City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 5/19/2026 Page 1 of 8 Final Minutes Approved June 1, 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 19, 2026, 6:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor / Chair Gonzalez called the meeting to order at 6:32 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, Chelsey Ballot, Community Services Director, Brenda Rodriguez, 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
City Manager Christopher R. Lopez requested that item 6A be withdrawn from the agenda.
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to approve the agenda with the withdrawal of item 6A, 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
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by student, Damian Jacobo.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 5/19/2026 Page 2 of 8
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. Lugo Park Teen Center Update
B. Clara Bridge Open Streets Update
-Item 6A Removed from the Agenda7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
David Rodriguez raised concerns regarding unpermitted food vendors operating throughout the city, including alleged alcohol sales without permits, parking and traffic hazards, blocked bus access, misuse of accessible parking spaces, and the alleged improper use of another business’s license, referenced vendors operating near Atlantic Avenue and Santa Ana Street, Salt Lake Avenue, and the Elizabeth Learning Center, requested stronger enforcement of existing vendor regulations and expressed safety concerns regarding the proposed World Cup bridge event, suggesting River Road as an alternative location.
Mayor Gonzalez called a recess at 6:49 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 6:51 p.m.
Susie de Santiago thanked the City Manager for addressing concerns regarding a vending event held on private property near Santa Ana Street and Atlantic Avenue.
Raised concerns about alleged cannabis sales, safety hazards, loud music, parking issues, and the event’s proximity to Elizabeth Learning Center during student dismissal hours and requested stronger City oversight and enforcement of applicable regulations.
Mario Dominguez Jr. commented on South Gate’s efforts to restore remote public participation at meetings to comply with Senate Bill 707, including his and others' efforts to use Zoom, encouraged the City to consider adopting a Quimby Act ordinance if it doesn't have one to support park and recreational funding, referenced the City’s mid-year budget deficit, and discussed similar fiscal challenges faced by neighboring cities.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 5/19/2026 Page 3 of 8
8. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS / REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS
Council Member Alcantar Loza thanked the resident for raising concerns about the cannabis-related vending event, requested a follow-up on the reported vending, noted that the vending part is not being enforced, having a conversation on maintaining basic cleanliness by vendors, assuring they are not selling alcohol or cannabis, nor blocking bus, lastly, invited the community to attend the Hub Cities mixer on June 4 and proposed establishing an annual Rent Stabilization Day on July 7.
Council Member Fuentes acknowledged the success of recent City events, including the monument sign unveiling and the Cudahy Park groundbreaking, which he participated in, requested an update regarding maintaining the veteran banners along Atlantic Boulevard; asked is there another purpose for that space, encouraged residents to utilize Metro website for events taking place during the World Cup and to visit the library for resources, commended the communications team for their outreach efforts.
Council Member Gomez stated that issues related to street vendors should be addressed and suggested continued outreach and education efforts regarding what is not allowed.
Vice Mayor Lomelí supported comments of what should be done and what shouldn’t be, especially near school dismissal times, expressed excitement for recent events, acknowledged Diego and the dancers, thanked staff for welcoming them and making them part of the programming, requested outreach related to Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month and Doula care resources, asked about graduation photo installations, requested recognition for a local student who won a county bookmark contest, and requested meetings regarding a divestment policy and unused discretionary and travel funds.
Mayor Gonzalez congratulated staff on the success of Small Business Week, suggested continuing to highlight businesses, noted the possibility of street vendors being part of an information organization and self-compliance efforts with their own people, mentioned the Ad Hoc committee discussing, defining safety, including what that means, plans to bring before the Council in the coming months around that concept, shared two potential summer documentary screenings, and lastly, announced the upcoming SELA Send-Off event for college-bound seniors.
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 Alcantar Loza motioned to waive full reading of resolutions and ordinances, seconded by Vice Mayor Lomelí. Motion passed 5-0 by the following roll call vote:
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 5/19/2026 Page 4 of 8 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 May 5, 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 May 5, 2026.
Motion: Council Member Gomez motioned to approve Consent Calendar item, 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
13. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Presentation on the City of Cudahy’s Vacancies, and Recruitment and Retention Efforts as Per AB 2561
Presented by the Community Services Director/Acting Human Resources Manager Recommendation: The City Council is recommended to take the following action(s):
1. Open the public hearing and receive public comment, testimony and any written protests regarding these proceedings; and
2. Receive and file the presentation
At 7:24 p.m. Mayor Gonzalez opened public comments.
Mario Dominguez Jr. questioned how the city operates without a Finance Director and requested clarification on who is currently overseeing and preparing the fiscal year budget.
At 7:27 p.m. Mayor Gonzalez closed public comments.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 5/19/2026 Page 5 of 8 Motion: Council Member Gomez motioned to receive and file the presentation, seconded by Council Member Fuentes. 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. Fiscal Year 2026/27 Budget Update
Presented by the City Manager
Recommendation: The City Council is recommended to receive an update, discuss, and provide direction on the FY 26/27 General Fund Budget.
The FY 26/27 General Fund Budget reflects a structural imbalance where ongoing and recurring expenditures exceed recurring revenues. Since the April 2026 initial budget discussions, staff has implemented approximately $800,000 in maintenance and operations reductions and updated expenditure projections, resulting in a current gap of $1.5M. The remaining options to address the gap require policy-level decisions regarding service levels, staffing, expenditures, and revenues.
-Direction Given, No Action TakenB. Discussion and Direction on Comprehensive User Fees Presented by the Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Recommendation: The City Council is recommended to discuss and provide direction on the updated comprehensive user fees. The City Council may consider the following items to help guide the discussion:
1) Receive staff and consultant presentation summarizing the proposed comprehensive service and user fees.
2) City Council to provide staff feedback and direction on its broad philosophical approach to the city’s fees for service. Specifically, the City Council may discuss for future adoption:
a. Set user fees at the full burden rate as described in the attached user fee table.
This approach would result in the city recovering its full cost for services; however, it would result in increases to various fees, including the adoption of new fees. b. Set user fees below the full burden rate as described in the attached user fee table. Lowering fees below the city’s full burden cost would result in the city City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 5/19/2026 Page 6 of 8 subsidizing its services. If the City Council takes this approach, staff recommends that the City Council discuss and provide direction on:
i. The types or category of fees to be subsidized. Examples could include park programs, business licenses, development fees, etc.
ii. The subsidy level for types of fees. Examples could include low (less than 15-percent), moderate (15 to 25-percent), or high subsidy (greater than 25- percent).
3) Based on Council comments and feedback, it is recommended that the City Council set a public hearing for June 16, 2026, for adoption of a new city fee schedule. -Direction Given, No Action TakenC. Approval of Resolution No. 26-16 Pre-Approved List for Use of City Logo Presented by the Assistant to the City Manager
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve Resolution No. 26-16 approving the attached list of pre-approved organizations authorized to use the City logo for community related purposes.
Motion: Council Member Alcantar Loza motioned to adopt Resolution No. 26-16, with the addition of; Air Quality Management District, Baby to Baby, Central American Resource Center, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, COFEM, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, LA Metro, Mueve SELA, SELA Cultural Arts Center, South Central Family Health Center, Stay Arts Foundation, Turnaround Arts, United Food and Commercial Workers, Local 770, Local Colleges and Universities, and Association of Raza Educators, LA; with the change of SELA Scholars to SELA Sendoff; 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
D. Adoption of Proposed Resolution No. 26-17 (1) Calling For and Giving Notice of a General Municipal Election to Be Held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 for the Election of Three (3) City Councilmembers; (2) Requesting that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles Grant the City’s Request for Consolidation of Said General Municipal Election With the November 3, 2026 Statewide General Election Administered by the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk of the County of Los Angeles (“County Clerk”); (3) Requesting that the County Clerk Provide Specific Election Administration Services in Connection with the City’s General Municipal Election; (4) Provide Candidates with Notice City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 5/19/2026 Page 7 of 8 of State Law Requirements Governing Candidate Statements; and (5) Providing for the Determination of Tie Votes By Lot Pursuant to Elections Code Section 15651 (A) Presented by the Assistant to the City Manager
Recommendation: The City of Cudahy (“City”) City Council is requested to approve proposed Resolution No. 26-17:
1. Calling for and giving notice of a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the Election of three (3) City Councilmembers;
2. Requesting that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles grant the City’s Request for Consolidation of said General Municipal Election with the November 3, 2026 Statewide General Election administered by the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk of the County of Los Angeles (“County Clerk”);
3. Request the County Clerk provide specific election administration services in connection with the City’s General Municipal Election;
4. Provide candidates with notice of state law requirements governing candidate statements; and
5. Provide for the determination of tie votes by lot pursuant to Elections Code Section 15651(a).
Motion: Vice Mayor Lomelí motioned to adopt Resolution No. 26-17, seconded by Council Member Fuentes. 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
City Attorney Chelsey Ballot recommended moving Item 16B to the next meeting.
Motion: Council Member Alcantar Loza motioned to move item 16B to next council meeting, 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
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 5/19/2026 Page 8 of 8 At 9:16 p.m., City Attorney, Chelsey Ballot recessed to closed session.
16. CLOSED SESSION
A. 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 Christopher R.
Lopez
Employee Organization: Cudahy Miscellaneous Employees Association (CMEA) B. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 – Conference with Legal Counsel – Real Property Negotiations
Property: APNs 6224-018-911, 6224-018-913, 6224-018-914, 6224-018-915, and 6224- 018-916
Agency Negotiators: Christopher R. Lopez, City Manager
Negotiating Parties: Southern California Gas Company
Under Negotiation: Lease Terms
At 9:27 p.m., Mayor Gonzalez reconvened to open session.
17. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Chelsey Ballot announced that the City Council went into closed session for one item Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6(a) – Conference with Labor Negotiator Regarding Represented Employees, all council members where present for the item, direction was given, no further reportable action.
18. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council / Agency meeting adjourned at 9:27 p.m.
Cynthia Gonzalez
Mayor
ATTEST:
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk