Tuesday Meeting of the
City of Huntington Park City Council
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Huntington Park, California was called to order at 6:05 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 6550 Miles Avenue, Huntington Park, California; Mayor Arturo Flores presiding.
PRESENT: Council Member(s): Macias, Martiz, Sanabria (arrived 6:10pm), Vice Mayor Martinez, and Mayor Flores
ABSENT: None
CITY OFFICIALS/STAFF: City Manager Ricardo Reyes; Eduardo Sarmiento City Clerk; Louis Morales Interim Community Development Director; Cosme Lozano Chief of Police; Jeff Jones Finance Director, Gerardo “Gerry” Lopez Public Works Director, Cynthia Norzagaray Parks and Recreation Director; Andrew Sarega City Attorney.
INVOCATION
Invocation led by Mayor Flores
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pledge of Allegiance led by Vice Mayor Martinez.
PRESENTATION(S)
1. ANNUAL HOLIDAY DECORATION AWARD WINNERS RECOGNITION
2. ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARADE SPONSOR RECOGNITIONS
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following people/ person provided public content:
1. Yesenia Soria
2. Rodolfo Cruz
3. Dr. David Sanchez
4. Alma Felan- Mother of Ana Rodriguez
5. Felipe Cardona Reyes
6. Mike Cordona
7. Mike Welsh
8. Martin Nunez
9. Walt Rodriguez
10.Valentin Amezquita
11.Boldomero Capiz- Spoke about Ice raids in Downey
12.Carlosca- Apoke on Positive effect of switching to districts. Cheaper for the individual to run.
PUBLIC COMMENTS- VIA ZOOM
The following people/ person provided public content via zoom:
1. Mario Doe
6:20pm:
Mayor Flores stated the following:
Over the past year the City of Huntington Park has endured extraordinary strain. Our community has witnessed City Hall raids, corruption investigations, intense federal security and immigration enforcement actions that has spread fear among families simply trying to live and work in peace. These events have tested public the trust and placed immense pressure on our city. Through it all my purpose has been clear, to stand with our residents. When others hesitated, I spoke, when it was uncomfortable, I acted, I fought for the most vulnerable because leadership demands courage. And as mayor that responsibility was not optional. As a military veteran, I know that real fights require discipline, clarity, and accountability. I accepted this role believing we could help Huntington Park turn the page and move forward from past scandals. I believe we could rebuild integrity and restore confidence in this institution. But I have also learned that real reform is difficult. When systems resist transparency, and when narratives are being manipulated. At the same time, those same powers are now attempting a recall effort that threatens to further divide our community and distract from the work our residents need done. Defending against a recall is not a side issue, but a serious fight that requires full attention, independence, and focus. For that reason, I am resigning as mayor effective immediately. This decision is not a retreat it is strategic choice. Stepping aside from Mayors chair, allows me to focus on defending against a recall, setting the record straight, and continue to advocate for the residents of Huntington Park without constraints of ceremonial or internal obstruction. I pass the gavel to Vice Mayor and wish him strength and clarity in his role. He understands the weight of the chair and the pressures that come with it. Let me be clear. I am not stepping away from my city or my people. I am stepping into the next phase of the fight one grounded in truth, accountability, and transparency. I remain committed to that work, now with full focus and resolve. With that being said, Vice Mayor the chair is yours.
Vice Mayor Martinez became the chair of the City Council meeting. Mayor Flores becomes councilmember Flores.
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 December 23, 2025
FINANCE
2. WARRANT REGISTERS
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Approve Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrant(s) dated January 7, 2026 MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria motioned to approve the consent calendar.
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Martiz.
Councilmember Macias abstained from voting for the motion. The motion was carried by majority vote.
AYES: Council Member(s): Martiz, Sanabria, Flores, and Vice Mayor Martinez
NOES: Council Member(s): None
ABSTAIN: Council Member(s): Macias
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
PUBLIC HEARING(S)
CITY MANANGER
1. PUBLIC HEARING – PRESENTATION OF THE SECOND SET OF DRAFT MAPS
FOR THE TRANSITION TO A BY-DISTRICT ELECTION SYSTEM AND
CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION TRANSITIONING FROM AN AT-LARGE
ELECTION SYSTEM TO A BY-DISTRICT ELECTION SYSTEM
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Conduct a public hearing regarding the second round of draft maps that have been submitted for consideration; and
2. Solicit input from the community regarding the draft maps that have been submitted; and
3. Select a map from the submitted entries; and
4. Approve Resolution 2026-01 adopting by-district elections.
Public Hearing Opened: 7:22pm
1. Rodolfo Cruz
2. Maria Covarubias
3. Valentin Amezquita
Public Hearing Closed: 7:35pm
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria motioned to move deadline for map submission to 1/16/2026. The motion was seconded by
Councilmember Flores. The motion was carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Macias, Martiz, Sanabria, Flores, and Vice Mayor Martinez.
NOES: Council Member(s): None
ABSTAIN: Council Member(s): None
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
2. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HUNTINGTON PARK ESTABLISHING NEW REGISTRATION FEES FOR
RENTAL UNITS PURSUANT TO THE CITY’S RENT STABILIZATION AND
TENANT EVICTION PROTECTIONS ORDINANCE
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Conduct a public hearing and take public testimony regarding a Resolution establishing new registration fees for rental units pursuant to the City’s Rent Stabilization and Tenant Eviction Protections Ordinance and take public testimony; and
2. Adopt a Resolution establishing new registration fees for rental units pursuant to the City’s Rent Stabilization and Tenant Eviction Protections Ordinance.
Public Hearing Opened: 8:03pm
1. Valentin Amezquita
2. Carlos Cordova
3. Rodolfo Cruz
4. John Doe
5. John Doe
6. Maria Corvarubias
7. Jane Doe
Public Hearing Closed: 8:24pm
MOTION: Councilmember Flores motioned to adopt a resolution establishing new registration fees for rental units pursuant to the City’s Rent Stabilization and Tenant Eviction Protections Ordinance. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Sanabria. Councilmember Macias opposed the motion. The motion was carried by majority vote.
AYES: Council Member(s): Martiz, Sanabria, Flores, and Vice Mayor Martinez
NOES: Council Member(s): Macias
END OF PUBLIC HEARING(S)
VICE MAYOR MARTINEZ motioned for a recess 8:53pm
Returned from recess 9:03pm
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
CITY MANANGER
1. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE 2026-01 AMENDING TITLE 2, CHAPTER 9,
TITLED MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS, OF THE HUNTINGTON PARK MUNICIPAL CODE
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Adopt Ordinance 2026-01 amending Title 2, Chapter 9 of the Huntington Park Municipal Code.
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria motioned Adopt Ordinance 2026-01 amending Title 2, Chapter 9 of the Huntington Park Municipal Code.
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores. Councilmember Macias opposed the motion.
AYES: Council Member(s): Martiz, Sanabria, Flores, Vice Mayor Martinez.
NOES: Council Member(s): Macias
2. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE 2026-02 AMENDING TITLE 6, CHAPTER 1,
TITLED ANIMALS, INSECTS, AND FOWL, OF THE HUNTINGTON PARK
MUNICIPAL CODE
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Adopt Ordinance 2026-02 amending Title 6, Chapter 1 of the Huntington Park Municipal Code.
MOTION: Councilmember Flores motioned to Adopt Ordinance 2026-02 amending Title 6, Chapter 1 of the Huntington Park Municipal Code.
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Martiz. The motion was carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Macias, Martiz, Sanabria, Flores, and Vice Mayor Martinez.
NOES: Council Member(s):
3. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE 2026-03 AMENDING TITLE 3, CHAPTER 1, ARTICLE 18 TITLED PEDDLERS AND SIDEWALK VENDORS, OF THE
HUNTINGTON PARK MUNICIPAL CODE
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Adopt Ordinance 2026-03 amending Title 3, Chapter 1, Article 18 of the Huntington Park Municipal Code.
MOTION: Councilmember Flores motioned to Adopt Ordinance 2026-02 amending Title 6, Chapter 1 of the Huntington Park Municipal Code.
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Martiz. The motion was carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Macias, Martiz, Sanabria, Flores, and Vice Mayor Martinez.
NOES: Council Member(s): None
END OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
STUDY SESSION
1. None
END OF STUDY SESSION
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
POLICE DEPARTMENT
1. TRANSPARENT REVIEW OF UNJUST TRANSFERS AND HOLDS (TRUTH) ACT
COMMUNITY FORUM
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Pursuant to Government Code section 7283.1, present this item as a Community Form to inform members of the public of access to individuals granted to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency by the Huntington Park Police Department during calendar year 2024; and
2. Receive and file this report.
MOTION: Receive and File. No need to vote.
2. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO REJECT THE SOLE PROPOSAL FOR
POLICE TOWING SERVICES AND AUTHORIZE THE READVERTISEMENT OF
THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Reject the sole proposal received in response to the RFP for Police Towing Services; and
2. Authorize staff to readvertise the RFP through the PlanetBids platform to attract additional qualified vendors and promote competitive bidding.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Martinez recused himself for this item. Vice Mayor Martinez motioned to have Councilmember Sanabria chair the meeting for this item.
MOTION #1: Councilmember Martiz motioned to reject the sole proposal received in response to the RFP for Police Towing Services, and Authorize staff to readvertise the RFP through the Planet Bids platform to attract additional qualified vendors and promote competitive bidding. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Sanabria. The motion dies.
AYES: Council Member(s): Martiz, and Sanabria
NOES: Council Member(s): Macias, and Flores
ABSTAIN: Vice Mayor Martinez
MOTION #2: Councilmember Flores motioned to award to sole bidder Mr. C’s & City Manager to execute the contract. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Macias. The motion dies.
AYES: Council Member(s): Macias, and Flores
NOES: Council Member(s): Martiz, and Sanabria
ABSTAIN: Vice Mayor Martinez
MOTION #3: Councilmember Sanabria motioned to continue this Item at the next City Council Meeting on 1/27/2026. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Martiz. The motion was carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Macias, Martiz, Sanabria, and Flores NOES: Council Member(s): None
ABSTAIN: Vice Mayor Martinez
3. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO ACCEPT REIMBURSABLE GRANT FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $140,000 FROM THE STATE HOMELAND SECURITY PROGRAM (SHSP) GRANT YEAR 2023, AND TO APPROVE THE
SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
AND THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON PARK, INCLUDING AUTHORIZATION TO
UTILIZE THESE FUNDS FOR THE PURCHASE OF A SPECIALIZED
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT VEHICLE AND PORTABLE ANTI-VEHICLE
BARRIERS
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Accept the reimbursable grant funding in the amount of $140,000.00; and
2. Approve a budget appropriation in the amount of $140,000.00 for the purchase of a specialized emergency management vehicle and portable anti-vehicle barriers for the police department; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to be designated as the Grantee Official for the purpose of executing grant objectives, grant agreement, and documentation; and
4. Authorize the Chief of Police to purchase the equipment.
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria motioned to Approve a budget appropriation in the amount of $140,000.00 for the purchase of a specialized emergency management vehicle and portable anti-vehicle barriers for the police department; and Authorize the City Manager to be designated as the Grantee Official for the purpose of executing grant objectives, grant agreement, and documentation; and Authorize the Chief of Police to purchase the equipment. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Macias. The motion was carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Macias, Martiz, Sanabria, Flores, and Vice Mayor Martinez
NOES: Council Member(s): None
COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS
4. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH THE MERINO GROUP TO PROVIDE CRISIS
COMMUNICATION, AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE SERVICES
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Approve the award of a Professional Services Agreement to the Merino Group to provide crisis communication, and emergency response services; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate final terms and execute Professional Services Agreement.
MOTION: Councilmember Flores motioned to approve the award of a Professional Services Agreement to the Merino Group to provide crisis communication, and emergency response services; and authorize the City Manager to negotiate final terms and execute Professional Services Agreement. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Martinez. Councilmember Macias opposed the motion. The motion was carried by majority vote.
AYES: Council Member(s): Martiz, Sanabria, Flores, and Vice Mayor Martinez
NOES: Council Member(s): Macias
5. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO AWARD A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT TO BLUE ICON COMMUNICATIONS TO PROVIDE PUBLIC
INFORMATION OFFICER, PUBLIC AFFAIRS SUPPORT, AND OUTREACH
STRATEGIC PLANNING SERVICES
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Approve award of a Professional Services Agreement to Blue Icon Communications to provide public information officer, public affairs support, and outreach strategic planning services; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate final terms and execute professional services agreement.
MOTION: Councilmember Flores motioned to Approve award of a Professional Services Agreement to Blue Icon Communications to provide public information officer, public affairs support, and outreach strategic planning services; and Authorize the City Manager to negotiate final terms and execute professional services agreement. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Sanabria.
Councilmember Macias opposed the motion. The motion passed by majority vote.
AYES: Council Member(s): Martiz, Sanabria, Flores, and Vice Mayor Martinez
NOES: Council Member(s): Macias
6. CONSIDERATION AND DIRECTION TO REPROGRAM COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE (CDBG-CV) FUNDS
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Provide direction on desired uses for unallocated CDBG and CDBG-CV funds; and
2. Authorize staff to begin Substantial Amendment process Councilmember Flores stepped away during the Item.
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria motioned to Provide direction on desired uses for unallocated CDBG and CDBG-CV funds; and Authorize staff to begin Substantial Amendment process. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Martiz. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Martiz. Councilmember Flores had stepped away from the dias. The motion was carried by majority vote.
AYES: Council Member(s): Macias, Martiz, Sanabria, Flores, and Vice Mayor Martinez
NOES: Council Member(s): None
ABSTAIN: Council Member(s): Flores
7. CONSIDERATION AND AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE THE FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2026-2027 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) AND
HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM (HOME) NOTICE OF
FUNDING AVAILABILITY (NOFA)
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Authorize City Manager to execute all documents for transmittal of the FY 2026- 2027 NOFA.
MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria motioned to Authorize City Manager to execute all documents for transmittal of the FY 2026-2027 NOFA. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Martiz. Councilmember Flores had stepped away from the dias.
The motion was carried by majority vote.
AYES: Council Member(s): Macias, Martiz, Sanabria, Flores, and Vice Mayor Martinez
NOES: Council Member(s): None
ABSTAIN: Council Member(s): Flores
END OF REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
Finance: Happy New Years. No Items to report.
City Manager: Happy New Years!
City Attorney: Happy New Years!
Police: Happy New Years! Nothing to report
Parks and Recreation: We will be having senior food pantry on Thursday 1/15/26 @1pm at HPPC. Happy New Years
Community Development: Happy New Years! Our ongoing Housing Project on 61st and State Street are moving ahead as scheduled. Roof Sheeting and Roof plumbing is already finished. We are moving forward with plumbing and aiming to finish the project by July or August of this year. Also, Pilot Mix Use overlay at North Pacific overlay zone we are looking at the designs now. We are targeting March or April date to go forward with planning commission to ask for the overlay. Aiming to finish both at the same time, so we can show commission and come to council with the project.
Public Works: We have been out in the field doing pothole repairs. We have probably dropped about two tons of asphalt filling in the potholes. We are still on it, continuing doing repairs. Happy New Years!
City Clerk: Happy New Years! We got zoom traffic tonight and will continue with helpful communication with the public.
Communication: Wants to provide translation through zoom. On the 16th it is the deadline for residents to put tree outside their property by valley vista. On the 21st we have out homeless count. We will invite people from round table. They go over certain areas that are more effective. We will have on the 31st another Spay and Neuter event.
We only have a certain number of spots. We have a community cleanup scheduled for January 24th but will be moving back to February 7th. We are having a HP with you research fair on February 19th. We will invite all the nonprofits to be part of the fair to provide information and services to residents.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Angelica Garcia- Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC) Mark Medrano- Alliance Building Solutions Concerns
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Martiz: Looks forward to investing more in the parks thank you all and Happy New Year!
Councilmember Macias: Thank you and have a good night!
Councilmember Sanabria: Happy New Year! Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! We haven’t seen each other for a minute. Thank you to Council Member Flores for all the work he did, and leadership that he showed during the ICE raids and everything that the community has gone through. He stood up when people from other communities did not.
He showed what that kind of leadership could be. City Manager to revitalize commerce on Pacific, commerce changes. People now purchase goods on Amazon. A great thing that communities have done is doing night markets or events to bring people out to those spaces.
Vice Mayor Martinez: Thank you for making sure we’re all here and safe. Wants to properly recognize the Mayor at the next meeting.
CLOSED SESSION
Councilmembers entered closed session @10:52pm.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Case Name: Esmerelda Castillo v. City of Huntington Park, et al.
Case No.: 25STCV05179 (Los Angeles County Superior Court – Stanley Mosk Courthouse, Dept. 12)
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2) and (e)(1)
Four (4) potential matters
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Council Members met in closed session to discuss existing litigation and anticipated litigation. No reportable action was taken.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Mayor Flores adjourned 11:28pm. The next regular city council meeting is set to be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 @6pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Eduardo Sarmiento, City Clerk