City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 03/18/2025 Page 1 of 11 Final Minutes Approved April 1, 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
March 18, 2025, 6:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor / Chair Alcantar Loza called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Council / Agency Member Martin Fuentes
Council / Agency Member Amanda Gomez
Council / Agency Member Daisy Lomelí
Mayor / Chair Elizabeth Alcantar Loza
ABSENT: Vice Mayor / Vice Chair Cynthia Gonzalez
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, and Executive Assistant to the City Manager, Janet Andrade.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
City Attorney, Stephanie Arechiga proposed to amend agenda item 16A from two matters to one matter.
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to amend agenda item 16A from two matters to one matter, seconded by Council Member Lomelí. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Alcantar Loza
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gonzalez
ABSTAIN: None
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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. Recognition to Angel Lugo for participating in the 2024 Planning Division Youth Program
B. Girls Build from MaCES Presentation and Proclamation on Mental Health Matters Month
C. 2025 Communications Plan Annual Update
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Susie de Santiago requested that the City Council consider crossing guards at Ellen Ochoa Elementary School specially on Live Oak Street, suggested increasing social media posts to two months in advance rather than just one month, so families have more time to plan for activities, requested proclamations declaring April as Autism Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Mario (via Zoom) asked the City Council if the city has an Emergency Operations Center and expressed concerns about the City of South Gate’s communication efforts with the community and praised City Council for offering City Council meeting via Zoom.
Edwin Gonzalez (via Zoom) referenced complaints made during the previous City Council meeting about the unsanitary conditions of parks and parts of the city, urged City Council to take responsibility, mentioned the cleanup event organized by the City of Cudahy and the City of Bell on Saturday, mentioned certain community leaders and stated they are more focused on getting along than advocating for real issues, alleged Vice Mayor being a politician, and noted the city appears to be vulnerable.
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8. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS / REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS
Council Member Fuentes thanked staff for prioritizing the cleaning of restrooms that was brought up at the last City Council meeting, shared his attendance at the Cudahy Chamber of Commerce St. Patrick’s Day event with local businesses and talked about a potential grand opening, and thanked speaker of MACES presentation.
Council Member Gomez commended staff for organizing the Cudahy Cleanup in collaboration with City of Bell, shared her attendance along with Vice Mayor Gonzalez, and thanked community organizations for joining.
Council Member Lomelí praised staff for the new signage at Lugo Park and for quickly addressing the restroom issue, thanked staff for working with the youth and requested a letter opposing AB 1468, requested Autism Awareness proclamation, highlighted the YMCA partnership and opportunities in the city.
Mayor Alcantar Loza thanked staff for the trainings, shared her attendance at the ELC career fair with Vice Mayor Gonzalez and the Cudahy Clean-up with the City of Bell, requested proclamations for next meeting for Autism Acceptance Month, Deaf History Month, Child Abuse Prevention and for the following meeting Older American Month and National Park Week.
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 Fuentes. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Alcantar Loza
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gonzalez
ABSTAIN: None
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12. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Consideration to Review and Approve the Draft Minutes of March 4, 2025, for the Regular Meeting and the Draft Minutes of March 11, 2025, 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 March 4, 2025, and March 11, 2025 B. Approval of the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) for the Month of February 2025 Presented by the Finance Director
Recommendation: The Council is requested to approve the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) Report for the month of February 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 February 2025
Presented by the Finance Director
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve the Demands and Payroll in the amount of $1,447,014.74 including the Statement of Investments for the month of February 2025.
D. Approval of the First Amendment to the Contract Services Agreement for Crossing Guard Services with All City Management Services
Presented by the Community Services Director
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve an amendment to the Contract Services Agreement for Crossing Guard Services with All City Management Services approved on September 3, 2024.
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to approve Consent Calendar items, seconded by Council Member Lomelí. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Alcantar Loza
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gonzalez
ABSTAIN: None
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13. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Adopt Resolution No. 25-10 to adopt Cudahy Together: A Strategic Plan for a Thriving Community (“Cudahy Together”)
Presented by the Associate Planner
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council of the City of Cudahy (the “City”): Open the public hearing, receive testimony and presentation of the proposed plan; and Adopt Resolution No. 25-10 approving Cudahy Together: A Strategic Plan for a Thriving Community.
At 7:35 p.m. Mayor Alcantar Loza opened public comment.
Public Comments:
Susie de Santiago expressed gratitude for participating in the process and hopes the city can implement improvements soon for the safety of the community Emmanuel shared excitement for the development of pocket parks, raised concerns about gentrification and praised City Council for their efforts.
Irma Lopez thanked the team and her participation in this plan and expressed her hopes for a better community with the help of this plan.
Ricardo Varas requested that the skate park be renovated and shared the potential benefits for the youth in the community.
Leticia Guzman shared her participation in this plan, shared the importance of maintaining what we currently have and the need of additional safety in the parks and city overall.
Mario (via Zoom) shared his frustration with the lack of community involvement in his city but praised City Council for their approach and also recommended incorporating art in public spaces.
Daisy Loya (via Zoom) praised all the work involved in this plan, excited about the community hub, lighting, and community involvement.
Edwin Gonzalez (via Zoom) mentioned the plan is positive but shared the need to focus more on economic development and the community’s wealth.
At 7:57 p.m. Mayor Alcantar Loza closed public comment.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 03/18/2025 Page 6 of 11 Motion: Council Member Gomez motioned to adopt Resolution No. 25-10 approving Cudahy Together: A Strategic Plan for a Thriving Community, seconded by Council Member Lomelí. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Alcantar Loza
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gonzalez
ABSTAIN: None
B. Introduction and Adoption by First Reading of Ordinance No. 759 Repealing Ordinance No. 697, Terminating Development Agreement No. 18-011C between the City of Cudahy and Aqua Tergere, LLC
Presented by the Senior Planner
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to: Open the public hearing and receive public comment and testimony; and Make a determination that Aqua Tergere, LLC (“Operator”) is not in compliance with the terms and conditions of Development Agreement (“DA”) No. 18-011C with the City of Cudahy (“City”) and find the Operator is in default of contractual obligations set forth in the DA; and Introduce and adopt by first reading Ordinance No. 759 (Attachment A) repealing Ordinance No. 697 terminating DA No. 18-011C between the City and Aqua Tergere, LLC; and Schedule the second reading of Ordinance No. 759 at the next regularly scheduled meeting on April 1, 2025; and Determine that these actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15321 (Enforcement Actions by Regulatory Agencies).
At 8:21 p.m. Mayor Alcantar Loza opened public comment.
Public Comments:
Emmanuel asked if there are other cannabis companies with similar payment issues.
Susie de Santiago supported canceling the agreement with this cannabis company.
Mario (via zoom) shared his disappointment with the waste of time and money on this company.
Daisy Loya (via zoom) shared the idea of creating smarter contracts, reiterated with the City Attorney demanding making paying upfront, have templates for future contracts and pass on knowledge.
At 8:27 p.m. Mayor Alcantar Loza closed public comment.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 03/18/2025 Page 7 of 11 Motion: Council Member Lomelí motioned to make a determination that Aqua Tergere, LLC (“Operator”) is not in compliance with the terms and conditions of Development Agreement (“DA”) No. 18-011C with the City of Cudahy (“City”) and find the Operator is in default of contractual obligations set forth in the DA; and Introduce and adopt by first reading Ordinance No. 759 (Attachment A) repealing Ordinance No. 697 terminating DA No. 18-011C between the City and Aqua Tergere, LLC; and Schedule the second reading of Ordinance No. 759 at the next regularly scheduled meeting on April 1, 2025; and Determine that these actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15321 (Enforcement Actions by Regulatory Agencies), seconded by Council Member Gomez. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Alcantar Loza
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gonzalez
ABSTAIN: None
14. BUSINESS SESSION
A. Consideration to Approve The 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report and 2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report Required by The State of California, Reporting Period January 1, 2024- December 31, 2024
Presented by the Assistant Planner
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to take the following action(s): Adopt Resolution No. 25-11 approving the 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report (APR); and Authorize staff to file the 2024 Annual Progress Report with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to adopt Resolution No. 25-11 approving the 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report (APR); and authorize staff to file the 2024 Annual Progress Report with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), seconded by Council Member Lomelí. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Alcantar Loza
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gonzalez
ABSTAIN: None
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 03/18/2025 Page 8 of 11 B. Request to submit a joint application to HCD Homekey+ program Presented by the Community Development Director / Assistant City Manager Recommendation: The City Council is requested to adopt Resolution No. 25-12 to submit a joint application in partnership with Prima Development; National Community Renaissance of California; Prima CS GP LLC; NCRC CS CP LLC; and Cudahy Senior Apartments LP (collectively “Co-Applicants”) to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (“HCD”) Homekey+ program, for the 140-unit Cudahy Seniors project located at 5610 Santa Ana Street (“Project Site”); and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary applications and documents.
Motion: Council Member Gomez motioned to adopt Resolution No. 25-12 to submit a joint application in partnership with Prima Development; National Community Renaissance of California; Prima CS GP LLC; NCRC CS CP LLC; and Cudahy Senior Apartments LP (collectively “Co-Applicants”) to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (“HCD”) Homekey+ program, for the 140-unit Cudahy Seniors project located at 5610 Santa Ana Street (“Project Site”); and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary applications and documents, seconded by Council Member Lomelí. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Alcantar Loza
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gonzalez
ABSTAIN: None
C. Approval of Amended and Restated License Agreement for Wireless Facilities Between T-Mobile West LLC and the City of Cudahy
Presented by the Assistant to the City Manager
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve the Amended and Restated License Agreement for Wireless Facilities between T-Mobile West LLC (Licensee) and the City of Cudahy (City) for the continued operation of a mobile/wireless communication facility located at Clara Park (4835 Clara St., Cudahy, CA 90201).
Motion: Council Member Lomelí motioned to approve the Amended and Restated License Agreement for Wireless Facilities between T-Mobile West LLC (Licensee) and the City of Cudahy (City) for the continued operation of a mobile/wireless communication facility located at Clara Park (4835 Clara St., Cudahy, CA 90201), seconded by Council Member Gomez. Motion passed 3-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gomez, Lomelí, and Alcantar Loza
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gonzalez
ABSTAIN: Fuentes
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 03/18/2025 Page 9 of 11 D. Adoption of Resolution Authorizing Los Angeles County Development Authority to Issue Bonds or Notes to Finance the Development of a Multifamily Senior Housing Project in the City of Cudahy
Presented by the Community Development Director / Assistant City Manager Recommendation: The City Council is requested to adopt Resolution No. 25-13 authorizing the Los Angeles County Development Authority (“LACDA”) to issue bonds or notes to help finance the development of Cudahy Seniors, the mixed-use 140-unit housing project, located at 4610 Santa Ana Street, and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary applications and documents.
Motion: Council Member Lomelí motioned to adopt Resolution No. 25-13 authorizing the Los Angeles County Development Authority (“LACDA”) to issue bonds or notes to help finance the development of Cudahy Seniors, the mixed-use 140-unit housing project, located at 4610 Santa Ana Street, and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary applications and documents, seconded by Council Member Gomez. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Alcantar Loza
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gonzalez
ABSTAIN: None
E. Adoption of Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a General Services Agreement Between the County of Los Angeles and the City of Cudahy for Municipal Services
Presented by the Assistant to the City Manager
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to adopt Resolution No. 25-14 authorizing the City Manager to execute a General Services Agreement between the County of Los Angeles and the City of Cudahy for Municipal Services.
Motion: Council Member Lomelí motioned to adopt Resolution No. 25-14 authorizing the City Manager to execute a General Services Agreement between the County of Los Angeles and the City of Cudahy for Municipal Services, seconded by Council Member Gomez. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Alcantar Loza
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gonzalez
ABSTAIN: None
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 03/18/2025 Page 10 of 11 F. Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) Process Briefing Presented by the Assistant to the City Manager
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to receive and file the briefing on the 2025 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP).
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to receive and file the briefing on the 2025 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP), seconded by Council Member Lomelí. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Alcantar Loza
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gonzalez
ABSTAIN: None
G. Discussion and Direction Regarding the Update of the City’s Strategic Plan for 2026- 2030
Presented by the Assistant to the City Manager
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to provide direction regarding the update of the City of Cudahy’s Strategic Plan for 2026-2030, including whether to engage Management Partners, the firm used for the current Strategic Plan, issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for consultant services, and determine the level of community and business input desired for the process.
NO MOTION – DIRECTION ONLY
The City Council directed staff to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for consultant services to update the City of Cudahy’s Strategic Plan for 2026-2030.
15. COUNCIL DISCUSSION – NONE
At 9:21 p.m., City Attorney, Stephanie Arechiga recessed to closed session.
16. CLOSED SESSION
A. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(2) – Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation – Two (2) Matters City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 03/18/2025 Page 11 of 11 B. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6(a) – Conference with Labor Negotiator Regarding Represented Employees City’s Designated Representative(s) for Negotiations: City Manager Alfonso Noyola Employee Organization: Cudahy Miscellaneous Employees Association (CMEA)
At 10:21 p.m., Mayor Alcantar Loza reconvened to open session.
17. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Stephanie Arechiga announced that four council members were present, Vice Mayor Gonzalez absent and no further reportable action.
18. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council / Agency meeting adjourned at 10:22 p.m.
Elizabeth Alcantar Loza
Mayor
ATTEST:
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk