20251202
825-04
MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETINGS
NORWALK CITY COUNCIL
NORWALK, CALIFORNIA
DECEMBER 2, 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. Councilmembers Ramirez and Rios, Vice Mayor Perez, and Mayor Ayala responded to roll call. Councilmember Valencia was absent. 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) – Significant exposure to litigation in two cases.
II. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §54956.8, Assessor Parcel Numbers 8047- 006-924 and 8047-006-925 (The Walk Project); Negotiating on behalf of the City: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager; Negotiating Party: Primestor; Under Ne gotiation: Price and Terms of Payment.
RECESS
City Council recessed at 5:58 p.m. pending the commencement of the regular meeting.
REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Ayala called the meeting to order at 6:08 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Norwalk City Hall, 12700 Norwalk Boulevard, Norwalk, California. Councilmembers Ramirez and Rios, Vice Mayor Perez, and Mayor Ayala responded to roll call. Councilmember Valencia was absent . Also present were Jesus M. Gomez , City Manager ; Arnold M. Alvarez - Glasman, City Attorney; and Theresa Devoy, City Clerk.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
December 2, 2025
2 The invocation was delivered by Pastor Samuel Kim, Covenant Mission Church; followed by the flag salute, led by Vice Mayor Perez.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
The City Attorney indicated there was no reportable action taken on the matters discussed in closed session. He reported on a public hearing which will be reflected in Item No. 13.
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Rios reported on her attendance at the Community Thanksgiving Lunch event, the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce Small Business Saturday “Coffee & Treat” event; encouraged residents to shop small in Norwalk ; and wished everyone a safe holiday season. Vice Mayor Perez thanked all staff and volunteers who made the Senior Thanksgiving luncheon a success; reported on her attendance at Assemblywomen Blanca Pacheco’s Operation Gobbler Turkey Giveaway event; shared that City newsletters were distributed and announced the Holiday Festival & T ree Lighting Ceremony at Norwalk Park, on December 6 is highlighted in the Norwalk Now, with the Santa Sleigh scheduled stops throughout the City ; and encouraged residents to participate in the Holiday Home and Business Decor Contest.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
None.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Mr. Gomez shared community resource information for immigration concerns . Allan Perdomo, Director of Recreation and Park Services, provided a Park Master Plan update and presented a video. Addressing City Council were Virginia Alvarado, Michelle Viberos, Patti Delgadillo who also translated for M aria Sanchez and Bavdelis Delgadillo, Yvonne Mayorga, Marisa Contreras, Anthony Tabares regarding the Hermosillo Park project.
Rick Ramirez, President of the Norwalk Lions Club, presented a check donated on behalf of the Norwalk Lions Club to the Homeless Operation, Prevention, and E ngagement Team (HOPE), the Public Safety Cadets, and the Teen Alliance Program . A video w as 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. Councilmember Ramirez moved and Vice Mayor Perez seconded to approve the consent calendar as recommended. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
December 2, 2025
3 AYES: Councilmembers Ramirez and Rios, Vice Mayor Perez, and Mayor Ayala
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Valencia
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 18, 2025. 825-04
PAYROLL FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 26, 2025 – NOVEMBER 8, 2025
City Council approved gross payroll in the amount of $1,282,702.91; the payroll Check Nos. 38605 – 38611 and the Voucher Nos. 352219 – 352734, in the total net amount of $963,793.62 for the payroll period October 26, 2025 – November 8, 2025. 630
COMMERCIAL DEMANDS
City Council approved the warrant register period November 11, 2025 – November 24, 2025, in the total amount of $4,261,415.34.
640
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
City Council accepted for second reading by title only and adopted Ordinance No. 25- 1762. 305-01
PROJECT NO. 7196 - APPROVE CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER – RESOLUTION NO. 25-57 – BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR FIRESTONE BOULEVARD WIDENING
Addressing City Council was Brian Tindall. City Council:
a. adopted Resolution No. 25- 57, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF NORWALK AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2025/26 ADOPTED BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR FIRESTONE BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, in the amount of $8,105,444; b. authorized the City Manager to execute a Change Order with Reye’s Construction, Inc. in the amount of $9,167,940 to provide necessary safety improvements; Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
December 2, 2025
4 c. authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 to the agreement with Mark Thomas and Company, Inc., in the amount of $468,034, for design services; and d. authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 to the agreement with T.Y.
Lin International, in the amount of $419,280, for construction management and inspection services
. 610/1005-04-7196
INSTRUCTOR AGREEMENT AMENDMENT NO. 1 – YEAR-ROUND DANCE AND
GYMNASTICS CLASSES
City Council approved Amendment No. 1 to the Fiscal Year 2025/26 class instructor agreement with Kidz Talent Academy in the amount of $38,400; and authorized the City Manager to execute the amendment on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
420-01
RESOLUTION NO. 25 -62 - AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025/26 ADOPTED
BUDGET TO ADD FUNDS FOR THE HOUSING SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH
THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Addressing City Council were Andy U. and Brian Tindall. Council adopted Resolution No. 25-62, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2025/26 ADOPTED BUDGET
TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO ESTABLISH A NORWALK HOUSING TRUST FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $250,000.
610/815-05
APPOINTMENTS
ADVISORY BODY APPOINTMENTS
None.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
ORDINANCE NO. 25 -1764 - ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2025 -03 AMENDING
VARIOUS SECTIONS RELATING TO DEFINITONS, PARKING STANDARDS,
SPECIFIC USES IN COMMERCIAL AND/OR MANUFACTURING ZONES, EMERGENCY SHELTER AND LOW -BARRIER NAVIGATION CENTERS, R- 1 ZONE
PERMITTED USES, INSTITUTIONAL ZONE PERMITTED USES, AND THE LAND USE MATRIX; AND ADDING SECTION 17.04.500 RELATING TO MIXED- USE
DEVELOPMENT
Mayor Ayala opened the public hearing to consider Zoning T ext Amendment No. 2025-
03. The City Clerk presented a report on legal requisites for notice of hearing. A report was presented by Laura Stetson, Principal at Moore Lacofano Gotlsman. There being no Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
December 2, 2025
5 persons wishing to testify on the matter Mayor Ayala closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Ramirez moved and Vice Mayor Perez seconded to:
a. consider and find the Ordinance No. 25- 1764/Zoning Text Amendment No. 2025- 03 project exempt from California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to §15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption); and
b. introduce by title only Ordinance No. 25- 1764, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWALK, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO DEFINITONS,
PARKING STANDARDS, SPECIFIC USES IN COMMERCIAL AND/OR
MANUFACTURING ZONES, EMERGENCY SHELTER AND LOW -BARRIER NAVIGATION CENTERS, R -1 ZONE PERMITTED USES, INSTITUTIONAL ZONE PERMITTED USES, AND THE LAND USE MATRIX; AND ADDING SECTION
17.04.500 RELATING TO MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT, and schedule for adoption.
MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ramirez and Rios, Vice Mayor Perez, and Mayor Ayala
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Valencia
320-05
ORDINANCE NO. 25-1763 - ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2025-02 - TO AMEND TITLE 17 OF THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD LOT CONSOLIDATION INCENTIVES TO COMPLY WITH THE ADOPTED 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT-
Mayor Ayala opened the public hearing to consider Zoning Text Amendment No. 2025-
02. A report was presented by Gabriel Salazar, Senior Planner. There being no persons wishing to testify on the matter Mayor Ayala closed the public hearing. Vice Mayor Perez moved and Councilmember Rios seconded to:
a. introduce by title only Ordinance No. 25- 1763, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWALK AMENDING TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE
TO ADD LOT CONSOLIDATION INCENTIVES AND TO COMPLY WITH THE ADOPTED 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT, and schedule for adoption; and b. consider and f ind the project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines pursuant to Section 15061 (b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines in that it can be seen with certainty there is no possibility that the activity in question may have significant effect on the environment.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
December 2, 2025
6 MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ramirez and Rios, Vice Mayor Perez, and Mayor Ayala
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Valencia 320-05
RESOLUTION NO. 25 -58 – FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT STATE CLEARINGHOUSE NO. 2024040140 / RESOLUTION NO. 25 -59 – GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2025 -02 / RESOLUTION NO. 25 -60 – GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2025-03 / ORDINANCE NO. 25-1765 – ZONE CHANGE NO. 2025- 02 / ORDINANCE NO. 25 -1766 / ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2025 -04 TO ESTABLISH SPECIFIC PLAN AREA NO. 18, THE “HEART OF NORWALK SPECIFIC PLAN”
Mayor Ayala opened the public hearing to consider the Final Impact Report, Zone Change No. 2025-02, General Plan Amendment No. 2025- 03, Zone Change No. 2025- 02, and Zoning Text Amendment No. 2025-04. There being no persons wishing to testify on the matter Mayor Ayala closed the public hearing. A report was presented by Carlos Rojas, Senior Planner, Phil Burns, Managing Partner with Arroyo Group, and Jessica Kirchner, Chair Executive Officer and Managing Principal with Impact Sciences with Arroyo Group.
Councilmember Ramirez moved and Councilmember Rios seconded to:
a. adopt Resolution No. 25-58, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF NORWALK ADOPTING ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS PURSUANT TO THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT, CERTIFY THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (SCH #2024040140) FOR SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 18, TH E “HEART OF NORWALK,” APPROVE A MITIGATION MONITORING
AND REPORTING PROGRAM AND ADOPT A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS;
b. adopt Resolution No. 25-59, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2025-02 TO ADD
A SPECIFIC PLAN LAND USE DESIGNATION AND CHANGE SEVERAL LAND USE DESIGNATIONS OF THE PROJECT TO SPECIFIC PLAN;
c. adopt Resolution No. 25-60, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2025 -03 TO
AMEND THE GENERAL PLAN CIRCULATION ELEMENT TO RECLASSIFY SEVERAL STREET CLASSIFICATIONS WITHIN THE SPECIFIC PLAN AREA; d. introduce by title only Ordinance No. 25- 1765, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWALK ADOPTING ZONE CHANGE NO. 2025 -02 AMENDING SEVERAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS TO SPECIFIC PLAN AREA NO. 18 , and schedule for adoption; and
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
December 2, 2025
7 e. introduce by title only Ordinance No. 25- 1766, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWALK ADOPTING ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2025-04 ESTABLISHING THE SPECIFIC PLAN AREA NO. 18, THE “HEART OF NORWALK SPECIFIC PLAN”, and schedule for adoption.
MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ramirez and Rios, Vice Mayor Perez, and Mayor Ayala
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Valencia 320-02/320-05/320-09
CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 25 -54 – UPHOLDING AN APPEAL DENYING THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S DECISION TO ADOPT THE
RECIRCULATED INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION (STATE CLEARINGHOUSE NO. 2024101066) AND MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PLAN AND APPROVAL OF PRECISE DEVELOPMENT PLAN NO. 2023- 06 AT 14830 CARMENITA ROAD OR RESOLUTION NO. 25 -63 – UPHOLDING THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S DECISION TO APPROVE THE IDENTIFIED
DOCUMENTS
The City Attorney recommended given the significance and legal nature of the matter and considering not all Councilmembers were present that the Mayor open the public hearing for the purpose of continuing this item to January, 20, 2026. Mayor Ayala opened the Public Hearing to continue the matter to January 20, 2026. The City Clerk presented a report on legal requisites for notice of hearing indicating that a letter was submitted by Adams Broadwell Joseph & Cordozo, in opposition to the resolution. Councilmember Ramirez moved and Vice Mayor Perez seconded to continue the public hearing to January 20, 2026.
MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ramirez and Rios, Vice Mayor Perez, and Mayor Ayala
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Valencia
Mayor Ayala closed the public hearing.
320-04-2023-06
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
December 2, 2025
8 ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTIONS
PROJECT NO. 7246 – TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION PROGRAM –
APPROVAL OF COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF
NORWALK BOULEVARD, SAN ANTONIO DRIVE, AND PIONEER BOULEVARD TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION PROGRAM; ENGINEER’S REPORT NO. 25 - 23 – RESOLUTION NO. 25-61 - BUDGET AMENDMENT
Following a brief report provided by Run Chen, Principal Civil Engineer, and Mario Mera, Engineering Division Manager , Vice Mayor Perez moved and Councilmember Rios seconded to:
a. adopt Resolution No. 25-61, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2025/26
ADOPTED BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL
SYNCHRONIZATION PROGRAM PROJECT NO. 7246, in the amount of $ 398,600; and
b. approve the Cooperative Agreement with the County of Los Angeles regarding the implementation of the County’s Traffic Signal Synchronization Program in the amount of $389,600; and authorized the City Manager to execute the Cooperative Agreement and any amendments on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ramirez and Rios, Vice Mayor Perez, and Mayor Ayala
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Valencia
610/1005-04-7426
REPORTS
JANUARY 2026 MEETING SCHEDULE
Following a brief report provided by Jesus Gomez, City Manager, Vice Mayor Perez moved and Councilmember Ramirez seconded to hold one regularly scheduled meeting on January 20, 2026. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ramirez and Rios, Vice Mayor Perez, and Mayor Ayala
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Valencia 825
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
December 2, 2025
9 ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Addressing City Council were Caren Spilsbury, Andy U., Hasan, and Alicia Elias-Gamble.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:23.
____________________________
THERESA DEVOY, CMC
CITY CLERK
ATTEST:
____________________________
TONY AYALA
MAYOR