IRWINDALE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS MAY 13, 2026
5050 N. IRWINDALE AVENUE WEDNESDAY
IRWINDALE, CALIFORNIA 91706 10:00 A.M.
The Irwindale CITY COUNCIL met in a special 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
Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz reported on his attendance at a ribbon cutting ceremony held last week for Opportunities for Learning.
Councilmembers Burrola, Breceda, and Garcia reported on their attendance at the recent California Joint Powers Insurance Authority conference held in Chula Vista.
Councilmember Burrola requested to pull Item No. 9G from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Burrola, seconded by Councilmember Breceda, to approve the Consent Calendar, except for Item No. 9F, which was pulled due to conflicts and the need to draw straws to determine which Councilmembers may participate in discussing the matter, and Item No. 9G, which was removed for separate consideration. The motion was unanimously approved; Mayor Ortiz abstaining on Item No. 9E.
ITEM NO. 9A
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD FEBRUARY 25, MARCH 11, AND MARCH 25, 2026 The minutes of the meetings held February 25, March 11, and March 25, 2026, were approved as presented.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MAY 13, 2026
SPECIAL MEETING PAGE 2
ITEM NO. 9B
WARRANTS / DEMANDS / PAYROLL
The warrants / demands / payroll were approved.
ITEM NO. 9C
PLACEWORKS CONTRACT AMENDMENT NO. 1
The City Council approved Contract Amendment No. 1 with PlaceWorks, Inc. for the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report and applicable studies to be prepared in association with land use entitlement applications for property located at 15801 First Street, Irwindale, CA 91706.
ITEM NO. 9D
CLAIM REJECTION: EPIFANIO RUIZ V. CITY OF IRWINDALE
The City Council rejected the claim of Epifanio Ruiz vs. City of Irwindale and staff was directed to send a letter of rejection.
ITEM NO. 9E
CLAIM REJECTION: TERESA ORTIZ V. CITY OF IRWINDALE
The City Council rejected the claim of Teresa Ortiz vs. City of Irwindale and staff was directed to send a letter of rejection; Mayor Ortiz abstaining.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
ITEM NO. 9F
IRWINDALE BUSINESS CENTER SEWER AND STREETLIGHT MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS ENGINEER’S REPORT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO LEVY Straws were drawn amongst Councilmembers Breceda, Garcia, Burrola, and Mayor Ortiz, due to their conflicts of interest with this item, where it was determined that Councilmembers Breceda and Garcia could participate in this matter. Councilmember Burrola and Mayor Ortiz exited the Council Chambers at 10:18 a.m.
A motion was made by Councilmember Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Breceda, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-32-3843, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IRWINDALE APPROVING AN ENGINEER’S REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027 FOR MAINTENANCE, OPERATION, AND CAPITAL REPLACEMENT OF THE CITY’S
SANITATION AND SEWERAGE SYSTEMS WITHIN THE SEWER MAINTENANCE DISTRICT LOCATED WITHIN THE IRWINDALE BUSINESS CENTER; DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO
LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE SEWER MAINTENANCE DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027; AND GIVING NOTICE OF A DAY AND TIME FOR A VIRTUAL PUBLIC HEARING ON THE LEVY OF THE PROPOSED ASSESSMENTS,” and Resolution No. 2026-33-3844, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IRWINDALE APPROVING AN ENGINEER’S REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027FOR
MAINTENANCE OF STREET LIGHTING LOCATED WITHIN THE STREET LIGHTING MAINTEANCNE DISTRICT (THE IRWINDALE BUSINESS CENTER); DECLARING ITS
INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE STREET LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027; AND GIVING NOTICE OF A
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MAY 13, 2026
SPECIAL MEETING PAGE 3
DAY AND TIME FOR A VIRTUAL PUBLIC HEARING ON THE LEVY OF THE PROPOSED ASSESSMENTS,” and set the public hearing for June 10, 2026, to consider setting assessments for the two above-mentioned Assessment Districts. The motion was unanimously approved; Councilmember Burrola and Mayor Ortiz absent.
Councilmember Burrola and Mayor Ortiz returned to the Council Chambers at 10:18 a.m.
ITEM NO. 9G
WAIVE FORMAL BIDDING AND AWARD A CONTRACT TO IRELAND SOUND SYSTEMS, INC.
FOR A FACILITY-WIDE AUDIO SYSTEM AND PUBLIC ADDRESS (PA) SYSTEM UPGRADE
AT THE DAN DIAZ RECREATION CENTER AND IRWINDALE SENIOR CENTER VIA A
COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROCESS
Councilmember Burrola inquired about the warranties on the equipment and installation, to which IT Manager Jeff Wagner advised that most equipment has a one-year manufacturer warranty on defects, and that the installer provides a one-year warranty on the installation. Councilmember Burrola also asked about the quality of the equipment being proposed for purchase, to which Manager Wagner indicated that it is industrial grade and is meant to last a long time. He noted that efforts will be made to repurpose the existing cabling.
Councilmember Garcia asked about the competitive bid process for this project, to which Manager Wagner confirmed that the project was competitively bid and that this contract piggybacks on federal contracts that have already vetted the vendors. The contract includes specialty pricing and makes City processes easier.
Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz thanked Manager Wagner for the report and stated that the proposed equipment is needed, to which Manager Wagner indicated that the Aquatics Center has the equipment installed there already.
Mayor Ortiz asked about the total cost of the project, which Manager Wagner elaborated on and mentioned that the amount is also included in the proposed resolution.
Suzanne Gomez expressed concern over the competitive process held, though she agreed that the equipment is necessary.
Resolution No. 2026-38-3849, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF IRWINDALE WAIVING FORMAL BIDDING PROCEDURES PURSUANT TO IRWINDALE MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 3.44.080(E), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH IRELAND SOUND SYSTEMS, INC. FOR THE
PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF FACILITY-WIDE AUDIO SYSTEM AND PUBLIC
ADDRESS SYSTEM FOR THE DAN DIAZ RECREATION CENTER AND IRWINDALE SENIOR CENTER,” was adopted, on the motion of Councilmember Burrola, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, and unanimously approved.
SPONTANEOUS
COMMUNICATIONS
Karla Flores spoke in favor of expanding the Inclusive Zumba classes, to which Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz requested that staff look into the request and return with additional information at a future meeting.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MAY 13, 2026
SPECIAL MEETING PAGE 4
Karla Lees provided a written statement in favor of expanding the Inclusive Zumba classes.
Mayor Ortiz also spoke in support of the program and requested that staff look into the request to expand the program.
Suzanne Gomez commended the Council, Parks and Recreation Commission, and Administration for working so well together and for taking a stand against illegal fireworks.
NEW BUSINESS
ITEM NO. 11A
VERBAL UPDATE ON ALPHA STREET
Councilmember Breceda declared a potential conflict of interest with this item and exited the Council Chambers at 10:30 a.m.
Director Simpson presented the report.
Responding to questions by Councilmember Burrola, Director Simpson advised that the businesses do not need to reapply for new Conditional Use Permits (“CUP’s”) every year since they run with the land. She noted that if a business leaves the site and a new one arrives, the new business will need to accept and comply with the CUP. If the conditions need to be changed, the Planning Commission will address the matter. Director Simpson also discussed the types of operations that are permitted at the sites under the existing CUPs.
Councilmember Burrola expressed concern over the possibility that electric vehicles are being stored at the sites, to which Senior Code Enforcement Officer Randy Silva advised that each of the auto dismantlers on Alpha Street have vehicles on site that they dismantle and sell off or scrap. He added that the CUPs allow for auto sales and vehicle maintenance, and further advised that the CUPs, which were approved around 2016 and 2017, has a limit of 15 years which would also apply to any new businesses that intend to operate at the site. New owners, however, would need to apply for new occupancy permits. Councilmember Burrola suggested that efforts be made by the property owners to clean up that area. He also requested details about how the businesses along Alpha Street handle electric vehicles, whether their components are being stored or dismantled, and how the batteries are transported, noting concern for the residents that live near the area.
Director Simpson noted that the current agencies that inspect or issue permits do not have any type of recordkeeping measures regarding electric vehicle batteries.
Fire Marshall Stillwagon noted that the Los Angeles County Health Department regulates the battery disposal process. They conduct an annual inspection to ensure records are kept validating battery and hazardous material storage. He expressed his understanding that the vehicles are dismantled but not before the batteries are removed. If batteries cannot be removed, the entire vehicle is sent back to the manufacturer to dispose of, which is part of state law. The shell of the vehicle remains at the site so it could be dismantled and the pieces sold. He further added that fuel from gas vehicles is also removed so that the hazard does not remain at the site, and that records on this are also kept. He stated his belief that the companies operating at the Alpha Street sites are acting on good faith, and that representatives of the Los Angeles County Fire Department will visit these sites in 2026 and will develop a guide to work with the owners to
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MAY 13, 2026
SPECIAL MEETING PAGE 5
ensure that they can operate legally and successfully, while ensuring proper regulation, storage, and the size of the piles that are allowed.
Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz stated his eagerness to have the guide developed soon due to the negative experiences between the City and the business operators along Alpha Street and suggested that Community Development and Code Enforcement staff work together to address the issues.
Battalion Chief Jose Gomez advised that he and his staff would collaborate with City staff to develop the best practices guide.
Responding to Councilmember Garcia’s comments, Chief Stillwagon advised that complaints about the businesses are handled right away alongside Code Enforcement staff. Once the facts of the situation are determined, the concerns are addressed to ensure that the businesses comply with their requirements. Councilmember Garcia asked how electric vehicle batteries are neutralized for transport, to which Chief Stillwagon indicated that they are not neutralized and that they carry energy within since they become a hazard if the energy drops to a certain point.
Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz stated that a similar discussion regarding battery chemistry was held recently as related to potential battery energy storage sites. As requested by Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, Chief Stillwagon then discussed emergency response procedures to help protect neighboring residents.
Councilmember Garcia noted that times have changed since the CUP’s were issued in 2016 and suggested converting the area into a special district where the time frame for the CUPs could be shortened or even revoked when business owners continuously violate their requirements.
City Attorney Guerra indicated that the suggestion to convert the area to a special district could be explored. Regarding revoking CUP’s, staff would have to explore the conditions within and determine whether they have been breached, which would be conducted through a hearing process where the violations would have to be demonstrated with evidence. He added that the CUP’s adopted in 2016 were intended to have controls in place, though they may not have been the best long-term approach.
Director Simpson noted that one of CUP’s current conditions stipulates that it could be revoked if there are three substantiated violations within a certain period. However, when businesses are cited, they typically comply and satisfy the citations.
City Attorney Guerra stated that CUP’s generally can be revoked if it can be demonstrated that they have violated it, though in this case, the CUPs provide the opportunity to cure violations without the City’s ability to revoke them.
Councilmember Garcia stated that this should be looked into, even if the Municipal Code needs to be changed.
Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz concurred with Councilmember Garcia and stated that the problem needs to be corrected due to the businesses’ locations near a residential district.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MAY 13, 2026
SPECIAL MEETING PAGE 6
City Attorney Guerra stated that staff could explore zoning the area into something new where the current uses could become legal, non-conforming, such that when the current uses cease, the sites would be subject to the new zoning code.
David Noriega spoke on his business’ operations as well as those of the other businesses along Alpha Street.
Suzanne Gomez concurred that a special district should be researched.
Mayor Ortiz thanked staff and the representatives of the Fire Department for the information provided.
A motion was made by Councilmember Burrola, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, to receive and file the report. The motion was unanimously approved; Councilmember Breceda absent.
At 11:13 a.m., Councilmember Breceda returned to the Council Chambers.
ITEM NO. 11B
CITY OF IRWINDALE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REQUEST FOR THE
IRWINDALE CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER CONDUCTING A HOLIDAY STREET
DECORATING CONTEST
Assistant City Manager Olivares presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz suggested that staff look into the request and come up with ideas on how to implement the contest.
Councilmember Burrola was delighted that this suggestion would likely help residents grow closer.
Councilmember Breceda congratulated the Commission on the request.
Councilmember Garcia expressed his concern regarding expending city funds and potential liability issues that may result from the implementation of this contest. He suggested simply allowing residents to conduct their own contests.
Mayor Ortiz concurred with Councilmember Garcia.
Responding to an inquiry from Councilmember Burrola, Assistant City Manager Olivares advised that residents would spend their own funds to decorate their own residences. The only proposed City involvement would be to have staff judge decorations and potentially provide awards.
Director Rodriguez added that City would not allow any decorations in the public right of way and would require that decorations be non-hazardous and fire resistant. Additionally, residents would not be permitted to connect anything electrical to the City’s infrastructure.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, seconded by Councilmember Breceda, to direct staff to research option 2 as shown in the staff report and come up with ideas for consideration.
The motion was approved; all in favor except for Councilmember Garcia, who opposed.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MAY 13, 2026
SPECIAL MEETING PAGE 7
ITEM NO. 11C
CITY OF IRWINDALE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION’S REQUEST TO REINSTATE THE IRWINDALE’S HEROES PROGRAM
Assistant City Manager Olivares presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz expressed his support for this program and recommended looking further into Option 2 as shown in the report.
Councilmember Burrola suggested potentially looking into creating banners to honor the City’s youth.
Councilmember Garcia expressed concern over this program, noting that individuals may place banners on their residences to honor military veterans, but expressed his hesitation in expending city funds on it. He noted that there may be volunteer programs available to assist, similar to other communities. He also reminded that the City has not fallen short of honoring veterans, as evidenced by the beautiful Veterans Memorial that was constructed in front of City Hall. He also questioned how much the banners would cost and who would hang them if they were to fall.
Assistant City Manager Olivares advised that the previous program had Public Works staff hang the banners on poles, though the banners and poles themselves were purchased by the honorees’ families.
Suzanne Gomez concurred that the program should be approved to honor veterans and stated that the City could allocate funding from its $40 million surplus.
Mayor Ortiz thanked the staff for the report and stated that he looks forward to receiving additional information at the June 10 Council meeting.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, seconded by Councilmember Burrola, to direct staff to look into the request and present options to the Council at the June 10 meeting. The motion was approved with all Councilmembers in favor except for Councilmember Garcia, who opposed.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ITEM NO. 12A
REPORT ON JOB VACANCIES AND RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION EFFORTS IN CALENDAR YEAR 2025
Benefits Administrator Leon presented the report.
A motion was made by Councilmember Breceda, seconded by Councilmember Burrola, to receive and file the report. The motion was unanimously approved.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Miranda presented the following report:
1) Applications are currently being accepted for the currently vacant and soon-to-be vacant
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MAY 13, 2026
SPECIAL MEETING PAGE 8
seats on the Irwindale Community Foundation.
2) He provided an update on the Library project.
3) The Los Angeles County Sanitation District will conduct repairs to the sewer system on Irwindale Avenue and Cypress Street beginning May 19 – May 22 and May 29 – May 31. 4) He also provided updates on upcoming Recreation and Senior Center activities.
Mayor Ortiz requested that the Council recognize the cheerleaders for their achievements at the next Council meeting.
REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS BY CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Ortiz requested a report on the vacancies at Las Casitas apartment as well as the list of potential applicants to be discussed at the next meeting.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
At 12:28 p.m., the City Council met in Closed Session to discuss the following:
ITEM NO. 20A
LIABILITY CLAIMS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.95
Claimant: Teresa Quintero
Agency claimed against: City of Irwindale
ACTION: Update provided, direction given to staff; no reportable action ITEM NO. 20B
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54954.5(c), 54956.9(d)(1) Name of Case: Five Points, LP vs. City of Irwindale
Appellate Case Number: B337162
ACTION: Update provided; no direction nor any action taken (Councilmember Breceda recused due to a potential conflict of interest)
ITEM NO. 20C
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Initiation of litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(4) Number of Cases: One
ACTION: Direction provided, no reportable action taken (Councilmembers Breceda and Garcia not present)
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
At 1:07 p.m., the City Council Authority reconvened in Open Session.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MAY 13, 2026
SPECIAL MEETING PAGE 9
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned at 1:08 p.m. ________________________________
Laura M. Nieto, MMC
Chief Deputy City Clerk