APPROVAL OF MINUTES
EL MONTE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
OF FEBRUARY 25, 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: 6:00 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 – present
Martin Herrera, Councilmember/Authority Member – present Dr. Julia Ruedas, Councilmember/Authority Member – present
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
WITH THE FOLLOWING EDITS/CHANGES TO THE AGENDA:
Item 14.1has been pulled.
m) Councilmember Crippen-Thomas
s) Councilmember Dr. Ruedas 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.
Recess at 6:02 p.m.
Return at 7:10 p.m.
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: Angely Medina, 7 th Grade Student from Columbia School. Present
City Council Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2026
2 7. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA:
7.1 City Manager’s Report on the Elective Offices of City Clerk, City Treasurer and Mayor.
Receive and file report.
8. RECOGNITIONS, HONORS AND COMMUNITY INTEREST PRESENTATIONS:
8.1 Presentation by the City Council to Angely Medina from Columbia School for Leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Present
8.2 Presentation by the City Council to Alma D. Puente in Celebration of Her Recent Judicial Appointment and Contributions to the City of El Monte. Absent
8.3 Presentation by the City Council to Alfredo Rojelio Vasquez Jr. (“Freddy Bam Bam”) for His Valued Participation and Contributions to the City of El Monte.
Present
8.4 Presentation by the City Council to Francisco Panchito Cruz for His Valued Participation and Contributions to the City of El Monte. Present
8.5 Presentation by the City Council to the El Monte/South El Monte Jets Cheer Teams for Their Participation in the 2025/2026 SGV Junior All-American Football and Cheer Conference. Present
8.6 Presentation to the City Council by the El Monte/South El Monte Jets. Present
8.7 Presentation by the City Council to the El Monte Unified High School Varsity Cheer Team for Their Participation in the 2026 National Cheerleaders’ Association High School National Championship During the January 23-24 Competition. Present
8.8 Presentation by the City Council to the City of El Monte’s Treasury Division for Their Outstanding Work and Contributions to the City of El Monte. Present
9. 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 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 El Monte Library.
City Council Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2026
3 Julio Ramirez – Spoke about various items.
Maria – Spoke about various items.
Robert Arnett – Spoke about various items.
Spooky Spice – Spoke about various items.
Miss Ancona Herman – Spoke about various items.
Cassy Adorable – Spoke about various items.
Anahi – Spoke about various items.
Mayte Rodriguez – Spoke about various items.
Promise Li – Spoke about various items.
Eduardo Gonzalez – Spoke about various items.
Edward Barsoumian – Spoke about various items.
Allison Vo – Spoke about various items.
Jacinta Sanchez – Spoke about various items.
Isabel Palacios – Spoke about various items.
Andres Pedro – Spoke about various items.
Martina Cortes – Spoke about various items.
Irma Cuevas – Spoke about various items.
Georgia Levy – Spoke about various items.
Irma Zamorano – Spoke about various items.
Sandra Gutierrez – Spoke about various items.
Rob – Spoke about various items.
Gabriel Ramirez – Spoke about various items.
Karina – Make El Monte a sanctuary city.
Daisy F – Make El Monte a sanctuary city.
Jonathan Montalvo – Make El Monte a sanctuary city.
Ruth Martinez – Oppose the elimination of elected Mayor, City Clerk and City Treasurer positions.
Victor Hatem Ruth Martinez – Oppose the elimination of elected Mayor, City Clerk and City Treasurer positions.
WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENT:
Felicita Garcia Ruth Martinez – Oppose the elimination of elected Mayor.
Sandy Chu – Oppose the elimination of elected Mayor, City Clerk and City Treasurer positions.
Jonathan Montalvo – Make El Monte a sanctuary city.
April Gomez – Oppose the elimination of elected Mayor, City Clerk and City Treasurer positions.
City Council Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2026
4 Luu Nguyen – Oppose the elimination of elected Mayor, City Clerk and City Treasurer positions.
Karen Montez de Oca – In favor of eliminating the elected Mayor, City Clerk and City Treasurer positions.
Alekxandria Fuentes – Oppose the elimination of elected Mayor, City Clerk and City Treasurer positions.
Catherine Eredia – Equitable time for public comments at City Council meeting.
Kirin Heftye – Oppose the elimination of elected Mayor, City Clerk and City Treasurer positions.
10. DEMAND RESOLUTION NO. D-745
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 $10,059,867.99 have been examined by the City Treasurer and that warrant numbers 1136498 through 1137000, and the payroll period January 16, 2026 through January 31, 2026 inclusive are hereby allowed in the amounts and ordered paid out of the respective funds as set forth.
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Herrera 6-0 (Councilmember Dr. Ruedas absent)
11. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting Minutes of January 28, 2026.
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Councilmember Galvan 6-0 (Councilmember Dr. Ruedas absent)
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) Mayor Pro Tem Longoria 6-0 (Councilmember Dr. Ruedas absent)
at 9:29 p.m.
m) Councilmember Galvan
s) Mayor Ancona 6-0 (Councilmember Dr. Ruedas absent) Extend the meeting past 10:00 a.m.
City Council Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2026
5 12.2 Consideration to Approve a Resolution Adopting the Garvey Avenue Complete Street Plan Feasibility Study.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve a Resolution adopting the Garvey Avenue Complete Street Plan Feasibility Study.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Resolution No. 10665
m) Mayor Ancona
s) Councilmember Galvan 7-0
12.3 Consideration and Approval of Appropriation of Funds Related to Proposition 1 Groundwater Grant Program and El Monte SS Properties for Groundwater Monitoring Operation Costs and Consulting Services.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve appropriation of funds related to Proposition 1 Groundwater Grant Program and El Monte SS Properties for groundwater monitoring operation costs and consulting services; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute any contracts and service agreements in accordance with the grant agreement.
Total Cost: TBD Account No: Fund 305
Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Mayor Pro Tem Longoria 6-0 (Councilmember Dr. Ruedas absent)
12.4 Consideration and Approval of an Increase of the Purchase Order with Southeast Construction Products for Street Maintenance Materials from $50,000 to a Not-to- Exceed Amount of $97,900.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve a purchase order increase with Southeast Construction Products for street maintenance materials from $50,000 to a not-to-exceed amount of $97,900.
Total Cost: $47,900 Account No: 212-67-681-4-0-62110-00000 600-69-696-4-0-62110-00000
Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes 650-69-693-4-0-62110-00000 100-67-681-4-0-62110-00000
(Street maintenance;
Materials and Supplies)
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Mayor Pro Tem Longoria 6-0 (Councilmember Dr. Ruedas absent)
12.5 Consideration and Approval of a Fourth Amendment to a Professional Services Agreement with DNA Architecture Design Inc. for the Design of Homekey Program Phase II: Rehabilitation of the M Motel Project.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
City Council Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2026
6 It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve a Fourth Amendment to a Professional Services Agreement for Design Services with DNA Architecture Design, Inc. to amend the Agreement until the City Council’s acceptance of a notice of completion for the Homekey Phase 2 Restoration Project;
2. Increase the Agreement amount from $460,554 by an additional $76,626 to undertake additional professional services throughout the duration of the construction of the Project for a new Agreement not-to-exceed amount of $537,180; and
3. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to make all conforming modifications and edits and execute all implementing documents and approve change orders that may be necessary to cover unforeseen conditions in an amount not-to-exceed 15% of the additional increase of $11,494.
Total Cost: $76,626 Account No: 214-64-651-3-0-61110-00000 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Mayor Pro Tem Longoria 6-0 (Councilmember Dr. Ruedas absent)
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 for Consideration and Approval of a Resolution Calling a June 2, 2026 Special Election to be Consolidated With the Statewide Primary Election Administered by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk so that El Monte Voters May Consider a Ballot Measure Making the Elective Offices of City Clerk and City Treasurer Appointive; and First Reading of an Ordinance Effectuating the Same if Subject to Voter Approval.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Open the public hearing;
2. Receive presentation from staff;
3. Pose questions to staff;
4. Allow members of the public to offer comment;
5. Pose follow up questions to staff;
6. Close the public hearing;
7. Move to approve the Resolution calling a special election for voter consideration of a ballot measure making the offices of City Clerk and City Treasurer appointive; and approve for first reading ordinance that effectuates the same subject to voter approval; and
8. Alternatively, the City Council may approve to call the special election subject to splitting the matter into two (2) separate ballot questions and ordinances, one (1) for the City Clerk office and one (1) for the City Treasurer office.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Resolution No. 10666
Ordinance No. 3059
m) Councilmember Herrera
s) Councilmember Crippen-Thomas 7-0
Table the Item Indefinitely.
City Council Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2026
7 14. REGULAR AGENDA:
14.1 Consideration and Authorization to Receive a Presentation from ActiveSGV Regarding El Monte’s Clean Mobility Nexus Initiative.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Receive a brief presentation from ActiveSGV regarding El Monte’s Clean Mobility Nexus Project and pose questions as needed.
Total Cost: N/A Account No: N/A
Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Item has been pulled.
14.2 Consideration and Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with HDL Coren & Cone for Property Tax Consulting/Audit Services for an Amount Not-to-Exceed $105,000.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve the Professional Services Agreement with HdL Coren & Cone for Property Tax Consulting/Audit Services for a three and half (3.5) fiscal year term ending June 30, 2029, for an aggregate amount not-to-exceed $105,000; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to make all conforming modifications and edits and execute all implementing documents pertaining to the Agreement HdLCC.
Total Cost: $105,000 Account No: 100-31-311-1-0-61110-00000 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
m) Councilmember Galvan
s) Councilmember Cortez 7-0
14.3 Consideration and Approval to Increase the Sergeant Complement Within the Police Department from 16 to 18 Sergeant Positions.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider and approve an increase in the approved sergeant complement within the Police Department from 16 to 18 sergeant positions;
2. Instruct the Finance Department to encumber the necessary funds, complete any budget amendments or necessary action to complement the increase of sergeant positions, and any additional funding requirements and/or necessary purchases; and
3. Authorize the City Manager, or Chief of Police, to sign and approve all documents, purchasing requirements, or adjustments.
Total Cost: $133,014.58 Account No: 100-71-711-5-0-51110-00000 Is the cost of this item budgeted? No
m) Councilmember Cortez
s) Councilmember Herrera 6-1 (Mayor Ancona No)
14.4 Discussion and Action Regarding the Appointment of Planning Commissioners.
RECOMMENDATION OF BUSINESS ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
City Council Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2026
8 1. Approve the appointment of one (1) new member to the Planning Commission from District 5.
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
Appoint Anabelly Grajeda Rodriguez
Break at 10:33 p.m.
Return at 10:34 p.m.
15. CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA:
15.1 Presentation by the City Attorney on Code of Conduct for Councilmembers.
m) Councilmember Galvan
s) Mayor Pro Tem Longoria 6-0 (Mayor Ancona absent)
Table Item to Next Meeting
15.2 Consider and Adopt of a Resolution Affirming the City’s Code of Conduct.
m) Councilmember Galvan
s) Mayor Pro Tem Longoria 6-0 (Mayor Ancona absent)
Table Item to Next Meeting
16. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
17. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTS:
17A. Mayor Ancona
Joined the El Monte/South El Monte Chamber of Commerce at State of the Region preparing for world events. Shared update on what the City is doing to prepare for the Olympics. The City will be prepared in case of any emergencies that happen during that time. LA28 provided valuable information regarding vendors.
17B. Mayor Pro Tem Longoria
Reminded the community there will be a Lunar New Year on Main Street this weekend. The Fillies will also be having a fundraiser at Norwood Elementary, please come out and support. Thanked Councilmember Crippen-Thomas for the community event.
17C. Councilwoman Cortez
Announced that the Fillies will be having their opening game this weekend on Saturday. There will be a menudo and pancake breakfast, please come out and support all youth organizations. Excited for the New Year Lunar Celebration.
Encourage residents and visitors to shop local.
17D. Councilwoman Crippen-Thomas
17.1 Invitation to the Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) Students with Disabilities Resource Fair on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
Reminded everyone about the SELPA Resource Fair. Wonderful outreach for community members. Thanked Mr. Richard Thomas for his donation and cooking.
City Council Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2026
9 17E. Councilwoman Galvan
17F. Councilman Herrera
17G. Councilwoman Dr. Ruedas
Last year the City celebrated Women’s History Month. Would like to continue this tradition.
Mayor Ancona – Wondering if the City Council would like to have a community meeting to recognize folks throughout the City.
Councilmember Cortez – Great idea but there will need to be some exceptions.
18. ADJOURNMENT: Adjourn the meeting in memory of Mr. Richard Garner, Former Employee
of the City of El Monte and Mrs. Valerie Buckhannon, Wife of Captain Michael Buckhannon.
At 10:45 p.m.
m) Mayor Ancona
Adjourn the meeting
The next Regular Meeting of the City Council will be held on March 11, 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 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