IRWINDALE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS MARCH 25, 2026
5050 N. IRWINDALE AVENUE WEDNESDAY
IRWINDALE, CALIFORNIA 91706 6:13 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
None.
COUNCILMEMBER TRAVEL REPORTS
None.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
Councilmember Breceda requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Nancy Guadarrama and Robert Chico Sr.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES / PROMOTIONS
None.
PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS / COMMENDATIONS
None.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Burrola, seconded by Councilmember Breceda, to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion was unanimously approved.
ITEM NO. 17A
WARRANTS / DEMANDS / PAYROLL
The warrants / demands / payroll were approved.
ITEM NO. 17B
2025 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT
The 2025 Annual General Plan Progress Report for Submittal to the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) and the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) was received and filed.
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ITEM NO. 17C
2025 HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT
Resolution No. 2026-24-3735, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF IRWINDALE, CALIFORNIA, RECEIVING AND APPROVING THE ANNUAL HOUSING
ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO SUBMIT THE HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT FOR THE 2025 CALENDAR YEAR TO THE GOERNOR’S OFFICE OF LAND USE AND CLIMIATE INNOVACTION (LCI) AND THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (HCD)”, was adopted.
ITEM NO. 17D
LEASE OF CITY’S WATER PRODUCTION RIGHTS FOR FY 2025/2026 The City Manager was authorized to sign the approved second extension for the Temporary Assignment or Lease of Water Rights with Valley County Water District for Fiscal Year 2025/2026.
ITEM NO. 17E
APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF A BUS AND WAIVE FORMAL BIDDING PROCEDURE Resolution No. 2026-23-3734, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF IRWINDALE WAIVING THE FORMAL BIDDING PROCEDURES PURSUANT TO IRWINDALE MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 3.44.080(E), AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A
PURCHASE ORDER AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR THE PURCHASE OF A FORD F-650 CHASSIS 32- PASSENGER BUS FOR IRWINDALE RECREATION,” was adopted.
ITEM NO. 17F
AWARD OF CONTRACT TO DUDEK FOR PREPARATION OF OPEN SPACE ELEMENT IN THE GENERAL PLAN AS MANDATED BY SENATE BILL 1245
A contract was awarded to Dudek for the preparation of the Open Space Element in the General Plan and the City Manager was authorized to execute same, subject to City Attorney approval as to form.
ITEM NO. 17G
APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF NEW POLICE DEPARTMENT DUTY HANDGUNS AND
SURPLUS OLD DUTY HANDGUNS
Resolution No. 2026-20-3731, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF IRWINDALE DECLARING USED POLICE DEPARTMENT SERVICE WEAPONS AS SURPLUS AND AUTHORIZING DISPOSITION OF THE SURPLUS”, and Resolution No. 2026- 21-3732, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IRWINDALE APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF THIRTY-FIVE (35) HANDGUNS, (35) OPTICS & ACCESSORIES, (35) LIGHTS, AND (35) HOLSTERS TOTALING $35,610.93 AND WAIVING
FORMAL BIDDING PROCEDURES PER IRWINDALE MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION
3.44.080(C),” were adopted.
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ITEM NO. 17H
RESOLUTION TO EXCUSE COUNCILMEMBER MANUEL R. GARCIA FROM THE REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 25, 2026
Resolution No. 2026-25-3736, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IRWINDALE EXCUSING THE ABSENCE OF COUNCILMEMBER MANUEL R.
GARCIA FROM THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD FEBRUARY 25, 2026,” was adopted.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
SPONTANEOUS
COMMUNICATIONS
Miguel Virgen voiced concerns over the negative impacts the construction of the new Library have had on those living across the street from the site. He also complained about damage to his home which he alleged was caused by the project construction and requested an investigation.
City Manager Miranda advised that staff would look into the concerns and report back.
Director Chan stated that staff have issued notices of violations to the project contractor and that staff are awaiting their response.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Nieto read an email submitted anonymously which contained allegations that work was conducted on the Mayor’s roof without the proper permits and requested that the allegation be investigated.
City Attorney Guerra noted that the issue mentioned in the email is a private matter involving the Mayor and does not involve City funds, resources, or property, and as such, is not a matter for the City Council to consider.
Suzanne Gomez thanked the Council for the availability of the swimming pool and stated that it is absurd for a resident to “call out” another resident regarding code enforcement issues.
NEW BUSINESS
ITEM NO. 19A
ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2025, and
ITEM NO. 19B
AUDIT REPORT ON THE FEDERAL AWARDS FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2025, Were considered simultaneously, with Director Borhani having presented both the reports.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, seconded by Councilmember Breceda, to receive and file the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Supplemental Audit Letters for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2025, and the Audit Report on the Federal Awards for the Year ended June 30, 2025. The motion was unanimously approved.
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ITEM NO. 19C
JUNE 30, 2025, ACTUARIAL STUDY OF THE CITY OF IRWINDALE RETIREE HEALTH LIABILITIES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026
Director Borhani presented the report with additional information presented by Will Kane from Foster & Foster.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, seconded by Councilmember Breceda, to receive and file the June 30, 2025, actuarial study of the City of Irwindale Retiree Health Liabilities for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The motion was unanimously approved.
ITEM NO. 19C
JUNE 30, 2025, ACTUARIAL STUDY OF THE CITY OF IRWINDALE RETIREE HEALTH LIABILITIES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026
Director Borhani presented the staff report.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, seconded by Councilmember Breceda, to receive and file the June 30, 2025, actuarial study of the City of Irwindale Retiree Health liabilities for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The motion was unanimously approved.
ITEM NO. 19D
SYSERCO ENERGY SOLUTIONS – ENERGY ASSESSMENT REVIEW – VERBAL REPORT Wesley Lerg from Syserco made a PowerPoint presentation, followed by an additional presentation by Director Rodriguez.
Responding to several questions from Councilmember Burrola, Mr. Lerg indicated that, to avail itself of a grant opportunity, the solar project would have to achieve “permission to operate” status by the end of 2027. He added that his staff would be happy to see whether other grants were available.
Director Rodriguez noted that staff have met with the developer regarding the scope of work and to determine priorities. The project previously consisted of solar for the Police Department parking lot and a new carport for the Senior Center and the Community Center, though a new scope of work includes new rooftop panels for City Hall. The City Hall roof will be examined to determine whether it could support the weight of solar panels and related equipment. She also touched on other aspects of the scope of work, noted that the project is exempt from CEQA, and elaborated on project costs and financing.
Discussion was held regarding financing and budgeting options.
Councilmember Burrola stated his preference in paying for the project at once. Councilmember Breceda agreed and stated that he would prefer to avoid interest rates or penalties. Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz concurred.
Responding to a question from Mayor Ortiz, City Manager Miranda stated that funds could be borrowed from the Development Impact Fund and that the City could restructure a repayment plan.
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In response to a question from Mayor Ortiz, City Manager Miranda further clarified funding options. Mayor Ortiz expressed his preference for borrowing from the Development Impact Fund and taking advantage of no interest from option 4.
Councilmember Breceda suggested saving funds from the Development Impact Fund for other unforeseen events that could occur in the future and suggested paying off the entire amount for this project at one time.
Councilmember Burrola also suggested using General Fund money to pay off the project.
Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz agreed to pay off the entire amount but suggested using Development Impact funds.
Further discussion was held on project incentives. It was also noted that the project construction would take about a year.
Responding to a question from Councilmember Garcia, a representative of Syserco indicated that a data-acquisition system will be included in the project that will specify the amount of energy being produced and which portion of that will be supplied to Southern California Edison.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, seconded by Councilmember Breceda, to pay cash using General Fund reserves to pay for the project.
Pat Gonzales asked whether the City would still need to pay Edison after the installation of the solar panels, to which the representative from Syserco indicated that the project would reduce the amount of energy obtained from Edison and that Syserco does not claim that the City would have a zero bill from Edison.
The above-mentioned motion was unanimously approved.
At 7:38 p.m., the Council took a short recess.
The City Council reconvened at 7:44 p.m. with all members present.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Miranda presented the following report:
1) City offices will be closed on March 31 in observance of a state holiday. 2) Applications for memorial pavers are being accepted through March 31. 3) The City is seeking community input to update the Hazard Mitigation Plan. 4) The Library’s Annual Spring Book Festival is scheduled for March 28. 5) Applications are being accepted through April 5 for the Summer Youth Program. 6) He also provided details on upcoming Recreation and Senior Center events.
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REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS BY CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Garcia requested that staff prepare a report on the electrical infrastructure at city facilities such as City Hall and the Dan Diaz Recreation Center, to which City Manager Miranda indicated that staff would prepare the requested report.
Responding to questions from Councilmember Breceda, City Manager Miranda advised that Irwindale is part of the North San Gabriel Valley Working Group, along with the cities of Azusa and Duarte, and all three cities work together to address homelessness issues. As part of the collaboration, the three entities would enter into a joint powers agreement, which is currently being drafted. Irwindale representatives had questions and concerns on some of the provisions of the agreement, which were discussed at a meeting held today. The meeting was successful and the three entities seem to have agreed on some of the pertinent issues, and as such, the agreement is now being analyzed by the City Attorney. Staff are hopeful that the agreement could be executed soon.
Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz spoke on the great working relationship that exists between the participants of the Working Group.
Councilmember Burrola requested that this matter be placed on the Closed Session agenda for additional discussion at a future meeting, to which City Manager Miranda advised that updates will be provided in the future.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned at 7:56 p.m., in memory of Nancy Guadarrama and Robert Chico Sr.
________________________________
Laura M. Nieto, MMC
Chief Deputy City Clerk