IRWINDALE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS JANUARY 28, 2026
5050 N. IRWINDALE AVENUE WEDNESDAY
IRWINDALE, CALIFORNIA 91706 6:19 P.M.
The Irwindale CITY COUNCIL met in a regular meeting at the above time and place.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Councilmembers Mark A. Breceda, Larry G. Burrola, Manuel R. Garcia; Mayor Pro Tem Albert F. Ambriz; Mayor H. Manuel Ortiz
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
AB 2449 DISCLOSURES
None.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
City Manager Miranda noted that Councilmember Burrola had previously requested a housing update and advised that a comprehensive report would be provided at the February 11, 2026, meeting.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
Councilmember Burrola requested to pull Item No. 19D from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES / PROMOTIONS
ITEM NO. 17A
INTRODUCTION OF JOSE FLORES, MAINTENANCE AIDE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICES
DEPARTMENT
The introduction was made.
ITEM NO. 17B
INTRODUCTION OF ISRAEL LARRALDE, MAINTENANCE AIDE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICES
DEPARTMENT
The introduction was made.
PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS / COMMENDATIONS
ITEM NO. 18A
RECOGNITION OF OUTGOING CITY COMMISSIONERS
Mayor Ortiz thanked the outgoing commissioners for their service to the city and presented Certificates of Recognition to those outgoing commissioners in attendance: Joseph Rodriguez II.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 28, 2026
REGULAR MEETING PAGE 2
ITEM NO. 18B
RECOGNITION OF RIO HONDO PREP FOOTBALL TEAM ON THEIR CIF SOUTHERN
SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP
The recognition was made.
ITEM NO. 19C
QUARTERLY LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FROM GONSALVES & SON
Jason Gonsalvez presented the update.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, seconded by Councilmember Burrola, to approve the Consent Calendar, except for Item No. 19D, which was removed for separate consideration The motion was unanimously approved.
ITEM NO. 19A
WARRANTS / DEMANDS / PAYROLL
The warrants / demands / payroll were approved.
ITEM NO. 19B
INVESTMENT QUARTERLY REPORT FOR FISCAL QUARTER ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2025 The Investment Quarterly Report for fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2025, was received and filed.
ITEM NO. 19C
WAIVE FORMAL BIDDING PROCEDURES AND APPROVE THE PURCHASE AND
INSTALLATION OF FURNITURE, FIXTURES, AND EQUIPMENT WITH YAMADA
ENTERPRISES FOR THE IRWINDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-04-3715, entitled:
“A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IRWINDALE ALLOCATING $19,409 FROM THE LIBRARY FACILITIES IMPACT FUND, WAIVING THE FORMAL BIDDING PROCEDURES PURSUATN TO IRWINDALE MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 3.44.808(E), AND
APPROVING A COOPERATIVE PURCHASING AGREEMENT THROUGH CALIFORNIA
MULTIPLE AWARD SCHEDULE (CMAS) FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF
FURNITURE, AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE IRWINDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT”, was adopted; Councilmembers Breceda and Garcia abstaining.
ITEM NO. 19E
AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE MEMORANDUM OF
AGREEMENT FOR ACADEMY RECRUIT TRAINING SERVICES WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 28, 2026
REGULAR MEETING PAGE 3
The City Council authorized the City Manager to execute the newly approved Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the City of Irwindale and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) for Academy Recruit Training Services.
ITEM NO. 19F
REAFFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF IRWINDALE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
BOARDMEMBER STEVEN HILLGREN, BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-05-3716, entitled:
“A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF IRWINDALE REAFFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF STEVEN HILLGREN TO THE IRWINDALE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION,” was adopted.
ITEM NO. 19G
ACCEPTANCE OF THE 2024-2025 PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT; P-1068 The City Council ratified changes to the original scope of work and accepted the improvements and maintenance responsibilities for the constructed improvements for the 2024-2025 Pavement Rehabilitation Project; approved the final construction contract amount of $540,288.00 under the construction contract with Sully-Miller Contracting Company; authorized the Chief Deputy City Clerk to record the Notice of Completion; and authorized the Finance Director to release the 5% retention amount for the construction contract; Councilmember Breceda abstaining.
ITEM NO. 19H
RELEASE OF BONDS FOR PARCEL MAP 82551 – PARK AT LIVE OAK (1270 ARROW HWY) The release of the faithful performance, labor and material, and monument bonds for Parcel Map 82551 for the Park at Live Oak were approved for release.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
ITEM NO. 19D
WAIVE THE FORMAL BIDDING PROCEDURES AND AUTHORIZE THE ASSISTANT CITY
MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH DECORATIVE ELEMENTS FOR THE
IRWINDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY MURALS
Councilmembers Breceda and Garcia and City Manager Miranda declared potential conflicts of interest with this item and exited the Council Chambers at 6:52 p.m.
Councilmember Burrola asked about the mural designs, to which Assistant City Manager Olivares advised that four murals would be painted: one for the founding mothers, one at the reference desk, one at the children’s area, and another at the learning center. The selected artist would come up with schematics that would then be presented to the Council for consideration. She added that community meetings would be held to gain input.
Councilmember Burrola also asked whether an ad hoc committee would meet to discuss the murals, to which Assistant City Manager Olivares indicated that the community meetings that are being planned would grant members of the committee and the public the chance to participate and provide comments.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 28, 2026
REGULAR MEETING PAGE 4
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-06-3717, entitled:
“A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IRWINDALE, CALIFORNIA,
WAIVING FORMAL BIDDING PROCEDURES PURSUANT TO IRWINDALE MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 3.44.080(H), AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A PURCHASE ORDER AND
AUTHORIZING THE ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH DECORATIVE ELEMENTS TO PAINT FOUR (4) MURALS AT THE IRWINDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY,” was adopted on the motion of Councilmember Burrola, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, and unanimously approved; Councilmembers Breceda and Garcia absent.
Councilmembers Breceda and Garcia and City Manager Miranda returned to the Council Chambers at 6:52 p.m.
SPONTANEOUS
COMMUNICATIONS
Kenneth Whitfield with the “Racers Coalition to Save Irwindale” reported concerns regarding 500 Speedway Drive.
NEW BUSINESS
ITEM NO. 21A
APPOINTMENT OF A PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSIONER TO FILL AN
UNSCHEDULED VACANCY
Assistant City Manager Olivares presented the report.
Councilmember Garcia recused himself and exited the Council Chambers at 6:55 p.m.
Mayor Ortiz nominated Eva Michel for the vacancy.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-07-3718, entitled:
“A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IRWINDALE APPOINTING A
MEMBER TO THE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF IRWINDALE TO FILL AN UNSCHEDULED VACANCY WITH A TERM EXPIRING DECEMBER 31, 2026,” was adopted, thereby appointing Eva Michel to fill the vacancy; Councilmember Garcia absent.
At 6:58 p.m., Councilmember Garcia returned to the Council Chambers.
ITEM NO. 21B
DISCUSSION OF RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARKING ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY The report was introduced by Director Simpson and presented by Associate Planner Tyler, who elaborated on the report.
Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz recommended 10-foot setbacks with five-foot setbacks between homes.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 28, 2026
REGULAR MEETING PAGE 5
Councilmember Burrola recommended a five-foot setback since a 10-foot setback would be too much.
Councilmember Garcia agreed that front setbacks should be at least five feet, and said that three foot side setbacks should be ample. Absent that, it could be set at zero as long as both neighbors concur.
Responding to a question from Mayor Ortiz, Director Simpson advised that the Planning Commission recommended a 10-foot setback. When the recommendation was presented to the Council, it was decided to continue the discussion so that staff could present visual examples of different types of RVs. Staff would present the ordinance based off the Council’s direction.
Mayor Ortiz recommended a 10-foot setback and a three-foot side setback.
In reply to a question by Councilmember Burrola, Director Simpson advised that the zoning code currently includes 10-foot setbacks, though staff is now seeking Council clarification as to where exactly the setback should begin. She noted that most setbacks typically begin from the property line.
Councilmember Breceda stated his opposition to establishing setbacks.
City Attorney Guerra advised that, since the Council has not provided majority direction on how to proceed, staff have no action to take, and the Municipal Code would remain as-is.
ITEM NO. 21C
MEDIAN ISLAND LIGHTING INSPECTION & REPLACEMENT SCHEDULE Director Rodriguez presented the report.
Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz noted that the conditions of approval for the Park at Live Oak site require four medians but does not specify when they would be constructed. He stated his preference that a deadline for their construction be issued, to which City Manager Miranda advised that staff would contact Irwindale Partners to discuss the concern.
A motion was made by Councilmember Burrola, seconded by Councilmember Breceda, to receive and file the Median Island Lighting Inspection & Replacement Schedule. The motion was unanimously approved.
ITEM NO. 21D
CITY-OWNED OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE MISSION REPLACEMENT OF DOORS & RESTORATION OF WINDOWS – VERBAL REPORT
Councilmember Breceda declared a potential conflict of interest and exited the Council Chambers at 7:20 p.m.
Director Rodriguez presented the verbal report.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 28, 2026
REGULAR MEETING PAGE 6
Responding to several questions from Councilmember Burrola, Director Rodriguez advised that:
1) staff does not have the exact costs for the project yet, 2) the doors cannot be refurbished, they will have to be replicated, 3) the water leakage issues need to be resolved otherwise even the new items will be damaged, 4) she will discuss the recommendation made in the 2019 condition assessment regarding the installation of French drains.
Councilmember Burrola suggested setting up a fund to cover ongoing maintenance costs at the Mission, to which City Manager Miranda stated that staff would evaluate the request and come up with a Capital Improvement Project to present to the Council.
Councilmember Burrola expressed concern regarding reports of vandalism at the site, to which Director Rodriguez advised that she and the IT Manager are looking into locations for the placement of security cameras. She added that staff are also looking into installing a second barrier to further protect the stained-glass windows.
Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz stated his understanding that the Mission is all concrete and rock and is not supported by rebar, to which City Manager Miranda stated that staff would look into potentially retrofitting the facility.
Councilmember Ortiz noted that he has previously suggested installing a porch with a Spanishdesign to protect the door from rain. He also stated his preference against hiring a consultant for further work.
Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz stated that he would need to see a drawing of a porch before deciding whether one should be built.
Councilmember Burrola spoke against installing anything that would modify the current look of the Mission, to which Director Rodriguez stated that designs for any modifications could be presented to the Council for final design approval.
ITEM NO. 21E
IRWINDALE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION – UNSCHEDULED VACANCY FOR RESIDENT
REPRESENTATIVE
At 7:43 p.m., Councilmember Breceda returned to the Council Chambers.
Assistant City Manager Olivares presented the staff report.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, seconded by Councilmember Burrola, to defer recruitment to fill the unscheduled vacancy for the remainder of the term expiring June 30, 2026, bringing forward a report for consideration of appointment at the February 25, 2026, City Council meeting. The motion was unanimously approved.
ITEM NO. 21F
VERBAL UPDATE ON THE IRWINDALE LIBRARY PROJECT
At 7:55 p.m., Councilmembers Breceda and Garcia and City Manager Miranda declared potential conflicts of interest with this item and exited the Council Chambers at 7:47 p.m.
Assistant City Manager Olivares presented the update.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 28, 2026
REGULAR MEETING PAGE 7
Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz thanked Assistant City Manager Olivares and Director Rodriguez for keeping the community informed regarding the project’s progress.
At 7:55 p.m., Councilmembers Breceda and Garcia and City Manager Miranda returned to the Council Chambers.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Miranda presented the following report:
1) The City and the Chamber of Commerce invites all to attend the Mayor’s Reception on February 17.
2) The Community Development Department is currently updating its Hazard Mitigation Plan and invited the community to provide input.
3) He invited interested individuals to apply for open City positions online. 4) He also provided details on upcoming Recreation activities.
REQEUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS BY CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Breceda requested that staff follow up on his previous concern that the landscaping at the Arco station be addressed, including the removal of a dead palm tree, to which City Manager Miranda advised that Code Enforcement staff have reached out to the site owners already but will reach out again.
Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz stated that the site needs to be power washed.
Mayor Ortiz noted that several Southern California cities have showcased their cities with floats at the Rose Parade and asked that staff prepare information regarding the cost for Irwindale to do the same, potentially with sponsorship from a local business.
Councilmember Burrola requested a report detailing how other cities finance their Rose Parade floats, to which City Manager Miranda stated that staff would follow up on the request and report back to the Council.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned at 8:02 p.m. ________________________________
Laura M. Nieto, MMC
Chief Deputy City Clerk