get over it. We absolutely need to do this. Can we please give it a try? If it doesn't work, you won't do it. But trust me, it's going to work. Thank you so much.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Judy. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 6: Thank you, vice mayor and council members. My name is Elizabeth Orrick. I'm the national manager of Puppy Mill.
Speaker 4: Initiatives for Best Friends Animal Society. And we are in full support of a retail sales.
Speaker 6: Ordinance for Long.
Speaker 4: Beach. The fact is pet mills, particularly puppy mills, otherwise known as USDA licensed breeders, are in business to supply pet stores because responsible breeders don't sell to pet stores.
Speaker 6: And that's because they don't sell to third parties and because it's not financially viable.
Speaker 4: And this.
Speaker 6: Tenant never sell.
Speaker 4: A puppy to a pet store can be found in every reputable Breeders Code of ethics, including all of the parent breed clubs on the American Kennel Club's own website. And yet there is a humane alternative, which is for those stores to stop supporting the puppy and kitten mill industries by transitioning.
Speaker 6: To an adoption model, as thousands of pet.
Speaker 4: Stores across the country are already doing very successfully. So this ordinance would.
Speaker 6: Not.
Speaker 4: Preclude.
Speaker 6: Pet stores from staying in business. It would not impact.
Speaker 4: Responsible hobbie breeders who could continue to sell directly to the public.
Speaker 6: And of course it would not prevent anyone from adopting an animal.
Speaker 4: Shelters and rescue groups are full of purebred dogs, cats.
Speaker 6: Puppies, kittens and.
Speaker 4: Rabbits looking for homes just like that little guy we saw at the beginning of the meeting.
Speaker 6: And those are the animals that are dying in the highest numbers in our shelters simply because there aren't enough people adopting them and there isn't enough.
Speaker 4: Space to house them all. So does it really.
Speaker 6: Make sense to.
Speaker 4: Keep producing more of a product for which there's already such a surplus that we're killing thousands every.
Speaker 6: Day, 9000 a day in this country? From an economic.
Speaker 4: Standpoint, no. From a humane standpoint, absolutely not. A pet sales ordinance is a fair, effective and reasonable way to prevent an endless supply of poorly bred pets from being imported into this city so that consumers are protected and fewer animals will have to.
Speaker 6: Suffer in order to supply the retail pet trade.
Speaker 4: And to relieve.
Speaker 6: The burden on.
Speaker 4: Shelters and therefore the.
Speaker 6: Taxpayers. By getting companion animals out of those facilities and into retail settings where they have.
Speaker 4: A greater chance of being adopted by the public. That's why 75 other communities across North America have already enacted this, 16 of which are cities and counties right.
Speaker 6: Here in Southern California. So we commend the city of Long Beach for taking this important step to join them. We support you and we thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you.
Speaker 4: Hi. My name is me up on Adana. I live and work in District two, so I'm downtown all the time. I'm here today to ask for your protection. And the way you can protect me your constituents is by passing an ordinance that mandates the span neuter of our nonexempt Long Beach Dogs. I'm not affiliated with any organizations. I just live and work here. I'm here all the time. I regularly find non speed, non neutered haggard because they've been bred too often, recently pregnant, still nursing dogs on the street. I find them so often, in fact, that I have to carry a leash and treats with me so I can help pull them out of traffic or being hit by a car or causing an accident. When I catch these dogs and reach out to no kill rescues, they are so full with other dogs that they can't help me. So at that point I have no choice but to call animal care. And when I do that, I know that it may definitely be a death sentence for that dog, especially if it's a little Chihuahua. So I'm put in the awful, painful, heartbreaking situation all the time to either take this dog in knowing that it may not come out. Or spends lots of my own money that I don't have because I make 1150 an hour trying to save that dog. So. No matter what, despite the fact that I am a law abiding citizen, that votes, that pays my taxes, that takes care of my own dog, really? Well, I lose no matter what. And I lose because uncontrolled, cruel backyard breeders in my neighborhood are hurting me. They do this all the time. When they're done with the dogs, they dump them. It's not fair. I'm sick of it. I'm exhausted by it. I'm broke because of it. I'm tired. I'm asking you, please, to do anything in your power to prevent this from happening to me. And I know I'm not the only one. I'm pretty sure every single person in this row and that row goes through the same thing all the time. So thank you so much for listening to me.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Mayor. Thank you.
Speaker 8: Hello. My name is Vince Pudsey and I have made on Beach my home for almost 40 years. I am a homeowner, graduate, an alumni member of Long Beach State, and I am also a district leader for the Humane Society of the United States. I represent our Congressional Congressional District, District 47. Since I chose Long Beach to be my home, I have witnessed a number of positive changes as it is a very progressive city that I am proud of. I'm here tonight with my wife and other supporters to urge the City Council to enact the retail pet sales ordinance. I'm originally from Saint Louis, Missouri, which sadly has become known as the puppy mill state among animal welfare groups. This is an embarrassing stigma to have the puppy mill industry profits on the misery and suffering of companion animals, primarily man's best friend dogs. Some of these animals spend their entire lives in the same cage, enduring horrid conditions. I read somewhere in a survey that Long Beach was the 30th most dog friendly city in the country. And I thought to myself, Which communities are ahead of us? We have Dog Beach, Blessing of the Animals, Bulldog Beauty contests, Halloween parades, etc. as established tonight, or mayor or vice mayor and many members of the council or animal lovers. Then there is Dog's best friend, Justin Rudd. We all know and our great great bit too. We enjoy Stroll and Savers concerts in the Park, Second Street and the many events that make our city a special place to live. Dogs and the people who love them or a constant at all of these. They are a fabric of our lifestyle. Ted Stevens, our animal care director, and his staff are continuously breaking new ground, trying to improve the adoption rate and save lives while lowering the costs at our shelters. Pet stores that obtain animals from unscrupulous breeders are a detriment to our city. Besides their support of a cruel compassion as industry, they restrict the number of adoptions of healthy animals from our shelter and other local rescue organizations. Many pet stores have successfully switched from the sale of puppy mill dogs to the sale of rescue shelter animals. This process saves the city money from unwanted euthanasia and other burdens and costs to the operation of our city shelter. Virtually all breeds of animals are available from humane and legitimate rescue organizations. Many pet stores across the country have adopt this business model. People saw the actual conditions at which these breeding factories operate. This would not even be a discussion. No animal lover would condone these conditions. So I am here tonight to to ask that the ordinance be passed and that we as a city continue to not just do the right thing, but to set an example for others. And I applaud the work that's being done by Animal Care, Animal Care Services and the council.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Hi, I'm Deborah Turner with Friends of Long Beach Animals. Here to say that, well, if there is no law, of course I'm in support of the ordinance. If there is no change, no law, then there is nothing to enforce. And hey, there's no progress in that. Right. So let's let's go ahead and give this a shot. Let's go all the way with it. Let's progress to a kinder, more civilized way of treating our pet overpopulation problem instead of eliminating our wretched refuse of all of the animals that are that are extra and that are at this point, throwaway items. Certainly we can find a more civilized way than what we're doing now. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you.
Speaker 7: Good evening, Vice Mayor and Honorable City Council members. My name is Bruce Wieland and I'm here on behalf of Peter's. More than 3 million members and supporters, over 30,000 of whom live in the Long Beach area. Thank you for considering vital amendments to Title six of the Long Beach Municipal Code. For the sake of all the homeless animals in Long Beach, I urge you to vote in favor of these proposals. Every day is a matter of life and death for homeless animals. Each and every dog and cat bred and born, whether it's on purpose or by accident. And every animal bought from a pet store or breeder often means that an animal who's already waiting for a home in an animal shelter will lose their opportunity at finding one. At PETA, we hear from people in communities all across the country where similar requirements have been passed. And we are repeatedly being told that these ordinances are providing the essential tools that allow animal control and shelter workers to better address animal abandonment, abuse and neglect in their communities. The only way to end animal overpopulation is to bring the birthrate down, and mandatory spay neuter ordinances, coupled with the availability of low cost sterilization, does exactly that. And fortunately, here in Long Beach, you already have in place these resources for lower and fixed income residents. The euthanasia of thousands of animals at the city's shelters each year, and the suffering of countless other animals who never even make it to a shelter but instead die badly on the streets are all 100% preventable. Please vote in favor of these lifesaving measures. Thank you so much.
Speaker 0: Thank you.
Speaker 4: Good evening, council members. My name is Wendy Aragon, and I'm president of Pet Assistance Foundation. We've been active in this community for since 1955, helping people spay and neuter their pets through education. Low cost referral to veterinary clinics. And subsidy for those who could not afford to alter their pets. We feel sometimes like we're just we've thrown money at the problem, but we don't get anywhere. We're bailing the ocean out with a thimble. I have turned in a statement from our organization to each of the council members, and we applaud you for bringing this critical issue up for public discussion and hope that you vote. And a unanimous yes on this or on these two ordinances. I don't want to be preaching to the choir tonight, but anyone involved in animal welfare knows the suffering that pet overpopulation causes. It's already been talked about here tonight. I do want to bring up the point, however, that we feel based on the experience on our hotline and volunteers in the field, that abandonment is on the rise for two reasons. Owner turn in fees that animal control requires people dump them rather than pay the 60, 70, $80, whatever it is. And who do they come to? The rescue people. And the rescue people most often are full. Secondly, the public doesn't want to deal with euthanasia. Unfortunately. The No kill movement, though it's a wonderful concept. Utopia in many respects has to some extent miseducated the public. The point is, there are not enough quality homes for all these animals. We truly believe the number of discarded animals is much higher than has reported because who's out there in the streets, in the barrios, God knows , wherever. This morning at 630, I was out near the riverbed on the border of Long Beach and Paramount, picking up a dog that someone had dumped that was dying of distemper. In the words of Dan Knapp, the late former director of Los Angeles Department of Animal Services, breeding animals is a privilege, not a right, because it creates dependent creatures for whom someone must ultimately be responsible. With an ordinance as carefully written as yours. There should be no room for a responsible breeder to object. Or a responsible dog club for that matter, or cat fancy or whomever. Pet overpopulation is a social problem that requires three different approaches. Education. Legislation with enforcement. And. What's the third thing, dimwit? And low cost sterilization. Oh, my God. I ought to know that since I've been in this since 1969. We must not forget that laws in themselves have tremendous educational value in a democracy. They let the community know that the body politic has acted with public input to address a community problem. We are totally in agreement with the pet store ordinance and that's already been addressed here tonight very eloquently. We urge you to vote to pass these two ordinances and put Long Beach intact and forgive the pun there and put Long Beach on the map as a beacon of light in a sensible and humane approach to solving a tragic and longstanding social problem in our community. Thank you. Good evening, Madam Vice Mayor. Members of the Council. My name is Connie Koehler. I am a member of a team of local dog owners who are very experienced, long time owners and exhibitors who have addressed some of you directly and certainly have met with all of your staffs for all district offices since the beginning of January. I am here to oppose the amendment on the basis of being bad public policy for the community and based on the extensive research that our team has done. We will get into the devilish details that Councilman Austin referred to earlier. And let me start with refuting Judy Crompton statement that the AKC stated that the Santa Cruz County statistics on euthanasia were essentially flat. Those statistics did not come from Santa Cruz County. They came from the California State Department of Public Health, the Veterinary Public Health Section, the California Local Rabies Control Activities Annual Report dated 2013. I euthanized animals in Santa Cruz County in 2006 were 626. In 2013, when this report came out, they were 629. I am a trained economist. That is flat curve. MSN as far as as posing unacceptable cost to municipalities as far as licensing revenue from loss compliance, the average license compliance rates in California jurisdictions without mandatory spay neuter are average about 33%. But the average license compliance rates in California jurisdictions with mandatory spay neuter average around 14%. In in L.A. City. In L.A. County. In Sacramento County. Those are all roughly the case. Increased intake and euthanasia rates have led to increased shelter and implementation costs as a result. In Lee County, Florida, which is around the city of Fort Myers, Amazon was adopted in February of 2014. The shelter costs rose almost $750,000 in six months. As a result, the ordinance was repealed in November of 2014. In Dallas, Amazon was implemented in 2008. Animal control cost increased 22% from that time to 2010, and there was an overall decrease in licensing that reduced revenue by $400,000. In L.A. City, euthanasia rate rates rose from 7000 in 2008 to 9000 in 2011, or 29%. So these are not acceptable costs for the city. They are certainly not acceptable costs for citizens. And we urge you to vote now.
Speaker 0: Thank you.
Speaker 12: Good evening. My name is Scott Peterson. I'm a resident of Huntington Beach, but I come to Long Beach almost every week, either on business or for pleasure. I've been reading over this ordinance, and it scares the hell out of me. Oh, very first line unaltered. Dogs and cats prohibited, period. No exception for visitors. No exception. If I drive my car through Long Beach, I'm subject that ordinance. Maybe now you'll give me a warning. In two years, when you do something, don't laugh. That's it. Read the darn thing. There's no exemption for events. If you want to hold a dog show or a cat show or some type of trial here. You're putting your animal in danger by bringing it here because you would make it subject to mandatory spay neuter law in the city. In several places. It refers to a recognized agency without ever defining what the recognized agency is or stating how you become part of it or where it is even found. I looked at the service animal section of this and it's absolute rubbish. It violates both California's Civil Code 54, 55 and the ADA type two and three. You can't make your own definitions for these. What you can do is extend it with. Many people have to include service dogs and training psychiatric support dogs, emotional support dogs and other dogs that assist people. There is no provision in here for that. Yeah. Those are the main things that I have on on that particular thing. As a previous lady said, speed. Mandatory spay neuter does not really have a good track record when you start looking at the real numbers. There's a lot of numbers floating around. But if you talk to people like the AKC or if you talk to some of the other groups, it can actually tell you where the numbers came from. You might be quite shocked at the lack of success. Almost entirely. The result is that the costs of enforcement go up and compliance goes down. It's just sad. And I and I want to say in finishing that, I'm in favor of spay neuter. I'm not in favor of mandatory spay neuter. I own a large breed. Even going up to a year would be detrimental to me because I own bull mastiffs and they generally mature between two and three years. So what do I do then? Go back and go back and go back and say, oh, yeah, well, it doesn't work. It doesn't happen. Anyway, thank you very much for your time.
Speaker 0: Thank you. And before I take the next speaker, I was going to ask Mr. Stevens to. Highlight the part about the exemption for the show dogs and the fact that we have shows in town as well as the exemption for service animals and. The others in that category.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 11: So I guess I can take these service animals. I mean, our bureau currently already processes licenses and permits for service animals. And so any of those animals that would come to us for that could get that exemption. Just this past weekend, I learned that actually most service animals are spayed or neutered anyway, but that exemption would still be there for the service animals. And and so we would follow the federal guidelines for ADA when we issue those permits anyway. So that would just tie in with that. I don't see an issue there. As far as the show dogs, again, we offer that exemption for show dogs and ours is actually more lenient than most of the other cities.
Speaker 0: Thank you for that clarification. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 4: Hello. My name is Kimberly Buchanan, and I urge you to vote no on this ordinance. I've lived in Long Beach since 1988, first in District three and now in District five. I'm a small business owner, homeowner. I've spent many hours volunteering at Animal Control when it was over on Spring Street. I teach now at the SPCA, at the Pitchford facility, and I've worked in assisted with multiple regional and national rescue organizations. I'm also a part of the group of concerned dog owners who visited with each of your district office staff, either yourself or your staff. We presented this document. Hopefully you all have read this document and we outlined very clear revisions or very clear reasons why mandating spay and neuter is not good public policy. We also provided several alternatives that would bring the community, city and animal control together rather than creating a divisive and adversarial relationship. The purpose of an animal control facility is to protect its citizens, return lost pets to their homes, shelter those who have no homes, and to prevent animal cruelty. Even with the transfer, as we know of most adoptable animals to the SPCA, L.A. side, according to Director Ted Stevens, in 2013, the city experienced the lowest impound and euthanasia rates, as well as the highest adoption rates in 25 years. According to the city's statistics that we were received, 2014 proved to be even better. So good job. My concern, though, other than the issues that we bring up in this document, is the health and safety portion of the animal control purpose. We've seen rabies in skunks, distemper in many raccoons. And now typhus is showing up in Southern California. Possum. I've experienced the raccoon issue personally. Shortly after arriving home one evening from being away for the weekend, a sick raccoon showed up at my doorstep. I didn't know if it had rabies or distemper. I called for emergency services. The fire department answered, not animal control. There were no animal control officers to come and remove the animal. So I had this animal outside of my door and it wasn't until the next morning and many of my neighbors called Animal Control that they removed it. So that is a personal health hazard and a danger to me and my dogs. With only a 30% license compliance of dogs in the city of Long Beach and difficulty enforcing the existing laws, please don't pile more onto the role of our animal control department. Instead, focus on incentives for licensing, pets, support and enforce and reinforce the community volunteer spay neuter programs that are working. Good job. And whether it's lack of housing, health, behavior or other costs, find out why people are actually relinquishing their dogs or not reclaiming them. There's reasons there addressed those problems. So in closing, by keeping those dogs out of the shelter would open space and save precious resources and save more animals. So in closing, I would ask you, please vote no.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 12: My name is Judith McMann. I am a lifelong resident of Long Beach, having gone to school here and college here. I own a business in Long Beach and live in the fifth District on my home there for the last 40 plus years. And I do have one of the 3000 intact licensed dogs in the city of Long Beach. I also have two spayed dogs, both of whom are licensed. I'm part of the group that present to your staff and or you the packet that you have in front of your head, in front of you. We are very concerned about this issue. We all believe in voluntary spay and neuter, and we think that that's something you all should work to support and improve, and we're willing to help you do that. Mandatory spay and neuter does not work. As you heard, I agree with my colleagues. We presented it in our packet a number of ways to assist and improve your voluntary spay neuter program, which is working. And I will tell you that the dog community stands behind you and will help increase that. We're already looking into grants to assist in raising money to improve that program. So let us work with you. One of the gentlemen earlier said something about a seat at the table. Give us a seat at the table. I strongly urge you to vote down this this proposal. However, if you're reluctant to do that. I suggest that you create a group to study this issue in full, considering all the ramifications and and let the stakeholders be involved, including the the people who work to rehome animals, including the people who show dogs, including veterinarians. The people who know animals. Let. Let us come to the table. We deserve a seat at the table, too. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Hi. Good evening. My name is Kari, two young, and I'm the director of agility for the American Kennel Club. Our government relations department has sent each of you an official letter. But I wanted to come personally and further explain the opposition of the dog enthusiasts. Before I start that, though, I want to note that a second letter was sent to everyone today, March 10th. It was after we received a copy of the letter that Ms.. Melanie Sobel, the director of Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, sent to each of you. We found that it contained a number of false, misleading statements regarding the EC's mission position and statements on canine policy. Ms.. Robles letter claims that the AKC has erroneously reported Santa Cruz shelter statistics in reference to Long Beach. In fact, the EC's only communication with the Long Beach City Council were the original letters which we sent, neither of which referenced Santa Cruz. We've not made any statements concerning Santa Cruz, animal shelter, their use, euthanasia or their licensing rates. But let me tell you a little bit about myself, which will give you an idea of a lot of people in our dog community. They've been a major part of my life, our dogs, since I started with mixed breed poodle. At 12 years old, I've owned and shown also many purebred dogs. Currently at home, we have two rescue dogs, both of whom are spayed. One is a poodle mix, who is an owner turn in due to aggression. The other one is a dachshund mix who was found running on the streets. I personally spayed her and then placed her in a home. Unfortunately, that home didn't work out for her. So like a responsible breeder, I said I will take her back, as anyone should do at this point. I am also considered a breeder because in my 40 years of owning purebred dogs, I have bred six puppies. Those of us who devote our time, energy and support to the sport of dogs do it for one reason. We love our dogs. If we believe that mandatory spay neuter policies would improve the lives of dogs and their owners, we would not be here objecting today. However, the fact is that these laws decrease the opportunity for pet owners to find a healthy, well, well bred pet in their community. And they hurt responsible breeders who are doing things the right way in the agility world. Many people choose to not spay and neuter their dogs until they're between 18 months, two years, maybe even older, because we want to make sure the growth plates have closed. It's not just the large dogs, and believe me, it is longer than one year. The only way you know is to do an x ray to make sure the growth plates have closed. And it is certainly later. As you know, the AKC held our EUKANUBA championship here for quite a few years. We brought in about $21 million to the city of Long Beach. We'd like to consider coming back to Long Beach, but we can't do that with this type of restriction. The AKC and our member clubs in Long Beach area can help improve animal control by providing education and guidance to pet owners. Engagement, inclusion and a sense of ownership always gets better results than punitive measures. And I believe that the Department of Animal Care has done a very good job moving in that direction, and so does the AKC, and we'd like to commend them. So again, let us be a partner, not an adversary. But we do recommend that you vote no on this. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 4: Good evening, Vice Mayor and city council members. My name is Susan Murphy and I am also a member of the Concerned Dog Owners who have visited each of your offices. I'm president of the Orange Coast Bull Terrier Club Secretary and chairman and Health Committee Chair of the Bull Terrier Club of America. I'm the liaison to the AKC Canine Health Foundation, as well as trustee, secretary and trustee of the Bull Terrier, Rescue and Welfare Trust. And I'm proud to say that we started that. I was possibly starting I started this group over 15 years ago, and we rescue dogs nationally. We are huge group. I've spent 40 years involved in rescue, animal health and welfare, public education, and just enjoying my dogs. When we visited your office speaking to you or your chiefs of staff in order to address.
Speaker 0: The city's voluntary.
Speaker 4: Spay neuter program, which is one of the most successful voluntary programs in California, versus the proposed ordinance, which advocates a mandatory program. When we met, we reiterated the the reported statistics of Long Beach already successful program, as well as documented evidence of many cities that have put a mandatory law into place with terrible results, all of whom showed an increase in pounds, an increase in euthanasia, a decrease in adoptions, and finally, a substantial decrease in overall compliance. This decrease in licensing becomes a problem when animal owners to choose to avoid seeing their veterinarians for rabies vaccines in order to remain invisible to animal control for licensing as well as spaying and neutering of their dogs and cats. This, on its own could prove to be a huge public health issue for Long Beach and surrounding areas, since there have been a rise in the reported report of rabid raccoons as well as distemper with skunks in the area. During our meetings, we also presented several solutions and suggestions for alternatives to enhance the city's already.
Speaker 0: Successful voluntary.
Speaker 4: Programs, such as increasing the voucher program, opening up the shelter hours to include some evening hours, and exploring possible grants that would be available to aid the city in making their program much more available to all in the low income and senior residents who may have difficulties due to financial and transportation issues. We noted in a memorandum from the Director of Parks and Recreation, Recreation and Marine dated February 5th, 2014, to the City Manager, Mr. West, where Mr. Champion congratulates the city on their animal care service accomplishment, stating that the city reported the lowest number of animals impounded in 20 or 25 years. The lowest number of animals euthanized in 25 years with euthanasia is 11% lower than 2012. Over 1900 pets were spayed or neutered.
Speaker 0: Dog and cat adoptions.
Speaker 4: Had increased over 33%, and dog and cat transfers and rescues increased by 27%. In this glowing report of long beaches achievements concerning our animals. Never was there any recommendation for an ordinance that even suggested the need for a mandatory program. We congratulate Long Beach on its obviously successful voluntary program that is already in place. Therefore, we asked the city council members to vote no on their proposed ordinance and thereby become a leader in California with a documented, voluntary program that has shown continued progress and one that could be a model for all cities in California. Excuse me, California.
Speaker 0: And if I could ask everyone who intends to speak to show their hands or queue up, I know it's difficult to stand. Okay. Thank you. Just so we have an idea. Yes, of course. Come on, forward. Okay. So we have about two or three more speakers.
Speaker 4: Okay. Good evening, everyone. I'm. My name is Luis de Waal, and I've been an animal control professional since 1980. I began my career in the city of Long Beach, and I'm proud to still be here. I would like to address the audience tonight that I the last time I spoke when we were discussing this prior, I explained what a valuable tool it is for our department to have this law on the books. I want to talk about our shelter and how proud we are, as Ted Stevens said about our youth and euthanasia rate decreasing our in pounds going down. But it is still a tool our officers need and they need it badly. Take a walk through our kennels.
Speaker 12: And see the Chihuahuas and see the pit.
Speaker 4: Bulls. The majority of them come in intact and not altered. And if.
Speaker 1: We if you say.
Speaker 4: The citizens want to be invisible to animal control because they fear mandatory spay and neuter or mandatory vaccinations, we don't want to be invisible. We want to be in the community helping them with low cost options for Spain and neutering free Spain. Neutering, which friends have Long Beach animals, has been offering, letting our officers offer to citizens through coupons to their organization. It's imperative that we get this ordinance out there. Of course, there's people that want to comply with getting their animals spayed or neutered, but they can't afford it. We can address that. But there are the people that do not want to spay and neuter their pets because they feel it is their right to have an unaltered animal.
Speaker 1: But just as.
Speaker 4: An example, I was out on a call where a man was so proud because his female pit bull had just had 15 puppies. She had he had intentionally bred her with a neighbor's dog.
Speaker 12: And he had T-shirts.
Speaker 1: Made of the stud dogs.
Speaker 4: Picture on it for all his children to wear. Education, definitely. I tried to help him with education with what what he had done, but unfortunately, he needed enforcement. And the enforcement tool we need is mandatory spay neuter in our city. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you.
Speaker 12: Vice Mayor Lowenthal, members of the City Council. My name is John Zapp, and I'm a 30 year resident of Long Beach and a homeowner in the fifth District and Councilwoman Mango's neighbor. I'm here today to voice my opposition to the mandatory spay neuter ordinance. I urge you to vote it down. Vice Mayor, you began the meeting by thanking the groups here for participating with you in coming up with this ordinance. But I was not included. I am a stakeholder in this ordinance, a very critical stakeholder in this ordinance. None of the intact dog owners in this city that are members of any club I'm a member of the AKC of any other organization were extended the courtesy to participate in providing you input into this ordinance. The meetings that many of you attended back in October were a complete mystery to us. It's entirely possible that had we been there, we would have been able to discuss with you the fact that we believe in spay and neutering our animals. We believe in that. But we also know that it is unhealthy for some animals. Contrary to the common belief that there are no consequences. There are consequences. There are long term health consequences to that. We believe also that the spay and neuter mandatory ordinance falls more severely on those individuals who can least afford to to comply. We believe that it imposes the city's judgment on what should be a decision between a dog owner and their veterinarian. The the individuals who right now have intact and unlicensed dogs, you call them irresponsible people and some of them undoubtedly are, but not all of them. Many of them are culturally or language, have language barriers, have economic barriers, and are unable to to to spay and neuter their dogs for any number of additional reasons. The data that we presented to you and your staff over the last few months shows that mandatory spay neuter ordinances have not been effective, that the primary reason people do not spay and neuter their dogs is their inability to afford it, as well as their inability to know about the requirements for that. That comes not from the American Kennel Club or Breeders that comes from the downtown Dog Rescue Group in Los Angeles, which conducted a pilot program on intake assessments at one of the major shelters in the city. That's what they found. We also know that although the American Veterinary Medical Association may believe that spay and neuter ring is beneficial to the animal, their official policy is to oppose mandatory spay neuter ordinance. The Humane Society of the United States came here and spoke on behalf of the the ordinance barring pet sales in stores. The U.S. has a policy opposing mandatory spay neuter. Best friends was here. They have expressed opposition to mandatory spay neuter. PETA is the only organization that came here and said we're in favor of it. PETA, in case you wonder, has been classified by the FBI as a terrorist organization. And in addition, the state of Virginia.
Speaker 0: Let's respect our speakers time, please.
Speaker 1: I will.
Speaker 0: You are out of time, sir. You're out of time. Thank you. On that note. Thank you. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 4: Hello. My name's Robin Hicks and I'm in the fourth district. I'm a schoolteacher. I'm a lifetime Long Beach resident. I'm wondering if Mr. Stevens could repeat the number of animals that were killed in 2014.
Speaker 11: 4000 4054 total.
Speaker 4: 4054 dead animals 4054 dead animals. If we like dogs, if you care about dogs, you care about all dogs. And these dogs that are running loose on the street that are mixed breed dogs. If you care about dogs, no dogs should be having babies. I'm driving to work. There's dogs on the left. There's dogs on the right, just like this young woman had mentioned. It's exhausting. It's exhausting because when you drive by and you see these innocent little animals that need your help, you take a detour. No matter what you're doing, you're chasing them. They're about to cause accidents. You don't know what to do with them. You have to sometimes take them to the shelter, which puts such an emotional burden on you. I've rescued about 100 animals in the last four years myself. If you love dogs, you love all dogs. I keep hearing people talk about the health of dogs. What about the health of the dogs on the street? They seem to be talking about the health of dogs that people want. We're talking about the unwanted dogs, those 4000 animals that are getting killed at the pound. If you love them, we need if you love all dogs, we need mandatory spay neuter. The voluntary spay neuter is working to a point, but it's not going to get us all the way there. We need mandatory spay neuter. I'm a schoolteacher. I'm all about education. But there's a certain point at which you have to say, this is the way it has to be. We have to try this. We have to have spay neuter. It's important. We owe it to those 4000 animals that every single year are being killed. Even if the number is decreasing slightly, the mandatory spay neuter will get us there quicker. It's wrong that these people are standing up for spay neuter. Voluntary spay neuter. When the voluntary spay neuter is still resulting in 4000 dead animals, 4000 animals that are getting illegally injected, put in a trash can or whatever's done with them and cremated. It's not right. Long Beach needs to be a compassionate city. I'm tired like this woman is tired of rescuing animals and taking care of other people's lack of responsibility, which is everywhere. Thank you. Please vote yes. Thank you.
Speaker 7: Hello. My name is Kelly King. Thank you for your time. I won't take very much of it. I think the thing that hits me here tonight is that everyone, no matter what side, really loves dogs. And I commend everyone for that. It's nice to hear the polite arguments because it makes me think differently. The word that made me think the most tonight is when I heard someone refer to dogs as sport. And my wife and I have two dogs that we've rescued and we think of them as the vice mayor said, as children. So I think how you vote tonight will decide how people think that Long Beach views their dogs as sport or as children.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Hi. My name is Jennifer Johnson, and I come to you tonight as one of your low income constituents, those that you're worried about that can't find or afford the services. They're out there. There's free services, there's low cost services. And I live every day around people who refuse to spay and neuter because they can make a quick buck on a litter of puppies. Okay. Now, first of all, let me preface this by saying I used to be against this. I used to agree with those who said it's my dog, it's my choice whether I breed this dog or not. But the honor system is not working when I live every single day. I run across 1 to 3 animals, just dogs and many more cats that just have no home because there are not enough. The myth that there is a home for every animal is a myth. First of all, it's a myth to begin with. And then when you factor in a good home into that equation, that cuts it down even lower. There are too many there are too many backyard breeders that are ruining our breeds, the beloved breeds that we love. There's people out there every day breeding these animals, knowing nothing about what they're doing genetically. Oh, I bought this puppy for $800. Let me go back and get a brother or a sister so I can make my money back. Yes, I hear that almost daily. They don't know what they're doing. They're ruining the breeds. They're creating monsters that people want to abolish. I'm not for real. For getting rid of all dogs. No. Responsible breeding. Yes. That's great. Love your breed and breed responsibly. And rescue those that need to be rescued. But those of us that are boots on the ground every single day out there in my neighborhood, our low income neighborhoods in Long Beach, we are out there educating folks almost on a daily basis how to take what's proper pet care. Some of these people have no clue. And the ones that do, we applaud them and we celebrate them. But we are out there every day seeing the results of ridiculous, careless, money grubbing individuals who have no business owning a pet, let alone procreating something for you like its color. It's ridiculous. And we're tired of it. We're tired of cleaning up other people's messes on a daily basis. The founder of my group that I volunteer with, Fix Long Beach, has spent thousands and thousands of dollars on her of her own money on a daily basis, rescuing and cleaning up other people.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 8: Good evening, counsel. My name is John Gonzalez. I retired from the city of Mission Viejo after working here in the city of Long Beach for 22 years. I started my animal control career back in 1974. I'm kind of here tonight as a very concerned person and an animal lover. I'm very frustrated that this has been going on and on and on over every single year. Some of the people here tonight are saying that spay neuter doesn't work. I've listened to every other option over my career, 32 years in animal services, ten years I've been serving as the president of the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation . I also work at the Aquarium of the Pacific. I have a passion for animals. The thing that really frustrates us in this field is that every year we hear the same thing. We've got to do something. We've got to do something. For a while there, they they when I first got into the industry or in the business, they came up with reduced fees for their licenses, thinking that that was going to make a difference. It didn't really make much of a difference. If an animal was impounded, if it wasn't altered, it would have to be altered before it could be adopted again to someone else. Those things started making a difference. The only thing that's really going to make a difference, the only way you can bring down the unnecessary euthanasia of so many animals throughout these shelters is to have mandatory spay neuter. Please, I plead you. I beg you to please pass this ordinance for our future animals, for our children, so that they don't have to go through a world where we're euthanizing animals because they're unwanted.
Speaker 0: They. You.
Speaker 4: Good evening, Counsel and Vice Mayor Lowenthal. My name is Kate Karp, and my address is on record. I definitely support this ordinance. I wasn't when I was a kid. Our family cat was had been spayed and I always wanted kittens. So about 45 years ago when I was out on my own, I adopted. I got a cat. Cat had kittens with my intact tom fine, giving them away the first time. The second time a light went on. And I'm so glad it did. I had her fixed the next day and I haven't stopped since. When I moved to Long Beach about 25 years ago, I got involved with friends of Long Beach Animals. I learned about the shelter. I learned about the shelter animals and how necessary spaying and neutering is. But until I got out on the streets with fixed Long Beach, I got the same idea that this young lady got that Louise to wash said about the, you know, dogs getting hit by cars, cats running around in the streets, people, puppies running into traffic from the riverbed and people just refusing to fix their pets because they wanted to sell the litters, as my colleague said. There was one guy we went to. We went to do a house to house a house. We went to deliver information, house to house. And there was one guy that had two dogs. Once he told me that he was going to have puppies and he was going to take the mother dog to the shelter because he wanted a puppy. Yes, he did. This is what and this is tenfold. This is what we're faced with. Most of the people that come to fix Long Beach and yes, there is affordable spay neuter here. There is no cost spay neuter for the people that you say, we can't get it. We will give it to them. They're wonderfully appreciative. They they donate things. They won made us cookies once. But the number that won't let me tell you these are the people that, you know, as Judy said, the puppies and kittens, her puppies and kittens. And they're puppies. And kittens are puppies and kittens and. Council member Austen. Yes. That's the 3000 that we worry about, the 3000 intact dogs. And those are the only the ones that we know about. There are so many more that we don't. I can't say that this ordinance is going to be a magic pill or that we're going to get 100% compliance. But I'd really like to find out, especially since one of the statements is that it discriminates against people who can't afford the procedures. We've got fix Long Beach. There's going to be a spay neuter clinic on the shelter grounds. It's going to be low cost. No argument on the pet check on the pet store section. I'm just I'm really sorry. I wanted to stick to this, but so many things have come out, have come up. What I do really want to say is that I think it's absolutely unconscionable that the AKC would practically blackmail us and say, they're not coming.
Speaker 0: Thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you. Sorry. Thank you. Vice Mayor Lowenthal. Thank you, members. My name is Sally Frankel. I have been a member I have been a citizen of Long Beach for 67 years. I have raised my children here. My children actually have stayed with the Lowenthal. They have gone to school with the lawn dolls, with John. I'm here to ask you to please do not vote for this. Please reconsider it and rewrite it. Think it out a little bit longer. I am a responsible pet owner. I play sports with my pets. My pets are my children. Just ask my daughter, she says. I love the dogs more than I do her. I have also licensed my animals my entire life. That my adult life. One of them was intact and one of them is intact and one of them was not the sport that we play. My female is the highest tidal dog in the world. The male who is intact is number 17. I do like the idea that you come up with some kind of alternative to help the responsible owners maintain the health of their dogs. Early spay and neuter is not healthy for a dog. I spend a lot of time researching breeds. I have rare breed dogs. Sometimes it takes two years to be able to get a rare breed dog. The reason I seek out the rare breed is because of health issues. I lost my one dog this summer and I have been trying to replace her with another family member. I have been interviewed and had to provide references. The scrutiny that I'm going through to get a well bred rare breed dog is almost superior to what it is to adopt a child. Because of this ordinance, I was told that I would not be able to get the dog that I have been waiting for because of the mandatory spayed neutering of an early age. Scott Peterson mentioned that the 12 year extension or 12 months extension is not long enough for large read dogs. It isn't for lunch for small bridge dogs as well. Growth plates do not come in, do not fully grow. And if you are playing a sport with your dog or running your dog, even if you go to a dog park with your dog, the growth plates are very important. And if you spayed or neutered your dog too early, you have lifelong health problems. Why should I spend the time and the money to get a rare breed dog so I will have a healthy dog? If I am forced to expand noon, neuter them earlier than they should be, which gives me lifelong problems.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you.
Speaker 0: Next speaker, please.
Speaker 1: Good evening.
Speaker 0: Hi.
Speaker 3: Vice Mayor and City Council. Roberto in Washington. Lena maternity leave. I'm sure you're going to get this information. I do have a question to Mr. Stevens. You seem to have some pretty good facts. And out of the 4054.
Speaker 9: Dogs that were euthanized.
Speaker 12: How many were due to bites by history? Temperament. Old age.
Speaker 3: Critical illness or severe injury.
Speaker 0: If staff's not prepared to answer them today are you.
Speaker 7: Need to address the chair.
Speaker 0: Yeah. And so we're we don't take questions from the podium to staff, if you like.
Speaker 3: He pointed out some numbers.
Speaker 4: Sure.
Speaker 3: And I was hoping that he would have that record with him.
Speaker 0: Mr. Stevens. Is that something you have with you? We didn't ask for it.
Speaker 11: So I do have my kennel statistics report from last year. So.
Speaker 0: Okay. Would you like to go ahead and finish your remark? We're not doing question and answer. I'm not.
Speaker 8: I'm not in support of this mandatory ordinance.
Speaker 3: I've been in Long Beach, as you know, a good number of years. I know your family. I know a lot of the council members here.
Speaker 8: So you know my history and you know.
Speaker 3: That I look at facts and I respect facts, not emotions. And I just ask you to.
Speaker 8: Look at the facts and make your decision according.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Thank you. I will go ahead and close the public comment section and call on Councilmember Mongo.
Speaker 4: I hope that we can call for the question after this. I just want to say that I appreciate the dialog between everyone here today. I hope that those who came here in support of spay and neuter recognize that mandatory spay and neuter will be phased in with what sits on the floor today. And for those of you who brought up points such as Connie and John in the such that the friendly amendment meets the needs of those requests and questions. Additionally, while we appreciate everyone coming here tonight and spending their time, we we most of I most appreciate those of you who contacted my office in advance so we can have a dialog. Because one of the challenges you have with coming to the podium and speaking for 3 minutes is we don't have the opportunity to go get the research and return. I do want to point out a couple of things. Those who addressed our office in advance about the concerns related to not having the AKC show in Long Beach. We've alleviated that concern. We've talked with National. All of that is fine. And the Convention and Visitors Bureau has made sure that we are not going to be excluded from that. With this ordinance. Additionally information related to. Just appreciating that you're an engaged and responsible community. And we hope that you can understand that this is a process. And we appreciate each and every one of you for coming here, and especially to those of you who listened to the questions and comments made by council members and then worked into what you're saying to us about those kinds of items. Because while coming here and speaking on a script is important and valuable, answering our questions and commenting on the things that we're discussing and understanding and through this discovery process is is really poignant. And it shows what an educated constituency group you are. So thank you. With that, I hope my colleagues will vote yes.
Speaker 0: Councilmember Austin.
Speaker 9: Thank you and thank you for everybody for coming out and sharing your point of view on this very difficult issue. I wanted to address to one of the speakers earlier who mentioned that the term mandatory shouldn't be considered a scary word. And it's not. When the word is actually neutered or the term is neutered. And the policy is not enforceable. And that is where my major heartburn has been with this this policy, not the aim, not the the intent, not the the long term vision to reduce overpopulation of animals, to spay and neuter. I support that. I don't support. Policies that are unenforceable. And I have some real concerns with the enforcement here. Somebody mentioned this is a step forward progress and it can be viewed that way. But I think what we're trying to do here tonight and I do applaud my colleagues for for their work on this this issue. They're trying to we're trying to do something that's that's that's responsible. And that word has been used over and over this evening. Responsibility in a responsible policy, a responsible animal care services. What would make such services more accessible to the rest of the city as it stands right now? The majority of our city don't really have great access to where our our animal care care services is located. I think that impacts our ability to register and have higher registration rates. I think that that that impacts our ability to as a city to to really curb some of the problems that we have with the the euthanasia rate, as well as registration rate. And. And such a I don't think the current location is conducive to two working families participating and being responsible like we want them to be. I take, for example, the councilmember addresses residents council member Gonzalez's residence council. Were you wrong as residents? My residents, council member Richardson's residents. They all have to drive a considerable amount of way. This this place is located actually on the border of Orange County. Right. And so there's a considerable there's a lot to consider here in moving forward. And when I when I when I raised the fact that it would cause an undue burden on on working families, low income families, disadvantaged families. It does. And I think we need to be realistic about that. Somebody mentioned that an honor system is not working. You're right. It's not working. It's not working to where it should be working. But there's nothing to, because currently two thirds of the dogs in our city are not registered. The honor system is not working. So why do we think that a mandatory spay neuter policy will work any differently? And I haven't heard anything to make me believe that people are going to be more compliant with that than they are with our existing policies in Los. So with that, I'm going to I'm going to vote and I'm going to hold my my nose in doing so, because it's not going to be an easy vote one way or another. I do appreciate the friendly amendment that was brought forward because I think it's fair. But I think this this policy is is flawed. I think it's a fallacy to believe that mandatory spay neutering is going to all of a sudden change the way people in Long Beach deal with their pets. We have we have an issue with about 60,000 pet owners or 60,000 pets out there that aren't registered today. To me, we should be robust and working very hard to deal with that number as opposed to mandating a spay neuter and neutering policy. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Councilmember Austin. And I'd like to thank everyone that came to speak on this item, as well as staff and their diligence over the last several years to work on this. There are no further requests to speak, and I want to thank you. Are you excited? Mr. Richardson? We are. Thank you. Members, cast your vote.
Speaker 5: Okay. Councilman Alston. She carries it in.
Speaker 0: So since that was the first item, we took off the regular agenda, we have the entire agenda to go through. So if you are interested in staying for the rest of the council agenda, I welcome you to do so. If not, we will conduct the rest of our business. Thank you. Thanks for coming here. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for coming down. All right, Madam Clerk, where are we on the agenda?
Speaker 5: Regular agenda item number seven.
Speaker 0: Is. | Ordinance | Recommendation to declare ordinance amending the Long Beach Municipal Code by amending Section 6.16.085 and by adding Section 6.16.062 all relating to animal regulation, read and adopted as read. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03102015_15-0209 | Speaker 0: And if we can just keep our voices as low as possible. Item seven.
Speaker 3: I'm ready.
Speaker 1: Madam Clerk.
Speaker 5: Item seven is a communication from Councilman Andrews and Council Member Richardson. Recommendation two requires City Manager to update City Council on how Long Beach is actively implementing the requirements of Assembly Bill 218. How it is impacting the city, including the date of implementation, particularly as it relates to contractors and report back to the City Council in 30 days.
Speaker 0: Councilmember Andrews.
Speaker 3: Yes. Thank you. Vice Mayor. In October 2013, Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 218, which advocated a discriminate, discriminatory practice in housing and employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated persons in California. AB 218, known as Band The Box Law, warned that the removal of the question regarding conviction from state and county and city, and especially decent jobs for convicts and former incarcerated persons. Under AB 218, every county was mandated by the State of California to implement Band the Box by July 1st, 2014. What I am requesting today is an update from the city manager on how the bill is being implemented in our city and how the impact of Long Beach and in particular, how is it related to the contractors that the city does business with? I originally asked for 30 days on this item, but I was told that the staff may need more time. So I would like to make a motion to report back in 45 days. But.
Speaker 4: What you have.
Speaker 0: There is a second Councilmember Richardson.
Speaker 10: Thank you, Vice Mayor. So I want to thank Councilmember Andrews for bringing this council item forward. I know that I remember when the City of Long Beach looked into discussing this in the past, and we were unsuccessful in bringing this forward. But but I'm proud to see that the state assembly, the state legislature went ahead and made this the law of the land ban. Banning the box is the law of the land. And we need to ensure that our city is appropriate, is appropriately interim in implementing this policy. Reintegration is a major issue in our community, and reintegration means that we have to provide job opportunities because you can't reintegrate into a community without the opportunity or the means to support or sustain yourself and your families. As a note, just today, there were a number of ministers that talked about project labor agreements. Well, that's an example of an opportunity to provide a job to folks who are reintegrating into our community. So that's it. Thank you so much, Councilmember Andrews, for taking the lead on this. And I look forward to hearing back from city staff on their efforts to enforce this and implement this law.
Speaker 0: Thank you. There's been a motion by Councilmember Andrews. Councilman Andrews and Councilmember Richardson. So any member of the public that was to address this body center. Right.
Speaker 8: Good evening, Vice Mayor Lowenthal. Members of the council. I'm with a group called All of US or None. I was here a few years ago in a different capacity. But today I come to address you about this rule. And I think, you know, certainly, Councilman Richardson, you raised a point that is true. What is unknown about California is that we have the highest recidivism rate, one of the highest in the United States in terms of people who are incarcerated and who are returned to incarceration. Much of that occurs because. The box requirement essentially bans people from being able to get a job. So if you can't get a job, you can't get a student loan, you can't effectively exercise the rights of citizenship. We pretty much steer them right back into incarceration. The challenge with that is that you end up spending, in the case of California, $9 billion a year that could go toward college or something else. The bill that was passed in Sacramento, AB 218, did not mandate that the contractors be part of what you do. What we would like to see in the 45 days, if it would be at all possible honorable vice mayor and members, is that we create an ordinance because ordinances tend to have some level of permanency. If there's a new council next week, while a B to 18 won't change, the issue relative to contractors would certainly be at the option of a succeeding council. And if it's only done as a policy from the city manager, that doesn't make it something that's mandatory, which was not a part of 18. There are a couple of cities in northern California. San Francisco, most notably, has a much stronger policy. I don't think we need to go necessarily where San Francisco went, but we can certainly include the contractors. You mentioned earlier about your project labor agreement. All of this, I guess, is it's kind of symbolic that tonight we're talking about banning the box and project labor agreements because I think they fit pretty much into the same mode. So with that, if we were able to in the next 45 days, I'm prepared to work with the city manager who I've known for a number of years to make it an ordinance so that it wouldn't be something that could simply be changed if the whim of the council change would require a full vote. I appreciate the effort by Councilmember Andrews, who I've known from track and field for a number of years, and I hope that we can make it something that's more permanent so that people could count on that. And I thank you for the opportunity to address you this afternoon.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Councilmember Richardson, did you cue up again?
Speaker 10: Yes, I did. I just wanted to acknowledge our former state senator, Rod Wright, who's here with us this evening, who represented portions of Long Beach, including the ninth District in North Long Beach, I believe. I don't remember what the boundaries are, but I believe there were three, which changed a few times. But thank you so much for coming out and we appreciate your service.
Speaker 8: Thank you so much.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Councilmember Austin.
Speaker 9: Thank you. And Senator Wright, thank you very much for coming before us today. Yes. I've watched you legislate over the many years that I've been involved in politics. And, you know, I remember working in Los Angeles when you were an assembly member in the 48 Assembly District. You you've always been been a stand up legislator, one of the smartest in Sacramento. And it's an honor to have you before us today. I just wanted to speak briefly on this particular issue and say that, you know, I support this coming back in 30 days. You know, it merits a very, very careful look. And and as it relates to where we are going with major projects before the city, we should be giving consideration to to everyone and including reducing the recidivism rate. I mean, because at the end of the day, that's, I believe, what this this aims to do more than anything , reduce risk, to reduce recidivism. I currently say that four times. Yeah, yeah, yeah. My, my, my, my day job. I work with individuals who work in our correctional facilities. And this is always seen as as the the panacea for recidivism, for times getting getting people employed and making them have dignity and value in what they do and contributing to society. And so I look forward to a report back in 30 days. I'll be supporting this motion. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you.
Speaker 12: Thank you.
Speaker 0: And with that, members cast your vote.
Speaker 5: Motion carries six.
Speaker 4: Zero.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Item eight. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to request City Manager to update City Council on how Long Beach is actively implementing the requirements of Assembly Bill 218; how it is impacting the City, including the date of implementation, particularly as it relates to contractors; and report back to City Council in 30 days. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03102015_15-0210 | Speaker 5: Item H Communication from Council Member Richardson and Councilmen Andrew's recommendation to request a report within 30 days on the city's healthy food and vending policies.
Speaker 0: So Councilmember Richardson.
Speaker 8: Sure.
Speaker 10: Thank you so much.
Speaker 0: So we need a second. I'm sorry. May I have a second? Okay. Thank you.
Speaker 10: Thank you. So in April 2011, the City Council passed a motion sponsored by then council member Steve Neil, and it was sponsored also by Councilmember Andrews Councilmember Lowenthal and Councilmember Garcia to create a healthy food policy based on food served at citywide meetings and food and beverage items in city vending machines. It's been almost four years since that that's taken place, and we're at a pivotal moment here in our city where we've achieved great things in terms of our public health policy, in terms of our mobility and an active, healthy eating and active lifestyle. So I thought it was appropriate and fitting that these these policies that were developed utilizing best practices in chronic disease prevention efforts that focus on creating healthy food environments in order to impact our population are highlighted. So tonight we're asking for staff report to be to to review these policies, assess their implementation to date to date and evaluate their success. So it's important to me considering our our Uptown Beach Streets event that's coming in June, I'd like to I'd like to sort of use that to highlight the fact that Long Beach has been a leader on a number of public health issues and see how we can begin to take another look at these policies as we as as the focus in Southern California will be on Long Beach in June. So that's my motion. And I would I would ask for our support. And I want to note that the report should come back to the city council, not not just the two from four. We're asking for a city council report.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Councilmember. Councilman Andrews.
Speaker 3: Yes, thank you, Vice Mayor. You know, I definitely want to thank Councilman Richardson for asking me to sign on to this item. You know, being a schoolteacher, I know that the importance of having healthy snacks available for students. You know, I you know, I was one of the cosigners on this original item within 2 to 11. So I'm very interested in seeing the results of this request. So I hope things work well.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Mr. City Manager.
Speaker 7: Yes. Vice Mayor. Council members. Councilor. We would like to request perhaps 45 to 60 days to come back if you want a thorough analysis. 30 days is pretty quick with our eight day agenda.
Speaker 10: Sure, I don't have a challenge with that. I would just give you a heads up. There's going to be other ones coming leading up the beach street. So we're going to be highlighting a number of our healthy policies. So so I'd love to maybe talk offline about how we can prepare for that ongoing.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Sir, any member of the public that wished to address the Council on item eight, please come forward. State your name.
Speaker 4: Good evening, counsel. My name is Violet Ruiz. I'm the government relations director for the American Heart Association. And we look forward to working with the city of Long Beach to improving healthy vending and snack options. And we commend the council and look forward to the report. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. All right, members, cast your vote.
Speaker 5: Motion carries six zero.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Item nine. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to request a report within 30 days on the City's Healthy Food and Vending Policies. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03102015_15-0211 | Speaker 5: Item nine is a communication from Councilmember Richardson, Councilwoman Gonzalez and council member Urunga recommendation to adopt minute order declaring a moratorium against the issuance of any new exemptions from the see up requirement from those alcohol related uses and directing. Department of Development Services and Planning Commission to undertake a study. Pursuant to Long Beach Municipal Code, Chapter 12 21.50 to determine whether or not the city's current zoning regulations related to Kewpie exemptions are appropriate or need further review or modification.
Speaker 0: Councilmember Richardson Sure.
Speaker 10: I'd like to. I'd like to. My motion would be to continue this until date. Certain until date, certain, March 17th.
Speaker 1: Okay.
Speaker 0: And Councilwoman Pryce seconded that. So there's been a motion in a second to continue this to March 17th. And is there anyone that would like to address the continuance? Seeing nonmembers cast your vote.
Speaker 5: Motion carries six zero.
Speaker 0: Item ten.
Speaker 5: Item ten is a report from Development Services recommendation to prove the first substantial amendment to the fiscal year 2015 Annual Action Plan to allocate new program income in the Home Investment Partnership Program for activities that create affordable housing for low income households. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to adopt Minute Order declaring a moratorium against the issuance of any new "exemptions" from the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) requirement for those alcohol related uses set forth in Footnote 1, subsections b through e, inclusive of Table 32-1 of the City's Zoning Code; and directing the Department of Development Services and the Planning Commission to undertake a study pursuant to Long Beach Municipal Code Chapter 21.50, to determine whether or not the City's current zoning regulations related to CUP exemptions are appropriate or need further review or modification. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03102015_15-0200 | Speaker 5: Item ten is a report from Development Services recommendation to prove the first substantial amendment to the fiscal year 2015 Annual Action Plan to allocate new program income in the Home Investment Partnership Program for activities that create affordable housing for low income households. Authorize City Manager to execute all necessary documents with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development related to the first substantial amendment and increase appropriation in the Community Development Grants Fund in the Development Services Department by 4 million. City Y.
Speaker 0: Councilmember Andrews?
Speaker 3: No, I'm just moving on.
Speaker 0: There's been a motion and a second. So any member of the public that wishes to address Council on item ten. Seeing none. Oh, Councilmember Austin. Sorry. Sorry about that.
Speaker 9: I'd like to get a staff report on this. Sure. $4 million seed funds.
Speaker 7: Amy, Barack.
Speaker 0: Thank you.
Speaker 4: Vice Mayor, members of the city council. We received an unexpected largesse this fiscal year through the repayment of a loan when the Northpoint apartment project was sold as a condition of the original loan upon refinancing or sale of the project. The city's home loan was to be repaid so that we were repaid $4 million in December. That was a significant amount of money that we had not accounted for. And so we needed to amend our action plan with HUD. What we have done since then is also take that $4 million and we will be dedicating that money to the anchor project at Villages at Cabrillo, which is a veteran's shelter project that has been entitled by the city and is moving forward and is under construction. However, we still have to amend our documents to show that we received the money and that we also are disbursing the money as well.
Speaker 0: Thank you.
Speaker 9: So the North Point Apartments, I do have some some some familiarity with where there were that is I mean, obviously that's in the eighth District. And we are we looking to transfer all $4 million to the the Veterans Home at Cabrillo?
Speaker 4: Yes.
Speaker 9: And and are there any I mean, how do how do we reach that conclusion and why?
Speaker 4: So the responsibility for funding affordable housing projects has been delegated to the Long Beach community, an investment company by the city council. And so they manage the the city's affordable housing program, including the home loan program, which is a federal program. Under the HUD Action Plan, we are required to account for significant deviations in our revenue or expenditures. Since the Northpoint was sold, we received those revenues. We were also at the same time, the Long Beach Community Investment Company was considering a request by the villages of Cabrillo for a significant investment in their project as well. So that's how that that came about.
Speaker 9: And were there any other housing projects considered?
Speaker 4: We consider new housing projects monthly. The home program is very, very specific on what they can and cannot fund. There's a lot of restrictions related to it. And because we had the ability to fund this project with restricted monies, we took advantage of that opportunity.
Speaker 9: Right. Thank you for the report.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Members, cast your vote.
Speaker 5: Motion carries six zero.
Speaker 0: Item 11. | Contract | Recommendation to approve the First Substantial Amendment to the Fiscal Year 2015 Annual Action Plan to obligate new Program Income in the HOME Investment Partnership program for activities that create affordable housing for low-income households;
Authorize City Manager to execute all necessary documents with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development related to the First Substantial Amendment; and
Increase appropriations in the Community Development Grants Fund
(SR 150) in the Development Services Department (DV) by $4,000,000. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03102015_15-0201 | Speaker 0: Item 11.
Speaker 5: Item 11 is a report from Long Beach Gas and oil. Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute a Second Amendment to the Natural Gas Services Agreement with Shell Energy. North America. City.
Speaker 0: Mr. City Manager, do you have.
Speaker 7: You can have Mr. Gardner give a brief report.
Speaker 0: Thank you.
Speaker 8: A brief report. As you may know, we import quite a bit of our natural gas supply from out of state. And so we get it from Texas, New Mexico, from Colorado, and also from Canada, Wyoming. And so we have to coordinate those supplies coming into California on the interstate pipelines. And then from there, from the California border, it's put on to the Southern California gas company interstate pipeline. And then those volumes have to be transported to the city of Long Beach. So we have to match up our incoming supplies with our outgoing supplies. And so we hire Shell to manage that, those volume flows for us.
Speaker 0: Council member, Austin. Now. Okay. So we have a motion by Councilman Andrews, a second by Councilwoman Mongeau. Is there any member of the public that wishes to address the Council on item 11 saying none? Members cast your vote.
Speaker 5: Motion carries six zero.
Speaker 0: Item 12. | Contract | Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute a Second Amendment to the Natural Gas Services Agreement with Shell Energy North America (SENA) providing administrative functions related to the delivery of natural gas to the City of Long Beach’s natural gas pipeline system for an additional three-year term with no other change in terms. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03102015_15-0202 | Speaker 5: Item 12 is a report from Please recommendation to receive and for the application of tie districts for an original application of ABC license at 149 Linden Avenue, Suite e District two.
Speaker 0: Thank you. I would like to make a motion to receive and file the application of Thai district for an original ABC license with the following conditions being shared. I think it's already been shared. By the city clerk? Yes. And there's been a second to that motion, is there? Any any staff report or just questions.
Speaker 7: Commander for our friends here, if we have any questions.
Speaker 0: I don't have any questions. I'm in support of this item. So any member of the public that wish to address the council on this item seeing none. Members, cast your vote.
Speaker 5: Vice Mayor.
Speaker 0: Lowenthal. I'm sorry.
Speaker 5: Motion carries six zero.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Item 13.
Speaker 5: Item 13 is a report from Please recommendation to receive and file the application of the Breast Lamp Bar Corporation for an original application of the ABC license at 245 the prominent North Suite 100 District two. | ABC License | Recommendation to receive and file the application of Thongkasame Theara, dba Thai District, for an original application of an Alcoholic Beverage Control License, at 149 Linden Avenue, Suite E. (District 2) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03102015_15-0205 | Speaker 0: Item 15.
Speaker 5: Item 15 is a report from Public Works. Recommendation to adopt resolution closing to vehicular traffic. A portion of the public right away, known as West La Reina way between Del Court and Chestnut Avenue, and adopt and accept categorical exceptions. Numbers C 42 Dash 12 District one.
Speaker 0: Who's been in motion and a second. Unless there are any questions any member of the public that wishes to address counsel, please come forward. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Good evening, Vice Mayor and City Council. I'll be very fast. I just want to thank everybody for this coming up. We've been waiting a long time for it. We're very grateful to Larry Rich for written in writing the grant.
Speaker 1: That will allow this to happen and we really support it. So thank you very much.
Speaker 0: Thank you. And. Members cast your vote.
Speaker 5: Motion carries six new items.
Speaker 0: 16.
Speaker 5: Item 16 is a report from City Attorney. Recommendation to declare ordinance establishing a Small Business Recruitment, Retention and Growth Pilot Program. Read the first time and lead over to the next regular meeting of the City Council for Final Reading. | Resolution | Recommendation to adopt resolution closing to vehicular traffic a portion of the public right-of-way known as West La Reina Way, between Del Rey Court and Chestnut Avenue, and adopt and accept Categorical Exemption No. CE 42-12. (District 1) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03102015_15-0207 | Speaker 5: Item 16 is a report from City Attorney. Recommendation to declare ordinance establishing a Small Business Recruitment, Retention and Growth Pilot Program. Read the first time and lead over to the next regular meeting of the City Council for Final Reading.
Speaker 0: Councilwoman Price.
Speaker 6: I want to make a correction in the ordinance on page two. Line ten of the ordinance. We want to add the words quote and is a small business, end of.
Speaker 4: Quote, after the word beach.
Speaker 6: Other than that, I'd like to move this item. It looks like it's been seconded. I do want to take a moment to acknowledge and I neglected to do this the last time this issue was before us. But I wanted to acknowledge.
Speaker 4: The work.
Speaker 6: Of Councilmember Urunga for helping us, helping Councilwoman Mongo and I in moving this agenda forward. He sits on the Economic Development Committee with us, and I believe that he is also supporting us in every effort that we can to find incentives and opportunities for small businesses. So I want to take a moment to acknowledge him, because I neglected to do that last time. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. So any member of the public that wishes to address council on this item. CNN members cast your vote.
Speaker 5: Motion carries six zero.
Speaker 0: Item 16.
Speaker 5: We did item 16.
Speaker 0: And we've done item 17.
Speaker 4: That's it.
Speaker 1: Oh. We're going to Cuba. No, I have no announcements. Me neither. Oh.
Speaker 0: I'm in shock. Councilmember Andrews does not have anything.
Speaker 5: We have public.
Speaker 0: Yes, we do have public comment. So we're going to take that first.
Speaker 4: That was the.
Speaker 0: On which one? I apologize. Would you like to come forward? Thank you.
Speaker 8: Yes. Thank you for giving you that. My name is Reggie Carter and I am a homeless vet and I was at the village of Cabrillo as an employee. Also, I was in the program that was funding my college education, which was AmeriCorps while I was there. Our funding for AmeriCorps project was was take money was taken out of it by a person that worked at the location to handle the real estate property. And she resigned. And you're sending more money back over to a program that steals from people that are trying to help themselves? You know, and I'm just a part of that because right now I'm living with someone and I'm homeless, you know, and I brought this up several times to this board meeting. You know, I sat there for a whole almost hour and something. And you speaking about dogs, what about the people laying on the street? You know, I'm really tired of seeing it everyday. I ride the subway train and it's always African-Americans. It's always African-Americans with all this stuff in the seats. And then, you know, you tickle them, you know, and then that's revenue. And the same thing. I just saw a Ferguson, you know, and when is this going to stop? You know, if you really care about people. Well, while some of you are adopting these terms to adopt some people, and that's just my opinion. I'm sorry. Thank you for allowing me to speak.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Mr. Carter. So under new business. Councilmember Richardson. | Ordinance | Recommendation to declare ordinance establishing a small business recruitment, retention and growth pilot program, read and adopted as read. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03032015_15-0160 | Speaker 1: Item number three Report from Public Works Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record. Conclude the public hearing. Find that the area to be vacated is not needed for present or prospective public use and adopt a resolution ordering the vacation of a portion of the West Side of Martin Luther King Junior Avenue, south of Sixth Street, District one.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Mr. West.
Speaker 4: Mr. Mayor. The staff report on this item will.
Speaker 5: Be handled by our Malloy and our Director of Public Works. Honorable Mayor and Honorable Council Members. The item before you is a request to vacate a portion of the West Side of the Martin Luther King's Junior Avenue, south of Sixth Street. As depicted in Exhibit A. It's about a five feet by 49 feet, equating about 244 square feet of public land. On February 3rd, 2015, the City Council adopted Resolution Number 15 Dash 0009, declaring its intention to vacate the subject property or right away and set March two, which is today as the date for the public hearing. If you have this is the end of my report. If you have any questions, I can respond.
Speaker 0: No problem. Are there any public comments on hearing item number three? See none. If there's any council deliberation on hearing item number three. See nonmembers. Please go and cast your votes.
Speaker 1: Councilwoman Pryce. Motion carries six zero.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Now we're going back to hearing item number one.
Speaker 1: This item requires an oath. Item one report from Financial Management. Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record. Conclude the hearing and grant an entertainment permit with conditions on the application of Naples Restaurant located at 190 North Marina Drive for entertainment with dancing by patrons. | Resolution | Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record, conclude the public hearing, find that the area to be vacated is not needed for present or prospective public use, and adopt resolution ordering the vacation of a portion of the west side of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, south of 6th Street. (District 1) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03032015_15-0159 | Speaker 1: Item two report from Financial Management. This item requires a note recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record. Conclude the hearing and grant entertainment permit with conditions on the application of Gas Lamp Partners at 6251 East Pacific Coast Highway for Entertainment with conditions I'm sorry for entertainment with patrons by I'm sorry for entertainment with dancing by patrons and performers. District three.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Should we do the oath, Madam Court?
Speaker 1: Please raise your right hand. You and each of you to solemnly state that the testimony you may give in the cause now and pending before this body shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Mr. Modica.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. The staff item will be the staff report on. This item will be presented by Jason MacDonald Purchasing and Business Services Manager.
Speaker 2: Mayor Council members. Jason McDONELL Tonight you have in front of you the application for entertainment.
Speaker 4: With Dancing for the Gaslamp Partner's.
Speaker 2: Diva, the Gaslamp Restaurant and Bar on 6251 East Pacific Coast Highway in District three. All the necessary departments have reviewed the application. The application of proposed conditions are contained in the packet that was provided. We are prepared to address any.
Speaker 4: Questions or concerns along with the police department regarding the application or those.
Speaker 2: Conditions.
Speaker 4: Our office was made aware of at least one complaint regarding this application.
Speaker 2: That concludes my presentation.
Speaker 4: And we're available for questions.
Speaker 0: Thank you. With that, I'd like to open this up for any public comments on the hearing. Please come forward.
Speaker 2: Very good. You clear as the address, one of the items that needs to be addressed with this. A facility within the restaurant is a real problem. I see. Almost every evening that I pass it and I think it's easily corrected if the right people are brought into the picture. They have a mobile sign that's on a trailer. More often than not, that mobile sign is brought out across the public sidewalk. Which creates a problem for people that are in wheelchairs. It forces them either have to hop onto the grass or more dangerously so, out into the street. There are that that is a heavy, heavily trafficked corner. People coming from the little shopping center, their sandwich shops and the other restaurants there across the street and then back across. Back, trying to make their way back to Golden Sails and being forced up either into the grass or into PCH is inviting a disaster. For which the city would end up paying. So I'm suggesting that you set in. The requisite requirement that it be clearly marked off where their property ends. Where are the cities? Where the public properties? And right now, I'm not sure anybody knows. But clearly, forcing people to take a wheelchair up across the grass or out into PCH at night is dangerous. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Any other public comment on this item? CNN. I'm turning his back over to the council. Councilwoman Pryce.
Speaker 6: Thank you. I'm going to be recommending that we approve this item with some one modification. And I see that Councilman Andrews has seconded that. So again, Gaslamp is another great partner to the third district. Good, good corporate citizen in terms of being responsive to issues that have come up. I want to commend Michael Neufeld, his the owner who for really trying to change some of the operations and the image of the Gaslamp. And he's done a very good job. We've hosted several third district community events there just to show the residents what kind of an establishment it is, because in the past it was a little less focused on food and being a restaurant than it was a bar, and he's really changed that. So I'd like to make a modification to item number seven, which is you must operate and maintain your licensed premises. As a bona fide eating place, you must make actual and substantial sales of meals during the normal meal hours that you are open at least five days a week. Normal meal hours are breakfast 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.. Premises are not open five days a week and must serve meals on the days that they are open. The premises must be equipped and maintained in good faith. Mr. McDonald I believe, and it's not reflected here, but I understand that the kitchen stays open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Is that your understanding?
Speaker 2: We do not have that Information Council member, but that is my understanding from communication during this process.
Speaker 6: So I think that the owner understands the importance of maintaining this, this establishment as a restaurant first and making sure that as a condition of their ABC license that their food sales exceed their alcohol sales. So with that understanding and that amended condition to the entertainment permit, I'd move this item.
Speaker 0: There's been a motion and a second. Members, please go ahead and cast their votes.
Speaker 1: Motion carries seven zero.
Speaker 0: Okay. Thank you. Let's go ahead and get a motion on the floor to pass consent calendar. There's a motion and a second public comment on consent. See now and please cast your vote. | Public Hearing | Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record, conclude the hearing and grant an Entertainment Permit with conditions on the application of Gaslamp Partners, LLC, dba The Gaslamp Restaurant and Bar, 6251 East Pacific Coast Highway, for Entertainment With Dancing by Patrons and Performers. (District 3) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03032015_15-0190 | Speaker 1: Item 22 report from Mir Mir Garcia. Recommendation to suspend council rule containing in Long Beach Municipal Code Section 2.03.020 relating to the municipal schedule of the City Council in order to cancel the meeting of April 14, 2015, due to the special municipal election.
Speaker 0: Okay. There's been a motion in a second by accounts from Richardson. And you recognize or any public comment on the item. Say, Mr. Goodhue, please.
Speaker 2: Yes, Larry. Good. You click as I address once again I would suggest holding this off until. I would suggest, based upon the recent communications from the ninth District, I would say ninth District Court. Until July, at which time we will have a opportunity to vote for also a new mayor, and that will consolidate the efforts and so forth. And the new mayor. Incidentally, given the budget situation, we'll have a salary equal to $1 more than the council people until our situation in this city is squared away. That's going to be one of the issues that will come up with the new mayor. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Mr. Goodhew. We have a motion. No other public comment. Okay. Members, please go and cast your votes.
Speaker 1: Motion carries seven zero.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Madam Clerk. Next item. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to suspend Council rule contained in Long Beach Municipal Code Section 2.03.020(B) relating to the meeting schedule of the City Council in order to cancel the meeting of April 14, 2015, due to the Special Municipal Election. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03032015_15-0174 | Speaker 0: I'm here. Thank you. Next item, please.
Speaker 1: Item 24 Report from Development Services. Recommendation to receive and file a status update on the implementation of the Language Access Policy Citywide Camera Tour.
Speaker 0: This over to Mr. West.
Speaker 5: Mr. Mayor, council members. As you know, we adopted the language access plan approximately six months ago. The council asked us to come back at six months just for a look see at the program. So without having to turn it over to our development services deputy director Angela Reynolds and her trusty aide, Tracy Klinger.
Speaker 8: Good evening, Mayor and council members. As I said, we're back with our six month status update. We actually adopted the Policy Council did on August 13th, 2013. As per the policy, the staff report is. To give you the biannual update. So several initiatives have occurred to further the implementation of LEP and there's a whole series of them which I'll go through fairly quickly and then we can have questions at the end. So a directory of staff receiving bilingual pay for LEP languages is complete and available on the city's intranet and that's a resource for people. The city staff that encounter the public, whether it's at a public counter or on the phone or any of the departments of the city. City employees have been notified about that directory. Tracey has actually worked with a number of departments to look at the directory and understand how to use it. And then one of the other things that was a big issue for us is the translation of important documents. We worked with the Language Access Coalition and identified 175 documents citywide to be translated. And to date we've done 106 documents, and the remaining documents will be translated by the end of this fiscal year. The Technology and Innovation Department is currently updating the city's website. The website was also a place that we wanted to do some language, access and translation. And during phase one of the website update, Google Translate will be made available on the city's website. So every page will have.
Speaker 2: A Google.
Speaker 8: Translate button that people can just press on. During phase two of the website update, the most frequently used web pages will be reviewed, revised and translated into languages. Oral interpretation documentation translation continues to be available upon request. As you can see on all city charter, there's tag lines on the bottom of the agendas. The language line pilot program with public works is now operational and public works. Refuse call center has outgoing messages in lap languages. So that's the first call center that we're experimenting with to collect data on how how many calls we get in each of the languages. And if somebody calls in a language where a call center person is not identified, that speaks that language, they they buzz right into the language line. And that's the way they're able to do the translation. And we are also going to start doing a beta test and development services. Since we both work there and that would probably be the easiest one and we serve many customers probably the most in the city at our fourth floor counter. We're going to do the beta test of doing a phone lines which have outgoing messages in lap languages. There are three types of phone lines, so we've been working with technology services to understand how we will get this up and running. It's actually kind of complicated in terms of the telephone lines. There are three lines or the call center lines and there are auto attendant, which means it's a voicemail box and then the live person . And each time each of these types of lines will be evaluated in the Development Services Department as part of the beta test. So we're hoping that lessons learned from that will be incorporated into doing additional city department telephone lines. And then we met with the advocates several months ago and staff about charged children as. Interpreters. So staff worked with our city attorneys to do a Paul. It's actually a procedure about child interpreters, and it's attached to your staff report as Exhibit B. It's not to be a part of the policy, but as an aside to talk about process and procedure, about how we actually implement that idea. The next steps include providing training for employees, receiving bilingual skill pay. A slap notice will be mailed to All Long Beach residents. We're going to continue translating the auto attended lines, analyze results from the Public Works pilot program, and then start to institute language line and all the other call centers. That concludes my report. And we can answer any questions you may have. Thank you, Mr. Randall. I'm sorry, Mr. Reynolds. Council Richardson.
Speaker 10: Thanks, Vice Mayor. So. So this has been coming along, and I'm very pleased to see that. I mean, at this point, you know, there are fewer and fewer people in the audience. And the conversations with the community about this are they've come a long way. They've come from this is something we need to do to this is something that we're tracking. It's progress and here are milestones and here are our benchmarks and we get to actually follow it. So so I'm very I'm very glad to see that this is this is where we are. At one point, it was a wish list, and now we actually have funding allocated to this. And and and it's a real commitment on behalf of the city. There's a few things, a few questions. So just some clarity. So language line. So we know that it was it was piloted in public works. Do you have any anecdotal examples or any sort of a how you know, how often is it being used? The language line program.
Speaker 8: Councilman Richardson, we're actually doing that tracking now. So I don't really have anything anecdotal for you other than to say Spanish is the most heavily used line.
Speaker 10: Okay. When do you think we can start seeing some analytics from that? Like how many people are actually calling? Because we wanted to do the pilot and I don't remember what the timeframe was, but the whole expectation was we wanted to use it as a pilot to see, you know, is this is this a real thing that that is actually helpful to to people? And that's why I moved it from the health department to the Public Works Department. So when do you think we can have an update on like analytics?
Speaker 8: Well, definitely by your next bi annual update, we will have that all analyzed and we'll probably have started on another call center by then.
Speaker 2: Great.
Speaker 10: On public area notices. I know that we said that we were going to start doing outreach. I know your memo says that you wanted to wait until the whole policy was implemented before going out and doing notification. But the notification piece was really important to me, I think well to a number of the council members from that discussion. So yeah. So why can't we go out and like talk about the language? What are we already talking about in some less formal way than public notices? And are there elements that we can go out and publicize now?
Speaker 8: Councilman Richardson, we're working to get notices out and to all Long Beach residents. Yeah. Through utility billing. But in addition to that. Um Development Services has quite a few large scale planning efforts in going on around the city, and all of those documents are translated or so people understand that, you know, that's how we're getting sort of the word out.
Speaker 10: So we're thinking. So we know that. So it sounds like. I don't know. I'd like to see, like, a deadline. I'd like to see, like, a commitment to, hey, we're out and we're talking about it, and we have public notices out there. So we're talking about put them into the get utility bills. I think that's a great solution. When do you think we can do that? When can we just put a deadline so we have some closure on that issue?
Speaker 8: We've been working with staff and we've got it slated for May or June.
Speaker 10: Okay, so June at the latest will have the notification. We're out there. Perfect. All right. So on telephonic messages. So you've begun the process. You've translated. What was the 106, was it? No, that's the documents. How many phone messages have we translated? Outgoing messages.
Speaker 8: Excuse me. Councilman, we're in the process of doing the development services main lines right now, so that'll be about three or four of them.
Speaker 10: Okay. So I guess the same question is what date can we. Make public that we can actually, you know, say that these numbers have been translated.
Speaker 8: Well, I can't give you an exact date at this point other than to tell you that we're working on it and we're working with technology services. And so there. To do these telephonic messages is really something that is. Very complicated. It takes a lot of manpower. And luckily, the one person in the city that's able to do this is helping us right along. So I would say if I had to guess for development services, we will have those. Trent, those three or four lines translated in all four languages because they're in Spanish now in let's say early May.
Speaker 10: Early morning. So definitely by June. So we'll have those done. I'm literally going through the check off list and everything that doesn't have a date. I'm just curious what those dates are so we can add some clarity to this. And it sounds like things are lining up for by June. These things can be implemented. So we can have analytics on language line by June. We can have our notices go out by June. We have a timeline on I know the website's a much larger project, but how soon are we talking about having the the Google Docs , the Google Translate piece?
Speaker 8: Technology Services is reporting mid to late April.
Speaker 10: April, so definitely by June. So that's that. I know that we're talking about doing the training piece later and I'm okay there. The vital documents. I think that's I think that. Thank you for actually listening. The the documents have been translated. So I appreciate that. And and how's it going in terms of the public meeting and hearing requests for interpreters? It seems like that that process is going pretty well.
Speaker 8: It's going very well. We have a vendor for that and any time anybody is having a meeting and wants to have translation there, we provide it through the vendor.
Speaker 10: Okay. So it seems like of the things that we fund it and we applied to $250,000 to, it seems like we've made progress on all of them, but we haven't committed to like a timeline that we can like a concrete timeline. So on those, but we've talked about like April, May, June, so at least by June when we have an update on those. And then the final issue that you touched on was the was the you mentioned the city attorney's office and you guys mentioned that issue. And putting this child interpreter statement into the policies and procedures manual was the option you the option you selected to go go in and go into and from. And can you provide a better explanation or maybe city attorney provide a better explanation to what the specific implications are if we actually list this language into the language access policy? In addition to your, you know, your policies and procedures.
Speaker 4: Members of the council at Councilmember Richardson. The statement is is attached as Exhibit B. I think that we were trying to reach some sort of a staff policy level and guidance for all of the departments to discourage the use of children being using children as interpreters or minors as interpreters. And so it's kind of self-explanatory. So I'm not sure if I understood your question.
Speaker 10: So we have the language access policy adopted, which development services put together, and a lot of work was done to that. And then this piece, this statement we're including in our Policies and Procedures Manual, it just makes sense to me that when you reference the language access policy, we should be able to see statements related to language access policy there. So I just want to know specifically, I'm sure there was a methodology for doing it that way. I want to have that conversation publicly. Why is it in this body, in this body of work and not in any other work?
Speaker 8: Well, Councilmember, it's like when we update an ordinance, we refer out to things that are existing, whether it's fee ordinances or any other thing that's part of that ordinance or the process or procedures. But we don't put them verbatim into the ordinance or the policy in case they change. So we don't have to come back and renew the policy. If we're trying to change something, we don't have to open it back up. So what we could do in six months is we can come back with a section in the policy about child interpreters and refer out to this paper, to this exhibit.
Speaker 10: Thank you. So that works for me here. So here's what I like to do, and I see that the maker of the motion is councilmember urine on here. So I'm going to offer some friendlies, councilmember, to your motion. And it's all consistent what we discussed. I think that we've we I like the report that we've gotten. I like the answers we've gotten in terms of the deadline. So I would like to say, see if you can add to your motion that we receive a report from city staff by June 1st on the implementation, like the implementation of the of the key elements we just mentioned that will be implemented by June. And those are the analytics on language line, the Google translate on the website, the recorded telephonic messages in the resident notices inside the inside the utility document. So I think that cleans it up. So if you can, that would be my friendly. And then secondly, oh, as well as the policy we refer to the updating the policy with the reference on child interpreters.
Speaker 5: Let me get let me get some clarification on this with this. Would this be something that you would do anyway in the six months report? Yes. Yeah. Okay. So, I mean, I think it's within it's within the motion to do those. All you're doing is clarifying, provide specifics in regards to some of those reports that you want back. So I think. Yeah. In other words. Yes.
Speaker 10: Right. Yes.
Speaker 5: Yes.
Speaker 10: Thank you very much. Okay.
Speaker 5: Although we're going to get it back anyway, but it's going.
Speaker 8: To remember you.
Speaker 5: Yeah. And the other part, just a clarification. If I understood it previously in our discussion that we had about this in terms of the, the the children interpreters, that that is more of a procedural type of effort, not a policy type of effort, that it would be something that that staff would be directed to follow in the event that they were confronted with a situation where there was a child being used as a translator. So it's not a policy per se, but more of a procedure.
Speaker 8: Yes, Councilman, you rank it. That's the way that we're seeing it in case anything needs to change in the future. But it's not a problem to actually have a section in the policy that we could bring back and have agendas at our next six month visit with you so that you could take an action to actually add that reference out into the policy.
Speaker 5: Okay. All right. I guess I have the Q You did?
Speaker 2: Okay.
Speaker 5: In regards you mentioned that you translated 106 out of the 125 documents. Are you prioritizing some of these? Because I see that some of these documents that have not been translated as yet include some in the fire and police departments to the most important departments that I think would require almost immediate types of translations.
Speaker 8: Yes, Councilman, you were right. Let me tell you the way we're actually doing it. Look, instead, we are we've already reached out to all the departments that have identified important documents. We are working with them. Tracy meets with departments at least three or four times a week to talk with them, try to get their data from them . And as soon as she gets it, it goes out to the translator. We have a translation vendor as well. So they everybody knows that they're supposed to what they're supposed to give. And we're just facilitating that and doing the staff work to get it done.
Speaker 5: Yeah, well, the only reason I've seen it, because I think that there was a translation service for like for example, domestic violence resource for four forms, temporary restraining orders. That type of information has not been translated yet. So I think that those are two very important documents that that I think would be very helpful almost immediately.
Speaker 8: And we'll take note of that and we will call the police department tomorrow.
Speaker 5: Okay. Those are the your questions I have. But I want to thank the language Axis Coalition for bringing this forward and and for and to Councilmember Rex Richardson for his support on this. That's an important job. We've committed a lot of resources to it. And I want to thank you for it, for your tenacity and perseverance in pushing this forward with us as well. Thank you.
Speaker 8: Councilman.
Speaker 2: Yes, thanks. You know what, Councilman? You, Ranka and Rex. I think it's really a this is a great, you know, item that you guys brought in the policy that you brought together, especially with the language access. And I would really want apply to all of the individuals out there, you know, for working so hard on this and especially what you and Councilman Richardson is doing, you know, about the kids, because that's very, very important, especially in my district, you know, being that of Cambodians, most of the times it's the kids. It does all the, you know, language interpretation. And that's you know, I think sometimes it's good and sometimes it's bad. But I think we really kind of hit it on the nail. We're working hard with that. So I just want to thank the staff also for your hard work on this policy because it's really exciting. And I know this is a long time coming because we started this, you know, last year and we're finally getting around to some fruition on this. And I want to thank all of you guys for your work on this and especially that, you know, the staff. Thank you very much.
Speaker 8: Thank you. Councilman Andrews, Mr. City Attorney.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Vice Mayor. Councilmember Richardson, on the clarification of the motion, I believe you asked for a friendly amendment to come back in June. Do you want this or this is going to come back at the regular six month?
Speaker 10: No, I was. So what? I'm okay with the format that Ms.. Reynolds mentioned. So it was a report, a report by June on those specific elements. But when's the next check in? Six months from now. That's fine. I think I'll wait. But you actually going to have to bring it back to city council for the vote to put on the policy, right?
Speaker 8: Exactly. So if I could bring it back in six months, we'll have definitive answers for you like, oh, it's you know, we did the notification, we did the phone line.
Speaker 10: I'd like to I would prefer the two from four in June.
Speaker 2: Okay.
Speaker 10: The dates, we disagree, but we just talked.
Speaker 8: ATF is.
Speaker 10: Fine. A lot of them were. A lot of them were. April, May and June will just make it clean. And what I'm references in terms of in terms of the action to integrate into the policy like how long do you think it would take just to have just that action placing the reference into the policy, how much time you need. I'm flexible on.
Speaker 2: This. Okay.
Speaker 8: Well, we staff takes about there's about a one month cycle for staff to get something on the council agenda.
Speaker 10: So by June we'll do that to do everything by June one.
Speaker 8: Well, I can do that. Do you want to or do you want to just just come.
Speaker 10: Back to TF on the items we're going to that we're going to reference. Right, that just the specific like the update on implementation, I think in making the adjustment to the policy is a separate item that actually has become the council, correct? Well, you. Mr. City Attorney. Yes, that.
Speaker 4: Would have to does and that would be in your normal six months of September.
Speaker 2: If I may. Yes. Good evening, Vice Mayor Low and members of the City Council, Arturo Sanchez with the city manager's office through the chair. Councilmember Richardson. The cycle that you would be putting us on in terms of coming back to the Council in June? Would then you'd have a report in June and then a six month report in August.
Speaker 10: Really? Respectfully, just. I'm not asking for a report yet.
Speaker 2: No tff tff in June. But but right now I just to ask you for clarity, just to make sure that we're on the same page. So tff in June, the six month report in August, coming back with the policy edition that we are talking about regarding the use of miners. Because that would that would get both items in front of you at the same time. So you can knock out both the six month, six months.
Speaker 10: That's what you're suggesting. That makes more sense. I'm okay with that. Okay, yeah. If the maker of the motion is okay with that. So, yeah. So I guess his only changes, I guess is only changes when we when it, when we come back to city. So we have the two from four which confirms what we're, you know, the implementation we have that by June, the two from four that codifies that. And then when we come back to City Council, what's placed on the agenda actually amends the policy at the next update when it comes back city council. That way we don't have to take the City Council twice in six months. I'm comfortable with that.
Speaker 8: Okay. So there are no other speakers cued up. There's been a motion by Councilmember Your Honor and the second by Councilmember Richardson. Is there any member of the public that wish to address council on this item? Please come forward. State your name. Hi. Hi.
Speaker 5: Good evening, Honorable Vice Mayor. City council, city staff and everybody who came out here tonight. My name is Alex Montano. Since I'm a first district resident, I'm with the Filipino Migrant Center and the Language Access Coalition. First off, we just want to thank everybody, City Staff Council and everyone who has been part of moving forward the language access policy. It's really a huge victory for the people of Long Beach, which is, you know, one of the most racially and ethnically diverse cities in the whole U.S.. Tonight, I just want to provide a brief context about the language access policy and just outline a few basic requests from the Coalition. A Brief History. So in November 2011, the language access policy was introduced and the city staff were instructed to draft a policy in 120 days in August of 2013. The policy was approved by City Council, a major victory. And then in September 2014, the policy was finally funded for $250,000 for the 2014 2015 fiscal year. But now it's March 2015 and the language access policy has not been fully implemented. And we know that there's been great strides by city staff to move forward, but our community members have not seen a tangible result. We haven't seen tangible results that this policy has been fully implemented. And so all the all of our members of the community are asking, how long do we have to wait until this is fully implemented? And so our requests are, number one, we respectfully request that the city council direct city staff to fully implement the policy by June 1st, 2015. Number two, we also respectfully request that the policy is amended to include the children used as interpreters in the policy itself. It would be a stronger statement and better protection for the city and all of our children if it's written in the policy. And so we, the Language Access Coalition and thousands of other residents here in Long Beach believe that these are ways that we can move this forward and provide greater access to thousands of residents in the city. And so in the next coming testimonies, you'll hear stories from other Long Beach residents who have been denied language access here in the city. And so we also once again ask, how long do we have to wait? Thank you for your time.
Speaker 8: Thank you. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 1: Good evening. All my cancer council. Uh, my name. I'm doing that blue in the first three. And one, three, four, four Sandy Avenue. Lovely.
Speaker 3: And.
Speaker 1: Uh, carpeting. I think I can hide the baboon. I can't be. Hey, champ. MAN To.
Speaker 8: Galina.
Speaker 1: Yeah, that movie.
Speaker 12: Here they come.
Speaker 8: Again.
Speaker 2: On Monday, February 9th, 2015. I made a phone call to a public office.
Speaker 1: To get to some of them.
Speaker 2: Regarding garbage bins.
Speaker 1: So I pay them so much.
Speaker 2: So at that time I requested I would like to request it to speak to a an employee who can speak Cambodian.
Speaker 1: Japan. Now that we kind of got by on a salary.
Speaker 2: And they did refer me to an employee who speaks Khmer, which is a Cambodian language.
Speaker 1: Job that they hire. But amount of me and.
Speaker 2: At that time I waited for 5 to 10 minutes, but there was no person speaking Cambodian.
Speaker 1: Uh, how did they know me? And from the entire phone gets on my phone.
Speaker 2: And then this voice from the telephone just telling me to leave a message on that telephone.
Speaker 1: Which means that at some kind, I mean, uh.
Speaker 2: It's crucial if there is an employee or employees of the city of Long Beach who can speak my or the Cambodian language.
Speaker 1: Mm. How you. Was my to me in the room had got like a sonnet card line that you can.
Speaker 2: For example, let's say there's there's an urgency or emergency situation. Let's say there's a fire call. And when someone makes a telephone call and nobody is able to to respond in the language, the target language, it would be an issue.
Speaker 1: My phone.
Speaker 2: Yeah, but what it would be. Wonderful if there's a Cambodian speaking employee or who can converse back to us. And that we can understand. I thank you very much.
Speaker 12: Good evening, Honorable Council and Mayor. My name's Alicia morales. I am a second district resident and I am an organizer with the Long Beach Immigrant Rights Coalition. Thank you for taking the time to address this issue of Language Access tonight. And while there has been a lot of good work done around this issue, there's still a lot of work that needs to be done. For this reason, I brought with me today testimonies from many as our class that we conduct in the mornings in regards to experiences that our community members have faced within the last year with the lack of implementation and how this lack of implementation of the Language Act as policy has affected their lives in hopes that you would take their experiences into consideration. So does the story of Blanca, a resident from the first District. Blanca's child got severely sick and was forced to call an ambulance after this incident passed the ambulance center bill. She was then told to take the record. Her meant her son's medical records and a copy of the bill and take it to City Hall where she can finish the paperwork and pay for it. Blanca came to City Hall and had trouble identifying the proper window in which to pay her bill. She entered the first lane that she saw and when she reached the counter, she was told there was a wrong lane for her issue. There was no one there to help her because of her lack of English alone. Blanca grew desperate and frustrated, and after hours of waiting and receiving unclear directions, she left City Hall flustered without paying her bill. Not paying her bill made Blanca anxious, but she did not want to go into City Hall again, anticipating that there was no one willing to help her and she would meet some closed doors again as. As the deadline emerged, she had no choice but to attempt her bill again. However, this time she was successful because there was a bilingual person she was able to approach. But she avoided City Hall because she anticipated that no one would help her. In a more severe case. Marino, who is also a Long Beach resident, last month was wrongfully identified as an individual who stole a car. She was stopped by eight police officers when she was driving on the road. Because of her limited English, the situation which was stressful enough, already turned into something more severe for Marina as she tried to explain with flashing lights in her face and yelling that she could not speak English. She was trying to explain that she had just bought the car and that this was an issue of wrongful identity. But she could not. She was able to eventually communicate with someone. But Marina, who suffers from anxiety, was a point of fainting and couldn't even drive home after this situation. In these experiences of extreme stress, there was no a time for language access for people like Marina four for Blanca. And this further triggered harm to our residents. When should have an implementation of our policy been implemented already? They wouldn't have occurred. These common practices and experiences of our community members are a reflection of the lack of this implementation. While we have a long way to go, our community members are still paying the price for this inaction. I'm almost done. I'm almost. And I swear. So hope you can take their experiences into consideration and to push for a June 1st deadline because of the experiences that we've seen within the last year. A very.
Speaker 0: Thank you very much. Thank you very much.
Speaker 12: Thank you.
Speaker 5: In evening. Mayor, members of the City Council, thank you so much for the opportunity to speak tonight about language access. First of all, my name is Renee Castro. I live at 616 Grand Avenue in the third district. And I want to thank my councilmember, Susie Price, for meeting with our coalition about some of our concerns. I really appreciate the questions tonight. Councilmember Richardson and I'm just really, you know, getting staff to be specific about dates, I think that's super important. And I also want to recognize Councilmember Urunga for your statements, particularly on the domestic violence resources, which I know is really important to Councilmember Price as well. There are critical documents in here that need to be prioritized. I appreciate staff's efforts to get some of them translated, but one concern I had in the council letter is there's a real pattern here of at least that I'm picking up the nonresponse from particular departments. If you look particularly at the council letter and the documents for Parks and Rec, there's been no nothing received from Parks and Rec. I can see on the council letter also gas and oil is there's a dearth of documents there. There's this it doesn't seem to be any response there. And then again, just prioritizing particular documents. So I understand staff, you know, Tracey going out and meeting with staff, but I think what we need here is leadership on the council telling these directors, you better get on this if you get a call from Tracy Kalinga. You need to respond to that. So once again, I think the council's efforts and I really appreciate your efforts to really drill down some specifics on this policy. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Speaker.
Speaker 3: Rotate.
Speaker 12: Good evening, Mayor. City council members and city staff. My name is Laura Field and I'm speaking on behalf of building Healthy Communities Language and the Long Beach Language Access Coalition. You have heard several stories tonight touching on the importance of real language access in our city. Through my work in the community and in this coalition, I've seen firsthand that language access is a very nuanced process and one that requires our constant attention. I did want to address just a few things that were presented tonight. One, a very large one, actually, for our coalition. We were very happy to hear updates from development services on the progress, and we have been in communication at various points, but we also feel that we have struggled to main communicate, maintain communication in recent months. And as a folks kind of working on the ground with very invested community members in this process, we would just like to keep those doors of communication open and make sure that we are continuing this and are always sort of able to go off each other and understand what's happening, the policy, so we can best communicate that with people we are working with. Another piece I just wanted to place about children is interpreters, the language on that. We understand the concern of the difficulty of amendment for putting something in a policy versus leaving it as an internal policy document. But I think that's why we're here today in the democratic process, because we think if this is more visible, if this is something that's part of policy, that there's more opportunities for community and government to work on that and to give input, not to be left as a staff memo Lost in the abyss. And finally, as the Language Access Coalition, we are asking not for more updates and reports, but for full implementation by June of the pieces that have already had funding allocated. I think a staff report to offer from Memo, however it's delivered, is great information. But all the stories tonight speak about people on the ground not connecting to the services that there should be. So we are asking about implementation and not about reports. So just until language access services are fully implemented and in place, our city residents will continue to have their voices left out of the conversation. We are very excited to be this far in building more language access language thanks to the work of our staff, the advocacy from our council, and we thank everyone who has tirelessly worked on it. But again, we need services now and especially for what has been allocated. So again, we ask how long do we have to wait? Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Q We're gonna go back to council. Councilman Mongo.
Speaker 12: I want to thank the staff for the work that they've done on this and then also to the community group that waited so long to have your item heard this evening. Also, please note that while we are council members here, we also have other jobs and my other government entity is implementing multiple languages on our website in the coming days. So thank you for the information and knowledge you've brought to me, and I hope that you can appreciate that 10 million residents of L.A. County will soon get a new and refreshed website because of your efforts. Not solely. I do have to give my boss a lot of the credit.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Councilman.
Speaker 6: Thank you. I want to thank Councilman Richardson and Durango for championing this. I did meet with the coalition. I think this is a worthy policy for us to pursue. I want to thank staff for the efforts that they've taken on this. I do want to point out that and it's your job and I respect it incredibly, the coalition. But to advocate for the very best situation that you can get to advocate for that the most and the widest amount of resources that you can get, I respect that entirely. And I just I want you guys to understand at the very deepest places of your heart that we really are trying to do the very best we can with the resources that we have. And I don't know if you were here earlier for the budget discussions, but our outlook in the next few years is not so good . So we have to be very prudent with what we do. And although this is an amazing policy, I know that there's always a desire to have more and make it better. I just I want to encourage staff to know that this is a priority for us. I think we've communicated that we would like there to be compliance that's meaningful. And beyond that, we understand and I hope everyone understands that there's financial limitations to what we're able to do and whether or not we can provide. You know, the ideal product at this time is probably not a realistic expectation, but the best that we can do with the resources that we have, knowing that the intent of this council is to provide access information to as many people and residents in the city as possible, regardless of what their primary languages. That's that's our intent. We serve everybody, every single person. So thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. And now we have a motion on the floor, which is Councilman Ringa and Richardson. We're going to go and take a vote on the motion.
Speaker 1: Motion carries seven zero.
Speaker 0: Okay. Thank you. Thank you all for for coming out, madam Kirk. Next item.
Speaker 1: Item 25 Report from Health and Human Services Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all necessary agreements between the City of Long Beach and the Los Angeles County Children and Families. First to accept funding in the amount of 14 413,000 and increase appropriations in the Department of Health and Human Services. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to receive and file a status update on the implementation of the Language Access Policy. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03032015_15-0179 | Speaker 1: Item 29 Report from police recommendation to receive and file the application of Novarro Norton partner for a premise to premise and person to person transfer of an alcoholic control license at 2030 East fourth Street District two.
Speaker 0: There's a motion in a second. Any public comment on the item? Seeing the vice mayor landfall.
Speaker 8: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I know all the council members have been to Lola's on Ford Street, and if you have not, I hope you will stop by one of these days for some great food and service. I see the owners in the audience and I just want to indicate that you've always run a very solid business and been nothing but supportive of our community causes. So thank you for being a responsible neighbor. Appreciate your desire to compete with area restaurants and your desire to serve high end drinks paired with your dishes rather than operating like a bar. I think that was really honest and very supportive of what what the Street is aiming to do. I'm just pausing because there was a time where we had no food on Fourth Street. So this is a good problem to have. With that, I'd like to move to receive and file Lola's application for a premise to premise and person to person. ABC License.
Speaker 0: Okay. There's been a motion and a second. No public comment or we did public comment already. Excuse me, please cast your votes.
Speaker 1: Motion carries seven zero.
Speaker 0: Next item. | ABC License | Recommendation to receive and file the application of Navarro Norton Partner, LLC, dba Lola’s Mexican Cuisine, for a premise-to-premise and person-to-person transfer of an Alcoholic Beverage Control License, at 2030 East 4th Street. (District 2) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_03032015_15-0180 | Speaker 0: Next item.
Speaker 1: Item 30 Report from Police Recommendation to receive the application of legend energy for person to person and premise to premise transfer of Alcoholic Beverage Control License at 5740 Atlantic Avenue. Determined that the application serves the public convenience and necessity to submit a public notice of protest to ABC and direct the city manager to withdraw the protest if a conditional use permit is granted. District eight.
Speaker 0: There there's a motion by Councilman Austin and a second by Richardson. Councilman.
Speaker 11: Well, quite frankly, I'd like to continue this motion until March 17th, and the council will indulge us. We have a hearing that that day on this particular item, and it just makes sense to do it all in one day.
Speaker 0: Yeah, there's a motion to continue. And the second concern. Richardson Any public comment on the item to continue? CNN Please cast your votes.
Speaker 1: Motion carries seven zero.
Speaker 0: Next item.
Speaker 1: Item 31 is withdrawn. Item 32 Recommendations. I'm sorry. Communication from City Attorney Recommendation to declare ordinance amending the Long Beach Municipal Code by amending subsections. 10.14 .0208.25 I'm sorry. Point five and 10.14 .020.80.7. Relating to a one way street and alleys red and adopted as red. | ABC License | Recommendation to receive the application of Legend Energy, dba Cerritos Shell, for a person-to-person and premise-to-premise transfer of an Alcoholic Beverage Control License, at 5740 Atlantic Avenue, determine that the application serves the public convenience and necessity, submit a Public Notice of Protest to ABC, and direct City Manager to withdraw the protest if a Conditional Use Permit is granted. (District 8) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_02172015_15-0138 | Speaker 1: And I'm going to start off by doing number item number nine. And so with that, I'm going to turn this over. Both of these items relate to commission appointments. Item nine relates to the one charter appointment we're doing. And so with that, I'm going to turn this over to the clerk who can read the item and then over to Mr. Austin.
Speaker 2: Item nine is a communication from Mayor Robert Garcia. Recommendation to receive and approve commission board committee appointments to non charter commissions.
Speaker 1: Thank you. And I see a motion by Councilmember Austin and a second by Councilmember Turanga and I turn this over to the chair of the committee. Councilmember Austin.
Speaker 5: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I'm pleased to report that the Personnel and Civil Service Committee met this afternoon and we voted unanimously to reappoint Mr. Alan Fox to the Planning Commission to fulfill the term from 2014 to 2016. I'm asking for approval for the City Council from the full body of the city council.
Speaker 1: Thank you. There's a motion Councilmember Durango to join and make any comments.
Speaker 6: Yes. Mary, thank you very much. I just want to also congratulate our new appointees and re appointees. It's it's a it's a wonderful time. And we can say that you're community engagement is where it starts, where it starts, where you start looking at how the city functions and you lend your own wisdom and your expertize to the commissions that you participate in. And I really want to commend you for volunteering and stepping up to do that. I also want to throw a special shout out to my 2/7 District appointees, Veronica Quincy and Ramon Rhodes. Both are. Ramon is a student at Cabrillo High School, and I want to commend him for starting his path into leadership. And I'm sure that he'll find his appointment a very rewarding and and a learning experience. So, Veronica, thank you for your leadership.
Speaker 1: And just as a note that this item is just for Mr. Fox, his appointment, and then we're going to move on to all the other appointments. But that's okay. We like shoutouts, so so we're going to go with this. So I want to go ahead and please ask Alan Fox just to stand this is actually a please and said this is actually reappointment that I'll be making for the Planning Commission. Mr. Fox has been a resident of Long Beach for more than 23 years and is very active in our business community. He's an attorney as well. By profession, we had a chance to sit down and get to know each other as well and been very impressed with your long service to Long Beach and to the community. And he's been a lawyer for more than 40 years. So congratulations. Councilwoman Price is your biggest fan already just because you're a lawyer. And and we want to thank you for your work and your service on the Planning Commission prior and then your service moving forward. And so thank you. And to with that council members, we do have a vote. I think Councilman Alston want to make another comment.
Speaker 5: Yes, I did. And before I thought my my my cohort here, Mr. Urunga, was going to go into detail. But we do we're very proud to have Mr. Fox representing the Uptown Communities on the Planning Commission. I mean, you're going to bring a necessary perspective. You've already been there for several years. And as Mayor Garcia alluded to, you have a great deal of history in terms of public service to our city. So thank you again and congratulations again.
Speaker 1: Vice Mayor Lowenthal.
Speaker 7: I was just wondering if this was the time to thank our city attorney and city prosecutor again.
Speaker 1: What are they exactly?
Speaker 7: What's not very suspicious? I'd like to thank you all as well and congratulate you for this appointment. And I'm looking forward to the great work you're going to do. I know you're all very busy people, so it's very lucky for us that you're able to share this time with us. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you. And before we go to a vote, I do want to make sure there's a I think, a small correction item. This is actually item ten, which would be the Alan Fox. So if we can just clear the board and then we're going to do ten, which is the this motion we're on and we're going to go to nine. Councilmember Austin was the maker of that motion. Customer Tauranga seconded that motion. Perfect. Any public comment on this appointment? Mr.. Good to you.
Speaker 4: Yes, Larry. Good. You click as the address. I thoroughly support the reappointment of Commissioner Fox. I've been before the Planning Commission one or two times over the years, and it's comforting to know that you will be there and have the insight because there's some some of those issues are one in particular is front and center. And we'll be coming back very shortly. And I think his perspective will be very, very helpful. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Okay. With that, we have a motion in a second for the motion, which is to approve. Commissioner Fox, please cast your votes. | Appointment | Recommendation to, subject to review and consideration by the Personnel and Civil Service Committee in accordance with Long Beach Municipal Code Section 2.03.065, confirm Charter Commission appointments pursuant to Section 509 of the City Charter and Section 2.03.065 of the Long Beach Municipal Code; or in the alternative, if for some reason the Personnel and Civil Service Committee does not meet prior to or on February 17, 2015, waive the requirement for consideration and recommendation by the Personnel and Civil Service Committee in accordance with Section 2.03.065, and confirm Charter Commission appointments pursuant to Section 509 of the City Charter and Section 2.03.065 of the Long Beach Municipal Code. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_02172015_15-0081 | Speaker 2: Item 11 is a communication from Councilman Al Austin, Chair, State Legislation Committee recommendation to request City Council approval of the 2015 State Legislative Agenda as recommended by the State Legislation Committee.
Speaker 1: Thank you. I'm going to turn this over to Councilmember Austin, who then will, I think, bring staff in for some report. Councilmember?
Speaker 5: Yes. And I'm going to turn it over to staff for a staff report. And then there can be council comment.
Speaker 9: Mayor, members of the city council before you tonight, we have our 2015 proposed state legislative agenda similar to the federal legislative agenda staff this year proposed to unpack our 2014 agenda and organize it into five categories of legislative interest. So I would say that the large majority of the items that we are used to seeing in our our legislative agendas are still in our new agenda. We just have a slightly new format that I hope will make the agenda a little bit more accessible and easy to discuss when we're meeting with our elected officials and state agencies. So with that, I'll I'll go into some of the five different categories and then we can talk about the proposed changes that staff has made. Next slide, please. Oh. All right. So the next slide, we have five categories of legislative interest. The first one is economic development. And in each category, you'll see there is a blue box on the first page with the highlights or the objectives for each category. So in economic development, we have cultivated a healthy environment to support sustainable economic growth, support community oriented businesses, support arts, tourism and culture, promote diversity and inclusiveness and support workforce development activities that align with industry needs. And in 2005, our focus in economic development will be to support and sponsor actually legislation to maximize the economic potential of our new language civic center project. We're also still working with the State Department of Finance to obtain approval on the city's long range property management plan, as was submitted to the DLF back in October of 2013. And this is the plan that the city's successor agency put together for all the former RDA properties that we're hoping to get back. And last but not least, with the end of the Enterprise Zone program and with the dissolution of redevelopment, the Governor's Office of Governors has a couple of tax credits that they're offering to small businesses. And it's my hope that we can make this more accessible and at least inform our community more about those tax credits. The next category. Thanks is public safety. And again, we have our objective statements in the blue box that you'll see in front of you and then in 2015. Our focus in this area will be to obtain funding for realignment related public safety operations. As you know, with AB 109 and with the passage of Proposition 47, we have a number of new public safety responsibilities that we are responsible for. And that, of course, comes with costs. We're also interested in supporting the County of Los Angeles with their programs to encourage mental health treatment programs instead of simply incarceration. We're also monitoring very closely medical marijuana legislation at the state level and per the agenda that the council had adopted previously. We'll support legislation that clarifies medical marijuana laws and in order to enable clear enforcement of state law while protecting the city's authority to establish municipal codes to regulate medical marijuana activities. And we will also be monitoring body cameras, as I know that that is an interest of this council. Next slide, please. Education is something that I've heard this council discuss quite often. And so for that reason, it is added as one of the five categories of legislative interest, and in 2015 will be focusing on supporting legislation and initiatives that provide funding for early childhood education or pre-K. We're also interested in supporting the limited unified school decision which city college? The California State University of Long Beach, where education and our interests as a city align. And then, of course, we want to support and expand upon the Long Beach College promise. Next slide. Sustainable, livable cities is the bleakest section of our legislative agenda. This covers affordable housing, sustainable practices, sustainable transportation. And so you'll see that the focused elements here reflect that. One of the things that the state is working on is implementation of the cap and trade program. These are revenues that are being collected from greenhouse gas emitters, and they're being provided to local governments and other entities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. And it's our hope that we receive some of those fundings to improve our air quality and reduce greenhouse gases in Long Beach. And so that's an effort that's been taken on by caliper the Strategic Growth Council and SKOG as the Metropolitan Planning Agency for our region. A lot of those efforts are consistent with the cities mobility element, which promotes sustainable transportation. And so those two go together quite nicely. In Long Beach, we also have a waste to energy facility. Cerf, as you know, is the Southeast Resource Recovery Facility. And at surf we are able to turn municipal solid waste into electricity, which is quite unique. We only have three of these in the state of California. And so any way that we can maximize the economic benefit of surf and do it in an environmentally sustainable and reasonable manner, is is good. And so we're looking to continue that. And we also want to maximize partnerships with Long Beach Transit. Next slide, please. And last but not least, is local control. I think in the last several years we have lost a little bit of local control with with the demise of redevelopment and enterprise zones and some of the limitations that have been placed on affordable housing. And so this section of the legislative agenda is mainly to support the support implementation of plans that have been adopted by Long Beach City Council Violence Prevention Plan, Long Beach Housing Element, the limits, mobility elements, plans such as that. So in short, that those are the highlights for our 2015 proposed state legislative agenda. I did want to highlight that we have several amendments that we staff is proposing to to the agenda. And I'll just call your attention to four of those very quickly. One includes an addition of language to support covering petroleum Coke products during transport, similar to the language that was added to the federal legislative agenda. Another is to amend the language that was already in the agenda for surf to sort of updated to reflect the city's ongoing discussions with the governor's office and current cycle on perhaps developing an incentive program to foster innovative partnerships that promote sustainability, recycling and beneficial reuse of municipal solid waste. And last but not least, the city is proposing to add language in here that would allow us to support responsive legislation to clearly define that the historical life rate is the rate that we use to calculate interest on agency in city loans that we expect and hope to receive back from the dissolution. So with that, I turn it back to Chairman Austin.
Speaker 5: And thank you, Mr. Herring, for that very comprehensive report. And as you can see, we have presented a digest version here for the council. There is a lot more detail in your your staff report here before this body. I also wanted to just just add that Councilmember Andrews serves on the state legislation committee with me, and we thought it was very important to include the Council Directive regarding the minimum wage and in terms of economic development and under local control. You may have mentioned it, but we really and I think it's extremely important that the city of Long Beach seek to be represented on regional boards throughout the region, including the Metropolitan Transit Transit Authority, the HQ, M.D. We are a large city and we I think deserve a seat at the table at all times. And so we're going to be working with the state legislators to to achieve that. To that end. And then also there was a council directive regarding pers retirement. We we thought it was important to talk to legislators and seek support for clean up legislation regarding the CalPERS reform pension reform to support legislation that would amend the state law to clarify, former public employees who retire under the PA system are exempt from reinstating their retirement if they become employed again by PERS agency by virtue of becoming an elected official. As it stands right now, those who are elected to office, who are former city employees or former employees of the state jeopardize their their their retirement by serving the public in that regard. And I don't think that was the intent of the pension reform governor's pension reform legislation that was passed in 2013. And so with that, I would just ask for unanimous support of this body so that we can go forward to Sacramento and and advocate for Long Beach. And these are great policy initiatives that we have put before you.
Speaker 1: Thank you. And I want to thank Councilmember Austin and Councilmember Andrews for for their work on this. And just as a side note that the committee will be taking a trip to Sacramento fairly soon. So it's important that we have this wrapped up. I have Councilmember Durango.
Speaker 6: Thank you, Mayor. I want to commend the key committee for their work on this and also for the put in the law control directives that are there, especially for the project that we've been talking about that for a while. I've been I've been speaking to some of our state legislators about this. And there's a agreement that there's something wrong with the paper, with the public employment, public employees, retirement. Then I forget the name of pension reform. There you go. The Public Employee Pension Reform Act. Because I mean, we've seen it here in the city already. We had a candidate who was eligible to run in the fourth District, withdrew his nomination or his candidacy because of the fact that he is a poor retiree. Nobody should have to make that kind of decision. If a person wants to serve to continue their public service, they should be allowed to do so without fear of losing their pensions. And so I want to thank the council members for putting this on the legislation docket. I also want to commend them for dealing with the the covering of coal products on trains. It's very important that we do that. Obviously, it was a a big issue way back when we first got on. Well, when I first got into the council was a it was a very contentious and very versatile, controversial, controversial vote that had to take place. But we're addressing it. And I think that if we can get some kind of legislation passed within this year or next in regards to covering the products when they come into law, which I think we will have come a long way in addressing those issues that are important to our constituencies, and especially when it comes to West Long Beach and to our ports. And that's at both the state level and the federal level. And I want to thank all the council members involved with those two issues so they can put in this forward. I'm ready to work to support it.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Councilmember. Councilmember. Councilwoman. Mongo.
Speaker 9: Thank you. I'd like to thank the state legislative committee. I think you did an excellent job in really focusing on local control and incentives and set of penalties for businesses in our community. I'd also like to say that this council is made up of. For alumni or current government employees. And I think that we bring an excellent perspective, and I think that the Peprah law is a disadvantage to good government and the future of good government if it disincentivizes those of us who work day in and day out in the system. It really takes a perspective away from the counsel options. And I know that in the years that we've had many, many alumni, city and county employees serve on this council. And so I look forward to seeing a resolution.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Councilmember Andrews.
Speaker 4: Yes, and thank you, Mayor. I also would like to commend our chair, Mr. Austin, for this, because the fact that I think the sooner we get this to, you know, to Sacramento, the sooner this thing will be able to come to fruition. And I'm hoping it will come as soon as possible, because the fact that we do have some people who could be affected by this, and I'm really hoping that they will take these issues under consideration and do the right thing. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Councilwoman Price.
Speaker 8: Thank you. I, too, want to thank the committee. And I think it's it's very, very important that you represent the interests of our city when you're in Sacramento in terms of some of the key issues that are going to be impacting us. I want to talk for a moment about the public safety issues. You know that the voters enacted some legislation that has severely impacted public safety and specifically the city and our ability to be able to enforce the laws and to maintain some level of peace when we have the inability to be able to provide the resources to the offenders that they need in terms of probation services, police services and that kind of thing. And I think that's very important that we address those issues in terms of how they're impacting our cities with the number of probationers that we have out in the community and our inability to be able to service them properly. So that's a that's a key issue. I think it's a county issue, but I think it's also very, very much a city wide issue. And it's ripe for for discussion at that level in terms of the kind of resources that might be available to help us deal with the changes in the law. I also like the addition of the language that you have that you've included in there for minimum wage in the sense that it looks that you are it's definitely a discussion that's taking place on a national and statewide level, and that the acknowledgment that in the city of Long Beach, it's going to be very important if the state were to engage in these discussions, to think about a tiered approach so that it affects our businesses in a in a manner that is over time and not a direct hit in a very sudden period of time. So I appreciate you taking that into account as you move forward with our state legislative agenda item. So thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Councilmember Richardson.
Speaker 3: Thank you. I want to thank Councilmember Austin and the rest of the folks who participated on the state legislation committee. And I just would like to note that there are a number of things in this in this agenda I see that are also in Fed language. So, you know, state and federal approach. I think that's the way to go. So thank you for doing that. And I and I really like the the new streamlined process. So I want to congratulate staff on doing a good job on putting together this prezzi and streamlining our our general agenda similar than what to what's done in the Federal Commission.
Speaker 1: Okay. Thank you. Are there any public comment on the State Ledger report? Sinan again. Thanks to the committee members for their work, please go and cast your vote.
Speaker 2: Motion carries seven zero.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Item 12. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to respectfully request City Council approval of the 2015 State Legislative Agenda as recommended by the State Legislation Committee. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_02172015_15-0126 | Speaker 2: Item 13 is a report from financial management. Recommendation to receive a report on incentives to encourage small business recruitment, retention and growth. And approve the recommended incentives for small businesses program. And require city attorney to prepare a necessary documentation to implement the program.
Speaker 0: Thank you.
Speaker 1: I think I have a motion by Councilwoman Pryce in a second by Councilwoman Mango. I'm going to turn this over to Councilwoman Pryce.
Speaker 8: I'd like this motion to direct the city attorney's office to prepare this in the form of an ordinance, if that's possible. Mr. PARKIN. Is that possible?
Speaker 6: Mayor. Councilman. Councilwoman Price. Yes, it is possible. We we initially drafted this and I'll let Mr. GROSS speak to it, but it seemed like there were some various options. And so when we brought it to council, I wasn't we weren't sure on which direction to take. You could come in the form of administrative policy, a resolution or an ordinance. So depending on the direction of the Council, we could work with staff and prepare it.
Speaker 1: Okay. Thank you. And I'll turn this back over to the councilwoman.
Speaker 8: Thank you. And Mr. Parkin, in terms of one of the things that I think we've been kind of interested in is what the impact of this was going to be. So we wanted to bring it back at some point so that we could see, you know, how many businesses have taken advantage of this incentive package, what that cost has been. How would that impact an ordinance if we were to go that route?
Speaker 6: I don't see the requirements to report back or the reporting requirements would necessarily be included in the ordinance itself. I think once the incentive program is is flushed out and we put it in the form of an ordinance in some format, I think direction from council staff could direct, it could be directed to come back at appropriate periods of time to report.
Speaker 8: Okay. And so with that, you know, I'd like to modify my motion, if that's possible, to request the city attorney to come back with an ordinance that puts this incentive package, has all the components of this incentive package, and to have it come back to council in six months for a review of Mr. GROSS, do you think that's a reasonable time period?
Speaker 6: I think six months for the preliminary review. It may take a bit longer to get a full report because the program needs a start up time.
Speaker 0: What.
Speaker 6: Councilwoman Price? I think if you're talking about six months, if we come back with a proposed ordinance, it will come back, of course, for first reading, second reading. And then approximately 31 days after the mayor signs, it'll go into effect. So the six months following the effective date of the ordinance is that.
Speaker 8: Let's do one year, give us some more time to collect data. So that would be my motion. I want to thank John GROSS, his office, for putting this incentive package together and for helping us come up with ways that we can assist small businesses by giving them some incentives for growth and establishment in the city of Long Beach. I do want to request that this particular ordinance, once it's drafted, be forwarded to our new Economic Development Commission so that they can work within the parameters of this ordinance to figure out how to market it and make it a practical reality for businesses, both those who are currently in existence and may be looking to expand their operations, or those wishing to relocate to the city of Long Beach who might qualify for an incentive so they can work with this ordinance to come up with a marketing strategy and a plan by which business owners are advised of these opportunities. But we don't want to have is is a policy that is not really being utilized or many business owners are unaware of or an ordinance. So that would be my recommendation as well. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you. And so.
Speaker 6: Mr. Parking Mayor, members of council, if if there was if I could clarify. So the direction now is for the city attorney to prepare a draft ordinance for review by the Economic Development Commission prior to coming back to the City Council for first.
Speaker 1: To, you know.
Speaker 8: Clarify the direction would be for the city attorney's office to prepare a draft ordinance that would come back to council. The Economic Development Commission would then have the ordinance once it's been approved by council, and they would have, at our request to review this ordinance, to review this incentive package and come up with strategies and and methods of marketing it and making it known to the business community so that they could take advantage of the incentive program.
Speaker 1: Great. That's a great idea. There's a I think the motion is clear. I'm going to go to Councilman Mongo and then the speaker's list. I'm sorry. Councilman Price, were you all done? Okay. Councilman Mongo.
Speaker 9: I just want to give extreme thanks to the staff and the EDF Collaborative Committee, and this ordinance demonstrates to our businesses that Long Beach will take the steps to become a leader in supporting our local businesses and incentivizing them to grow more jobs for our residents. And these are the types of programs, along with the appointment of the Economic Development Commission, that really will go a long way in demonstrating to businesses that we're a new council. We're here to be business friendly. Long Beach is the place you want to come to partner. And Long Beach is the place you will grow and strive as a business so long as we know that. This business ordinance will be an incentive to help all businesses, and it will not infringe upon any of the incentives or requirements of our local business improvement district or any of the other programs we already have in place that are very successful in supporting our businesses.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Councilmember Richardson.
Speaker 3: Thanks. And I want to I want to give some credit, some accounts to my fellow colleagues for bringing this forward. This is outstanding. I've seen as a number of folks have discussed and talked about doing something like this, but to see it in this format and know that we're moving forward, it's it's it's a good thing. Just a couple of things to note. So just on the on the incentive for renovation discussion and construction for small businesses, it says that this would only work for businesses if it if it's a construction cost of above 40 $500. So. So if someone wanted to let's say that they were in a not in a CDBG eligible area and they wanted to improve their facade and it might not cost 40 $500. I think this should be a good incentive for those folks. So we can't use CDBG dollars for. So I want to talk through that piece a little bit. So so how would that work? And is this something I mean, so, Mr. City Attorney, is it true that only it would have to be 40 $500 or above for for a facade project?
Speaker 1: Mr. GROSS. I think I might be able to get the gross.
Speaker 6: The program, as written, is intended to say that if there is a permit pulled for any work that exceeds 40 is 40 $500 or higher, they will be eligible for this incentive period independent of any other program.
Speaker 3: Okay. I would ask with the makers of the motion, be interested in a just in that down some I think some of the small businesses, particularly in Artesia, they don't have we don't have the redevelopment and some of them aren't in CDBG eligible areas anymore. So we always find ways to just help them get open and get their sign open and all that so we can take it down on the $2,000.
Speaker 8: I'm okay with that. But I just want to make sure with Mr. GROSS that that doesn't put our fiscal impact.
Speaker 3: Well, I'll get to that. That's my next.
Speaker 8: Estimate of that doesn't skew it too much.
Speaker 6: And the amount is is a scientific guess. And certainly I think more people would be eligible, but I think it would be up to council. I think we could live with a slightly lower amount.
Speaker 3: Yeah. Most of these projects are not going to reach $5,000. They're going to be 2500 to 4, 2500 to $4000. So this just means that we will be able to use that. This will be another tool and tool in the tool kit for small businesses. So you go with that friend.
Speaker 8: I'm okay with that. I think Councilwoman Mongo had some ideas, too, on that.
Speaker 3: I still got the floor.
Speaker 9: Well, we're the makers of the motion. Yes, we were. When I was thinking through the original incentive. One of the benefits is if you were looking at doing an an improvement project and it only cost $3,000, you'd maybe go the extra mile to do it above and beyond to the top level to then be able to be eligible for the incentive. Does that change any of your thoughts? I mean, what does a typical improvement project cost?
Speaker 3: I mean, traditionally so if we so a lot of times we use the $2,000 rebate as incentive for people to do anything. To the front of their operation. In some areas, this is not available. So sometimes just the the the mere incentive is enough for them to actually take a look and say, hey, this is worth a few thousand bucks.
Speaker 9: So are you saying that if it was a $2,000 project, we'd pay for it completely? Or are you saying that if it didn't qualify for the full 4500, that we would incentivize it by paying for half?
Speaker 3: No, I'm just saying the same program this year.
Speaker 9: All the way down to.
Speaker 3: 2000. We take it down to 2000. Is that a 4500?
Speaker 9: Do you have an estimate of how many you think are going to apply for that? Just so we are thinking the fiscal.
Speaker 3: Our director of financial management has said this entire thing is a scientific guess. Right. I'm not going to try to guess more science. Okay. So and then the next thing on fiscal impact, I see maybe three or four sentences down. It says, because of improving economy and the low impact of the cost of this program, it's believed that there will be enough on budget at one time revenue to fund this balance, this program for the balance of 2015, subject to the impacts associated with the decline in oil revenues. So I guess my question is, since we had the conversation about on budget at one time revenue last week, was that considered? Here were the funds that we allocated last week, the funds that we're talking about here.
Speaker 6: Yeah. We think we're okay with this, even with the allocation of funds.
Speaker 3: So we have mystery money.
Speaker 6: But what we're saying here, council member, is that we believe and we're still working on the projections, but we believe that the revenues and FY15 will have will likely have enough surplus there. They are moving in a positive direction to cover this relatively small amount. In terms of our overall revenues. Great.
Speaker 3: Thank you very.
Speaker 4: Much. You're welcome.
Speaker 1: Okay. Thank you. And just just to clarify, also a question for myself on this, on the last conversation that happened, if staff can remind me the. The community block grant amount with the eligibility that the maximum is at 2500 or is it two? It's 2000. And remind me what the signage grant that we already provide that 2000 or 2500.
Speaker 6: I believe they're both 12.
Speaker 1: So they're both 2000. So so it's a total of 4000. If you are in a community, if you are in one of the zones, you can receive up to 4000. Is that correct?
Speaker 6: If you do signs and a facade, if you.
Speaker 1: Decide a facade, you can proceed with the four, right?
Speaker 6: No.
Speaker 1: Well, I thought that was the case.
Speaker 3: So you get so the sign facade program is the same. It's the same program. So you don't have to spin on a sign. You can use it on a facade. You can get 4000 if you're a new business, the property owner can get 2000.
Speaker 1: And that's exactly that's exactly okay. That's what I was trying to remember with.
Speaker 3: So the property owner and the business can both join the 2000.
Speaker 1: Okay. So let me let me go.
Speaker 3: There's a like a storefront with.
Speaker 1: No, get it. Yeah. Yeah. Okay, so let me go to city staff. Did you have an additional comment on this?
Speaker 6: Yes, Mayor. Councilmembers were incredibly excited about this program. We just heard about the ordinance aspect of it tonight. So that has a different aspect. So our thoughts might be we don't know how this is going to roll out. Just tonight, you can see we're talking about 4500 to 2000. Once you make an ordinance, you're stuck. That's it. And I'm just thinking, Mr. GROSS commented that earlier, maybe this could be like a six month or one year pilot program if the council chooses to the ordinance who were hoping, perhaps give it a sunset in a year and then the Economic Development Committee could adjust it or the council could adjust it and give them more of an opportunity to play with this as opposed just simply to market it. But our concern is once it goes in ordinance, we're not going to have the ability to tweak it if indeed what we're proposing needs to be tweaked.
Speaker 1: If you what you could do is have a sunset having to renew the sunset, which we've done before. It'd be up to the makers of the motion, though.
Speaker 8: I think that's a great idea if we sunset it. But I'm just trying to think about the date. Would we would ideally a year out.
Speaker 6: Six months or a year we're comfortable with either.
Speaker 8: Or in line with the fiscal year.
Speaker 6: It could be fiscal year. Whatever works for the council, I would recommend the fiscal year.
Speaker 8: Okay, let's do that then.
Speaker 1: Okay. Thank you. Let me go down the speaker's list. Vice mayor of Louisville.
Speaker 7: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I wanted to thank the staff as well. I'm very supportive of the program and in the conversation we just had, and I apologize if I missed it. Of the 200,000 or less required for implementing the program, did you determine how much would be set aside for the incentives? Does that? I don't mean the individual incentives that we just talked about, but in total.
Speaker 6: 200,000, the entire amount.
Speaker 7: Okay. Okay. And then. If we're doing. Was it just decided that we're doing the ordinance route or sunsetting through the ordinance? Correct. Okay. And then at the time when the ordinance comes back, are you expecting any kind of a report from staff?
Speaker 1: It's part of the motion. Yeah. Okay.
Speaker 7: Thank you. I appreciate that. And then. The challenge always becomes how long does it take for someone to go through the process? And so. Do you have an established time frame? For applications and how long will that take? And the and let me just add a caveat. We had great incentive programs that a lot of our quarters took advantage of years ago through the Neighborhood Resource Center. And and I think some of it became a staffing issue and really a challenge in processing the number of applications that came through. And then it also became a resource issue. And that might not be relevant with this, but. If we're asking council offices as well as others to let people know about this opportunity, I think we want to be able to manage expectations as well.
Speaker 6: The committee charged staff with making this a very simple process. And we believe that the application process will be simple and quick. There are not a lot of requirements. The forms that are required or the information that is required is minimal. There are very few and in the way of tests. So in working with the city attorney to convert this to an actual program that you would adopt, I don't think we will need additional staff. That's just a guess and I don't think it will take very long. So, meaning the process, I suspect is submitting a form, looking at a permit, construction permit. It will be a simple process.
Speaker 7: Okay. Thank you. That's it, Mr. Mayor.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Councilmember.
Speaker 5: Thank you. And I think the city manager opined in on my major concern, and that was just the ordinance approach, thinking that that would lock us in. I do want to compliment Councilmember Price and Mongo for thinking out of the box and their efforts since they've been on this council to to really try to turn around that image and to make Long Beach business friendly. I think. And in making this a pilot program, this also affords the economic new Economic Development Commission the ability to to to vet this as well and make further recommendations to make the program even more responsive to our small businesses throughout the city. So with those comments, I'm prepared to support this and look forward to a report back from the Economic Development Commission as well as staff in in a year or so.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Councilwoman.
Speaker 8: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I did have a couple of other points that I just wanted to clarify. It was not the intent behind this legislation for this any sort of business license incentive to apply at all to the bids. And I just want to make sure staff is on board and agrees with that. That's everybody's understanding.
Speaker 6: That's correct.
Speaker 8: Okay. And then the other thing is and this was an issue that was pointed out to me, and I think it's a good one in terms of the incentive to create jobs. How is it that we're going to, you know, fact check? Is that kind of a an honor system in terms of how the information on number of employees is presented to us? I imagine if they want to qualify for the incentive, they're going to have to report an increased number of employees than the subsequent year. They'll have to pay the fees associated with that increased number of employees unless they've terminated or downsized. Is that correct?
Speaker 6: That is correct. And just as a clarification, so there's no misunderstanding on the bids. There is the the businesses that are in the bid will qualify for this incentive. That's so it's all a positive thing. There are no cost to the bid or no revenue reductions to the bid, but the businesses there will qualify.
Speaker 0: Great.
Speaker 8: And then and then in terms of the the the headcount on the employee, the number of jobs created and such, I imagine that it would not be in the best interests of the business to report a higher number than they actually have, because then the subsequent years after the year, the incentive they'd be responsible for any fees associated with that number of employees.
Speaker 6: That is correct. And we will be using what they certify and report to us. It'll be a simple process. Okay.
Speaker 8: I know that the Economic Development Commission is going to look at some of the marketing concepts and really look at this as an item that they're going to try to make practical. But in terms of our business license department, do we have any immediate plans for how we're going to promote this new incentive package to existing businesses or any new businesses? Are we going to send a letter? Are we going to give anything out at the counter? Are we going to post that on our city's Facebook page? Do we have a small business, you know, email list that we can go to? What are we going to do to let people know that this isn't an opportunity for them to take advantage of in the coming year?
Speaker 6: We're still working on that, but the immediate things are notifying people in the counter and having signs and verbal notification website and we may put together, but it'll depend on what the commission says. It may be that a brochure is appropriate at the very least. So I think all of those things.
Speaker 8: Thank you, Mr. GROSS.
Speaker 1: Thank you. And now do it, Mr. Park. Jiffy.
Speaker 6: I did a mayor member of the council just on the change to the ordinance under the incentive amount. If I. If it was accepted as a friendly amendment to reduce the 4500 to $2000. And then the second part of that sentence talks about or construction exceeds $9,000. Would there be a subsequent change to that dollar amount or does that remain at $9,000?
Speaker 8: I wasn't contemplating a change, but I'm open to that. If Councilman Richardson feels that that would help the businesses in his district. We certainly can look at modifying that.
Speaker 3: So this is if the the incentive amount equal to the total amount of one year of the business license if the total value of the renovation exceeds 4500. So then that would change the 2000 or an amount equal to two years the business license tax if the total of the renovation exceeds 9000. I know that seems kind of redundant. If the total value exceeds 4500 or over two years, if it exceeds 9000. I mean, the whole idea is if you want to break it up over two years, it has the.
Speaker 6: No, the the intent was to at a certain level, I'll use the original intent at 4500, you got a incentive equal to one year of the business license. If you spent $9,000, you could break it up over time. You can bring up two years of worth of incentive. You double the incentive amount.
Speaker 3: So the so you can only do it up to two years.
Speaker 6: Yes. Yes. The VAT a value equal to two years. So right now you have a one you have an incentive equal to one year of the business license fee at $2,000. And then you have to go to $9,000 to get the second year.
Speaker 3: Hmm. So. So I think the spirit of it, I think the spirit of what you wanted to do was just double the number. Is that the general spirit of what you wanted?
Speaker 6: That was the original intent.
Speaker 3: It will make sense for it to be if we're going to 2000 and it should go to 4000.
Speaker 0: It's only.
Speaker 8: I'm okay with that.
Speaker 3: I mean, honestly. If that's the spirit of it, it seems like it's just the right thing.
Speaker 8: I agree. And just to be clear, because I think there's some comments, we're not like paying for people's remodel. We're not you know, we're not giving away money. It's they're they're getting their business license fee waived for one year. It's not like we're doling out money.
Speaker 0: So.
Speaker 1: Okay. Great. Councilmember Austin.
Speaker 5: Yeah. So just one point. Mr. GROSS, you said this would the implementation would be under $200,000 annually. Is there any appetite from the council to to to kind of codify that, to make sure that we don't kind of lose control of this, you know? Maybe capping it at $200,000.
Speaker 8: I think that seems reasonable. Mr. GROSS, would you prefer that we do that? Because I know this is just an estimated guess based on we have never had anything like this before, so we're just guessing on what the the fees would be. I imagine that at some point, if it exceeded 200,000, you'd come back to us and tell us there was no money.
Speaker 6: I think that's what we prefer to do, is to come back and report to you.
Speaker 8: And I'm okay with that. If council is okay leaving it at that, it's somewhat fluid and I think we need to allow the program to be somewhat fluid and not really set any hard parameters at this time. I imagine that city staff will come back to us if they are in a position where they're concerned about resources to be able to cover this incentive package.
Speaker 5: Well, I just I'm okay with that. I just know this is going to be tremendously successful. And so, you know, the expectation was 200,000. But if it comes back and it's 1.2 million, don't be surprised.
Speaker 8: Well, I'm hoping that Mr. GROSS is willing to be a little bit flexible and allow it to go to maybe to 20 to 30 to 50. You know, somewhere around that number can help out a couple of extra businesses there, I think.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Councilman Richardson.
Speaker 3: I think in the same spirit, I know there was a conversation about doing a bunch of outreach for these. And I would just just as a note, just I think when I think of a pilot, I think of it being sort of targeted outreach, like maybe partnering with the bids and things like that. So we know what we're up against before we go out with the big push. So just a word of caution like, you know, we we've done pilot, I've seen pilots before and they weren't they didn't work out the right the way you anticipated they that they work out. So I would just say maybe this first six months or however long we're doing this pilot, maybe we should just be targeted about our outreach.
Speaker 1: Thank you. I think that is the entire speaker's list. Councilman Mongo.
Speaker 9: I would hope that in our outreach that we all put it in our newsletters. I know that in my district, the areas of business that struggle the most are the ones that actually can't get a bid together yet. And we're working together to get that bid in place. But we need to really reach out to all our struggling businesses, especially the ones that don't have the benefit of a community of business leaders together. And hopefully they'll see this as the type of thing that will hopefully coalesce them into a reasonable community. But thank you for the ideas.
Speaker 1: Okay. Thank you. That is all for the item. Is there any public comment? Please come forward.
Speaker 4: Good evening, Mr. Mayor. Members of the City Council, Craig Cogen. And this evening I'm representing the Council of Business Associations, and I want to thank Councilmember Price and Councilman Mongo for bringing this item forward. And thank you to Councilmember Price for meeting with us yesterday, Blair and I yesterday to talk about this issue and some of the specifics behind this proposed ordinance. And I'm I guess I'm happy to hear that we are moving from an ordinance to. Is this an administrative policy? No, it's not. So it is remaining an ordinance, a temporary ordinance.
Speaker 1: Mr. Cogen It's an ordinance with with a sunset at one year that will renew at the fiscal year.
Speaker 4: Okay, great. So what we'll look forward to and especially after the commission has a chance to review it, but using the Council Business Association as a conduit, as an outlet to its potential businesses as well as its existing businesses, to market this project and market this resource heavily to.
Speaker 3: Its.
Speaker 4: Stakeholders as well as its potential business owners. Because I feel as though that we could do a tremendous amount of good to notify these stakeholders and be able to allow them to take advantage of this resource, but at the same time review the measurable results and to make sure that it's meeting our reasonable expectations established at the outset. Okay. Thank you very much.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 4: Good evening, Mayor. Council Members Jeremy Harris, Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. I would just echo what Mr. Craig Cogen has already stated and said that the chamber stands willing and ready to assist with that marketing push and be a communicator for other council members. Thank you to the leadership to Councilmember Price and Councilmember Mongo for bringing this item forward as well. Thank you. Thank you, Jeremy.
Speaker 1: At sea. No other public comment. We will go out and take a vote. Members, there's a motion on the floor. Members, please cast your votes.
Speaker 2: Motion carries seven zero.
Speaker 1: Great. And I want to want to congratulate the committee. I want to congratulate Councilwoman Pryce and Councilman Mongo for putting this on the agenda and kind of moving it forward. I think it's really great for the city and also staff. Staff. Actually, we also worked pretty hard on this, too. And so. Mr. GROSS and your whole team and. Mr. West, thank you. Thank you all for working with the council offices and on moving this thing in the right direction. And we're still out there at the early phases will be getting an ordinance back from the city attorney here in the next week or so to move this forward. So thank you all. Next item. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to receive a report on incentives to encourage small business recruitment, retention and growth and approve the recommended Incentives for Small Businesses Program; and
Request City Attorney to prepare any necessary documentation to implement the Program. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_02172015_15-0149 | Speaker 2: Item 18 is a communication from Councilman Al Austin, Councilwoman Susie Price, Councilwoman Stacy Mango and Councilmember Roberto Durango. Recommendation to require city manager to provide an update to the City Council on the status of the replacement of the citywide financial and human resources management systems.
Speaker 5: Councilmember Austin Yes, I think this agenda item is pretty self-explanatory. Yes, the council and the 2014 2014 budget appropriated close to $10 million, about $2 million for a new financial H.R. financial management systems. I want to find out an update as it as it has been, a significant expenditure. And this is something particularly as we've been talking about innovation and technology here as a council over the last couple of weeks on a significant investment in new technology. And if so, it's important for us to know where we are. And so I would love to get a staff report.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Councilman Mongo. You have a second or any comments or not? Okay. Any public comment on the item? I know. Any public comment on the item? Seeing none. We're going to have the I'm assuming the staff report right now on this. Is that correct?
Speaker 6: Mayor Councilmember is our finance director. John GROSS gave us a quick staff report. But I think what the councilman was asking for is it would be much more than a quick staff report tonight. So we can come back with a full on two from for something because a lot of work's been going on. So, John.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Okay. Hold on a second before we go there, because I just want to make sure because I know we're asking for a report and so is it is it better for this to come back and get one full report? I am assuming you want a public report or are you asking for a two from four?
Speaker 5: Well, I would love to get a public report on that. If you could just give us an overview of of where we are and then to four from to the to the council. I think that would be actually sufficient. Again, when this this issue was was brought forth and there were 14 budget. Majority of the council was not here. And so one of the again, in the spirit of bringing everybody up to speed and understanding where we are today. I just wanted.
Speaker 1: To then report and then the follow up would be the two from four.
Speaker 6: We're happy to talk about it tonight because this is financial. Our project is well underway. It's on budget and it is. And we expect it to remain a top priority. There's a substantial use of internal resources to select design and implement replacement for all of the city's main financial and H.R. systems with a closely integrated modern set of systems. It's a joint project managed by technology and innovation, human resources, financial management, water and the harbor departments. The project, however, involves all the departments, and I'll talk a little bit about the reason for it. As was mentioned in In the Agenda item. This financial assistance replacement project is replacing essential technology from the 1970s. It's at risk for not even being able to be maintained in the future. In addition, the new systems will give the city capabilities well beyond what we currently have, including, for example, more in the way of open government access and more online capabilities. The system was authorized and funded by the City Council in 2014 and is by far the largest system replacement project the city has ever done. The project, as was mentioned, will cost $30 million, but what's important about that is that enterprise funds and other city funds are being used to leverage the general funds on a 2 to 1 basis. So as a result, with that, for a general fund investment of $10 million, you're getting a $30 million system. Much effort has already been put into the project. We've already spent a year with many city staff reviewing systems and system needs. An RFP for the new systems has been developed and released with about 4000 different specifications covering 20 subsystems. So that's what we did over the last year. Ten vendors have now responded to the RFP at the end of 2014, just a little while ago, and we're currently reviewing the proposals, having detailed software demonstrations, and then we'll do some site visits of the top systems to see them in use and to talk to users to make sure the staff makes a good recommendation to the city council. We expect to make that recommendation as to the system and vendor to select by the end of the summer. At that time we'll have a detailed report for you and we can do again the TFF if that's what you want. But we'll have a detailed report for the city council at that time. Yeah. And based on the information we have so far during the RFP process, we believe the project can be completed within the budgeted amount because we are one of the largest cities in the country and we'll be putting in extremely complex system for the implementation. Once we select the vendor, it's probably going to take 2 to 3 years. During the implementation part of the project, city will design processes for the new systems, train staff and make the systems operational. We expect the implementation to require an even greater effort than the staff time now being used. And then finally, because of the importance of the systems to the city operations and their current antiquated status of the systems, the project is a critical project and will remain a very high priority for staff. That's the end of our report.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Embarrassing.
Speaker 5: Well, thank you. And it's very encouraging to know that we are moving forward with that. It's in the RFP process. And so far as I hear, if I hear you correctly, we feel like we're on budget to make this happen within the specified amount that we have allocated.
Speaker 6: You are correct.
Speaker 5: And the two tier three year implementation process. Is there a prioritization in terms of what systems are most important to us?
Speaker 6: We will be talking to this selected vendor about that and we'll make a decision at that time is what's in the best interest of the city and what the vendor recommends. It is normal, but not always the case that financial systems go in first.
Speaker 5: Okay. So I look forward to to the from in the near future and then a report back around the summertime. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Councilwoman Mongo.
Speaker 9: Thank you to the staff for bringing this forward tonight. And I look forward to your more extensive memo, if that's still forthcoming. As a government employee who relies upon systems such as these in budget management and e-procurement and all those systems to ensure that we're operating effectively and efficiently, I also look forward to the ways that we can connect this system to open data. Because as more and more governments have pushed this information out to constituents and citizens and provide a more transparent government, it's really about ensuring that we are doing what's right for the citizens, first and foremost. So thank you very much, and I look forward to more.
Speaker 1: Thank you. With that, we've done public comment on this item. Please cast your votes.
Speaker 2: Motion carries seven zero.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Now we have item 19. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to request City Manager to provide an update to the City Council on the status of the replacement of the citywide Financial and Human Resources Management Systems. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_02172015_15-0146 | Speaker 2: Item 19 is a report from City Attorney. Recommendation to adopt resolution establishing a City of Long Beach Medical Cannabis Task Force Citywide.
Speaker 1: Thank you. We have a motion by Vice Mayor Lowenthal and a second by Councilmember Austin. So I will turn this over to Vice Mayor. Did you want the city attorney first to go over the.
Speaker 7: Yes. And I did not need to speak. I'm sorry. Okay.
Speaker 1: That's okay. So let me go ahead and turn this over to the city attorney's office to kind of walk us through what we have in front of us.
Speaker 6: Thank you, Mayor. And remember, the council, as you recall at the study session a week ago, there was a request to the city attorney's office to prepare a resolution creating a task force to review a medical cannabis task force. So what you have before you today is the establishment of the task force based upon the guidelines provided to us last week. The the task force is has certain duties which we have made very broad. They include, but are not limited to recommendations on the appropriate number of locations, operational restrictions, methodology of testing to ensure safety, appropriate buffers, etc. is sensitive land uses and any other such matters that would aid the Council in their efforts to develop such a regulatory ordinance. The task force will consist of six members appointed as follows Each current council member shall appoint two members to their choice to the task force by notifying the mayor in writing of their selections no later than February 24th, 2015. The mayor thereafter shall transmit these names to the City Clerk for record ation. The task force will be subject to the Brown Act and all of the requirements of the Brown Act. The members will serve in a voluntary capacity and the task force will select a chair from among its members, and then at the conclusion of its duties, it will be dissolved. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to try and answer.
Speaker 1: Okay. Thank you. And so we have the motion in front of us. There is a motion by vice mayor along with on a second by Councilmember Austin. I should I should be go to public comment first. When we go to public comment on this, please come forward.
Speaker 7: I want to thank you for listening to what I have to say, and I apologize if I'm a little nervous.
Speaker 1: Not a problem. Just make sure you say your name for the record and address.
Speaker 7: Brian goes well and my, my address. Uh, five 933 Cherry Avenue, Long Beach, California. 90805. Perfect. A couple years back. On April 8th, 2014, the members of the voting members of our city approved to tax medical cannabis, I believe 74 to 26%. I completely agree on instrument implementing regulation and implementing a task force. The way that we had collectives in the past was a bit out of control, not necessarily looking out for the patient, completely more recreational than medicinal. I also agree on the non compensated committee which I would like to be a part of. There are true medicinal medicinal patients who need these services. Um, and we can perhaps limit excessive or inappropriate products such as BHO, which is hazardous, dangerous to make these products with solvents. Um, having more emphasis on CBD true medicine involving hospice and elderly patients testing against molds, toxins, solvents. Um. It will. Speaking of small business, trying to bring money into, um, facade development and bring just in the city in general, it will bring much needed taxes help small business growth. And it's happening anyways. I mean, people are still buying and selling and there's still these delivery services within Long Beach operating without business licenses. Um, operating on these websites under false pretenses that they are. Um, uh, how would you say like um, medicinal massage or, and certain things like that? I think that we can regulate, then come combat that sort of, um, illegal behavior and turn it into beneficial profits. And as a nonprofit corporation, these collectives should be donating their time and funds to community development anyways. Um, and then also some people complain that taxes might be excessive when in reality some clubs are charging excessive prices, retail versus the wholesale that they're charging now anyways. So that committee to kind of help regulate the um, I know a lot of about testing and things like that and I'm definitely interested in being a part of that.
Speaker 1: Okay.
Speaker 4: Thank you. Speaker, please.
Speaker 7: Hi there, Diana Logins. Speaking of transparency, I have given you a quote, some quotes from Mia Garcia. You have that in front of you. I won't say the whole thing, but the pertinent quotation is and just ensure through working with the manager's office that it's representative of all the groups that were said before. Now, that would have been the patient advocates, neighborhood associations, collective operators. Then he goes on to say. So I think that everyone on this day is responsible enough and thoughtful enough that the members that we select are from a diverse constituency that is brought to the table constituency. That means here. That means Long Beach. This. These are the people that, you know, care about Long Beach. The council was very and this is. That's not what that's finished with what Robert said. The council was very clear in its deliberations that this medical marijuana ad hoc committee was to represent all facets of the medical marijuana issue within the city's consist crew well constituency. They need to be stakeholders residents of the city. It's not supposed to be a group of people solely selected by council members to represent their individual personal points of view. This is no time to facilitate cronyism. The whole purpose of this ad hoc committee and I'm by the way, I say ad hoc because it's an ad hoc committee, I think it's going to get very confused with our group, which is the Long Beach Medical Marijuana Task Force. It's very similar name that they're using. So it should be an ad hoc committee. The whole purpose of this is to facilitate the democratic process at the very foundation of our country. It should have represented views from a patient advocate group such as the Long Beach Medical Marijuana One, a task force, neighborhood associations, collective operators and maybe the medical profession. Public Safety and city attorney and community development should be there in an advisory capacity. They should have the committee members should have a thorough knowledge of the subject and ordinance at hand. Otherwise, it's just going to get off to a slow start. This should not become a political football game when the health and lives of our residents are at stake. And I do appreciate councilman you're ranga. Councilman Austin. Councilman Ric Richardson. Council women Lowenthal and price for paying attention and considering this important enough to listen. Thank you very much.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 6: Good evening, my neck. Thank you, Mayor Garcia, for allowing me to speak tonight. My name is Madeleine Johnson. I'm a civil rights and medical marijuana activist and also a cannabis patient for cancer. My concern is we have been fighting this and city council for the last eight years and nothing has been accomplished. I'm hoping that we can all work together with the activists, myself, Diane Levine, and others that has been fighting this. To be on the task force. This will make something happen. If you allow people from the outside who has no knowledge whatsoever about cannabis, how can they possibly tell us how to take care of myself as a patient of Long Beach cannabis community? We would like to see some collectives open where we have been suffering and we don't want to go to a lawsuit. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Any other public speakers? Okay. I'm going to take this back to the council before I bring this bill back over to Councilman to Vice Mayor Lowenthal, to his maker of the motion. I just wanted to, too, for the for the public just give an announcement. So I received over the weekend an email from the chair of our Board of Health Commissioners, which is it's a board made up of medical doctors, health professionals, a variety of people involved in the health profession. And he had mentioned to me that they have been discussing the medical marijuana issue for many months as a as a group of health professionals, and that they would like to present to the council their thoughts on the issue as an additional piece of information that the Council could use as part of our deliberations. And so I just wanted you all to know that I received that email from from him unsolicited. And if if the listeners objection, I think they're interested in doing that over the course of the next few months from a Board of Health perspective. And so I'd like to also hear your feedback. If the Council is interested in that, I could relay that information back to to Greg, who is the chair of that group. And actually, he he himself is a is a veterinarian. But there's a variety of of other health officers on that on that board. So I'll throw that out there for for all for your for the input of of the council. Vice Mayor Lowenthal.
Speaker 7: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And I think that's a great offer and great suggestion and would probably contribute to the balance of the task force that we seek to have. So I would be open to that, and I hope that my colleagues would be as well.
Speaker 1: Council member, Austin. I'm sorry. Oh, you're past. Okay. Councilman Ringo.
Speaker 6: Thank you very. Again, I want to come out to commend the Council for looking at the task force as a as an aid and assist in trying to get through all the nuances of what we're doing here with with an audience, because it's very important, obviously, to to not only the the community, but the region as well , because it's going to have a much broader impact than just Long Beach. So we need to to consider that as well. I've got I don't know about any of my other colleagues here, but I've got a couple of calls regarding the lack of representation from the fourth District. So I was wondering if if I were to suggest that we can have a mayor I know the mayor voluntarily chose not to participate in the selection process, but since his office is in charge of the fourth District at the present time, that perhaps he can nominate two for the fourth District in lieu of not having a representative there. And if in doing so, would that change the the the ordinance itself if we were to amend it to include to represent a support district by the selection from the mayor, mayor or members of the Council. This is a resolution before you this evening and could be amended to increase. I don't think you could decrease any of the members tonight. You'd have to bring it back again for a new reading. But we could certainly change this in any way you feel appropriate. If the changes get too substantial, we're going to have to bring it back next week, but or the next council meeting. But you're certainly could approve this or as is or change it. Well, my my my my thinking on this obviously is to have full representation of for the nine council districts that we have here. And again, since the mayor is the person who is monitoring the activity to the fourth district, if he could be the one to select two members from the fourth District or at least have that office have two selections, as we know that the it's opened up in terms of the selections and from whom we can choose. But if it's going to change and and slow the process, I definitely do not want to do that. So just just putting that out there as far as whether it can be done. And if not, then let's move on. I also support the the the that the the Board of Health coming to the council. They could probably come at the same time the task force present this report to be certainly helpful there. Another discussion that I want to bring forward was the the task force in our in our discussions a week ago. We also talked about these buckets of money that that we're going to be getting. And I think it was Councilmember Lowenthal who who mentioned that there are paperless ways of paying for these products at these various dispensaries. And I didn't see that in the ordinance. So if if again, if it's not going to change the ordinance, I would like that included in there. But if it is going to change it, then I suggest that we put it somehow in the agenda for the task force to investigate methodology or other ways of payment that does not include actual exchange of of cash in some of these where you could have an ATM, for example, or a card where they go to the dispensary and there's no exchanges of cash. But it goes directly into into an account identified already by the city where it would go. So I would like to see that somewhere in the discussion so that we can minimize some of the fears that are out there in terms of these buckets of money that are going that that's going to be coming in and being able to minimize that that we're here in. Councilmember Your Honor, that certainly would be included under the scope of the duties in asking the task force to look at and also any recommendations from either the task force or the council could be included in the revisions to the ordinance as they come forward. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And members of the council, if I can add, that was also one of the questions that staff were tasked with as part of the council's deliberations last week, and that it's on our list of things to.
Speaker 4: Follow up on.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Councilmember Councilwoman Munger.
Speaker 9: I want to thank the city staff for getting this this memo so promptly. I know that first experience in the five and a half hour study session and then getting to rewatch it to word for word, take down all of our concerns. I think he did an exemplary job and our office will get our comments back to you tomorrow. With regard to the fourth District, I also received a few calls, specifically from SBA businesses that are represented in the fourth District who felt that they would like some representation. So I would also be open to supporting Councilmember Veronica's comment related to giving them some representation. And since they don't have a councilmember, I'd be open to allowing the current. Do we call it the custodian of the council office? Administrator of the Council responsibilities. Sharon Weissman. To make that decision. If we're all comfortable with that. And.
Speaker 1: Councilwoman Tracy.
Speaker 8: Thank you. I, too, want to echo, councilman, your manga's concerns about that. We've received some requests for that, too. And I think it's I think it's prudent that we have a committee that's representative of the entire city. And I do support, Mr. Mayor, the group coming and talking to us. I do know that there are other groups that might be interesting and educational for us to hear from, perhaps folks who work in law enforcement with the FBI or perhaps the IRS, people who have had experience with these issues. And so if we are going to have an opportunity for different groups to come and present, maybe we can talk about kind of the framework of that in terms of the time limit so we can let them know ahead of time if they're limited to that 3 minutes or if they get a little bit more time. Just because I think it's important that the education be. Comprehensive and thorough. So thanks.
Speaker 1: Great. Thank you. Sounds good to me and council member Richardson.
Speaker 3: So just a couple of things. I actually don't like the idea of having a bunch of outside folks doing presentations here, because I can just add to that list. So I would say, you know, I mean, we have our own public health department. I would encourage them to weigh in and consult with, you know, the public health community on on how they would on what considerations we should be given when they come back and report. And the same as to law enforcement. I would love to see that come through our own police department and our local experts in terms of the representation in the fourth District. I think those folks called my office as well. So. So I would say just so we draw an exclamation point here. So there's there needs to be a motion to make this happen.
Speaker 6: We would need to amend the currently there's a motion on the floor by the vice mayor, seconded by Council member Austin, to adopt the resolution as prepared. So we would need either a friendly amendment or a substitute motion to change. I believe Section three of the proposed resolution to read the task force show consist of 18 members appointed as follows Each council office shall appoint two members of their choosing to the task force by notifying the mayor.
Speaker 3: Okay, great. So it looks like there's signal in there. They're good with that voice. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Okay, that's. That's the. The friendly has been made their. We have the we have a motion in a second on the floor. No other comment from the council. We've done we've done public comment already. So let's just before before we vote. Mr.. PARKIN So just so that we're clear, we've made the friendly amendment. This passes the resolution tonight, and then we have a timeline that's already in place that we're the names is going to be submitted by, correct?
Speaker 6: That is correct. That the names would need to be submitted to your office no later than February 24th, 2015.
Speaker 1: Great. So let's make sure to do that. And just as as a reminder to the public, we will not be our office will not be screening the names or making selections of the names. Unlike other commission appointments, the two names that you submit will be the two names that are brought forward. Okay. Thank you.
Speaker 2: Councilwoman Pryce. Motion carries seven zero.
Speaker 1: Okay. Thank you. And next up, we have. I'm 20. | Resolution | Recommendation to adopt resolution establishing a City of Long Beach Medical Cannabis Task Force. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_02172015_15-0147 | Speaker 1: Okay. Thank you. And next up, we have. I'm 20.
Speaker 2: Item 20 is a report from the city attorney. Recommendation to adopt resolution of the City Council of the City of Long Beach to designate February 2015 Spay Neuter Awareness Month.
Speaker 1: Thank you. There's a motion and a second. Vice Mayor Lowenthal and Councilmember Andrews. Vice Mayor Lowenthal.
Speaker 7: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I wanted to thank Animal Care Services and the community groups such as Fixed Long Beach for their hard work. We all know that fix. Long Beach has come out here and shared with us their good work. They provided spay and neuter services to 71 pets at their Valentines Day mobile clinic. When you think about the exponential impact where those animals to remain unfixed, you begin to appreciate why it's so important for residents to get their animals spayed or neutered. So I am very thankful for their work and really happy that we're able to entertain this item tonight.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Councilmember Andrews. No comments. No problem, Councilwoman Price.
Speaker 8: Thank you. I want to thank the vice mayor again and Councilwoman Mungo on their efforts to bring this item forward. I believe she brought it again. And I want to thank them both for bringing this to our attention and for getting us this far. So thank you to both of you.
Speaker 1: Thank you. And Councilman Mungo.
Speaker 9: Has a big believer of incentives and reminders and encouragement as a way to bring compliance within our community. I'm really excited to bring forward this item where we will have spay and Neuter Awareness Month for 2015, and I hope to see it back next year.
Speaker 1: Okay. Thank you. Any public comment on the item? Seeing nine, please cast your votes.
Speaker 2: Motion carry seven zero.
Speaker 1: Okay. Thank you. Next up is we have announcements. My councilman, Mongo. | Resolution | Recommendation to adopt resolution of the City Council of the City of Long Beach to designate February 2015 Spay/Neuter Awareness Month. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_02102015_15-0108 | Speaker 0: Thank you. Please. Next item. Vice Mayor, would you mind just doing a couple of these for me? Thanks.
Speaker 2: Item six.
Speaker 1: Items. Item six Report from Development Services and Financial Management. Recommendation to Adopt Specifications and Award of contract to EA. Plan for 406,000 for providing an electronic plan. Check System City Wide.
Speaker 2: All right. There's been a motion by Councilmember Richardson and seconded by Councilmember Andrews. Any member of the public that wished to address council on item six. Councilmember Urunga.
Speaker 3: Yes. Thank you. I notice here if this is a a new system that's going to be coming in, I'm guessing not too far off of a guess that there are some issues presented with the current system. And I'm hoping that the reason, the purpose of this coming through to us is that there's going to be a change in turnaround times or that it would be a cost saving to the mayor council.
Speaker 0: I'm going to turn it over to Amy, but this does not reflect.
Speaker 5: An issue with our current system. This is a huge innovation that takes us into the 21st century to.
Speaker 6: Allow.
Speaker 5: Architects and folk to use the Internet and get to us digitally. So, Amy, if you could tell us what we're getting.
Speaker 4: Yes, sir, that's correct. Madam Vice Mayor, members of the city council, this is not replacing an existing system. This is actually an augmentation to our services where we will, as Mr. West said, create essentially a portal through our Web site where we would now now allow electronic submissions instead of hard copies of permits and plans to our planning and building department. We do believe that this will eventually increase efficiency and turnaround time so that that is something that we do expect would happen. But this is definitely cutting edge and very innovative and this is something that we've been working on with tech services for approximately two years now.
Speaker 3: Thank you.
Speaker 2: Thank you, Councilmember Austin.
Speaker 6: Thank you and thank you, Ms.. Borek, for for the clarification on this. I just want to just highlight that this this electronic plant check system is something that will, I think, increase efficiency in service to the residents. It is an innovation. And, you know, it shows that we actually have some good talent and some strong talent within our own ranks here at City Hall. And so I just want to compliment staff and say, job well done. Thank you.
Speaker 4: So we're very excited for this.
Speaker 2: Thank you, Councilmember Austin. And I'd like to add some comments as well. I wanted to just let staff know that I thought this was a great idea with true potential for our city staff. And as Ms.. Burdick said, it's not something new but will contribute to our goal of being a 24 hour city. And I do have one question how do we plan on letting our architects and contractors know about the service?
Speaker 4: We actually have been beta testing this with some of our architects already, so they have been working with us to work some kinks out. We got basically a six month trial run of software that allowed us to beta test it with some folks to work out some kinks. And we did all of that before we did the RFP so that we knew specifically what we were going to be asking for. So once we get this in place and it speaks to our existing system, we will then hold training for the architecture and contractor community, which is something that we do when we roll out new initiatives.
Speaker 2: Thank you. Councilmember Richardson.
Speaker 6: Thanks, Vice Mayor, and thank you for bringing up the outreach. That's what my question was going to be. So I'll just take this opportunity to say great work. I think this is going to go a long way in terms of helping us as council offices to respond to our own communities about projects that might be taking place in our communities. So there's a wide range of benefits to having this stuff online. To have an on demand statistics and numbers and statuses of where we are in the process. So congratulations and keep up the good work.
Speaker 0: Great. Thank you, Councilwoman Mongo.
Speaker 4: I want to thank the department services department in making this great step forward. I think that I've heard positive impact on your feedback from the local businesses. Anything we can do to automate and take things online and give people a more customer focused experience at City Hall is a big part of being the business friendly city that we know we are. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. We have a motion on the floor. Is there any public comment on the item? Seeing none. Please cast your votes.
Speaker 1: Motion carries seven zero.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Next item, Madam Clerk. | Contract | Recommendation to adopt Specifications No. RFP DV14-034 and award a contract to e-Plan, Inc., dba e-PlanSoft, of Los Angeles, CA, for $406,320, for providing an Electronic Plan Check System, for a period of one year, with the option to renew for four additional one-year periods, at the discretion of the City Manager. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_02102015_15-0109 | Speaker 0: Thank you. Next item, Madam Clerk.
Speaker 1: Item seven Report from Financial Management Recommendation to receive and file the fiscal year 2014 year end budget performance report and increase appropriations in several funds across several departments for various purposes to reflect final expenditures citywide.
Speaker 0: Thank you. I know, Mr. West, you wanted to make a report on this, and then we have a motion. Well, go ahead and make a report. And then I have Councilwoman Pryce, first mayor, councilmembers.
Speaker 5: A brief report by our budget manager, Lee Erickson.
Speaker 7: Good evening, Mayor and City Council. This is the year end performance report for FY 14 for the period ending September 30th. It reports on our performance for the fiscal year and also includes a few technical technical adjustments. Generally, this report is good news. Citywide urine spending came in under budget appropriation, including for the general fund. Also in the general fund, revenues did exceed estimates. Overall, the general fund had a 3.2 million surplus, and this is in addition to the $5.5 million of surpluses which was already set aside for CalPERS stabilization fund. Also, there was a $3.5 million surplus in the Uplands Oil Fund in accordance with City Council policy. The city manager is proposing that 5% of the surplus in both the general fund and uplands be set aside for unfunded liabilities. Other proposals include the establishment of an innovation and efficiency initiatives revolving fund, and if that is approved, the mechanics of that fund will be brought back to the Budget Oversight Committee for review and recommendations. As this idea was generated in part at the BMC in the fall. A variety of other proposed uses are also recommended, including the special election in district for the Bloomberg team match. Setting aside funds to build a two month uplands oil reserve and implementation of the pavement manner management plan. There would be there will be a study session on the pavement management plan scheduled hopefully for some time in March . Lastly, there are three technical adjustments, as I mentioned before this, and they're all offset by revenues. So this concludes the staff report and I'm available for any questions you may have.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Let me go to Councilwoman Price.
Speaker 4: I actually want to make a motion in regards to this item, and I want to. Make a have a modification to the proposed. Proposed plan for the use of the expenditures. Would this be an okay time to do that? Yes. Okay. So I would like to reduce the $2 million that we have allocated for innovation and efficiency initiatives. And with that $2 million, I'd like to reduce that $2 million to $400000 to allow some seed money there. Put 500,000 in reserves. Allocate 900,000 for infrastructure to be divided by the nine districts. And allocate $200,000 to the Long Beach Fire Department to invest in their search program.
Speaker 0: Did you want to? That's the motion, correct? Okay, great. Counts Councilwoman Mongo.
Speaker 4: I appreciate the additional funding to our reserves. I think that this is a great investment. Also, the next big emergency could be any day. And I think that ensuring that our CERT program is properly funded, we've heard time and time again Council member Urunga and I attended the CERT Citywide event in the in Hartwell Park several months ago, and the program is in dire need. And I worry that if we don't invest, we might not have what we need to make sure to shelter in place for seven days. My district use recently has undergone several outages and we have realized how completely unprepared our communities are for an upcoming emergency. So I appreciate the emotion as stated. Thank you, Susie. 200,000. The fire department needs 300,000, but we're going to help them with an independent fundraiser to raise the other hundred thousand.
Speaker 0: Okay. Thank you. That's been the motion to the second next have council member Austin.
Speaker 6: Thank you. Can you repeat the emotion again and how you wanted to allocate that? We allocate this or we propose to do so.
Speaker 4: Absolutely. And I hope that the numbers added up, but I'll go again slowly. So $400,000 seed money, which is for the innovation and initiative efficiency initiatives from the 2 million reduced to 400,000, so that there's still some seed money there for staff to have the opportunity to pursue some of those initiatives. Right. 500,000 for to go into reserves so that we've set some money aside, 900,000 to go into infrastructure to be divided by nine, and then 200,000 to go to the fire department to help with their cert program. I do want to point out that with the one time funds that we've received and reallocated, we have been able to provide a lot of resources for the Long Beach Police Department, and so it would be nice to invest in public safety a bit further and provide some of those additional resources to the fire department. They too have had major impacts to their budget. So this is something that they can do with one time funds. And of course, we all have infrastructure projects that are a major priority in our our districts and not knowing what the future infrastructure, budgets and divide by nine opportunities will be. I think this is a good way to allocate some cost savings that staff has been able to to together generate over the last year.
Speaker 6: So first of all, I think this is this is welcome news and this is a good problem to have, not a problem at all to have a surplus and extra resources to work with. I am going to be supporting your recommendation for the how to to to to allocate these resources, because I think it's important that we we do invest in our infrastructure, continue to do so until you have crumbling sidewalks and curbs and we need street repairs and we can never put enough money into infrastructure. That as a matter of fact, I mean, would that work? You know, we had a robust study session on medical marijuana. I would venture to guess that the vast majority of our residents in the city would love to have love us to have a study session on how we're going to fix the infrastructure in this city. And so this extra $900,000 divided by nine well will serve our districts well. And the vast majority of our residents will. The Innovation and Technology Fund we in fiscal year 14 and one time funds we put aside I believe, $200,000 for toward that. This bolsters that that that fund even more by adding an extra 400,000. I agree $2 million might have been a little little lofty in terms of that expectation. But the 400,000 innovation going to that, I will completely support the I do see on this a $200,000. Allocation from uplands for an attorney for labor negotiations. And that's that's questionable because I think we have a great city attorney's office and I know we have individuals who are our subject matter experts on labor negotiations. And so I'm I have some questions about that, that allocation, particularly because I don't think there's a whole lot of money on the table for labor negotiations and we're going to give $200,000 to the lawyers say no. I mean, you can pay me ten bucks to say that. I mean, it's it's going to be easy to do. I don't know that that that's that difficult or worth that investment. And and I'm glad to see us. I think overall, this is this is a balanced, balanced document with those corrections. So I will support the the motion on the floor.
Speaker 0: Okay. Thank you, Councilmember Richardson.
Speaker 6: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. So just a few questions. And so first with this innovation fund. So I see there's 2 million added here. How does this add to the 600,000 that we already discussed?
Speaker 0: Mr.. Mr.. MODICA Mr.. West, I'm going to turn that.
Speaker 5: Over to Mr. Modica and Mr..
Speaker 3: Malik, if you can also address.
Speaker 6: Let me you know, let me complete the whole question and then we get a whole answer from you. I know we did. 600 K is that represented here? And this is us tidying that up because I know we talked about like the purpose for this fund, like some funds were going to go to that the Bloomberg match . But we also wanted to have a body of dollars as a revolving fund to incentivize departments. Help me understand this.
Speaker 5: Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor and Councilmember Richardson and members of the council. So what you voted on last week was to authorize us to to enter into an agreement with Bloomberg and to provide up to $1,000,000 with the match. The money that's in front of you tonight is actually those funds that you already said you're going to commit. So we were going to pay for the $1 million match with $400,000 of these funds. Plus, there was going to be a $2 million infrastructure I'm sorry, innovation and efficiency reserve, of which up to 600,000 would be used to to fund this implementation. And so, as I understand the motion tonight, you know, there isn't any other innovation and technology money out there. We don't have $200,000 set aside. What we would have would be $400,000 with a fund balance and 400,000 of the energy and efficiency, leaving us $200,000 short for our commitment for a Bloomberg Innovation Fund, which would have to be funded out of next year's budget.
Speaker 6: So how would that jeopardize our opportunity to have that Bloomberg grant?
Speaker 5: Well, the Bloomberg grant, we we will have committed to that. So that will be a commitment. We will just have to identify that fund somewhere else. We have two years to identify the funds so we could either get $200,000 back tonight or we would have to budget that in the next fiscal year and identify those resources to meet our grant obligations. Okay.
Speaker 6: So we set aside 400,000 that's represented here. And then the idea was because we would establish this fund 600. I know we had this conversation last week or last council meeting when we talked about the Bloomberg fund, and that's why I noticed these things. So so we would need at least $600,000 in the Innovation Fund in order to do what we attempted to do last week.
Speaker 5: Yes. If you wanted to fund it this year, yes. You would need 600,000. Correct.
Speaker 6: Okay. And can you just elaborate on the purpose of the innovation fund?
Speaker 5: So the Innovation Fund was something that has been talked about in last year's budget but wasn't funded, was talked about by the Budget Oversight Committee and staff, was requested to come back. And the concept is to create a revolving fund. Often in departments. We have innovative ideas. We got a lot of things that need to get funded, but there's not a funding source to front the money in order to implement the savings. And so that was the idea of this fund.
Speaker 6: Is there a concrete example?
Speaker 5: Yes, I can give you an example. For example, it could be investing in energy efficiency. We've seen a number of projects where if you put in an h-back system for a two or $300,000, you can save several hundred that or several thousand dollars each year in terms of energy efficiency, water efficiency, irrigation improvements, we're even looking at things like fiber for revenue, putting in city fiber and seeing if we can and, you know, make money off of putting in city fiber. Those would be some examples.
Speaker 6: Okay. I think that makes sense. I got to before I move on, I got a question. Councilmember Price, I want to I want to understand how you arrived at the number 400,000 for innovation.
Speaker 4: Well, and I have to say, I talked with the city manager about this yesterday, and I'm learning some new information tonight because it wasn't as clear to me yesterday. My understanding was the 400,000 that we had already allocated for the Bloomberg grant that was going to be part of three payments over the quarter, not payments, three match . Amounts over a three year period. Correct. And that the $2 million that we had put in this was to encourage staff to come up with innovative and different ways to apply for grant funding, etc. that would help them be more efficient and innovative. And that's why, to me, $2 million for that process at a time when, you know, we have so many other needs, I guess seemed a little bit high. So if if, if, in fact what Mr. Modica said is, is accurate, we may want to and I'd be totally open to if somebody wants to make a friendly.
Speaker 6: I still got the floor.
Speaker 4: Okay. I know. So, so just so where I came up with that 400,000 is that that give them some. See I thought that was seed money to encourage staff to apply for different grants. That's what I thought it was. So if we want to make that 600, then we can take, you know, potentially from the reserves and make that 600 and maybe even fully fund the fire department's cert program at 300 and just have less money for reserves. But that's just a thought.
Speaker 6: Okay. So I think there might need to be some adjustments to this innovation fund, particularly, one, we need to make whole the $600,000 commitment we voted on. And then if we if the idea is to invest another 400,000, then that would need to be a minimum $1,000,000 to make that whole our past commitment. And then what we want to do today. Then I would say this reserve here, which reserve is this out being allocated to. This half million dollar reserve proposal.
Speaker 4: Well now? Well, it depends on what that amount is, but it would go into the General Reserve.
Speaker 6: So which reserve would you place? The same as a city manager? Well, we've got a number of reserves.
Speaker 0: Lia.
Speaker 4: That's an unfunded liability.
Speaker 7: Right now we are reserves are actually within the financial policy limits. We do have several of them. So we have an operating reserve. We have an emergency reserve. We have our CalPERS stabilization fund. We have unfunded liabilities. Or we could leave it in the general fund in funds available, and that would also count towards our total reserves
Speaker 6: . So we so we have a number of reserves that I mean, our obligation, our reserve obligations are healthy. This. So would you we're you saying that you want this to go into pension stabilization fund or General Reserve.
Speaker 4: So the 500,000 that we currently have as the recommendation by staff, we would just add to that so that we would have whatever, whether it's a million or 700,000 if we decide to.
Speaker 6: You mean the uplands reserve oil? Flic flood fluctuation, up to 2,000,002 months reserve.
Speaker 4: Remaining ending funds available.
Speaker 6: So so that's not a reserve. Those can be allocated tonight. So those aren't.
Speaker 4: The 500,000 that we would have left over.
Speaker 6: Yeah. So. So this is not a reserve. So this is allocate we can allocate that tonight. So you're saying that's the funding that you want to place in to the reserve?
Speaker 4: Now. Leah, can you explain that? Do you understand what I'm trying?
Speaker 6: Here's where I'm at. I've. I've added up. Hold on. I understand where I'm going. Let me get there. There's $400,000. That was a proposal to innovation. There was $500,000 to a reserve. There was $900,000 to. What is this? Infrastructure. I mean, we've got $200,000 for cert. That's $2 million. Now, that was in lieu of the innovation and efficiency initiatives, $2 million. That means this 500,000 that's at the bottom that we can allocate tonight is still on the table. That's correct. That's not allocated to a reserve.
Speaker 4: Well, it is it is referred to as a reserve. If I if you're asking me a question and I'm referring to Lia to answer that question, because she just answered, I.
Speaker 6: See those as unallocated dollars. Yeah. A reserve is something we're specifically intentionally reserving for purpose.
Speaker 0: I think we're just calling them different things, but thinking about the same the same pot of money. I mean.
Speaker 6: When I think about when I think about a reserve, we've got our pension stabilization fund, we've got a number of reserves, as Lia mentioned, with different purposes. So I think if we talk about a reserve, we need to be specific. So I would just. Move on from there. So I'm going to I'm going to say that I would like to offer a substitute motion. And before I do that, how do we arrive it like I'm a cert graduate. I went through it with my wife. Support that program. How do we arrive at $200,000 is the number they need.
Speaker 4: The chief says they need 300,000. And if, in fact, we were willing to move the numbers around a little bit, I think there would be support to fund them at the full 300,000. I think council would like to do that if we can find a way to do that.
Speaker 6: I get it. So so the issue I have is typically I like to get budget requests from department heads through the city manager in the by agenda so that we have the opportunity to talk with them about this. I haven't heard of any need from for this for cert. I know that we had a conversation a while back about saving this CERT coordinator position, and there was a lot of discussion about that. And what they ultimately decided to do was they found other grant funds to keep that program going. So what was the specific purpose for the 200 or $300,000 that we allocate tonight?
Speaker 4: Will allow them to fully fund their cert program.
Speaker 6: Is. Is anyone here from the fire department? I'd like to better understand what that means. My understanding was, I mean, they have one position. A mayor and city council, Rich Brant, deputy chief, actually saw programs under fire prevention. Actually, we don't have any more grant funds. We are funding our CERT coordinator currently out of our budget the best we can. With the recommendation of the city manager. What we're trying to do is move that into a civilian spot where I can get somebody in who can coordinate number one. And number two is we're working with Cal State Long Beach right now and their emergency management program to try and get some interns as well. We have over.
Speaker 3: 400 people on a waiting list. Plus, we have numerous high schools that need to serve programs as well. We just don't.
Speaker 6: Have the resources to be able to train.
Speaker 3: Those people at.
Speaker 6: At.
Speaker 3: Our current levels.
Speaker 6: So you want to utilize this, too, so you don't. So the coordinator position that you currently have. You don't have funding so you're making do you use this in relief to could support that position as well as internships to move your program? That's part of it, yes. And then we also have resubmitted a U.S. grant for U.S. grant funding because of the containers that we're going to put in each district that are going to fund our resources and our materials that we need for our people.
Speaker 3: To respond.
Speaker 6: In case of those types of emergencies where they can take care of their neighbors for at least 72 hours prior to us getting there. Thank you, Deputy Chief. So the the issue that I take with that is that we don't fund positions with one time dollars and we do through overtime with PD. But this is a slippery slope. If we get into there's a position that was grant funded and we're going to use one times to extend it. Now we're getting into system support. We're calling a program ongoing through one times when that's not necessarily the case. So I think that's an inconsistent fiscal policy that we shouldn't necessarily do that. However, if we had a commitment from the fire department that this is not going to support positions, I think there is a place where we can help support this program without saying this goes to full time positions and FTE within the department. So I'm going to make a substitute motion to make the Innovation Fund at $1 million by taking this $500,000 reserve in place and into placing it into innovation. I'm going to take this cert $200,000 and I'm going to offer 1000 $100,000 to help support that program. And then the remainder remainder which it should be $600,000, which is the $500,000 as unallocated plus the $100,000 we have from CERT. I would ask that we take that and divide that $600,000 by nine, and that would be my motion. Oh, that's in addition to the $900,000 already and into this infrastructure fund. So right. So we're now we're at 1.5 million for infrastructure. We're at we're at 1.5 million for infrastructure. We're at $1 million for innovation, 1.4 million for infrastructure, $1 million for innovation and $100,000 for cert, a total of 2.5 million to be consistent with what we have. So that's my motion.
Speaker 0: Okay. There's been a motion by counsel or is there a second on the motion? There's a second. Councilman Austin, did you want to speak to your second or over speaker's list?
Speaker 6: No. Okay.
Speaker 0: Vice Mayor Lowenthal.
Speaker 2: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I wanted to ask the city manager just a question about the Bloomberg fund, and then I wanted to address the motion. Is is that funding coming through today?
Speaker 3: Tom.
Speaker 5: So I'm sorry, could you restate the question? Is the funding coming through today?
Speaker 2: Yes. What's the status of that funding?
Speaker 5: Oh, the Bloomberg funding. So, yes, we do have $3 million committed. We are we've got the authority now from council to execute the grant agreement, and we're waiting for the actual grant agreement. Then we'll sign it and then the funds will be available. The $3 million, which is 3 million over over three years.
Speaker 2: Okay. Thank you. I appreciate that. I was also trying to. Councilmember Richardson, I think your substitute substitute had us overfunded by 400 unless you were looking at the remaining ending funds available. I'm not sure.
Speaker 6: Yes. So early. Earlier I checked with the city manager about that money and that is available for our purposes tonight if needed.
Speaker 2: Okay. I appreciate that. Well, I'd like to make a substitute substitute motion and. Take $600,000 for seed money for innovation and technology, 200,000 for the reserve, as Councilmember Price mentioned, 900,000 divided by nine and to fully fund the 300,000 to the CERT program. And Councilmember Richardson, you're correct in that we don't utilize one time dollars for ongoing expenses. I do believe we've done so with gap funding, especially for grant funded programs. And I can and and I take our policy. Initiatives very seriously, our especially your budget policies. And I do believe we should not use one time dollars for ongoing expenses, but I consider this gap funding and I'm comfortable with that. And so that's my substitute substitute motion, which I believe Councilmember Price is what you would articulate it earlier. So I have to make it.
Speaker 0: Okay. So there's been a motion and a second, and I just want to make sure I understand the motion. Right. I'm going to restate this whole thing and have staff restate it for us so that we're all on the same page. Can we restate the motion? And so that we know that and let's answer the questions that were raised and kind of lay out what vice mayors propose. Please.
Speaker 7: So, Mr. Mayor, the substitute substitute motion would be to to leave $600,000 in the Innovation and Efficiency Initiatives Fund, which would free up 1.4 million. And that 1.4 million would be allocated 200,000 to the CERT program, 900,000 to divide by nine. I'm sorry. Sorry. Reserves and then 300,000 to the CERT program.
Speaker 0: Okay. Hold on. Hold on 1/2. So there's only one person who has a floor. So Vice Mayor Lowenthal has the floor. I just have a question, Vice Mayor, if you don't mind, I what I want to make sure, because now I'm a little bit confused, is that the Bloomberg Innovation Fund is as whole as per the grant process that we went through last week. And so in the motion that that the vice mayor is making is the Bloomberg Innovation Fund Hall.
Speaker 5: Yes, we believe we have $1 million, then set aside 600,000 of which would come from the Innovation and Efficiency Fund. And 400,000 is as part of the item in front of you tonight from from ending fund balance for a total of $1 million.
Speaker 0: Okay.
Speaker 2: And that's and I'm glad you clarified that, Mr. Mayor. That's why the ending fund balance I don't view as being on the table in that regard, because as part of the Bloomberg are set aside for Bloomberg funding. And so so you articulated it correctly, is that it would leave that intact as my belief as well.
Speaker 0: Okay, great. And so now I have a motion and a second on that substitute. So I'm going to go to Councilman Mongo and then I'm going to go to the speaker's list.
Speaker 4: Councilmember Lowenthal I mean. Vice Mayor Lowenthal. So just to clarify, because I know there was some questions about operating reserve versus unfunded liability reserve and the 500,000 that might be the variance right now. 900 for infrastructure. Correct 304 cert. That puts us at 1200 600 for innovation. That puts us at 800, which gets us to the full million. That leaves 700 unallocated of the 2.5 million. So the 700 would be the unfunded liability reserve to get us that to the to 2.5. So we're not going to leave the 500 in the operating reserve. We're going to move it into the unfunded reserve, which is in the first line of the budget list.
Speaker 2: I'm going to look to Miss Eriksen, because in that calculation, I'm not sure that we we fulfill what Mr. Modica said. We did.
Speaker 7: Sorry, Madam Vice Mayor, we are fine with the Bloomberg grant. The remaining ending funds available is considered part of our total combined reserves, so it can remain there and there would be 700,000 left there and that would just be part of our total combined reserves.
Speaker 2: Thank you.
Speaker 4: So so, Councilmember Lowenthal, would you be open to slightly reducing the reserve and increasing the infrastructure to find the middle ground between the original amendment and the. Substitute amendment. Yes. Okay. Would we be comfortable with 500,000? You wanted to shift 500,000. Okay. Shift 500,000. So that would be 1.4 to infrastructure 600 Innovation 300 ASSERT and the remainder to the unfunded liability reserve. Yes, great.
Speaker 0: Okay, good. We have a motion on the floor, which I think we all understand. Councilman Price. Okay. Can't remember us. Well, what happened? Council member. Okay. Vice marathoning for you. Did you come back in? Okay. I'm confused. Got some free Ringo.
Speaker 3: Oh, I really love our discussion and especially the. The addition of infrastructure funds, but I think we should use some street repairs. But what I'm mostly concerned about at this point is I know we're adding these funds to the CERT program and and there were some other programs that we discussed earlier this year, like the Language Access Program that isn't addressed here and don't know. We were talking about finding some funds for that and I don't see that here in this budget and I'm not prepared right now to tell you how much it needs, because if I recall correctly, it was about 350,000. We we funded it up to about 225, if memory serves me right. So I would like to see that that program fully funded and take off on that. And also, in terms of the of the state program, we did go to that to that to that training. However, I did not see any kind of preparation for bilingual people on that. There's no there are no there were no speakers in Combi or in Spanish or any other language. So I would encourage the fire department to, uh, to use those additional funds that they're getting tonight to look at finding some translators or training for bilingual folks in that program, knowing that we have a very diverse community in Long Beach, some who would need the language services available as well. So please look at that as well.
Speaker 0: Okay. Thank you, Councilmember Richardson.
Speaker 6: I'm good.
Speaker 0: Okay. Mr. Modica.
Speaker 5: Just a clarifying question for Councilmember Mongeau. She was originally talking about putting $200,000 to ending fund balance, but in her last motion said $200,000 to the unfunded liability reserve. Can we get clarification on which one is correct?
Speaker 2: Mr. MODICA That was actually mine.
Speaker 5: Oh, excuse me.
Speaker 0: Vice Mayor Lowenthal, did you want to clarify that or.
Speaker 2: Your question was too shifted?
Speaker 5: It appeared that the $200,000 would be the ending fund balance. So that would be left over in our budget as a small amount of $200,000. I also heard that the $200,000 should go to the unfunded liability reserve. Just a clarification on where that 200,000 should go.
Speaker 2: So I think it would be wise to if we're able to hold it in operations until close of of filing is that.
Speaker 5: Yes, we would recommend that it would we would have a minimum of that $200,000 and ending fund balance.
Speaker 2: Okay. Thank you.
Speaker 5: Thank you.
Speaker 0: Okay. There's a motion on the floor. Any public comment on the item? Please come forward. Very good. You click as the aggressor. I'm glad the councilman pressed accountable on the price, pulled this off. I had to circle it. Actually, the first thing was more technical. When you have something like this and you can check with the city attorney and work it out with the city clerk. But I don't think this should have ever been said. Recommended to receive and file something like this for sale and receive or adopt. I think would have been a better word. Ordinarily, things that are received on file or not as important decisions. Clearly this is given the dollar amount in the appropriate discussion. But if my understanding is correct, also, this is a work this is based upon based upon the fact that the Mr. Bloomberg is willing to underwrite what some people already do and others may, such as the ninth U.S. Circuit Court and also James Comey's organization to underwrite what some people might rightly view as Tammany Hall West. Right. I would suggest holding off until you have the check in hand or the funds in the bank. If for some reason they do not approve it. Because that would mean you would have to come back and do some readjustments. It just doesn't make sense to commit to a project or to say this is what you know, to commit to a project until you had the cold, hard and ready in your hands or in the bank. Thank you. When I go to a vote. Members, please cast your vote.
Speaker 1: Motion carries seven zero.
Speaker 0: Item number eight.
Speaker 1: Item number eight report from Financial Management. Recommendation to approve the fiscal year 2015 first departmental and Fund Budget Appropriation Adjustments in accordance with existing City Council policy citywide. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to receive and file the Fiscal Year 2014 Year-End Budget Performance Report, and increase appropriations in several funds across several departments for various purposes to reflect final expenditures. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_02102015_15-0110 | Speaker 1: Item number eight report from Financial Management. Recommendation to approve the fiscal year 2015 first departmental and Fund Budget Appropriation Adjustments in accordance with existing City Council policy citywide.
Speaker 0: Okay. There's a motion in a second by your rent and price. Any public comment on the item? Okay. That's good to hear. Very good. You click, see dress. I think you should make the necessary adjustments based upon the fact that, contrary to what a number of you indicated before last week in budget discussions, that you will be flying back to Washington to lobby for money. I'm going to suggest you will not be flying back. The budget was not going to allow that. If you want to personally pay for that, that's fine. But given our financial situation, it would be highly imprudent to fly back. We pay lobbyist somewhere. I'm not sure who our PR firm back there. But the last time I remember, I think it was around $300,000. You have a telephone on your desk. You had computers? We had the ability to Skype. There is absolutely no justification for you to fly and the taxpayers dime back to Washington to build your political career. So I think you should adjust this budget under the realization that you're not going to be able to fly unless you're going to pay for it yourself. Thank you. Thank you. Charlie.
Speaker 5: Mayor, members of the council, this item, as proposed, would need to be amended to reflect the changes that you made on the previous item. And I think.
Speaker 3: Council staff is prepared to walk.
Speaker 5: Through that if you need to. But I think we have the direction from the previous motion. So if the maker of the motion would just as amended by the previous item, I think.
Speaker 0: Where was your vote, Mr. Ringer? Okay. I agree. Price is a second. Okay, great. Please cast your votes.
Speaker 1: Motion carries seven zero.
Speaker 0: Okay. Item number nine. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to approve the Fiscal Year 2015 first departmental and fund budget appropriation adjustments in accordance with existing City Council policy. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_02102015_15-0111 | Speaker 1: Item number nine Report from Human Resources Recommendation to authorize city manager to execute all necessary agreements with the County of Orange to receive 500,000 Workforce Investment Act. Fund and execute an agreement with medical care health system in the amount of 200,000 to provide training and placement of participants citywide.
Speaker 0: Okay. There's been a motion in a second by Mongeau and Richardson, Councilwoman Mongeau.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Mayor. I just want to say thank you very much for your work on this. I know that we've met and discussed how important it is that we get economies of scale for our workforce development programs. So receiving this agreement with the County of Orange is a big deal, and I look forward to seeing more and exciting things from our workforce development team. So congratulations and thank you.
Speaker 0: Councilor Judson Townsend Council Member Yes, thank you, Mayor. I would also like to thank Nick and Eric, you know, for their hard work and dedication and concern about the item 19 and 11 in their position to bring jobs to our community. And they have secured over two and a half million combined as a result of these projects heading to the.
Speaker 3: City of Long Beach. For so many years, I, you know, always used to cry out for, you know.
Speaker 0: Constituents in our community with the hard labor and the entire workforce there. Hopefully this is our will become a reality because.
Speaker 3: I talk about jobs and that's why I would like to, you know, really appreciate all the work that they've done. And I think all of us should really look at their vision and their direction for what they've all done for us. Thank you guys very much.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Is there any public comment on this item case? Before we vote, I just want to say to Mr. Schultz's, what great job you guys are doing. Really, really great work out there. If you haven't had a chance to go out and visit with, uh, with the, with PPG when the Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network should go do so, it's a it's a great facility and great, great team out there. So please cast your votes.
Speaker 1: Motion carries seven zero. Item ten Item ten Report from Human Resources Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute agreements with various Americas Job Center of California in supports in support of strategies that provide training and employment services to residents for a total amount not to exceed 1970 4000 citywide. | Contract | Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all necessary agreements with the County of Orange to receive $500,000 in Workforce Investment Act funds to administer on-the-job and customized training programs; execute an agreement with MemorialCare Health System in the amount of $200,000 to provide training and placement of participants; and execute any needed subsequent amendments. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_02102015_15-0112 | Speaker 1: Motion carries seven zero. Item ten Item ten Report from Human Resources Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute agreements with various Americas Job Center of California in supports in support of strategies that provide training and employment services to residents for a total amount not to exceed 1970 4000 citywide.
Speaker 0: Is there motion to approve? Give us a motion in a second. Any public comment, Mr. Kerry? Yes. A quick follow up, given my earlier comments, I'm wondering whether or not to some of these funds can be reword this and directed toward those council people that yet do not know how to use a phone or computer or Skype since they will not be flying back to Washington, as I mentioned earlier, and increase your communication skills so you can communicate what your feelings are relative to the issues that will come before Congress. See if you can get some of that training. Thank you. There's a motion on the floor. Councilor Austin, you have a comment?
Speaker 6: Yes, I just had a couple of questions of a step. I see. There are a number of service providers that are that are called out in this grant to provide services. And the term term, the contract terms and the amount that they get. I'm just curious as to whether or not these these funds go to the companies or the service providers or will they actually go to provide jobs? Is this for staff to provide training for job training or it goes to actual jobs is for the service providers.
Speaker 0: Nick Shultz, the bureau manager of our.
Speaker 5: Workforce Investment Board, will handle that. Councilman Austin. Mr. Mayor, or members of council, to answer your question directly. These these funds in this matrix will go to these organizations that are listed in the Matrix. They will not necessarily go in the amounts as they're listed. We're using these amounts to increase our blanket purchase orders. These are these are federal training dollars. They have to be utilized with providers who make it onto a state endorsed employment and training provider list. These providers qualify under this list. They continue to meet performance and placement goals on this list. These funds are based on individual eligibility to select that provider, and we use this training as a capstone piece to employment. So we expect employment retention and increased earnings for the participant after their engagement with the training provider.
Speaker 6: Well, thank you for that clarification. And at some point, I would love to come over to the Pacific Gateway and learn more about the program.
Speaker 3: Would love to have you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Thank you. We have a motion on the floor. Please cast your vote.
Speaker 1: Motion carries six zero.
Speaker 0: Next item. | Contract | Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute agreements with various America’s Job Center of California (AJCC) Service Providers, in support of strategies that provide training and employment services to residents, for a total amount not to exceed $974,812; and to execute any needed subsequent amendments. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_02102015_15-0114 | Speaker 1: Item 12 report from police. Recommendation to determine the application serves the public convenience and necessity. Necessity. And receive and file the application of California fine wine and spirits for an original application of Alcoholic Beverage Control License at seven 7400 East Carson Boulevard with Conditions District five.
Speaker 0: Okay. Councilman Mongo.
Speaker 4: I just want to thank the management company of the property, along with the business owners and those who have worked with our office to ensure that this is a successful grand opening. This will replace a business which had approximately $3 million a year in gross receipts, and this business will anticipate $20 million a year in gross receipts . So there's a significant increase in sales tax revenue to the city. So we're excited about this opportunity and I hope you'll join me out for a cheers on their grand opening.
Speaker 0: Okay. Any public comment? I don't if I called for it or not. Please cast your vote.
Speaker 1: Motion carries six zero.
Speaker 0: Next time. | ABC License | Recommendation to determine the application serves the public convenience and necessity, and receive and file the application of California Fine Wine and Spirits, LLC, dba Total Wine and More
No. 1113, for an original application of an Alcoholic Beverage Control License, at 7400 East Carson Boulevard, with conditions. (District 5) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_02102015_15-0135 | Speaker 1: Item 14 Communication from Councilmember Richardson recommendation to require I'm sorry. Recommendation to request Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine to develop a ninth District Open Space Master Plan, focusing on creating more park and green space. Throughout the district in the partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services and the North Long Beach Hills Zone Initiative.
Speaker 0: There's a motion in a second if there's any public comment on the item. I'm going to have counsel for Richardson. Did you have any comments?
Speaker 6: Sure. Just briefly, this is another yet another Hill's own initiative as we approach the end of the third year of The Hill's own grant. There are a number of projects that the Coalition for Healthy North Long Beaches wanted to work on, but we haven't necessarily had the entire set of funding. What we're doing today is we are going I'm going to partner with them with our parks and recreation infrastructure dollars to be smarter about how we think about open space in the ninth District. I think this is particularly timely given we just looked at medical marijuana maps, how today, you know, when we consider an issue like this , it, you know, has major impacts in certain areas, you know, like the ninth district. But hopefully through, you know, establish an open space master plan, we can be better positioned to expand greenspace opportunities so that in the future we have these discussions, you know, there will be more value placed on on certain neighborhoods because they will have an amenity such as such as a park. So that said, in the ninth district, we have far less open space than other districts. The ninth district has 1.2 Park Acres per 1000 residents and this is the lowest in the city, compared a share with only the sixth district, which also has 1.2. In comparison, the highest amount of acreage per 1000 residents is 21.7 Park Acres, which is in the third district and 18.1 Park Acre acres per 1000 residents in the fifth District. So it's a major disparity when you compare 1.1. 2 to 21.7. So that's that's the purpose of what we're doing today. We really want to expand open space opportunities in the district for the long term. That said, I encourage the Council to support my motion.
Speaker 0: Okay. There's a motion and a second. Councilman Oranga.
Speaker 3: You had we making this motion? You didn't have to provide all the statistics because the ninth district deserves the space and a very happily gladly support this. And you stole some of the thunder that I was going to say in regard to the discussion that we had earlier regarding medical marijuana and the ability to open more, more , more, more dispensaries and and processing plants. And it was heavily on you and in the first. So having this kind of study would would provide you with a better view as to where your district stands on that. And I think it was very helpful for you, so I'm glad to support it.
Speaker 6: Thanks.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Please vote.
Speaker 1: Motion carries six zero.
Speaker 0: Next item, please. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to request Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine to develop a 9th District Open Space Master Plan focused on creating more park and green space throughout the district in partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services and the North Long Beach HEAL Zone Initiative. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_02032015_15-0062 | Speaker 5: Communication from City Attorney Recommendation to Declare Ordinance Amending the Long Beach Municipal Code relating to office holder counts reading read and adopted as read citywide.
Speaker 4: Councilwoman Gonzalez.
Speaker 7: Okay. Just wanted to say thank you to my council colleagues. I know we had a healthy discussion about this particular item now that it's here. I just wish to move forward with with the motion.
Speaker 4: There's just. There's a second by Councilmember Ringa. Any public comment on the item? Please, sir, calm down.
Speaker 3: Larry. Good you click as the address if I'm downtown if the correct me if this is not the item that last week there was the discussion of considerable very vibrant discussion relative to procedure and whether or not it was. Plus proper to discuss at length. An item that had already come back from a previous recess before was in a committee thoroughly debated and then came back to the council and there was a if this is the one, there was a mindset of some on the council that, well, since it's already been discussed, it's not appropriate to open up for discussion or amendments or additions or changes. And I thoroughly support the concept of what was done with that. In the final analysis of having that open discussion that the people that some people on the commission on the Council did not want. And I think that's a cultural thing that they've got to wean themselves away from. For the past eight or nine years, almost the mantra was, Well, we'll discuss it once. I mean, Uncle Bob set the schedule. This is what it's going to be, lip flap if you want, but it doesn't make any difference when it comes back . We'll just rubber stamped it and go forward. That is not the way government should work. And the people and I believe it was Councilwoman Pryce that led that charge, if this is the item that when something comes back, just because it's been through a committee does not mean that it's automatically rubber stamped. The warranty of your office requires you to air it and vet it. To its fullest extent. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you, sir. SINGH and no other public comment there. The item is up for a vote. There's a second by Councilmember Turanga. Please go and cast your votes.
Speaker 5: Motion passes five three.
Speaker 4: Next item is item 17 and 18, I think. Mr. City Attorney, do these have to be taken separately or. | Ordinance | Recommendation to declare ordinance amending the Long Beach Municipal Code by amending Sections 2.01.380 and 2.01.1020 relating to officeholder accounts, read and adopted as read. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_02032015_15-0096 | Speaker 3: Yes, both. I think we need two items on item 17. It's quite lengthy, but that can be taken as one motion. But we need to separate 17 and 18.
Speaker 4: Okay. Mr. Clerk, item 17, please.
Speaker 5: Item number 17 Report from Public Works Financial Management in Parks Rec and Marine Recommendation two Amendments to the Long Beach Municipal Code relating to one way streets and alleys adopt resolution relating to traffic, authorize or right away exchange agreement with the Archdiocese Diocese of Los Angeles adopt. Resolution of intention to vacate a portion of public right away. Adopt plans and specifications for the Alamitos Park Project. Street and Storm Drain Improvements. Award the contract to Excel, paving for a total contract amount not to exceed 2,233,594 to monitor construction for a total contract amount not to exceed 1,000,862 668 to Smith Corporation for a revised total not to exceed amount of 1,000,031 400. Adopt and accept categorical exemptions. Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund by 250,000 and increase appropriations in the Gas Tax Street Improvement Fund by $400,000. District one.
Speaker 4: Councilman. Councilwoman Gonzalez, your item?
Speaker 7: I am so very thrilled to actually partake in this final, you know, approval of the traffic reconfigurations. I have to give many thanks to many different people, and you all certainly know who you are. First to our City Public Works City Manager and Public Works Director Sara malloy and our Parks Director George Chapman for getting going after our state grants. I know it was such a long process over the last six years that I had been in office or that I had been with the former council member in office. It was a lot of work. I remember the criteria just for being able to qualify for these state grants was such a tremendous task and being able to coordinate all of the meetings with our Craftsman Village or East Village Arts Councils, our DLP. A So many of you that participated in this wonderful project, and I think now we're finally at a point where we can, you know, say that we've accomplished this. So congratulations to many of you and thank you so much for being a part of this. So.
Speaker 4: Did you want to make a motion? Okay. It's already there. That's right. We're back to our technology. Councilman Gonzales made the motion. Councilmember Turanga. I made the second. Let me open up for public comment and go back to council. Is there any public comment on item 17? Casey None. Council member you ringa.
Speaker 2: Now just want to congratulate the councilman in the first district for pushing this through and getting it forward, looking forward to having a better and steadier flow of traffic in that area. And congratulations. And I also want to give my support for the staff to putting this together. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you. Vice Mayor Lowenthal.
Speaker 8: We're all trying to figure out how to adjust our. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I appreciate that. And I want to thank Councilmember Gonzalez as well. And to everyone associated with this project. I know a lot of the neighborhood associations throughout the first and Second District are in support of this project from its inception. And I wanted to also recognize Brian Maciejewski, whom I think is in the audience. He brought this forward to us several years ago and has been very tenacious, along with lots of members of the community to get this done. And it isn't that things take this long necessarily in the city, but it's an important enough issue that required a lot of in-depth review. And so I'd like to thank our community partners for their perseverance. Not only is it going to make this area much more attractive, but really safer for pedestrians and vehicles. And I think that balance was important to strike, and it did take as long as it did so that everyone, especially in our engineering, traffic engineering division, can feel supportive of this. And so with that, we were able to do it. So thank you and thank you, Councilmember Gonzalez, for seeing this through.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Councilmember Austin.
Speaker 9: Thank you. I also want to offer my congratulations to the first District Council member for getting this through on your watch. This is exciting, unique and creative youth for space in in in a very, very dangerous area. I would think it creates obviously green space, but also improves traffic safety along MLK and Seventh Street, that interchange. But I'm a little bit confused. I had a question just for staff regarding subsets, section C of the staff report where it basically it kind of confuses me to determine whether or not this can and will be designated as an actual park. Mr. Malloy.
Speaker 3: I'll turn this over to our public works director, Ahmed Ahmed Lawan.
Speaker 10: Thank you. Honorable mayor, honorable council members, Honorable Austin, thank you for asking this question. I know it's kind of a difficult subject to to discuss, but for for the public right away to to to become a park, there are only two ways of doing that. Either we have to vacate the street. If we vacate the street by state law, the adjacent property owners will regain back half of the street. Therefore, they would not. No land would be left for us to produce any kind of park. So what we're doing is we're changing practically the use of the right of way. We're eliminating access for vehicular traffic. But again, it's a public right of way. People can walk and bicycle. And and also we have to have access for for the armory. So that use is still going to be remaining for the purposes of subsection C. We're basically saying that if you had a property that had a sister parcel number, pen number, then you could dedicate that for park purposes. And therefore under Section nine or five of our charter, any time you want to revert, take that use away. That means if it was one acre park, if you want to take that away, you have to have a 2 to 1 ratio. You have to bring in another park somewhere in the city, twice the size in order to be able to do this. We're saying here that this is not dedicated land for park purposes, for that section, but for all intensive purposes. It's a it's a park. It quacks like a duck. Walks like a park. It is a park. So you can change the name, use it as a park. And it is also underlying it's a it's a public ride away with a change of use.
Speaker 9: So a park is a park.
Speaker 10: Park is a park as a park.
Speaker 4: Thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman Gonzalez.
Speaker 7: And I just wanted to make sure I think I mentioned him, but my head's been a little all over the place. But Mayor Garcia, I know working with him for the last five years prior to being elected in the Keys, the one that really drove a lot of this. And so I have to thank him as well for a lot of the work that he's been doing in addition to all the community members. And yes, Brian Laskowski, I told you this was your fault. So all of this happening right now is certainly your fault. And we thank you so much for that. But. All right. Or George, can someone go over just the park? I mean, it's been some time since we've talked about this, just to talk about some of the nicer elements of the park and what we can expect in the square footage because it's such a huge impact. I want people to really understand what we're working with here.
Speaker 10: Can we have the PowerPoint loaded, please?
Speaker 3: Yeah. Mr. Mayor and members of the city council. This will be for us a very active park. The size is about 36,000 square feet. 36 five, actually. Again, with Prop 84 funds, there's two art pieces that are going to be donated by the city. You'll see playground equipment on the north end of it. I'm sorry. Here we go. Right. Here's the playground. There's going to be some bias wheels here, kind of a bridge over here. There will be a skate element incorporated in this in this park and an area where the community can use for concerts, movies, that sort of thing . A nice open space that can also be utilized for programing of outdoor movies and concerts, that sort of thing. So basically, you know, playground equipment, skate park, boswells, open space, kind of a bridge, a natural bridge that the kids can actually, you know, it makes it look like they're in kind of a nature area. And also an art piece incorporated into the in the site.
Speaker 7: Great. And can you just describe a little bit about what the grant consisted of? Like the criteria that we had to meet. I know we were one of three that we received during that state, Prop 84 of funding opportunities. Is that.
Speaker 3: Correct? Yes, this was we we received $2.8 million for this from the state Prop 84 grant. And and one of the big criteria for them for the state really is the lack of park space within walking distance, within 15 minute walking distance, within a quarter mile. And this area is very woefully lacking in park space. So that was one of the big criteria. The other was community process. And they were very you know, they wanted the community very engaged in this process in terms of design. And we held, I think, five community meetings engaging the community in this process to design this park, pick the site and design it. So really, those were the key criteria for the state.
Speaker 7: Okay. Great. Thank you. Thanks to both of you. And I also have to extend an also a lot of gratitude to Mola, as well as the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum. I know both of them were very, very helpful and making sure that we had community meetings, we had a place to meet and that they were at the table as well, which is very important. So thank you very much. And that is it.
Speaker 4: Thank you. With that, we do have to take public comment. There's a motion on the floor by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilmember Oranga to approve item 17. Please, please cast your votes.
Speaker 5: Motion carries eight zero.
Speaker 4: And item number 18, which is, I think a companion piece to this. | Resolution | Adopt Resolution of Intention to vacate a portion of public right-of-way on the west side of MLK Avenue south of 6th Street, set a date for a public hearing on the vacation for Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at 5:00 p.m.; and authorize City Manager, or his designee, to accept an easement deed in order to create parking spaces on the south side of 6th Street, west of MLK Avenue;
Adopt Plans and Specifications No. R-6972 for the Alamitos Park Project, Street and Storm Drain Improvements (on 6th Street, 7th Street, MLK Avenue, Alamitos Avenue, and Atlantic Avenue); award the contract for the Base Bid to Palp, Inc., dba Excel Paving Co., of Long Beach, CA, in the amount of $1,942,256, and authorize a 15 percent contingency amount of $291,338, for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,233,594; and authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to enter into the contract, including any necessary amendments thereto;
Adopt Plans and Specifications No. R-6986 for the Alamitos Park Project, Park Improvements; award the contract to Monet Construction, Inc., of Glenda | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_02032015_15-0058 | Speaker 4: And item number 18, which is, I think a companion piece to this.
Speaker 5: Mr. Carton item number 18 report from Public Works and Financial Management Recommendation to award the contracts to Sally Miller contracting for the improvements on Alamitos Avenue for a total contract amount not to exceed 1,453,209 and increase appropriations in the Gas Tax Street Improvement Fund by 200,000 District six. I mean one in six.
Speaker 4: Any public comment on the item? Please come forward.
Speaker 8: Hi there, Diana logins. Any time we're adding a park, I'm just thrilled. So in especially on the West Side, because on the east side it's we have lots of parks, of course, as far as I'm concerned, we could have even more. But when we're adding it to the the West Side, which has a Darth, we've done studies before and so that's just fabulous. So, Lena, congratulations. I think this is a fabulous idea and thank you very much for bringing it forward. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 3: Very good to click as my address. I would not have. Come up to speak here. I would have spoken before at the other item of the section had the information that was imparted during a discussion been as part of that and the item. It may seem technical and. That to me is a red flag that needs to be clarified. Was the statement that a park is a park? Is it a park is a park, and that that becomes problematic? Is this a dog park? Could it be a dog park? Could it be a golf course? And this comes into focus because the question comes up a number of times when people view incorrectly the Marine Stadium as a park. An ordinary park, which it is not. It was specifically grant needed for one purpose, one purpose only boat. I imagine a flea market, not a art center, not a dog pound, not a music center. So I think. I have some concerns and I would hope that the city attorney could clarify those and restrict the fight and hold up the funding unless there's a satisfactory definition of this. What has been presented appears to me to be fine, but I have the strong concerns and objections to a class of to a embracing the concept that a park is a park. Is that a park is a park. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Do you see no other public comment on the item and no any other council discussion? CNN members, please go and cast your vote.
Speaker 5: Motion carries eight.
Speaker 4: Sarah Nathan We have 11 and then ten. Item 11. | Contract | Recommendation to adopt Plans and Specifications No. R-6967 for the Improvements on Alamitos Avenue, between 7th Street and Orange Avenue; award the contract to Sully Miller Contracting, of Brea, CA, in the amount of $1,321,099, and authorize a 10 percent contingency in the amount of $132,110, for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,453,209; and authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to enter into the contract, including any necessary amendments thereto; and
Increase appropriations in the Gas Tax Street Improvement Fund
(SR 181) in the Public Works Department (PW) by $200,000.
(Districts 1,6) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_02032015_15-0090 | Speaker 4: Sarah Nathan We have 11 and then ten. Item 11.
Speaker 5: Madam Clerk Item number 11. Report from City Manager and Financial Management Recommendation to receive an expend grant funding from Blue Burg.
Speaker 8: Fellow.
Speaker 5: Excuse me philanthropies for an amount up to 3 million authorized or required cash match of 1 million and increase appropriations in the General Grants Fund by 1 million citywide.
Speaker 4: Turn this over to, I believe, Mr. West and Mr. Modica.
Speaker 3: Mayor, Council members this is a very, very, very exciting opportunity to participate in the Bloomberg group and this is a foundation that has selected 14 cities across planet Earth and we're lucky enough to be one of them. So we're looking for a real fantastic three years working with this grant without. I'm going to turn it over to Assistant City Manager Tom Modica to walk us through it.
Speaker 11: Thank you, Mr. West, Mr. Mayor, and members of the City Council. I think the manager said it very well. This is an exciting opportunity. The Bloomberg Philanthropies grant really? Philanthropies, Grant, Grant, excuse me, really provides an opportunity to bring kind of the best in the best of innovation to City of Long Beach. It is a grant that allows us to employ a team that is really designed to go and throughout our departments and work with them on some of the most pressing challenges that we have. There is no one identified thing that they're supposed to be doing. It really is the ability over the next three years to address a number of priorities. The first of which we've identified is economic development. This team is going to work hand in hand with our departments. We get, as I said, up to about eight staff members and we've identified the grant match of a $1 million. And a lot of that money will be going towards actual actual implementation of their ideas with the idea of making government smarter and better and more cost effective and also save money as we prepare for some financially challenging times that come in the future. And so with that, we're available to answer questions, and we're very excited about this grant opportunity. And if the council accepts it tonight, we're ready to move forward.
Speaker 4: Okay. I have councilmember I have a motion to approve by Councilmember Richardson, seconded by Vice Mayor Lowenthal. We take public comment as public comment on the item first. Could you.
Speaker 3: Larry Clark has the address. Obviously, Mr. Bloomberg is one of the most preeminent public officials in the country. And in fact, I would not mind spending the dollar amount and hiring him as city manager. However, I would suggest and I have so communicated to Mr. Bloomberg and I've given you copies of that. That this is not the right time for a long beach. To get his hands on those monies. And I would suggest if you haven't read. The very serious indictment handed down by the Ninth Circuit. The Ninth Circuit of all courts. The indictment that almost rises to the level of a of a ritual, an operation. On the states attorney general relative to the corruption. And if you study the findings of that panel and listen to the tapes. Their concerns echo the same concerns. That I have expressed relative to the criminal ruse engaged in by the city manager. A city manager, the mayor. And his aunt Carmela. Relative to gifting $300,000 of tidelands money. If you listen to the tapes. Of the justices. Their reaction is the same as mine relative to the conduct here, and it is just a matter of time. And this goes to the issue until we do have a new mayor. And a new city manager. And at that time at that time, we will be well positioned to manage those moneys otherwise. As I expressed to Mr. Bloomberg. In my view, the record indicates this would just be feeding. The same version of our local version of Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall. Mr. Bloomberg is no dummy. He's seen it all. And if we fail and this money grab is fouled up. We will have a extraordinarily difficult time obtaining any grants from any organization. In the future. So I would suggest we hold off until we have the new mayor and the new city manager and have a government and a local government. It can be contrasted, it can be trusted and not viewed as thoroughly corrupt as that is the view of. Increasing numbers in this city. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Always a pleasure. Thank you. I mean, any other public comment? No public comment saying no council speakers. Please cast your votes.
Speaker 5: Think motion carries eight, sir.
Speaker 4: Thank you. I just going to make a quick comment and then move on to the last item for for the councilwoman. I just wanted to just briefly say, I want to thank I'll certainly on behalf of the council, Bloomberg Philanthropies, who I know is paying attention and watching the work that all of us are doing in Long Beach. And I want to thank them for everyone from Mayor Bloomberg down to the folks in the staff that have entrusted and really believe that Long Beach is one of these 14 world class cities that they've chosen to kind of bring some of the best economic minds, social scientists and others, to look at ways we can improve economic development. This is a group that's looking forward to working with our Economic Development Committee of the City Council. It's a group that's looking forward to working with our staff, and we're we're excited about future opportunities with Bloomberg Philanthropies with this. I believe this is just the beginning. And it's a it's great to see the support and certainly we look forward to welcoming them to Long Beach, probably in a mr. Motorcade probably in a few months, is when the team will be put together that sound about right. So all good stuff. So thank you very much, Madam Clerk. Item.
Speaker 8: Mr. Mayor. Yes. I did not queue up in time, but I did want to personally thank you. I know that this is not an opportunity that would have come to us on its own without your efforts and your work and your focus on technology and how to bring our city to the highest level possible so that every resident has access and it's a fundamental access issue. We discuss access quite a bit here in the city of Long Beach. We have lots of advocates in our advocacy community that come forward about access for all residents, but not having this kind of access through technology. As a resident of the city of Long Beach is a fundamental core issue for us. And I want to thank you for that.
Speaker 4: Absolutely. Thank you, Councilman Richardson.
Speaker 12: I think this is fantastic for the city of Long Beach. I'm already starting to put together my list of projects for this team to work on in North Long Beach. Mr. Mayor. Congratulations.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Councilwoman Gonzales.
Speaker 7: I, too, want to thank you, Mr. Mayor, and just the direction we're headed as a city. This is an opportune time, and I'm very excited about this. And so I just want to congratulate us, but also you, for taking the lead in making sure that we were obtaining this grant. So thank you very much.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Councilwoman Mongo.
Speaker 5: I also wanted to express my excitement for this exciting grant. As someone who really looks to budget opportunities, leveraging a investment in our city for this great opportunity and for our constituents to to participate through our upcoming Economic Development Commission will be an exciting time for citizens to be engaged in this process. So thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Councilmember Austin.
Speaker 9: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And I do think this is a bold move that could potentially bring benefits to the city. I supported this because I do support out of the box thinking and I support the fact that we do need to be innovative as a city and we do need to get new ideas. I don't want to be duplicate services. I don't want to duplicate efforts. And so I will be watching this process vigilantly. I did. I would like to, you know, have an evaluation process after one year to determine whether or not this is working for us in the manner that we wanted to work for us, because we are investing our our our resources in this as well.
Speaker 4: Evaluation will be part of the components. Absolutely. Well, thank you all again. And I'll just finally say this to the council. Thank you. And I also wanted to say to the council that I actually believe that one of the reasons why we received this grant is actually because of the current makeup of the city council. And they're very I think, very they look at who's on council's and where they're going, and I think it excites them to see that the council that wants to do kind of big and exciting things. And that's a that's a great thing for for Long Beach. So thank you all. Madam Clerk, last item for councilwoman is item 11. I'm sorry. | Contract | Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all necessary documents, and any necessary amendments, to receive and expend grant funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies for an amount up to $3,000,000 over a three-year period, beginning January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2017;
Authorize a required cash match of $1,000,000 over the course of the grant period; and
Increase appropriations in the General Grants Fund (SR 120) in the Department of the City Manager by $1,000,000. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_02032015_14-0976 | Speaker 3: Item ten.
Speaker 5: Yeah. Item number ten. Communications from Council Member Rex Richardson, Chair of the Federal Legislation Committee, but recommendation for approval of the 2015 federal legislative agenda as recommended by the Federal Legislation Committee.
Speaker 4: Okay. I think I'm to turn this over to do I turn this over to Ms.. Tang or Councilman Richardson.
Speaker 12: First, their staff report.
Speaker 4: Let's do this. Let's do it. Do the staff report.
Speaker 3: Yes. We'll give this over to Diana Tang. Okay.
Speaker 7: Mayor, members of the city council. Back in January, January we January 27th, the Federal Legislative Committee had a hearing and we took up the 2015 proposed federal legislative agenda. There was a robust discussion among the committee, and the committee recommended several changes which. Have been reflected in the stock report that you see today. And so with that, I'm available to answer questions.
Speaker 4: Okay. Councilman Richardson.
Speaker 12: Thanks. I thought there was going to be a little bit more of a staff report. I'll tell I'll tell folks what's what's in this legislative agenda. There are a number of things and some of that. Some of them have been high profile. One of them was the AH expressing support for federal legislative changes to ensure that Petco products were covered as they train, as they come in from out of state. So we went ahead and added that to the federal legislative agenda. The committee added a number of other things, like support for the minimum wage increase as proposed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors two 1010 an hour paid maternity leave. Federal legislation for that comprehensive immigration reform. Some business friendly policies. Some language on a holistic approach to gun control. So there were quite a few things here. So there are. So it seems like on a number of these, there seems to be some uncertainty on on readiness on behalf of the council to move forward. So I would add one change that we not make changes to for different items and keep the original language so that we can rework these in committee. It just seems like they're not ready to go yet. So one of them is that we want to change, remove the changes from fire protection, medical marijuana, affordable housing and airport passenger facility charges, and just keep the original language in the original Fed led agenda and so that we can rework those because it seems like there's a lot more discussion and to be made in the committee. So that's my motion.
Speaker 4: Okay. There's a second by Councilman Councilmember. Would you just one more time repeat those sections again? So you said.
Speaker 12: So it's the Fire Protection Directive. So we're going to keep original language and send that in that back to committee to rework medical marijuana. We're going to do the same on that council directive on affordable housing. We're going to do the same. And on airport passenger facility charges, we're going to keep we're not going to make any changes there and rework those in committee.
Speaker 4: Okay. And so just so I'm clear, so those items we sent will be removed from the federal committee and then sent back to committee, and then your proposal would move forward. The agenda minus those items?
Speaker 12: Yeah. Minus those changes. Okay.
Speaker 4: Okay. I have a motion and a second. I'm going to do public comment and then I have some speakers. Any public comment on the item?
Speaker 3: Please.
Speaker 8: Diana LA genes again. Hi. I actually have a little bit of a question. I'm not quite understanding where the medical marijuana you're asking that to be removed from the from the federal pledge or some changes that are that. I would hate to see that particular item totally removed because that's really at the forefront right now. And we do need to continue with that. Is I misunderstanding something?
Speaker 4: I think I believe the the motion is to have these items be taken up at committee so they can be retrieved and stopped.
Speaker 12: So my understanding is that the Fed ledge agenda exists. We update it once a year. Right. So we proposed the commission. The committee proposed a certain number of changes to certain elements. I want to hold off on those changes and rework those changes in committee. So. The changes are what we're holding back on.
Speaker 8: Oh, okay. I was not quite sure. Okay. So fine. As long as it's not totally on is. I know it's coming back. It's a very, very important issue. I mean, it's at the forefront right now. So. So then the next thing that I would say is, is there a way that we can prioritize certain items, like, for instance, because it is so much in the forefront right now that really does need to be addressed very strongly. And I know it was put on the Fed, uh, federal legislation, um, before, but I'm just wondering how strongly that is going forward. And perhaps if there is a way to prioritize these items, that that should be one of the priorities. So that's what I'm I'm saying that perhaps there should be some items that you prioritize in your dealings with the with the feds that certain items should come forward with more priority. Okay. So that's what I'm proposing. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 8: Good evening. And Cantrell. And I'd like a clarification also. I haven't seen a new staff report. It sounded like maybe there was one out today in the old staff reports for this item, I could not find anything that reflected. Council member Mungo's amendment at the last Fed ledge committee meeting, where she said that instead of just saying you wanted to have the Petroleum Coke railroad cars covered, that she you add all products that pollute during transport be covered. And is is has that change been made in your. Staff. Recommendations.
Speaker 4: I'm going to have a answer that.
Speaker 7: Sure many members of the city council. That change was not made in the staff's report. Councilman Mungo had requested that all products be covered during transport. I believe there was a robust discussion on the importance of these these statements before his position on matters to be specific, so that we know exactly what it is that the city of Miami is taking a position on. Councilmember Mongo then said that she could go either way on that item, and for that reason it is not included in that report.
Speaker 8: Well, as I watched the tapes, I saw that she made the amendment. It was accepted by Councilmember Gonzalez as a friendly amendment, and it was never withdrawn. You voted to pass this when she says she can go either way? I would say that that means that she wasn't jetting to having any change me. I hope you all understand that when you're saying you're going to cover the pet coke cars, you are not saying you're going to cover the coal cars. There is a difference between these and you definitely need to add. If you're not going to say all products. Add Cole to this because Councilmember Richardson indicated that that was what he wanted to happen. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you so much. Next week, please.
Speaker 9: Evening, Mr. Mayor.
Speaker 3: Members of the council.
Speaker 9: I'm Eric Boyd, deputy district director for Congresswoman Janice Hahn.
Speaker 3: And let me first of.
Speaker 9: All say that we greatly appreciate receiving the information about this committee's work. It's good for us to keep abreast of what you're doing and support of the congresswoman's work. And in particular, she wanted to say thank you to the committee for your support of the minimum wage, the proposed minimum wage hike, and then also.
Speaker 3: For the.
Speaker 9: Committee's support of comprehensive immigration reform. If you've read any of her comments over the course of the last year and a half or so, you know that the congresswoman is a little less than pleased with the glacial pace of legislative movement and progress in this particular Congress and in 114, for that matter. So any any pressure that can be that can be applied, particularly from local governments, we think is is important and it will not be ignored. So what you've done here is is very important. And she's very appreciative of that. I understood you to say that the committee is going to be discussing a few more items in the course of that discussion if you've not already done so. We would encourage you also to consider making some kind of recommendation to the president in his budgetary proposals this year. You know, there's a there's a provision that's going to possibly reduce some of the harbor maintenance tax gains that have been made for the expenditure that the Harbor Maintenance Tax Fund. And we think that's particularly important to the two ports here. The San Pedro Bay Ports complex, as you know, is the largest in the country. For years, the Harbor Maintenance Tax Fund, we believe, has been has been administered in a way that is disadvantageous to larger ports and our two in particular. So we would ask the committee to take up that that issue as well, and maybe perhaps make a recommendation or and or a or and or take a stance in that regard as well.
Speaker 3: Thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 8: Hi, I'm Susan Dombrowski. I live in Long Beach. I wanted to address the the two issues of the trains, one carrying the Coke coal and I agree about. I would like to see that the however it is handled here, but just want to express my interest in having Councilwoman Mungo's request that all products that pollute during transit be covered. I did listen several times and I wasn't present at that meeting, and it really did sound like she was not going to go either way, that she really wanted that in there. So please consider that. Also the issue of the the health department has requested the notification of system of notification and response. When crude oil is in transit through our city. That is has been a recommendation in these in these recommendations seeking federal legislation. However, the original recommendations included the word funding for that which the health department has requested funding if the city does need to response to an incident, an accident or related situations when because crude oil is rail shipments of crude oil are generally contain a more flammable product compared to regular refined crude and present an increased risk to vulnerable populations in sensitive environments. So funding for that is, I think, a very important part, not just to know that these trains are coming through, but what can be done with them. And then one of the things about assuming that you do vote for these recommendations regarding the trains and other forms of transit of these. Pollutants that you not just seek federal legislation. I was not able to go to the state committee meeting, today's state committee meeting today, but I have not seen anything I haven't been aware of . Look for it that there has been anything regarding these items. The trains and the pollutants and the crude oil. Seeking state regulation, if and when that comes up. And any other methods you might use in places, you might try to get something done about regulating these. I hope there's a serious commitment and not just saying we did our part by recommending that it go for federal legislation. I hope you will persevere until these trains and other polluting vehicles are covered. And this is an environmental justice issue which you can easily picture if you look at the map and who lives around these communities . And the I've been to Long Beach Association of children with asthma and seen the.
Speaker 4: Amount me I'm sorry time is all up thank you thank you so much for coming in speaking. I see no other public comment. We're going to go back and turn over to the council. I have Councilman Ringo who made the second.
Speaker 2: Well, first of all, I want to thank Councilmember Richardson for and and the federal legislative committee for bringing this forward. I think it's a very thoughtful and comprehensive agenda that we're presenting and that we will be looking at. The initiatives are are broad based economic development, public safety, sustainable, livable cities and local control. And I hope that these will keep our Long Beach at the forefront of our new and positive changes that we're doing. I also am particularly supportive of legislation that helped with business development, and I look forward to working with our representatives to create a new living wage jobs and particularly here in Long Beach. In regard to the last topic of our coverage of Petroleum Coke. I am very, very supportive of that, and I hope that we move forward with that as well. Perhaps, given that we do have some other products that might be transported through our city that are not covered, that we might want to look and revisit that. However, in the interest of moving this forward, I suggest that we keep the worrying as it is presently and perhaps look at another way of adding other petroleum products as a whole. But other than that, I want to congratulate the committee. It's a it's a it's a broad and it's comprehensive. And it's certainly something that we can look forward to in the future. And it's also inclusive of housing, which is another big issue that we'll be dealing with the very near future as well. So we're very, very pleased with that. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you. Councilmember. I have Councilmember Mongo Councilwoman Munger.
Speaker 5: I'd like to make the motion to approve the federal legislative agenda as recommended by the Federal Legislative Committee with the addition of my intended motion of covering pollutant products. Do have a second. Thank you. There's no buttons to put this stuff.
Speaker 4: Actually, I'm going to ask. So, Madam Clerk, if there's a. A substantive motion that wants to be made. You would just push motion again or what would you push?
Speaker 5: Yes. Once they voice it, then we will activate it here and then you will have the option to motion in second.
Speaker 4: Okay. So just to be clear, since where we all have new technology screens you've been using for a few weeks here now. So just to be clear, Councilwoman Mongeau just made a substitute motion and Councilman Price at seconded that motion, and that is to go back to the Fed alleged committee as presented by staff in the memo . Is that correct, Councilwoman? Yes. Okay, great. Thank you. And one point of clarification, I just wanted to make also, it was my impression that in the original motion. Which is presented, the issue on the covered trains was addressed. I thought it was Coke products, Petco products call. So that was my impression. But I'm not sure.
Speaker 12: Absolutely. So I don't think that we need to like. I wanted to wait to the appropriate time to state it. But the intent of what came out of this commission is that all Petco products will be covered, not necessarily cold. All Petco products are covered.
Speaker 3: That's not what I said.
Speaker 5: So in the in the committee, we.
Speaker 12: Talked to the original motion. If that helps to clarify, then that's the intent. I don't think we wanted to select like one particular type of coal versus another type of coal. I think the idea was, you know, we want to cover those products as they come in. And even more so like we there was another question about, you know, whether state or federal. So we already have assumed rule 1158. That requires all coal and petroleum products to be covered. So all we're saying is there's an exemption for trains that come in from out of state. So this already lists coal and petroleum products. We're saying we want to extend this to federal right so that it includes trains that come in from out of state. So hopefully that clear that helps to clarify.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Councilmember. I'm going to go. The city attorney wants to say a comment and I'm going to go to the maker of the motion.
Speaker 3: I was just a question on the substitute motion. If it included the recommendation by the original maker of the motion of CD nine to refer those proposed changes back to the committee on the four items he identified.
Speaker 4: She's going to speak to it right now.
Speaker 3: And. Okay.
Speaker 4: Okay. Councilman Michaels.
Speaker 5: Specifically, several weeks ago, I came to the federal legislative committee meeting prepared to talk about almost 50 different items listed in our several hundred items that the federal legislative committee is going to be advocating for over the next year. One of the things that I was very passionate about is prioritizing. We have certain amounts of resources, and it's important that we prioritize the things that are good for the economic growth and development of Long Beach, things that bring jobs. We are very supportive of Congresswoman Horn's item in bringing that money back to Long Beach. And with regard to the comment about medical marijuana. The item that was presented in the Fed pledged by a previous council was for us to advocate for other states policies and procedures and in discussions with the marijuana community. Some of the procedures and policies that other states have. Aren't things that I believe Long Beach should be advocating for because we have a difference of opinion and it needs to be debated as well. And so what we decided to do at that time, which councilmember. Gonzalez received the friendly amendment was that we made a couple of changes to the original Fed led agenda as presented to us by our predecessors. We added in immigration reform, we added in maternity leave advocacy, we added in living wage advocacy. We built in business friendly policies. We added in understanding of the mental health issue as it relates to gun control. We added in. Finding funding to help businesses when they need to put in fire protection. For those of you who don't remember, there was a particular city who had a very sticky lobbyist who went around and got enforcement of fire protection sprinklers without providing that grant funding. And he was a a family member of an elected official. And all of a sudden, every house in the city had fire protection sprinklers in them. We are looking to do the right thing for residents of Long Beach. And that's why when it talked about homeland security grants and affordable housing, we want to be able to open up those affordable housing units. If someone who no longer qualifies for affordable housing won't leave. We want to give landlords the opportunity to increase the rent on the individual who doesn't qualify and open up another room, another unit in the same building or in their same vicinity so that those individuals who need affordable housing are not suffering. Additionally, we wanted local and direct control over our airport passenger facility charges. Local control is a way that we as a community can ensure that those funds are spent appropriately and so respectfully. I hope that I will gain the support of my colleagues to approve the Fed large agenda as discussed in committee and vetted in committee. Otherwise, I would hope that there would be a substitute substitute to send the whole thing back to committee because that's where the work really needs to be done. But I advocate for us passing this motion as brought to us today, as we do need to get to work for the good citizens of Long Beach.
Speaker 4: Councilwoman Price was the second on that substitute. Did you want to speak? Because I didn't see you cued up, but you speak to the second?
Speaker 6: No, I just wanted to say that I support what Councilwoman Domingo has said. And I know that the committee spent a lot of time on this. I know that she's personally considered these issues. And I think that I'm supportive of the substitute motion. I encourage my colleagues to vote for the substitute motion.
Speaker 4: Councilmember Austin.
Speaker 9: Yes. I need a point of clarification now on your motion councilmember Mongo. Your substitute substitute. What are you trying to accomplish with that? And can you just read restate it for me. So.
Speaker 5: So presented in the council packet this week is the memo from the Fed Ledge Committee, which outlines a couple of key things that we're changing to the federal legislative agenda as brought forward by our predecessors. And while we as a committee agreed that there's still much work to do, this was a starting point for what we can do for the citizens of Long Beach and our D.C. trip in March. And so I would like the work of the committee and the changes as proposed to be accepted. My colleague, the chair of the committee, came forth today after previously voting yes on these items and would like to remove fire protection, supporting states procedures and regulations related to medical marijuana, which, as I mentioned, we did not have a list of what those procedures would be that we would be supporting, which was a scary idea, affordable housing, which would open up other units for those who are in need of affordable housing and just general local control of our passenger facility charges.
Speaker 9: Okay. I'm trying to figure out what the motion was to.
Speaker 5: To pass what was originally presented. The original motion made by my colleague came with amendments right out the gate. So I'm going back to the original.
Speaker 9: Okay. And I'd just like to express my support for for the local control, for airport passenger facility charges, I think. I mean, what was what was our what was the on the agenda or the the part of the PED legenda and the proposed changes are not much different in terms of the wording. I mean, I think it means the same thing that we support local control. Bottom line, I was looking for to to some more clarity on the matter in terms of what I believe the intent of this council was when the the issue of petroleum, coke and coal came through here and the commitment we made as a as a body. To me, petroleum Coke products are different than coal and other products. And so I think we need to be a little bit more specific in calling out what we want to see covered coming through our city petroleum, coke, coal and petroleum products, transportation. I think that is important to that. We specify that because if we just say petcoke products, it's going to be open ended. And, you know, we didn't really mean that. And it's going to be interpreted differently, you know, by by federal legislators in the future, city councils. And so I think that needs to be tightened up. And so I would would hope that you are open to a friendly amendment to specify that language in your intent.
Speaker 5: I will have more the second on the motion. Absolutely.
Speaker 9: And that's been like nice. I think I'm good. I think I just want to commend the federal pledge committee. I want to commend staff for their work. And then to the the the woman who who I offer public comment around the state legislative committee. We had a state legislative committee meeting earlier this afternoon. I chaired that committee. And yes, we did offer a similar language. We may need to go and tighten that up as well. But your point was well-taken. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you. Next, we have Councilmember Richardson.
Speaker 12: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. So. So I think just as a matter of education, this this agenda helps to guide our lobbying efforts in and in D.C. for federal legislation that we think might be beneficial to the city of Long Beach. And a number of things have been added over the years, some of which have had a lot of discussion here in the city of Long Beach. So. My original motion was to send some of the changes back. So that doesn't mean we're not going to take on some of them, but take send some of the changes back to the committee and just a few of them to note like what the difference between a change in the original language. If we were to look at City Council directive on affordable housing. Now this change says support of federal a change in federation federal laws to prohibit tenants who no longer meet income requirements from continuing to leave , to leave and live in units that are dedicated for affordable housing. And then the change would be to provide landlord options to increase rent for people who had originally been living in affordable housing units and reduce the rent for another unit. So we still have the number of affordable housing units available more quickly in the environment. Now, that process is not something that we can like distinctly just do as a city. Just say, Hey, this unit or that unit is affordable or not affordable. There are more considerations here that need to be vetted through the housing community. And so that's why I say some of this is is I'm not prepared to move forward on some of these. But another thing is there's no particular rush. We have a very thorough, very comprehensive Fed led agenda that city staff has done a great job at honing into different categories and putting things together that help us to prioritize our lobbying efforts. So it so my thought is that moving forward on some of these may may put us in a larger predicament with the communities that we actually serve by not checking with them and working with them on some of these particularly like the one on affordable housing. And that's my that's what gives me pause about moving forward on a number of these. So that said, I'd like to I want to move something forward tonight. I want to make sure everybody has the opportunity to read it. But at the same time, I really want to dig in in this committee. And I know there are members on this committee who want to dig in. And I think some of these need to be vetted out with some of the partners and stakeholders. And nine experts right now don't need to make all the decisions on every single policy. So that said, I'd like to offer a substitute substitute motion, and I would hope that my colleagues can support this. That is, to go back to the substitute. Substitute motion is to go back and remove the change on fire protection, remove the change on affordable housing, remove the airport passenger facility charges. We want to we we want to be clear on the position on Coke and petroleum products to read support federal legislation to require that coal and petroleum products from outside California in railcars be covered during transport to the port of Long Beach for export. And as it relates to the the one to medical marijuana, the debate tonight was actually pretty good about the original language that was in there might not fit today. I mean, in 2016, there might be a ballot initiative that changes everything. So I would say that we don't move forward with this one at all, like what's in there existing or what the changes. So those are my changes. So that would be we we keep original language on fire protection, affordable housing, Air Force, airport, passenger facility charges. We add the clarity on petroleum Coke products and our medical marijuana. We strike that all together.
Speaker 4: Okay. Can you is there is there a second on that motion?
Speaker 9: Point of clarification. Yes. I mean, I'm I want to second this, but I want some clarification as to why we need to go back in and deal with the airport passenger facility charges and local control on that.
Speaker 4: Okay. And just so you know, someone did chime in in second it. So but we can get clarification.
Speaker 12: So just again, just to clarify, there's already language in the Fed ledger agenda on this. And there were there was a request to change that language from the original language. Words support federal authorization to allow local governments to increase airport passenger facility charges. And the proposed changes support legislation that increases airport passenger facility charges or gives direct local, local control. Now, it sounds like there that might be just those three extra words, might just be a nuance. But I want to check with the airport community. I want to check with the our department. I want to check with our stakeholders and see like what the impact is if we do that. So why make a change if we're just adding three words? But I'm actually okay if if like I'm okay figuring out. You know, if we got to get do if we have to make some changes to this to make it pass tonight, I'm okay. But I think that that in those three words, we can just take our time and have a discussion with the airport community.
Speaker 4: Okay. There's a there's a motion by Councilmember Richardson and a second about Councilman Gonzalez. Councilman, do you want to speak to your second or do you want to continue on the speaker's list?
Speaker 7: Sure. I'll just I'll speak. I would say the same thing. I mean, we had maybe an hour to go through many of these these items. And so it leaves me with feeling like I need to make better informed decisions with more information. And so I do have a lot of questions in particular about the airport. I mean, does that affect our grant funding locally? I mean, there's a lot of different questions. I mean, the affordable housing, does that give landlords more power? I don't know. I mean, these are information. This is more information that we need. And I think that we need to go back and discuss this a little bit further with what we can. So that's why I'm seconding that motion.
Speaker 4: Okay. And next up on the speakers list, I have Vice Mayor Lowenthal. And just as we move forward, this is a reminder, what we have right now is a substitute substitute motion by Richardson. GONZALES Vice Mayor LOWENTHAL.
Speaker 8: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I wanted to understand from Councilmember Mongeau or Councilmember Richardson or the city attorney, whomever can tell me. The substitute substitute motion, removing the four items and sending them back to discussion. Three items. Sorry. Sending them. That's right. Three items and sending them back to discussion and eliminating the medical marijuana piece. How many items are remaining from the original discussion at committee where Councilmember Mongeau had asked for additions? Are these all of her additions that you're sending back?
Speaker 4: I wouldn't know the answer to that, but no.
Speaker 12: So of the additions, we have minimum wage, no business friendly policies and the addition of gun control. Those to I believe originated it from as well as homeland security grants. So those were all originated by council member Mongo minimum wage. Paid maternity leave were initiated by myself. I believe immigration reform was initiated by by Councilmember Gonzalez. But at the same time, you know, we all we all had a discussion we on a number of these, I think, as a matter of policy, matter of process, toward the end of the meeting with about five, you know, five or six meetings, minutes left, there were about seven or eight amendments that were added in that no one had more than 2 minutes to really hear as a friendly. And that friendly was accepted by Councilmember Gonzalez. And that's how these things arrived here. And none of us have had any time to even look at them.
Speaker 8: Okay.
Speaker 4: Okay.
Speaker 8: Actually, so sorry. Mr. Mayor.
Speaker 5: In response to both Mayor Lowe and those question and Council Member Richardson's response, this federal legislative agenda was presented to council in November, and as a member of this Council, I take it very seriously before I vote, even at the committee level, to meet with the mental health community, landlords and actual member of the low income community who specifically told me that they couldn't get into a unit because the landlord couldn't evict the low income tenant who didn't qualify anymore so that they could move into the building. Each and every one of these amendments was made. Quickly. And I appreciate that in my family to speak, you'd only get a few seconds, so you got to say it quick. And so, yes, those were quickly given off at the end of the federal legislative agenda item because there was such an. A rush to get through that meeting and get into closed session. We were already behind in all these other issues. But that does not mean that I would ever propose something where I was not informed about the communities and in discussion with those communities as well. This federal legislative agenda was presented in advance of this meeting with time for consideration of the public and the council members. And specifically, I do not see that the substitute substitute is different from the original motion. If I could get a point of clarification from the City Attorney as the original motion removed council directive on medical marijuana and the new motion while it now leaves it out. The original motion was a removal of it anyway, so I feel as though they're almost the same.
Speaker 3: Vice mayor, members of the council. I think you're right, they are almost the same. My understanding of the difference between the first motion and the substitute substitute does strike the medical marijuana, but it also adds additional language regarding the coal and petroleum products, which wasn't in his first motion.
Speaker 5: So when I made my substitute motion, someone had said that it was in there. And so that's where I got the point of confusion.
Speaker 3: I didn't have that additional language that the councilmember from the ninth District added to the substitute substitute. So that's an additional change that I think has enough substance to create.
Speaker 1: Understood.
Speaker 5: And then the last component was to answer Councilmember Austin's question. In the original version, three words do make a big difference where a comma is and where an end is, is, is very crucial in determining what we support or we don't support the way that this will read. Should we support it today is that we will support legislation that increases airport passenger facility charges and or legislation that gives direct local control over passenger facility charges. Even if that legislation does not propose an increase in the original language for us to get there, it had to include an increase. Now we're supporting legislation on either front, and so it's broadened the amount of support that we can have in the airport community.
Speaker 4: Okay. Thank you. Vice President So that you have anything additional and your comment.
Speaker 8: You know, I know we have a timeline where we'd like to have a federal agenda so that when our committee members do go on behalf of the city of Long Beach to D.C., we have an agenda. And so in the interest of passing the most crucial aspects of these items or of the entire agenda, but while also giving credence to the issues that Councilmember Mungo brings up, I'm trying to find where that balance is, and I don't know. So I'm really looking to my colleagues to collaborate on this and understand that what Councilmember Mongo brings forward, they're really important. These are items that we have as a city have evolved, whether it addresses airport issues, medical marijuana, any of these items that she brings up. And I worry that sending it back to committee with an acknowledged, without an acknowledgment of how significant they are and how important they are to that would almost assure that they don't get discussed. And so I'm feeling I'm feeling concerned about that. And that's not very scientific. It's just a gut feeling that I have. And so if you can help me where I honor my call, our colleagues interest in advancing an agenda that's right for Long Beach while also approving an agenda that you three can go to D.C. with . That would help me.
Speaker 12: If I could just respond as the maker of the motion. So when we discussed it in committee, what I suggest it was, rather than having two meetings a year, how Fiddler's did in the past, I'm okay going to meetings bi monthly so we can spend more time to evaluate these issues. And I asked that if there were a lot like major changes to hold them off. And Councilmember Gonzalez only submitted one or two. I submitted one or two with the expectation that moving forward, we're going to meet more often, more frequently to tackle this robust policy agenda. Now, I'm going to put that back on the table today. I'm willing to meet more often so that we can tackle some of these issues and give it the thought and consideration that it needs. And I think that I think that my colleagues should take it seriously when we say we'll discuss a number of these issues and others at the committee level. And just one more thing. This committee met twice and for a total total of an hour and a half to get where we are, it's going to take a lot of time. This is not a process we need to rush. So if there are things that people have concerns about, I'm okay taking it back and discussing them.
Speaker 4: Okay, I'm gonna make a comment and then I'm going to go back to the speaker's list here. I just want to confirm the that the members of the public are watching. I want to just first say that this agenda is actually really important to the city. And so this conversation and discussion is healthy. That's why we should have these conversations. It's this is the agenda that we will take to D.C. once this body passes it as a major document. And you can imagine that when you're talking about everything from immigration reform to medical marijuana to port products to gun control, there's a lot of opinions and a lot of discussion that happens. And so to put an agenda forward that we all agree on, I think is always significant for us to move forward. And so I want to start by thanking all three members of the committee, because they've actually put in a lot of work. All three of them have, and I think that's important to note. What I'm wondering about also is clearly what I what I'm hearing is there's an interest and I share this interest of getting an agenda done so we can have something in front of us as we move forward. But I think there's also clearly some concerns, particularly Councilmember Councilwoman Mungo has some concerns about a series of items that she wants to have to be considered discussed. And so she wants some of the verbiage. She's not comfortable with others she feels she wants to have not in bit discussed. So I'm wondering is if if the motion on the floor passes, I think it would be appropriate that those items as listed and I'm not sure what they all are would be on the agenda hopefully in the next couple of weeks so that those can be discussed thoroughly. And on any given committee day, this agenda can be changed and then brought back to the council. So we have a meeting that this needs to be done by in March. And so this process wouldn't would need to be completed over the course of the next 30 days. A committee meeting would do these items and then come back to the council. So if we move forward with the motion. I'd like to ask that Councilman Mangos items be on the agenda. Councilman Richardson And I'm not sure if that's going to fly with everyone or not, but I'm just saying that that would be my my request . I'm going to keep going down the speaker's list.
Speaker 3: Councilmember Andrew. Yes. And I want to thank you for that, because listening to, you know, all of our colleagues, you know, which is very concerned about what they're speaking out. But, you know, we talked about low income, but, you know, in my district, we have low, low income. And I really think you should really take that in consideration when you do take these things, because I'm on the committee with Councilman Austin and this is what I'm hearing tonight. It just seems like every one of these you and I mean Councilman go and Mr. Richardson, you guys are very close and I think is no relation any of these things. We have to get this and get it right because we're going to take it to a body that really will make some decisions that we really need to be very, you know, entrenched and understanding. So I would really thank both of you, you know, for you bringing two forward. And I will consider my voting, but I will. I'm listening to and I think we're close. We're very close. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Councilwoman Mango.
Speaker 5: I hope that before us or 130 items of which I made 25 recommendations at Fed Ledge. Yes, we only spoke for an hour and a half and there were multiple things before the committee. And. If we are not clear on what we are speaking on, then we should not be voting today. We should not be voting on a policy that hasn't been discussed and vetted. I'm comfortable with. This with my emotion because I've done my research and I'm clear on understanding what I believe we can do to improve advocacy for the mental health community, for our low income community, and for our business community. Through the amendments that I made and I hope that I can receive the support of my colleagues both on the committee that voted with me before and today, to get back to the second motion, which is to approve the items as amended and to continue to have discussion because. We shouldn't approve things that we have at least know. And if we'd like to go item by item through them, I'd be more than happy to. There are serious concerns on the original language. We don't only want to support local control of our airport fees if it includes an increase and it sounds like a small change. But these small changes are pivotal to the way that we advocate as a city. And one of the things that if you watch the video from several weeks ago, you will notice is I am for a significantly reduced federal legislative agenda. We have a certain amount of resources and we as a city, we need to prioritize how we spend those. So I asked my council colleagues today to vote no on the motion on the floor and stand with me on the amended, the second motion, the substitute motion to go back to the original item as proposed.
Speaker 4: Council member, Ringo.
Speaker 2: Thank you, Mary. And in actuality, you touched upon something that that I that I originally stated. I see this as a live document. It it's due to change. It has been changed. It came to the legislative committee with recommendations already there from previous councils, from our previous colleagues, because they felt they were important. And what we've done or what the legislative committee has done was review those and either affirmed or made a effort to adjust them, change them, and, as you say, add some. So I see this as a living document. And what I'm saying, when I when I did my original comments in support of the original motion, was that for the purpose of getting these things forward and before our legislative committee, when we all go do go to DC, that we have something in front of us to present to our legislators that that would be supportive of our positions. Now I'm saying that with the knowledge that it's a living document, it's going to change. We're going to be revisiting some of these items here. We're going to be tweaking them a little more. And we can go that go there with that message that what we're giving you here is our agenda items are directives for Long Beach in principle. This is what we this is what we want to do. This is what we can talk about. This is a direction that we want to take. So I'm still I'm still with my original motion from the beginning that we move ahead with the agenda as presented by the legislative committee.
Speaker 4: Okay. Next, I have Councilwoman Pryce.
Speaker 6: Can I inquire of Councilmember Richardson what the detriment or negatives would be of accepting Councilwoman Mango's substitute motion? What do you see as the negatives of that?
Speaker 12: I think the distinct difference between my motion and Councilmember Mango's motion are the elements that we pointed out have some changes to them that have not been thought through and vetted out. Someone just said a moment ago, if you're not comfortable voting on something that you're not entirely clear on, then you want to support the substitute motion or the original motion, which was to exclude these things that folks have questions about. So the original motion was to send the things that have that we have uncertainty about back to committee. We made a commitment to vet them. The only. So it really comes down to whether you want to approve this Fed led agenda with all these changes where two of the three committee members have expressed their concerns. We've sat through all of the 90 minutes of the two committee meetings, and we've expressed our concerns and we're okay in due diligence. We will step forward and vet those in a more timely manner so we can have a healthy discussion. But I have to tell you, a number of these items, a number of these issues in a lot of these changes, if we vote on them, they are changing our legislative agenda. Right. We haven't done any significant outreach, particularly on housing, with the housing community, with the apartment association, with any of these folks, about what it distinctly means to play around with the way that we designate what is considered affordable housing. That is something sacred in this city. People take it very seriously, and I do not think that we should rush into this. That's why my motion is not to strike down these items out of the agenda. I don't want include some of these changes until they're very that's that's really the basis of my motion. Now, I'm again, I'm okay pursuing this, looking into it again. I'll take more time out of my schedule to vet, you know, 25 more of these these suggestions. And I do think we need to figure out a way to tailor them and streamline them. But the reality is a significant amount of work has been done on this agenda. A few things were slated at the last minute. I'm uncomfortable with them, and I'm not the only one that's uncomfortable with in my office, particularly on housing and a number of these issues. My office has been contacted and so I'm putting forth what I think is the best direction for this council if if folks want to move forward with these changes tonight. By all means, utilize your vote. But I would encourage folks to support the substitute substitute on the table, which allows us to meet the concerns needed. Concerns expressed about meeting a timetable to potentially get these back in before the Fed large trip, as well as approving this. This Fed led agenda tonight so that we have what we need to move forward.
Speaker 6: On that note, regardless of how the vote turns out tonight, I do want to thank the members of the Fed Ledge Committee, because I think this is really important work for our city. I agree with Councilwoman Mongo that our resources are limited and we really have to be advocating for the things that impact our citizens and our businesses directly and really try to stay out of collateral things that don't involve our city directly. So I want to thank you guys for the work that you've done. I know you're going to do great work for us when you are in DC. Regardless of how this vote turns out tonight, I want to have an opportunity to thank you guys for the work you've you've done. And regardless of where we go, we've come a long way. So.
Speaker 4: Absolutely. Counts. Councilmember actually. Councilman Richardson, you're cued up. You're going to pass. Councilmember Austin.
Speaker 9: Well, I'm glad I go to the concerns and the plotting, the Fair Logic Committee. This is this is pretty, pretty extensive work. On the bright side, you'll have the office holder accounts to be able to travel to D.C..
Speaker 5: I could run the meeting on all these items and have time for fundraising.
Speaker 1: All of.
Speaker 9: Yes, indeed. I'm I'm going to go ahead and support the substitute substitute motion in effort to move the debate. It has been mentioned over and over that this is a living document. And if the substitute substitute motion actually holds back some of these items and sends it to committee two to allow you to to rework that, I think that's the best thing here. I think we have had a very exhaustive debate on this matter. And and if we can agree on agreeing on, you know, most of the federal alleged agenda and then allowing the committee to go back to work on some of those other issues, I think we're great. I just think it's important that we get out of here and have a clear understanding and and delineation, particularly on the the petcoke coal and petroleum products. And I think that is in. Mr. Councilmember Richardson Richardson's substitute substitute motion.
Speaker 4: But thank you. We have a final final comment from Councilman Mongo, and then we'll go to a vote.
Speaker 5: Charlie, I think that there's a misunderstanding of the substitute substitute, because when I understand that that my changes are being removed, it means that this council is voting for the. The policies that were written. It is not saying that we are going silent on the matter. It means that we are voting on something where specifically we have discussed that the wording is disadvantageous to residents in our committee. So just be clear that if you vote yes on the substitute substitute you're voting that when you want local control, you're also voting for increases when you vote on affordable housing. You're stating that when people are continuing to live in those units that instead of giving landlords options to find other livable units for low income housing, they must evict the person who's in there to make that available. You're also voting for requiring businesses to spend money on sprinkler systems without partner grant funding. And again, these are some of the very small wins that we got out of federal ledge versus the 25 of the 130 items that I was passionate about discussing that I had done my research on, that I had come prepared and talked to advocacy, advocacy groups. And so I strongly encourage that my colleagues support the substitute motion with a friendly amendment from my colleague, Mr. Austin, Councilmember Austin with the Petroleum Coke.
Speaker 4: I think we have one more comment and then we're going to go to a vote. Councilwoman Gonzales.
Speaker 7: I just also want to add a point of clarity to this. So just to get us all on the same page, I guess. But Councilmember Mongeau, I think when you're when you're saying all these things, it's it's you know, we're we're not voting on these items that you're mentioning right now. We're voting to bring it back to council, to I'm sorry, to committee to to get this out further. And so I think that's what we're we're intending to do with the majority of these, because there's still so many questions to be asked and so many answers that we don't have.
Speaker 5: So maybe I need a point of clarification, which is how I started my comment. Charlie and or Diana, do you now see that the motion as it stands would remove item 17 and six and 26 and four from the legislative agenda completely, or it would remove my changes and restore it to the original.
Speaker 4: Mr. City Attorney.
Speaker 3: Mayor and members of the council. I believe it's the latter. It removes the changed language that and refers those items back to committee for further discussion.
Speaker 7: We're going to work.
Speaker 5: But they're still in the motion being.
Speaker 4: So we do have we do have a speaker. So first, Councilman Gonzales, you were cued up. Do you have any further.
Speaker 7: Comments to say the substitute substitute will allow us to discuss this further? So that, I think, is the general consensus, it seems like, from the council, who knows? But I think that's the better route to go because we do need more answers to our questions and especially with affordable housing, with fire protection. I mean, there are a lot of things here that are heavy items that we don't have answers to. And this council does not seem to have consensus on moving forward at this time. So I just want to support the substitute substitute for that specific reason.
Speaker 4: Okay. With that members, please go and cast your votes. There is a substitute substitute on the floor.
Speaker 8: Public comment.
Speaker 4: We took public comment. Yes.
Speaker 8: No one can.
Speaker 4: Know. We had speakers at the beginning. It was just a long time ago.
Speaker 3: That's my OC. Please cast your vote.
Speaker 5: Councilman Austin. I'm sorry, Londo, please. Vice Mayor Valentine. Motion carries six two.
Speaker 4: Okay. Thank you. We're going to now go. Those were the four items that we had for Councilwoman Gonzalez. Let's wish her well. Thank you. Good luck. Well, next time, she'll be another mommy. So next time we see her. So thank you. And we're we're going to we're going to take a one minute break, get set up for our presentations. You guys have been very patient. So just a one minute break and we'll start our presentations.
Speaker 1: You know? Yeah.
Speaker 4: Mr. Clarke, I'm going to go ahead and restart the council meeting here. Please do a quick roll call. Started a quorum.
Speaker 3: Councilwoman Gonzales. Vice Mayor Lowenthal. Councilwoman Pryce. Councilman. Councilwoman. Mango. Councilman Andrews. Councilmember Ranga. Councilman Austin. Councilmember Richardson. Mayor Garcia.
Speaker 4: I'm here. Thank you very well. We're going to go and begin with our presentations. We've been very patient in this unusual moving of presentations tonight. So thank you for that. Normally right on the agenda. I want to we probably all know we read about it in the community and in the news that community hospital is celebrating its 90th anniversary, which is very exciting. When you talk about the hospital, it's been a part of Long Beach for for a very long time. I will be the first also to admit it's it's the one hospital that when I've had to go that's where I've gone is to is to community. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to respectfully request City Council approval of the 2015 Federal Legislative Agenda as recommended by the Federal Legislation Committee. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_02032015_14-0935 | Speaker 5: Would you please stand and raise your right hand if you plan to testify or speak to this hearing? Do each of you solemnly state that that the testimony you may give in the cause now in pending before this body shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So help you God?
Speaker 3: Do.
Speaker 4: Thank you. With that, I'm going to turn this over to the city staff. Mr. West.
Speaker 11: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. The staff report will be held will be conducted by Jason McDonnell, our purchasing and business services manager.
Speaker 3: A mayor, council members Jason MacDonald purchasing a business services manager for the Financial Management Department. Tonight you have in front of you the application for entertainment with Dancing for Castille Corporation doing business as the Britt 1744 East Broadway in district to all the necessary departments have reviewed the application. The application and proposed conditions are contained in the packet that was provided. We are prepared to dis address any questions or concerns along with the police department regarding the application or conditions. That concludes my report and were available as needed. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you very much. Now I'm going to go ahead and do some council deliberation and public comments as well. But I'm going to start this off with Vice Mayor Lowenthal.
Speaker 8: Thank. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I wanted to ask the staff and the owners that are here, I believe, to indulge me on this. I know we were trying to get to some consensus with residents and we're pretty close. I think there are a couple of items that we need to still work out. And so I'd like to ask that we put this over for two weeks time certain, which I think makes it February 17th. Is that correct?
Speaker 4: I'm not sure, Mr. City Attorney, is that.
Speaker 8: Yeah. So that's my motion.
Speaker 3: I could certainly move it over.
Speaker 13: To the 17th.
Speaker 3: Yes.
Speaker 4: Okay. So the motion is to move this item to the 17th. That the motion. Okay. Is there a second on that motion?
Speaker 5: Oh, second.
Speaker 4: Okay, there's a second. Can you get. There's no motion before. Could you get a plug in. Pushed the motion please. Thank you. Any public comment on the motion before us today?
Speaker 3: Please.
Speaker 0: My name is Jeff, darling. I represent one of the owners of the Mineshaft Incorporated, one of the seven owners. Holding it over is a little bit inconvenient for us since the owners are in other cities. I came flew down from Northern California in Redding to represent them. Most of them live in several different cities. It's a family trust business. We've operated for 33 years under the current patio situation. The only difference to what we're trying to do is just add entertainment in the changing environment of the bar business. People are more responsible and don't go out right after work and and drink for 2 hours before they go home. We need a business model that can attract business with special events now and this model that we're trying to function under. And it really doesn't it just brings in a deejay. We currently have jukeboxes, so it doesn't really impact the sound level any different than it did before. It just allows us to have special event nights with a, you know, kind of like a Go-Go dancer type person. One of the performers to attract a special event night are hours, a bar hours are affected. You know, if we can't use the patio, if we shut it down at 10:00 per say, that's that's a critical time frame for a bar. That's just how bars work. Bars don't get busy until 10:00. And, you know, they close it, too. So any time we limit the hours, I think it greatly impacts us. I think one of the problems is we want to be good neighbors and being a good neighbor means that the people in close proximity are impacted. But there was an analogy at the last meeting that I watched the video and it said, you know, it's kind of like that when you move next to an airport, you can't expect the planes not to land at an airport. We've been there in operation for many, many years, and when they move there, they are impacted, unfortunately. I think what we need to do as a business is be a good steward and work with the people to add acoustic treatment. One of my proposals, I you know, we can talk about that later if we continue it over that date is not necessarily a great date. That's a very large promotion day. What is that, Fat Tuesday? You know, so it's a drinking holiday. And, you know, so that date in particular might be a difficult one because our managers are needed for operation of a bar. But I am concerned and do want to represent the ownership and Joe has just been put in as a manager and I think under public comment last time they were concerned that, you know, we've made steps to discipline employees that didn't follow the rules. And we've actually had some people have been let go because they weren't applying to the the correct procedures on the patio.
Speaker 4: Okay. Thank you very much. Time's up. Thank you. Sure. And I also just want to make sure that. And I think the comments are appropriate. But we're obviously speaking to the motion, which is to to move the item forward, which is what the motion is on the floor. And so.
Speaker 3: Please. Hi. Good evening, Mr. Mayor. Council constituents, I'm not sure I understand what your motion in.
Speaker 4: The motion on the floor is to take the item, which is the hearing for the for the entertainment, for the licensing over, I believe it was two weeks so that it would be heard continued. And I think that the the motion that you want to clarify was because we're still some items need to be worked out. Vice Mayor.
Speaker 8: Exactly. There's some conditions that I'd like to have further discussion on.
Speaker 3: I see. Okay. Well, in reference to that, uh, you know, I would just piggyback off of what the gentleman said. You know, it is there the livelihood of the bar in the community to have the continuous entertainment or to have that move forward. Um, I'm a local resident now. I mean speech, a close neighbor to the Brit and um, I don't find any, any disturbance with them. And I do, I do see if, if you move into an area when you're, when you're around a bar, that's kind of. The. The choice you make. If you want quietness, go to Lakewood. It's a vibrant community we live in and. Yeah.
Speaker 4: Okay. Thank you. Any other public comment? Okay. There's a motion on the floor to move. I'm sorry, sir. Sir.
Speaker 8: Mr. Mayor, I also have. I'd like to speak again.
Speaker 4: Absolutely. Do you want to hear the last of the comment first?
Speaker 8: I do. Was there someone else?
Speaker 4: I think this gentleman is wants to speak.
Speaker 3: Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor and City Council, I appreciate your time. My name is Jerry Cochran. I own the property at 1735 Second Street and 1732 through 1738 Broadway. My building is directly adjacent to the Brett. And I really take offense at somebody saying that this is the same as an airport. There was a time when the British did not have a patio.
Speaker 0: And my tenants had the right for peace and quiet. And as recently as two weeks ago, we had an incident on a weekend where there was noise out there.
Speaker 3: To the tune of 2:00 in the morning. So I understand.
Speaker 0: They're making changes and trying to adapt.
Speaker 3: I appreciate that. But the noise level, particularly of my tenants on the Broadway building, are directly above almost directly above that patio. And my concern is the timeline that they're going to have this going on is going to prevent my tenant from.
Speaker 0: Getting rest.
Speaker 3: Which means I'm going to have vacancies and I'm going to lose income. And I think it's important that all of us.
Speaker 0: Have an opportunity to make income from the businesses that we run in any area. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you, sir. I no other public comment. Vice Mayor Lowenthal.
Speaker 8: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Wanted to thank the owners and the resident that came to speak. And I appreciate that the second speaker on behalf of this item were to proceed with the item, indicated that he lived close by, which he didn't quite specifically state how close by. But you don't live right next door, I'm certain. And that notwithstanding. When the writ opened. And for however many years until we got here, you did not have a patio. So your conditions and you've evolved you've evolved to the status that you are now and the community has evolved with you. What the property owner indicates is very true. And so our obligation here as a council is not just to look at the economic interests of business, but also to provide a balance. I represent downtown Long Beach, along with Councilmember Gonzalez, and that's where the dining entertainment district is. This is not our first time at looking at entertainment permits. I have looked at more entertainment permits than any other district because that's where most of them are. And so I'm very familiar with this need to ensure that we are very friendly to those who are operating businesses here. But we're also offering a promise to the residents of Long Beach that their quality of life is just as important. And so there's a balance to strike here. So I am not inviting anyone to move to Lakewood. I think that's personally quite offensive. And any one of our residents that heard that, believe us, that that's not our interest here. Our interest is to ensure that we can all live happily together, balanced and respect one another's right to a quality of life. So that having been said, Mr. Mayor, I am willing to, if you will allow it, sidebar with the owners to see if I can work out a couple of these things through my Chief of Staff. And if you could allow us a few minutes, we can go forward with the agenda and then bring it back. If we come to an agreement. If we don't, then my motion will stand to put it over.
Speaker 4: Okay? Yeah. No, I would. I would like that. I think that sounds very reasonable. So what we'll do is Vice Mayor Lowenthal will spent some time with you, with the ownership group to see if we can work out these issues. While we're doing that, I'm going to move the agenda forward. Vice Mayor, if you don't mind, we'll continue the agenda. Okay. So with that, the I don't think we need a motion on that. Is that correct?
Speaker 3: We would need in motion if it's not concluded by the end of the public comment period in order to move on to the next thing, we can table it.
Speaker 4: I have a lot of public comments, so.
Speaker 8: We have lots of speakers as you.
Speaker 4: Do. So let me move on to public comment, general public comment. So thank you for that. So Vice President, I was going to chat with you guys.
Speaker 8: I'm going to some break up. Okay. There's just a very few specific issues. I'm pretty confident he's okay.
Speaker 4: So the vice mayor staff is going to chat with you guys. Okay.
Speaker 8: Thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you. So let's go and move on to public comment. So I have a list of speakers beginning with Mr. Goodhue, then Dennis Dunn. | Public Hearing | Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record, conclude the hearing and grant an Entertainment Permit with conditions on the application of Casto Corporation, Inc., dba The Brit, 1744 East Broadway, for Entertainment With Dancing by Patrons. (District 2) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_02032015_15-0098 | Speaker 4: Thank you. Item number three, Adam Kirk.
Speaker 5: Item number three, communication from City Attorney. Recommendation to adopt resolution of the City Council of the City of Long Beach in support of the Long Beach College Promise.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Councilman Ringo.
Speaker 2: Thank you, Mayor. And I wanted to specifically pull this out because I want to acknowledge the wonderful work that you've done in bringing this forward to include the city in the college promise, along with the Long Beach Unified School District, Cal State, Long Beach and Long Beach City College. I look forward to continuing to continue to work with you and with my colleagues in creating and shaping new opportunities for a well-educated and engaged Long Beach. And all of the assistance that this will provide to students in the Long Beach area. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Okay. Thank you. And this is not on the floor yet, but I was going to mention that I do plan on at some point there's been interest by Councilmember Price, Councilmember Durango and others to really to get really involved as we're kicking this off, because it's still you know, we're still getting all of this worked out. So at some point in the future, we are going to have whether it's an in-depth agenda item or a study session and all of our kind of educational goals and bring the education community to the council to discuss that. And so we can go into some comments about the promise and get some people involved on the council as well as the community. So any public comment on this item? Seeing none. Please cast your votes.
Speaker 5: Question past is seven zero.
Speaker 4: Thank you. Next item, which I believe is the regular agenda item 12. | Resolution | Recommendation to adopt resolution of the City Council of the City of Long Beach in support of the Long Beach College Promise. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_02032015_15-0091 | Speaker 4: Thank you. Next item, which I believe is the regular agenda item 12.
Speaker 5: Item number 12, report from City Manager Development Services, Parks, Rec, and Marine and Public Works. Recommendation to adopt resolution to execute the First Amendment to agreement and to execute the purchase of 2331 Locust Avenue in the amount of $30,569 for the use of affordable housing to open space District six.
Speaker 4: Thank you. Can I get a motion? Okay. There's been a motion by Vice Mayor Lowenthal and customary ringer almost. Councilmember address. Any public comment on the item? Yes. Yes, councilmember.
Speaker 3: Yes. Thank you very much, Mayor. You know, I'm really happy to see this item on the agenda tonight, because this is a project that I've been working on, you know, for over four years. You know, and transfer of this property will help to move these children from the side of the streets and alleys to a safer, you know, recreational environment. And I hope that my colleagues will agree with me on this.
Speaker 8: Mr. Mayor, I could withdraw my motion. I realize this is in Councilmember Andrew's district. Oh, there we go. Is that okay?
Speaker 3: Yeah, that's. That's okay.
Speaker 8: That's good. Thank you.
Speaker 3: I'm good with that. I spoke on it. Even voted on it.
Speaker 4: Thank you. The public seeing no public comment on this. Seeing none. Please cast your votes.
Speaker 5: Motion carries seven zero.
Speaker 4: Great. Thank you. Next item. | Resolution | Recommendation to:
1) Adopt resolution to amend the use of 2331 Locust Avenue, Assessor Parcel Number 7208-014-029, from affordable housing to open space;
2) Authorize City Manager to execute the First Amendment to Agreement No. 2643, and any other documents necessary to amend the use of the property at 2331 Locust Avenue, Assessor Parcel Number 7208-014-029, from affordable housing to open space; and
3) Authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary for the purchase of 2331 Locust Avenue, Assessor Parcel Number 7208-014-029, from the Long Beach Community Investment Company in the amount of $30,569.32. (District 6) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_02032015_15-0051 | Speaker 4: Great. Thank you. Next item.
Speaker 5: Item number 13 report from Financial Management Recommendation to receive a report on the strategy five year capital plan and prioritization criteria for the Tidelands Capital City Wide.
Speaker 4: Thank you. Before I turn this over, I just want to say that there has been a lot of conversation, obviously, about our Tidelands Fund and the challenges we're having with oil, the production of oil, the cost that we are evaluating our our price of oil, and both the Highlands and the Uplands Oil Fund. I wanted to just take a quick moment and thank the city staff. You guys have done a great job up to this point for giving us a report and especially point out Councilwoman Price and Council and Vice Mayor Lowenthal, who have been all over this issue. And so I'm sure we'll hear from them tonight. So I'll turn this over to staff.
Speaker 3: Mayor, council members. Obviously, we have been paying a lot of attention to the oil industry and the price of oil during the past six months as it affects our budget both operationally and capital project wise. So tonight, we're gonna give you a quick update on where we're at. Does it or does it not affect us in the current fiscal year? What premises will we have to accept as we go forward in next fiscal year as we put together the budget? Our finance director, John GROSS, is going to talk more about the operating side. And then our assistant city manager, Tom Modica, is going to talk about the capital side. So with that, I'll turn it over to Mr. GROSS.
Speaker 13: Thank you very much. City Manager West, we're going to be talking as as the manager said about the strategy for the decline in the price of oil and how it impacts our main funds, primarily the Titans fund. But we're also going to talk about the Uplands Oil Fund. This is essentially going to parallel the memo that was that you got on December 31st, and it's included in your packet with some updates based on the most recent information that we have. Once I figure out how to.
Speaker 3: Get this.
Speaker 13: Slide to move forward, the you're going to hear about a background on oil prices, an update on the Uplands Fund and the general fund, an update on the Tidelands operating budget, the impact on the Tidelands capital budget and the five year plan. And then Assistant City Manager Modica will be talking about the impact on the capital projects, the updated strategy for Tidelands Capital Project and the five year plan and then next steps. Let's say you're allowed to do that. The oil was at about $100 a barrel for the last three years. There was no problem until about August of this year after the budget had been developed for oil price began declining. At that time, it looked like it was a pretty normal oscillation. But oil has continued to decline, and it's currently about $40 a barrel. Actually, today it's about 45, but it continues to oscillate subsequent to that decline. It's been pretty well determined that the price decline was caused by basic economics, that the supply of oil simply exceeds the demand at present. This is a chart that shows the history of the price of oil over the last eight years. It does oscillate, but in particular it jumped up and to that in 2008 and dropped in 2009. And then from about January 2011 to now, it's been at about $100 a barrel. It was at $100 a barrel when the price was when the budget was developed this year. And then it started its decline, as you see on the chart. So what is the impact of of these price declines on the budgets of the city? Well, the operating budgets of the city assume oil is at $70 a barrel. The titans capital plan assumes oil is at $100 a barrel. Those are the prices that are used when the budget is developed. We use $70 a barrel for the operating budget so that there is leeway. If the price of oil drops in this case, it could drop by more than 30%. We would still be okay with our operating budget if if the price of oil dropped no more than 30%. We've seen more than a 30% drop. The assumption of $100 for the Tidelands capital budget allowed for planning of important city council projects and how those projects would be allocated and when they would be done. If oil remained at what had been a relatively steady price for the last few years, so we used $70 to the operating budget and $100 for the capital budget in developing this year's budget. What has actually happened. Obviously, we're no longer at one. We looked at the market when we did this update at the end of November and felt that the best projection was that oil might be at $60 a barrel for FY 15 and 16 and maybe it would be at $70 for FY 17 through 19 for projection purposes. That projection is going to be just a starting point because any long term projection of oil is going to be problematic because the future price is unpredictable. That being said, there is no indication at present that oil is going to return to $100 any time soon. But it certainly could happen. It could continue to rise. It could fall at any time. The current oil price of Iran, $45 a barrel does require us to do an updated projection. The $60 and $70 projection that we just did no longer seems appropriate. We will be updating it in the first quarter of this year, the January through March period. On the next slide, I thought it was important to show what the commodities market and the people who speculate on the future who bet money on the price of oil, what are they saying in this chart? Shows what they have said at three different time periods. On the horizontal axis is years. This is a chart that represents 2014. Basically at the time the budget was adopted through 2020 and shows the prices that people are betting money on what the price of oil might be over the future. The top graph, which was as of June 30, 2014, when we did the budget, shows that in 2014 the price of oil people bet on the price of oil being $100 and the betting was then that it would drop it down to about $82 a barrel over the next five years through 2020. That was what the expectation was of the commodities market when we did the budget, $100 a barrel and dropping over time. The next graph, the line, the gray one is the price of oil in the commodities market over the years, over the future. On November 28th, the day we did this projection that you're seeing tonight, it said that the immediate price of oil would be around $60 a barrel and the betting was that it would rise to a little above $70 a barrel over the next five years. Today or as close today as we could get January 28th. The bottom curve says that the commodities market, oil market is betting that the price of oil will be in the area of $40 over the next few months and then rise slowly over the next five years to about $60 a barrel. That's the betting of the market, that of the commodities market. That by no means mean that that's what actually going to happen. It probably doesn't represent what is actually going to happen, but it is a guess by the people who actually bet on the market. So how does that information impact our revenues for our various two oil funds, uplands and Tidelands? As I mentioned, the Uplands oil fund revenue is budgeted at $70 per barrel by policy. Anything above $70 per barrel is budgeted the next year and used for one time expenditures. Uplands oil money has two sources. It isn't just from the sale of oil. That's about half the revenue. The other half of the revenue is actually a contractual fee assessed on production and exploration costs in the city's oil production area. That is as production and exploration goes up. The money in the uplands fund goes up also. So based on the current projection of $60 and $70 oil, we expect that the uplands oil revenues will be adversely impacted by several million dollars a year from both the lower price of oil and lower production costs. That is important because the uplands oil revenue supports the general fund and general fund operations. We transfer about $17 million a year to the general fund to support operations such as police and fire and parks and public works purposes. That's about 4.4% of the general fund. And we put that number in there to show that it's not 10%. It's not 15%. It's not that big of a number. But it's also not a small number like 1%. So it's significant, but not not an overly large percentage of the general fund. We are also suggesting by way of this projection that all the money will be needed for operations and there probably will not be any one time revenue that the city has had for the last several years. Coming from the Uplands Oil Fund, that one time money is typically used for capital purposes to support improvements throughout the city . We do need to update this projection. The projection is and was not very specific in November because the production costs were changing. We knew that whatever projection we had would be out of date before we even printed it. So we will be doing an updated projection in the first quarter of 2015, January through March. As an aside, we also expect that production of oil will decline somewhat in Long Beach and that will reduce revenue from an oil barrel tax. Probably not a huge amount of money. It generates about $600,000 a year, $6 million a year. So there'll be some reduction in that source also. So let's switch to the Titans fund entitlements, oil revenue first that revenue. Oil revenue is impacted by three factors the price of oil and the amount of oil produced. The price of oil times the amount of oil produced gives you a revenue, but that revenue is offset by the cost of production and exploration. Both production cost and investment in oil exploration are being reduced in Long Beach. This is happening throughout the country where many oil companies are scrambling to reduce their production and exploration costs. And the company in Long Beach is doing exactly the same. Those lower production costs and lower investment in oil exploration will somewhat temper the loss of revenue because even though will have lower revenue will also have lower costs. Also, the projections show that even if oil returned to $70, the revenue that's generated in this current market may be somewhat lower than the current $70 limit that we had. So some of these dollars in the future may not being quite as much revenue, at least in the immediate future, even when the price comes up. So let's talk about what the impact is on the Tidelands operating budget. The projection at the 60 and $70 level shows that all Tidelands revenues will be need. Oil revenues will be needed to support operations. Even with all the revenues going to operations and none to capital, that tidelands operations may still have a shortfall in the area of 1 to $2 million in FY15, and deficits could exist in the future. Also, in fact, they're likely now we are doing an updated projection. You you've heard that oil is now in the 40, $45 a level, which is much lower than the 60 to $70 projection you're seeing here. But production costs will also be lower. So we're not sure what those numbers will say. And that's why we need a new projection. And we're working on that now. In the Tidelands Capital area. I mentioned before that all revenues will be needed to support operations, so there aren't going to be any new capital moneys available for the foreseeable future until revenues increase and oil prices increase. However, there is still a substantial amount of capital revenue available, even if there's no new money. We have a total of about $95 million available that can be used for capital. 22 million of that is unassigned from unassigned funds available. Bottom line, money that hasn't been assigned yet and $73 million is available that has already been assigned by city council to existing projects. But these projects are either incomplete or not under construction and could be reassigned or could be used for the projects for which they were originally intended. So $95 million estimated is available. We're still fine tuning that number. It could be a little different as we really fine tune the accounts that also be updated in the first quarter. At this time, I'm going to turn the presentation over to Assistant City Manager Modica, who will talk about the existing capital projects that haven't been built, what our strategy is and what our next steps are.
Speaker 11: Thank you, Mr. GROSS. Mr. Mayor, members of the council. As John mentioned, we do have significant resources available to us in cash, not a projection that's actual dollars. That's that $95 million that we have identified that can be reprogramed for funding. And so while that's a very large number, we also have approximately 232 million in projects that are budgeted or in the five year capital plan that are incomplete or that construction has not started. Those projects, it's a long list. You have it in the in the materials, but includes things like remaining phases of the elements. Bay, Marina rebuild remaining phases of the Naples seawalls. The Belmont Beach, an aquatic center, the Seaside Way Bridge, Belmont Pier, Pine Avenue, public dock concession stands, and many, many other smaller projects. And so what we are recommending is that the Council prioritize the existing projects that we have and go through a prioritization project process. And so we will be prioritizing those incomplete and unconstructive projects based on prioritization criteria, which are what are before you tonight. We believe by putting those criteria in front of the council and getting direction, we'll be able to use those criteria to put essentially all of our projects into a priority order list. New oil revenues when they are received, will also be assigned to that list based on the prioritization. And then we will proceed with those projects when the funding matches the estimated current project cost. This won't be a static list. We will have the council adopted this year, but then we'll be able to update it as we go through the budget process annually. And so the proposed prioritization criteria that you'll be considering tonight in ranked order are public health and safety. The extent to which it's a health project or a safety project to the number of California residents impacted. We are in the Tidelands area, so we do have to think of all of the residents in California. We're also obviously very concerned about the impact on our local residents as well, urgency and whether there's an urgency to do the project, the poor condition or of the current project or the need and unmet need that we have in our community. Number five, the contribution to the quality of life. Number six, whether or not it generates revenue and and the extent that operating costs play a factor in that as well. Number seven, the ability to attract additional funding or a match. Number eight, the lack of alternative funding sources. And number nine, the capital cost. And as we look at all the projects, we also want to bear in mind that we look at the overall diversity and balance of projects as a criteria, as an overall criteria. And so tonight, we're looking forward to your direction on those proposed criteria and and receive comments and direction. We will then take that criteria once adopted and create that list of prioritized capital projects and return to the City Council in the first quarter of 2015 for further discussion and approval of that list. We'll continue to update our projections for capital, Thailand's capital and our operating budgets and our uplands oil fund budget during the first quarter as well. And then in March is when we kick off our budget process and we'll be coming back with how does oil factor into all of our revenues. So while oil, as you see tonight, is is trending downward, there are other revenues that are moving in other directions and there's costs as well. And we'll be putting all of that into a comprehensive analysis to come back and talk to you about in March. With that, that is. Our report and staff are available to take your input on the criteria and to answer questions.
Speaker 6: Thank you. I want to thank the staff for putting together this presentation and want to share that. Vice Mayor Lowenthal and I have had an opportunity to meet regarding this issue and the agenda item tonight, which is specifically limited to prioritizing the projects that are pending in both of our districts and determining whether or not the criteria that's been proposed by staff is something that we believe is is a is a proper way to assess what the priorities of our districts are and how we will be able to fund the most necessary projects. And I think we have a very good start. We're moving forward in a spirit of collaboration and looking forward to addressing these issues together as we move ahead. I do, and I'm going to be actually motioning at this point to approve the recommendation, and I would ask a few questions in regards to that. First of all, I will say that the number one question that I get asked about this issue in my district is whether or not this is going to impact the building of the Belmont Pool. That's the first question I get. Well, actually, it depends on what community I'm in, but the first general question I get is whether it's going to impact the pool. If I'm in Naples, they ask if it's going to impact the sea walls and if I'm near a body of water, they ask if it's going to impact the marina. But generally speaking, people are concerned about whether it's going to impact the pool. And I will say, I think it's important to note that and perhaps Mr. Modica can help me with this, the pool where we're approximately 12 months away from being in a position where we would be able to start construction on the pool because we still need to go through the Coastal Commission process. Is that correct?
Speaker 11: That is correct. There's a number of steps that we still need to do. We need to unveil the Environmental Impact Report and to comment on that and on the design and then go through the entitlement process, including the Coastal Commission. So we are at least a year away, if not longer.
Speaker 6: And so we would not be in a position to fully fund the pool and begin construction this year regardless of the condition of the Tidelands Fund. Is that correct?
Speaker 11: Correct. At our at our most aggressive estimate, if all funding were available, we would not begin construction until the beginning of 2016. Okay.
Speaker 6: And as I understand from your comments, Mr. Modica, we will be this is whatever priority list we come up with is not it's going to be fluid and we're going to adjust as the market adjusts and as funds become available. Would that be accurate?
Speaker 11: Absolutely.
Speaker 6: In regards to and and so we my my position has always been that I would rather build the right pool for our city than a lesser pool based on a fluctuating budget that could change at any time. And that that it's my opinion that we wait and we do it right. And that is just the prudent thing to do and it's the fiscally responsible thing to do. And that's just my personal opinion. In regards to the operating budget and this is perhaps a question for for Mr. West and he and I have talked about this. I think it's really important at this juncture that we take a look at our operating budget and make a determination as to whether all of the charges that are going to that fund are appropriate and that we are exercising diligence and making sure that we're not charging anything to that budget that perhaps doesn't belong in that area . Mr. West, is that something that you think city staff is committed to or can take a look at?
Speaker 3: Absolutely. We're committed to that and we will look at that.
Speaker 6: Okay. Because I think if there's opportunities to tighten that budget up a little bit more in terms of what we're charging to it, then then the deficit issues may be lessened to that potential deficit. So that's something that I would request be given some priority. And my understanding is that we are going to come back at some date certain to talk about the specific projects and the priority list for those projects. When do we expect that to be?
Speaker 11: So in our report, we were saying the first quarter of 2015, which essentially means February or March. So I think we're shooting between March, end of March as the time frame to come back once we get this criteria will be going through it and kind of ranking each one, probably using a color coded type of a system so that it's easy to and visual to see and then put those in a list to see how much funding we have to fund the projects and then bring that back.
Speaker 6: I want to take a moment to thank our Parks Rec and Marine Department. I had an opportunity last week to take a tour and look at all of the bathrooms in. That are on the project list in my district in the Tidelands area, and it was very informative. I mean, we literally went in and looked at every stall and tried to be to think in a fiscally prudent way to determine, is this something that we can rehabilitate by changing a few tiles or changing the paint? Or is this something that we really, truly need to rebuild? And I think that for me, that was a very diligent and thorough process because it has allowed me, in my mind at least to reprioritize a few projects. And I think that that's just something we're going to need to do. The reality of this fund is that it is a fluctuating fund, and just like one would do in a regular household budget, we have to make some adjustments in light of the fluctuations. And so I do expect that as a result of the information I received from our city staff during the tour, that was very helpful to me that that we will really be focusing on things that need to be fixed and need to be repaired, and so that we are as fiscally prudent as we can be with the amount of money that we have, understanding what a what an asset is it is to the city. So I want to thank staff for their work and for educating us on the issues and giving us the options that you've prepared tonight and for working with us to come up with the best possible solutions in light of the circumstances. So thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Councilwoman. Councilmember Ringo.
Speaker 2: Thank you, Mayor. In looking at these criteria for prioritization, I see somewhat of a relationship between number seven and eight. In regards to revenue can be made on some of these projects eight and one number seven says the ability to attract additional funding. And number eight says a lack of alternative funding. But in the wording here, it has the extent of number seven, the extent to which partially funding this project from talent funds will result in additional funding from Nancy Resources to support the project. The projected financing and eight. It says the extent to which the project lacks the ability to be funded from other city sources. There's somewhat of a contradiction there. So what I would I would ask you maybe to change number eight, to see the ability to look or seek or get additional funding by either these these these methods , as opposed to saying the lack of it. We need to look at positive ways of trying to generate some revenue that would supplement or add to the criteria so that we could be in a stronger position to look at those. So any comment on that?
Speaker 11: Yeah, Councilman, we're actually we're we're in agreement with that. The reason it reads this way is we were trying to set up a metric that was consistent so that when we use a red, yellow and green and green means the same thing for each one. So in this one, if it had if it lacks the ability to be funded, it would probably be a one that is green rather than red. It just has to do with the scale that we were using. But we totally agree with you. It's it's the question is whether or not this thing in this project has to be funded out of Highlands or it'll get a different score if it can be funded out of a different funding source are opposed to. And when I say different funding source, we're not talking general fund. That's the one thing that everything could have been funded by the General Fund. It's we're talking grants or assessments or donations, those types of things.
Speaker 2: Well, I'm always very complimentary of people who have fully sighted with color. I'm colorblind. So the only thing that I can rely on are words. So if it's not clearly stated, color coding doesn't doesn't help me understand. So that's why I bring that up in regards to the the prices of oil. We saw the chart here in terms of the projections for the next four years to 20, 20 or six years. And it has there been any discussion in terms of where we're at? Lowering the bar, if you will, from the 70 to 80 something that's more reasonable with what's going on in the oil markets as a whole and what other agencies are doing to adjust their budgets from 65 to 50 7 to 40 or whatever I would look at, yeah, if we were, if we were at 70 and we're projecting a 30% loss, maybe we're looking at putting it somewhere between 40 and 50 so that when in the event the price stabilizes and it starts coming back up and the projections are that it will be around 60 to 65, we at least have a little buffer that we can have between now and 2020. How does that how does that look?
Speaker 11: It's there. We think that's exactly the right thing that we should be doing. We plan to be doing that in the next several months as we go through our 16 budget development process. And we'll be recommending to you what that new number should be. I don't think we're prepared today to say whether it's a certain number, but that will be what we recommend in the budget to the council. And then the council will have the ultimate ability to say we want to lower it and which will have an impact on the general fund but actually have higher impact on on capital that would come in or, you know, maybe go the other direction. So we'll we'll definitely have a recommendation for you on that.
Speaker 2: And I know it's a little premature to bring this up now, perhaps, but for my council colleagues, we might want to start revisiting some of these funds and the the assessments that we have currently that would that have been stable for many years. And when I look at revisiting those and making some adjustments to that, and I'm specifically looking at the you you to the utility users tax as a one that we need to revisit. It's been with that ten or 12 years maybe since we changed it, we might want to revisit that. And that's that's just a comment. Let me say it might be premature. The the the the sky hasn't fallen yet, but it's certainly something that we might want to consider. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you. Councilmember Kathryn Richardson.
Speaker 12: Thank you. So. Right, I. Appreciate that. A lot of this has been worked over and reviewed by both of the council members with titling areas. I think it's that is the appropriate way to do things when local council members become experts on these projects is very difficult for us without knowing the nuances of these projects to to help establish a priority for one project versus the other. So that is a good thing. I have a few comments and questions. One. Regarding the uplands fund. How much? I know we we we budget our general fund based on this volatile commodity. How, how much of our budget, what percentage of our budget is based on oil revenue.
Speaker 11: For the operating budget? That number is in the general fund. It is 4.4%.
Speaker 12: 4.4%. And and. Okay. And then when timelines factors in I know that they take on certain services that that our general fund doesn't have to take in. Is that considered in factored into that 4.4% as well?
Speaker 11: No, that's a different percent. I don't have that on the top of my head. I don't know if John has it.
Speaker 3: Okay.
Speaker 13: The the Tidelands Fund is is a it's separately calculated. So, no, we don't.
Speaker 12: Have there's no way to evaluate like how much, how dependent we are on. Oh, well, you know, it doesn't matter. I know that you were going to come back with some recommendations soon on how to make those adjustments. I would just chime in and just say that, you know, now is the time. We we are seeing what the what the impact is on basing our our budgets, our police and fire vital services on oil funds. It's not it's a gamble for our constituents. And I think we need to continue to have a discussion about new revenue, identifying new revenue. So I would hope and expect to see when these things come back with some recommendations that it's a balanced recommendation where we look at adjustments to the budget, whether that means cuts, but also opportunities for new revenue as we move forward . Secondly, so what so we we budgeted $70 a barrel in UPLANDS for operating, correct?
Speaker 11: Yes, sir.
Speaker 12: And what do we budget per barrel entitlements.
Speaker 11: Same thing. We budget $70 as the operating amount. And then we had planned out a five year capital plan at the time based on $100 a barrel, knowing that if it dropped, then projects would need to be extended out further until funding was available.
Speaker 12: So the expectation that, you know, if we don't have those resources, then for infrastructure for a one time projects, we can extend those and we can extend services on an ongoing basis. Right. Is that the thinking behind that?
Speaker 3: Correct.
Speaker 11: And the council really should be applauded for taking such a conservative approach with such a volatile substance. So and, you know, both in operating and in capital, it's actually been very, you know, very encouraging that the council over the last several years has been very diligent in being conservative. And I think that's that's been very good for us. However, this this is kind of a unique time where it's dropped even further than than what anybody had expected.
Speaker 12: Well, I would say that this experience underscores why we shouldn't necessarily be conservative when it comes to operating, but we should also do the same thing as it comes to capital projects. Why base a plan around development of a project based on a certain level of income with the plan that if this goes away, we'll just extend the project? I would think we need to keep that same approach for capital as we have with operations, but that's just my opinion. And then lastly, one of the criteria that I think is I see a lot of criteria here. And and obviously I think, you know, what you're doing here. And I would just say one thing, you know, we're taking steps to to do local hiring. We're taking steps to consider adopting a project labor agreement. I just think that with a lot of these things, we always talk about the impact that these infrastructure projects have on the whole city, and that should be considered. The job aspect needs to be considered in this criteria. Like what does one project in terms of jobs mean versus another project? Does does it make sense to advance one project that has a larger impact on local hire and an economic impact than it does to advance another? So that would be just a suggestion to the maker of the motion to include that as well. It's okay. I'll give it to you again. No problem.
Speaker 3: It's all good. For good.
Speaker 12: I would say. Would you would you would you be okay with adding in jobs? You know, economic impact to everyone, like jobs to one of your criteria as you figure these these infrastructure projects out. Yeah. I think jobs for Lumbee should be considered in the criteria, as you know, as we decide. Does it make sense to move one project versus the other? That's something that should be factored into the actual factor in.
Speaker 6: Member? Richardson That's a really great point, but I don't think that that's something that we'd be prepared to. And I'm not going to speak for Vice Mayor Lowenthal. I certainly would not be prepared to go down that road. Right now, there are a lot of projects in there that I don't know that everyone on council is as familiar with. I mean, we live and breathe these projects. And so is it more important to me that the residents of Naples have seawalls that keep them seismically safe or that people get jobs? Seismic safety is obviously. I get it. I think I do. Or, for example, is it important that that, you know, a bathroom in our neighborhood has the ability to have a flushing toilet that's more important to us than jobs? So I think, you know, it's a good point and it's certainly a valid point, but I think it really is something that you have to have a deep understanding of the specific projects, because the focus of these projects are, for the most part, public health and safety and that kind of thing for a lot.
Speaker 12: By no means would ever want to make you choose between a job and a toilet. That is not the point of what I'm saying. What I'm saying is the point of what I'm saying is, you know, a lot of us on the council, we rarely engage in these timelines issues when it comes to us here at the council. We in good faith a lot of times go along with the council member in District two, in District three, and we've had a long discussion about jobs and local hire and stuff moving forward. I would just think that if we're going to continue to say that these projects are city wide projects, then it should be represented in the documents and the criterias we put forth. I'm pretty sure city staff is going to confer with the council members as we move these projects forward. I just think that it is it is a good point to say as we evaluate criteria for projects, we look at the local job piece and that's fine. That's fine if we don't want to do that. I just wanted to.
Speaker 6: Say I think it's a good point, but I will say that any policy that we set as a council in regards to local hire will apply to Tidelands projects as well. Those are considered city projects. So if we have, for example, a play in effect that would apply to all city projects, presumably unless there's an exemption for , you know, a specific type of project. Is that correct? Mr.. City Attorney.
Speaker 3: Mayor invites member members of the Council. There could be exceptions under Tidelands that would prohibit the certain aspects of a play, for example, or would have to be tailored specifically because of the restrictions on the Tidelands funds. It couldn't impact like a Long Beach hire. It would have to be a regional or a regional impact. And so the economic benefit could be taken into effect, but it couldn't be directed specifically to Long Beach residents.
Speaker 12: So that my view wouldn't be my suggestion wasn't limited to like a play or a union job. I just think when staff considers a priority for what projects, we should always keep jobs in mind as a criteria. That's just the point.
Speaker 8: And Councilmember Watterson as a second year of the motion. Mr. Mayor, I'm sorry, I just.
Speaker 4: You're actually cued up next.
Speaker 8: Good. Thank you. I think what you raise and address is something that everyone on this council is behind. And so I trust that the staff has that in mind when we're going forward. But as Councilmember Price and city attorney affirms, in some of these situations, we don't really have a choice to prioritize that at the top of the list, but certainly it is a priority. Thank you. Oh, I am queued up. I just.
Speaker 4: That was you.
Speaker 8: Thank you. I wanted to thank Councilmember Price for the extensive work that she has done with her constituents regarding the projects. And I know that this particular item and this meeting is not to discuss projects specifically, but really our set of priorities. And so I think the list will achieve the intended result of prioritizing the available funding that we have for Tidelands projects. I want to thank staff for helping us work through how we can continue to fund the most critical projects. As Councilmember Price mentioned, the criticality of these projects. Sometimes it doesn't seem obvious when we're just talking about a restroom facility, but it really is obvious there is a safety issue and the way these restrooms have been redesigned will ensure that we offer as much safety to the extent possible. Now I want to just re restate my commitment to working with Councilmember Price and the rest of the Council to ensure that the projects move forward in the interest of our residents and businesses. And while all these projects are within our two districts, when you look at the patronage, especially the huge amount of patronage, that is whether it's at Bixby Park or in the downtown area of the block from all over the city. And in large part, they're also from other parts of cities around us. So it's a great obligation that we have to ensure that it is as inviting and attractive and safe as possible. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you.
Speaker 3: Councilor Andrews. Yes, thank you. I have a question, you know, to the Mr. Walker, what what impact would this have on our civic center? If things continue to go at the rate is going now.
Speaker 11: So we don't expect an impact to the civic center from oil. The funding source that we are using to as part of the DB UFO DB foam isn't specifically oil related. It's from the Civic Center Fund and all the other funds in the general fund. But it certainly oil does impact our general fund. So we'll have to as we update our project, we'll have to make sure that there is available funds to be able to as we update our budget, available funds to be able to fund that commitment.
Speaker 3: Yes. And also, I'd like to commend, you know, our vice mayor and Mrs. Price, you know, in the way in which you individually are working on these projects, especially when we talk about priorities. Because the fact that, you know, I'm just like Rex, you know, my whole, whole concept is all the way. It's about jobs. And if I know the priorities come into that, I would hope that anything that you talk them down along the shoreline, anything else, it would be local jobs. You know, I understand that we can do a lot of those things. But if you do in prioritizing those things, I would really hope that you would take that into consideration. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you. I don't see any other comments. Are there any public comment? Please come forward.
Speaker 8: That evening. Council staff My name is Susan Miller. I've lived across from Belmont Pool for 22 and a half years. First of all, I'd like to thank the city for protecting the old growth trees during the demolition of the pool. This is a renewed energy in this park land with the hummingbirds, the squirrels, the monarch butterflies. We wait the migration of the snowy egrets in the black crowned night herons. The pool project being considered at Belmont Plaza would require expansive site preparations due to the liquefaction ground and the new sea level rising rules, which require raising the entire structure. These two factors alone could mean wasting 30 to $40 million if this site is selected. Instead, this site can easily be restored to a beautiful natural park on the ocean. Make it in an area that can be enjoyed by residents, visitors in the increasing wildlife population. This was the intent of the California Coastal Act and the local coastal program. It would cost very little to return this area to a natural park, but the value is priceless. The oil market has changed the title and funds adequately and projects that are truly needed must become Ford luxuries. If and when the funds are available for an aquatic facility. A downtown location such as the Harry Bridges Memorial Park is ideal for this purpose and would be covered by the tidal bond funds. There is far less site preparation that would be needed. Plenty of existing parking doesn't negatively impact the endangered birds, would not intrude on reserve residential neighborhood, and has easier access for those traveling to the aquatic center. Most importantly, there would be substantial cost savings to end up with the same facility. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you. Next speaker, please.
Speaker 3: Your timing is not very good. Hugh Clark has the address. First of all, is this suggestion for the council person that has color blind issues? I think that's easily addressed. Seem to be we can put the city staff can put on BGR. In other words, the first letter of what the color is. Put it in bold. I need sheet for. A number of issues. First of all, I think this this argues well for immediately stopping. Any further urination of money relative to the bike path of the extended bike path. The dual one going down. Whatever is there now of the if it's not filled in. Cover it up with sand. If we get money later, I think by that time we'll be able to get some clear thinking and realize it's a it's folly to do it anyway. I want to make sure, absolutely sure that we're that there's a clear understanding of what the projects are. I heard for the first time that I've ever heard the word Belmont Beach Aquatic Center. I don't know where that is. I've never seen that in any any city listing. Want to make sure. Also that note, we don't go within 100 yards, 200 yards, a leeway center. That building does not need to come down. There certainly could be some renovations within this existing the existing footprint, so forth. Additionally, no single state, no structure within the Marine Stadium needs to be touched, period. I want to make sure that that doesn't that doesn't happen. The restrooms that are there that are used only at special events and they're fine that are operational. I'm speaking at the three. Yes. Will be rebuilt. And the cost for that will not be borne by the taxpayers, that the courts will make the decision and assign the portion of liability to those found complicit in the crime of not only taking it down, which I believe was close to 300,000, but rebuilding it. And the last thing is I want to make sure that. The. The Belmont pool itself goes through. As was originally planned. It is not that is that swimming pool is actually a magic I think to the aquatic dynamic here and to return it to a. Open Space Park. Is at war with, I think, the concept of a full range of aquatic dynamics and so forth. Obviously it's going to be tough. We will find the money eventually, but I strongly object to returning it back to what it was before the pool was there. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you. Next speaker.
Speaker 3: Please. Gonzales that is on file. My comments are in line with the previous speaker, the speaker before the previous speaker about the Harriet Perry Bridges Memorial Park. I just wanted to just make one suggestion about the proposed prioritization criteria. I would like for impacts to the environment to be considered, especially considering that these revenues are oil driven revenues. And some of the procedures to drive this or this oil are unconventional and controversial at best. I also did want to say that I support the councilmembers comment that the city look into generating new revenue with whatever whatever is set forth with these funds. And I also wanted to be very specific about the $22 million that are unassigned. I wanted to ask that less than a 10th, actually, 1/22, 121 20th of $1,000,000 be set towards something that can actually generate energy, clean energy. I just think that would be a very symbolic gesture to one of our buildings by generating solar energy or some sort of green technology to one of our parks or to one of our buildings. I believe if we're going to take the money from an oil source, it would be appropriate to reinvest it in technology of the future. I know that we often speak about these types of things on Earth Day or things like that, but it would be great to see that practice in action. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you. See no other public speakers. There is a motion on the floor by Councilwoman Price and Vice Mayor Lowenthal. And I just want to add that I did like Councilman Price this last week, and I did my own unofficial Tidelands tour, and I ran from the Villa Riviera and went and visited all of our new restrooms and went all up and down the Titans through past the around the peninsula and back over to to Naples. And one thing that I was really struck by is first, the amount of work that is currently happening right now on the Tidelands. And if you haven't had a chance to run up and down the coast, it is amazing the amount of work that's happening, not just clearly the Bluff Project and the The Path project, but the new bathrooms that have been installed. The work that's happening up and down. And so I just wanted to take a moment to also just kind of call out Eric, who's in the audience here. And if you don't know Eric, you know, Eric does an incredible amount of work in the Highlands area and, you know, thank you and the whole kind of tidelands team for for all those projects, it is not easy to manage and they're doing a really good job on that. So thank you very much. With that, there's a motion. Please cast your votes.
Speaker 5: Motion carries seven zero.
Speaker 4: Thank you. Next item. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to receive a report on the Strategy for the Tidelands Capital Budget and 5-Year Capital Plan and approve the Tidelands Capital prioritization criteria. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_02032015_15-0092 | Speaker 4: Thank you. Next item.
Speaker 5: Item number 14. Report from Parks Rec and Marine Recommendation to adopt resolution to submit a grant application to California State Parks for the construction of the Pacific Electric right away at a total estimated construction cost of $900,000. District number three.
Speaker 4: Can I get a motion? A button pusher. Okay. Council member Austin, seconded by Ranga. Any public comment on the item? See none. Oh. Just kidding. We changed it. Councilwoman Pryce and Councilor Richardson. Okay. And he let me turn this over first to Councilwoman Price. Think confusing. Sorry about that.
Speaker 6: That's okay. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I want to thank our Parks Rec and Marine staff for assisting us with this project. This is a project that the Belmont Heights community has been working on for some time now, and the staff has been very creative and trying to find ways for us to obtain grant funding in order to be able to complete at least one phase of this project. And I want to thank their team and also the new team that's joined us from Public Works in trying to get this this additional money to help make this project a reality. There's very little opportunities for green space that currently exist in the third. And this is an opportunity for us to bring some green space to the third in an area that desperately needs it, and to turn what is considered by many to be a bit of an eyesore as it is currently not maintained and does not serve any useful purpose. So I'm excited about this project. It has been a priority project for me and it will continue to be a priority project for me. And I'm looking forward to early spring when we find out whether or not we were able to obtain any grant funds. And I want to thank George and his team for pursuing this on our behalf. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you. Any public comment on the item? CNN council member Austin.
Speaker 9: Yes. I also wanted to comment again, this is this is great. And I think this is a great move forward for the the third district in the green belt there. An examiner I used to actually live a short distance away from there. And I remember when that that issue was debated significantly over whether or not they were going to put a housing development there or keep it as a green space. And so to have this move forward, to finally have some hopefully have some funds there to to develop that that space, I think, is really, really great. And I also want to commend Parks and Recreation for coming to the council with this to get the authority to to go out and get the grant. Because I think there's there's some consistency there that we need to continue to follow. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you. Any public comment? There's a motion on the floor. Please cast your vote.
Speaker 5: Motion carries seven zero.
Speaker 4: Next item, please. 15. I'm sorry. Actually, I request to hear. Item number 22.
Speaker 5: Item number 22 communications from vice mayor. Susan Lowenthal, Councilwoman Susie Price, Councilwoman Stacey Mango, Councilman de Andrew's recommendation to request a resolution making the month of February 2015 be officially deemed spay neuter awareness month. | Resolution | Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager to submit a grant application to California State Parks, through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, in the amount of $450,000, for the construction of the Pacific Electric Right-of-Way Greenbelt from Park Avenue to Ximeno Avenue, at a total estimated construction cost of $900,000. (District 3) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_02032015_15-0102 | Speaker 5: Item number 22 communications from vice mayor. Susan Lowenthal, Councilwoman Susie Price, Councilwoman Stacey Mango, Councilman de Andrew's recommendation to request a resolution making the month of February 2015 be officially deemed spay neuter awareness month.
Speaker 4: Vice Mayor Lowenthal.
Speaker 8: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I wanted to thank the co-sponsors and the author, initial author of this item as well. We want to bring awareness to the need for cat and dog owners in our city to spayed or neutered their pets in order to help our city dramatically reduce our pet overpopulation. Unfortunately, a tragic story unfolds again and again in our city on a daily basis, in our at our animal care services, as they pick up animals that have runaway been dumped or been dumped on the side of the road, starving or injured from being hit by a car or attacked by predators. A large majority of those unwanted or stray dogs cats are not spayed or neutered. Thousands have to be euthanized as a result. Pet overpopulation is a matter of moral, ethical and fiscal concern for all residents and leadership in Long Beach. It's not just a city bureaucratic problem, but a problem that touches every resident through increased costs for services. So we'd like the city to focus on bringing awareness to the issue and the good work of our community partners who provide low cost and free spay and neuter services to residents that qualify in hopes that our wonderful pet owners will contribute to their cause. Because this is really an investment with dividends for our conscience and our mission to improve the quality of life for our residents. And I think we all know that our city's focused quite a bit on animal care issues, spay and neuter, most recently, but really over the last several years we have and I think this would be a great way to demonstrate our heightened focus. This will also provide the opportunity to talk about the wonderful dogs and cats currently at Animal Care Services. All spayed or neutered, just waiting for adoption into a loving home. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Councilwoman Pryce. You know what I saw? You had a second. Do you want to pass? Councilmember Mongo.
Speaker 5: Thank you both. Very low and all great commentary during this important time. While we are considering the spay and neuter ordinance for the city, I feel that it's very important for us to acknowledge spay and neuter Awareness Month for those who have not yet spayed or neutered their pets to take this opportunity for voluntary spay and neuter . There are several voucher programs available that we are very proud of. And for more information, please call 5705555.
Speaker 4: Thank you. Next to have Council Andrus.
Speaker 3: Yes, thank you, Vice Mayor. You also want to thank Vice Mayor Blumenthal for asking me to sign on to this item. You know, recognizing February as a spate of neutered awareness month brings attention, you know, to the ongoing oncoming on going ongoing issues of pets, overpopulation in our city. You know, I know that this idea will encourage residents to do what they can to help our animals that are neglected. And thank you again, vice mayor.
Speaker 4: Thank you. Thank you very much, Mayor. And without any public comments, seeing none. Please cast your votes.
Speaker 5: Motion carries seven zero.
Speaker 4: Thank you. At. Quick couple announcements. One, as a matter of practice, as we're getting used to the system, I'm always going to call on the second door even if I'm not cued up and then I'll pass if you have no comment, because we've been doing it both ways and so I've been in motion. It'll be the second. Or if you don't want to comment, I'll just move on to the next person on the on the queue. Okay. I also just want to take this moment cause I didn't get a chance to do it earlier, and I don't want to forget towards the end. Arturo Sanchez is in the audience. Arturo is our new deputy city manager. And Arturo, please waive over there anything. You see him. And he hails from Oakland, California, and is now a Long Beach resident, him and his wife both. So let's give him a round of applause real quick here. And I just had a conversation with the Oakland mayor, you know, two weeks ago about Arturo. And she was very, very sad to lose him and considered him their superstar. So that's that's, you know, says a lot to think about what we can expect here in Long Beach. And so welcome, Arturo. And I didn't also not get a chance earlier to thank Andrew Quinn, who's in the audience. And Andrew actually did a majority of the writing of the Bloomberg grant. So even though a lot of people did the work and Mr. Modica kind of spearheaded that, I think Andrew was working, you know, days and days straight through weekends to get all of the text and verbiage of that grant in place. So thank you, Andrew. Let's give Andrew a round of applause for for that too. And with that, we'll go over to item number 16. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to request a resolution making the month of February 2015 be officially deemed "Spay/Neuter Awareness Month" in an effort to reduce the amount of homeless animals and euthanasia in Long Beach, while promoting healthy pet practices and donations to organizations that provide spay and neuter services. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_02032015_15-0097 | Speaker 5: Item 19 Report from Public Works, Financial Management and Parks Rec and Marine recommendation to execute a contract with West Coast Arborists for tree trimming services for a total amount not to exceed 1,455,000 citywide.
Speaker 4: There's a motion in a second by Richardson and Andrews. Is there any public comment on the item? Saying none. Concern over your anger comments.
Speaker 2: Yes. I've been getting some calls from my constituents regarding this, and I'm glad that this is going forward because it's a it's an important item for our neighbors, especially in my West Long Beach and California Heights neighborhood. So thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you. Please cast your votes.
Speaker 5: Listen. Kerry seven zero.
Speaker 4: 21.
Speaker 5: Item number 21. Communication from City Attorney Recommendation A declared ordinance amending the Long Beach Municipal Code relating to City Attorney Settlement Authority read and adopted as read citywide. | Contract | Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to amend interim Purchase Order No. BPPW14000026 with West Coast Arborists, Inc., of Anaheim, CA, for tree-trimming services; approve increasing the contract amount by an additional $760,000; authorize a 25 percent contingency in the amount of $190,000, for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,455,000. (Citywide) | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_02032015_15-0099 | Speaker 5: Item 23. Report from City Clerk. Recommendation to execute an agreement with the County of Los Angeles for continued online access to voter information management system.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Madam Cook do you want to just briefly just fill the council in on what's going on there?
Speaker 5: Yes. So it's an agreement that we have an annual agreement. And this time the county is asking us to do a16 month option. It gives us access to the voter registration system so that we can conduct our elections coming in. So it will start March 13, 2015, and it'll be through August 12, 2015. So it'll cover our special municipal election.
Speaker 4: Okay. Thank you very much. We have a motion in a second. Is there any public comment? Seeing that. Councilwoman Mungo.
Speaker 5: A quick question for a city clerk. What is done with the data provided about the residents who have been found no longer to live at their homes? Is this a two way exchange of data or a single way exchange of data? So we only have access to view registration information. We don't have access to change any data. And that's something completely irresponsible from the county's end. So any time a voter has any sort of information of change, maybe they have a registration information that's incorrectly and put it in the database or they change their address, anything that they provide to us. We directly communicate that to the county and they change it immediately. So the ease of access with us communicating to the county is really nice because the relationship we have is immediately when we get the information from the voters, we directly have the county handle it. Great. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you. Any public comment? Seeing none. Please cast your vote.
Speaker 5: Motion carries seven zero.
Speaker 4: Okay. Now we're on to council announcements. And no one. Oh, there we go. Kate, we're going to start with. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. You are just not even on yet, by the way. So ever your last at this point had lost interest. | Contract | Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute an agreement with the County of Los Angeles, Department of the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, for continued on-line access to the County's Voter Information Management System (VIMS) for a term of six (6) one-month options, March 13, 2015 through August 12, 2015. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_01202015_15-0064 | Speaker 1: Item five. Communication from Councilmember Richardson, Councilman Councilwoman Gonzalez, Vice Mayor Lowenthal, and Councilman Andrew's recommendation to request City Manager to create a citywide enforcement plan for Senate Bill 1193, a California law that requires public posting of human trafficking information at specific businesses and establishment.
Speaker 2: Councilmember Richardson, thank you.
Speaker 4: Over the past few months, I've been and my staff has been following the efforts of the Long Beach Human Trafficking Task Force. Specifically with relation to the Senate Bill 1193. This agenda item tonight is to support those efforts on enforcing this law and to further the city's commitment to combating human trafficking. SB 1193 requires specific businesses and other establishments to post a notice that concerns contains information related to slavery and human trafficking, including information hotlines for specified nonprofit organizations that provide services and aid that aid in the rescue of those victims. The hotlines are toll free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are also anonymous, confidential and accessible in numerous languages. The 12 types of businesses and establishments that are required to post those are most likely to be used by trafficked individuals. Currently, an enforcement plan has been developed by the Human Relations, the Human Trafficking Task Force, in partnership with our city prosecutor's office. I'm asking that. It's asking that the city create an enforcement plan to assist in those efforts and ensure that all proper sites comply with comply with this poster law. So at this point, I'd just like to ask for an update on where we are with the implementation of this enforcement plan.
Speaker 0: Alternate over to Commander Lisa Lopez.
Speaker 3: Vice Mayor Lowenthal.
Speaker 2: And council members Councilmember Richardson.
Speaker 3: City staff from various.
Speaker 5: Departments.
Speaker 2: Will be working together to create.
Speaker 3: This citywide enforcement plan for Senate Bill 1193. The plan will include education about the requirements of the Senate bill to both existing and new businesses.
Speaker 5: That meet the criteria.
Speaker 3: That's established.
Speaker 4: Great. So at this point, I'd like to just so I've made the motion, but I'd like to go ahead and just inquire with the city attorney about those specific types of businesses. Could you just state what those businesses are that are listed in this law?
Speaker 0: Vice Mayor Members of the Council. Yes, the there's actually 12 in the civil code section 52.6. I do point out that they are for on sale general purpose premises consumption maybe under under the ABC act. Adult or sexually orientated businesses. Primary airports. Inner City Passenger rail or light rail stations. Bus stations. Truck stops. Emergency rooms within urgent care centers. Farm labor contracts. Privately operated job recruitment centers. Roadside rest areas. Business or establishments that offer massage or body work services. Those are the 12 currently listed under Civil Code 52.6.
Speaker 4: So are there any. So can you just update me on what other states or other agencies have done in terms of including motels as well.
Speaker 0: As other other states or other jurisdictions have looked at the options of requiring the notice that either hotels are motels, if there has been a conviction at the location for certain enumerated crimes, including solicitation or prostitution.
Speaker 4: Okay. So with my motion, I also want you to I'd like for you to come back with some options on whether it's legal or appropriate to explore, maybe going a little a step further with this bill. I mean, with this. Yeah. With enforcement of this bill. By including motels, is that something you can do?
Speaker 0: We could certainly research that and get back to you. Councilmember Great.
Speaker 4: Thank you so much.
Speaker 2: Councilmember Gonzalez.
Speaker 5: I want to thank Councilmember Richardson for bringing this forward. I think this is very important, especially since PD has been working so very hard on this already. My question goes to the various languages. I think I meant I read something that had mentioned a couple of them, but I don't know what is covered currently or what we would legally be required to do. Anyone know?
Speaker 0: 17 Vice Mayor members of the council. Yes. The under the current section of the Civil Code, these enumerated businesses, which I read would be required to post in the code section itself. It talks about the size of the notice and what the content of the notice should say. It's also available on the Attorney General's website and working with the police department and the other departments. There will be a concerted effort to make sure that these businesses that are located in Long Beach will have the necessary language posted in their facilities. The the language provides for civil penalties. So I work with the prosecutor's office on this, but I anticipate our office would be through our code enforcement individuals. We would be if there is a problem where they're not posting it, we would be contacting them, advising them of the penalties associated with not posting and making sure that we gain compliance.
Speaker 5: Which languages would be required to? I don't know. Oh.
Speaker 0: I'm sorry. Yes. Under the Civil Code section, the notice to be posted is printed in English, Spanish and one other language that is most widely spoken language in the in the county where the establishment is located.
Speaker 5: Oh, it's in the county. Not specific to the city, though.
Speaker 0: So that's correct under the civil code.
Speaker 5: Because I would think that in some areas, I mean, especially along Cambodia town, I mean, it'd be nice to have something in, but I don't know if there's something we could.
Speaker 0: Currently we were limited to the statute. The an option might be is is or you could refer potential amendments to this bill to the state led committee and they could certainly talk about it on a statewide level if you wanted it made changes there. We're going to be looking at options for the city, for Councilmember Richardson's memo. We could look at this. Also.
Speaker 5: Can we friendly amend an amendment that as well?
Speaker 0: Absolutely.
Speaker 5: Okay, great.
Speaker 2: Councilmember Andrews.
Speaker 3: Yes.
Speaker 7: And thank you, vice mayor. You know, I'm happy to see that this enforcement piece has been, you know, included in this agenda. You know, this is definitely a great idea because it's about protecting our community. And I would like to think the human trafficking, you know, task force and community and Councilman Rex Richardson taking leadership on this and bringing it forward. I appreciate this very much.
Speaker 0: Thank you.
Speaker 2: Councilmember your Yarrawonga.
Speaker 0: Thank you, bass player. I have a couple of questions in regards to I know it's probably described somewhere in terms of SB 1193 in regards to what is the definition of human trafficking, because I'm sure that there are many instances and broader definitions of just sexual oriented abuses of people who I'm sure that there's others as well . Is there a definition in here somewhere that I can refer to in terms of what is a definition of human trafficking and slavery? That I can look at. Is it in the bill itself or vice mayor or members of the council? It is not included in the bill itself. Because I would I would define slavery. Ed, for example, as what takes place more commonly is sweatshop. For example, people who are working in the sweatshop, working under adverse working conditions, not being let out to go take breaks and that type of stuff. So is that included in this? Would it be would it be incorrect for me to to include that in there? The current thing is. Definition I'm sorry. Thing. If you or someone you know is being forced to engage in any activity and cannot leave, whether it is commercial sex, housework, farm work, construction, factory retail or restaurant work or any other activity, call the national human trafficking resource. So while they don't specifically define it, they they do indicate in a very broad sense, the areas in which if an individual feels that they're impacted by any of those areas, they give the 24 hour hotline numbers on the notice and then it describes the hotline and it's toll free, anonymous, etc.. Okay. So when we're talking also about potential penalties, we're looking at any establishment that refuses to post these notices. That is correct. The first offense pursuant to the Civil Code section is $500 in subsequent offense or $1,000. And how would that enforcement take place? Would that be through our police officers or inspectors or various other types of agencies that would be entering these establishments? Yes, the the if the establishment is is failing to comply, obviously, our goal is to get full compliance. And if they're not in compliance, we would probably be referred to us and we would reach out to them to contact them and and indicate to them what their penalty assessments are. If they did not do so, then we would go forward with a civil assessment and try and get an award for the either thousand or 500 and then subsequent thousand dollar assessment penalties. Well, that definitely is pretty broad. And I'm just wondering how many establishments are we are we talking about I mean, you're looking at liquor stores, you're looking at markets, you're looking at mom and pop shops. You know, it could be pretty expensive. How is that cost going to be covered in regards to the printing and the distribution of these notices? Is there a plan? That's that would be the responsibility of the business owner. Our responsibility is to ensure that they do it and comply. Okay. Clarification, the business owner posted. How are we going to how are we going to get that to them? Are they going to come to city hall and pick up a bunch of posters or what? We would talk in our committee, as Commander Lopez talked about, but more than likely would provide samples of posters or documents that are recommended by the state. And then it would be the responsibility of the business to have those photocopied or created and posted. Also, there was a discussion about language. We're talking about the county. We know that sometimes that sometimes we know we have a problem that's in human trafficking and it's an international problem covering many cultures, many languages. And it seems that we're going to be limited to a very few languages around here and that even Carmine was listed . In Tagalog, it would be in the West Long Beach area is an example of how we how are we going to address that issue in terms of the target that we want to address in regards to people being aware that human trafficking is. Natalie Allen.
Speaker 5: Councilmember Barunga. One thing that we can do besides an educational campaign for the whole community is we can post these requirements on the city website also so that the community can be aware of it.
Speaker 2: We can also.
Speaker 3: Seek.
Speaker 2: Voluntary compliance.
Speaker 5: With businesses in different parts of town where the language may be different than that. Third most common language in the county. In the county.
Speaker 0: I think that's it for a nice clarification.
Speaker 2: Councilman Austin.
Speaker 6: Thank you. And I want to thank my and my colleagues for bringing this item forward. This is certainly an issue that that has plagued our society. And Long Beach is no exception. Some of our business corridors and what goes on behind closed doors is actually appalling. And so I commend that human trafficking task force and my colleagues for for bringing this forward. I think this is a no brainer, something that we do have to support here this evening. And so I'll certainly be voting in support of this. But I did have a couple of just clear point questions. Regarding the point is that established in the legislation. And is that specifically does it come to the local government or does it go to the state.
Speaker 0: Vice mayor or members of the council? That that's an excellent question. The the fine is established in the civil code. I don't have an answer for you tonight on where the money goes, whether the city or jurisdiction gets to keep that or it goes into the court system and we get a small percentage of that fine. But I believe it would it would be the latter.
Speaker 6: Okay. And then when you in the item, it makes references to the following businesses and establishments that are required to post the notice. Number two, who refers to adult or sexually oriented businesses? Is there a definition for that or is that just a broad kind of stroke?
Speaker 0: There is a definition in that adult or sexually orientated businesses as defined in Subdivision A of Section 318.5 of the Penal Code. I don't have that in front of me to read it to you, but I can provide it to you.
Speaker 6: I'll be happy to to research that on my own. Like I said, I don't think there's anything here that prohibit my support for this this item. But I wanted some clarification. And Councilmember Richardson mentioned motels. Obviously, that's not included in the type of businesses. We do know that there are. And I don't want to. I don't want to generalize any type of business, but massage parlors where I know there has been calls for service and issues with human trafficking activity, is would that be considered under this number two definition or is this something that we would have to look at.
Speaker 0: Including possibly vice members of the council? I believe that would be included under number 12 business or establishments that offer massage or body work services for compensation.
Speaker 6: Oh, good catch. I have no further questions.
Speaker 2: Councilmember Turanga.
Speaker 0: Yeah. Yeah. Well, I had one more thing I forgot to mention is that now that the work of the task force and I thank them for their work has been completed. Is there a monitoring mechanism that we're going to establish here, maybe through the Human Relations Commission, in regards to how how we're doing with this with this effort? I'm at this stage, we don't know exactly how we'll monitor, but that's something that Commander Lopez and the department teams will work on probably through business licenses. And we certainly could report back on a regular basis to the city council and perhaps a suggestion to Councilmember Austin's inquiry about the penalties and where it goes. I would suggest maybe establishing some kind of child fund or a victims fund to help individuals get back on track.
Speaker 2: Thank you. There's been a motion and a second. I'd also like to just add that my own gratitude to Councilmember Richardson for his interest in this subject. I know we have members in the audience that are very supportive of this. It's extremely important to encourage the public awareness. And we have folks that have been doing that. And for us to join as a city to help with that I think is critical. Hopefully we will inspire victims and would be victims to seek help. There's clearly a common misconception that these are somehow victimless crimes. We hear that time and time again, and those in the community, the advocacy community, have highlighted for us how that, in fact, is just a fallacy and a false narrative. My thanks to our city prosecutor Doug Halbert and our human trafficking task force for your focus on this and related crimes that upend families and demoralize communities. And I think we can only improve our efforts as we work together. With that, is there any member of the order of the audience that would like to address this council on item five? Please come forward. State your name.
Speaker 5: Hello. Virginia's aunt with a human trafficking task force. I'd like to thank Richardson for bringing this forward to the council tonight. We're happy to have your support behind us. Thank you. And I just. Just a few comments. One is that, sir, before this law was passed, survivors were asked what would help those victims who are currently in the life. And over and over again, they said if they had more information. So having this phone number out in public places for victims to see and have access to is very important and helping them get out of the life. So I thank you for your help and support on this. Also, I just wanted to make one comment too about the posters and the language. We do actually have a poster that's made with it's one poster and it has the language in English, Spanish and Kami on it. So we do have that in the language came from this, the secretary of state of California. And so thank you all for your support.
Speaker 2: Thank you. Anyone else. Please come forward and state your name.
Speaker 7: Yes. The city prosecutors should be commended. This is a very serious subject, equally serious. And I'm wondering whether or not there's a way of developing it since you're dealing with the massage dynamics. Whether or not we can establish of a program to go after those that are involved, particularly those in this building, of massaging the numbers, if you will, and the finances to channel them illegally, such as was codified in this hymnal of hosannas. Using taxpayer money moneys from.
Speaker 2: Mr. to you you're off topic.
Speaker 7: So the city cannot develop a program.
Speaker 2: I'm saying we're on item five, which does not deal with the issue you are discussing unless you wish to speak on human trafficking in our efforts to work with the community. I don't wish to hear it.
Speaker 7: You're not dealing with are we dealing with the massage parlors?
Speaker 2: We are not.
Speaker 7: You're not.
Speaker 2: We are.
Speaker 7: Not. I'm sorry. I thought.
Speaker 2: Thank you.
Speaker 7: When will you be due?
Speaker 2: We're not tonight.
Speaker 7: Thank you.
Speaker 2: Thank you. Any further public comment? Seeing nonmembers cast your vote.
Speaker 1: Councilman Austin. Motion carries seven zero. Item six recommendation to receive and file report from the Long Beach City Prosecutor's Office on the Johns Exposed program. | Agenda Item | Recommendation to request City Manager, or his designee, to create a citywide Enforcement Plan for Senate Bill 1193, the California law that requires public posting of human trafficking information at specific businesses and establishments. | LongBeachCC |
LongBeachCC_01202015_15-0049 | Speaker 2: Item seven.
Speaker 1: Item seven. Report from Development Services. Recommendation to execute a contract with UK for Professional, Professional Design Review and entitlement to consulting services related to the Civic Center masterplan in an amount not to exceed 216,000 and increase in appropriations and development services by 216,000 District two.
Speaker 2: Thank you. I'd like to make the motion. I'm sorry. I have to push the button. There's been a motion and a second. So any member of the public that wish to address council on item seven. Mr. Goodhew.
Speaker 7: Angel. Very good. You click as the address. Excuse me. I thoroughly oppose going awarding this contract or any contract it would go in support of the approved building which. The only thing remarkable about the design is how unremarkable it is in terms of imagination, period. The what you have contracted for or would like to contract for is nothing more than a redo of L.A. downtown. Parker Center. It would be an embarrassment to this city. And it shows. The lack of familiarity that this council has with some of the buildings in this city travel down to the iconic Villa Riviera. There are, certainly. A number of designs that could be speak well and stand as a lasting legacy to your name. Your name will be forever more attached. To the certainly pedestrian building that you want to put up there. And so I would suggest that you step back and wait and again, wait until we have a new mayor and a new city manager. And we have our finances squared away. Thank you.
Speaker 2: Thank you, Mr.. Good to you. So anyone else would like to address Council on Item seven? Seeing None members, please cast your vote.
Speaker 1: Motion carries seven zero.
Speaker 2: Item eight. | Contract | Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute a contract with HOK, Inc., a Culver City-based business, for professional design review and entitlement consulting services related to the Civic Center master plan development, in an amount not to exceed $216,676 for a period of one year, with the option to renew for another year at the discretion of the City Manager;
Authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to enter into the contract, including any necessary amendments thereto; and
Increase appropriations in the Development Services Fund (EF 337) in the Development Services Department (DV) by $216,676. (District 2) | LongBeachCC |
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