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MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETINGS
NORWALK CITY COUNCIL
NORWALK, CALIFORNIA
SEPTEMBER 1, 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, and Mayor Perez. Vice Mayor Rios arrived after roll call and 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 – EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §54956.9(d)(1) – West Coast Arborists, Inc. vs. City of Norwalk, et al. Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 26STCP03027.
II. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §54957.6: Agency Representative: City Council; Unrepresented Employee- City Manager.
RECESS
City Council recessed at 6:18 p.m. pending the commencement of the regular meeting.
REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Perez called the meeting to order at 6:22 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 was absent . 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 Michael Gutierrez, Redeemer Covenant Church; followed by the flag salute, led by Dominic Ortiz Olivas , Earl E. Edmondson Elementary School.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
September 1, 2026
2 CLOSED SESSION REPORT
The City Attorney indicated there was no reportable action taken on the matters discussed in closed session.
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Ayala wished his wife a Happy 42
nd Anniversary. Vice Mayor Rios
reported on her attendance at the William Orr Elementary School Ribbon Cutting event; invited all to attend the Lattes and Leashes events held every Saturday in September at Bob White Park; highlighted the upcoming Shanti Glow Ribbon Cutting event September 5, at 11005 Firestone Boulevard; and encouraged all to practice safe driving. Mayor Perez shared that the City newsletters were distribute d including the Norwalk Now featuring “Build Up Norwalk” highlighting exciting developments taking place in the C ity; announced Senior Center Month , sharing the excellent service staff has provided throughout the year; congratulated Norwalk Transportation on their win at the Bus Rodeo; and reported on her attendance at the California Contract Cities B oard of Directors Meeting, Neighborhood Watch Meetings, the Joint Powers Insurance Authority Claims and Executive Committee M eeting, and the California C ontract Cities Association Fall Educational Summit with Vice Mayor Rios and Councilmember Ramirez.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
City Council proclaimed September as the Norwalk Housing Authority’s 50 th Anniversary
Month with the Housing Division accepting the proclamation.
City Council proclaimed September as National Preparedness Month in the City with the Public Safety Department accepting the proclamation. Rita Ruiz, Director of Public Safety announced that the City will be participating in an Active Shooter Training, September 4.
City Council proclaimed September as Senior Center Month in the City , with Gabriela Regalado, Director of Social Services highlighting their accomplishments , and Senior Center staff accepting the proclamation.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Levy Sun, Communications Director , shared a Traffic Safety Incident statement. Mr.
Gomez announced that a Strategic Plan Special Meeting will be held on October 24, at 10:30 a.m. Mr. Gomez shared resources available to residents for those impacted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement . Videos were shared highlighting El Nino preparedness, 2026 Back-to-School safety, and the “Bi-Weekly Review”.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
September 1, 2026
3 CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent calendar items are considered routine matters which may be enacted by one motion and roll call vote. Vice Mayor Rios requested reports for Item Nos. 5, 7, and 8.
Mayor Perez abstained from taking action on Item Nos. 3 and 5. Vice Mayor Rios moved and Councilmember Ramirez seconded to approve the consent calendar as recommended. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ayala, and Ramirez, Vice Mayor Rios and Mayor Perez*
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Valencia
MEETING MINUTES
City Council approved the minutes of the meeting of August 18, 2026. 825-04
PAYROLL FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 2, 2026 – AUGUST 15, 2026
City Council approved gross payroll wages in the amount of $1,418,959.96; the payroll register with Check Nos. 38888 – 38914 and Voucher Nos. 363004 – 363592 in the total net amount of $1,072,192.75.
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COMMERCIAL DEMANDS
City Council approved the warrant register period August 11, 2026 through August 24, 2026 in the total amount of $3,843,965.79.
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*Mayor Perez abstained from taking action on Warrant Nos. 154, 269, and 356.
PLANNING COMMISSION SYNOPSIS - AUGUST 26, 2026
No action taken.
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*Mayor Perez abstained from taking action on the following item.
TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT AND OPTIMIZATION SERVICES
PROJECT
Following a brief report provided by Jana Stuard, Director of Finance/Treasurer, Sloan Aguilar-Varing, Vice President of IBE, addressed City Council; City Council approved an agreement with IBE Digital, to provide Technology Infrastructure Management and Optimization services for a total of $66,000 per fiscal year; and authorized the City Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
September 1, 2026
4 Manager to execute the agreement and any additional amendments, provided there is funding in the budget, on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney. 634-04
RESOLUTION NO. 26-53 - BIENNIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE UPDATE
City Council adopted Resolution No. 26- 53, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF NORWALK ADOPTING A CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE, WHICH
INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE THE STANDARD CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE
PREPARED BY THE FAIR POLITICAL PRACTICES COMMISSION AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 24-50.
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AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT FOR CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES
Following a brief report provided by Levy Sun, Communications Director, City Council discussion ensued with Paul Riesgo, Vice President of the Merino Group addressing their inquiries. City Council approved Amendment No. 1 to the agreement with The Merino Group extending the term from September 5, 2026, through September 4, 2027, eliminating the monthly retainer, and providing compensation at the existing hourly rates in an amount not to exceed $50,000; and authorized the City Manager to execute the amendment and any additional amendments, provided there is funding in the budget and the action is within the City Manager’s signing authority, on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
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PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION APPROVAL OF BLUE CURB AT 14617 DARTMOOR AVENUE
Following a brief report provided by Rita Ruiz, Director of Public Safety, City Council affirmed the decision of the Public Safety Commission.
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APPOINTMENTS
ADVISORY BODY APPOINTMENTS
Councilmember Ramirez moved and Mayor Perez seconded to appoint Martha Struzinsky to the Art in Public Places Committee . MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
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AYES: Councilmembers Ayala, and Ramirez, Vice Mayor Rios and Mayor Perez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Valencia
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
September 1, 2026
5 REPORTS
PROJECT NO. 7184 – AWARD OF CONTRACT – CONSTRUCTION, CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION SERVICES FOR CARMENITA ROAD
REHABILITATION FROM 550 FEET NORTH OF EXCELSIOR DRIVE TO ROSECRANS AVENUE [FEDERAL PROJECT NO. STPL -5347(050)] RESOLUTON NO. 26-54 – BUDGET AMENDMENT, ENGINEER'S REPORT NO. 26-29
Albert Mendoza, Director of Public Services/City Engineer provided a report. Mayor Perez moved and Vice Mayor Rios seconded to:
a. adopt Resolution No. 26- 54, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF NORWALK AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2026/27 ADOPTED BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE STREET RENOVATION AND PROPOSITION C FUNDS FOR PROJECT NO. 7184 – CARMENITA ROAD REHABILITATION FROM 550 FEET NORTH OF EXCELSIOR DRIVE TO ROSECRANS AVENUE, in the amount of $790,670; and
b. award a contract to RJ Noble Company in the amount of $2,886,279 with a 15% contingency in the amount of $432,942 for construction services; and c. award an agreement to Ladayu Consulting Group in the amount of $307,308 with a 15% contingency in the amount of $46,096 for construction management and inspection services; and
d. award Amendment No. 1 to Onward Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $33,192 for design support services during construction; and
e. authorize the City Manager to execute the contracts and any amendments within the contingencies, on behalf of the City, in forms approved by the City Attorney.
MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ayala and Ramirez, Vice Mayor Rios and Mayor Perez
NOES: None
NOES: Councilmember Valencia
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Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
September 1, 2026
6 PROJECT NO. 7944 – AWARD OF CONTRACT – CONSTRUCTION, CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION SERVICES FOR LOCAL STREETS
REHABILITATION PROGRAM ZONES 5, 6, AND 30 RESOLUTION NO. 26 -55 – BUDGET AMENDMENT, ENGINEER'S REPORT NO. 26-32
Following a report provided by Mr. Mendoza, Mayor Perez moved and Vice Mayor Rios seconded to:
a. adopt Resolution No. 26- 55, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF NORWALK AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2026/27 ADOPTED BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR PROJECT NO. 7944 – LOCAL STREETS REHABILITATION PROGRAM ZONES 5, 6, AND 30, in the amount of $7,227,600; and
b. award a contract to Onyx Paving Company, Inc. in the amount of $4,959,000 with a 25% contingency in the amount of $1,239,750 for construction services; and c. award an agreement to SPECS Engineering Group, Inc. in the amount of $500,000 with a 15% contingency in the amount of $75,000 for construction management and inspection services; and
d. award Amendment No. 1 to Kimley -Horn & Associates, Inc. in the amount of $380,440 with a 15% contingency in the amount of $57,066 for design support services during construction; and
e. authorize the City Manager to execute the contracts and any amendments within the contingencies, on behalf of the City, in forms approved by the City Attorney.
MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ayala, and Ramirez, Vice Mayor Rios and Mayor Perez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Valencia
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UPDATED URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN AND RESOLUTION NO. 26 -52, AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2026/27 BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TREE PLANTING INITIATIVES IDENTIFIED IN THE
UPDATED URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
Following a report provided by Mr. Mendoza, Mayor Perez moved and Vice Mayor Rios seconded to:
a. adopt Resolution 26-52, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF NORWALK AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR
2026/27 ADOPTED BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TREE PLANTING INITIATIVES IDENTIFIED IN THE Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
September 1, 2026
7 UPDATED URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN, in the amount of $350,000; and
b. adopt the updated City of Norwalk Urban Forest Management Plan, incorporating the direction provided during the July 21, 2026, Study Session regarding expanded youth engagement opportunities and future tree planting implementation priorities.
MOTION CARRIED by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Ayala and Ramirez, Vice Mayor Rios and Mayor Perez
NOES: None
NOES: Councilmember Valencia
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ACCEPTANCE OF THE 2025 SEWER MASTER PLAN
Following a report provided by Mr. Mendoza , Mayor Perez moved and Vice Mayor Rios seconded to accept the 2025 Sewer Master Plan prepared by Psomas as complete.
MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmembers Ayala and Ramirez, Vice Mayor Rios and Mayor Perez
NOES: None
NOES: Councilmember Valencia
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PUBLIC COMMENT
Addressing City Council were Ron Luna, Jack Cornejo, and Cynthia Clemente.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:16 p.m.
Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meetings
Norwalk City Council
September 1, 2026
8 ____________________________
THERESA DEVOY, CMC
CITY CLERK
ATTEST:
____________________________
JENNIFER PEREZ
MAYOR