Steven Aragon

The committee meeting included administrative items such as a roll call and a review of agenda compliance under the Brown Act. Key discussions focused on presentations regarding funding applications for the fiscal year 2025 to 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The Family Violence Prevention Program, managed by the Southgate Police Department, presented its services, which include support groups, case management, individual counseling, and emergency shelter placement, noting that approximately 300 domestic violence reports are generated annually in the city. The second presentation covered the Graffiti Abatement Program, managed by the Public Works Department, detailing its structure involving six crews and five trucks working seven days a week to remove graffiti within 24 hours across 19 CDBG census tracks. The program aims to enhance safety and quality of life by eliminating blight and deterring vandalism, having abated over one million square feet of graffiti in the current fiscal year. Committee members applauded the efforts of both program presenters.

The key discussion topics for this meeting included the Consent Calendar, which involved considering the approval of the Planning Commission Minutes from January 20, 2026. Open Session Items featured a presentation providing a 2025 Year in Review and a report on Planning Division activities, including statistics on customer service and planning cases processed in 2025. Other workshops covered Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) issued for alcohol sales between 2023 and 2025, and a workshop detailing upcoming projects scheduled for 2026. Public comments and comments from City Staff were also included.

The meeting commenced with the invocation and pledge, followed by a roll call establishing a quorum. Key discussions centered on Public Hearings for Item 1 and Item 2, which the council moved to continue to the next meeting on March 10th, despite public testimony regarding CDBG funds allocations that were allegedly not executed as approved in March 2025 for park projects. The council also addressed Item 3, which concerned continuing discussions from prior meetings regarding the declaration of a fiscal emergency and the potential for a Special Election to authorize a Utility Users Tax (UUT). The City Manager detailed the city's $9 million structural deficit, driven primarily by increases in pension, health insurance, liability insurance, and street/lighting costs, rather than salary increases. The UUT, proposed at 7% for most users except low-income seniors, is presented as the primary means to fill the revenue gap and avoid significant service cuts scheduled for July 1st. The council's action was to consider declaring a fiscal emergency and directing staff to finalize ballot materials for the UUT to be considered by voters in June.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions centered on the approval of previous meeting minutes from February 12th, 19th, and 26th, 2025. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to the reorganization of the committee, including the election of a chairperson and vice chairperson, as the required August election was missed. The committee also addressed substantial amendments to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME program Annual Action Plans for fiscal years 2023-2024, 2024-2025, and 2025-2026. These amendments involved reallocating funds due to projects not moving forward, such as reducing funding for the Neighborhood Revitalization Grant program balance in FY 23-24 and reprogramming funds from unmoving park projects in FY 24-25. In FY 25-26, funds were proposed to be moved from the Small Business Grant Assistance Program to the Neighborhood Revitalization Grant Program and a new Demolition and Clearance project. Additionally, HOME funding was reallocated from an affordable housing project to the home residential rehab program. Public commentary included concerns about the committee size and the status of absent members.

The meeting included a review of the Planning Division's 2025 activities, covering topics such as development application processing, permit types (administrative, discretionary), and the use of tracking software like Edgoft and Culis. Key discussions involved the 489 planning cases received in 2025, including 229 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Specific project actions included the approval of an expansion for a primary school at 9329 Madison Avenue, approval for alcohol licenses for Guillo restaurant and Tacos Alunico, and the progress of a 54-unit townhouse development. The commission also denied a request for a truck yard property (8530 Alama Street), which was subsequently appealed to the City Council. A recommendation for a zone change from Industrial Flex to Heavy Manufacturing (M3) on Ryo Avenue was presented, pending City Council review and CEQA completion. The commission recommended approval for the ADU ordinance, which was later adopted by the City Council. Other items discussed included a lot line adjustment on Ryo Avenue and reviews for the Tweety Food Hall and a medical facility remodel.