The new Hawaiian Gardens library and public safety [sheriff] center is scheduled to open in mid-September, stated City Administrator Ernesto Marquez at the regular meeting of the city council on Aug. 26. “It depends on how long it will take the library to move in.”
The building is located at 11940 Carson Street.
Mayor Michiko Oyama-Canada said the library will have more computers and study areas that will benefit the city’s children.
Hawaiian Gardens resident Reynaldo Rodriguez questioned the council why it was taking so long in the remodeling of the building. He also wanted to know the cost of the project.
Councilman John Heckerman, responding, explained once the city gained title to the building. the contractor found many things that had to be repaired resulting in the timeline being extended.
At the time the contract was awarded, Community Development Director Joseph Colombo said the scope of the project had increased due to finding the roof had asbestos material that required abatement and total reconstruction as well as necessary structural reconstruction on portions of the building due to leakage and improper previous repairs. “The building and site needed a complete rehabilitation,” he stated.
The library will be located on the first floor of the building with the public safety office on the second floor. There will be a computer room with approximately 45 computers.
The city awarded a construction contract in January of this year to PCN3 Inc. of Long Beach in the amount of $21,325,613.40. At the same time the council amended the city budget for fiscal year 2007-08 for an additional $778,175. The additional sum covered the increase in the low bid amount for the computers, furniture and for inspection and contract administration
for the project. The computers, security system and furniture were purchased under separate contracts and were not part of the PCN3 contract.
On June 5, 2005 the Moskowitz Foundation donated $500,000 for the new library.
Rodriguez went on to question why residents are fined without a warning given first that their yards need to be cleaned up. He questioned the procedure used in fining and said some of the code enforcement people are abusive to the residents and threaten them. Marquez said in the three years he has been City Administrator the city has received a minimal number of complaints and they have been addressed. He said anytime someone has a complaint they should file it with his office.
In other business the council extended the opening of the city pool through September. Parents and coaches of the Hawaiian Gardens swim team requested the extension, saying they had no other pool to practice in.
Team parents said the youngsters are between the ages of five and seven years old. When they place first and second in competition and climb out of the pool they are very excited saying, “We won, we won.” Members of the swim team must have grades in school of A and B’s to qualify for the team.
Marquez told the council it was a little late in the budget year but the city could do it.
City Councilman Michael Gomez commented on the commitment of the parents to the program and thanked them for coming to the council meeting. “It means a lot when parents become involved,” he said.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Cerritos Council Studies Revising Present Council Term Limits
Cerritos Council Studies Revising
Present Council Term Limits
The Cerritos City Council reviewed four amendments to the City Charter regarding term limits at its Aug. 14 meeting, continuing the proposal to its Sept. 11 meeting.
In his report to the council City Attorney Mark Steres, who was directed by the council at its May 28 meeting, to report back with proposed amendments to the City Council relating to term limits suggested four alternative choices for term limits, including the current term limits that limits councilmembers to two consecutive four-year terms, After two years off the council they can seek reelection if they so wish.
Steres said the council wanted to review and consider whether to proceed with placing the proposed Charter amendments on the March 2009 general municipal election for consideration by the voters.
The four amendments are:
(1) Continue with term limitation as currently set forth in Section 400 of the City Charter.
(2) Repeal term limitation in their entirety.
(3) Amend term limitation by adding a sunset clause where one cannot run again or be appointed after two terms.
(4) Amend term limitation by adding a sunset where one cannot run again or be appointed after three terms.
The city attorney said each measure would have a yes or no response on the ballot with the voter checking off his or her preference.
Mayor Pro Tem Bruce Barrows objected to the proposed ballot format and said he would like a simpler approach. He asked if it could be crafted saying two years could be considered a full term. Steres replied yes it could be drafted that way but its up to the council how they want any ballot measure to read.
Mayor Jim Edwards commented that when the Governor won the recall election he had three years left on his predecessors term and that was considered a full year term, preventing him from running for re-election in 2010.
Steres said if the council wanted to put it on the March ballot, it needed to be approved by October. He explained that would allow time to file it for placement on the March ballot.
He moved to continue the matter until the first meeting in September. Councilman Joseph Cho, who seconded the motion, said it was important to get the citizens views. He said he wanted to continue the hearing to next month in order to hear what the residents have to say.
Councilmember Laura Lee said the present system was good and she saw no need to change it. Councilmember Carol Chen said she would like to hear from the voters
before voting on the amendments. Chen also wanted to know how a change would affect the incumbents. Would they finish their term in office or have to run in a new election?
We should be included, not excluded.
Councilmember Laura Lee said she didn’t see any reason to change the current system. In her opinion it was working fine, however, she would agree to continue the matter in order to hear comments from the residents.
Cerritos resident Chris Fuentes told the council he had worked on the committee that initiated the present term limits. He said the council should approve a ballot measure limiting council members to two terms period. He said if the council wanted to limit terms to two or three consecutive terms whereupon they couldn’t run in a future election it should start a citizen initiative in the manner as what was done before.
Alon Barlevy asked if possible to put multiple questions on the ballot and have yes or no answers. He also inquired how the incumbents would fare. He believed term limits were good and benefited the city.
In other business the council awarded a contract to J&G Industries of Westminster in the amount $88,110 for the demolition of the old ROP educational facility at 17423 Studebaker Road. The building has stood abandoned since 2000.
Assistant Engineer Kanna Vancheswaran said the property was purchased by the Redevelopment Agency in 2005. The city is presently negotiating to develop the property with an extended stay hotel.
The council also approved a contract with MG Enterprises, Inc. of Sherman Oaks to replace a picnic shelter at Cerritos Park East. Vancheswaren said the project calls for the demolition and removal of the main picnic shelter, which over the year’s dry rot and termite damage have necessitated several structural repairs to the shelter. He said the city plans to replace the wooden structure with a prefabricated 40-foot by 64 foot steel picnic shelter.
In addition to the picnic shelter, the contract calls for the purchase and installation of exercise equipment to be located at various locations in the interior of the CPE walking/running track.
Present Council Term Limits
The Cerritos City Council reviewed four amendments to the City Charter regarding term limits at its Aug. 14 meeting, continuing the proposal to its Sept. 11 meeting.
In his report to the council City Attorney Mark Steres, who was directed by the council at its May 28 meeting, to report back with proposed amendments to the City Council relating to term limits suggested four alternative choices for term limits, including the current term limits that limits councilmembers to two consecutive four-year terms, After two years off the council they can seek reelection if they so wish.
Steres said the council wanted to review and consider whether to proceed with placing the proposed Charter amendments on the March 2009 general municipal election for consideration by the voters.
The four amendments are:
(1) Continue with term limitation as currently set forth in Section 400 of the City Charter.
(2) Repeal term limitation in their entirety.
(3) Amend term limitation by adding a sunset clause where one cannot run again or be appointed after two terms.
(4) Amend term limitation by adding a sunset where one cannot run again or be appointed after three terms.
The city attorney said each measure would have a yes or no response on the ballot with the voter checking off his or her preference.
Mayor Pro Tem Bruce Barrows objected to the proposed ballot format and said he would like a simpler approach. He asked if it could be crafted saying two years could be considered a full term. Steres replied yes it could be drafted that way but its up to the council how they want any ballot measure to read.
Mayor Jim Edwards commented that when the Governor won the recall election he had three years left on his predecessors term and that was considered a full year term, preventing him from running for re-election in 2010.
Steres said if the council wanted to put it on the March ballot, it needed to be approved by October. He explained that would allow time to file it for placement on the March ballot.
He moved to continue the matter until the first meeting in September. Councilman Joseph Cho, who seconded the motion, said it was important to get the citizens views. He said he wanted to continue the hearing to next month in order to hear what the residents have to say.
Councilmember Laura Lee said the present system was good and she saw no need to change it. Councilmember Carol Chen said she would like to hear from the voters
before voting on the amendments. Chen also wanted to know how a change would affect the incumbents. Would they finish their term in office or have to run in a new election?
We should be included, not excluded.
Councilmember Laura Lee said she didn’t see any reason to change the current system. In her opinion it was working fine, however, she would agree to continue the matter in order to hear comments from the residents.
Cerritos resident Chris Fuentes told the council he had worked on the committee that initiated the present term limits. He said the council should approve a ballot measure limiting council members to two terms period. He said if the council wanted to limit terms to two or three consecutive terms whereupon they couldn’t run in a future election it should start a citizen initiative in the manner as what was done before.
Alon Barlevy asked if possible to put multiple questions on the ballot and have yes or no answers. He also inquired how the incumbents would fare. He believed term limits were good and benefited the city.
In other business the council awarded a contract to J&G Industries of Westminster in the amount $88,110 for the demolition of the old ROP educational facility at 17423 Studebaker Road. The building has stood abandoned since 2000.
Assistant Engineer Kanna Vancheswaran said the property was purchased by the Redevelopment Agency in 2005. The city is presently negotiating to develop the property with an extended stay hotel.
The council also approved a contract with MG Enterprises, Inc. of Sherman Oaks to replace a picnic shelter at Cerritos Park East. Vancheswaren said the project calls for the demolition and removal of the main picnic shelter, which over the year’s dry rot and termite damage have necessitated several structural repairs to the shelter. He said the city plans to replace the wooden structure with a prefabricated 40-foot by 64 foot steel picnic shelter.
In addition to the picnic shelter, the contract calls for the purchase and installation of exercise equipment to be located at various locations in the interior of the CPE walking/running track.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Norwalk American Legion Post #359 Installs '08-'09 Officers
Friends, relatives, and fellow Legionnaires & spouses met in the Hall at the A.L. Post June 7th for the Installation of their newly elected officers. The Post is located at 11986 Front St. in Norwalk.
After a sumptuous dinner provided by the Ladies Auxiliary, Installing Officer and Past Commander Bert Ralston installed the following officers. Commander: Richard Benninger, Jr. Past Commander and 1st Vice Commander:
Wayne Carrigan, 2nd Vice Commander: Victor Mendoza, Adjutant: James Potter,
Finance Officer: Richard Vargas, Chaplain & Service Officer: John Cowan, Judge Advocate: James Potter, Sergeant at Arms: Michael Matsumura, Asst. Sgt. At Arms: Daniel Wolf, and Historian: Kathy Perkovich. Serving on the Executive Committee is Vernon Beezley, Frank Brown, Leonard Brunken, Dennis Neujahr, Raymond Sanchez, and Herbert Siggers.
Angelina Chavez served as the Installing Officer for the Ladies Auxiliary. Serving this term as President: Becky Bullard, Jr. Vice President: Jacinta Saiza, 1st V.P.: Angelina Chavez, 2nd V.P. Mitzie Cowan, Secretary: Linda Diebel, Treasurer: Mary Jane McIntosh, Chaplain: Betty Mummert, Historian: Beth Zimmerman, Parliamentarian: Angelina Chavez, Sgt. At Arms: Joann Stubbs, Marshall: Beth Zimmerman, and serving on the Executive Committee is Denise Mendoza, Louise Ralston, and Delores Schoep.
The Sons of the American Legion (SAL) installed as their Commander: Richard Armijo, 1st V.P. Richard Benninger, 2nd V.P.: Greg Almarode, 3rd V.P. Jerry Evans, Adjutant/Finance Richard Benninger, Chaplain: Wayne Carrigan, and Sgt. At Arms: Marvin Stack. Serving as Installing Officer was Richard Benninger.
The Post also has formed the American Legion Riders and they go on many enjoyable motorcycle trips. Their incoming elected officer include President: Victor Mendoza, V.P. Gerald Kirby, Secretary: Beth Zimmerman, Treasurer: Gerald Kirby, Chaplain: James Brand, Sgt. At Arms: John Lloyd, with Historian & Road Captain: Chris Talbot. Serving as Installing Officer again was Richard Benninger.
The meeting started at 4:00 p.m. with dinner and Installation Ceremonies followed by Karaoke in the Post Hole Club. A great time was had by all.
Friends, relatives, and fellow Legionnaires & spouses met in the Hall at the A.L. Post June 7th for the Installation of their newly elected officers. The Post is located at 11986 Front St. in Norwalk.
After a sumptuous dinner provided by the Ladies Auxiliary, Installing Officer and Past Commander Bert Ralston installed the following officers. Commander: Richard Benninger, Jr. Past Commander and 1st Vice Commander:
Wayne Carrigan, 2nd Vice Commander: Victor Mendoza, Adjutant: James Potter,
Finance Officer: Richard Vargas, Chaplain & Service Officer: John Cowan, Judge Advocate: James Potter, Sergeant at Arms: Michael Matsumura, Asst. Sgt. At Arms: Daniel Wolf, and Historian: Kathy Perkovich. Serving on the Executive Committee is Vernon Beezley, Frank Brown, Leonard Brunken, Dennis Neujahr, Raymond Sanchez, and Herbert Siggers.
Angelina Chavez served as the Installing Officer for the Ladies Auxiliary. Serving this term as President: Becky Bullard, Jr. Vice President: Jacinta Saiza, 1st V.P.: Angelina Chavez, 2nd V.P. Mitzie Cowan, Secretary: Linda Diebel, Treasurer: Mary Jane McIntosh, Chaplain: Betty Mummert, Historian: Beth Zimmerman, Parliamentarian: Angelina Chavez, Sgt. At Arms: Joann Stubbs, Marshall: Beth Zimmerman, and serving on the Executive Committee is Denise Mendoza, Louise Ralston, and Delores Schoep.
The Sons of the American Legion (SAL) installed as their Commander: Richard Armijo, 1st V.P. Richard Benninger, 2nd V.P.: Greg Almarode, 3rd V.P. Jerry Evans, Adjutant/Finance Richard Benninger, Chaplain: Wayne Carrigan, and Sgt. At Arms: Marvin Stack. Serving as Installing Officer was Richard Benninger.
The Post also has formed the American Legion Riders and they go on many enjoyable motorcycle trips. Their incoming elected officer include President: Victor Mendoza, V.P. Gerald Kirby, Secretary: Beth Zimmerman, Treasurer: Gerald Kirby, Chaplain: James Brand, Sgt. At Arms: John Lloyd, with Historian & Road Captain: Chris Talbot. Serving as Installing Officer again was Richard Benninger.
The meeting started at 4:00 p.m. with dinner and Installation Ceremonies followed by Karaoke in the Post Hole Club. A great time was had by all.
Cerritos Wins 2008 Livability Award
The United States Conference of Mayors recently announced the winners of the prestigious 2008 City Livability awards. The City of Cerritos received an outstanding achievement award for cities with populations of 100,000 or less. Wilmington, Delaware; Goodyear, Arizona and Frisco, Texas also won outstanding achievement awards. The 29-year old awards program recognizes mayoral leadership for developing and implementing programs that improve the quality of life in America’s cities. The City of Cerritos won the award for the innovative Vintage Cerritos affordable housing project. Vintage Cerritos is located on a portion of the Cerritos College campus and provides congregate care apartments for seniors age 62 and older. It is the first housing development to be co-sponsored by a city/redevelopment agency and community college. Approximately 105 of the 147 units at Vintage are for seniors with very low, low and moderate incomes. The facility is currently at full capacity. Services provided at Vintage include three daily meals and snacks, weekly housekeeping, an extensive activities program, 24-hour responsive staff and an in-room emergency response system. Amenities include on-site entertainment, multimedia and exercise rooms, a library and beauty parlor. The two-story, 115,000-square-foot building is surrounded by rolling lawns and landscaping. A beautiful three-story atrium entryway, two interior courtyards, a one-acre resident park, a glass elevator and a “smart” safety system for seniors to use when they need quick assistance are also part of the facility. Cerritos Mayor Jim Edwards said: “Our community is proud to have won a City Livability Award for its innovative efforts to provide affordable senior housing. The award confirms the City’s ongoing commitment to the betterment of our community.” Founded in 1933, the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations over 30,000. The USCM seeks to promote the development of effective national urban/suburban policy; strengthen federal-city relationships; ensure that federal policy meets urban needs; provide mayors with leadership and management tools; and create a forum in which mayors can share ideas and information.
The United States Conference of Mayors recently announced the winners of the prestigious 2008 City Livability awards. The City of Cerritos received an outstanding achievement award for cities with populations of 100,000 or less. Wilmington, Delaware; Goodyear, Arizona and Frisco, Texas also won outstanding achievement awards. The 29-year old awards program recognizes mayoral leadership for developing and implementing programs that improve the quality of life in America’s cities. The City of Cerritos won the award for the innovative Vintage Cerritos affordable housing project. Vintage Cerritos is located on a portion of the Cerritos College campus and provides congregate care apartments for seniors age 62 and older. It is the first housing development to be co-sponsored by a city/redevelopment agency and community college. Approximately 105 of the 147 units at Vintage are for seniors with very low, low and moderate incomes. The facility is currently at full capacity. Services provided at Vintage include three daily meals and snacks, weekly housekeeping, an extensive activities program, 24-hour responsive staff and an in-room emergency response system. Amenities include on-site entertainment, multimedia and exercise rooms, a library and beauty parlor. The two-story, 115,000-square-foot building is surrounded by rolling lawns and landscaping. A beautiful three-story atrium entryway, two interior courtyards, a one-acre resident park, a glass elevator and a “smart” safety system for seniors to use when they need quick assistance are also part of the facility. Cerritos Mayor Jim Edwards said: “Our community is proud to have won a City Livability Award for its innovative efforts to provide affordable senior housing. The award confirms the City’s ongoing commitment to the betterment of our community.” Founded in 1933, the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations over 30,000. The USCM seeks to promote the development of effective national urban/suburban policy; strengthen federal-city relationships; ensure that federal policy meets urban needs; provide mayors with leadership and management tools; and create a forum in which mayors can share ideas and information.
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