City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 2/6/2024 Page 1 of 7 Final Minutes Approved February 20, 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
February 6, 2024 6:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor / Chair J. Gonzalez called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Council / Agency Member Martin Fuentes
Council / Agency Member Cynthia Gonzalez
Council / Agency Member Daisy Lomelí
Vice Mayor / Vice Chair Elizabeth Alcantar
Mayor / Chair Jose R. Gonzalez
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager, Alfonso Noyola, City Attorney, Stephanie Arechiga, Assistant City Attorney, Paloma McEvoy, City Clerk, Richard Iglesias, Assistant City Clerk, Estefania Zamora, Community Development Director, Juan Arauz, Finance Director, Joshua Calhoun, Community Services Director, Brenda Rodriguez, Public Works Director, Aaron Hernandez, Assistant to the City Manager, Johncito “John” Peraza, Building Official, Raul Diaz, Senior Planner, Cecilia Madrigal-Gonzalez, Executive Assistant, Janet Andrade, and Administrative Analyst, Lisette Gonzalez.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion: Council Member C. Gonzalez motioned to approve the agenda as is, seconded by Council Member Fuentes. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, C. Gonzalez, Lomelí, Alcantar, and J. Gonzalez NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Fuentes.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 2/6/2024 Page 2 of 7
5. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Land Acknowledgment was led by Council Member Lomelí.
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. Proclamation - National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month B. Cudahy LA River Area Improvement Project (90% design)
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ruben Martinez introduced himself as the new Municipal Supervisor for Republic Services, the City’s trash hauler, and provided contact information to the City Clerk for any waste questions and concerns from the community.
Armando Velasquez updated the City Council on what is happening in the Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) community in regards to a SELA Kiwanis Club being built; having significant progress over the last few weeks, raising money for Bell Hill School glee club, mentioned a pre organizational meeting, the official charter date February 15, 2024, being held at City of Bell Gardens City Hall, 2nd floor, as well through Zoom, they are still accepting membership, and asked City Council to spread the word and thanked them.
8. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS / REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS
Council Member Fuentes shared a story and vision of making Cudahy a more walkable City.
Council Member C. Gonzalez thanked Rainbow Services, staff, and the Mayor for placing the proclamation on the agenda quickly, provided background and information on teen dating violence, mentioned cheerleaders from Bell High School won the national championship this year and the coach reached out to ask for a sponsorship for the five girls from Cudahy to buy their championship ring asked if we can do it as a City to sponsor them and also asked the City Council individually if they would like to make any contribution.
Council Member Lomelí thanked the social media team, mentioned it being National Counseling Week, acknowledging the counselors in the community, anything related to teen dating, bullying, and girl empowerment, shared her thoughts as Valentine's comes City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 2/6/2024 Page 3 of 7 around in regard to relationships with neighbors, commented on the work that Council does which stems out of love, and hopes to see everyone at the Sprouts grand opening.
Vice Mayor Alcantar mentioned attending the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) convention reception along with Council Member Lomelí, mentioned meeting up with a resident there, acknowledged union members and health care workers, commented on several speed bumps without signs, paint being stripped off of speed bumps on Live Oak between Otis and Salt Lake and on Elizabeth between Atlantic and Otis, speed bump on Elizabeth St being high up, drainage in front of Elizabeth Learning Center flooded due to rain, asked to get it resolved.
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 Fuentes motioned to waive full reading of resolutions and ordinances, seconded by Vice Mayor Alcantar. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, C. Gonzalez, Lomelí, Alcantar, and J. Gonzalez NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Consideration to Review and Approve the Draft Minutes of January 16, 2024, and November 7, 2023, for the Regular Meetings 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 January 16, 2024, and November 7, 2023.
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to approve Consent Calendar items, seconded by Council Member C. Gonzalez. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, C. Gonzalez, Lomelí, Alcantar, and J. Gonzalez NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 2/6/2024 Page 4 of 7
13. PUBLIC HEARING – NONE
14. BUSINESS SESSION
A. Receive an update on the conclusion of the 90-day negotiation period regarding Successor Agency Site #2 located at 8100-8110 Atlantic Avenue and 4720-4734 Santa Ana Street (APNs: 6224-018-911, 6224-018-912, 6224-018-913, 6224-018-914, and 6224-018-915)
Presented by the Community Development Director
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council of the City of Cudahy (the “City”): Hear a presentation from City staff and Primestor on the conclusion of the 90-day negotiation period regarding Successor Agency Site #2 located at 8100-8110 Atlantic Avenue and 4720-4734 Santa Ana Street (APNs: 6224-018-911, 6224-018-912, 6224- 018-913, 6224-018-914, and 6224-018-915); and Receive and file the presentation and report.
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to hear the presentation from City staff and Primestor on the conclusion of the 90-day negotiation period regarding Successor Agency Site #2 located at 8100-8110 Atlantic Avenue and 4720-4734 Santa Ana Street (APNs:
6224-018-911, 6224-018-912, 6224-018-913, 6224-018-914, and 6224-018-915); and Receive and file the presentation and report, seconded by Council Member C. Gonzalez.
Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, C. Gonzalez, Lomelí, Alcantar, and J. Gonzalez NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
B. Update to the City Council for Community Development Block Grant (“CDBG”) Funding During the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 and unallocated CDBG balance from previous fiscal years
Presented by the Senior Planner
Recommendation: Staff recommends the City Council take the following action(s):
Receive an update regarding the Community Development Block Grant (“CDBG”) Program; and Direct staff to return on February 20, 2024, to hold a public hearing to consider the adoption of the CDBG Programs for FY 2024-25. Direct staff to issue a public notice of a public hearing on March 5, 2024, amending the allocation for unused funds from previous fiscal years; and Direct staff to return on March 5, 2024, to hold a public hearing to consider the adoption of a substantial amendment from unallocated CDBG programs from previous fiscal years.
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to direct staff to return on February 20, 2024, to hold a public hearing to consider the adoption of the CDBG Programs for FY 2024-25, City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 2/6/2024 Page 5 of 7 direct staff to issue a public notice of a public hearing on March 5, 2024, amending the allocation for unused funds from previous fiscal years; and direct staff to return on March 5, 2024, to hold a public hearing to consider the adoption of a substantial amendment from unallocated CDBG programs from previous fiscal years, seconded by Council Member Lomelí. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, C. Gonzalez, Lomelí, Alcantar, and J. Gonzalez NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
C. Adoption of a Proposed Resolution No. 24-02 Augmenting the City of Cudahy Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 City Budget
Presented by Finance Director
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to receive and file the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 Mid-Year Budget review and related reports; and adopt proposed Resolution No. 24-02 augmenting the City of Cudahy Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 City Budget.
Motion: Council Member C. Gonzalez motioned to receive and file the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 Mid-Year Budget review and related reports; and adopt proposed Resolution No. 24-02 augmenting the City of Cudahy Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 City Budget, seconded by Mayor J. Gonzalez. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, C. Gonzalez, Lomelí, Alcantar, and J. Gonzalez NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
D. Consideration to Approve a Contract Services Agreement to Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc., for the Salt Lake Avenue Improvements Project (HSIP-7 Project) Presented by Public Works Director
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve a Contract Services Agreement with Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc., for an amount of $200,182 to undertake the Salt Lake Avenue Improvement Project funded by the Highway Safety Improvement Grant Program Cycle 7 (HSIP-7).
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned approve a Contract Services Agreement with Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc., for an amount of $200,182 to undertake the Salt Lake Avenue Improvement Project funded by the Highway Safety Improvement Grant Program Cycle 7 (HSIP-7), seconded by Vice Mayor Alcantar. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 2/6/2024 Page 6 of 7 AYES: Fuentes, C. Gonzalez, Lomelí, Alcantar, and J. Gonzalez NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
E. Discussion and Possible Action to Dissolve City Ad Hoc Committees or Define the Scope of the Committee, Provide Guidance for the Reporting by the Committee, Set a Date of Dissolution for the Committee, and Appoint Two Council Members to the Revised Committee
Presented by the City Clerk
Recommendation: The City Council is recommended to discuss the future of each standing ad hoc committee and either dissolve the committee or establish a clear scope of the nature and end goal of the committee, establish guidelines for the reporting to the Council by the committee, set a termination date for said committee, and appoint two City Council Members to the Committee.
Motion: Mayor J. Gonzalez motioned to dissolve the Economic Development Ad Hoc Committee, dissolve Commissions Ad Hoc Committee, dissolve the Education Ad Hoc Committee, keep Public Safety Ad Hoc Committee with newly formed goals, strategic plan for 12-months term, reports to City Council every other month or as needed, members for Public Safety Ad Hoc Committee are Vice Mayor Alcantar and Council Member C. Gonzalez, keep Water Ad Hoc Committee with newly formed goals to encourage transparency from all tracts in the City, inform the public of what is being done, form for 12-months term with every other month reporting, members for Water Ad Hoc Committee are Mayor J. Gonzalez and Council Member Fuentes, seconded by Vice Mayor Alcantar. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, C. Gonzalez, Lomelí, Alcantar, and J. Gonzalez NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
16. CLOSED SESSION
A. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 – Public Employee Performance Evaluation
Title of Employee: City Manager
Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 – Conference with Labor Negotiator
City’s Designated Representative: Stephanie Arechiga, City Attorney Unrepresented Employee: City Manager
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 2/6/2024 Page 7 of 7 B. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)-Conference with Legal Counsel-Existing Litigation-Bertha Fuentes v City of Cudahy et al.
PERB Case No: LA-CE-1669-M
At 8:54 p.m., Mayor J. Gonzalez reconvened to open session.
17. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Stephanie Arechiga announced for item 16A, all five council members were present and no further reportable action, for item 16B, all five council members were present and agreed to a settlement of $50,000.
18. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council / Agency meeting adjourned at 9:27 p.m.
Jose R. Gonzalez
Mayor
ATTEST:
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk