CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING – 5:00 P.M.
REGULAR MEETING – 6:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2025
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
117 MACNEIL STREET
SAN FERNANDO, CALIFORNIA 91340
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL – SPECIAL MEETING 5:00 P.M. (CLOSED SESSION) Mayor Mary Mendoza called the Special Meeting to order at 5:00 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 Garcia to approve the agenda.
The motion carried, unanimously.
PUBLIC STATEMENTS None
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION (5:01 P.M.)
By consensus, Councilmembers recessed to Closed Session.
A) CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR PURSUANT TO G.C. §54957.6:
Designated City Negotiators: City Manager Nick Kimball
Employees and Employee Bargaining Units:
San Fernando Management Group (SEIU, Local 721)
San Fernando Public Employees’ Association (SEIU, Local 721) San Fernando Police Officers Association
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting January 21, 2025
San Fernando Police Officers Association Police Management Unit San Fernando Police Civilian Association
San Fernando Part-Time Employees’ Bargaining Unit (SEIU, Local 721) All Unrepresented Employees
B) CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(1) – CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION:
Case Name: Irwin Rosenberg v City of San Fernando
WC Case No.: ADJ18353943
Claim No. 23-174267
RECONVENE FROM SPECIAL MEETING AND REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION City Attorney Padilla reported that the City Council unanimously approved a settlement agreement regarding Closed Session Agenda Item B).
ADJOURNMENT (6:01 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 6:02 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 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
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting January 21, 2025
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Vice Mayor Solorio to approve the agenda. The motion carried, unanimously.
PRESENTATIONS
A. PRESENTATION OF EDUCATION COMMISSION CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION FOR
DECEMBER AND JANUARY STUDENTS OF THE MONTH FOR LEADERSHIP Christopher Arreguin (Gridley-Montanez Dual Language Academy) Ethan Landaverde (Glenoaks Christian Schools)
B. PRESENTATION OF EDUCATION COMMISSION CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION FOR TEACHER
SPOTLIGHT AWARD
Fernando Lopez (Social Justice Humanitas Academy)
C. PRESENTATION OF A CERTIFICATE OF PROCLAMATION DECLARING JANUARY 19, 2025, AS CINDY MONTAÑEZ DAY
D. PRESENTATION OF A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION TO PANADERIA SAN FERNANDO IN
RECOGNITION OF THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CITY
PUBLIC STATEMENTS
Guadalupe Mora submitted a written comment regarding concerns with responsiveness by the City’s Public Works Department.
Jose Alvarado addressed the City Council by singing a song.
Salvador Pascasio shared encouraging remarks with the City Council.
Anita Saldana spoke about ongoing concerns regarding code enforcement citations at her residence.
Ricardo Benitez spoke about public safety in the city.
Adriana Gomez introduced the Mall Association’s new Administrative Assistant Lorena Nunez.
Lorena Nunez spoke about concerns regarding trash enclosures in the Mall area.
Sabina Montes addressed the City Council by singing a song.
Marcos Tapia spoke about an upcoming Metro meeting regarding the East San Fernando Corridor Project.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting January 21, 2025
Gus Villela Field Representative from Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez Office provided information on resources for those affected by the recent wildfires.
Margarita Cervacio spoke in opposition to the 833 N. Brand development project.
Nick Gonzalez wished Councilmember Lopez a happy birthday.
Ofelia Herrera was called but did not speak.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Vice Mayor Solorio to approve:
1) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES:
a. January 5, 2009 – Special Meeting d. February 2, 2009 – Special Meeting b. January 5, 2009 – Regular Meeting e. February 2, 2009 – RDA Meeting c. January 5, 2009 – RDA Meeting
2) CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE WARRANT REGISTER 3) RECEIVE AND FILE STATUS UPDATES FOR ENHANCEMENTS, PROJECTS, AND CITY COUNCIL
PRIORITIES
4) CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO APPOINT CITY REPRESENTATIVES TO SERVE
ON THE INDEPENDENT CITIES FINANCE AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS 5) CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION UPDATING THE CITY’S RECORDS RETENTION
AND DESTRUCTION SCHEDULE
6) CONSIDERATION TO AWARD A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT TO ROBERT D.
NIEHAUS, INC. FOR WATER AND SEWER UTILITY RATE STUDY
7) 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 8) CONSIDERATION TO AUTHORIZE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY – NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY
ADMINISTRATION TO SUPPORT SELECTIVE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT DETAILS 9) CONSIDERATION TO AUTHORIZE THE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL – CANNABIS TAX FUND GRANT PROGRAM TO SUPPORT
SELECTIVE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT DETAILS
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MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting January 21, 2025
10) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE PUBLIC RELEASE AND CIRCULATION OF REQUEST FOR
QUALIFICATIONS FOR VEHICLE TOWING AND SECURE STORAGE SERVICES Administrative Report Agenda Items heard out of order.
Councilmember Garcia recused herself from discussion and left the dais at 8:10 p.m. 15) CONSIDERATION TO APPOINT A PARKS, WELLNESS AND RECREATION COMMISSIONER Motion by Councilmember Lopez, seconded by Councilmember Fajardo to appoint Christian Garcia to serve as a Commissioner to the Parks, Wellness and Recreation Commission. The motion carried with Councilmember Garcia absent.
Councilmember Garcia returned to the dais at 8:15 p.m.
16) CONSIDERATION TO APPOINT A PLANNING AND PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER Motion by Councilmember Garcia, seconded by Vice Mayor Solorio to appoint Mario Lua to the Planning and Preservation Commission. The motion carried, unanimously. 17) CONSIDERATION TO APPOINT A TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSIONER Motion by Councilmember Lopez, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to appoint Ricardo Benitez to the Transportation and Public Safety Commission. The motion failed by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYE: Lopez, Garcia -2
NAYE: Fajardo, Solorio, Mendoza - 3
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The City Council recessed the meeting at 8:39 p.m. and reconvened at 8:46 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
PUBLIC HEARING
11) A CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 106 (ZONING) OF THE SAN FERNANDO MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH THE MIXED USE OVERLAY ZONE; ADOPT AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP TO ADD THE MIXED-USE OVERLAY TO CERTAIN PROPERTIES IN THE C-1 AND C-2 ZONE DISTRICTS
AND ADOPT A CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION ADDENDUM; AND CONTINUE TO A DATE UNCERTAIN THE ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SAN FERNANDO CORRIDORS SPECIFIC PLAN (SP-5) FIGURE 4.1 – CITY LAND USE DISTRICTS AND OVERLAYS MAP TO ADD THE DOWNTOWN RESIDENTIAL OVERLAY AND FLEX USE OVERLAY TO 12 PARCELS AND ADOPTING MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION ADDENDUM
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting January 21, 2025
Mayor Mendoza opened the public hearing.
Deputy City Manager/Economic Development Kanika Kith presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Mendoza opened public comments. There being none, public comments were closed.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Solorio to:
a. Approve introduction of Ordinance No. 1728, titled “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City Of San Fernando, California amending Chapter 106 (Zoning) of the San Fernando Municipal Code to establish the Mixed Use Overlay Zone”; and Ordinance No. 1730, titled “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City Of San Fernando, California amending the Official City Zoning Map of the City of San Fernando to add the Mixed Use Overlay to certain properties in the C-1 and C-2 Zone Districts; amending Section 3. b. of the recitalsto include verbiage that would ensure studies and analysis are performed for adequate infrastructure capacity and assess financial impactsto support sustainable growth and municipal service; adopt a California Environmental Quality Act Mitigated Negative Declaration Addendum,” and
b. Continue the first reading of Ordinance No. 1729, to a date uncertain.
The motion carried by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYE: Garcia, Fajardo, Solorio, Mendoza - 4
NAYE: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Lopez -1
The public hearing was closed.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
12) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION RATIFYING THE DECLARATION OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY DUE TO THE IMPACTS OF THE JANUARY 2025 WIND
STORM AND CRITICAL FIRE EVENTS, RECEIVE A PRESENTATION RELATED TO THE CITY OF SAN FERNANDO’S RESPONSE EFFORTS, AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING ADDITIONAL
ACTIONS
City Manager Kimball presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Vice Mayor Solorio to adopt Resolution No. 8361 ratifying San Fernando Executive Order No. 2025-01-08 declaring a local emergency due to the January 2025 Wind Storm and Critical Fire Events and directed staff
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting January 21, 2025
to return to a future City Council meeting with an informational presentation on the City's Emergency Operation Plan, Hazard Mitigation Plan (include Earthquake, Flood, Debris and Railroad Management) and Cyber Emergency Plan. The motion carried, unanimously. 13) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING OPTIONS FOR THE DOWNTOWN MALL
AREA TRASH ENCLOSURE IMPROVEMENTS
Director of Public Works Wendell Johnson presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Motion by Councilmember Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Lopez to approve Option No. 2, renovation of existing trash enclosures as presented in the staff report. The motion carried unanimously.
14) DISCUSSION ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND THE RECENT LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRES (It was noted that this item was heard concurrently with Agenda Item No. 12.) 18) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO CO-SPONSOR A PUBLIC FORUM ON IMMIGRATION
ENFORCEMENT
Councilmember Patty Lopez presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
City staff would bring this matter back to the February 3, 2025 City Council meeting to be included with the Police Department's public safety presentation. 19) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO UPDATE VETERANS’ CREDIT IN PERSONNEL RULES This item was continued to the February 3, 2025 City Council meeting.
STAFF COMMUNICATION INCLUDING COMMISSION UPDATES
None
GENERAL CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS AND LIAISON UPDATES Councilmember Fajardo thanked staff and colleagues for their work, reported a broken sign adjacent to the Chipotle parking lot, appreciated that San Fernando water is being offered in compostable cups, commented on the East San Fernando Corridor project, and emphasized the need for City Council participation in Metro meetings to ensure no adverse impacts on San Fernando. He also noted that the monarch butterfly is being proposed as endangered, and that Cindy Montañez Park provides a habitat for them. Lastly, he reiterated his desire to work collaboratively and respectfully with his council colleagues.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting January 21, 2025
Councilmember Lopez expressed concerns regarding street cleaning, reaffirmed her commitment to addressing workplace harassment. She also spoke about recent losses in the community and, lastly, expressed her desire to work collaboratively with her colleagues while noting her disappointment in the actions of certain individuals at a previous council meeting.
Councilmember Garcia thanked staff and spoke about the Education Commission presentation, suggesting that it be scheduled earlier rather than later for the benefit of the children, noted she attended the Metropolitan Water District inspection trip to Hoover Dam and Copper Basin, and commented on Chair Ortega providing quarterly water district updates. She expressed condolences to those who lost property and loved ones in the recent wildfires, while also thanking the nonprofit organizations that provided assistance and lastly mentioned the possibility of a future discussion on rent control.
Vice Mayor Solorio thanked colleagues and staff for a productive meeting, commented on attending the Water Education for Latino Women Leaders forum, and mentioned meeting a family without access to clean water and questioned how the city can protect the water supply to ensure continued access to clean water moving forward.
Mayor Mendoza mentioned attending the Hoover Dam Copper Basin inspection trip and stated that she reached out to Metropolitan Water District Board Chair Ortega to request quarterly update reports for the City Council.
ADJOURNMENT (12:36 p.m.)
Mayor Mendoza adjourned the meeting in memory of Juanita Rubalcava; the victims who lost their lives during the recent wildfires and former President Jimmy Carter to the next regular meeting on February 3, 2025.
I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and
correct copy of the minutes of the January 21, 2025,
Regular meeting and approved by the San Fernando
City Council at the meeting of April 7, 2025.
_________________________________________
Julia Fritz, CMC
City Clerk