CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING – 4:30 P.M
REGULAR MEETING – 6:00 P.M.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2025
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
117 MACNEIL STREET
SAN FERNANDO, CALIFORNIA 91340
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL – SPECIAL MEETING 4:30 P.M. (CLOSED SESSION) Mayor Mary Mendoza called the Special Meeting to order at 4:30 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 Councilmember Garcia to approve the agenda as amended to walk on an item to the Closed Session agenda regarding a time sensitive matter related to a recently settled personnel case. The motion failed by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Garcia, Fajardo - 2
NAYES: Solorio, Mendoza - 2
ABSTAIN: Lopez - 1
ABSENT: None
Councilmember Fajardo requested that the City Council hold a special meeting on October 7, 2025, beginning at 5:30 and with the consensus of Councilmember Lopez and Councilmember Garcia the meeting was approved to discuss the following matter: Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(D)(2) Anticipated Litigation: One (1) Matter - Facts Unknown to Potential Plaintiff. It was noted, if there is no quorum the special meeting will be cancelled.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Vice Mayor Solorio to approve the agenda as presented. The motion carried, unanimously.
PUBLIC STATEMENTS
Rodrigo Mora spoke in support of the appointment of Kanika Kith as the City Manager.
Ryan Murillo submitted correspondence in support of the appointment of Kanika Kith as the City Manager.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting October 6, 2025
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION (4:37 P.M.)
By consensus, Councilmembers recessed to Closed Session.
A) CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(1) – EXISTING LITIGATION:
Case Name: National Prescription Opiate Litigation, United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, MDL No. 2804 Case No.: 1:17-MD-2804.
Discussion and Direction Whether to Participate in the Nationwide Settlements that are Proposed to Resolve All Opioids Litigation Brought By States and Local Political Subdivisions Against Eight Opioids Manufacturers: Alvogen, Amneal, Apotex, Hikma, Indivior, Mylan, Sun, and Zydus.
B) CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(2) ANTICIPATED LITIGATION:
One (1) Matter (BBK Landfill)
C) CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957 – PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT/EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT:
Title: City Manager
RECONVENED FROM SPECIAL MEETING AND REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION City Attorney reported the following actions of the City Council as a result of the Closed Session items of October 6, 2025:
Item A. By a vote of 5-0 the City Council approved the City’s participation in a settlement agreement regarding the Nationwide Settlement with eight (8) secondary opioid manufacturers.
Item B. By a vote of 4-1 (Councilmember Lopez abstained) the City Council approved the tolling agreement regarding the BBK Landfill.
Item C. The City Council approved the appointment of Kanika Kith as the City Manager pending a finalized agreement of employment terms. The motion carried, by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Lopez, Garcia, Fajardo, Mendoza
NAYES: Solorio - 1
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
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.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting October 6, 2025
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 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 Vice Mayor Solorio to approve the agenda, as amended, to table Item No. 4 to the next regular meeting. The motion carried, unanimously.
PRESENTATIONS
A. ANNUAL PROCLAMATION
• BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH – OCTOBER 2025
• DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH – OCTOBER 2025
• CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER APPRECIATION WEEK – OCTOBER 12-18, 2025 • INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY – OCTOBER 13, 2025
PUBLIC STATEMENTS
Jess Ulloa extended an invitation to the City Council to the Kidney Quest Gala being held on Saturday, October 11, 2025.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to approve the Consent Calendar, as amended to table Item No. 4 to the next regular meeting:
1) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES:
a. July 7, 2025 – Special & Regular CC
Meeting
b. August 4, 2025 – Special & Regular CC
Meeting
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting October 6, 2025
2) CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE WARRANT REGISTER 3) RECEIVE AND FILE STATUS UPDATES FOR CITY PROJECTS AND CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES 4) CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT RESOLUTIONS APPROVING A SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY AND A PERSONNEL INVESTIGATIONS POLICY (Item tabled to next regular meeting) 5) CONSIDERATION TO ACCEPT THE CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY SELECTIVE
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM GRANT FUNDS TO SUPPORT SELECTIVE TRAFFIC
ENFORCEMENT DETAILS AND ADOPT RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING THE FUNDS 6) 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
7) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH ASOCIACIÓN DE JALISCIENSES UNIDOS EN ACCIÓN TO PROVIDE MEXICAN CONSULAR SERVICES AND
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
8) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE A FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH INTERWEST CONSULTING GROUP FOR ON-CALL PUBLIC WORKS
SERVICES TO INCLUDE ADDITION OF AN INTERIM PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR, PROJECT
MANAGEMENT, AND GRANT ADMINISTRATION SERVICES
9) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE A FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH ACORN TECHNOLOGY SERVICES FOR IT MANAGED SERVICES 10) CONSIDERATION TO AUTHORIZE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FOR THEIR 2025
COMPETITIVE GRANT CYCLE
The motion carried, unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING
11) A PROPOSITION 218 MAJORITY PROTEST PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AND ADOPT A
PROPOSED RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SCHEDULE OF INCREASED/ADJUSTED WATER
AND SEWER SERVICE FEES AND CHARGES SUBJECT TO THE OUTCOME OF A MANDATORY
PARCEL OWNER PROTEST VOTE
Mayor Mendoza opened the public hearing.
Interim Director of Public Works Bill Evans and Anthony Elowsky, representative from Robert D. Niehaus, Inc., presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Mendoza opened public comments.
Kenny Majers spoke in opposition.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting October 6, 2025
Mayor Mendoza closed public comments.
The City Council recessed the meeting at 7:15 p.m. in order to allow the City Clerk the time to tabulate the total number of protests received for the public hearing.
The City Council reconvened the meeting at 7:32 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
The City Clerk announced that 479 majority protest votes and zero objections were received, which is less than the required 50% majority of affected properties of needed in the total amount of 2,630.
Motion by Vice Mayor Solorio, seconded by Mayor Mendoza to adopt Resolution No. 8412 approving the new schedule of increased/adjusted water and sewer service fees and charges identified in as detailed in the 2025 Water and Sewer Report and directed staff to provide a list of the top five (5) projects along with when the projects plan to be completed; and to notify the community of those projects and on how those tax dollars from the increased rates are being used towards. The motion carried, by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Fajardo, Solorio, Mendoza - 3
NAYES: Lopez - 1
ABSTAIN: Garcia - 1
ABSENT: None
Mayor Mendoza closed the public hearing.
12) A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER APPROVING FOR FIRST READING ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING DIVISION 3 (GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS) OF ARTICLE II (CITY COUNCIL) OF CHAPTER 2 (ADMINISTRATION) OF THE SAN FERNANDO MUNICIPAL CODE TO CHANGE THE CITY’S GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION DATE FROM THE STATEWIDE ELECTION
IN NOVEMBER OF EVEN-NUMBERED YEARS TO THE STATEWIDE ELECTION DATES THAT
ALTERNATES BETWEEN MARCH AND JUNE OF EVEN-NUMBERED YEARS BEGINNING JUNE 2, 2026
Mayor Mendoza opened the public hearing.
City Clerk Julia Fritz presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Mendoza opened public comments.
The following expressed opposition:
John David Rivera
Nayeli Garcia Leonardo
Adriana Gomez
Walter Garcia
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting October 6, 2025
The following expressed support:
Steven Guillen
Julie Cuellar
Yolanda Haro
Sylvia Ballin
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to close the public testimony portion of the public hearing. The motion carried, unanimously.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Mayor Mendoza to approve first reading in title only and waive full reading of Ordinance No. 1737, titled: “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of San Fernando, California, repealing prior Ordinance No. 1668 and amending Division 3 (General Municipal Elections) of Article II (City Council) of Chapter 2 (Administration) of the San Fernando Municipal Code to change the date of the City’s General Municipal Elections from the Statewide Election date in November of evennumbered years to the Statewide Election date that alternates between March and June of even-numbered years beginning June 2, 2026.”. The motion carried, by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Fajardo, Garcia, Mendoza - 3
NAYES: Lopez, Solorio - 2
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Mayor Mendoza closed the public hearing.
It was noted the City Council recessed the meeting at 8:37 p.m. and reconvened at 8:45 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
13) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE ELECTION RIGGING RESPONSE ACT (PROPOSITION 50 AND RELATED LEGISLATION) Vice Mayor Mary Solorio presented the staff report.
Motion by Vice Mayor Solorio, seconded by Councilmember Fajardo to approve the Resolution, as amended to: a. Remove reference in title: "Election Rigging Response Act"; b. Delete paragraphs 1, 7, 11, 13 (e.g. removing reference to political party preference; and c. Post condensed version of Resolution on social media with a link to the City’s website for the full Resolution. The motion carried, by the following vote:
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting October 6, 2025
ROLL CALL
AYES: Lopez, Fajardo, Solorio, Mendoza - 4
NAYES: Garcia - 1
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
14) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO CO-SPONSOR THE PARENTS/EDUCATORS/TEACHERS & STUDENTS IN ACTION COMMUNITY EXPUNGEMENT FALL EVENT, APPROVE USE OF THE
CITY SEAL, AND REQUEST TO WAIVE FACILITY USE FEES
Mayor Mary Mendoza presented the staff report.
Motion by Councilmember Garcia, seconded by Mayor Mendoza to approve the cosponsorship of the event, waive facility fee rental, authorize the use of the City logo for promotional materials and authorized staff to promote the event through the City’s official social media platforms. The motion carried, unanimously. 15) DISCUSSION ON REPAIR STATUS OF DAMAGED MALL ENTRANCE SIGN Councilmember Patty Lopez presented the staff report. City Manager Kith provided an update on when the repairs will begin, stating the City is waiting for insurance reimbursement to cover the cost of the necessary repairs. No City Council action taken. 16) DISCUSSION ON CURRENT CONDITION OF GREEN SPACES IN SAN FERNANDO PARKS AND CINDY MONTAÑEZ PARK
Councilmember Patty Lopez presented the staff report.
Staff provided an update regarding the status of the San Fernando Recreation Park grass field issue; and the potential collaboration with a non-profit organization for future maintenance of the Cindy Montanez Natural Park.
17) DISCUSSION REGARDING POTENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS AT CINDY MONTAÑEZ NATURAL PARK
Councilmember Joel Fajardo presented the staff report.
The City Council directed staff to bring back a report in November regarding: a community engagement schedule; status of the park sign; explore the park becoming a monarch butterfly reserve and planting milkweed throughout the City; and host a chat with the Chief at the park.
18) DISCUSSION REGARDING UPDATES TO THE SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL PROCEDURAL MANUAL
Councilmember Joel Fajardo presented the staff report.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting October 6, 2025
The City Council directed staff to bring back revisions to a future City Council meeting and requested that Councilmembers submit requested changes to the City Attorney with proposed changes to include, but not limited to:
a. Voting and Motions;
b. Procedure for tie breaking votes for the annual reorganization for the selection of the Mayor and Vice Mayor;
c. Correction to paragraph 2.8 of the manual to include the word “to”; d. Update the language on the annual mayoral and vice mayor reorganization takes place if the City’s Election moves to the March/June Statewide Primary cycles of evennumbered years; e. Voting procedure to close the public hearing; and
f. Provisions on the use of Robert’s Rule of Order references.
The City Council further directed staff to update information pertaining to the Disaster Council; inquired on the potential of registering an official City of San Fernando flag; and continuing the community recognition meetings.
Vice Mayor Solorio requested to be included as part of the working group to edit the Procedural Manual.
19) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION ON A PERMANENT HOME FOR LA CAMPANA DE LA
LIBERTAD (MEXICAN LIBERTY BELL) AND ESTABLISHMENT OF EL GRITO AS A PERMANENT
ANNUAL CITY EVENT
Mayor Mary Mendoza presented the staff report.
Motion by Councilmember Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Fajardo to approve moving the Liberty Bell to City Hall’s courtyard lobby (encased); and approved El Grito as a permanent annual City event. The motion carried, unanimously. 20) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION ON CANCELLATION OF THE NOVEMBER 3, 2025
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Mayor Mary Mendoza presented the staff report.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo seconded by Vice Mayor Solorio to approve cancelling the regular November 3, 2025 City Council Meeting to an adjourned regular meeting to be held on November 10, 2025. The motion carried, unanimously. 21) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO EXPAND THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP/2028 OLYMPIC
GAMES PREPARATION & OPPORTUNITIES AD HOC COMMITTEE TO INCLUDE CALIFORNIA 175 AND AMERICA 250
Mayor Mary Mendoza presented the staff report.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting October 6, 2025
Motion by Councilmember Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Fajardo to include California 175 and America 250 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup/2028 Olympic Games Preparation and Opportunities Ad hoc Committee. The motion carried, unanimously.
STAFF COMMUNICATION INCLUDING COMMISSION UPDATES
Kanika Kith expressed thanks to the City Council on her appointment as the City’s next City Manager and introduced Bill Evans as the Interim Public Works Director. Updates were also provided on the San Fernando Together Program, the Mexican Consulate on Wheels Program; the National Night Out event; the Empower San Fernando Program; and on the Las Palmas Park roof and HVAC repair project and the completion of the bus shelter construction project.
GENERAL CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS AND LIAISON UPDATES Councilmember Garcia noted that she attended the new grass area open house and ribbon cutting at O’Melveny Elementary School; the California Contract Cities Association Executive Board meeting; participated in the “Day in the Life of a Principal” event; a summit regarding water resilience and spoke about MWD Board Chair Ortega’s water resiliency efforts; the San Fernando Together press event; the 2026 FIFA World Cup/2028 Olympic Games Preparation and Opportunities Ad Hoc Committee meeting; and the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials 2025 Annual Conference.
Councilmember Lopez welcomed Interim Public Works Director Bill Evans to the City and extended congratulations to newly appointed City Manager Kanika Kith.
Councilmember Fajardo commented on the special meeting; mentioned maintaining competitiveness with campaign fundraising and donations during the election season; welcomed Interim Public Works Director Bill Evans and inquired on the status of the list of empty tree planters and those residents requesting trees along the public right away in front of their homes, a list of curbs that have been painted versus those needing to be painted; and the list of sidewalk needing repairs; extended congratulations to newly appointed City Manager Kanika Kith and on exploring the possibility of designating the City as a Monarch Butterfly City.
Vice Mayor Solorio extended congratulations to newly appointed City Manager Kanika Kith; welcomed Interim Public Works Director Bill Evans and highlighted the newly renovated bus shelters, which now include light fixtures, and thanked staff for their work; noted that she attended the Latino Heritage Month for the DIY Latina Girls Gala event and the United Chamber of Commerce’s where Mayor Mendoza presented San Fernando’s State of the City; and reported that she was recently elected and installed as Board President for Independent Cities Authority.
Mayor Mendoza congratulated newly appointed City Manager Kanika Kith and welcomed Interim Public Works Director Bill Evans; participated in the United Chamber of Commerce and presented San Fernando’s State of the City; and inquired on whether certain funds were received by the City from local businesses.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting October 6, 2025
ADJOURNMENT (10:19 p.m.)
Mayor Mendoza adjourned the regular meeting to the special meeting of October 20, 2025.
I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and
correct copy of the minutes of the October 6, 2025,
Regular meeting and approved by the San Fernando
City Council at the meeting of December 1, 2025.
_________________________________________
Julia Fritz, CMC
City Clerk