CITY OF DUARTE
Minutes of the REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL/HOUSING AUTHORITY/DUARTE COMMUNITY FACILITIES
FINANCING AUTHORITY
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
7:00 PM — Regular Session
7:00 PM OPEN SESSION
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Pro Tem Kang called the open session to order at 7:03 p.m.
Councilmembers Present: Finlay, Lewis, Truong, Garcia, Calderon, Kang Councilmembers Absent: Martin Del Campo
Staff Present: Brian Villalobos, City Manager
Thai Viet Phan, City Attorney
Craig Hensley, Director of Community Development
Larry Breceda, Director of Public Safety Services
Angela Chiaromonte, Financial Services Manager
Alyssa Rico, Recreation Manager
Andres Rangel, Assistant to the City Manager
Frances Jimenez, City Clerk
Alexandra Almaguer-Negrete, Crime Prevention Specialist Councilmember Garcia requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Gina Perez, grandmother of Director Larry Breceda.
2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Moved by Councilmember Finlay, seconded by Councilmember Truong, and carried by the following vote of the City Council to adopt the agenda
AYES: FINLAY, LEWIS, TRUONG, GARCIA, CALDERON, KANG
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: MARTIN DEL CAMPO
3. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
The flag salute was led by Emma Li and Jessy Vergara.
4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - SPECIAL ITEMS
Councilmember Finlay congratulated the Duarte High School Varsity Basketball team for moving forward to CIF.
5. SPECIAL ITEMS
A. Mayor's Youth Council Update
Vice President Victoria Ramirez and member Elisa Ramos gave an update on recent and upcoming Mayor's Youth Council events.
B. Presentation of Award by the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District Anais Medina Diaz, Director of Communications for the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District, recognized the City of Duarte as the recipient of the District's Excellence in Engagement and Collaboration Award, which recognizes outstanding efforts in creating meaningful partnerships and community involvement to advance public health and vector control initiatives.
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In response to questions asked by the City Council, Director Medina Diaz confirmed staff will be in attendance at the City's National Night Out and noted staff will also look into attending the Third of July Independence Day Celebration event.
C. Pathway Home Project Update
Marco Santana, Principal Analyst at LA County's CEO Homeless Initiative and Affordable Housing Office thanked City Manager Villalobos and Director Breceda for their collaboration; shared data on the success of the Pathway Home program since its start in June 2024; gave an update on the demobilization of the Pathway Home Operation in Monrovia and Duarte; highlighted the continued services provided to participants to reach long term sustainability and permanent housing; addressed the current funding deficit for the specific site; mentioned other funding sources that are available to cities; and emphasized the need for partnerships to effectively address the complex issue of homelessness.
Conversation was had regarding the funding opportunities and ways to advocate for the Pathway Home Program. The City Council requested data on the success of the program. Further conversation was had regarding the regional issue of homelessness affecting neighboring cities as well.
Per questions asked by the City Council, Principal Analyst Santana gave estimates of the program's costs; highlighted the logistics of relocation of participants of the program; and shared the breakdown of funding the organization receives. The City Council shared their opinion on the site location and its effects on Duarte and provided suggestions on ways to improve communication and collaboration efforts.
City Clerk Jimenez noted that a community member wanted to make a public comment. Mayor Pro Tem Kang allowed the public comment.
Public Comment:
Lino Paras expressed disapproval of the public comment submittal process; stated his opinion on the Pathway Home Project; and expressed concern about the ongoing issue of homelessness.
D. Public Safety Department Update
Director Breceda introduced the newest member of his team, Alexandra Almaguer-Negrete, Crime Prevention Specialist, and highlighted her duties. Crime Prevention Specialist Almaguer-Negrete briefly introduced herself. The City Council welcomed Alexandra.
Director Breceda reported a year to date 15.6% increase in Part 1 crimes and a 32.9% decrease in Part 1 crimes when comparing 2022 to 2025. Special overnight operations were highlighted as part of the ongoing efforts to deter catalytic converter thefts and collaborative efforts were noted with the City of Monrovia and LASD Operation Safe Streets (OSS) team to manage gang-related activity in neighboring areas and portions of Duarte.
In response to questions asked by the City Council, Director Breceda clarified that the LA County Sheriff's department does not work in collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE. He also commented on the increased crime data and gave an update on the Virtual Deputy program.
The City Council recognized the Public Safety department for their continuous hard work.
Crime Prevention Specialist Almaguer-Negrete updated the City Council on the potential catalytic converter etching program and ongoing grant searches to support theft prevention efforts.
The City Council thanked the Public Safety team once more. Following inquiries from the City Council, Director Breceda confirmed staff is monitoring the crime occurring in the county area of Duarte.
6. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Joanna Gee, Duarte Library, announced upcoming library events.
Assistant to the City Manager Rangel announced upcoming city events.
KC Caracci shared an update on the planning efforts for the upcoming Route 66 Centennial parade.
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7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
8. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - CONSENT CALENDAR
None.
9. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Motion to read all Resolutions and Ordinances presented for consideration by Title only and waive further reading (CC/HA/FA).
B. Approve absence(s) of City Councilmember(s) from the City Council meeting.
C. Approval of Minutes - February 10, 2026 Regular Meeting (CC/HA/FA).
D. Approval of Warrants - February 24, 2026 (CC/HA/FA).
E. Receive and File the Public Safety Department Update.
F. Acceptance of Notice of Completion: Fiscal Year 2025-26 Citywide Concrete Repair Project No. 26-3 for CJ Concrete Construction Inc. complete in the amount of $110,041.00.
G. Adoption of Resolution No. 26-11 for the Designation of Applicant Agent for the Approved Application for Federal Aid Projects for the Donald & Bernice Watson Multi-Use Pathway Improvement Project.
H. Authorization for the City Manager to 1) sign the Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Kreuzer Consulting Group to expand develop plans, specifications and cost estimates for the Huntington Drive Street Improvements Project, and 2) approve a budget amendment in the amount of $50,000.
I. Authorization for the City Manager to sign a Professional Services Agreement with ARC Document Solutions for document scanning.
1. Approval of a Co-sponsorship with the Duarte Chamber of Commerce to host a Job Fair.
Moved by Councilmember Finlay, seconded by Councilmember Truong, and carried by the following vote of the City Council to approve items 9A - 9J of the Consent Calendar.
AYES: FINLAY, LEWIS, TRUONG, GARCIA, CALDERON, KANG
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: MARTIN DEL CAMPO
10. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION
None.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Adoption of Ordinance Adding Chapter 11.25 to the Duarte Municipal Code Regulating Electric Bicycles and Similar Devices
Director Breceda presented a staff report for the first reading of Ordinance No. 26-02 which adds Chapter 11.25 to the Duarte Municipal Code and additional amendments as it relates to regulating electric bicycles. Background information was provided on the direction given to staff to address the unsafe conditions around the muti-use trails and a timeline was relayed regarding the review process the Public Safety Commission took part in. Key provisions within the ordinance were detailed along with citywide restrictions, vehicle and device controls; and the scope of authority and enforcement.
Per questions asked by the City Council, Director Breceda detailed the logistics of reporting and enforcing the ordinance, highlighted the education components, and mentioned the planned signage.
Conversation was had regarding the cost of education-based citation classes. Additional dialogue occurred regarding the proposed maximum speed limit.
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Director Breceda shared the reasoning behind the proposed speed limit of 15 mph and noted the community feedback the Public Safety Commission received that led to that decision.
The City Council encouraged an ongoing review of the implementation as it rolls out, with the goal of making further improvements to the proposed changes. Additional conversation ensued regarding the logistics of enforcement procedures and differentiating between the classification of bicycles.
Mayor Pro Tem Kang opened the Public Hearing.
Public Comment:
Alexandrea imm suggested the possibility of adding additional lanes to the trail with specific usage designations for each.
Lino Paras stated his opinion on the use of the bike trail and its intended purpose.
The City Council emphasized the importance of ensuring safety on the all-purpose trail and accommodating all activity goers. Further conversation was had exploring potential future projects aimed at improving the trail.
Mayor Pro Tem Kang closed the Public Hearing.
Moved by Councilmember Finlay, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, and carried by the following vote of the City Council to Conduct a public hearing and introduce for first reading Ordinance No. 26-02 which will add Chapter 11.25 and amend Chapter 1.04 to the Duarte Municipal Code regulating electric bicycles and other regulated mobility devices to improve public safety, address community concerns, and provide clear enforcement authority.
AYES: FINLAY, LEWIS, TRUONG, GARCIA, CALDERON, KANG
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: MARTIN DEL CAMPO
12. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - BUSINESS ITEMS
City Clerk Jimenez stated that written public comment was received from Judy Ng expressing concern over the increase in the overnight parking fees and providing feedback.
The City Council discussed hearing staff's presentation prior to oral public comment.
Moved by Councilmember Finlay, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Kang, and carried by the following vote of the City Council to receive oral public comment after the presentation of the staff report for Business Item 13A.
AYES: FINLAY, LEWIS, TRUONG, GARCIA, CALDERON, KANG
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: MARTIN DEL CAMPO
13. BUSINESS ITEMS
A. Incremental Increase of the User Fee for Temporary Overnight Parking City Manager Villalobos provided a staff report outlining the recently adopted fee study and proposed Resolution No. 26-12, which would have approved the Incremental Increase of the User Fee for Temporary Overnight Parking. He also provided the history of establishment and intent of the overnight parking regulations; detailed common complaints residents provided in the past supporting parking restrictions; highlighted the rationale behind policing in the areas with overnight parking regulations; gave an overview of the 2022-2025 vehicle crime trends; noted the crime incident amounts by reporting district; and reviewed the cities surveyed to compare overnight parking and annual overnight parking fees.
The provisions of the proposed Resolution No. 26-12 were reviewed, which would phase in the fee by increasing to three dollars ($3) on June 1, 2026; to four dollars ($4) on September 1, 2026; and to five dollars ($5) on December 7, 2026; he also detailed guidelines for obtaining annual permits. City Manager Villalobos offered an updated recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 26-12 and direct the Public Safety Commission to review the current policies in place and explore a policy to out out of overnight City Council February 24, 2026 Page | 4
parking regulations.
The City Council shared their opinions on the regulations affecting only certain areas of the City and expressed support towards the idea of reviewing and possibly updating the Ordinances. Conversation ensued regarding the intended usage of overnight parking permits and annual parking permits.
Additional suggestions were given on permitting options the Public Safety Commission can consider.
In response to questions posed by the City Council, City Manager Villalobos confirmed that, at a $5 rate, the City subsidizes 97% of the cost. Conversation was had regarding reducing permit pricing.
Mayor Pro Tem Kang opened the floor for public comment.
Public Comment:
The following community members expressed strong opposition to the temporary overnight parking permit fee increase; shared their concerns regarding the decision-making process; and provided feedback for consideration: Joseph Cojean, Karen Brown, Lauren Romero, David Villegas, Ron Avila, Alex Imm, Jared Crisostomo, Jennifer Imm, Cheryl Gil, Chris Gil, Lino Paras, Suzanne Sokol, Virginia Peña, Sarah Imm, Ramon Cardenas, and Amanda Villegas.
Issues were raised regarding the regulatory practices affecting only certain areas rather than citywide, the rules and regulations surrounding annual parking permits, lack of communication efforts, negative financial impacts on households, the inconvenience factor for residents, the size of driveways and households, unclear fee objectives and subsidization, and the need for updated policies that incorporate resident participation and feedback. It was also mentioned that a community petition was circulated to reflect collective community input.
The City Council suggested increasing the use of social media to highlight agenda items; discussed the current fee options while awaiting future determinations; and reiterated the need to ensure community feedback is involved in future decision-making processes. Following questions asked by the City Council, discussion ensued regarding the purpose behind parking restrictions as it relates to crime reduction.
City Attorney Phan stated that while a moratorium cannot be put into place, the item can be tabled, and direction can be given to staff to send the item to the Public Safety Commission for further review and ultimately provide a recommendation to the City Council.
The City Council thanked the community members for attending and sharing their opinion on the matter and reiterated the specific tasks assigned to the Public Safety Commission.
After further discussion, City Attorney Phan clarified that the Resolution approved at the January 27, 2026 meeting approved the $5 fee and as such, recommended proposed Resolution No. 26-12 be approved with the change stating the user fee adopted for temporary overnight parking permits would revert back to one dollar ($1) pending any discussions at the Public Safety Commission.
Additional comments were made regarding the permitting process; appreciation was shared for the feedback provided; staff were commended for their hard work; and an emphasis was placed on prioritizing and considering constituents' opinions.
Moved by Councilmember Finlay, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, and carried by the following vote of the City Council to adopt Resolution No. 26-12 with updated language, stating the user fee adopted = for temporary overnight parking permits shall revert back to one dollar ($1) and the Public Safety Commission shall review and provide recommendations to the City Council regarding temporary overnight parking permits.
AYES: FINLAY, LEWIS, TRUONG, GARCIA, CALDERON, KANG
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: MARTIN DEL CAMPO
Following questions concerning information distribution, City Manager Villalobos confirmed that communication efforts will be in place to notify affected residents about the scheduled Public Safety Commission meetings. In response to follow-up questions regarding transparency and communication, Assistant to the City Manager Rangel provided clarification on recent social media posts that required removal after posting for content editing.
Per the City Council's request, City Clerk Jimenez presented the timeline for the fee study agenda items, confirming that all public noticing requirements were in compliance with Government Code.
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For the record, City Attorney Phan, confirmed the updated language that will be reflected in the Resolution as stating the user fee adopted for temporary overnight parking permits shall revert back to one dollar ($1) and the Public Safety Commission shall review and provide recommendations to the City Council regarding temporary overnight parking permits. The user fee of one dollar ($1) for temporary overnight parking is approved and will be effective immediately.
It was clarified that specific topics and direction on research, along with relevant considerations, would be provided to the Public Safety Commission for further review at a later time.
14. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCIL/HOUSING AUTHORITY/FINANCING AUTHORITY MEMBERS AND CITY
MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED PER GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 53232.3
City Manager Villalobos reported he attended the League of California Cities City Manager Conference and shared that he attended the Food ED 5th Anniversary Golden Gnomies, where the City was recognized for their partnership.
Councilmember Garcia congratulated all participants who contributed to the creation of Duarte's Community Garden; shared that he attended DYAC'S Opening Day ceremony; thanked staff for putting on the Lunar New Year Celebration; wished his wife a happy birthday; invited his colleagues to attend the annual Foothill Transit Bus Rodeo; and expressed his condolences to the family of Director Breceda.
Councilmember Calderon reported he attended a neighboring LA28 event with other elected officials and commended the Lunar New Year event.
Councilmember Finlay relayed residents' request to install pet waste disposal bags on Vineyard Avenue and Freeborn Street; shared excitement over the arrival of local sandwich shop, Gene's Grinders, in the City; and commended Director Hensley for providing an accessible and welcoming environment for businesses.
Councilmember Truong praised the participants of the Lunar New Year event; made a statement regarding transparency; and shared resources residents can use to stay informed.
Councilmember Lewis shared he attended the First AME Church African American Celebration and the February 2026 California Contract Cities Association (CCCA) Board of Directors Meeting and Dinner; and made a statement regarding transparency.
Mayor Pro Tem Kang made a statement on listening to constituents and being empathetic; reported he attended the SGVCOG Transportation Committee meeting; apologized for missing the Lunar New Year celebration; and invited Director Breceda to share a few words regarding his grandmother.
Council member Garcia thanked Director Breceda's family for being in attendance.
Director Breceda thanked Mayor Pro Tem Kang and Councilmember Garcia for bringing the item forward; presented his family; and shared his family history in honor of his grandmother and grandfather.
15. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:09 p.m., the City Council adjourned the meeting in memory of Gina Perez, grandmother of Public Safety Director Larry Breceda.
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Tera Martin Del Campo, Mayor
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