City reports closed-session outcomes: three claims discussed; council authorizes defenses in two lawsuits
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Summary
After a closed session on litigation and labor negotiation, the city attorney reported the council was updated on three pending claims, that the city had been dismissed from one case and that the city authorized defense in two additional claims by 5–0 votes.
The City Attorney reported out of closed session at the June 24 South Gate meeting with three litigation matters discussed and final council directions recorded.
According to the attorney’s report, the council discussed three claims: Arlene Gonzalez v. City of South Gate (a personal-injury claim from a dance class), Luis Mondragon v. City of South Gate (a rear-end collision claim involving a city employee), and Gerardo Nolasco Junior v. City of South Gate (a claim arising from a pothole on the 710 on-ramp). The attorney said the city was dismissed from the Gonzalez matter by the plaintiff and no payment was made in connection with that claim.
On motions made during closed session, the council authorized the City Attorney’s office to defend the Mondragon claim; the motion was made by Councilwoman Avalos and seconded by Vice Mayor Baron and passed 5–0. The council also authorized defense in the Nolasco matter on a motion by Councilwoman Abalos, seconded by Vice Mayor Baron; that vote was 5–0 as well.
The attorney also reported that a closed-session conference on labor negotiations involving five city employee organizations took place and that council provided guidance to the negotiator but took no reportable action.
The attorney’s summary was read into the public record at the meeting’s conclusion; no additional public action was taken on those claims at the June 24 session.