City Council Meeting - 3/17/2026

The City Council meeting of Norwalk on March 17, 2026, included significant procurement and budget-related discussions primarily focused on the refinancing of the 2005 tax allocation refunding bonds by the Successor Agency. The agency considered resolutions to authorize the issuance of up to $35 million in new bonds to refinance existing debt, potentially releasing $43 million for capital improvement projects including housing, infrastructure, and economic development. The council also approved hiring a financing team comprising a municipal advisor, bond counsel, and underwriter to facilitate the bond issuance, with all related costs to be covered by bond proceeds. Additionally, the council adopted a new nine-step salary schedule for city employees, aiming to bring pay to market levels with an estimated first-year cost of approximately $449,000. Other agenda items included updates on the 2025 General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Report, and zoning code amendments to comply with state mandates on urban lot splits and housing development. Public comments focused heavily on community concerns regarding the Hermosio Park renovation project, particularly opposition to the replacement of natural grass with artificial turf and the loss of community amenities. No new procurement contracts beyond the bond issuance team were reported.