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Unofficial until approved by the
Alhambra City Council
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
ALHAMBRA CITY COUNCIL
September 8 , 2025
6:0 0 p.m.
ROLL CALL: At 6:06 p.m., on Monday, September 8, 2025, the Alhambra City Council met in the Council Chambers of Alhambra City Hall.
PRESENT: MAZA, MALONEY, WANG, ANDRADE-STADLER, LEE
ABSENT: NONE
Officials Present : City Manager Binnquist, Assistant City Manager Garcia, Deputy City Manager Hembree, City Attorney Montes, City Clerk Myles, Director of Parks and Recreation Macias, Director of Finance Lieu, Director of Community Development Ho, Director of Public Works and Utilities Ahlen, Chief of Police Kennedy, Chief of Fire Department Ragusa, Director of Library Services LohGuan, Director of Human Resources Ko, Management Analyst Alvarez, Public Information Specialist Rodriguez
FLAG SALUTE : Mayor Lee
LEE: Mayor Lee read the City ’s Mission Statement as follows: The City of Alhambra is dedicated to responsive, creative leadership and quality services, ensuring desirable neighborhoods and a supportive business environment, while being sensitive to the diversity of our community.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT : We acknowledge that the land on which we are gathered is the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples. We seek to prioritize respect for the historic culture and contemporary presence of the native peoples throughout California, especially in the greater Los Angeles/Alhambra area. We come with respect and gratitude for the Gabrielino/Tongva people who still consider themselves the caretakers of this land. It is through their examples that we are reminded of our greater responsibility to take care of Mother Earth and to take care of each other.
CEREMONIAL
1. COMMENDATIONS: AYSO REGION 60 16U BOYS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM –– F2M25-3
Mayor Lee and the Alhambra City Council, on behalf of the citizens of Alhambra, wish ed to congratulate and commend the American Youth Soccer R egion 60 16 and under Boys Division Team for their victory in the 16 and under Boys Division National Championship Tournament.
T he National Championship games spanned six days, featured 1,031 games played across 25 soccer fields, and brought together over 4,800 players, 696 coaches, 348 teams, and filled over 3,000 referee slots. The win mark ed the first time the Region won the National Title. The AYSO Region 60 players were to be commended for demonstrating their athletic skills, their ability to work together in a spirit of commitment, dedication and hard work and for becoming National Champions. Mayor Lee present ed commendations to the AYSO Region 16U Boys National Championship Team members and coaches as follows:
AYSO Region 60 16U Boys National Championship Team
Aaron Lee
Abel Fierro
Adam Valenzuela
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Arlon Miguel (Captain)
Bale Ma
Brandon Ho
Ian Wakino (Captain)
Joseph Ono
Joshua Salazar
Mathew Chan
Matthew Lopez
Milo Rojas
Nicolas Molina
Riley Ma
Zackery Valle-Zarate
Zion Tovar
Lorenzo Alvarado
Sage Lindner
Head Coach David Ono
Assistant Coach Brett Wakino
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS – F2M25-4
1) Pablo DEL PALACIO, 1 82 5 Cedar St., discussed ongoing motorcycle noise in his neighborhood at 4:00 a.m.
2) Marisol GRIER, 815 Lindaraxa Park W., discussed the grant awarded to Urban Visionaries for the Alhambra Teachers Association Food Pantry and expressed concerns regarding the use of Reserve Funds . She requested the item return for an agendized discussion. 3) Wendy YU, 117 E. Main St., representing Happy Humble Hub, requested clarification regarding permitted use of space for her business and conditional use permits . 4) Adam BRAY-ALI, 125 S. Electric , discussed the grant awarded to Urban Visionaries for the Alhambra Teachers Association Food Pantry and expressed concerns. 5) Lewis McCAMMON , 105 N. Cordova St., discussed federal immigration enforcement, the grant awarded to Urban Visionaries for the Alhambra Teachers Association Food Pantry and the City ’s past actions during the Covid-19 quarantine to provide support for food services . He requested that the item return for an agendized discussion.
6) Chris OLSON, via Zoom, discussed the grant awarded to Urban Visionaries for the Alhambra Teachers Association Food Pantry, expressed concerns, and requested that the Memorandum of Understanding return for agendized discussion.
7) Dann DUNCAN discussed his lawsuit against the City regarding his application to the City for a concealed carry permit.
8) Randy KAY , via Zoom, discussed concerns regarding fireworks in the City.
Mayor LEE and City Attorney MONTES discussed Alhambra Municipal Code Noise Ordinance. Ms.
LEE and City Manager BINNQUIST discussed Police enforcement of illegal fireworks.
PRESENTATION S
2 . SAN GABRIEL VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (SGVCOG) PRESIDENT ’S INTRODUCTION & 2025 UPDATE – F2M25-16
Mr. Ed Reece, President of the SGVCOG and Claremont City Councilmember, provide d a presentation to the City Council regarding the SGVCOG, its organizational structure, accomplishments, and goals for the coming year. Mr. REECE delivered a PowerPoint 3 9-8 -25
presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk ’s office.
Discussion : Council members each spoke in support of the SGVCOG and the City ’s relationship with it.
Action Taken : City Council receive d and file d this informational report.
3. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE TO DESIGNATE FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY
ZONES (FHSZ) WITHIN THE CITY OF ALHAMBRA PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 51178 AND THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE – F2M25- 49 , O2M25-4849
Fire Chief RAGUSA delivered the staff report and presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk ’s office. Pursuant to State law, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) - Office of the State Fire Marshal periodically updates Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps for Local Responsibility Areas throughout the State. These maps identify varying levels of fire hazard (Moderate, High, and Very High) based on factors including vegetation, topography, weather, crown fire potential, fire history, and ember production and movement.
State law requires local jurisdictions to designate FHSZ within their boundaries by ordinance to ensure proper implementation of associated building standards and fire safety requirements within identified zones. On March 24, 2025, CAL FIRE completed its latest assessment and released a map identifying FHSZ within the City of Alhambra. The City of Alhambra has not been included in the CAL FIRE FHSZ maps in the past. In the newly released maps, approximately less than one acre in Alhambra has been classified under the Very High Severity Zone designation. There are two parcels affected on Sherwood Avenue and two parcels on Keats Street. The City posted the map and information regarding FHSZ on the City ’s website at https://www.alhambraca.gov/863/FireHazard-Severity-Zones .
Public Comment : Lewis McCAMMON , 105 N. Cordova St. discussed the wildfires in Altadena and Pacific Palisades, changes to the Fire Hazard Severity Zones, and how to implement the maps.
Discussion : Councilmember WANG and Chief RAGUSA discussed the impact on Alhambra residents in the limited parcels with regards to vegetation management and fire inspections. They also discussed how to notify impacted residents. Mayor LEE and Chief RAGUSA discussed the changes to the maps which now included Alhambra.
Action Taken : City Council declare d introduced for its first reading the following ordinance entitled:
Ordinance No. O2M25-4849: An Ordinance of the Alhambra City Council to designate Fire Hazard Severity Zones
which ordinance would return at a subsequent meeting for a second reading and consideration for adoption.
Vote: Moved: MALONEY Seconded: ANDRADE-STADLER
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, WANG, MALONEY, MAZA, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
4 . REPORT REGARDING AGENDA PLACEMENT OF PUBLIC COMMENT FOR NON- AGENDIZED ITEMS – F2M24-7
City Clerk MYLES delivered a staff report. At the January 13, 2025 Council meeting, at 4 9-8 -25
Council ’s direction, staff presented the results of a survey regarding where public comment for non-agendized items was placed on the agendas of surrounding cities. After receiving public comment and City Council discussion, the Council directed the agenda item of public comment for non-agendized items be temporarily set to the beginning of the meeting, after any Ceremonial items, for an initial set time of 30 minutes for a 6-month period and directed staff return with a report after that timeframe. In summary, there have been nine regular City Council meetings since the placement of public comment for non-agendized items was temporarily moved to the beginning of the meeting. Out of those nine meetings, the majority of individuals wishing to speak on a non-agendized item were able to do so during the initial 30-minute period. The average number of speakers during the initial public comment period was six. In those six instances where there were speakers during the continuation of public comment for non-agendized items at the end of the meeting, the average number of speakers was two. If it was the desire of the City Council to make this a permanent change, upon direction from the Council, staff could prepare an ordinance amending Chapter 2.04.030 of the Alhambra Municipal Code pertaining to the order of business for Council meetings for Council ’s consideration at the next regular meeting.
Public Comment :
1) Shirley TATSUNO, 1408 S. Fifth St., supported the 30 minutes allotted for Public Comment at the beginning of City Council meetings.
2) Lewis McCAMMON , 105 N. Cordova St., supported Public Comment at the beginning of City Council meetings.
Discussion : Councilmember ANDRADE-STADLER supported continuing Public comment for Non-Agendized items at the beginning of the meeting, but suggested s taff research what other agencies allowed for public comment in order to accommodate as many public speakers as possible. Vice Mayor MALONEY spoke in support of the current practice to allow for speakers at the beginning of the meeting. He also supported reducing the individual speaking time to accommodate a large volume of speakers. He referred staff to review the City of San Luis Obispo ’s practices which allows for 3 minutes individual speaking time at the beginning of the meeting and 5 minutes at the end of the meeting. Councilmember MAZA supported the current practice of public comment at the beginning of the meeting and supported Ms. Andrade-Stadler ’s suggestion to review other agencies practices. He also supported Mr. Maloney ’s suggestion to reduce speaking time at the beginning of the meeting compared to the end. He further suggested staff consider condensing speaking time when individuals have multiple items they wish to speak on which would allow for others time to speak. Councilmember WANG echoed Mr. Maza ’s comments and supported Public Comment for Non- Agendized Items at the beginning of the meeting. She also supported suggestions made by her fellow Councilmembers and further discussed other means for the public to contact Councilmembers through phone or email. Mayor LEE spoke in support of Public Comment for Non- Agendized Items at the beginning of the meeting and discussed the initial staff report and information regarding other agencies ’ practices with respect to public comment . She supported Mr. Maloney ’s suggestion of reducing the time to 3 minutes during the initial 30-minute timeframe for Public Comment for Non- Agendized Items and then 5 minutes during the continuation of the item at the end of the meeting. She supported Mr.
Maza ’s suggestion but stated that she would like more information regarding the consent agenda.
Ms. LEE and City Attorney MONTES discussed Council ’s direction to staff. Ms. ANDRADE- STADLER and City Manager BINNQUIST discussed the research staff conducted regarding other agencies 9 months ago and the types of research they could further conduct based on Council ’s comments. Ms. ANDRADE-STADLER motioned to direct staff to research the practices of other cities and agencies based on Council ’s comments and directed them to return with a report at the next City Council meeting. Mr. MAZA seconded the motion and added that Council was aware that they could be flexible in trying new practices and continue 5 9-8 -25
to refine them as needed.
Action Taken : Council directed staff to return with more information on whether surrounding cities have set time limits for public comment on non- agendized items and for consent agenda items.
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: MAZA
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, WANG, MALONEY, MAZA, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
CONSENT AGENDA (Item Nos. 5 – 1 4 )
All items listed under the Consent Agenda, with the exception of Item No. 14, were considered by the City Council to be routine and were enacted by one motion .
5. AWARD CONTRACT: PROFESSIONAL SCADA SERVICES AND MAINTENANCE FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DIVISIONS – F2M25-45, RFP2M25-13, C2M25-39, M2M25-131 On July 28, 2025 the City Council approved the distribution of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for SCADA Professional Services and Maintenance for the Water and Sewer Divisions. There were eight proposals received for the project. Staff conducted a review and evaluation of the responding proposals and found the Strategic Engineering & Automation Systems proposal the best suited for the City ’s SCADA needs.
Discussion : None.
Action Taken : City Council approve d a contract, subject to final language approval by the City Manager and City Attorney, by and between the City of Alhambra and Strategic Engineering & Automation Systems for the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Integration (SCADA) Professional Services and Maintenance for the Water and Sewer Divisions, in an amount not to exceed $140,000.00 for one year, with two additional two-year renewal options, and authorize d the City Manager to execute the extensions if the services are satisfactory; and direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action. ( M2M25-131 )
Vote: Moved: MALONEY Seconded: ANDRADE-STADLER
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, WANG, MALONEY, MAZA, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
6. CONTRACT AMENDMENT: CUSTODIAL SERVICES FOR ALHAMBRA CITY HALL,
ALHAMBRA POLICE DEPARTMENT, ALHAMBRA CIVIC CENTER LIBRARY, FIRE STATION 71 & VARIOUS CITY FACILITIES – F2M22-45, C2M22-41, M2M25-132 On June 27, 2022, the City awarded the custodial services contract to Commercial Building Management Services commencing August 1, 2022 through June 30, 2027. Since the contract award, there have been three amendments to the contract. Amendment No. 1 involved a change in services for the Parks & Recreation facilities. Amendment No. 2 was the change in ownership from Commercial Building Management Services to Commercial Building Management, CBM. Incorporated as a result of a Notice of Sale due to owner ’s retirement.
Amendment No. 3 was to clarify language in the existing agreement. Since the issuance of Amendment No. 2, owner Jesus Velasco sold a portion of the company ’s current contracts , including the City of Alhambra ’s custodial services contract. The sale took effect on July 1, 6 9-8 -25
2025 and the new company name is now C Commercial Building Services C.B.S., Inc. The City was provided with a Notification of Sale letter. As a result of the name and ownership change, it was appropriate to amend the existing contract to accurately reflect the changes.
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council approve d a contract amendment (C2M22-41), subject to approval by the City Manager and the City Attorney, for custodial services to change the company name from Commercial Building Management, CBM. Incorporated to C Commercial Building Services C.B.S., Inc.; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize the Council ’s action. ( M2M25-132 )
Vote: Moved: MALONEY Seconded: ANDRADE-STADLER
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, WANG, MALONEY, MAZA, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
7. ACCEPT ZIPBOOKS GRANT: CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY FOR BOOK DELIVERY AND APPROPRIATE FUNDS – F2M25-18, M2M25-133
The Library applied for and received a $3,591 grant from the California State Library to continue the purchasing of physical print and audio books to meet unique patron requests and to support book delivery services to home or facility bound Alhambra residents. This program aim ed to meet immediate patron requests of items the Library does not currently own and would enhance access for community members who have limited ability to access the Library ’s physical building and its collection.
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council accept ed $3,591 from the California State Library for the Zipbooks program; appropriate revenue and expenditure funds in the amount of $3, 591 ; authorize d the City Manager or designee to sign the grant agreement with the California State Library, subject to final language approval by the City Manager and City Attorney, with the California State Library; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action. ( M2M25-133 )
Vote: Moved: MALONEY Seconded: ANDRADE-STADLER
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, WANG, MALONEY, MAZA, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
8. AUTHORIZE RFP: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION
SERVICES FOR THE GREEN STREET DEMONSTRATION PROJECT ON MAIN STREET – F2M23-56, RFP2M25-17
On August 25, 2025, the City Council approved the circulation of the Notice of Inviting Bids for construction of the Green Street Demonstration Project. The project include d the installation of four (4) drywells north of Main Street on Birch Avenue and Grand Avenue, 20,000 square feet of bioretention areas, and planting 34 new trees along Main Street. Staff now sought authorization to request proposals for the construction management and construction inspection services for the project.
Discussion: None.
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Action Taken : City Council authorize d the distribution of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Construction Management and Construction Inspection Services for the Green Street Demonstration Project on Main Street with proposals due no later than 4:00 p.m. on October 6, 2025.
Vote: Moved: MALONEY Seconded: ANDRADE-STADLER
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, WANG, MALONEY, MAZA, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
9. AUTHORIZE RFP: PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE FY 2025-2026 SB1 STREET REHABILITATION PROJECT – F2M25-35, RFP2M25-18 On May 12, 2025, the City Council adopted Resolution R2M25-21, which identified the FY 2025-26 street rehabilitation that would be funded by SB1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act. The project include d design services and street rehabilitation (including but not limited to pavement, striping, ADA ramps, sidewalk, curb and gutter, etc.) for public streets bound by Mission Road, New Avenue, Valley Boulevard and Garfield Avenue. Staff now request ed the distribution of an RFP for engineering, design, and estimating services to support the execution of the project.
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council authorize d the distribution of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Professional Engineering Design Services for Plans, Specifications and Cost Estimate for the FY 2025-26 SB1 Street Rehabilitation Project, with proposals due no later than 12:00 p.m. on October 6, 2025; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize the Council ’s action.
Vote: Moved: MALONEY Seconded: ANDRADE-STADLER
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, WANG, MALONEY, MAZA, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
10. FIRST CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH HIRSCH & ASSOCIATES, INC . FOR
PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANT SERVICES FOR THE DESIGN AND SPECIFICATIONS OF THE ALHAMBRA DOG PARK PROJECT – F2M18-35, C2M24-51, M2M25-134 On August 26, 2024, the City Council awarded a contract to Hirsch & Associates, Inc. in the amount of $155,130.00 for planning and professional engineering, and design services to provide plans, specifications, and bid documentation for the Alhambra Dog Park Project. The first amendment to Hirsch & Associates, Inc. contract was necessary to revise the scope to allow for the subcontractor to satisfy the Los Angeles County's requirement for environmental testing of the site soil, most notably asking the City to investigate the presence or absence of landfill gas that must be completed in order for the County of Los Angeles to approve the Post Closure Land Use Paperwork (PCLUP ) and allow construction to begin. An additional $161,120 was required to conduct further field work in order to obtain a PCULP.
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council approve d a first amendment , subject to final language approval by the City Manager and City Attorney, to agreement C2M24-51 with Hirsch & Associates, Inc . for an additional $161,120.00 for unforeseen sub-consultant services required by the County of Los Angeles to process the final Post Closure Land Use Paperwork (PCLUP) 8 9-8 -25
for the Alhambra Dog Park; and , direct ed staff to undertake the steps to finalize Council ’s action. ( M2M25-134 )
Vote: Moved: MALONEY Seconded: ANDRADE-STADLER
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, WANG, MALONEY, MAZA, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
11. AUTHORIZE RFP: ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR PHASE 2 TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION PROJECT – ADAPTIVE/TRAFFIC RESPONSIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS PROJECT – F2M23-47, RFP2M25-19
The City has been allocated 710 Mobility Improvement Project (Measure R) funds from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to implement traffic signal upgrades along Atlantic Boulevard, Fremont Avenue, Garfield Avenue and Valley Boulevard, with the goal of improving traffic flow and enhancing safety for both drivers and pedestrians. Phase I, to develop preliminary design, inventory existing equipment, and identify locations is complete; therefore, staff sought authorization to solicit proposals for Phase II.
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council authorize d the distribution of a Request for Proposals for engineering design services for Phase 2 of the Traffic Signal Synchronization Project (Adaptive/Traffic Responsive Control Systems) with proposals due no later than 4:00 p.m. on October 9, 2025.
Vote: Moved: MALONEY Seconded: ANDRADE-STADLER
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, WANG, MALONEY, MAZA, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
1 2 . MINUTES
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council review ed and approve d as submitted the Minutes of the July 28 , 2025 regular meeting of the City Council and the July 7, 2025 special meeting of the City Council.
Vote: Moved: MALONEY Seconded: ANDRADE-STADLER
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, WANG, MALONEY, MAZA, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
1 3 . DEMANDS - F2M23-1
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council approve d as submitted Final Check List (9474 thru 9482 ) in the amount of $ 486.99 for the period ending July 22 , 2025; Final Check List (260629 thru 260712 ) in the amount of $ 295,693.52 for the period ending July 24, 2025 and Schedule of Wire Transfers in the amount of $1,985,778.49 for the week ending July 24, 2025 ; Final Check List (260533 thru 260628 ) in the amount of $ 2,751,733.71 for the period ending July 24, 2025 ; 9 9-8 -25
Final Check List (260713 thru 260885 and 260886 thru 260893 ) in the amount $ 64,696.92 ;Final Check List (260994 thru 261030 ) in the amount of $ 51,759.04 for the period ending August 21 , 2025 ; and, Final Check List (261031 thru 261118) in the amount of $344,264.45 for the period ending August 21, 2025 and Schedule of Wire Transfers in the amount of $799,812.25 for the week ending August 15, 2025.
Vote: Moved: MALONEY Seconded: ANDRADE-STADLER
Ayes: ANDRADE-STADLER, WANG, MALONEY, MAZA, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
LEE: Mayor Lee recused herself and left Council Chambers at 7:42 p.m. 1 4 . SECOND READING AND ADOPTION ORDINANCE APPROVING ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT AMD-25-03, AMENDING TITLE 23 (ZONING) OF THE ALHAMBRA MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCORPORATE CHAPTER 23.23 (HISTORIC PRESERVATION) AND OTHER ASSOCIATED AMENDMENTS, AND AMENDING CHAPTER 2.41 (HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION) – F2M20-51, O2M25-4848
Staff request ed that the City Council declare introduced for second reading and adopt a Historic Preservation Ordinance (O2M25-4848) . Ordinance No. O2M25-4848 approving Zoning Text Amendment AMD-25-03 is a City-initiated application to adopt a Historic Preservation Ordinance establishing regulations and standards for designating historic resources within the City and regulating designated resources as part of a comprehensive Historic Preservation Program, as well as amending various sections of the Alhambra Municipal Code to establish consistency with the proposed Historic Preservation Ordinance.
Adoption and implementation of a Historic Preservation Ordinance would align with the goals, policies, and objectives set forth in the City ’s General Plan and the City Council 2025 Strategic Plan. The revised Historic Preservation Ordinance would establish regulations and standards for the treatment of historic resources City-wide that were intended to: 1.) Balance the interests of the community and individual property owners; 2.) Provide recognition of and protection for existing historic resources; 3.) Establish incentives to encourage rehabilitation and preservation of historic resources; and 4.) Add predictability to the local development process.
The Ordinance, which would apply City-wide, establishes the process for determining a property ’s status as a historic resource. Statuses include d : (1) eligible or potentially eligible individual resource; (2) contributor or non-contributor in an eligible or potentially eligible historic district; (3) designated landmark; or (4) contributor or non-contributor in a designated historic district. The City Council gave first reading to this ordinance at the August 25, 2025 Council meeting.
Public Comment: Brian OTIS, 320 N. Monterey St., spoke in support of the Ordinance as a life long resident and spoke regarding the importance of historic preservation.
Discussion: Councilmember ANDRADE-STADLER thanked staff and the community for their work.
Action Taken : City Council declare d introduced for its second reading and adopt ed the following ordinance entitled:
Ordinance No. O2M25-4848 : AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF ALHAMBRA ADOPTING ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT AMD- 25-03, AMENDING TITLE 23 (ZONING) OF THE ALHAMBRA MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCORPORATE CHAPTER 23.23 (HISTORIC PRESERVATION)
AND OTHER ASSOCIATED AMENDMENTS, AND AMENDING CHAPTER
2.41 (HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION)
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Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: MAZA
Ayes: MAZA, ANDRADE-STADLER, WANG, MALONEY
Noes : NONE
Absent: LEE
LEE: Mayor Lee returned to Council Chambers at 7:49 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS CONTINUED – F2M25-4 1) Jennifer NG supported Council ’s suggestions regarding Item 4 to reduce speaking time for Public Comment to 3 minutes at the beginning of the meeting and 5 minutes at the end. She also spoke in support of Item 14. She went on to speak regarding the grant awarded to Urban Visionaries for the Alhambra Teachers Association Food Pantry. She emphasized the need for set practices regarding use of General Reserve Fund, conducting community outreach to assist in providing food sources to those in need, expressed her concern regarding use of Reserve Funds for general community versus Alhambra residents, and expressed concerns regarding support of organizations which had not been vetted. She also questioned Councilmember Andrade-Stadler ’s involvement with the Alhambra Teachers Association Food Pantry and requested clarification regarding potential conflict of interest. 2) Melissa MICHELSON, via Zoom, spoke in support of Item No. 14. She went on to discuss her concerns regarding the proposed community resolution in opposition to federal immigration enforcement which was modified by Council and adopted. She requested Council confer with the City Attorney regarding lawsuits filed by multiple agencies against United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Ms. Michelson also discussed the grant awarded to Urban Visionaries for the Alhambra Teachers Association Food Pantry. Her comments were also submitted in a letter to Council, which is on file in the City Clerk ’s office. She requested additional Council discussion regarding this topic. 3) Ron SAHU, via Zoom, discussed the grant awarded to Urban Visionaries for the Alhambra Teachers Association Food Pantry. His comments were also submitted in a letter and a petition to Council requesting an agendized discussion of the contract. The letter and petition are on file in the City Clerk ’s office.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS (ANNOUNCEMENTS & FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS) – F2M2 5 -7 Councilmember ANDRADE-STADLER discussed the recent Supreme Court decision to lift the temporary order barring the Department of Homeland Security from their actions in Los Angeles County.
Vice Mayor MALONEY addressed public comments regarding the grant awarded to Urban Visionaries for the Alhambra Teachers Association Food Pantry and stated that he would not be interested in additional discussion of the matter. He did suggest the grant agreement be made public and posted on the website, suggested discussion to develop a clear policy on how and when to use emergency reserves with specific findings outlining the emergency situation, and he suggested discussion of a grant program to fund small donations to address the needs of the community.
Councilmember MAZA thanked Ms. Andrade-Stadler for bringing the needs of the Alhambra Teachers Association Food Pantry to the attention of Council. He spoke regarding his decision to award the grant and supported continued discussion if that was the will of Council. He also clarified that he did not personally have any ties to the ATA or Urban Visionaries and that he did not see a conflict of interest. He supported Mr. Maloney ’s suggestion to develop a grant program and policies regarding use of emergency funds.
Mr. MALONEY requested clarification from City Attorney MONTES regarding disqualifying conflicts of interest per the Fair Political Practices Commission under Government Code 1090 such as a 11 9-8 -25
Councilmember being an employee or beneficiary of a non-profit organization. Ms. ANDRADE- STADLER stated that she was neither an employee or board member of Urban Visionaries.
Councilmember WANG recognized Council ’s desire to help the community, referred to her comments made at the last meeting regarding the need to respect city processes, acknowledged that the decision had been made and further acknowledged comments made by the public. She agreed with Mr. Maza ’s suggestion to agendize a discussion of the agreement with Urban Visionaries.
Mayor LEE agreed with concerns discussed by the public regarding the grant. She continued to discuss her concerns regarding transparency and use of public funds. She stated that any goals or action should align with the City ’s Strategic Plan. She stated that she did not want continued discussion of this item, but requested that the vote on the item be invalidated. She discussed a mischaracterized representation in Ms. Andrade-Stadler ’s initial request to discuss the Alhambra Teacher ’s Association Food Pantry without mention of Urban Visionaries, information listed for the agenda item, and her belief that the public were not informed properly. Ms. LEE and Mr. MONTES discussed the agenda and staff report which specifically stated that any donation would be made to Urban Visionaries and the ways in which the City met with Brown Act standards. Ms. LEE and Mr. MONTES continued to discuss her request to invalidate the vote on the grant and the process to place such an item on the agenda for discussion. Ms. LEE requested Council agendize discussion to invalidate the vote of the grant awarded to Urban Visionaries.
Ms. WANG and Mr. MONTES continued to discuss the process for Council to request an agenda item.
Ms. WANG acknowledged Ms. Lee ’s concerns and discussed the need to respect C ity policies. She did not support an agenda item to invalidate the vote on the grant, but she did support an agendized discussion of the item to respond to questions from the public. Ms. LEE and Ms. WANG continued to discuss the request. Mr. MONTES requested Council keep their discussion to Ms. Lee ’s request. Mr.
MALONEY did not support Ms. Lee ’s request which meant that it would not be agendized at the next meeting.
Mr. MALONEY went on to request an agendized discussion providing an update and presentation on the grant agreement. Mr. MAZA stated that he did not support revisiting the vote, but supported Mr.
Maloney ’s suggestion to discuss the grant agreement as well as develop processes for the use of emergency funds. Ms. ANDRADE-STADLER did not support Ms. Lee ’s request and requested clarification regarding Mr. Maloney ’s suggestion. Ms. ANDRADE-STADLER, Mr. MALONEY, and Mr.
MONTES discussed Council ’s direction to staff for the City to enter into a grant agreement with Urban Visionaries consistent with the terms of the proposal attached to the last agenda and including some of the restrictions in the agreement that were discussed by Council, Council ’s direction to staff to draft and execute the aforementioned agreement without bringing it back to Council for approval.
Ms. LEE continued to discuss the direction to staff and changed her request to Council that Council agendize discussion regarding grant guidelines before the grant to Urban Visionaries could be finalized. Ms. ANDRADE-STADLER continued to discuss the direction to staff and the restrictions placed on the grant agreement. Mr. MONTES continued to discuss s taff ’s understanding of Council ’s direction. Ms. LEE continued to request Council agree to an agendized discussion of grant guidelines.
Mr. MALONEY clarified his motion at the last meeting and further discussed the direction to staff. He also stated that he did not support her suggestion to develop grant guidelines before the agreement could be finalized with Urban Visionaries. He clarified his request to have an agendized discussion to develop a grant program with guidelines for the future. He also clarified his request for an agendized discussion providing an update on the agreement with Urban Visionaries. Ms. LEE stated that she would repeat her request at the next meeting during Council Communications. Mr. MONTES clarified that there was no consensus for any discussions to be agendized at the next meeting, but that Ms.
Lee ’s request would be listed under Council Communications on the next Agenda. Ms. WANG continued to discuss requests made by Ms. Lee and Mr. Maloney and suggested a compromised discussion of the grant agreement and guidelines. Council did not support her suggestion. Ms. LEE continued to discuss her suggestion and her concerns regarding the grant agreement, her concerns regarding Urban Visionaries, and the lack of emergency. Ms. ANDRADE-STADLER questioned the 12 9-8 -25
continued discussion at this time. Ms. LEE continued to discuss her request. Mr. MAZA reiterated his earlier points and suggested that Urban Visionaries would support continued discussion of the grant agreement and its execution for the benefit of the public. Ms. WANG agreed with Ms. Lee ’s statements, and stated that there was consensus to discuss the grant agreement. Ms. LEE did not agree with Ms.
Wang ’s suggestion and continued to state that she was misinformed regarding the initial request regarding the grant and that therefore the vote should not have occurred. She continued to state that that title of the agenda item was misleading in not including Urban Visionaries and to reiterate her previous comments.
Ms. WANG and Mr. MONTES continued to discuss the process to agendize discussion items and staff ’s progress on executing the grant agreement. Ms. WANG continued to reiterate her comments to agendize discussion of the grant agreement. Ms. LEE reiterated her own request. Mr. MONTES cautioned Council as to the time spent in discussion of a matter not listed on the agenda. He requested Council decide their support of future agenda items and limit their comments. Ms. WANG and Ms.
LEE continued to discuss their requests. Ms. LEE and Mr. MONTES continued to discuss the direction to staff at the last meeting. Ms. ANDRADE-STADLER reiterated the request for an agendized discussion of developing a grant program with guidelines. Ms. ANDRADE-STADLER and Ms. LEE continued to discuss Council ’s direction to staff and the grant agreement. Ms. WANG asked if there was consensus for her suggestion which Mr. MAZA supported in the effort of trying to be transparent.
Mr. MALONEY did not support litigating the approval, but supported discussion of the grant agreement.
Ms. ANDRADE-STADLER did not support discussion of the grant agreemen t. Mr. MALONEY repeated his request to discuss the development of a grant program. Ms. LEE supported discussion of the grant agreement. Ms. ANDRADE-STADLER stated that the grant program should be added to the Strategic Plan rather than be an agendized discussion. Mr. MALONEY reiterated that there was not full consensus on any of the suggestions and that the discussion should move on.
Ms. LEE, Mr. MONTES, and Ms. BINNQUIST continued to discuss the grant agreement. Ms. LEE stated that she would repeat her request during Council Communications at the next meeting . Ms.
WANG continued to discuss Council process to have an earlier discussion. Ms. LEE continued to discuss her stance. Mr. MONTES discussed the ability of the Mayor or a majority of Council to set a Special Meeting.
Ms. LEE concluded with announcements for upcoming city events such as the Fire Department ’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony , Alhambra Recycles Event, and the Fiesta Alhambra Event at the Certified Farmer ’s Market.
ADJOURNMENT : At 9:02 p.m. there being no further business for the Council to transact, the Mayor , with the consent of the City Council, adjourned the meeting to the next regular meeting of the Alhambra City Council scheduled for Monday, September 22, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
LAUREN MYLES, CMC
CITY CLERK
by
BRIANNA LAMB MCCARTHY
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK