City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 10/17/2023 Page 1 of 10 Final Minutes Approved November 15, 2023
MINUTES
CUDAHY CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING and
CITY OF CUDAHY AS SUCCESSOR AGENCY and
HOUSING SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CUDAHY
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION JOINT MEETING
October 17, 2023 6:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor / Chair Lomelí called the meeting to order at 6:38 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Council / Agency Member Cynthia Gonzalez
Council / Agency Member Martin Fuentes
Council / Agency Member Elizabeth Alcantar
Vice Mayor / Vice Chair Jose R. Gonzalez (arrived at 8:34 p.m.) Mayor / Chair Daisy Lomelí
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager, Alfonso Noyola (virtually), City Attorney, Stephanie Arechiga, Assistant City Attorney, Paloma McEvoy, City Clerk, Richard Iglesias, Assistant City Clerk, Estefania Zamora, Finance Director, Joshua Calhoun, Community Development Director, Juan Arauz, Public Works Director, Aaron Hernandez, Administrative Services Director, Brenda Rodriguez, Building Official, Raul Diaz, Senior Planner, Cecilia Madrigal, and Executive Assistant to the City Manager, Janet Andrade, Maintenance Superintendent, Aurelio Trujillo (virtually), Administrative Analyst, Daniela Trujillo (virtually).
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to approve the agenda as is, seconded by Council Member Alcantar. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. Gonzalez, Fuentes, Alcantar, and Lomelí
NOES: None
ABSENT: J. Gonzalez
ABSTAIN: None
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Fuentes City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 10/17/2023 Page 2 of 10
5. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Land Acknowledgment was led by Council Member Alcantar.
We would like to acknowledge that the land we inhabit today was once known as Tovangaar, the home of the Gabrieleño-Tongva people. We show our respects to the Gabrieleño-Tongva people, as well as all Indigenous people, past, present, and future, and honor their labor as original caretakers of this land. We commit to uplifting the Gabrieleño-Tongva people, invite you to acknowledge the history, and join us in caring for this land.
6. PRESENTATIONS
A. Certificate of Recognition presented to Cudahy’s Resource Fair Participants B. East Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Annual Update C. Los Angeles County Fire Department Annual Update
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Brenda Caloca with California Department of Insurance thanked City Council for the certificate of recognition, mentioned she met with Council Member Fuentes and Mayor Lomeli, announced the services provided by the California Department of Insurance, Ricardo Lara being the elected Insurance Commissioner and provided her contact for future collaborations.
Omar Pichardo introduced himself, mentioned being with Consejo de Federaciones Mexicanas (COFEM), share their mission, requested a letter of support or resolution from the City Council to urge President Biden to use the executive order through the Antiquities Act to expand the National Monument, and invited City Council for a hike, and provided draft maps of San Gabriel Mountains.
Luiz Carmen Reyes mentioned the importance of accessibility to the San Gabriel Mountains, asked the City Council for a resolution to support, thanked Supervisor Barger for supporting the law regarding the San Gabriel Mountains and the expansion of the National Monument that asks President Biden to use his authority through the Antiquities act.
Jacqueline Cardenas thanked Supervisor Barger for supporting a law that protects the San Gabriel Mountains and the expansion of the National Monument that asks President Biden to use his authority through the Antiquities Act, asked City Council to pass a resolution asking President Biden to use his executive power to protect the mountains, mentioned the importance of having green space.
Yecenia Lopez commented on the importance of having more green space and asking President Biden for a resolution to protect the San Gabriel Mountains.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 10/17/2023 Page 3 of 10 Irma Lopez thanked the City Council, asked to approve a resolution of support asking President Biden to protect the San Gabriel Mountains and the expansion, mentioned the need for recreational space, asked the City Council to close the cannabis companies, and explained why they should be closed down.
Camille Velasco asked the City Council to sign a letter, pass a resolution for the board, and ask President Biden to expand and protect the San Gabriel Mountains, commented on the importance of mountains and what is offered there.
Angel Velasco asked the City Council to sign a letter supporting the National Monuments and commented on its importance.
Susie de Santiago mentioned her support for denying item 14G, commented on the parking issue at Cudahy Park, her experience dealing with vehicles parked illegally, loitering in the back area of Clara Park, gate being damaged, thanked City Council for the new benches, asked City Council to limit the purchases of new City vehicles, and thanked everybody from the City for participating in Walk to School Day.
Jesus Fierro commented on the aroma from the cannabis businesses and asked the City Council for help on this issue that is affecting him and his neighbors.
Doctor David Sanchez mentioned his support for VM Evergreen, asked City Council to consider the business situation, noted the importance of supporting Mexican-American businesses, commented on his former experience, and provided an example of the representation, stated Government should not be for profit but for the people, and restated his support for the VM Evergreen and Mr. Barajas.
Jennifer Pineda mentioned her attendance at the previous City Council meeting where she addressed the lack of a privacy screen from the gate that joins Lugo Park and Theresa Hughes Ave Elementary, mentioned that she voiced her concern to Mr. Sergio Franco, Regional Director who works at Park Elementary Community of Schools Office, shared her conversation with him, stated the previous City Council meetings she attended and the issue not being resolved, asked that the City Council or someone from the Community Development, Parks and Recreation get in contact with Mr. Franco.
Edwin Gonzalez commented on special interest in promoting electric vehicles, leaders' role, SoCalGas, amount of fossil fuels to produce electric vehicles, community leaders not speaking about this, the strategy of propaganda, the United States being the largest producer of natural gas, and oil, 2022 being the most profitable year in history of fossil fuel, corporations wanting to sell you their products, the process to EV components, lastly stated the City Council should encourage the residents to think critically.
8. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS / REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 10/17/2023 Page 4 of 10 Council Member Fuentes announced that he participated in the National Walk to School, attended the Cudahy’s Resource Fair, shared the Sanitation Board will be celebrating its 100th anniversary and invited everyone to participate, commented on parks maintenance and beautification of the city, also commended staff.
Council Member C. Gonzalez thanked Susie de Santiago for organizing the Walk to School, commented on being part of it with lots of family participation, mentioned a working partnership with the principal, asked for the issue at the park to be addressed, and asked for cost estimates.
Council Member Alcantar commented on having better communication with the school district, particular issues, wanting the City to partner with the district, mentioned participating in Walk to School Day, the largest Park Avenue has seen, trash day falling on Walk to School Day, also stated participating in a working violence party convention, Maywood Education Fair being a fantastic event, attended the Contract Cities Municipal Policy Summit.
Daisy Lomelí thanked Susie de Santiago for organizing the Walk to School Day, participated in the Maywood Education Fair, thanked staff for constantly posting and reposting the event, commented on working with Elizabeth Learning Center (ELC), asked staff to look into power washing the sidewalks in front of Jaime Escalante and Teresa Hughes and other schools, also to look into the parking signs in front of Teresa Hughes, mentioned attending the Vector Control Los Angeles County District meeting, they have a big Recreational Vehicle (RV), asked staff to connect with them, mentioned wanting to see a hike excursion, announced Dia de Los Muertos Event coming up November 2 nd
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and took a moment to uplift the Palestinian people.
9. CITY MANAGER REPORT (information only)
10. REPORTS REGARDING AD HOC, ADVISORY, STANDING OR OTHER COMMITTEE MEETINGS – NONE
11. WAIVER OF FULL READING OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES Motion: Council Member Alcantar motioned to waive full reading of resolutions and ordinances, seconded by Council Member C. Gonzalez. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. Gonzalez, Fuentes, Alcantar, and Lomelí
NOES: None
ABSENT: J. Gonzalez
ABSTAIN: None
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 10/17/2023 Page 5 of 10
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Consideration to Review and Approve the Draft Minutes of October 3, 2023, for the Regular Meeting of the City Council and the Joint Meeting of the City of Cudahy as Successor Agency and Housing Successor Agency to the Cudahy Development Commission
Presented by the City Clerk
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to review and approve the City Council / Successor Agency Draft Minutes for October 3, 2023.
Motion: Council Member C. Gonzalez motioned to approve Consent Calendar items, seconded by Council Member Alcantar. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. Gonzalez, Fuentes, Alcantar, and Lomelí
NOES: None
ABSENT: J. Gonzalez
ABSTAIN: None
At 8:27 p.m., Lomelí left the chamber.
At 8:31 p.m., Lomelí returned to the chamber.
13. PUBLIC HEARING – NONE
14. BUSINESS SESSION
A. Adoption of Proposed Resolution No. 23-44: Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Program Grant Funding Eligible Activities for Years 2 and 3 Presented by the Senior Planner
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 23-44 which approves the following action(s): Elect eligible activities for Years 2 and 3 of the 5-year Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program grant period for Supportive Case Management, Rental Assistance, and Emergency Shelter Beds Program (Salvation Army Bell Shelter).
Motion: Council Member Alcantar motioned to adopt Resolution No. 23-44 which approves the following action(s): Elect eligible activities for Years 2 and 3 of the 5-year Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program grant period for Supportive Case Management, Rental Assistance, and Emergency Shelter Beds Program (Salvation Army Bell Shelter), seconded by Council Member C. Gonzalez. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 10/17/2023 Page 6 of 10 AYES: C. Gonzalez, Fuentes, Alcantar, and Lomelí
NOES: None
ABSENT: J. Gonzalez
ABSTAIN: None
B. Adoption of Proposed Resolution No. 23-45, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cudahy Amending the Classification Plan for City Employee (Associate Planner)
Presented by the Senior Planner
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve Resolution No. 23-45 of the City Council of the City of Cudahy amending the Classification Plan for City Employee (Associate Planner)
Motion: Council Member Alcantar motioned to approve Resolution No. 23-45 of the City Council of the City of Cudahy amending the Classification Plan for City Employee (Associate Planner), seconded by Council Member C. Gonzalez. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. Gonzalez, Fuentes, Alcantar, J. Gonzalez, and Lomelí NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
C. Recommendation to Approve a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) to Prepare Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) for several City Owned Properties between Polytechnique Environmental Inc. and the City of Cudahy Presented by the Senior Planner
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to take the following action(s): Approve a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) to Prepare Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) for several city owned properties; and Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract agreement between the City of Cudahy and Polytechnique Environmental Inc.
Motion: Council Member C. Gonzalez motioned to take the following action(s): Approve a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) to Prepare Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) for several city owned properties; and Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract agreement between the City of Cudahy and Polytechnique Environmental Inc., seconded by Vice Mayor J. Gonzalez. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. Gonzalez, Fuentes, Alcantar, J. Gonzalez, and Lomelí NOES: None
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 10/17/2023 Page 7 of 10 ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
D. Adoption of a Proposed Resolution No. 23-46 Augmenting the City of Cudahy Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 City Budget
Presented by the Finance Director
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to adopt proposed Resolution No. 23- 46 augmenting the City of Cudahy Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 City Budget Motion: Vice Mayor J. Gonzalez motioned to adopt proposed Resolution No. 23-46 augmenting the City of Cudahy Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 City Budget, seconded by Council Member C. Gonzalez. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. Gonzalez, Fuentes, Alcantar, J. Gonzalez, and Lomelí NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
E. Consideration to adopt a Resolution to Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Purchase of a City Vehicle
Presented by the Finance Director
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to adopt Resolution No. 23-47 authorizing the City Manager to purchase a Public Works vehicle, for a not to exceed amount of $70,000.
Motion: Council Member Alcantar motioned to adopt Resolution No. 23-47 authorizing the City Manager to purchase a Public Works vehicle, for a not to exceed amount of $70,000, seconded by Vice Mayor J. Gonzalez. Motion passed 4-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Alcantar, J. Gonzalez, and Lomelí
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: C. Gonzalez
F. Consideration to Approve a Purchase Order for Procurement of Cyber Defense System
Presented by the Finance Director
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 10/17/2023 Page 8 of 10 Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve a purchase order for the installation and subscription of cyber defense system with Darktrace Holdings Limited not-to-exceed amount of $26,386.13.
Motion: Vice Mayor J. Gonzalez motioned to approve a purchase order for the installation and subscription of cyber defense system with Darktrace Holdings Limited not-to-exceed amount of $26,386.13, seconded by Council Member Alcantar. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. Gonzalez, Fuentes, Alcantar, J. Gonzalez, and Lomelí NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
G. Consideration of a request from VM Evergreen, LLC for Forgiveness of Fees and Repayment Plan Request
Presented by the Community Development Director
Recommendation: Staff is recommending the City Council consider the presentation from staff, consider comments from VM Evergreen, LLC, consider comments from members of the public and deny VM Evergreen’s request for forgiveness of fees and repayment plan.
At 9:20 p.m. Mayor Lomelí opened public comment.
Public Comments:
Augustin Eichwald-Romero mentioned being an attorney, being before the Council because of Mr. Javier Barajas, noted Mr. Barajas involvement in civic issues growing up, pushed back on staff comment, stated denying the waiver and the ability to make a repayment plan, would put the community in double jeopardy, high cost leading to more illicit sales, lack of Latino-owned cannabis businesses, he argued that supporting Mr.
Barajas and Evergreen was crucial for the community's welfare.
Hugo Escalera mentioned being here to support VM Evergreen and is for the community, asked for the Council to help out VM Evergreen, addressed someone else's public comment, and stated that this is a medical business.
Susie de Santiago mentioned that COVID-19 has affected everyone, not just one business or individual; it not being an excuse to provide special treatment to a particular business, she stated that if the city decides to help one business, they should help all other small businesses that are also struggling due to financial burdens such as fees and permit costs. She gave an example of how she had to recover from a property damage incident on her own without any help from the city, and emphasized that all businesses have risks, and it's crucial to find a way to support and conduct one's business during ups City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 10/17/2023 Page 9 of 10 and downs. Therefore, she urged the Council to support the staff's decision to deny the permit or deny the appeal to have construction.
At 9:28 p.m. Mayor Lomelí closed public comment.
Motion: Vice Mayor J. Gonzalez motioned to direct staff to work with VM Evergreen, bring item back once the City has pertain information which is total amount of payments since inception, VM Evergreen’s overall strategy, and estimate of total sales revenue, seconded by Council Member Fuentes.
Subsequent Motion: Council Member Alcantar motioned to table the item until the next meeting and provide the requested information, seconded by Mayor Lomelí. Motion passed 3-2 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. Gonzalez, Alcantar, and Lomelí
NOES: Fuentes, and J. Gonzalez
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
At 9:15 p.m., Vice Mayor J. Gonzalez left the chamber.
At 9:17 p.m., Vice Mayor J. Gonzalez returned to the chamber.
15. COUNCIL DISCUSSION – NONE
City Attorney, Stephanie Arechiga announced that a letter was received at 5:06 p.m., an email was received at 6:32 p.m., and another letter was received at 6:58 p.m., which requires immediate attention; a deadline is associated with one of the communications.
City Attorney requested, pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2(e)(2), to add three walk-on items for three different letters.
Motion: Vice Mayor J. Gonzalez motioned to add three walk-on items to closed session, seconded by Council Member Fuentes. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. Gonzalez, Fuentes, Alcantar, J. Gonzalez, and Lomelí NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
At 10:32 p.m., City Attorney, Stephanie Arechiga recessed to closed session.
16. CLOSED SESSION
A. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2) – Two Matters City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 10/17/2023 Page 10 of 10 At 11:57 p.m., Council Member C. Gonzalez left the meeting.
At 11:03 p.m., Vice Mayor J. Gonzalez left the meeting.
At 11:28 p.m., Mayor Lomelí reconvened to open session.
17. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Stephanie Arechiga announced that there were five matters in closed session; five council members were present for one matter, four council members were present for another matter, and three council members were present for three matters.
18. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council / Agency meeting adjourned at 11:29 p.m.
Daisy Lomelí
Mayor
ATTEST:
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk