MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL AND THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CERRITOS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY HELD MONDAY, JULY 28, 2025, 6:00 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 6:00 p.m.
2. Invocation
The invocation was given by Juno Smalley, New Life Community Church.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Extra – AYSO Region 54 Team (Boys U10).
4. Roll Call
The following members of the City Council/Successor Agency were in attendance:
Council/Agency Member Jennifer Hong
Council/Agency Member Mark E. Pulido
Council/Agency Member Sophia M. Tse
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Lynda P. Johnson
Mayor/Chair Frank Aurelio Yokoyama
5. Presentations/Appointments
5A. An informational update regarding the ABC Unified School District.
An informational update regarding the ABC Unified School District was given by Ernie Nishii, ABC Unified School District Board President.
There were no public comments received on this item and no action was taken.
5B. Presentations
Proclamations were made by the City Council honoring:
Jaxson Janecky, Tyler Schwichow, Maduran Aravinthan, and Joshua Arriaga (Extra – AYSO Region 54 Team members); Mike Schwichow, Coach and Coach Administrator; Veronica Janecky, Regional Commissioner (AYSO 50th Anniversary).
Pankl Aerospace Systems (Business Spotlight).
Yash Samineni, Sarvesh Thirmualai, Mohit Banda, Vishal Sivakumar, and Alvin Kishore (Rank of Eagle Scout).
5C. Review and consideration of City Council appointments to the Cerritos Advisory Boards (Boards, Commissions, and Committees) (2025-2027 term) (COUNCIL).
There were no public comments received on this item and no action was taken.
5D. Review and consideration of the Mayor’s nominations for appointments to internal ad hoc working groups and external boards, commissions, and committees (COUNCIL).
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5. Presentations/Appointments (continued)
5D. (continued)
Pursuant to City Council consensus, consideration of this item was deferred to the next City Council/Successor Agency meeting agenda (scheduled for Thursday, August 14, 2025).
There were no public comments received on this item and no action was taken.
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.
Jose Badillo expressed concerns regarding parkway tree removal/reforestation in the neighborhood adjacent to Marquardt Avenue, Artesia Boulevard, and Carmenita Boulevard.
Kirit Chauhan thanked the City for allowing Commission and Committee members to attend the 2025 AAPI LEAD National Summit and provided information regarding educational opportunities provided. He also expressed concern regarding economic disparities in the community.
The Mayor announced that prior to the meeting, the Council/Agency members received full-text, unredacted copies of the two (2) written comments submitted for Item 6, by the deadline listed on the agenda and for inclusion in the official record. Requests for copies of the written comments 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
Thursday, July 10, 2025, 7:00 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Minutes (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration, by Mayor Pro Tem Johnson.
MOTION: It was moved by Yokoyama, and seconded by Hong, to approve the Thursday, July 10, 2025, 7:00 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Minutes (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
The motion carried (4 – 0 – 0 – 1) as follows:
AYES: Hong, Pulido, Tse, Yokoyama
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Johnson
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7. Consent Calendar (continued)
7B. Approval of Financial Reports
7B.1. Register of Demands for the City of Cerritos dated July 28, 2025 (COUNCIL).
MOTION: It was moved by Yokoyama, and seconded by Pulido, to approve the Register of Demands as follows:
City of Cerritos July 28, 2025 $4,459,328.64 (COUNCIL)
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Hong, Pulido, Tse, Johnson, Yokoyama
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7B.2. Approval of Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Amendments (COUNCIL).
MOTION: It was moved by Yokoyama, and seconded by Pulido, to authorize an administrative-initiated Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 budget amendment in accordance with Joint Budget Resolution No. 2025-19/CSA No. 2025-02 and the Strategic Financial Plan and Budget Preparation Policy (Policy 2.04) as adopted by the City Council, as follows:
Account/Project: Multiple
Amount: $852,900
Justification: A carryover of unexpended funds from the prior fiscal year is requested for capital equipment that was ordered but not received by fiscal year-end, due to ongoing nationwide supply chain delays. Carrying over these funds will ensure that the necessary appropriations remain available to complete the purchases once the equipment is delivered (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Hong, Pulido, Tse, Johnson, Yokoyama
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 CHAPTER 13.12 OF THE CERRITOS MUNICIPAL CODE TO
ADOPT THE CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL POLICY HANDBOOK AS REQUIRED BY THE CALIFORNIA STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD* (COUNCIL).
Review and consideration to waive full reading of and adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
OF CERRITOS ADOPTING THE CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL POLICY HANDBOOK ISSUED BY THE CALIFORNIA STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD* (COUNCIL).
*Pursuant to Sections 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 Alvin Papa, Director of Public Works/City Engineer.
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8. Public Hearings (continued)
8A. (continued)
The Mayor opened the public hearing and public comments period. Seeing none, the Mayor declared the public comments period and the public hearing closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Pulido, and seconded by Johnson, to:
1. Waive full reading of and introduce Ordinance No. 1050, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS AMENDING CHAPTER 13.12 OF THE CERRITOS MUNICIPAL
CODE TO ADOPT THE CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL POLICY HANDBOOK AS
REQUIRED BY THE CALIFORNIA STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD (COUNCIL); and
2. Waive full reading of and adopt Resolution No. 2025-23, A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY OF CERRITOS ADOPTING THE CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL POLICY
HANDBOOK ISSUED BY THE CALIFORNIA STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Hong, Pulido, Tse, Johnson, Yokoyama
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
8B. Recommendation by the Cerritos Planning Commission, on a vote of 5-0, to approve the following:
Review and consideration to waive full reading of and adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS APPROVING PRECISE PLAN 1972-29(A)(2025) AMENDMENT, A PROPOSAL
BY PROPERTY OWNER LH INVESTMENT GROUP LLC, TO CONSTRUCT AN ADDITION TO
AN EXISTING WAREHOUSE BUILDING AND COMPLETE OTHER RELATED SITE IMPROVEMENTS AT 14113 183RD STREET, CERRITOS, CALIFORNIA, 90703. THE SUBJECT PROPERTY IS ZONED INDUSTRIAL (M)/EMERGENCY SHELTER OVERLAY (M-1) (APN 7022-014-019)* (COUNCIL).
*Pursuant to Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, the project is categorically exempt from CEQA review.
A staff report was given by Amanda Acuna, Current Planning Manager. A PowerPoint presentation was displayed.
The Mayor opened the public hearing and public comments period. Seeing none, the Mayor declared the public comments period and the public hearing closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Hong, and seconded by Johnson, to waive full reading of and adopt Resolution No. 2025-24, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS APPROVING PRECISE PLAN 1972-29(A)(2025) AMENDMENT, A PROPOSAL BY
PROPERTY OWNER LH INVESTMENT GROUP LLC, TO CONSTRUCT AN ADDITION TO
AN EXISTING WAREHOUSE BUILDING AND COMPLETE OTHER RELATED SITE IMPROVEMENTS AT 14113 183RD STREET, CERRITOS, CALIFORNIA, 90703. THE
SUBJECT PROPERTY IS ZONED INDUSTRIAL (M)/EMERGENCY SHELTER OVERLAY (M-1) (APN 7022-014-019) (COUNCIL).
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8. Public Hearings (continued)
8B. (continued)
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Hong, Pulido, Tse, Johnson, Yokoyama
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
9. New and Old Business
9A. Review and consideration of proposed water rate adjustment options to support long - term fiscal sustainability (COUNCIL).
A staff report was given by Alvin Papa, Director of Public Works/City Engineer. A PowerPoint presentation was displayed.
The Mayor opened the public comments period.
Kirit Chauhan requested the City provide more information to residents regarding water rate adjustments; expressed concern regarding drastic adjustments to water rates; and commented regarding a need to rescind City regulations related to irrigation.
Charlie Joslin expressed concerns regarding water rate adjustments, supporting further subsidies from the City’s General Fund.
Catherine Pascual expressed support for infrastructure improvements and a combination of the potential rate adjustment scenarios provided in the agenda report associated with this item. She also requested the City issue water bills on a monthly cycle.
Cynthia Nava, City Clerk, announced that prior to the meeting, the City Council received full-text, unredacted copies of the three (3) written comments submitted for Item 9A, 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.
CONSENSUS (Johnson): Directed the City Manager to conduct research regarding the staff time and resources required to issue water bills on a monthly cycle.
(minutes continue on the next page)
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9. New and Old Business (continued)
9A. (continued)
MOTION: It was moved by Johnson, and seconded by Pulido, to:
1. Approve progression of the water rate adjustment process in accordance with Scenario 2b, as presented in the agenda report associated with this item, incorporating critical infrastructure investment with General Fund support, phased out over time, including updated meter charges based on meter capacity and elimination of base minimum units, as follows:
Five-Year Capital Improvement Project General Fund Support Critical Projects Only ($23 million) Gradual phased out over five (5) years
Revenue
Adjustments
February
2026
January
2027
January
2028
January
2029
January
2030
Scenario 2b 50% 30% 25% 20% 5%
and;
2. Direct staff to finalize the water rate study report accordingly and present the final report for City Council review and consideration at a future meeting (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Hong, Pulido, Tse, Johnson, Yokoyama
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
9B. Review and consideration of approval of proposed amendments to the 2025 City Council meeting schedule and upcoming special events (COUNCIL).
A staff report was given by Cynthia Nava, City Clerk.
The Mayor opened the public comments period.
Catherine Pascual requested clarification regarding the potential rescheduling of the August 14, 2025, 7:00 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency Regular meeting.
Seeing no further speakers, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Yokoyama, and seconded by Pulido, to reschedule the Christmas Tree Lighting event to Monday, November 24, 2025 (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Hong, Pulido, Tse, Johnson, Yokoyama
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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9. New and Old Business (continued)
9B. (continued)
MOTION: It was moved by Johnson, and seconded by Pulido, to:
1. Cancel the Thursday, September 11, 2025, 7:00 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting;
2. Schedule a special meeting to be conducted in lieu of the September 11 meeting, for Monday, September 8, 2025;
3. Cancel the Thursday, October 23, 2025, 7:00 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting; and
4. Schedule a special meeting to be conducted in lieu of the October 23 meeting, for Monday, October 27, 2025 (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Hong, Pulido, Tse, Johnson, Yokoyama
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION (DID NOT CARRY): It was moved by Johnson, and seconded by Tse, to schedule the Monday, September 8, 2025, City Council/Successor Agency Special Meeting to begin at 7:00 p.m. and to schedule the Monday, October 27, 2025 City Council/Successor Agency Special Meeting to begin at 6:00 p.m. (COUNCIL).
SUBSTITUTE MOTION (ADOPTED): It was moved by Yokoyama, and seconded by Pulido, to schedule the City Council/Successor Agency Special Meetings on Monday, September 8, 2025, and Monday, October 27, 2025, to begin at 7:00 p.m. (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (3 – 1 – 0 - 1) as follows:
AYES: Pulido, Johnson, Yokoyama
NOES: Tse
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Hong
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.
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11. Reports
11A. Report from City Manager/Executive Director
None.
11B. City Council Communications/Committee Reports/Meeting Reports
Reports were given by Mayor Pro Tem Johnson and Mayor Yokoyama.
CONSENSUS (Yokoyama): Directed the City Manager to schedule an agenda report for the August 14, 2025, City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting, providing information regarding existing Cerritos Municipal Code regulations for self-storage facilities, for discussion related to potential amendments to such regulations.
CONSENSUS (Yokoyama): Directed the City Manager to schedule an agenda report for the August 14, 2025, City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting, for City Council review and consideration of an informational report on the history of Cerritos Sister City relationships.
CONSENSUS (Yokoyama): Directed the City Manager to schedule an agenda report at a future meeting, for City Council review and consideration of accessibility enhancement options for the City Council Chamber.
12. Closed Session
Pam Lee, City Attorney, announced the City Council would recess to Closed Session to discuss Item 12A, 12B, and 12C as listed on the Closed Session agenda.
12A. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6 (COUNCIL) Agency Negotiators: Robert A. Lopez, City Manager; Pam Lee, City Attorney; Drew Schneider, Director of Administrative Services; Amy Thomas, Human Resources Manager
Employee Organization: AFSCME Local 619
12B. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6 (COUNCIL) Agency Negotiators: Robert A. Lopez, City Manager; Pam Lee, City Attorney; Drew Schneider, Director of Administrative Services; Amy Thomas, Human Resources Manager
Unrepresented Employees: Full-Time Exempt
12C. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - POTENTIAL LITIGATION Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) (COUNCIL) Number of Potential Cases: One (1)
The City Council recessed into Closed Session.
The City Council reconvened into Open Session.
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12. Closed Session (continued)
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
Pam Lee, City Attorney, provided the following Closed Session report:
The City Council convened into Closed Session to discuss Items 12A, 12B, and 12C. There was no reportable action taken and there was nothing further to report.
13. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 11:47 p.m.
/s/Cynthia Nava____________________
Cynthia Nava
City Clerk/Agency Secretary
ATTEST:
/s/Frank Aurelio Yokoyama_______________
Frank Aurelio Yokoyama
Mayor/Agency Chair
APPROVED: August 14, 2025