City Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening everyone and welcome to the Norwok Housing Authority of April 21st, 2026. Um we will officially call this meeting to order. Teresa, can we have a roll call, please? Yes. Uh agency members Ayella here. Ramirez. Ramirez here. Hernandez here. Vice Chair Rios and Chair Perez here. Thank you. Uh consent calendar. We have two items. Can I get a motion, please? I'll move it. Second. First and second. Roll call. Uh agency members. Ayella. Hi. Ramirez. I. Hernandez. Item 69294.

Vice Chair Rios. Hi. and chair Perez. I and we're going on to our public hearing resolution number NHA176 adopting public housing agency annual plan for the fiscal year 2627. Jesus, can we have a staff report, please? Yes. Um, Miss Bethany Cardinas will present. Thank you, Mr. Gomez.

Good evening, chair and commissioners. Tonight we are presenting the Norach Housing Authorities's public housing agency annual plan for fiscal year 2627. This plan is submitted to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and outlines our mission and goals for serving lowincome families in our community. Federal law requires every housing authority to submit two types of plans to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. a five-year plan that sets the long-term goals and the annual plan that provides yearly updates. Plans inform HUD housing authority participants and the public about agency's missions to serve lowincome families. The Norwok Housing Authority's current 5-year plan was adopted in 2025 and tonight we are presenting the annual update for fiscal year 2627. For fiscal year 2627, annual plan outlines the following. Any changes to the plan element since the last annual plan submission, any new addition initiatives, and the progress toward the goals in the 5-year PHA plan. This year's annual plan remains unchanged from last year. The same goals and programs continue to be in effect. These six goals guide the NHA's work for the coming fiscal year. They reflect our commitment to not only expand access to housing, but also to improve the quality of housing, maximize leasing and budget utilization, increase housing choices, and premier promote fair housing for all residents. Housing Choice program provides rental assistance to 650 households. With the

budget exceeding $11 million, we utilize over 100% of HUD funding. Currently, we have funding for 550 housing choice vouchers and 100 projectbased vouchers that is distributed across two properties. The first properties, Seroptimus Village, manages 46 projectbased vouchers. We are currently working on a multi-year contract that will be presented to you very soon. Weart Rolls manages 54 vouchers and I want to highlight that this property was fully leased within just 48 days. The turnaround demonstrates effective collaboration with our partners. We also administer 15 mainstream vouchers for non-elderly disabled adults and 37 emergency housing vouchers for homeless individuals and families. I'm happy to report that for the first time, the Norach Housing Authority was awarded and issued five foster youth vouchers. Two families will move here in Nor by the end of the month, and that's a moment worth celebrating. We were also awarded 18 VASH vouchers for our homeless veterans, the men and women who serve this country and deserve nothing less than safe, stable home. And these are these are not just numbers. These are lives changed. HUD requires a 45day public comment period. The draft plan was made available for review starting March 2nd, 2026. And on the same day, a resident advisory board meeting was held at the city hall council chambers where all section 8 participants were invited to provide their feedback. Public comments were due by April 17, 2026. No comments were received during this period.

We want to assure everyone that despite concerns about potential HUD funding cuts, we are actively monitoring our budget and exploring strategies to protect our resources. This slide illustrates a brief overview of our budget from fiscal year 2022 through 2027. In fiscal year 22, we utilize a budget of $ 8.4 million. In fiscal year 23, we saw an increase to $8.8 million due to opening our waiting list to reach more participants. In fiscal year 24, our budget rolls to $9.8 million. In fiscal year 25 shows a significant jump to 11.3 million, indicating positive momentum for the housing authority, but also indicates the rising cost of rent. Currently in fiscal year 26, our budget stands at $10 million, but we project it will reach approximately 11.6 million by the end of the fiscal year. And we also project that our budget utilization will be approximately $12 million at the end of fiscal year 27. Overall, these numbers reflect confidence in our plans and our anticipated growth. There is no fiscal impact to the city's general fund. The housing authority is entirely funded through HUD. Staff recommends adopting resolution number NHA176 to approve the annual PHA plan for fiscal year 2627. This resolution formalizes our compliance with HUD's planning requirements and maintains the NHA's good standing as a high performing agency. This concludes our report and I'm happy to answer any questions. Thank you.

Thank you, Bethany. Before we go to questions, um Teresa, can we have the public hearing officially opened and the public notice report, please? Uh yes, Mayor. Thank you. The notice of the public hearing was published in the Norwok Patriot on February 27th and announcing the availability of the plan for public review and comment and um I'm sorry and and announcing today's date uh for the public hearing. We've received no communications. Thank you. Is there anybody wishing to speak for against this item in the public hearing? I do not have any speaker cards.

Right. We will officially uh close that and bring it back to council for comments, questions, and action. I don't have a comment exactly, but I just uh Mr. Gomez, can I get a copy of that PowerPoint? Yes. Thank you. I'll make a motion to move. Second it. Can we have a roll call, please? Agency members, I. Ramirez, I. Hernandez. I, Vice Chair Rios, and Chair Perez. I uh Thank you. Do we have a community development director's report this evening? No reports. Thank you.

Thank you. Any additional oral communications for the housing authority? I do not have any other speaker cards.

Thank you. With that, we are adjourned at this portion of our meeting. Our regular council All right. Good evening everyone. Uh we'll call to order the Norach City Council meeting of April 21st, 2026. Um tonight, this evening, we are honored to welcome Pastor Bishop Brown, Protestant Chaplain from the Metropolitan State Hospital, who will lead us in the invocation. Pastor Brown has faithfully served for over 40 years in ministry, including the past 10 years, supporting the community through his work at the hospital. His passion for serving others is reflected in his dedication to counseling and uplifting anyone facing challenges. And tonight for our flag salute and pledge, we have Louis Velasquez who lives in the city of Norwok. He is 25 years old and he is a part of the adaptive recreation team. Uh if you can both please join us join together at the podium. Um we'll go ahead and start with our invitation and if everybody could please stand. We thank God for the privilege of

looking and seeing as far as the mayor, the vice mayor and the city council and all the fine team as far as all the managers. But we thank God for the privilege today about unity about how God has united and brought us together. Loving father, we join together this hour knowing that you're the author and finisher of our faith. Lord, begin to move upon all the members of this of this team, this council, Father. and Lord upon the communities that they serve Lord with a humility and humbleness. Father, let that love begin to grasp and move all my God from life to life for all your father all theos and loving father. We just thank you this hour Lord as my God you lead and guide us this time all in the mighty name of Jesus. Lord that name that all of us in now we bind together this hour. Let your anointing Lord destroy every yoke and break down every burden today father all name. Amen and thank God. Amen. Put your right hand over your heart. Ready? Begin. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

How are you? Good. You're on three. One, two, three. We'll do one more. One, two, three. Perfect.

All right, let's give them a round of applause. All right. Good evening once again everyone. Thank you so much for joining us. Um, Teresa, can we have a roll call, please?

Council member Zella here. RmIrez here. Vice Mayor Rios here. Mayor Perez here. Thank you. And John Lamb is uh attending as city attorney today. John, can you please provide our close session report? Thank you, Madame Mayor, City Council. Earlier this evening, the city council recessed in close session uh to discuss the four items listed on the city council agenda. All council members were present with the exception of councilwoman Valencia. For items 1 through four, the council was briefed. Direction was provided, but no final action was taken on any of the four items. That concludes my report.

Thank you, John. All right. Good evening once again, everyone. Um, we're going to move on to close to city council comments and we're going to start with council council member Ayola. Tony, no uh comments, not mayor. Thank you. Thank you, Council Member Ramirez. Uh, no comments this evening, Madame Mayor. Thank you, Vice Mayor Rios. I just want to welcome everyone to our council meeting this evening.

Thank you. And just to um just my comments tonight, I just want to thank the entire team um here at city hall. Um all of our sponsors, all of our students, and everybody that attended the mayor's prayer breakfast last week. Um this the the comments that we have gotten um have all been very positive. um people walked away, students walked away even though they had to go back to class feeling um the impact of being surrounded by our community and ultimately that is truly what we wanted. Um so thank you again um to the entire team um our communications um and public affairs department, recreation um Jesus administration, public safety that was there, our sheriff's department, everybody. Thank you so much. It it really was a blessed day in the city of Norwok last Wednesday. So, thank you for that. All right, moving on to special presentations. Tonight, we are proud to proclaim April 24th, 2026 as Arbor Day in the city of Norwok. Arbor Day is a time to recognize the importance of trees in our community. Trees provide the environmental benefits needed to contribute to the overall health and well-being of our residents. This year's theme, rooted in service, powered by community, highlights how the public services team plays a vital role in keeping our community safe and providing a better place to live. From planting and maintaining trees to supporting our city's green infrastructure, their work is felt each and every day in the lives of our residents and businesses in the city of Norwok. On behalf of the city

council, we encourage residents to take part in Arbor Day by planting and caring for trees in our community. At this time, we invite representatives from our public services team to come forward and receive the proclamation. Council colleagues, please join me in the front. Congratulations. All right. How would you like us? figure out how we're going to do that.

All right, everyone here on three. One, two, three.

We'll do one more. One, two, three. We are also proud tonight to recognize April as autism ISM awareness month. This month is dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of individuals with autism. It is an opportunity to celebrate their strengths and contributions to our community while also promoting inclusion and support for what everyone does. The city of Norwok is committed to fostering and welcoming an inclusive environment where all individuals and families feel supported and valued. On behalf of the entire city council, we encourage residents to learn more and help build a more inclusive community for all. At this time, we invite representatives from our recreation and parks services and the adaptive recreation team to come forward and receive their proclamation. Let's give everyone a round of applause. All

right. Congratulations.

Thank you. There you go. Perfect.

All right. over here on three. One, two, three. One more. One, two, three. We'll do one last one real quick. One, two, three. Awesome. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

What is All right, thank you everyone. Good luck. I was just told that the Special Olympics and the tournaments are all starting this coming weekend. So, so play hard, work hard, do your best, and and have fun. Thank you. All right, moving next to our city manager comments, Mr. Gomez.

Yes, mayor, members of the city council. Um, tonight, uh, we have the privilege of having the sheriff's department update. uh and acting captain for the Norwok station, Juan Sanchez, will present and um uh we'll have a a PowerPoint as well and he'll give us the update as our uh for our city. Hello. Hi. So, uh, I think most of you know me. I'm not a stranger to Norwok. Um, I was born and raised in Norwok. Uh, my parents still live at the same house I grew up in. They've been there 46 years. Went to school here locally at Patterson Elementary, Lakeside Middle School, and then I ended up at Santa Fe High School. While in high school, I started working in the Teen Alliance program at the age of 15. I started off as uh a student worker working at the sports complex uh conducting maintenance. I was then hired on as a recreation leader, still conducting maintenance and then working in the front desk. And then once I graduated high school, I was able to uh be employed as a wreck leader too. Work at at the sports complex once again uh front desk uh monitoring the wait room and then those uh monitoring the uh banquetss in the evening. Uh in 1999 I was able to be employed once again by the city of Norach as a public safety officer. So I did that for two years. At the same time I was going to school at Cal State Long Beach where I was able to obtain my uh bachelor's degree in criminal justice. I then was hired by the sheriff's department. I worked five years in the jails and then once again back at Norac as a patrol deputy for nine years. Promoted to

Lakewood. Went as a sergeant for two years. back to Norwok for four years as operation lieutenant. Um I promoted to lieutenant, went back to East LA and I've been back at Norwok as operations lieutenant for three and a half years. Um with captains uh Kanti's departure. Uh I was appointed by the um acting captain by uh my chief and my commander. So I'm very humbly humbled to be here and uh it's been uh quite the journey and I never I never left. So thank you. So uh the I wanted to highlight the uh Norok enforcement team which is uh led by Lieutenant Norah Garcia. Uh we have a team of three sergeants, 10 deputies, three motor deputies, a commercial enforcement deputy and a school resource deputy. Um we are so lucky to have such a robust team uh due to your efforts to obviously prioritize uh public safety. Um the the team um not only is there to deter crime uh prevent crime, but we're also there to be with the community. Um, as a former net nor enforcement team member as well, uh, our I enjoyed and I know the team still enjoys collaborating with the city, uh, attending neighborhood watch, business watch, uh, meetings, uh, the coffee with the cop, shop with the cop, and of, of course, attending all the city events, the Easter egg hunts, the Fourth of July events, the the, um, annual Christmas tree lighting. So, um it's it's great to see now as a lieutenant that we're still doing the same things I did back then. Uh the partnership between sorry, the partnership between our our department, our station, and the public safety team uh is something that is very important

to us. Uh we enjoy collaborating uh each week. Uh the collaboration is led by Lieutenant Garcia and then director um Rambles Rita. um during those uh meetings they come together uh and make sure any uh concerns are addressed that the community has. As far as uh crime, happy to report that crime is down 5% for the year. Um there's been a 66% uh decrease in um reported rapes, 23% decrease in burglaries, 45% decrease in stolen cars, and 75% decrease in arson. Uh we have had an increase in robberies, but that's only up five incidents from uh this time last year. Uh there's no concerns regarding any series of robberies occurring in the city. And uh most of the uh robberies uh would have had been just thefts. Unfortunately, the suspects end up uh fighting with the uh uh business employees, which turns it into a robbery. Uh regarding assaults, there is a 10% increase in those. Uh that's just up 11 incidents from this time last year. Uh no concerns again whatsoever. No repeat offenders and most suspects are known to the victims. Now, uh what's on everybody's mind, including ours, is thefts. And we did see a 13% increase in thefts and that was largely due to the catalytic converter thefts would not only just occurred here in the city of Norwok but the whole surrounding area. So it was not something that um was just occurring in Norwok. Um our our deputies here in Nor uh about a month ago or maybe even less uh collaborated with the Ball Creek Police Department and the picture you see here is 1,600 calver converters that were recovered.

Um and that was from here at the storage facility over on San Antonio Foster. Um even before we collaborated with them when the thefts began to occur, uh we assigned a detective to only handle catalytic converter thefts. Uh it turns out the suspects that the Baltimore Park Police Department were looking at was the same suspects our detective was working looking at as well. Uh we also immediately directed our our patrol units to conduct uh patrol checks of all the residential areas at all hours of the day, but especially those early morning hours um when we saw that most thefts were occurring uh in order to deter the thefts that thefts from happening. Um unfortunately we do continue to see traffic collisions occurring within the city. Uh we partnered with the uh with your public safety department with the safe driving saves lives campaign. We direct directed our motor units to uh conduct traffic enforcement along the Studbaker Road corridor and as and obviously we conduct regular patrol checks. They're at the 105 freeway uh offramp. Um happy to report that those uh collisions are decreasing. We continue to hope to see that. I really think the the stops, the little things you come off the freeway really help when the motors are coming off, it makes a lot of noise because I come off there regularly. So now something that has been uh a great thing that has occurred here in the city of Nor is that community policing model. It's been a great partnership between our department and the public safety department. Um once again, the weekly meetings that are held between our department and the public safety department keep everybody informed. Uh it's a great uh avenue for our deputies to uh know exactly what's going on with the community and their

concerns and we we can direct uh uh patrol units to that area. Uh the quadrant officer program has allowed uh the public officer to focus on community concerns within his or her quadrant. itens a one-on-one relationship with that with that public safety officer and it all ultimately builds a lot more trust among the community. Another great aspect of the community policing model is the hope team which uh has been a successful program which offices services and resources for our homeless population. I cannot stress how how successful that community policing model has been and we we strongly support the program at our station and look forward to its future success. So the challenges within our department uh we do I will tell you guys right now we do have 24 vacant uh deputy positions at our station. uh over the last two years, our department has increased our hiring uh and has allowed for increased uh amount of recruits in the academy. So the the amount of uh deputies uh coming out actually successfully uh finishing the academy are increasing. So they're going out to our custody facilities and um we're actually seeing uh deputies come out to Norwok within two or three years. So it's increasing. Um we amongst our our department, all our members are actively recruiting um people that want to become law enforcement officers. So I ask any all of you here to to um please recruit and and send them our way. Um I I interact with the public safety officers as they come through the station. I'm always asking you so when you apply. So trying to steal you guys. Sorry. That's I mean if I could do it, anybody can. So I started as a public safety officer. I never thought in a thousand years I'd be

standing here in front of you guys tonight. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much. And first time presenting to council, so thank you um for that. Um truly as acting captain um it's great to see one of our own truly leading the station the department. Um any comments or questions from council? I just thank you for coming out and doing your presentation. I was a public safety officer. Mr. Ramos was a public safety officer. Anything is possible, right? Yeah. Yeah, it is. Thank you. Thank you. Wonderful. Thank you so much. Thank you. If we can do anything, let us know. I think uh Lieutenant, I think the only job you haven't had here is city manager. What's that, sir? The only job you haven't had in Norwalk is city manager.

Yeah, I'm I'm good right now, sir. Thank you. Time. And and his sister is doing a great job. So, we have a great relationship. And he's a fellow Trojan fan. So, he does. Well, I'm sure you know who Kevin Go is. Oh, yes, sir. That's who that's who I worked under first.

I worked with Kevin in the '9s. And his dream was to have happen what's happening with you, you know, with Kanye, a couple of the other guys that, you know, you went through his program. You know, you got a good firm basis and you know, the basic things. The thing that I don't think he would ever accounted for though is that you would have come out a tap, a wreck leader, then a public safety officer, then a bachelor's degree, and then the sheriff's department. So, you know, the sheriffs are lucky to have you. So, I wish you wish you much success. I would say welcome to Norwalk, but that would sound kind of stupid, but we're glad we're glad you're here. All right, sir. Thank you. Thank you all.

I just I just want to add a comment. Um, thank you uh for your service, all of you. Public safety is such a critical part of our city and it's not an easy job. Um, but you do it every day and it's very very much appreciated. Safety is so important to to all of us here. So, thank you. And I just want to ask that ask them for your acting captain stars. Come on. No, no, no, no. You got to change up. You got to change those up. You're good. Thank you. Change those. Appreciate it though. One day. One day. Not yet. All right. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you guys. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Jesus, let's keep going here.

Yes. So, next uh we have um a park project updates. Uh we want to highlight each of the u parks and what has been completed uh and what's u upcoming. So, with that, we have Mr. Alan Purdomo present.

Thank you, Mr. Gomez. Good evening, mayor and council and everyone in attendance. So, I'll be presenting a uh a thorough but quick update on our park projects. I will be going back to 2024 to look back and also look forward. So, we're uh our first overview is going to give you an overview of our current infrastructure. We're going to talk a little bit our our park systemwide projects. Then we're going to go park by park alphabetical order. Give you a list of our grants that we have won and some of the ones that we're pursuing. And then just give an overall summary. Um this is a quick little infographic that we designed. It gives you our um inventory for our park infrastructure. So we have managed a total of 12 parks and it is an estimated 87 acres of land. Um some of the I notice some of the quick highlights. Uh we have one dog park, four open spaces, 14 handball courts, four praise pools, and etc etc. But I just like it because it's a quick little infographic kind of highlights our amenities. Um the following slide kind of gives you a tree count. Uh we have 1,091 trees in all of our parks combined. So and in there we went ahead and did a breakdown per each park. Per Mosio Park has a proposed 99. That number might go a little bit down, might go a little bit up. We'll see how things go over the next couple months. This is one project that we started about two years ago with public services and they were very instrumental in helping us put this together. So, we have installed these welded signs in all of our parks. If you look at the top image, that is a metal uh frame and it has a QR code that takes you to our active network registration page. You can sign up for any program. In the middle, it gives you our social media Instagram handle. Um, shout out, we just hit over 10,000 Instagram followers. So, that's very proud of that. And then we have our Park Connect free Wi-Fi. Um, that's available for all for anyone in all of our parks. And then we rotate the banners and information at all of our parks so that we can always promote

different programs that are happening. Uh we went ahead and also completed our camera and Wi-Fi uh project and we have installed uh numerous cameras in all of our parks. The only one that does not have cameras is Robert Y park, but we hope to install commer cameras there very soon. I'm going to move on to the parks. So we're going to start with Gerties. Like I said, I'm going to go back to 24 until today. So, in 20 in the spring of 2024, we did a couple of things. We installed a new pore and play surface in the playground. We installed new sound panels and we renovated the floor inside the community center. We also installed new stainless steel equipment inside the snack bar. And of May of 23rd of last year, we actually finished the installation of LED sports lighting system and the baseball field at Gertie Park. Moving on to Glazier. In the summer of 2024, we did two major well, three major things. We installed a pour in place surfacing and we also installed a new brand new pergola above the picnic table um pavilion area. Going on to Hermaceio Park. So this is a quick overview of all the different amenities that Hermosio is going to include. Um community center with a max capacity of 200 people and we're going to have dedicated office for our recreation and park services and public safety personnel. An amphitheater, a very beautiful playground if I can say that. uh two multisport fields, one full basketball court, three handball courts, a water feature, 90 99 proposed three count trees, a walking path, an expanded parking lot, and numerous picnic areas throughout the park. Here's just some images of the playground, and then there's an image of the building rendering. A quick little timeline. So, we did have the groundbreaking for hero on December 6th of 2025. Construction is from December 2025 until December of 2027

with an estimated ribbon cutting ceremony in the summer of 2028. Moving on to Hollyfield Park, uh we replaced the roof in the snack bar in the summer of 2024. We installed a new playground structure in in in April of 2024. And in October of 2024, we finished installing our LED sports systems in fields one and field two. And I remember recall we had a flip the light switch ceremony out there. We are also currently with the help of our engineering division, we're working on a RFP so that we can complete the installation of an additional parking lot that will be that the entrance will be via Bloomfield. There's a picture with the council and congresswoman Linda Sanchez. Um she was able to acquire federal funds that will be instrumental in making this project um successful. And then we're currently also working on our master plan uh for Holyfield Park expansion. We hope to have that completed later this year. Lakeside, we installed uh pour in place surfacing in the spring of 2024. We also instal installed a new equipment in the snack bar in the summer of that year as well. And in later this year in mid July, we should hopefully have the installation of both ball diamonds with LED athletic lighting. Moving on to New River, we installed a new playground in PIP surfacing in April of 2024. And we also installed a new picnic area with concrete slab pergola and benches for families to use on the weekends. Norwalk Park. Uh in October of 2023, we did an appraisal of the Sprout House and we understand everything that's in there. About a couple months later, we went ahead and did a replacement of the roof. Then later that same month we did a beautifification project at that point was Vice Mayor Rios. Last summer we completed the Norwok master plan and in January of this year

we completed the solar array panels at the Norwok Art Sports Complex well 10 and the Norwok aquatic pavilion parking lot. And then last summer we also submitted a grant application for $6 million to the land and water fund conservicing which is administered through the National Park Service. Uh we actually did have a lot of phone calls. We actually got a site visit for Sacramento in November of last year. So I'm very very optimistic that we'll get some good news and um they are planning to announce any day soon. That's what I've been told. So keep our fingers crossed. Moving on to Norwok Art and Sports Complex. Um kind of package it with Norwok Park. Um just a couple highlights regarding our gymnasium. We went ahead and procured a new digital scoreboard that we use for all of our youth basketball and men's adult basketball. um state-of-the-art. If you haven't seen it, it's amazing. We also have professional branded chairs. So, when our kids play basketball, they actually feel like they're the Lakers, you know, sitting in these branded cool chairs. We did a complete renovation upgrade of our fitness gym. So, if you go there, really great equipment that's um the fitness center is always packed now. It's just amazing equipment that we have there. We also modernized our recreation administration office. We wanted to create a more professional, more custom service, more customer service delivery administrative office. And we did that. The picture, the third picture from the bottom, we actually put a picture of each one of our employee of the months there in our office. So you can see and we highlight them. And then we also, one thing we're really proud of, we actually have created a dedicated break room for all of our staff in the Nor Sports Complex, which includes their workers, also our TAB volunteers in the summer. Um, something that we did not have. So um, I heard they're very happy about that. So very excited to make that happen for them. Moving on to the aquatic pavilion, uh, two things I want to highlight. We did a mosaic art piece in October of 2024. There's a a picture of the seahorse. And in last summer, uh, we replaced the pool heater.

Ramona Park, we installed a new pour inplace surfacing in the spring of 2024. And in February of this year, we completed the installation of an LED sport lighting system. Moving on to Robert White Park. In April, we did a lot of great things. We installed a new playground in PIP. We completed Norwok's first all the Molly restroom. And we're currently working on a master plan that's going to improve the parking lot. Um the back the back part of the park where the Union Pacific rail light line is the campsite. We're going to electrify that and also we're going to make some ADA improvements. So something we're working on as well and hopefully we'll have that master plan completed by the end of the summer and we'll put that work out to bidis park. Uh one thing we did is we actually reconfigured the open space. So now our permit holders can have soccer matches on the weekends there. So that's something that we've been able to do. And then we're currently working with our public services engineering division to expand the patio at the community center at Sar Mendes. And we hope to have that completed later this year. Vista Verde. Uh we also completed the playground and P PIP surfacing back in April of 2024. Diamond Park. We installed new equipment for our snack bar. That was in the summer of 2024. We also added LED lighting systems to fields 1, 2, and three in April of 2025. and we're currently in the second phase of the extended athletic netting system and that is scheduled to be completed by June of 2026 later this year. Here's a quick breakdown of all the park grants. Um not going to go through all of them, but I think uh the ones I want to mention are if you look line number five of that's the Norwok Park land and waterfront that we're hoping to hear

some good news any day soon. And I also want to get your attention for item number six and number eight. Um, Prop 4, which is administered through the SP program through California State Parks. Um, they are scheduled to release that grant application in the upcoming weeks and months. And I believe based on my estimations, they'll be due around November, December. We will be pursuing two grants, one for Norwok Park and for Holyfield. So, I think those are two great parks that we've been monitoring and our master plans have been done so that we meet every requirement. We really packaged a really great grant application for consideration. So, you can see there's quite a bit of funds that we've been able to be successful over the last couple years. Um, in summary, since 2024 and to into the end of this year, we're going to complete three master plans. We have renovated nine baseball fields with LED lighting, installed four new playgrounds, completed the surfacing of eight playgrounds, opened our first dog park, installed 74 surveillance cameras, installed 55 W Wi-Fi access points for our park connect, we held one ri one groundbreaking, and we had six ribbon cutting ceremonies.

So, that's a quick overview. Um, I have available for any questions the council might have. Thank you, Alan. Um, as you know, um, parks are very important to all of us, um, especially with the summer coming up. So, it's great to be able to get regular updates like this to the parks that we are continuously working on and working to improve. Um, and really, um, it's for the benefit of our residents. So, thank you for the presentation and I'm looking forward to all that additional funding coming in so we can keep continuing the work. Thank you, Mr. Gomez. Can you make sure I get a copy of this PowerPoint as well? Yes.

Um, Ellen, thank you. That was a really, really nice presentation. I thought 28 pages, it's it's going to be a while, but you know what? Every page had very important information, the right information. So, thank you for putting all that together. and please thank the team for all the work that they've been doing over the last several years since we adopted our park master plan. I think that really helped guide the vision of this city. So, um extend my thanks. Thank you.

Yes. Um, mayor, members of the city council, the next item is to celebrate um the sports teams throughout the city, schools, and we just want to make sure that um the community knows to contact us to celebrate um all the sports teams. And that will be held on Tuesday, May 12th at 6 PM at the Norwalk Arts and Sports Complex Sprout Room. Um, so all welcome to attend and it's a time to celebrate the fruits of the labor of the parks that have been improved and now we celebrate the kids that have have accomplished their sports teams um year end.

Thank you. Um, Jesus, I I thank you for bringing this up. And for for our residents, what we were seeing is we would get one, you know, we would get a a a sports team that would come in and a wrestling team and because they knew or saw it in the past, they can call city council and and get a presentation and an accommodation. Um or, you know, a little league team or whomever it may be because they saw saw somebody at the store, they knew somebody, they were able to come and get recognized at a city council meeting. Um the concept here is to really open it up to all athletic teams to come and celebrate. Um whether it's a league, a school, community-based, whatever it may be, everybody has the same opportunity. And um Levy and his team are working alongside of park and recreation to get the word out. So everybody has the same opportunity. um we will be in town on that Tuesday um to come and celebrate and really have the opportunity to celebrate with our city athletes instead of coming in taking a photo and shushing on to the next part. So, this truly is a way to celebrate um our youth and their success. So, thank you for moving forward with this direction. I think it's going to be a great addition to our city.

Great. Thank you. Um the next item I just want to let um our community know that we have um construction projects that are not necessarily our city uh projects, but they're like the county sanitation that are upgrading the sewer systems. Um and we have two major projects. And so what we're going to uh begin to do is to provideformational um uh resources uh to just let you know where these construction projects are happening. So in case um you want to go a different route and not uh going to the construction projects and have to deal with um uh traffic areas. So, um, with, uh, Libbyy's assistance, we're going to provide some, um, resources to you, uh, with social media and all the media that that's available to us, um, to to let the community know. And so, next we have, um, the, uh, extravaganza update video for all to see. Families from across Norwok hopped over to Hollyfield Park for the city's annual extravagant egg hunt. An afternoon filled with springtime fun and community celebration. The event began with a welcome from city council, setting the stage for the star of the day, the MVB. Soon after, it was time for the main event. Children of all ages lined up, ready to hunt for eggs. The egg hunts kicked off with participants of all abilities, setting the tone for a day centered on inclusion and fun. In the

tiny tots division, the youngest hunters eagerly dashed across the grass. In the Funny Bunnies division, kids raced with excitement, filling their baskets as quickly as they could. And in the Wacky Wabbits division, children sprinted across the field, competing to collect as many eggs as possible. Beyond the egg hunts, families explored activities throughout the park, including arts and crafts, interactive games, and a special photo opportunity with the spring bunny. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this year's Extravagant egg hunt such a wonderful community celebration. We look forward to seeing you again next year. A fun-filled extravagant event. Um, thank you Parks and Recreation. Thank you Alan and your team. Um, next we have the uh bi-weekly review video. On April 7th, social services hosted an extra fun minute to win it event for the whole family. Participants took on a variety of challenges from matching colorful eggs to balancing them on the bottom of a cup. A Juan Gabriel tribute show brought the senior center to life on April 9th. From moments shared with friends to enjoying some of his greatest hits, seniors sang along and danced with energy from start to finish. To celebrate the spring season, the social services center hosted its spring bunny bash on April 14th. The community came together for a morning filled with refreshments, dancing, and plenty of smiles.

So, lots of activities here happening in the city of Norwalk. Lots of dancing for sure. Um, next, um, I have the immigration update. At this time, no significant inquiries or concerns have been reported through the city's community preparedness resource hotline or during in-person interactions. However, the social services department has distributed over 40 know your rights red cards. these last two weeks. As part of the city's ongoing commitment to keeping residents informed and prepared, the Coalition for Humane Rights, Chira, was available today at the Social Services Center, providing information and resources to eight community members who visited the table. They will continue outreach at the Norwok Senior Center tomorrow, Wednesday, April 22nd, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Last visit at the senior center, 12 seniors approached the table. Additionally, community legal aid SoCal remains available to assist residents interested in beginning the naturalization process, offering guidance throughout the process. That concludes my comments. Thank you.

Thank you. Jesus. Moving on to our consent calendar. We have five items. Do we have a motion? We have a first and a second. Can we get a roll call, please? Council members Ayella. Hi. Ramirez. Hi. Vice Mayor Rios. Hi. Mayor Perez.

I. Moving on to appointments. Advisory bodies. Any appointments this evening for item number six? Seeing none, Norbach Housing Authority appointment. Do we need a staff report on this or can I just make a motion? All right. I will reappoint Council Member Ramirez for the 4-year term ending on April 30th, 20. We have a second. Can we have a second? I'll second. Thank you. Can we have a roll call, please? Council member Zella. Hi. Ramirez. Hi. Vice Mayor Rios. Hi. And Mayor Perez.

Hi. Thank you. Moving on to reports. Item number eight, project number 7195. Award a contract construction construct construction management and inspection and design support services for the I 605 hotspots at Studebaker Road and Alandre Boulevard. Jesus, can we have the staff report, please? Yes, mayor, members of the city council, this is u some of the construction projects that you'll see us um providing information on. This is right on the intersection of uh Alandre and Studaker and um it's uh going to improve that that whole intersection and the report will be provided by Mr. Albert Mendoza.

Yeah, thank you Jesus. Uh good evening madame mayor, vice mayor, members of the city council. Item eight is to award a construction contract for construction construction management inspection and design support services for project number 7195 the I 605 hotspots at Studbaker Road in Alandre Boulevard. On March 17, 2026, the city received seven bids which were publicly open. One bid was found to be non-responsive. Uh the table below shows the bid results noting Dash Construction Company as the lowest responsive bidder with 999,910. The engineer's estimate for the project is $ 1.5 million. On January 29, 2026, staff solicited a request for proposals from qualified engineering firms to provide construction management and inspection services for this project. On March 3rd, 2026, staff received proposals from 13 firms. The city selected three firms to advance to an interview base in order to further evaluate their expertise, qualifications, and relevant experience. The firms ranked that follow. Number one, Specs Engineering Group. Number two was Transc engineers, and number three was Kevin Co and Associates. On July 1st, 2013, the city council awarded a professional service agreement to Wen Engineering to provide traffic engineering services and related services as an as needed basis through June 30th, 2017. On October 8th, 2014, a subsequent task order for design service was issued through project number 7195. As the original agreement has since expired, staff now recommend to enter into a new new agreement with Willland to provide design support services during construction phase. It it is worth noting that the design uh on record for the I 105605 it's welden engineering.

I provided a a plan sketch of the proposed work that it's going to be uh uh improved at the intersection of Alandre Boulevard and it will extend about 300 feet or so uh east and west of uh on on Stud Baker and Alandra. Some of the elements on Stud Baker Road on the north leg uh we are installing a dual left turn uh which is will be a right turn. We're modifying the curve median and realigning some striping. Similar improvements are also um will be uh performed at the south leg of stud. And in Alandra, we are updating the curt ramp uh and also we're installing high visibility crosswalk striping uh and similar improvements on the east leg of Alandra. The following table shows the estimated cost breakdown for the total project cost 999,000 for the construction services a 15% contingency about 149,000 construction management inspection for 189,000 contingency for CM inspection 28,000 and so forth to a total estimated cost of $1.4 million. Project expenditures are funded through fiscal year 2526 and are approved and available through a metropolitan transportation authority measure R funds. No general funds are used for this project. that recommends is the city council award a contract to Dash Construction Company in the amount of 999,000 with a 15% contingency for 149,000 and award a contract to Specs Engineering Group in an amount of 188,000 including a 15% contingency for CM and inspection and also award a contract to Wen Engineering in the amount of 800 8700 for design support services during construction and contracts for and authorize the city

manager to execute the contracts for project number 7195 and any amendments within their contingencies on behalf of the city in forms approved by the city attorney. That concludes my report. Happy to answer any questions. Thank you, Albert. I think um projects like these are ones that uh council member Ayala talked about our last council meeting. This is going to be a direct impact to the residents along that entire corridor. So I think we need as Jesus mentioned to really overcommunicate and really prepare the residents for when they you know construction for any of these projects but really when it when it

any other questions go ahead Albert so can you just um what repeat what area are we talking about the construction is it just the intersection there of Alandra and Studebaker.

That is correct. That is phase one of the entire Alandro project uh which would just improve the intersection with some uh additional left turn. This is a capacity enhancement uh which will follow by phase two of Alandro from Gley to stud Baker and phase three which is from Stud Baker to the west city limit which will be forthcoming. We anticipate those two phases will follow uh in sometime in the summer and be completed by the end of the year. Okay. So, because I know we've been talking about Alandre for several years now and did you say phase two or three includes um westbound past due to Baker to the 605?

Yes, that that that would include payment resurfacing, concrete improvements, curb improvements, etc. Okay. So on the south side um on Studebaker um south on Studebaker at Alandra when does that um cuz isn't that the the border or the borderline for Cerritos the city of Cervitos correct? So but we're doing what's our side or can you just clarify that? So it we are doing some improvements in collaboration with Critos. So this will we will have to encroach because we are uh adding that left turn lane

right that that's kind of what I was looking at here. So is the city of Cerritos uh collaborating in what sense? Adding some financials I mean how are they collaborating with us? Yeah for that I think I I'll bring Ron Chen who's the principal engineer managing the project who is more familiar with with funding and and who's who's uh putting input for this project. Okay. I I just want to make sure because in looking at the diagram, I know that they're we're right there, right on the the borderline of our neighbors, which is which is great, but um it's it's an improvement to obviously their side, their community as well. So, I I'd really be interested to to see what how they're collaborating.

Right. So, you are correct. Uh a portion of the proposed improvements does extend into city of Cerrito's um limits. Not a whole lot. We're only looking at 400 ft give or take 420 ft south of Alandra. So we're taking it to the end at the first uh nose of the median because it doesn't make sense to cut off right there at the city. It does look kind of odd. Right. Right.

So as far as financial contributions, we are not using city general funds for this project. We are using metropolitan transportation authority measure our monies. So with that, it's more like outside funding coming the city to improve the rightway. Um we have on a number of occasions the city here gone back to the cog tac the transportation advisory committee to ask for additional funding for us um capital improvement projects and the cog has been very receptive to the city because we are delivering projects. So in that respect I think it is more of a regional funding that is putting picking up portion of the tab for this project. Well, I'm actually glad that you mentioned COG because I'm a board member on on there and um although it is regional funding, every city is allocated a certain amount of funding. So, city the other cities are getting their share and I just would hope that our share that's coming to the city of Norwok stays in the city of Norwok. So, they're getting the same type of funding we are. Um it I I would love to see how they can contribute to this project because

we can we can pose a question to Cog. Uh but I do know that we are getting funding from COG. We have asked for additional funding not for this particular project but whenever our CIPs come up for uh um say if we have a funding gap due to uh cost increases we've gone back to the TAC to ask for additional funding.

No no I I hear you. Thank you Ron for explaining that. We had a presentation in Cog at the Cog uh board regarding the measure the funding and that's how I know that Cerritos is getting several millions of dollars as well. And I just would hope that in the spirit of cooperation and collaboration we would look at if there is a benefit to another city um that somehow we can make that work. That that's just how I I kind of feel about it. Yes. Um and so hopefully you can maybe pursue that and just see if there's um because again they're getting millions of dollars for their street improvements.

Okay. And uh the qualification and relevant experience um on the firm or the the company that we've hired. How extensive is that? because I I'll just mention that because I know we've had some challenges in the past with with our road work and our streets being rehabilitated and um quite honestly sometimes they fell very short in the process and so how how did we base qualifications and relevant experience for the company that's being proposed to the council on this? So when we conduct the RFP, we got 13 proposals. Of those 13 proposals, we re-evaluate them uh qualitatively based on uh as listed in the staff report experiences uh past projects conducted as well as the proposed team members. So through that evaluation with our panels from the city uh composed of city engineering staff members uh we shortlisted uh three firms and we conducted inerson interviews. So if you look at the three short listed these u three firms are not the firms that performed recent uh construction management on our recent road projects.

Yes. Uh as far as specs um we have not worked with them before but they are selected rated highly by our panelist um based on those criterias based on their experience and based on the expertise of the team members proposed. Yes. No I understand that they uh it's it's a company that we're going to give an opportunity to but I just want to make sure that whatever work that they've done in other cities has been 100% done well so that we can expect the same results in our city. Agree.

Okay. Okay. And then um so just as a followup um I'd really like to just look into that a little bit. So two things um if we can in the future um sometimes in the near future get an update on the work that's proposed for Alandre because I know on on Alandra um east and west we've been waiting and talking about that for years and I know the council has gotten several inquiries from residents regarding where are we with that particular project. number one. And then secondly, just uh maybe kind of broach that that topic of hey, you know, we're doing some improvements in in neighboring city, you know, what uh kind of spirit of collaboration can we get?

Certainly. We will engage in dialogue with city critos. Okay. And let me know if you need anything from the cog. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I'll go ahead and move the item. Thank you. Can we get a roll call, please? Council member Zella. Hi. Ramirez. Hi. Vice Mayor Per I'm sorry, Rios. And uh Mayor Perez, I thank you. Item number nine is project number 7527, resolution 26-17, budget amendment and agreement amendment number one for construction support services. Jesus.

Yes, Mr. Albert Mendoza will present.

Good evening again, Madame Mayor, Vice Mayor, and members of the city council. Item number nine is project number 7527, resolution 27 26-17, budget amendment and agreement, amendment number one for construction support services. On July 15, 2025, city council approved an agreement with Civil Tech Engineering for $64,8484. Um their professional services is for city project number 7527 the sewage lift station rehabilitation at Harbor Drive and Greatly Road. Some of their services include construction inspection, construction management and engineering support. Contractor for this project number 7527 is Critson Brothers General Engineering uh for 320,000 which includes a 15% contingency. give you a perspective of where the project is located. It's down south uh by south of the city. Project number 7527 uh scope includes the rehabilitation of exor sewer lift station, remove and replacement of valves, replacement of uh discharge piping, slide rails, two new submersible sewer pumps, and construction of a new wall uh new meter vault and flow meter. construction is anticipated to be completed by summer of 2026. Now during con during you know construction the you know inspection was found that uh some of the alarm system at the lift station is outdated uh with limited functionability. The replacement and the upgrade of the alarm system to be compatible with the future supervisory control and data acquisition also known as SCAD SCADA system requires additional design service from electrical engineer. Civiltech who is the engineer record has qualified engineers to complete the the

additional design work for the preparation of these electrical plans and specifications. Now, at uh at the request of staff on February 3rd, 2026, DoubleTick submitted a proposal for an amount not to exceed $20,560. The improvements will enhance the alarm system and notification capabilities, increase the number of monitor alarm points, uh upgrade the electrical components, ensure comp compatibility with the city's future SCADA system. Uh if approved, design work will be completed and implemented with other improvements by the summer of 2026. Funding for these additional design services was not included in the approved fiscal year 2526 CIP. Uh if approved by council, these additional expenses, the amount of 20,560 will be funded by available unencumbered sewer enterprise funds. Dove does recommend that city council adopt a resolution 2617, a resolution of the city council of the city of Norwok authorizing amendment to the fiscal year 2526 adopted budget for construction support services for sewer for the sewage lift station rehab project city project number 7527 located at Harbor Drive and Gley Road in the amount 20,560 and also approve amendment number one to agreement with CivilTech for for an increase in the amount of 20,560 to provide professional engineering design services for a total agreement amount not to exceed 84,644 and authorize the city manager to execute amendment number one on behalf of the city in a form approved by the city. That concludes our report. Happy to answer any questions.

Thank you, Albert. Again, another project, a lot of stuff going on, but it's all um it's all do moving forward and appreciate that. Um any comments, questions from council? No, but I'll move it. I'll second. Can we have a roll call, please? Council member Zyella. Hi. Ramirez, hi. Vice Mayor Rios. Mayor Perez.

Hi. And I wanted to go back and I apologize. Um it was my forgetfulness. Um, for the consent calendar on item three, uh, Teresa, I do have four items that I will be submitting as my abstensions. I just want to make sure that is on the record. Um, and moving on to oral communications. Um, as a reminder, speakers, please speak um, right into the microphone so we can hear clearly. And you do have three minutes to speak. Um, the first speaker is Jose Ivan Rodriguez. Uh good evening um council members. Thank you for allowing me to speak. I just want to give you guys an update on around October. I wanted to uh collaborate with the city and do community cleanup, start this project and um I was uh sent over to different departments to try to get this going and I think it was Gabby Garcia who initiated the talks with me and we were able to come up with a date but I think there was a change of directors public services. Uh, so the date was set for March 14, but somehow I got um, you know, I guess we weren't communicating the right way, but I just want to recognize um, Mr. Sun here. I came over to talk to city uh, members and then he introduced me to director of public safety, Vita Rios. And I just want to say that we had a great uh, community cleanup on French Street. Uh, it was along the railroad tracks. And I just want to give a certificate of volunteer appreciation to the hope team as you saw from the safety um officers also um letting them know that they're doing such a great thing here. So I just want to give this recognition to uh the hope team and

that's all. Thank you. Thank you.

All right. Our next speaker is Kylie Kylie. Good evening. I am the parent of a child who's in the Little Lake City School District. As you're all aware, the teachers are currently striking. They're striking to protect class sizes, for more support for special education services, and for affordable healthcare. All very reasonable demands and in the best interest of the children of our community. But as you also know, the district has refused to negotiate fairly and walked away from negotiations yesterday, leaving our kids without their teachers for 4 days. I have been disappointed but not surprised to see to not see any of the city council members in Norwok publicly speaking up to support the teachers like I have seen supervisor Janice Han, Congresswoman Blanca Pacheco and Senator Bob Archeletta do when LUD was set to strike recently. The LA city council and the LA city mayor both spoke up for teachers publicly and helped to secure a deal. Just like with all with you all staying silent during the peak of ICE raids when other cities were speaking out and to this day not making a statement. It once again begs the question of what Norwark City Council is actually doing to help our community. We have kids out of school and teachers suffering and you all sat up there at the beginning of the meeting saying that you had no comments. I'm sure you've seen that the entire Whittier City Council was replaced last week. People are no longer sitting back and letting their city councils get away with focusing on their own wants and not what the community wants and needs. It's time that you stand up for your residents and take a stand on something other than new businesses and actually do something to help the community you signed up to support. I'm calling on you to support the local Little City teachers and publicly put out a

statement to support them and the families. Thank you. Thank you. So, the next speaker is Andy.

Hello. Good evening. Um, first I want to start with uh pointing out I'm incredibly um disappointed at the uh updates on immigration that we're getting. Um, I appreciated them because I thought there was something coming out of them, but come to find out that they're basically useless. I was told that there was no immigration activity the past 2 weeks. Well, that that's a complete lie. Um, immigration was confirmed to be in Norwok last Monday. There was multiple vehicles that were at the um town center just across the street here by the Target. Um, and agents were seen there. Um, that was confirmed. They were later seen again at at the courthouse. I know uh there's been lots of courthouse kidnappings at the Downey Courthouse nearby. I wouldn't be surprised if that's something that they're um looking into doing here in Norwok. That's probably why they were here around. Um and they were also confirmed saying vehicles were seen that had been seen at previous raids. So they they are here. They are around. Um thankfully, as far as I know, no one was was taken and I hope that really is the case. Um but they're still around. They're still nearby and they're still looking to take some of our residents. Um, I also wanted to um comment on the the lack I guess of of comment or lack of any statement about the Little Lake School District um teachers. Um I think it's appalling that there is no support for them. Um as stated before, other uh elected positions, council um congress people, assembly women um have spoken up, had made statements supporting um other city council members in other cities regularly use their platform and use their position to speak out. Um I'm not surprised considering how this city treats the union workers here um in this city government. Um, so not only are you anti- uh, you know, immigrant, but you may also be anti-UN. That's incredibly disappointing. Um, this is an election year. Two of your seats are up for election, and so we'll see what happens.

Thank you. All right, with that, our meeting is adjourned. Have a good evening.