CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING – 5:00 P.M
REGULAR MEETING – 6:00 P.M.
MONDAY, APRIL 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 5:01 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 (5:02 P.M.)
By consensus, Councilmembers recessed to Closed Session.
A) CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(2) - CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION:
One (1) Matter
B) CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957 – PUBLIC EMPLOYEE
DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 21, 2025
RECONVENED FROM SPECIAL MEETING AND REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION City Attorney Padilla stated there was no reportable action from the 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 6:04 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 Vice Mayor Solorio to approve the agenda. The motion carried, unanimously.
PRESENTATIONS
A. PRESENTATION OF EDUCATION COMMISSION CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION FOR APRIL
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH FOR PERSEVERANCE
• Xander Garcia (Vaughn Next Century Learning - G3)
• Bridgett Carcache (PUC Nueva Esperanza Charter Academy)
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 21, 2025
B. PRESENTATION OF EDUCATION COMMISSION CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION TO THE
MISSION CONTINUATION HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC DECATHLON TEAM C. PRESENTATION AND UPDATE FROM REPUBLIC SERVICES ON SOLID WASTE SERVICES D. PRESENTATION FROM MEXICAN AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION REGARDING PROPOSED
IMMIGRATION INFORMATION EVENT
E. PRESENTATION OF A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION RECOGNIZING CELIA RIVAS FOR
BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AND COMMUNITY COMMITMENT IN THE CITY OF SAN FERNANDO F. ANNUAL RECOGNITION
• APRIL 22, 2025 – EARTH DAY
• APRIL 24, 2025 – COMMEMORATING THE VICTIMS OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE AND DECLARING APRIL 24, 2025 AS ARMENIAN GENOCIDE REMEBRANCE DAY • APRIL 25, 2025 – ARBOR DAY
G. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES
PUBLIC STATEMENTS
The following spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 10:
Araceli Hernandez
Melodie K.
Sebastion Arayo
Justan Torres
Violeta Quintero
Adrian Perez
Ruben Rodriguez
Jesus Ramon
Shiu-Ming Cheer
Veronica DeLara
Teodora Reyes
Jana Whalley
Angie Castro
Joana Reyes District Director from the Office of Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez Maria Salgado
Diosy Reyes
Destiny Fuentes
Rogelio Tobarez
Julio Rodriguez
Robert Jacquez
Esperanza Orozco
Michelle Carey
Sergio Amalfitano
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 21, 2025
Bertha Gonzalez, submitted email correspondence.
Ivette Ocampo, submitted email correspondence.
Andres Kwon, submitted email correspondence.
The following spoke in opposition to Agenda Item No. 10:
Jorge Vasquez
Benito Bernal
Angie Ferra Perez
Tony Rodriguez
Mayra Baldwin
Caller Ending in Number 6263
Rudy Melendez
Julia Aguilar offered a song.
Fernando Diaz spoke in general regarding concerns on agenda 10 and encouraged the City Council to focus on other important business in the city.
Marcos Tapia spoke about bringing community awareness about the Metro project.
Curtis Wayne Johnson commented on the re-pavement of city parking lots.
David Bolog provided general comments regarding Agenda Item No. 10.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Vice Mayor Solorio to approve:
1) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES:
a. June 30, 2008 – CC Special Meeting b. February 11, 2025 – CC Special & Regular 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 APPROVE CO-SPONSORSHIP OF AN IMMIGRATION INFORMATION
EVENT WITH THE MEXICAN AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION
5) CONSIDERATION TO RECEIVE AND FILE THE GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2024
6) CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT RESOLUTIONS APPROVING THE JOB SPECIFICATION FOR POLICE CORPORAL, AMENDING THE SALARY PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025, AND
AMENDING THE JOB SPECIFICATION FOR POLICE SERGEANT
The motion carried, unanimously.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 21, 2025
Councilmember Fajardo recused himself from discussion regarding Agenda Item No. 7 due to a potential conflict of interest and left the dais.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
7) A CONTINUED 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 Ramirez and Associate Planner Krustalez Marina provided a presentation and responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Mendoza opened public comments.
The following submitted public comments in opposition:
Sylvia Ballin
Margarita Cervacio
Efren Lombera
Maria Lombera
Ruby Montes
Mayor Mendoza closed public comments.
The applicant, Midland Contractors, was offered the opportunity to provide further comments; however, they had none.
Motion by Councilmember Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Lopez to adopt Resolution No. 8373 denying the Appeal and upholding the Planning and Preservation Commission’s Denial of Site Plan Review No. 2024-001, and of issuing a Certificate of Use for the Development Site Plan Review No. 2024-001, and of issuing a Certificate of Use to Allow the Development of a 3-Story, 10-Unit Townhouse Style Residential Multi-Family Dwelling Structure that Includes Two Deed Restricted Affordable Units and with Two Detached Accessory Dwelling Units at 833 N. Brand Boulevard in the Multi-Family Dwelling/Precise Development Overlay Zone (R-2/PD).
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 21, 2025
The motion carried, by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Lopez, Garcia, Mendoza - 3
NAYES: Solorio - 1
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Fajardo - 1
Mayor Mendoza closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Fajardo returned to the dais.
8) A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTION AND SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 1733 APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO THE SAN FERNANDO MUNICIPAL CODE ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2023 EDITION CITY OF LOS ANGELES BUILDING AND FIRE CODES Mayor Mendoza opened public comments.
Planning Manager Garcia presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Mendoza opened public comments. There being no comments, the public comments were closed.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Lopezto adopt Ordinance No. 1733, in title only, “An Ordinance of the City of San Fernando, California, amending Articles I, II, III, IV, V, IX, and X of Chapter 18 of the San Fernando Municipal Code adopting by reference Division II of Chapter 1 of the 2022 Edition of the California Building Code, which is codified in Part 2 of Title 24 of The California Code of Regulations; the 2023 Edition of the City of Los Angeles Building Code, as in effect December 23, 2022; the 2023 Edition of the City of Los Angeles Electrical Code, as in effect December 23, 2022; the 2023 Edition of the City of Los Angeles Mechanical Code, as in effect December 23, 2022; the 2023 Edition of the City of Los Angeles Plumbing Code, as in effect December 23, 2022; the 2023 Edition of the City of Los Angeles Residential Code, as in effect December 23, 2022; and the 2023 Edition of the City Of Los Angeles Green Building Code, as in effect December 23, 2022, which are codified in Articles 1, 1.5, 3, 4, 5 and 9 of Chapter IX of The City of Los Angeles Municipal Code, including appendices, amendments, additions, and deletions thereto; amending Article II of Chapter 38 of the San Fernando Municipal Code, adopting by reference the City of Los Angeles Fire Code, as in effect October 4, 2023, which is codified in Article 7 of Chapter V of The City of Los Angeles Municipal Code, including appendices, amendments, additions and deletions thereto.” The motion carried, unanimously.
Mayor Mendoza closed the public hearing.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 21, 2025
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
9) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF CITY POLICIES REGARDING PROTECTION AND
COLLECTION OF PERSONAL DATA, FACILITY USE, REQUIREMENTS FOR CITY
COMMISSIONERS AND OTHER RELATED TOPICS INCLUDING CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
Councilmember Fajardo presented the staff report.
It was noted that the City Council recessed the meeting at 9:50 p.m. and reconvened 10:08 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded Councilmember Lopez to adopt the Resolution presented by Councilmember Fajardo, as amended to Section Nos. 2 & 5 to include references to "immigration enforcement". The motion carried, unanimously. 10) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A “SAFE SAN FERNANDO” SANCTUARY CITY POLICY
Vice Mayor Mary Solorio withdrew the agenda item from discussion.
STAFF COMMUNICATION INCLUDING COMMISSION UPDATES
City Clerk Fritz had no updates to report.
Director of Recreation and Community Services Salcedo spoke about program activities.
Director of Public Works Johnson provided an update regarding new street signs.
Director of Administrative Services Melton provided information regarding the upcoming FY 2025-26 Budget Study Sessions.
Director of Community Development Ramirez reported on the upcoming community workshops associated with on code compliance.
Deputy City Manager/Economic Development Kith had no updates to report.
Police Chief Valdez reported that over 100 parents attended the recent Community Academy training.
City Manager Kimball reported that he will be out of the office next Tuesday.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 21, 2025
GENERAL CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS AND LIAISON UPDATES Councilmember Garcia attended the Southern California Association of Governments Scholarship Committee meeting; the event at Providence Holy Cross where they received a transformation gift towards facility upgrades, California Contract Association Board of Directors meeting, Parking Management Ad hoc committee meeting; the Valley Economic Alliance Gala and the Spring Jamboree.
Councilmember Lopez extended an invitation to attend the upcoming San Fernando Children’s Day celebration event at Pioneer Park from 2 – 6 p.m.
Councilmember Fajardo commented on Councils business decisions made tonight and spoke on the passing of Pope Francis.
Vice Mayor Solorio had no updates to report.
Mayor Mendoza reported she attended the San Fernando Valley Council of Governments Board of Directors meeting and reported she was reappointed as the Board Chair, noted she attended the Spring Jamboree and will close the meeting in meeting of Pope Francis.
ADJOURNMENT (10:30 p.m.)
Mayor Mendoza adjourned the meeting in memory of Pope Francis to the regular meeting on May 5, 2025.
I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and
correct copy of the minutes of the April 21, 2025,
Regular meeting and approved by the San Fernando
City Council at the meeting of July 7, 2025.
_________________________________________
Julia Fritz, CMC
City Clerk