CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING – 5:15 P.M
REGULAR MEETING – 6:00 P.M.
MONDAY, MAY 5, 2025
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
117 MACNEIL STREET
SAN FERNANDO, CALIFORNIA 91340
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL – SPECIAL MEETING 5:15 P.M. (CLOSED SESSION) Mayor Mary Mendoza called the Special Meeting to order at 5:16 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 (5:17 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 May 5, 2025
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: Najera v. City of San Fernando
Case No.: Case No. 23STCV31384
RECONVENED FROM SPECIAL MEETING AND REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION The City Council recessed the Closed Session meeting at 6:26 p.m. and reported that they would be going back into Closed Session at the conclusion of 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 6:26 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 May 5, 2025
PRESENTATIONS
A. PRESENTATION AND UPDATE FROM THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO) REGARDING PHASE 2 OF THE EAST SAN
FERNANDO VALLEY LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT PROJECT
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to advertise upcoming Metro Workshops through the City's social media platforms, pass out Metro Workshop flyers to all residents and businesses and create a City flyer providing information on the workshops to also send out to all San Fernando residents.
B. PRESENTATION AND UPDATE FROM THE GREATER LOS ANGELES VECTOR CONTROL
DISTRICT
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to solicit for applicants for San Fernando’s representative to serve on the Vector Control Board of Trustees, via email and on the City’s social media platforms.
C. ANNUAL RECOGNITION
• MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH – MAY 2025
• OLDER AMERICANS’ MONTH – MAY 2025
• BUILDING SAFETY MONTH – MAY 2025
• MAY 4, 2025 TO MAY 10, 2025 – PROFESSIONAL MUNICIPAL CLERKS WEEK • MAY 5, 2025 TO MAY 10, 2025 – PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK • MAY 15, 2025 AS NATIONAL PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY AND MAY 11, 2025 TO MAY 17, 2025 – NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
PUBLIC STATEMENTS
Sam Morales spoke in support of the Pride Flag.
Eva Camps offered a prayer.
Maria Luisa Palma spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 9.
Marcos Tapia commented on the Metro presentation.
Ricardo Benitez commented on the Certificate of Recognition for May’s Older American Month.
Sylvia Ballin spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 4.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Lopez pulled Item No. 1 and stated she would abstain from the item.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting May 5, 2025
Councilmember Garcia requested to pull Item Nos. 4 and 6 for discussion. Vice Mayor Solorio requested to pull Item No. 4 for discussion.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Vice Mayor Solorio to approve:
2) CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE WARRANT REGISTER 3) RECEIVE AND FILE STATUS UPDATES FOR ENHANCEMENTS, PROJECTS, AND CITY COUNCIL
PRIORITIES
5) RECEIVE AND FILE THE CITY MANAGER’S PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 ANNUAL BUDGET
The motion carried, unanimously.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Vice Mayor Solorio to approve:
1) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES:
a. July 14, 2008 – CC Special Meeting b. February 18, 2025 – CC Special & Regular Meeting
The motion carried by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Garcia, Fajardo, Solorio, Mendoza - 4
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Lopez - 1
4) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE 2025 UPDATES TO CITY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AND
ESTABLISH A COMMUNITY RECOGNITION MEETING PILOT PROGRAM Motion by Vice Mayor Solorio, seconded by Councilmember Fajardo to:
a. Adopt Resolution No. 8378, approving updates to the City Policies and Procedures to include revisions to two (2) existing City policies (City Recognition Requests Policy and Grant Management Policy) and the addition of two (2) new City policies (Facility Naming Policy and Use of Community Investment Funds Policy);
b. Established a 6-month pilot program to hold quarterly Special City Council Community Recognition Meetings with the first meeting to be held in July 2025; c. Directed staff to bring back future policies to be adopted by separate resolutions; and d. Authorized the City Manager to take certain related actions to execute and implement the updated policies and procedures.
The motion carried, unanimously.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting May 5, 2025
6) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE A COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT PLAN FOR
THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT REGIONAL EARLY ACTION PLANNING 2.0 GRANT PROGRAM
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Vice Mayor Solorio to approve a Community Outreach and Engagement Plan for the Southern California Association of Government Regional Early Action Planning 2.0 Grant Program. The motion carried by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Garcia, Fajardo, Solorio, Mendoza - 4
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Lopez - 1
PUBLIC HEARINGS
7) A CONTINUED 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.
Interim Management Analyst Isabella Tapia presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Mendoza opened public comments.
The following provided a general comment:
Miguel Montanez
There being no further public comments, Mayor Mendoza closed public comments.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Lopez to approve introduction for first reading, in title only, and waive further reading of Ordinance No. 1734 titled, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of San Fernando, California 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”, as amended to prohibit the serving and consumption of alcohol in the public right-of-way outdoor dining area; and clarity was added to the parking and ADA compliance section of the ordinance. The motion carried, unanimously.
Mayor Mendoza closed the public hearing.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting May 5, 2025
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
8) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE A SECOND READING TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 1732 AMENDING CHAPTER 106 (ZONING) OF THE SAN FERNANDO
MUNICIPAL CODE IN ITS ENTIRETY
Director of Community Development Ramirez presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Lopezto adopt Ordinance No. 1732 that was introduced for first reading at the City Council meeting of April 7, 2025, in title only, and waive all further readings 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” in its entirety. The motion carried by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Lopez, Fajardo, Solorio, Mendoza - 4
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Garcia - 1
9) 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 City Manager Kimball presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Vice Mayor Solorio to approve the legislative advocacy letter, as amended to: 1) Direct the letter to LAUSD Superintendent with a copy to all Board Members; 2) Strike Paragraph 4 and include general sentiment to increase public safety on campus with a reference of LAUSD’s 2024 campus incident data report; 3) Delete Item No. 1 from page 2 but include a sentence stating support for Police Officer access to school campuses; and 4) Move Item No. 2 from page 2 to the body of the letter. The motion carried, unanimously.
10) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF SAN FERNANDO AND PUEBLO Y SALUD, INC. A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION REGARDING THE MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP OF THE CÉSAR E. CHÁVEZ
MEMORIAL
By consensus, the City Council authorized Mayor Mendoza and Councilmember Lopez to meet with Pueblo y Salud, Inc. to discuss refurbishing the mural (i.e., replacing plaques) and to potentially partner with the City on fundraising efforts for the upkeep of the César E. Chávez Memorial.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting May 5, 2025
11) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING THE RUDY ORTEGA PARK – MAINTENANCE
AND CLEANLINESS
Councilmember Lopez presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
By consensus, the City Council recommended that staff continue efforts toward park maintenance and public safety and include discussions during the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Study Session of potentially including funds towards capital improvements to the restroom facilities.
12) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO FORM AN AD HOC COMMITTEE FOR THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP AND 2028 OLYMPIC GAMES PREPARATION AND OPPORTUNITIES Mayor Mendoza presented the staff report.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to approve forming a 2026 FIFA World Cup/2028 Olympic Games Ad Hoc committee, and appointed Mayor Mendoza and Councilmember Garcia to serve on the ad hoc committee. The motion carried, unanimously.
13) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 BUDGET PROCESS Councilmember Garcia presented the report and suggested that a list of existing project status updates be provided during discussions at the upcoming Budget Study Sessions. No action was taken by the City Council.
STAFF COMMUNICATION INCLUDING COMMISSION UPDATES
City Manager Kimball stated that the City’s proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget was distributed this evening to Councilmembers for review and is available on the City’s website.
GENERAL CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS AND LIAISON UPDATES Councilmember Garcia mentioned she attended the Southern California Association of Governments Annual Conference and Regional General Assembly meeting where and noted her term expired as SCAG’s Regional District 67 representative.
Councilmember Lopez wished everyone a happy Cinco de Mayo.
Councilmember Fajardo commented on the upcoming Metro workshops regarding outreach efforts on Phase 2 of the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project, noted he would be agendizing a discussion regarding renaming the Pride Flag raising event, talked about meeting logistics and mentioned concerns about residents having to use the “My San Fernando App” for service requests.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting May 5, 2025
Vice Mayor Solorio noted she attended the Valley Economic Alliance Gala event, the Discovery Cube Gala, had a meeting with Dr. Ornelas President of Mission College to discuss potential partnerships on common initiates and mentioned she would be in Sacramento to advocate on water legislation issues.
ADJOURNMENT (10:20 p.m.)
Mayor Mendoza closed the meeting in memory of her first grandson known as “baby angel” and adjourned the regular meeting at 10:20 p.m. and stated that the City Council would recess back into Closed Session.
REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
The City Attorney noted no reportable action regarding Closed Session Item A.
The City Attorney reported action taken on Item B. of the Closed Session agenda, on the following vote of the City Council by 3 (Councilmembers Fajardo, Garcia and Lopez voting yes) to 2 (Vice Mayor Solorio and Mayor Mendoza voting no) approving terms of the settlement agreement in the matter of Najera vs. the City of San Fernando as follows: The salient term of payment of $750,000 to plaintiff, termination of separate disciplinary proceedings (both sides withdrawing right to pursue matter further); and plaintiff will not seek reemployment with the city at this time.
The City Council adjourned the special Closed Session meeting at 12:18 p.m.
I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and
correct copy of the minutes of the May 5, 2025,
meeting and approved by the San Fernando City
Council at the meeting of August 4, 2025.
_________________________________________
Julia Fritz, CMC
City Clerk