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Unofficial until approved by the
Alhambra City Council
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
ALHAMBRA CITY COUNCIL
October 13 , 2025
6:0 0 p.m.
ROLL CALL: At 6:19 p.m., on Monday, October 13, 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 Alvare z 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.
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR NON- AGENDIZED ITEMS – F2M25-4
Mayor LEE stated that due to the large number of speakers, speaking time would be limited to 3 minutes per speaker, in order to accommodate all speakers during the 30 -minute time allotted for Non-Agendized Items at this time. Ms. LEE asked the public speakers if they were comfortable with the time reduction or if they wanted to speak at the end of the meeting. Several speakers stated that they would prefer to have the full 5 minutes, but that they did not want to wait for the end of the meeting. 1) FBI Kash Patel v. Ganss Local Gov. spoke regarding public violence and the First Amendment. He spoke regarding a case against a United States district judge and the City of El Monte. He also spoke against urban density.
2) Jason PROTACIO, 705 N. Stoneman Ave., spoke against the traffic in residential neighborhoods due to the redirection of the drive-through for In-N-Out. He presented a letter and a petition requesting a short-term safety pilot for the first 90 days of opening. The letter is on file in the City Clerk ’s office. 3) Jose AFRICA, 524 N. Hidalgo Ave, spoke against the ACT Bus Route and the extension of the Blue Line.
4) Joe LOSOMELLI, 600 N. Hidalgo Ave., spoke against the ACT Bus Route and the extension of the Blue Line.
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Mayor LEE and City Manager BINNQUIST briefly discussed the extension of the ACT Bus Route. 5) Elizabeth M AURICE-AFRICA, 524 N. Hidalgo Ave., spoke against the ACT Bus Route and the extension of the Blue Line.
6) Robert CONTRERAS, 1104 N. Stoneman Ave., spoke against the traffic in residential neighborhoods due to the redirection of the drive-through for In-N-Out. 7) Mary DOLAN, 810 N. Stoneman Ave., spoke against the traffic in residential neighborhoods due to the redirection of the drive-through for In-N-Out.
8) Stephanie GUTTMAN, 500 Winthrop Dr., requested road closures in neighborhoods for trick-or-treaters on Halloween.
9) Dennis MURPHY, 437 N. Cordova St., spoke against the ACT Bus Route and the extension of the Blue Line.
10) Melissa MICHELSON, via Zoom, expressed concerns regarding the regional task force meeting regarding the 710 freeway stub.
PUBLIC HEARING
1. SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT TO THE 2025-2029 CONSOLIDATED PLAN, 2025-26 ACTION PLAN, AND RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF A SECTION 108
LOAN APPLICATION TO THE US DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT FOR THE ALHAMBRA COMMUNITY CENTER – F2M25- 36, N 2M25-117, R2M25-39
This was the time and place set by Notice No. N2M25- 117 for the City Council to hold a public hearing regarding the proposed First Amendment to the City of Alhambra ’s 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan and 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan to receive comments on the proposed changes and with regard to the proposed reprogramming and utilization of a Section 108 Loan from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Assistant City Manager GARCIA delivered a staff report. For Program Year 2025-2026, the City is proposing a Substantial Amendment to the Action Plan and the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan to include a $4,079,000 Section 108 Loan Guarantee under CDBG to fund the development of the Alhambra Community Center. This effort is in alignment with the goals stated in the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan to provide public facility improvements. The Section 108 Loan Program was established to provide cities with financing for large CDBG-eligible projects by using a portion of the jurisdiction ’s future CDBG grants as collateral for repayment. The maximum amount cities can borrow is five times the annual CDBG grant allocation. In 2025-26, Alhambra ’s allocation was $815,800; hence, the maximum available to Alhambra for a Section 108 Loan is $4,079,000 . Upon loan approval, entities can request a repayment period of twenty years .
Staff identified the Alhambra Community Center as an appropriate use of Section 108 Loan funds under CDBG. The Alhambra Community Center Project is estimated at $30,900,000 for 17,000 square feet of new facility space, with approximately half of that space planned for adaptive reuse. While a total of $25,000,000 from 2023 California Budget Act (grant) will be utilized by the City for the construction of the project, any differences that exceed the grant amount (estimated at $5,900,000) will need to be financed by the City. The City is seeking $4,079,000 in Section 108 Loan funds with payments from future CDBG proceeds to help finance the project, leaving $1,821,000 in City financing from other sources. The Alhambra Community Center is centrally located at 612 West Shorb, within a low and moderate-income area for CDBG eligibility. Utilizing HUD defined data, the Alhambra Community Center (within a one-mile radius) is 63.7% low and moderate-income, suggesting the Alhambra Community Center project will provide a unique opportunity to make a profound and impactful community investment via the use of CDBG restricted funds.
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For the City to apply for the Section 108 Loan Program, it is necessary to amend the City ’s 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025-2026 Action Plan to incorporate the Alhambra Community Center Project as an activity to be funded by Section 108 Loan funds. In addition, HUD requires applicants to submit evidence of the citizen participation process for the proposed use of funds. This item including the Substantial Amendments and the Section 108 Application were expected to be discussed and reviewed with the HCDA Citizen Advisory Committee on September 10, 2025 and October 7, 2025, however, a quorum could not be obtained for either meeting. Nevertheless, Committee members were encouraged to provide written feedback, if any, to incorporate as part of the public review process. Further, the City ’s draft loan application and substantial amendments were made available to the community on the City ’s website and at City Hall for a minimum of 30 days prior to the Council conducting the public hearing, with notifications posted in the Pasadena Star News, La Opinion and World Journal. As of this report, no public comments were received.
Open Public Hearing: Mayor Lee opened the public hearing.
Public Comment:
1) FBI Kash Patel spoke against the U .S . Department of Housing and Urban Development and State of California governing affordable housing and overdevelopment in cities. 2) Lewis MCCAMMON, 105 N. Cordova St., distributed a handout to Council and discussed the amendments to the CDBG Program. A copy of the handout is on file in the City Clerk ’s office.
Close Public Hearing: After receiving public comment, Mayor Lee closed the public hearing.
Discussion : Councilmember ANDRADE-STADLER and City Manager BINNQUIST discussed the possibility of leftover funds from HUD and how those funds have been used.
They also discussed the Housing Rehabilitation program, the housing affordability percentage in the area around the Community Center, and the benefits of the Community Center to the community. Vice Mayor MALONEY spoke in favor of the use of funds for the Community Center and the benefits to the community. Councilmember MAZA and WANG also spoke in support of the Community Center project and staff ’s efforts to identify new funding sources.
Councilmember WANG, Ms. GARCIA, and Ms. BINNQUIST discussed the increased anticipated costs of the Community Center Project and the impact on other CDBG programs such as Code Enforcement and housing rehabilitation . Ms. WANG supported the amendments. Mayor LEE spoke regarding the Community Center Project and discussed the other grant funding allotted for the project with Ms. BINNQUIST. Ms. LEE spoke in support of the Community Center and the benefits to the community. She also supported the amendments.
Action Taken : City Council 1) Conduct ed a public hearing on the proposed substantial amendments to the Community Development Block Grant Program for the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025-26 Action Plan; 2) Adopt ed Resolution No. R2M25-39 authorizing the submission of a Section 108 Loan Application to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development in the amount of $4,079,000 for the Alhambra Community Center; and, 3) Direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize the Council ’s action.
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: WANG, MALONEY, ANDRADE-STADLER, MAZA, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
LEE : Vice Mayor Lee recused herself from the discussion of Item No. 1 due to property which may be affected by the Ordinance. Ms. LEE left Council Chambers at 7:28 p.m. 4 10-13 -25
PRESENTATION
2. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A 40% REDUCTION OF BUILDING PERMIT FEES FOR ELIGIBLE PROJECTS INVOLVING DESIGNATED HISTORIC RESOURCES; ESTABLISHING NEW FEES FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION APPLICATIONS; AND
IMPLEMENTING A POLICY FOR STREAMLINING PREPARATION OF REQUIRED HISTORIC RESOURCE ASSESSMENTS – F2M20-51, R2M25-35
Director of Community Development HO delivered the presentation. On August 25, 2025 the City Council introduced for first reading the Historic Preservation Ordinance. The Ordinance had its second reading and adoption on September 8, 2025. The Ordinance will be effective on October 18, 2025. With the adoption of the Historic Preservation Ordinance the City Council has approved several incentives including: 1) Mills Act Tax abatement program; 2) Use of the California Historical Building Code; 3) Exemption from design review; 4) Residential waiver for garage space requirement; 5) Recognition/plaque program; and, 6) Reduction of building permit fees, with the reduction to be set by the City Council. The purpose of th e proposed resolution is to: 1) Set the reduction of building permit fees for eligible properties subject to project review under the Historic Preservation Ordinance; 2) Establish new fees for applications involving historic resources; and , 3) Implement a policy for streamlining preparation of required Historic Resource Assessments.
Public Comment
1) Bert NG, Cordova St., suggested subsidies or waivers to encourage participation in the program. He discussed the fees as compared to other cities and requested comparisons that were more aligned.
2) Jennifer NG, S. Cordova St., requested greater comparison with other cities and their fees, requested information regarding fees associated with district designation, questioned required the paid consultant ’s fees, suggested a sliding scale for staff fees, questioned the applications reviewed by the Historic Resources Group per year, and suggested increasing the demolition fee. She cautioned the high cost and the difficulty for residents to participate. 3) Joyce AMARO, 1808 6 th St., expressed concerns with the fee schedule and discussed the fees as compared to other cities. She requested Council continue this item, that staff adjust the fee schedule, and the Historic Preservation Commission review the fee schedule before approval. 4) Lewis McCAMMON , 105 N. Cordova St., expressed concerns with the fee schedule and discussed the fees as compared to other cities. He echoed previous speakers and requested Council table the Resolution until staff could revise the fee schedule. Mr. MCCAMMON went on to discuss amendments to SB9 which may affect Historic Preservation Ordinances. 5) Melissa MICHELSON, via Zoom, spoke against the fee schedule and requested more information regarding the survey with other cities, staff resources and time required, and the fees as outlined in the fee schedule. She requested a comparison table and questioned the information provided by staff in the report.
6) Chris OLSON, via Zoom, spoke against the fee schedule and requested more information from a survey of other cities.
Discussion : Councilmember WANG and Mr. HO discussed the methodology to create the fee study, the consultant who worked on the fee study, and the actual costs presented for full cost recovery. Ms. WANG and Mr. HO went on to discuss the process for multiple applications applied for and the ways that may affect the fees. They also discussed fees for a Historic District designation fee and the implementation policy for historic resources streamlining. Ms.
WANG acknowledged that the fee schedule presented was for a full cost recovery, requested a full comparison survey from other cities, and requested that Council table the discussion until staff could provide information from other cities. She also suggested waiving the 5 10-13 -25
application fee for economic hardship should the fee schedule get approved. Ms. WANG also suggested seeking grant funding to help support fees.
Councilmember MAZA agreed that the City needed to encourage and incentivize participation and expressed surprise in the comparison with other cities. Mr. MAZA and Mr. HO discussed Pasadena ’s lower fees. Mr. MAZA supported Ms. Wang ’s suggestion to table the discussion and supported s taff providing more information comparing fees with other cities and their practices.
Councilmember ANDRADE-STADLER agreed with her colleagues and supported tabling the discussion until more information could be provided regarding other cities ’ fee schedules and practices.
Vice Mayor MALONEY expressed that he had hoped to approve something this evening in order to get the program started as soon as possible , urged a fee schedule which would provide full cost recovery in order to not have to use emergency funds to subsidize the program, requested staff provide a comparison study for other cities which would include information regarding their full costs associated with the program, and emphasized the need for cost recovery as the fiduciary responsibility of the City. He supported tabling the discussion and bringing it back with more information. Mr. MALONEY suggested phasing in the rates over several years so that there is an up -front incentive for participation and for the City to make adjustments as need be.
City MONTES and Mr. MALONEY clarified that consensus motion to table discussion at this meeting, for staff to provide an “apples-to-apples ” comparison between Alhambra ’s proposed rates and those of nearby cities, and for staff to provide information about a phasing in of fees over several years. Ms. WANG and Mr. MALONEY discussed the phasing in of fees and the ways the City would have to subsidize the program fees. Ms. ANDRADE-STADLER expressed concerns with the phasing in of fees and only supported the comparison study with other cities.
Ms. WANG suggested staff present other options such as potential grant funding. Council agreed that they would like the information to be presented to Council. Mr. MONTES and Council discussed the rest of the resolution. Council agreed to approve the rest of the Resolution without the fee setting portion.
Principal Planner McCURLEY requested Council ’s direction regarding which option to implement for streamlining the preparation of required Historic Resource Assessments. Mr.
MALONEY and Ms. McCURLEY discussed the options and Mr. MALONEY supported using all three options as presented by staff in the resolution. Council concurred.
Action Taken: City Council adopted Resolution No. R2M25-35 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Alhambra, California, authorizing a 40% reduction of building permit fees for eligible projects involving designated historic resources; and implementing a policy for streamlining preparation of required Historic Resource Assessments to 1) Reduce building permit fees by 40% for eligible projects involving designated historic resources; and 2) Implement a policy to streamline the preparation of required Historic Resource Assessments using all three options as presented in the resolution ; without the fee setting portion included .
Vote: Moved: WANG Seconded: ANDRADE-STADLER
Ayes: WANG, MAZA, ANDRADE-STADLER, MALONEY
Noes : NONE
Absent: LEE
LEE: Mayor Lee returned to Council Chambers at 8:23 p.m. 6 10-13 -25
CONSENT AGENDA (Item Nos. 3 – 25 )
All items listed under the Consent Agenda , with the exception of Items No. 17, 19, 24, and 25, were considered by the City Council to be routine and were enacted by one motion .
3. AWARD CONTRACT: GOLF COURSE PARKING AREA LANDSCAPE ENHANCEMENT PROJECT – F2M25-46, N2M25-112, C2M25- 43 , M2M25-146
On August 25, 2025, the City Council approved the distribution of a Notice Inviting Bids for the Alhambra Golf Course Parking Area Landscape Enhancement Project. On September 18, 2025, the City Clerk received six (6) bids for the Project ranging from $109,000.00 (SGD Enterprises DBA Four Seasons Landscaping) to $234,356.00 (Williams Landscaping). The bid received from SGD Enterprises DBA Four Seasons Landscaping was the lowest responsive bid. Staff reviewed the bid submitted by SGD Enterprises DBA Four Seasons Landscaping, and found it to be in full compliance and conformance with the project specifications.
Discussion : None.
Action Taken : City Council award ed a contract, subject to the final language approved by the City Manager and City Attorney, to SGD Enterprises DBA Four Seasons Landscaping, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $109,000.00 for the Alhambra Golf Course Parking Area Landscape Enhancement Project; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize the Council ’s action. ( M2M25-146 ) Vote: Moved: WANG Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: WANG, MAZA, ANDRADE-STADLER, MALONEY, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
4. APPROVAL OF OMNIBUS AMENDMENT TO THE LOAN DOCUMENTS BETWEEN THE CITY OF ALHAMBRA AND CHAPEL HOUSING PARTNERS, L.P. – F2M20-71, M2M25-147 On January 31, 2022, Chapel Housing Partners, L.P. ( “Borrower ”), and the City entered into a Disposition, Development, and Loan Agreement, under which the City agreed to loan the Borrower the original principal amount of $6,520,000 (the “City as Housing Successor Loan ”) to support the development of 44 units. Construction of the project was completed on January 30, 2025, and the final construction costs were under budget. The total savings were estimated to be $2,713,855. From the savings, the Borrower proposed applying the funds to pay down the loan to the City and one of the other lenders, as outlined in the proposed Omnibus Amendment to the City ’s Loan Documents, a copy of which is attached the October 13, 2025 staff report by the Director of Community Development.
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council approve d the Omnibus Amendment, subject to final language approval by the City Manager and City Attorney, to the Loan Documents between the City of Alhambra and Chapel Housing Partners, L.P. ( “Borrower ”). The Borrower has proposed construction cost savings be used to pay down the Borrower ’s loan from the City and from another lender, as outlined in the Omnibus Amendment; City Council authorize the City Manager, with the concurrence of the City Attorney, to approve and execute any future amendments to the City ’s Loan Documents pertaining to prepayments and refinancings of the City as Housing Successor Loan and related matters, so long as the City ’s security position and percentages of the residual receipts due to the City remain the same as set forth in this 7 10-13 -25
Amendment, or the City ’s position is improved by such future amendment; and, City Council direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize the Council ’s action. ( M2M25-147 ) Vote: Moved: WANG Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: WANG, MAZA, ANDRADE-STADLER, MALONEY, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
5. ALLEY DEDICATION: 2117 El PASEO – F2M25-8, M2M25-148, D2M25-2037 Staff request ed that the City Council accept an alley dedication for the project located at 2117 El Paseo. As part of the approval for the project located at the aforementioned address, a 2 .5 -foot dedication of property adjacent to the existing alley was required. This requirement aimed at insuring public safety access by increasing alley widths to the standard 20-foot width minimum. The sketch and legal description were completed and been reviewed and approved by the City Engineer.
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council adopt ed Minute Order No. M2M25-148 as follows:
RESOLVED by the Alhambra City Council as follows: This Council hereby accepts that certain Easement (Deed No. D2M25-2037 ) from Tommy Sixian Chen granting to the City of Alhambra an easement for public streets and highways and public utility purposes and appurtenant facilities the real property in the City of Alhambra, County of Los Angeles, State of California, more particularly described as follows:
A portion of Lot 116 of Granada Place, in the City of Alhambra, County of Los Angeles, State of California, as per Map recorded in Book 11, Page 157 of Maps, in the Office of the County Recorder of said County. Said portion being more particularly described as follows: The westerly 2.50 feet of southerly 53.50 feet of said Lot 116 .
and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action.
Vote: Moved: WANG Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: WANG, MAZA, ANDRADE-STADLER, MALONEY, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
6. NOTICE INVITING BIDS: STREETLIGHT CONVERSION PROJECT FOR HELLMAN
AVENUE, CAMPBELL AVENUE, PEDLEY DRIVE, HITCHCOCK DRIVE, CARWILE DRIVE, ROARK DR IVE , ELECTRIC AVE NUE AND GUEST DR IVE – F2M25-54, N2M25-144 The proposed improvement would eliminate the existing series street lighting distribution system and convert the lighting to a multi-volt distribution system within the affected neighborhood (Hellman Avenue, Campbell Avenue, Pedley Drive, Hitchcock Drive, Carwile Drive, Roark Drive, Electric Avenue and Guest Drive). The new system would consist of new conduit, conductors, pull boxes and light-emitting diode (LED) luminaires. The new system would be energized via new power pedestals to be installed as part of the street lighting conversion project. Replacing the series circuit street lighting system with a multi-volt system would allow the streetlights within the neighborhood to be converted to LED luminaires. LED is a more energy-efficient lighting system that requires less maintenance and provides a brighter crisper light, creating a safer environment for residents. 8 10-13 -25
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council authorize d the distribution of a Notice Inviting Bids for the Streetlight Conversion Project, with bids due no later than 10:30 a.m. on November 20, 2025; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action.
Vote: Moved: WANG Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: WANG, MAZA, ANDRADE-STADLER, MALONEY, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
7. AWARD CONTRACT: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND CONSTRUCTION
INSPECTION SERVICES FOR THE CITYWIDE BUS STOP IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT – F2M21-68, RFP2M25-14, C2M25-44, M2M25-149
On July 28, 2025, the City Council authorized the distribution of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Construction Management and Construction Inspection Services for the Citywide Bus Stop Improvements Project. On August 21, 2025, the City Clerk received four proposals. Staff reviewed and evaluated the responding proposals and found the proposal submitted by S PECS E ngineering G roup (SEG) conforms to the RFP and received the highest rating based on the following scoring factors: qualifications of the project team and proposed personnel; relevant recent project experience (particularly in the region); soundness of technical approach; project references; and quality of proposal response and adherence to required format. SEG has served numerous cities throughout Southern California and has a diverse portfolio of public projects.
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council award ed contract to SPECS Engineering Group, subject to final language approval by the City Manager and City Attorney, in the amount of $358,888 for Construction Management and Construction Inspection Services for the Citywide Bus Stop Improvements Project; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize the Council ’s action. ( M2M25-149 )
Vote: Moved: WANG Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: WANG, MAZA, ANDRADE-STADLER, MALONEY, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
8. REQUEST TO WAIVE SPECIAL EVENT FEES FOR ALHAMBRA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR THE 2025 ALHAMBRA HIGH SCHOOL HOMECOMING PARADE – F2M25-16, M2M25-150
For many years, Alhambra High School has held an annual Homecoming Parade in celebration of school spirit and community pride. On September 9, 2025, the Assistant Principal from Alhambra High School submitted a Special Event Request Form for the 2025 Homecoming Parade, which was scheduled for October 31, 2025. The form was processed, and the costs associated for the event include: street closures, safety measures and logistics.
Following notification of payment due to the City for the Special Event Permit, the City received a request from Alhambra Unified School District (AUSD) to waive the fees for the 2025 Homecoming Parade for one year. This waiver would allow the 2025 event to move forward, and it would provide the necessary time for AUSD to explore fundraising opportunities or 9 10-13 -25
alternative arrangements for future year parades and events. No fees have been charged in the past.
Discussion : None
Action Taken : City Council approve d a request from Alhambra Unified School District to waive the City ’s fees associated with street closures, safety measures and logistics for the 2025 Alhambra High School Homecoming Parade on October 31, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $10,000; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize the Council ’s action. ( M2M25-150 )
Vote: Moved: WANG Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: WANG, MAZA, ANDRADE-STADLER, MALONEY, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
9. NOTICE INVITING BIDS: POPLAR BOULEVARD REHABILITATION PROJECT (STPL- 5130(024)) – F2M25-55, N2M25-145
Staff recently secured approval from the California Department of Transportation for the STPL-5130(024) Poplar Boulevard Rehabilitation Project. The project consist ed of road rehabilitation, sidewalk, ADA ramps, curb & gutter and traffic striping. The funding for this project is a combination of Federal Surface Transportation Program Local (STPL) funds, Measure M and Measure R local funds. Plans and specifications were prepared for this project.
Once the Council authorizes the distribution of the Notice Inviting Bids (NIB ), it would be posted and advertised with the bid notice and bid instructions.
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council authorize d the circulation of Notice Inviting Bids for the Poplar B ou le v ar d Rehabilitation Project (STPL-5130(024)), with bids due no later than 10:30 a.m. on November 13, 2025; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action.
Vote: Moved: WANG Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: WANG, MAZA, ANDRADE-STADLER, MALONEY, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
10. AWARD CONTRACT: BUILDING DEMOLITION SERVICES FOR THE ALHAMBRA COMMUNITY CENTER – F2M22-65, N2M25-105, C2M25-45, M2M25-151 On January 27, 2025, the City Council authorized the issuance of Notice Inviting Bids for construction activities for the Alhambra Community Center Project. On September 18, 2025, the City Clerk received six (6) bids for building demolition services for the Alhambra Community Center ranging from $369,213.00 (T3 Contractors Corp.) to $829,434.00 (Interior Demolition, Inc.). The low bidder, T3 Contractors Corp., withdrew their bid. The bid received from Precision Environmental in the amount of $424,000.00 was the lowest responsive bid among those received.
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council award ed a contract, subject to final language approval by the City Manager and City Attorney, by and between the City of Alhambra and Precision 10 10-13 -25
Environmental for building demolition services for the Alhambra Community Center in an amount not to exceed $424,000.00; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action. ( M2M25-151 )
Vote: Moved: WANG Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: WANG, MAZA, ANDRADE-STADLER, MALONEY, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
11. CONTRACT AMENDMENT: PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING SERVICES TO DEVELOP THE LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN - F2M23-70, C2M24-26, M2M25-152 On April 22, 2024, the City Council awarded a contract to Black & Veatch Corporation in the amount of $144,920.00 for professional consulting services to develop the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP). Although the contract include d all the necessary tasks, deliverables, and expenses associated with developing the LHMP, an increase in the amount of $7,456.66 was necessary to accommodate additional community engagement (five City Council District meetings) during the public comment period.
Discussion : None.
Action Taken : City Council approve d an amendment to the contract between the City of Alhambra and Black & Veatch Corporation (Contract No. C2M24-26) for an additional contract amount of $7,456.66 and a new not to exceed contract total of $152,376.66 for the completion of the City ’s Hazard Mitigation Plan, subject to final language approval by the City Manager and City Attorney; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action. ( M2M25-152 )
Vote: Moved: WANG Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: WANG, MAZA, ANDRADE-STADLER, MALONEY, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
12. RESOLUTION TO NOMINATE A REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE BOARD OF THE SAN GABRIEL BASIN WATER QUALITY AUTHORITY – F 2 M 12 - 4 6 , R2M25-37 On September 22, 1992, Senate Bill 1679 was signed into law by Governor Pete Wilson authorizing the creation of the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority. The Board of the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority (WQA) is composed of seven members with three appointed members from each of the three municipal water districts, one elected city council person from cities in the San Gabriel Basin with prescriptive water pumping rights, one elected city council person from cities in the San Gabriel Basin without prescriptive water pumping rights, and two members representing water producers in the San Gabriel Basin. The election of the city member and alternate of the Board of the WQA from cities with pumping rights would take place at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of the Authority set for December 17, 2025. Nominations for candidates for a city member elected by cities with pumping rights may be made by any city with pumping rights. Each city may nominate only one candidate.
The City of Alhambra is one of the cities in the San Gabriel Basin with prescriptive water pumping rights. The City of Alhambra may nominate a representative by resolution from September 18, 2025 through October 18, 2025. Vice Mayor Jeffrey K. Maloney is currently serving as Alternate Member to the Board for the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority and has expressed an interest in being nominated for the position of representing cities with 11 10-13 -25
pumping rights on the WQA. After nominations are collected, a ballot listing the candidates would be sent to cities eligible to vote no later than October 30, 2025.
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council adopt ed Resolution No. R2M25-37 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Alhambra, California nominating Councilmember Jeffrey K.
Maloney to represent cities with prescriptive water pumping rights on the Board of the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority
Vote: Moved: WANG Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: WANG, MAZA, ANDRADE-STADLER, MALONEY, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
13. AWARD CONTRACT: PURCH A SE OF COMPUTER EQUIPMENT – F2M25-6B, C2M25-46, M2M25-153
As part of the City ’s ongoing efforts to upgrade and modernize computer equipment for staff, the City is pursuing the purchase of new computer equipment, peripherals, and related services through a cooperative purchasing agreement. This purchase would replace outdated desktop systems citywide and equipment that has reached end of life. Cooperative purchase is allowable per Alhambra Municipal Code 3.36.080(B)(3). The State of California, Department of General Services, awarded Contract No. 7-23-70-55-01 to Dell Marketing LLP on February 1, 2024. This contract remains in effect through June 30, 2026, and satisfies the competitive bidding requirements outlined in the City ’s purchasing ordinance.
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council award ed a contract, subject to final language approval by the City Manager and City Attorney, to Dell Marketing LLP for the purchase of computer equipment in the amount of $247,407.38; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action. ( M2M25-153 )
Vote: Moved: WANG Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: WANG, MAZA, ANDRADE-STADLER, MALONEY, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
14. ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT FUNDS FROM THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY COUNCIL OF
GOVERNMENTS (SGVCOG) FOR THE DISTRIBUTION AND USE OF MEASURE A LOCAL SOLUTIONS FUND – F2M25-18, C2M25-54, M2M25-154
In November of 2024, the voters in Los Angeles County approved an ordinance imposing a half-cent sales tax on all sales of tangible personal property sold within the County known as “Measure A ”, the primary purpose of which was to address homelessness within the County.
Under Measure A, the proceeds allocated to Local Solutions Fund (LSF) would be distributed to, as determined by the County, cities or council of governments. Rather than participate with the SGVCOG ’s regional approach in addressing homelessness, Alhambra notified the SGVCOG of its preference to receive a LSF allocation as a sub-recipient to continue utilizing the Alhambra Homeless Outreach and Mental Evaluation (HOME) Team. The SGVCOG agreed that Alhambra should be a sub-recipient of the LSF in accordance with Measure A guidelines. Alhambra ’s allocation of the LSF was pursuant to an agreement between the SGVCOG and the County for the distribution of funds.
12 10-13 -25
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council authorize d the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) for the distribution and use of Measure A, Local Solutions Fund (LSF), in the amount of $169,940.00; authorize d the City Manager to sign the MOA; appropriate d grant revenue and expenditure funds in the amount of $169,940.00; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize the Council ’s action. ( M2M25-154 )
Vote: Moved: WANG Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: WANG, MAZA, ANDRADE-STADLER, MALONEY, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
15. AWARD CONTRACT: EARTHWORK, ASPHALTIC PAVING AND SITE DEMOLITION SERVICES FOR THE ALHAMBRA COMMUNITY CENTER – F2M22-65, N2M25-106, C2M25-47, M2M25-155
On January 27, 2025, the City Council authorized the issuance of Notice Inviting Bids for c onstruction activities for the Alhambra Community Center Project. On September 18, 2025, the City Clerk received four (4) bids for Earthwork, Paving, and Site Demolition Services for the Alhambra Community Center ranging from $1,000,000.00 (Ramirez Company) to $1,912 ,420.00 (Salsbury Engineering Inc.). The low bidder, Ramirez Company, was deemed a non-responsive bid. The bid received from Doja Inc. in the amount of $1,150,000.00 was the lowest responsive bid among those received.
Discussion : None
Action Taken : City Council award ed a contract, subject to final language approval by the City Manager and the City Attorney, by and between the City of Alhambra and Doja Inc., for earthwork, asphaltic paving and site demolition services for the Alhambra Community Center in an amount not to exceed $1,150,000.00; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize the Council ’s action. ( M2M25-155 ) Vote: Moved: WANG Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: WANG, MAZA, ANDRADE-STADLER, MALONEY, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
16. RESOLUTION UPDATING VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED (VMT) CRITERIA FOR SMALL
PROJECT SCREENING FOR PURPOSES OF ANALYZING TRANSPORTATION IMPACTS
UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) AND APPROVING
STUDY GUIDELINES FOR VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED ASSESSMENT AS WELL AS
LEVEL OF SERVICE TRAFFIC IMPACT ASSESMENT WHEN REQUIRED UNDER THE GENERAL PLAN – F2M20-44, R2M25-36 , M2M25-156
On September 27, 2013, Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 743 into law changing how transportation impact analysis is conducted as part of the CEQA review of projects by eliminating Level of Service (LOS) as the basis for determining transportation impacts under CEQA and requiring the use of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) instead. On June 8, 2020, with guidance from the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG), the City Council adopted Resolution No. R2M20-22 adopting VMT thresholds of significance for purposes of analyzing transportation impacts under the CEQA before the new CEQA Guidelines section 13 10-13 -25
15064.3 went into effect on July 1, 2020 . On March 11, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. R2M24-7 which updated VMT thresholds of significance based on the Southern California Association of Governments updated 2020 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy. To reflect changes to VMT screening criteria, the City of Alhambra prepared a new “City of Alhambra Transportation Study Guidelines for Vehicle Miles Traveled and Level of Service Assessment ” with a date of September 2025 (Attachment 1 – Exhibit A of the October 13, 2025 staff report by the Director of Community Development).
The proposed changes were based on an updated technical memorandum sent out by the SGVCOG on August 25, 2025 advising SGVCOG member agencies to update their 2024 Transportation Study Guidelines to remove Screening Criterion #3, Project Type Screening.
This criterion contain ed the “small project ” screening, which was the subject of the recent court ruling (CNFF, et al. versus County of San Diego). Notwithstanding the shift to VMT impact analysis under CEQA, LOS analysis was still required under the Mobility chapter of the Alhambra General Plan under certain circumstances — specifically in connection with projects that could have traffic impacts at major intersections of the City .
Additionally , this Resolution was assessed in accordance with the authority and criteria contained in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA Guidelines, and the environmental regulations of the City. The adoption of changes to local CEQA thresholds of significance for transportation impacts and the adoption of new Local Transportation Assessment Guidelines would not have a significant environmental impact and would be exempt from the CEQA pursuant to Section 15308 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations because the actions would be undertaken by the City for the protection of the environment.
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council adopt ed Resolution No. R2M25-36 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City Of Alhambra, California, updating Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Criteria for small project screening for purposes of analyzing transportation impacts under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and adopting the updated City of Alhambra Transportation Study Guidelines for Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) and Level of Service (LOS) Assessment updating the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) criteria by removing Screening Criteria #3, Project Type Screening, for purposes of analyzing transportation impacts under the California Environmental Quality Act and adopting the updated City of Alhambra Transportation Study Guidelines for Vehicle Miles Traveled and Level of Service Assessment; and , direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action. (M2M25-156 ) Vote: Moved: WANG Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: WANG, MAZA, ANDRADE-STADLER, MALONEY, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
17. AWARD CONTRACT: PURCHASE AND UPFIT OF TWO PATROL VEHICLES FOR THE ALHAMBRA POLICE DEPARTMENT – F2M25-6A, C2M25- 48 , M2M25-157 The 2025-26 Budget includes the replacement of police vehicles. Staff sought to purchase two police vehicles through a cooperative purchase agreement. A cooperative purchase is allowable per Alhambra Municipal Code 3.36.080(B)(3). On February 15, 2021, Sourcewell opened four bids for procuring vehicles, cars, vans, SUVs and light trucks with related equipment, accessories, and services. Sourcewell awarded contract 09152-NAF to National Auto Fleet Group on November 4, 2021 – a contract that would not expire until November 8, 2025. According to the Sourcewell bid specifications, there was an option to purchase vehicles for $47,127.96 and upfit for $26,467.96 with taxes and fees for a total of $82,823.52 per vehicle. Staff recommend ed purchasing two vehicles under this option. 14 10-13 -25
Public Comment : FBI Kash Patel questioned the contract amount and purpose. He went on to discuss other cities ’ police department practices. He supported the approval of the contract.
Discussion : None.
Action Taken : City Council award ed a contract to National Auto Fleet Group, subject to final language approval by the City Manager and City Attorney, for the purchase of two patrol vehicles in the amount of $165,647.04; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action. ( M2M25-157 )
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: MAZA
Ayes: MAZA, WANG, MALONEY, ANDRADE-STADLER, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
18. FY 2024-2025 TO FY 2025-2026 CARRYOVERS - F2M24-17, F2M25-17, R2M25-38 Staff request ed that the City Council adopt a resolution approving certain fiscal year-end carryovers from fiscal year 2024-2025 to fiscal year 2025-2026 and the reappropriation of outstanding encumbrances at the close of the fiscal year 2024-2025.
Discussion : None.
Action Taken : Council adopt ed Resolution No. R2M25-38 entitled: A Resolution of the Alhambra City Council approving those certain fiscal year-end carryovers from fiscal year 2024/25 to fiscal year 2025/26 and reappropriation of outstanding encumbrances at the close of the fiscal year 2024/25
Vote: Moved: WANG Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: WANG, MAZA, ANDRADE-STADLER, MALONEY, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
19. AWARD CONTRACT: PURCHASE AND UPFIT OF TWO PATROL VEHICLES FOR THE
ALHAMBRA POLICE DEPARTMENT USING CHP GRANT FUNDS FROM THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL CANNABIS TAX FUND PROGRAM – F2M25-6A, C2M25-49, M2M25-158
On July 28, 2025, the City Council approved the acceptance of grant funds from the California Highway Patrol ’s Cannabis Tax Fund Program. This grant would allow for the funding and purchase of two fully police patrol vehicles. As such, staff sought to purchase two patrol vehicles through a cooperative purchase agreement. A cooperative purchase is allowable per Alhambra Municipal Code 3.36.080(B)(3). On September 15, 2021, Sourcewell opened four bids for procuring vehicles including cars, vans, SUVs and light trucks , along with related equipment, accessories, and services. Sourcewell awarded contract 091521NAF to National Auto Fleet Group on November 4, 2021 – a contract that would not expire until November 8, 2025. According to the Sourcewell bid specifications, th ere is an option to purchase vehicles for $50,819.38 and upfit for $24,125.90 with taxes and fees for a total of $84,315.06 per vehicle. Staff recommend ed purchasing two vehicles under this option. 15 10-13 -25
Public Comment : FBI Kash Patel questioned the contract amount and purpose. He went on to discuss other cities ’ police department practices. He supported the approval of the contract.
Discussion : None
Action Taken : City Council award ed a contract to National Auto Fleet Group, subject to final language approval by the City Manager and City Attorney, for the purchase of two police patrol vehicles in the amount of $168,630.12; and, direct ed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council ’s action. ( M2M25-158 )
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: MAZA
Ayes: MAZA, WANG, MALONEY, ANDRADE-STADLER, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
20. APPROVAL OF TRACT MAP NO. 84242 – F2M25-11, M2M25-159 On August 22, 2024, Tentative Tract Map No. 84242 was approved to develop a condominium project consisting of 49 residential dwelling units, including nine (9) single-family detached homes and seven (7) multi-family buildings, on a site of approximately 2.06 acres within the EMC (East Main Commercial) and RM (Residential Medium Density) zones located at 801- 817 East Main Street and 17-25 North Granada Avenue in the City of Alhambra. On August 25, 2025, the City Engineer signed Tract Map No. 84242 and recommended recordation of the same. All Conditions of Approval applicable to Tract Map No. 84242 were met and the project Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions were approved and would be recorded concurrently with the Final Map. Building permits were issued on September 17, 2025, with construction of the project anticipated to be complete by the end of 2026.
Discussion : None.
Action Taken : City Council adopt ed Minute Order No. M2M25-159 as follows:
RESOLVED by the Alhambra City Council as follows:
SECTION ONE: Based upon the recommendation of the Director of Community Development in his report dated October 13, 2025 , this Council hereby finds and determines that the herein below described project will not violate any of the provisions of Sections 66473, 66474.1 and 66474.6 of the Subdivision Map Act of the State of California relating to findings for approval.
SECTION TWO: This Council hereby approves Tract Map No. 8 4242 to develop a condominium project consisting of 49 residential dwelling units, including nine (9) single-family detached homes and seven (7) multi-family buildings on a site of approximately 2.06 acres within the EMC (East Main Commercial) and RM (Residential Medium Density) zones located at 801-817 East Main Street and 17-25 North Granada Avenue and authorizes the City Clerk to endorse on the face of the map the certificate which embodies the approval of said map.
Vote: Moved: WANG Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: WANG, MAZA, ANDRADE-STADLER, MALONEY, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
16 10-13 -25
2 1. MINUTES
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council review ed and approve d as submitted the Minutes of the August 25, 2025 regular meeting of the City Council and the August 25, 2025 and September 22, 2025 special meetings of the City Council.
Vote: Moved: WANG Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: WANG, MAZA, ANDRADE-STADLER, MALONEY, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
2 2 . PERSONNEL ACTIONS – F2M25-2
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council ratif ied the actions of the City Manager set forth in that certain Personnel Actions document dated October 13 , 2025 showing the various appointments, classifications, salary changes, etc., since the last City Council meeting.
Vote: Moved: WANG Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: WANG, MAZA, ANDRADE-STADLER, MALONEY, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
2 3 . DEMANDS - F2M2 5 -1
Discussion: None.
Action Taken : City Council approve d as submitted Final Check List (1 thru 173 and 261365 thru 261372 ) in the amount of $ 64,321.92 for the period ending September 2 , 2025; Final Check List (261290 thru 261294 ) in the amount of $ 476,397.71 the period ending August 29, 2025 ; Final Check List (260931 thru 260954 ) in the amount of $ 326,115.87 for the period ending August 14 , 2025 ; Final Check List (261295 thru 261364 ) in the amount $ 142,454.02 ; Final Check List (261374 thru 261374 ) in the amount of $ 275.00 for the period ending September 3 , 2025 ; and, Final Check List (261 375 thru 261460 ) in the amount of $ 2,714,902.93 for the period ending September 4 , 2025 and Schedule of Wire Transfers in the amount of $ 77,435.10 for the week ending August 29 , 2025.
Vote: Moved: WANG Seconded: MALONEY
Ayes: WANG, MAZA, ANDRADE-STADLER, MALONEY, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
2 4 . CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2.23 (§ 2.23.030, §
2.23.040, AND § 2.23.050) OF THE ALHAMBRA MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO THE COMPOSITION AND APPOINTMENT OF THE HCDA CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE – F2M25-29, O2M25-4851
The HCDA serves an important role as an advisory body to the City Council, providing recommendations related to the City ’s housing and community development initiatives.
According to the Municipal Code (§ 2.23.090), the HCDA shall meet once every three months. 17 10-13 -25
In addition, per the City ’s Citizen Participation Plan, the HCDA is expected to meet regularly to provide input and recommendations on key documents, including the Consolidated Plan, the Annual Action Plan, the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER), and any substantial amendments. The HCDA Citizen Advisory Committee held a meeting on March 4, 2025. After that date, no meetings could be held through September 2025 due to a lack of quorum. With the current six appointed members and four vacancies on the ten-member body, all members needed to be present to meet the quorum requirement of six (50% plus one). Due to the lack of quorum from March through September, the committee was unable to fulfill its advisory responsibilities or provide formal recommendations during that time. Th e proposed o rdinance would amend Sections § 2.23.030, § 2.23.040, and § 2.23.050 of the Alhambra Municipal Code to reduce the HCDA Citizen Advisory Committee membership from ten (10) to five (5) members, and to reduce the number of committee member appointments by each City Council member from two (2) to one (1).
Public Comment: Lewis McCAMMON , 105 N. Cordova St., representing the HCDA Citizen Advisory Committee, discussed the proposed changes and made alternative suggestions. He suggested rather than reducing the number of Committee members, that Council fill the vacancies which also prevent a quorum.
Discussion : None.
Action Taken : City Council declare d introduced for its first reading the following ordinance entitled:
Ordinance No. O2M25-4851 : An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Alhambra, California, amending Chapter 2.23 (§ 2.23.030 – Composition and Qualifications, § 2.23.040 – Appointment and Term of Office, and § 2.23.050 – Ex Officio Members) of the Alhambra Municipal Code relating to the HCDA Citizen Advisory Committee
which ordinance would return for a second reading and adoption at the next regular Council meeting.
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: MAZA
Ayes: MAZA, WANG, MALONEY, ANDRADE-STADLER, LEE
Noes : NONE
Absent: NONE
2 5 . SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2.04 OF
THE ALHAMBRA MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO THE ORDER OF BUSINESS FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AND PROCEDURE FOR ADDRESSING COUNCIL – F2M24-7, O2M25-4850
Staff request ed that the City Council declare introduced for second reading and adopt an Ordinance amending Chapter 2.04 of the Alhambra Municipal Code pertaining to the order of business for City Council meetings and the procedure for addressing Council. At the September 8, 2025 Council meeting, staff presented a report summarizing how the placement of public comment for non-agendized items at the beginning of the meeting had functioned thus far . After receiving public comment, the City Council discussed a preference for keeping public comment for non-agendized items at the beginning of the meeting for an initial set time of 30 minutes with an individual speaker time of 3 minutes to allow for more individuals to make their comments at the beginning of the meeting. Council also discussed that an individual ’s speaking time during the continuation of public comment at the end of the meeting could be 5 minutes, which could accommodate those that wished to have more time to speak.
Council also directed staff to return with more information on whether surrounding cities have 18 10-13 -25
set time limits for public comment on non-agendized items and for consent agenda items.
Staff presented survey results to the Council at the September 22, 2025 and after receiving public comment, the City Council determined those revisions to Chapter 2.04.030 (Order of business for City Council meetings) and to Chapter 2.04.210 (Procedures for addressing Council) the Council wished to include in the proposed ordinance and then introduced the ordinance for first reading. The revisions the Council made to the Alhambra Code Chapter
2.04 included, but are not limited to: 1) Permanently move public comment for non-agendized items to the beginning of the meeting, after any ceremonial items, for an initial set time of 30 minutes with the balance of any comment at the end of the meeting; 2) Set the individual speaker time for public comment for non-agendized items to 3 minutes for the initial 30-minute comment period and to 5 minutes during the continuation of public comment at the end of the meeting ; and, 3) Set a total individual speaker time for consent agenda items as follows: the total individual speaker time for consent agenda items shall be five minutes for those individuals speaking on one item and for those individuals speaking on more than one consent item, the total speaking time shall be 10 minutes.
Public Comment:
1) Kash Patel advocated for free speech and spoke against the ordinance. 2) Lewis McCAMMON , 105 N. Cordova St., spoke in favor of the ordinance.
Discussion : Mayor LEE stated that she did not support the total speaking time of 10 minutes for Consent items. She requested that this item be considered for a separate vote.
Action Taken : City Council declare d introduced for its second reading and adopt the following ordinance entitled:
Ordinance No. O2M25-4850 entitled: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Alhambra, California, amending Chapter 2.04.030 of the Alhambra Municipal Code pertaining to the Order of Business for City Council meetings and Chapter 2.04.210 pertaining to the Procedure for Addressing Council Vote: Moved: MALONEY Seconded: MAZA
Ayes: WANG, MALONEY, MAZA, ANDRADE-STADLER
Noes : NONE
Abs tain : LEE
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS CONTINUED (TIME LIMITATION – 5 MINUTES PER SPEAKER ) – F2M25-4
1) Joe LOSOMELLI, 600 N. Hidalgo Ave., continued to speak against the ACT Bus Route and the extension of the Blue Line.
2) Elizabeth MAURICE-AFRICA, 524 N. Hidalgo Ave., continued to speak against the ACT Bus Route and the extension of the Blue Line.
3) Dennis MURPHY, 437 N. Cordova St., continued to speak against the ACT Bus Route and the extension of the Blue Line.
4) Jose AFRICA, 524 N. Hidalgo Ave, continued to speak against the ACT Bus Route and the extension of the Blue Line.
5) Jason PROTACIO, 705 N. Stoneman Ave., continued to speak against the traffic in residential neighborhoods due to the redirection of the drive-through for In-N-Out. 19 10-13 -25
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS (ANNOUNCEMENTS & FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS) – F2M2 5 -7 Councilmember ANDRADE-STADLER requested larger signage for Poplar and Fremont regarding truck weight restrictions. She requested an update on the Pedestrian Safety Plan to Council. She announced the upcoming meetings regarding the changes to the ACT Bus Route and City Manager BINNQUIST provided clarification regarding the four meetings on October 22, October 29, October 30, and November 5. Ms. ANDRADE-STADLER briefly addressed public comment regarding changes to the ACT Bus route on Alhambra Road and discussed the stop signs along the routes with Ms.
BINNQUIST. Ms. ANDRADE-STADLER also addressed public comments regarding the 710 task force and provided clarifications.
Vice Mayor MALONEY reported on Council ’s attendance at the recent League of California Cities annual conference and provided an update.
Councilmember MAZA also reported on Council ’s attendance at the recent League of California Cities annual conference. He encouraged the public to attend the upcoming public meetings regarding the changes to the ACT Bus Routes. He referred to Mr. Protacio ’s public comment and suggested staff meet with the neighbors on Stoneman regarding the In-N-Out drive through lanes.
Councilmember WANG discussed Ms. Andrade-Stadler ’s comments regarding the 710 stub and briefly discussed the issue. She addressed public comment regarding changes to the ACT Bus routes and encouraged the public to attend the upcoming meetings. She stated that while Council could not directly respond to non-agendized items, she would provide her contact information to follow up which Ms.
BINNQUIST confirmed. Ms. WANG and Ms. BINNQUIST discussed community outreach and notification regarding bus stops. Ms. WANG continued to discuss city processes, the challenges of providing direct information regarding new projects, and the various avenues for the public to continue to stay informed about upcoming projects.
Mayor LEE discussed the In-N-Out burger drive through lane changes with regards to the Planning Commission process and requested a town hall meeting with neighbors to address concerns. Ms. LEE and Community Development Director HO briefly discussed the project and the timeline for reopening.
Ms. LEE went on to briefly discuss changes to the ACT Bus route and encouraged the public to attend the upcoming public meetings. Ms. LEE praised the new peace agreement between Hamas and Israel.
Ms. LEE thanked the public for their attendance at the Annual Pancake Breakfast at Fire Station 71 and reported on the successful event. Ms. LEE went on to announce upcoming city events such as the Police Department Trunk or Treat event, the Annual Pumpkin Run, and the weekly Certified Farmer ’s Market.
ADJOURNMENT : At 9:50 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, October 27, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
LAUREN MYLES, CMC
CITY CLERK
by
BRIANNA LAMB MCCARTHY
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK