MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL AND THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CERRITOS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY HELD THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2025, 7:00 PM, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER AT CERRITOS CITY HALL, 18125 BLOOMFIELD AVENUE, CERRITOS, CALIFORNIA.
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Invocation
The invocation was given by Mike Ballentine, Chaplain, Cerritos Sheriff’s Station.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Johnson.
4. Roll Call
The following members of the City Council/Successor Agency were in attendance:
Council/Agency Member Bruce W. Barrows
Council/Agency Member Lynda P. Johnson
Council/Agency Member Frank Aurelio Yokoyama
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Chuong Vo
Mayor/Chair Naresh Solanki
5. Presentations/Appointments
5A. Presentations
A proclamation was made by the City Council honoring:
Mike Farrar (Red Cross Month).
Recognition of outgoing Commission/Committee Members appointed by Mayor Solanki (Eric Westphal, Community Safety Committee; Daisy Mina Lagasca, Let Freedom Ring Committee; Leah Nass, Let Freedom Ring Committee; Pino Pathak, Parks and Recreation Commission; Bhavin Gandhi, Planning Commission; Latha Vasan, Property Preservation Commission).
Recognition of outgoing Commission/Committee Members appointed by Mayor Pro Tem Vo (Habib Ali, Community Safety Committee; Mel Cortez, Community Safety Committee; Matthew Kauble, Fine Arts and Historical Commission; Melissa Snyder, Let Freedom Ring Committee; Steve Lin, Parks and Recreation Commission; Carla Gilhuys, Planning Commission).
Recognition of outgoing Commission/Committee Members appointed by Councilmember Barrows (Martin Flax, Community Safety Committee; Patrick "Maurice" Stitt, Community Safety Committee; Kelly Colwell, Fine Arts and Historical Commission; Candy Yee, Let Freedom Ring Committee; Monica Ballentine, Let Freedom Ring Committee; David Albright, Parks and Recreation Commission; Gene Burd, Planning Commission).
5B. Informational update on the Tuesday, March 4, 2024 General Municipal Election.
An informational update on the Tuesday, March 4, 2024 General Municipal Election was given by Cynthia Nava, City Clerk. A PowerPoint presentation was displayed.
There was no further action on this item.
City of Cerritos Thursday, March 13, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Page 2 of 8 The Mayor announced the meeting rules of decorum.
6. Public Comments and Suggestions
The Mayor opened the public comments period for items not listed on the meeting agenda but that were within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council, the Consent Calendar, and Closed Session.
Gary Anderson, representative of U.S. Small Business Administration, provided information on assistance available for community members and small businesses who had been affected by the recent local wildfires. (Documents submitted to the City Council at a public meeting are considered public record. Public requests for copies of the full-text redacted written correspondence can be made during regular business hours to the Office of the City Clerk).
Mark Chung, representative of the American Red Cross, thanked the City and residents for support and spoke regarding the agency’s efforts related to the recent local wildfires.
Deanna Allen spoke regarding public safety in her neighborhood and requested the City find alternative solutions.
Mike Ballentine thanked the City for installing the Tribute to Public Safety memorial.
Anthony Morrow spoke regarding public safety in his neighborhood and requested the City continue to prioritize public safety matters.
Harry Kim spoke regarding public safety in his neighborhood and requested the City find alternative solutions.
Linda Oyoung spoke regarding public safety in her neighborhood and requested the City find alternative solutions.
Bella Paiz, Diego, Angel Reyes, Adrian, and Mahi spoke regarding their school capstone group project, providing aide to unhoused individuals.
Cynthia Nava, City Clerk, announced that prior to the meeting the Council/Agency members received full-text, unredacted copies of the one (1) written comment submitted for Item 5A, by the deadline listed on the agenda and for inclusion in the official record. Requests for copies of the written comment submitted for this meeting can be made during regular business hours to the Office of the City Clerk.
Seeing no further speakers, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
7. Consent Calendar
7A. Approval of Minutes
7A.1. Thursday, February 27, 2025, 7:00 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Minutes (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
MOTION: It was moved by Barrows, and seconded by Yokoyama, to approve the Thursday, February 27, 2025, 7:00 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Minutes (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
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City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Page 3 of 8
7. Consent Calendar (continued)
7A. (continued)
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Yokoyama, Vo, Solanki
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7B. Approval of Financial Reports
7B.1. Register of Demands for the City of Cerritos dated March 13, 2025 (COUNCIL).
MOTION: It was moved by Barrows, and seconded by Yokoyama, to approve the Register of Demands as follows:
City of Cerritos March 13, 2025 $3,667,333.57 (COUNCIL)
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Yokoyama, Vo, Solanki
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7B.2. City Council/Successor Agency Treasurer’s reports for the period ending January 31, 2025 (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
MOTION: It was moved by Barrows, and seconded by Yokoyama, to approve the City Council/Successor Agency Treasurer’s Reports for the period ending January 31, 2025 (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Yokoyama, Vo, Solanki
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
(minutes continue on the next page)
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City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Page 4 of 8
7. Consent Calendar (continued)
7B. Approval of Financial Reports (continued)
7B.3. Approval of Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget amendments (COUNCIL).
MOTION: It was moved by Barrows, and seconded by Yokoyama, to authorize administrative initiated Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget amendments in accordance with Joint Budget Resolution No. 2024-12/CSA No. 2024-01 and the Strategic Financial Plan and Budget Preparation Policy (Policy 2.04) as adopted by the City Council, as follows:
1. Account/Project: FY 2024-25 Mid-Year Budget Adjustment Amount: See below
Justification: The Mid-Year Budget Adjustment is essential for aligning the City's fiscal strategy with the evolving needs of the community and ensuring continued efficient operation of municipal services. Following a comprehensive review of all expenditures and revenues, adjustments have been identified to address variances from the initial budget assumptions. These adjustments reflect changes in revenue projections and modifications to expenditure accounts. This consolidated amendment is proposed to facilitate streamlined management and oversight, ensuring that the budget remains a dynamic tool that accurately reflects the City's priorities and financial reality. Details of the amendment have been provided in Exhibit 1 of the agenda report associated with this item. A summary of the adjustments is shown below:
Summary of Revenue Adjustments
General Fund
General Fund Misc.
Special Revenue Funds
Capital Project Fund
Enterprise Funds
Internal Service Fund
$(1,233,193)
29,870
2,845,845
0 (2,566,260)
(5,800)
$(929,538)
Summary of Expenditure Adjustments
Legislative and Administrative
Community Development
Public Works
Community and Cultural Services
Community Safety
Administrative Services
Theater
$(335,020)
(251,843)
(890,203)
(2,574,817)
(345,322)
(267,157)
(274,500)
$(4,938,862)
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Yokoyama, Vo, Solanki
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7C. Approval of a Master Joint-Use Agreement with the ABC Unified School District for use of shared sites (COUNCIL).
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration, by Councilmember Barrows.
The Mayor opened the public comments period. Seeing none, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
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7. Consent Calendar (continued)
7C. (continued)
MOTION: It was moved by Barrows, and seconded by Vo, to approve the Master Joint-Use Agreement for use of Shared Sites between the City of Cerritos and ABC Unified School District and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement on behalf of the City of Cerritos, with the inclusion of the following amendments:
1. Deletion of Section 23.16, Provisions Required by Law;
2. Deletion of the Rutan and Tucker, LLP addressee; and
3. Replacement of the Rutan and Tucker, LLP signature line with Pam K. Lee, City Attorney (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Yokoyama, Vo, Solanki
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
8. Public Hearings
8A. Review and consideration to waive full reading of and introduce AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY OF CERRITOS AMENDING VARIOUS CHAPTERS OF THE CERRITOS MUNICIPAL CODE, INCLUDING TITLES 2, 6, and 22, TO IMPLEMENT UPDATES TO THE CITY’S APPOINTED BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES* (COUNCIL).
*Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, this administrative activity is not a “project” under CEQA and is therefore exempt from CEQA review.
A staff report was given by Ryan Carey, Deputy City Manager.
The Mayor opened the public hearing and public comments period.
Celia Spitzer suggested several modifications be made to the proposed ordinance.
Seeing no other speakers, the Mayor declared the public comments period and public hearing closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Barrows, and seconded by Vo, to:
1. Waive full reading of and introduce Ordinance No. 1049, AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY OF CERRITOS AMENDING VARIOUS CHAPTERS OF THE CERRITOS MUNICIPAL CODE, INCLUDING TITLES 2, 6, and 22, TO IMPLEMENT UPDATES TO THE CITY’S APPOINTED BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES (COUNCIL);
2. Amend the Boards, Commissions, and Committees Handbook to align with the provisions of Ordinance No. 1049; and
3. Direct staff to prepare corresponding incorporating resolutions for future City Council review and consideration for the following Boards, Commissions, and Committees including compensation schedules, as follows:
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8. Public Hearings (continued)
8A. (continued)
Community Safety Committee $25/month
Disability Advisory Committee $25/month
Fine Arts Commission $100/month
Historical Committee $25/month
Let Freedom Ring Committee $25/month
Parks and Recreation Commission $100/month, $50 monthly mileage Planning Commission $300/month, $50 monthly mileage
Property Preservation Board $100/month, $50 monthly mileage Senior Services Committee $25/month
(COUNCIL).
The motion carried (3 – 2) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Vo, Solanki
NOES: Johnson, Yokoyama
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
9. New and Old Business
Prior to consideration of agenda Item 9A, Mayor Solanki recused himself from the discussion and consideration of this item, due to his ownership of property within one (1) of the neighborhoods being discussed.
9A. Review and consideration of information related to the planned closure of Bigelow Street and Spinnaker Street for public safety purposes (COUNCIL).
Pam Lee, City Attorney, clarified that, due to conflict of interest, Mayor Solanki should have been advised to recuse himself prior to the presentation of Item 9A from the February 27, 2025 City Council meeting (which was the ‘Review and consideration by the City Council of the potential closure of one (1) entrance into the neighborhood accessed by Bigelow Street and Bos Street and one (1) entrance into the Morning Sun neighborhood accessed by Spinnaker Street, Islandia Avenue, and Park Street for public safety purposes.’). Due to potential unfair hearing or due process issues under common law, and the presentation of additional information to the City Council at this current meeting, the following action from the February 27 council meeting may be reconsidered:
As soon as feasible, temporarily close access of one (1) neighborhood entry point at Spinnaker Street and one (1) neighborhood entry point at Bigelow Street, for a period of four (4) months. This February 27, 2025 motion carried with one (1) "no" vote and one (1) abstention.
The City Council expressed a desire to continue the matter to the next council meeting in order for staff to provide an updated staff report with the foregoing information and history; however, the City Council also acknowledged members of the public who desired to speak on this item.
The Mayor Pro Tem opened the public comments period.
Mel Cortez spoke regarding the cost of the neighborhood access closure, and requested the two (2) subject neighborhoods be considered by the City Council separately.
Ciara Jasiewicz expressed concern regarding public safety in her neighborhood.
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9. New and Old Business (continued)
9A. (continued)
Deanna Allen expressed concern regarding public safety in her neighborhood and requested verification of addresses of those opposing the closure of one (1) point of access into the subject neighborhoods.
Elizabeth Boudreaux expressed concern regarding public safety in her neighborhood and expressed support for the temporary closure of one (1) point of access into the subject neighborhoods.
Seeing no further speakers, the Mayor Pro Tem declared the public comments period closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Yokoyama, and seconded by Johnson, to direct staff to:
1. Prepare a report for City Council consideration, at the March 27, 2025 City Council/Successor Agency meeting, a reconsideration of the City Council direction provided at the February 27, 2025 Council/Agency meeting, related to consideration of the potential closure of (a) one (1) entrance into the neighborhood accessed by Bigelow Street and Bos Street, and (b) one (1) entrance into the Morning Sun neighborhood accessed by Spinnaker Street, Islandia Avenue, and Park Street for public safety purposes;
2. Bifurcate the presentation for consideration of each of the two (2) subject neighborhoods into individual reports; and
3. Incorporate review by the City Attorney of the subject reports prior to the posting of the meeting agenda and reports (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (4 – 0 – 0 – 1) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Yokoyama, Vo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Solanki
9B. Review and consideration of a request for City consent to the assignment of a lease for the Kia of Cerritos dealership located at 18201 Studebaker Road, Cerritos, California, 90703, from Lou Sobh Cerritos Saturn Incorporated, dba Kia of Cerritos, to Trophy of Cerritos Auto Group LLC, and approval and authorization for the City in its capacity as landlord to execute a Second Amendment to the Lease Agreement associated with the assignment of the lease (APN 7034-017-910) (COUNCIL).
A staff report was given by Kristin Aguila, Director of Community Development.
The Mayor opened the public comments period. Seeing none, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Barrows, and seconded by Yokoyama, to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the documents to facilitate, acknowledge, and consent to the transfer of the lease and sublicense agreement for the City-owned property located at 18201 Studebaker Road, from Lou Sobh Cerritos Saturn Incorporated to Trophy of Cerritos Auto Group LLC, which have been approved by the City, in such form as the City Attorney shall deem appropriate, including any lease amendments, or related documentation required or appropriate in connection with completion of such assignments in the forms attached hereto or such other form as the City Attorney shall deem appropriate (COUNCIL).
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9. New and Old Business (continued)
9B. (continued)
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Barrows, Johnson, Yokoyama, Vo, Solanki
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
10. Legislative Items
10A. Report on pending legislation.
None.
10B. Review and consideration to support or oppose specific legislation in the State or Federal legislature or in the State or Federal Executive Office for signature.
None.
11. Reports
11A. Report from City Manager/Executive Director
None.
11B. City Council Communications/Committee Reports/Meeting Reports
Reports were given by Councilmembers Yokoyama, Barrows, and Johnson, Mayor Pro Tem Vo, and Mayor Solanki.
12. Closed Session
The City Council did not recess to Closed Session to discuss the item listed on the agenda. There was no discussion or action taken on Item 12A.
12A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) (COUNCIL) Name of Case: Castro v. City of Cerritos (U.S. Dist. Ct., Central Dist. Cal., Case No. 2:24-cv-09625-CBM-Ex)
13. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:49 p.m. in memory of Cuauhtemoc “Temo” Garcia.
/s/Cynthia Nava_____________________
Cynthia Nava
City Clerk/Agency Secretary
ATTEST:
/s/Frank A. Yokoyama___________________
Frank A. Yokoyama
Mayor/Agency Chair
APPROVED: March 27, 2025