City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 5/7/2024` Page 1 of 8 Final Minutes Approved May 21, 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
May 7, 2024, 6:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Vice Mayor / Vice Chair Alcantar called the meeting to order at 6:32 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 (arrived at 6:44 p.m.)
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, Interim Public Works Director, Ron Bow, Assistant to the City Manager, Johncito “John” Peraza, Building Official, Raul Diaz, Public Works Superintendent, Aurelio Trujillo, Human Resources Manager, Hector Murua, Senior Planner, Cecilia Madrigal, Associate Planner, Kassandra Cornejo, and Administrative Analyst, Daniela Trujillo.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion: Vice Mayor Alcantar motioned to table item 13A to a date uncertain, seconded by Council Member C. Gonzalez. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, C. Gonzalez, Lomelí, and Alcantar
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 5/7/2024` Page 2 of 8
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. Strategic Plan Update
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Tommy Faave shared his concerns on the general plan regarding banning trucks and hopes the City Council makes amendments to encourage more EV in the city.
Barrie Grinberg proposed to the City Council building a zero-emission tract charging site at 4839 Patata Street, distributed handouts, and shared ideas of the proposed project.
Daniel Sachs requested the City Council to consider making an adjustment to the Patata trucking item, instead amend the item to include an exemption to allow vehicles over 6,000 pounds in Patata, amend municipal code text amendment number 2024-023 to the next agenda on May 21st EV charging policy, and requested and update city policies like the zoning code and general plan.
Jo Trevizo spoke on the shooting spree in Southeast Los Angeles resulting in 14-yearold murdered in Cudahy, asked for a change, and make Cudahy safe all hours of the day, requested to meet with City Council and stated he would like to see less violence and more proactive policing.
Sandy Guzman spoke on the passing of Javier, asked for more patrolling, cameras implemented in the city, and to ensure safety of youth.
Monica Acevedo spoke on the passing of Javier Pedraza, stated the city has failed them, shared the traumatic moment they experience that could have been prevented, commented on streets being too dark, requested the need of cameras, streetlights, and more police patrol, and asked for change.
Gladys Campos shared there has been an increase of incidents, residents do not walk or go out anymore after the recent shooting incident and asked for more patrolling.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 5/7/2024` Page 3 of 8 Javier Pedraza spoke on the recent passing of his son, stated streets are too dark, no cameras outside the schools, need more safety for the youth and asked for a change.
Dalila spoke on the recent passing of his son, stated streets are too dark, used to be able to walk the streets in Cudahy before but now stated it is unsafe, asked City Council for their help on getting lighting in the streets, and cameras, also mentioned the increase of graffiti.
Susie de Santiago shared her sympathy to the family in audience, shared her support for item 14A., stated she supports the thought of the electronic vehicles project but has concerns on the location, mentioned pedestrian safety should be a priority, spoke on the budget meeting being accessible for community input, the increase of graffiti, and the need of more lighting.
Jorge Duarte spoke regarding new upcoming business and the impact he can bring to the community, stated the ordinance for training facilities is under the same ordinance as a regular 24-hr fitness or Chuze fitness that makes parking an issue, having a business license only allows him to work but does not allow to use the entire space inside the warehouse.
Edwin Gonzalez shared his concerns regarding Palestinians crisis and the struggle with Israel and spoke on the passing of the ceasefire resolution.
8. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS / REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS
Council Member Fuentes acknowledged the family in attendance, shared his condolences and requested staff to schedule a meeting to address the issues and discuss Cudahy to be a walkable city.
Council Member C. Gonzalez thanked everyone in attendance, addressed there being an increase of crime in the city, need to take a level of urgency and provide safety to residents, spoke on coordinating a Safety Ad-Hoc Committee meeting and coming up with a strategic plan to addresses all aspects of safety.
Council Member Lomelí acknowledged the family and shared her attendance at the community event they had, requested staff to have a meeting and looks forward to collaborating with the Cervantes family, requested to have a solidarity statement with students and whole world demanding certain things form their universities, also asked staff to review the budget to make sure it represents the City’s values.
Vice Mayor Alcantar shared her condolences, spoke on safety issues and mentioned willing to meet with those in the audience to figure out the needs of the community, spoke on her visit to Ellen Ochoa to share changes in the city, also mentioned the increase of graffiti and holding property owners accountable.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 5/7/2024` Page 4 of 8 Mayor J. Gonzalez echoed Council’s comments, mentioned LED lights getting upgraded, spoke on graffiti around the city, Safety Ad-Hoc Committee to create a strategic plan on how to work with the Sheriff’s, schools, and community, mentioned additional safety at schools, program for the youth, and having community meetings.
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 C. Gonzalez 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
At 7:40 p.m. Council Member Lomelí left Council Chambers.
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Consideration to Review and Approve the Draft Minutes of April 16, 2024, 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 April 16, 2024.
Motion: Vice Mayor Alcantar motioned to approve Consent Calendar items, seconded by Council Member C. Gonzalez. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, C. Gonzalez, Alcantar, and J. Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Lomelí
ABSTAIN: None
At 7:42 p.m. Council Member Lomelí returned to Council Chambers.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 5/7/2024` Page 5 of 8
13. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Adoption by First Reading of Ordinance No. 741 Amending Cudahy Municipal Code Section 10.04.020 (Vehicle Weight Limits) by adding Patata Street to the list of streets where vehicles exceeding 6,000 pounds are prohibited
Presented by the Community Development Director
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council take the following actions:
Open the public hearing and receive comments; and Adopt by first reading Ordinance No. 741, an amendment to the Cudahy Municipal Code (“CMC”) Section 10.04.020 (Vehicle Weight Limits) by adding Patata Street to the list of streets where vehicles exceeding 6,000 pounds are prohibited; and Schedule a second reading of Ordinance No. 741 at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting on May 21, 2024; and Find the Project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 150601(b)(3).
ITEM TABLED TO A DATE UNCERTAIN
B. Adoption by First Reading of Ordinance No. 742 approving Municipal Code Text Amendment No. 2024-02 to amend Chapter 8.52 (Fireworks) of Title 8 (Health and Safety) of the Cudahy Municipal Code
Presented by the Senior Planner
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Planning Commission take the following actions: Open the public hearing and receive public comment; and Adopt by first reading Ordinance No. 742 of the City Council of the City of Cudahy, California, approving Municipal Code Text Amendment No. 2024-02 amending Title 8 (Health and Safety), Chapter 8.52 (Fireworks) of the Cudahy Municipal Code; and Schedule a second reading of Ordinance No. 742 at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting on May 21, 2024; and Find the Project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 150601(b)(3).
At 7:46 p.m. Mayor J. Gonzalez opened public comment.
Public Comments:
Susie de Santiago asked for City Council’s support on this item, thanked City staff for working on this and helping Cudahy Youth Foundation on 4 th of July sales to provide the
community resources.
At 7:49 p.m. Mayor J. Gonzalez closed public comment.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 5/7/2024` Page 6 of 8 Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to adopt by first reading Ordinance No. 742 of the City Council of the City of Cudahy, California, approving Municipal Code Text Amendment No. 2024-02 amending Title 8 (Health and Safety), Chapter 8.52 (Fireworks) of the Cudahy Municipal Code; and Schedule a second reading of Ordinance No. 742 at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting on May 21, 2024; and Find the Project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 150601(b)(3), 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
14. BUSINESS SESSION
A. Resolution to Support SB 674 – The Refinery Pollution Reduction and Transparency Act
Presented by the Assistant to the City Manager
Recommendation: The City Council is recommended to adopt Resolution No. 24-09 supporting SB 674 referred to as the “Refinery Pollution Reduction and Transparency Act” (the “Bill”).
Motion: Vice Mayor Alcantar motioned to adopt Resolution No. 24-09 supporting SB 674 referred to as the “Refinery Pollution Reduction and Transparency Act” (the “Bill”)., 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
B. Resolution to Support S. 3830 - Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program Establishment Act
Presented by the Assistant to the City Manager
Recommendation: The City Council is recommended to adopt Resolution No. 24-10 supporting S. 3830 referred to as the “Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program Establishment Act” (the “Bill”).
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 5/7/2024` Page 7 of 8 Motion: Vice Mayor Alcantar motioned to adopt Resolution No. 24-10 supporting S. 3830 referred to as the “Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program Establishment Act” (the “Bill”), 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
C. Update and Discussion on the City’s Graffiti Abatement Program Presented by the Community Development Director
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council take the following actions:
Hear City staff’s presentation; and receive and file this report.
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to receive and file the City’s Graffiti Abatement Program presentation, 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
At 8:36 p.m. Mayor J. Gonzalez left Council Chambers.
At 8:39 p.m. Mayor J. Gonzalez returned to Council Chambers D. Consideration to Appoint Jaime Velasco Jr. to the Planning Commission Presented by the City Clerk
Recommendation: Staff Council is recommended to appoint Jaime Velasco Jr. to the Planning Commission, Council Member Lomelí’s appointment.
Motion: Council Member Lomelí motioned to appoint Jaime Velasco Jr. to the Planning Commission, 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
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 5/7/2024` Page 8 of 8 At 9:01 p.m. Vice Mayor Alcantar left Council Chambers.
At 9:06 p.m. Vice Mayor Alcantar returned to Council Chambers E. Budget Workshop for Proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2025 City Budget Presented by the Finance Director
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to review General Fund and Special Revenue Funds estimated revenues and estimated expenditures and provide staff with direction on which estimated revenues and estimated expenditures to adjust in finalizing the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 City Budget, which would be presented to the City Council at a regular meeting June 4, 2024.
RECEIVE AND FILE ONLY – NO MOTION
15. COUNCIL DISCUSSION – NONE
At 9:37 p.m., City Attorney, Stephanie Arechiga recessed to closed session.
16. CLOSED SESSION
A. Conference with Legal Counsel Existing Litigation-Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1) – Cuper Development LLC et al. v City of Cudahy et al.
Case No. 2:24-cv-02833
At 10:43 p.m., Vice Mayor Alcantar reconvened to open session.
17. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Stephanie Arechiga announced for item 16A, all five council members until 9:50 p.m., Mayor J. Gonzalez exited and no reportable action.
18. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council / Agency meeting adjourned at 10:47 p.m., in memory and solidarity of families that have been killed abroad in Gaza.
Jose R. Gonzalez
Mayor
ATTEST:
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk