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South Gate council authorizes sidewalk-slip settlement, denies towing claim and accepts $90,000 bus-fire offer
Summary
After a closed-session review of multiple claims, the City Council of South Gate authorized a settlement in a sidewalk-slip claim, denied a towing complaint and approved accepting $90,000 as the replacement value for a city bus lost to fire; several accident claims were discussed with no action.
The City Council of South Gate on Aug. 12 authorized a settlement in a sidewalk-slip claim, denied a towing claim and approved accepting a $90,000 offer to cover a bus destroyed in a fire, the city attorney reported after closed session.
City Attorney Salinas told the council that in closed session the council considered a claim by Yesenia Lopez Vargas alleging she slipped on a sidewalk. "On a motion made by councilwoman Avilos and seconded by mayor Douglas, and on a vote of 5 to 0, the city council authorized a settlement," Salinas said, adding the settlement amount "is not yet finalized" and will be disclosed consistent with the Brown Act.
Salinas said the council also considered a claim by Anna Granados alleging her car was improperly towed. "On a motion that was made by mayor Dogma and seconded by council member Hurtado, and on a vote of 5 to 0, the council moved to deny that claim," he reported.
The city attorney reported discussion of three accident claims involving city vehicles—Hutron v. City of South Gate, Bernal v. City of South Gate and Diaz v. City of South Gate—during which the city attorney made presentations but "there was no action taken by the city council in closed session."
Salinas also reported a conference on anticipated litigation related to a city bus that caught fire. The operator under contract with the city tendered an offer to settle for $90,000, which the city attorney described as the "value of the bus at the time of the fire." The council approved accepting that offer on a 5-0 vote; Salinas said there were no injuries associated with the fire.
Finally, the council met in closed session on labor negotiations. "The city council received a presentation by the agency representative, city manager Rob Houston, discussing each of the employee organizations listed in the agenda. Upon completion of that presentation, guidance was given to the city manager. There's no reportable action taken," Salinas said.
The city attorney's post-session report covered which claims prompted action and which did not; specifics about the sidewalk settlement amount will be released later in public records consistent with open-meeting law.
The council did not take any other reportable action in closed session, Salinas said.
Ending: The city attorney completed his oral report to the council in open session; members then reopened the public-comment period and proceeded with the regular meeting agenda.
