City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 6/16/2026 Page 1 of 13 Final Minutes Approved July 7, 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
June 16, 2026, 6:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor / Chair Gonzalez called the meeting to order at 6:43 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Council / Agency Member Alcantar Loza
Council / Agency Member Fuentes
Vice Mayor / Vice Chair Lomelí
Mayor / Chair Gonzalez
ABSENT: Council / Agency Member Gomez
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, Executive Assistant to the City Manager, Janet Andrade, Assistant to the City Manager, Estefania Zamora, Finance Director, John Xie, Administrative Analyst, Daniela Trujillo, Administrative Intern, Esmeralda Perez
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Staff requested that item 6B be tabled to a future meeting.
Motion: Council Member Alcantar Loza motioned to approve the agenda, with Item 6B tabled to a future meeting, seconded by Council Member Fuentes. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alcantar Loza, Fuentes, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gomez
ABSTAIN: None
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4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Fuentes.
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. Certificate of Recognition to Karely Y. Nalvarte, Winner of the LA County Library Bookmark Contest
B. 3rd quarter Finance Update
-Item 6B was tabled to a future meeting7. PUBLIC COMMENTS Esperanza Gaytan expressed concerns regarding Republic Services, the City's sole trash collection provider, and its rates and additional fees, stating that residents are charged a $50 fee for overfilled bins or bins left open. Raised concerns about being charged for trash services through both property taxes and monthly service payments over the past five years. Stated that collection of the charges through property taxes will cease and thanked the City Council for its assistance. Further stated that approximately $8,902.20 in collected funds should be refunded and expressed concern about Republic Services' request for proof of payment, stating that the company should already have those records.
Lorenzo Uribe expressed concerns regarding Republic Services' fees, stating that recycling collectors would leave trash bin lids open, resulting in additional charges. Stated that after installing a chain on the bin lid to prevent this issue, there was a charge of $6.50 each time the chain was opened, despite the chain costing $25. Urged the City to consider additional waste service providers to promote competition and improve service.
Angelica Valencia expressed concerns regarding alleged excessive charges by property owners, including a $47 monthly trash fee for tenants who share a single trash bin, increased sewer and utility charges, and a $63 annual rental registration recovery fee.
Stated that after contacting HSC, was informed of a city Ordinance requiring payment of the fee; however, believes tenants should not be responsible for fees intended for City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 6/16/2026 Page 3 of 13 property owners. Raised concerns regarding alleged harassment and trespassing by the property owner, stated that she has an active case regarding these issues, and requested City assistance and enforcement of tenant protections.
Sulik Quintero owner of Rainbow Liquor, previously approached the Council regarding the relocation of the business to 8204 Atlantic. Indicated that the proposed location meets all City requirements except the 500 ft distance requirement under the City’s ordinance and requested assistance moving forward. Stated, receiving an eviction notice despite paying rent on time, and reiterated plans to improve the building at the proposed location.
Requested that Council assist with moving the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process forward.
Mario Dominguez Jr. expressed concerns regarding the audio quality during City Council meetings, stating that attendees have difficulty hearing the proceedings on Zoom. He inquired whether the city has a Director of Economic Development and commented on the proposed urgency ordinance regarding data centers, noting their potential economic benefits of approximately $6 million annually, as well as concerns about energy consumption and possible impacts on the electrical grid that could contribute to blackouts.
Expressed support for the light improvements on the Clara Street Bridge.
Edwin Gonzalez commented on the upcoming Open Streets event and expressed concerns about the SELA Collaborative's role and effectiveness. Stated that while the organization provides resources to the community, it does not adequately address issues of political corruption and government transparency in Southeast Los Angeles communities. Encouraged greater civic engagement, accountability, and transparency from local elected officials and community leaders.
Mayor Gonzalez called a recess at 7:07 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 7:39 p.m.
Susie De Santiago provided public comment. Due to audio interference, the comment could not be transcribed for the record.
8. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS / REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS
Council Member Alcantar Loza thanked the public for attending the meeting despite the audio issues and stated that efforts would be made to improve public engagement.
Congratulated Karely on receiving her award and recognized her achievement in representing the City of Cudahy. Addressed community concerns regarding Republic Services fees, noting that the City previously terminated the automatic renewal provision of the Republic Services contract but remains bound by the remaining term of the agreement. Stated that the City should start exploring other service options to remain competitive and better serve residents. Concluded by highlighting the Hub Cities Mixer and its efforts to support youth employment and connect small businesses with potential employees.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 6/16/2026 Page 4 of 13 Council Member Fuentes provided updates as a participant in the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Community, Economic, and Human Development Committee, including discussions related to arena requirements and regional preparations for 2029. Reported on his involvement with the Metro Gateway Cities Service Council and announced appointment as Chair for the upcoming year.
Expressed commitment to promoting public and active transportation options and noted the upcoming Open Streets event and regional collaboration with neighboring cities.
Vice Mayor Lomeli highlighted summer programming available through the Cudahy Library, upcoming movie nights, and a special safety screening, encouraging residents to participate. Congratulated Cudahy graduates and families and recognized the success of the SELA Send-Off and parent workshop. Suggested exploring additional student resources and information that could be made available through the City, including transportation resources. Recognized Elizabeth Learning Center College Counselor Alfonso Hernandez for his efforts in supporting student participation and expressed interest in formally recognizing him at a future meeting. Vice Mayor Lomeli also highlighted the recent Cudahy Collaborative meeting, acknowledging the Mayor, City staff, schools, nonprofits, and community organizations for their efforts to support residents, and noted an invitation to visit the Jaime Escalante Educational Center.
Mayor Gonzalez highlighted the success of the SELA Send-Off event and thanked City staff, nonprofit organizations, local businesses, students, and families for their participation. Reported growing interest in the Cudahy Collaborative and discussed opportunities to develop employment pipelines and internship opportunities through partnerships with local businesses and educational institutions. Also noted recognition received at a recent LAUSD Board meeting regarding the City's efforts to support students and families. Discussed the Scholar Match program and emphasized the importance of increasing student participation in college support and completion programs. Concluded by expressing support for revisiting Republic Services' fee policies affecting residents.
9. CITY MANAGER REPORT (information only)
10. REPORTS REGARDING AD HOC, ADVISORY, STANDING OR OTHER COMMITTEE MEETINGS –
A. Economic Development Ad-Hoc Committee Report Out
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to:
1. Receive an update from the Economic Development Ad Hoc Committee; and
2. Direct the City Manager’s Office to bring back an agenda item to discuss City Council priorities for City-owned properties to include the types of businesses, development activity preferred at the sites, and overall prioritization elements for development for city owned sites; and
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 6/16/2026 Page 5 of 13
3. Direct staff to present community feedback regarding economic development priorities; and
4. Direct staff to obtain a proposal to provide a formal report from an economic development expert on items one and two and the feasibility of development based on Council priorities and community feedback, and economic development trends.
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to approve recommendations 2 through 4, seconded by Vice Mayor Lomelí. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alcantar Loza, Fuentes, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gomez
ABSTAIN: None
B. Street Vending Ad-Hoc Committee Report Out
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to:
1. Receive an update from the Street Vending Ad-Hoc Committee; and
2. Discuss and formally direct that staff develop a concept and plan for the creation of a Night Market and bring to Council for formal direction and approval; and
3. Direct staff to provide a formal update on the following:
a. Enforcement efforts related to sidewalk vending
b. The city’s current ordinances for sidewalk vending
c. Efforts to improve community appearance based on sidewalk vending impacts d. Opportunities to centralize sidewalk vending in clear vending zones Motion: Council Member Alcantar Loza, motioned to approve Recommendations 2 through 3(d), seconded by Vice Mayor Lomelí. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alcantar Loza, Fuentes, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gomez
ABSTAIN: None
C. Municipal Law Enforcement Ad-Hoc Committee Report Out Recommendation: The City Council is requested to:
1. Receive an update from the Municipal Law Enforcement Ad-Hoc Committee; and City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 6/16/2026 Page 6 of 13
2. Provide direction to the City Manager on the specific data requests and reports from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office per the terms of the City’s agreement for safety services; and
3. Approve the community outreach flyer for the Reimagining Safety screening event.
Motion: Council Member Alcantar Loza motioned to approve Recommendations 2 and 3, including the additional data requests discussed by the City Council and revisions to the community outreach flyer, selecting the second flyer design and adding the City logo, seconded by Vice Mayor Lomelí. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alcantar Loza, Fuentes, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gomez
ABSTAIN: 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 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alcantar Loza, Fuentes, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gomez
ABSTAIN: None
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Approval of the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) for the Month of May 2026 Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) Report for the month of May 2026 in the amount of $5,761,597.49.
B. Approval of the City Demands and Payroll Including Statement of Investment for the Month of April 2026
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve the Demands and Payroll in the amount of $1,752,695.90 including the Statement of Investments for the month of April 2026.
C. Consideration to Review and Approve the Draft Minutes of June 1, 2026, for the Special Meeting of the City Council and the Joint Meeting of the City of Cudahy as City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 6/16/2026 Page 7 of 13 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 June 1, 2026.
D. Approval of Professional Services Agreement for Remote and On-site Translation Services
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to award a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) to Language Network to provide remote and on-site translation services not to exceed $35,000.
E. Adoption of Resolution No. 26-22 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement between the Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Joint Powers Authority (GWMA) and the City of Cudahy for Cost Sharing for the Installation of Monitoring Equipment and Monitoring Pursuant to the Harbor Toxic Pollutants Total Maximum Daily Load (Harbor Toxic Pollutants TMDL) Recommendation: The City Council is requested to adopt Resolution No. 26-22 authorizing the City Manager to execute an Agreement between the Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Joint Powers Authority (GWMA) and the City of Cudahy for Cost Sharing for the Installation of Monitoring Equipment and Monitoring Pursuant to the Harbor Toxic Pollutants Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL).
Motion: Council Member Alcantar Loza motioned to approve Consent Calendar items AE, seconded by Vice Mayor Lomelí. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alcantar Loza, Fuentes, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gomez
ABSTAIN: None
13. PUBLIC HEARINGA. Public Hearing to Adopt Resolution No. 26-23, Repealing Resolution No. 22-20, and Adopting a Comprehensive Service Fee Study to Modify the Master Fee and Fine Schedule
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council:
1) Receive staff and consultant presentation summarizing the comprehensive service fee study and proposed comprehensive service and user fees; and 2) Open the public hearing and receive comments and testimony; and City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 6/16/2026 Page 8 of 13 3) Adopt Resolution 26-23, repealing Resolution No. 22-20, and adopting the attached comprehensive user and service fee study modifying the existing master fee and fine schedule.
At 8:28 p.m. Mayor Gonzalez opened public comments.
Susie De Santiago expressed concerns regarding the proposed facility rental fees, stating that the current cost to rent Turner Hall is $695, rather than the listed $600, due to additional fees, including kitchen use and a refundable $200 deposit. She questioned whether similar fee structures apply to Bedwell Hall and the Gymnasium. Expressed concern that increases to sports program and facility fees could negatively impact resident participation and nonprofit organizations, including CYF, that provide services to the community.
At 8:33 p.m. Mayor Gonzalez closed public comments.
Motion: Council Member Alcantar Loza motioned to adopt Resolution No. 26-23, seconded by Vice Mayor Lomelí. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alcantar Loza, Fuentes, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gomez
ABSTAIN: None
B. Adoption of Resolution No. 26-24 Approving the Engineer’s Report, Confirming the Diagram and Levying the Annual Assessment to Maintain the City of Cudahy Street Lighting Assessment District
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Open the public hearing and receive comments; and
2. Adopt Resolution No. 26-24 Approving the Engineer’s Report, Confirming the Diagram and Levying the Annual Assessment to Maintain the City of Cudahy Street Lighting Assessment District for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026/2027; and
3. Direct staff to forward Resolution No. 26-24 to the Los Angeles County Assessor before the August 10th deadline.
At 8:42 p.m. Mayor Gonzalez opened public comments.
At 8:42 p.m. Mayor Gonzalez closed public comments.
Motion: Vice Mayor Lomelí motioned to adopt Resolution No. 26-24 and direct staff to forward the resolution to the Los Angeles County Assessor before the August 10 City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 6/16/2026 Page 9 of 13 deadline, seconded by Council Member Alcantar Loza. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alcantar Loza, Fuentes, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gomez
ABSTAIN: None
14. BUSINESS SESSION
A. Fiscal Year 2026/27 Budget
Presented by the City Manager
Recommendation: The City Council is recommended to adopt the FY 26/27 Budget.
The FY 26/27 General Fund Budget reflects a structural imbalance where ongoing and recurring expenditures exceed recurring revenues. During budget discussions with the Mayor and City Council over the last several months, staff has implemented various expenditure reductions and incorporated Mayor and City Council direction in the proposed FY 26/27 Budget.
For the upcoming fiscal year, the Mayor and City Council is presented with a balanced budget with the use of one-time revenues to close the gap between expenditures and revenues.
Motion: Council Member Alcantar Loza motioned to adopt Fiscal Year 26-27 Budget, seconded by Council Member Fuentes. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alcantar Loza, Fuentes, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gomez
ABSTAIN: None
B. Award a Construction Contract to Simgel Co. Inc. for the Clara Bridge Lighting Improvement Project – CIP Project No. BRI-001
Presented by the Administrative Analyst
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to:
1. Find the Clara Bridge Lighting Improvement project, 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) 15301(c), 15303(e) (and 15304(h).
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2. Adopt Resolution No. 26-26 authorizing the City Manager to execute a Construction Services Agreement with Simgel Co. Inc. in the amount of $771,100.00 for the Clara Bridge Lighting Improvement Project – CIP Project No. BRI-001.
3. Approve the Clara Bridge Lighting Improvement Project’s plans and specifications.
4. Establish a project contingency amount of $77,110.00 (10% of the bid amount) for potential contract change orders, and an additional $57,833 (7.5% of bid amount) for Construction Management and Construction Inspection (CMCI) services and authorize the City Manager or his designee to approve change orders within the approved contingency amount.
Motion: Council Member Alcantar Loza motioned to approve Recommendations 1 through 4, seconded by Vice Mayor Lomelí. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alcantar Loza, Fuentes, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gomez
ABSTAIN: None
C. Adoption of Resolution 26-27 Approving the Local Streets and Road Funding Program Project List for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 to comply with the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (SB1 BEALL)
Presented by the Finance Director
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to adopt Resolution 26-27, approving the Local Streets and Road Funding Program Project List for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 to comply with the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (SB1 Beall).
Motion: Council Member Alcantar Loza motioned to adopt Resolution No. 26-27; seconded by Vice Mayor Lomelí. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alcantar Loza, Fuentes, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gomez
ABSTAIN: None
D. Discussion and Direction on Brown Act (SB 707) Outreach Policies Presented by the City Attorney
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council discuss and provide direction to staff regarding outreach to encourage participation in City Council meetings by underrepresented and non-English speaking communities City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 6/16/2026 Page 11 of 13 Motion: Council Member Alcantar Loza moved to direct staff to formalize the current outreach practices and implement the additional adjustments discussed by the City Council, seconded by Council Member Fuentes. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alcantar Loza, Fuentes, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gomez
ABSTAIN: None
E. Consideration to Approve an Interim Urgency Ordinance Instituting a Temporary 45- Day Moratorium Prohibiting Processing, Approval, and Acceptance of New Data Center Land Use Applications
Presented by the City Attorney
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to:
1. Determine the adoption of this Urgency Ordinance is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3); and
2. Introduce by title only, and waive further reading of Urgency Ordinance, imposing a 45-day moratorium prohibiting processing, approval, and acceptance of new Data Center land use applications.
Motion: Council Member Alcantar Loza motioned to approve Interim Ordinance Instituting Temporary 45-Day Moratorium Prohibiting Processing, Approval, and Acceptance of New Data Center Land Use Applications, seconded by Council Member Fuentes. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alcantar Loza, Fuentes, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gomez
ABSTAIN: None
F. Consideration to Adopt Ordinance No. 769 Adding Chapter 9.15 “Law Enforcement Services Transparency and Constitutional Compliance” to Title 9 of the City’s Municipal Code and Amending Chapter 1.25 “Procedures Concerning Sensitive Information and Prohibition of the Use of City Resources for Federal Immigration Enforcement” of Title 1 of the City’s Municipal Code
Presented by the City Attorney
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 6/16/2026 Page 12 of 13 Recommendation: The City Council is requested to waive the full reading and introduce Ordinance No. 769 by title only, adding Chapter 9.15 “Law Enforcement Services Transparency and Constitutional Compliance” to Title 9 of the City’s Municipal Code and amending Chapter 1.25 “Procedures Concerning Sensitive Information and Prohibition of the Use of City Resources for Federal Immigration Enforcement” of Title 1 of the City’s Municipal Code.
Motion: Council Member Alcantar Loza motioned to waive the full reading and introduce Ordinance No. 769 by title only, adding Chapter 9.15 and amending Chapter 1.25 of Title 1 of the City’s Municipal Code, seconded by Vice Mayor Lomelí. Motion passed 4-0-1 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alcantar Loza, Fuentes, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gomez
ABSTAIN: None
G. Discussion and Direction Regarding City-Sponsored Parcel or Vacant Parcel Tax Presented by the City Attorney
Recommendation: The City Council of the City of Cudahy (“City”) is requested to provide feedback and direction regarding a city-sponsored parcel or vacant parcel tax for the November 2026 general election.
-Direction Not Given to Proceed15. COUNCIL DISCUSSION – NONE At 10:20 p.m. City Attorney, Shelley recessed to closed session.
16. CLOSED SESSION
A. 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 10:52 p.m., Mayor Gonzalez reconvened to open session.
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17. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Shelley announced that the City Council went into closed session for one item Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 – Conference with Legal Counsel – Real Property Negotiations, all four council members where present for the item, no further reportable action.
18. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council / Agency meeting adjourned at 10:52 p.m.
Cynthia Gonzalez
Mayor
ATTEST:
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk