CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING – 5:00 P.M
REGULAR MEETING – 6:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2026
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 Joel Fajardo called the Special Meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
Present:
Council: Mayor Joel Fajardo, Vice Mayor Victoria Garcia and Councilmember and Patty Lopez
Staff: City Manager Kanika Kith and City Attorney Richard Padilla
Absent: Mary Mendoza and Mary Solorio
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Lopez to approve the agenda as presented. The motion carried, with Councilmembers Mendoza and Solorio absent.
PUBLIC STATEMENTS None
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION (5:01 P.M.)
By consensus, Councilmembers recessed to Closed Session.
A) CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957 - CONFER WITH
CHIEF OF POLICE DISCUSS SECURITY OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES AND PLANS FOR
ADDRESSING THREATS TO THE SAME
B) CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(1) - EXISTING
LITIGATION
CASE NAME: BRAND ESTATES, LLC V. CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
LACSC CASE NO.: 25STCP02636
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting February 17, 2026
C) CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(2) AND 54956.9(E)(1) - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
One (1) matter
RECONVENED FROM SPECIAL MEETING AND REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION It was noted that Councilmembers Mendoza and Solorio arrived directly at the Closed Session meeting at 5:02 p.m.
City Attorney Padilla stated there was no reportable action as a result of the Closed Session meeting and noted that Mayor Fajardo recused himself on Item Nos. B and C.
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Solorio to adjourn the Special Meeting at 6:09 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL – REGULAR MEETING 6:00 P.M. (OPEN SESSION) Mayor Joel Fajardo called the regular meeting to order at 6:09 p.m.
Present: Council: Mayor Joel Fajardo, Vice Mayor Victoria Garcia and Councilmembers Mary Mendoza, Mary Solorio, and Patty Lopez
Staff: 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, 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 Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Mendoza to approve the agenda. The motion carried, unanimously.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting February 17, 2026
PUBLIC STATEMENTS
Joseph Ramos stated his opposition to Agenda Item No. 19.
Maricruz H. spoke regarding an incident that occurred on January 26, 2026 and filed a report with the Police Department.
Mayor Fajardo directed staff to reach out to Maricruz H. to further discuss the incident details.
Alexis Chavez commented on his incident, which was spoken by Maricruz H. and further explained details of the incident.
Brandon Gonzalez District Representative with Senator Menjivar’s office reported on legislative updates and presented Certificates of Recognition to outgoing Mayor Mary Mendoza and Vice Mayor Mary Solorio thanking them for their service.
John David Rivera mentioned he participated in a meeting with city representatives at the Area B Ad Hoc committee meeting.
Sylvia Ballin spoke about the newly formed San Fernando Residents First Coalition which was created to bring attention to Political Action Committees negative effects during a local city election.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Vice Mayor Garcia pulled Item No. 7 for discussion.
Councilmember Solorio pulled Item Nos. 10 and 11 for discussion.
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Mendoza to approve the Consent Calendar with the exclusion of Item Nos. 7, 10 and 11:
1) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES:
a. January 20, 2026 Special & Regular CC Meeting
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 APPROVE CO-SPONSORSHIP OF THE NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY
REGIONAL CENTER ON WHEELS CAMPAIGN, APPROVE USE OF THE CITY SEAL, AND WAIVE
FACILITY USE FEES
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting February 17, 2026
5) CONSIDERATION TO AUTHORIZE THE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE
CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL CANNABIS TAX FUND GRANT PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 TO SUPPORT SELECTIVE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT DETAILS 6) CONSIDERATION TO ACCEPT A DONATION OF 200 LAPTOPS FROM THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES FOR DISTRIBUTION TO SAN FERNANDO RESIDENTS UNDER THE “DELETE THE DIVIDE” INITIATIVE
8) CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 LEVY OF ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT AND ORDERING THE ENGINEER’S REPORT
9) CONSIDERATION TO AUTHORIZE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE NATIONAL
ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS FOR FUNDING SUPPORT OF THE MARIACHI MASTER
APPRENTICE PROGRAM
The motion carried, unanimously.
7) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE AN EAGLE SCOUT SERVICE PROJECT TO INSTALL A POLLINATOR GARDEN AT CINDY MONTAÑEZ NATURAL PARK
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Vice Mayor Garcia to approve the proposed Eagle Scout Service Project to install a pollinator garden at Cindy Montañez Natural Park; accept a donation from Eagle Scout D’Alessandro Hernandez for the Eagle Scout Service Project titled “Buzzing Biodiversity: Pollinator Garden at Cindy Montañez Natural Park”; and authorize the installation by D’Alessandro Hernandez and volunteers of the pollinator garden improvements at Cindy Montañez Natural Park. The motion carried, unanimously.
Item heard out of order
21) PRESENTATION BY MIRIAM ANDINO – RED CROSS SMOKE ALARM PROGRAM Councilmember Patty Lopez presented the staff report.
The City Council directed staff to research whether the City has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Red Cross to determine whether approval is needed for cosponsorship or to proceed with hosting the event, and to bring back information before April if City Council approval is required.
10) RECEIVE AND FILE AN UPDATE REGARDING THE ORGANIZATION OF AN ALL-CITIES VIGIL TO
HONOR LIVES LOST IN FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT INCIDENTS The City Council directed staff to return to the next meeting to provide additional information on whether the event can be organized by a non-profit organization and bring back the estimated cost for the city to host the entirety of the event.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting February 17, 2026
11) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE A VOTER EDUCATION AND OUTREACH CAMPAIGN FOR THE CITY’S JUNE 2, 2026 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION AND AUTHORIZE FEE WAIVER FOR
VENDOR PARTICIPATION AT CITY HOSTED EVENTS RELATED TO VOTER EDUCATION AND
OUTREACH
Motion by Councilmember Solorio and seconded by Councilmember Lopez to approve a voter education and outreach campaign for the City’s June 2, 2026 General Municipal Election; and authorize fee waiver for vendor participation at City hosted events related to voter education and outreach. The motion carried, unanimously.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
12) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO AUTHORIZE DISPOSAL AND SURPLUS OF TWO NO
LONGER OPERATIONAL METROPOLITAN TRANSIT AUTHORITY TROLLEY BUSES Public Works Operations Manager Mora presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
The City Council directed staff to reach out to Metro to begin discussions regarding authorization to re-purpose the trolley as a non-operable trolley and to be used as a display and include costs such as maintenance, liability insurance, cost to purchase trolleys and bring back information to a future meeting.
13) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE THE FERNANDEÑO TATAVIAM BAND OF
MISSION INDIANS PROPOSED MURAL PROJECT ON THE WATER TANK LOCATED AT RUDY ORTEGA SR. PARK
Director of Recreation and Community Services Julio Salcedo presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
The City Council recessed the meeting at 7:20 p.m. and reconvened at 7:32 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
City Attorney Padilla clarified that there are no bases for a Conflict of Interest between a Councilmember and their appointed Commissioner who happens to be the artist (Erica Friend) for the mural, since there is no income benefiting the Councilmember. Staff reported that Commissioner Friend recused herself during discussions on this item at the Parks, Wellness and Recreation Commission.
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Mendoza to approve the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians proposed Mural Project on the water tank located at Rudy Ortega Sr. Park. The motion carried, unanimously.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting February 17, 2026
14) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING CHANGES TO THE CITY OF SAN FERNANDO’S SPECIAL EVENTS PERMIT REGULATIONS AND APPLICATION PROCESS Director of Recreation and Community Services Julio Salcedo presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
The City Council directed staff to begin updating the special event permit application and process, explore creating a shorter special event permit, create a clear review process, and return in April with budget options if needed; and bring back at a later date a discussion on Councilmember hosted events and its processes.
15) RECEIVE AND FILE A PRESENTATION REGARDING PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT OF THE ZONING CODE UPDATE, SPECIFIC PLAN-5 UPDATE AND OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS Director of Community Development Ron Garcia and Rincon representative presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
The City Council received and filed a presentation on the Public Review Draft of the Zoning Code Update, Specific Plan-5 Update and Objective Design Standards.
The City Council recessed the meeting at 8:58 p.m. and reconvened at 9:15 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
Councilmember Solorio noted that she would recuse herself from discussion on Agenda Item No. 16, due to the distance of her residence and the project and left the dais at 9:16 p.m. 16) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE A REVISED PHASED SCOPE OF WORK FOR
THE LAS PALMAS PARK REVITALIZATION PROJECT TO MATCH AVAILABLE FUNDING AND
PROCEED WITH PHASE I FINAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
Public Works Operations Manager Mora presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Lopez to approve a revised scope of work for the Las Palmas Park Revitalization Project which divides the project into two phases: Phase I and Phase II; and authorize proceeding with the final design and construction of Phase I of the revised project. The motion carried, by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Lopez, Mendoza, Garcia, Fajardo - 4
NAYES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Solorio - 1
It was noted that Councilmember Solorio returned to the dais at 9:28 p.m.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting February 17, 2026
17) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO PLACE A ONE-QUARTER CENT LOCAL SALES TAX INCREASE MEASURE ON THE BALLOT FOR THE CITY’S JUNE 2, 2026 GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION
Director of Administrative Services Erica Melton presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
The City Council directed staff to bring back additional information to the next Council meeting on what other cities are doing.
18) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING A SECOND COMMUNITY FORUM – PUBLIC
QUESTIONS & LISTENING SESSION
The City Council continued the item to the next regular meeting. 19) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING REVIEW OF RENTAL CONTROL POLICES IN
THE CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
The City Council continued the item to the next regular meeting. .
20) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS YARD – FACILITY CONDITIONS REVIEW AND NEXT STEPS The City Council continued the item to the next regular meeting.
STAFF COMMUNICATION INCLUDING COMMISSION UPDATES
Assistant to the City Manager Pettener announced the launch of the City’s new website and announced upcoming events: Human Trafficking Awareness, the special City Council & Disaster Council meeting; and the San Fernando Mile Run event.
GENERAL CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS AND LIAISON UPDATES Councilmember Mendoza reminded everyone that the opportunity to run for candidacy is currently open for the June 2, 2026 City Election; and recognized Nancy C. Avery in honor of Black History Month.
Councilmember Lopezreported that she is participating with the Mexican Chamber of Commerce and the Sylmar Chamber of Commerce and asked that everyone take a moment and pray for every child who has been impacted through human trafficking or have been abused.
Councilmember Solorio stated she had no comments.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting February 17, 2026
Vice Mayor Garcia encouraged the public to attend the Human Trafficking Awareness event, reported she attended the California Cities Woman Caucus meeting, the SCAG Community, Economic, & Human Development Committee meeting; noted having a meeting with Congresswoman Luz Rivas regarding funding for community projects; and attended the California Contract Cities Executive Board meeting.
Mayor Fajardo commented on meetings with Congresswoman Luz Rivas and Senator Caroline Menjivar to discuss issues impacting the city, spoke about having a farmers market in the city; suggested revisiting the city’s advocacy with the double rail line with Metrolink and recommended that staff work with Republic Services to extend the contract through June 30, 2027, commented on the order of agenda items with consideration of speakers in attendance to occur earlier in the meeting and spoke about the 2026 Super Bowl halftime shows entertainment.
ADJOURNMENT 10:14 p.m.
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Vice Mayor Garcia to adjourn the regular meeting to the next special meeting of February 23, 2026.
I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and
correct copy of the minutes of the February 17, 2026,
Regular meeting and approved by the San Fernando
City Council at the meeting of April 20, 2026.
_________________________________________
Julia Fritz, CMC
City Clerk