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1 CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE COVINA REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY/COVINA PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY/COVINA HOUSING
AUTHORITY JOINT MEETING
MINUTES
October 21, 2025, 6:30 p.m.
125 E. College Street, Covina, California
Council Chamber of City Ha11
Councilmembers Present:Councilmember Walter Allen, III
Councilmember Patricia Cortez
Councilmember John C. King
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair Hector Delgado
Mayor/Chair Victor Linares
Staff Present:
City Clerk Drew Aleman (Elected Member)
City Treasurer Neil Polzin (Elected Member) (Exited 8:27 p.m.) City Manager Chris Marcarello
City Attorney Kevin Ennis
Assistant City Manager Angel Carrillo
Deputy City Manager/Community Development Director Brian Lee Parks & Recreation/Library Services Director Lisa Evans Public Works Director Rafael M. Fajardo
Finance Director Theresa Franke
Chief Deputy City Clerk Fabian Velez
Staff Absent: Police Chief Ric Walczak
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JOINT MEETING -CLOSED SESSION 6:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Linares called the Council/Agency/Authority meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. with Councilmember King, Councilmember Cortez, and Mayor Linares present.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - CLOSED SESSION
There were no public comments.
CLOSED SESSION
The City Council/Successor Agency to the Covina Redevelopment Agency/Covina Public Financing Authority/Covina Housing Authority adjourned to closed session for the following:
A. Government Code § 54956.8 - CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY
NEGOTIATORS
Property: 176 E. Badillo St., Covina, CA (APN: 8445-010-812) Agency Negotiator: Chris Marcarello, City Manager
Brian Lee, Deputy City Manager/Community Development
Director
Negotiating Parties: Frontier California, Inc., Owner
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
B. Government Code § 54957 - PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
Title: City Attorney
RECESS
Mayor Linares recessed the Council to Closed Session at 6:37 p.m.
JOINT MEETING —OPEN SESSION 7:30 PM
RECONVENE AND CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Linares called the Council/Agency/Authority meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Eagle Scout Rory Gutierrez.
INVOCATION
Given by Covina Police Chaplain Chuck Cannizzaro.
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APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Approve the agenda as presented.
Approved (5 to 0)
PRESENTATIONS
A. Code Enforcement Officer Week
Mayor Linares presented a proclamation declaring the second week of October as Code Enforcement Officer Appreciation Week in Covina to Neighborhood Preservation Officer Rosa Guerrero, Neighbor Preservation Manager Jennifer McDowell, and Deputy City Manager/Community Development Director Lee.
B. Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Mayor Linares presented a proclamation declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of Covina to Covina Police Department Community Service Officer Jenica Morin. CSO Morin provided information on support services provided to victims of domestic violence.
C. Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Mayor Linares presented a proclamation declaring October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Covina to Councilmember Allen who accepted on behalf of Emanate Health. Councilmember Allen provided information on services provided by Emanate Health for cancer patients and thanked the City for the proclamation.
D. Red Ribbon Week
Mayor Linares read into the record a proclamation declaring October 23-31, 2025, as Red Ribbon Week in the City of Covina. Captain Ryan Davis provided the story behind Red Ribbon Week. Captain Davis presented the proclamation to Joey Strycula, Director of Student Services for Charter Oak Unified School District, and Dr. Michele Doll, Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Services at Covina -Valley Unified School District. Dr. Doll thanked the City for their collaboration and support. Director Strycula echoed thanks to the City, introduced Charter Oak Unified School District Superintendent Danny Kim, and informed the community of available programs for Red Ribbon Week.
E. Recognition of Rory Gutierrez
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado recognized Rory Gutierrez for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, provided a brief biography, and presented Mr. Gutierrez with a certificate.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Manager Marcarello announced that direction was given to staff and no reportable action was taken.
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PUBLIC COMMENTS
Melinda Forbes thanked Police Chief Walczak and the Covina Police Department staff for a great National Night Out and keeping Saturday's protest peaceful, noted the operation of the Northview High School messaging board and opening of the Dutch Bros. on Azusa Ave., and stated her excitement for the upcoming tree lighting ceremony.
Delphina Russell spoke about the Senior Bingo Club, letters sent to the City, a failed attempt at a response to her correspondence, and encouraged increased support for the seniors in the community.
Neil Polzin requested that the City Council consider cancelling the next City Council meeting for the November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election and changes be made to the invocation policy if not removed entirely.
Dr. Bri raised concerns regarding the current method in which lights are shut off at Covina Park and requested an announcement or extended hours for those using the park during shut off. Dr. Bri also spoke regarding the change in the public comment time limit and encouraged the City to raise the limit to five minutes.
Mike (No Last Name) thanked the City Manager for his work and encouraged his introduction to the citizens of the City. He also expressed support for the adoption of Ordinance 25-12. Mike commented on the Covina Police Department keeping Covina safe and issues regarding state and federal laws and policies.
Ralph J. Beltran requested letters of support for humanitarian projects completed through the Quantum Financial System and provided information on the system.
COUNCIL/AGENCY/AUTHORITY COMMENTS
At the request of Councilmember Allen, Dora Gomez of Project 29:11 addressed concerns raised at previous meetings regarding the organization solvency.
Councilmember Cortez requested that City staff examine the issues regarding lighting at Covina Park, if possible.
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado mentioned the great time he had at the Rocktober event and thanked the Parks & Recreation Department for their work. He also thanked the Covina Police Department and residents who came out for National Night Out.
Councilmember Allen also stated his satisfaction with National Night Out and noted the attendance of Congressmember Gil Cisneros.
Councilmember King echoed praises of the National Night Out and Rocktober events. He also congratulated Councilmember Allen on his upcoming wedding.
Mayor Linares informed the community of the following events: Halloween Boo Bash taking place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Covina Park; the holiday home decorating contest running from November 3 to December 7, 2025; Tree Lighting Ceremony taking place on Friday, November 21, 2025, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Heritage Park; and the 71St annual Covina Christmas Parade taking place Saturday, December 6, 2025, beginning at 6:00 p.m. 4 1
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CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Manager Marcarello requested that the City Council consider removing from consideration Consent Calendar items CC 13, a duplicate of item CC 9, and CC 19, due to having received late direction from the Los Angeles County Development Authority.
CONSENT CALENDAR
CC 1. Minutes
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
Seconded by: Councilmember King
Approve the Minutes of the September 2, 2025, Regular Meeting of the City Council/Successor Agency to the Covina Redevelopment Agency/Covina Public Financing Authority/Housing Authority.
Approved; (5 to 0)
CC 2. Minutes
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
Seconded by: Councilmember King
Approve the Minutes of the September 16, 2025, Regular Meeting of the City Council/Successor Agency to the Covina Redevelopment Agency/Covina Public Financing Authority/Housing Authority.
Approved; (5 to 0)
CC 3. Payment of Demands
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
Seconded by: Councilmember King
Approve Payment of Demands in the amount of $7,543,045.77.
Approved; (5 to 0)
CC 4. City of Covina Investment Report for Month Ended September 30, 2025 Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
Seconded by: Councilmember King
Receive and File.
Approved; (5 to 0)
CC 5. Agreement Regarding Occupancy of Property, and Amendment of Deeds of Trust between the Covina Housing Authority and the Owner(s) for Property Located at 221 W. Zinfandel Drive, Unit 29, Covina
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
Seconded by: Councilmember King
Approve and Authorize the City Manager/Executive Director or his designee to execute related documents including the Agreement Regarding Occupancy of 5 1
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Property, and Amendment of Deeds of Trust between the Covina Housing Authority and the owner(s) for property located at 221 W. Zinfandel Drive, Unit 29, Covina.
Approved; (5 to 0)
CC 6. Request to Adopt Resolution CC 2025-110 and Approve Updates to the Covina Residential Rehabilitation Grant/Loan Program Handbook for the Administration of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Residential Rehabilitation Program
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
Seconded by: Councilmember King
1. Approve Updates to the Covina Residential Rehabilitation Grant/Loan Program Handbook (Handbook) for administration of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Residential Rehabilitation Program; and
2. Adopt Resolution CC 2025-110 Approving the Covina Residential Rehabilitation Grant/Loan Program Handbook (Program Policy Manual) for administration of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Residential Rehabilitation Program.
Approved; (5 to 0)
CC 7. Covina Police Department Parking Lots Slurry Seal Project — Project No.
F2601 — Final Acceptance and Filing Notice of Completion Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
Seconded by: Councilmember King
1. Accept the work performed by FS Contractors, Inc; and
2. Authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the Covina Police Department Parking Lots Slurry Seal Project — Project No. F2601.
Approved; (5 to 0)
CC 8. Miscellaneous Concrete Repair Project — Project No. P2601 — Final Acceptance and Filing Notice of Completion
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
Seconded by: Councilmember King
1. Accept the work performed by CJ Concrete Construction, Inc.;
2. Authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the Miscellaneous Concrete Repair Project — Project No. P2601; and
3. Approve Resolution CC 2025-109 appropriating $17,784 from available Measure M Fund — Fund Balance for use towards the completion of the project.
Approved; (5 to 0)
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CC 9. Award of Contract to Sky JTC Corporation (dba Sky Painting) in the Amount of $53,371.80 for the Miscellaneous Facilities Painting Project Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
Seconded by: Councilmember King
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute an Agreement between the City of Covina and Sky JTC Corporation for the Miscellaneous Painting Project; and
2. Authorize a project contingency amount of $5,000 (approximately 10%) for any unforeseen circumstances.
Approved; (5 to 0)
CC 10. First Amendment to the Agreement between the City of Covina and Jennifer Manlove Doing Business as Hip Hound for the Business Assistance Job Creation Program
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
Seconded by: Councilmember King
1. Approve and Authorize the City Manager to execute an amendment and all related documents to the Agreement between the City of Covina ("City) and Jennifer Manlove doing business as Hip Hound ("Participant") for the Business Assistance Job Creation Program;
2. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute all documents related to the Business Assistance Job Creation Program.
Approved; (5 to 0)
CC 11. Traffic Signal Battery Backup Installation Project — Project No. T2603 — Award of Contract to Crosstown Electrical & Data, Inc. for an Amount of $245,395
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
Seconded by: Councilmember King
1. Approve plans and specifications for the Traffic Signal Battery Backup Installation Project — Project No. T2603;
2. Award a contract for the Traffic Signal Battery Backup Installation Project — Project No. T2603 to Crosstown Electrical & Data, Inc. as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder in the amount of $245,395 and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract;
3. Authorize a project contingency amount of $24,540 (approximately 10% of construction costs) for any unforeseen construction expenses;
4. Approve a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) between the City of Covina and Siterep Construction Services, Inc. for project inspection services in the amount of $31,500 and authorize the City Manager to execute the PSA; and
5. Approve Resolution CC 2025-111 appropriating $26,365 from available Proposition C Fund — Fund Balance for use towards the project.
Approved; (5 to 0)
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CC 12. Adoption of Ordinance 25-12 Amending Chapters 9.54 and 9.48 of Title 9 of the City of Covina Municipal Code
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
Seconded by: Councilmember King
Adopt Ordinance 25-12 entitled, "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Covina, California, Amending Chapters 9.54 and 9.48 of Title 9 of the City of Covina Municipal Code to Prohibit Unlawful Camping and Storage of Private Property in Public Areas, Making Related Updates to the Code, and Making Finding of Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act." Approved; (5 to 0)
CC 14. Covina Housing Authority Annual Report FY 24-25
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
Seconded by: Councilmember King
Receive and file the report.
Approved; (5 to 0)
CC 15. First Amendment to Agreement between the City of Covina and SiteRep Construction Services, Inc. for Tenant Improvements at 401 N. Citrus Avenue Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
Seconded by: Councilmember King
Authorize the City Manager to execute the First Amendment to the Minor Construction Agreement with SiteRep Construction Services, Inc. and execute all related documents.
Approved; (5 to 0)
CC 16. Confirm and Approve City Council's Revisions to Various Boards and Commissions Appointments
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
Seconded by: Councilmember King
Approve the City Council's appointments to various boards and commissions.
Approved; (5 to 0)
CC 17. Authorization to Establish an Account Clerk I/II Position to Enhance Operational Efficiency Within the Water Utility Billing Department Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
Seconded by: Councilmember King
That the City Council authorize the addition of an Account Clerk I/II classification in the Finance Department for water utility billing customer service functions.
Approved; (5 to 0)
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CC 18. Approval of Part -Time Salary Range Adjustments Subject to Minimum Wage and Revised Paid Sick Leave Policy for Part -Time Employees Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
Seconded by: Councilmember King
Approve salary range adjustments for classifications affected by the State mandated minimum wage increases effective January 1, 2026, as per Labor Code Section 1182.12(c)(3)(A).
Approved; (5 to 0)
CC 20. Second Amendment to the Exchange Agreement between Bently Real Estate, LLC and the City of Covina for the Exchange of City Right -of -Way and foi the Lease of 401 N. Citrus Avenue
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
Seconded by: Councilmember King
Authorize the City Manager to execute a Second Amendment to the Exchange Agreement and make any minor, non -substantive changes to the amendment as needed prior to execution.
Approved; (5 to 0)
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSIDERATION
CC 13. Miscellaneous Concrete Repair Project — Project No. P2601 — Final Acceptance and Filing Notice of Completion
1. Accept the work performed by CJ Concrete Construction, Inc.;
2. Authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the Miscellaneous Concrete Repair Project — Project No. P2601; and
3. Approve Resolution CC 2025-109 appropriating $17,784 from available Measure M Fund — Fund Balance for use towards the completion of the project.
CC 19. Allocating Unallocated FY 25-26 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds to the "Residential Rehabilitation Program", "Downtown Neighborhood Business Workforce Augmentation Program", and "Microenterprise Co -Work Scholarship Program"
1. Adopt Resolution CC 2025-113, Authorizing and Increase to the FY 25- 26 Community Development Block Grant for the "Residential Rehabilitation Program" Project D96164-25, "Downtown Neighborhood Business Workforce Augmentation Program" Project 602621-25, and "Microenterprise Co -Work Scholarship Program" Project 602620-24, and Amending the FY 2025-2026 Community Development Budget to reflect these changes; and
2. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute documents related to the FY 2025-2026 CDBG funds.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
PH 1. Adoption of Urgency Ordinance 25-11
Mayor Linares opened the public hearing.
The agenda report was provided by Planning Manager Mercy Lugo.
Questions and discussion from Council included when the moratorium would take effect, how home experience rentals will be regulated, the effects of the moratorium on Airbnb hosts, the need for rules on these activities to be in place, best practices, and the need for a business license to continue similar activities.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Linares closed the public hearing.
Motion made by: Councilmember Allen
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
Request the City Council adopt Ordinance 25-11, an urgency ordinance, establishing a moratorium on "Short -Term Rentals" and "Home Experience Sharing" Uses within the City, for a period of 45 days, expiring December 5, 2025.
Approved; (5 to 0)
NEW BUSINESS
NB 1. Code Cares Pilot Program
The agenda report and PowerPoint presentation were provided by Neighborhood Preservation Manager McDowell.
Discussion included kudos to Neighborhood Preservation Manager McDowell for the program, who could potentially sponsor the event, the nomination procedure, and utilizing community service groups for volunteers.
There were no public comments.
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Adopt Resolution CC 2025-112 authorizing an overgrown vegetation pilot program managed by the Code Enforcement Division.
Approved; (5 to 0)
NB 2. November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election Information Presentation The presentation was made by City Clerk Aleman.
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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, November 4, 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. 9 Fabian V , '. - f Deputy City Clerk
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Victor Linares, air
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