CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the
City of Huntington Park City Council
Monday, July 7, 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 Monday, July 7, 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 Sanabria
PRESENTATION(S)
1. PRESENTATION OF AVILA SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIEPIANTS
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following people/ person provided public content:
+
1. Victor Caballero
2. Olivia Fernandez- Support Ordinance 2025-06
3. Julio Gomez- Support Sanctuary Ordinance
4. Connie Imarel
5. Jose Nauarro
6. Jas
7. Rodolfo Cruz
8. Estrella Garrido Arena- Support Ordinance 2025-06
9. Francisco Garrido Arena- Support Ordinance 2025-06
10.Anahi Cruz- Garment Worker Center
11.Carlos Amador
12.Andres Knownaclo
13.Max Clara
14.Rosario Gonzalez
15.Michelle Zuno
16.Sean Wakasa
17.Wendy Sanchez
18.Zugmini Vasquez
19.Erika Cervantes- Alliance for a Better Community Nancy meza
20.Sandra B
21.Clarrissa- Resident of SELA
22.Danny Gonzalez- Los Angeles LGBT Center
23.Janet Solarsoro
24.Francisco Romero
25.Adrian M. Gonzalez
26.Jane Doe
27.Ana Maria
28.Maria De Los Angeles
29.Policy Center- Add to ordinance, ban companies from sharing resident information
30.Ramon
31.Emanuel Carrera
32.Omar
33.Alyssa Gomez
34.Omar Pichardo
35.Marlene Gonzalez
36.Yesenia
37.Stephanie Clara
38.Annani
39.Mathew
STAFF RESPONSE
Mayor Flores requested we pull Consent Item #2: Titled SECOND READING OF HUNTINGOTN PARK SANCTUARY CITY ORDINANCE NO. 2025-06 ESTABLISHING
PROCEDURES FOR MUNICIPAL INTERACTIONS WITH FEDERAL AGENCIES RELATED TO IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT. The motion was approved.
CM: Individuals who came up regarding budget cuts.
Council entered into Closed Session 8:04pm.
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Government Code §§ 54956.9(d)(2)
One (1) potential matter
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS Regarding Represented Employees - Government Code § 54957.6
City’s Representatives: Ricardo Reyes, City Manager
Employee Organization: General Employee Association (GEA)
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Council Returned from Closed Session 8:48pm
Items were discussed and action was taken.
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. Special City Council Meeting held June 25, 2025
FINANCE
2. CHECK REGISTERS
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Approve Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrant(s) dated July 7, 2025
3. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON PARK’S STATEMENT OF INVESTMENT POLICY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Adopt a Resolution adopting the City’s Statement of Investment Policy for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
4. REJECT BIDS RECEIVED THROUGH THE PLANETBIDS' REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL ("RFP") VENDOR PORTAL FOR COMPREHENSIVE PARKING OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES, RFP NO. CD 2025-01
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Reject the bids received for RFP No. CD 2025-01; and
2. Authorize staff to modify the project scope of work in conformance with all applicable requirements for posted an amended RFP; and
3. Authorize staff to re-advertise the RFP through Planet Bids.
PUBLIC WORKS
5. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO AWARD A CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT CONTRACT FOR CIP 2023-01 SB1 STREET ENHANCEMENT
PROJECT
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Award the contract to Aneen Construction Inc. for the construction of CIP 2023- 01 SB1 Street Enhancement Project as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder for a not to exceed $1,795,506.59 payable from Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair Accountability Act of 2017.
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
REGULAR AGENDA
CITY MANAGER
1. SECOND READING OF HUNTINGTON PARK SANCTUARY CITY ORDINANCE NO. 2025-06 ESTABLISHING PROCEDURES FOR MUNICIPAL INTERACTIONS
WITH FEDERAL AGENCIES RELATED TO IMMIGRAITON ENFORCEMENT IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Waive full reading and adopt Huntington Park Sanctuary City Ordinance No. 2025- 06 by title.
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria made a point of Order, that we should really consider continuing as is and if we would like to make any changes we push back. For now, we keep as it. Mayor Flores thanked everyone who came out to advocate and gave a special shout out to Councilmember Sanabria who advocated diligently for this.
Councilmember Sanabria motioned to waive full reading and adopt Huntington Park Sanctuary City Ordinance No. 2025-06 by title. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Macias. The motion was carried by unanimous vote.
AYES: Council Member(s): Martiz, Sanabria, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Flores.
NOES: Council Member(s): None
ABSTAIN: Council Member(s): Macias
CITY MANAGER
2. RATIFICATION AND APPROVAL OF COMMUNITY IMPACT AD HOC COMMITTEE AND APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS TO SUPPORT “HP WITH YOU”
COMMUNITY RESILIENCE PILOT INITIATIVE
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Adopt a Resolution ratifying and affirming the creation of the Community Impact Ad Hoc Committee as established by the Mayor; and
2. Approve the appropriation and allocation of $150,000 to implement the "HP With You" pilot initiative, in accordance with the City's purchasing policies and procedures; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to take all necessary actions to carry out the intent of the City Council, including executing any related agreements and administering the program.
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria motioned to adopt a resolution ratifying and affirming the creation of the community impact AD Hoc Committee as established by the Mayor; and Approve the appropriation and allocation of $150,000 to implement the "HP With You" pilot initiative, in accordance with the City's purchasing policies and procedures; and Authorize the City Manager to take all necessary actions to carry out the intent of the City Council, including executing any related agreements and administering the program. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Martinez.
The motion was carried by unanimous vote.
AYES: Council Member(s): Macias, Martiz, Sanabria, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Flores
NOES: Council Member(s): NA
3. FIRST READING AND INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2025-09
AFFIRMING PRESS FREEDOM AND PROTECTING MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA
DURING CURFEWS AND DECLARATIONS OF UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Introduce for first reading of Ordinance No. 2025-09, an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Huntington Park affirming press freedom and protecting members of the media during curfews and declarations of unlawful assembly.
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria motioned to Introduce for first reading of Ordinance No. 2025-09, an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Huntington Park affirming press freedom and protecting members of the media during curfews and declarations of unlawful assembly.
Councilmember Sanabria also thanked Mayor Flores for bringing up this issue and addressing it. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Martiz. The motion was carried by unanimous vote.
AYES: Council Member(s): Macias, Martiz, Sanabria, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Flores
NOES: Council Member(s): NA
4. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2025-08 – REVISION OF CHAPTER 11
OF THE HUNTINGTON PARK MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING CITY
COMMISSIONS
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Review and discuss the proposed amendments to Chapter 11 of the Huntington Park Municipal Code regarding City Commissions.
MOTION: Councilmember Macias addressed her concerns regarding the changes from the 2015 Ordinance change. She mentions how this ordinance goes back to how they were appointed before 2013 mayor appoints, and councilmembers appoints, majority agrees and individuals move forward. Keep in mind, this ordinance won’t allow undocumented individuals to serve on committees. Sanabria added a friendly amendment to change the word citizen to resident. Councilmember Sanabria motioned to Introduce for first reading of Ordinance No. 2025- 09, an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Huntington Park affirming press freedom and protecting members of the media during curfews and declarations of unlawful assembly. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Martiz. The motion was carried by Majority vote.
AYES: Council Member(s): Martiz, Sanabria, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Flores
NOES: Council Member(s): Macias
5. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2025-07 – ESTABLISHING ARTICLE 5, CHAPTER 5, TITLE 6 OF THE HUNTINGTON PARK MUNICIPAL CODE
REGARDING PROTECTION OF PUBLIC WATER RIGHTS
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Review and discuss the proposed establishment of Article 5, Chapter 5, Title 6 of the Huntington Park Municipal Code regarding Protection of Public Water Rights.
MOTION: Councilmember Macias spoke about the concerns she had regarding section 4. Councilmember Macias does not want to sell the water rights but is open to leasing the water rights. City Attorney said that we will be selling the water, not the water rights or water pump. We will sell the water for 3 years, not sell the water rights. However, for this to even be implemented it would be the measure that needs to happen! Simple Majority would need to be required, and we would need to implement as a measure for the upcoming ballot.
AYES: Council Member(s): Macias, Martiz, Sanabria, Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Flores
NOES: Council Member(s): NA
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 Flores
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 Flores
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 Flores
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