City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 01/20/2026 Page 1 of 8 Final Minutes Approved March 03, 2026
MINUTES
CUDAHY CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING and
CITY OF CUDAHY AS SUCCESSOR AGENCY and
HOUSING SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CUDAHY
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION JOINT MEETING
January 20, 2026, 6:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor / Chair Gonzalez called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Council / Agency Member Alcantar Loza
Council / Agency Member Fuentes
Council / Agency Member Gomez
Vice Mayor / Vice Chair Lomelí
Mayor / Chair Gonzalez
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager, Christopher R. Lopez, Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director, Juan Arauz, City Attorney, Stephanie Arechiga, Associate Attorney, Shelley Preisler, City Clerk, Richard Iglesias, Community Services Director, Brenda Rodriguez, Public Works Director, Raul Diaz, Senior Accountant, Charles Ortiz, Assistant to the City Manager, Estefania Zamora, Executive Assistant to the City Manager, Janet Andrade.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to approve the agenda as is, seconded by Council Member Alcantar Loza. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alcantar Loza, Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Fuentes.
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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. ScholarMatch, Inc.
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Victor Rodriguez, Los Angeles Soccer League, commented that they used to use Lugo Park, but last year the Lugo Park soccer turf was replaced, which ended up being a negative thing for their organization because they were not allowed to use the turf afterwards, the organization has groups of youth and adults, most from Cudahy, and would like the opportunity to return.
Mayra commented on being a bit frustrated that the trash services bill went up from $274.77 to $462.53, and asked how it increased so much, noting they are only allowed to increase by 3% to tenants, hearing nothing on pro-owners, only pro-tenants, wishing she could sell everything and leave Cudahy, and asked for someone to call her.
Mario Dominguez Jr. commented that last year, he and one of the Parks and Recreation Commissioners pushed the City of South Gate to pour all their CDBG money towards funding the Department of Parks and Recreation, scoring a million dollars of CDBG funds, noting that he shared this as an example to the Council of how they can make use of CDBG funds.
Edwin Gonzalez gave input on how Cudahy can become a more stable community, noting that the City Council put great emphasis on some good issues, rent control being a good achievement, resolution regarding Israel and Palestinian conflict, commented on the conditions of the City, as others describe it being dirty, ghetto, poor, dangerous, and other terms that depict a sad little city, mentioned what a good leader looks like, conditions of the parks, asked to hold people accountable, the right to care about oppress people, Cudahy being in jeopardy of falling by the waste side, the City not getting better with the current Council, families not caring about ideology, only tranquility.
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8. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS / REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS
Council Member Alcantar welcomed the new City Manager, Christopher Lopez, commented that hopefully we get to show off all the amazing work that is visible, the City is cleaner according to residents, they noticed the repaving of Atlantic Boulevard, other streets as well, the Christmas lights, mentioned concerns, one being on Clara Street and Otis sidewalk fixed but not finished, being bumpy, people tripping over it including herself, second one is a strong odor coming from a trash bin at Santa Park, third issue regarding mail theft, lastly said Happy New year and is excited for 2026, what’s to come.
Council Member Fuentes welcomed City Manager, Christopher Lopez, highlighted that the City has been getting a lot of compliments due to the repaved street on Atlantic and Wilcox, noticed the City has more lighting, new landscaping along Clara and the bridge, 2026 having the CIP project for the parks, asked staff to schedule the Economic Development Ad Hoc meeting, thanked shuttle vendor Parking Company of America for a replacement shuttle rapped with the City logo, emphasized branding.
Council Member Gomez commented that she attended virtually the state water resources control board meeting, asked if staff can look into water filtration systems for households that were affected by Tract 349 water, and see if we can coordinate an informational meeting with Water Education for Latino Leaders (WELL) to see what future steps we can explore for our water.
Vice Mayor Lomelí welcomed everyone back and welcomed City Manager Christopher Lopez, mentioned devastation and joy from fear in our communities, asked to stand in solidarity, noted that we need to consider during the holidays is a better system for collecting trash and educating the community, Mayor and her met with Martha Alvarez, is excited to bring one of the items in the Education Compact, being in a better position to implement, having a lot of plans like the climate action plan, education compact as mentioned, Cudahy together plan also excited for all of that work, mentioned its time to bring Birth Workers of Color Collective back for this current year and scholarships for Cudahy graduates using discretionary funds for both, think of how can we make it more permanent, lastly thank everyone for attending.
Mayor Gonzalez commented that she walked the community last Friday, saw students walking to school, had the chance to talk to residents about their street, trash, and bulky items, hopes to walk different streets, and mentioned that her daughter contacted her regarding basketball hoops that were missing, knows we are waiting for construction, still things should be maintained and make sure we address that, attended the state water board meeting, also brought up the filter issue, lastly requested to send letter to members of congress around DHS funding, specific to democratic representatives.
9. CITY MANAGER REPORT (information only)
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10. REPORTS REGARDING AD HOC, ADVISORY, STANDING OR OTHER
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Council Member Alcantar Loza reported out on Hub Cities, noting that the Council voted to support Hub Cities by helping them stay afloat, and that the city will receive the second payment of the loan, with the organization working to pay it off early.
11. WAIVER OF FULL READING OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES Motion: Vice Mayor Lomelí motioned to waive full reading of resolutions and ordinances, seconded by Council Member Alcantar Loza. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alcantar Loza, Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Consideration to Review and Approve the Draft Minutes of January 13, 2026, 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
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to review and approve the City Council / Successor Agency Draft Minutes for January 13, 2026.
B. Approval of the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) for the Month of December 2025
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) Report for the month of December 2025 in the amount of $5,636,375.50.
C. Approval of the City Demands and Payroll Including Statement of Investment for the Month of December 2025
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve the Demands and Payroll in the amount of $1,903,564.56 including the Statement of Investments for the month of December 2025.
Motion: Council Member Alcantar Loza motioned to approve the Consent Calendar items, seconded by Council Member Gomez. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 01/20/2026 Page 5 of 8 AYES: Alcantar Loza, Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
13. PUBLIC HEARING
A. A Public Hearing to Consider and Approve a Resolution of the City of Cudahy Approving the Community Development Block Grant (“CDBG”) Programs and Funding for Fiscal Year 2026-2027
Presented by the Senior Planner
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to take the following action(s):
1. Open the public hearing, receive testimony and presentation of the proposed programs; and
2. Authorize City staff to release a Request for Proposal to seek qualified consulting firms for the provisions of CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Services, CDBG Administration and Labor Compliance Services for Fiscal Year 2026-27; and
3. Adopt either:
a. Proposed Resolution No. 26-01 authorizing the allocation of CDBG funds for FY 2026-27 from the Los Angeles County Development Authority (“LACDA”) for the following activities and projects: Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation, Code Enforcement, Business Assistance, and City Facilities ADA Improvements; or
b. Proposed Resolution No. 26-02 authorizing the allocation of CDBG funds for FY 2026-27 from LACDA for the following activities and projects: Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation, Code Enforcement, Business Assistance, and Clara Park Basketball Facility Improvements; and
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute all new contracts and agreements with LACDA for the unallocated funds and allocation of FY 2026-2027 CDBG Program, subject to adjustment to reflect the actual allocation of funds to the City of Cudahy.
At 7:46 p.m. Mayor Gonzalez opened public comment.
Public Comments:
Mario Dominguez Jr. urged the City Council to take as much CBDG funds as the City has and pour it all into the Parks and Recreation, commented that the City should have great parks, they should be excellent, exemplary, and stellar, reminded the Council that CDBG funds are not general funds, they are tax payer dollars, so it is only proper that the tax City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 01/20/2026 Page 6 of 8 payers should have a say, mentioned the City of South Gate having something similar to Cudahy called home revitalization program, this would be his second option if not the department of Parks and Recreation, lastly told Council not to carve up the money, pour it into one thing only.
At 7:50 p.m. Mayor Gonzalez closed public comment.
Motion: Council Member Alcantar Loza motioned to authorize City staff to release a Request for Proposal to seek qualified consulting firms for the provisions of CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Services, CDBG Administration and Labor Compliance Services for Fiscal Year 2026-27, seconded by Vice Mayor Lomelí. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alcantar Loza, Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion: Council Member Alcantar Loza motioned to adopt Resolution No. 26-01 authorizing the allocation of CDBG funds for FY 2026-27 from the Los Angeles County Development Authority (“LACDA”) for the following activities and projects: Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation, Code Enforcement, Business Assistance, and City Facilities ADA Improvements, seconded by Vice Mayor Lomelí. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alcantar Loza, Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion: Council Member Alcantar Loza motioned to authorize the City Manager to execute all new contracts and agreements with LACDA for the unallocated funds and allocation of FY 2026-2027 CDBG Program, subject to adjustment to reflect the actual allocation of funds to the City of Cudahy, seconded by Council Member Gomez. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alcantar Loza, Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
14. BUSINESS SESSION
A. Consideration to Appoint a Delegate and Alternate to the Southeast Gateway Line Corridor Cities Committee
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 01/20/2026 Page 7 of 8 Presented by the City Clerk
Recommendation: The City Council is recommended to appoint a Delegate and Alternate to the Southeast Gateway Line Corridor Cities Committee.
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to be reappointed as the Delegate to the Southeast Gateway Line Corridor Cities Committee; the motion died for lack of a second.
Motion: Vice Mayor Lomelí motioned to appoint herself as the Delegate to the Southeast Gateway Line Corridor Cities Committee, beginning on March 1, 2026, seconded by Council Member Alcantar Loza. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alcantar Loza, Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion: Council Member Alcantar Loza motioned to appoint Council Member Fuentes as the Alternate to the Southeast Gateway Line Corridor Cities Committee, beginning on March 1, 2026, seconded by Council Member Gomez. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alcantar Loza, Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
B. Appointment to Fill Vacancies on Various City of Cudahy Commissions Presented by the City Clerk
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to appoint:
1. Carlos J Conde, and Madeline Alvarado to the Recreation, Arts, and Cultural Heritage Commission;
2. Emerita Flores, Channel Ruiz, Emmanuel Carrera Ruedas, and Jazmin Hernandez, to the Parks and Environmental Justice Commission; and
3. Carolyn Guzman, to the Senior and Community Services Commission.
Motion: Council Member Gomez motioned to appoint Carlos J Conde and Madeline Alvarado to the Recreation, Arts, and Cultural Heritage Commission; Emerita Flores, Channel Ruiz, Emmanuel Carrera Ruedas, and Jazmin Hernandez to the Parks and Environmental Justice Commission; and Carolyn Guzman to the Senior and Community City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 01/20/2026 Page 8 of 8 Services Commission, seconded by Council Member Lomelí. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alcantar Loza, Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
15. COUNCIL DISCUSSION – NONE
At 8:12 p.m., City Attorney, Stephanie Arechiga recessed to closed session.
16. CLOSED SESSION
A. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(1) – Conference with Legal Counsel to Discuss Matter Involving Potential Litigation – One Matter At 8:50 p.m., Mayor Gonzalez reconvened to open session.
17. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Stephanie Arechiga announced that Council Member Fuentes was absent from the discussion; all other council members were present, direction was given, no further reportable action.
18. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council / Agency meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Cynthia Gonzalez
Mayor
ATTEST:
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk