IRWINDALE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS FEBRUARY 11, 2026
5050 N. IRWINDALE AVENUE WEDNESDAY
IRWINDALE, CALIFORNIA 91706 6:15 P.M.
The Irwindale CITY COUNCIL met in a regular meeting at the above time and place.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Motley and Maximus Gonzalez. Mayor Ortiz briefly provided background information on both Motley and Maximus and presented them with Certificates for having led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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 Item No. 18B was moved to the agenda for the meeting of February 25.
COUNCILMEMBER TRAVEL REPORTS
None.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
None.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES / PROMOTIONS
ITEM NO. 18A
INTRODUCTION OF ADMINISTRATION OFFICE SPECIALIST NEFTHALY MOLINA The introduction was made.
ITEM NO. 18B
INTRODUCTION OF PUBLIC SERVICES OFFICE SPECIALIST ELIANA ARASTU This item was moved to the agenda for the meeting of February 25.
PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS / COMMENDATIONS
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ITEM NO. 19A
ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSIONER EVA MICHEL
The oath of office was conducted.
ITEM NO. 19B
RECOGNITION OF IRWINDALE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR LINDA MAREZ This item was deferred to the meeting of February 25.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Burrola, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion was unanimously approved; Councilmember Breceda abstaining on Item No. 20D.
ITEM NO. 20A
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETINGS HELD NOVEMBER 12 AND NOVEMBER 24, 2025
The minutes of the special and regular meetings held November 12 and November 24, 2025, were approved as presented.
ITEM NO. 20B
WARRANTS / DEMANDS / PAYROLL
The warrants / demands / payroll were approved.
ITEM NO. 20C
CLAIM REJECTION – RICCI RODRIGUEZ VS. CITY OF IRWINDALE The claim of Ricci Rodriguez vs. City of Irwindale was rejected and staff were directed to send a letter of rejection.
ITEM NO. 20D
APPROVE CONTRACT EXTENSION TO THE 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR SHOW
The City Manager was authorized to sign the approved contract extension for the 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular Show; Councilmember Breceda abstaining.
ITEM NO. 20E
ADOPT A REVISED TRANSPORTATION SERVICES PROGRAM POLICIES AND
PROCEDURES
Resolution No. 2026-09-3720, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF IRWINDALE ADOPTING THE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES PROGRAM POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE IRWINDALE SENIOR CENTER,” was adopted.
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END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
SPONTANEOUS
COMMUNICATIONS
There were no speakers.
NEW BUSINESS
ITEM NO. 22A
ARROW HIGHWAY CENTER MEDIAN ISLAND PROJECT (Verbal Update) Director Chan made a PowerPoint presentation with additional information presented by Director Rodriguez.
Councilmember Breceda asked whether the medians would be illuminated, to which Director Chan confirmed that they would be. Councilmember Breceda spoke on the need to properly care for the strawberry trees to avoid them growing out into the street, to which Director Chan stated that staff has guidelines for the proper care of the trees until they reach maturity.
Director Rodriguez noted prior issues with camphor trees and advised that staff have met with the landscape architect prior to selecting the strawberry tree. She indicated that staff will ensure that the trees do not lean as they grow.
ITEM NO. 22B
UPDATE ON MORADA STREET INTERSECTION (Verbal)
Councilmember Breceda declared a potential conflict of interest and exited the Council Chambers at 6:45 p.m.
Director Chan provided the update and made a PowerPoint presentation.
Responding to a question from Councilmember Burrola, Director Chan advised that staff anticipate that the construction for this project would be completed in approximately six months.
Councilmember Garcia stated that an ingress lane into Morada Street is needed, and that perhaps Arrow Highway could be widened to alleviate traffic and aid line of sight when attempting to exit Morada. He also asked what would be done with the remainder of the property and wondered whether the rock that was used in the building could be preserved and used for a concrete or landscaping beautification area.
Director Chan advised that staff have looked into widening Arrow Highway but realized it is a challenge since the property at 16253 Arrow sits about five feet away from the curb, and more distance is needed to widen Arrow Highway.
Responding to a question from Councilmember Burrola, Director Chan advised that the plans and specifications for the project would be completed around October.
Councilmember Garcia suggested repairing the parkway where the existing home will be torn down.
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Fred Barbosa asked whether Morada Street residents had been informed that the City would take a portion of their properties to widen Morada, and whether the City would compensate the residents, to which Director Chan advised that the City is not taking away any property, and that all property that is under consideration for widening belongs to the City.
Councilmember Garcia noted that the dwelling on the corner of Morada and Arrow, which is a City-owned property, would be the only property impacted.
The report was received and filed.
ITEM NO. 22C
BUILDING PLAN CHECK FEE WAIVER REQUEST BY SAINT CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA
COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH
Councilmember Garcia and City Manager Miranda recused themselves from this item and exited the Council Chambers at 7:02 p.m.
Assistant City Manager Olivares presented the report.
Fred Barbos stated that the City has waived many fees for Our Lady of Guadalupe Church projects and suggested that the same be granted to this non-profit organization.
Assistant City Manager Olivares advised that the subject fee waiver relates to plan check fees and noted that staff anticipate that the Church may return to submit another fee waiver request in the future when it is ready to pull permits for construction.
Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz asked whether a certain percentage of fees had been previously waived for Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, to which Assistant City Manager Olivares advised that she would need to research to determine whether it had submitted a fee waiver when they constructed their new building. However, she added that the Council has granted fee waivers to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church for their festivals and processions. Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz suggested that a waiver of the same percentage that had been granted previously to Our Lady of Guadalupe be extended to this church.
Councilmember Burrola suggested that the fee waiver be granted.
Mayor Ortiz suggested waiving 50% of the plan check fees.
Councilmember Burrola suggested waiving the entire fee amount.
Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz requested that the same waiver percentage granted to Our Lady of Guadalupe be granted to this church.
Assistant City Manager Olivares reminded that the Council had waived fees, possibly building permit or plan check fees, for Kare Youth League when they constructed their park.
Councilmember Burrola asked about the fee waivers granted to Our Lady of Guadalupe, to which Mayor Ortiz suggested that the Council table this matter to the next meeting to receive the information requested.
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Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz spoke on the need for consistency when granting fee waivers.
Assistant City Manager Olivares indicated that staff would check to see if fees were waived for other non-profit organizations, and what those amounts may have been.
Mayor Ortiz stated that he does not believe that fees were waived for Our Lady of Guadalupe when they were building their church, but that he would be fine with tabling this matter to receive additional information from staff, after which the Council could decide.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, seconded by Mayor Ortiz, to table this matter to the next Council meeting so that the information requested could be presented by staff. The motion was approved, with Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz and Mayor Ortiz in favor; Councilmember Burrola opposed.
At 7:16 p.m., Councilmembers Breceda and Garcia and City Manager Miranda returned to the Council Chambers.
ITEM NO. 22D
WAIVE FORMAL BIDDING REQUIREMENTS, APPROPRIATE FUNDS, AND APPROVE
AGREEMENT WITH HDL COMPANIES (HDL) FOR BUSINESS LICENSE TAX
ORDINANCE/FEE STUDY
Assistant City Manager Olivares presented the staff report.
In reply to a question by Councilmember Burrola, Assistant City Manager Olivares stated that HDL would not add other fees unless they are retained for consulting services, should the Council decide to add a measure to the election ballot, since assistance from another firm may be required. She added that, should this occur, staff would prepare a report for presentation to the Council.
Resolution No. 2026-12-3723, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF IRWINDALE WAIVING FORMAL BIDDING REQUIREMENTS PURSUANT TO IRWINDALE MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 3.44.080(D), APPROPRIATING $50,000 FROM
THE GENERAL FUND RESERVES, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER
INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH HDL COMPANIES TO CONDUCT A BUSINESS LICENSE TAX ORDINANCE / FEE STUDY,” was passed, approved, and adopted, on the motion of Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, seconded by Councilmember Breceda, and unanimously approved.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ITEM NO. 23A
INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 817 ENTITLED: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IRWINDALE AMENDING TITLE 15 OF THE IRWINDALE MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING CHAPTER 15.05 – EXISTING BUILDING
CODE AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING CODE (2026 EDITION) WITH IRWINDALE AMENDMENTS, LOS ANGELES COUNTY ELECTRICAL CODE (2026 EDITION), LOS ANGELES COUNTY PLUMBING CODE (2026 EDITION), LOS ANGELES COUNTY MECHANICAL CODE (2026 EDITION), LOS ANGELES COUNTY GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE (2026 EDITION), LOS ANGELES COUNTY RESIDENTIAL CODE (2026 EDITION), EXISTING BUILDING CODE (2026 EDITION), AND ADOPTING
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LOCAL AMENDMENTS THERETO REPEALING ALL OTHER ORDINANCES OR PORTIONS
OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT THEREWITH, PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 50022.2 ET SEQ."
Director Chan presented the report. He also indicated that this matter was noticed as a public hearing for tonight’s meeting, with another public hearing scheduled for February 25, 2026.
At 7:31 p.m., Mayor Ortiz opened the public hearing.
There being no speakers, Mayor Ortiz closed the public hearing at 7:31 p.m.
A motion was made by Councilmember Breceda, seconded by Councilmember Burrola, to introduce Ordinance No. 817 amending Title 15 of Irwindale Municipal Code by adding Chapter
15.05 – Existing Building Code and adopting by reference the 2026 Los Angeles County Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Residential, Green Building Standards, and Existing Building, Codes with County and City Amendments, and a public hearing was scheduled for February 25, 2026, and the City Attorney was directed to read a title of the ordinance, waive further reading and introduce the ordinance on a roll call vote. The motion was unanimously approved.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Miranda presented the following report:
1) In observance of Presidents’ Day, city offices will be closed on February 16. 2) He invited everyone to attend the Mayor’s Reception scheduled for February 17. 3) The Community Development Department is updating the City’s Hazard Mitigation Plan and is seeking community input.
4) Stucco work has completed at the new Irwindale Public Library. The roof, doors, and windows are being installed.
5) Applications for full time and part time opportunities are currently being accepted online. 6) He also provided information regarding upcoming events with the Library, Senior Center, and Recreation Departments.
7) Staff has reached out to the developer of the Park @ Live Oak project, and the City’s position is that the upgrades to the four medians be worked on sooner rather than later. The developer is committing to speed up the process and is reaching out to contractors who will provide a more detailed update to staff next week.
8) At the request of Council, staff reached out to the AM/PM Arco station at Irwindale Avenue and Arrow highway to discuss landscaping. The property’s Management Association will submit plans to beautify that corner. He also noted Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz’s request to have the site power washed, to which the representative stated that the company conducts power washing at the station every three weeks, though staff is working with them to perform the washing more often.
9) Assistant to the City Manager Espino added that she reached out to various cities to discuss their participation in the Tournament of Roses parades, their related costs, and how they are funded. She noted that it would cost approximately $200,000 to $250,000 to build a float, with potential funding through the Irwindale Community Foundation. She also spoke on the amount of exposure the City would receive with participation in the parade.
Councilmember Breceda suggested potentially considering the creation of a float in 2028.
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Mayor Ortiz suggested placing this matter for discussion at a future meeting.
REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS BY CITY COUNCIL
None.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned at 7:49 p.m. ________________________________
Laura M. Nieto, MMC
Chief Deputy City Clerk