City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 05/06/2025 Page 1 of 10 Final Minutes Approved June 3, 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
May 6, 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 (joined via Zoom) Council / Agency Member Amanda Gomez (arrived at 6:48 p.m.) 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, 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, Senior Planner, Cecilia MadrigalGonzalez, Community Preservation Manager, Raul Mazariegos, and Administrative Analyst, Daniela Trujillo.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion: Vice Mayor Gonzalez motioned to move Presentation item 6E before item 6A and move Consent Calendar item 12C to a new Business Session item 14I, seconded by Mayor Alcantar Loza. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Lomelí, Gonzalez, and Alcantar Loza
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gomez
ABSTAIN: None
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vice Mayor Gonzalez.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 05/06/2025 Page 2 of 10
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. Jaime Escalante Elementary School Recognition
B. International Day of Families Proclamation
C. Strategic Plan Update
D. Republic Services Quarterly Update
E. Community Services Department Annual Update
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Sergio Mendez mentioned issues at his current residence, shared the services received by the city’s housing specialist and inquired about steps he could take moving forward.
Mario (via Zoom) shared his attendance at the Tweedy Mile Advisory Board Committee meeting where he proposed allocating funds for art projects, stated that he was shocked at how expensive murals are and emphasized his commitment to supporting and advocating for the arts in his city.
Edwin Gonzalez (via Zoom) gave credit to the leadership for some of the projects being implemented, mentioned that he currently relies on the Cudahy Public Library due to the remodeling of the City of Bell Library, shared his book interests, alleged that the leadership in the City of Bell may not be aligned with community needs.
8. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS / REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS
Council Member Fuentes shared his recent participation in several events, including Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco's State of the District luncheon, the annual SCAG Conference in Palm Desert, the Cudahy 5K at Cudahy Park, which he completed and is currently attending the NALEO Policy Institute.
Council Member Gomez thanked staff for organizing the 5K event, which she was unable to attend and expressed her excitement about the completion of Lugo Park.
Council Member Lomelí shared her participation at the City’s 5k, attended the SCAG conference, attended the City of Bell Open Streets event and encouraged staff to City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 05/06/2025 Page 3 of 10 collaborate with the City of Bell on future events, met with local safety officials, discussed bringing principals together to discuss the protocol to share flyer since there might be potential misunderstandings and wished everyone a happy Mother’s Day weekend.
Vice Mayor Gonzalez highlighted the recent recognition of Jaime Escalante and requested it to be shared on the City’s social media platforms, mentioned ongoing discussions and meetings regarding street vendors stating an ordinance will be presented to the City Council soon, and announced the upcoming 3rd SELA Standoff event.
Mayor Alcantar Loza echoed Council Member Lomelí’s comments and reported her participation in the Public Safety and Street Vending Committee, shared unable to attend the City’s 5K, raised concerns about street conditions on Otis Avenue near Walnut Street, noting that the potholes are located within the City of Bell and requested collaboration with the neighboring City for repairs. Also brought up maintenance issues with public utility boxes, stated the lamination is falling off the boxes at Atlantic & Cecilia and Atlantic & Santa Ana and requested that they be repaired; also requested a Project Labor Agreement for the City.
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 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
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Consideration to Review and Approve the Draft Minutes of April 15, 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 April 15, 2025.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 05/06/2025 Page 4 of 10 B. Conduct the Second Reading of Ordinance No. 760 of the City Council of the City of Cudahy approving Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment (“ZOTA”) No. 2025-01 to amend Chapters 20.20, 20.28, 20.52, 20.84, and 20.88 of Title 20 (“Zoning”) of the Cudahy Municipal Code (“CMC”)
Presented by the Associate Planner
Recommendation: The City Council is recommended to take the following action(s):
Adopt by second reading Ordinance No. 760, approving Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment No. 2025-01 amending Title 20 (Zoning), Chapters 20.20, 20.28, 20.52,
20.84, and 20.88 of the Cudahy Municipal Code.
C. Ratify a Contract for Emergency Structure Demolition at 8420 Atlantic Avenue with Integrated Demolition and Remediation - ITEM MOVED TO BUSINESS SESSION ITEM 14I
Motion: Council Member Lomelí motioned to approve Consent Calendar items 12A and 12B, seconded by Vice Mayor Gonzalez. 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. Consideration to Update the Development Impact Fee Schedule for All Development within the City of Cudahy
Presented by the Finance Director
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to open the public hearing and receive public comment, testimony and any written protests regarding these proceedings; and adopt Resolution No. 25-21 updating the Development Impact Fee (DIF) schedule for all development within the City of Cudahy.
At 7:52 p.m. Mayor Alcantar Loza opened public comment, there being none, closed public comment.
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to open the public hearing and receive public comment, testimony and any written protests regarding these proceedings; and adopt Resolution No. 25-21 updating the Development Impact Fee (DIF) schedule for all development within the City of Cudahy, seconded by Vice Mayor Gonzalez. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 05/06/2025 Page 5 of 10 AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, Gonzalez, and Alcantar Loza NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
14. BUSINESS SESSION
A. Award a Contract Services Agreement to Simgel Co. Inc. for Phase 1 of the Cudahy Los Angeles River Area Improvements Project - ABP-001
Presented by the Senior Engineer
Senior Engineer, Ray Casey announced changes to the staff report. There was an addition on the recommendation to authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the city and the deductive change order in the amount of $1,539,280 changed to $1,305,280.
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to appropriate $4,874,304 of Clean California Local Grant funding, for all activities associated with phase 1 of the Cudahy Los Angeles River Area Improvements Project - ABP-001, including construction contingency, construction management, construction inspection, administration, design, and force account labor; approve Plans and Specifications for Phase 1 of the Cudahy Los Angeles River Area Improvements Project - ABP-001; award a Contract Services Agreement to Simgel Co. Inc. for the Project in the amount of $3,793,293 for the Cudahy Los Angeles River Area Improvements Project - ABP-001; approve a construction contingency permitting for unforeseen conditions, construction management, construction inspection, administration, design, and force account labor in the amount of $1,081,011; authorize the City Manager to approve change orders within the contingency amount; approve a deductive change order in the amount of $1,539,280 (bid item 1.42,
1.43, 2.11, 2.12, 2.14, 2.15, 2.16, 2.21, 2.22, 2.23, 2.24, 2.37, 2.38, 2.39, 2.40, 2.41, 2.42,
2.43, 2.44, 2.45, 3.10, 3.11, 3.14, 3.15, 3.21, 3.32, 3.33, 3.34, 3.35, 3.36, 3.37); and find the Cudahy Los Angeles River Area Improvements project, which includes four individual sites, exempt from the environmental regulations of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), pursuant to Cal. Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, Section(s) 15061 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities) and 15304 (Class 4 – Minor Alterations to Land).
Motion: Council Member Lomelí motioned to appropriate $4,874,304 of Clean California Local Grant funding, for all activities associated with phase 1 of the Cudahy Los Angeles River Area Improvements Project - ABP-001, including construction contingency, construction management, construction inspection, administration, design, and force account labor; approve Plans and Specifications for Phase 1 of the Cudahy Los Angeles River Area Improvements Project - ABP-001; award a Contract Services Agreement to Simgel Co. Inc. for the Project in the amount of $3,793,293 for the Cudahy Los Angeles River Area Improvements Project - ABP-001 and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the City; approve a construction contingency permitting for unforeseen conditions, construction management, construction inspection, City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 05/06/2025 Page 6 of 10 administration, design, and force account labor in the amount of $1,081,011; authorize the City Manager to approve change orders within the contingency amount; approve a deductive change order in the amount of $1,305,280 (bid item 1.42, 1.43, 2.11, 2.12, 2.14,
2.15, 2.16, 2.21, 2.22, 2.23, 2.24, 2.37, 2.38, 2.39, 2.40, 2.41, 2.42, 2.43, 2.44, 2.45, 3.10,
3.11, 3.14, 3.15, 3.21, 3.32, 3.33, 3.34, 3.35, 3.36, 3.37); and find the Cudahy Los Angeles River Area Improvements project, which includes four individual sites, exempt from the environmental regulations of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), pursuant to Cal. Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, Section(s) 15061 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities) and 15304 (Class 4 – Minor Alterations to Land)., 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
B. Approval of Third Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with SWA Group, Inc. for an add service request and term extension for the Los Angeles River Area Improvement Project
Presented by the Administrative Analyst
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve the Third Amendment to Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with SWA Group, Inc. for an add service request and term extension for the Los Angeles River Area Improvement Project in an amount not-to-exceed $80,804.
Motion: Vice Mayor Gonzalez motioned to approve the Third Amendment to Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with SWA Group, Inc. for an add service request and term extension for the Los Angeles River Area Improvement Project in an amount not-toexceed $80,804, 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 Adopt the City of Cudahy 2025 Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey
Presented by the Senior Engineer
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to adopt Resolution No. 25-22, approving the City of Cudahy’s 2025 Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey, so that updated speed limits can be legally enforced using radar at pre-determined locations and City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 05/06/2025 Page 7 of 10 will not constitute a “Speed Trap” as defined by California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 40802.
Motion: Council Member Lomelí motioned to adopt Resolution No. 25-22, approving the City of Cudahy’s 2025 Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey, so that updated speed limits can be legally enforced using radar at pre-determined locations and will not constitute a “Speed Trap” as defined by California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 40802, 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
D. Task Order with Transtech Engineers, Inc. for the Lugo Park Teen & Fitness Center Renovation Projects PRE-006 (Phase 1) & PRE-009 (Phase 2) Presented by the Public Works Director
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to authorize the City Manager to execute a Task Order with Transtech Engineers, Inc. in the amount of $171,658.20 for the Architectural and Engineering Services for the Lugo Park Teen & Fitness Center Renovation Projects PRE-006 (Phase 1) & PRE-009 (Phase 2).
Motion: Council Member Lomelí motioned to authorize the City Manager to execute a Task Order with Transtech Engineers, Inc. in the amount of $171,658.20 for the Architectural and Engineering Services for the Lugo Park Teen & Fitness Center Renovation Projects PRE-006 (Phase 1) & PRE-009 (Phase 2), 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
At 9:03 p.m. Council Member Lomelí left the Chambers.
E. Consideration to approve the Measure W Safe, Clean Water Program (SCWP) Municipal Transfer Agreement between the City of Cudahy (City) and the Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD)
Presented by the Senior Engineer
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 05/06/2025 Page 8 of 10 Recommendation: The City Council is requested to authorize the City Manager to execute the Measure W Safe, Clean Water Program (SCWP) Municipal Transfer Agreement between the City and LACFCD. The previous three-year agreement expired on June 30, 2024.
Motion: Vice Mayor Gonzalez motioned to authorize the City Manager to execute the Measure W Safe, Clean Water Program (SCWP) Municipal Transfer Agreement between the City and LACFCD. The previous three-year agreement expired on June 30, 2024, seconded by Council Member Gomez. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Gonzalez, and Alcantar Loza
NOES: None
ABSENT: Lomelí
ABSTAIN: None
At 9:06 p.m. Council Member Lomelí returned to the Chambers.
F. Commercial Cannabis Program Updates
Presented by the Senior Planner and Finance Director
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to receive a presentation regarding an update on the Commercial Cannabis Program; and provide feedback on a new monthly Commercial Cannabis webpage and monthly status report.
Motion: Vice Mayor Gonzalez motioned to receive a presentation regarding an update on the Commercial Cannabis Program; and provide feedback on a new monthly Commercial Cannabis webpage and monthly status report, 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
G. Declaring the Results of the Property Owner Protest Ballot Proceeding Regarding the Formation of the Cudahy Landscaping and Lighting District Presented by the Finance Director
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to Approve Resolution No. 25-23, declaring the results of the property owner protest ballot proceeding conducted for the levy of assessments related to the formation of the Cudahy Landscaping and Lighting District, Fiscal year 2025/2026, and approving certain related actions.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 05/06/2025 Page 9 of 10 Motion: Council Member Lomelí motioned to approve Resolution No. 25-23, declaring the results of the property owner protest ballot proceeding conducted for the levy of assessments related to the formation of the Cudahy Landscaping and Lighting District, Fiscal year 2025/2026, and approving certain related actions, 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
H. Park Safety and Cleanliness Discussion
Presented by the Assistant to the City Manager
Recommendation: The City Council is recommended to receive and file this report, and provide direction on resource management, public safety operations, and park infrastructure improvements to address concerns about park safety, vandalism, and homelessness in public spaces.
NO MOTION - RECEIVE AND FILE ONLY
I. Ratify a Contract for Emergency Structure Demolition at 8420 Atlantic Avenue with Integrated Demolition and Remediation - ITEM MOVED FROM CONSENT
CALENDAR
Stephanie Arechiga, City Attorney, announced an amendment to add a 3rd recommendation on the staff report to approve resolution 25-24 formally ratifying the emergency declaration.
Presented by the Public Works Director
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to Ratify the City Manager’s declaration of an emergency to the demolition structure located at 8420 Atlantic Avenue, in accordance with the City’s Emergency Municipal Code section 2.44.060; Ratify the approval and execution of a contract with Integrated Demolition and Remediation, Inc., for the demolition of the structure, including minimal and/or non-substantive changes in the amount of $260,825.00; and approve Resolution 25-24.
Motion: Vice Mayor Gonzalez motioned to ratify the City Manager’s declaration of an emergency to the demolition structure located at 8420 Atlantic Avenue, in accordance with the City’s Emergency Municipal Code section 2.44.060; Ratify the approval and execution of a contract with Integrated Demolition and Remediation, Inc., for the demolition of the structure, including minimal and/or non-substantive changes in the amount of $260,825.00; and approve Resolution 25-24, seconded by Council Member Lomelí. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 05/06/2025 Page 10 of 10 AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, Gonzalez, and Alcantar Loza NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
15. COUNCIL DISCUSSION – NONE
At 10:34 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 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 10:56 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, direction was given and no further reportable action.
18. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council / Agency meeting adjourned at 10:57 p.m.
Elizabeth Alcantar Loza
Mayor
ATTEST:
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk