City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 7/21/2026 Page 1 of 10 Final Minutes Approved August 4, 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
July 21, 2026, 6:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor / Chair Gonzalez called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Council / Agency Member Fuentes
Council / Agency Member Gomez
Vice Mayor / Vice Chair Lomelí
Mayor / Chair Gonzalez
ABSENT: Council / Agency Member Alcantar Loza
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager, Christopher R. Lopez, City Attorney, Shelley Preisler, Deputy City Attorney, Samuel Holmberg, City Clerk, Richard Iglesias, Finance Director, John Xie, Community Services Director, Brenda Rodriguez, Senior Planner, Cecilia Madrigal, Assistant to the City Manager, Estefania Zamora, Executive Assistant to the City Manager, Janet Andrade, Administrative Intern, Esmeralda Perez
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
City Attorney Shelley Preisler requested to move item 16B after item 7 Public Comments.
Motion: Vice Mayor Lomelí motioned to approve the agenda as ammended, 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
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 7/21/2026 Page 2 of 10 The Pledge of Allegiance was led by student Abdiel Mendez.
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 - None
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Gilbert Cuevas mentioned sending an email to council members and the city manager, receiving a response only from Council Member Fuentes. Expresses how the progression of sports programs in the city has not been ideal. Commented on being the Vice President of a league that tries using multiple city parks, and gives back through holiday events, turkeys, toy giveaways, and donations for back-to-school programs. Mentions trying to use the City of Cudahy Park, as there are residents of the city who are in the league. If able to use the park, members/adult leagues would play during the week to earn money for the city. Their league is on Sundays for four hours. Additionally, notes having individuals who can chalk the field and put bases. Asserts wanting to use the park for softball and baseball, noting that other parks can be used for soccer, and having college players who can come to coach to build the program to what it once was.
Moussa Saal expresses his interest in planting trees and farming at his parents' house, including participating in an internship in Colorado at a permaculture farm. Requested consideration to permit him to plant trees in the public park due to not having enough space in his parents' home, and in the future would take the trees for his personal front yard. States will purchase the trees, take care of them, and give back to the community by leaving a couple of trees. Notes the idea of growing oak, maple, olives, and possibly a cedar tree. Additionally, commented on city public transportation and walkability, suggesting that water fountains be placed at every street corner to make the city more walkable and less reliant on vehicles.
Sulik Quintero owner of Rainbow Liquor in Cudahy, returns to ask the council to consider adding new language to the ordinance to allow her to move her business across the street. Mentions currently being evicted despite meeting all the requirements to move except the distance requirement. The new location is less than 500 feet from another City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 7/21/2026 Page 3 of 10 business that sells similar products/services. Asking what can be done for pre-existing businesses in Cudahy that are being forced out, while prime locations sit abandoned.
Explains the business isn't just a liquor store but provides services like check cashing, money orders, paybill services, food, and clothing. States wanting to go across the street to the Grubhub location and request help with making an exception for a business that has been in existence for 19 years.
Pilar Mejia (Republic Services) spoke about LA County and Republic Services' doublebilling some multi-family customers. Mentions being informed in mid-April by property owners and forwarding the information to the Public Works Director to work together to identify a solution. Got in contact with LA County and provided them with a list of singlefamily and multi-family properties having commercial bins being billed by Republic Services. Discovered that LA County has not updated records for the last 4 years but has confirmed that properties were removed from the LA County tax roll. Waiting to receive the list of property owners who have paid their taxes for the last 4 years but cannot issue refunds. Understands that properties are concerned they will not be reimbursed and explains that when Republic Services receives a payment from LA County, it does not apportion any funds to properties; instead, it receives a single sum from the city. Working with City Staff to fill gaps and find a resolution, along with LA County. Stated billing stopped from LA County, and only waiting for the list of properties that have paid, to begin the process of credit. Explains that any credit above $2000 must go through approval channels, get approved, and then be applied to the account; followed by a request for a check refund that can take up to a month to be completed. Will continue working with city staff to resolve the problem and provide updates.
Mario Dominguez Jr. commented on City of South Gate’s previous Council meeting, at which he asked that term limits be added as an item on the agenda for the next City Council meeting, stating that only one of the five council members agreed. Mentions that the South Gate City Council asked instead for fingerprinting and live scan for commission to be added to their next meeting, expressing that prioritizing such an item over term limits is not ideal. Comments on the efforts to get the utility user tax passed on the November Ballot for South Gate, and how a sunset clause is being implemented within. Expresses support for Consent Calendar Item D on the City of Cudahy Agenda regarding information technology services. Additionally, mentions not having a director of information technology and that its inclusion in the contract is well done.
Edwin Gonzalez emailed public comment, shares being present to pay respect to a mutual friend and Bell resident who died on June 26 and is grateful to Cudahy for the warmth and affection being displayed. Mentions the SELA Collaborative and, despite providing critique, considers himself a part of it, but is not enthusiastic about all their endeavors. Expresses that association with the SELA Collaborative provides emotional uplift to personally fulfill his civic agenda, and that working with the community is City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 7/21/2026 Page 4 of 10 important, along with leadership that fosters cohesiveness. Comments on how politics and advocacy must be more inclusive, and how Cudahy has been advancing that agenda with rent control and essential resources for residents. Additionally, states that another challenge is helping other sectors that need community representation, such as the elderly, middle class, libraries, ecosystems, and hospitals. Concludes by noting the need to balance everyone’s needs to accomplish more in the future.
At 7:10 p.m. City Attorney, Shelley recessed to closed session.
16. CLOSED SESSION
B. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) – Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation – Initiation of Litigation - One Matter At 8:25 p.m., Mayor Gonzalez reconvened to open session.
17. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Shelley announced that the City Council went into closed session for Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) – Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation – Initiation of Litigation - One Matter, all four council members where present for the item, no further reportable action.
Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to reopen public comments to allow Cudahy residents to speak on an item of the agenda with regards to rent stabilization , 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
Public Comments reopened at 8:26 p.m.
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jose Castro refers to the problems they have where they are renting. Mentions that a management company is applying multiple rules, such as keeping the premises of their mobile homes clear, including plants. Primarily wanted to focus on a letter received from the City of Cudahy titled " Rental Registration Recovery Fee," stating they are being charged $63 distributed over 12 months. Additional charges include the sewer, tax, and insurance which they are unsure of what it is for. Conclude with the hope of getting a response and help regarding their concerns.
Public Comments closed at 8:31 p.m.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 7/21/2026 Page 5 of 10
8. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS / REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS
Council Member Fuentes begins by celebrating businesses that opened in Cudahy in the last few weeks: Sushi Ramen and Hasaki. Appreciates the residents’ comments and offer to plant trees, highlighting walkability and public transportation in the city. Would like the staff to obtain the residents' information to see how that idea can be achieved. Mentions attending the National Association of Latino Elected Officials, and thanked everyone present for their participation.
Vice Mayor Lomelí thanks everyone for being present and mentions participating in several learning opportunities to learn what is happening in other cities and fight for what the residents need. Mentions having a film screening about reimagining and dreaming up safety, consisting of very powerful conversations, such as what can be implemented so residents feel safe; thanked those who attended, and looks forward to continuing that conversation, the first of many efforts.
Mayor Gonzalez expresses interest in collaborating with iHeart SELA and notes that a group is interested in having a deeper conversation about developing a safety framework, wondering how to do so consistently. Would like options for meeting frequently with the team to develop a safety framework, using either the existing ad hoc or another consistent method to ensure the topic is regularly put on the agenda. Mentioned considering opening Clara Park as a cooling station for anyone affected by the heat and having it available as a reminder to residents. Comments on double-billing: Is it possible to know how many families are being charged twice through County records, and how they can be supported? Additionally, would like staff to discuss the tree issue and welcome the idea of having more trees in the city. Would like to know what staff could do to support the resident and her business and keep updates on the situation.
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: Vice Mayor Lomelí 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:
AYES: Fuentes, Gomez, Lomelí, and Gonzalez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Alcantar Loza
ABSTAIN: None
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 7/21/2026 Page 6 of 10
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Consideration to Review and Approve the Draft Minutes of July 7, 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 July 7, 2026.
B. Approval of the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) for the Month of June 2026 Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) Report for the month of June 2026 in the amount of $5,761,597.49.
C. Approval of the City Demands and Payroll Including Statement of Cash and Investments for the Month of June 2026
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to approve the Demands and Payroll in the amount of $1,314,108.26 and to receive and file the Statement of Cash and Investments for the month of June 2026.
D. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with InfoTech SystemHouse for a One-Year Term in a Form Approved by the City Attorney’s Office
Recommendation: The City Council is recommended to adopt a Resolution No. 26-31 authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with InfoTech SystemHouse for a one-year term in a form approved by the City Attorney’s Office.
E. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Willdan Engineering for an Amount not to Exceed $19,400 for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Compliance in a Form Approved by the City Attorney’s Office Recommendation: The City Council is recommended to adopt Resolution No. 26-32 authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Willdan Engineering for an amount not to exceed $19,400 for municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) compliance in a form approved by the City Attorney’s Office.
Motion: Vice Mayor Lomelí motioned to approve Consent Calendar items A-E, 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
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13. PUBLIC HEARING - NONE
14. BUSINESS SESSION
A. Consider An Ordinance And Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Cudahy, California (1) Giving Notice Of The Submission Of A Ballot Measure Question To The Voters Of The City Of Cudahy Concerning The Extension Of The Temporary ThreeQuarter Percent (3/4%) Transactions And Use Tax Currently Implemented As A General Use Tax Beyond Its Current Expiration Date, To Continue Until Repealed By City Voters; And (2) Setting Election Procedures And Priorities For The Filing Of Written Arguments And Rebuttals Regarding The Measure And Directing The City Attorney To Prepare An Impartial Analysis; And (3) Requesting The Los Angeles County Board Of Supervisors’ Consent To The Consolidation Of Said Election With Other Elections To Be Held On November 3, 2026, And Directing The Registrar Of Voters To Conduct The Election
Presented by the Deputy City Attorney
Recommendation: The Cudahy City Council (“City Council”) is requested to:
1. Subject to adoption by the electorate, introduce and waive full reading of Ordinance No. 770 of the City of Cudahy, California (“City”) extending the City’s three-quarter percent (3/4%) transactions and use tax indefinitely until repealed by the voters as codified under Chapter 3.25 (CUDAHY TEMPORARY TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX) of Title 3 (REVENUE AND FINANCE) of the Cudahy Municipal Code (“CMC”); and
2. Adopt Resolution No. 26-30 (1) giving notice of the submission of a ballot measure question to the voters of the City of Cudahy concerning the extension of the threequarter percent (3/4%) transactions and use tax currently implemented as a general use tax beyond its current expiration date, to continue until repealed by city voters; and (2) setting election procedures and priorities for the filing of written arguments and rebuttals regarding the measure and directing the City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis; and (3) requesting the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors’ consent to the consolidation of said election with other elections to be held on November 3, 2026, and directing the Registrar of Voters to conduct the election; and
3. Discuss and take action regarding the preparation of ballot arguments; and
4. Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 7/21/2026 Page 8 of 10 Motion: Council Member Fuentes motioned to introduce and waive full reading of Ordinance No. 770 and adopt Resolution No. 26-30, seconded by Vice Mayor 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
Motion: Council Member Gomez motioned to designate Mayor Gonzalez and Vice Mayor Lomelí to draft argument for the ballot measure, 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
B. Consideration and Approval of a Resolution (1) Calling and Giving Notice of the Submission to Cudahy Voters of One of Several Ballot Measure Options Concerning Cudahy’s Existing Rent Stabilization Program; (2) Acknowledging City Council Approval of an Ordinance Effectuating the Foregoing Amendments; (3) Ordering that the Ballot Measure Be Submitted as Part of the City’s November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election; (4) Requesting that The Los Angeles County Board Of Supervisors Include the Ballot Measure as Part of the City’s Prior Election Consolidation Request; (5) Requesting that the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Provide Specific Election Administration Services, Inclusive of the Ballot Measure; and (6) Setting Priorities for Filing Written Arguments and Rebuttals Regarding the Ballot Measure and Directing Preparation of an Impartial Analysis
Introduction for First Reading of Ordinance Effectuating the Mandates of the Selected Ballot Measure Subject to Later Second Reading and Voter Approval at the City’s November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election
Presented by the Deputy City Attorney
Recommendation: The Cudahy City Council (“City Council”) is requested to:
1. Consider alternative ballot measure options concerning the City’s rent stabilization program for placement on the November 3, 2026 General Election;
2. Find that the selected Resolution is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) (Public Resources Code § 21000 et seq.) pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations Title 14 §§ 15060(c)(2)-(3)), but if deemed City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 7/21/2026 Page 9 of 10 to be a project, is categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines § 15061(b)(3) (common sense exemption);
3. Introduce and waive full reading of an ordinance to submit the selected alternative rent stabilization measure to the voters for the November 3, 2026 General Election; and
4. Adopt a resolution to submit the selected alternative rent stabilization measure to the voters for the November 3, 2026 General Election.
-No Motion, Direction to bring back Item on August 4thC. Discussion and direction on establishing a resolution to subsidize eligible recreation program and service fees for City of Cudahy
Presented by the Community Services Director
Recommendation: The City Council is recommended to discuss and provide direction on establishing a resolution to subsidize eligible recreation program and service fees for City of Cudahy.
-No Motion, Direction OnlyD. Consideration to Adopt Resolution No. 26-33 Establishing a Policy Encouraging Public Participation in City Council Meetings
Presented by the City Attorney
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 26- 33, establishing a policy for public outreach to encourage participation in City Council meetings.
Motion: Vice Mayor Lomelí motioned to adopt Resolution No. 26-33, 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
E. Updates Regarding City Contracts and Previously Incurred Expenditures Presented by the City Manager
Recommendation: The City Council is requested to:
City Council/Successor Agency Minutes of 7/21/2026 Page 10 of 10
1. Receive an update from the City Manager’s Office regarding contract services in the City of Cudahy
-Update Only, No Action Needed15. COUNCIL DISCUSSION
A. Council Member Fuentes
i. Discuss Cudahy Park Baseball fields, maintenance, and availability.
At 10:08 p.m. City Attorney, Shelley 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) At 10:12 p.m., Mayor Gonzalez reconvened to open session.
17. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Shelley announced that the City Council went into closed session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6(a) – Conference with Labor Negotiator Regarding Represented Employees, all four council members where present for the item, direction given, no further reportable action.
18. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council / Agency meeting adjourned at 10:13 p.m.
Cynthia Gonzalez
Mayor
ATTEST:
Richard Iglesias
City Clerk