IRWINDALE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS AUGUST 26, 2026
5050 N. IRWINDALE AVENUE WEDNESDAY
IRWINDALE, CALIFORNIA 91706 6:04 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
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was conducted.
AB 2449 DISCLOSURES
None.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
None.
COUNCILMEMBER TRAVEL REPORTS
None.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
Councilmember Burrola thanked Kearny Real Estate for their donation of $50,000, noted that the Irwindale Community Foundation recently created an ad hoc committee to seek donations, commended staff for the National Night Out and Young Citizen of the Year events, and recognized Recreation staff for the success of the Music in the Park concerts during the summer.
Mayor Ortiz also thanked Recreation Manager Zepeda and her staff for another wonderful summer of concerts. He then thanked City Manager Miranda, Assistant City Manager Olivares, Assistant to the City Manager Espino, and City Librarian Balli, as well as all staff involved in the successful grand opening of the new City Library. He then requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Maria Ines Gonzalez.
Councilmember Burrola also thanked Assistant City Manager Olivares and City Manager Miranda for their roles in developing the new Library.
PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS / COMMENDATIONS
ITEM NO. 17A
PRESENTATION TO OUTGOING IRWINDALE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION CHAIR ALBERT F. AMBRIZ
The presentation was made.
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ITEM NO. 17B
CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION TO IRWINDALE AQUATICS PARTICIPANT RAYMOND CHEN
The presentation was made.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Breceda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion was unanimously approved.
ITEM NO. 18A
MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS HELD JUNE 10, JUNE 22, JUNE 24, JULY 8, JULY 22, AND JULY 29, 2026
The minutes of the meetings held June 10, June 22, June 24, July 8, July 22, and July 29, 2026, were approved as presented.
ITEM NO. 18B
WARRANTS / DEMANDS / PAYROLL
The warrants / demands / payroll were approved.
ITEM NO. 18C
CLAIM REJECTION – ZHIWEI CHEN VS. CITY OF IRWINDALE
The claim of Zhiwei Chen vs. City of Irwindale was rejected, and staff were directed to send a letter of rejection.
ITEM NO. 18D
CLAIM REJECTION – CYNTHIA ZEPEDA VS. CITY OF IRWINDALE
The claim of Cynthia Zepeda vs. City of Irwindale was rejected and staff were directed to send a standard letter of rejection.
ITEM NO. 18E
WAIVE THE FORMAL BIDDING PROCEDURES AND AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF A
PURCHASE ORDER FOR LAPTOPS ANYTIME
Resolution No. 2026-74-3884 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(H) AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE
OF A PURCHASE ORDER TO LAPTOPS ANYTIME FOR A SELF-SERVICE LAPTOP DISPENSING KIOSK FOR THE IRWINDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY,” was adopted.
ITEM NO. 18F
APPROVAL OF ZIP CODE LEGISLATION RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE U.S.
SENATE HOMELAND SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
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Resolution No. 2026-48-3859, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IRWINDALE, CALIFORNIA, SUPPORTING S. 4505 (ERNST, PADILLA, BARRASSO, AND BENNET) AND APPROVING A LETTER OF SUPPORT”, was adopted.
ITEM NO. 18G
IRWINDALE SENIOR CENTER PROM QUEEN AND KING NOMINATION AND VOTING
PROCEDURES
Resolution No. 2026-70-3880, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF IRWINDALE ADOPTING PROM QUEEN AND KING NOMINATION AND VOTING PROCEDURES FOR THE IRWINDALE SENIOR CENTER,” was adopted.
ITEM NO. 18H
E-WASTE & DECLARATION OF SURPLUS
Resolution No. 2026-75-3885, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF IRWINDALE DECLARING CERTAIN CITY PROPERTY SURPLUS AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISPOSITION OF SAID PROPERTY,” was adopted.
ITEM NO. 18I
BRITE WORKS CONTRACT AMENDMENT
Resolution No. 2026-73-3883, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF IRWINDALE APPROVING THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT SERVICES
AGREEMENT FOR JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR CITY OF IRWINDALE FACILITIES AND
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO
CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF IRWINDALE FACILITIES WITH BRITEWORKS, INC.” was adopted.
ITEM NO. 18J
IRWINDALE SENIOR CENTER OUTSIDE AGENCY EVENT PARTICIPATION POLICY Resolution No. 2026-72-3882, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF IRWINDALE ADOPTING AN OUTSIDE AGENCY EVENT PARTICIPATION POLICY FOR THE IRWINDALE SENIOR CENTER,” was adopted.
ITEM NO. 18K
AUTHORIZING EMERGENCY PURCHASE OF SPLIT HVAC UNITS FOR THE POLICE
DEPARTMENT BUILDING
Resolution No. 2026-76-3886, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF IRWINDALE WAIVING FORMAL BIDDING PROCEDURES PURSUANT TO IRWINDALE MUNICIPAL CODE SECTIONS 3.44.080(H) AND (I), AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO PROCEED WITH THE IMMEDIATE PROCUREMENT AND PURCHASE OF
SPLIT HVAC UNITS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT BUILDING, AND APPROVING A BUDGET AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 ADOPTED BUDGET BY APPROPRIATING $25,000 FROM THE GENERAL FUND RESERVE,” was adopted.
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ITEM NO. 18L
AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR 2026 TOPOGRAPHIC AND HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEY PROJECT; P-1079
The City Council awarded a professional services contract in the amount of $157,032 to JohnsonFrank and Associates, Inc. for the Topographic and/or Hydrographic survey of seven (7) SMARA pits; and authorized the City Manager to execute the contract on behalf of the City, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
SPONTANEOUS
COMMUNICATIONS
Dena Zepeda thanked Recreation staff for a great summer, recognized Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz for having served on the Irwindale Community Foundation Board, thanked Assistant City Manager Olivares for supporting the Board, and commented on the need to show mutual respect between City staff and elected/appointed officials.
Suzanne Gomez commended Aquatics staff for their wonderful programs and activities and requested additional funding so that the Aquatics Center could operate during off hours.
NEW BUSINESS
ITEM NO. 20A
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBSIDIARY BODIES TO USE TELECONFERENCING
SUBJECT TO THE POLICY GOVERNING REMOTE PARTICIPATION AND ENHANCEMENT
OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN CITY COUNCIL AND COMMISSION MEETINGS, TO IMPLEMENT SENATE BILL NO. 707
City Attorney Guerra presented the staff report.
Resolution No. 2026-69-3879, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF IRWINDALE AUTHORIZING ELIGIBLE SUBSIDIARY BODIES TO USE
TELECONFERENCING SUBJECT TO THE ADOPTED POLICY GOVERNING REMOTE
PARTICIPATION AND ENHANCEMENT OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN CITY COUNCIL AND
COMMISSION MEETINGS, FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW PROVISIONS OF THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT AS ENACTED BY SENATE BILL NO. 707,” was adopted, on the motion of Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, seconded by Councilmember Breceda, and unanimously approved.
ITEM NO. 20B
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2026-68-3878 APPOINTING A VOTING DELEGATE FOR 2026 LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE – ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING Assistant to the City Manager Espino presented the report.
Resolution No. 2026-68-3878, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF IRWINDALE, CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING A VOTING DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE(S) FOR THE 2026 LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE,”
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was adopted, on the motion of Councilmember Breceda, seconded by Councilmember Burrola, and unanimously approved, thereby appointing Councilmember Burrola as the voting delegate.
ITEM NO. 20C
BUILDING PERMIT FEE WAIVER REQUEST BY SAINT CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA COPTIC
ORTHODOX CHURCH
Councilmembers Breceda and Garcia and City Manager Miranda declared potential conflicts of interest and exited the Council Chambers at 6:34 p.m.
Assistant City Manager Olivares presented the staff report.
Responding to a question from Councilmember Burrola, Assistant City Manager Olivares noted that staff is recommending that the Council focus on the building permit fees of $11,269.69, and that the Council could consider waiving a portion of all the amount.
In response to a question from Dena Zepeda, Assistant City Manager Olivares indicated that, should the Council decide to waive the fee, the applicant would not be required to pay the fee, which would have been paid to the City’s general fund. Dena Zepeda suggested waiving the entire amount requested.
Resolution No. 2026-71-3881, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF IRWINDALE APPROVING A FEE WAIVER TO SAINT CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH FOR BUILDING PERMIT FEES OF $5,634.85 AND FINDING THAT THE PUBLIC PURPOSE WOULD BE SERVED BY SAID FEE WAIVER,” was adopted on the motion of Councilmember Burrola, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, and unanimously approved.
At 6:42 p.m., Councilmembers Breceda and Garcia and City Manager Miranda returned to the Council Chambers.
ITEM NO. 20D
JOINT EXERCISE OF POWERS AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITIES OF AZUSA, DUARTE,
AND IRWINDALE ESTABLISHING THE NORTH SAN GABRIEL RIVER OPEN SPACE AND
RECREATION JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY TO PURSUE THE LEASE, MANAGEMENT,
OPERATION, AND REVITALIZATION OF LARIO PARK
City Manager Miranda presented the report.
Responding to several questions from Councilmember Burrola, City Manager Miranda advised that: 1) there’s been a longstanding lease between the US Army Corps of Engineers and the County for the site, though they have been working with Azusa, Duarte, and Irwindale for the three cities to secure a lease for Lario Park, 2) Lario Park does not fall within Irwindale jurisdiction, it solely resides within Azusa, with Duarte bordering Lario Park to the west; 4) Senator Rubio has secured $2 million for the agreement with the three cities, though more will be needed moving forward. The City does not desire to use general fund money for this purpose and plans on securing additional funding through the state or through grants.
Councilmember Breceda asked whether the City can pull out of this agreement if it so chooses, to which City Manager Miranda confirmed that it could, and added that staff will continue reaching
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out to local elected officials in an attempt to seek out funding, as well as searching for additional grant funding.
Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz noted that the working group has collaborated since 2020 and has successfully managed to clean up the area and resolved lots of issues created by homeless individuals that reside in the area. He suggested approving the proposed agreement.
Dena Zepeda acknowledged past issues at Lario Park and expressed concern over potential liability for the City with the proposed agreement.
Mayor Ortiz concurred that the working group has accomplished much at the riverbed area, including identifying options to provide housing for members of the homeless community. He agreed that this agreement will contribute to the ongoing maintenance of the area.
City Manager Miranda noted that the joint powers authority, if created, would need to seek out its own insurance to reduce liability and noted that the $2 million obtained will be used to secure contractors to maintain the area.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, seconded by Councilmember Breceda, to approve participation in the formation of the North San Gabriel River Open Space and Recreation joint Powers Authority (JPA) between the Cities of Azusa, Duarte, and Irwindale; authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute the Joint exercise of Powers Agreement, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney; and authorize the City’s participation in pursuing a lease or other management agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of engineers (USACE) for Lario Park and related recreational assets within the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area. The motion was unanimously approved; Councilmember Garcia abstaining.
ITEM NO. 20E
CITY MANAGER RECRUITMENT – REQUEST FOR COUNCIL DIRECTION City Manager Miranda presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz noted that the process to identify and hire a new City Manager can be complex and lengthy, and expressed his appreciation that City Manager Miranda is willing to delay his planned retirement in February if necessary to hire a new City Manager.
Councilmember Breceda thanked City Manager Miranda for his service and agreed that the recruitment should begin immediately.
Councilmember Burrola also thanked City Manager Miranda for his hard work and asked how long the recruitment process could take, to which City Attorney Guerra advised that he has seen the process take between 4 to 6 months and elaborated a bit regarding the process.
Councilmember Burrola stressed the need to find an applicant that understands the City’s needs and priorities.
Councilmember Garcia thanked City Manager Miranda for supporting the Council during his tenure as City Manager and asked whether there exists a reason to delay the recruitment process, to which City Manager Miranda advised that the process could begin whenever the Council decides. He added that there are many projects that the City is working on which might
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cause a delay to the recruitment process and requested Council direction as to when the recruitment should begin.
Councilmember Burrola suggested beginning the recruitment process right away.
Councilmember Breceda agreed and suggested that someone who understands mining as well as the wants and needs of the City be selected.
Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz recommended moving forward by directing staff to prepare a Request for Proposals to select a firm that could assist in the recruitment process.
Mayor Ortiz thanked City Manager Miranda for his wonderful service as City Manager.
Responding to a question from Mayor Ortiz, City Manager Miranda committed to remaining as City Manager past his planned retirement date, if necessary, to recruit a new City Manager.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, seconded by Councilmember Burrola, to immediately proceed with the recruitment for the City Manager position in anticipation of the current contract expiration on February 14, 2027. The motion was unanimously approved.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ITEM NO. 21A
APPROVAL OF THE ADJUSTMENT OF SCHEDULE OF FEES & CHARGES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027
Director Borhani presented the report.
Councilmember Garcia noted that the report erroneously shows that seniors are charged for certain services and trips, to which Director Rodriguez clarified that resident seniors are not charged, and that only non-resident seniors would be charged the applicable fees.
Director Borhani advised that staff would ensure that the errors will be corrected.
At 7:29 p.m., Mayor Ortiz opened the public hearing.
There being no speakers, Mayor Ortiz closed the public hearing at 7:30 p.m.
Resolution No. 2026-57-3867, entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF IRWINDALE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AND ADJUSTING FEES FOR CERTAIN CITY SERVICES IN THE COMPREHENSIVE SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES,” was adopted, on the motion of Councilmember Breceda, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, and unanimously approved, with the revisions to the Senior Center portion where resident seniors will not be charged for the items identified in the discussion.
ITEM NO. 21B
ZONE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 01-2026 – ORDINANCE NO. 821 TO ADD CHAPTER
17.42 DATA CENTERS AND ASSOCIATED USES TO TITLE 17 “ZONING” OF THE
IRWINDALE MUNICIPAL CODE
Director Simpson presented the report.
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At 7:39 p.m., Mayor Ortiz opened the public hearing.
Dominique Reyes expressed her support for the ordinance banning data centers in the City.
There being no additional speakers, Mayor Ortiz closed the public hearing at 7:39 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz noted that many favor data centers for their potential benefits; however, the benefits for Irwindale would not outweigh the negative environmental impacts it would create.
Councilmember Burrola agreed and noted that most cities do not want them developed.
Councilmember Breceda concurred and spoke against the development of a data center within the City.
In response to a question from Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, City Attorney Guerra advised that this ordinance is similar to those enacted in other cities and seems to be broad enough to cover the City’s concerns.
Mayor Ortiz thanked staff for preparing this ordinance and agreed that data centers are not welcome in Irwindale.
City Attorney Guerra noted a correction in the title of the ordinance.
Ordinance No. 821, entitled: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IRWINDALE ADDING CHAPTER 17.42 – DATA CENTERS AND ASSOCAITED USES – TO TITLE 17 (“ZONING”) OF THE IRWINDALE MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROHIBIT DATA CENTER
LAND USES CITYWIDE AND FINDING THE ORDINANCE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (“CEQA”) PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15061(B)(3) AND 15378(B)(5)” was introduced for first reading, reading by title only and waiving further reading thereof, on the motion of Mayor Ortiz, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ambriz, and unanimously approved.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Miranda presented the following report:
1) In observance of Labor Day, City offices except for the Police Department will be closed on September 7.
2) The City is updating the open space element of the general plan and seeks community input. An informational booth will be available at the MI Fiesta scheduled for September
10. 3) A Kaiser Mobile Health Vehicle will come to Irwindale on August 27. All community members are welcome to obtain health assessments.
4) Those interested in applying for City jobs could visit governmentjobs.com. 5) The community is invited to the unveiling of the Founding Mothers Mural scheduled for September 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the new Library.
6) The annual Mariachi Fest concerts will begin on September 3. 7) The Senior Center serves as a cooling center during periods of extreme heat. 8) He also invited Chief Hofford to discuss emergency preparedness efforts.
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Chief Hofford reported that staff conducted a shakeout exercise at the Senior Center last year, recently completed an emergency evacuation plan at the new Library, and assisted Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in obtaining a $300,000 grant for security cameras. Corporal Glen Johnson, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Sector Emergency Management, is working on updating the existing emergency operations plan at City facilities. He has since completed a comprehensive plan for Las Casitas and should finalize plans for all other City-owned facilities within 3 months. Additionally, staff are working on replacing expired emergency supplies and ensuring that emergency generators remain in operable condition. Staff are also working on modernizing the emergency command post with modern equipment, which would enable the trailer to be used by the Police Department outside of the actual police station.
Councilmember Burrola asked whether staff would be trained in how to use the emergency equipment, to which Chief Hofford confirmed that they would be. Chief Hofford then advised that emergency supplies will be supplied in various areas and locations.
Dena Zepeda asked whether the City has enough emergency supplies for all residents and stated that residents are not prepared for emergencies. She suggested that emergency supplies should be stored at every street.
City Manager Miranda stated that additional information could be made available to all residents.
REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS BY CITY COUNCIL
None.
At 7:58 p.m., the City Council took a short recess.
The City Council reconvened in Open Session with all members present at 8:05 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m., in memory of Maria Ines Gonzalez.
________________________________
Laura M. Nieto, MMC
Chief Deputy City Clerk