IRWINDALE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS JUNE 10, 2026
5050 N. IRWINDALE AVENUE WEDNESDAY
IRWINDALE, CALIFORNIA 91706 4:33 P.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; and Laura Nieto, Chief Deputy City Clerk AB 2449 DISCLOSURES
None.
SPONTANEOUS COMMUNICATIONS
There were no speakers.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
At 4:34 p.m., the City Council met in Closed Session to discuss the following:
ITEM NO. 5A
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Initiation of litigation (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(4) Number of Cases: Two
ACTION: On the first case, information provided to the Board, no action taken nor any direction provided; no reportable action (Councilmember Breceda recused due to a conflict of interest).
On the second case, discussion was held, no action taken nor any direction provided.
ITEM NO. 5B
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957
Title: City Manager
ACTION: Information shared with the Council. Discussion was held; no direction was provided nor was any action taken.
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
At 6:01 p.m., the City Council Authority reconvened in Open Session.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Burrola, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, to approve the Consent Calendar, except for Item No. 8H, which was removed for separate consideration. The motion was unanimously approved.
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ITEM NO. 8A
MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS HELD APRIL 8, 2026
The minutes of the meetings held April 8, 2026, were approved as presented.
ITEM NO. 8B
WARRANTS / DEMANDS / PAYROLL
The warrants / demands / payroll were approved.
ITEM NO. 8C
INVESTMENT POLICY REVIEW AND DELEGATION OF THE INVESTMENT AUTHORITY (Joint with Successor Agency, Housing Authority, and Reclamation Authority) Resolution No. 2026-40-3852, entitled: “A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF IRWINDALE, SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD, HOUSING AUTHORITY
BOARD, AND RECLAMATION AUTHORITY BOARD REPEALING AND REPLACING RESOLUTION NOS. 2025-43-3631, SA 2025-44-3632, HA 2025-03-147, and RA 2025-05- 044 IN THEIR ENTIRETY, AND ADOPTING A CITY OF IRWINDALE INVESTMENT POLICY,
AND DELEGATING AUTHORITY TO THE CITY TREASURER TO INVEST THE SURPLUS
FUNDS OF THE CITY OF IRWINDALE, IRWINDALE SUCCESSOR AGENCY, IRWINDALE HOUSING AUTHORITY, AND IRWINDALE RECLAMATION AUTHORITY,” was adopted.
ITEM NO. 8D
REQUEST TO CONDUCT FIREWORKS SALES – IRWINDALE SISTER CITY ASSOCIATION AND KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL 5650
The requests of the following non-profit organizations / corporations / associations that meet the criteria established by the Irwindale Municipal Code to conduct fireworks sales, were approved subject to compliance with all City, County, and State regulations: Irwindale Sister City Association and the Knights of Columbus Council 5650 ITEM NO. 8E
PROPOSED END-OF-YEAR CLOSURE OF CITY FACILITIES FOR 2026 The closure of some City facilities during the period of Monday, December 21, 2026, through and including Sunday, January 3, 2027, was approved and the City Manager was authorized to implement the closures.
ITEM NO. 8F
CANCELLATION OF AUGUST 12, 2026, NOVEMBER 11, 2026, NOVEMBER 25, 2026, AND DECEMBER 23, 2026, CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Resolution No. 2026-42-3853, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF IRWINDALE, CALIFORNIA, CANCELING REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 12, 2026, NOVEMBER 11, 2026, NOVEMBER 25, 2026, AND DECEMBER 23, 2026,” was adopted.
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ITEM NO. 8G
APPROVAL OF ZIP CODE LEGISLATION SUPPORT LETTER FOR THE U.S. SENATE
HOMELAND SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
The Council approved a letter expressing support for S. 4505 (Ernst, Padilla, Barrasso, Bennet) to be sent to the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
ITEM NO. 8I
CLAIM REJECTION – MARY BASMAJYAN V. CITY OF IRWINDALE
The claim of Marie Basmajyan vs. City of Irwindale was rejected and staff were directed to send a letter of rejection.
ITEM NO. 8J
FIFTH AMENDMENT TO THE IRWINDALE FEE AGREEMENT FOR CITY ATTORNEY
SERVICES WITH ALESHIRE & WYNDER, LLP FOR RATE STRUCTURE ADJUSTMENT The Fifth Amendment to the Irwindale Fee Agreement for City Attorney Services with Aleshire & Wynder, LLP, was approved and the Mayor was authorized to execute the amendment.
ITEM NO. 8K
APPROVAL OF SB1 ROAD MAINTENANCE AND REHABILITATION ACCOUNT LOCAL STREETS AND ROADS FUNDING ALLOCATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 The City Council approved the SB1 Local Streets and Roads Program proposed project list for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and staff was authorized to submit said list to the California Transportation Commission, and Resolution No. 2026-45-3856, entitled: “A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IRWINDALE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 FUNDED BY SB 1: THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017”, was adopted.
ITEM NO. 8L
AMENDING FY 2025-2026 ADOPTED BUDGET’S CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM’S
PROJECT LIST
Resolution No. 2026-49-3860, entitled: “RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF IRWINDALE, APPROVING A BUDGET AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 ADOPTED BUDGET TO: A) ESTABLISH THREE NEW CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (“CIP”) PROJECTS: 1) REPAINTING OF CIVIC CENTER FACILITIES (CIP NO. 8252) FOR $160,000; 2) KIDZONE AREA IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP NO. 8254) FOR $128,221.30; 3) DAN DIAZ RECREATION CENTER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP NO. 8255) FOR $150,000; B) APPROPRIATE FY 2025-2026 LOCAL RETURN FUNDING FOR MTA-PROPOSITION C ($32,163) AND TDA ARTICLE 3 ($5,000) TO PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROGRAM PROJECT (CIP NO. 8359); C) ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE CJPIA INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT PAYMENT OF $174,899.77 FOR THE IRWINDALE ROCK HOUSE STRUCTURE LOSS CLAIMED BACK IN 2013 TO THE CITY OF IRWINDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT PHASE II (CIP NO. 8251). ADDITIONALLY, APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE: A) BUDGET TRANSFER OF
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UNUSED FUNDS FROM CLOSED PROJECTS TO OTHER CIP PROJECTS; B) REMOVAL OF CLOSED PROJECTS FROM THE FY 2025-2026 CIP PROJECT LIST,” was adopted.
ITEM NO. 8M
APPROPRIATION OF SUPPLEMENTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES FUNDS FOR THE CITIZEN OPTION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY PROGRAM (COPS) AB 3229 Resolution No. 2026-46-3857, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF IRWINDALE RECORDING REVENUES, INTEREST AND AN APPROPRIATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $212,411.46 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 OF SUPPLEMENTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES FUNDS FOR THE CITIZEN’S OPTION PUBLIC SAFETY PROGRAM (COPS),” was adopted, thereby appropriating supplemental law enforcement services funds.
ITEM NO. 8N
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IRWINDALE APPROPRIATING
FEDERAL ASSET FORFEITURE FUNDS FOR USE BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT Resolution No. 2026-47-3858, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF IRWINDALE APPROPRIATING FEDERAL ASSET FORFEITURE FUNDS FOR USE BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT,” was adopted, thereby appropriating asset forfeiture funds.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
ITEM NO. 8H
IRWINDALE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SERVICES
City Manager Miranda advised that staff received a communication from Lily Phan, the CEO and President of the Irwindale Chamber of Commerce, requesting that the City of Irwindale approve an increased donation to help fund the Chamber’s services.
Lily Phan, President of the Irwindale Chamber of Commerce, discussed the requested amount, the value of the proposed membership, and details about recently held events and activities.
Anita Hernandez with the Irwindale Brew Yard spoke in support of approving a funding increase as requested by Mrs. Phan.
Carmen Roman questioned whether the City could afford to donate more to the Chamber than it already does and suggested that Chamber staff perhaps search for available grants.
In response to a question from Councilmember Burrola, Ms. Phan stated that the value of the platinum level membership is $67,000, though the Chamber is instead asking that the City contribute $50,000. She also noted that the City of Irwindale is the Chamber’s only platinumlevel member.
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Councilmember Burrola also asked about the costs of the platinum membership, to which Ms.
Phan advised that the price is determined based on consumer price increases.
Assistant to the City Manager Espino advised that the City staff has determined that $30,000 is an appropriate amount based on the value of the services it receives from the Chamber of Commerce.
Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz stated that strong partnerships with local businesses is necessary to continue prospering economically and stated this belief that the full amount that the Chamber is requesting would not cause the City a hardship.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz to approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the “Services Agreement” between the City of Irwindale and the Irwindale Chamber of Commerce beginning July 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2027, with a maximum amount of $50,000. The motion died due to a lack of a second.
In response to a comment by Councilmember Burrola, Ms. Phan stated that Chamber staff still need to pay for things such as hotel stays and noted that Chamber members do not necessarily donate to the Chamber, and that at most these businesses would offer goods and services at a 5% to 10% discount.
Dena Zepeda asked what else could be done to have local businesses help fund Chamber activities.
Mayor Ortiz noted that the Chamber of Commerce is very important to the City.
A motion was made by Mayor Ortiz, seconded by Councilmember Burrola, to approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Services Agreement between the City of Irwindale and the Irwindale Chamber of Commerce beginning July 1, 2026, and expiring on June 30, 2027, and to approve an increase of $10,000 to the Chamber of Platinum level membership.
The motion was approved; with Councilmember Burrola, Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, and Mayor Ortiz in favor, Councilmember Breceda abstaining, and Councilmember Garcia opposed.
ITEM NO. 9A
CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT OF IRWINDALE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION (ICF)
BOARDMEMBERS
Chief Deputy City Clerk Nieto presented the staff report.
Mayor Ortiz suggested appointing Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, Dena Zepeda, and Dominique Reyes to the Board.
Responding to a question from Councilmember Burrola, City Manager Miranda advised that the Board bylaws allow for any Councilmember to serve on the Board, not just the Mayor.
Assistant City Manager Olivares elaborated on the board members’ terms. She noted that the Council in the past had typically appointed the Mayor to serve as the Chair of the ICF, though the bylaws do not require this. She also noted that the bylaws do not address serving consecutive terms.
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As requested by Councilmember Burrola, Assistant City Manager Olivares discussed bylaw requirements for the appointment to vacant seats.
Mayor Ortiz nominated Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz to serve on the Board. The nomination failed with Councilmembers Breceda, Burrola, and Garcia opposed; Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz and Mayor Ortiz in favor.
Councilmember Breceda nominated Councilmember Burrola to serve on the Board.
Resolution No. 2026-42-3853, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF IRWINDALE APPOINTING ONE CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE TO THE IRWINDALE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR A TERM EXPIRING JUNE 30, 2028,” was unanimously passed, approved, and adopted, thereby appointing Councilmember Burrola to the Irwindale Community Foundation.
Mayor Ortiz then nominated Dena Zepeda and Dominique Reyes to serve as resident representatives to the Irwindale Community Foundation.
Resolution No. 2026-45-3856, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF IRWINDALE APPOINTING TWO RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVES TO THE IRWINDALE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR TERMS EXPIRING JUNE 30, 2028,” was unanimously passed, approved, and adopted, thereby appointing Dena Zepeda and Dominique Reyes to the Irwindale Community Foundation.
ITEM NO. 9B
BUSINESS LICENSE TAX STUDY WORKSHOP
Director Borhani provided brief background information on the staff report and introduced Ken Duran, Senior Adviser with HDL Companies, who presented the study.
Fayez Yousef asked about the compliance enforcement success rate under the current business license tax structure. He stated his opinion that current enforcement efforts contain discrepancies and lack of equity.
Director Borhani advised that the draft ordinance includes new procedures and enforcement processes, though internal processes are not typically disclosed publicly. He noted that the City has sources in place where the City could track businesses to ensure that they are duly registered and comply with City requirements and stated that staff’s goal is not to be punitive; rather, it wishes to educate the business community to gain their voluntary compliance with City requirements.
Mr. Yousef asked whether studies have been conducted to gauge the amount of revenue the City is losing because of businesses not obtaining the required business license.
Director Borhani responded by reiterating that enforcement procedures are typically not disclosed publicly and noted that the purpose of tonight’s item was for the Council to decide whether it wishes to place it on the ballot. He further advised that staff are equally applying fair rate standards amongst local businesses.
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Mr. Yousef spoke on his interpretation of what is fair and stated that businesses rely on the City to ensure that all businesses comply with business license requirements.
Dena Zepeda agreed that all businesses should follow the requirements under the Code.
Carmen Roman stated her understanding that Mr. Fayez suspects that some businesses are not paying their fair share.
Suzanne Gomez suggested that staff prepare an ongoing list indicating which businesses are paying their business license fees and which are not.
Mr. Fayez corrected Mrs. Roman and stated that he does not believe he pays more in fees than others and indicated that he is merely stating that all requirements should be applied fairly to all.
Director Simpson noted that the City has over 90% compliance for business licenses in the City.
Mayor Ortiz thanked staff for the presentation and stated that he needed more time to consider the matter.
Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz concurred with Mayor Ortiz and suggested that the issue be considered again at either the next regular meeting or at a special meeting.
ITEM NO. 9C
CITY OF IRWINDALE – LEARNING CENTER MURAL
City Librarian Balli presented the report.
A motion was made by Councilmember Burrola, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, to approve the Learning Center Wall Mural. The motion was unanimously approved.
ITEM NO. 9D
UPDATE ON CITY OF IRWINDALE HEROES PROGRAM
Assistant City Manager Olivares presented the report.
Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz stated that he supported the recommendations made by staff in the report.
In response to a question from Councilmember Burrola, Assistant City Manager Olivares advised that, in the past, staff opted to leave existing banners up instead of replacing them with flags. She added that banners were also previously placed on the poles in front of City Hall.
Dena Zepeda spoke out against allowing banners to deteriorate.
Carmen Roman spoke against hiring an outside company to hang the banners.
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A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, seconded by Councilmember Burrola, to: 1) approve the use of the Public Works Services Maintenance Division to install and remove military banners, 2) approve removal of the reference to “fighting the War on Terrorism” from the proposed policy, 3) approve recognition of service members and their families at a City Council meeting prior to banner installation; and 4) direct staff to update the policy and return the item for City Council consideration at the meeting of June 24, 2026. The motion was unanimously approved.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned at 7:54 p.m. ______________________________
Laura M. Nieto, MMC
Chief Deputy City Clerk