City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 04/01/2025 Page 1 of 8 Final Minutes Approved April 15, 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
April 1, 2025, 6:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor / Chair Alcantar Loza called the meeting to order at 6:41 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 Engineer, Ray Casey, Administrative Analyst, Daniela Trujillo, and Administrative Analyst, Lisette Gonzalez.
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
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Fuentes.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 04/01/2025 Page 2 of 8
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. Proclamation – National Deaf History Month
B. Proclamation – Autism Acceptance Month
C. Proclamation – National Child Abuse Prevention Month D. Introduction of LAUSD Police Department Lieutenant Juan Morales E. Know Your Rights Presentation by the Council of Mexican Federations in North America (COFEM)
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Susie de Santiago asked City Council, on behalf of Cudahy Youth Foundation, for their support in waving the fees for the 4th of July stand and shared the benefits they provide to the community with the funds received from the firework stand.
Mario (via Zoom) announced a flyer from City of South Gate regarding an affordable pet clinic, asked for clarification on who pays for crossing guard services whether it is the City of LAUSD.
PUBLIC COMMENT RECEIVED VIA EMAIL
Edwin Gonzalez Good evening everyone, I wish I could offer an optimistic perspective when it comes to the circumstances surrounding Cudahy, California; but that is not the case. The best way to articulate my point of view, is by taking you back to that historical moment in time, when Cudahy passed the rent ordinance, which I supported. In spite of that, I had anticipated that this densely populated community, could very well implode from within. When my fellow civic leaders urged me to stand in favor of rent control, I voluntarily went along. However, I felt like perhaps they were not cognizant enough, in contemplating other factors, that need a great deal of community input. I had been preoccupied for some time regarding quality of life issues in Cudahy and other cities in Southeast Los Angeles, yet I felt that me and my colleagues; were not speaking the same language. Out of all those supporters who spoke back in 2023, I’m among the few who come by to see how you cope; with both life and death. Their was a homicide just last week. I guess, one way of coping with this, is to acknowledge; that it can be extremely City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 04/01/2025 Page 3 of 8 dangerous at times. So yes, put your survival skills to good use. So yes, put your survival skills to good use. Now, instead of just reminding you, that you’re living through an absolute agonizing experience. I would like to offer some encouragement to the leaders of this community. As you lay the groundwork, for the Clara Park expansion project. One of your main goals; should be to change the tangible aspects that the residents encounter on a daily basis. Improving the city will be an uphill battle; your density is hazardous, your infrastructure would need to vastly improve. In all likelihood, the cannabis industry will bring turmoil and not long term economic benefits, which is what is currently going on. So maybe, Im not sounding all that encouraging after all, but Cudahy has these obvious disjunctions; that will hold the community back. Now, its good that you will collaborate with Inner City vision. Obviously you can rely on me, since I’m I willing to shed, blood, sweat and tears for you. Plus, I have the distinct honor of being such a wonderful neighbor;who knows how interwoven Bell and Cudahy happen to be. Thank you and have yourself a wonderful spring.
8. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS / REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS
Council Member Fuentes shared his attendance at the Blanca Pacheco Woman of the Year event, the Public Safety Community Meeting, he Landscaping and Lighting District Property Owner Workshop, and mentioned the ballots for the Landscaping & Lighting District were only printed in English and asked to always consider providing both English and Spanish versions
Council Member Gomez thanked the organizations in attendance tonight and expressed appreciation for all the work they do.
Council Member Lomelí thanked everyone in attendance, praised staff for the partnerships, attended Gateway COG, and shared her meeting with School Board Member Karla Griego and asked staff to coordinate a meeting with her team.
Vice Mayor Gonzalez announced the upcoming event with ScholarMatch and shared how they secured funding to support 200 seniors in this region for 2-4 years of full mentoring, mentioned the need to figure out how to get information out, highlighted LA Unified recognized Jaime Escalante for their test scores and is now being recognized for California Distinguished School and asked if it we can bring them to a Council meeting to recognized the staff for their hard work and effort.
Mayor Alcantar Loza acknowledged School Board Member Karla Griego and the work she has been doing, shared her attendance at two Ad-Hoc meeting with Vice Mayor on Public Safety and Street Vendor Ad-Hoc and mentioned there will be resources and responses for City Council soon, and addressed the recent homicide that occurred.
9. CITY MANAGER REPORT (information only)
10. REPORTS REGARDING AD HOC, ADVISORY, STANDING OR OTHER COMMITTEE MEETINGS – NONE
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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 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
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Consideration to Review and Approve the Draft Minutes of March 18, 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 March 18, 2025.
B. Adoption by Second 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 Finance Director
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to Adopt by second reading Ordinance No. 759 repealing Ordinance No. 697 terminating DA No. 18-011C between the City and Aqua Tergere, LLC; 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).
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to approve 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 – NONE
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14. BUSINESS SESSION
A. Resolution No. 25-15 Appointing a Member and Alternate to GWMA Governing Board and Approve Third Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Joint Powers Authority (GWMA) and the Los Angeles River Upper Reach 2 (LAR UR2) Watershed and appointments to the GWMA Governing Board
Presented by the Senior Engineer
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to adopt Resolution 25-15 Appointing Raul Diaz as a member and Juan Arauz as alternate to GWMA Governing Board and authorize the City Manager to sign the Third Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding (Attachment B) between the Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Joint Powers Authority (GWMA), acting as the fiduciary for the agreement, and the cities of Bell, Bell Gardens, Commerce, Cudahy, Huntington Park, Maywood, Vernon (LAR UR2 Subgroup Cities) and the Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD) and appoint Raul Diaz as a member and Juan Arauz as an alternate to the GWMA Governing Board.
Motion: Council Member Lomelí motioned to adopt Resolution 25-15 Appointing Raul Diaz as a member and Juan Arauz as alternate to GWMA Governing Board and authorize the City Manager to sign the Third Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding (Attachment B) between the Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Joint Powers Authority (GWMA), acting as the fiduciary for the agreement, and the cities of Bell, Bell Gardens, Commerce, Cudahy, Huntington Park, Maywood, Vernon (LAR UR2 Subgroup Cities) and the Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD) and appoint Raul Diaz as a member and Juan Arauz as an alternate to the GWMA Governing Board, 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
B. Consideration to Authorize the City Manager to Enter into an Agreement Between the City of Cudahy and the County of Los Angeles for the Installation, Operation, and Maintenance of Interconnecting Improvements at Certain City Traffic Signal Locations
Presented by the Senior Engineer
Recommendation: The City Council is recommended to consider authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement between the City of Cudahy and the County of Los Angeles for the installation, operation, and maintenance of interconnecting improvements at certain City traffic signal locations.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 04/01/2025 Page 6 of 8 Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement between the City of Cudahy and the County of Los Angeles for the installation, operation, and maintenance of interconnecting improvements at certain City traffic signal locations, 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
C. Consideration to Authorize the City Manager to Enter into a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Cudahy and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Administration Establishing the City’s Membership in the Configuration Management Committee that Oversees the Regional Integration of Intelligent Transportation Systems (“RIITS”)
Presented by the Senior Engineer
Recommendation: The City Council is recommended to consider authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Cudahy and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Administration establishing the City’s membership in the Configuration Management Committee that oversees the Regional Integration of Intelligent Transportation Systems (“RIITS”).
Motion: Vice Mayor Gonzalez motioned to authorize the City Manager to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Cudahy and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Administration establishing the City’s membership in the Configuration Management Committee that oversees the Regional Integration of Intelligent Transportation Systems (“RIITS”), 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
D. Adoption of Resolution No. 25-16 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Public Health Services Contract Between the County of Los Angeles and the City of Cudahy Presented by the Administrative Assistant
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to adopt Resolution No. 25-16 authorizing the City Manager to execute the Public Health Services Contract (PH-005608) between the County of Los Angeles and the City of Cudahy.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 04/01/2025 Page 7 of 8 Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to adopt Resolution No. 25-16 authorizing the City Manager to execute the Public Health Services Contract (PH-005608) between the County of Los Angeles and the City of Cudahy, 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
E. Discussion and Direction Regarding City of Cudahy Vote on Cudahy Landscaping and Lighting District
Presented by the Finance Director
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to discuss and provide direction regarding the City of Cudahy’s vote on the Cudahy Landscaping and Lighting District and adopt Resolution No. 25-17.
Motion: Council Member Lomelí motioned to vote “Yes-In Favor of the Assessment” on the Cudahy Landscaping and Lighting District and adopt Resolution No. 25-17 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
F. Resolution to Support SB 454 – The PFAS Mitigation Fund Presented by the Assistant to the City Manager
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to adopt Resolution No. 25-18 in support of SB 454, titled “State Water Resources Control Board: PFAS Mitigation Program” (the “Bill”).
Motion: Mayor Alcantar Loza motioned to adopt Resolution No. 25-18 in support of SB 454, titled “State Water Resources Control Board: PFAS Mitigation Program” (the “Bill”) and requested to add additional language to the Resolution after the third “Whereas” to specify that the City’s water sources are contaminated with high levels of PFAS, and impacted communities like ours are in need of support, 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
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15. COUNCIL DISCUSSION – NONE
At 8:19 p.m., City Attorney, Stephanie Arechiga recessed to closed session.
16. CLOSED SESSION
A. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)-Public Employee Recruitment
Title of Position Under Consideration: City Manager
B. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(2) – Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation – One (1) Matter At 9:22 p.m., Mayor Alcantar Loza reconvened to open session.
17. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Stephanie Arechiga announced that all five council members were present for both closed session items and no further reportable action.
18. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council / Agency meeting adjourned at 9:23 p.m.
Elizabeth Alcantar Loza
Mayor
ATTEST:
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk