CITY OF IRWINDALE
5050 N. IRWINDALE AVE., IRWINDALE CA 91706 • PHONE: (626) 430-2200
NOTICE AND AGENDA FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL
December 18, 2025
SPECIAL MEETING – 10 a.m.
H. MANUEL ORTIZ - Mayor
ALBERT F. AMBRIZ - Mayor Pro Tem
MARK A. BRECEDA - Councilmember
LARRY G. BURROLA - Councilmember
MANUEL R. GARCIA - Councilmember
Via Zoom Webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87104592389 In the event that a Zoom broadcast is unavailable, staff will promptly notify the public through its social media platforms. The public meeting will proceed in accordance with The Brown Act.
Listen Over Phone: 1-669-900-6833; Webinar ID: 871-0459-2389
December 18, 2025
Spontaneous Communications: The public is encouraged to address the City Council on any matter listed on the agenda or on any other matter within its jurisdiction. The City Council will hear public comments on items listed on the agenda during discussion of the matter and prior to a vote. The City Council will hear public comments on matters not listed on the agenda during the Spontaneous Communications period.
Pursuant to provisions of the Brown Act, no action may be taken on a matter unless it is listed on the agenda, or unless certain emergency or special circumstances exist. The City Council may direct staff to investigate and/or schedule certain matters for consideration at a future City Council meeting.
Americans with Disabilities Act: In compliance with the ADA and Government Code section 54953(g), the City Council has adopted a reasonable accommodation policy to swiftly resolve accommodation requests. The policy can be found on the City’s website: https://www.irwindaleca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8075/AB2449-Reasonable-Accommodation-Policy. If you need special assistance to participate in a City Council or Commission meeting or other services offered by this City, including an electronic or printed copy of the City’s reasonable accommodation policy, please contact City Hall at (626) 430-2200. Notification of at least 48 hours prior to the meeting or time when services are needed will assist the City staff in assuring that reasonable arrangements can be made to provide accessibility to the meeting or service.
Note: Staff reports are available for inspection at the office of the Chief Deputy City Clerk, City Hall, 5050 N.
Irwindale Avenue, during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday).
Compensation for Board Members: Compensation for the members of the Irwindale City Council is $750.16 a month. In accordance with Government Code Section 54952.3, Councilmembers will not receive any additional compensation or stipend for the convening of the regular meetings of the Successor Agency to the Irwindale Community Redevelopment Agency. Councilmembers will receive additional compensation of $50/meeting, not to exceed $150 per month, for the convening the regular meetings of the Irwindale Housing Authority and an additional compensation of $300/meeting for convening the regular meetings of the Irwindale Reclamation Authority.
December 18, 2025
Code of Ethics
As City of Irwindale Council Members, our fundamental duty is to serve the public good. We are committed to the principle of an efficient and professional local government. We will be exemplary in obeying the letter and spirit of Local, State and Federal laws and City policies affecting the operation of the government and in our private life. We will be independent and impartial in our judgment and actions.
We will work for the common good of the City of Irwindale community and not for any private or personal interest. We will endeavor to treat all people with respect and civility. We will commit to observe the highest standards of morality and integrity, and to faithfully discharge the duties of our office regardless of personal consideration. We shall refrain from abusive conduct, personal charges or verbal attacks upon the character or motives of others.
We will inform ourselves on public issues, listen attentively to public discussions before the body, and focus on the business at hand. We will base our decisions on the merit and substance of that business. We will be fair and equitable in all actions, claims or transactions. We shall not use our official position to influence government decisions in which we have a financial interest or where we have a personal relationship that could present a conflict of interest, or create a perception of a conflict of interest.
We shall not take advantage of services or opportunities for personal gain by virtue of our public office that are not available to the public in general. We shall refrain from accepting gifts, favors or promises of future benefit that might compromise our independence of judgment or action or give the appearance of being compromised.
We will behave in a manner that does not bring discredit or embarrassment to the City of Irwindale. We will be honest in thought and deed in both our personal and official lives.
Ultimate responsibility for complying with this Code of Ethics rests with the individual elected official. In addition to any other penalty as provided by law, violation of this Code of Ethics may be used as a basis for disciplinary action or censure of a Council Member.
These things we hereby pledge to do in the interest and purposes for which our government has been established.
Irwindale City Council
December 18, 2025
SPECIAL MEETING
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. INVOCATION
4. ROLL CALL: Councilmembers: Mark A. Breceda, Larry G. Burrola, Manuel R. Garcia; Mayor Pro Tem Albert F. Ambriz; Mayor H. Manuel Ortiz
5. AB 2449 DISCLOSURES
Remote participation by a member of the legislative body for just cause or emergency circumstances
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Reject the Application for Leave to Present a Late Claim - Maya Angel Department: City Clerk
Recommendation: That City Council reject the Application for Leave to Present a Late Claim submitted by Maya Angel.
B. Reject the Application for Leave to Present Late Claim - Carmen Roman Department: City Clerk
Recommendation: That City Council reject the Application for Leave to Pursue a Late Claim submitted by Carmen Roman.
C. Reject the Application for Leave to Present Late Claim - Dena Zepeda Department: City Clerk
Recommendation: That City Council reject the Application for Leave to Pursue a Late Claim submitted by Dena Zepeda.
7. SPONTANEOUS COMMUNICATIONS
Spontaneous communications are limited to the special meeting agenda items only.
8. ADJOURN
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
I, Laura M. Nieto, Chief Deputy City Clerk, certify that I caused the agenda for the special meeting of the City Council to be held on December 18, 2025, be posted at the City Hall, Library, and Post Office on December 17, 2025.
December 18, 2025
Laura M. Nieto, MMC
Chief Deputy City Clerk
Item #6.A.
Date: December 18, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Julian A. Miranda, City Manager
Issue: Reject the Application for Leave to Present a Late Claim - Maya Angel City Manager's Recommendation:
That City Council reject the Application for Leave to Present a Late Claim submitted by Maya Angel.
Administrative Action:
Submitted by:
Theresa Olivares, Assistant City Manager
Prepared by:
Laura Nieto, Chief Deputy City Clerk
Reviewed by:
Adrian R. Guerra, City Attorney
Approved by:
Julian A. Miranda, City Manager
Background and Analysis:
On September 29, 2025, the City of Irwindale received a claim for damages from Maya Angel, alleging that during her employment with the City, she experienced a hostile work environment including workplace harassment, inappropriate conduct, and retaliatory behavior by supervisory personnel and other employees. Upon the recommendation of the City's third-party administrator, Carl Warren and Company, the City sent a Notice of Return of Late Claim to claimant Angel on October 28, 2025.
On November 26, 2025, claimant Angel submitted the attached Application for Leave to Present Late
Claim. The application, along with the existing claim file and prior summaries have been reviewed by Carl Warren and Company. Based on this review, the recommendation of Carl Warren and Company is that the City Council reject the application. Ms. Angel asserts that her claim should be considered timely because she believes the conduct at issue continued after her resignation in May 2025. She references an email sent by the City on October 1, 2025, which included a workers’ compensation form, as the basis for this position.
City records indicate that Ms. Angel resigned in May 2025 and that the events described in her claim occurred before that date. The October 1, 2025 email was an administrative action and does not constitute a new or separate incident related to her allegations.
Ms. Angel submitted her request as an Application for Leave to Present Late Claim under Government Code section 911.4. Based on the information reviewed, the application does not meet the requirements for granting leave to file a late claim.
For these reasons, staff recommends rejection of the application.
Fiscal Impact:
None
Attachments:
1. 10-28-25 Return of Late Claim
2. Angel, May - Application for Leave to Present Late Claim
1 ri
IRWINDALE
October 28, 2025
CERTIFIED MAIL
Return Receipt Requested
Article # 7019 1120 0001 1414 2761)
Ms. Maya Angel
Covina, California 91722
Re: Notice of Return of Late Claire: Claim for Damages — Maya Angel Dear Ms. Angel:
Notice is hereby given that the claim dated September 29, 2025, which you presented to the City of Irwindale is being returned as late.
Claim losses which have arisen between more than six months and less than 12 months prior to the filing of your claim, may be considered for application for late consideration and are subject to Paragraph I below.
All other claim losses which have arisen prior to September 29, 2024 are considered returned, and no further action was taken thereon, because the claim was not presented within one year of the accrual of the action.
WARNING"'
PARAGRAPH I
If any claim or causes of action exist, your only recourse at this time is to apply without delay to the City of Irwindale for Leave to Present a Late Claim. See sections 911. 2- 912. 2, inclusive, and section 946. 6 of the Government Code. Under some circumstances, Leave to Present a Late Claim will be granted. See section 911. 6 of the Government Code.
The time limitations herein apply only to causes of action arising under California law for which a claim is mandated by the California Government Claim Act. Government Code sections 900 et seq. Other causes of action, including those arising under federal law, may have different time limitations for filing.
5050 NORTH IRWINDALE AVE., IRWINDALE, CA 91706 PHONE: ( 626) 430-2200 FACSIMILE: ( 626) 430- Page 8 of 22 4209
You may seek the advice of an attorney of your choice in connection with this matter. If you desire to consult an attorney, you should do so immediately.
Sincerely,
Laura M. Nieto, MMC
Chief Deputy City Clerk
Enclosure: Claim for Damages received September 29, 2025 cc: Tim Varon, Carl Warren & Co.
Laurie Stroud, Carl Warren & Co.
Mary Hull, City of Irwindale
PROOF OF SERVICE BY MAIL
STATE OF CALIFORNIA }
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES } ss.
CITY OF IRWINDALE }
I am employed in the county aforesaid, State of California. I am over the age of eighteen years and not a
party to the within cause or claim; my business address is 5050 N. Irwindale Avenue, Irwindale, CA 91706.
On October 28, 2025, 1 served the within Notice of Return of Late Claim: Claim for Damages, Maya Angel, presented to the City of Irwindale on September 29, 2025, by placing a true copy, enclosed in a sealed envelope with postage thereon fully prepaid, in the United States Mail at Irwindale, California, addressed as follows:
Ms. Maya Angel
Covina, California 91722
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.
Executed on October 28, 2025, at Irwindale, California.
Laura M. Nieto, MMC
Chief Deputy City Clerk
CITY OF IRWINDALE
IS CLAIM FOR DAMAGES
TO PERSON OR
PROPERTY
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Claims for death, injury to person or to personal property must be filed not later than 6 months after the occurrence.
2. Claims for damages to real property must be filed not later than 1 year after occurrence. 3. Read entire claim before filing.
4. See page 2 for diagram upon which to locate place of accident.
5. This claim for must be signed on page 2 at bottom.
6. Attach separate sheets if necessary to give full details.
Sign each sheet. 7. File with City Clerk, 5050 N. Irwindale Ave., Irwindale, CA 91706
V-/I1V
RECEIVED
SEP 2 9 2025 11',{ am
CITY OF IRWINDALE
CM CLERKS DEPT.
Clerk' s Official Filing Stamp
To: City of Irwindale Claimant' s Date of Birth
Name of Claimant Maya Angel Claimant' s Occupation
Former Recreation Aide, Dan Diaz
Recreation Center
Home Address of Claimant Home Telephone Number
Business Address of Claimant N/ A Business Telephone Number N/ A Name and address to which you desire notices or communications to be sent regarding this claim: Same as above.
When did DAMAGE or INJURY occur? Names of any City employees involved in INJURY or DAMAGE Adam Quinones, Priscilla Zepeda, Melissa Marez, Lawrence Lopez, Date:_ Aug 2024- Currently Garrett Viado, Michael Carlos Time: _ Ongoing If claim is for
Equitable Indemnity, give date claimant served
with complaint: _ 9/ 29/ 25
Where did DAMAGE or INJURY occur? Describe in full detail and locate on diagram on page 2. Where appropriate, give street names, addresses, and measurements from landmarks:
The harassment, unsafe conditions, and retaliatory behavior occurred primarily at the Dan Diaz Recreation Center, 16053 Calle de Paseo, Irwindale, CA 91706, during work shifts, city -sponsored events, and interactions with supervisors and other employees throughout my employment. Additional incidents occurred at the Glendora Crowther Teen Center, 241 W Dawson Ave, Glendora, CA 91740, specifically on May 10th, during my work duties. The hostile work environment was ongoing and pervasive within these facilities, involving multiple individuals and extending to post -resignation retaliation.
Describe in detail how the DAMAGE or INJURY occurred.
During my employment, I was subjected to repeated harassment by my supervisor and other individuals, including inappropriate physical contact, unwanted personal comments, and verbal harassment. I feared retaliation if 1 reported these behaviors immediately, which delayed my ability to raise concerns in a timely manner. The work environment was hostile
and ultimately forced me to resign. Despite eventually reporting these incidents, HR failed to take corrective action. Following my resignation, I experienced additional retaliation, including mocking behavior and continued disregard for my concerns, which further compounded the emotional and professional harm I suffered. Many of the past incidents that occurred on City premises were captured through security camera footage, with dates and times documented.
This evidence was included in my full report provided to the City Manager and to the third -party investigator, though certain additional information was disclosed exclusively to the investigator.
Why do you claim the City of Irwindale is responsible?
The City of Irwindale, as my employer, had a legal and ethical duty to provide a safe workplace free from harassment and retaliation. City supervisors and managers had multiple opportunities to address concerning behaviors they witnessed but failed to take appropriate action. By allowing this conduct to continue, the City is directly responsible for the harm I experienced. Failures by leadership and HR further compounded this harm. Specifically, HR Manager Mary Hull and Public Services Director Elizabeth Rodriguez failed in their duty to protect me by dismissing my concerns, mishandling or ignoring complaints, breaching confidentiality, and acting unprofessionally. These failures undermined trust in the City' s processes and exacerbated the emotional, professional, and physical harm I suffered.
What DAMAGE or INJURIES do you claim resulted? Give full extent of injuries or damage claimed.
My damages include, but are not limited to, emotional distress, psychological trauma, and humiliation resulting from harassment, sexual battery, retaliation, and being forced to resign from my position. I have also suffered loss of wages, diminished future earning capacity, harm to my professional reputation, reduced career opportunities, and financial strain. Additionally, I continue to experience ongoing mental anguish, anxiety, sleep disruption, weight loss, and a loss of enjoyment of life, all of which have had a substantial and lasting impact on my well- being.
Claimant' s Name: Maya Angel
State the amount which you are claiming as of the date of presentation of this claim. Give basis of computation.
To be determined. My damages include, but are not limited to, emotional distress, mental anguish, humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from harassment, sexual battery, and retaliation during and after my employment. I am also claiming damages for lost wages, diminished future earning capacity, and the long- term psychological impact caused by being forced to resign under these circumstances. These harms are ongoing and substantial, warranting significant compensation.
Give estimated amount of future losses due to INJURY or DAMAGE:
The full extent of my future losses is not yet determined. I have experienced ongoing psychological distress both during my employment and after my resignation, with the impact escalating around May 20th and May 21 st, 2025, immediately before and on the day I resigned. After HR failed to follow up appropriately, I spoke publicly on July 9th, 2025, at an Irwindale City Council meeting to raise awareness of unresolved workplace misconduct.
Several other employees experienced similar harassment and hostile conditions both during my employment and in the years prior to my hiring, which further demonstrates the pervasive and longstanding nature of the misconduct. Following this disclosure, the City hired a third -party investigator who initiated a formal investigation on July 14th, 2025. During the ongoing investigation, I provided detailed information, documentation, and evidence. These harms were directly caused by the City' s failure to act on my complaints and the hostile work environment that forced my resignation. Future losses may include costs for therapy or medical care should I pursue treatment, as well as continued emotional distress, diminished earning capacity, and reduced career opportunities. These harms continue to be substantial, and a precise calculation will require further evaluation.
Was damage and/ or injury investigated by the police? _ N/ A If yes, what City? N/ A Were paramedics or ambulance called? _ N/ A If yes, name City or ambulance N/ A If injured, give name and address of your doctor and the date and time of your first visit:
Doctors and Hospitals:
Doctor N/ A Address N/ A Date Hospitalized
N/ A Hospital N/ A Address N/ A Date
Hospitalized N/ A Hospital N/ A Address
N/ A Date Hospitalized N/ A
Witnesses to DAMAGE or INJURY: List all persons and addresses of persons known to have information:
Names: _ Julian A. Miranda, Susan M. Woolley, Mary Hull, Maria Cordova, Marianna Zimecki, Claudia Ruiz, Darlene Acero, Yagi Huang, Natalya Villa, Personal family members.
N/ A Address N/ A Phone N/ A
N/ A Address N/ A Phone
N/ A k
READ CAREFULLY
For all accident claims, indicate on the diagram street names, including North, East, South, and West. Indicate place of accident with an " X". Indicate house numbers or distances to street corners.
If a City vehicle was involved, designate with an ° A" the location of the City vehicle when you first saw it, and with " B" the location of yourself or your vehicle when you first saw the City vehicle. Indicate location of City vehicle at the time of accident by A- 1" and location of yourself or your vehicle at the time of the accident by " B- 1". Mark the point of impact with an " X". Note: If diagram below does not fit the situation, attach a proper diagram signed by claimant.
Indicate
North
Signature of Claimant ( if other than claimant, indicate relationship) I Typed Name I Date Maya Angel 1 9/ 29/ 25
Note: Claims must be filed with the City Clerk. Presentation of a false claim is a felony ( Penal Code Section 72)
RECEIVED
a
a
Maya Angel
NOV 2 6 2025
Covina, CA 91722
November 26, 2025]
City Clerk
City of Irwindale
5050 N. Irwindale Avenue
Irwindale, CA 91706
Re: Application for Leave to Present Late Claim - Claim No. 504- AN Original claim filed September 29, 2025 - TIMELY)
Dear City Clerk:
CITY OF IRWINDALE
CITY CLERKS DEPT.
Under Government Code § 911. 4 1 apply for leave to present a late claim — but no leave is required.
My claim filed September 29, 2025 was timely under the continuing -violation doctrine. The harassment, retaliation, and constructive discharge continued through at least October 1, 2025, when the City Manager emailed me a DWC- 1 form dismissing my complaints as a workers' compensation matter. Six months from October 1, 2025 is April 1, 2026. My filing was therefore submitted months early.
The amount claim exceeds $ 10, 000 and is to be determined ( see original claim for categories of damages, including emotional distress, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and ongoing harm.
The City' s October 28, 2025 rejection letter is legally incorrect.
Please immediately accept Claim No. 504- AN as timely filed and process it accordingly.
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of California that the foregoing is true and correct.
Executed on [ 11/ 26/ 25], at Covina, California.
d= 51
Maya Angel
Item #6.B.
Date: December 18, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Julian A. Miranda, City Manager
Issue: Reject the Application for Leave to Present Late Claim - Carmen Roman City Manager's Recommendation:
That City Council reject the Application for Leave to Pursue a Late Claim submitted by Carmen Roman.
Administrative Action:
Submitted by:
Theresa Olivares, Assistant City Manager
Prepared by:
Laura Nieto, Chief Deputy City Clerk
Reviewed by:
Adrian R. Guerra, City Attorney
Approved by:
Julian A. Miranda, City Manager
Background and Analysis:
On October 21, 2025 the City of Irwindale received a claim for damages from Carmen Roman, alleging harassment and retaliation at the hands of a City employee. Upon the recommendation of the City's third-party administrator, Carl Warren and Company, the claim was rejected as follows at the meeting of November 12, 2025:
(1) Claim losses which have arisen since April 21, 2025 were rejected; and (2) Claim losses which have arisen between October 21, 2024 and April 21, 2025 may be considered for
an application for late consideration; and
(3) All other claim losses which have arisen prior to October 21, 2024, were returned, and no further action will be taken thereon, as the claim was not presented within one year of the accrual of the action.
On November 12, 2025, claimant Roman submitted the attached Late Claim Request. The application, along with the existing claim file and prior summaries have been reviewed by Carl Warren and Company. Based on this review, the recommendation of Carl Warren and Company is that the City Council reject the application.
Fiscal Impact:
None
Attachments:
1. Late Claim Request - Roman
From: Carmen Roman
To: Laura Nieto
Subject: Late Claim Request
Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 5:14:10 PM
City of Irwindale
Reason for Late Filing:
I am requesting late consideration of my claim for losses arising between October 13, 2024 and April 13, 2025. The delay in filing was due to circumstances outside of my control, including ongoing harm, continued attempts to resolve the matter informally, and lack of awareness of the statutory claim filing deadline due to the complexity and evolving nature of the situation.
At the time the incidents occurred, I was focused on my personal safety, stability, and accessing appropriate intervention and support services. These conditions made it difficult to immediately submit a formal government claim. Once I became aware of the requirement and was able to gather the necessary records, I filed the claim as soon as reasonably possible.
I respectfully request the City to grant late claim consideration so that the underlying issues may be reviewed and addressed on their merits.
Item #6.C.
Date: December 18, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Julian A. Miranda, City Manager
Issue: Reject the Application for Leave to Present Late Claim - Dena Zepeda City Manager's Recommendation:
That City Council reject the Application for Leave to Pursue a Late Claim submitted by Dena Zepeda.
Administrative Action:
Submitted by:
Theresa Olivares, Assistant City Manager
Prepared by:
Laura Nieto, Chief Deputy City Clerk
Reviewed by:
Adrian R. Guerra, City Attorney
Approved by:
Julian A. Miranda, City Manager
Background and Analysis:
On October 13, 2025 the City of Irwindale received a claim for damages from Dena Zepeda, alleging harassment and retaliation at the hands of a City employee. Upon the recommendation of the City's third-party administrator, Carl Warren and Company, the claim was rejected as follows at the meeting of November 12, 2025:
(1) Claim losses which have arisen since April 13, 2025 were rejected; and
(2) Claim losses which have arisen between October 13, 2024 and April 13, 2025 may be considered for an application for late consideration; and
(3) All other claim losses which have arisen prior to October 13, 2024, were returned, and no further action will be taken thereon, as the claim was not presented within one year of the accrual of the action.
On November 12, 2025, claimant Zepeda submitted the attached Late Claim Request. The application, along with the existing claim file and prior summaries have been reviewed by Carl Warren and Company. Based on this review, the recommendation of Carl Warren and Company is that the City Council reject the application.
Fiscal Impact:
None
Attachments:
1. Late Claim Request - Zepeda