Minutes
Lakewood City Council
Regular Meeting held
February 24, 2026
MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER at 7:31 p.m. by Mayor Chase in the Council Chambers at the Civic Center, 5000 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, California.
INVOCATION was offered by Father Mina Ghebrial, Christ the Redeemer American Coptic Orthodox Church
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Scouting America Cub Scout Pack 247 ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Mayor Cassandra Chase
Vice Mayor Jeff Wood
Council Member David Arellano
Council Member Steve Croft
Council Member Todd Rogers
. . .
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS:
Mayor Chase 1) thanked City staff for organizing the Lakewood Youth Hall of Fame banquet held on Monday, February 23, 2026. and congratulated the athletes who represented the City of Lakewood; and 2) announced that the 35th Annual Lakewood Run will be held on March 7, 2026, and encouraged participation from members of the community.
Council Member Rogers reported on his attendance to the Arrow of Light presentation held by Scouting America Cub Scout Pack 134, further thanking the community and volunteers for hosting the event and creating a positive space for children in the community.
Council Member Arellano 1) reported on his attendance to the presentation held by Scouting America Cub Scout Pack 134 relative to City government; 2) congratulated the Mayor on the recognition provided by Los Angeles County Board Supervisor Janice Hahn; 3) highlighted that he was recently sworn in as a member of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Community Board which is composed of community members and elected officials with the goal of improving transportation within the County; 4) thanked City staff for their efforts during the storm that recently occurred; and 5) stated that he has heard the concerns of residents relative to the public safety concerns in the vicinity of the Los Coyotes Diagonal, further stating that citations have been issued and the City is actively working to alleviate the concerns.
Vice Mayor Wood 1) congratulated the Mayor on the recognition provided by Los Angeles County Board Supervisor Janice Hahn; and 2) reported on his attendance to the a) Lakewood Youth Hall of Fame banquet; b) ABC Unified School District’s 19th Annual Spelling Bee; c) Lakewood Pan American Association Raising Cane’s Fundraiser; d) California Contract Cities Association Executive Board Meeting; and e) Unity Ice Academy’s synchronized team competition.
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City Council Minutes
February 24, 2026
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS IN THE AGENDA - None
. . .
ROUTINE ITEMS:
It was moved by Council Member Croft, seconded by Council Member Arellano, and carried unanimously by the following roll call vote, to approve the balance of the actions stipulated on the Routine Items:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS – Wood, Croft, Arellano, Rogers, and Mayor Chase RI-1 Approval of Minutes of the Meetings held January 13, February 7, and February 10, 2026 RI-2 Approval of Personnel Transactions
RI-3 Approval of Registers of Demands
RI-4 Approval of City Council Committees’ Activities
RI-5 Approval of Monthly Report of Investment Transactions - January 2026 RI-6 Approval of On-Call Professional Services Agreement with Mladen Buntich Construction Company RI-7 Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-8 – Adopting fees for the Recovery of Overhead Costs Associated with the Processing of Wireless Telecommunication Related Permits . . .
1.1 • INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2026-2; AMENDING THE
LAKEWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE TO CREATE A TEMPORARY SPECIAL EVENT
PERMIT (TSEP)
Deputy City Attorney Skolnik introduced the item.
Community Development Director Cervantes 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Agenda report; and 2) responded to Council Members’ questions and comments along with Deputy City Attorney Skolnik and City Manager McCormack.
At the request of Council Member Rogers and Council Member Arellano relative to current enforcement, 1) Director Cervantes a) explained that if a special event is held within the City, staff determines if there is an existing entitlement or conditional use permit that allows for the event to be held, further noting that if an entitlement or conditional use permit does not exist, a citation is issued to the property owner; b) confirmed that the first citation issued is in the amount of $100.00; however, if the matter is not resolved, the City can criminally prosecute the property owner and/or individual hosting the event; c) stated that the current process that allows for a special event permit is not codified, further explaining that the proposed Ordinance would set forth the standards for the application review in addition to encouraging economic development; and 2) Deputy City Attorney Skolnik confirmed that the City has a permit process in place for events held at car washes.
City Council Minutes
February 24, 2026
1.1 • INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2026-2 - Continued
For the record, Vice Mayor Wood 1) expressed the opinion that the monetary amount of $100.00 for the first citation is relatively low, further suggesting that the City consider increasing the amount in the future for greater compliance; 2) requested that the regulations of the proposed Ordinance be made readily available on the website; and 3) questioned if noise level restrictions and standards relative to canopies and chairs should be included in the proposed Ordinance.
In response to questions and comments provided by Vice Mayor Wood, 1) Director Cervates confirmed that the City follows the building and fire code standards set forth by the State of California and County of Los Angeles; however, the City can implement additional conditions and restrictions relative to noise restrictions, waste disposal, and the use of canopies and chairs in each Special Event Permit; 2) Deputy City Attorney Skolnik clarified that the City adopts the State of California and County of Los Angeles codes, reiterating that the City can add conditions to Special Event Permits that require greater compliance with applicable regulations and laws, further stating that if the municipal code is violated, a property owner and/or individual can be criminally prosecuted; and 3) City Manager McCormack explained that the intent of the proposed Ordinance is to spur economic development but also allows the City to assess and have discretion over the events being held within the City.
Following discussion, Mayor Chase opened the public hearing at 8:12 p.m. and called for anyone in the audience wishing to address the City Council on the matter.
There being no one in the audience wishing to address the City Council on the matter, Mayor Chase closed the public hearing at 8:12 p.m.
For the record, ORDINANCE NO. 2026-2; AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD AMENDING THE LAKEWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE TO CREATE A TEMPORARY SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT (TSEP) was read by title by Assistant City Clerk Schultz.
For the record, it was moved by Vice Mayor Wood, seconded by Council Member Croft, and carried unanimously by the following roll call vote, to 1) waive further reading; 2) introduce Ordinance No. 2026-2; and 3) approve the associated California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Categorical Exemption, based on Section 15061.(b).(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, as amended:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS – Wood, Croft, Arellano, Rogers, and Mayor Chase . . .
1.2 • INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2026-3; AMENDING ARTICLE IX OF THE LAKEWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD PART 24 PERTAINING TO
STANDARDS FOR SHORT-TERM WASTE STORAGE ON PRIVATE PROPERTY Deputy City Attorney Skolnik introduced the item.
Community Development Director Cervantes 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Agenda report; and 2) responded to Council Members’ questions and comments along with City Manager McCormack.
City Council Minutes
February 24, 2026
1.2 • INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2026-3 - Continued
For the record,1) Council Member Croft expressed the opinion that the proposed Ordinance will assist with the illegal dumping and homeless encampments occurring within the City, further recommending that applicable businesses implement the standards as soon as possible instead of waiting five years as currently written; 2) Council Member Rogers requested clarification on if the proposed Ordinance sets forth standards for commercial and residential properties or commercial properties only; and 3) Council Member Arellano a) questioned if the proposed Ordinance sets forth standards for single-family and multi-family residences, further noting that page 4 of the proposed Ordinance details regulations for trash cart storage, which is only appliable to single-family and multi-family residences; and b) explained that residents have expressed concerns relative to citations being issued by the City for the storage of trash carts on the side of their residential property, further suggesting that the City clarify if this is allowed or in violation of the Lakewood Municipal Code.
In response to questions and comments provided by Council Member Rogers and Council Member Arellano, 1) Director Cervantes a) clarified that if improvements are conducted to a site, the site must be in compliance with the standards of the proposed Ordinance and would not be able to wait for the five year grace period; and b) stated that the proposed Ordinance is applicable to multi-family residences if they maintain trash bins but is not applicable to single-family residences as they do not maintain trash bins, they only maintain trash carts for curbside pickup; and 2) City Manager McCormack a) confirmed that the standards relative to single-family residences’ trash carts are set forth in the Lakewood Municipal Code; and b) clarified that trash carts must be out of the public view, further confirming that per the current standards, if trash carts are maintained in the public view, a property owner can be cited accordingly.
Following discussion, Mayor Chase opened the public hearing at 8:21 p.m. and called for anyone in the audience wishing to address the City Council on the matter.
Philip Norris, resident, suggested the City review the Ordinance relative to the standards for single-family trash cart storage.
Following discussion, Mayor Chase closed the public hearing at 8:23 p.m.
For the record, ORDINANCE NO. 2026-3; AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD AMENDING ARTICLE IX OF THE LAKEWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD PART 24 PERTAINING TO STANDARDS FOR SHORTTERM WASTE STORAGE ON PRIVATE PROPERTY was read by title by Assistant City Clerk Schultz.
For the record, it was moved by Council Member Croft, seconded by Vice Mayor Wood, and carried unanimously by the following roll call vote, to 1) waive further reading; 2) introduce Ordinance No. 2026-3; and 3) approve the associated California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Categorical Exemption, based on Section 15061.(b).(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, as amended:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS – Wood, Croft, Arellano, Rogers, and Mayor Chase . . .
City Council Minutes
February 24, 2026
3.1 • PREVIEW OF 2026 EARTH WALK EVENT
Mayor Chase introduced the item.
Director of Recreation and Community Services Frost provided a verbal report of the Agenda report.
For the record, and without objection, the report was received and filed. . . .
3.2 • PALO VERDE AVENUE – PAVING AND TRAFFIC CALMING CHANGE ORDER
Mayor Chase introduced the item.
Director of Public Works Pickler 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Agenda report; and 2) responded to Council Members’ questions and comments.
For the record, 1) Council Member Croft a) stated that he is on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Committee and the CIP Committee recommended the City Council approve the proposed recommendation; and b) explained that traffic calming measures to alleviate the concerns of residents is a priority, expressing the opinion that the proposed pilot project on Palo Verde Avenue is an excellent way of achieving this; 2) Vice Mayor Wood requested a) clarification on how the effectiveness of the proposed pilot project will be evaluated; and b) the findings of the proposed pilot project be brought back to the City Council for consideration at a later date; 3) Council Member Rogers stated that the City must follow the State of California traffic regulations, expressing the opinion that implementing traffic measures to alleviate traffic concerns is a priority of the City Council and the proposed project is meant to assist with that; and 4) Council Member Arellano inquired how long a) the temporary roundabout will take to construct; and b) the pilot project is expected to be in effect before it is brought back to the City Council for consideration of permanent placement.
In response to questions and comments provided by Vice Mayor Wood and Council Member Arellano, Director Pickler 1) confirmed that the City Council authorized the use of a mobile traffic monitoring device which will be placed at the subject location to determine the effectiveness of the proposed temporary roundabout, noting that the findings will be brought back to the City Council for future consideration; 2) the subject location will be fully repaved and the temporary roundabout will be placed on top of the new pavement, further confirming that it will take approximately six months to construct the temporary roundabout and will be studied for six months thereafter.
For the record, Vice Mayor Wood expressed concerns relative to the lack of lighting and visibility of the temporary roundabout.
City Council Minutes
February 24, 2026
3.2 • PALO VERDE AVENUE - Continued
Following brief discussion, Director Pickler 1) clarified that the lighting in the subject area was considered and the proposed temporary roundabout will have reflective delineators for visibility; and 2) explained that the Public Works Department is currently working on updating the local road safety plan to determine priority locations within the City based on collisions and accidents.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Croft, seconded by Council Member Arellano, and carried unanimously by the following roll call vote, to 1) increase the Measure R project budget by $1,865,489 from Measure R available fund balance; 2) increase the Measure M project budget by $2,414,088 from Measure M available fund balance; and 3) authorize staff to approve a change order with Hardy and Harper, Inc. for the inclusion of Palo Verde Avenue into the project scope in the amount of $2,534,619:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS – Wood, Croft, Arellano, Rogers, and Mayor Chase . . .
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
Jason Perkins for Nilea Boles, resident, provided details relative to a non-profit named Core Buddies that provides services to individuals with autism and noted that he would be happy to work with the City to promote autism awareness and provide services to the community.
In response to the comments provided by Jason Perkins, Mayor Chase suggested he speak with Deputy City Manager Beltran.
Phillip Norris, resident, provided comments relative to 1) parking citation reports; 2) an incident on Los Coyotes Diagonal; 3) business licenses for food vendors; 4) Lakewood Equestrian Center rain pools; 5) a freeway exit in the City; 6) the City’s fund balance of investments; and 6) his support for Flock cameras.
For the record, the following individuals addressed the City Council relative to their concerns regarding the use of Flock cameras and the presence and actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the City and throughout the Country:
1) Kimberly Esslinger; 2) Irene Wood; 3) Kay Ewing Donato; 4) Kathy Davis; 5) Maegan Moo; 6) Tyler Lewis; 7) Simone Venhardt; and 8) Pam Woody. . . .
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be brought before the City Council, Mayor Chase adjourned the meeting at 9:16 p.m. to Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Respectfully submitted,
Isabelle Schultz, CMC
Assistant City Clerk