City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 11/7/2023 Page 1 of 14 Final Minutes Approved February 6, 2024
MINUTES
CUDAHY CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING and
CITY OF CUDAHY AS SUCCESSOR AGENCY and
HOUSING SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CUDAHY
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION JOINT MEETING
November 7, 2023 6:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor / Chair Lomelí called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Council / Agency Member Cynthia Gonzalez
Council / Agency Member Martin Fuentes
Council / Agency Member Elizabeth Alcantar
Mayor / Chair Daisy Lomelí
ABSENT: Vice Mayor / Vice Chair Jose R. Gonzalez
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager, Alfonso Noyola, 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.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion: Council Member Alcantar motioned to table item 6A to the next meeting, 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
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Fuentes City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 11/7/2023 Page 2 of 14
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. Strategic Plan Update
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Alex Lowder introduced himself and mentioned he was retained by the city in the event there is any litigation from cannabis operators.
Parker Unite Here Local 11 commented on item 14C asked City Council to look into leasing instead of selling the property and asked to continue the item.
Mirvette Judeh spoke in support of the Resolution to cease-fire.
Rashad Al-Dabbah spoke in support of the Resolution to cease-fire and shared who they represent.
Theresa Montano spoke in support of the Resolution to cease-fire.
Basha Jamil spoke in support of the Resolution to cease-fire.
Daisy Loya shared history of Palestine.
Rima Nashashibi spoke in support of the Resolution to cease-fire.
Tanaz Gol shared her disappointment and mentioned a cease-fire will not be effective for Israel or Palestine residents.
Sadia Khan spoke in support of the Resolution to cease-fire and shared the numbers in the resolution has increased.
Seema Bader spoke in support of the Resolution to cease-fire.
Fauzia Rizvi thanked City Council and spoke in support of the Resolution to cease-fire.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 11/7/2023 Page 3 of 14 Fatinah Judeh shared what is occurring at Palestine and spoke in support of the Resolution to cease-fire.
Mark thanked City Council and spoke in support of the Resolution to cease-fire.
Haseena Mirza thanked City Council and spoke in support of the Resolution to ceasefire.
Sabina Khan thanked City Council, shared history, and spoke in support of the Resolution to cease-fire.
Jasmine spoke against the Resolution to cease-fire and shared a ceasefire would only be more destructive to the world.
Ameena Omirza shared her experience of racism her kids are experiencing and supported the Resolution to cease-fire.
Wiam shared her experience and expressed her frustration with what is occurring in Palestine.
Miya Cain shared what is occurring in Palestine and asked City Council to pass the resolution to cease-fire.
Edith Bendirsky spoke in opposition to the cease-fire Resolution.
Micky S. spoke in opposition to the cease-fire Resolution.
Joaquin Beltran spoke in support of the Resolution to cease-fire.
Josh Weiss spoke in support of the Resolution to cease-fire.
Parham’s spoke in opposition to the cease-fire Resolution.
Aliya Yousufi commended the City Council and spoke in support of the Resolution to cease-fire.
Dailia Sassoon expressed her opinion and mentioned its unethical for anyone who has not been to Israel or Gaza to call for a cease-fire.
Ayah thanked City Council and spoke in support of the Resolution to cease-fire.
Michael Sanford spoke in support of the Resolution to cease-fire.
At 7:43 p.m. Council Member C. Gonzalez left the chambers.
Shy spoke in opposition to the cease-fire Resolution.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 11/7/2023 Page 4 of 14 At 7:46 p.m. Council Member C. Gonzalez returned to the chambers.
Kaila spoke in opposition to the cease-fire Resolution.
Shawn spoke in opposition to the cease-fire Resolution and requested to demand for a cease-fire with conditions that calls to release the hostages.
Mariam Sarhan thanked City Council, shared history, and spoke in support of the Resolution to cease-fire.
Miran K asked City Council to be cautious with the language on the Resolution to ceasefire as it is not clear and should not move forward.
At 7:59 p.m., Mayor Lomelí called for a recess.
At 8:06 p.m., Mayor Lomelí reconvened the meeting.
Edwin Gonzalez spoke in opposition of electric vehicles and SoCalGas, shared litigation occurring with Edison.
Asher Eghbali spoke in opposition to the cease-fire Resolution.
Saee shared history of Israel and Palestine.
Tobin spoke in support of the Resolution to cease-fire.
Mustafa Khan thanked the City Council and spoke in support of the Resolution to ceasefire.
Juan Martinez spoke in support of the Resolution to cease-fire.
Estee Chandler spoke in support of the Resolution to cease-fire and all lives.
Iyas Sartawi spoke in support of the Resolution to cease-fire and asked City Council to approve the resolution.
Hira K spoke in support of the Resolution to cease-fire.
Danny expressed his opposition to the Resolution to cease-fire.
Robert Bulatao spoke in support of the Resolution to cease-fire.
John Stafford spoke in favor of the Resolution to cease-fire.
Samer Barakat shared history of Israel and mentioned his support for cease-fire.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 11/7/2023 Page 5 of 14 At 8:42 p.m., Mayor Lomelí left the Chambers.
At 8:46 p.m., Mayor Lomelí returned to the Chambers.
Zuhal Bahaduri shared Israel’s actions since October 7 according to reports, and asked City Council to approve the cease-fire resolution.
Mark B shared facts, comparisons, examples, and views regarding the cease-fire.
Amtapia spoke in support of the cease-fire.
Sarah stated she appreciated the City Council putting the cease-fire item forward, spoke in favor of the item and mentioned what is occurring.
Allyson spoke in support of the cease-fire Resolution and urged the Council to approve it.
SS in CA spoke in support of the cease-fire Resolution.
Dina Aspen spoke in opposition to the cease-fire Resolution.
Daniela Martinez spoke in support of the cease-fire Resolution and to share the truth.
Enamorado shared a theory, commented on what has been and is occurring between Palestine and Israel, and lastly, stated free Palestine.
Mimi asked to support the cease-fire Resolution and be with the community, shared her views, opinions, and media reports.
Maggie commented on other speakers' comments, shared her opinions, and sided with Viva Palestina, not Zionism.
Mirza Hamza urged the Council to vote for a cease-fire and stand in solidarity with most of the international community, commented on other speakers' comments, and shared his opinions.
At 9:17 p.m., Council Member Alcantar left the Chambers.
Maryam shared her opinion, an analogy, Israel's actions, and what she has been subjected to, expressed the demand for a cease-fire and occupation of Free Palestine.
At 9:19 p.m., Council Member Alcantar returned to the Chambers.
Ahlam Muhtaseb shared her opinions, death toll, the number of injured Palestinians, Israel's actions, and the results of its actions; lastly, she called for an immediate ceasefire.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 11/7/2023 Page 6 of 14 At 9:21 p.m., Council Member Fuentes left the Chambers.
At 9:24 p.m., Council Member Fuentes returned to the Chambers.
Joseph Moreno shared his support for a cease-fire, opinions, and beliefs.
PZ expressed the importance of emotional feelings towards Palestinian children and Israeli children and commented on other speakers' comments.
Maha Rizvi voiced support for the Resolution and asked the Council to pass it.
Johanna addressed other speakers' comments and asked the Council to approve the Resolution.
Emails read into the record by City Clerk Richard Iglesias Iris Verduzco shared her support for Resolution 14a, which affirms support and solidarity with the Palestinian People of Gaza.
Claire Simonich, Initiative Associate Director of Vera California, emailed a letter to Cudahy City Council in support of the Superior Court's new bail policy, the PreArraignment Release Protocols (PARP). The policy shifts away from money bail and recommends administrative release for people charged with misdemeanors and low-level felonies. Claire shared research and data, indicating that reforms like the PARP policy are good for public safety and justice. She urged the Council to speak out in support of the policy, educate the public about its benefits, and encourage the court to monitor and share data analysis on implementation at regular intervals.
Emails received after close of public comment.
City Clerk Richard Iglesias announced they will be made part of the record due to the number of public comment speakers.
Rand Khasawneh expressed strong support for a ceasefire.
David Alpern urged City Council to table Resolution No. 23-48 and to take immediate corrective action.
Deborah Karemah Alfaddaghi thanked City Council for the ceasefire Resolution.
Iris Verduzco shared her support of Resolution 14a.
Karima Alghannam expressed her support of the ceasefire now Resolution.
Mustafa Khan thanked City Council for the ceasefire Resolution.
Saiqua Nooreen shared her support of the resolution for an immediate cease.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 11/7/2023 Page 7 of 14 Sameena Usman thanked City Council for passing a resolution in support of a cease-fire.
Sarah Salama shared her support for the cease-fire Resolution.
Siraj Mowjood thanked City Council for passing a resolution in support of a cease-fire.
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS / REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS
Council Member Fuentes commented on his participation in the State of the County, Supervisor Janice Hahn, City of Cudahy's Halloween event, Dia de Los Muertos event, and mentioned issues that need to be addressed in the City.
Council Member C. Gonzalez stated she would save her comments for the rest of the agenda.
Council Member Alcantar mentioned keeping track of the number of people who left the meeting and encouraged everyone to stay, thanked everyone for speaking up, thanked the staff for the Halloween event and Dia de Los Muertos event, commented on being part of Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) Leaders Convening, attended Senator Gonzalez's State of the District, asked if anyone knows of a family in dire need of a Turkey.
Mayor Lomelí expressed her gratitude to everyone who provided comments and to staff for the Dia de Los Muertos event, mentioned the importance of these types of events in the City; the Los Angeles Hot Wheels event was great, and they honored the City with a plaque, thanked staff for address City issues, announced the upcoming State of the City, Mocha with Mayor event, lastly, thanked the community for their vote.
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 11/7/2023 Page 8 of 14
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Consideration to Review and Approve the Draft Minutes of October 17, 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 17, 2023.
B. Approval of the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) for the Month of September 2023
Presented by the Finance Director
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) Report for the month of September 2023 in the amount of $12,489,361.78.
C. Approval of the City Demands and Payroll Including Statement of Investment for the Month of September 2023
Presented by the Finance Director
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve the Demands and Payroll in the amount of $1,693,834.27 including the Statement of Investments for the month of September 2023.
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to approve Consent Calendar items, 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
13. PUBLIC HEARING – NONE
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 11/7/2023 Page 9 of 14 Council Member Alcantar motioned to pull item 14B to the next meeting, 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
14. BUSINESS SESSION
A. Consideration to Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cudahy, California
Presented by the Mayor
Recommendation: Consideration to Adopt Resolution No. 23-48: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cudahy, California Affirming the City’s Support and Solidarity with the Palestinian People of Gaza and Support Rep. Cory Bush’s Congressional Resolution Calling for An Immediate De-Escalation and Cease-Fire in Israel and Occupied Palestine
Motion: Mayor Lomelí motioned to adopt Resolution No. 23-48: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cudahy, California Affirming the City’s Support and Solidarity with the Palestinian People of Gaza and Support Rep. Cory Bush’s Congressional Resolution Calling for An Immediate De-Escalation and Cease-Fire in Israel and Occupied Palestine, seconded by Council Member Alcantar. Motion failed 2-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alcantar, and Lomelí
NOES: None
ABSENT: J. Gonzalez
ABSTAIN: C. Gonzalez, and Fuentes
Motion: Mayor Lomelí motioned to reconsider item 14A, seconded by Council Member Alcantar. Motion passed 3-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. Gonzalez, Alcantar, and Lomelí
NOES: None
ABSENT: J. Gonzalez
ABSTAIN: Fuentes
Motion: Council Member Alcantar motioned to Adopt Resolution No. 23-48: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cudahy, California Affirming the City’s Support and Solidarity with the Palestinian People of Gaza and Support Rep. Cory Bush’s Congressional Resolution Calling for An Immediate De-Escalation and Cease-Fire in Israel and Occupied Palestine with the following changes: changing “state of Israel” to City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 11/7/2023 Page 10 of 14 “Israeli government”, and update the number of casualties, seconded by Mayor Lomelí.
Motion passed 3-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. Gonzalez, Alcantar, and Lomelí
NOES: None
ABSENT: J. Gonzalez
ABSTAIN: Fuentes
B. Update and Discussion on the City’s Community Outreach and Information Campaign Pertaining to the Proposed Project at 5037 Patata Street Presented by the Community Development Director
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council of the City of Cudahy (the “City”): Receive an update from Ugarte and Associates, LLC (“Consultant”) on outreach and information campaign pertaining to the proposed project at 5037 Patata Street, in the City of South Gate; and Open public hearing to solicit testimony and comments; and Receive and file this report.
ITEM TABLED TO NEXT MEETING
C. Authorizing Execution of An Agreement with Cudahy LF, LLC. Involving Real Property at 8221 – 8135 Atlantic Avenue (APNs 6224-022-900, 6224-022-901, 6224-022-902, 6224-022-903, & 6224-022-904)
Presented by the Community Development Director
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council of the City of Cudahy (the “City”): Adopt Resolution No. 23-49, authorizing the execution of an agreement between the City and Cudahy LF, LLC. (“Developer”) involving real property at 8221 – 8135 Atlantic Avenue. (APNs 6224-022-900, 6224-022-901, 6224-022-902, 6224-022-903, and 6224- 022-904)
Motion: Council Member Alcantar motioned to table the item to the next City Council meeting, seconded by Mayor Lomelí. 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 11/7/2023 Page 11 of 14 D. Approval of a Second Amendment Willdan Engineering to Provide Design Phase Engineering Services for the Cudahy Park Renovation Project Presented by the Parks and Recreation Manager
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve a second amendment to Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Willdan Engineering Inc. to provide additional design services for the preparation of PS&E (Plan, Specifications, and Estimates) for the Cudahy Park Renovation Project, not to exceed $96,400.00.
Motion: Council Member Alcantar motioned to approve a second amendment to Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Willdan Engineering Inc. to provide additional design services for the preparation of PS&E (Plan, Specifications, and Estimates) for the Cudahy Park Renovation Project, not to exceed $96,400.00, seconded by Council Member Fuentes. 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
E. Consideration to Approve a Contract Services Agreement to Award Unlimited Environmental, Inc., for the 5256 & 5260 Elizabeth St (SITE 1) Demolition Project Presented by the Public Works Director/City Engineer
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to: Approve a Contract Services Agreement with Unlimited Environmental, Inc., the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, for an amount of $99,400.00 to undertake the 5256 & 5260 Elizabeth St (SITE 1) Demolition Project.
Motion: Council Member Alcantar motioned approve a Contract Services Agreement with Unlimited Environmental, Inc., the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, for an amount of $99,400.00 to undertake the 5256 & 5260 Elizabeth St (SITE 1) Demolition Project, 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
F. Consideration to Approve a Contract Services Agreement to Award American Pride Builders Co. for the Clara Park Improvement Project, 4835 Clara St, Cudahy, CA 90201
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 11/7/2023 Page 12 of 14 Presented by the Public Works Director/City Engineer
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to: Approve a Contract Services Agreement with American Pride Builders Co., the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, for an amount of $205,730.00 to undertake the Clara Park Improvement Project, 4835 Clara St, Cudahy, CA 90201. Adopt proposed Resolution No. 23-50 Augmenting the City of Cudahy Fiscal Year (FY 2023-2024 City Budget).
Motion: Council Member Alcantar motioned to approve a Contract Services Agreement with American Pride Builders Co., the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, for an amount of $205,730.00 to undertake the Clara Park Improvement Project, 4835 Clara St, Cudahy, CA 90201 and adopt proposed Resolution No. 23-50 Augmenting the City of Cudahy Fiscal Year (FY 2023-2024 City Budget), 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
G. Approval of a Resolution to Authorize the City’s Representative to Vote to Terminate the Eco-Rapid Transit Joint Powers Authority
Presented by the Community Development Director
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council of the City of Cudahy (the “City”): Adopt Resolution No. 23-51, authorizing the City’s representative to vote to terminate the Orangeline Development Authority, dba Eco-Rapid Transit.
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to adopt Resolution No. 23-51, authorizing the City’s representative to vote to terminate the Orangeline Development Authority, dba Eco-Rapid Transit, 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
H. Consideration to Appoint Erica Dominguez to the Planning Commission Presented by the City Clerk
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to appoint Erica Dominguez to the Planning Commission, Vice Mayor J. Gonzalez’s appointment.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 11/7/2023 Page 13 of 14 Motion: Council Member Alcantar motioned to appoint Erica Dominguez to the Planning Commission, Vice Mayor J. Gonzalez’s appointment, 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
At 11:35 p.m., Council Member C. Gonzalez left the chambers.
At 11:39 p.m. Council Member C. Gonzalez returned to the chambers.
I. Continued 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 additional information requested 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.
City Attorney Stephanie Arechiga announced VM Evergreen was not in attendance or on zoom to consider comments.
Community Development Director Juan Arauz announced that VM Evergreen was aware of the meeting and was in attendance at the last meeting.
At 11:44 p.m. Mayor Lomelí opened public comment.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Susie de Santiago asked City Council to support city staff decision and deny VM Evergreen’s request for forgiveness of fees and repayment plan.
At 11:46 p.m. Mayor Lomelí closed public comment.
Motion: Council Member Alcantar motioned to deny VM Evergreen’s request for forgiveness of fees and repayment plan, seconded by Mayor Lomelí. 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 11/7/2023 Page 14 of 14
15. COUNCIL DISCUSSION – NONE
At 11:47 p.m., City Attorney, Stephanie Arechiga recessed to closed session.
16. CLOSED SESSION
A. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2) – One Matter At 11:56 p.m., Mayor Lomelí reconvened to open session.
17. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney, Stephanie Arechiga announced that all council members were present except for Vice Mayor J. Gonzalez being absent for all items and no further reportable action.
18. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council / Agency meeting adjourned at 11:56 p.m.
Daisy Lomelí
Mayor
ATTEST:
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk