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CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE COVINA REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY/COVINA PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY/COVINA HOUSING
AUTHORITY JOINT MEETING
MINUTES
September 2, 2025, 6:30 p.m.
125 E. College Street, Covina, California
Council Chamber of City Hall
Councilmembers Present: Councilmember Walter Allen, III Councilmember John C. King
Mayor/Chair Victor Linares
Councilmembers Absent: Councilmember Patricia Cortez
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair Hector Delgado
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 - CANCELLED DUE TO A LACK OF QUORUM
JOINT MEETING -OPEN SESSION 7:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Linares called the Council/Agency/Authority meeting to order at 7:34 p.m. with Councilmember Allen, Councilmember King, and Mayor Linares present.
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by members of Boy Scout Troop 461.
Boy Scout Troop Master Lorenzo B. thanked the City Council for their recognition, informed the community of the recent project completed by a potential Eagle Scout, reiterated the Scout's support for the community, and provided certificates to the Boy Scouts present.
INVOCATION
Given by Covina Police Chaplain Steve Martinez.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Approve the agenda as presented.
Approved (3 to 0); Cortez & Delgado Absent
PRESENTATIONS
A. SGVCOG President's Introduction
San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) President Ed Reese introduced himself to the City Council and provided a presentation on the recent services and accomplishments of the SGVCOG.
B. Chiari Malformation Awareness Month
Neika Montes, Author and Chiari Malformation Advocate, provided information on Chiari Malformation, her experience with the condition, and the recently introduced "Light Up for Chiari" awareness campaign.
C. Introduction of the Immigration Resource Center
Jonathan Fung, Director of Legal Services for the Immigration Resource Center of San Gabriel Valley (IRCSGV), provided background on the organization and the services provided.
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CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Ennis announced that there is no reportable action as the closed session meeting was not held.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Dr. Danny Kim, Superintendent of Charter Oak Unified School District, thanked the City for their partnership in helping place banners to recognize recently graduated high school students.
Joseph Roybal requested assistance in being able to obtain an overnight parking permit.
Richard Enriquez raised concerns about the habitual speeding taking place on Cypress Street during the evening hours and requested that the City take additional measures to combat its dangers.
420 Mistress discussed issues with the inability of immigrants to be able to utilize Governor Newsom's direction to be allow non -citizens to become police officers, noted the good start in support efforts with the IRCSGV's presentation but requested the City Council do more, and provided a personal story of having received assistance. 42 USC § 1983 commented on his dissatisfaction with the SGVCOG, efforts prioritizing support for immigrants over those experiencing homelessness, actions by elected officials at multiple levels, and lack of immigration enforcement in the past.
Armando Novelo waived the opportunity to provide comments.
Cindy (No Last Name) stated satisfaction with the IRCSGV presentation and requested that the City also allocate additional funds to the issue, prohibit the use of masks by federal agents, require clear identification from federal agents on duty, confirm warrants from agents enforcing immigration, join lawsuits pertaining to the current practices of immigration enforcement, and provide financial aid to those affected by immigration efforts.
Uriel Delgadillo-Ulloa demanded accountability, transparency, and integrity, from the Covina Police Department, requested the release of records pertaining to his arrest, and gave the City Council notice of additional actions that can be taken.
Susan Zermeno requested increased transparency for public hearing items by using additional methods of noticing and the activation of cooling centers for those unable otherwise unable to be sheltered from the heat.
Dr. Johnson acknowledged the Covina Police Department for their efforts with a nearby recent car burglary, the recent Coffee with a Cop event, and provided suggestions to improve the event in the future. She also spoke about her attendance and conversation at another Coffee with a Cop event with the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department and what the City of Covina may be able to do to improve with communication.
Neil Polzin requested the City allocate additional financial resources towards supporting communities affected by immigration enforcement and spoke about the issues of gerrymandering.
Dr. Bri thanked Councilmember King and Police Chief Walczak for taking time to meet recently, requested that the City Council return discussion regarding the public comment time limit, mentioned suggestions to increase the open door policy for aid, suggested the City examine implementing a dog park at Covina Park, requested an update for the four-way stop at Fourth Ave. 3 and Badillo St., and informed the City Council of concerns with the products sold at one of the recently -approved cannabis retail shops.
Ginny Lane thanked the Covina Police Department for keeping the community safe, alerted the City to a tree branch that could potentially be dangerous, and mentioned a book written about Covina's history.
Mike Aguilar provided comments on his position on immigration enforcement, Assembly Bi11 AB 805, Senate Bi11 SB627, and the City's jurisdiction in the matter.
Ric Brannen raised concerns with Continued Business item CB 1 and the impacts to patrons of the Senior Center and possible precedent.
Eloise Luevanos expressed support for Consent Calendar item CC 6.
COUNCIL/AGENCY/AUTHORITY COMMENTS
Councilmember Allen recognized recently deceased non-profit founder Paul Avila with a brief biography, provided a certificate of recognition to the Avila family, and allowed Delia Avila, Paul's mother, to provide information on the future of Pauly's Project.
Councilmember King and Mayor Linares thanked the Avila family for their continued support for those in need.
Mayor Linares also informed the community of upcoming events including: Rocktober, hosted by the Covina Downtown Merchants Association on October 4, 2025, in the City Hall parking lot; National Night Out, hosted by the Covina Police Department on October 7, 2025, at Heritage Park; and the start of the Covina Library's Cover -to -Cover Reading Program, awarding kids aged four to twelve a burger from In -N -Out for reading 5 books or 300 minutes. He also encouraged the community to check out the newest edition of Covina Today.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Manager Marcarello requested that the City Council consider postponing Public Hearing item PH 3 to October 21, 2025, due to the inability to adopt an urgency ordinance with the present number of City Councilmembers.
CONSENT CALENDAR
CC 1. Minutes
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Approve the Minutes of the July 15, 2025, Regular Meeting of the City Council/Successor Agency to the Covina Redevelopment Agency/Covina Public Financing Authority/Housing Authority.
Approved (3 to 0); Cortez & Delgado Absent
CC 2. . Payment of Demands
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Approve Payment of Demands in the amount of $7,345,237.23.
Approved (3 to 0); Cortez & Delgado Absent
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1 CC 3. City of Covina Investment Report for Month Ended July 31, 2025 Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Receive and File.
Approved (3 to 0); Cortez & Delgado Absent
CC 4. Pilot Solar Street Light Program Project — Project No. P2514 — Final Acceptance and Filing Notice of Completion
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councihnember Allen
1. Accept the work performed by Green Giant Landscape, Inc.; and
2. Authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the City -Wide Solar Street Light Pilot Program Project — Project No. P2514.
Approved (3 to 0); Cortez & Delgado Absent
CC 5. Written Report for Urgency Ordinance 25-04 Pursuant to Government Code Section 65858 (d)
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Receive and file the written report describing the measures taken to alleviate the conditions that led to the adoption of the urgency ordinance.
Approved (3 to 0); Cortez & Delgado Absent
CC 6. Speed Hump Installation Project — North Larkin Drive between Badillo Street and San Bernardino Road
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
1. Approve Recommendation from the Traffic and Mobility Advisory Commission for the installation of speed hump on North Larkin Drive between Badillo Street and San Bernardino Road; 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, or his designee, to execute the Agreement.
Approved (3 to 0); Cortez & Delgado Absent
CC 7. HAWK Traffic Beacon Installation Project — Project No. T2601 — Award of Contract to PTM General Engineering Services, Inc. for an Amount of $298,998
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
5 1. Approve plans and specifications for the HAWK Traffic Beacon Installation Project — Project No. T2601;
2. Award a contract for the HAWK Traffic Beacon Installation Project — Project No. T2601 to PTM General Engineering Services, Inc. as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder in an amount of $298,998 and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract;
3. Authorize a project contingency amount of $30,000 (approximately 10% of contract) for any unforeseen construction expenses;
4. Approve a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) between the City of Covina and Siterep Construction Services, Inc. for Inspection Services in the amount of $50,400 and authorize the City Manager to execute the PSA; and
5. Approve Resolution CC 2025-102 appropriating $150,000 from available Proposition C Fund — Fund Balance for use towards the project.
Approved (3 to 0); Cortez & Delgado Absent
CC 8. Civic Center Properties Boundary Survey and Master Plan — Project No.
F2602 — Award of Contract for Civil Engineering Services to Elie Farah, Inc. for an Amount of $38,900
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
1. Award a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) for the Covina City Ha11 Feasibility Study Master Plan Project for Civil Engineering Services to Elie Farah, Inc. as the responsive and responsible bidder in the amount of $38,900 and authorize the City Manager to execute the PSA; and
2. Establish a 10% contingency allowance of $3,890 for additional services, if needed.
Approved (3 to 0); Cortez & Delgado Absent
CC 9. Resolution Accepting Metro TOC TAP Award and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Required Documents for the Covina Town Center Pedestrian Bridge Feasibility and Community Engagement Program Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Adopt Resolution CC 2025-103 Amending the FY26 Capital Improvement Program Budget to accept $150,000 in reimbursable fund and authorizing the City Manager to execute any/all documentation required by LA Metro for the grant funded program.
Approved (3 to 0); Cortez & Delgado Absent
CC 10. Fourth Avenue Water Main Replacement Project — Project No. W2601 — Award of Contract to Stephen Doreck Equipment Rentals, Inc. in the amount of $624,440
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
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1 1. Approve plans and specifications for the Fourth Avenue Water Main Replacement Project — Project No. W2601;
2. Award a Contract for the Fourth Avenue Water Main Replacement Project — Project No. W2601 to Stephen Doreck Equipment Rentals, Inc as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder in the amount of $624,440 and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract;
3. Authorize a project contingency amount of $150,000 (approximately 26%) for any unforeseen construction expenses; and
4. Award a Professional Services Agreement to Siterep Construction Services, Inc. for a not -to -exceed amount of $63,000 in order to conduct construction inspection services and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract.
Approved (3 to 0); Cortez & Delgado Absent
CC 11. Amendment to Professional Services Agreement between the City of Covina and Norman A. Traub & Associates, LLC for Investigations Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Approve Amendment No. 3 to the agreement between Norman A. Traub & Associates, LLC and the City of Covina for investigations and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment.
Approved (3 to 0); Cortez & Delgado Absent
CC 12. Confirm and Approve City Council's Appointment to the Parks & Recreation Commission
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Approve the City Council's appointment to Parks & Recreation Commission.
Approved (3 to 0); Cortez & Delgado Absent
CC 13. Purchase Order Authorization — Purchase of Trash Receptacles for City Parks — FY 2025/2026
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Authorize the City Manager or his designee to approve a Purchase Order in the amount of $34,927.96 with Highland Products Group, LLC dba The Park Catalog to purchase new trash receptacles for City parks.
Approved (3 to 0); Cortez & Delgado Absent
CC 14. City -Wide Alleyway Resurfacing Project — Project No. P2605 — Final Acceptance and Filing Notice of Completion
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
1. Accept the work performed by G.M. Sager Construction Co., Inc.; and 7 2. Authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the City -Wide Alleyway Resurfacing Project — Project No. P2605.
Approved (3 to 0); Cortez & Delgado Absent
PUBLIC HEARINGS
PH 1. City -Initiated Zone Change (ZCH) 25-001 to Change the Official Zone Map of the City of Covina for the Property Located at 1261 N. Azusa Avenue — APN:
8409-019-030
Mayor Linares opened the public hearing.
The agenda report was provided by Planning Manager Mercy Lugo.
Planning Manager Lugo responded to Councilmember King's request for clarification on the subject property location and the need to change the zoning on the parcel.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Linares closed the public hearing.
Motion made by: Councilmember Allen
Seconded by: Councilmember King
Waive full reading and introduce Ordinance 25-09 entitled, "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Covina, California, approving a zone change (ZCH) 25- 001, to change the zoning classification for a duel -zoned parcel from C-2 Commercial Zone (Neighborhood Shopping Center) to C-4 Commercial Zone (Highway), consistent with the General Plan and Land Use Designation of General Commercial, and making a determination of exception under CEQA, for the property located at 1261 N. Azusa Avenue — APN: 8409-019-030." Approved (3 to 0); Cortez & Delgado Absent
PH 2. Introduction of Ordinance 25-10
Mayor Linares opened the public hearing.
The agenda report was provided by Planning Consultant Nancy Fong.
Questions from the City Council included Los Angeles County Fire Department's progress on being able to approve battery storage systems, other parcels eligible for similar projects, the purpose of requiring a CUP for similar projects, and whether the battery storage system can be used as a backup during black outs.
Neil Polzin expressed his support for the item with less restrictions and requested Councilmember King abstain from the item.
Mayor Linares closed the public hearing.
Motion made by: Councilmember Allen
Seconded by: Councilmember King
Waive full reading and introduce Ordinance 25-10 entitled, "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Covina, California, approving Zoning Code 8 1
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1 Amendment (ZCA) 25-2 amending Chapter 17.04 Definitions and Chapter 17.54 M-1 Light Manufacturing Zone of Title 17 (Zoning) of the Covina Municipal Code, to add a Definition of Battery Energy Storage System Facility and as a Conditionally Permitted Use in M-1 Zone, Repealing Ordinance 25-04 a Moratorium on Battery Energy Storage System Facility, and Making a Determination of Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)".
Approved (3 to 0); Cortez & Delgado Absent
PH 3. Adoption of Urgency Ordinance 25-11
Request the City Council adopt Ordinance 25-11, entitled "An Urgency Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Covina, California, establishing a Moratorium on the Use of Residential Property for Short Term Rental and Home Experience Sharing, Declaring the Urgency Thereof, and Making a Determination of Exemption Under the California Environmental Quality Act" for r a period of 45 days, expiring October 17, 2025.
The item was rescheduled to the October 21, 2025, regular City Council Meeting..
CONTINUED BUSINESS
CB 1.
Pilot Overnight Parking Program at Sunkist Park/Covina Senior Center The agenda report was provided by Planning Manager Lugo.
Questions and discussion from the City Council included park hours of operation, impact to patrons of the park and Senior Center, how spots will be identified, and qualifications by residents to be eligible for the parking permits.
Motion made by: Councilmember Allen
Seconded by: Councilmember King
That the City Council authorize a pilot overnight parking program for up to fifteen (15) vehicles between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. at the Sunkist Park/Covina Senior Center Parking Lot.
Approved (3 to 0); Cortez & Delgado Absent
CB 2. Proposed Legislation Relating to Immigration Enforcement The agenda report was provided by City Manager Marcarello.
Discussion included the formation of an ad -hoc committee to further examine the issue and the position of the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs Association and Cal Chiefs.
That the City Council receive/file this report and provide further direction, as needed.
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
9 Form an Ad -hoc committee to examine the topic of immigration enforcement and appoint Councilmember Cortez and Mayor Pro Tem Delgado to said Ad -hoc committee.
Approved (3 to 0); Cortez & Delgado Absent
ADJOURNMENT
At 9:33 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 16, 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.
Victor Linares, M it
abian Velez, 'ef Deputy City Clerk
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