CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING – 5:00 P.M.
REGULAR MEETING – 6:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 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 Vice Mayor Solorio to approve the agenda. The motion carried, unanimously.
PUBLIC STATEMENTS None
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION (5:02 P.M.)
By consensus, Councilmembers recessed to Closed Session.
A) CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(2) AND 54956.9(E)(1) – CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION:
One (1) Matter
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 February 18, 2025
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, 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
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
FEBRUARY STUDENT OF THE MONTH FOR KINDNESS
• Yazeo Pena (Glenoaks Christian Schools)
B. PRESENTATION OF A CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION TO BLANCA ROSA ERAZO SALGUERO
FOR CREATING OPPORTUNITIES WITH LOCAL ART
PUBLIC STATEMENTS
Cristina Vargasintroduced herself as the new area Municipal Relationship Manager with Republic Services.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES –Special and Regular Meeting February 18, 2025
The following submitted speaker cards and spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 13:
Jorge Boche
Brandon Gonzalez, District Representative for District 20 State Senator Caroline Menjivar Gus Villela, Field Representative for District 43 Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez.
Teodora Reyes
Niki Mohr
Nate Lundstrom
Mayra Valadez
Jess Perry-Martin
Monique Orozco
Alejandra Avalos
Liz Casteneda
Justan Torres
Olivia Natreman
Maria CiBrian
Veronica DeLara
Kelly Gonez, Board Member District 6 Los Angeles Unified School District Nancy Flores
Naomi Vaca
Sergio Amalfitano
Maria Salgado
Juan Solorio
Juan Cardenas
Jesus Gastelum
Jessica Wilson
Monica Reyes
Zayurit Gordillo
Gabriel Otiniano
Guillermo Navarro
Ana Karen Estrada
Daniel Molina
Diosy Reyes
Ruben Rodriguez
Joshua Ascechio
Maria Luisa Palma spoke about local school’s campus safety and asked for support seeking records for a public records request that she submitted to the Los Angeles Unified School District regarding data on school safety incidents.
Irene Sandlow spoke in opposition of Agenda Item No. 13.
The following submitted correspondence in support of Agenda Item No. 13:
Mayra Valadez
Angel Zobel-Rodriguez
Bertha Gonzalez
Jeffrey Deguia
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES –Special and Regular Meeting February 18, 2025
Mary Ann Martinez
Mary Cruz Flores
Humberto Solis Flores
Silvia Peralta
Astrid Serrano
Leslie Diaz
Genesis Pineda
Megan Sumergido
Kevin Shum
Maggie Barrera
The following called in and provided comments in support of Agenda Item No. 13:
Carlos Sandoval
Nancy
Caller telephone number 7612
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Garcia pulled Item Nos. 3, 5 and 6 for discussion.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Lopez to approve Consent Calendar Items 1, 2, 4, 7 and 8:
1) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES:
a. February 17, 2009 – CC Regular Meeting d. February 23, 2009 – RDA Meeting b. February 17, 2009 – RDA Regular
Meeting
e. December 6, 2010 – Regular Meeting
c. February 23, 2009 – Regular Meeting
2) CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE WARRANT REGISTER 4) CONSIDERATION TO RECEIVE AND FILE THE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2024
7) CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 LEVY OF ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT AND ORDERING THE ENGINEER’S REPORT
8) CONSIDERATION TO ACCEPT PROJECT COMPLETION AND AUTHORIZE THE RECORDATION
OF A NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE PIONEER PARK PLAYGROUND RENOVATION
PROJECT
The motion carried, unanimously.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES –Special and Regular Meeting February 18, 2025
Motion by Vice Mayor Solorio, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to approve Item Nos. 3 and 5:
3) RECEIVE AND FILE STATUS UPDATES FOR ENHANCEMENTS, PROJECTS, AND CITY COUNCIL
PRIORITIES
The report was received and filed. The City Council directed staff to: invite Metro representatives to provide updates in March; bring back to a future meeting a request for City Council direction regarding the City hosting an immigration forum; and present a draft letter advocating the City’s support for campus safety to the Los Angeles Unified School District Board Member representative.
5) CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT
APPLICATION, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF GREATER LOS ANGELES,
TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR THE 2024 HOMEOWNERSHIP SUPER NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY The motion carried, unanimously.
Motion by Vice Mayor Solorio, seconded by Councilmember Fajardo to approve Item No. 6:
6) CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING A GRAFFITI ABATEMENT POLICY The motion carried by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Lopez, Fajardo, Solorio, Mendoza - 4
NAYES: Garcia - 1
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The City Council recessed the meeting at 8:10 p.m. and reconvened at 8:25 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
13) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING A "SANCTUARY CITY STATUS" FOR THE CITY
OF SAN FERNANDO
Vice Mayor Solorio presented the staff report and a presentation was provided by ShuiMing Cheer from the California Immigrant Policy Center.
The City Council directed staff to return to a future meeting with the following additional information: provide additional "Sanctuary City " policy samples from other cities; provide a matrix identifying the city's current immigration policies as well as provisions implemented by other cities (e.g. City of LA & Burbank); and include information on Federal Funding received by the City.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES –Special and Regular Meeting February 18, 2025
PUBLIC HEARING
9) A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTING A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE APPEAL FILED BY THE APPLICANT, MIDLAND CONTRACTORS, INC., OVERTURNING THE PLANNING AND PRESERVATION COMMISSION’S DENIAL OF SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 2024-001 AND ISSUE A CERTIFICATE OF USE TO ALLOW FOR A 3-STORY, 10-UNIT TOWNHOUSE STYLE RESIDENTIAL
MULTI-FAMILY DEVELOPMENT AND TWO DETACHED ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS LOCATED AT 833 N. BRAND BOULEVARD IN THE R-2/PD ZONE
Mayor Mendoza opened the public hearing.
Director of Community Development Erika Ramirez and Associate Planner Marina presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Mendoza opened public comment.
The following submitted written correspondence in opposition:
Sylvia Dominguez
Maria Lombera
Margarita Cervavio
Maria Gaurdo
The following spoke in opposition:
Miguel Montanez
Rodolfo Salinas
Avila (absent when called)
Efren Lombera
Margarita Cervacio
Maria Lombera
Julie Cuellar
Ruby Montes
Fernando Diaz
Layla Hernandez (absent when called)
There being no additional public testimony, Mayor Mendoza closed the public comment period.
The applicant for the development provided closing comments.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to continue the public hearing to the March 17, 2025 City Council meeting to receive additional information on sewer and water capacity; include additional project conditions (e.g. prohibit storage in garages and centralized delivery drop box); and provide additional time for the Councilmembers to review the projects CEQA documents. The motion carried, unanimously.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES –Special and Regular Meeting February 18, 2025
10) A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTING AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A MILITARY USE
EQUIPMENT POLICY GOVERNING THE USE OF MILITARY EQUIPMENT, AS REQUIRED BY ASSEMBLY BILL 481; AND APPROVAL OF THE 2024 ANNUAL MILITARY EQUIPMENT REPORT Mayor Mendoza opened the public hearing.
Acting Commander Walter Dominguez presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Mendoza opened public comment. There being none, the public comment portion of the meeting was closed.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, second by Vice Mayor Solorio to introduce for first reading, in title only, and waive further reading of Ordinance No. 1731 titled, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of San Fernando, California, adopting a Military Equipment Policy governing the use of military equipment pursuant to Assembly Bill 481”; and approve the 2024 Annual Military Equipment Report. The motion carried, unanimously.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
11) RECEIVE AND FILE AN INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION ON THE CITY’S PENSION AND
OTHER POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS LIABILITIES
Director of Administrative Services Melton and Shuster Representatives presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions. The City Council received and filed the report.
12) PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF THE MID-YEAR BUDGET REVIEW FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025; AND CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE MID-YEAR PROPOSED BUDGET (TABLED TO THE MARCH 3, 2025 REGULAR MEETING)
14. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REQUESTING A REPORT ON THE CONDITION AND REPAIR PROGRESS OF THE CESAR E. CHAVEZ MURAL (TABLED TO THE MARCH 3, 2025
REGULAR MEETING)
15. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING LEGAL PROCESSES FOR COMMISSIONER NOMINATIONS (TABLED TO THE MARCH 3, 2025 REGULAR MEETING)
16. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND SAFETY NEAR
SAN FERNANDO MIDDLE SCHOOL AND SAN FERNANDO ELEMENTARY
Councilmember Garcia presented the staff report.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES –Special and Regular Meeting February 18, 2025
The City Council directed staff to return with information during the budget study sessions for the Fiscal Year 2025‐26 Budget development discussions regarding a potential citywide stop sign study; sidewalk recommendations by City Engineer regarding traffic management near San Fernando Middle School; and return to the next meeting with a draft letter to Los Angeles Unified School District on concerns with public safety at local schools.
STAFF COMMUNICATION INCLUDING COMMISSION UPDATES
City Manager Kimball reminded Councilmembers to submit their list of top five priorities and complaints information in advance of the upcoming City Council Strategic Goals meeting on Monday, February 24, 2025.
GENERAL CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS AND LIAISON UPDATES Councilmember Fajardo spoke in admiration of the newly elected California District 29 Congresswoman Luz Rivas. In addition, he commented on having future discussions regarding the process for presentations during City Council meetings.
Councilmember Garcia apologized for being unwell and noted that she wished she had been feeling better to fully engage with the agenda items, particularly with Agenda Item No. 9 public hearing.
Councilmember Lopez thanked staff for their work.
Vice Mayor Solorio thanked staff for their work.
Mayor Mendoza reported she attended the Valentines for Heros event where she mentioned Congresswoman Rivas was in attendance. She also noted attending the San Fernando Recovery Center’s open house, the Tutčint cohort ceremony at Recreation Park, the Golden Dreams event and requested to close the meeting memory of Laraine Ballin.
ADJOURNMENT (12:27 p.m.)
Mayor Mendoza adjourned the meeting in memory of Laraine Ballin to the special meeting on February 24, 2025.
I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and
correct copy of the minutes of the February 18, 2025,
Regular meeting and approved by the San Fernando
City Council at the meeting of May 5, 2025.
_________________________________________
Julia Fritz, CMC
City Clerk