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CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE COVINA REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY/COVINA PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY/COVINA HOUSING
AUTHORITY JOINT MEETING
MINUTES
January 20, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
125 E. College Street, Covina, California
Council Chamber of City Hall
Councilmembers Present: Councilmember Walter Allen, III Councilmember John C. King
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair Hector Delgado
Mayor/Chair Victor Linares
Councilmembers Absent: Councilmember Patricia Cortez
Staff Present: City Clerk Drew Aleman (Elected Member) City Treasurer Neil Polzin (Elected Member)
City Manager Chris Marcarello
City Attorney Kevin G. Ennis
Assistant City Manager Angel Carrillo
Community Development Director/Deputy City Manager Brian Lee Interim Parks & Recreation/Library Services Director Krystal Smith Public Works Director Rafael M. Fajardo
Finance Director Theresa Franke
Chief Deputy City Clerk Fabian Velez
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JOINT MEETING—CLOSED SESSION 6:30 PM
CLOSED SESSION -WAS NOT HELD
JOINT MEETING—OPEN SESSION 7:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Linares called the Council/Agency/Authority meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with all Councilmembers present except Councilmember Cortez.
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Mayor Linares.
•
INVOCATION
Given by Covina Police Chaplain Mike Lee. •
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tern Delgado
Approve the agenda as presented.
Approved (4 to 0); Cortez Absent
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Gabie Quintana thanked the City Council for the assistance provided with the Firehouse Jail Museum and honoring Bob Ihsen. Ms. Quintana also invited the City Council to attend the Covina Historical Society's quarterly meeting taking place on January 22, 2026, and to the Tea Party at Heritage House event taking place on January 24, 2026.
An unnamed speaker who wanted to speak about lighting was called and not presented when provided the opportunity for public comments.
Melinda Forbes requested for additional clarification on Consent Calendar item CC 22 regarding surveillance cameras.
Covina Against Al Intel She/Her commented on the lack of recognition for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, stated opposition to Consent Calendar item 22, provide alternative spending of funds related to Consent Calendar item CC 22, and questioned the City Clerk's involvement in fraud investigations.
Neil Polzin commented on Mayor Linares' campaign photos and statements, the use of funds related to Consent Calendar item CC 22, requested the City Council adopt campaign contribution limits for the June 2, 2026 General Municipal Election, and noted a typo found in a resolution attached to Consent Calendar item CC 8.
Dr. Bri Serrano He/They shared a story regarding the detention of a Minnesota resident by Federal Immigration agents, raised financial and security concerns regarding Consent 2 Calendar item CC 22, and urged the City Council to stand against the construction of data centers.
Susan Zermeno questioned the placement of Consent Calendar item CC 22 on the agenda and its use of funds, and urged the City Council to participate in community rallies or protests.
Mike (No Last Name) expressed support for Consent Calendar item CC 22 citing public safety benefits and requested additional investment in public safety technology.
Adan Lopez provided comments in opposition to Consent Calendar item CC 22, relating the matter to the warrantless searches and probable cause from the Fourth Amendment, stating data concerns in connection with Al, and noting court cases regarding the use of surveillance cameras.
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COUNCIL/AGENCY/AUTHORITY COMMENTS
Councilmember Allen thanked those who provided public comments, requested that Consent Calendar item CC 22 be pulled, and emphasized the use of cameras for public safety and hazards.
Councilmember King announced he had made the decision not to run for re-election and provided his story on the matter.
Mayor Pro Tern Delgado welcomed everyone back after the holiday season, thanked those who spoke for providing their input, reiterated his stance on the practices of federal immigration enforcement agents, provided his stance on Consent Calendar item CC 22, and announced he would be recusing himself from Consent Calendar item CC 17 due to a potential conflict of interest.
Mayor Linares also thanked those who spoke for coming out, clarified his relation to Councilmember Cortez, explained his absence at the December 16, 2025, City Council meetings, announced that Consent Calendar item CC 22 will be pulled, and restated that the City has not supported federal immigration enforcement. He also announced that the Parks & Recreation Department will be hosting The Big Game 5k run/walk taking place on February 7, 2026.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Manager Marcarello clarified that Consent Calendar item CC 8 lists the correct date of Tuesday, June 2, 2026, for the City of Covina General Municipal Election in the title and recommendation of the staff report, but section 1 of the attached resolution contains a typo reading Tuesday, June 3, 2026, which will be corrected.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember King requested Consent Calendar item CC 22 be pulled for separate discussion.
Mayor Pro Tern Delgado recused himself from the dias at 8:3 p.m. to abstain from the vote due to a potential conflict of interest relating to Consent Calendar item CC 17. 3 CC 1. Minutes
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Approve the Minutes of the December 2, 2025, Regular Meeting of the City Council/Successor Agency to the Covina Redevelopment Agency/Covina Public Financing Authority/Housing Authority.
Approved (3 to 0); Delgado Abstain; Cortez Absent
CC 2. Payment of Demands
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Approve Payment of Demands in the amount of$9,395,100.20.
Approved (3 to 0); Delgado Abstain; Cortez Absent
CC 3. City of Covina Investment Report for Month Ended November 30, 2025 Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Receive and File.
Approved (3 to 0); Delgado Abstain; Cortez Absent
CC 4. Resolution Regarding a Safe Streets for All Grant Award for a Safety Action Plan
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Adopt Resolution CC 2026-04 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a restricted grant agreement with the Federal Highway Administration and approving amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Operating Budget to accept $336,000 in grant monies and appropriate $54,000 in local match funds for the City of Covina Citywide Comprehensive Safety Action Plan.
Approved (3 to 0); Delgado Abstain; Cortez Absent
CC 5. Renewal of License Agreement for Use of a Portion of City Property at Heritage Plaza for a Certified Farmers Market
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Approve the Renewal of License Agreement for Use of a Portion of City Property at Heritage Plaza for a Certified Farmers' Market and Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Agreement.
Approved (3 to 0); Delgado Abstain; Cortez Absent
4 CC 6. Professional Services Agreement with Advantage Mailing, LLC for Printing and Binding Services for the City of Covina's Quarterly Newsletter Publication
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Approve the Professional Services Agreement with Advantage Mailing, LLC for Printing and Binding Services for the City of Covina's Quarterly Newsletter Publication and Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Agreement.
Approved (3 to 0); Delgado Abstain; Cortez Absent
CC 7. Covina Recreation Village Project — Phase II — Library Building — Award of Contract to Vector USA, Inc. in the Amount of$133,009.26 Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
1. Award of Contract for the Covina Recreation Village Project — Phase II — Library Building to Vector USA, Inc. in the amount of$133,009.26 and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract;
2. Authorize a contingency amount of $20,000 for any unforeseen construction expenses; and
3. Adopt Resolution CC 2026-01 appropriating $153,009.26 from available Measure CC Funds to be transferred into the Parks CIP Fund for the Covina Recreation Village Project— Phase ll — Library Building for the installation of a new computer network system.
Approved (3 to 0); Delgado Abstain; Cortez Absent
CC 8. Consideration of Resolutions Relating to Covina's General Municipal Election to be Held on June 2, 2026
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
1. Adopt Resolution CC 2026-09 calling for and giving notice of the holding of a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, for the election of certain officers as required by the provisions of the laws of the State of California relating to General Law Cities and requesting the Registrar of Voters of the County of Los Angeles to conduct said Election and canvass the results;
2. Adopt Resolution CC 2026-10 requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles to consolidate a General Municipal Election to be held on June 2, 2026, with the Statewide Primary Election to be held on the date pursuant to §10403 of the Elections Code; and
3. Adopt Resolution CC 2026-11 adopting regulations for candidates for elective office pertaining to candidates' statements submitted to the voters at an Election to be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
Approved (3 to 0); Delgado Abstain; Cortez Absent
5 CC 9. City-Wide Pavement Management Program Update — Project No.
P2603 — Final Acceptance and Filing Notice of Completion Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
1. Accept the work performed by Bucknam Infrastructure Group, Inc; and
2. Authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the Pavement Management Program Update— Project No. P2603.
Approved (3 to 0); Delgado Abstain; Cortez Absent
CC 10. Resolution Authorizing Signer for Caltrans Funds Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Adopt Resolution CC 2026-02.
Approved (3 to 0); Delgado Abstain; Cortez Absent
CC 11. First Amendment to Agreement with Civiltec Engineering, Inc. for Preparation of a Water Master Plan Update
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute the First Amendment to Agreement with Civiltec Engineering, Inc., increasing the not-to- exceed compensation to $181,800; and
2. Adopt Resolution CC 2026-06 to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Capital Improvement Program Budget to increase funding by $15,000 for the Water Master Plan and Water Rate Study and appropriate the necessary funds from the available Water Utility Fund balance.
Approved (3 to 0); Delgado Abstain; Cortez Absent
CC 12. Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS 26-27); Covering July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Approve the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS 26-27) covering July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
Approved (3 to 0); Delgado Abstain; Cortez Absent
CC 13. To Authorize the Executive Director to Execute the Professional Services Agreement between the Covina Housing Authority and RSG, Inc. and the Deposit Agreement with Cienega Gardens Preservations LP
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
6 1. Authorize the Executive Director to execute the Professional Services Agreement and any related documents between the Covina Housing Authority and RSG, Inc.;
2. Authorize the Executive Director to execute the Deposit Agreement and any related documents between the Covina Housing Authority and Cienega Gardens Preservations LP, for receipt of funds to be deposited into Account 2020-0000-22250; and
3. Adopt Resolution CC 2026-03 to authorize the Executive Director to Execute the Deposit Agreement for the receipt of funds to be deposited into Account 2020-0000-22250 for the annual compliance monitoring services for the affordability covenants at the 180-unit multifamily apartment building at 1121 North Lyman Avenue in the City of Covina known as the Cienega Gardens Apartments.
Approved (3 to 0); Delgado Abstain; Cortez Absent
CC 14. Purchase Agreement/Purchase Order Authorization for Madvac LS175 Mini Vacuum/Mobile Cleaning Unit for the Department of Public Works —Streets Division
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Purchase Agreement/Purchase Order Authorization with Haaker Equipment Company for the purchase of one (1) new Madvac LS175 Mini Vacuum/Wash Mobile Cleaning Unit in an amount not-to-exceed $174,447.38; and
2. Approve Resolution CC 2026-08 appropriating $175,000 from available Fund Balance in the Environmental Fund, Impact Fees — Streets Fund, Municipal Parking District Fund, Sanitary Sewer Fund, and Proposition A Funds for use towards the purchase of the Mini Vacuum/Wash Mobile Cleaning Unit.
Approved (3 to 0); Delgado Abstain; Cortez Absent
CC 15. Allocating Unallocated FY 25-26 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds to the "Residential Rehabilitation Program" Project D96164-25
Motion made by: Councilmember King
' Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
1. Adopt Resolution CC 2026-05, Authorizing and Increase to the FY 25-26 Community Development Block Grant for Projects D96164-25, and Amending the FY 2025-2026 Community Development Budget to reflect these changes; and
111 2. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute documents related to the FY 2025-2026 CDBG funds.
Approved (3 to 0); Delgado Abstain; Cortez Absent
7 CC 16. Award Contract to D&H Water Systems, Inc. for the Procurement & Installation of a Chloramine Boosting System (CBS) at Rancho Simi Reservoir
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
1. Approve Award Contract to D&H Water Systems, Inc. for the procurement & installation of new Chloramine Boosting System (CBS) Equipment for the Rancho Simi Reservoir in the amount of$62,004.87 and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract; and
2. Authorize a project contingency of $ 5,000 for unforeseen circumstances.
Approved (3 to 0); Delgado Abstain; Cortez Absent
CC 17. ,Approval of Plans and Specifications, Authorization for Bid Advertisement and Authorization to Amend the City's Community Workforce Agreement with the LAC/OC Building and Construction Trades to include the Wingate Park Regional EWMP Project Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
1. Approve Plans and Specifications for the Wingate Park Regional EWMP Project— Project No. WM211 and authorize the Department of Public Works to solicit bids; and
2. Authorize an amendment to the City's Community Workforce Agreement to include the Wingate Park Regional EWMP Project — Project No. WM211 as an eligible project.
Approved (3 to 0); Delgado Abstain; Cortez Absent
CC 18. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report(ACFR)for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Receive and file the following reports for Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2025:
(1) Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and related Auditor Communications, and (2) Independent Accountants' Report on Agreed- Upon Procedures Applied to Appropriations Limit.
Approved (3 to 0); Delgado Abstain; Cortez Absent
CC 19. Proposed Allocation of $308,795 in Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Funds to a Future Homeownership Opportunities Assistance Program
111 Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
8 1. Adopt Resolution CC 2026-12, approving the allocation of funds from participation in the Los Angeles Urban County Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program for FYs 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 to the Homeownership Opportunities Assistance category; and
2. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute related documents as necessary.
Approved (3 to 0); Delgado Abstain; Cortez Absent
CC 20. Purchase Order Authorization to Purchase a Custom-built Food Trailer as a Component of the Covina Recreation Village Project 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 $40,109.15 with Arete Food Trailers to purchase a new custom-built food trailer for the Covina Recreation Village Project.
Approved (3 to 0); Delgado Abstain; Cortez Absent
CC 21. Second Amendment to the Agreement between the City of Covina and Dunwright Painting and Coatings for Interior Painting as Tenant Improvements at 401 N. Citrus Avenue
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Approve the Second Amendment between the City of Covina and Dunwright Painting and Coating and Authorize the City Manager or his designee to and execute all related documents.
Approved (3 to 0); Delgado Abstain; Cortez Absent
CC 23. First Amendment to the Agreement between the City of Covina and Infinite Air Solutions for HVAC System Installation as Tenant Improvements at 401 N. Citrus Avenue
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Approve the First Amendment between the City of Covina and Infinite Air Solutions and Authorize the City Manager or his designee to and execute all related documents.
Approved (3 to 0); Delgado Abstain; Cortez Absent
CC 24. Hazard Mitigation Plan Grant Funding
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Approve Resolution CC 2026-14 to appropriate funding for the Hazard Mitigation Plan Update.
Approved (3 to 0); Delgado Abstain; Cortez Absent
9 At 8:09 p.m. Mayor Pro Tern Delgado returned to the dias.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION
CC 22. Police Department & Public Works Surveillance Camera Upgrade Project— Project No. F2604
Police Chief Walczak provided additional background and information of the use of the proposed surveillance cameras being upgraded.
Councilmember Allen provided his rationale for support of the item and the priority of public safety.
Police Chief Walczak provided further information on the difference in use of artificial intelligence in cameras.
At the request of Councilmember Allen, City Manager Marcarello explained the nexus of the funds being used to pay for the proposed item.
Mayor Pro Tern Delgado thanked Police Chief Walczak for the information on the item, stated his support, and thanked staff for proposing the item.
Mayor Linares stated the importance of camera footage as a tool to solve crimes.
Councilmember King confirmed with staff that the proposed cameras will have no relation to the Flock Safety cameras currently being utilized for automatic license plate reading.
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
1. Amend the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Capital Improvement Program to rename the "CCTV Facilities Installation Project" to the "Police Department & Public Works Surveillance Camera Upgrade Project — Project No. F2604";
2. Award of Contract for the Police Department & Public Works Surveillance Camera Upgrade Project — Project No. F2604 to Vector USA, Inc. in the Amount of$534,240.96;
3. Authorize a contingency amount of$53,424.10 (approximately 10% of construction costs) for any unforeseen construction expenses; and
4. Adopt Resolution CC 2026-13 appropriating $588,000 from various Police Department & Public Works' funds for use towards the Police Department & Public Works Surveillance Camera Upgrade Project — Project No. F2604.
Approved (4 to 0); Cortez Absent
PUBLIC HEARINGS
PH 1. Consideration of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Budget
Mayor Linares opened the public hearing.
10 The agenda report was provided by Management Analyst Alice Leung.
In response to an inquiry from Councilmember King, City Manager Marcarello and Deputy City Manager/Community Development Director Lee spoke about the ability to be exempt from having Los Angeles County administer the CDBG funds and its pros and cons.
Mayor Linares closed the public hearing.
Mayor Linares reopened the public hearing.
Neil Polzin commented on the difficulty of finding the application for programs on the City's website and requested the item be put on hold to allow for additional submissions.
Adan (No Last Name) waved his opportunity to provide public comment.
Dr. Bri Serrano He/They noted the cameras being placed at the Senior Center, their artificial intelligence capabilities, and requested notices be placed in advance of installations.
City Attorney Ennis informed the City Council that rules regarding the conduct of business at City Council.meetings will be updated.
Mayor Linares closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Allen requested additional outreach for future participation and stated his satisfaction for the proposed programs. Councilmember King echoed sentiments regarding the programs helping members of the community.
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tern Delgado
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
1. Open the public hearing and receive public testimony;
2. Close the public hearing;
3. Consider approval of the FY 2026-2027 CDBG program budget as recommended in Column C of the Table on Attachment A with the provision that: a) the allocation be adjusted based on the final allocation as determined by the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA), with a maximum of 15 percent of funding allocated for public service programs;
4. Adopt Resolution CC 2026-07, authorizing the allocation of the Fifty Second Year CDBG funds for FY 2026-2027; and
5. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute the documents related to the FY 2026-2027 CDBG funds.
Approved (4 to 0); Cortez Absent
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:43 p.m., the Covina City Council/Successor Agency to the Covina Redevelopment Agency/Covina Public Financing Authority/Covina Housing Authority adjourned in memory of Bob Ihsen to its next regular meeting of the Council/Agency/Authority scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., for closed session and 7:30 p.m., 11 for open session in the Council Chamber located inside of City Hall, 125 East College Street, Covina, California, 91723.
Fabian V ez, C ief Deputy City Clerk
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Victor Linares,'kayo Chair
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