[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6495392,"mediaKeyId","5493450-6d50a4ae61317a6839ee701ac064051d","parentId",5493450,"title","Votes at a glance: Cerritos Council approves cross‑connection policy adoption, a warehouse precise‑plan and schedule changes; consent items pass","audioSeconds",512,"startMs",4964000,"endMs",5476000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5493450-6d50a4ae61317a6839ee701ac064051d&start=4964&end=5476","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5493450-6d50a4ae61317a6839ee701ac064051d/thumbnail_4964000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6495392/California/Votes-at-a-glance-Cerritos-Council-approves-crossconnection-policy-adoption-a-warehouse-preciseplan-and-schedule-changes-consent-items-pass","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6495392-1dcdadc4eb1bc55492eb20e9a23d510f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770754464&Signature=jKg3iHovG2G2w~uUlZ6Ic16A9QbfDloSaOc4mL~dGjQlCaCm~G9Hzw~5ThieOqmIXt9GsDbMsL1aaht5H6IXHClQosqbBOxBxgshKexxsp21104MDOVpyyI0ZrICHFMQqyUhxaxVsKbH6OeTVFgbwQ-QcCBfeOfWHOaFadXHvmeIIAJpYcegNZDBIUcmUkNzeNjb7UMo-gGtXacdBq5~we88~040oVdznNbeQFXWYTug3VquBU7Ko8uUsyPVj7EKslx2ueHpHw2RFbOkO0BaZL617iq6zBLSKuW5G2Xoalz5KIdyCwrASmpqaDcnmKCY6tvwM-3RxBXtse3EdeUnnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Cerritos","date","2025-07-29T06:37:30Z","article","Below are the formal actions taken July 28 during the Cerritos City Council Successor Agency Special Meeting. Where available, motions, movers/second and vote tallies are recorded from the official meeting record.

Votes at a glance

- Consent calendar (items except 7a): Approved on a 5-0 vote. Motion to approve the consent calendar (except 7a) was moved by the mayor and seconded by Council Member Polito; electronic vote recorded 5‑0 in favor.

- Item 7a (pulled from consent): Approved 4‑0 with 1 abstention. Motion to approve item 7a was moved by Mayor Yokoyama and seconded by Council Member Hong; clerk recorded a 4‑0 vote with one abstention (appropriate because the member was not present for the earlier proceedings).

- Item 8a — Cross‑connection control policy handbook & municipal code amendment: Approved 5‑0. Staff presented an ordinance to amend Chapter 13.2 of the Cerritos Municipal Code and a resolution adopting the State Water Resources Control Board’s Cross Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH). After a public hearing with no speakers, Council moved and approved the staff recommendation; vote 5‑0. The ordinance aligns local backflow inspection, testing and enforcement tools with state requirements and authorizes enforcement such as service shutoff for noncompliance.

- Item 8b — Precise Plan Amendment (1411–1180 Third Street): Approved 5‑0. The council adopted the planning commission’s recommendation to approve a 9,994‑square‑foot warehouse addition with façade refresh and parking changes for a wholesale eyewear/related business. Motion to approve was made by Council Member Hong, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Johnson; vote 5‑0.

- Item 9a — Water rate adjustment options: Direction to staff (Scenario 2B) approved 5‑0. The council gave staff direction to prepare final water, reclaimed‑water and sewer rate studies, with Scenario 2B (phased increases, critical projects prioritized, and gradual phaseout of general‑fund support) as the working scenario for October reports and the Prop. 218 notice process. Motion moved by Mayor Pro Tem Johnson and seconded by Council Member Polito; vote 5‑0. (This was direction to staff; no rates were adopted at this meeting.)

- Item 9b — City council meeting calendar and event scheduling: Multiple adjustments approved.
• The council moved the Civic Center Christmas tree‑lighting to Monday, Nov. 24 (vote 5‑0).
• The council approved rescheduling the Thursday, Oct. 23 meeting (which conflicted with a ticketed event at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts) and replacing it with a special meeting on Monday, Oct. 27.
• The council approved rescheduling the Thursday, Sept. 11 meeting and replacing it with a special meeting on Monday, Sept. 8.
• Final start-time decisions were discussed; the council ultimately adopted a substitute approach setting start times at 7:00 p.m. for the two replacement meetings (substitute motion passed 3‑1 with 1 abstention) while another motion changing dates passed earlier 5‑0. Staff will publish the revised meeting schedule.

How the votes were recorded

The city clerk recorded electronic votes where used; several items were moved and seconded on the floor and then recorded. Where a named member abstained the clerk noted the abstention in the record. If further details are needed about an individual roll‑call, the official meeting minutes and audio/video are the primary record.

What’s next

- The council’s direction on water rates begins an October timetable: staff will return with final rate studies in October and then begin the Prop. 218 notice period that will culminate in a public hearing in January 2026 before any rate is adopted.
- Code and ordinance changes (for the cross‑connection handbook adoption) will be published with the implementing resolution; staff noted the program will include inspection and reporting changes and that the city has budgeted training and administrative work within existing funds.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Special City Council Meeting: July 28, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Cerritos City Council adopted several measures July 28, including a municipal code amendment to implement the State Water Resources Control Board’s cross‑connection control policy handbook, approval of a warehouse addition precise plan, scheduling changes and direction to staff on water rates.","taxTitle","Cerritos City, Orange County, California","taxId",79642,"location","California","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6495399,"ABC Unified updates Cerritos council on declining enrollment; board declines consolidation plan",2737,921000,3658000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5493450-6d50a4ae61317a6839ee701ac064051d&start=921&end=3658","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5493450-6d50a4ae61317a6839ee701ac064051d/thumbnail_921000.jpg","/articles/6495399/California/ABC-Unified-updates-Cerritos-council-on-declining-enrollment-board-declines-consolidation-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6495399-60304b7493af6065f0de48f97be713d0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770754464&Signature=lQ8raOTv9ak5DQ-i8QtDKzNfFGjRKlxEQ7CGhIvVvGUg9Xg16B3e5E79Xc5p9Qn-FdFsl41XtWAsA8aAQTeB55nxVga-2~F5fM4ixmofefTKzXLTOgaGc-VrWqLjxNz7eHg9MDSKZYttfi335ScF-Gq47goQ7JQGLqTl9qYDl39eW1UVWq~ndsVtf-YT4~tAgngmGKv0llFIU4stjSEeCPArUxVxvfwmVE4QwVexivv-6snmIEStSRm7izSulHVqloUb-XH2ENvQz3RlzTm5hAMiRRGm33-P7M4e~ofEpWL1dWKtCgUfZ31dTTXvFABN1SHT7zpGxbExMTdC2sVxIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ernie Nishi, president of the ABC Unified School District board, told the Cerritos City Council on July 28 that the district has faced an 11‑year decline in enrollment and has pursued multiple studies and strategies to respond.

Nishi said the district commissioned Davis Demographics and later a $22,000 engagement with consultant SchoolWorks. SchoolWorks recommended consolidating several elementary schools and reconfiguring grade spans in some schools and estimated savings of about $3.4 million once fully implemented. After a public hearing and multiple meetings, the board voted 4‑3 in June not to adopt the SchoolWorks consolidation and reconfiguration plan; Nishi said he — as board president — must follow the majority vote.

Why it matters: Declining enrollment reduces state funding tied to average daily attendance and creates uneven program offerings across schools. Nishi described combination classes, fewer elective offerings in small schools, and the difficulty of providing robust middle‑school offerings when one campus serves only about 290 students.

Nishi said the district is pursuing grants, expanded full‑day Head Start and robust transitional‑kindergarten programs, dual‑language classes and partnerships to boost enrollment. He emphasized the district’s safety investments funded by bond BB and listed past facility improvements, including a new science center at Whitney and theater upgrades at other sites.

Nishi also raised long‑term liabilities: a change in law extending the statute of limitations for certain abuse claims has exposed the district to multimillion‑dollar liabilities; he said the district has paid $6 million in claims to date and faces potentially larger payouts.

Cerritos council members asked whether city zoning or housing programs could help the district by encouraging two‑ and three‑bedroom units that support families with school‑age children. City Manager Robert Lopez said rezoning actions from the newly adopted housing element — including an industrial‑area overlay near Valley View and the 5 Freeway — will be brought forward in coming months with potential for significant new housing capacity.

Nishi said the board could revisit the SchoolWorks plan in the future but, for now, staff will continue pursuing grants, facility‑sharing and other steps to reduce operating strain and preserve classroom programs.

","ABC Unified School District President Ernie Nishi briefed the Cerritos City Council on long-running enrollment declines, recent consultant work from SchoolWorks and the board's narrow vote not to adopt a consolidation/reconfiguration plan that consultants estimated could save roughly $3.4 million when fully implemented.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6495403,"Cerritos council selects moderated water-rate path, directs staff to prepare Prop. 218 process",539,9602000,10141000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5493450-6d50a4ae61317a6839ee701ac064051d&start=9602&end=10141","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5493450-6d50a4ae61317a6839ee701ac064051d/thumbnail_9602000.jpg","/articles/6495403/California/Cerritos-council-selects-moderated-water-rate-path-directs-staff-to-prepare-Prop-218-process","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6495403-42f0f6d4b4372b5e07ef100500c3a1d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770754464&Signature=gcg0tqAZyDIWsVlQaorZnB0qsdEnULaxC1YlMfiwRJFt9f8t4cEG15xMkCJ43Mr9fT46XzdfNb~vSetjApryh1nguRAKzsj9nDtTVGmTg29ljS8hOB3LGF~xqNovigr33z9~c4gGYywQByCVC5L9Vs6wVbAzU8feEip2ber7uYBaYUd0i9tRD4qf~Gqwolux-TdLZjc6QImngq8p0SMrBZKKwB4gawiIZN5YoYvkeCDQt5xb8~7Y1cQZgPTWsegeHsqtYfe-MbkeAK2RNcjY4e5eKNtawe2w-T0VYWo8i1FH7-8SSVj4tYjjNsIEPmR6EzFsXv0wtOoI24M58yvlJQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cerritos City Council on July 28 voted 5-0 to direct staff to pursue “Scenario 2B,” a phased five-year water-rate adjustment that spreads initial increases more gradually while funding critical water-system projects and winding down general‑fund support over time.

Director of Public Works Alvin Papa told the council the city’s water system is aging and that current rates “have not covered the full cost to operate and maintain the system. The water fund has run deficits for years and relied on general fund support.” He and the city’s consultant, Charles Diamond of Water Resources Economics, presented three scenarios that balance capital work, operations and near‑term bill impacts.

Why it matters: Cerritos has relied in past years on the general fund and one‑time transfers to backfill utility shortfalls. Council members said they want to avoid a continuing drain on the general fund while reducing the risk that a failing well would force the city to buy far more expensive imported water.

Most of the discussion centered on choosing between: (1) a plan that fully funds all projects quickly (larger, immediate increases); (2) a minimal plan that delays some work and extends general‑fund support; and (3) a middle path, Scenario 2B, that phases increases more gradually to soften immediate bill shock while funding critical projects. Papa and the consultant showed sample bills illustrating how a typical single‑family household would be affected under each option.

Public commenters urged transparency and relief measures. Resident Catherine Pasquale said the scale of increases was “crazy” but supported doing the work; she urged the council to combine any rate changes with outreach and options to spread payment. Another speaker suggested the city consider low‑income discounts and monthly payment options to soften the transition.

Council action: Mayor Pro Tem Linda Johnson moved to direct staff to develop the final rate study and proceed with the Proposition 218 notice and public‑hearing process based on Scenario 2B; Councilmember Polito seconded the motion. The vote was 5-0 in favor of moving forward on Scenario 2B. Councilmembers asked staff to return with a detailed October study that will include cost breakdowns, affordability options (including possible low‑income assistance), and a public‑outreach plan.

What happens next: Staff will return with final water, reclaimed‑water and sewer rate reports in October, give public outreach and a 60‑day Prop. 218 notice period, and hold a public hearing in January 2026. If adopted after the hearing, new rates could take effect as early as Feb. 1, 2026.

Councilmembers emphasized that the vote is direction to prepare materials and does not itself adopt new rates; the final adoption will follow the statutorily required notice and protest process.

","After weeks of study, the Cerritos City Council voted unanimously to advance a moderated five-year water-rate plan (Scenario 2B) and directed staff to prepare a final rate study and public-notice process under Proposition 218. The plan spreads increases over time, preserves critical capital work and phases out general‑fund support.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Cerritos Council approves cross‑connection policy adoption, a warehouse precise‑plan and schedule changes; consent items pass

ABC Unified updates Cerritos council on declining enrollment; board declines consolidation plan

Cerritos council selects moderated water-rate path, directs staff to prepare Prop. 218 process