CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING – 5:30 P.M.
MONDAY, MAY 27, 2025
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
117 MACNEIL STREET
SAN FERNANDO, CALIFORNIA 91340
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL – REGULAR MEETING 5:30 P.M. (OPEN SESSION) Mayor Mary Mendoza called the regular meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Present: Council: Mayor Mary Mendoza, Councilmembers Joel Fajardo, Victoria Garcia, and Patty Lopez
Staff: City Manager Nick Kimball, City Attorney Richard Padilla, Police Chief Fabian Valdez, Deputy City Manager/Economic Development Kanika Kith, 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: Vice Mayor Mary Solorio
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, with Vice Mayor Solorio absent.
It was noted that Vice Mayor Mary Solorio arrived at the meeting at 5:35 p.m.
PUBLIC STATEMENTS
Pepe Venitez invited the community and the City Council to an upcoming Tapatia Records event.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special Meeting May 27, 2025
Charles Leone commented he is opposed to outsourcing specific work to contractors.
Ryan Murillo commented he is opposed to outsourcing specific work to contractors.
Lupita Gonzalez spoke regarding concerns related to the Outdoor Market scheduled to occur in June, 2025.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
1) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING CITY EMPLOYEE AND SMALL BUSINESS
CONCERNS TO BE CLARIFIED AND ADDRESSED FOR THE JUNE OUTDOOR MARKET Councilmember Victoria Garcia presented the staff report.
Mayor Mendoza noted that the City Council was provided with a memo just prior to the start of tonight’s meeting, from the Mall Association that the June Outdoor Market would not be moving forward.
The City Council suggested that concerns be referred to the Mall Association Ad hoc committee for further discussion on future outdoor markets. 2) DISCUSSION OF FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 BUDGET STUDY SESSION NO. 1 (Continued from the May 19, 2025 Meeting)
Director of Administrative Services Melton provided a budget overview.
The following presented their Department proposed budgets: City Manager, City Clerk, Community Development, Administrative Services, Recreation and Community Services, Police Department and Public Works.
It was noted that the City Council recessed the meeting at 7:25 p.m. and reconvened at 7:42 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
By consensus, the City Councilmembers received each Department’s proposed budget presentations. It was noted that Budget Study Session No. 2 scheduled for June 2, 2025 would have continued budget discussions related to Community Development, Recreation & Community Services, and the Public Works Departments.
STAFF COMMUNICATION INCLUDING COMMISSION UPDATES
None
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special Meeting May 27, 2025
GENERAL CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS AND LIAISON UPDATES Councilmember Fajardo spoke about concerns associated with certain technology programs, such as artificial intelligence.
Councilmember Garcia echoed Councilmember Fajardo’s sentiments regarding concerns with technology.
Councilmember Lopez commented on her support of resident concerns.
Vice Mayor Solorio spoke about scholarship opportunities at the Cesar Chavez Learning Academy and would like to see the City advertise these opportunities through social media.
Mayor Mendoza had no updates to report.
ADJOURNMENT (9:59 p.m.)
I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and
correct copy of the minutes of the May 27, 2025,
Special meeting and approved by the San
Fernando City Council at the meeting of August 18,
2025.
_________________________________________
Julia Fritz, CMC
City Clerk