The Signal Hill City Council found itself divided during its May 10 meeting while listening to a public-hearing protest about a possible water-rate increase. Protesting residents said that the 8-percent increase in the water bill would eventually add up to approximately a 46-percent increase in the span of five years.
Signal Hill resident Maria Harris was not happy with the increase. “This stinks,” she said. “It’s not giving us a fair voice.”
Initially, the Signal Hill Water Department Subcommittee had proposed two ways the City could make increases— either having an 18-percent increase the first year followed by a 4-percent increase for the next four years, or a flat 8-percent increase every year for five years. The subcommittee hosted a water-rate workshop back in January in efforts to show the public the proposed increases and to receive feedback.
The confusion came about when Councilmember Edward Wilson asked where the option of having an 18-percent increase followed by a 4-percent increase went. Councilmember Larry Forester challenged Wilson’s remark, recalling that the council had already passed to move along with the 8-percent increase, and not the other option, back in the Feb. 9 city council meeting. In a 3-to-2 vote, the 8-percent increase was voted into effect, and the public hearing was closed.
The reason for the increase is to allow the City to control its own water system and not hire a third-party organization to oversee the water. Wilson said that the 18-percent increase followed by a 4-percent increase was the better option for the City because it added up to a 38-percent increase instead of 46 percent.
Auto center sign
The city council approved Yesco Signs LLC to begin the refurbishment construction to the auto center dealership advertisement sign located off the 405 Freeway. The council also passed a conditional-use permit for the sign. Refurbishments will improve the sign with new colors, vinyl graphics incorporating the Signal Hill logo and an LED display.
“Thank you, council,” said Bob Davis, president of Glenn E. Thomas Dodge. “We have been working on this for seven years.”
According to Signal Hill Economic Development Manager Elise McCaleb, the construction is due to start in June. “It is a 90-day construction period,” she said.
Zoning ordinance
The Signal Hill Auto Center asked the council to approve a zoning ordinance amendment that would allow it to expand its grounds to make use of vehicle maintenance, vehicle rental, wholesale facilities and vehicle storage. Along with the zoning ordinance, a conditional-use permit would be implemented to allow the Signal Hill Auto Center to use the expanded services. Forester asked if the expanded grounds projects are complying with water management program (WMP) regulations.
Signal Hill Director of Public Works Steve Myrter said that the expanded grounds projects are being developed while having WMP’s water regulations in mind. The council moved to have the expanded grounds projects for the Signal Hill Auto Center continue with improvements.
Homeland Security
The Signal Hill Police Department (SHPD) was seeking authorization from the city council to accept a $120,791 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The money would be used to buy protective gear for police personnel to wear in case of terrorist attacks and to purchase software that would allow helicopter video footage to be viewed by the emergency operations center and watch commander’s vehicle. The council voted to authorize the police to accept the grant.
[aesop_image imgwidth=”500px” img=”http://www.signaltribunenewspaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Screen-Shot-2016-05-12-at-3.01.49-PM.png” align=”right” lightbox=”on” caption=”During the Signal Hill City Council meeting on May 10, new police officers were presented to the city council and audience. Officer David Jeong introduced his mother, Alice, who then pinned the Signal Hill Police Department badge on his uniform.” captionposition=”right”] Southern California Edison
Connie Turner, Southern California Edison public affairs representative, gave a presentation to the council. The presentation urged citizens to conserve electricity during the summer to prevent rolling blackouts of the West Coast power gird.
“The grid is going to go down,” Turner said. Anticipated natural gas shortages will affect power generation plants, according to Turner.
Apartment flooding
Residents of an apartment complex at 2201 E. 21st St. attended the meeting to raise awareness about a flooding that occurred in their apartments. With a trembling voice, resident Johnny Villao said that dark water and feces poured out from the toilets and into their apartments. Villao said he had various personal items that were damaged as a result. City officials took note of the situation.
“You have our attention,” Councilmember Michael Noll said.
New officers
Mayor Lori Woods and SHPD Chief Michael Langston introduced Jared Asato, David Jeong and Casey Blair as new police officers with the SHPD. Langston introduced recently promoted senior officer Don Moreau to the council.
SRMET
Moreau hosted a presentation showcasing the SHPD’s Southeast Regional Mental Health Evaluation Team (SRMET). The program aims at training police officers in handling mental health issue-related calls. According to Moreau, SRMET teams are linked with a clinician to assist police officers with mental health-related calls and to reach out to homeless individuals. Moreau said that overall there are strong connections between homelessness and mental health and/or substance abuse.
Interview panel
The city council appointed Vice Mayor Tina Hansen to participate on an interview panel. The panel will be interviewing potential consultants to conduct the 2016 Community Recreation Needs Assessment.
City posting location
The city council voted to move the posting location for the City’s public notices, ordinances and other official documents to the Signal Hill Park Community Center. Originally, the posting area had been the Signal Hill Public Library, but because of the construction, all documents will now be posted at the center.
The next Signal Hill City Council meeting will take place Tuesday, May 24 at 7pm in council chambers, 2175 Cherry Ave.
