CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING – 5:15 P.M.
REGULAR MEETING – 6:00 P.M.
MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2025
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
117 MACNEIL STREET
SAN FERNANDO, CALIFORNIA 91340
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL – SPECIAL MEETING 5:15 P.M. (CLOSED SESSION) Mayor Mary Mendoza called the Special Meeting to order at 5:15 p.m.
Present:
Council: Mayor Mary Mendoza, Vice Mayor Mary Solorio and Councilmembers Joel Fajardo, Victoria Garcia, and Patty Lopez
Staff: City Manager Nick Kimball and City Attorney Richard Padilla
Absent: None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Lopez to approve the agenda.
The motion carried, unanimously.
PUBLIC STATEMENTS None
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION (5:16 P.M.)
By consensus, Councilmembers recessed to Closed Session.
A) CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(d)(4) – CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – INITIATION OF LITIGATION:
Two (2) Matters
RECONVENE FROM SPECIAL MEETING AND REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION City Attorney Padilla stated no reportable action as a result of the Closed Session meeting.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES –Special and Regular Meeting January 6, 2025
ADJOURNMENT (6:08 p.m.)
The City Council adjourned the special meeting to the regular meeting.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL – REGULAR MEETING 6:00 P.M. (OPEN SESSION) Mayor Mary Mendoza called the regular meeting to order at 6:09 p.m.
Present: Council: Mayor Mary Mendoza, Vice Mayor Mary Solorio, and Councilmembers Joel Fajardo, Victoria Garcia, and Patty Lopez
Staff: City Manager Nick Kimball, Deputy City Manager/Economic Development Kanika Kith, City Attorney Richard Padilla, Police Chief Fabian Valdez, Director of Finance Erica Melton, Director of Community Development Erika Ramirez, Director of Public Works Wendell Johnson, Director of Recreation and Community Services Julio Salcedo, and City Clerk Julia Fritz
Absent: None
TELECONFERENCING REQUESTS/DISCLOSURE None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by City Clerk Julia Fritz
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Vice Mayor Solorio to approve the agenda. The motion carried, unanimously.
PRESENTATIONS
A. PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION TO THE LAS PALMAS PARK SENIOR
CLUB OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS
B. PRESENTATION OF A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION TO SAN FERNANDO BAKERY IN
RECOGNITION OF THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CITY (TABLED TO THE NEXT REGULAR
MEETING)
C. PRESENTATION OF A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION TO PROFESSIONAL PRINTING
SERVICES IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CITY
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES –Special and Regular Meeting January 6, 2025
D. PRESENTATION OF A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION TO DORADO HOME FURNITURE IN
RECOGNITION OF THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CITY
E. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES
PUBLIC STATEMENTS
Maria Luisa Palma spoke in support of enhanced safety and encouraged police presence at Los Angeles Unified School District school campuses.
Marcela Rodriguez spoke regarding concerns related to certain activities at the swap meet.
Gus Villela introduced himself as the Field Representative for Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez.
Margarita Cervacio spoke in opposition of the 833 N. Brand housing development project.
Efren Lombera spoke regarding public safety concerns.
Maria Lombera spoke in opposition of the 833 N. Brand housing development project.
Gustavo Ramirez spoke regarding world peace and announced an upcoming event being held by organizers from the organization World Peace Now on January 18, 2025, in the City of Pomona.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Mendoza pulled Item No 4 for discussion and would be recusing herself from consideration regarding Item No. 10 due to the project distance from her residence.
Councilmember Garcia pulled Item Nos. 5, 6 and 10 for discussion.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Vice Mayor Solorio to approve Item Nos. 1, 2, 3, 7, 8 and 9:
1. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES:
a. June 3, 2024 – Regular Meeting e. September 16, 2024 - Joint CC/PPC Meeting b. July 1, 2024 – Regular Meeting f. October 7, 2024 - Joint CC/PPC Meeting c. July 15, 2024 – Regular Meeting g. October 21, 2024 – Regular Meeting d. August 5, 2024 – Regular Meeting
2. CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NOS. 24-122 AND 25-011 APPROVING THE WARRANT REGISTERS OF DECEMBER 16, 2024 AND JANUARY 6, 2025, RESPECTIVELY
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES –Special and Regular Meeting January 6, 2025
3. RECEIVE AND FILE STATUS UPDATES FOR ENHANCEMENTS, PROJECTS, AND CITY COUNCIL
PRIORITIES
7. CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION AND APPROVE AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO AND LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE
DISTRICT REGARDING MEASURE A ANNUAL ALLOCATION TO CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
8. RECEIVE AND FILE INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION ON LEAD AND COPPER SERVICE LINES
9. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE AN INCREASE TO THE CAPITAL PROJECT BUDGET AND CONSTRUCTION FOR THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL MODIFICATIONS – 9 LOCATIONS HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. HSIPL-5202(019), PLAN NO. P-722 TO THE NOT-TOEXCEED CONTINGENCY AMOUNT AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING FUNDS The motion carried, unanimously.
Motion by Mayor Mendoza, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to receive and file the Commissioner Attendance Report.
4. RECEIVE AND FILE THE 2024 COMMISSIONER ATTENDANCE REPORT The motion carried, unanimously.
Motion by Vice Mayor Solorio, seconded by Mayor Mendoza to approve Item Nos. 5 and 6 as presented.
5. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE A FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH PRECISION CIVIL ENGINEERING, INC FOR ADDITIONAL ON-CALL
PLANNING SERVICES
6. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE A FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH RINCON CONSULTANTS INC., FOR ON-CALL PLANNING SERVICES The motion carried, unanimously.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Vice Mayor Solorio to approve Item No. 10 as presented.
10. CONSIDERATION TO AWARD A CONTRACT WITH CRAFTWATER FOR DESIGN SERVICES FOR
THE CARLISLE STREET GREEN ALLEY PROJECT
The motion carried as follows;
ROLL CALL
AYES: Fajardo, Solorio
NAYES: None
ABSTAIIN: Lopez, Garcia
ABSENT: Mendoza
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES –Special and Regular Meeting January 6, 2025
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
14) CONSIDERATION TO APPOINT A PARKS, WELLNESS AND RECREATION COMMISSIONER Mayor Mendoza presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Motion by Mayor Mendoza, seconded by Councilmember Fajardo to appoint Fredy Ortega to the Parks, Wellness, and Recreation Commission. The motion carried, unanimously.
11. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING AN UPDATE ON THE PREPARATION OF A
NEW MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE MALL ASSOCIATION TO SUPPORT
AND FACILITATE AN EFFECTIVE DOWNTOWN MALL ASSOCIATION
Deputy City Manager/Economic Development Kanika Kith presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to receive an update on preparing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Mall Association to support and facilitate an effective Downtown Mall Association; formed a Mall Association Ad Hoc Committee to develop recommendations related to the preparation of a new MOU between the Mall Association and the City, and appointed Councilmembers Fajardo and Lopez to serve on the Ad hoc committee. The motion carried, unanimously.
12. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO REVIEW AND APPROVE CITY COUNCIL LIAISON
ASSIGNMENTS AND AD HOC COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
City Clerk Julia Fritz presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Motion by Mayor Mendoza, seconded by Councilmember Fajardo to approve the City Council Liaison and Ad Hoc Committee Assignments, as amended to continue Councilmember Fajardo as the delegate representative to the Independent Cities Finance Authority and appoint Councilmember Garcia as the alternate representative. The motion carried, unanimously.
13. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING CONTINUATION OF WATER SERVICE
SHUTOFFS OR IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ASSESSMENT PROCESS THROUGH THE ANNUAL
PROPERTY TAX ROLL FOR NON-PAYMENT OF DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS Director of Administrative Services Erica Melton presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to move forward as previously directed by the City Council regarding the water service shutoff policy and to provide an update on outstanding delinquencies during consideration of the Water and Sewer Fee Study and the Prop 218 process, to occur in approximately one year.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES –Special and Regular Meeting January 6, 2025
15. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING A REPORT BY CHIEF VALDEZ ON RECENT CASES
Councilmember Patty Lopez presented the staff report and spoke about enhanced police patrols in the business district area. The City Council received and filed the report.
16. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING BUSINESS GRANTS DISTRIBUTED OVER THE
LAST FOUR YEARS
Councilmember Patty Lopez presented the staff report.
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to provide copies of applicable staff reports to Councilmember Lopez regarding the Small Business Assistance Grant Program Fund and on the use of ARPA funds, and include in the next City Manager's Biweekly email report, information on the proposed outreach plan for the next Small Business Assistance Program grant opportunity.
STAFF COMMUNICATION INCLUDING COMMISSION UPDATES
City Clerk Fritz had no updates to report.
Director of Recreation and Community Services Salcedo mentioned registrations are open for the Academy Art class and commented on the Mission City Baseball Spring League registration status.
Director of Public Works Johnson reported the status of the city owned parking lot resurfacing project and on the City Hall painting project.
Director of Community Development Ramirez reported that the January 13, 2025, Planning and Preservation Commission meeting would be rescheduled to January 27, 2025, and that January 18, 2025, is the walk shop event related to the Climate Action Resilience Plan project.
Director of Finance Melton noted that on January 18, 2025, the Finance division would be open to residents to come to City Hall and set up payment arrangements plans for unpaid utility bills.
Deputy City Manager/Economic Development Kith had no updates to report.
Police Chief Valdez mentioned the San Fernando Community Coalition to prevent gang violence will have a meeting on January 22, 2025, at San Fernando Middle School in conjunction with the Police Department’s Parent Academy.
City Manager Kimball mentioned that the itinerary for the Hoover Dam inspection trip should be received today by attendees and reminded Councilmembers that, due to the observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 20, 2025, the next City Council meeting would occur on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES –Special and Regular Meeting January 6, 2025
GENERAL CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS AND LIAISON UPDATES Councilmember Garcia mentioned she attended La Bella Pizza Trattoria grand opening, Veterans of Foreign War job fair, the City’s Tree Lighting event, Bonita Salon grand opening, the Business and Community Resource Center’s one year anniversary event, the Filipino Chamber of Commerce holiday mixer and participated in a police ride-along. Additionally, she extended thanks to her family for their support during her re-election campaign.
Councilmember Lopez mentioned she attended many events in the month of December, visited city residents and business owners and extended thanks to her family and those who supported her during her election campaign.
Councilmember Fajardo commented on the public comments received tonight and is in support of strengthening student safety at Los Angeles Unified School District campuses; and mentioned his interest in agendizing a future discussion regarding renovations and improvements at the San Fernando Post Office, spoke about the City potentially starting a battery recycling program, and commented on Los Angeles County’s initiatives regarding the use of Styrofoam and plastics.
Vice Mayor Solorio suggested that if the holiday Día de los Reyes occurs on the same day of a City Council meeting that consideration be taken to change the City Council meeting to the following day.
Mayor Mendoza stated she attended many of the events that Councilmember Garcia had mentioned, commented that she celebrated Día de los Reyes with her family and thanked staff for their work.
ADJOURNMENT (9:23 p.m.)
Mayor Mendoza adjourned the meeting to the next regular meeting on January 21, 2025.
I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and
correct copy of the minutes of the January 6, 2025,
Regular meeting and approved by the San Fernando
City Council at the meeting of March 17, 2025.
_________________________________________
Julia Fritz, CMC
City Clerk