CITY OF SOUTH GATE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026
CALL TO ORDER Joshua Barron, Mayor called a Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.
INVOCATION Tina De La Rosa, Acting Director of Parks & Recreation
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Manuel Arana, Chief of Police
ROLL CALL
Yodit Glaze, City Clerk
PRESENT Mayor Joshua Barron, Vice Mayor Al Rios, Council Member Maria del Pilar Avalos, Council Member Maria Davila and Council Member Gil Hurtado; City Treasurer Jose De La Paz, City Manager Rob Houston, City Attorney Raúl F. Salinas
DEVIATE FROM
THE AGENDA Mayor Barron requested that the portion of the Comments from the Audience - Non-Agenda Items regarding ICE be moved up in the agenda to accommodate speakers. Council Member Avalos seconded Mayor Barron’s motion.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Hurtado, yes; Council Member Davila, yes; Vice Mayor Rios, yes; Mayor Barron, yes.
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE - NON-AGENDA
ITEMS Yancy Lopez, South Gate business owner spoke about an assault by an unidentified border patrol or ICE agent inside of her business on Thursday, January 22
nd. She feels unsafe and unprotected and inquired about the Council’s power to protect South Gate residents.
Caroline, South Gate resident, questioned Council’s lack of participation against ICE agents. She is also disappointed with the South Gate residents.
She will be posting on social media about taxes that won’t be helping residents.
Jimmy Ozaeta, South Gate resident, stated residents are looking to Council for help but instead receive silence. He read on social media Mayor Barron’s statement against ICE enforcement activities, but residents need action not statements.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 27, 2026
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE - NON-AGENDA
ITEMS CONT’D Elia Dominguez Ozaeta stated Council needs to walk around the city showing residents, they have Council’s support and the Chief’s protect & serve.
Lizette also questioned Council’s lack of participation during the protesting.
Liz Ruiz, Kauffman Avenue, is concerned about the incidents in Minneapolis. She feels that saying Council haven’t done anything is unfair. She has seen Council Members Barron, Hurtado and Davila attend two protests in South Gate. She has sent articles to Council on what other cities are doing.
Nelson Hermosillo, Dorothy Avenue, stated he is 100% against U.S.
Border Patrol being anywhere near inner cities. He is 100% in favor of meaningful immigration reform, meaning amnesty. He is not blaming Council nor defending them. He is going to hold everyone present accountable and mentioned googling the Dignity Act. He suggested calling the representatives and holding them accountable.
Huntington Park resident and stakeholder stated the community are very involved and her Councilmembers are very present. She suggested working with SELA.
EMAILS Patty suggested meetings be held VIA Zoom to increase participation from student parents that are concerned about ICE activities in the community.
Mayor Barron stated they are not allowed to talk about policy or bring up any decisions regarding this.
Raúl F. Salinas, City Attorney, stated the city is actively involved in litigation against the Department of Justice (DOJ). The city is one of twenty-two (22) other cities that have joined forces against the DOJ. The cities are involved in a pending litigation right now against Homeland Security, ICE, and the DOJ. The lawsuit is called PERDOMO. City Attorney Salinas stated many speakers’ attending tonight’s meeting might be called as witnesses.
Mayor Barron spoke how Council is active during these concerned times.
Chief of Police Arana stated seeing fear and pain many in the community are feeling right now. He too came to this country from another country.
Everyone’s concerns are valid and matters to him and to the police department. He mentioned the California Values Act and Truth Act that limits the role of local law enforcement regarding issues of immigration.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 27, 2026
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE - NON-AGENDA
ITEMS CONT’D Councilmember Avalos spoke regarding community concerns related to safety and trust with law enforcement, particularly in situations involving victims of assault and the importance of properly documenting incidents through police reports. She requested clarification on City policies and protocols to ensure victims can obtain police reports for use in legal proceedings. She also expressed concern about fear within the community related to immigration enforcement activity and emphasized the importance of ensuring residents feel safe and informed about their rights, noting her outreach efforts are conducted directly and not shared on social media for safety reasons.
Chief of Police Arana stated people may come into the Police Department and file a report. Depending on the situation, the department determines if it’s a crime or something that needs to be documented for legal purposes other than a crime.
Vice Mayor Rios seems federal agencies have no regard for the rights of individuals.
Councilmember Hurtado stated even his wife is afraid to speak Spanish.
He has noticed the low participation from the public to JAA, South Gate Aquatics, AYSO and all the other organizations are facing the same challenges due to fear of going out.
Councilmember Davila thanked everyone that spoke tonight. She too is an immigrant and stated Council participates in different ways to help the community. She suggested the community call the congresswoman.
Mayor Barron stated if anyone needs resources for food, please call Southeast Leadership Network at (323) 804-6639. He asked Jimmy Ozaeta, who works for YMCA, to speak about resources.
Jimmy Ozaeta suggested seeking help from local YMCA, Southeast Real YMCA in Maywood or at YMCALA.ORG.
Councilmember Avalos directed staff to post those resources on the city’s website.
City Manager Houston will check the city’s website. The list is extensive on the LA resource line.
RECESS The City Council recessed at 7:23 p.m., and reconvened at 7:32 p.m., with all Members of Council present.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 27, 2026
1 BUDGET ADMIN/
ELECTION ADMIN The City Council considered receiving and filing a presentation on South Gate's Budget Status and the Components Required to be Completed to Design a Utility Users Tax Measure.
a. Adopting a Resolution declaring a Fiscal Emergency;
b. Adopting a Resolution calling a Special Election, request that the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors ("Board of Supervisors") authorize the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder / County Clerk ("County Elections Official") to render all services necessary to conduct the Election, allow for Ballot Arguments, and an Impartial Analysis; and
c. Reviewing the draft Ordinance for voter consideration of the Utility Users Tax.
d. Presentation from Council Meeting of January 13, 2026.
Item 1 was unanimously continued to the Regular City Council Meeting of February 24, 2026, by motion of Council Member Hurtado and seconded by Council Member Avalos.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Hurtado, yes; Council Member Davila, yes; Vice Mayor Rios, yes; Mayor Barron, yes.
RECESS The City Council recessed at 10:33 p.m., and reconvened at 10:42 p.m., with all Members of Council present.
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE - NON-AGENDA
ITEMS Robyn Logan, Hunt Avenue, stated that back in December she brought up the topic of safety and pedestrians. On Saturday she was almost hit near Tweedy and Alexander. She was almost hit yesterday at Hildreth and Tweedy on the crosswalk. She questioned what Council is going to do to keep residents safe. The chief can only do so much due to being understaff.
Nelson Hermosillo, Dorothy Avenue, invited Council to sit on the pews when having lengthy speeches. He is 100% opposed to Border Patrol operating not only in South Gate, but also in surrounding cities. What’s happening in Minneapolis is coming back to California. He doesn’t agree with Council adjourning the City Council Meetings in memory of those individuals because it can give some individuals the wrong message to interfere with federal operations. He believes in rule law, respect law REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 27, 2026
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE - NON-AGENDA
ITEMS CONT’D enforcement officers and hold them accountable. He asked Council if those exact circumstances would have happened with a police officer shooting, would Council adjourn in memory of that individual that lost his/her life.
Liz Ruiz, Kauffman Avenue, thanked Council for adjourning the meetings in memory of the individuals. It shows Council standing with the community and their civil rights. She mentioned an incident with the trash company.
South Gate resident, spoke on behalf of a resident that resides at 2647 Kansas Avenue stating streetlights have been out. She informed that resident about the app. She is also disappointed because people spoke about ICE in the beginning and now everyone has left.
EMAILS Circle Park resident noted orders from GWS composting facility on Miller Way have decreased but expressed skepticism that the improvement will be permanent based on the company’s past practices.
Mario Dominguez requested a timeline for the start of the completion of the fiber optic cable project and will construction impact Tweedy Boulevard due to its recent pavement and new city branding. He also criticized the project for not improving the city council chambers network or live stream capabilities and questioned the overall benefit of the project to residents.
Mayor Barron asked if anyone could reply to tonight’s comments.
Arturo Cervantes, Director of Public Works, stated with regards to the concerns for pedestrian safety on Tweedy and particularly at Pinehurst, phase II of the Tweedy Mile Complete Street Project will be starting construction soon. The city is waiting for approval from Cal Trans for funding and then bid the project. The city is making pedestrian crossing improvements on Tweedy. With regards to the trash company, feel free to contact the public works department and the city can facilitate service. As to the lights on Kansas and fiber optic project that construction started yesterday. The construction will take place for 8 weeks. It will occur on California from our south city limit to our north city limit. It is going to connect the city hall, and it is not going to impact the pavement on Tweedy Mile.
Mayor Barron asked the Chief of Police if he would like to add anything to Ms. Logan’s comments regarding public safety on Tweedy.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 27, 2026
COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE - NON-AGENDA
ITEMS CONT’D Chief of Police Arana stated traffic safety is a major concern for the police department. The chief has redirected some of the personnel towards traffic to improve our presence and enforcement. They have put on social media information regarding traffic and have increased citations. The goal is not to go out and site everyone. The goal is to get people to be responsible.
Mayor Barron knows the state recently passed some laws that may be able to help and understands there’s a cost to maintain speeding cameras.
Vice Mayor Rios stated especially if it’s going to generate revenue.
Mayor Barron stated most cities say it will not generate revenue because of the maintenance.
Council Member Avalos stated driving up and down on Tweedy, specifically on Alexander and twice, she has almost hit a bicyclist who is coming the wrong way and one right in the middle and wearing all black.
She hopes that it can be addressed too.
Mayor Barron stands on the adjourning in the memory of Alex Pretti given his time to serve our veterans as a V A nurse in the ICU.
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS Arturo Cervantes, Director of Public Works, nothing to report.
Tina De La Rosa, Acting Director of Parks & Recreation, stated that on Thursday there will be a glow-in-the-dark pick ball game at the Sports Center.
Gabe Perez, Director of Community Development, stated a new proposed food establishment with drive-through on Firestone Boulevard and V ossler Avenue, but tenants are unknown at this time. That at the Council Meeting of February 24
th Council will receive a report.
Mr. Perez also reported that the Community Development Department obtained $300,000 from Gateway COG to be able to support and finish our Gateway District Specific Plan efforts. This is where the Southeast Gateway line is going to have a rail station. He mentioned an open house on Wednesday, February 18
th in the civil center at 6:00 p.m., and it’s open
to the public to get ideas.
Luis Fausto, Director of Administrative Services, stated the department is experiencing technical issues with the utility payment web portal. This is an old system that is no longer supported by the vendor. The department is exploring options, fixing or replacing the system.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 27, 2026
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS
CONT’D Mayor Barron asked if any discussion has been had with banking institution regarding their ACH systems that customers would like automatic bill pay.
Mr. Fausto stated the city is approving ACH payments for water accounts if they are requested. The department is also in the preliminary phase of exploring partnerships with grocery stores and other outlets so that they can possibly take utility payments on our behalf.
Jon Hamilton, Director of Human Resources, nothing to report.
Manny Arana, Chief of Police, nothing to report.
Rob Houston, City Manager, nothing to report.
Raúl F. Salinas, City Attorney, nothing to report.
Jose De La Paz, City Treasurer, nothing to report.
Yodit Glaze, City Clerk, nothing to report.
Councilmember Davila, nothing to report.
Councilmember Hurtado, nothing to report.
Councilmember Avalos, nothing to report.
Vice Mayor Rios brought up the issue of the libraries at the last council meeting and asked if a room at the park would be available for students to study.
Tina De La Rosa, Acting Director of Parks & Recreation, replied that spaces are limited due to scheduled programs.
Vice Mayor Rios stated maybe LAUSD could be considered because they have a lot of facilities.
Councilmember Davila stated a meeting with LAUSD on Monday, February 2
nd. Maybe this can be brought up.
Vice Mayor Rios asked if the city has received reports from the organizations receiving money from the city about how many people were served due to Mental Health.
Vice Mayor Rios asked if the council will be receiving a report regarding zoom or call-in feature by July 1
st.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 27, 2026
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
FROM CITY OFFICIALS Councilmember Davila asked if council could receive an update when the county is planning to open the library.
Mayor Barron was informed that the library was to open at the end of February, but there were additional delays, so it is looking by mid-March.
Mayor Barron likes the idea of reaching out to LAUSD, regarding their school libraries for students.
Mayor Barron stated that tomorrow he will be at Career Day at St. Helen.
He will also be at LA County Sanitation orientation taking the grand tour of the facility and thereafter the meeting. He mentioned SELA Kiwanis’ first meeting of the year is tomorrow. He is currently the treasure, no longer the president.
CONSENT CALENDAR Agenda Items 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 were approved by motion of Mayor Barron and seconded by Vice Mayor Rios. Items 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10(a) were pulled for separate discussion.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Hurtado, yes (recused on items 3 and 9); Council Member Davila, yes (recused on item 8); Vice Mayor Rios, yes; Mayor Barron, yes.
2 PERSONNEL ADMIN The City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2026-03-CC entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Gate, California, approving the update the Consolidated Salary Schedule by adding the Cross-Connection Control Specialist Title, Pay Grade, and Pay Range during consent calendar.
3 PARKS The City Council approved items A & B during consent calendar:
a. Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. 2023-125-CC with Z&K Consultants, Inc. to fund additional construction management and inspection services performed for the Circle Park Improvement Project, City Project No. 609-PRK, and to extend the contract term through March 31, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $56,727; and
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 2 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 27, 2026
4 COMMUNITY DEV/
HOUSING The City Council unanimously approved items A, B, C & D during consent calendar:
a. Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. 2022-116-CC with Avant-Garde, Inc., for as needed administrative services for the CDBG and HOME Programs as follows:
b. A six-month extension from January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026, to align the contract with the City’s fiscal year, in an amount not to exceed $110,000; and
c. A one-year term from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $221,000.
d. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
5 TRANSPORTATION
PLANNING/ADMIN The City Council unanimously approved items A, B, C & D during consent calendar:
a. Professional Services Agreement (Contract No. 2026-07-CC) with Southstar Engineering & Consulting, Inc. to provide on-call technical advisory support for the LACTMA Southeast Gateway Line Project, for a not to exceed amount of Forty-Nine Thousand Eight Hundred Sixty Dollars ($49,860);
b. Appropriated $200,000 in LA Metro Regional Measure M Funds to the Southeast Gateway Line Light Rail Project and add it to the Capital Improvement Program;
c. Authorized the City Manager to approve and execute amendments up to a cumulative amount of $50,000; and
d. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Professional Services Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
6 PUBLIC WORKS/
ENGINEERING ADMIN The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during consent calendar:
a. Professional Services Agreement (Contract No. 2026-08-CC) with Willdan to provide as-needed plan check and inspection services in the amount of $100,000 annually; and
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 27, 2026
6 PUBLIC WORKS/
ENGINEERING ADMIN
CONT’D
b. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement in a form acceptable by the City Attorney.
7 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council unanimously approved items A & B during consent calendar:
a. Purchase Orders for the Los Angeles County Public Works to perform bridge maintenance services on various City owned bridges as a Part of the Bridge Maintenance and Repair, City Project No. 719-ST, for an amount not to exceed $338,480; and
b. Appropriated $200,480 in Proposition C Funds to the Bridge Maintenance and Repair, CIP Project No. 719-ST.
8 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council approved items A & B during consent calendar:
a. Accepting completion of construction, effective May 26, 2025, of the 9923 San Luis Avenue Parking Lot Improvements, City Project No. 63-SP, constructed by Golden Coast Construction; and
b. Directing the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder’s Office.
9 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING The City Council approved items A, B, C, D & E during consent calendar:
a. Accepted completion of construction, effective October 16, 2025, of the Urban Orchard Completion Phase, City Project No. 539-PRK, constructed by Los Angeles Engineering, Inc; and
b. Contract Change Order in the amount of $323,789 to fund Measure W;
c. Appropriated $1,100,342 from to San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers sand Mountain Conservancy Grant to the Urban Orchard Completion Phase, City Project No. 539-PRK;
d. Appropriated $285,000 from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District- Measure A Technical Assistance Program Grant to the Urban Orchard Completion Phase, City Project No. 539- PRK; and
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 27, 2026
9 STREETS/SIDEWALKS/
LANDSCAPING CONT’D
e. Directed the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder’s Office.
10 MINUTES The City Council unanimously approved items A, B & C (as amended) by motion of Council Member Avalos and seconded by Vice Mayor Rios.
a. The Special and Regular Meeting minutes of November 11, 2025;
b. The Special and Regular Meeting minutes of November 25, 2025; and
c. The Special and Regular Meeting minutes of December 9, 2025.
AMENDMENT: Council Member Avalos would like to amend the minutes of November 11, 2025, to state the following:
Council Member Avalos expressed appreciation and gratitude to veterans for their service, noting that military service can have a lasting impact on individuals. She emphasized the importance of showing returning service members patience, kindness, and understanding, while recognizing that although veterans may return changed, they remain the same individuals deserving of respect, particularly in light of the freedoms their service helps protect.
Council Member Avalos also reported attending the State of the City event, describing it as informative and expressing appreciation for the presentations by city leadership and the mayor. Additionally, she noted that the Southeast Water Coalition meeting that was scheduled but subsequently canceled, and announced that a Vector Control meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday.
She also wants to make clear that the minutes reflect she voted no on item number seven.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Hurtado, yes; Council Member Davila, yes; Vice Mayor Rios, yes; Mayor Barron, yes.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 27, 2026 11 WARRANTS The City Council unanimously approved the Warrant Register for January 27, 2026, by motion of Council Member Hurtado and seconded by Mayor Barron.
Total ofChecks: $1,855,194.48
Less:Voids $ (0.00)
Less: Employee Payroll Deductions $ (518,304.13)
GrandTotal: $2,373,498.61
Cancellations: None
ROLL CALL: Council Member Avalos, yes; Council Member Hurtado, yes; Council Member Davila, yes; Vice Mayor Rios, yes; Mayor Barron, yes.
ADJOURNMENT Council Member Davila unanimously adjourned the meeting in memory of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, ICU nurse for the United States Department Veterans Affairs and Ruben Serran, South Gate resident and Vice Mayor Rios' neighbor at 11 :44 p.m. and seconded by Vice Mayor Rios.
PASSED and APPROVED on this 24" day of February 2026.
ATTEST:
/ Josh Yodit City Clerk