IRWINDALE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS FEBRUARY 25, 2026
5050 N. IRWINDALE AVENUE WEDNESDAY
IRWINDALE, CALIFORNIA 91706 6:11 P.M.
The Irwindale CITY COUNCIL met in a regular meeting at the above time and place.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Councilmembers Larry G. Burrola, Mayor Pro Tem Albert F. Ambriz; Mayor H. Manuel Ortiz
Absent: Councilmembers Mark A. Breceda, Manuel R. Garcia 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 a correction to Successor Agency Item No. 27A.
COUNCILMEMBER TRAVEL REPORTS
Councilmember Burrola and Mayor Ortiz reported on their attendance at the Independent Cities Association conference.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
Councilmember Burrola requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Paul Tapia Jr.
Mayor Ortiz reported on his attendance at an event with Congressman Gil Cisneros and indicated that he asked about Irwindale receiving its own designated zip code. Congressman Cisneros’s office will look into the request and reply.
Councilmember Ambriz congratulated Mayor Ortiz on the Mayor’s Reception event.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES / PROMOTIONS
ITEM NO. 17A
INTRODUCTION OF PUBLIC SERVICES OFFICE SPECIALIST ELIANA ARASTU The introduction was made.
ITEM NO. 17B
INTRODUCTION OF IRWINDALE LIBRARY TECHNICIAN LIZETTE LIZARDI The introduction was made.
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PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS / COMMENDATIONS
ITEM NO. 18A
RECOGNITION OF IRWINDALE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR LINDA MAREZ The presentation was made.
ITEM NO. 18B
RECOGNITION OF IRWINDALE RESIDENT LAS PALMAS MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
BROOKLYN CARR, AUTUMN DURAN, EMMA FRYMARK, RILEY HICKMAN, AND DARRICK
KELLY FOR EXCEPTIONAL CAASPP PERFORMANCE
The presentation was made.
ITEM NO. 18C
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE QUARTERLY UPDATE
The update was provided.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, seconded by Councilmember Burrola, to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion was unanimously approved; Councilmembers Breceda and Garcia absent.
ITEM NO. 19A
WARRANTS / DEMANDS / PAYROLL
The warrants / demands / payroll were approved.
ITEM NO. 19B
AUTHORIZE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE PERSONNEL INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES
EXPENDITURES
The City Council authorized an increase in expenditure authority under the professional services agreement with Susan Woolley, Esq., in an amount not to exceed $167,500, and the City Manager was authorized to approve related expenditures necessary to process the final invoice for services rendered.
ITEM NO. 19C
ADOPT A REVISED FACILITY & OPEN SPACE RENTAL POLICY FOR THE DAN DIAZ
RECREATION CENTER, IRWINDALE AQUATICS CENTER, AND IRWINDALE PARKS Resolution No. 2026-10-3721, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IRWINDALE RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 2024-80-3557 AND ADOPTING A
REVISED FACILITY & OPEN SPACE RENTAL POLICY FOR THE DAN DIAZ RECREATION CENTER, IRWINDALE AQUATICS CENTER, AND IRWINDALE PARKS,” was adopted, and revisions to the Irwindale Recreation’s Assumption of Risk, Waiver and Release of Liability form to include the new language prohibiting the use of the Dan Diaz Recreation Center Gymnasium for organized play and group or individual coaching/training during open play times.
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ITEM NO. 19D
DESIGNATION OF AUTHORIZED AGENTS TO ACT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY TO OBTAIN
EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Resolution No. 2026-13-3724, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF IRWINDALE DESIGNATING AUTHORIZED AGENTS TO ACT ON BEHALF OF THE
CITY TO OBTAIN STATE AND FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AND APPROVE CAL OES FORM 130, ‘DESIGNATION OF APPLICANT’S AGENT RESOLUTION FOR NON-STATE AGENCIES’”, was adopted.
ITEM NO. 19E
WAIVE FORMAL BIDDING PROCEDURES AND AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF A
PURCHASE ORDER WITH LIBRARIA FOR THE IRWINDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY OPENING
DAY BOOK COLLECTION
Resolution No. 2026-14-3725, 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 TO LIBRARIA FOR THE CHILDREN, TEEN, AND ADULT OPENING DAY BOOK COLLECTION FOR THE IRWINDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY,” was adopted.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
SPONTANEOUS
COMMUNICATIONS
There were no speakers.
NEW BUSINESS
ITEM NO. 21A
SYSERCO ENERGY SOLUTIONS – ENERGY ASSESSMENT REVIEW
Assistant to the City Manager Espino introduced the item, followed by a PowerPoint presentation by Scott Meinzen, Vice President & General Manager or Syserco.
Responding to several questions from Councilmember Burrola, Mr. Meinzen advised that: 1) the solar array does not require much maintenance and that the contract includes a budget for someone to inspect the system connections and wash the panels once per year; 2) solar panels degrade efficiency at approximately ½ to 1 percent per year, and that the modules have a 30 year warranty while the inverters have a 15 year policy. He also explained financing terms and scenarios.
In response to a question from Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, Mr. Meinzen indicated that the project cost is about $3.2 million, though the project is self-funding and would not cost the City any more than it is already paying for electricity. He added that the proposal would save the City $8,700 in the first year.
Responding to a question from Mayor Ortiz, Mr. Meinzen advised that the system is modeled with solar equipment lasting 30 years, though some components may last longer. Mayor Ortiz
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also asked which cities have purchased similar systems from Syserco, to which Mr. Meinzen advised that his company has done projects for La Puente, Norwalk, Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Daly City, and Walnut Creek, among others.
Pat Gonzales asked where the battery for this system would be stored, to which Mr. Meinzen advised that the current proposal does not include a battery. The system is modeled so that electricity production is fed back to the meter, and no energy would be stored.
Councilmember Burrola requested that staff look into costs of adding solar to all City facilities, with particular interest in the Senior Center and the Community Center, and for the information to be presented at the next Council meeting.
Responding to a question by Mayor Ortiz, Mr. Meinzen advised that the proforma presented to the City includes solar at the Community and Senior Centers as well as an array for the City Hall and Police Department lots. Mr. Meinzen then discussed next steps.
Mayor Ortiz asked whether the City is already being charged for the work that has been done up to this point, to which Mr. Meinzen indicated that there has been no charge to the City to date.
City Manager Miranda stated that staff could benefit from receiving clear and specific guidance from the Council about this matter and stated that staff would likely need more time to prepare information to be presented to the Council.
Responding to a comment by Councilmember Burrola, Director Rodriguez stated that Syserco has already conducted an extensive evaluation of all City buildings, which is why the only recommendation for the installation was at the Dan Diaz Recreation Center, and noted that it was not feasible to install solar at the other City facilities.
Tarin from Syserco discussed the design elements of the proposed project.
Councilmember Burrola reiterated that he would like to see solar at the Dan Diaz Recreation Center and the Police Department.
Director Rodriguez suggested that the Council give clear direction to staff as to how to proceed or allow staff to make recommendations. She also noted the need to make renovations at the Dan Diaz Recreation Center, after which the solar panels could be installed.
Councilmember Burrola stated that he does not want to miss out on the 30% discount being offered.
Mr. Meinzen advised that the current project does not include solar at the Dan Diaz Recreation Center; it only includes the Senior Center, Community Center, the Police Department, and City Hall, and went on to explain how the City could potentially add Dan Diaz Recreation Center later and still qualify for the discount.
Tarin with Syserco indicated that the proposal would allow the City up to four years from July 3, 2026, to construct and receive the credit.
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Mr. Meinzen added that the Dan Diaz Recreation Center could be added to the contract, though no construction at this site would occur until the building is renovated.
Responding to questions by Councilmember Burrola, Tarin advised that the City Hall and Police Department use about 200,000 kwh and the Recreation Department uses about 100,000.
Mayor Ortiz asked when the Dan Diaz Recreation Center would be renovated, to which City Manager Miranda advised that Assistant City Manager Olivares and Director Rodriguez have worked together to secure $850,000 in funding from the federal government, though this amount only equates to about 10% of the total amount needed for the project.
Assistant City Manager Olivares added that the funding received helps to retain a consultant to prepare the plans and specifications for the remodel, which would likely cost over $1 million. The actual construction would probably cost over $10 million.
Director Rodriguez indicated that staff could work with the consultant to determine a course of action, with the carports as priority, after which it would be returned to the Council for refinement and final recommendation.
Consensus was reached by the Council to have staff obtain the requested information and report back to the Council at its April 8 meeting: Councilmembers Breceda and Garcia absent.
The City Council recessed for a short break at :56 p.m.
The City Council reconvened from recess at 8:02 p.m.
ITEM NO. 21B
BUILDING PLAN CHECK FEE WAIVER REQUEST BY SAINT CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA
COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH
At 8:03 p.m., City Manager Miranda declared a potential conflict of interest and left the Council Chambers.
As requested by Councilmember Burrola, Assistant City Manager Olivares advised that the waiver shown in the staff report for Coory’s Kitchen was from the year 2000, and that the most recent waiver was for Our Lady of Guadalupe (“OLG”) Church in 2015.
Suzanne Gomez spoke in support of approving the waiver as presented and to consider any other waiver separately.
Councilmember Burrola suggested waiving half the fees.
Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz agreed that half the required fees be waived.
Mayor Ortiz concurred.
Responding to a question from City Attorney Guerra, Assistant City Manager Olivares advised that half of the requested fees ascend to $7,962.91.
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Resolution No. 2026-11-3722, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF IRWINDALE, FINDING THAT A PUBLIC PURPOSE WOULD BE SERVED BY
APPROVING A FEE WAIVER TO SAINT CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA COPTIC ORTHODOCX CHURCH FOR BUILDING PLAN CHECK FEES OF $7,962.91,” was adopted as updated, on the motion of Councilmember Burrola, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, and unanimously approved; Councilmembers Breceda and Garcia absent.
City Manager Miranda returned to the Council Chambers at 8:11 p.m.
ITEM NO. 21C
1 ST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 815 – REORGANIZATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL Chief Deputy City Clerk Nieto presented the staff report.
Ordinance No. 815, entitled: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IRWINDALE AMENDING SECTION 2.04.050 OF THE CITY OF IRWINDALE MUNICIPAL CODE TO UPDATE THE OCCASIONS OF THE CITY COUNCIL REORGANIZATION,” was introduced for first reading, reading by title only and waiving further reading thereof, on the motion of Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, seconded by Councilmember Burrola, and unanimously approved; Councilmembers Breceda and Garcia absent.
ITEM NO. 21D
DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION ON PROPOSED INVOCATION POLICY
Chief Deputy City Clerk Nieto presented the staff report.
Councilmember Burrola asked what would occur should an individual advance a religion over others or exceed the three-minute length during an invocation, to which City Attorney Guerra stated that the general invocation rules stipulate that you cannot endorse one religion over others or disparage any other religion, and that the Council could simply encourage participating individuals to avoid doing so. However, should it occur, it would be appropriate for the Mayor or the City Attorney to remind the individual to be respectful. Staff would usually communicate beforehand with the individual who wishes to recite the invocation to ensure that they are aware of the policy and understand the guidelines.
Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz stated that his community is based on the Christian religion and its core values and that the City’s customary practice has been to utilize invocations based on those beliefs. He noted that this issue came about since a Hindu pastor requested that the Mayor recite an invocation without mentioning Jesus Christ or God. He stated that, since this is a Christian community, he does not see why the Mayor should grant the request. He spoke against changing the community’s Christian beliefs and values and questioned the need to adopt an invocation policy. He spoke in support of continuing the current invocation practices.
Mayor Ortiz concurred and agreed that the City does not need an invocation policy. He added that he welcomes individuals that wish to recite the invocation as long as they do not disrespect the Council or Christ.
City Attorney Guerra noted that, regardless of whether the Council adopts the proposed policy, the City is governed by constitutional law governing religion: generally speaking, the City could prohibit a speaker from advancing one religion over another, and speakers cannot use an
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invocation to disparage another religion. The City cannot preclude any religion or belief system from being allowed to give an invocation, and any procedures the City adopts to govern invocations should treat all religions the same way. He stated that the City needs to remain neutral and that the person giving invocations should also remain neutral.
Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz stated that he disagreed that the Council cannot say “Almighty God Father”, “Christ”, or “our Lord and Savior” during the invocations. He expressed opposition to others coming to Irwindale to try to tell the Council how they cannot say the things that belong to their core Christian values.
Councilmember Burrola stated that the policy would not preclude the Council from conducting the invocation and that it does not dictate what people must say. He spoke on the need to avoid discrimination.
City Attorney Guerra added that the Supreme Court has found that prayer at legislative meetings can be constitutional if they are conducted within narrow guidelines and remain neutral.
Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz disagreed with the City Attorney and stated that individuals cannot tell the Council how to recite invocations based on the community’s strong Christian core values.
Mayor Ortiz reiterated that an invocation policy is not needed at this time and that he welcomes individuals who want to do their invocations.
A motion was made by Mayor Ortiz, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, to decline the recommended Invocation Policy. The motion was approved; Councilmember Burrola opposed and Councilmembers Breceda & Garcia absent.
ITEM NO. 21E
MID-YEAR FINANCIAL REVIEW AND ADJUSTMENTS TO THE FY 2025-2026 BUDGET Director Borhani presented the report.
Responding to a question from Mayor Ortiz, Assistant City Manager Olivares advised that one of the properties was acquired by Athens and the other would have been used to expand iHealth; however, the owner has decided to move in a different direction.
Resolution No. 2026-15-3726, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF IRWINDALE APPROVING ADJUSTMENTS TO THE BUDGET AND AUTHORIZING BUDGET AMENDMENT TO THE FY 2025-2026 ADOPTED BYDGET BY APPROPRIATING ADDITIONAL $424,170 FROM THE GENERAL FUND RESERVE FOR THE PROPOSED MIDYEAR EXPENDITURES,” was adopted, on the motion of Councilmember Burrola, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, and unanimously approved; Councilmembers Breceda and Garcia absent.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ITEM NO. 22A
PUBLIC HEARING AND 2ND READING OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 817 Director Chan presented the report.
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At 9:06 p.m., Mayor Ortiz opened the public hearing.
There being no speakers, Mayor Ortiz closed the public hearing at 9:06 p.m.
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 LOCAL AMENDMENTS THERETO REPEALING ALL
OTHER ORDINANCES OR PORTIONS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT THEREWITH, PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 50022.2 ET SEQ.”, was passed, approved, and adopted on second reading, reading by title only and waiving further reading thereof, and the Engineering Department was directed to file the adopted ordinance with the City amendments along with the findings and justifications with the State Building Standards Commission, on the motion of Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, seconded by Mayor Ortiz, and unanimously approved; Councilmembers Breceda and Garcia absent.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Miranda presented the following report:
1) The City of Irwindale has been awarded $850,000 for the Dan Diaz Recreation Center Improvement Project. Staff will hire a consultant to prepare the plans and specifications for the seismic retrofitting and other improvements at the site. 2) The Community Development Department is updating its Hazard Mitigation Plan and is soliciting community input.
3) The Council and Commissioners toured the new Public Library this week. He also provided details about the project’s progress.
4) He then provided details on upcoming Aquatics and Senior Center activities.
REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS BY CITY COUNCIL
None.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m., in memory of Paul Tapia Jr.
________________________________
Laura M. Nieto, MMC
Chief Deputy City Clerk