City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 2/17/2026 Page 1 of 7 Final Minutes Approved May 19, 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
May 5, 2026, 6:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor / Chair Gonzalez called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Council / Agency Member Alcantar Loza
Council / Agency Member Gomez
Vice Mayor / Vice Chair Lomelí
Mayor / Chair Gonzalez
ABSENT: Council / Agency Member Fuentes
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager, Christopher R. Lopez, Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director, Juan Arauz, City Attorney, Shelley Preisler, City Clerk, Richard Iglesias, Community Services Director, Brenda Rodriguez, Public Works Director, Raul Diaz, Executive Assistant to the City Manager, Janet Andrade, Assistant to the City Manager, Estefania Zamora, Senior Accountant, Charles Ortiz, Administrative Intern, Esmeralda Perez
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion: Vice Mayor Lomelí motioned to approve the agenda as is, seconded by Council Member Alcantar Loza. Motion passed 4-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alcantar Loza, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Fuentes
ABSTAIN: None
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by student, Diego Chavarrìa.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 2/17/2026 Page 2 of 7
5. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Land Acknowledgment was led by Vice Mayor 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. SELA Cultural Center
B. Open Street Project Update
C. 4th of July Updates
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Javier Solorio thanked the City Council for their efforts to return the community to the field and shared the history of the nonprofit league, noting it keeps kids off the streets through sports, highlighted the success of Tigers Cudahy in tournaments and national competitions, expressed appreciation for the City’s continued support, lastly, recognized Council on behalf of the children by presenting a trophy, and he requested permission to post photos with the Council at June 6th event.
Adrian Torres mentioned working closely with coach Jaime, Adelina, and League Junior, thanked the City for improvements and maintenance at Clara Park, especially the restrooms, and stated the children are now more comfortable practicing there, requested continued support for youth programs, and asked that the field at Clara be watered more often due to excessive dust during practices.
Veronica Rojas thanked the City for allowing practices to return to Clara Park and for providing a space for children and families to gather, requested consideration for earlier practice hours, stating current practices between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. are too late for children, and asked for practice times to return to approximately 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saul OnoFre thanked the Council for allowing the league to return to play at the park and stated they are happy, commented on the fields, the unity of the league in the community, and that all the people are happy.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 2/17/2026 Page 3 of 7 Jaime Olguin a Cudahy resident for more than 20 years representing Club Tigers Cudahy, thanked the Council for allowing them to return to the City of Cudahy, noting it helps families avoid traveling far for practices, his kids are coaches, he highlighted opportunities as coaches has provided youth players, including participation with teams in the United States, playing in Mexico, and Spain, lastly, requested to be given the opportunity again to practice here from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Christian Vazquez owner and operator of the SELA Bicycle Center, congratulated the Council on its work within Southeast Los Angeles and discussed the upcoming “Southeast LA Open Streets 2026” event, which will include Cudahy, Bell Gardens, and other surrounding cities with approximately five miles closed to vehicle traffic for biking, skating, walking, running, dancing, and community activities, emphasized the importance of open space events, thanked the Council for joining, mentioned an upcoming event to Ride the LA River.
Susie de Santiago thanked the Mayor for attending the I Heart SELA , Child Abuse Prevention, and Día del Niño events, stated that the event was successful in providing resources and activities, she also thanked the city for the invitation to the book fair, expressed excitement regarding the renovation of Cudahy Park and the expansion of the Open Streets event, noting the opportunity for the community to come together and a safe space.
Sulik Quintero owner of Rainbow Liquor, requested assistance from the City regarding a CUP permit to relocate her business from 8301 Atlantic Avenue to 8204 Atlantic Avenue, she explained that the proposed location meets all requirements except the 1,000-foot distance regulation and stated her landlord does not plan to renew her lease, shared that the business has served the community for 17 years by providing a full stocked market and financial services and expressed her desire to remain in the community.
Mario Dominguez Jr. commented that the Clara Bridge event, in line with FIFA, will be a beautiful one, spoke about the SELA Cultural Arts Center project, emphasizing the need to have the City’s lobbyist pursue congressional funding to help fund the SELA Cultural Arts Center, he explained the project is estimated at approximately $300 million, with funding still needed for relocation of the current flood control operations and construction of the facility and encouraged local leaders to continue pursuing funding opportunities.
8. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS / REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS
Council Member Alcantar Loza thanked everyone present for their support and for the work being done for young people in the community, encouraged everyone to look up the City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 2/17/2026 Page 4 of 7 Lower LA River Revitalization Plan, which includes the Community Stabilization Toolkit, efforts such as community benefits agreements, inclusionary housing, small business support, rent control, workforce development, and community land trusts, highlighted the SELA Photo Walk taking place throughout Southeast LA cities and expressed interest in hosting one in Cudahy in September, announced the Rail to River bike ride on May 31st at 7:30 beginning at the SELA Bicycle Center and encouraged people to participate.
Council Member Gomez thanked the Communications Team for highlighting local businesses during Small Business Week and encouraged everyone to look at businesses featured on the City’s Instagram, also thanked Tigers Cudahy for their youth prevention efforts and expressed interest in collaborating on a future community event.
Vice Mayor Lomelí thanked everyone attending the Council meeting and noted working with the leagues in the future to encourage youth, also thanked staff for working with the teams and being attentive to Council direction, commented on the recent 5K event, requested staff assistance in coordinating with Council Member Alcantar Loza to discuss policy considerations regarding a potential data center moratorium and emphasized the importance of remaining proactive on issues impacting the community, lastly, asked to continue working with the groups and their request made.
Mayor Gonzalez congratulated staff and community members on the success of the recent 5K event and thanked the Cudahy Youth Foundation and Susie de Santiago for their donations and resources to families, highlighted the success of the I Heart SELA event, and shared that conversations with residents focused on public safety and youth programming, expressed interest in future discussions regarding public safety policies and developing a broader framework for community safety that includes youth programs and family support, acknowledged the importance of sharing community impact stories to demonstrate the value of local programs, requested consideration of earlier youth practice hours.
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: Member Alcantar Loza motioned to waive full reading of resolutions and ordinances, seconded by Vice Mayor Lomelí. Motion passed 4-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alcantar Loza, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 2/17/2026 Page 5 of 7 NOES: None
ABSENT: Fuentes
ABSTAIN: None
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Consideration to Review and Approve the Draft Minutes of April 21, 2026, 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
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to review and approve the City Council / Successor Agency Draft Minutes for April 21, 2026.
B. Approval of the City Demands and Payroll Including Statement of Investment for the Month of March 2026
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve the Demands and Payroll in the amount of $1,792,631.57 including the Statement of Investments for the month of March 2026.
C. Adoption of Resolution No. 26-13 Authorizing the Execution of an Amendment to a Master Service Agreement between the City and Hinderliter de Llamas and Associates (“HDL”), to include fees for compliance and collection services Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 26-13 authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to a Master Service Agreement between the City and Hinderliter de Llamas and Associates (“HDL”), to include fees for compliance and collection services.
D. Adoption of Resolution No. 26-14 Accepting Notice of Completion (NOC) of the FY 24- 25 Pavement Rehabilitation Program Project (Wilcox Avenue Street Improvement Project, STR-004; Santa Ana St & Park Ave Street Improvement Project, STR-006; Cecilia Street Improvement Project, STR-007)
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 26-14 Accepting the completion of work performed by Hardy & Harper Inc. for the FY 24-25 Pavement Rehabilitation Program Project (Wilcox Avenue Street Improvement Project, STR-004; Santa Ana St & Park Ave Street Improvement Project, STR-006; Cecilia Street Improvement Project, STR-007); and
2. Authorize City Manager to execute the Notice of Completion (NOC) and direct the City Clerk to file the NOC with the Los Angeles County Recorder’s Office; and City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 2/17/2026 Page 6 of 7
3. Authorize the release of the 5% retention to Hardy & Harper Inc. for a total of $58,475.39.
E. Letter of Support for AB 2159 and SB 1291
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve letters of support for Assembly Bill 2159 (AB 2159) and Senate Bill 1291 (SB 1291) and direct staff to obtain signatures and transmit the letters to the appropriate state legislative representatives.
Motion: Vice Mayor Lomelí motioned to approve all Consent Calendar items, seconded by Council Member Gomez. Motion passed 4-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alcantar Loza, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Fuentes
ABSTAIN: None
13. PUBLIC HEARING- NONE
14. BUSINESS SESSION
A. Adoption of Resolution No. 26-15 Authorizing the City Council of the City of Cudahy to Adopt a New City Council Policy Addressing a Disruption of Telephonic or Internet Service During City Council Meetings
Presented by the City Attorney
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 26-15 authorizing the City Council to adopt a new City Council policy addressing a disruption of telephonic or internet service during city council meetings.
Motion: Council Member Alcantar Loza motioned to adopt Resolution No. 26-15, seconded by Council Member Gomez. Motion passed 4-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alcantar Loza, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Fuentes
ABSTAIN: None
15. COUNCIL DISCUSSION – NONE
At 8:10 p.m., City Attorney, Shelley Preisler recessed to closed session.
16. CLOSED SESSION
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 2/17/2026 Page 7 of 7 A. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(3) – Conference with Legal Counsel to Discuss Matter Involving Anticipated Litigation – One Matter At 8:48 p.m., Mayor Gonzalez reconvened to open session.
17. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Shelley Preisler announced that the City Council went into closed session for one item Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(3) – Conference with Legal Counsel to Discuss Matter Involving Anticipated Litigation – One Matter
18. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council / Agency meeting adjourned at 8:49 p.m.
Cynthia Gonzalez
Mayor
ATTEST:
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk