City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 2/18/2025 Page 1 of 9 Final Minutes Approved March 4, 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
February 18, 2025, 6:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor / Chair Alcantar Loza called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Council / Agency Member Martin Fuentes
Council / Agency Member Amanda Gomez
Council / Agency Member Daisy Lomelí
Vice Mayor / Vice Chair Cynthia Gonzalez
Mayor / Chair Elizabeth Alcantar Loza
ABSENT: None
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, Public Works Director, Raul Diaz, Assistant to the City Manager, John Peraza, Executive Assistant to the City Manager, Janet Andrade, Senior Planner, Cecilia MadrigalGonzalez, Associate Planner, Kassandra Cornejo, Community Preservation Manager, Raul Mazariegos., and Housing Specialist, Lorena Cardenas.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion: Council Member Lomelí motioned to approve the agenda as is, seconded by Council Member Gomez. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, Gonzalez, and Alcantar Loza NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 2/18/2025 Page 2 of 9
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.
6. PRESENTATIONS
A. Community Development Annual Update
B. City of Cudahy’s Spring Events
C. Proclamation – World Day of Social Justice
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
PUBLIC COMMENT RECEIVED VIA EMAIL
Edwin Gonzalez Good evening to all of you, I hope very much that you find yourself in good spirits. I can honestly say that the past several years have been a true paradox for me. As an active member of civic affairs in most of the cities located in Southeast Los Angeles, I’ve had truly graceful moments of collaboration, dialogue, brotherhood, support, and other wonderful moments. But at times, this journey has also suffocated the life out of me. The malignant forces that stalk our streets in recent times has turned this urban enclave into a killing ground. Cudahy has gotten substantial news coverage during this difficult era, as a string of homicides have devastated this humble community, and has it’s neighboring cities on alert;because these atrocities affect them as well. This unfortunately has created the perception that this city, is everything a city should not be;the frequent shootings-the graffiti-the vagrancy. I suppose that this council has thought endlessly on the type of activities the youth engage in. That’s imperative, because gangs from my perspective, become bolder when they recruit people to join a click. As long as they replenish their ranks; their gonna be putting in work: as they say. Living adjacent to the L.A. river in Bell, California my upbringing wasn't exactly a utopian middle class paradise that I often envision. It was a dysfunctional family life: and the neighborhood could be violent; assassinations:which have also made their way into the press. I empathize with the crisis in Cudahy, because i”ve been in their shoes and will continue to live in a predicament. Recently, I’ve seen a lot Cudahy 13 graffiti, then you got South Side KAM claiming turf, and a lot of hardcore gang members will let rivals know; that South Side 18th street will not relinquish their territory, especially within Cudahy. How do we as a society strengthen the social fabric of our communities and families? As they City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 2/18/2025 Page 3 of 9 stuggle with poverty, violence, and other destructive forces. I believe the central issue here is the social and economic disintegration of our communities. Honestly, I don’t buy into the rhetoric that the politicians have to offer. I think their part of the problem, and not the solution. But I do wish you all the best. Gracias y que Dios los bendiga a todos.
8. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS / REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS
Council Member Fuentes announced Lugo Park is closed for renovations, shared his absence at last Council meeting due to his participation with Gateway Council of Governments in Sacramento, and shared his participation at the Wing it with the City Manager event.
Council Member Gomez commended staff with the outreach events.
Council Member Lomelí thanked staff, shared on the Wing it with the City Manager event and her connection with a mom regarding youth programs and how to support with fees with those with multiple youths, thanked and praised the Cudahy library, asked to look into the library MOU, shared her support of the students walkout, requested proclamation sharing support for youth and raise awareness and requested another proclamation for women history month since there is a 4/5 women council, and shared mailer sent on behalf of herself and Council member Gomez.
Vice Mayor Gonzalez announced SELA send off on Saturday May 31st at City of Lynwood, asked to reach out to Karla Salazar with Scholar Match, spoke on the immigration flyers at the business and asked the same be done for the City’s initiatives, shared East Los Angeles College (ELAC) resources and how to coordinate with them, and gave a shoutout to Epic Wings for their wings.
Mayor Alcantar Loza added to Vice Mayor Gonzalez’s comment on Epic Wings, spoke on student walkout and the idea of how it started, mentioned she met with Karla Griego from LAUSD to support the youth and ideas around public safety, Elizabeth Learning Center (ELC) and staff working together for a know your rights workshop, announced federal funding cuts, and shared how Cudahy recently lost funding.
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: Vice Mayor Gonzalez motioned to waive full reading of resolutions and ordinances, seconded by Council Member Gomez. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, Gonzalez, and Alcantar Loza City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 2/18/2025 Page 4 of 9 NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Consideration to Review and Approve the Draft Minutes of February 4, 2025, 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 February 4, 2025.
B. Approval of the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) for the Month of January 2025 Presented by the Finance Director
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) Report for the month of January 2025 in the amount of $11,289,418.46.
C. Approval of the City Demands and Payroll Including Statement of Investment for the Month of January 2025
Presented by the Finance Director
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve the Demands and Payroll in the amount of $1,721,266.39 including the Statement of Investments for the month of January 2025.
Motion: Vice Mayor Gonzalez motioned to approve the Consent Calendar items, seconded by Council Member Gomez. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, Gonzalez, and Alcantar Loza NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
13. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Public Hearing to Consider and Adopt Resolution No. 25-06 Approving the Permanent Local Housing Allocation (“PLHA”) Program Activities and Funding for Year 5 Presented by the Housing Specialist
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 2/18/2025 Page 5 of 9 Recommendation: The City Council is requested to take the following action(s): Open the public hearing, receive testimony and presentation from City staff; and Adopt Resolution No. 25-06, approving two (2) program activities for Year 5 of the PLHA Program for Rental Assistance and Emergency Shelter Beds Program at the Salvation Army (TSA) Bell Shelter; and Authorize City Manager to execute all any and all documents, including reimbursable contract with the Los Angeles County Development Authority (“LACDA”) to participate in the Los Angeles Urban County PLHA Program on behalf of the City of Cudahy.
At 7:32 p.m. Mayor Alcantar Loza opened public comment, there being none, closed public comment.
Motion: Vice Mayor Gonzalez motioned to adopt Resolution No. 25-06, approving two (2) program activities for Year 5 of the PLHA Program for Rental Assistance and Emergency Shelter Beds Program at the Salvation Army (TSA) Bell Shelter; and Authorize City Manager to execute all any and all documents, including reimbursable contract with the Los Angeles County Development Authority (“LACDA”) to participate in the Los Angeles Urban County PLHA Program on behalf of the City of Cudahy, seconded by Council Member Fuentes. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, Gonzalez, and Alcantar Loza NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
14. BUSINESS SESSION
A. Presentation by Inner City Visions
Presented by the Assistant to the City Manager
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to receive and file the presentation by Inner City Visions (ICV) and to provide staff with further direction, if needed, regarding a proposed partnership to support a California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP) grant application.
Motion: Vice Mayor Gonzalez motioned to receive and file the presentation by Inner City Visions (ICV) and regarding a proposed partnership to support a California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP) grant application, seconded by Council Member Fuentes. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, Gonzalez, and Alcantar Loza NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 2/18/2025 Page 6 of 9 B. Adoption of Resolution No. 25-07 Authorizing the City Manager to execute the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Cudahy, California and the Cudahy Chamber of Commerce
Presented by the Assistant to the City Manager
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to adopt Resolution No. 25-07 Authorizing the City Manager to execute the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Cudahy, California and the Cudahy Chamber of Commerce.
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to adopt Resolution No. 25-07 Authorizing the City Manager to execute the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Cudahy, California and the Cudahy Chamber of Commerce, seconded by Council Member Gomez. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, Gonzalez, and Alcantar Loza NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
C. Receive an Update on the Conclusion of the 90-Day Negotiation Period Regarding Successor Agency Site #6 located at 7638 – 7660 Atlantic Avenue and 7613 – 7619 Clara Street (APNs: 6226-022-904, 6226-022-905, 6226-022-906, 6226-022-907, 6226-022-908, 6226-022-909, 6226-022-910, and 6226-022-911 Presented by the Associate Planner
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council of the City of Cudahy (the “City”): hear a presentation from City staff on the conclusion of the 90-day negotiation period regarding Successor Agency Site #6 located at 7638 – 7660 Atlantic Avenue and 7613 – 7619 Clara Street (APNs: 6226-022-904, 6226-022-905, 6226-022-906, 6226- 022-907, 6226-022-908, 6226-022-909, 6226-022-910, and 6226-022-911); and receive and file the presentation and report.
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to hear a presentation from City staff on the conclusion of the 90-day negotiation period regarding Successor Agency Site #6 located at 7638 – 7660 Atlantic Avenue and 7613 – 7619 Clara Street (APNs: 6226-022-904, 6226-022-905, 6226-022-906, 6226-022-907, 6226-022-908, 6226-022-909, 6226-022- 910, and 6226-022-911); and receive and file the presentation and report, seconded by Council Member Gomez. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, Gonzalez, and Alcantar Loza NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 2/18/2025 Page 7 of 9 D. Approval of Professional Services Agreement for Compensation Update Study Presented by the Finance Director
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to award a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) to MGT Impact Solutions, LLC (“MGT”) to conduct a Compensation Update Study in the amount of $45,258.
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to award a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) to MGT Impact Solutions, LLC (“MGT”) to conduct a Compensation Update Study in the amount of $45,258, seconded by Council Member Gomez. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, Gonzalez, and Alcantar Loza NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
E. Adoption of the City’s Shelter Management Plan
Presented by the Assistant to the City Manager
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to adopt the City of Cudahy’s Shelter Management Plan.
Motion: Council Member Lomelí motioned to adopt the City of Cudahy’s Shelter Management Plan, seconded by Council Member Gomez. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, Gonzalez, and Alcantar Loza NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
F. Consideration to Appoint Alejandro Esquivel to the Planning Commission Presented by the City Clerk
Recommendation: The City Council is recommended to appoint Alejandro Esquivel to the Planning Commission, Council Member Gomez’s appointment.
Motion: Council Member Gomez motioned to appoint Alejandro Esquivel to the Planning Commission, Council Member Gomez’s appointment, seconded by Council Member Fuentes. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 2/18/2025 Page 8 of 9 AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, Gonzalez, and Alcantar Loza NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
G. Discussion and Direction Regarding Adoption of Resolution No. 25-08 Authorizing an Agreement with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore for Legal Services Presented by the City Attorney
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to discuss and provide direction regarding adoption of Resolution No. 25-08 authorizing an agreement with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore for legal services.
Motion: Vice Mayor Gonzalez motioned to adopt Resolution No. 25-08 authorizing an agreement with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore for legal services, seconded by Council Member Lomelí. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, Gonzalez, and Alcantar Loza NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
15. COUNCIL DISCUSSION – NONE
At 8:28 p.m., City Attorney, Stephanie Arechiga recessed to closed session.
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
B. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.96 - Conference Involving Joint Powers Agency Hub Cities Consortium
Discussion will concern: Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code §§ 54956.9(d)(2) and 54956.9(e)(1) – Anticipated Litigation – Conference with Legal Counsel – “Facts and circumstances that might result in litigation against the local agency but which the local agency believes are not City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 2/18/2025 Page 9 of 9 yet known to a potential plaintiff or plaintiffs, which facts and circumstances need not be disclosed.” One (1) matter.
Name of local agency representative on joint powers agency board:
City of Cudahy, Mayor Elizabeth Alcantar Loza.
At 10:57 p.m., Mayor Alcantar Loza reconvened to open session.
17. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Stephanie Arechiga announced that five council members were present, and no further reportable action at this time.
18. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council / Agency meeting adjourned at 10:58 p.m.
Elizabeth Alcantar Loza
Mayor
ATTEST:
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk