South Gate City Council authorizes defense in four lawsuits after closed session

The South Gate City Council on April 8 voted 4-0 in closed session to authorize the city to defend four lawsuits filed against it, City Attorney Salinas reported after the council returned to open session.

City Attorney Salinas told the council the cases include an employment law claim by Eric Arteaga and three personal-injury suits alleging raised sidewalks at separate locations: Bertha Quintero (Hunt Avenue), Dulce Vargas (Saint James Avenue) and Leticia Delgado (8635 Madison Avenue). A motion to authorize the defense was made by Council member Bridal and seconded by Vice Mayor Baron; the council recorded the motion as approved on a 4-0 vote.

The authorization directs city staff and the city attorney to proceed with defending the matters in court; Salinas said the suits are newly filed and that no settlements or resolutions were approved in closed session. He also reported a separate, brief conference on labor negotiations with the city manager; no action was taken in that portion of closed session.

Resident Chingus Dominguez spoke during the open meeting to criticize the city’s handling of litigation and to ask about settlement amounts; City Attorney Salinas said the matters were new suits and there were no settlements to report. Salinas also briefly addressed legal limits on contracting out city positions, citing recent case law that restricts employers’ ability to classify traditional employees as independent contractors.

Council and staff did not give additional public details about the pending cases during the open meeting. The city attorney said the city will continue to defend the matters in court and that more information will be provided as appropriate under law.