20251118
825-04
MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETINGS
NORWALK CITY COUNCIL
NORWALK, CALIFORNIA
NOVEMBER 18, 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 and Rios, Vice Mayor Perez , and Mayor Ayala.
Councilmember Valencia arrived after roll call. 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 – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §54956.9(d)(2) in one case.
RECESS
City Council recessed at 5:20 p.m. pending the commencement of the regular meeting.
REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Ayala called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Norwalk City Hall, 12700 Norwalk Boulevard, Norwalk, California. City Council was present in its entirety with Councilmembers Ramirez, Rios, and Valencia, Vice Mayor Perez, and Mayor Ayala responding to roll call . Also present were Jesus M. Gomez , City Manager ; Arnold M. Alvarez-Glasman, City Attorney; and Theresa Devoy, City Clerk.
The invocation was delivered by Manny Free, Hope City Church ; followed by the flag salute, led by Riley Ferguson, Waite Middle School.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
The City Attorney indicated there was no reportable action taken on the matters discussed in closed session.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 18, 2025
2 CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
City Council wished everyone a safe and h appy Thanksgiving. Councilmember Rios encouraged all to donate and support this holiday season; thanked Angeles Cerezo, Social Services Commissioner, who has made contributions to those in need within Norwalk, and requested residents impacted by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to reach out to the City. Councilmember Valencia reported on her attendance at the Veterans Day Ceremony and Kiwanis 605 Family Fun Night “Loteria Night.” Vice Mayor Perez reported on her attendance at the Homeless Task Force Meeting, thanked staff for all they do, and provided updates on Measure A; reported on her attendance at the Cerritos College Military Ball; shared that the Cerritos Culinary Arts Department is selling pies for the holidays; congratulated the new businesses that have opened in the City; highlighted the Residential Back -up Battery Program; and announced various events such as the Tree Lighting and S anta Sleigh. Mayor Ayala invited all to attend the Soroptimist International of Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs California Dreamin’ Holiday Gala, December 7, at the Norwalk Arts and Sports Complex, and shared proceeds will go to supporting women and children; and reported on his attendance at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies for Nothing Bundt Cakes and Dreamcatcher Community Resource Center.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
City Council recognized the following Norwalk High School students for designing and painting a utility box on Foster Road near Jersey : Valeria Badilla, Ivette Calvario, Lilyan Rendon, and Juan Sanchez.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Mr. Gomez introduced Rita Ruiz as the newly appointed Director of Public Safety. He announced that the Recreation and Park Services Department received the League of California Cities Helen Putnam Award presented by Nicholas Cabeza, Regional Public Affairs Manager at the League of California Cities.
Videos were shared highlighting Veterans Day 2025, the Weingart Rose housing development ribbon cutting ceremony , and the “Bi-Weekly” review. Mr. Gomez shared that the “Know Your Rights” Education Forums will be held on November 25, at the Social Services Center and on December 9, at the Senior Center; a food drive for those affected by ICE and homelessness at the Social Services Center, and thanked the community for their support.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 18, 2025
3 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 Ramirez seconded to approve the 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 November 4, 2025. 825-04
PAYROLL FOR THE PERIOD OCOBER 12, 2025 – OCTOBER 25, 2025
City Council approve d gross payroll in the amount of $1,223,684.43; the payroll check Nos. 38597 – 38604 and the Voucher Nos. 351704 – 352218, in the total net amount of $993,624.25 for the payroll period October 12, 2025 – October 31, 2025. 630
COMMERCIAL DEMANDS
City Council approved the warrant register period October 28, 2025 – November 10, 2025, in the total amount of $10,557,882.16.
640
PLANNING COMMISSION SYNOPSIS - NOVEMBER 12, 2025
No action was taken. 320
RESOLUTION NO. 25-55 - REPORTING OF THE EMPLOYER’S CONTRIBUTION FOR MANAGEMENT UNIT EMPLOYEES UNDER THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES’ MEDICAL
AND HOSPITAL CARE ACT
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 18, 2025
4 City Council adopted Resolution No. 25-55, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 24-65 AND FIXING
THE EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTION AT AN EQUAL AMOUNT FOR EMPLOYEES AND ANNUITANTS UNDER THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES’ MEDICAL AND HOSPITAL CARE ACT FOR MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES.
135-01-03
APPOINTMENTS
ADVISORY BODY APPOINTMENTS
There were no appointments made.
200
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ORDINANCE NO. 25 -1761 – ADOPTING THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING,
RESIDENTIAL, FIRE, WILDLAND -URBAN INTERFACE, PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL,
MECHANICAL, ENERGY, EXISTING BUILDING, AND GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS AND AMENDMENTS – RESOLUTION NO. 25 -53 MODIFYING THE
CALIFORNIA STANDARD CODES DUE TO LOCAL CLIMATIC, GEOLOGICAL OR TOPOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS – AMENDING THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE
Mayor Ayala opened the public hearing to consider the adoption of 2025 building codes.
The City Clerk presented a report on legal requisites for notice of hearing. Alex Hamilton, Interim Director of Community Development, provided a brief report. There being no persons wishing to speak o n this matter, Mayor Ayala closed the public hearing. City Councilmember Ramirez moved and Vice Mayor Perez seconded to:
a. adopt Ordinance No. 25- 1761, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWALK ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2025 EDITIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA
BUILDING, RESIDENTIAL, FIRE, WILDLAND -URBAN INTERFACE, PLUMBING,
ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL, ENERGY, EXISTING BUILDING, AND GREEN
BUILDING STANDARDS CODES AND RELATED MODEL CODES, WITH
APPENDICES AND AMENDMENTS THERETO; AND AMENDING THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE; and
b. adopt Resolution No. 25-53, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF NORWALK MAKING EXPRESS FINDINGS AND DETERMINATIONS THAT
MODIFICATIONS TO THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING, RESIDENTIAL, FIRE,
WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE, PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL,
EXISTING BUILDING, AND GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODES IN ORDINANCE NO. 25 -1761 ARE REASONABLY NECESSARY BECAUSE OF LOCAL CLIMATIC, GEOLOGICAL OR TOPOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 18, 2025
5 MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ramirez, Rios, and Valencia, Vice Mayor Perez, and Mayor Ayala
NOES: None
ABSENT: None 305-01
ORDINANCE NO. 25-1762 - ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2025-01 - AMENDING TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE UPDATING THE
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT ORDINANCE AND VARIOUS OTHER SECTIONS
RELATING TO RESIDENTIAL ZONING
Mayor Ayala opened the public hearing to consider finding Ordinance No. 25- 1762 exempt from California Environmental Quality Act and introduce Ordinance No. 25-1762.
The City Clerk presented a report on legal requisites for notice of hearing indicating that a letter was submitted by James M. Lloyd, CalHDF Director of Planning and Investigations, requesting changes to the ordinance. Nancy Lee, Development Services Manager, provided a report. There being no other persons wishing to speak in this matter, Mayor Ayala closed the public hearing. Vice Mayor Perez moved and Councilmember Ramirez seconded to:
a. consider and find the Ordinance No. 25- 1762/Zoning Text Amendment No. 2025- 01 project exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption); and
b. introduce by title only Ordinance No. 25- 1762, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWALK, AMENDING TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL
CODE UPDATING THE ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT ORDINANCE AND VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE, and schedule for adoption.
MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ramirez, Rios, and Valencia, Vice Mayor Perez, and Mayor Ayala
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
305-01
RESOLUTION NO. 25-54 - UPHOLDING THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S DECISION
TO ADOPT THE RECIRCULATED INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION (STATE CLEARING HOUSE NO. 2024101066) AND MITIGATION
MONITORING AND REPORTING PLAN AND APPROVE PRECISE DEVELOPMENT PLAN NO. 2023-06 AT 14830 CARMENITA ROAD
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 18, 2025
6 Mayor Ayala opened the public hearing to consider upholding the Planning Commission’s Decision to adopt the recirculated initial study/mitigated Negative Declaration and reporting plan and approve the P recise Development Plan No. 2023-06. The City Clerk presented a report on legal requisites for notice of hearing indicating that a letter was submitted by Alisha C. Pember, from Adams Broadwell Joseph & Cordozo, in opposition to the resolution. A report was provided by Mr. Hamilton. The following individuals spoke on the matter: testifying in favor of the appeal were Aidan Marhsall, Daniel Osborne, Godfrey Wachi ra, Veto Basuto, Brenda Campos, Juan Delara, and Kateleen Luna.
Applicants Legal Counsel Andrew Fogg from Cox, Castle, and Nicholson, spoke on the matter. Testifying in favor of upholding the Planning Commission’s d ecision to approve the plan was Eddie Rivera. Appellant Aidan Marshall, representing Creed LA Equitable Economic Development , provided a rebuttal. City Council discussion ensued with Councilmember Rios inquiring how many loading docks are within the property and traffic impacts. Megan Truman, from EPD Solutions, shared insight on the matter stating there would be an increase in trips, but no traffic impacts. Hashwa Basuli, from EPD Solutions, and Andrew Fogg from Cox, Castle, and Nicholson, stated that the impacts are within the Los Angeles County Guidelines. Mayor Ayala confirmed with Mr. Hamilton that the C ity is not relinquishing control of site use if they were to adopt the resolution . Vice Mayor Perez shared that the scale of the project has been reviewed thoroughly by the Planning Commission, and she supported their decision. There being no other persons wishing to testify on this matter, Mayor Ayala closed the public hearing. Councilmembers Ramirez and Rios and Mayor Ayala shared they would like more information on the matter.
Following clarification from the City Attorney regarding next steps, Councilmember Ramirez moved and Councilmember Rios seconded to reject the resolution and uphold the appeal; which will bring back the item on December 2, 2025. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ramirez, Rios, and Valencia, and Mayor Ayala NOES: Vice Mayor Perez
ABSENT: None 320-04-2023-06
REPORTS
RESOLUTION NO. 25-56 - BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR PROJECT NOS. 7359 AND 7607 - HERMOSILLO PARK GUARANTEED MAXIMUM PRICE AGREEMENT
Allan Perdomo, Director of Recreation and Park Services, provided a report. Vice Mayor Perez moved and Councilmember Rios seconded to:
a. adopt Resolution No. 25-56, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF NORWALK AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE ADOPTED FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 BUDGET INCREASING THE AMOUNT OF $10,404,164 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF HERMOSILLO PARK PROJECT; and
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
November 18, 2025
7 b. approve a Design- Build Agreement to establish a Guaranteed Maximum Price provided by Reyes Construction, Inc., in the amount of $49,631,712 for construction of the Hermosillo Park Project, Project Nos. 7359 and 7607; and authorized the City Manager to execute any future amendments, provided there is funding in the budget and it is within his 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 610/1005-04-7356/1005-04-7607
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Addressing City Council were Caren Spilsbury, Ernesto, Sara, Britney Spears, Austin, Andy U., Norwalk Resident #10, Norwalk Resident #22, Norwalk #67, and N.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:43 p.m.
____________________________
THERESA DEVOY, CMC
CITY CLERK
ATTEST:
____________________________
TONY AYALA
MAYOR