APPROVAL OF MINUTES
EL MONTE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
OF JANUARY 14, 2026
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
Viviana Longoria, Mayor Pro Tem/Authority Member – present Marisol Cortez, Councilmember/Authority Member – present Sheila Crippen-Thomas, Councilmember/Authority Member – present Cindy Galvan, Councilmember/Authority Member – absent
Martin Herrera, Councilmember/Authority Member – absent Dr. Julia Ruedas, Councilmember/Authority Member – present
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
m) Councilmember Dr. Ruedas
s) Councilmember Crippen-Thomas 5-0 (Councilmembers Galvan and Herrera absent)
4. CLOSED SESSION:
The City Council and the various legislative 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 c losed session items of business.
Mayor Ancona invited members of the public to address the City Council on Closed Session Items 4.1 through 4.5.
Mayor Ancona and the City Council recessed into Closed Session at approximately 6:03 p.m. Councilmembers Galvan and Herrera joined the City Council in Closed Session at approximately 6:05 p.m. Mayor Ancona and the City Council reconvened from Closed Session at approximately 7:11 p.m.
4.1 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation – Danny Tate vs. City of El Monte, WC Case No. ADJ17179683.
Presentation was given by outside legal counsel, feedback given, but no final action taken.
City Council Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2026
2 4.2 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation – Julian Urias III vs. City of El Monte, WC Case No. ADJ1870758.
Presentation was given by outside legal counsel, feedback given, but no final action taken.
4.3 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation – Mark Gonzalez vs. City of El Monte, WC Case No. ADJ18437906.
Presentation was given by outside legal counsel, feedback given, but no final action taken.
4.4 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation – Julio Ramos vs. City of El Monte, WC Case Nos. ADJ18941523, ADJ19022436, ADJ18955601, and ADJ18946890.
Presentation was given by outside legal counsel, feedback given, but no final action taken.
4.5 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation – One (1) Matter.
Mayor Ancona and City Manager Martinez did not participate in Closed Session for this item. Presentation was provided, feedback was given, but no final action taken.
OPEN SESSION PROCEEDINGS
(Commencing at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the City Council reconvene from Closed Session/Short Recess).
5. INVOCATION: Chaplain. Mayor Ancona
6. FLAG SALUTE: Stella Wong, 5th Grade Student from Baker School. Present
7. RECOGNITIONS, HONORS AND COMMUNITY INTEREST PRESENTATIONS:
7.1 Presentation by the City Council to Stella Wong from Baker School for Leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Present
7.2 Presentation by the City Council to the El Monte Police Officers Association for Their Participation in the 2025 Tamale Giveaway Held on Saturday, December 12, 2025. Present
7.3 Presentation by the City Council to the El Monte Police Officers Foundation for Their Participation in the 2025 Christmas Toy Giveaway Held on Saturday, December 20, 2025. Present
7.4 Presentation by the City Council to the El Monte Police Officers Foundation Blue Santa Team for Their Dedication and Work to Help Support the Community.
Present
City Council Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2026
3 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 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 Counci l 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.
9. CITY TREASURER’S REPORT:
9.1 Transmittal of the Treasurer’s Cash and Investment Report for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2025.
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 September 30, 2025.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Receive and file report.
10. DEMAND RESOLUTION NO. D-742
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 $15,737,929.80 have been examined by the City Treasurer and that warrant numbers 1135158 through 1135889, and the payroll period November 16, 2025 through December 15, 2025 inclusive are hereby allowed in the amounts and ordered paid out of the respective funds as set forth.
m) Mayor Pro Tem Longoria
s) Councilmember Herrera 7-0
11. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting Minutes of December 10, 2025.
m) Councilmember Galvan
s) Councilmember Dr. Ruedas 7-0
City Council Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2026
4 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.
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) Councilmember Herrera
s) Councilmember Crippen-Thomas 7-0
12.2 Receive and File the City Clerk’s Quarterly Listing of Contracts Filed in the City Clerk’s Office Between October 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Receive and file the Report.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Councilmember Crippen-Thomas 7-0
12.3 Approval of Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule 26-27, Successor Agency Administrative Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27, and Accompanying Resolution.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council and the Successor Agency:
1. Approve the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule 26- 27 and Administrative Budget for the July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 period.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Resolution No. SA-101
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Councilmember Crippen-Thomas 7-0
12.4 Parkview Elementary School Request for Street Closures and Processing of a Special Event Permit for the Annual Americanism Parade.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
City Council Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2026
5 1. Consider and adopt a Resolution approving the request by Parkview Elementary School for assistance from the City to coordinate street closures and to process a Special Event Permit for the purpose of conducting the Annual Americanism Parade on Friday, February 20, 2026; and
2. Waive all fees associated with this event.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Resolution No. 10661
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Councilmember Crippen-Thomas 7-0
12.5 Consideration and Approval of an Amendment to the DNA Overhead Doors, Inc. Contract to Increase the Not-to-Exceed Amount of $50,000 to a New Not- to-Exceed Amount of $150,000.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve an amendment to the DNA Overhead Doors, Inc.
Contract to increase the not -to-exceed amount of $50,000 to a new not -to- exceed amount of $150,000; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the Contract Amendment with DNA Overhead Doors, Inc.
Total Cost: $50,000 Account No: 100-67-673-4-0-61110-00000 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Mayor Ancona 7-0
Amend the Contract Amount from
$200,000 to $150,000
12.6 Consideration and Approval of the Lease of a LVT Safeware Mobile Surveillance Camera System for the Public Works Department.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve the lease of an LVT Safeware Mobile Surveillance Camera System to enhance public safety and security of City-owned facilities and high- risk areas through an authorized dealer under Cooperative Purchasing Agreement, Sourcewell Program Contract No. #080922-SAF PS & EM, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $89,675.02;
2. Consider and approve the appropriation of $29,783.34 in Account Number 100-67-678-4-0-81310-00000, $20,000 in Account Number 650- 69-693-4-0- 63110-00000 (Sewer Funds), $9,891.68 in Account Number 600- 69-696-4-0- 62110-00000 (Water Authority Funds), $23,000 i n Account Number 202 -60- 571-4-0-61110-00000 ( Prop A Funds); and $7,000 in Account Number 202- 60-576-4-0-61110-00000 (Prop A Funds), in Fiscal Year 2025-26; and
3. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute an Agreement with Safeware.
Total Cost: $89,675.02 Account No: 100-67-678-4-0-81310-00000 650-69-693-4-0-63110-00000
600-69-696-4-0-62110-00000
202-60-571-4-0-61110-00000
Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes 202-60-576-4-0- 61110-00000
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Councilmember Crippen-Thomas 7-0
City Council Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2026
6 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 possible. 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.
[No Public Hearing Items Agendized for this Council meeting]
14. REGULAR AGENDA:
14.1 Consideration and Approval of a Contract Services Agreement with Horizon Mechanical for Aquatic Center Pool Maintenance for a Not -to-Exceed Amount of $120,000.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve a Contract Services Agreement with Horizon Mechanical for Aquatic Center pool maintenance for a not -to-exceed amount of $120,000; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute a Contract Services Agreement with Horizon Mechanical.
Total Cost: $120,000 Account No: 100-67-673-4-0-61110-00000 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes 100-54-548-2-0-63110-00000
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Crippen-Thomas 7-0
14.2 Consideration and Approval of a Construction Contract with Global Road Sealing, Inc. for the Pedestrian Safety Improvements Project Along Santa Anita Avenue and Peck Road, CIP No. 040, for a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $1,472,952.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve a Construction Contract with Global Road Sealing, Inc. for the Pedestrian Safety Improvements Project along Santa Anita Avenue and Peck Road, CIP 040 for a not-to-exceed amount of $1,280,828;
2. Authorize the Public Works Director to process change orders, as needed, in an amount not -to-exceed $192,124 (approximately 15% of the total contract amount) for construction contingency;
3. Consider and approve the appropriation of additional funds from HSIP Cycle 10 to Project Account Number 299-68-677-4-0-82210-P0040 in the amount of $1,649,393 and additional funds from Measure M to Project Account Number 225-68-677-4-0-82210-P0040 in the amount of $149,300 in Fiscal Year 2025- 2026; and
4. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the Construction Contract with Global Road Sealing, Inc.
Total Cost: $1,472,952 Account No: 299-68-677-4-0-82210-P0040 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes 225-68-677-4-0-82210-P0040
m) Councilmember Galvan
s) Mayor Pro Tem Longoria 7-0
City Council Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2026
7 14.3 Consideration and Approval of a Construction Contract with Select Electric, Inc. for the Pedestrian Safety Improvements Project Along Durfee Avenue and Garvey Avenue, CIP No. 070, for a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $1,016,712.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve a Construction Contract with Select Electric, Inc. for the Pedestrian Safety Improvements Project along Durfee Avenue and Garvey Avenue, CIP No. 070 for a not-to-exceed amount of $884,097;
2. Authorize the Public Works Director to process change orders, as needed, in an amount not -to-exceed $132,615 (approximately 15% of the total contract amount) for construction contingency;
3. Consider and approve the appropriation of additional funds from Measure M to Project Account Number 225 -68-677-4-0-82210-P0070 in the amount of $330,000; and
4. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the Construction Contract with Select Electric, Inc.
Total Cost: $1,016,712 Account No: 299-68-677-4-0-82210-P0070 HSIP Grant
225-68-377-4-0-82210-P0070
Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Measure M
m) Councilmember Galvan
s) Councilmember Crippen-Thomas 7-0
14.4 Consideration and Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with TKE Engineering, Inc. for Construction Management and Inspection Services for the Construction of Zone 9 Street Improvement Project, CIP No. 071 for a Not- to-Exceed Amount of $364,236; Authorization to Advertise the Notice of Inviting Bids; and Authorization to File the California Environmental Quality Act Notice of Exemption.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve a Professional Services Agreement for Construction Management and Inspection Services for the Zone 9 Street Improvement Project, CIP No. 071, with TKE Engineering, Inc for a not-to-exceed amount of $331,124;
2. Authorize the Public Works Director to process amendments, as needed, in an amount not -to-exceed $33,112 (approximately 10% of the total contract amount) for contingency;
3. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the Professional Services Agreement with TKE Engineering, Inc;
4. Authorize staff to advertise and publish the Notice of Inviting Bids for the Zone 9 Street Improvement Project, CIP No. 071; and
5. Authorize staff to file the California Environmental Quality Act Notice of Exemption with the Los Angeles County Recorder’s Office.
Total Cost: $364,236 Account No: 223-68-677-4-0-82210-P0071 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
m) Councilmember Galvan
s) Councilmember Dr. Ruedas 7-0
14.5 Consideration and Approval of a Construction Contract with CJ Concrete Construction, Inc. for the Parkway Drive/Denholm Traffic Calming Project, CIP 001, for a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $9,089,653.35.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
City Council Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2026
8 1. Consider and approve a Construction Contract with CJ Concrete Construction, Inc. for the Parkway Drive/Denholm Drive Traffic Calming Project, CIP 001 for a not-to-exceed amount of $7,904,046.35;
2. Authorize the Public Works Director to process change orders, as needed, in amount not -to-exceed $1,185,607 (approximately 15% of the total contract amount) for construction contingency; and
3. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the Construction Contract with CJ Concrete Construction, Inc.
Total Cost: $9,089,653.35 Account No:
Active Transportation Program Cycle
6;
Metro Express Lanes Net Toll
Revenue
Reinvestment Grant Program; and
Federal Earmark through
Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2023
Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Cortez 7-0
15. CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA:
15.1 Overview and Request for City Council Feedback and Direction Regarding Elimination of Directly Elected Mayor Office.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Receive the presentation of the City Attorney’s Office and provide feedback and direction.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Break at 8:40 p.m.
Return at 8:48 p.m.
At 9:33 p.m.
m) Councilmember Galvan
s) Mayor Pro Tem Longoria 7-0
Extend the meeting past 10:00 p.m.
m) Councilmember Galvan
s) Mayor Pro Tem Longoria 5-2 (Mayor Ancona and Councilmember Staff to undertake community Herrera No)
outreach. Present the community
feedback at the 2
nd regular meeting
in February. Have a resolution at
the 2nd regular meeting in February calling
for a June 2026 special election to
place two measures on the ballot to
eliminate the City Clerk and City
Treasurer; and have a measure on the
November 3, 2026 Election eliminating
the elected Mayor
16. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA: None
City Council Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2026
9 17. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
18. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTS:
18A. Mayor Ancona
Sorry to have missed the Pioneer Park design phase event. There was no snack bar in the design phase. During the holiday season had such a great time at the toy giveaway events. Wished everyone a Happy New Year.
Thanked everyone for all of the work. There will be a mural unveiling at La Historia.
18B. Mayor Pro Tem Longoria
18C. Councilwoman Cortez
Please follow the myelmonte app. There are a lot of events coming up.
Mentioned the different events that Parks and Recreation has programed.
Also spoke about the fishing event, Saturday at 8:00 am. Next Saturday will be the Tridecathon, third annual event.
18D. Councilwoman Crippen-Thomas
18D.1 Thank the El Monte Public Works Department for their Rapid Response.
Thanked the Public Works staff for all of their work in taking care an issue with the Hemlock water. Thanked the Traffic Division for all of their work for targeting traffic enforcement in the City.
18E. Councilwoman Galvan
Wished everyone a Happy New Year.
18F. Councilman Herrera
Welcomed everyone back hoped everyone had a good holiday season.
Thanked the Police Department for reaching out to the community. Staff put a spectacular event at the tree lighting ceremony.
18G. Councilwoman Dr. Ruedas
Thanked the Police Department for their fast response in ensuring the safety of all residents during the holidays.
Thanked staff for their work in the reopening of Gibson Mariposa Park.
18G.1 A Special Thank You to Everyone Who Attended the Pioneer Park Community Open House-District 3, Held Online on January 8, 2026 and In- Person on January 10, 2026, at Pioneer Park.
Thanked everyone who attended the design phase community meeting for Pioneer Park. Thanked Public Works and PD staff and Consultants.
City Council Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2026
10 19. ADJOURNMENT:
Meeting was adjourned at 10:18 p.m. in memory of Former Chief of Police Police Wayne Clayton and Mr. Jorge Garcia Barajas owner of La Barca Restaurant.
The next Regular Meeting of the City Council will be held on January 28, 2026 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 s ize 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) w orking 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
City of El Monte
APPROVED:
_________________________________
Jessica Ancona, Mayor
City of El Monte