APPROVAL OF MINUTES
EL MONTE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
OF FEBRUARY 26, 2025
MEETING JOINTLY AND REGULARLY WITH THE EL MONTE HOUSING AUTHORITY; EL MONTE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY; EL MONTE WATER AUTHORITY; EL MONTE PARKING AUTHORITY; SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE FORMER EL MONTE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY; HOUSING SUCCESSOR AGENCY; AND, FROM TIME TO
TIME, SUCH OTHER BODIES OF THE CITY WHOSE MEMBERSHIP IS COMPOSED
EXCLUSIVELY OF THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE CITY COUNCIL
1. CALL TO ORDER: 6:01 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL FOR CITY COUNCIL AND AUTHORITY BODIES:
Jessica Ancona, Mayor/Chair – present
Marisol Cortez, Mayor Pro Tem/Authority Member – present Sheila Crippen-Thomas, Councilmember/Authority Member – present Cindy Galvan, Councilmember/Authority Member – present
Martin Herrera, Councilmember/Authority Member – present Viviana Longoria, Councilmember/Authority Member – present Dr. Julia Ruedas, Councilmember/Authority Member – present
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
m) Councilmember Dr. Ruedas
s) Councilmember Herrera 7-0
4. CLOSED SESSION:
The City Council and the various legislativ e bodies whose membership is composed exclusively of the membership of the City Council will attempt to address and complete all Closed Session business between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. If the City Council completes all Closed Session business prior to 7:00 p.m., the City Council will take a short recess and commence all Open Session proceedings promptly at 7:00 p.m. In the event the City Council is unable to address or complete all agendized Closed Session items by 7:00 p.m., the City Council will hear all such remaining items toward the end of the meeting, immediately following Council Communications. Should any member of the public wish to address the City Council on any agendized Closed Session matter, the City Council shall allow such person to address the City Council on such matter(s) prior to going into Closed Session, provided that all persons wishing to address the Council on an agendized Closed Session matter shall (i) call-in or submit a speaker card in the manner prescribed on page 1 of this agenda, above, prior to the City Council going into closed session; and (ii) be subject to a single speaker time allotment of three (3) continuous minutes total per speaker to address the City Council on any or all closed session items of business.
Mayor Ancona invited members of the public to address the City Council on Closed Session Items 4.1 and 4.2. Mayor Ancona and the City Council recessed into Closed Session at approximately 6:02 p.m. Mayor Ancona and the City Council reconvened from Closed Session at approximately 7:12 p.m.
4.1 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation – One (1) Matter.
City Council received a report from legal counsel, feedback was provided, but no final action taken.
4.2 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 – Conference with Labor Negotiators.
Bargaining Units Subject to Negotiations: El Monte General Unit (SEIU Local 721); El Monte General Mid-Management Unit (SEIU Local 721); El Monte Police City Council Meeting Minutes of February 26, 2025
2 Officers Association; and El Monte Police Mid-Manager’s Association.
City’s Designated Negotiator: Alma Martinez, City Manager; and Rigoberto Gutierrez, Human Resources/Risk Management Director.
City Council received a report from legal counsel, feedback was provided, but no final action taken.
OPEN SESSION PROCEEDINGS
(Commencing at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafte r as the City Council reconvene from Closed Session/Short Recess).
5. INVOCATION: Chaplain. Present
6. FLAG SALUTE: Joseph Ramirez, 3
rd Grade Student from Payne Elementary
School. Present
7. RECOGNITIONS, HONORS AND COMMUNITY INTEREST PRESENTATIONS:
7.1 Presentation by the City Council to Joseph Ramirez from Payne Elementary School for Leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Present
7.2 Presentation by the City Council to Cu stody Officer Bob Elkin from the El Monte Police Department for his Outstanding Efforts and Life-Saving Actions. Present
7.3 Presentation by the City Council to the Los Angeles County Fire Station in the City of El Monte, Station No. 166, 167, 168, and 169 for their Outstanding Service During the Easton and Palisades Fire. Present
7.4 Presentation by the City Council to Our Gremlin Cheer Team from the El Monte/South El Monte Jets for their Incredible Milestone, Taking 1 st Place at the
Jamz Cheer Competition and Earning the Title of National Champions on February 1, 2025. Present
7.5 Presentation by the City Council to Arnold Barboza Jr. WBO Interim Title Champion. Present
Break at 7:52 pm
Return at 8:03 pm
8. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT:
This time has been set aside for members of the public to directly address the City Council on agendized items of business (other than those agendized as public hearing or closed session items) or on any other matter of interest to the speaker/caller that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council, the Housing Authority, the Financing Authority and/or the Water Authority (collectively, the “Council”). Each speaker/caller will be limited to a single allotment of three (3) continuous minutes total to address the Council on any or all matters covered by this section. As explained more specifically under the Public Hearing portion of this agenda, members of the public wishing to offer comment on items of business agendized under the Public Hearing portion of the agenda shall have a separate allotment of three (3) continuous minutes per speaker per public hearing item.
Except as otherwise provided under the Brown Act (Gov. Code Section 54950 et seq.), the Council may not deliberate or take action upon any matter not listed on this posted agenda but may order that any such matter be placed on the agenda for a subsequent meeting. The Council may also direct staff to investigate certain matters for consideration at a future meeting. Persons wishing to address the Council on matters covered under City Council Meeting Minutes of February 26, 2025
3 General Public Comment shall call in or submit a speaker card in the manner prescribed on page 1 of this agenda, above, by or before the General Public Comment portion of the agenda is closed. The City Council shall be under no obligation to entertain comments from speakers/callers who submit cards or call in to speak on matters covered by the section after the General Public Comment portion of the agenda is closed.
Am Bowes – Provided updates for the library.
Charles Hoffman – Spoke about the Historical Museum Open House on March 1, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
Cosme Jimenez – Spoke about Item 14.1.
Transgender Queen – Spoke about various items.
Armando Herman – Spoke about various items.
Tony Garcia – Requested an extension to his current contract for the Goody’s property.
9. CITY TREASURER’S REPORT:
9.1 Transmittal of the Treasurer’s Cash and Investment Report for the Quarter Ended December 31, 2024.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Receive and file the Treasurer’s Cash and Investment Report for the quarter ended December 31, 2024.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Receive and file the report.
10. DEMAND RESOLUTION NO. D-725
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL MONTE, CALIFORNIA,
ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AND SPECIFYING THE FUNDS OUT OF WHICH THE SAME ARE TO BE PAID.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL MONTE, CALIFORNIA, DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. That the attached list of claims and demands totaling $4,653,260.35 have been examined by the City Treasurer and that warrant numbers 1128559 through 1129050, and the payroll period January 16, 2025 through January 31, 2025 inclusive are hereby allowed in the amounts and ordered paid out of the respective funds as set forth.
m) Councilmember Crippen-Thomas
s) Councilmember Galvan 7-0
11. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
12. CONSENT CALENDAR:
All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine in nature and may be enacted by one motion approving the recommendation listed on the Agenda. One or more items may be removed from the Consent Calendar so that they may be discussed, considered, and voted upon individually by the Council. A matter may be removed from the Consent Calendar and taken up separately by way of a seconded motion of any member of the Council with the approval of a majority of the Council quorum.
City Council Meeting Minutes of February 26, 2025
4 12.1 Waiver of Full Reading of Ordinance(s).
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approval to waive full reading (except title) of all ordinances appearing on the City Council agenda as authorized under Government Code Section 36934, unless otherwise directed by the City Council.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Crippen-Thomas 7-0
12.2 Consideration and Approval of the Incorporation of New Policies Into the City of El Monte’s Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual.
RECOMMENDATION OF BU SINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve the incorporation of the following new policies into the City of El Monte Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual:
. City-Wide Budget Policy;
a. Reserve Policy;
b. Travel Expense Policy; and
2. Authorize the City Manager or her designee, to immediately implement and administer said policies.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
m) Councilmember Galvan
s) Councilmember Longoria 7-0
12.3 Consideration to Accept the Zone 3 Street Improvement Project, CIP 053, as Complete and File the Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Recorder’s Office.
RECOMMENDATION OF BU SINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and accept the Zone 3 Street Improvement Project, CIP 053 as complete and authorize staff to file the Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Recorder’s Office; and
2. Authorize staff to release the retention 35 days after the acceptance by the City Council.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Crippen-Thomas 7-0
12.4 Consideration and Approval to Authorize the Execution of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments and the City of El Monte Documenting Details of the Transaction for Corazon Del Valle Event.
RECOMMENDATION OF BU SINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
City Council Meeting Minutes of February 26, 2025
5 1. Consider, approve, and authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the Memorandum of Agreement between the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments and the Cities of El Monte and South El Monte for planning and hosting the Active Streets: Corazón del Valle 2025 Event; and
2. Authorize the use of TDA funds for in-kind services for an amount not-to- exceed $25,000 for the Open Streets Event.
Total Cost: $25,000 Account No: Various
Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
m) Councilmember Dr. Ruedas
s) Councilmember Crippen-Thomas 7-0
12.5 Consideration and Approval of a Purchase Order with TrueLine Construction & Surfacing for the Resurfacing and Refitting of the Basketball and Pickleball Courts at Mountain View Park for a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $55,000.
RECOMMENDATION OF BU SINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve a purchase order with TrueLine Construction & Surfacing for the resurfacing and refitting of the basketball and pickleball courts at Mountain View Park for a not-to-exceed amount of $55,000.
Total Cost: $55,000 Account No: 286-56-531-8121
Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Crippen-Thomas 7-0
12.6 Consideration and Approval of a Purchase Order with AME Builders, Inc. for the Removal and Replacement of the Mountain View Park Picnic Shelter Roof for a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $60,000.
RECOMMENDATION OF BU SINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve a purchase order with AME Builders, Inc. for the removal and replacement of the Mountain View Park Picnic Shelter Roof for a not-to- exceed amount of $60,000.
Total Cost: $60,000 Account No: 286-56-531-8121
Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Crippen-Thomas 7-0
13. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Members of the public wishing to address the Council on any item of business agendized under this Public Hearing portion of the agenda are asked to submit a speaker card for each Public Hearing item of business they wish to address the Council on. Each speaker will be allotted three (3) continuous minutes per Public Hearing item. Members of the public are asked to submit speaker cards to the City Clerk or the Sergeant-of-Arms before the Council’s approval of the agenda, if possi ble. The Council is under no obligation to recognize a speaker who submits a speaker card for a particular Public Hearing item of business after the public comment portion of the public hearing for that item has closed.
13.1 A Public Hearing to Consider and Approve an Ordinance Amending Certain Provisions of Chapter 10.08 (Speed Limits) of Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic) of the El Monte Municipal Code Relating to Speed Limits on City Streets.
RECOMMENDATION OF BU SINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
City Council Meeting Minutes of February 26, 2025
6 It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Open the public hearing;
2. Receive a brief presentation from City staff and pose questions to City staff;
3. Receive public comment, if any;
4. Close the public hearing;
5. Adopt the attached Ordinance approving the amendments to the El Monte Municipal Code relating to speed limits on City streets; and
6. Approve the update to the 2023 City of El Monte Engineering and Traffic Survey.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Ordinance No. 3046
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Galvan 7-0
Open P.H.
At 9:21 p.m.
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Herrera
Reduce the Public Comment
Period to One Minute
Transgender Queen – Spoke about Item.
Armando Herman – Spoke about Item.
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Crippen-Thomas 7-0
Close P.H.
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Councilmember Longoria 7-0
Approve Ordinance No. 3046
13.2 A Public Hearing Regarding Proposed Zoning Amendments and Related Environmental Review Approvals Affecting Properties Along the Garvey Avenue Corridor and 5-Points Area Comprised of an Approximately 2.2 Mile Segment of Garvey Avenue, Approximately 50 Feet East of Potrero Avenue to a Location Approximately 430 Feet West of the Intersection of Garvey Avenue, Valley Boulevard, Mountain View Road and Cosgwell Road.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: This previously noticed action item has been continued indefinitely so that the City may first conduct a separate community meeting to better explain the proposed amendments and to receive public input. The community meeting will be held on a date, time and location to be determined.
14. REGULAR AGENDA:
14.1 Consideration and Approval to Amend t he Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services Agreement with the Los Angeles County Fire to Reflect Increases in the Annual Fee Limitation, Cola Assumption, Employee Benefits, And Department Overhead For Fiscal Year 2025-26 Through 2028-29
RECOMMENDATION OF BU SINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve the Amendment to the Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services Agreement with the Los Angeles County Fire District to reflect increases in the Annual Fee Limitation, COLA Assumption, Employee Benefits, City Council Meeting Minutes of February 26, 2025
7 and department overhead for Fiscal Year 2025-26 through 2028-29. The amount for each fiscal year will be included in the budget for each fiscal year; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Amendment to the Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services Agreement with Los Angeles County Fire and all other corresponding documents.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Dr. Ruedas 7-0
15. CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA: None
16. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA:
Welcomed the new Public Works Director Jerry Moreno.
16.1 Update Regarding the City’s Credit Rating.
Reported that the City’s SMP just affirmed the City’s A+ rating for the pension obligation bonds which were issued five (5) years ago.
Mayor Ancona requested a copy of the report.
17. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
18. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTS:
18A. Mayor Ancona
18A.1 Request for Standing Meetings with the City Manager on the Second and Fourth Monday of each Month at 8:00 A.M. at City Hall to Review the Agenda.
18A.2 Discussion and Request for Economic Development Ad Hoc Meetings to Address Development Concerns.
Received scheduled meetings from staff. Council is excited to have these meetings. Request to have all of the meetings on the Council’s meetings.
18A.3 Discussion and Follow Up on Previous Discussion with the City Manager for a Victory Celebration Honoring Arnold Barboza Jr. the WBO Interim Title Champion.
Is not available to have a celebration any time soon because he is getting ready for his fight.
Last week had the opportunity to join Congressman Gil Cisneros Round Table for Mayors and City Managers. Spoke about the needs and concerns for the region and for the City including the $10M for Pioneer Park.
Another item discussed was the waste removal from the Eaton Fire.
There is a location in El Monte that was flagged for the Phase 2.
City Council Meeting Minutes of February 26, 2025
8 18B. Mayor Pro Tem Cortez
Was able to chair last Wednesday’s Coordinating Council meeting. There were about 20 attendees.
Spoke about celebrations, recognitions, and promotions of businesses.
18C. Councilwoman Crippen-Thomas
Reminded everyone of the first community event for District 1 at Cherrylee.
Great grand opening today at US Bank, they are excited to be here, staff did a great job.
18D. Councilwoman Galvan
18E. Councilman Herrera
Thanked colleagues for attending the Coordinating Council meeting.
Congratulated Mr. Jerry Moreno. Congratulated the Executive Team on the A+ Rating.
Had the opportunity to attend the presentation given by the School Resource Officers regarding drug awareness.
18F. Councilwoman Longoria
18G. Councilwoman Dr. Ruedas
Thanked staff for the scheduling of the ad hoc meetings and for sharing the information.
Requested update on the Arden Drive complete streets project from Valley Boulevard to Lower Azusa Road.
Congratulated and thanked the businesses in the City. Recognized Good Donut for their 14 year anniversary.
Mayor Ancona – El Monte Phillies this Saturday starting at 9:00 am. Also this weekend is garage sale weekend.
Mayor Pro Tem Cortez – Community outreach meeting at 11:00 am at Mountain View Park
City Council Meeting Minutes of February 26, 2025
9 19. ADJOURNMENT:
At 9:44 p.m.
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Galvan
Adjourn the meeting
The next Regular Meeting of the City Council will be held on March 12, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
This Agenda will be posted on the City’s website, www.ci.el-monte.ca.us, and physically posted no less than 72 hours prior to the start of the subject regular meeting. Although it is the City’s practice and desire to electronically post a copy of this Agenda along with supporting material as part of its website posting, the size or formatting of certain supporting materials may render their website posting infeasible. Nevertheless, all supporting materials related to any item on this Agenda, that is made available to the members of the council may be inspected by members of the public at the City Clerk’s Office located at 11333 Valley Boulevard, El Monte, Monday through Thursday, 7:00 am – 5:30 pm. For more information, please call the City Clerk’s Office at 626-580-2016.
All public meetings and events sponsored or conducted by the City of El Monte are held in sites accessible to persons with disabilities. Requests for accommodations may be made by calling the office of the City Clerk at (626) 580-2016 at least three (3) working days prior to the event, if possible. This Agenda and copies of documents distributed at the meeting are available in alternative formats upon request.
____________________________
Gabriel Ramirez, City Clerk
C i t y o f E l M o n t e
APPROVED:
_________________________________
Jessica Ancona, Mayor
City of El Monte