CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING – 5:15 P.M
REGULAR MEETING – 6:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 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: Interim City Manager Kanika Kith 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
Julie Cuellar submitted written correspondence in support of the appointment of Interim City Manager Kanika Kith to be appointed as the City Manager.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION (5:16 P.M.)
By consensus, Councilmembers recessed to Closed Session.
A) CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957 – PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT/EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT:
Title: City Manager
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting September 2, 2025
RECONVENED FROM SPECIAL MEETING AND REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION City Attorney stated there was no reported action as a result of 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 6:01 p.m.
Present: Council: Mayor Mary Mendoza, Vice Mayor Mary Solorio and Councilmembers Joel Fajardo, Victoria Garcia, and Patty Lopez
Staff: Interim City Manager Kanika Kith, City Attorney Richard Padilla, Police Chief Fabian Valdez, Director of Administrative Services Erica Melton, Director of Public Works Wendell Johnson, Director of Recreation and Community Services Julio Salcedo, Acting Director of Community Development Ron Garcia, 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, as amended to table Agenda Item No. 4 to the next City Council meeting. The motion carried, unanimously.
PRESENTATIONS
A. INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION FROM METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT CHAIR ADAN ORTEGA
Chair Ortega submitted an updated August report on MWD activities.
B. ANNUAL PROCLAMATION
• NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH – SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 TO OCTOBER 15, 2025
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting September 2, 2025
PUBLIC STATEMENTS
The following submitted correspondence in opposition to Agenda Item No. 17:
Adrian Grigorian
Angel Zobel-Rodriguez
Zoe Rodriguez
Carlos Medina
Sean Rivas
Andres Molina
Mark Ramos
Maria Esperanza Ruvalcaba
Aurora Cordoba spoke regarding underinsured community members.
John David Rivera spoke about concerns regarding scenario number 2 for the metro light rail project that was selected by the City Council at its August 18, 2025 Council meeting.
The following spoke in opposition to Agenda Item No. 17:
Rosa Ruvalcaba
Valentina Flores
Marisol Sanchez
Walter Garcia
Nichole Mohr
Andrei McDonald offered a prayer.
Julie Cuellar spoke regarding the special meeting and read her correspondence initially submitted via email in support of appointing Kanika Kith as the City Manager.
Yolanda Haro spoke against the metro rail project; and is in support of Kanika Kith as the City Manager.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Fajardo pulled Consent Item No. 3 for discussion. Councilmember Garcia pulled Consent Item No. 5 for discussion.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting September 2, 2025
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to approve Agenda Item Nos. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7 and 8:
1) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES:
a. June 2, 2025 – Special & Regular CC Meeting
2) CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE WARRANT REGISTER 4) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH ALZHEIMER’S LOS ANGELES TO PROVIDE EDUCATION AND RESOURCES RELATED TO ALZHEIMER’S
DISEASE AND OTHER DEMENTIAS (THIS ITEM WAS TABLED TO THE NEXT CITY COUNCIL
MEETING)
6) CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC
BEVERAGE CONTROL ALCOHOL POLICING PARTNERSHIP GRANT FUNDS TO SUPPORT THE SAN FERNANDO POLICE DEPARTMENT’S UNDER-AGE ALCOHOL PURCHASE PREVENTION
PROGRAM, AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO APPROPRIATE THE FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 ADOPTED BUDGET
7) CONSIDERATION TO AWARD A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT TO CIVILTEC ENGINEERING INC. FOR ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES OF WELL 2A NITRATE TREATMENT SYSTEM
8) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE A THIRD AMENDMENT TO A CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ENVIROGEN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. FOR A PROPRIETARY ION EXCHANGE NITRATE REMOVAL TREATMENT SYSTEM AT CITY’S GROUNDWATER WELL 2A The motion carried, unanimously.
3) RECEIVE AND FILE STATUS UPDATES FOR ENHANCEMENTS, PROJECTS, AND CITY COUNCIL
PRIORITIES
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Vice Mayor Solorio to receive and file the report and to direct staff to include information regarding a list of sidewalks that have been completed versus not completed to ensure all funds are utilized by the ARPA deadline. The motion carried, unanimously.
5) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE A FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH THE LANGUAGE PROS FOR LANGUAGE SERVICES
Motion by Councilmember Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Fajardo to request that the translators chosen be able to provide verbatim translation in lieu of a summary; approved a First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with The Language Pros (Contract No. 2328(a)) to increase the compensation up to $40,000 per fiscal year, and extend the term to June 30, 2026, with an option to extend for four one-year terms; and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to make non-substantive changes and execute the amendment and all related documents. The motion carried, unanimously.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting September 2, 2025
9) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE THE CITY’S 2025 CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL PLAN AND
ADOPT A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CONTROL PLAN AS REQUIRED BY THE STATE
WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD
Motion by Vice Mayor Solorio, seconded by Councilmember Fajardo to approve as amended to correct page 3 of the plan under Contact Details to change the word "employed" to "contracted"; and adopted Resolution No. 8400 adopting the City’s Cross Connection Control Plan as required by the State Water Resources Control Board to ensure the protection of the public potable water supply from the risk of contamination or pollution due to cross connections. The motion carried with the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Fajardo, Solorio, Mendoza - 3
NAYES: Garcia - 1
ABSTAIN: Lopez - 1
ABSTENT: None
PUBLIC HEARING
10) A CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AND APPROVE INTRODUCTION FOR FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 90 (TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES) OF THE SAN
FERNANDO MUNICIPAL CODE TO IMPLEMENT A RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT PROGRAM Mayor Mendoza opened the public hearing.
Director of Public Works Wendell Johnson presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Mendoza opened public comments.
Miguel Montanez made general comment In support.
There being no further comments, the public comment period was closed.
Motion by Councilmember Garcia, seconded by Vice Mayor Solorio to approve introduction for first reading Ordinance No. 1736 in title only, and waive further reading “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City Of San Fernando, California, amending Chapter 90 (Traffic And Vehicles) of the San Fernando Municipal Code to implement a Residential Parking Permit Program”. The motion carried with the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Garcia, Fajardo, Solorio, Mendoza - 4
NAYES: None
ABSTAIN: Lopez – 1
ABSENT: None
Mayor Mendoza closed the public hearing.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting September 2, 2025
11) A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE
ALLOCATION OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026, AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING THE FUNDS Mayor Mendoza opened the public hearing.
Interim City Manager Kanika Kith presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Mendoza opened public comments. There being none, the public comment period was closed.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Lopezto adopt Resolution No. 8405. The motion carried unanimously.
It was noted that the City Council recessed the meeting at 8:43 p.m. and reconvened at 9:00 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
Motion by Councilmember Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Fajardo to adopt Resolution No. 8411 amending the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Adopted Budget to appropriate the grant revenues and expenses, as amended to allocate funds to the following programs as follows: Neighborhood Clean‐Up: $26,000; Small Business Assistance Program:
$137,861; and Access to Capital Program: $25,000 = $188,861. The motion carried, unanimously.
Mayor Mendoza closed the public hearing.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
12) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION FOR EMERGENCY APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH GENERAL PUMP COMPANY FOR THE REHABILITATION OF POTABLE WATER PRODUCTION WELL 2A
Director of Public Work Johnson and Water Operations Manager Victor Meza presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Vice Mayor Solorio to find that emergency conditions persist in that there remains a clear and present danger requiring immediate action to prevent or mitigate the loss or impairment of life, health, property or essential public service; approve without formal competitive bidding, the attached emergency Contract Services Agreement with General Pump Company (Contract No. 2411) for the rehabilitation of potable water production at Well 2A, in an amount not to exceed $620,157.60. Pursuant to Public Contract Code Sections 1102 and 22050 as well as San
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting September 2, 2025
Fernando Municipal Code Section 2-804, find that an emergency warranting the waiver of formal competitive bidding exists justifying the award of the above referenced Contract Services Agreement to General Pump Company to restore water supply and prevent water service disruptions; and authorize the City Manager, to execute the same on behalf of the City subject to such non-substantive and clarifying edits as may be warranted in consultation with the City Attorney. In addition, the City Council directed staff to return to a future meeting with timeline showing progress for all three (3) water projects, security measures at the locations, and confirm completion of the March deadline for reimbursement purposes. The motion carried, unanimously. 13) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION ON WHETHER RESOLUTIONS BE INCORPORATED INTO
THE EXISTING CITY RECOGNITION REQUEST PROCESS AND DETAILS ON POTENTIAL DESIGN
OPTIONS FOR CERTIFICATES
City Clerk Julia Fritz presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
The City Council directed staff to return to a future meeting with the following options: a) include Resolution and b) to not include a Resolution but instead a Proclamation as highest level of award, add Commendation to awards; and bring back with design options (including frames) along with budget.
14) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING AN UPDATE ON EXPLORING FACILITY OPTIONS FOR COLLABORATION WITH THE MEXICAN CONSULATE TO HOST “CONSULATE ON WHEELS PROGRAM” EVENT
Director of Recreation and Community Services Julio Salcedo presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
The City Council directed staff to consider City Council Office at City Hall in combination with the Community Room as a location and provide an update at the next City Council meeting.
15) DISCUSSION ON THE CITY’S EFFORTS TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS Councilmember Joel Fajardo presented the staff report.
The City Council directed staff to continue clean-up efforts including collaborating with the County for resources.
16) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO FORM AD HOC COMMITTEES FOR CONTRACT
MANAGEMENT OF STREET SWEEPING AND TREE TRIMMING/ARBORIST SERVICES Councilmember Joel Fajardo presented the staff report.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting September 2, 2025
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Lopez to direct staff to expand existing Waste Hauler Services ad hoc committee to also include the topics of the street sweeping contract and tree trimming/arborists services. The motion carried by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Lopez, Garcia, Fajardo, Solorio - 4
NAYES: Mendoza - 1
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
17) DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING CONSOLIDATING SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
ELECTIONS WITH THE STATEWIDE PRIMARY ELECTIONS
Mayor Mary Mendoza presented the staff report.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Mayor Mendoza to direct staff to return to a meeting in October with an ordinance changing the election from November to June.
The motion carried by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Garcia, Fajardo, Mendoza - 3
NAYES: Lopez, Solorio - 2
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
18) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REQUESTING AN OVERVIEW AND DESCRIPTION ON THE
CITY GRAFFITI PROGRAM
Item tabled to the next regular meeting.
STAFF COMMUNICATION INCLUDING COMMISSION UPDATES
Interim City Manager Kith provided updates regarding San Fernando Together, the Financial Summit, El Grito event, Parent Academy, the Statewide Special Election on November 4, 2025 and expressed thanks to Public Works for the City Hall signage and San Fernando Gateway.
GENERAL CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS AND LIAISON UPDATES Councilmember Fajardo commented on the Council’s discussion, noting that there were differing viewpoints and a lack of consensus among members.
Councilmember Garcia spoke regarding her view of meeting decorum and Councilmembers varying viewpoints.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting September 2, 2025
Councilmember Lopez noted Councilmember’s have different points of view and spoke about Council’s leadership and being respectful to one another.
Vice Mayor Solorio expressed disappointment that her request to postpone the discussion on the elections Agenda Item No. 17 prior to the agenda posting was denied. She emphasized the importance of mutual respect and support among elected officials in fulfilling their responsibilities, especially when balancing roles such as being a mother and a professional.
Mayor Mendoza commented on her response regarding Vice Mayor Solorio’s request and noted her attendance to optional events and spoke about Councilmembers’ obligation on attending City Council meetings. She further noted that she respects her colleagues’ decisions and varying points of view and requests mutual respect in return.
ADJOURNMENT (11:17 p.m.)
Mayor Mendoza adjourned the regular meeting in memory of the two children who lost their lives during the shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis on August 27, 2025, to the special meeting to be held on September 15, 2025.
I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and
correct copy of the minutes of the September 2, 2025,
Regular meeting and approved by the San Fernando
City Council at the adjourned regular meeting of
November 10, 2025.
_________________________________________
Julia Fritz, CMC
City Clerk