City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 5/21/2024` Page 1 of 10 Final Minutes Approved June 4, 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 21, 2024, 6:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Vice Mayor / Vice Chair Alcantar 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 Attorney, Stephanie Arechiga, City Clerk, Richard Iglesias, Assistant City Clerk, Estefania Zamora, Community Development Director, Juan Arauz, Finance Director, Joshua Calhoun, Community Services Director, Brenda Rodriguez, Assistant to the City Manager, Johncito “John” Peraza, Building Official, Raul Diaz, Senior Planner, Cecilia Madrigal, Assistant Planner, Jessica Guillen, and Administrative Analyst, Michael Hernandez.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion: Council Member C. Gonzalez motioned to approve 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.
5. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 5/21/2024` Page 2 of 10 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. Certificate of Recognition Awarded to Gloria Hernandez, Teacher B. ScholarMatch Program
C. Siemens Project Update
At 7:13 p.m. Mayor J. Gonzalez left Council Chambers.
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Benjamin Gutierrez commented on the citations being issued to his clients at location 8206 Salt Lake, requested the red paint no parking in front of his business be removed or changed to a 2-hour parking.
Barrie Grinberg expressed her support for the EV ordinance, requested City Council support item 13B, also requested City Council to update their policies like zoning code, general plan, and other documents to make her potential 0 emission vehicle charging station project possible.
At 7:18 p.m. Mayor J. Gonzalez returned to Council Chambers.
Antonio Sanchez shared information on IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Local 11, shared his support for Ordinance No. 745, and asked City Council to direct staff to update the general plan, zoning code and other policies to make zero emission infrastructure in the city.
Susie de Santiago complained about the CART services, stated drivers are not stopping at the stops, driving too fast and are aggressive to the residents, shared her support on the electric vehicles, and commented on the streetlight’s replacements.
Nora Gutierrez introduced herself to the City Council as the California Public Utilities Commission liaison to serve as a resource to the community.
Samuel Brown spoke in support of the potential electric vehicles station project and shared environmental issues in Southeast Los Angeles.
Nayellie asked the City Council to encourage staff to update the current general plan, zoning code and other policies for the potential zero emissions truck charging project.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 5/21/2024` Page 3 of 10 Bertha Martinez congratulated Gloria Hernandez on her retirement from Ellen Ochoa Learning Center, stated she is excited to hear about the charging station project, mentioned CART not stopping for residents, and the scholarship opportunities.
8. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS / REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS
Council Member Fuentes shared his participation at LA County Sanitation District, Tacos with the City Manager, Grand Opening of Lilly’s Juice Bar and Epic Wings, Cudahy Clean Ad Hoc, Contract Cities, asked staff to prepare a proclamation on behalf of Transtech for their 35-year celebration, also participated in a emergency preparedness meeting, and requested to look into a new setting for a new City Hall.
Council Member C. Gonzalez thanked staff for all the accommodations for the requests she has made, mentioned she met with Inclusive Action to address vendors in the city and how we can partner, discussed safety at the parks, participated in the Keeping Cudahy Clean with Council Member Fuents, shared the SELA standoff event, requested a Resolution on protecting students first amendment right and rights to protest, and thanked Bell Chamber of Commerce for the nomination of Latina of the Year.
Council Member Lomelí thanked staff, shared her attendance at the grand openings, Mother’s Day basket giveaway delivery, stated she supports the university student encampment movement, shared already working on solidarity statement, requested to make sure we are not engaging in business that are profiting or contributing over the genocide, requested to work with staff on holding a space for everyone to come together, lastly, mentioned her support for the Southeast Los Angeles send off.
Vice Mayor Alcantar shared her attendance at the grand opening of Piara Pizza, Lilly’s Juice Bar and Epic Wings, attended the emergency preparedness training for City Council, Public Safety Ad Hoc, and also visited Cudahy, Wisconsin, shared she has received plenty of complaints with CART and requested staff reach out to the contractor for customer service residents are given, also mentioned Los Angeles County is not recommending Hub Cities to continue as the economic development support for the region and will be reaching out to staff to prepare a letter to reconsider.
Mayor J. Gonzalez commented on the Hub Cities and stated there is time to still fix the issue, mentioned the LED lights and can have potential complaints about how bright they are, and spoke regarding AI.
9. CITY MANAGER REPORT (information only)
10. REPORTS REGARDING AD HOC, ADVISORY, STANDING OR OTHER COMMITTEE MEETINGS – NONE
At 7:51 p.m. Council Member Lomelí left Council Chambers.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 5/21/2024` Page 4 of 10
11. WAIVER OF FULL READING OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES Motion: Council Member Fuentes 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: Fuentes, C. Gonzalez, Alcantar, and J. Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Lomelí
ABSTAIN: None
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Consideration to Review and Approve the Draft Minutes of May 7, 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 May 7, 2024.
B. Approval of the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) for the Month of April 2024 Presented by the Finance Director
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) Report for the month of April 2024 in the amount of $12,864,594.90.
C. Approval of the City Demands and Payroll Including Statement of Investment for the Month of April 2024
Presented by the Finance Director
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve the Demands and Payroll in the amount of $1,399,214.40 including the Statement of Investments for the month of April 2024.
D. Adoption by Second 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
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 5/21/2024` Page 5 of 10 Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council take the following actions:
Adopt by second reading Ordinance No. 742 (Attachment A) 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.
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 7:54 p.m. Council Member Lomelí returned to Council Chambers.
13. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Conditional Use Permit No. 2024-01: A Request to allow the on-site consumption of beer and wine (Type “41” Alcoholic Beverage Control License) in conjunction with a new restaurant (Epic Wings) at 8017 Atlantic Ave., Suite 103 in the Civic Mixed Use (Civic MU) zone
Presented by the Assistant Planner
Recommendation: City staff recommends that the City Council take the following action(s): Open the public hearing and receive public comment; and Adopt Resolution No. 24-11 of the City Council of the City of Cudahy, California to approve Conditional Use Permit No. 2024-01 to allow the on-site consumption of beer and wine (Type “41”) at a new restaurant (Epic Wings); and Find the Project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1, Existing Facilities).
At 7:57 p.m. Mayor J. Gonzalez opened public comment.
Public Comments:
Susie de Santiago supported the item and suggested the City Council to approve the item.
At 7:58 p.m. Mayor J. Gonzalez closed public comment.
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to adopt Resolution No. 24-11 of the City Council of the City of Cudahy, California to approve Conditional Use Permit No. 2024-01 to allow the on-site consumption of beer and wine (Type “41”) at a new restaurant (Epic City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 5/21/2024` Page 6 of 10 Wings); and Find the Project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1, Existing Facilities), 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
B. Adoption by First Reading of Ordinance No. 743 approving Municipal Code Text Amendment No. 2024-04 to amend Chapter 9.08 (Alcoholic Beverages) of Title 9 (Public Peace, Morals and Welfare) of the Cudahy Municipal Code Presented by the Senior Planner
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council take the following actions:
Open the public hearing and receive public comment; and adopt by first reading Ordinance No. 743 of the City Council of the City of Cudahy, California, approving Municipal Code Text Amendment No. 2024-04 amending Chapter 9.08 (Alcoholic Beverages) of Title 9 (Public Peace, Morals and Welfare) of the Cudahy Municipal Code; and Schedule a second reading of Ordinance No. 743 at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting on June 4, 2024; and Find the Project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 150601(b)(3).
At 8:02 p.m. Mayor J. Gonzalez opened public comment, there being none, closed public comment.
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to adopt by first reading Ordinance No. 743 of the City Council of the City of Cudahy, California, approving Municipal Code Text Amendment No. 2024-04 amending Chapter 9.08 (Alcoholic Beverages) of Title 9 (Public Peace, Morals and Welfare) of the Cudahy Municipal Code; and Schedule a second reading of Ordinance No. 743 at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting on June 4, 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 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. Adoption by first reading Ordinance No. 744 of the City Council of the City of Cudahy approving Zoning Code Text Amendment (“ZTA”) No. 2024-01 to amend Chapters
20.16, 20.20, 20.24, 20.28, 20.30, 20.52, 20.56, 20.64, 20.84, and 20.88 of Title 20 (Zoning Code) of the Cudahy Municipal Code (“CMC”)
Presented by the Senior Planner
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 5/21/2024` Page 7 of 10 Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council take the following actions:
Open the public hearing and receive public comment; and adopt by first reading Ordinance No. 744 of the City of Cudahy, California, recommending the City Council to approve Zoning Code Text Amendment No. 2024-01 amending Title 20 (Zoning Code), Chapters 20.16, 20.20, 20.24, 20.28, 20.30, 20.52, 20.56, 20.64, 20.84 and 20.88 of the CMC; and Schedule the second reading of Ordinance No. 744 at the next regularly scheduled meeting on June 4, 2024; and Find the Project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
At 8:12 p.m. Mayor J. Gonzalez opened public comment, there being none, closed public comment.
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to adopt by first reading Ordinance No. 744 of the City of Cudahy, California, recommending the City Council to approve Zoning Code Text Amendment No. 2024-01 amending Title 20 (Zoning Code), Chapters 20.16, 20.20,
20.24, 20.28, 20.30, 20.52, 20.56, 20.64, 20.84 and 20.88 of the CMC; and Schedule the second reading of Ordinance No. 744 at the next regularly scheduled meeting on June 4, 2024; and Find the Project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), 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
D. Adoption by First Reading of Ordinance No. 745 Approving Adding a New Chapter, Chapter 15.44 (Electric Vehicle Charging Station), to Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the Existing CMC as Proposed by Municipal Code Text Amendment No. 2024-03
Presented by the Building Official
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council take the following actions:
Open the public hearing and receive public comment; and adopt by first reading Ordinance No. 745 of the City Council of the City of Cudahy, California, approving adding a new chapter, Chapter 15.44 (Electric Vehicle Charging Station), to Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the existing CMC as proposed by Municipal Code Text Amendment No. 2024-03; and Schedule a second reading of Ordinance No. 745 at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting on June 4, 2024; and Find the Project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 150601(b)(3).
At 8:20 p.m. Mayor J. Gonzalez opened public comment.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 5/21/2024` Page 8 of 10 Public Comments:
Barrie Grinberg reiterated her previous comments during public comment and requested the city to work together and mentioned will be submitting a project.
Susie de Santiago expressed her support for this item, shared her concerns regarding projects being exempt from CEQA, and asked for confirmation.
Antonio Sanchez recommended the City Council to move forward with this item, commented on upgrading infrastructure, and shared the four apprenticeships they have.
At 8:26 p.m. Mayor J. Gonzalez closed public comment.
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to adopt by first reading Ordinance No. 745 of the City Council of the City of Cudahy, California, approving adding a new chapter, Chapter 15.44 (Electric Vehicle Charging Station), to Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the existing CMC as proposed by Municipal Code Text Amendment No. 2024-03; and Schedule a second reading of Ordinance No. 745 at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting on June 4, 2024; and Find the Project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 150601(b)(3), 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 8:34 p.m. Council Member Fuentes left Council Chambers.
14. BUSINESS SESSION
A. Presentation on the Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control Services 2024- 2029
Presented by the Community Service Director
Recommendation: The City Council is recommended to receive and file staff’s presentation.
Motion: Council Member C. Gonzalez motioned to receive and file the Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control Services 2024-2029 presentation, seconded by Council Member Lomelí. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 5/21/2024` Page 9 of 10 AYES: Fuentes, C. Gonzalez, Lomelí, Alcantar, and J. Gonzalez NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
At 8:36 p.m. Council Member Fuentes returned to Council Chambers.
B. Discussion of Potential Ballot Measure for the November 5, 2024 Election, Extending Term Limits for Council Members
Presented by the City Attorney
Recommendation: The City Council is recommended and provided feedback as to the potential language for the ballot measure to be included in the November 5, 2024 election, extending term limits for Council Members.
Motion: Vice Mayor Alcantar motioned to approve direction to bring back official language to go on the ballot, extending term limits for Council Members, 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. Discussion and Direction – City Council Compensation Presented by the Finance Director
Recommendation: The City Council is recommended to discuss and provide direction as to whether they would like to increase the monthly stipend the City Council Members receive.
Motion: Mayor J. Gonzalez motioned to set the City Council compensation at $1,400 and bring back this item for the next meeting, 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
15. COUNCIL DISCUSSION – NONE
16. CLOSED SESSION – NONE
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 5/21/2024` Page 10 of 10
17. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT – NONE
18. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council / Agency meeting adjourned at 9:24 p.m.
Jose R. Gonzalez
Mayor
ATTEST:
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk