20250701
825-04
MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETINGS
NORWALK CITY COUNCIL
NORWALK, CALIFORNIA
JULY 1, 2025
CLOSED SESSION MEETING
Mayor Ayala called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Norwalk City Hall, 12700 Norwalk Boulevard, Norwalk, California. Responding to roll call were Councilmembers Ramirez, Rios, and Valencia, Vice Mayor Perez, and Mayor Ayala. Also present were Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager; Arnold M. Alvarez-Glasman, City Attorney; and Theresa Devoy, City Clerk.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR CLOSED SESSION MATTERS
There were no persons wishing to address City Council on the matters to be discussed in closed session.
CLOSED SESSION
City Council immediately convened to closed session for discussion on the following matters:
I. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §54956.9(d)(1) – State of California vs. City of Norwalk, Case No. 24STCP03551.
II. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §54956.9(d)(2) – Significant exposure to litigation in one case.
III. PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §54957.6; CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR. Negotiating on behalf of the City: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager; regarding negotiations with the Norwalk City Employees Association.
IV. PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §54957.6; CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR. Negotiating on behalf of the City: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager; regarding negotiations with the Norwalk Association of Management Employees.
V. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §54956.8: Property: Property Address 12158 Firestone Blvd. (Front Street property); Negotiating Parties: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager, on behalf of the City and Arturo Sneider, Primestor Development Inc.; Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
July 1, 2025
2 RECESS
City Council recessed at 6:16 p.m. pending the commencement of the regular meeting.
REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Ayala called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Norwalk City Hall, 12700 Norwalk Boulevard, Norwalk, California. Responding to roll call were Councilmembers Ramirez, Rios, and Valencia, Vice Mayor Perez, and Mayor Ayala. Also present were Jesus M. Gomez , City Manager ; Arnold M. Alvarez , City Attorney; and Theresa Devoy, City Clerk.
The invocation was delivered by Manny Free, Hope City Church ; followed by the flag salute, led by Daniella Mercado, Edmondson Lampton Elementary School.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
The City Attorney rectified Item No. II G overnmental Code to reflect as 54956.9( d)(4).
The City Attorney indicated there was no reportable action taken on the matters discussed in closed session.
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Rios reported on her attendance at the Norwalk Business Chamber Coffee and Conversation where she met with various businesses; and was invited to be a judge at the Lakeside Middle School S TEM Program Science Presentation.
Councilmember Valencia congratulated the Norwalk Girls Fast Pitch for making it to the Finals and wished them good luck in Sacramento; invited community members to attend the 4
th of July Celebration as well as other s ummer activities hosted by the C ity. Vice Mayor Perez congratulated the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce on their 102 nd anniversary and Installation Gala; reported on her attendance at: a Legislative Committee meeting; Board meeting for Coast Plaza Hospital , mentioning that they are looking for nurses; Los Angeles County Committee of Regional Homeless Announce Initiatives; shared that the Norwalk Now Newsletter has been distributed; recognized the Parks and Recreation department for Parks and Recreation month; and wished everyone a Happy 4th of July.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
City Council proclaimed July as Parks and Recreation Month in the City of Norwalk.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
July 1, 2025
3 CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Mr. Gomez made a statement on the recent I.C.E Raids and shared available resources such as free Legal Aid, Know your Rights Information, and Food pantry.
Mr. Gomez invited the community to attend summer activities hosted throughout the community.
Danielle Duarte, Account Clerk III , gave a presentation on the new DocuPet Dog Licensing Program.
A video was shared highlighting the “Bi-Weekly Review.”
CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent calendar items are considered routine matters which may be enacted by one motion and roll call vote. Vice Mayor Perez moved and Councilmember Valencia seconded to approve consent calendar as recommended. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ramirez, Rios, and Valencia, Vice Mayor Perez , and Mayor Ayala
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
WAIVE READING IN FULL OF ALL ORDINANCES ON THE AGENDA - City Council waived reading in full of all ordinances on the agenda and declared that said titles which appear on the public agenda shall be determined to have been read by title and further reading waived.
MEETING MINUTES
City Council approved the minutes of the meetings of June 17, 2025. 825-04
PAYROLL FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 8, 2025 – JUNE 21, 2025
City Council approve d gross payroll in the amount of $ 1,336,515.21; the payroll check Nos. 38417 – 38433 and the voucher Nos. 346741 – 347332, in the total net amount of $1,013,975.63 for the payroll period June 8, 2025 – June 21, 2025. 630
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
July 1, 2025
4 COMMERCIAL DEMANDS
City Council approved the warrant register period June 11, 2025 through June 23, 2025, in the total amount of $3,355,528.60. 640
PLANNING COMMISSION SYNOPSIS - JUNE 25, 2025
No action was taken. 320
ORDINANCE NO. 25 -1757 - AMENDING NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE SECTIONS
6.16.030 AND 6.16.040 TO UPDATE RENEWAL TERMS FOR DOG LICENSES
City Council adopted Ordinance No. 25- 1757, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWALK AMENDING NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE SECTIONS 6.16.030 AND
6.16.040 TO UPDATE RENEWAL TERMS FOR DOG LICENSES.
612
AGREEMENT FOR ROOM 15 FURNITURE/DESIGN SERVICES
City Council approved an a greement with Sierra School Equipment Company in an amount not to exceed $63,500; and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement and any related documents or amendments, provided there is funding in the budget, and it is within City Manager’s signing authority, on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
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PROJECT NO. 7872 - ACCEPTANCE OF WORK FOR TRANSPORTATION CENTER
AND SOCIAL SERVICES PARKING LOT RESURFACING
City Council accepted the work of All American Asphalt, Inc., in the amount of $497,960.50, for Project No. 7872, Transportation Center and Social Services Parking Lot Resurfacing
. 1005-04-7872
APPOINTMENTS
ADVISORY BODY APPOINTMENTS
None.
200
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
July 1, 2025
5 REPORTS
AWARD OF CONTRACT – CONTINUED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING
SERVICES
Alex Hamilton, Interim Director of Community Development, provided a report alongside Ken K. Hira, President, and Fernando Sanchez, Vice President , both from Kosmont Companies. City Council discussion ensued with Councilmember Rios expressing concern with the role Kosmont plays in helping the City of Norwalk’s economic development; requested that Kosmont be present at City Council Meetings for quarterly report discussions. Councilmember Ramirez thanked Kosmont and expressed concern with marketing properties that are not owned by the City ; discussed agreement services also being provided to the Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District Public Financing Authority (EIDF). Vice Mayor Perez thanked Kosmont and mentioned the valuable resources they provide. At the conclusion of discussion, Vice Mayor Perez moved and Councilmember Valencia seconded to award a contract to Kosmont Companies for continued economic development consulting services for a three-year term in an amount not to exceed $100,000 each year; and authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement and any amendments provided there is funding in the budget, and i t is within the City Manager’s signing authority, on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ramirez, Rios, and Valencia, Vice Mayor Perez , and Mayor Ayala
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
HEART OF NORWALK SPECIFIC PLAN UPDATE
Carlos Rojas, Senior Planner , alongside Phil Burns, Principal with the Arroyo Group , provided a report on t he Heart of Norwalk Draft Specific Plan and provide d feedback.
Addressing City Council on this item were Lisa Vernola Salas, Brian Tindall, and Daniel Moreno. City Council discussion ensued with Councilmember Ramirez expressing concern about the feasibility of the proposed plan. Vice Mayor Perez requested outreach to business owners , a realistic approach be presented at the August meeting, and recommended staff review that could potentially limit future developments.
Councilmember Rios expressed concern with the feasibility of the proposed plan. Mayor Ayala requested a historical timeline of all the communication engagements made regarding the Heart of Norwalk. The report was received and filed.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
July 1, 2025
6 ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Addressing City Council were Uris, Art, Andrew Gutierrez, Jesse Flores, Chris Garcia, Brian Tindall, Vanessa Luna-Perez, Evelyn Nuno, Irma Ramos, and Community Member No 1.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:21 p.m.
____________________________
THERESA DEVOY, CMC
CITY CLERK
ATTEST:
____________________________
TONY AYALA
MAYOR