City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 12/3/2024 Page 1 of 10 Final Minutes Approved January 21, 2025
MINUTES
CUDAHY CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING and
CITY OF CUDAHY AS SUCCESSOR AGENCY and
HOUSING SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CUDAHY
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION JOINT MEETING
December 3, 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, Assistant City Manager, Community Development Director, Juan Arauz, Assistant City Attorney, Paloma McEvoy, City Clerk, Richard Iglesias, Assistant City Clerk, Estefania Zamora, Finance Director, Joshua Calhoun, Public Works Director, Raul Diaz, Community Services Director, Brenda Rodriguez, Assistant to the City Manager, John Peraza, Senior Planner, Cecilia Madrigal-Gonzalez, and Administrative Analyst, Lisette Gonzalez.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to table item 14E to the next regular City Council meeting, seconded by Vice Mayor Alcantar. Motion passed 4-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, C. Gonzalez, Lomelí, and Alcantar
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: J. Gonzalez
Motion: Council Member Lomelí motioned to approve agenda without item 14E, 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
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 12/3/2024 Page 2 of 10 ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Fuentes.
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.
9. CITY MANAGER REPORT (information only)
6. PRESENTATIONS
A. Recognition to and from Wheels of Hope LA
B. Recognition to Erica Dominguez, Planning Commissioner C. Recognition to Speaker Emeritus Anthony Rendon
D. Proclamation - Purple Heart City
E. Proclamation - International Day of Persons with Disabilities
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Carlos thanked the City Council for installing streetlights on his street and expressed concerns about an individual with mental health issues, requested the City to send a social worker or other assistance, also mentioned another individual in an abandoned lot where cars used to be fixed and asked if the City could provide help for this person as well.
Patty Ramirez thanked the City Council for the great work they are doing and mentioned that previous complaints she had made seem to be resulting in progress, commented on working together reporting the damages that happen in the street, thanked Council for the installation of street lights, raised concerns about cars speeding through Atlantic and Cecilia, provided a letter regarding what is taking place on the street, mentioned a car that has been left on the street for three months and her attempts to communicate with City staff.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 12/3/2024 Page 3 of 10 Jesus Rojas on behalf of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles provided background information on the organization, spoke against the rental registry program and its fee price, suggested a program tailored towards Cudahy's needs and financial resources.
8. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS / REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS
Council Member Fuentes wished everyone a happy belated Thanksgiving, shared he was absent at the previous Council Meeting due to attending the NALEO Newly Elected Policy Institute, participated in the City's tree lighting ceremony at Clara Park, thanked staff, and requested a proclamation for Small Business Week next year in May.
Council Member C. Gonzalez acknowledged the loss of life and mentioned she wants to see more action where the community can sense a change, thanked staff for putting on the Christmas tree lighting, requested immediate support from a gang task force from the Sheriff's Department, state Senator Lena Gonzalez, County Supervisor, and Congressman Robert Garcia to help find funds to bring a task force to target gangs, suggested making public heat maps showing where gangs are located in the City, identifying what gangs exist in the City, and educating the public on what the different tagging means and which parts of the community are impacted, inquired about what information could be released to get help from the public in identifying people, recommended having a safety summit to educate parents on what to look for, also mentioned there are things the community should have zero tolerance for, that a "no" from the Sheriff's Department in taking action on some of these issues is unacceptable, and that more should be done beyond Sheriff Luna to show the City is addressing these concerns seriously.
Council Member Lomelí mentioned her attendance at the tree lighting event, thanked staff, the importance of humanizing people and the youth, stating that no one deserves what happened, as it was a life lost, and mentioned that the gang offered a sense of belonging, acknowledged the preventative work being done but emphasized the need for more, mentioned another incident earlier in the year, called for an action plan, noticed that something always happens during the holidays and extra efforts may be needed, need all hands on deck.
Vice Mayor Alcantar acknowledged what happened and commented on the next steps, stating it is important to meet with Sheriff Luna and the Captain as she feels there is a disconnect, shared her experience with a call to the Sheriff's office and pointed out that over five million dollars are being paid for the contract, which could be used for kids programming or hiring more youth in the community, stated she chose to support the contract for public safety not to ignore calls and to strategize so deputies aren’t going into situations by themselves, also mentioned that tagging should be covered up immediately to prevent things from escalating and gave direction to staff to pursue gang intervention work.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 12/3/2024 Page 4 of 10 Mayor J. Gonzalez echoed his colleagues' comments and recommended establishing a joint task force working with the schools, mentioned hiring an expert consultant who understands the situation and not depend on any agency that cannot be directly overseen, suggested having that expert lead an effort through an Ad Hoc committee that includes the Sheriff's Department, schools, and others involved in addressing the issue.
10. REPORTS REGARDING AD HOC, ADVISORY, STANDING OR OTHER COMMITTEE MEETINGS – NONE
11. WAIVER OF FULL READING OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES Motion: Vice Mayor Alcantar motioned to waive full reading of resolutions and ordinances, 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
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Consideration to Review and Approve the Draft Minutes of October 15, 2024, and November 19, 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 October 15, 2024, and November 19, 2024.
B. Consideration to Approve Construction Contingency and Contract Change Order to the Contract Services Agreement with Elecnor-Belco Electric, for the Salt Lake Avenue Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project – CIP Project No. TRE-001 Presented by the Public Works Director
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve 10% Construction Contingency in the amount of $20,018 and Contract Change Order (CCO) No. 1 in the amount of $28,000 to the existing Contract Services Agreement in the amount of $200,182 with Elecnor-Belco Electric, Inc., for the Salt Lake Avenue Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project, City Project No. TRE-001, funded by the Highway Safety Improvement Grant Program Cycle 7 (HSIP-7).
Motion: Vice Mayor Alcantar motioned to approve the Consent Calendar items, seconded by Council Member C. Gonzalez. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 12/3/2024 Page 5 of 10 AYES: Fuentes, C. Gonzalez, Lomelí, Alcantar, and J. Gonzalez NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
13. PUBLIC HEARING
A. A Public Hearing to Consider and Adopt Resolution No. 24-38 of the City of Cudahy City Council to Approving Changes to the Community Development Block Grant (“CDBG”) Fiscal Year 2024-25 to Cancel CDBG Program 602616-24, Entitled, “Camp Commerce” and Reprogram this Project’s Unspent Balance in the amount of $10,000 and Unallocated Funds in the amount of $39,113 into Two (2) Upcoming FY 2024-25 CDBG Eligible Programs, Youth Services and Food Distribution Recommendation: City staff recommends the City Council take the following action(s):
Open the public hearing, receive public comment, and presentation from City staff; and Adopt Resolution No. 24-38 approving the cancellation of the CDBG Program 602616- 24, entitled, “Camp Commerce” and reprogram this Project’s Unspent Balance in the amount of $10,000 and Unallocated Funds in the amount of $39,113 into two (2) Upcoming FY 2024-25 CDBG Eligible Programs, Youth Services and Food Distribution; and Authorize the City Manager, or his or her designee, to make adjustments to the CDBG project applications and CDBG agreements, due to programmatic interpretations by the Los Angeles County Community Development Authority (“LACDA”).
At 7:26 p.m. Mayor J. Gonzalez opened public comment, there being none, closed public comment.
Motion: Council Member Lomelí motioned to open the public hearing, receive public comment, and presentation from City staff, adopt Resolution No. 24-38 approving the cancellation of the CDBG Program 602616-24, entitled, “Camp Commerce” and reprogram this Project’s Unspent Balance in the amount of $10,000 and Unallocated Funds in the amount of $39,113 into two (2) Upcoming FY 2024-25 CDBG Eligible Programs, Youth Services and Food Distribution; and Authorize the City Manager, or his or her designee, to make adjustments to the CDBG project applications and CDBG agreements, due to programmatic interpretations by the Los Angeles County Community Development Authority (“LACDA”), 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. A Public Hearing to Adopt Resolution No. 24-39, Establishing New Registration Fees for Rental Units Pursuant to Cudahy Municipal Code (“CMC”) Chapter 5.13, Rent Stabilization
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 12/3/2024 Page 6 of 10 Recommendation: City staff is recommending the City Council take the following action(s): Open the public hearing and receive public comment; and Adopt Resolution No. 24-39 establishing an annual rental registration fee of $126.00 and rental unit exemption fee of $91.00, subject to late fees and annual consumer price index (“CPI”) adjustments, based on the recommendation of the RSO and TPO cost of services study.
At 7:43 p.m. Mayor J. Gonzalez opened public comment, there being none, closed public comment.
Motion: Vice Mayor Alcantar motioned to open the public hearing and receive public comment, adopt Resolution No. 24-39 establishing an annual rental registration fee of $126.00 and rental unit exemption fee of $91.00, subject to late fees and annual consumer price index (“CPI”) adjustments, based on the recommendation of the RSO and TPO cost of services study, 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: J. Gonzalez
14. BUSINESS SESSION
At 7:44 p.m., Mayor J. Gonzalez recused himself from item 14A pursuant to SB1439.
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 Lomelí motioned to select Proposal 2 for the implementation and compliance of SB1383, seconded by Council Member Fuentes. Motion passed 4-0- 1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, C. Gonzalez, Lomelí, and Alcantar
NOES: None
ABSENT: J. Gonzalez (recused)
ABSTAIN: None
At 8:02 p.m., Mayor J. Gonzalez returned to the Chambers B. Approval of Professional Services Agreement to Provide Design Phase Engineering Services for the Cudahy Citywide Signal Improvements – HSIP Cycle 11 Project – Project No. TRE-009
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 12/3/2024 Page 7 of 10 Presented by the Public Works Director
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to award a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) to Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. (Kimley-Horn) to provide design phase engineering services for the preparation of PS&E Plan, Specifications, and Estimates) for the Cudahy Citywide Signal Improvements – HSIP Cycle 11 Project – Project No. TRE-009 (Project), not to exceed $108,092.01.
Motion: Vice Mayor Alcantar motioned to award a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) to Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. (Kimley-Horn) to provide design phase engineering services for the preparation of PS&E Plan, Specifications, and Estimates) for the Cudahy Citywide Signal Improvements – HSIP Cycle 11 Project – Project No. TRE009 (Project), not to exceed $108,092.01, 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. Consideration to adopt Resolution No. 24-40 and Award a Contract Services Agreement to Byrom-Davey, Inc., a California Corporation, for Lugo Park Soccer Field Rehabilitation Project – CIP Project No. PRE-005
Presented by the Public Works Director
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to Adopt Resolution No. 24-40 appropriating $212,373 of Development Impact Fee Parks funding and $277,627 of Measure A funding, for a total amount of $490,000 amending the Lugo Park Soccer Field Rehabilitation Project (Project) – CIP Project No. PRE-005, project funding; Approve Plans and Specifications for the Lugo Park Soccer Field Rehabilitation Project – CIP Project No. PRE-005; Award a Contract Services Agreement to Byrom-Davey, Inc. for the Project in the amount of $972,958.20 for the Lugo Park Soccer Field Rehabilitation Project; and Approve 10% construction contingency for unforeseen conditions in the amount of $97,296 for utilization by the Public Works Director or designee for potential Construction Change Orders (CCO) and 5% construction oversight in the amount of $48,600.00.
Motion: Council Member Lomelí motioned to adopt Resolution No. 24-40 appropriating $212,373 of Development Impact Fee Parks funding and $277,627 of Measure A funding, for a total amount of $490,000 amending the Lugo Park Soccer Field Rehabilitation Project (Project) – CIP Project No. PRE-005, project funding; Approve Plans and Specifications for the Lugo Park Soccer Field Rehabilitation Project – CIP Project No.
PRE-005, award a Contract Services Agreement to Byrom-Davey, Inc. for the Project in the amount of $972,958.20 for the Lugo Park Soccer Field Rehabilitation Project; and City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 12/3/2024 Page 8 of 10 Approve 10% construction contingency for unforeseen conditions in the amount of $97,296 for utilization by the Public Works Director or designee for potential Construction Change Orders (CCO) and 5% construction oversight in the amount of $48,600.00, 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
D. Consideration to Award a Contract Services Agreement to American Pride Builders Co., for the ADA Door Replacement Project Clara Park Community Center: 4835 Clara St, Cudahy CA 90201 – CIP Project No. CIF-007, CBDG Project Number:
602661-23
Presented by the Public Works Director
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to Approve Plans and Specifications for the ADA Door Installation Project Clara Park Community Center: 4835 Clara St, Cudahy CA 90201 – CIP Project No. CIF-007, CDBG Project Number: 602661-23 (Project); Award a Contract Services Agreement to American Pride Builders Co. for the Project in the amount of $ 137,500.00; and Approve 10% construction contingency for unforeseen conditions in the amount of $13,750.00 for utilization by the Public Works Director or designee for potential Construction Change Orders (CCO) and 5% construction management oversight in the amount of $7,000.00.
Motion: Council Member Lomelí motioned to approve Plans and Specifications for the ADA Door Installation Project Clara Park Community Center: 4835 Clara St, Cudahy CA 90201 – CIP Project No. CIF-007, CDBG Project Number: 602661-23 (Project), Award a Contract Services Agreement to American Pride Builders Co. for the Project in the amount of $ 137,500.00; and Approve 10% construction contingency for unforeseen conditions in the amount of $13,750.00 for utilization by the Public Works Director or designee for potential Construction Change Orders (CCO) and 5% construction management oversight in the amount of $7,000.00, 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
E. Approval of Professional Services Agreement with Absolute International Security, Inc. (AIS) for Professional Security Guard Services
Presented by the Assistant to the City Manager
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 12/3/2024 Page 9 of 10 Recommendation: The City Council is requested to award a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) to Absolute International Security, Inc. (AIS) for professional security guard services in a not-to-exceed fiscal year sum of $118,000.
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to table item until the next regular City Council Meeting, seconded by Vice Mayor Alcantar. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, C. Gonzalez, Lomelí, and Alcantar
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: J. Gonzalez
F. Adoption of Resolution No. 24-41, expressing the City of Cudahy’s commitment to ensuring access to safe and clean drinking water for all residents Presented by the Assistant to the City Manager
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to adopt Resolution No. 24-41, expressing the City of Cudahy’s “City” commitment to ensuring access to safe and clean drinking water for all residents.
Motion: Mayor J. Gonzalez motioned to adopt Resolution No. 24-41, expressing the City of Cudahy’s “City” commitment to ensuring access to safe and clean drinking water for all residents and change language on the Resolution from “providers” to “mutuals’, 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
G. Immigration Support Information Initiative Presentation Presented by the Assistant to the City Manager
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to receive and file presentation on the development of the City of Cudahy’s Immigration Support Information Initiative to support the immigrant community, particularly the undocumented population.
Motion: Vice Mayor Alcantar motioned to receive and file presentation on the development of the City of Cudahy’s Immigration Support Information Initiative to support the immigrant community, particularly the undocumented population, seconded by Council Member Lomelí. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 12/3/2024 Page 10 of 10 AYES: Fuentes, C. Gonzalez, Lomelí, Alcantar, and J. Gonzalez NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
H. Annual Emergency Preparedness Update
Presented by the Assistant to the City Manager
Recommendation: The City Council is requested receive and file the annual Emergency Preparedness Update, which highlights the City of Cudahy's ongoing efforts and initiatives related to emergency preparedness, including training, planning, and collaborations with regional and federal partners.
Motion: Council Member C. Gonzalez motioned to receive and file the annual Emergency Preparedness Update, which highlights the City of Cudahy's ongoing efforts and initiatives related to emergency preparedness, including training, planning, and collaborations with regional and federal partners, 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
17. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT – NONE
18. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council / Agency meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m.
Jose R. Gonzalez
Mayor
ATTEST:
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk