APPROVED: 06/17/2025
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETINGS OF THE
CITY COUNCIL
May 22, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Rounds called the meeting to order at 4:31 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Councilmembers Mora, Martin, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Zamora, and Mayor Rounds.
Members absent: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There was no one wishing to speak during public comments.
CLOSED SESSION
CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
(Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.8) Property: APNs: 8177-029-908, 8177-029-903, 8177-029-905, and 8177-029-005 Agency negotiator: René Bobadilla, City Manager and Cuong Nguyen, Director of Community Development
Negotiation parties: Kenneth G. Spiker, Spiker Rendon Consulting, Inc.
Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment as relates to interests in real property.
CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS: Two Matters
(Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6) Agency Designated Representatives: City Manager
Employee organizations: Santa Fe Springs City Employees' Association and Santa Fe Springs Management and Confidential Employees' Association
3. CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION: Three Matters (Pursuant to California Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2) and 54569(e)(1))
4. CLOSED SESSION
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
(Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957)
TITLE: City Manager Evaluation
Minutes of the May 22, 2025 Special City Council Meetings
5. CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
(Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6) City Representative: City Attorney
Unrepresented Employee: City Manager
Mayor Rounds recessed the meetings at 4:33 p.m.
Mayor Rounds reconvened the meetings at 6:09 p.m.
6. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney, Rick Olivarez provided a closed session report: Direction was given to staff and no reportable action was taken.
CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION
7. FY 2025-2026 BUDGET WORKSHOP #2 - DEPARTMENT PRESENTATIONS City Manager, René Bobadilla provided a brief outline of the evenings talking points. He said that while the economy is good, there are a few indicators that may provide uncertainty. However, he anticipates that everything will remain stable and predictable.
Director of Finance, Julio Morales spoke about the last fiscal year results. He talked about the budget vs actual revenues. Overall, the last year was great, and the goal is to maintain similar expenditure levels. He said that the City is in a strong financial position, there are reserves, and there is some room for flexibility. He attempted to predict what the future will bring with some of the factors currently in play, such as the effect of tariffs, inflation expectations, etc. He dissected the main sources of revenue, including intergovernmental charges such as doing work for other cities. Mayor Pro Tem Zamora inquired about subsidizing work for other cities, specifically with street light maintenance. Director of Public Works, James Enriquez provided information on the details of those contracts, and how the City is reimbursed. City Manager Bobadilla said that he will have Director Morales do a study to address these issues. Director Morales says that he feels comfortable with the proposed budget estimates. He anticipates that for the next fiscal year, the operating budget will be approximately $95,435,775.
Assistant City Manager, Nicholas Razo detailed the different divisions in the City Manager's Office. He talked about the detailing regarding Community Organization support, and City Manager talked about attempting to negotiate the price of the contributions to the Santa Fe Springs Chamber of Commerce. City Manager Bobadilla stated that he would like to use the City's non-profit account to fund some of these community organization contributions. Council deliberated the amounts of certain items such as $10,000 to SEAACA and $10,000 to the Little Lake Educational Foundation, $5,000 of which will be contributed by the City's non-profit. Council discussed allocating more to Burn Quest and the Lake Center Middle School Washington D.C. Trip. City Manager Bobadilla announced that the items will be brought back for City Council approval.
Minutes of the May 22, 2025 Special City Council Meetings Director of Police Services, Arlene Salazar detailed her requested positions and items for the next fiscal year. She detailed that one of the requested positions for Program Coordinator would assist in working with local schools and that the volunteer program will return.
Fire Chief, Chad Van Meeteren detailed his requested budget. He said that the additional EMS team would be headquartered at Fire HQ. Should council approve the additional EMS team, it would take approximately 18 months to be fully operable.
Director of Community Development, Cuong Nguyen detailed his department's requested budget. He would like to add two positions and remove two positions.
Director of Public Works, James Enriquez detailed his department for the next fiscal year.
He is recommending an increase in contracted services, operations and maintenance.
His department will be working with Finance staff to look at other funding sources to avoid using the general fund money.
Director of Community Services, Maricela Balderas detailed her budget. She highlighted an 18.6% increase in her budget from last year. She also talked about one-time costs for Café Libro Equipment and the Children's Reference Desk Refresh at the city library.
Director of Parks and Recreation, Gus Hernandez detailed his budget. He highlighted one item that needs Council direction, which is a joint use agreement with Little Lake City School District and the approval to waive the fees associated with use of certain parks within the district. Council agreed to waive the annual fees associated with the agreement.
Additionally, he requested direction to approve a $435,000 item to replace the flooring and add shade to the Lakeview Park playground. Council gave direction to staff to conduct an analysis of the quoted price to see if the amount is accurate. Lastly, he asked for direction to remove a trailer that is currently under maintenance for Options for Learning.
Council unanimously agreed to remove the trailer.
ADJOUNRMENT
Mayor Rounds adjourned the meeting at 8:23 p.m.
Will KeL
William K. Rounds
Mayor
07/03/25
Date
City Clerk