Vince Velasco

The City Council meeting included a presentation of high school sports champions and a public hearing regarding staff vacancies in compliance with Assembly Bill 2561. Major business items featured the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget and Salary Schedule, the adoption of resolutions related to the Heritage Springs Assessment District, an amendment to the CalPERS contract, and the approval of the Infrastructure Financing Plan for the Santa Fe Springs Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District. Additionally, the Council considered zoning code amendments, authorized amendments to agreements with Los Angeles County for local solutions funding and the Little Lake City School District for child care, established the Police Department through new ordinances, and reviewed the Treasurer's report of investments.

The City Council meeting included an adjournment into closed session to discuss a real property negotiation involving an assessor parcel number. Following the closed session, the council reconvened and held several ceremonies, including the recognition of high school championship sports teams from St. Paul High School and Santa Fe High School. Additionally, the meeting featured proclamations for Public Works Week and Older Americans Month, with members of the Senior Advisory Committee recognized for their contributions.

The Planning Commission discussed and approved two primary agenda items. The first item was a request for an on-sale alcohol conditional use permit for a restaurant, allowing for beer and wine sales within a bonafide eating establishment. The second item involved a development plan approval for a new 9,943 square-foot concrete industrial building for an existing manufacturing company, ensuring compliance with general plan and zoning regulations. Both projects were determined to be categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act.

The council recessed into a closed session to discuss a matter regarding real property negotiators. Upon reconvening, the council received a briefing from the agency negotiator, noting no final action was taken during the closed session. The meeting included an invocation, a pledge of allegiance, and a presentation by the Youth Leadership Committee. Additionally, the council recognized the Mariachi Juvenil of Santa Fe Springs for their progress and musical accomplishments, and introduced May as Water Safety Month.

The City Council conducted discussions and took action on several items. Key topics included the potential outsourcing of water fund billing services to San Gabriel Valley Water, the adoption of Ordinance No. 1168 regarding fireworks permit procedures, and the award of contracts for a city-wide security and surveillance camera system. Additionally, the Council reviewed the status of street improvement projects, addressed the renaming and naming of rooms at the Clarke Estate, approved budget appropriations for citywide branding, and discussed a joint application for the Homekey+ program. The special meeting served as a fiscal year budget workshop, involving department presentations and budget overviews.