MAYOR MARY MENDOZA
VICE MAYOR MARY SOLORIO
COUNCILMEMBER JOEL FAJARDO
COUNCILMEMBER VICTORIA GARCIA
COUNCILMEMBER PATTY LOPEZ
Staff Contact Nick Kimball, City Manager
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2025 – 5:30 PM
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
117 MACNEIL STREET
SAN FERNANDO, CALIFORNIA 91340
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION OPTIONS
WATCH THE MEETING
Live stream with audio and video, via YouTube, at: https://www.youtube.com/c/CityOfSanFernando
SUBMIT PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON
Members of the public may provide comments in person in the City Council Chambers during the Public Comments section of the Agenda by submitting a comment card to the City Clerk.
SUBMIT PUBLIC COMMENT VIA EMAIL
Members of the public may submit comments by email to [email protected] no later than 12:00 p.m. the day of the meeting, to ensure distribution to the City Council prior to consideration of the agenda. Comments received via email will be distributed to the City Council and made part of the official public record of the meeting.
CALL-IN TO PROVIDE PUBLIC COMMENT LIVE DURING THE MEETING Members of the public may call-in between 5:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. Comments will be heard in the order received, and limited to three minutes. If necessary, the call-in period may be extended by the Mayor. Note: This is audio only and no video.
Call-in Telephone Number: (669) 900-6833
Meeting ID: 833 6022 0211
Passcode: 924965
When connecting to the Zoom meeting to speak, you will be placed in a virtual “waiting area,” with your audio disabled, until it is your turn to speak and limited to three minutes.
February 24, 2025 CC Special Mtg Page 1 of 26
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting Notice and Agenda – February 24, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
TELECONFERENCING REQUESTS/DISCLOSURE
Recommend consideration of requests received for remote teleconference meeting participation made by members of the City’s legislative bodies, as permitted under the provisions of Assembly Bill (AB) 2449, Government Code Section 54953, and the City of San Fernando adopted Resolution No. 8215, effective March 1, 2023.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by City Clerk Julia Fritz
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
DECORUM AND ORDER
The City Council, elected by the public, must be free to discuss issues confronting the City in an orderly environment. Members of the public attending City Council meetings shall observe the same rules of order and decorum applicable to the City Council (SF Procedural Manual). Any person making impertinent derogatory or slanderous remarks or who becomes boisterous while addressing the City Council or while attending the City Council meeting, may be removed from the room if the Presiding Officer so directs the sergeant-at-arms and such person may be barred from further audience before the City Council.
PUBLIC STATEMENTS
Members of the public may provide comments in person in the City Council Chambers during the Public Comments section of the Agenda by submitting a comment card to the City Clerk.
Members of the public may submit comments by email to [email protected] no later than 12:00 p.m. the day of the meeting to ensure distribution to the City Council and made part of the official public record of the meeting.
Members of the public may provide a live public comment by calling in between 5:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. CALL-IN INFORMATION: Telephone Number: (669) 900-6833; Meeting ID: 833 6022 0211; Passcode: 924965
February 24, 2025 CC Special Mtg Page 2 of 26
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting Notice and Agenda – February 24, 2025
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
1) PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF CITY COUNCIL STRATEGIC GOALS AND BUDGET PRIORITIES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026
Recommend that the City Council:
a. Receive and file a presentation from staff regarding 2024 efforts to move the Strategic Goals forward;
b. Review and discuss the Strategic Goals 2022-2026;
c. Discuss the City Council priorities for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026; and d. Provide direction, as appropriate.
STAFF COMMUNICATION INCLUDING COMMISSION UPDATES
GENERAL CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS AND LIAISON UPDATES ADJOURNMENT The meeting will adjourn to its next regular meeting.
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing agenda was posted on the City Hall bulletin board not less than 24 hours prior to the special meeting.
Dated: _________________ at: ______________
Signed By: _____________________________
Agendas and complete Agenda Packets (including staff reports and exhibits related to each item) are posted on the City’s `Internet website www.sfcity.org. These are also available for public reviewing prior to a meeting in the City Clerk Department. Any public writings distributed by the City Council to at least a majority of the Councilmembers regarding any item on this regular meeting agenda will also be made available at the City Clerk Department at City Hall located at 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA, 91340 during normal business hours. In addition, the City may also post such documents on the City’s website at www.sfcity.org. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if you require a disability-related modification/accommodation to attend or participate in this meeting, including auxiliary aids or services please call the City Clerk Department at (818) 898-1204 or [email protected] at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
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AGENDA REPORT
ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT 117 MACNEIL STREET, SAN FERNANDO, CA 91340 (818) 898-1202 WWW.SFCITY.ORG REVIEW: ☐ Finance Director ☒ Deputy City Manager ☐ City Manager To: Mayor Mary Mendoza and Councilmembers
From: Nick Kimball, City Manager
Date: February 24, 2024
Subject: Presentation and Discussion of City Council Strategic Goals and Budget Priorities for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
a. Receive and file a presentation from staff regarding 2024 efforts to move the Strategic Goals forward;
b. Review and discuss the Strategic Goals 2022-2026 (Attachment “A”); c. Discuss the City Council priorities for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026; and d. Provide direction, as appropriate.
BACKGROUND:
1. On April 19, 2021, the City Council adopted the Strategic Goals 2022 – 2026 as a roadmap for staff and the community to move the City forward over the next five (5) years.
2. On February 18, 2022, the City Council held a Priority-setting Workshop facilitated by Management Partners, Inc. to provide an opportunity to set priorities in advance of the FY 2022-2023 annual budget process.
3. On January 17, 2023, the City Council adopted revised Strategic Goals as recommended by the Strategic Goals Ad Hoc (Rodriguez, Montañez). This revision reorganized the document to provide an overall description for each of the eight (8) strategic goal areas with accompanying strategies to achieve the goal.
4. On March 3, 2023, the City Council held a Priority-setting Workshop facilitated by Baker Tilly, Inc. to provide an opportunity to set priorities in advance of the FY 2023-2024 annual budget process.
February 24, 2025 CC Special Mtg Page 9 of 26
Presentation and Discussion of City Council Strategic Goals and Budget Priorities for Fiscal Year 2025- 2026
5. On February 13, 2024, the City Council held a Priority-setting Workshop facilitated by City staff to provide an opportunity to set priorities in advance of the FY 2024-2025 annual budget process.
ANALYSIS:
The annual review of strategic goals and priority setting workshop is an opportunity for the City Council to develop a set of shared priorities in advance of the budget study sessions to ensure that financial and operational planning aligns with the city's long-term vision and community needs. This process reaffirms or adjusts strategic direction, guides budget allocations, and enhances transparency and accountability. By establishing clear priorities, the City Council ensures informed, data-driven decision-making that balances immediate needs with long-term sustainability, streamlines the budget process, and maximizes the impact of public resources.
Strategic Goals versus City Council Priorities.
Although Strategic Goals and City Council Priorities are closely related concepts, the difference between the two (2) concepts lies in their scope, purpose, and level of detail in guiding municipal operations and decision-making.
• Citywide Strategic Goals are broad, long-term objectives that define the city's overall vision and direction. These goals serve as a guiding framework for all city departments, ensuring alignment with community needs, sustainability, economic development, infrastructure improvements, and overall quality of life. They typically span multiple years and are foundational to policy-making and operational planning. Strategic Goals are meant to remain consistent over a defined period of time. • City Council Priorities are more focused, short-term objectives that the City Council sets annually to address immediate or emerging needs. These priorities help direct city resources and guide the budget process, ensuring that strategic goals are advanced in a way that reflects current challenges, opportunities, and community input. City Council priorities may shift from year to year, depending on economic conditions, public concerns, or policy initiatives.
In summary, strategic goals provide long-term direction, while City Council priorities define the near-term focus areas that drive budgeting and policy decisions. 2022-2026 Strategic Goals.
The current Strategic Goals 2022-2026 were developed and adopted by City Council in 2021 and subsequently reorganized in 2023. They cover a five-year period commencing in Fiscal Year 2021-2022 and ending in Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
February 24, 2025 CC Special Mtg Page 10 of 26
Presentation and Discussion of City Council Strategic Goals and Budget Priorities for Fiscal Year 2025- 2026
The Strategic Goals are organized into the following categories. Significant achievements for each of the strategies under the Strategic Goal categories will be presented by staff during the Special Study Session.
1. Focus on Community First
2. Cultivating a Stronger Local Economy
3. Preserve Beautiful Homes and Neighborhoods
4. Strengthen Climate Resilience and Environmental Justice
5. Enhance Public Transportation to Move San Fernando
6. Build Resilient and Reliable Infrastructure
7. Forge Financial Strength and Stability
8. Emergency Preparedness: Supporting the Community
The upcoming fiscal year marks the end of the Strategic Goal planning period, consequently, staff recommends that the City Council begin discussing the process for developing new strategic goals for the next planning period.
Pre-session Preparation.
In advance of the Priority-setting Workshop, staff made the following preparations to create an environment to foster more informed decision-making by City Council:
• Assessed progress on previously set goals and identified what has been completed, delayed, or needs adjustment.
• Gathered key data and reports, including community survey results, budget data, and performance metrics.
• Collected input on department priorities, operational challenges, and funding needs. • Requested feedback from City Councilmembers regarding top complaints over the last year and upcoming priorities.
Based on this pre-session preparation, staff developed an agenda and content to review with City Council with the ultimate goal of developing shared City Council priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.
Priority-setting Workshop.
The Priority-setting workshop is organized according to the following agenda:
A. 2024 Year in Review
i. Multimedia review of accomplishments and 2024 Annual Report ii. Executive Management Retreat summary
B. Strategic Goals 2022-2026
i. Status Update
ii. Planning for Next Strategic Goals Cycle
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Presentation and Discussion of City Council Strategic Goals and Budget Priorities for Fiscal Year 2025- 2026
C. Budget Primer
i. City Budget 202 – Understanding the City’s Revenue Sources and Expenditure Categories
ii. Achieving Priorities through Budget Appropriations
D. Setting Priorities
i. Review Community Survey
ii. Exercise: Develop shared City Council priorities
E. Review and Wrap-up
BUDGET IMPACT:
Discussion of the Citywide Strategic Goals and City Council Priorities is included in the City Manager and Finance Department annual work programs and are an integral part of setting the tone and providing guidance to the City Manager for preparation of the City Manager’s Proposed Budget. Staff will provide the financial impact of achieving long-term strategic goals during the FY 2025-2026 Budget Study sessions.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends that City Council discuss the City Council priorities for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, and provide direction, as appropriate.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Citywide Strategic Goals 2022 – 2026
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CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
FY 2022-2026
Strategic
Goals
March, 2023
ATTACHMENT "A"
February 24, 2025 CC Special Mtg Page 13 of 26
2: Historic & Visionary
As the home of the Fernandeño-Tataviam
indigenous people and incorporated in 1911, the
City of San Fernando is one of California’s
charming historic small towns.
Historic& Visionary
The City-wide Strategic Goals articulate goals
and objectives that the City of San Fernando will
work to achieve over the next five years. The
Strategic Goals provide context for budget
development and revenue priorities to ensure the
City Council, the City Manager, Department
Directors, City Commissions and all city
employees are working to achieve the City’s
long-term vision, goals and objectives. The
Strategic Goals are reviewed annually and will be
amended by City Council as needed.
Strategic Goals serve as a road map to establish policies and programs that provide a safe and clean environment, maximize the quality of life in San Fernando, and enhance City services.
These goals are achievable through allocating City resources as well as leveraging collaboration with federal, state and county governments and local non-profit organizations to secure resources and funding opportunities.
The 2021-2026 City-wide Strategic Goals articulate goals and objectives that the City of San Fernando will work to achieve over a five-year period. The Strategic Goals provide context for budget development and revenue priorities to ensure the City Council, City Manager, Department Directors, City
Commissions and all city employees are working to achieve the City’s long-term vision, goals and objectives. The Strategic Goals are reviewed annually and will be amended by City Council as needed.
Adopted: April 19, 2021
Revised: January 17, 2023
February 24, 2025 CC Special Mtg Page 14 of 26
3: Historic & Visionary
III. PRESERVE BEAUTIFUL HOMES AND
NEIGHBORHOODS
I. FOCUS ON COMMUNITY FIRST
II. SUPPORT ECONOMIC RECOVERY:
STRONGER THAN EVER
2022-2027 Strategic Goals
IV. STRENGTHEN CLIMATE RESILIENCE
AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
The strategic goals guiding the development of the
fiscal year 2021-2022 budget are:
II. ELEVATE SAN FERNANDO:
CULTIVATING A STRONGER LOCAL
ECONOMY
2022 - 2026 Strategic Goals
The strategic goals guiding the development of the
fiscal year 2023-2024 budget are:
II. CULTIVATING A STRONGER
LOCAL ECONOMY
February 24, 2025 CC Special Mtg Page 15 of 26
4: Historic & Visionary
VII. FORGE FINANCIAL STRENGTH AND
STABILITY
V. ENHANCE PUBLIC
TRANSPORTATION TO MOVE SAN
FERNANDO
VI. BUILD RESILIENT AND RELIABLE
INFRASTRUCTURE
2022-2027 Strategic Goals
(continued)
VIII. COVID-19: RESPONDING TO A
PANDEMIC
VII. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS:
SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY
2022 - 2026 Strategic Goals
(continued)
February 24, 2025 CC Special Mtg Page 16 of 26
5: Historic & Visionary
The City Council’s focus is on enhancing the quality of life and community satisfaction in San Fernando. Working to implement the following goals will put the Focus on Community First:
1. Provide a high standard for service and quality of life for San Fernando taxpayers, residents and community members through our top-notch San Fernando Police Department, community-based public safety programming, efficient service delivery, access to local government, and excellent public service.
2. Provide opportunities for community engagement to further develop strategic goals and ensure they are consistent with community needs.
3. Create a public engagement policy and strategy to pro-actively seek community feedback on major City decisions.
4. Increase San Fernando Police Department resources for personnel, equipment, training and community-based policing options.
5. Explore opportunities to expand recreation and sports programs, senior programs, and the Healthy San Fernando initiative.
6. Improve the City’s use of technology to enhance customer service, work more efficiently, improve transparency for residents, businesses and other stakeholders, and increase community access to broadband.
7. Increase opportunities and support for residents to secure basic needs, and obtain quality education, decent work, and family services.
I. FOCUS ON COMMUNITY FIRST
Goal: The City of San Fernando is committed to providing a high standard of service, safety, and quality of life for San Fernando taxpayers. The City works to increase opportunities and support for residents to secure their basic needs and connect residents to support services. These outcomes can be achieved by enhancing public safety, increasing access to City services and programs, and keeping the community informed through outreach and transparency initiatives.
Strategies:
1. Provide opportunities for community engagement to further develop strategic goals, ensure strategic goals are consistent with community needs, and create a public engagement policy and strategy to proactively seek community feedback on major City decisions.
2. Ensure San Fernando Police Department has adequate resources for personnel, equipment, training and community-based policing options.
3. Improve the City’s use of technology to enhance customer service, work more efficiently and make it easier to conduct business with the City, improve transparency, and increase community access to broadband.
4. Explore opportunities to expand recreation and community service programs, senior programs, and healthy lifestyle initiatives.
5. Implement the Homeless Action Plan and related policies to support unsheltered and under housed individuals and families.
6. Expand collaboration with Public-Private Partnerships (PPP’s) and local Community-Based Organizations (CBO’s) to support San Fernando in achieving key strategic goals.
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6: Historic & Visionary
The City Council’s intent is to facilitate a strong recovery from the long-term financial impacts of the Great Recession and near term impacts of the COVID19 pandemic by focusing on economic development, championing place-making efforts, and supporting the business community. To achieve this, the City has the following goals to Recover Stronger Than Ever:
1. Pursue economic development opportunities to bolster the City’s revenue and promote the City’s healthy business climate, top-notch City services, historic neighborhoods and arts and cultural resources.
2. Integrate and highlight San Fernando’s history, art and culture into cultural and economic development plans. Support economic development efforts, including music and arts projects/programs, that highlight San Fernando’s native American and Latin American roots.
3. Provide technical and financial assistance programs for small business retention, expansion and recruitment. (Business One-Stop Center)
4. Enhance the historic downtown business corridor through the creation of a Downtown Master Plan, architectural design and signage standards, business development support and pedestrian focused improvements.
5. Attract and retain private investment in all of the City’s business corridors and support place-making efforts.
6. Attract well-paying jobs to the City’s industrial corridors and commercial zones by focusing on growing industries including, but not limited to, climate resiliency research and development, clean energy and other emerging technologies, and arts and entertainment.
7. Beautify the Civic Center through investment in public buildings and infrastructure, including modernizing the City’s Police Station, City Hall and Public Workssupport facilities, and supporting the Los Angeles Unified School District efforts to restore and rehabilitate the historic San Fernando Auditorium and Morningside Auditorium to be used as a public theatre.
II. SUPPORT ECONOMIC RECOVERY:
STRONGER THAN EVER
Goal: The City of San Fernando is committed to pursuing economic development opportunities to bolster the City’s revenue, enhance the health of the business climate, and highlight the City’s rich history, culture, music, arts, Native American, and Latin American roots.
Enhancing the local economy provides the resources to fund top-notch City services, programs, and infrastructure.
Strategies:
1. Provide technical and financial assistance programs for small business retention, expansion and recruitment. Establish programs that support a “One-Stop Business Center.”
2. Create a Downtown Master Plan to enhance the historic downtown business corridor through architectural design and signage standards, business development support and pedestrian focused improvements.
3. Attract and retain private investment in all of the City’s business corridors and support place-making efforts. Attract well-paying jobs to the City’s industrial and commercial corridors by focusing on growing industries including, but not limited to, climate resiliency research and development, clean energy, emerging technologies, cultural arts, culinary arts, and entertainment options.
II. CULTIVATING A STRONGER LOCAL
ECONOMY
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7: Historic & Visionary
The City Council recognizes the beautiful architecture of our homes and desirable characteristics of our neighborhoods. To preserve this, the City will work toward the following goals to Preserve our Beautiful Homes and Neighborhoods:
1. Facilitate common-sense housing policy to preserve the charm of San Fernando.
2. Promote home ownership and first time homeowner programs, particularly programs that provide home ownership opportunities for current San Fernando residents/renters.
3. Explore programs that provide technical assistance, architectural guidance, and financial support for the preservation and restoration of historic residential homes.
4. Explore programs that provide technical assistance, architectural guidance, and financial support for home rehabilitation for lowand moderate-income homeowners.
5. Develop a Homeless Plan and policies to support unsheltered and under housed individuals and families.
a) Update accessory dwelling unit and junior accessory dwelling unit ordinance to improve the City’s affordable housing supply.
b) Develop policies for individuals dwelling in vehicles and other sheltered locations.
6. Develop policies, financial literacy and financial incentives to address displacement pressures for individuals and families that are functionally under-housed.
III. PRESERVE BEAUTIFUL HOMES AND
NEIGHBORHOODS
Goal: The City of San Fernando is committed to facilitating commonsense housing policy to preserve the charm of San Fernando and provide natural, safe, neighborhood-centered spaces for residents to play and be active.
Strategies:
1. Promote home ownership and first time homeowner programs, particularly programs that provide home ownership opportunities for current San Fernando residents/renters.
2. Explore programs that provide technical assistance, architectural guidance, and financial support for the preservation and restoration of historic residential homes, and rehabilitation assistance for low- to moderate-income homeowners.
3. Support historic preservation programs, including Los Angeles Unified School District efforts to restore and rehabilitate the historic San Fernando Auditorium and Morningside Auditorium to be used as a public theatre.
4. Educate property owners on property maintenance standards to protect the charm and character of the City’s neighborhoods.
5. Invest in enhancing parks, park amenities, and accessibility at all of the City’s recreational parks, natural parks and open spaces.
III. PRESERVE BEAUTIFUL HOMES AND
NEIGHBORHOODS
February 24, 2025 CC Special Mtg Page 19 of 26
8: Historic & Visionary
The City Council understands the City’s responsibility to be good stewards of the environment and the positive impact environmental responsibility has on the health and well-being of residents.
Working to achieve the following goals will Strengthen Climate Resilience and Environmental Justice:
1. Protect public health and the City’s natural resources by promoting energy efficient capital improvements, developing plans to reduce climate-related risks, and supporting federal and state legislative efforts to increase climate resilience and adaptation funding for impacted communities like San Fernando.
2. Invest in tree planting and care efforts and strengthen the City’s urban forest to improve air quality, expand native habitat and address extreme heat and heat island impacts. a) Increase tree canopy coverage by 33% by the end of fiscal year 2027 (i.e. add approximately 2,000 trees).
b) Seek resources to develop and implement an Urban Forest Management Plan.
3. Safeguard the City’s water quality and local water supply through risk, resiliency and redundancy improvements, infiltration projects, treatment and storage improvements, and conservation programs.
a) Complete the San Fernando Park Infiltration Project by the end of fiscal year 2025. Once completed, this project will infiltrate up to 400-acre feet of water annually (130.3 million gallons) and prevent this captured water from going into the Pacoima Wash,a tributary to the Los Angeles River.
b) Pursue funding to restore and rehabilitate8th Street Natural Park to achieve maximum water capture and infiltration.
c) Move forward with Green Streets and otherstormwater capture projects, such asthe Carlisle Green Street project and stormwater capture improvements at South Maclay and Parking Lot4 (Truman and Brand Blvd).
d) Plan, design and build the Pacoima Wash Greenway to address flooding and stormwater compliance and expand open space.
e) Continue to use 100% local ground water supply to meet residential and commercialwater demand through projects like a Phase2 of nitrate treatment plant for wells 2A and 3A to provide resiliency for the City’s water supply.
4. Reduce the City’s carbon footprint through energy efficient facility improvements, aggressive waste and food reduction, recycling and reuse, and alternative energy vehicles and equipment.
IV. STRENGTHEN CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
Goal: The City of San Fernando is committed to protecting public health, natural resources, and local water independence by being a leader in promoting conservation, energy efficiency, sustainability, reducing climaterelated risks, and increasing climate resilience and adaptation.
Strategies:
1. Strengthen the City’s urban forest by continuing to invest in tree planting and tree care efforts, which will improve air quality, expand native habitat and address extreme heat and heat island impacts.
2. Safeguard the City’s water quality and local water supply through conservation programs, landscape regulations, water capture, smarttechnology and equipment upgrades and other programs to reduce water usage with the goal of maintaining 100% water independence.
3. Reduce the City’s carbon footprint through energy efficient facility improvements, aggressive waste and food reduction, recycling and reuse, and alternative energy vehicles and equipment.
4. Advocate for, and leverage, funding opportunities through federal, state, and regional agencies to connect residents and businesses to sustainability and conservation financial resources.
IV. STRENGTHEN CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
February 24, 2025 CC Special Mtg Page 20 of 26
9: Historic & Visionary
The City Council understands the critical role regional and local public transportation networks play in providing a way for our essential workers to get to work, reducing traffic congestion, and reducing our carbon footprint. The following goals provide a framework to Enhance Public Transportation and Move San Fernando:
1. Enhance regional and local public transportation options that benefit residents as well as employees, visitors, and customers of San Fernando businesses and cultural institutions.
2. Ensure the East Valley Regional Light Rail and Metrolink projects servicing San Fernando are developed responsibly with adequate mitigation for traffic, pedestrian and parking impacts to not create an undue hardship to the City’s residents and businesses.
3. Pursue funding to construct projects identified in Metro’s First/Last Mile Plan, the City’s Safe and Active Streets Plan, and other planning efforts that support access to public transportation and pedestrianfocused improvements.
4. Provide affordable local transportation, including the ability to offer the Mission City Transit service without charging a fare.
5. Beautify and update bus stops by making them more user friendly, attractive, clean and architecturally consistent.
6. Support and prioritize deployment of transportation electrification and alternative fuels through the promotion of electric charging and clean natural gas public stations.
7. Improve the City’s Trails Network including increased maintenance of the Mission City Bike Trail and completing the Pacoima Wash Greenway.
V. ENHANCE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
TO MOVE SAN FERNANDO
Goal: The City of San Fernando is committed to enhancing regional and local public transportation options that benefit residents, employees, visitors, and customers of San Fernando businesses and cultural institutions.
Strategies:
1. Enhance public transit by providing affordable access to the Mission City Transit system (i.e. Trolley) and improve Trolley stops by making them more user friendly, attractive, clean and architecturally consistent.
2. Improve the City’s pedestrian and bike trail network, services, and accessibility, including increased maintenance of the Mission City Bike Trail and completion of the Pacoima Wash Bike Path.
3. Support and prioritize deployment of electric and alternative fuel vehicles through the promotion of electric charging stations and other clean fuel options.
4. Ensure the East San Fernando Valley Regional Light Rail and Metrolink projects servicing San Fernando complement and enhance existing public transportation options without causing undue hardship to traffic, pedestrian and parking systems.
5. Pursue funding to construct projects identified in Metro’s First/ Last Mile Plan, the City’s Safe and Active Streets Plan, and other planning efforts that support access to public transportation and pedestrian-focused improvements.
V. ENHANCE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
TO MOVE SAN FERNANDO
February 24, 2025 CC Special Mtg Page 21 of 26
10: Historic & Visionary
The City Council recognizes the costly impact of deferred maintenance of the City’s aging infrastructure, including streets, sidewalks, water and sewer transmission lines, sports fields and courts, and public buildings. The following goals will help reduce the long-term cost of deferred maintenance and provide direction to Build Resilient and Reliable Infrastructure:
1. Increase capital expenditures to address critical infrastructure needs, including, but not limited to, addressing deferred maintenance of city streets, water and sewer systems, and sidewalks.
2. Leverage federal, state and county transportation funding to maximize residential and commercial street paving each
year.
a) Goal to spend at least $2,000,000 per year to resurface at least 2 miles of residential streets per year.
b) After resurfacing, slurry seal residential streets every 5 years.
3. Develop a sidewalk replacement program to increase safety and walkability throughout the City.
VI. BUILD RESILIENT AND RELIABLE
Goal: The City of San Fernando is committed to increasing capital INFRASTRUCTURE expenditures to address critical infrastructure needs, including, but not limited to, addressing deferred maintenance of City buildings, streets, water and sewer systems, and sidewalks.
Strategies:
1. Invest in water and sewer infrastructure through risk, resiliency and redundancy improvements, infiltration projects, treatment systems, and storage enhancements.
2. Maximize annual street paving and sidewalk repair by leveraging multiple sources of federal, state, county and private funding.
3. Beautify the Civic Center through investment in public buildings, landscaping and infrastructure, including modernizing the City’s Police Station and City Hall.
VI. BUILD RELIABLE AND RESILIENT
INFRASTRUCTURE
February 24, 2025 CC Special Mtg Page 22 of 26
11: Historic & Visionary
The City Council holds their fiduciary responsibility to San Fernando taxpayers in highest regard and values strong financial management practices.
The following goals will ensure the City continues to Forge Financial Strength and Stability:
1. Manage and grow the City’s revenues and reserve balances in a number of critical funds, including, but not limited to, the General Fund, SelfInsurance Fund, Equipment Replacement Fund and Enterprise Funds in accordance with the City’s Comprehensive Financial Policies.
2. Review and update the City’s Comprehensive Financial Policies biannually. Policy areas address in the Comprehensive Financial Policies include: 1) Long-term Financial Planning, 2) Auditing, Financial Reporting and Disclosure, 3) Revenue Collection, 4) Investment and Cash Management, 5) Capital Assets and Capital Improvement Projects, 6) Financial Reserves and Fund Balances, 7) Post-employment Benefit Funding, 8) Grant Administration, 9) User Fees and Service Charges, 10) Cost Allocation, and 11) Debt Management.
3. Review and update the City’s Investment Policy annually.
4. Implement strategies to reduce long-term pension and other postemployment benefits (i.e. retiree health) liabilities.
5. Invest in a Grant Manager, or Grant Management Services, to secure funds to implement strategic goals and priority projects.
6. Continue to submit and receive the Government Financial Officers Association (GFOA) Awards for Excellence in Financial Reporting and Budget Preparation.
VII. FORGE FINANCIAL
STRENGTH AND STABILITY
VII. FORGE FINANCIAL STRENGTH AND
STABILITY
Goal: The City of San Fernando is committed to managing taxpayer funds responsibly, growing the City’s revenue streams and protecting minimum reserve balances in accordance with adopted Comprehensive Financial Policies.
Strategies:
1. Ensure transparency and engagement opportunities for stakeholders to provide input on management of City resources, including special tax measures and budget priorities.
2. Review and update the City’s Comprehensive Financial Policies biannually.
3. Implement strategies to reduce long-term pension and other postemployment benefits (i.e. retiree health) liabilities.
4. Focus on grant funding to raise significant resources to implement strategic goals and priority projects.
5. Continue to submit and receive the Government Financial Officers Association (GFOA) Awards for Excellence in Financial Reporting and Budget Preparation.
February 24, 2025 CC Special Mtg Page 23 of 26
12: Historic & Visionary
The City Council has made response to the COVID-19 pandemic the highest priority since it first declared a local state of emergency on Monday, March 16, 2020. The City’s COVID-19 response effort now shifts away from the outreach, education and enforcement phase to the vaccination and recovery phase, which are reflected in the goals below. The following short-term goals are expected to be completed in the first year of this Strategic Goals cycle and may be removed from future updates of this document:
1. Work with elected officials, state and county agencies, and community partners to vaccinate 75% of the 65+ senior
population and eligible general population by December 31, 2021, while continuing the free COVID-19 testing program.
2. Increase capability to disseminate timely and relevant information to the community through effective communication channels and community partners.
a) Leverage community partnerships to maximize outreach for vaccine distribution, updated health order information, financial programs available to residents and businesses, and available technical/financial assistance programs.
b) Utilize emergency communication capability (ALERT San Fernando) appropriately to ensure important information is actively pushed out to the community.
3. Support federal, state and local funding for COVID-19 relief programs, especially for most impacted communities.
VIII. COVID-19: RESPONDING TO A
PANDEMIC
VIII. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS:
SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY
Goal: The City of San Fernando is committed to preparing City staff and community members to be safe before, during, and after an emergency or natural disaster, including but not limited to, earthquakes, wildfires, wind events, extreme heat, floods, and pandemics. Effective emergency management requires adequate training and preparation before an emergency, decisive action and coordination during the response, leveraging resources during the recovery, and providing timely information and clear communication throughout.
Strategies:
1. Continually review and update the Emergency Operations Plan, including providing Emergency Operations Center training to City staff and emergency response personnel to ensure effective inter-department and inter-agency coordination during an emergency response.
2. Foster relationships with regional agencies, local businesses, and community based organizations to improve the City’s emergency response capacity through partnerships and mutual aid..
3. Increase capability to disseminate timely and relevant information to the community through effective communication channels and community partners. a. Leverage community partnerships to maximize outreach during emergency response and recovery, including financial assistance and other resources available to residents and businesses.
b. Utilize emergency communication capability (ALERT San Fernando) appropriately to ensure important information is actively pushed out to the community.
4) Leverage federal, state, and regional resources through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), mutual aid from Los Angeles County and surrounding cities to increase our capacity and ability to effectively prepare, respond, and recover from an emergency.
February 24, 2025 CC Special Mtg Page 24 of 26
CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Celeste Rodriguez
Vice Mayor Mary Mendoza
Councilmember Cindy Montañez
Councilmember Mary Solorio
Councilmember Joel Fajardo
CITY MANAGER AND DIRECTORS
City Manager Nick Kimball
Deputy City Manager Kanika Kith
Cicy Clerk Julia Fritz
Police Chief Fabian Valdez
Director of Finance Erica Melton
Director of Community Development (Vacant)
Director of Recreation and
Community Services Julian Venegas
Director of Public Works Matt Baumgardner
CITY LEADERSHIP
February 24, 2025 CC Special Mtg Page 25 of 26
14: Historic & Visionary
February 24, 2025 CC Special Mtg Page 26 of 26