CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING – 5:00 P.M
REGULAR MEETING – 6:00 P.M.
MONDAY, APRIL 7, 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 (5:01 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 Police Officers Association Police Management Unit
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 7, 2025
San Fernando Police Civilian Association
San Fernando Part-Time Employees’ Bargaining Unit (SEIU, Local 721) All Unrepresented Employees
B) CLOSED SESSION CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(1) –– EXISTING LITIGATION:
Two (2) Matters
RECONVENE FROM SPECIAL MEETING AND REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION City Attorney Padilla reported that there was no reportable action from the April 7, 2025 Closed Session meeting.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL – REGULAR MEETING 6:00 P.M. (OPEN SESSION) Mayor Mary Mendoza called the regular meeting to order at 6:03 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, Deputy City Manager/Economic Development Kanika Kith, Police Chief Fabian Valdez, Director of Administrative Services 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 Councilmember Lopez to approve the agenda.
The motion carried, unanimously.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 7, 2025
PRESENTATIONS
A. ADMINISTER OATH OF OFFICE - SWEARING IN CEREMONY FOR NEW POLICE COMMANDER
CJ CHIASSON
B. AN INFORMATIONAL VIDEO PRESENTATION ON LOS ANGELES COUNTY LIBRARY SERVICES AND DECLARING APRIL 6, 2025 TO APRIL 12, 2025 AS LIBRARY WEEK C. ANNUAL RECOGNITION
• APRIL 2025 AND APRIL 23, 2025 - SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH AND DENIM DAY
PUBLIC STATEMENTS
Sandra Trinidad (LA County Health) introduced the Community Public Health Team (CPHT) Stephanie Bermudez, CPHT Community Coordinator
Ashley Jackson, CPHT Community Health Worker
Anelly Perez, CPHT Program Manager for San Fernando
Adan De La Garza, Public Information Officer, Small Business Administration mentioned assistance is available through the SBA for businesses affected by the recent wildfires.
Maria Luisa Palma spoke regarding concerns with public safety at LAUSD school campuses.
Dolores Rodriguez offered a prayer.
Alfredo Porras offered a prayer.
Manuel Granillo spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 16.
Ruben Rodriguez spoke in support of Agenda Item Nos. 15 and 16.
Margarita Cervacio spoke in opposition to the 833 N. Brand Boulevard project and is in support of Agenda Item No. 15.
The following spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 15:
Brandon Gonzalez, District Representative from the Office of Senator Caroline Menjivar.
Mara Fiorey
Gus Villela, Field Representative from the office of Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez.
Joana Reyes, District Director from the office of Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez.
Adrian Perez
Fresa Aceves
Maximo Robles
Jana Whalley
Celeste Rivera
Walter Garcia
Antonia Dominguez Alcola
Cesco Jacobo
Silvia Peralta
Rogelio Tabarez
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 7, 2025
Trini Rodriguez
Julio Rodriguez
Anne Hines
Teodora Reyes
Azeneth Martinez
Angie Castro
Zayurit Gordillo
Kassandra Carey
Michelle Carey
George Chacon
Destiny Fuentes
Diosy Reyes
Maria Salgado
Melodie
Yaritza Gonzalez
Ana Karen Estrada
Daniel Molina
Juan Solorio
Betty Toto
Maricela Rodriguez
Sergio Amalfitano
Liz Castaneda
Patty Lopez
There were twenty-seven written comments submitted in support of Agenda Item No. 15.
There was one written comment submitted in opposition of Agenda Item No. 15.
There were forty-eight letters received from students from PUC Nueva Esperanza Charter Academy in support of Agenda Item No. 15.
The City Council recessed the meeting at 8:03 p.m. and reconvened at 8:18 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Lopez requested to vote on Agenda Item No. 1 separately. Councilmember Garcia requested to pull Agenda Item Nos. 5 and 12 for discussion.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Mayor Mendoza to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 1.
1) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES:
a. February 4, 2008 – RDA Regular Meeting g. June 16, 2008 – RDA Regular Meeting b. February 19, 2008 – RDA Regular Meeting h. June 16, 2008 – CC Regular Meeting c. February 19, 2008 – CC Regular Meeting i. June 30, 2008 – RDA Special Meeting d. June 2, 2008 – CC Special Meeting j. January 21, 2025 – CC Special & Regular Meeting
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 7, 2025
e. June 2, 2008 – RDA Regular Meeting k. February 3, 2025 - CC Special & Regular Meeting f. June 2, 2008 – CC Regular Meeting
The motion carried, with Councilmember Lopez voting no.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Vice Mayor Solorio to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11.
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 AUTHORIZE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION IN PARTNERSHIP
WITH CLIMATE RESOLVE FOR THE CLIMATE SMART COMMUNITIES INITIATIVE GRANT 6) CONSIDERATION TO AUTHORIZE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE BOARD OF
STATE COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS FOR THE BYRNE STATE CRISIS INTERVENTION PROGRAM GRANT - COHORT 2
7) CONSIDERATION OF A LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY LETTER FROM THE SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL TO LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 6 BOARD MEMBER KELLY GONEZ, IN
SUPPORT OF INCREASING POLICE PRESENCE AND PARTNERSHIPS ON SCHOOL CAMPUSES 8) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE A RENEWAL CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
FOR PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
9) CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE RENEWAL OF THE GENERAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
10) CONSIDERATION TO ACCEPT PROJECT COMPLETION AND AUTHORIZE THE RECORDATION
OF A NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR EXTERIOR PAINTING OF CITY HALL 11) CONSIDERATION TO AUTHORIZE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE
DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL FOR THE UNDER-AGE ALCOHOL
PURCHASE PREVENTION PROGRAM
The motion carried, unanimously.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to approve:
5) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE CO-SPONSORSHIP OF GAIN FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
FINANCIAL SUMMIT AND USE OF THE CITY SEAL
The motion carried, unanimously.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 7, 2025
12) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE INDEPENDENCE DAY FESTIVAL DATES AND DRONE SHOW
ALLOCATION SUGGESTIONS
Motion by Vice Mayor Solorio and seconded by Mayor Mendoza to host the Independence Day show on July 5 with 200 drones through Grizzly Drone Light Shows and include all the entertainment features (Ferris Wheel, Mobile Zip Line, and Fiberglass Slide). The motion failed by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Solorio, Mendoza - 2
NAYES: Lopez, Garcia, Fajardo - 3
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to host Independence Day Festival on July 4, 2025, and include a budget enhancement of $20,000 towards a 150 Drone show and add one additional children’s jumper; and continue discussions during FY 25‐26 budget study session regarding ongoing future event date and event budget. The motion passed by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Lopez, Garcia, Fajardo, Solorio - 4
NAYES: Mendoza - 1
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
PUBLIC HEARING
13) A CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTING AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 106 (ZONING) OF THE SAN FERNANDO MUNICIPAL CODE Mayor Mendoza opened the public hearing.
Director of Community Development Ramirez presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Mendoza opened public comments.
The following submitted public comments:
Dustin Hermann - in support
Brent Bell – in opposition
Thomas Clark (absent when called to speak)
Mayor Mendoza closed public comments and closed the public hearing.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 7, 2025
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Vice Mayor Solorio to approve introduction for first reading, in title only, and waive further reading of Ordinance No. 1732 titled, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of San Fernando, California Repealing and Replacing Chapter 106 (Zoning) of the San Fernando Municipal Code”, as amended to eliminate the requirement of Planning Commissions approval for removal of trees on private properties and; for the city to provide financial assistance towards the cost of an arborist report for qualified low income households, when applicable. The motion carried, by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Fajardo, Solorio, Mendoza - 3
NAYES: Lopez, Garcia - 2
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
14) A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 74 (STREETS, SIDEWALKS, AND OTHER PUBLIC PLACES) OF THE SAN FERNANDO MUNICIPAL
CODE TO ESTABLISH OUTDOOR DINING ON THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY Mayor Mendoza opened the public hearing.
Director of Community Development Ramirez presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Mendoza opened public comments. There being none, the public comments and the public hearing were closed.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to continue the public hearing to the May 5, 2025 City Council meeting. The motion carried, unanimously.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
15) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO DECLARE SANCTUARY CITY STATUS City Manager Kimball presented the staff report.
Staff noted that the chart on page 5 of 7 in the staff report incorrectly showed San Fernando as having the last three policies checked off; those boxes should have been left unchecked to accurately reflect that San Fernando does not have those policies in effect.
Motion by Vice Mayor Solorio to direct staff to return with a draft Immigrant Rights City policy, either in the form of a resolution or ordinance that incorporates existing City policies and includes additional provisions prohibiting the use of City property, the collection of data, and the sharing of individuals’ immigration status. The motion failed by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Lopez, Solorio - 2
NAYES: Fajardo, Garcia, Mendoza - 3
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 7, 2025
16) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO ACCEPT THE DONATION OF A RECOGNITION PLAQUE
FOR FORMER PARK DIRECTORS JULIAN LEON AND JESS MARGARITO, AND AUTHORIZE
INSTALLATION OF THE PLAQUE AT LAS PALMAS PARK
Director of Recreation and Community Development Salcedo presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions:
Motion by Mayor Mendoza, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to accept the donation of a commemorative plaque; authorized Public Works to install the plaque; request that historical information be accessible via a QR code and to ensure the final version aligns with the City’s values and standards; authorized the group of San Fernando residents spearheading the project to host a public unveiling ceremony. The motion carried unanimously.
17) CONSIDERATION TO APPOINT A PARKS, WELLNESS, AND RECREATION COMMISSIONER Mayor Mary Mendoza presented the staff report.
Motion by Mayor Mendoza, seconded by Councilmember Lopez to appoint Flor Sanchez to the Parks, Wellness, and Recreation Commission. The motion carried, unanimously.
STAFF COMMUNICATION INCLUDING COMMISSION UPDATES
City Manager Kimball reminded the City Council about emailing him their date selection for the City Council team building workshop special meeting.
GENERAL CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS AND LIAISON UPDATES Councilmember Garcia reported that she attended the California Contract Cities Board of Directors meeting, an 8-hour training on human trafficking, the Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Los Angeles reception, the California Hispanic Legislative Caucus Round Table, an event hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, and an event at the Power of God Church. She also commented on attending a Southern California Association of Governments meeting where information was presented on home hardening.
Councilmember Lopez asked who to contact in the event of an emergency on weekends, as she experienced a streetlight outage in her neighborhood, and expressed disappointment regarding the City Council’s decision on Agenda Item No. 15.
City Manager Kimball announced that the community may contact the Police Department for after-hour emergency’s (including weekends) by calling the non-emergency telephone number at (818) 898-1267 and to dial “0” to connect to a dispatcher who will provide further assistance.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 7, 2025
Councilmember Fajardo spoke about the tree issues that occurred on Macneil Street and their potential impact on the street repair schedule, expressed concerns regarding Agenda Item No. 15, and commented on certain public comments directed at him.
Vice Mayor Solorio extended birthday wishes to City Clerk Fritz; reported that she attended a Southern California Association of Governments meeting and the Water Education for Latino Leaders meeting, where the topic of discussion was recycled water; expressed her overall happiness with Public Works street repairs; shared that her daughter turns one tomorrow; and announced that she is expecting her second daughter.
Mayor Mendoza spoke about the Los Angeles County Library video presentation and the various services offered, and reported attending a meeting with Mayor Karen Bass, who invited mayors to receive a presentation on strategic planning and upcoming events related to the LA28 Olympics and the 2026 World Cup coming to Los Angeles.
ADJOURNMENT (12:02 p.m.)
Mayor Mendoza adjourned the meeting to the regular meeting on April 21, 2025.
I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and
correct copy of the minutes of the April 7, 2025,
Regular meeting and approved by the San Fernando
City Council at the meeting of June 16, 2025.
_________________________________________
Julia Fritz, CMC
City Clerk