I
I
I
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE COVINA REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY/COVINA PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY/COVINA HOUSING
AUTHORITY JOINT MEETING
MINUTES
April 7, 2026, 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 TemNice-Chair Hector Delgado
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 G. Ennis
Police Chief Ric Walczak
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
1 1
1 1
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 7:34 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Councilmember King.
INVOCATION
Given by Covina Police Chaplain Jim Allgaier.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion made by: Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
Seconded by: Councilmember Cortez
Approve the agenda as presented.
Approved (5 to 0)
CITY COUNCIL REORGANIZATION
City Clerk to Conduct Election of Mayor
City Clerk Aleman declared the positions of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore vacant and opened nominations for Mayor. Councilmember Allen nominated Councilmember Delgado for Mayor. The nomination was seconded by Councilmember Linares. Hearing no other nominations, City Clerk Aleman closed the nomination period and declared Councilmember Delgado as Mayor of the Covina City Council by acclamation.
Incoming Mayor to Conduct Election of Mayor Pro Tempore Mayor Delgado called for nominations for the position of Mayor Pro Tempore.
Councilmember King nominated Councilmember Cortez for the position of Mayor Pro Tempore. The nomination was seconded by Councilmember Allen. Hearing no other nominations, Mayor Delgado closed the nomination period and declared Councilmember Cortez as Mayor Pro Tempore of the Covina City Council by acclamation.
PRESENTATIONS
A. Recognition of Outgoing Mayor
City Manager Marcarello thanked Outgoing Mayor Linares on behalf of City staff for his leadership and support during his term as Mayor.
2 1
1 Congressman Gil Cisneros presented a certificate to Outgoing Mayor Linares and Incoming Mayor Delgado.
Jasmine Chen, representing the Office of State Senator Susan Rubio, presented a certificate to Outgoing Mayor Linares and thanked him for his leadership.
Alexa Sanchez, representing the Office of State Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio, provided a certificate to Outgoing Mayor Linares and Incoming Mayor Delgado.
Incoming Mayor Delgado thanked those in attendance for joining the meeting and their support including his boss Ray Witward, President of Teamsters Joint Council 42 Victor Mineros, Former Western Region Vice President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Ron Herrera, Covina laborers, IBEW Local 11, the Sprinkler Fitters Union, and Teamsters. He also thanked his family for their support.
Incoming Mayor Delgado then thanked Outgoing Mayor Linares for his work over the last year in driving change, connecting residents to resources, and leadership and presented an honorary plaque.
Outgoing Mayor Linares thanked City staff for their work in putting the night's event together and continued work over the past year, thanked the dignitaries who presented certificates and offered warm words, and thanked his family, friends, and residents for their continued support. He then thanked his City Council colleagues and noted the various projects completed in the City over the last year and those still in progress.
Outgoing Mayor Linares also thanked those critical of local government from keeping the City Council accountable, those who feel the call to give back to the community, and his family for their patience.
Incoming Mayor Delgado also thanked his City Council colleagues for their support in electing him Mayor. He then informed those in the audience that data centers nor battery storage facilities are not being considered in tonight's meeting and no data centers have been proposed within the City but one battery energy storage system (BESS) facility project is currently under review with the proposed application's developer, Covina Reliability Project, LLC (CRP), intending to continue community outreach.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Gary Clifford, Senior Executive Vice President for Athens Services, addressed comments made at a prior City Council meeting regarding the rates and business practices for Athens Services and encouraged the public to contact his office. He also congratulated Incoming Mayor Delgado on his appointment and thanked Outgoing Mayor Linares for his service.
Armida Carreon, addressed portions of the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the RWE BESS Project regarding the proximity of schools located near the proposed project site and the lack of communication to the school district administration.
Robert Owen commented on the lack of notice for the proposed RWE BESS Project, the impact of the proposed sales tax increase, and the need for enforcement on street vendors.
Samantha Anderson, owner of. Dog Gone Fun, raised concerns on not receiving notice of the proposed RWE BESS Project and its potential impact on her business. 3 1
1 1
Neil Polzin congratulated Incoming Mayor Delgado on his appointment, requested increased notices for the RWE BESS Project to residents, and addressed the comments made regarding Athens Services rates and business practices.
Theresa Cummings voiced her support for the increased presence of the phrase "In God we trust" and shared a story of the phrase.
Eloy Florez congratulated Incoming Mayor Delgado on his appointment and spoke in support of the RWE BESS Project with addressed concerns.
Jen Johnson, owner of The Book Shop/Johnson Rare Books & Archives, provided statements opposing the RWE BESS project due to the proposed location and potential hazards.
Reverend Joe thanked the City Council for their service to Covina, raised issues regarding the use of public comment time being used for political purposes and the behavior of certain elected officials in public and community meetings.
Dora Gomez congratulated Outgoing Mayor Linares and Incoming Mayor Delgado and provided the community information on events hosted by Project 29:11 including a business mixer and homebuyer workshop.
Public Speaker 3 wished Mayor Delgado success in his appointment and hopes for increased transparency. They also provided opinions on candidates appearing on the June 2, 2026, General Municipal Election ballot and requested the initiation into fraud allegations.
Susan Zermeno stated opposition to the RWE BESS Project due to potential risks.
Glenn Kennedy gave kudos to Councilmembers Allen and King for their work with the City, provided background on the Jobs Glen Memorial, and requested increased maintenance for Jalapa Park.
Ana Felix spoke in opposition to the RWE BESS Project due to the potential dangers.
Brian Calderon Tabatabai, Chair of SGVoices, provided background on the organization, thanked Outgoing Mayor Linares for his service, congratulated Incoming Mayor Delgado, cited concerns raised by firefighters for a BESS project, requested rejection of the RWE BESS Project or adding the requirement of a full Environmental Impact Review (EIR), and requested a letter of support for an upcoming workers strike.
Lee (No Last Name) spoke of their involvement in Covina, the noticing of community meetings for the RWE BESS Project, and requested rejection of the Project or adding the requirement of a full EIR.
Bri Serrano commented on their attendance at the community meeting for the RWE BESS Project, noted a cease and desist letter submitted by Los Angeles County Firefighters Local 1014, highlighted investors of RWE, and requested the Project be paused.
David Monzon of ACTION Food Pantry thanked the City Council for their work and requested support to further the aid of the food pantry. 4 1
1 1
COUNCIL/AGENCY/AUTHORITY COMMENTS
Councilmember Allen congratulated Outgoing Mayor Linares for a job well done and noted the difficulties present during both of his mayoral terms, voiced dissatisfaction with the politicizing of City Council meetings, and stated his excitement for Incoming Mayor Delgado's term.
Councilmember King thank Outgoing Mayor Linares for his hard work during his mayoral term and shared his pride in Incoming Mayor Delgado for his commitment to the City and potential for the next year.
Mayor Pro Tem Cortez thanked those who provided public comments for providing additional opinions to take into consideration. She then thanked Outgoing Mayor Linares on his leadership through obstacles and willingness to sit with the community and thanked his family for their support. Mayor Pro Tem Cortez congratulated Incoming Mayor Delgado and noted the cohesion within the City Council.
Councilmember Linares thanked those who spoke on the RWE BESS Project for providing information and noted his attendance at the community meeting. He also shared his excitement for Incoming Mayor Delgado's term and thanked his family for sharing his time with the City.
Mayor Delgado congratulated Outgoing Mayor Linares on his accomplishments and State of the City presentation, and thanked those who provided public comments but noted the preliminary status of the RWE BESS Project application.
In response to an inquiry from Councilmember Allen, City Manager Marcarello stated that meetings are ongoing with Homeowners Associations but no additional community meeting have been scheduled in regards to the RWE BESS Project. Councilmember Allen requested additional expanded outreach for the Project.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Police Chief Walczak congratulated Outgoing Mayor Linares and Incoming Mayor Delgado and thanked the City Council for their support over the last year as the Covina Police Department has reached staffing goals due to City Council approved incentives.
Mayor Delgado acknowledged Ryan Serrano, Deputy District Director for the Office of Supervisor Hilda Solis, and invited him to say a few words. Deputy District Director Serrano thanked Outgoing Mayor Linares for his work and congratulated Incoming Mayor Delgado on his appointment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
CC 1. Minutes
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Approve the Minutes of the February 17, 2026, Regular Meeting of the City Council/Successor Agency to the Covina Redevelopment Agency/Covina Public Financing Authority/Housing Authority.
Approved (5 to 0)
5 CC 2. Payment of Demands
Motion made by:. Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Approve Payment of Demands in the amount of $4,302,916.19.
Approved (5 to 0)
CC 3. Adoption of Ordinance 26-02
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Waive full reading and adopt Ordinance 26-02 entitled, "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Covina, California, approving Zone Change (ZCH) 25-3, and amending the City's Official Zoning Map 2558 parcels from the existing RD Residential Zone (Multifamily RD 2000 through RD 3000 and RD 3400 through RD 5000) to High Density Residential Zone (HDR) and Medium Density Residential (MDR), respectively, and the list of Assessor's Parcel Numbers are attached hereto as Exhibit A, and making a finding of exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3)".
Approved (5 to 0)
CC 4. Adoption of Ordinance 26-03
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Waive full reading and adopt Ordinance 26-03 entitled, "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Covina, California, approving Zoning Code Amendment (ZCA) 26-1 amending Chapter 17.72 Off -Street Parking and Loading of Title 17 (Zoning) of the Covina Municipal Code regarding Joint Use and Shared Parking Regulations, and Making a Finding of Exemption Pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3)".
Approved (5 to 0)
CC 5. Stop Sign Warrant Analysis — Prospero Drive and Italia Street Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Approval of the Traffic & Mobility Advisory Commission's recommendation to the City Council for the installation of stop signs on all three approaches at the intersection of Prospero Drive and Italia Street.
Approved (5 to 0)
1 6
CC 6. Award of Contract to Titans Roofing Corporation for City HaII Roof Repair Project in the Amount of $41,219
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
1. Approve award of contract to Titans Roofing Corporation for the City Hall Roof Repair Project in the amount of $41,219 and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract; and
2. Authorize a contingency amount of $4,000 (approximately 10% of construction costs) for any unforeseen circumstances.
Approved (5 to 0)
CC 7. Miscellaneous Facilities Painting Project — Final Acceptance and Filing Notice of Completion
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
1. Accept the work performed by Sky JTC Corporation; and
2. Authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the Miscellaneous Facilities Painting Project.
Approved (5 to 0)
CC 8.
2025 Annual Housing Element Progress Report
Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
Receive and file.
Approved (5 to 0)
CC 9. Consideration of Budget Amendments for City Operations Motion made by: Councilmember King
Seconded by: Councilmember Allen
That the City Council approve Resolution CC 2026-21 to:
1. Appropriate $35,000 from the police department development impact fee fund for grant writing services and equipment;
2. Appropriate $5,629.59 from the bond proceeds fund and $467.55 from the Department of Conservation fund, to be added to existing appropriations and transferring $17,749.62 to the parks capital fund, and
3. Authorize an amendment to a Purchase Order with Arete Food Trailers in the amount of $25,000 for health/safety-related modifications to equipment for the provision of food/beverage services at the Recreation Village.
Approved (5 to 0)
7 1
1 ADJOURNMENT
At 9:03 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, April 21, 2026, 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.
Ve Chief Deputy
Hector Delgado, Mayor/Chair
8 Ci
ty p y Clerk