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CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE COVINA REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY/COVINA PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY/COVINA HOUSING
AUTHORITY JOINT MEETING
MINUTES
August 5, 2025, 7:30 p.m.
125 E. College Street, Covina, California
Council Chamber of City Hall
Councilmembers Present: Councilmember Walter Allen, III Councilmember Patricia Cortez
Councilmember John C. King
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair Hector Delgado
Councilmembers Absent: Mayor/Chair Victor Linares
Staff Present:
City Clerk Drew Aleman (Elected Member)
City Treasurer Neil Polzin (Elected Member)
City Manager Chris Marcarello
City Attorney Kevin Ennis
Community Development Director/Deputy City Manager Brian Lee Parks & Recreation/Library Services Director Lisa Evans Public Works Director Rafael M. Fajardo
Deputy City Manager Angel Carrillo
Chief Deputy City Clerk Fabian Velez
Finance Director Theresa Franke
1 JOINT MEETING -CLOSED SESSION 6:30 PM
CLOSED SESSION - WAS NOT HELD
JOINT MEETING -OPEN SESSION 7:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado called the Council/Agency/Authority meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. with all Councilmembers present except Mayor Linares.
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado.
INVOCATION
Given by Covina Police Chaplain Chuck Cannizzaro.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Approve the agenda as presented.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Bane Act 52.1 commented on a letter received from Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis and provided opinions on recent immigration matters.
Transgender Amy expressed opposition to the reduced public comment time and agendized items allowing cannabis retail businesses in the City.
Greg Perez, Dominique Perez, Cindy (No Last Name), Alexi (No Last Name), Ernesto Garcia, April Gillespie, and Suzi Robbin, each shared personal stories and encouraged the City Council to support three points from a locally circulating petition to: support the Los Angeles County ordinance requiring federal agents to identify themselves and prohibit the use of masks, have a third party conduct an economic impact study to analyze the impact of recent immigration enforcement operations by federal agents, and to provide education to the community regarding their rights.
Dr. Bri commented on their experience and observations on the food distribution provided by Project 29:11, the requirements expected to receive services, and encouraged the City Council to examine alternative options.
Yameen Salahuddin expressed support for the objectives outlined in the locally circulating petition, disapproval of the reduced public comment time, and opinions on elected officials. 1 1
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Neil Polzin commented on the locally circulating petition, Consent Calendar items CC 9, 10, and 11's placement on the agenda, Consent Calendar item CC 12's cancellation of the next City Council meetings, and appointments being proposed on Consent Calendar item CC 16.
Ellie Valentine commented in favor of Consent Calendar item CC 22, requested that the City provided all necessary resources to the Code Enforcement Division, and commented on the reduced public comment time.
Lonnie Valentine spoke about an ongoing issue relating to sections 8 and 17 of the Covina Municipal Code and requested action be taken on the matter.
Dr. Tammy Johnson highlighted the Police Department's code of ethics, expressed support for the locally circulating petition, and comments made by the City Council at a recent meeting.
Suzan Zermeno commented on her removal from the Parks & Recreation Commission on Consent Calendar item CC 16 and issues observed with current Boards and Commissions practices.
COUNCIL/AGENCY/AUTHORITY COMMENTS
Councilmember Allen informed the community of the upcoming funeral for Paul Avila, a Covina native who started Pauly's Project to provide food, clothing, and resources to those who were in need. He also informed that Mr. Avila's family will be present at an upcoming meeting to provide words of remembrance and receive a memorial certificate.
Councilmember King apologized for the delay in the code enforcement issue raised during the public comment period and assured residents that the City will look into the matter. He also thanked those who spoke for sharing their thoughts and passion regarding the recent immigration enforcement practices by federal agents, requested that the City Manager return with an update on items concerning immigration enforcement, and suggested discussions with the community and Police Department.
Councilmember Cortez also thanked those who spoke during public comments and seconded Councilmember King's request to return an item with an update on immigration enforcement. She also provided information on the need for identification requirements from nonprofit organizations, noted the recent approval of a partnership for legal assistance, and emphasized the desire to take action on matters that provide tangible differences for the community.
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado stated his position on immigration enforcement, reiterated his support for the community, and concurred with the suggestion of Councilmembers King and Cortez for an item to be returned providing an update on immigration enforcement.
At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, City Attorney Ennis provided information on proposed state legislation bill SB 627, proposed state legislation H.R. 4004, and proposed Federal senate bill SB 2212, all of which concern the requirement of identification by federal agents and prohibiting the use of face masks by said agents except in specific circumstances, and the direction by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to their Counsel regarding a proposed ordinance to address the same issues. He also provided the current standing of the Noem v. Vazquez Perdomo court case.
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado also gave thanks to the Parks & Recreation and Library Services Departments for their work with the concerts in the park, movie nights, summer camp, summer reading programs, and swimming lessons and expressed his excitement for the upcoming City events including National Night Out, the Halloween festival, tree lighting ceremony, and various classes and activities offered by the City.
3 CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Manager Marcarello noted updates to Consent Calendar item CC 21, updating the recommendation to reflect a recommended appropriation of $74,228, and items CC 9, CC 10, and CC 11, with the updated Development Agreements listed as Exhibit A to the ordinances provided for consideration. He also updated the City Council on the recently -approved efforts for support regarding immigration enforcement and stated that Project 29:11 has been providing basic needs and is working to finalize a scope of services for their agreement and staff will be meeting with the Immigration Resource Center of San Gabriel Valley soon to finalize an agreement for services that will include know your rights and one-on-one counseling.
Councilmember Allen requested that City Manager Marcarello confirm the use of identification requirements by Project 29:11.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado highlighted Consent Calendar items: CC 7, utilizing grant funding for local transportation programs; items CC 13, 14, 17, 21, and 23, all relating to public work improvement projects included increased traffic safety, repair of a City facility fence, upgrades to Police Department parking lot lighting, completing improvements at a City owned restaurant, and authorizing design work for modular container retail and restaurant units at the Covina Recreation Village site; and CC 20, investing in Police Department audio and video technology.
Councilmember Cortez requested that Consent Calendar item CC 22 be pulled for additional discussion and Councilmember Allen requested Consent Calendar items 9 through 11 be pulled.
CC 1. Minutes
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Cortez
Approve the Minutes of the June 3, 2025, Special Closed Session Meeting of the City Council/Successor Agency to the Covina Redevelopment Agency/Covina Public Financing Authority/Housing Authority.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
CC 2. Minutes
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Cortez
Approve the Minutes of the June 17, 2025, Special Closed Session Meeting of the City Council/Successor Agency to the Covina Redevelopment Agency/Covina Public Financing Authority/Housing Authority.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
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CC 3. Minutes
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Cortez
Approve the Minutes of the June 17, 2025, Regular Meeting of the City Council/Successor Agency to the Covina Redevelopment Agency/Covina Public Financing Authority/Housing Authority.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
CC. 4. Minutes
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Cortez
Approve the Minutes of the July 1, 2025, Regular Meeting of the City Council/Successor Agency to the Covina Redevelopment Agency/Covina Public Financing Authority/Housing Authority.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
CC 5. Payment of Demands
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Cortez
,Approve Payment of Demands in the amount of $8,898,524.34.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
CC 6. City of Covina Investment Report for Month Ended June 30, 2025 Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Cortez
Receive and File.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
CC 7. Memorandum of Understanding between LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority & the City of Covina for Prop. A Discretionary Incentive Grant Program for Collecting & Reporting Data for the National Transit Database for Report Year 2023
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Cortez
Authorize the City Manager to execute the Memorandum of Understanding between the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the City of Covina for the Proposition A Discretionary Incentive Grant Program for Collecting and Reporting Data for the National Transit Database for Report Year 2023.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
5 CC 8. Designating Certain Officials as Individuals Authorized to Execute Applications and Documents for the Purpose of Obtaining Financial Assistance Under Public Law 93-288 (PL 93-288)
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Cortez
Adopt Resolution CC 2025-95 designating the Mayor, City Manager, or Director of Finance as authorized agent to execute applications and documents for the purpose of obtaining financial assistance for disaster relief.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
CC 12. Request to Cancel the Regular City Council Meeting of August 19, 2025 Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Cortez
That the City Council consider cancelling the regular scheduled City Council Meeting of August 19, 2025.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
CC 13. Speed Hump Installation Project—Armel Drive between Rowland Avenue and Workman Avenue
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Cortez
1. Approve Recommendation from the Transportation and Mobility Advisory Commission for the installation of speed humps on Armel Drive between Rowland Avenue and Workman Avenue; and
2. Award a Minor Construction and Maintenance Agreement to FS Contractors, Inc as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder in an amount not -to -exceed $22,950 and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
CC 14. Award of Contract to FS Contractors, Inc. for the Replacement of Fencing located at the Covina City Yard and various locations along Charter Oak Wash in an amount not -to -exceed $52,500
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Cortez
Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract between FS Contractors, Inc. and the City of Covina for the Replacement of Fencing located at the Covina City Yard and various locations along Charter Oak Wash.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
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CC 15. Designation of Voting Delegate and Alternates for the League of California Cities Annual Conference Which Includes the Annual Business Meeting — October 8-10, 2025
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Cortez
1. Designate Councilmember Walter Allen, III, as the voting delegate and Mayor Pro Tem Hector Delgado, as the alternate to represent the City at the Annual Business Meeting of the League of California Cities General Assembly; and
2. Direct the Chief Deputy City Clerk to submit the required "Voting Delegate Form" to the League's Sacramento Office no later than September 24, 2025.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
CC 16. Confirm and Approve City Council's Revisions to Various Boards and Commissions Appointments
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Cortez
Approve the City Council's revisions to
appointments.
various boards and commissions
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
CC 17. Covina Police Department Parking Lots Slurry Seal Project — Project No.
F2601 — Award of Minor Construction and Maintenance Agreement to FS Contractors, Inc in an Amount Not -To Exceed $46,970
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Cortez
1. Award a Minor Construction and Maintenance Agreement to FS Contractors, Inc. as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder in an amount not -to -exceed $46,970 and authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the agreement; and
2. Adopt Resolution CC 2025-96 amending the FY 2025-2026 Capital Improvement Program and Capital Improvement Program Budget to add the Covina Police Department Parking Lots Slurry Seal Project — Project No. F2601 and transfer $46,970 from the General Fund into the General CIP Fund for use towards project completion.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
7 CC 18. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Side Letter Agreements with the Police Association of Covina (PAC) and the Police Supervisors Association of Covina (PSC)
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Cortez
Approve Resolution CC 2025-98 and Resolution CC 2025-99 and authorize City Manager to sign M0U side letter agreements with PAC and PSC.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
CC 19. Purchase Agreement for the Replacement of a Public Works Utility Truck and the Modification of Two (2) Utility Trucks
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Cortez
Authorize the City Manager to execute a Purchase Agreement with Puente Hills Ford for the purchase of one (1) 2025 Ford Maverick XL Hybrid and the reconditioning of two (2) fleet vehicles with (1) 2024 Ford F-250SD XL and one (1) 2024 Ford F-350SD XL for an amount not -to -exceed $164,497.08.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
CC 20. Lease Agreement with Axon Enterprises Inc for a Mobile Audio/Video (In - Car) System and Body Worn Cameras
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Cortez
1. Adopt Resolution CC 2025-101 approving a ten-year lease agreement with Axon Enterprises Inc. for a mobile audio/video (in -car) system and body worn cameras using the competitively bid Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Agreement (Solicitation #101223-AXN);
2. Amend the Police Department's FY 2025-26 budget by $133,000;
3. Authorize staff to repurpose and/or resell any current equipment including Cradlepoint units that remain in good condition as part of the implementation of the new Axon system.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
CC 21. 114 E. Italia Street Restaurant Remodel/Expansion Project — Project No.
F2501 — Final Acceptance and Filing Notice of Completion Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Cortez
1 Accept the work performed by Siterep Construction Services, Inc.;
2. Authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the 114 E. Italia Street Restaurant Remodel/Expansion Project — Project No. F2501; and
3. Approve Resolution CC 2025-100 appropriating $82,624.66 from Measure CC Fund — Fund Balance to be transferred into the General CIP Fund for project completion.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
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CC 23. Amending the FY 25-26 Operating Budget and Professional Services Agreement with IPME for The Design and Permitting of Two (2) Pre - Fabricated Units at Covina Recreation Village in an Amount not to Exceed $100,000
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Cortez
Approve a Professional Services Agreement with International Port Management Enterprise ("IPME") Corporation for the design and permitting of two pre- fabricated container units consisting of a public bathroom and commercial space to be located at the Covina Recreation Village Park site (640-680 N Citrus Avenue).
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
CC 24. Request for Approval to Convert Two Part -Time Positions into One Full -Time Office Assistant I Position
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Cortez
That the City Council Approve an Additional Full -Time Office Assistant Position.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION
CC 9. Adoption of Ordinance 25-06
Councilmember Allen stated that he will be voting no on the three items regarding cannabis due to his position on the subject.
Motion made by: Councilmember Cortez
Seconded by: Councilmember King
Adopt Ordinance 25-06 Entitled, "Approving a Development Agreement Between Stiiizy Covina Inc, and the City of Covina, Related to Approval of a 4,600 Cannabis Microbusiness Retail Establishment Within the PCD (Planned Community Development) / M-1 (Light Manufacturing) Zone, Located at 754 East Arrow Highway (APN: 8405-003-032) and Making a Determination of Exemption Under CEQA.
Approved (3 to 1); Allen No, Linares Absent
CC 10. Adoption of Ordinance 25-07
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Cortez
Adopt Ordinance 25-07 Entitled, "An Ordinance of the City of Covina Approving a Development Agreement Between Rilano Covina Inc, and the City of Covina, Related to a Proposal To Approval of a 3,443 Square Foot Cannabis Retail Establishment Within the Mixed -Use Overlay District (MUOD) / Commercial (Regional or Community Shopping Center) C -3A Zone, Located at 216 East 9 Rowland Street, (APN: 8451-001-019) and Making a Determination of Exemption under CEQA".
Approved (3 to 1); Allen No, Linares Absent
CC 11. Adoption of Ordinance 25-08
Motion made by: Councilmember Cortez
Seconded by: Councilmember King
Adopt Ordinance 25-08 Entitled, "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Covina, California, Approving a Development Agreement between Zen GW Cali Partners LLC, and the City Of Covina, Related to Approval of a 3,956 Square Foot Cannabis Retail Establishment within the Covina Town Center Specific Plan (CTCSP) Mixed Use (MU) Zone Located at 125 South Citrus Avenue (APN 8444- 001-018) and Making a Finding of Exemption Under CEQA".
Approved (3 to 1); Allen No, Linares Absent
CC 22. Request to Amend the City's Classification Plan to Establish the Classification of Neighborhood Preservation Manager
City Manager Marcarello responded to an inquiry from Councilmember Cortez regarding the fiscal impact and scope of responsibilities of the proposed job classification.
Motion made by: Councilmember Cortez
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
That the City Council adopt Resolution CC 2025-97 to establish and amend the City's Classification plan, and establish the new job description and salary range for Neighborhood Preservation Manager within the Mid -Management, Supervisory and Professional, and Confidential and Technical Employees (Unaffiliated) Compensation Rules.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
PUBLIC HEARINGS
PH 1. Consideration of Resolutions Authorizing Annexation of Territory to City of Covina Community Facilities District No. 2007-1 (Public Services) (Annexation No. 39), and to Call and Hold a Special Election (342 N.
Hollenbeck Avenue, Covina)
Staff Recommendation:
1. City Council to open the public hearing and consider public testimony and close the public hearing;
2. Adopt Resolution CC 2025-92, authorizing the annexation of territory to Community Facilities District No. 2007-1 (Annexation No. 39) and authorizing the levy of a special tax and submitting the levy of tax to the qualified electors;
3. Adopt Resolution CC 2025-93, calling a special election and submitting to the voters of Annexation No. 39 of City of Covina Community Facilities District No. 2007-1 (Public Services), propositions regarding the annual levy of special 1 1
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1 taxes within Annexation No. 39 to fmance public services, and the establishment of an appropriations limit; and
4. Adopt Resolution CC 2025-94 making certain fmdings, certifying the results of an election and adding property to Community Facilities District No. 2007- 1 (Public Services), Annexation No. 39.
The agenda report was provided by Economic Development Manager Alana Mantilla.
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado opened the public hearing.
At the request of Councilmember King, Economic Development Manager Mantilla informed the City Council and community that, due to tax assessment limitations, new homes are added into the district in order to cover the costs of services to the new residents.
Transgender Amy stated that no comments would be provided due to the lack of a PowerPoint presentation.
Bane Act 52.1 questioned what the City has done to address rising mortgage costs and provided opinions on solutions to the issue.
There were no written protests nor did any owner wish to submit one.
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado closed the public hearing.
City Clerk Aleman confirmed that no written protest had been received and therefore, a majority did not exist.
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado had announced that because a majorityiprotest did not exist, it was appropriate for the City Council to consider resolutions annexing the territory and calling a special election within the annexation area. •
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Cortez
1. Adopt Resolution CC 2025-92, authorizing the annexation of territory to Community Facilities District No. 2007-1 (Annexation No. 39) and authorizing the levy of a special tax and submitting the levy of tax to the qualified electors;
2. Adopt Resolution CC 2025-93, calling a special election and submitting to the voters of Annexation No. 39 of City of Covina Community Facilities District No. 2007-1 (Public Services), propositions regarding the annual levy of special taxes within Annexation No. 39 to fmance public services, and the establishment of an appropriations limit; and
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
City Clerk Aleman confirmed that the ballots had been received and at the Mayor Pro Tem' s request proceeded to canvass the ballots.
City Clerk Aleman completed the canvassing of the ballots and reported that:
11 • On Proposition A, one (1) vote was cast in support of the proposition and 0 votes were cast in opposition to the proposition; therefore, Proposition A was approved with 100% vote in favor.
• On Proposition B, one (1) vote was cast in support of the proposition and 0 votes were cast in opposition to the proposition; therefore, Proposition B was approved with 100% vote in favor.
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Adopt Resolution CC 2025-94 making certain findings, certifying the results of an election and adding property to Community Facilities District No. 2007-1 (Public Services), Annexation No. 39.
Approved (4 to 0); Linares Absent
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:55 p.m., the Covina City Council/Successor Agency to the Covina Redevelopment Agency/Covina Public Financing Authority/Covina Housing Authority adjourned to its next regular meeting of the Council/Agency/Authority scheduled for Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., for closed session and 7:30 p.m., for open session in the Council Chamber located inside of City Hall, 125 East College Street, Covina, California, 91723.
Fabian Ve1e 2fiief Deputy City Clerk
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Victor Linares, Mayor/Char
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