CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Special Meeting of the
City of Huntington Park City Council
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Huntington Park, California was called to order at 6:02 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 6550 Miles Avenue, Huntington Park, California; Mayor Arturo Flores presiding.
PRESENT: Council Member(s): Macias, Martiz, Sanabria, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Flores
ABSENT: None
CITY OFFICIALS/STAFF: City Manager Ricardo Reyes; Eduardo Sarmiento City Clerk; Cosme Lozano Police Chief; Louis Morales Interim Community Development Director; Jeff Jones Finance Director, Cynthia Norzagaray Parks and Recreation Director; Andrew Sarega City Attorney.
INVOCATION
Invocation led by Mayor Arturo Flores.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilmember Martiz
PRESENTATION(S)
1. NONE
None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following people/ person provided public content:
1. Wendy – Spouse of Edin Alex Enamorado.
2. Albert- Complaints regarding City.
3. Jaz- Consider exploring new process to identify ICE Agents.
4. Maria De Los Angeles- Concerned HP Resident. Regarding ICE.
5. David Sanchez- Concerns about appointment process. Look up Book.
6. Patricia- Concerns about permits for Firework Vendors.
7. Rodolfo Cruz8. Emmanuel Rueda9. Anahi Cruz10.Rosario Clayatud Serna- Urge City Council to take a firm stance against ICE.
11.Kenia Rivas- Thank you for Leadership. There is a second wave of bounty hunters.
How can we report this to police.
12.Mario Rivas- Demand transparency from ICE.
13.Mateo- Second what community members have said.
14.Edgar Ortiz- Strong support for Ordinance.
15.Chaming Cheer16.John Doe
17.Yvonne Correa- Angry about the bombs/ rubber bombs are being launched at people. She supports California separating from the Union.
Reiterated Public Comment Notice a second time for individuals who walked in at the moment.
18.Luz Castro- SELA residents. Support to Item #2, and Item #3.
19.Anani- Its hurting our kids what is occurring at the moment.
STAFF RESPONSE
City Manager: Several topic came up this evening. Some is related to Items on the agenda so he’ll touch upon when the item is presented to council [later in the meeting].
Ordinance was established to allow leashed dogs at Veterans Park, Salt Lake Park, and Keller Park. Firework stands are selling safe and sane fireworks one week prior to the 4th of July Celebration. If you are aware of illegal fireworks please report to police. Parking study was made, and we’ll provide findings and recommendations at some point in July at one of the Council Meetings. City will be launching program to federal immigration enforcement. Has lived in the south east for the last 35 years. Has lived in South Gate, Lynwood, currently in Downey, has lived in Bell Gardens. Went to schools here, has raised his kids here, only a 10 minute drive from City Hall, raised kids here, and takes pride in the City.
Sanabria point of order regarding illegal fireworks.
City Manager: we’ll put out PSAs regarding how to report illegal fireworks.
Sanabria: requested more information regarding barricades being used.
Chief of Police: suggests tolerance and patience for issues occurring. Unlawful products being used in the city. Safe and Sane fireworks don’t leave the ground. We are initiating a hotline number provided to the community to come in. Citation does have a $5000 dollar fine. The city does close streets to manage temporary situation; however, those grounded barricades are not used by HPPD.
City Manager confirmed: The three parks where leashed dogs are allowed in are Raul Perez Park, Keller Park, and Veteran Park.
Mayor motioned to shuffle agenda around. Moving Closed Session to after special agenda. And Special Agenda he wanted to move Item #1 after Items #2 and Items #3.
And leave consent where it is at.
Council entered into Closed Session 8:27pm.
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY CLERK
1. CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
Approve Minute(s) of the following City Council Meeting(s):
1. Regular City Council Meeting held June 16, 2025
FINANCE
2. CHECK REGISTERS
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Approve Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrant(s) dated June 25, 2025 MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria motioned to approve the consent calendar with the amendments stated by Councilmember Macias. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Martinez. The motion was carried by majority consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Martiz, Sanabria, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Flores.
NOES: Council Member(s): None
ABSTAIN: Council Member(s): Macias
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
SPECIAL AGENDA
CITY MANAGER
2. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2025-06 ESTABLISHING PROCEDURES
FOR MUNICIPAL INTERACTIONS WITH FEDERAL AGENCIES RELATED TO
IMMIGRAITON ENFORCEMENT
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Review and discuss the proposed Ordinance No. 2025-06.
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria thanked members of the community who came out and supported this. He really thinks we should move forward and approve this. Budget Plan are outlining more dollars for Ice and Border Patrol. It adds 18,000 Ice and Border Patrols agents. We as a city need to stand up and not go along with what the federal administration is doing. It isn’t what they’re promising to do, they are targeting ordinary citizens not criminals. The reality is that people leave their countries because they had to for their kids, for their own well-being. Children should not be targeted. My parents got fixed with the Reagan amnesty.
The Chief of Police will respond on the case that the individual is a valid ICE Agent. If they are valid, we can’t stop them from processing. Vice Mayor Martinez asked more details regarding the kidnapping.
Councilmember Macias can call 911 and ensure validation is real. She has reached out to various organizations to provide support for individuals. She doesn’t know what country she lives in anymore, that was what Governor Hochul stated. It angers her that this community must live in such despair. Same situation as the COVID pandemic except now we don’t have resources to help out our community.
Ordinance is a great step. Councilmember Martiz thanked everyone for coming out and providing public comments. Agrees with everything that was stated. This is a federal issue, and I look forwards to collaborating with organizations to provide resources to the community for impacted families. This ordinance tells the community we are with you, and we see you. Mayor Flores stated these are constitutional violations. When something like this happens remain calm but film everything. Justice is delayed, somebody will enter the white house and they will have a very different view of this incident. Just following orders is not an excuse that will fly. Once a warrant is provided, we have to allow them to come in, we won’t collaborate with them. Councilmember Sanabria stated we should pass this ordinance and then have police create a presentation of scenarios. SB54 passed in 2017, and when into effect in 2018.
Councilmember Sanabria motioned to approve Ordinance No. 2025-06.
Mayor Flores added a friendly amendment to the ordinance to be renamed Huntington Park Sanctuary City Ordinance. Councilmember Sanabria accepted the friendly amendment. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Martiz. The motion was carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Macias, Martiz, Sanabria, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Flores
NOES: Council Member(s): NA
3. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION CONDEMNING
NON-TRANSPARENT FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT TACTICS
AND AFFIRMING COMMUNITY SAFETY PRINCIPLES
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Adopt a Resolution which condemns aggressive and non‑transparent federal immigration enforcement tactics, reaffirms constitutional and community safety principles, and directs proactive local response measures.
2. Direct the City Manager and City Attorney to implement the measures outlined in the resolution and provide regular updates on enforcement activity and community impact.
3. Direct City staff to forward a copy of the signed resolution to the City’s Congressional representative and both U.S. Senators to advocate for transparency, accountability, and community protection in federal enforcement practices.
MOTION: Mayor Flores stated we have had individuals kidnapping individuals on our community. They are not identifying themselves. It is very easy to buy a tactical vest, and a weapon. Once an agent is identifies there isn’t much HPPD can do. However, at least this way we are aware of who is in our city. This campaign will be the largest immigration deportation campaign that has ever occurred. There are numerous amount of organizations that are unlawfully operating in our city breaking all these local laws. They have no regard for laws, public safety, respect for public or private property. The goal here is to draw the line somewhere.
We cannot as a local police department. At some point someone has to step up and see credentials. Councilmember Sanabria stated that Most individuals being detained by ICE are being detained because they are brown. We have also seen them stop people, attack them then once they provide identification they are just let go. We are supposed to be a country of law and order and right now we are a country of disorder.
Councilmember Martiz is stating how concerning it is without due process. Racial profiling is happening in our community. It’s hard to see her nieces of nephews. We should be demanding transparency and is in full support of the law. She remembers when same sex marriage was on the ballot. It was also then that people from other states coming in and telling people how they should vote. She is proud of community, council, and neighbors for their work towards civil rights. Mayor made message very clear, men and women of HPPD are here to serve the community. They are not ICE; he knows that has this continues frustrations will continue. They are part of our community; a lot have family who live in this community. Councilmember Sanabria motioned to Adopt a Resolution which condemns aggressive and non‑transparent federal immigration enforcement tactics, reaffirms constitutional and community safety principles, and directs proactive local response measures; The motion was seconded by Councilmember Martinez.
The motion was carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Macias, Martiz, Sanabria, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Flores
NOES: Council Member(s): NA
The council took a recess at 7:38pm for audience to clear out.
The council returned to order at 7:52pm.
Councilmember Sanabria motioned to make an amendment that we put an ITEM #4 for special agenda. Consideration for City Council for committee reassignment. After the Public Hearing Items. The motion was carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Macias, Martiz, Sanabria, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Flores
FINANCE
1. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTIONS ADOPTING THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON PARK’S FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2025, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2026 IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. A Resolution adopting a Budget for the Fiscal Year Commencing July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, Making Appropriations for the Conduct of City of Huntington Park Government, Establishing Policies for the Administration of the Adopted Budget, and for other Budget Related Purposes
MOTION: [Continuation Item from June 16, 2025 regular City Council Meeting. We left off on the Parks and Recreation budget]. Councilmember Sanabria asked that some of the budget be brought down, items like the Holiday Parade. Youth Sports Supplies is also high because we have to redo the gymnasium floors every year. Supply money is used for equipment that we have to replace. For example, the Chalking, the soccer nets, and basketballs. All are items are regularly replaced. Finance director stated the Two-month delay for revenues. Mayor Flores wants to make a comment for salary and benefits. He want to provide parks and rec staff with decent living wages. Especially the full times. Issues with Part Timers, he wants to consider the increases. Non-Representatives staff doesn’t have individuals advocating for them. Councilmember Macias is opposed to the budget cuts for the Parks and Recreation Department because they do provide emergency food distribution and other social services that can be essential in cases of emergency. Councilmember Sanabria just wants us to serve more people in the community. Vice Mayor Martinez wants to recognize all the work that Parks and Recreation does despite their limited resources. Money allocated for commission is for stipends. Commission programming was set aside for about 35,000 dollars divided among all the commissions to develop programs. Day of the Dead event was removed. Martiz stated that she believes that we shouldn’t discourage community events to reallocate funding. The Police Department presented their presentation. Mayor Flores asked about Youth in PD program. It was dwindled during Covid; however, these explorers transfer as cadets, then become PSOs and Police Officers. 80% become HPPD Officers. A lot are local people.
Increase in Salary is because of the renegotiations that occurred. The Chief stated that a good percentage of OT is special events driven.
Such as the parade, 5K, etc. Grants are going away because they are having a sunset period. Professional Development has decreased in PD department because we are already providing the best training, and a lot of funded by state funds and grants so it isn’t part of the general fund.
Fleet maintenance dropped from 416K to 85K because fleet maintenance expense swapped from PD to Public Works. We are not refunded if we help other organizations due to the Mutual Aid Agreements with our neighboring cities. We are in MOU with the counties. Mutual Aid Agreements go both ways because a team of 60 patrolling 24 hours, 7 days a week. Certain cases are reimbursable, but most are not. There is some funding in this budget to swap old cars for a more modern fleet. Mayor Flores wanted the young officers to have some sort of financial literacy courses offered to them, especially right now. Martiz wants to know about the animal enforcement program and how it can be most effective and beneficial to the community. How much money are we spending on animal enforcement. PD Chief stated that they provide services and educational resources for individuals. Mayor wants to know about security for the restrooms. Public Works provided their budget. Vice Mayor Martinez stated that we need to fix lights at parks, and cross walk. Pacific Boulevard could also use more street maintenance. Is it possible to have this in the upcoming year. City Manager stated we do have a good amount of funding for pacific for security, parking, and waste management. New Landscaping PSA will assist with the Vice Mayor’s concerns. Part of the contact with SLA will be cleaning Pacific Boulevard at 3 in the morning, allocation to the creation of parking, and pressure washing bus stations. Will be hiring staff for weekend operations. Public Works director doesn’t want to replace damages at Chelsea Park, instead he would want to replace them. Mayor stated he still wants to fix it to show community that the city does care. Councilmember Sanabria and Mayor Flores brought up concerns regarding Dial A Ride. It’s incredibly expensive, we own everything, and the bus drivers are not being paid nearly what we pay for the services. This cost is nearly criminal what we are paying.
Councilmember Macias mentioned her concerns regarding the liability, infrastructure, and capacity that we don’t have removing this program.
However, she believes it is a good opportunity to explore.
Councilmember Sanabria says that it costs 45-90 per person per ride.
He also has concerns for people connected to DES. The person in charge of the Dial-A-Ride program is the same individual connected to the DA investigation. Mayor Flores states that we should look into the program if individuals connected are involved. Dial-A-Ride you cannot reduce amount. Non-Departmental Budget was then explained.
Councilmember Martiz mentioned flexibility and budget to join an SELA mutual fund for class action lawsuit against the constitutional violations occurring at the moment. @11:25pm Vice Mayor Martinez left for an early flight the next morning. Mayor Flores voiced a couple concerns regarding CIP funding. Cyber Security concerns. Mayor requested that the council chamber remodel the project be placed on hold while we find funds. New Job positions presentation was presented afterwards.
Councilmember Sanabria motioned to adopt the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Budget with all the express recommendations from City Council. And get a report by the next meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Martiz. The motion was carried by majority consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Martiz, Sanabria, and Mayor Flores NOES: Council Member(s): Macias
ABSENT: Vice Mayor Martinez
CLOSED SESSION
The council went into close session at 11:44pm
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Government Code §§ 54956.9(d)(2)
One (1) potential matter
Council returned from Closed Session 12:01am
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
The council discussed the anticipated litigation and no action was taken. Council member Sanabria was recused from that closed session.
PUBLIC HEARING(S)
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
1. PUBLIC HEARING FOR CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON PARK’S 5-YEAR 2025-2029 CONSOLIDATED PLAN (CON PLAN) AND FIRST YEAR 2025-2026 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN (AAP)
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Conduct a public hearing; and
2. Take public testimony; and
3. Request that any City Councilmember suggesting funding changes among the noted Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs, provide direction from the dais regarding the ConPlan and AAP; and
4. Adopt the 2025-2029 Con Plan and adopt the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026 AAP – Option 1; and
5. Authorize City Manager to adjust funding to projects and programs to reflect FY 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Partnerships Investments (HOME) entitlement allocations announcements from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) to the 2025-2029 ConPlan and 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan prior to submission; and
6. Authorize City Manager to execute all required documents for transmittal to HUD by the due date of Thursday, July 15, 2025; and
7. Amend the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget in accordance with the approved Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan.
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria voiced concerns about what was delivered and what was asked. Councilmember Martiz motioned to approve the item. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Macias. The motion was carried by majority consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Macias, Martiz, and Mayor Flores NOES: Council Member(s): NA
ABSTAIN: Council Member(s): Sanabria
ABSENT: Vice Mayor Martinez
2. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON PARK’S
REPAYMENT AGREEMENT
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Conduct a public hearing; and
2. Take public testimony; and
3. Approve the repayment agreement; and
4. Authorize the Mayor to execute the CDBG Repayment Agreement; and
5. Authorize the City Manager to execute all required documents for transmittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD).
MOTION: Councilmember Martiz motion to approve the repayment agreement; and Authorize the Mayor to execute the CDBG Repayment Agreement; and.
Authorize the City Manager to execute all required documents for transmittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD). The motion was seconded by Councilmember Sanabria
AYES: Council Member(s): Macias, Martiz, Sanabria, and Mayor Flores NOES: Council Member(s): NA
ABSENT: Vice Mayor Martinez
FINANCE
3. CONSIDERATION AND REVIEW OF DELINQUENT REFUSE CHARGES PURSUANT TO SECTION 6-2.112 OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON PARK’S MUNICIPAL CODE (172.54 REFUSE COLLECTION FEES)
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Conduct a Public Hearing; and
2. Take public testimony; and
3. Review Valley Vista’s list of Delinquent Accounts; and
4. Inform the property owners that they have until the second Council meeting in July to pay the delinquent billings before the resolution is presented to place on the County Tax Rolls.
Public Comment Opened: 12:24am
Public Comment Closed: 12:24am
5. MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria motion to Inform the property owners that they have until the second Council meeting in July to pay the delinquent billings before the resolution is presented to place on the County Tax Rolls. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Martiz. The motion was carried by majority consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Macias, Martiz, Sanabria, and Mayor Flores NOES: Council Member(s): NA
ABSENT: Vice Mayor Martinez
SUBSENQUENT ITEM
1. COUNCILMEMBER APPOINTMENTS TO THE VARIOUS COMMITTEES.
Notices:
• Marylin Sanabria has resigned from the Los Angeles County Vector. • Councilmember Sanabria would like to make a change to the Southeast Gateway Line Corridor City Committee. He would like to motion for the board member to be Councilmember Martiz. The motion was seconded by Mayor Flores.
Councilmember Macias votes No; Councilmember Martiz; Sanabria; and Mayor Flores voted yes.
• Mayor Flores motioned to nominate Councilmember Sanabria to the Los Angeles Vector Control. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Martiz.
Councilmember Macias; Martiz; Sanabria; and Mayor Flores voted yes. Motion carried by majority consent.
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
Parks: summer tutoring beginning July 7th and signups are still available. We have 5 spaces left out of 48.
Community Development: have a homeownership event later on in the day at 10am.
Communications: Fireworks Flyer regarding the 5,000 fine and the hotline. Fairhousing workshop in July. PD has communication out about the body camera for individuals who have any questions.
Finance: Water bill address is changing. We will have a new lockbox for processing water bills. Thank you, team, for your collaboration on the budget.
Police: The hotline is an anonymous number. Thanked the finance director for all their work on budget. Thank Mayor for adopting the immigration enforcement ordinance.
Ensuring our residents are safe.
City Manager: Thanks to everyone for all their hard work. Thank staff for putting all these documents together. Official response to these incidents.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Maggie Valenzuela: Actions regarding Ordinance 2025-06.
Wendy Miranda : Actions regarding Ordinance 2025-06.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Macias: Thank you and have a good night.
Councilmember Martiz: Thank you for hanging on here. Its easier as a council member than he staff. Staff have put in a lot of work. She was happy to see her requests and concerns are being addressed in the budget. Thank you all for their hard work and extend gratitude to staff for their hard work. Have a good night! Councilmember Sanabria: Its been a long night. As we debated the budget. Very excited for next year. Thank you to Jeff for helping so much with the budget. As we move through these uncertain times we should look at the services we are providing. If we can reallocate funding during these uncertain times to help out the community.
Vice Mayor Martinez: None
Mayor Flores: Did send the City Manager another Ordinance. It will be presented at the next council meeting. Providing basic protections for the journalists. It will allow journalists to not fall under the curfew or abuse, so long as they are falling within the capacity of reason. He is very humbled and honored to be the mayor. Especially with budget and conversation that was presented tonight. Especially with the discourse that has been happening within the past eight months or so. Wants the City Manager to call for a retreat to discuss the vision for the City of Huntington Park. We still have a vision for the City, and its growth. While simultaneously dealing with all the curveballs that were coming out way. Tomorrow morning tell your staff thank you for all the work you have done.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Mayor Flores adjourned 12:42am. The next regularly scheduled city council meeting is set to be held on Monday, July 7th, 2025 @6pm.
Respectfully submitted
Eduardo Sarmiento, City Clerk