City Council - Regular Meeting

Go guys. Good evening everyone and welcome to the Norbach City Council meeting of March 3rd, 2026. Welcome to March everyone. Um tonight, this evening, we are once again welcomed and honored to have Dr. BHZ from the New Creation Church of Norwok who has faithfully served as pastor for more than 25 years. He is also actively involved in training and supporting pastors around the world, helping strengthen faith communities beyond our city and across international borders. His passion for service extends from Norwok to the global stage. Pastor George, we we're so grateful that you're always here. We are also pleased to welcome young Marine Private First Class Lariano Himenez, 11th grade student who was proudly served Norwok community. As a young Marine, Private First Class Himenez remains committed to giving back to the city while pursuing his goal of joining the United States Marine Corps. Young Marine Private First Class Himenez continues to strengthen his disciplines and resilience through wrestling and jiu-jitsu. If you could please both join us at the podium and everybody please stand for our invitation and flag salute.

Thank you. Thank you mayor for the invite once again. And it's an honor to be here with my fellow colleagues here and this great city of Narwok. I just want to share one scripture that I think most of us know. Psalms 23. The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He leads me to the green pastures. Leads me beside still waters. And that's going to be my prayer today. You know that God will bring us to a a land or a season of greatness, blessings, refreshing. You know, the the Bible talks about the green pastures, of course, flourishing, productive, fruitfulness, and that's my going to be my prayer for all of us and for this brand new year for Norwok. Amen. Bow with me, your heads with me, and let's pray. Father in heaven, we come before you in the mighty name of Jesus. And Lord, we lift up our great city uh and of course our our great mayor and and the council. And Lord, with the leadership that represents this great city, I pray blessings upon them. I pray refreshing upon them. I pray your goodness over them. Lord, continue to lead them, guide them to great success. Lord, we just lift up our great city of Darwalk that 2026 will be a special unique year for effectiveness, fruitfulness, that everything that is being planned, God, will come to pass and beyond. But we know that you are our shepherd leading us, guiding us, directing us. So I just pray your blessings not only today, not only upon what's going to be spoken, discussed, but even future meetings. And we just thank you, God, that you place us in a great city where we could see abundance, we could see grace, and we can see favor. We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Evening. Join me. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Would you please both join us for our photo? [clears throat] You have a whole collection. I love that you're wearing it.

I just want to make sure we get right here. There we go. Thank you. [clears throat] Three, two, one. One more. Three, two, one.

Once again, let's give them a round of applause. [applause] [clears throat] Thank All right. Once again, welcome everyone to our meeting tonight. Teresa, can we have a roll call, please? Council members Ayella here. Ramirez here. Valencia here. Vice Mayor Rios

here. Mayor Perez here. At this time, I'll turn it over to our city attorney for an announcement and a report on close session matters.

Thank you very much. Uh madame mayor, members of the city council, the record should reflect the city council convene for close session that uh the uh all members were present without with the exception of council member Valencia in close session and that further the participation not only in close session but also in open session this evening uh for council member Ayala is permitted under the just cause provisions of the government code uh specifically section 549 five I'm sorry 54 for 593.8.3 subsection C3. Uh with that, the two items that are listed on the agenda for items 1 and two were discussed with the city council. There was no final action taken on those items and there is nothing required to be reported at this time. That concludes my report from close session. It's appropriate to continue with the open portion of the meeting.

Thank you very much, Arnold. Moving on to council comments. We'll start this evening with council member Tony Ayala. Tony, any comments tonight? No, no comments tonight, Mayor. Thank you. Thank you. Moving next to Council Member Rick Ramirez. Rick, Madame Mayor, no comments this evening. Thank you, Rick. Council member Valencia. Anna,

I wanted to uh wish everyone a happy March and um just also there was a really fantastic I I really enjoyed uh seeing it and it was I think well made for women's month is March and um the great ad that's there. We stand on the shoulders of our pioneering women uh leaders here in Norwok and um I don't know who I Levy I'm assuming and and mayor uh putting that together was very nice and uh it's it's all over social media and I've forwarded it. Uh my family and friends really enjoy it. Um but it's a picture of um us the female council members and then some pioneering council members uh for Norwok of the past and just beautiful beautiful so touching thank you um and I'm also looking forward to this Sunday um the Norwok Lions is hosting um an empowerment tea women's empowerment tea very much looking forward to that and um I sponsored the lady program um I think a table and we've also got some other sponsors. So, it's going to be a very nice event and I'm really looking that thank you so

thank you Anna Vice Mayor Rios Margarita.

Yes, thank you. I also want to welcome everyone to our meeting today. Just a couple of things I wanted to share. Um, I want to thank uh Glazier Elementary School for their very kind invitation to read to their uh students at Glazier Elementary, the Norwalk Lrod Unified School District. Um, I had a lot of fun, had a great class, really good listeners, and um, the school and the staff did really nice making sure everyone, all their guests felt welcome. I felt very, very welcomed. And I believe that uh we had members of our social services team also participate uh during that day for read across America. So um definitely uh a great way to stay connected with our schools, our students and working in collaboration with our uh local school districts. Uh the other thing I wanted to just quickly share is um I had the opportunity and I'm very grateful for um being able to attend a conference and what was uh interesting um they shared some of the relevant topics that many communities are facing currently uh housing um public safety and uh social media. social media specific to elected officials. Uh the housing component, what they shared um in terms of housing and public safety. Uh it was very refreshing to see that um the sessions talked about um innovations and what's trending. But Norwok's already doing um some of those uh already some of the things that they share during the the conference sessions about what's new the latest. I was very happy to hear that um Norwok is actually already being very innovative in some of these some of these um trends um specifically the use of drones. I know I believe our public safety some of our public safety members are trained on

the use of drones. They talked about that. Um and then housing developments and how the the communities are facing trying to um do their fair share at affordable housing and we're doing that in Norwok. So um it was very refreshing to hear that we we are a lot of things we are doing uh we're getting it right. We're on track to do some very great things. So and that's all I have for this evening. Thank you.

Thank you Margarita. All right. I do have a few things to share. Um, I did attend the California Contract Cities, uh, board of directors meeting at the LA County Fire Department two weeks ago. Um, we have a great relationship with our station 20 and station 115. Um, but it's through those relationships that we're continuing to have conversations with the chief and with his team on how we can better support our stations here. Um, so it was a great meeting. we were able to connect and network with our fire department and really bring those relationships forward here in the city of Norwok so we can work to better our two stations and we're in the process of working through that now. Um, I also attended the California Contract Cities um meeting regarding public safety where we had guest speakers with Sheriff Luna and Police Chief Gonzalez in regards to the latest update on the immigration um challenges, concerns, and safety that is going on in our region and everywhere. And so that information was shared um with our team. Um, we did have several members of the city of Norbach attend that meeting as well. Um, so we continue to have that information and filter it from the top what we can do here in the city of Norwok. Um, what our station can do and how to proceed. Um, we had a great celebration of the Norwok transportation department's ribbon cutting for the micro transit. U, Jim, once again, thank you for everything. your team continues to um go above and beyond and you truly are recognized as the best not only in the region in the state but in and everywhere in the

nation. Um it is our our uh bulletins are out for social services center and the Norwok senior center. So please make sure you take a look at them. get all of the information about the activities that are going on at both of those locations. Um, and we are also having, I love this, I'm very excited about this, a business attire donation drive for our teen alliance program for our TAP team. Um, so we are looking for new or gently used business attire. Um, we're looking for ties, button-up shirts, blazers, sports jackets, dresses, blouses, etc. They can be dropped off between March 2nd and March 19th at the Norwok Arts and Sports Complex or the Norwok Teen Center. Um, so I'm going to ask that we get this out on our social media as well, share it with our Chamber of Commerce. um so that way we can really do everything we can to outfit our teens um as they prepare for the next step in their in their lives. And then finally tonight, I'm going to I'm going to do the best I can, but I would like to close our meeting tonight in memory of my mother-in-law, Mary Perez, who passed away on February 20th, 2026. She is survived by her wonderful husband Bob Perez, her daughter Lisa, sons Robert and Michael, each of their spouses, nine grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Uh Mary Perez, affectionately known as Mary, mama, nana, grandmother, friend,

aunt, and more, was a beacon of love and faith in her community. She was born in August 21st, 1944 in Los Angeles, California, and moved with her mom and dad and her siblings here in Norwok at the age of 14. It was there that she completed her education, graduating from Norwok High School, an institution that played a very significant role in shaping her future. For over 30 years, Mary dedicated her life to enriching the minds of young students as a teachers aid at Moffett Elementary School. She also served her community with devotion as an acting catechist teacher and eukaristic minister to the sick at St. Lionus Church. That service extended to her role as a secretary at St. Lionus religious education program where her organizational skills and compassion were really appreciated. My mother and love like we like to say she was your biggest cheerleader. She was competitive to all nature and she was one of the best and she'll be missed. And so tonight I have the honor to close tonight's meeting in her name. With that I'm going to pull it together and we're going to go to special presentation which is fitting that we are proclaiming March as women's history month. The city of Norwok is proud to recognize March as women's history month. This month honors women of every background who have shaped our nation through leadership, service, advocacy, mothers, and friends and all who

continue to inspire the future of generations to come. in Norwok. That commitment is reflected in the Lady program for our social services center serving young women ages 15 to 25. And that program provides mentorship, guidance, and resources that support confidence, growth, and success. I am so excited that we are honoring the Lady program tonight. And I remember when we brought this to our city and one of the greatest times of need that we all had. Thank you to the social services department staff for your role in guiding the next generation of women leaders. At this time, we invite representatives of the Lady Program to the podium to accept your proclamation. Share any words if you would like. Everyone, it's me up front. Thank you. [clears throat]

I think Yes, I think so. There you go.

Ready? Three, two, one. Got one more. Three, two, one. [applause] Tonight we are also going to proclaim March as National Social Services Workers Month. The city of Norwok proudly recognizes March as the National Social Services Workers Month. Norwok is one of the very few cities to employ its own dedicated city social workers, reflecting our direct commitment to supporting individuals and families right here in our community. These professionals provided resources to complex challenges including mental health, family assistance, legal aid, crisis support, and emergency food aid. Their presence within the city government ensures our residents have access to care, guidance, and trusted support for close to home resources. At this time, we invite the city of Norwok social workers from the social services department to accept this proclamation on behalf of the Norwok city council. Please join me up in front and congratulations.

Good morning. Robert places. like a back in the military.

I know.

Yes, definitely. Three, two, one. One more. Thank you, Robert. Thank you,

mayor and council members. Um, also they they are going to be celebrating all month, all month long. Jesus reminded us that you guys have a month-long celebration and I'm sure it's all in one of the bulletins. So, make sure you let us know when the parties are, the potlucks, all that kind of good stuff. I know there's always food in that department. All right. Thank you all for allowing us to recognize some very, very special people in our city. um and people who really are part of our family here in the city of Norvok and it's very very important that we do that. Um so we are now moving over to our city manager comments. Jesus.

Yes, mayor, members of the city council. Um tonight I'd like to u recognize um and introduce or reintroduce two individuals who have been promoted um to higher positions. Uh tonight I am pleased to announce the promotion of Daniel Munoz to public safety manager. [applause] Daniel holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from Cal State Long Beach and has served the city of Norwok for over 10 years as part of the public safety as part-time public safety officer, field training officer, cadet adviser, public safety sergeant, and lieutenant. As a sergeant, Daniel s supervised field operations, led the hope team, and developed the public safety quadrant officer team to strengthen community based policing. As a lieutenant, he successfully managed daily operations, the city's the city's dispatch team, and community safety partnership team while providing operational oversight and strategic direction. Please join me in congratulate congratulating Daniel Munoz on his new role as public safety manager. [applause] And we also announced um the our emergency preparedness manager um it is Jasmine Salas [applause] and Jasmine Sales has dedicated nine years to the city of Norwok serving as public safety officer one shift lead field training officer code compliance inspector and management analyst. Jasmine played a key role in developing the city's award-winning emergency management program. She holds a bachelor's degree in

business administration from Cal State LA and is certified as a emergency management specialist by FEMA and Cal OES. She holds a certified emergency manager designation from the International Association of Emergency Managers and has served as both chair and vice chair of the disaster management area. Please join me in congratulating Jasmine Salis on her promotion to emergency management. [applause] And I will mention that um they had a um competitive uh pool of employees uh I mean uh candidates that um competed and uh they they came out on top. Uh they both did and as you can see from all of the certifications and all the uh background that they have um just in them two we have 19 years of experience in public safety. So, thank you for accepting and thank you for your interest. My second item is uh Edosio Park. We continue to meet with the community um with those in uh adjacent to the properties. Uh we do have another scheduled meeting um the 18th of March. Um, so we continue to update the community on some of the um, requests that they have made from us and um, the goal is to continue to have communications with our community uh, in that area. Uh, next uh, we have some great videos. Um, we have our senior center winter lobby Olympics recap video.

[music] Every few years, legends are made inside the Norwok Senior Center, where the top [music] seniors from across Norwok gather, to compete, to represent, to go for gold. This is the Winter Lobby Olympics. [music] [music]

Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] our own gold medalist for sure. Um, our next is the Norwalk Community Link ribbon cutting video that we'd like to share with the community. Um, and more than anything to continue to advertise that we do have this service here for a $1.25. And uh, we have uh, Council Member Rick Ramirez who can testify to that. He he drove he drove to the uh ribbon cuetty uh on link and he used it tonight as well. There you go. [music] On February 25th, the city of Norwok celebrated the official ribbon cutting of the Norwok Community Link. Norwok Community Link is a convenient ondemand

ride service connecting residents to key destinations throughout our city [music] and residents are already using it. Since the soft launch in late January, more than 2,000 rides have already been completed and the numbers continue to grow. More than 800 residents have signed up and hold on to your steering wheels. Get that. The community linked vehicles have traveled about 3,700 miles in just the first few weeks of service. That's remarkable.

Thank you to our transportation partners, to VIA, and to our city team for bringing this vision to life. And most importantly, thank you to our residents for embracing this new way to move around Norwok. Because in Norwok we are a connected community.

Great, great service and thank you Mr. John Parker for bringing that to our city. Appreciate it. Um, next we have the bi-weekly review video. Lots of activities. Come join. We have more to come. On February 13th, love was in the air across Norwok. The senior center hosted a Valentine's [music] Day dance. Valentine's Day walts with refreshments, great music, and plenty of smiles. Friends and [music] family danced the morning away together. Love stayed in the air. And at the social [music] services center on February 17th, residents came together for a Valentine's petals and paper, creating flowers, crafting cards, and [music] sharing moments together. To help inspire a lifelong love of reading, the city of Norwok celebrated ReadAcross America. On February 25th, Vice Mayor Margarita Rios joined social services staff at Glazer Elementary to read stories and help spark imagination one page at a time. Throughout the month of February, the Cultural Arts Center was all about celebrating Black History Month with creativity, history, and community. From the 3rd to the 20th, Bria Holmes' vibrant artwork took over the Mary Paxton Art Gallery, exploring identity, storytelling, and culture through bold color [music] and texture. Then, on February 21st, Ruby Bridges shared her inspiring journey in a talk with my teacher, telling the story of her bravery as a six-year-old integrating her school. The month was wrapped up on February 28th with a screening of Akquila and the Bee, crafts and snacks for everyone.

Great community events. Um my last item is the um uh ICE activity or uh updates on immigration. Uh so the update uh to our city council and our community on this city's effort to provide outreach, counseling, legal services to Norwok families impacted by ICE activities since our last council meeting in February 17th. Uh we continue to have Chidla uh that uh educate residents about their legal rights and available community resources. Um, the Know Your Rights outreach sessions will be held at Social Services Center on Tuesday, March 17th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Uh, food pantry resources. The city encourages families impacted by ICE enforcement activities and homelessness to reach out to the social services department for assistance. What we have is uh two calls uh related to ICE. no walk-ins, no referrals, no hotline messages, and we didn't get any um requests for red cards. Um also in in um attending uh some of theformational items specifically by Sheriff Luna, they provided us with a umformational uh uh link uh that is on our website. We've added that. Um here on the screen, you'll see um the Chirla um know your rights session. Uh we also have an item that I wanted to highlight for um the council and also the community. But in 2025 uh there were 323,000 visits to the page uh norwok.org SLprepare. Uh and in 2026 year to date we have

53,000 visits to the page. Um and so um it's become a resource. Uh we continue to add as we get um information and resources on this page. Also um again the Mexican consulate specifically if you had um a family member uh detained the Mexican consulate is usually the one that will help the most in those um in those cases. And so we continue to provide uh services update information as we obtain it from um our resources throughout the county and the state. With that, that concludes my city manager comments.

Thank you. Jesus. Moving to our consent calendar. Um I have been informed by the city clerk that there is a change to the minutes. Teresa, do you want to provide an update? Yes, thank you, mayor. Um, I just I gave copies to the city council just to let you know that we are amending the minutes um under the opening paragraph that references the commercial demands uh for the list that was provided by the mayor at that meeting. Thank you. Thank you. I'll move it. I Yes. One second, Rick. All righty. I'd like to uh pull item number eight. Mayor, if you'd like to move with the motion for the rest or do you want to um do you is it going to be a separate vote or do you can we just see the report?

Yes, I'd like the report. Okay, let's see the report and then we will um ask for a motion for consent altogether. Jesus. Yes. Uh Mr. Alan Pommo will present.

Good evening, Mayor and Council. So, this item is part of the recreational services department organizational and multi-ep department workspace improvements. Norm Arts and Sports Complex and the Cultural Arts Center are replacing furniture older than 20 years. The redesign is to replace and create a more collaborated and functional office environment. The updated layout will accommodate existing staff and visitors, improving shared workplaces, public waiting areas, storage solutions, and technology access. Next slide. Um the the furniture purchase will replace the following at the Norwalk Art Sports Complex on the first floor. Eight um eight's offices. The main reception lobby, the hallway area that leads to the raet ball rooms, the community meeting center lobby, which is where the Sprout, the Hargan, and the founders are located. On the second floor, the lobby that it's directly aside the yoga and the studio rooms. And then on the cultural arts center, we're also going to update four uh staff, four staff offices. The children's art room share workplace, the lobby entrance to the cultural art center, and then the hallway that leads to the Mary Paxton Art Gallery. Uh the furniture replacement will help improve the following. Establish uniform design standards, strengthening brand ident identity and ensuring a seamless patron experience across both facilities. Transform shared spaces and walk and community hubs that encourage interaction among individuals and families. Support increased usage and durability, accommodating higher attendance levels while maintaining a high quality, durable environment for visitors. improve comfort in public areas while elevating overall presentation and professionalism. And lastly, ensuring furnishing reflects the value members expect and demonstrate the city's commitment to delivering a

premium recreational experience. The fiscal impact the proposed agreement with Sierra School Equipment Company is an amount not to exceed $330,800. The recreation pro services department has allocated funds and the Norwok Art and Sports Complex equipment replacement fund in the proposed 2526 operating budget. This does uh this this purchase does align with the strategic plan um goal number one of providing high quality customer service to the community. And the recommended action approve an agreement with Sierra School Equipment and Company in the amount in the amount not to exceed $330,000800 to design and install new office furniture and cubicles and authorize city manager to execute the agreement and any related documents or amendments provided there is funding in the budget. It is within the city manager signing authority on behalf of the city in a form approved by the city attorney. Um that concludes my presentation. Available for any questions.

Thank you Ellen for that information. Um, so my question really revolves around the actual um, budget item because I believe that um, if my memory serves me well, there was an initial allocation of 170,000 um, of capital reserves and then there was a request for an additional 200 and something and change and that's what's equal to the amount today is that correct

the initial request of the capital alley that you mentioned that 10und and something that is I think only about 50,000 was allocated for furniture we also did an improvement for the wait room so if you notice we did a completely overhaul of the wait room um we also bought new tables and chairs new mobile bars for the complex and just a lot of other random pieces of equipment that we needed throughout the building. And that also includes the improvement of the Sprout room for a brand new audiovisisual equipment that's going to be out for RFP in about a week or two. Okay. So then then is the actual amount that you're requesting for furniture closer to $240,000? Is that No, the the total purchase of this is 330. It is 330.

Yeah. 330 for a Yeah. Okay. Um can you go back to page seven?

Definitely. I I guess my my questions really revolve around um the amount of $330,000. I mean, I get that this is um for capital outlay and it's for furniture that maybe is outdated. Um, but I really would like to see how you're vision you're envisioning this amount to really um provide for like you're talking about welcoming community hub interaction with individuals and families. um the accommodation of higher attendance because quite honestly if it's if you're asking and this is just me personally speaking if you're asking for $330,000 for just furniture and cubicle space, chairs, etc. I I would have to really pause on that

if if I can respond. Um, it's not just the the offices and all of the I'm sorry, not not the office equipment, all the offices. It's also all the lobby. So, if you notice, we kind of have like, for example, when you walk into the complex, you make a quick ride, we just have four wooden chairs. That's all we have. This is a complete overhaul with new modern furniture and every space in our complex to accommodate both the first to second floor. Um, we're adding a if you I wish I had conceptions I can show you. Exactly. But we've been working on this project. Not to interrupt you, may I just um and that's kind of um leads to my point is it it really is important that um there's enough information in here for me to make an informed decision. So when there's a request for such a high amount and you're telling me that you're going to get furniture and improve your cubicle space, that's going to cause a lot of questions for me. So, I think that um my recommendation to you would be to provide as much information um to the council so that it's informative. I'm you know able to interpret your vision for the sports complex based on what you're asking for. Um I think that would be very very helpful to have. Um and secondly, um what other uses would this funding be potentially available for? Um is it just for furnishings? Is is that or are there other possibilities that this funding could be used for? Is the other kind of big question in my mind as to potential uses of our funds.

So the the NAC replacement fund can be used for anything to replace anything in the complex. Um, over the last three years, we have improved our raet ball rooms, our wave room. We bought a a modern 3D 4K $20,000 scoreboard. We bought nice basketball chairs for our basketball gymnasium. Um, our wreck administration office has been completely redone to make it more modern. So, we've been taking a lot of different steps slowly to modernize the complex. Um, you know, one quick stat I can share with you. Um, from 2022 to 2025, we've seen an increase of 65% in facility reservations. We went from 644 in 2022 to 1,064 last year. And then when it comes to memberships that people, you know, we have to pay to use our our complex. We went from 773 in 2022 to last year we had 1,356 memberships. So, we seen a humongous amount of of people in our in our in our complex. And we don't just want you to come in, work out, lift a couple of weights, get a pump. We want you to stay there and and create community. So the the design of the furniture is to have like coffee bars where you can plug in your computer, you can actually read, you can charge your phone, you can really stay there and create community. Um, we worked on it for about eight months with our entire department. We went through I think maybe 10 revisions of furniturees and colors. Um, but I can definitely provide that information to the council. you can see the vision, the concepts, and if that can be helpful, I can provide that information

because none of that was part of the report. And so, um, that kind of leads to my other point of wanting to ensure that these funds, um, are providing the biggest community good and and what those looked like. So, um, again, because none of that was part of the report, um, obviously is why I had these questions, I just want to make sure that when we're allocating these funds, we're actually attributing to, um, putting them right back into the community. What is the greatest community benefit? Yeah, I understand, you know, completely understand that our staff needs, you know, furnishings. They get outdated, you know, 20 plus years, whatever they've been here. They don't last forever. However, um, personally, I I want to make sure that we are our funding is going towards the biggest community benefit. And if there's another vision for those funds, as you just explained, then I'd love to hear it, but it wasn't part of the report. I would love to. Yes. Hold on one second, Rick, before you Tony. Can you We were talking on top of you, so I want to make sure we can hear your comment. Go ahead, Tony.

Yeah, I know. It's kind of hard to It's kind of hard to figure out how to jump in here. It's like double dutch. the uh you know I don't doubt that the staff's doing a great job and I don't doubt you know that we're you know that the demand is up and everything else but I agree with Margarita. I think it's too thin. I don't think there's there's enough there for an informed decision. I don't know how the rest of you feel. I'd like to roll this thing to another council meeting to get the information that Allen says that we have that's not presented. So, you know, that's my opinion.

Thanks, Tony. I think we're going to go ahead and make a motion to include tableabling item number eight to our next council meeting so we can get some additional information. So, can I get a motion from somebody? I'll make that motion to table the item till the next council meeting. I'll I'll second to include the update of the minutes that Teresa reported what she said. Yes.

Yes. And just lastly, I I would just like to share that um I know that I've mentioned this before when we have specific requests, you know, when we have director's reports. Um I really appreciate as much information as possible. Um you're not going to overload me when it comes to approving a significant amount of money towards again wanting to make sure where what the allocation is for and what the vision is from the team. I'm more than happy to read through all of that. because it's it's very to communicate with the community on, you know, what we're doing and all the positive stuff and how they're benefiting, which is ultimately my goal. Thank you. Thank you, mayor.

Thank you. We have a first and a second. Can we have roll call, please, Teresa? Yes. If you don't mind, I'm just going to restate so that we're clear. So, there was a motion and a second to table item number eight to March 17th and approve the balance of the consent calendar. Correct. Okay. Council member Zella. Hi. Ramirez. Hi. Valencia. Vice Mayor Rios. Hi. And Mayor Perez. I. And I'm abstaining on the commercial demands check numbers that I will provide to the city clerk. Thank you. Moving on to appointments. Any appointments this evening?

I do. Anna, I would like to appoint um Stephanie, Dr. Stephanie Rodriguez to the um Historical Heritage Commission and we all have applications there on file. I'll second that. Can we have a roll call, please? I'm sorry. Did Did you want to do them all together or do you want to do any other I have addition? Oh, I'm sorry, Rick. I didn't see you. Go ahead, Rick.

I thought we were Anyway, I have uh I have three uh appointments. Uh Millie Casillas to the social services uh and Twinette Moreno to the um park and Rex. And then Petra Pñena to the public safety commission. Right. I'll second those. Well, can we have a motion, please? So his that was his motion. So now we do roll call. Okay. That's what I meant. I know. [laughter] Council member Zella. Hi, Ramirez. Hi, Valencia. I, Vice Mayor Rios, hi. And Mayor Perez, I. Now, are any of those individuals here? Do we know?

Okay, we'll go ahead and send out their oath and everything. Thank you. Thank you. Moving on to oral communications. I have three speaker cards this evening. Uh, the first one is Mr. Andy Aribe. As a reminder for all of our speakers, you do have three minutes.

Hello. Um so I come here to speak on a topic that um has been coming up um and it continues to come up because there continues to be a lack of action from the city and that is on uh immigration, the concerns that the city residents have. Um, in the weeks since the last city council meeting, I have spent my time out in the community speaking with other members. And one thing I keep hearing is they wish the city would say more or say something actually at all. I know you say you're you're saying things. You're posting about it on the social media. I know the city manager makes um a report here at the city council meeting. Um, but most residents are not tuning into this meeting. Most of these residents, I guess, are not seeing on social media. Um because time and time again I hear not not even that they should say more but I wish they would say something. Um and it's not one two but it's multiple multiple people that I' I've heard this from people that I just met. So I think that's saying something. Um I think one place that you have a role to play or a really big concern um is on the new HUD rule at the housing urban development department uh which is going to cause um thousands of evictions across this country. Um, in California alone, there's multiple thousand families that may be affected because they are going to be targeting mixed race families. Those are families that have undocumented members that don't receive funding uh for section 8 housing or vouchers. Um, so the other members of the household have to pay, but be to be enrolled in the program. They do have to be listed on there. Um, and so these families are going to be affected because now they're not going to be eligible at all. Um, Norwok does have section 8. You talk about the social services program, you have a section 8 program here. So that's going to affect Norwok directly. Um I don't know how many families that might affect here in Norwok, but this is uh a rule that is in a common period and anybody that has affected, individuals, organizations, governments um have the time to make comments. And so I really hope that you would all use that platform to advocate for the residents here and advocate against that rule

change. Another thing, um I know you proclaimed uh you mentioned social worker month. Um, one thing you left out was the theme of this year, social worker month. It is uplift, defend, and transform. And so, something that, you know, my profession uh does is defend those that are vulnerable, defend those that is oppressed, and uplift their voices uh by advocating for them. Um, and that is something that the city has not done. So, to hear you make that proclamation to me is even more just empty words without the action to back this up. Um, so hopefully in the weeks to come I can hear from residents and say they finally feel heard. I I doubt it. I don't think so. Um, but I hope that the city does more so that way I can actually I don't have to keep hearing how much people wish that the city did something and I hope that you actually do something.

Thank you. Our next speaker is Patty Delgado. Hello. So, I'm here about Herald Steel Park. Um, as Jesus mentioned, we are going to get together again March 18th. Um, so what we would like to ask is, uh, please do not show up with misinformation. Um, we don't want to hear about the handball courts and the and the basketball courts and the playground. We know that those amenities already need to be there. How I know? because the state of California told me so if not the 8.5 million need to be returned. Okay, we're Hermosio community is not asking for for anything that the park didn't already have. We want the splash pullback. We want the trees. We want picnic tables. We want grass. You know, nothing that we're asking for is is is is new. We want the items that the city bulldozed. We were told we were going to have trees remaining there. All the trees are gone. You know, we're meeting in a in a on a you know, good faith effort here, right, with the community trying to come to some arrangement and we we're we're reaching a point of frustration because also measure measure W doesn't call for artificial. They're not paying for the fields. How do I know this? Because I'm in communication with them. So, when we're blatantly I don't want to use the word lies. Maybe you're misinformed. All you got to do is pick up a phone, call them or or talk to Allen. Allan

explain it to you. He's well aware of of what these measures entail. Okay. You know, I know that several years ago money was allocated and embezzled to go to the Sarah Mendis Park already for Hamilton Park. So, if you guys need to find funds because all I hear is there's no funding just like you guys always take from Southside of Norwok, find the funds to bring back to our community. You've taken and taken and taken from our youth. You know, you have Sanchez across the street. That's probably the worst school in the district, which you should know, your husband's in charge of district three, you know. Um, and these kids, you you guys just come and take and take and give nothing back and and it's becoming frustrating. The community is angry. And just thank you to the Hollyfields Park family, Lakeside, Little Lake, um, Norwok Park, and Oren community for for meeting with us. Um, and we appreciate your support, everybody. Um, it only takes 55 signatures. 55.

Thank you. Our next speaker is Mr. Anthony Armades. Good evening, mayor, vice mayor, and members of the city council. My name is Anthony Maderas. I'm here on behalf of the Gateway Project, a nonprofit focused on supporting youth, family, and families through trauma-informed community-based programs. I wanted to take a moment during public comments to share an opportunity that reflects the kind of community collaboration that the city is already building here in Norwok. On March 14th and March 28th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., we will be hosting parent empowerment circles at the Norwok Sports and Arts Complex. These workshops are designed to bring together parents, caregivers, educators, youth workers, nonprofit partners, community members, public safety staff, and business leaders to focus on something we all care about. Strengthening families and supporting the resilience of our young people. These sessions are interactive and practical. Participants will learn tools that help improve communication with youth, transform conflict in healthier ways, and build restorative healing centered environments both at home and in the community. What makes these conversations so important is that we all recognize a simple truth. When families are supported, our entire community becomes stronger. When parents have access to tools and support, when educators and community partners work together, and when youth feel safe, heard, and valued, we create the kind of environment where young people can truly thrive. Programs like these help build resil resilience, strengthen relationships, and create stronger connections between

families, schools, and the broader community. At a time when many young people are facing increasing pressures from mental health challenges to social influences, it's more important than ever that we invest in prevention, connection, and healing uh healing centered practices. As someone who grew up in this community and is now raising children here, I know how important it is that we continue creating spaces where families feel empowered and supported. I want to encourage parents, caregivers, any and anyone who works with youth in Norwok to attend these workshops and be part of the conversation. When we come together with shared purpose, we build stronger circles of support, not just for our children, but for the entire community. Thank you for your time and for your continued commitment to the youth and families of Norwok.

Thank you. With that, that concludes our meeting tonight and I am adjourning tonight's meeting in memory of Mary Perez.

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