IRWINDALE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS JUNE 11, 2025
5050 N. IRWINDALE AVENUE WEDNESDAY
IRWINDALE, CALIFORNIA 91706 6:15 P.M.
The Irwindale CITY COUNCIL met in regular session at the above time and place.
ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Mark A. Breceda, Manuel R. Garcia, Mayor Pro Tem H. Manuel Ortiz; Mayor Larry G. Burrola
Absent: Councilmember Albert F. Ambriz
Also Present: Julian A. Miranda, City Manager; Adrian Guerra, City Attorney; Theresa Olivares, Assistant City Manager; Christopher Hofford, Chief of Police; Kambiz Borhani, Director of Finance / City Treasurer; Eddie Chan, Director of Engineering / Building Official; Elizabeth Rodriguez, Public Services Director; Mary Hull, Human Resources Manager, and Laura Nieto, Chief Deputy City Clerk
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was conducted.
MAYOR BURROLA Mayor Burrola introduced Senator Susan Rubio who offered her support to the City and its leadership.
AB 2449 DISCLOSURES None.
CHANGES TO THE
AGENDA
CITY MANAGER City Manager Miranda noted that Council agenda Item Nos. 20E, MIRANDA 23A, and Housing Authority Item No. 34A will be continued to the meeting of June 25 due to a lack of quorum on those items tonight.
COUNCILMEMBER
TRAVEL REPORTS None.
COUNCILMEMBER
COMMENTS
MAYOR PRO TEM Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz reported that he has received several calls and ORTIZ messages from people in the community who have observed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) agents at local grocery stores, workplaces, and have even set up roadblocks within the City. He stated that ICE agents are not only targeting criminals, but they are also creating chaos within communities. He condemned the actions of ICE agents and assured the community that the Irwindale Police Department would not assist ICE in their work.
COUNCILMEMBER Councilmember Breceda agreed with Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz and joined BRECEDA in condemning recent ICE actions and stated that he was glad that Irwindale Police would not be assisting them.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 11, 2025
REGULAR MEETING PAGE 2
MAYOR BURROLA Mayor Burrola urged everyone to be cautious and aware of recent events and encouraged everyone to take action to remain safe while driving.
INTRODUCTION OF
NEW EMPLOYEES /
PROMOTIONS None.
PROCLAMATIONS /
PRESENTATIONS /
COMMENDATIONS
ITEM NO. 19A PROCLAMATION PROCLAIMING PRIDE MONTH IN THE CITY OF
PROCLAMATION IRWINDALE
PROCLAIMING PRIDE
MONTH IN THE CITY The proclamation was made.
OF IRWINDALE
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Item Nos. 20D, which was removed for separate consideration, and Item No. 20E, which was continued to the June 25 meeting. The motion was unanimously approved; Councilmember Ambriz absent.
ITEM NO. 20A WARRANTS / DEMANDS / PAYROLL
WARRANTS / DEMANDS
/ PAYROLL The warrants / demands / payroll were approved.
ITEM NO. 20B REQUEST TO CONDUCT FIREWORKS SALES – JOSEPH “PEPE” REQUEST TO MIRANDA SPORTS SCHOLARSHIP & GRANT FOUNDATION; CONDUCT FIREWORKS COLUMBUS CLUB – KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS #5650; AND SALES – JOSEPH IRWINDALE SISTER CITY ASSOCIATION
“PEPE” MIRANDA
SPORTS The requests of the following non-profit organizations / corporations / SCHOLARSHIP & associations that meet the criteria established by the Irwindale GRANT FOUNDATION; Municipal code to conduct fireworks sales were approved; subject to COLUMBUS CLUB – compliance with all City, County, and State regulations: Joseph KNIGHTS OF “Pepe” Miranda Sports Scholarship & Grant Foundation; Columbus COLUMBUS #5650; AND Club – Knights of Columbus #5650; and Irwindale Sister City Assoc.
IRWINDALE SISTER
CITY ASSOC.
ITEM NO. 20C INVESTMENT POLICY REVIEW AND DELEGATION OF THE INVESTMENT POLICY INVESTMENT AUTHORITY (Joint Item with Successor Agency, REVIEW AND Housing Authority, and Reclamation Authority)
DELEGATION OF THE
INVESTMENT
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 11, 2025
REGULAR MEETING PAGE 3
AUTHORITY
RESOLUTION NO. Joint Resolution No. 2025-43-3631, entitled:
2025-43-3631
ADOPTED “A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
IRWINDALE, SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD, HOUSING
AUTHORITY BOARD, AND RECLAMATION AUTHORITY BOARD
REPEALING AND REPLACING RESOLUTIONS NOS. 2024-35-
3512, SA 2024-36-3513, HA 2024-05-143, AND RA 2024-03-042 IN
THEIR ENTIRETY, AND ADOPTING A CITY OF IRWINDALE
INVESTMENT POLICY, AND DELEGATING AUTHORITY TO THE
CITY TREASURER TO INVEST THE SURPLUS FUNDS OF THE
CITY OF IRWINDALE, IRWINDALE SUCCESSOR AGENCY,
IRWINDALE HOUSING AUTHORITY, AND IRWINDALE
RECLAMATION AUTHORITY,” was adopted.
ITEM NO. 20E AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE FY 24/25
AWARD OF CONTRACT PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT
FOR CONSTRUCTION
OF THE FY 24/25 This matter was continued to the June 25 meeting.
PAVEMENT
REHABILITATION
PROJECT
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
ITEM NO. 20D IRWINDALE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SERVICES
IRWINDALE CHAMBER AGREEMENT
OF COMMERCE
SERVICES AGMT.
COUNCILMEMBER Councilmember Breceda declared a potential conflict of interest with BRECEDA this item and exited the Council Chambers at 6:29 p.m.
ASSISTANT TO THE Assistant to the City Manager Espino presented the staff report.
CITY MANAGER ESPINO
LILY PHAN Lily Phan, Executive Director of the Irwindale Chamber of Commerce, made a PowerPoint presentation.
MAYOR PRO TEM Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz asked about the program that Mrs. Phan ORTIZ mentioned where local youth would work at various workplaces within the City, to which Mrs. Phan indicated that the program is being prepared and should begin in the fall.
BOARD PRESIDENT Irwindale Chamber of Commerce Board President Steven Hillgren HILLGREN advised that the intent of the Career Day series is for local businesses to host youth from Irwindale. The Chamber has asked that the Irwindale Community Foundation assist in marketing the opportunity.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 11, 2025
REGULAR MEETING PAGE 4
MAYOR BURROLA Mayor Burrola asked about food that is provided at Chamber functions, to which Mrs. Phan indicated that sometimes Chamber members will offer food at a discount, but most times the food purchases are made with the Chamber’s budget.
Mayor Burrola stated that he felt that approving $30,000 for the Chamber is adequate.
MAYOR PRO TEM Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz agreed with Mayor Burrola.
MOTION A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the “Services Agreement” between the City of Irwindale and the Irwindale Chamber of Commerce beginning July 1, 2025, and expiring on June 30, 2026.
SUZANNE GOMEZ Suzanne Gomez stated that she felt that the Irwindale Chamber of Commerce does an excellent job.
FRED BARBOSA Fred Barbos spoke against authorizing $30,000 out of the $45,000 that the Chamber has requested.
ROLL CALL The above-mentioned motion was unanimously approved with Councilmembers Ambriz and Breceda absent.
COUNCILMEMBER Councilmember Breceda returned to the Council Chambers at BRECEDA 6:47 p.m.
SPONTANEOUS
COMMUNICATIONS
PABLO GAMEZ Pablo Gamez stated that the City prides itself on the benefits and services it provides, even if they only benefit a few, and asked why the City would ban RV and trailer parking on city streets. He referred to a comment that was made concerning safety on Calle del Sur but stated that it is not a through street and that the speed limit is set at 25 mph, and questioned why the concern was brought up by someone that does not live on that street. He requested that the City grant a fee-free parking permit for residents.
ROBERT ESCOVEDO Robert Escovedo noted that he lives on Morada Street and that nobody from his street requested a parking lot. Rather, it was built by Panatonni for the City at its sole expense.
GINA MIRANDA Gina Miranda suggested perhaps implementing an RV-parking permit program where residents could purchase permits at a reasonable rate.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 11, 2025
REGULAR MEETING PAGE 5
ANONYMOUS An anonymous individual stated his belief that an RV-parking permit system would eliminate the issue with homeless individuals parking their RV’s at the park. He also requested to see a report on the number of accidents caused by RV’s/trailers being parked on the street. He then asked whether the City would assist residents in modifying their homes in order to accommodate RV/trailer parking on their lots.
FRED BARBOSA Fred Barbosa thanked the Council for standing up for immigrants against ICE activities and questioned why Irwindale is not identified as a sanctuary city.
LINDA STROBEHN Linda Strobehn asked whether residents would be informed on any actions taken by the Council regarding RV’s, to which City Manager Miranda noted that the Council would discuss the matter at future meetings.
NEW BUSINESS
ITEM NO. 22A UPDATE ON THE IRWINDALE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION UPDATE ON THE (“ICF”) CARSHOW FUNDRAISING EVENT
IRWINDALE
COMMUNITY
FOUNDATION
CARSHOW
FUNDRAISING
EVENT
ICF VICE CHAIR ICF Vice Chair Hillgren made a presentation on the forthcoming car HILLGREN show.
COUNCILMEMBER Councilmember Garcia asked that insurance information for the event GARCIA be presented to the Council. He stated that a process should be fleshed out should other organizations desire to hold their own car shows.
MAYOR BURROLA Responding to a question by Mayor Burrola, City Manager Miranda advised that the ICF can likely obtain their own insurance that identifies the City as additionally insured and stated that the information that the Council is seeking would be provided to them.
Mayor Burrola also asked about the types of cars to be displayed at the car show, to which ICF Vice Chair Hillgren stated his belief that older, classic cars would be displayed.
Mayor Burrola stated that he was excited about the plans for the car show and asked City Manager Miranda to see to it that the event runs smoothly and safely.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 11, 2025
REGULAR MEETING PAGE 6
COUNCILMEMBER Councilmember Breceda noted a previous car show that was held at BRECEDA the Irwindale Speedway which included assistance from the Azusa and Baldwin Park Police Departments, though many issues caused by the large crowd were experienced in the surrounding streets after the event ended, to which Mr. Hillgren indicated that a security plan would need to be prepared.
COUNCILMEMBER Councilmember Garcia stated that some individuals attempt street GARCIA takeovers after car shows, and as such, a plan needs to be developed to prevent that from happening at this car show.
MAYOR BURROLA Responding to a question by Mayor Burrola, Mr. Hillgren stated that the intent is to make this car show a family-friendly, Irwindale-specific event, and stated that the ICF will make sure to ensure safety.
CARMEN ROMAN Carmen Roman expressed her disappointment in what she perceived to be a lack of enthusiasm for the car show by some members of the Council, and stated that she was excited for it to take place. She also commended the ICF Board for working hard to try to raise funds for the community.
FRED BARBOSA Fred Barbosa suggested having a strong police presence during the event and mentioned the possibility of raffling off impounded cars.
CITY MANAGER City Manager Miranda thanked the Council and stated that additional MIRANDA information would be presented at the meeting of June 25.
ITEM NO. 22B DISCUSSION REGARDING A POTENTIAL RETAIL CORRIDOR
DISCUSSION STUDY FOR ARROW HIGHWAY
REGARDING A
POTENTIAL RETAIL
CORRIDOR STUDY
FOR ARROW HWY
CITY ATTORNEY City Attorney Guerra advised that a study of the subject area would GUERRA not create conflicts of interest for the Councilmembers.
ASSISTANT TO THE Assistant to the City Manager Espino presented the report.
CITY MANAGER ESPINO
MAYOR PRO TEM Responding to a question from Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz, Assistant to the ORTIZ City Manager Espino advised that the study could include any section of Arrow Highway that the Council chooses.
Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz suggested that the consultant study any areas of the street that have potential, including those with vacant properties, to which Assistant to the City Manager Espino indicated that the consultant could study both existing and vacant businesses.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 11, 2025
REGULAR MEETING PAGE 7
COUNCILMEMBER Councilmember Garcia suggested looking into Arrow Highway, near GARCIA Michael’s through to Allen Drive, and noted that many of the facilities along this area are up for sale. He stated that some type of retail component may be appropriate for this area. He added that the center medians may also benefit from a revitalization. He also suggested widening Allen Drive and placing a signal at the corner of Allen and Ayon. He then suggested analyzing Arrow from Vincent to Lower Azusa Canyon Road and on Irwindale from Arrow to Gladstone.
MAYOR BURROLA Mayor Burrola asked whether any development proposals had been received for the property to the south of the Starbucks. He noted that this area is retail and asked about developing similar types of businesses along the south side of the street to be developed all the way to the Arco Gas Station. He then suggested that the consultant analyze Arrow Highway from Azusa Canyon Road through Irwindale Avenue.
ROBERT MORAGO Robert Morago stated that home values would increase for the properties along Allen Drive if the pit were to be filled. He also asked about constructing retail housing units, where the retail portion is located on the bottom and housing on top, and stated that this may be a good option to place near the train station.
SUZANNE GOMEZ Suzanne Gomez suggested analyzing the entire corridor and requested that the City’s traditional architectural design be used.
FRED BARBOSA Fred Barbosa suggested purchasing the site of the Irwindale Auto Electric business since the owner is looking to sell it.
COUNCILMEMBER Councilmember Garcia preferred studying Irwindale Avenue from GARCIA Arrow Highway to Gladstone.
MAYOR BURROLA Mayor Burrola preferred studying Arrow Highway between Azusa Canyon Road and Irwindale Avenue, and from Irwindale Avenue to Vincent.
MAYOR PRO TEM Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz suggested that the consultant analyze both ORTIZ Arrow from Azusa Canyon Road to Vincent and Irwindale Avenue from Arrow to Gladstone.
MAYOR BURROLA Responding to a comment by Mayor Burrola, Assistant to the City Manager Espino noted that the analysis would be prepared to draft a long-term vision for the corridors.
MOTION A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz, seconded by Mayor Burrola, to direct staff to direct the Council’s suggestions to the consultant and for the consultant to provide suggestions. The motion was unanimously approved; Councilmember Ambriz absent.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 11, 2025
REGULAR MEETING PAGE 8
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ITEM NO. 23A PUBLIC HEARING FOR IRWINDALE BUSINESS CENTER SEWER
PUBLIC HEARING FOR AND STREET LIGHTING MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT
IRWINDALE BUISNESS DISTRICTS
CENTER SEWER AND
STREET LIGHTING This matter was tabled to the meeting of June 25, 2025.
MAINTENANCE
ASSESSMENT
DISTRICTS
ITEM NO. 23B ADOPTION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 BUDGET AND
ADOPTION OF THE ESTABLISHING THE APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR FISCAL FY 25/26 BUDGET AND YEAR 2025-2026
ESTABLISHING THE
APPROPRIATIONS
LIMIT FOR FY 25/26
DIRECTOR BORHANI Director Borhani presented the staff report. He also discussed the Finance Department’s request to reclassify a Finance Technician position to Finance Analys, and answered a question from Fred Barbosa from the previous Council meeting regarding CalPERS and CalPARS rates as well as a question from Mayor Burrola by advising that sewer maintenance costs need to be covered through General Fund money.
RECESS The Council took a short recess at 8:09 p.m.
RECONVENE The Council reconvened at 8:15 p.m. with all members present.
DIRECTOR RODRIGUEZ Director Rodriguez spoke on the Recreation Department’s request for an increase in part-time hours and adding seasonal workers.
MAYOR BURROLA As requested by Mayor Burrola, Director Rodriguez advised that seasonal worker positions would be marketed to teachers and teachers aide who could work during the summer when school is out, and stated that she hoped the positions would work 30 hours per week and, when children return to school, they would work approximately 10 hours per week.
MAYOR PRO TEM Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz asked about hiring processes for the seasonal ORTIZ employees, to which Director Rodriguez advised that staff would target schools, school districts, and colleges, as well as advertising online and sending flyers to all resident households.
COUNCILMEMBER Councilmember Garcia asked whether the costs associated with the GARCIA increased part-time hours would be appropriated from the General Fund, to which Director Borhani explained why the requests would not cause staff to request additional funding from the Council.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 11, 2025
REGULAR MEETING PAGE 9
MAYOR BURROLA Mayor Burrola opened the public hearing at 8:26 p.m.
DENA ZEPEDA Dena Zepeda stated that she receives many complaints about the Recreation Department and questioned why staff did not submit budget requests earlier in the year.
LINDA MAREZ Linda Marez noted that Recreation events and activities have finite resources and stated that those who really wish to participate in them will do what is necessary in order to register. She commended Recreation Manager Zepeda for her tremendous job in bringing about new programs.
MAYOR BURROLA Mayor Burrola asked about funding for a sound system for the Red, White, and You yearly events, to which Director Rodriguez noted that the funding being requested is a yearly amount. The ICF previously funded the cost; however, they did not approve of funding this year and so staff must request funding from the Council.
Responding to a question by Mayor Burrola, Director Rodriguez described the new Teen Club Game Room and advised that the Lions Club donated some funding toward it, so they will be present at the room’s Grand Reopening on June 18.
COUNCILMEMBER Councilmember Garcia asked whether the Game Room would have GARCIA functioning monitors, to which Director Rodriguez advised that it contains all new game systems which were purchased using ARPA funds.
Councilmember Garcia also asked about the weight and cardio rooms, to which Director Rodriguez advised that the weight room needs attention and that staff is looking into it now.
ORDINANCE NO. 798 Ordinance No. 798, entitled:
INTRODUCED FOR
FIRST READING “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IRWINDALE ADOPTING THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-
2026”, was introduced for first reading, reading by title only and waiving further reading thereof, and
RESOLUTION NO. Resolution No. 2025-45-3633, entitled:
2025-45-3633
ADOPTED “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
IRWINDALE ESTABLISHING THE APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026,” was adopted, on the motion of
Councilmember Breceda, seconded by Mayor Burrola, and
unanimously approved; Councilmember Ambriz absent.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 11, 2025
REGULAR MEETING PAGE 10
ITEM NO. 23B SITE PLAN AND DESIGN REVIEW (DA) NO. 01-2025 5257
SITE PLAN AND VINCENT AVENUE
DESIGN REVIEW NO.
01-2025 5257 VINCENT
AVENUE
ASSISTANT PLANNER Assistant Planner Jarrod Palmer presented the staff report.
JARROD PALMER
OPEN Mayor Burrola opened the public hearing at 8:43 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING
DENA ZEPEDA Dena Zepeda complained that Recreation Center staff has neglected preparing properly for summer activities.
DISCUSSION HELD Discussion was held relative to the colors specified in the Design Guidelines.
CITY ATTORNEY Responding to a question by City Attorney Guerra, Assistant Planner GUERRA Palmer advised that the change that the applicant had accepted can be found in the Conditions of Approval in the resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. Resolution No. 2025-48-3636, entitled:
2025-48-3636
ADOPTED “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
IRWINDALE APPROVING SITE PLAN AND DESIGN REVIEW (DA)
NO. 01-2025 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN EXTERIOR
BUILDING RENOVATION AND PARKING LOT REDESIGN AT AN
EXISTING OFFICE/WAREHOUSE BUILDING LOCATED AT 5257
VINCENT AVENUE, IRWINDALE, CA 91706 (APN: 8619-012-049) IN THE M-2 (HEAVY MANUFACTURING) ZONE SUBJECT TO
CONDITIONS AS SET FORTH HEREIN AND MAKING FINDINGS
IN SUPPORT THEREOF AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT
FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
(CEQA) PURSUATN TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15301,”
was adopted on the motion of Councilmember Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Breceda, and unanimously approved;
Councilmember Ambriz absent.
CITY MANAGER’S
REPORT
CITY MANAGER City Manager Miranda presented the following report:
MIRANDA
1) Excavation and grading began this week on second half of the building pad of the new library site. Grading operations are expected to continue through next week.
2) The Public Works Services department is hosting its 5th Annual Recycling Event on June 14.
3) Resident registrations are now open for an adult deep sea fishing
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 11, 2025
REGULAR MEETING PAGE 11
trip scheduled for June 21.
4) He also reported on upcoming Senior Center activities.
REQUESTS FOR
AGENDA ITEMS BY
CITY COUNCIL
MAYOR PRO TEM Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz requested an update on the traffic signal to be ORTIZ set up at Los Angeles Street and Azusa Canyon Road, to which City Manager Miranda advised that an indemnification form and a maintenance agreement were sent to West Covina for review. Our staff is waiting for West Covina to place it on their Council agenda for approval.
MAYOR BURROLA Mayor Burrola asked for a consultant to look into the feasibility of installing solar panels at City Hall, the Police Department, the Recreation Center, and the Senior Center and requested an update on the development of a housing project on Allen Drive, to which City Manager Miranda stated that staff would look into having a consultant research installing solar panels as requested, and noted that staff is working with the Council of Governments on a feasibility study for the former Dominguez site, and stated that staff would present updates on both issues at the next meeting.
DENA ZEPEDA Dena Zepeda provided an update on the proposed car show and complained that Recreation staff did not request additional hours or seasonal help earlier in the year.
ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
________________________________
Laura M. Nieto, MMC
Chief Deputy City Clerk