City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 09/16/2025 Page 1 of 8 Final Minutes Approved October 7, 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
September 16, 2025, 6:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Vice Mayor / Vice Chair Gonzalez 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
ABSENT: Mayor / Chair Elizabeth Alcantar Loza
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, Community Services Director, Brenda Rodriguez, Public Works Director, Raul Diaz, and Executive Assistant to the City Manager, Janet Andrade.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
City Attorney requested to move business item 14E after closed session.
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned move business item 14E after closed session and everything else as is, seconded by Council Member Gomez. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Alcantar Loza
ABSTAIN: None
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Fuentes.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 09/16/2025 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. Citizen’s Academy Recipients Recognition
B. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Annual Update C. Retirement Recognition to City Manager, Alfonso Noyola
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Susie de Santiago thanked City Manager Alfonso Noyola for his service, announced the walk to school date for October 8th, reported a traffic light issue on Clara Street & Otis causing confusion, and thanked staff, hoping to continue the progress we have now.
Mario Dominguez JR (via Zoom) addressed City Manager, Alfonso Noyola and wished him well, discussed City of South Gate appointment to the Parks and Recreation commission and how their commissioners represent the city.
PUBLIC COMMENTS RECEIVED VIA EMAIL
Johncito “John” Peraza Hello Mayor and Members of the City Council, I want to begin by expressing my gratitude to the City of Cudahy for the opportunity to serve as Assistant to the City Manager over the past two years. I am especially grateful to the dedicated city staff, whose kindness and support following the recent passing of my grandmother meant more than I can say. As I transition into a new role, tonight marks my first City Council meeting with the City of Moreno Valley. While I regret being unable to attend in person, I want to take this moment to honor and celebrate the retirement of the City Manager Mr.
Alfonso Noyola. Al’s leadership has left a lasting mark on Cudahy—advancing infrastructure, deepening public engagement, strengthening legislative affairs, and sharpening our strategic vision. His impact will endure in the city’s continued growth and success. To Al, I extend my sincere thanks. You gave me the opportunity to serve in local government, where every decision touches the daily lives of our residents. Your mentorship and example have been invaluable, and they made possible my transition to a larger community of 230,000 people. I sometimes think you knew exactly what you were doing—now I’ve got twice the emails, three times the meetings, and somehow the same amount of coffee. (And yes, that’s my attempt at humor.) And here’s another: What do Johnny Carson, Don Rickles, Bob Hope, and Al have in common? Three of them may be City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 09/16/2025 Page 3 of 8 dead, but all four share the same enduring trait—kindness and loyalty. Al’s kindness to city staff and loyalty to the city go on without question. Finally, I want to recognize the city staff. Much of their work is carried out quietly, without fanfare, and often without being seen or misunderstood. Yet it is their dedication, day in and day out, that makes progress possible. I will always be grateful to have worked alongside such committed public servants. From Cudahy to Sacramento to Washington, D.C., I join current and former colleagues in wishing you a Al a long, happy, and well-earned retirement.
8. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS / REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS
Council Member Fuentes shared his attendance at the Gateway Cities Council of Government Retreat at Catalina Island, the Contract Cities Fall Seminar, and the monthly meeting with LA County Sanitation. He also attended the Metro Service Council meeting and announced the groundbreaking for the Senior Housing project on September 24th at 10 AM. He congratulated all the Citizen Academy recipients and recommended starting the Parks & Recreation Commission.
Council Member Gomez agreed with Council Member Fuentes on the need for a Parks & Recreation Commission but also mentioned that there are other commissions to choose from and requested a resolution to support Hispanic Heritage Month.
Council Member Lomelí wished everyone a Happy Hispanic Heritage Month and expressed her support for the Hispanic Heritage Month resolution suggested by Council Member Gomez. She also shared her disappointment with recent legislation, stating that she would be sending a letter in opposition to Governor Newsom related to AB715, and will ask colleagues from the region to support. She mentioned the need for more staff at Lugo Park as soccer season wraps up and expressed excitement for the Senior Housing groundbreaking and shared her support for the Walk to School event.
Vice Mayor Gonzalez thanked Johncito Peraza for his work and expressed support for Council Member Lomeli’s letter on AB715, requested a formal veto request to be brought at the next Council meeting. She also mentioned Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco’s vote against the bill that would prevent ICE agents from wearing masks and requested a letter at the next City Council meeting to express disappointment with her vote.
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 Fuentes motioned to waive full reading of resolutions and ordinances, seconded by Council Member Gomez. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 09/16/2025 Page 4 of 8 AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Alcantar Loza
ABSTAIN: None
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Consideration to Review and Approve the Draft Minutes of August 5, 2025, for the Regular Meeting and the Draft Minutes of September 9, 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 August 5, 2025, and September 9, 2025.
B. Approval of the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) for the Month of August 2025 Presented by the Interim Finance Director
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) Report for the month of August 2025 in the amount of $7,538,870.93.
C. Approval of the City Demands and Payroll Including Statement of Investment for the Month of August 2025
Presented by the Interim Finance Director
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve the Demands and Payroll in the amount of $1,490,136.26, including the Statement of Investments for the month of August 2025.
D. Consideration to Appoint Erica Dominguez to the Planning Commission Presented by the City Clerk
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to: Remove Elias Zepeda from the Planning Commission; and Appoint Erica Dominguez to the Planning Commission, Council Member Fuentes's appointment.
E. Adoption of Resolution No. 25-51 Approving the Assignment and Assumption of the Amended and Restated Development Agreement and of the Senior Citizen Housing Project Regulatory Agreement and Declaration of Restrictive Covenants with Prima Development
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 09/16/2025 Page 5 of 8 Presented by the City Attorney
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to adopt Resolution No. 25-51:
Determining that the proposed actions in the Resolution are not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because the environmental impacts associated with the proposed development were already analyzed in an Addendum to the 2018 Environmental Impact Report (State Clearinghouse No. 2017071071), therefore no further action is required under CEQA. Approving the Assignment and Assumption of the Amended and Restated Development Agreement with Prima Development; and Approving the Assignment and Assumption of the Senior Citizen Housing Project Regulatory Agreement and Declaration of Restrictive Covenants with Prima Development.
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to approve the Consent Calendar items, seconded by Council Member Gomez. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Alcantar Loza
ABSTAIN: None
13. PUBLIC HEARING – NONE
14. BUSINESS SESSION
A. Budget vs. Actual Unaudited Financial Statements for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025)
Presented by the Interim City Manager
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to receive and file the draft budget vs. actual unaudited financial statements for the Fiscal Year 2025 as presented.
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to receive and file the draft budget vs. actual unaudited financial statements for the Fiscal Year 2025 as presented, seconded by Council Member Lomelí. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Alcantar Loza
ABSTAIN: None
B. Adoption of Proposed Resolution No. 25-52, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cudahy Adopting the FY25-26 Classification Plan City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 09/16/2025 Page 6 of 8 Presented by the Community Services Director/Acting Human Resources Manager Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve Resolution No. 25-52, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cudahy superseding Resolution No. 25-45, Adopting the FY25-26 Classification Plan.
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned approve Resolution No. 25-52, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cudahy superseding Resolution No. 25-45, Adopting the FY25-26 Classification Plan, seconded by Council Member Lomelí. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Alcantar Loza
ABSTAIN: None
C. Adoption of Proposed Resolution No. 25-53, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cudahy Approving the Salary Plan for City Employees Presented by the Community Services Director/Acting Human Resources Manager Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve Resolution No. 25-53, superseding Resolution No. 25-44, approving the Salary Plan for City Employees.
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to approve Resolution No. 25-53, superseding Resolution No. 25-44, approving the Salary Plan for City Employees, seconded by Council Member Lomelí. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Alcantar Loza
ABSTAIN: None
D. Adoption of Proposed Resolution No. 25-54, for the Update of Salary Schedules to Reflect City Manager Compensation Adjustments
Presented by the Community Services Director/Acting Human Resources Manager Recommendation: The City Council is Requested to Approve Resolution No. 25-54, for the Update of Salary Schedules to Reflect City Manager Compensation Adjustments.
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to Approve Resolution No. 25-54, for the Update of Salary Schedules to Reflect City Manager Compensation Adjustments, with proposed amendment from staff to replace Exhibit B with Resolution No. 23-10 to Attachment D to proposed Resolution No. 25-54, seconded by Council Member Lomelí.
Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 09/16/2025 Page 7 of 8 AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Alcantar Loza
ABSTAIN: None
E. Discussion and Approval of Employment Agreement Between the City of Cudahy, Juan Arauz, and Richard Iglesias for the Position of Co-Interim City Managers – ITEM
MOVED TO THE END OF CLOSED SESSION
15. COUNCIL DISCUSSION
A. Council Member Fuentes
i. Discussion, feedback, and direction to explore a potential two-story Teen Center at Lugo Park.
At 8:35 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)
C. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b) – Public Employee Performance Evaluation
Title of Employee: City Clerk
Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 – Conference with Labor Negotiator City’s Designated Representative: Stephanie Arechiga, City Attorney Unrepresented Employee: City Clerk
D. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8-Conference with Real Property Negotiators
Property: APN 6224-018-007, 6224-018-911, 6224-018-912, 6224-018-913, 6224- 018-914, 6224-018-915
Agency Negotiator: City Manager, Alfonso Noyola
Negotiating Parties: Primestor Development, Inc.
Discussion regarding price and terms
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 09/16/2025 Page 8 of 8 E. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 – Conference with Labor Negotiator City’s Designated Representative: Stephanie Arechiga, City Attorney Unrepresented Employee – Title: Interim City Manager At 10:52 p.m., Vice Mayor Gonzalez reconvened to open session.
17. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Stephanie Arechiga announced that all four council members were present, Mayor was absent, direction was given and no further reportable action.
BUSINESS SESSION
E. Discussion and Approval of Employment Agreement Between the City of Cudahy, Juan Arauz, and Richard Iglesias for the Position of Co-Interim City Managers
Presented by the City Attorney
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to discuss and approve the Employment Agreement between the City of Cudahy, Juan Arauz, and Richard Iglesias as Co-Interim City Managers.
Motion: Council Member Lomelí motioned to approve the Employment Agreement between the City of Cudahy, Juan Arauz, and Richard Iglesias as Co-Interim City Managers as two individual agreements and the following edit under section 2.1(a) “request City Council approval prior to any action taken pursuant to Section 2.12.030 of the Municipal Code with the exception of purpose of filling the positions of Permit Technician, Assistant Planner, Assistant to the City Manager, and Finance Director” seconded by Council Member Fuentes. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Alcantar Loza
ABSTAIN: None
18. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council / Agency meeting adjourned at 10:56 p.m.
Elizabeth Alcantar Loza
Mayor
ATTEST:
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk