Minutes
Lakewood City Council
Regular Meeting held
May 12, 2026
MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Chase in the Council Chambers at the Civic Center, 5000 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, California.
INVOCATION was offered by Chaplain Rick Gillett
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Lakewood Station Explorer Post 804 and Lakewood Sheriff’s Station Captain Dan Holguin in honor of Sergeant Theo Gekas 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) announced that the meeting would be adjourned in memory of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Theo Gekas who grew up in Lakewood and served the City with dedication for many years; 2) reported on her attendance at the a) El Comienzo Luncheon, where scholarship recipients from the Pan American Association and Rotary Club of Lakewood were honored; b) Pan Am Fiesta at Mayfair Park; and c) Bloomfield Park for its school-aged playground dedication; 3) invited residents to join the Memorial Day event to be held on May 25, 2026, at the Lakewood Veterans Memorial Plaza at Del Valle Park; and 4) recognized Lakewood resident, Dr. Shanetta Weatherspoon, on her appointment as a Los Angeles County Commissioner on the Rental Housing Oversight Commission.
Council Member Rogers 1) noted the tremendous loss of Sergeant Gekas who knew Lakewood inside and out and had a profound personal impact on his family; 2) highlighted the ongoing work to address “youth bike mobs” in the city and holding those who break the law accountable; 3) stated the recent traffic calming measures a) were a direct response to years of resident concerns and traffic data; b) are pilot projects to collect data and learn from; and c) should be given a chance to study how they work to increase street safety; 4) reported community concerns regarding the Hoover Middle School transition which will cause it to double in size, further noting that the City would work with Long Beach Unified School District to address traffic and other concerns; and 5) thanked staff for addressing an issue on Pimenta Avenue.
Council Member Arellano 1) stated that Sergeant Gekas was a great person who will be missed; 2) recognized the Public Works department for their hard work on the traffic calming measures and asked the community for patience as the measures were studied; and 3) reported on his attendance at Lakewood High School baseball Coach Spud O’Neil’s last game, further thanking him for his years of dedication to Lakewood.
City Council Minutes
May 12, 2026
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS - Continued
Council Member Croft 1) gave his condolences to Sergeant Gekas’ family and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; and 2) shared that Sergeant Gekas was resilient and never gave up on solving an issue, further noting that he would be missed by many in the community.
Vice Mayor Wood 1) also gave his condolencesto Sergeant Gekas’ family and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; 2) noted that the traffic calming measures were generating various comments and concernsthatshould be sent to the city and asked the public for patience; 3) reported on his attendance at the Southern California Association of Governments Regional Council and General Assembly Meetings; and 4) congratulated Mayor Chase for being selected by the National Foundation for Women Legislators as the 2026 Elected Woman of Excellence.
For the record, Mayor Chase introduced Dr. Olga Rios, ABC Unified School District Trustee, who provided a verbal district update report.
At the request of Council Member Rogers, Council Member Arellano and Vice Mayor Wood, Dr. Rios and Artesia High School Principal Sergio Garcia 1) confirmed that the Surplus Advisory Committee was recently formed due to school consolidation resulting from declining enrollment; 2) highlighted that staff ensure that every Artesia High School student applies to college, for financial aid, and has a pathway after graduation if they decide not to attend college; and 3) stated that there would be Lakewood representation on the Surplus Advisory Committee.
For the record, Mayor Chase introduced Sarah Comfort, Iacoboni Library Manager, who provided a verbal report of library events and programs including 1) the One Book, One Coast shared community reading program; and 2) paper crane folding for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May.
. . .
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS IN THE AGENDA - None
. . .
ROUTINE ITEMS:
It was moved by Council Member Arellano, seconded by Council Member Croft, 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 Meeting held April 28, 2026 RI-2 Approval of Personnel Transactions
RI-3 Approval of Registers of Demands
RI-4 Approval of Meeting Reports and Authorizations Pursuant to AB1234 City Council Minutes
May 12, 2026
ROUTINE ITEMS - Continued
RI-5 Approval of Special Event Permit for Public Display of Fireworks - Artesia High School RI-6 Approval of Resolution No. 2026-12; Amending Resolution No. 2024-25 Pertaining to Employee Benefits and the Classification and Compensation of City Officers and Employees, and Establishing Employee Benefits, Defining the Conditions and Hours of Employment, and Adopting a Classification and Compensation Plan for City Officers and Employees
RI-7 Approval of Changes in the Right of Way
RI-8 Approval of Procurement of Microsoft Office 365 Software Subscriptions . . .
1.1 • COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ACTION PLAN FISCAL YEAR 2026- 2027
Deputy City Attorney Skolnik introduced the item.
Director of Community Development Cervantes provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Agenda report and City Manager McCormack added that staff will recommend supplementing the Facade Improvement Program with general fund monies during budget considerations.
In response to inquiries from Vice Mayor Wood, Director Cervantes and City Manager McCormack 1) clarified that Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding limited the scope of “facade” improvements to include a) signage replacement; b) painting of a building, including stucco or siding; and c) landscaping if it was a small portion of the overall improvements; 2) explained that there would be a marketing campaign so businesses could learn about the program; and 3) assured that staff would provide progress reports.
For the record, Council Member Arellano noted the Facade Improvement Program was a great opportunity for businesses to take advantage of and requested photograph updates.
Following discussion, Mayor Chase opened the public hearing at 8:23 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 8:23 p.m.
For the record, it was moved by Council Member Croft, seconded by Council Member Arellano, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to approve the FY 2026-2027 Action Plan, and authorize the City Manager to direct staff to submit to HUD the approved Action Plan along with the required CDBG certifications:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS – Wood, Croft, Arellano, Rogers, and Mayor Chase . . .
City Council Minutes
May 12, 2026
3.1 • APPROVAL OF PURCHASE OF NEW COMMUNICATION RADIOS FOR SKY
KNIGHT HELICOPTERS
Mayor Chase introduced the item.
Director of Public Safety Yordt provided a verbal report of the Agenda report and City Manager McCormack 1) commended Director Yordt for identifying Citizens’ Option for Public Safety (COPS) grants to offset general fund monies for the radios purchase; 2) noted that the Sky Knight Program is a source of pride for the community and embodies the City’s commitment to make Lakewood as safe as possible; and 3) reported that the City of Cerritos will continue to be a partner of the Sky Knight Program.
For the record, Council Member Rogers 1) expressed gratitude for the Sky Knight Program, noting that deputies were also grateful for the resource; 2) assured that he would work to keep the program going as long as possible; and 3) noted that drones could not replace the human element of observers in helicopters.
In response to inquiries from Vice Mayor Wood, Director Yordt and City Manager McCormack 1) noted that cost sharing for the radios would be based on the contract terms with the partnering cities of the Sky Knight Program; and 2) explained that the current radios would be disposed of since they have no value.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Rogers, seconded by Vice Mayor Wood, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to 1) direct the Director of Finance & Administrative Services to appropriate $169,000 of available State COPS moniesin the approved FY 2025-26 budget; and 2) approve the purchase and installation of Technisonic TDFM-9000 radios and related equipment from Hangar One Avionics of Carlsbad in the amount of $226,495, and authorize the City Manager to sign all necessary documents:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS – Wood, Croft, Arellano, Rogers, and Mayor Chase . . .
LAKEWOOD HOUSING SUCCESSOR AGENCY
1 • REGISTER OF DEMANDS
It was moved by Vice Mayor Wood, seconded by Council Member Arellano, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to approve the register of demands:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS – Wood, Croft, Arellano, Rogers, and Mayor Chase . . .
Mayor Chase recognized and presented flowers to Assistant City Clerk Schultz for her work as Acting City Clerk since late February.
. . .
City Council Minutes
May 12, 2026
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
Estela Martinez, resident, spoke regarding the new roundabouts in her neighborhood, stating the opinion that the City should have notified nearby residents and provided greater education of the roundabouts before installing them.
In response to the comments provided by Estela Martinez, Mayor Chase suggested she speak with Public Works Director Pickler.
Philip Norris, resident, 1) shared that he was in favor of the new traffic calming roundabouts; 2) suggested other areas for traffic calming measures; and 3) inquired about filling vacant businesses quickly and parking enforcement.
. . .
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be brought before the City Council, Mayor Chase adjourned the meeting at 8:44 p.m. to Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Executive Board Room.
A moment of silence was observed in memory of Sergeant Theo Gekas.
Respectfully submitted,
Isabelle Schultz, CMC
Assistant City Clerk