MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL AND THE
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CERRITOS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY HELD MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2026, 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 Bishop Robert Magalogo, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Cub Scout Pack 529.
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. Presentations
A proclamation was made by the City Council honoring:
Mike Taylor (City Employee Retirement).
REORDERING OF THE AGENDA
At this juncture, the City Council, by consensus, reordered the agenda to consider Public Hearing Item 8A prior to consideration of Item 5B.
5B. Review and consideration of the Mayor’s nominations for appointments to internal ad hoc working groups and external boards, commissions, and committees (COUNCIL).
Pursuant to City Council consensus, consideration of this item was continued to a future City Council meeting.
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.
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6. Public Comments and Suggestions (continued)
Al Barlevy expressed support for the City’s continued conduct of the annual Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Ceremony.
David Pylman spoke regarding public meeting conduct and projected completion of the Del Amo Boulevard Bridge Replacement and Signal Enhancements project.
Raymond Kim spoke regarding voter efforts and recent recall election proceedings in other California local agencies.
Rocky Pavone spoke regarding his previous and future campaigns in City elections.
Kurtis Forsythe expressed concern regarding his recent interactions and meetings with City officials and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department personnel.
Mel Cortez expressed concern regarding City finances, and rates and assessments paid by Cerritos residents.
Cynthia Nava, City Clerk announced that at the meeting, one (1) written comment was submitted for Item 6, 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
Monday, January 12, 2026, 7:00 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Minutes (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
MOTION: It was moved by Pulido, and seconded by Tse, to approve the Monday, January 12, 2026, 7:00 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Minutes (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Hong, Pulido, Tse, Johnson, Yokoyama
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7B. Approval of Financial Reports
7B.1. Register of Demands for the City of Cerritos dated January 26, 2026 (COUNCIL).
MOTION: It was moved by Pulido, and seconded by Tse, to approve the Register of Demands as follows:
City of Cerritos January 26, 2026 $4,276,721.12 (COUNCIL)
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7. Consent Calendar (continued)
7B. Approval of Financial Reports (continued)
7B.1. (continued)
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Hong, Pulido, Tse, Johnson, Yokoyama
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7B.2. City Council/Successor Agency Treasurer’s reports for the period ending November 30, 2025 (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
MOTION: It was moved by Pulido, and seconded by Tse, to approve City Council/Successor Agency Treasurer’s reports for the period ending November 30, 2025 (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Hong, Pulido, Tse, Johnson, Yokoyama
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7C. Award of contract for the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts Roof Replacement, Capital Project No. 12706, Bid No. 1567-25* (COUNCIL).
*Pursuant to Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, this project is categorically exempt from CEQA Review.
MOTION: It was moved by Pulido, and seconded by Tse, to:
1. Adopt findings in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq. (CEQA) that the improvements planned under the proposed contract award are categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines, based on the findings set forth in the agenda report associated with this item;
2. Award a California Multiple Award Schedule (CMAS) contract (Contract No. 4- 20-56-0006B) in the amount of $311,896.33 for the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts Roof Replacement, Project No. 12706, to Garland Company, Inc.;
3. Award a contract in the amount of $1,943,212.50 for the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts Roof Replacement, Project No. 12706, to BEST Contracting Services, Inc. and reject the other bids;
4. Award a professional services contract in the amount of $102,586 for the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts Roof Replacement, Project No. 12706, to Ardurra; and
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7. Consent Calendar (continued)
7C. (continued)
5. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute any project-related change orders, up to the approved 15% contingency of $353,654.22, in accordance with the City's Purchasing and Contracting Policy (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Hong, Pulido, Tse, Johnson, Yokoyama
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7D. Standing Agenda Item: Potential consideration of the Swim and Fitness Center Rehabilitation project, Project No. 20201 (COUNCIL).
MOTION: It was moved by Pulido, and seconded by Tse, to take no action at this time and defer consideration of the Swim and Fitness Center boiler replacement until such time that the existing boiler system requires replacement (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Hong, Pulido, Tse, Johnson, Yokoyama
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
8. Public Hearings
8A. Public Hearing to Consider Adjustments to Water and Sewer Rates, Adoption of Updated Rate Schedules, and Adoption of a Low-Income Water and Sewer Utility Assistance Program (COUNCIL).
Review and consideration to waive full reading of and adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS DETERMINING THAT THERE WAS NO
MAJORITY PROTEST OF PROPOSED WATER AND SEWER RATE INCREASES, AND
ADOPTING UPDATED WATER AND SEWER RATES WHICH SUPERSEDE THE EXISTING RATE SCHEDULES (COUNCIL).
Review and consideration to waive full reading of and adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS ADOPTING A LOW-INCOME WATER AND
SEWER UTILITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND PROVIDING A FIXED BIMONTHLY DISCOUNT OF $40 FOR ELIGIBLE RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS (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 hearing and public comments period.
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8. Public Hearings (continued)
8A. (continued)
The following individuals spoke in opposition to the proposed water and sewer rate adjustments:
Rocky Pavone
Carol Chen
Charlie Joslin
Mel Cortez
Amanda Teneyck
Robert Shavelle
Merri Wheaton
Teresa Gutierrez
John Kitos
Judy Chiu
Carla McKirnie
Samuel Pedace
Benjamin Ao
Case van der Linden
Lew Gentiluomo
Jabed Zaman
Steve Patel
Steve Henderson
Denny McCartney
Zenas Tham
Sam Desai
Daisy Lagasca
Carla Gilhuys
Leah Nass
Carmelita Tiongson
George Vara
Raymond Kim
Terence Wu
Chung Fu Luan
Kirit Chauhan
Steven Stallings
Richard Kith
Kyo Kim
Timothy P. Golden
Richard Chung
The following individuals expressed support for the proposed water and sewer rate adjustments:
Deborah Berry
Al Barlevy
Salem Garawi inquired regarding the potential future of the City’s water quality if the utility increases are not approved; the phasing out of the City’s General Fund support to the subject budget accounts; and regarding the Proposition 218 protest form tabulation and potential validation process.
Maggie Villa expressed concern regarding the conduct of City public meetings and freedom of speech at meetings/public hearings.
Cynthia Nava, City Clerk, announced that prior to the meeting, the City Council received full-text, unredacted copies of the sixteen (16) written comments submitted for Item 8A, 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 and public hearing closed at 10:04 p.m.
The Mayor announced that no additional written protests may be submitted, however, if any were in line to submit a form prior to the close of the public hearing, those forms would be accepted by City Clerk staff.
Cynthia Nava, City Clerk, upon cursory review of the written protest forms, reported that 6,400 protest forms were received, that the number was manifestly less than one-half of the eligible parcels (Total parcels: 15,148 water; 14,998 sewer), and there was an absence of a majority protest.
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8. Public Hearings (continued)
8A. (continued)
CONSENSUS (Johnson): Directed the City Manager to schedule a report at a future publicly noticed meeting, for City Council review and consideration of alternate revenue sources such as and including a possible Utility User Tax; Transactions and Use Tax; and/or grant funding options to offset costs and allow for potential future decreases to water and sewer bills.
MOTION (DIED DUE TO LACK OF A SECOND): It was moved by Hong, to direct the City Manager to work with the City’s Finance Division to research alternate revenue sources aimed at reducing proposed water and sewer rate adjustments, including identifying immediate funding opportunities for Capital Improvement Projects and additional revenue sources. The motion died due to lack of a second (COUNCIL).
ORIGINAL MOTION (SUPERSEDED BY SUBSEQUENT, RECONSIDERED MOTION): It was moved by Johnson, and seconded by Pulido, to:
1. Waive full reading of and adopt Resolution No. 2026-01, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS DETERMINING THAT THERE
WAS NO MAJORITY PROTEST OF PROPOSED WATER AND SEWER RATE
INCREASES, AND ADOPTING UPDATED WATER AND SEWER RATES WHICH SUPERSEDE THE EXISTING RATE SCHEDULES (COUNCIL);
2. Waive full reading and adopt Resolution No. 2026-02, A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS ADOPTING A LOW-INCOME
WATER AND SEWER UTILITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND PROVIDING A FIXED BIMONTHLY DISCOUNT OF $40 FOR ELIGIBLE RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS (COUNCIL); and
3. Authorize a budget amendment in the amount of $200,000 from the General Fund to implement the Low-Income Water and Sewer Utility Assistance Program for the remainder of the 2025-2026 fiscal year (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (3 – 2) as follows:
AYES: Pulido, Johnson, Yokoyama
NOES: Hong, Tse
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The motion and vote above were superseded due to a timely and valid motion for reconsideration taken later in the meeting, and then subsequent motion and vote on the original question. These actions, though taken at a later junction of this meeting, are memorialized on pages 8 and 9 of this document.
(minutes continue on the next page)
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8. Public Hearings (continued)
8B. Recommendation by the Cerritos Planning Commission, on a vote of 4-0, to approve the following:
Review and consideration to waive full reading of and adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 2026-1, A REQUEST TO AMEND THE CERRITOS GENERAL PLAN BY CHANGING THE LAND USE DESIGNATION OF APPROXIMATELY ±0.44 ACRES OF LAND, LOCATED AT 18616 BLOOMFIELD AVENUE (APN 7030-002-903), FROM LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL TO PARKS AND OPEN SPACE* (COUNCIL).
Review and consideration to waive full reading of and introduce AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS APPROVING DEVELOPMENT MAP AMENDMENT 2026-1, A REQUEST TO AMEND THE ZONE CLASSIFICATION OF APPROXIMATELY ±0.44 ACRES OF LAND, LOCATED AT 18616 BLOOMFIELD AVENUE (APN 7030-002-903), FROM SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (RS-6500) TO OPEN SPACE (OS)* (COUNCIL).
Review and consideration to waive full reading of and adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS APPROVING LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT 2026-1, A PROPOSAL BY THE CITY OF CERRITOS TO ADJUST EXISTING PROPERTY LINES BETWEEN TWO PARCELS WITHIN HERITAGE PARK, LOCATED AT 18600 AND 18616 BLOOMFIELD AVENUE (APNS 7030-002-901 AND 7030-002-903)* (COUNCIL).
*Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) and Section 15305 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, this project is exempt from CEQA Review.
A staff report was given by Ryan Carey, Deputy City Manager/Acting Director of Community Development.
The Mayor opened the public hearing and public comments period. Noting no individuals elected to provide public comment, the Mayor declared the public comments period and public hearing closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Pulido, and seconded by Johnson, to:
1. Waive full reading and adopt Resolution No. 2026-03, A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 2026-1, A REQUEST TO AMEND THE CERRITOS GENERAL PLAN BY CHANGING THE LAND USE DESIGNATION OF APPROXIMATELY ±0.44 ACRES OF LAND, LOCATED AT 18616 BLOOMFIELD AVENUE (APN 7030- 002-903), FROM LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL TO PARKS AND OPEN SPACE (COUNCIL).
2. Waive full reading and introduce Ordinance No. 1060, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS APPROVING DEVELOPMENT MAP AMENDMENT 2026-1,
A REQUEST TO AMEND THE ZONE CLASSIFICATION OF APPROXIMATELY ±0.44 ACRES OF LAND, LOCATED AT 18616 BLOOMFIELD AVENUE (APN 7030-002-903), FROM SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (RS-6500) TO OPEN SPACE (OS) (COUNCIL).
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8. Public Hearings (continued)
8B. (continued)
3. Waive full reading and adopt Resolution No. 2026-04, A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS APPROVING LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT 2026-1, A PROPOSAL BY THE CITY OF CERRITOS TO ADJUST
EXISTING PROPERTY LINES BETWEEN TWO PARCELS WITHIN HERITAGE PARK, LOCATED AT 18600 AND 18616 BLOOMFIELD AVENUE (APNS 7030- 002-901 AND 7030-002-903) (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Hong, Pulido, Tse, Johnson, Yokoyama
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION TO RECONSIDER A VOTE TAKEN AT THIS MEETING
MOTION : It was moved by Yokoyama, and seconded by Johnson, to reconsider the vote taken earlier in this meeting generally described as concerning proposed water and sewer rate increases and a low-income assistance program under Item 8A (COUNCIL).
The motion to reconsider Item 8A carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Hong, Pulido, Tse, Johnson, Yokoyama
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECONSIDERATION OF VOTE ON AGENDA ITEM 8A
In accordance with the City of Cerritos Guidebook for Elected and Appointed Officials, by majority vote, the City Council took action to reconsider the vote taken earlier in this meeting. A timely motion to reconsider may only be made by a member who voted in the majority on the original motion. To be considered timely, the motion to reconsider must be made at the meeting where the item was first voted upon. The matter may be discussed and debated as if it were on the floor for the first time. If no new motion is put forth, it would stand as if action on the matter under consideration never occurred.
Public Hearing to Consider Adjustments to Water and Sewer Rates, Adoption of Updated Rate Schedules, and Adoption of a Low-Income Water and Sewer Utility Assistance Program (COUNCIL).
Review and consideration to waive full reading of and adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS DETERMINING THAT THERE WAS NO
MAJORITY PROTEST OF PROPOSED WATER AND SEWER RATE INCREASES, AND
ADOPTING UPDATED WATER AND SEWER RATES WHICH SUPERSEDE THE EXISTING RATE SCHEDULES (COUNCIL).
Review and consideration to waive full reading of and adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS ADOPTING A LOW-INCOME WATER AND
SEWER UTILITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND PROVIDING A FIXED BIMONTHLY DISCOUNT OF $40 FOR ELIGIBLE RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS (COUNCIL).
City of Cerritos Monday, January 26, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Page 9 of 10 RECONSIDERATION OF VOTE ON AGENDA ITEM 8A (continued)
NEW MOTION (ADOPTED): It was moved by Johnson, and seconded by Tse, to:
1. Waive full reading of and adopt Resolution No. 2026-01, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS DETERMINING THAT THERE
WAS NO MAJORITY PROTEST OF PROPOSED WATER AND SEWER RATE
INCREASES, AND ADOPTING UPDATED WATER AND SEWER RATES WHICH SUPERSEDE THE EXISTING RATE SCHEDULES (COUNCIL);
2. Waive full reading and adopt Resolution No. 2026-02, A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS ADOPTING A LOW-INCOME
WATER AND SEWER UTILITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND PROVIDING A FIXED BIMONTHLY DISCOUNT OF $40 FOR ELIGIBLE RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS (COUNCIL); and
3. Authorize a budget amendment in the amount of $200,000 from the General Fund to implement the Low-Income Water and Sewer Utility Assistance Program for the remainder of the 2025-2026 fiscal year (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (4 – 0 – 0 – 1) as follows:
AYES: Pulido, Tse, Johnson, Yokoyama
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Hong
9. New and Old Business
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 Hong and Tse, and Mayor Pro Tem Johnson.
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12. Closed Session
Pam Lee, City Attorney, announced the City Council would recess to Closed Session to discuss Item 12B only, as listed on the Closed Session agenda. Item 12A would not be discussed.
12A. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.8 (COUNCIL) Properties: 12610 Park Plaza Dr ive, Cerritos, California 90703; 16550 Bloomfield Avenue, Cerritos, California 90703
Agency Negotiators: Robert A. Lopez, City Manager; Pam Lee, City Attorney; Kristin Aguila, Senior Assistant City Manager
Negotiating Parties: Alliance of Schools for Cooperative Insurance Programs Under Negotiation: Potential Property Transaction
12B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – POTENTIAL LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9 of the California Government Code (COUNCIL) Number of potential cases: One (1)
The City Council recessed into Closed Session.
The City Council reconvened into Open Sesson.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Pam Lee, City Attorney, announced the City Council convened into Closed Session to discuss Item 12B only, as listed on the Closed Session agenda. Item 12A was not discussed. There was no reportable action taken on these items and there was nothing further to report.
13. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 1:36 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
/s/Cynthia Nava_____________________
Cynthia Nava
City Clerk/Agency Secretary
ATTEST:
/s/Frank Aurelio Yokoyama________________
Frank Aurelio Yokoyama
Mayor/Agency Chair
APPROVED: February 9, 2026