City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 11/19/2024 Page 1 of 7 Final Minutes Approved December 3, 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 19, 2024, 6:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor / Chair Gonzalez called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Council / Agency Member Cynthia Gonzalez
Council / Agency Member Daisy Lomelí
Vice Mayor / Vice Chair Elizabeth Alcantar
Mayor / Chair Jose R. Gonzalez
ABSENT: Council / Agency Member Martin Fuentes
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager, Alfonso Noyola, Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director, Juan Arauz, City Attorney, Stephanie Arechiga, City Clerk, Richard Iglesias, Assistant City Clerk, Estefania Zamora, Finance Director, Joshua Calhoun, Community Services Director, Brenda Rodriguez, Interim Public Works Director, Raul Diaz, Assistant to the City Manager, John Peraza, Executive Assistant to the City Manager, Janet Andrade, and Community Preservation Manager, Raul Mazariegos.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion: Vice Mayor Alcantar motioned to approve the agenda as is, seconded by Council Member C. Gonzalez. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. Gonzalez, Lomelí, Alcantar, and J. Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Fuentes
ABSTAIN: None
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor J. Gonzalez.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 11/19/2024 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. County of Los Angeles Fire Department
B. American Red Cross
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Carlos thanked the Council for replacing the street lights, yet all were replaced except for one in front of where he lives on Cecilia; he commented on a person with mental health issues who needs a social worker or someone from the City to help him, asked if they can create an annual prize for the community for those houses that are kept clean and taken care Of.
Edwin Gonzalez commented on the City's choice of who will provide public safety to the community, stating that contracting with the Bell Police Department (PD) will not make you safer, mentioning that the Council has the right to explore other options, Cudahy will become safer if the standard of living improves, vagrancy is reduced, advancement of economic development is fulfilled, Bell not being sustainable, Cudahy will face challenges, the main point that all law enforcement agencies collaborate effectively, and the root of the problem being a political one.
Viridiana Placido suggested more public safety around Ellen Ochoa School, people not respecting the drop-off line, mentioned seeing something similar in Jaime Escalante where they put poles in the middle of the street blocking people from making a U-turn, asked if something can be done about that, possibly patrol more during drop off and pick up for more safety.
Patricia asked for a streetlight and speed bump commented that cars drive too fast and are not moved 24 hours a day.
8. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS / REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS
Council Member C. Gonzalez share her gratefulness for all the staff putting together all the different events, highlighted I Love South East Los Angeles (SELA) for hosting Our Little Ballot, expressed that she is disappointed we weren't able to get the workshops on City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 11/19/2024 Page 3 of 7 domestic violence awareness going in October, mentioned figuring it out, possibly taking the next 12 months to put one or two together; also, the work with Scholar Match and elevating the partnership more formally has not happened, mentioned probably gearing up for the SELA send-off and it would be nice to have a more formal partnership and connecting some students who participate, lastly, asked for an update on the City Manager's report regarding the Neighborhood Watch sessions, the outcome of those sessions.
Council Member Lomelí thanked the Parks and Recreation Department for their work, mentioned more classes with YMCA were approved, LA Hot Wheel tournament, asked to acknowledge them at a future Council meeting, thanked everyone who participated in the mock election, and everyone who came out to vote, tasked staff with preparing a report or presentation for the next Council meeting or the one after, on the impact of some of the decisions that are going to be made at the federal level, how they can impact our community, include a list in the report of organizations that we can partner with.
Vice Mayor Alcantar mentioned was not able to attend the Halloween event and Hot Wheels tournament for the first time in six years, participated in the Dia de Los Muertos event, mentioned that Carlos (public speaker) was the inspiration for her to drive every single block of the City to capture all the streetlights that were out, also mentioned requesting a meeting with Sheriff Luna through the City Manager to address serious concerns around public safety, requested a partnership with Soledad Enrichment Action to do preventative work, and to develop a rapid response plan when it comes to immigrant community members.
Mayor J. Gonzalez commented on a Water Utility Ad Hoc committee meeting that a resolution would be coming to the Council at the next meeting with some recommendations to help ensure the accountability of our water utilities in the City, mentioned seeing some progress, collaboration, and transparency from the water utilities.
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 Lomelí 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, Lomelí, Alcantar, and J. Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Fuentes
ABSTAIN: None
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12. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Consideration to Review and Approve the Draft Minutes of October 29, 2024, for the Special 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 29, 2024.
B. Consideration to Adopt Resolution No. 24-36 Amending the City’s Conflict of Interest Code and Repealing Resolution No. 22-39 In Accordance with the Political Reform Act
Presented by the City Clerk
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to adopt Resolution No. 24-36 amending the City’s Conflict of Interest Code (“COI”) and repealing Resolution No. 22-67 in accordance with the Political Reform Act.
C. Approval of the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) for the Month of October 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 October 2024 in the amount of $11,156,151.16.
D. Approval of the City Demands and Payroll Including Statement of Investment for the Month of October 2024
Presented by the Finance Director
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve the Demands and Payroll in the amount of $2,197,219.69 including the Statement of Investments for the month of October 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: C. Gonzalez, Lomelí, Alcantar, and J. Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Fuentes
ABSTAIN: None
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 11/19/2024 Page 5 of 7
13. PUBLIC HEARING – NONE
14. BUSINESS SESSION
A. Republic Services Proposal for SB1383 Amendment Implementation and Compliance
Presented by the Assistant to the City Manager
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to select either Proposal 2 or Proposal 3 submitted by Republic Services for the implementation and compliance of SB1383.
Motion: Council Member C. Gonzalez motioned to continue this item to the December 3, 2024, Council Meeting, seconded by Council Member Lomelí. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. Gonzalez, Lomelí, Alcantar, and J. Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Fuentes
ABSTAIN: None
B. Approval of Professional Services Agreement with Transtech Engineers, Inc. for OnCall Engineering Services Presented by the Assistant to the City Manager
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Transtech Engineers, Inc. for On-Call Engineering Services in a not-to-exceed fiscal year sum of $750,000.
Motion: Vice Mayor Alcantar motioned to approve a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Transtech Engineers, Inc. for On-Call Engineering Services in a not-to-exceed fiscal year sum of $750,000, seconded by Council Member Lomelí. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. Gonzalez, Lomelí, Alcantar, and J. Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Fuentes
ABSTAIN: None
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 11/19/2024 Page 6 of 7 C. Update on Discussions Between the City of Cudahy and Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control regarding Municipal Services Agreement to Provide General Animal Care and Control Services
Presented by the Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Recommendation: The City Council is requested to Hear staff’s presentation summarizing discussions and communications between the City of Cudahy (“City”) and Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (“County”); and Adopt Resolution No. 24-37, approving the execution of the County Municipal Services Agreement (“Agreement”), accepting all terms and conditions, to provide the City general animal care and control services, or; Continue to negotiate and hold discussions with the County to address unresolved issues as summarized in this report, causing a lapse in services as the County will no longer provide services without an executed contract as of December 1, 2024.
Motion: Vice Mayor Alcantar motioned to adopt Resolution No. 24-37, approving the execution of the County Municipal Services Agreement (“Agreement”), accepting all terms and conditions, to provide the City general animal care and control services, seconded by Mayor J. Gonzalez. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. Gonzalez, Lomelí, Alcantar, and J. Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Fuentes
ABSTAIN: None
D. Discussion and Potential Adoption of Ordinance No. 757 Amending Section 3.04.080 (Sufficient Money in Treasury) of Chapter 3.04 (City Funds and Records) of Title 3 (Revenue and Finance) of the Cudahy Municipal Code
Presented by the City Attorney
Recommendation: The City Council is recommended to discuss and potentially adopt a version of Ordinance No. 757 amending Section 3.04.080 (Sufficient Money in Treasury) of Chapter 3.04 (City Funds and Records) of Title 3 (Revenue and Finance) of the Cudahy Municipal Code.
Motion: Vice Mayor Alcantar motioned to adopt the new version prepared by the financial advisor of Ordinance No. 757 amending Section 3.04.080 (Sufficient Money in Treasury) of Chapter 3.04 (City Funds and Records) of Title 3 (Revenue and Finance) of the Cudahy Municipal Code, seconded by Council Member C. Gonzalez. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 11/19/2024 Page 7 of 7 AYES: C. Gonzalez, Lomelí, Alcantar, and J. Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Fuentes
ABSTAIN: None
15. COUNCIL DISCUSSION – NONE
At 7:45 p.m., City Attorney, Stephanie Arechiga recessed to closed session.
16. CLOSED SESSION
A. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b) – Public Employee Performance Evaluation
Title of Employee: City Clerk
Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 – Conference with Labor Negotiator
City’s Designated Representative: Stephanie Arechiga, City Attorney Unrepresented Employee: City Clerk
At 8:30 p.m., Mayor J. Gonzalez, reconvene to open session.
17. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Stephanie Arechiga announced all four council members were present, direction was given, and the Council is prepared to offer a one-step increase for a yearly amount of $6,060 to the City Clerk.
18. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council / Agency meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.
Jose R. Gonzalez
Mayor
ATTEST:
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk