CITY OF DUARTE
Minutes of the REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL/HOUSING AUTHORITY/DUARTE COMMUNITY FACILITIES
FINANCING AUTHORITY
Tuesday, March 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 7:07 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
Kristen Petersen, Assistant City Manager / Director of Administrative Craig Hensley, Director of Community Development
Larry Breceda, Director of Public Safety Services
Manuel Enriquez, Director of Parks and Recreation
Andres Rangel, Assistant to the City Manager
Frances Jimenez, City Clerk
2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Moved by Councilmember Finlay, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, 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 Joanna Gee.
4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - SPECIAL ITEMS
None.
5. SPECIAL ITEMS
A. Mayor's Youth Council Update
The scheduled Mayor's Youth Council update was not presented.
B. Public Safety Department Update
Director Breceda commended Captain George Meza for his responsiveness and support of the City.
Captain Meza thanked the City Council for their support of public safety and commended the Public Safety team for its collaboration and preparation when responding to the Eaton and Palisades fire last year. He provided an annual department update and reported a 14% decrease in part 1 crimes in 2025 and an overall reduction of 29% over the past four years. This success was attributed to the hard work of Sergeant Lammont Dobbins, Deputies Ruben Gonzales, Shane Fraijo, Art Valenzuela, Monique Moreno, the Special Assignment Team, and the rest of the deputies who serve the City. Captain Meza also highlighted the department's proactive policing, homeless outreach operations, and community engagement efforts; additionally, he thanked Motor Deputy David Olivas for managing traffic in the area. An overview was given on the two pilot programs implemented at Temple Station: Virtual Deputy City Council March 24, 2026 Page 1
Program, and FAST program. The Virtual Deputy Program allows residents to schedule video appointments with a deputy for non-emergency matters. In the FAST (Field Arrest Support Team) Deputy pilot program, a FAST deputy will be on call to take custody of individuals and handle all transportation and booking procedures. This will allow field deputies to continue patrolling rather than leave the city for extended periods of time. Captain Meza reiterated his gratitude for the partnership with the City.
In response to inquiries made by the City Council, Director Breceda confirmed they are working on collaborating with Mountain View Tire & Auto Service to schedule a catalytic converter etching program.
Additional information on the FAST program's timeline and logistics was also provided, noting that while the program is currently over, there is a possibility of a restart in the coming months.
Conversation ensued regarding partnerships for security measures during the World Cup and Olympic Games. Captain Meza gave a breakdown of the preparation logistics and organizations involved in the upcoming special events.
The City Council complimented Captain Meza for his leadership; shared appreciation for the deputies; and thanked the Public Safety team for their hard work.
Per questions posed by the City Council, Director Breceda highlighted the signage and educational initiatives that will inform residents on the regulations established by the recent e-bicycle Ordinance.
Further information was provided on the ongoing situation regarding GIS mapping issues at Fasana Road. A brief summary of the recent Public Safety Commission meeting was also given, specifically covering the discussion on temporary overnight parking.
The City Council suggested that the SGV CARE team's mental health resources and services be promoted alongside those offered by similar organizations.
C. Strategic Plan Update
City Manager Villalobos gave an overview of the implementation progress of the Duarte 2035 Strategic Plan, noting it is the framework guiding staff efforts. He also shared that staff reports will track strategic plan impacts, in addition to other initiatives that are tracked outside of council meetings but will ultimately be reflected in the performance dashboard. He thanked Assistant to the City Manager, Andres Rangel, and Management Analyst Albert Nuñez for their work collaborating with MIG.
Assistant to the City Manager Rangel provided a tour of the online dashboard and emphasized that each strategy will detail the action taken to fulfill it. In response to questions, he explained the quantitative process of tracking progress.
The City Council praised staff for their work. The City Council suggested highlighting the landing page on the homepage of the website. Additional compliments were given regarding the execution and display of the Strategic Plan.
6. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Joanna Gee, Duarte Library, announced upcoming library events. The City Council shared appreciation for the amount of events the library offers.
Assistant to the City Manager Rangel announced upcoming city events.
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Robert Greenberg shared his experience of contesting a ticket and accrued fines for overnight parking between 3 a.m. - 6 a.m. and inquired on how to address the issue. City Attorney Phan noted the City Council couldn't respond to public comment and directed the resident to speak with city staff.
Valerie Munoz, Mayor Pro Tem for City of La Puente and representative for the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority, provided an update on the organization's work. She explained that the goal of the organization is to secure funding to clean up the water in the area for local water agencies; highlighted the funding amounts that have been secured to date; and invited the community to attend a tour of the facility.
Neil Furukawa recognized the maintenance department for fixing the gaslights in the Mesa area during the high wind season; thanked city staff at the front desk for taking those comments; stated his opinion on signage located in the Duarte Mesa area and gave suggestions to enhance it. He also requested an City Council March 24, 2026 Page | 2
update on the Lario Park staging area used by the EPA and briefly commented on temporary overnight parking.
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 - March 10, 2026 Regular Meeting (CC/HA/FA).
D. Approval of Warrants - March 24, 2026 (CC/HA/FA).
E. Receive and File the Public Safety Department Update.
F. Receive and File the Strategic Plan Update.
G. Approval of the award of contract for the Fiscal Year 25-26 Street Rehabilitation Project No. 26-2 to ONYX Paving Company Inc. in the amount of $882,000.00
H. Approval of the award of contract for the Fiscal Year 2025-26 CDBG ADA Curb Ramps Project No. 26- 14, CDBG Project No. 602731-25 to SAVI Construction Inc. in the amount of $102,500.00 and up to a 25% contingency for additional work to a total of $128,125.00.
I. Acceptance of Notice of Completion: Banner Pole Project Replacement, No. 26-7 for FS Contractors in the amount of $75,381.28. The installation cost of $29,140.00 to FS Contractors and the purchase cost of the poles from Colonial Flag of $46,241.28.
Moved by Councilmember Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, and carried by the following vote of the City Council to adopt items 9A - 91 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 - NONE
12. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - BUSINESS ITEMS
None.
13. BUSINESS ITEMS
A. Design Review: Phase II - Duarte Park Revitalization Project Director of Parks and Recreation Enriquez provided background information on the project timeline to date; detailed the scope of work for each phase of the project; and highlighted the design's team in the design review process. He also noted that plans were reviewed beforehand to ensure ADA and security compliance and requested City Council feedback. After being introduced by Director Enriquez, Principal Engineer Daniel Berghauser introduced the design team on the architecture side from Dahlin: Nick McGuire, Lead Designer, Jon Canedo, Project Architect, and the landscape architects from Verde Design:
Chris Giannini, Senior Associate and Carlos Canedo, Project Manager.
The design team gave an overview of the current state of the park and the challenges the site presents; reviewed the adopted illustrative site plan and proposed site plan; while noting the focus on accessibility for evervone. Additional information was provided regarding the landscaping decisions made. The team also reviewed the proposed playground structure, site features and site structures; and outlined the estimated cost. The design team confirmed that the estimated cost includes a design contingency in City Council March 24, 2026 Page | 3
addition to the construction contingency that takes into account factors such as tariffs.
Per questions posed, Director Enriquez explained that the item would return to the City Council for a final decision on awarding the construction contract and allocating funding once the design and construction plans are approved. Should the project receive funding, it would then go out to a public bidding process with Dahlin and Verde Design overseeing the project. Director Enriquez addressed the City Council's concerns about community engagement, outreach, and the project's scope of work. He provided a detailed account of how community input and feedback were gathered and presented the project's timeline, explaining the decision-making process that brought the item before Council. Further conversation was had regarding concerns over the inclusion of a dog park in the project.
City Manager Villalobos detailed the direction of the City Council that led to the design of the dog park within the project scope. Per the City Council's request, staff confirmed the resident's survey results would be sent to the City Council.
Additional information was provided regarding the logistics of the site features. The City Council suggested memorialization opportunities for site features, such as letting residents purchase bricks or plaques.
In response to questions asked by the City Council, clarification was given regarding the height of the shaded structures. Discussion ensued regarding the project's timeline, the proposed site plan, and the scope of work.
Assistant City Manager / Director of Administrative Services Petersen reiterated the direction staff received on the project; outlined both the phasing of the site plan and budget allocation that was decided at previous workshop meetings; and emphasized the scope of work for phase two of the Duarte Park Revitalization project. Principal Engineer Berghauser pointed out the design team's commitment to flexibility, noting they kept phase three in mind while designing phase two as the location of certain amenities could change.
Feedback was provided regarding the site features. Dialogue ensued regarding the proposed prefabricated restroom, security lighting, and signage lighting. Clarification was provided on the bike rack usage.
The City Council suggested adding a message or information board at Duarte Park.
In response to questions, Director Enriquez confirmed that Measure A funds have been used for phase one implementation; noted that an update of the remainder balance will be given at the upcoming workshops and detailed the annual allocation amounts.
The City Council discussed the necessity of meeting the community's needs by improving facilities and creating new amenities. Conversation occurred regarding the cost and logistics of the prefabricated restroom. Feedback was also given regarding a pathway for the boxing gym users. The City Council shared their opinion on the inclusion of a dog park amenity.
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 announced that the April 14 meeting would start at 5 p.m. for the CIP workshop.
Councilmember Garcia recognized on-call staff for their recent work; commended Sergeant Dobbins for the enforcement in the riverbed; thanked Director Breceda for handling discarded shopping carts; reminded residents to report issues online or by calling the City; noted that CArt's received the California Distinguished School award; shared that he along with Mayor Martin Del Campo attendec Assemblymember Rubio's Young Legislators program as mentors; mentioned that DYAC's has started their season; and announced Kiwanis' upcoming Community Angel event, where Aida Tores will be recognized.
Councilmember Calderon thanked Sergeant Dobbins for the team's rapid on-scene response time and noted he is working on establishing partnerships with other cities in preparation for the Olympic Councilmember Finlay gave an update from the Sanitation District on the Clearwater Project; encouraged residents to attend Earth Day celebrations at the Sanitation District facility; relayed an update on the increase of black fly presence from the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control City Council March 24, 2026 Page | 4
District; thanked Senator Susna Rubio for securing funding for the SGV MVCD; shared that the MCVCD has new legal counsel; shard her experience in Sacramento advocating for AB 2002; and shared the life story of Michael Parson.
Southlmenter iong thanke stat for the; and bly cos pituated his son ferreaching the community as a councilmember.
Councilmember Lewis shared his decision-making process as a councilmember; stated his opposition to a dog park; thanked Captain Meza for being in attendance and expressed gratitude to Director Breceda for his availability.
Mayor Pro Tem Kang shared appreciation for the Strategic Plan dashboard; shared his opinion regarding uniformity of greenery and landscaping in the city.
Councilmember Finlay shared inspiration from other agencies on ways to utilize the riverbed.
Mayor Pro Tem Kang stated his opinion on the current political state of the country.
Discussion ensued regarding the ability of individuals to succeed regardless of their background.
15. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:20 p.m., the City Council adjourned the meeting in memory of Michael Parson, Vietnam War Veteran and Purple Heart recipient.
Ten na
Tera Martin Del Campo, Mayor
Frances l Jimenez'
Frances Jimenez, City Clerk
City Council March 24, 2026 Page | 5