MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL AND THE
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CERRITOS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY HELD MONDAY, MAY 11, 2026, 7:00 PM, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER AT CERRITOS CITY HALL, 18125
BLOOMFIELD AVENUE, CERRITOS, CALIFORNIA AND VIA ZOOM TELECONFERENCE, MEETING ID# 897 8691 1692.
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Invocation
The invocation was given by Pastor Rory Corrigan, Church in Cerritos.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by students of Nixon Elementary School.
4. Roll Call
The following members of the City Council/Successor Agency were in attendance:
Council/Agency Member Jennifer Hong
Council/Agency Member Sophia M. Tse
Council/Agency Member Frank Aurelio Yokoyama
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Mark E. Pulido
Mayor/Chair Lynda P. Johnson
5. Presentations/Appointments
5A. Presentations
None.
5B. Informational presentation by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (County) on the Tuesday, June 2, 2026 Statewide Primary Election.
Cynthia Nava, City Clerk, introduced Adrian Avelar, Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, who provided an informational presentation. A PowerPoint presentation was displayed.
The Mayor opened the public comments period. Seeing none, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
There was no further action taken on this item.
5C. Review and consideration of City Council appointments to the Cerritos Advisory Boards (Commissions and Committees) (2025-2027 Term) (COUNCIL).
A staff report was given by Cynthia Nava, City Clerk.
The Mayor opened the public comments period. Seeing none, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
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5. Presentations/Appointments (continued)
5C. (continued)
MOTION: It was moved by Tse, and seconded by Pulido, to approve Councilmember Tse’s nomination listed below to serve the remainder of the 2025-2027 term, through April 30, 2027 (COUNCIL):
Name Advisory Board
John Hartman Parks and Recreation Commission
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Hong, Tse, Yokoyama, Pulido, Johnson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Cynthia Nava, City Clerk, administered the oath of office to appointee, John Hartman.
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.
Mike presented four (4) separate enclosed documents to City staff, intended for service upon the City of Cerritos. The envelopes were hand-delivered to the City Manager, Deputy City Manager/Acting Public Safety Manager, Director of Administrative Services, and City Clerk.
Robert Shavelle expressed support for potential changes to the City’s administration of the Cerritos Iron-Wood Nine Golf Course to increase City revenue generation.
David Pylman expressed concern regarding recent updates to City Council meeting administration and conduct. He also requested Agenda Item 7C be pulled from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration by the City Council.
Samar Malouf expressed concern regarding traffic control in her neighborhood and requested additional mitigation efforts from the City.
Kirit expressed support for City-sponsored cultural recognition programs and inquired regarding the City’s future efforts.
Cynthia Nava, City Clerk, announced that prior to the meeting, the City Council received one (1) written comment 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.
City of Cerritos Monday, May 11, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Page 3 of 10
7. Consent Calendar
7A. Approval of Minutes
7A.1. Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 7:00 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency Special Meeting Minutes (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
MOTION: It was moved by Hong, and seconded by Yokoyama, to approve the Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 7:00 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency Special Meeting Minutes (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Hong, Tse, Yokoyama, Pulido, Johnson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7A.2. Monday, April 13, 2026, 7:00 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Minutes (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
MOTION: It was moved by Hong, and seconded by Yokoyama, to approve the Monday, April 13, 2026, 7:00 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Minutes (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Hong, Tse, Yokoyama, Pulido, Johnson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7A.3. Monday, April 13, 2026, 7:00 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency Adjourned Special Meeting Minutes (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
MOTION: It was moved by Hong, and seconded by Yokoyama, to approve the Monday, April 13, 2026, 7:00 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency Adjourned Special Meeting Minutes (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Hong, Tse, Yokoyama, Pulido, Johnson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7B. Approval of Financial Reports
7B.1. Register of Demands for the City of Cerritos dated May 11, 2026 (COUNCIL).
MOTION: It was moved by Hong, and seconded by Yokoyama, to approve the Register of Demands as follows:
City of Cerritos May 11, 2026 $6,362,993.20 (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, Tse, Yokoyama, Pulido, Johnson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7B.2. City Council/Successor Agency Treasurer’s reports for the period ending February 28, 2026 (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
MOTION: It was moved by Hong, and seconded by Yokoyama, to approve City Council/Successor Agency Treasurer’s reports for the period ending February 28, 2026 (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Hong, Tse, Yokoyama, Pulido, Johnson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7C. Approval of design plans prepared by the City of Lakewood for the installation of a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at the intersection of Del Amo Boulevard and Claretta Avenue pursuant to an Interagency Cooperative Agreement* (COUNCIL).
*Pursuant to Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, this project is categorically exempt from CEQA review.
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration by Councilmember Hong.
The Mayor opened the public comments period.
David Pylman inquired regarding project details related to timing, location, staffing, and impacts to forthcoming projects.
Seeing no further speakers, the Mayor declared the public comments period closed.
MOTION: It was moved by Pulido, and seconded by Tse, to:
1. Approve the design plans prepared by the City of Lakewood for the installation of a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at the intersection of Del Amo Boulevard and Claretta Avenue, pursuant to the Interagency Cooperative Agreement, and adopt the plans as the basis for asserting design immunity in connection with the project; and
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7. Consent Calendar (continued)
7C. (continued)
2. Direct the City Manager to initiate discussions with the City of Lakewood regarding a potential installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Del Amo Boulevard and Claretta Avenue and to provide a future report on the matter to the City Council (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Hong, Tse, Yokoyama, Pulido, Johnson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7D. Continuance of the existence of a local emergency concerning a gasoline leak from a privately owned existing pipeline on the Cerritos Iron-Wood Nine Public Golf Course, and potential threat to the safety of persons and property requiring remediation, repair, and improvement of the public golf course and other City- owned public property, as specified (COUNCIL).
MOTION: It was moved by Hong, and seconded by Yokoyama, to:
1. Continue the local emergency as proclaimed in Resolution No. 2023-05, at the Cerritos Iron-Wood Nine Golf Course and the nearby City property containing the C-4 well site;
2. Make the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 8 of Resolution No. 2023-05, and incorporate by reference those findings, as they relate to the continued existence of a local emergency as specified; and
3. Direct staff to provide a report to the City Council regarding the local emergency at least once every 60 days, pursuant to Section 8630(c) of the California Government Code, until the City Council terminates the local emergency (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Hong, Tse, Yokoyama, Pulido, Johnson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7E. Standing Agenda Item: Potential consideration of the Swim and Fitness Center Rehabilitation Project, Project No. 20201 (COUNCIL).
MOTION: It was moved by Hong, and seconded by Yokoyama, 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).
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7. Consent Calendar (continued)
7E. (continued)
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Hong, Tse, Yokoyama, Pulido, Johnson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
8. Public Hearings
None.
9. New and Old Business
9A. Review and consideration of a summary overview of the findings of the Resident Budget Task Force (COUNCIL).
A report was given by Ryder Smith, Tripepi Smith, Consultant. A PowerPoint presentation was displayed.
The Mayor opened the public comments period.
Robert Shavelle expressed concern regarding the scope of the Resident Budget Task Force (RBTF) and offered alternative suggestions for revenue generation and operational expenditure reductions.
Mark Bollman spoke regarding participation on the RBTF and offered alternative suggestions for operational expenditure reductions.
Deanna A. expressed support for continued funding of the Sky Knight program and public safety programs within the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Combined Financial Program (City Budget).
Clarence Stephens expressed concern regarding the scope of the RBTF and expressed support for the presentation of a potential Transactions and Use Tax ballot measure to Cerritos voters.
Ciara expressed support for continued funding of public safety programs within the Fiscal Year 2026-27 City Budget.
Al Reyes expressed support for programming and management at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) and expressed concern regarding decreases in CCPA funding and programming.
Deborah Berry expressed concern regarding the scope, purpose, and intent of the RBTF.
Temito Garcia expressed support for continued funding of the City’s public safety programs within the Fiscal Year 2026-27 City Budget.
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9. New and Old Business (continued)
9A. (continued)
Charles Joslin spoke regarding alternative suggestions for revenue generation and operational expenditure reductions.
Raymond Kim expressed concern regarding the scope of the Resident Budget Task Force (RBTF) and offered alternative suggestions for operational expenditure reductions.
Gilbert Jernigan expressed concern regarding additional increases in living expenses, for senior residents.
Keanu Membrebre expressed support for continued funding of the Sky Knight program and public safety programs within the Fiscal Year 2026-27 City Budget.
Unidentified speaker expressed support for continued funding of City public safety programs within the Fiscal Year 2026-27 City Budget.
Unidentified speaker requested clarification regarding a potential Transactions and Use Tax ballot measure.
Kurtis Forsythe expressed concern regarding public safety.
Unidentified speaker expressed concern regarding the discontinuation of certain City services, including Cerritos-On-Wheels (COW) public transportation and decreased Cerritos Library operating hours.
Cynthia Nava, City Clerk, announced that prior to the meeting, the City Council received full-text, unredacted copies of the four (4) 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 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.
MOTION: It was moved by Pulido, and seconded by Tse, to receive and file the agenda report associated with this item (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (5 – 0) as follows:
AYES: Hong, Tse, Yokoyama, Pulido, Johnson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
9B. Review and consideration of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Preliminary Combined Financial Program for the City of Cerritos and the Successor Agency to the Cerritos Redevelopment Agency (COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY).
Staff reports were given by Drew Schneider, Director of Administrative Services; Natalie Equihua, Accounting Administrator; and David Siris, Acting Finance and Budget Manager/City Treasurer. A PowerPoint presentation was displayed.
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9. New and Old Business (continued)
9B. (continued)
The Mayor opened the public comments period.
Raymond Kim expressed concern regarding overhead expenditures throughout the City budget.
Carla Gilhuys expressed concern regarding overhead expenditures throughout the City budget and spoke regarding alternative suggestions for operational expenditure reductions and presentation of a balanced budget.
Cynthia Nava, City Clerk, announced that prior to the meeting, the City Council received full-text, unredacted copies of the four (4) written comments submitted for Item 9B, 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.
MOTION (WITHDRAWN BY MAKER): The motion made by Pulido, and seconded by Tse, to reduce the City Council Training and Meeting budget by 50% in the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Preliminary Combined Financial Program, was withdrawn by the maker.
MOTION: It was moved by Pulido, and seconded by Yokoyama, to eliminate the proposed suspension of Sky Knight helicopter patrol services in the Fiscal Year 2026- 27 Preliminary Combined Financial Program (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (4 – 1) as follows:
AYES: Hong, Yokoyama, Pulido, Johnson
NOES: Tse
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION: It was moved by Yokoyama, and seconded by Pulido, to eliminate the proposed 20% reduction in Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts programming, including associated marketing and personnel costs, and suspension of Arts Education programs in the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Preliminary Combined Financial Program (COUNCIL).
The motion carried (3 – 2) as follows:
AYES: Yokoyama, Pulido, Johnson
NOES: Hong, Tse
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
10. Legislative Items
10A. Report on pending or existing legislation.
None.
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10. Legislative Items (continued)
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
None.
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. An announcement regarding any reportable action resulting from the Closed Session will be made at the Thursday, May 28, 2026, 7:00 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency Special Meeting.
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; Lauren Vargas, Enterprise Services 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; Lauren Vargas, Enterprise Services Manager Unrepresented Employees: Full-Time Exempt
12C. 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: Two (2)
13. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 1:55 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
/s/Cynthia Nava_____________________
Cynthia Nava
City Clerk/Agency Secretary
City of Cerritos Monday, May 11, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Page 10 of 10 ATTEST:
/s/Lynda P. Johnson__________________
Lynda P. Johnson
Mayor/Agency Chair
APPROVED: May 28, 2026