20260120
825-04
MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETINGS
NORWALK CITY COUNCIL
NORWALK, CALIFORNIA
JANUARY 20, 2026
CLOSED SESSION MEETING
Mayor Perez 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 Ayala and Ramirez, Vice Mayor Rios, and Mayor Perez; 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) – 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 Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment.
III. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §54956.8, a portion of Assessor Parcel Number 8024-024- 037 (property acquisition); Negotiating on behalf of the City: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager; Negotiating Party: Robert Scantlebury; Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment.
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 City Employees Association.
RECESS
City Council recessed at 5:42 p.m. pending the commencement of the regular meeting.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
January 20, 2026
2 REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Perez called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Norwalk City Hall, 12700 Norwalk Boulevard, Norwalk, California. City Council was present in its entirety with Councilmembers Ayala, Ramirez, and Valencia, Vice Mayor Rios, and Mayor Perez 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 Pastor Eddie Cuen, Trinity Lutheran Church; followed by the flag salute, led by Desiree Ibanez, Corvallis Middle School STEAM Academy.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
The City Attorney indicated there was no reportable action taken on the matters discussed in closed session.
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
City Council thanked the Communication and Public Affairs Public Services, Public Safety, Recreation and Park Services, and Social Services departments for all their efforts in making all the holiday events successful. Mayor Perez thanked the Santa Sleigh Foundation; reported on her attendance at the First Responders Toy Giveaway, Las Posadas, Senior Center’s 25th Anniversary, and the California Contract Cities Legislative Tour in early January, where she served as a moderator on the Housing panel, discussed various topics such as regional priorities and street racing, met with Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco and Senator Bob Archuleta, thanked colleagues and staff for their participation; and shared that City newsletters were distributed. Councilmember Ramirez shared that City Council may be reached by email, text messaging, and phone; announced that the Norwalk Lions Club will host a screening event for eye sight, diabetes, and hearing at Norwalk High School on February 21; shared that “Know Your Rights” workshops will be held at the Senior Center January 21 and at the Social Services Center January 22. Councilmember Valencia reported on her attendance at the California Contract Cities Legislative Tour, the 2026 Sports and Fitness Expo, and the Senior Center’s 25th Anniversary. Vice Mayor Rios wished all a happy new year; reported on her attendance at the California Contract Cities Legislative Tour, Las Posadas, and Frosty Art Retreat; requested Rita Ruiz, Director of Public Safety gather information regarding E-Bike regulations; and shared Northgate Market will be hosting a Liver screening Thursday, January 22.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
City Council recognized the Holiday window painting participants.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
January 20, 2026
3 City Council recognized the winners of the 2025-26 Recycling & Litter Prevention Calendar Art Contest.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Mr. Gomez introduced Evelyn Zhao, new Senior Human Resources Analyst; and encouraged residents to participate in the upcoming Homeless Count January 21 at the Social Services Center. He also expressed appreciation for the Seniors and the Senior Center. Caren Spilsbury, Executive Director of the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, provided a quarterly update. David Abasta, Managing Director at Primestor, and Salvador Franco, Consultant at Primestor provided an update on the Walk project. Videos were shared highlighting the Holidays in Norwalk 2025, Las Posadas Recap, and the “Bi- Weekly” Review. Mr. Gomez highlighted the upcoming “Know Your Rights” workshops with CHIRLA.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent calendar items are considered routine matters which may be enacted by one motion and roll call vote. Following comments on Item Nos. 17, 19, and 20 by Brian Tindall, Mayor Perez moved and Councilmember Valencia seconded to approve the consent calendar as recommended. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ayala, Ramirez, Valencia, and Vice Mayor Rios and Mayor Perez
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
MEETING MINUTES
City Council approved the minutes of the meeting of December 16, 2025.825-04 PAYROLL FOR THE PERIOD NOVEMBER 23, 2025 – DECEMBER 6, 2025 City Council approved gross payroll in the amount of $1,324,290.69; the payroll Check Nos. 38615 – 38618 and the Voucher Nos. 353247 – 353762 in the total net amount of $992,920.38 for the payroll period November 23, 2025 – December 6, 2025.630
COMMERCIAL DEMANDS
City Council approved the warrant register period December 9, 2025 – January 12, 2026, in the total amount of $7,937,571.77. 640
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
January 20, 2026
4 RESOLUTION NO. 26-01 - FACSIMILE SIGNATURES
City Council adopted Resolution No. 26-01, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF NORWALK AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING CERTAIN BANKS TO
HONOR ALL CHECKS, DRAFTS, AND WARRANTS WHEN BEARING CERTAIN
SIGNATURES AND FACSIMILE SIGNATURES OF CITY OFFICIALS AS DESIGNATED AND RESCINDING ALL CONFLICTING RESOLUTIONS.602
APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO VARIOUS AGENCIES
AND ADVISORY BODIES
City Council confirmed the nominations as presented. California Contract Cities Association - Delegate: Mayor Perez and Alternate: Vice Mayor Rios; California Joint Powers Insurance Authority - Delegate: Mayor Perez and Alternate: Councilmember Ramirez; Gateway Cities Council of Governments - Delegate: Vice Mayor Rios and Alternate: Mayor Perez; I-5 Consortium Cities - Boardmember: Councilmember Ramirez and Alternate: Mayor Perez; League of California Cities-Voting Delegate - Director: Mayor Perez and Alternate: Vice Mayor Rios; Southeast Area Animal Control Authority - Director: Councilmember Ayala and Alternate: Councilmember Ramirez: ;Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board - Boardmember: Councilmember Ayala and Alternate: Councilmember Ramirez; Southeast Water Coalition - Boardmember:
Councilmember Valencia and Alternate: Vice Mayor Rios; Southern California Association of Governments - Representative: Mayor Perez and Alternate: Vice Mayor Rios; State Route 91/I-605/405 Corridor JPA - Representative: Councilmember Ayala and Alternate: Councilmember Ramirez; Mayor Perez sits on the Chamber Board of Directors in an advisory capacity unless otherwise specified.
ADVISORY BODY CITY COUNCIL LIAISONS
Commission/Committee Councilmember Liaison
Art in Public Places Committee - Perez; Community Promotion Commission - Ramirez; Historical Heritage Commission - Perez; International Friendship Commission - Rios; Parks & Recreation Commission - Ayala; Public Safety Commission - Ayala; Senior Citizens Commission - Ayala; Social Services Commission - Ayala; Los Angeles County Fire Department - Valencia; Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department - Rios; Norwalk All-City Band - Ramirez 825-09
RESOLUTION NOS. 26-02 AND 26-03 – APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS OF THE CITY
COUNCIL TO THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CITY SELECTION
COMMITTEE/EASTERN REGION AND THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT NOS. 2 AND 18
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
January 20, 2026
5 City Council adopted:
a. Resolution No. 26-02, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK DESIGNATING MAYOR JENNIFER PEREZ AS THE CITY’S
REPRESENTATIVE AND VICE MAYOR MARGARITA L. RIOS AND
COUNCILMEMBERS TONY AYALA, RICK RAMIREZ, AND ANA VALENCIA AS
ALTERNATES FOR THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CITY SELECTION
COMMITTEE/EASTERN REGION; and
b. Resolution No. 26-03, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK RE-APPOINTING COUNCILMEMBER RICK RAMIREZ AS THE CITY’S ALTERNATE TO THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT NOS. 2 AND 18. 825-09
PROJECT NO. 7943 – AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR LOCAL STREET
REHABILITATION ZONE 13 - PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT SERVICES/RESOLUTION NO. 26-05 – BUDGET AMENDMENT, ENGINEERS REPORT NO. 26-06
City Council:
a. adopted Resolution No. 26-05, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF NORWALK AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2025/26 ADOPTED BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE RMRA FUNDS TO PROJECT NO. 7943 – LOCAL STREETS REHABILITATION PROJECT DESIGN OF ZONE 13, in the amount of $344,595; and
b. awarded an agreement to West & Associates, Inc. for Project No. 7943 (Zone 13) to provide professional engineering services for design and construction support, for an amount not to exceed $344,595; and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement, and any amendments provided there is funding in the budget and it is within the City Manager’s signing authority, on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney. 1005-04-7943
PROJECT NO. 7944 – AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR LOCAL STREET
REHABILITATION ZONES 5, 6, 30 - PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT SERVICES/RESOLUTION NO. 26-06 – BUDGET AMENDMENT, ENGINEERS REPORT NO. 26-07
City Council:
a. adopted Resolution No. 26-06, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF NORWALK AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2025/26 ADOPTED BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE RMRA FUNDS TO PROJECT NO. 7944 – LOCAL STREETS REHABILITATION PROJECT DESIGN OF ZONES 5,6,30, in the amount of $782,963; and
b. awarded an agreement to Kimley Horn and Associates, Inc. for Project No. 7944 (Zones 5,6,30) to provide professional engineering services for design and Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
January 20, 2026
6 construction support, in an amount not to exceed $782,963; and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement, and any amendments provided there is funding in the budget and it is within the City Manager’s signing authority, on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.1005-04-7944
RESOLUTION NO. 26-08, BUDGET AMENDMENT – AMENDMENT NO. 2 - ENGINEERING DIVISION SUPPORT SERVICES, ENGINEER’S REPORT 26-08 City Council:
a. adopted Resolution No. 26-08, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF NORWALK AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2025/26 ADOPTED BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE MEASURE R AND RDA BOND
PROCEEDS FUNDS TO THE AGREEMENT WITH TRANSTECH ENGINEERS, INC.; and
b. approved Amendment No. 2 to the agreement with Transtech Engineers, Inc. increasing the total contract amount to a not-to-exceed value of $566,200 for Engineering Support Services; and authorized the City Manager to execute the amendment, on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
RESOLUTION NO. 26-09 - APPROVING A CONDUIT LEASE AGREEMENT ON
FIRESTONE BOULEVARD BRIDGE OVER SAN GABRIEL RIVER
City Council adopted Resolution 26-09, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF NORWALK DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEASE SPARE UTILITY CONDUITS ON THE FIRESTONE BRIDGE OVER SAN GABRIEL RIVER.
PROJECT NO. 7933 – ACCEPT WORK FOR LOCAL STREETS REHABILITATION
EXCELSIOR DRIVE BETWEEN STUDEBAKER ROAD AND PIONEER BOULEVARD, ENGINEER'S REPORT NO. 26-01
City Council accepted the work of R.J. Noble Company in the amount of $542,705 for Project No. 7933 – LSRP Excelsior Drive Between Studebaker Road and Pioneer Boulevard, and authorized releasing the retention payment in the amount of $27,135 to R.J. Noble Company, 35 days after the recordation of the Notice of Completion. 1005-04-7933
AGREEMENT AMENDMENT NO. 4 – TRAFFIC ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR PROJECT NOS. 7901 AND 7903, ENGINEER’S REPORT NO. 26-03 City Council approved Amendment No. 4 with Willdan Engineering in the amount of $290,350 to provide additional professional engineering services for a total not-to-exceed contract amount of $573,513 for Fiscal Year 2025/26; and authorized the City Manager to execute the amendment, on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
January 20, 2026
7 PROJECT NO. 7920 – CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION SERVICES/RESOLUTION NO. 26-07, BUDGET AMENDMENT, ENGINEER’S REPORT 26-06
City Council adopted Resolution No. 26-07, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF NORWALK AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2025/26 ADOPTED BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE THE ROAD MAINTENANCE AND REHABILITATION ACCOUNT FUND TO PROJECT NO. 7920 – LOCAL STREETS REHABILITATION ZONE 28 (NORTH), in the amount of $50,278.1005-04-7920
TERMINATION OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT AND APPROVAL OF
A SUPERSEDING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR CITYWIDE PUBLIC WORKS PERMIT INSPECTION SERVICES – ENGINEER’S REPORT NO. 26-07
City Council:
a. terminated the agreement with Onward Engineering; and b. entered into a superseding agreement with Transtech Engineers, Inc. for Citywide Inspection Services; in the amount of $200,000 annually; and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement, and any amendments provided there is funding in the budget and it is within the City Manager’s signing authority, on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.310-02
AWARD CONTRACT FOR PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
SERVICES FOR ROLL-UP DOORS
City Council awarded a contract to Miner Corporation for the term of January 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 with a not-to-exceed amount of $56,000 for Fiscal Year 2025/26 with an option to extend for one additional year for overhead roll-up door maintenance at City Facilities; and authorized the City Manager to execute the contract and any amendments; provided there is funding in the budget and it is within the City Manager’s signing authority; on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.955 ENERGY SERVICES CONTRACT – FIRST AMENDMENT
City Council approved Amendment No. 1 to the Energy Services Contract with Syserco Energy Solutions, Inc. to continue the scope of work through December 19, 2026; and authorized the City Manager to execute the amendment on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney. 1030
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
January 20, 2026
7 Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
January 20, 2026
8 APPROVAL OF SOLID WASTE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT AMENDMENT NO. 3 City Council approved Amendment No. 3 to the Solid Waste Franchise Agreement with Athens Services and authorized the Mayor and City Manager to execute the amendment on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.1065-05-03
AUTHORIZATION TO SUBMIT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AGENCY SAFETY PLAN UPDATE
City Council approved the Public Transit Agency Safety Plan Update and authorized the Executive Director of Regional Transportation to submit the plan to the Federal Transit Administration. 1130
RESOLUTION NO. 26-10 - BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR PURCHASE OF
AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR CITY SERVICE VEHICLES
City Council:
a. approved Resolution No. 26-10, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF NORWALK AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2025/26 ADOPTED BUDGET FOR PURCHASE OF AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR CITY SERVICE VEHICLES, in the amount of $107,333.25; and b. approved the purchase and installation of aftermarket equipment for service vehicles (472255, 472325, 472425, and 622824) from Pacific Truck Equipment Inc. for a combined amount of $107,333.25. 634-11
PROJECT NO. 7876 – AWARD OF CONTRACT – CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FOR BUILDING DEMOLITION LOCATED AT 13400 SAN ANTONIO DRIVE/RESOLUTION NO. 26-04 BUDGET AMENDMENT, ENGINEER'S REPORT NO. 26-02 City Council:
a. awarded a contract to Unlimited Environmental, Inc. in the amount of $203,336 with a 10% contingency in the amount of $20,334 for construction services for Project No. 7876 - Building Demolition at 13400 San Antonio Drive; and authorized the City Manager to execute the contract with any amendments within the contingency, on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney. b. adopted Resolution No. 26-04, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF NORWALK AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2025/26 ADOPTED BUDGET TO TRANSFER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS TO PROJECT NO. 7876 – BUILDING DEMOLITION LOCATED AT 13400 SAN ANTONIO DRIVE, in the amount of $480,000.1005-04-7876 Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
January 20, 2026
8 Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
January 20, 2026
9 PLANNING COMMISSION SYNOPSIS - JANUARY 14, 2026
No action was taken. 320
APPOINTMENTS
ADVISORY BODY APPOINTMENTS
There were no appointments made. 200
PUBLIC HEARINGS
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
Mayor Perez opened the public hearing to consider upholding an appeal and denying the Planning Commission’s Decision. The City Clerk presented a report on legal requisites for notice of hearing and indicating that a letter was submitted by Alisha C. Pember, from Adams Broadwell Joseph & Cordozo on behalf of their client, appellant Creed LA Equitable Economic Development, in favor of the appeal. Following a report presented by Nancy Lee, Development Services Manager, Aidan Marhsall, the appellant spoke in favor of the appeal. Applicant Luis Gomez, Vice President at Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. and Meaghan Truman, Senior Environmental Planner of EPD Solutions, Inc., spoke in opposition of the appeal. Testifying in favor of the project was Victor Hugo Rodriguez, Jaavion Cervantes, Raul Magana, and Javier Garcia. Mr. Marshall, provided a rebuttal.
There being no other person wishing to testify on the matter, Mayor Perez closed the public hearing. Mayor Perez moved and Vice Mayor Rios seconded to adopt Resolution No. 25-63, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK
SETTING FORTH ITS FINDINGS OF FACT AND DECISION OF UPHOLDING THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S DECISION TO ADOPT THE RECIRCULATED INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION (STATECLEARING HOUSE NO. 2024101066) AND MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PLAN AND APPROVE PRECISE DEVELOPMENT PLAN NO. 2023-06 AT 14830 CARMENITA ROAD. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
January 20, 2026
10 AYES: Councilmembers Ayala, Valencia, Vice Mayor Rios, and Mayor Perez NOES: Councilmember Ramirez
ABSENT: None 320-04-2023-06
RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION NO. 26-11 – INTENTION TO CONSIDER GRANTING A NON-PUBLIC
UTILITY PIPELINE FRANCHISE TO HERAEUS METAL PROCESSING,
INCORPORATED
Following a brief report provided by Run Chen, Principal Civil Engineer, Councilmember Ayala moved and Mayor Perez seconded to adopt Resolution No. 26-11, A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK DECLARING ITS
INTENTION TO CONSIDER GRANTING A NON-PUBLIC UTILITY PIPELINE FRANCHISE TO HERAEUS METAL PROCESSING, INCORPORATED; and scheduled a public hearing for February 17, 2026.
MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ayala, Ramirez, Valencia, Vice Mayor Rios, and Mayor Perez
NOES: None
ABSENT: None 618-16
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Addressing City Council were Pancho Villa, Shonique Williams, Timothy Biley, Pelligrino Son, Andy Uribe, Keith Porter, Anthony Armendarez, and Arnslita.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
January 20, 2026
10 Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
January 20, 2026
11 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
____________________________
THERESA DEVOY, CMC
CITY CLERK
ATTEST:
____________________________
JENNIFER PEREZ
MAYOR