AMENDED
CITY OF MONTEBELLO
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2025 AT 6:00 PM
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1600 WEST BEVERLY BOULEVARD
MONTEBELLO, CALIFORNIA
OPENING CEREMONIES
CALL TO ORDER - 6:00 P.M.
Mayor Melendez called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present were Mayor Melendez, Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo, Councilmember Peralta, Councilmember Alonzo, and Councilmember Romero. City Clerk Jimenez and City Treasurer Matanga were also present.
City Attorney Arnold Alvarez-Glasman, City Manager Raul Alvarez, Assistant City Manager Angelica Palmeros, Senior Deputy City Clerk Kimberly Guillen, Deputy City Clerk Nelly Ochoa, and Department Directors Michael Solorza, Joseph Palombi, Ramon Figueroa, John Soria, David Sosnowski, Cesar Roldan, Fire Chief Pelaez, and Police Chief Lopez were present.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
City Attorney Alvarez-Glasman announced the Closed Session Items.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
At this time, the public may submit a speaker card to the City Clerk staff for Closed Session items, prior to the beginning of this statement. Speakers will be called in the order received. Please be aware that the maximum time allotted for members of the public to speak on Closed Session items shall not exceed three (3) minutes per person. State Law prohibits the City Council from taking action or entertaining extended discussion on a topic not listed on the agenda. Please show courtesy to others and direct all of your comments to the Mayor and City Council.
None.
CLOSED SESSION
The City Attorney shall provide a briefing on the item listed for Closed Session as follows:
Mayor Melendez announced the return of City Clerk Jimenez after emergency surgery and wished him a speedy recovery.
Mayor Melendez recessed the meeting into Closed Session at 6:01 p.m. to consider the following Closed Session items.
August 27, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 10
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(4)
Initiation of litigation in one case
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
Significant exposure to litigation in one case
3. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE ANNUAL EVALUATION
Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
Title: City Manager
4. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: 602-610 W. Whittier Blvd., Montebello, California 90640 Agency negotiator: Raul Alvarez, City Manager; Joe Palombi, Director of Community Development Negotiating parties: Primestor
Under negotiation: Both price and terms
5. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
F. Tucker-Schuyler v. City of Montebello
Case No. ADJ10561152, ADJ10561411, ADJ10562671
REGULAR SESSION - IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING CLOSED SESSION
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Mayor Melendez reconvened the meeting at 7:16 p.m.
All five members were present to discuss all Closed Session items. City Attorney Arnold Alvarez-Glasman provided the following report to City Council: Item No. 1, a briefing was provided to City Council, no action was taken, and nothing to further to report; Item No. 2, a briefing was provided to City Council, no action was taken and nothing further to report; Item No. 3, a briefing was provided to City Council, no action was taken and nothing further to report; Item No. 4, a briefing was provided to City Council, no action was taken and nothing further to report; Item No. 5, a briefing was provided to City Council, no action was taken and nothing further to report.
INVOCATION
Led by Senior Deputy City Clerk Kimberly Guillen.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by City Treasurer Matanga.
CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA - CITY MANAGER
None.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS/PRESENTATIONS
August 27, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 10
6. MONTEBELLO GRADE SEPARATION PROJECT - SAN GABRIEL VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (SGVCOG)
Carrie Inciong, Senior Project Manager of the San Gabriel Valley Council Governments, provided a presentation of the Montebello Grade Separation Project. The presentation included information on ongoing, completed, and upcoming work.
Councilmember Peralta inquired about the timeline of the closure of Olympic Boulevard. She also inquired about the timeline for the completion of the project.
Senior Project Manager Inciong informed the City Council that the closure would last about twenty months. She further stated that the project would be completed in December 2028.
Councilmember Romero inquired about the lighting in the area and requested additional lighting, as many residents have shared their concerns.
Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo inquired about the community feedback. Ms. Inciong informed the City Council that Maria Cano, Community Relations, recently provided a presentation at the Rotary Club to assist the community with any questions or concerns.
7. MONTEBELLO - ASHIYA SISTER CITY STUDENTS
Montebello Ashiya Sister City Students Andrew Franco and Anthony Ramirez provided a presentation on their trip to Ashiya, Japan.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS (30 MINUTES)
At this time, the public may submit speaker card(s) to the City Clerk staff, for both agenda and non-agenda items, prior to the beginning of this statement; Public Hearing items do not require a speaker card.
The City Council will address non-agenda items during this section and speakers will be called in the order received. Those persons not accommodated during this 30-minute period will have an opportunity to speak under “Public Comments – Continued”, after all scheduled matters have been considered. Public Hearing, Regular Business and/or Consent Calendar items will be addressed at the time that matter of business is heard, in the order received.
Please be aware that the maximum time allotted for members of the public to speak shall not exceed three (3) minutes per speaker. State Law prohibits the City Council from taking action or entertaining extended discussion on a topic not listed on the agenda. Please show courtesy to others and direct all of your comments to the Mayor and City Council.
The City Clerk’s Office acknowledged eight(8) members of the public wishing to address the City Council. Speakers were provided three minutes to address the City Council and said speaker cards are on file at the City Clerk’s office.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS ON ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
City Manager Alvarez noted that Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez and Sara Mahin, the newly appointed Director of Homeless Services, visited the Tiny Homes site.
Director of Public Works Cesar Roldan announced the upcoming Rain Barrel Giveaway Program.
PUBLIC HEARING
8. MASTER FEE SCHEDULE UPDATE
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Conduct a public hearing and consider adopting Resolution No. 25-76 approving updated General Administration, Finance, Fire, Police, Planning, Code Enforcement, and Public Works and Engineering fees; Adopt Resolution No. 25-77 approving updated Building and Safety and Plan Check fees; and Adopt Resolution No. 25-78 approving updated Parks and Recreation and Facility Rental fees; and August 27, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 10
2. Set cost recovery amounts for Fiscal Years 2025-26 through 2027-28, as detailed and described in the attached fee schedules; and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Director of Finance Michael Solorza provided a presentation of the item. The presentation included a summary of the cost recovery study, the study's scope, the data used to calculate cost recovery, fee structures, and changes to fees by department.
Mayor Melendez opened the Public Hearing at 8:23 p.m.
The City Clerk’s Office acknowledged three(3) members of the public wishing to address the City Council. Speakers were provided three minutes to address the City Council, and said speaker cards are on file at the City Clerk’s office. Two speakers suggested that fees be increased in increments. Another speaker inquired whether the services and operations would be performed in-house rather than contracted to third-party consultants or vendors.
City Attorney Alvarez-Glasman left the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
Mayor Melendez closed the Public Hearing at 8:27 p.m.
Director Solorza stated that not all services/operations would be completed in-house. He further stated that the City offers a Fee Hardship Waiver for the ambulance fee.
Councilmember Peralta requested that staff post the updated fees on the City website. She thanked staff for offering a Hardship Waiver for the Ambulance Fee, noting that she had received several calls regarding this fee. She requested that staff study fees and policies from surrounding cities to determine what may be feasible for the City. She provided examples, noting that some cities charge smaller transportation fees or offer membership/subscription models to offset costs for residents. These opt-in programs allow individuals to pay an annual fee, which then covers ambulance services when needed. Such programs could reduce the burden on families while generating steady revenue. She further noted that some cities provide reduced membership rates for modest-income households and scaled programs for businesses.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo, to approve the item with an amendment directing staff to report on alternative models; the motion was approved unanimously.
REGULAR BUSINESS
9. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-71 APPROVING THE 2025 LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN (LHMP) FOR
THE CITY OF MONTEBELLO
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-71 approving the 2025 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) for the City of Montebello; and
2. Authorize staff to transmit proof of adoption to FEMA for final approval; and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Fire Chief Pelaez provided a presentation of the item. The presentation included an introduction of the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, components of the plan, and the next steps.
Mayor Melendez asked how often the plan should be updated. Chief Pelaez informed the Council that the plan needs to be updated every five years in order to continue receiving funding from FEMA.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Councilmember Alonzo, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
10. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-73 APPROVING THE CITY OF MONTEBELLO TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE FIRST PUBLIC HYDROGEN (FPH2) JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY August 27, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 10
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-73 approving the City of Montebello to become a member of the First Public Hydrogen (FPH2) Joint Powers Authority (JPA); and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement with FPH2 on the City’s behalf; and
3. Take any additional related actions as deemed necessary
Jason Caudle, CEO of the First Public Hydrogen Joint Powers Authority (JPA), presented the item. The presentation included information about the JPA, including its purpose, advantages for municipalities, and the goals of the JPA.
Councilmember Peralta inquired about the city's responsibilities and obligations to join the JPA.
Mr. Caudle informed the City Council that the city had no obligations to join the JPA. He further stated that the City retains the right to withdraw from the JPA at any time should the Council choose to opt out.
Councilmember Peralta spoke in favor of the item.
Councilmember Perlata motioned, seconded by Councilmember Romero, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
11. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-75 APPROVING THE PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 2025-2030 FINAL REPORT
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-75 approving the Pavement Management System 2025-2030 Final Report; and
2. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Director Roldan provided a presentation of the item. The presentation included information on the current pavement conditions and legal requirements.
Councilmember Romero asked Director Roldan to explain the process for selecting which streets are paved. She also inquired whether a process exists for residents to report streets requiring repaving and to submit them for consideration.
Councilmember Romero directed staff to publish the presentation, including the list of streets scheduled for repaving on the city website.
Councilmember Peralta asked staff to provide a list of the streets scheduled for repaving.
Councilmember Romero motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
12. APPROVE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION TO THE HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE GRANT PROGRAM (FY 2025-26) – SMALL PROJECTS CYCLE (GRANT CYCLE 45)
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve submission of an application to the Household Hazardous Waste Grant Program (FY 2025-26) – Small Projects Cycle 45 to the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRcycle) for the local governments in implementing safe Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) programs for collection, public outreach, source reduction, reuse, and/or recycling of HHW; and
2. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Public Works Management Analyst Samantha Leyva presented the item. The presentation included a list of the program goals, performance measures, and expected impact.
August 27, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 10
Councilmember Alonzo motioned, seconded by Councilmember Romero, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine. Any items a member wishes to discuss, including any items the public submitted speaker cards for, should be designated at this time. All other items may be approved in a single motion. Such approval will also waive the reading of any Ordinance.
A member of the public pulled Item No. 16 for comment.
Councilmember Alonzo pulled Item No.14
Councilmember Alonzo motioned, seconded by Councilmember Peralta, to approve Items Nos. 13, 15, and 17-22; the motion was approved unanimously.
13. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO AGREEMENT NO. 4040 WITH UNIVERSAL PROTECTION SERVICES,
LP TO PROVIDE UNARMED TRANSIT SECURITY SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 4040 with Universal Protection Service, LP dba Allied Universal Security Services (Allied Universal), increasing the total not-to-exceed amount by $1,010,171 for unarmed transit security services; and
2. Amend the Fiscal Year 2025-26 adopted operating budget to increase appropriations by $495,746 in Account No. 600-90-910-6040.10 (Transit, Operations, Contract Services – Other Contract Services).
3. Authorize the City Manager and/or his designee to execute Amendment No. 2 on behalf of the City of Montebello; and
4. Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Alonzo motioned, seconded by Councilmember Peralta, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
14. APPROVE ISSUING REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) NO. 26-01 FOR CITYWIDE LANDSCAPE
MAINTENANCE SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize issuing Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 26-01 for citywide landscape maintenance services; and
2. Approve Amendment No. 3 to Professional Services Agreement 3822 with Verdant Landscaping, Inc. authorizing the extension of the current landscape maintenance agreement on a month-to-month basis on the same terms and conditions as the current agreement until the RFP process is complete, and a successor agreement is approved by the City Council; and
3. Authorize payment of invoices for services rendered pursuant to the current terms and conditions as contained in Agreement No. 3822 unti a successor agreement is approved by the City Council; and
4. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Alonzo spoke in favor of the item.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Councilmember Alonzo, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
15. AWARD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NO. 4394 FOR CITYWIDE CUSTODIAL SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Award Professional Services Agreement No. 4394 between the City of Montebello and Lincoln Training Center for a three (3) year period, with two, one-year extensions for citywide custodial services for a not- to-exceed amount of $620,551.26 (year one), $827,401.68 (year two), $827,401.68 (year three); and
2. Approve by a four-fifths vote of the City Council to award Professional Services Agreement No. 4394 under the authority of Montebello Municipal Code Chapter 3.20.050(D) - Conformance with bidding procedures; and
August 27, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 10
3. Amend the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget by increasing appropriations by $150,000 in Account No. 100- 30-510-6040.35 (General Fund-Public Works-Government Building Maintenance-Contract Services Custodial Services); and, $50,000 in Account No. 600-90-900-6040.35 (Transit-Transportation-Transit Administration-Contract Services Custodial Services);and $1,000 in Account No. 600-90-911-6040.35 (Transit-Transportation-Metrolink Station-Contract Services Custodial Services); and $5,000 in Account No. 610-99-6040.10 (Golf-Non-Departmental-Contract Service Custodial Services); and
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute Professional Services Agreement No. 4394 on behalf of the City; and
5. Authorize the City Manager to notify Verde Facilities Services that Professional Services Agreement No. 4245 will be terminated as of September 30, 2025; and
6. Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Alonzo motioned, seconded by Councilmember Peralta, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
16. ACCEPTANCE OF THE HENRY ACUÑA DOG PARK (CP-922) – NOTICE OF COMPLETION (NOC)
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Accept the Henry Acuña Dog Park (CP 922) as completed by Estate Design & Construction Inc.; and
2. Approve the final contract amount with Estate Design & Construction Inc.for the Henry Acuna Dog Park in the amount of $701,021 including applicable change orders; and
3. Approve the Final Total Project Budget in the amount of $701,021 (Attachment A); and
4. Authorize the City Clerk to execute, verify and file the Notice of Completion (Attachment B) with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder; and
5. Authorize the release of the retention payment of $12,081 due to Estate Design & Construction Inc. following the mandatory waiting period from the date the Notice of Completion (NOC) is recorded; and
6. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
The City Clerk’s Office acknowledged one(1) member of the public wishing to address the City Council. The speaker was provided three minutes to address the City Council and said the speaker's card is on file at the City Clerk’s office.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Councilmember Alonzo, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
17. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO AGREEMENT NO. 3910 WITH WOLVERINE FENCE COMPANY INC. TO
PROVIDE FENCE REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 3910 between the City of Montebello and Wolverine Fence Company, Inc. for a One (1) Year Extension through June 30, 2026; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Amendment on behalf of the City; and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Alonzo motioned, seconded by Councilmember Peralta, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
18. APPROVE PURCHASE AND UPFITTING OF ONE (1) ELECTRIC VEHICLE FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS
DEPARTMENT UTILIZING SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT (AQMD) FUNDING
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve the purchase of one (1) Ford E-Transit Cargo Van for the Building Maintenance Division of the Public Works Department, utilizing South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) funds; and
2. Approve the purchase through use of a cooperative agreement with Sourcewell and National Auto Fleet Group (Solicitation Number RFP #091521) as allowed by Montebello Municipal Code Chapter
3.20.050(F) - Cooperative Purchases; and,
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents related to the purchase and upfitting of the vehicle; and
4. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
August 27, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 10
Councilmember Alonzo motioned, seconded by Councilmember Peralta, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
19. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT NO. 4020 WITH JCL TRAFFIC SERVICES TO PROVIDE
TRAFFIC CONTROL SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 4020 with JCL Traffic Services for an additional one-year term to provide traffic control services through August 10, 2026; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 on behalf of the City; and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Alonzo motioned, seconded by Councilmember Peralta, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
20. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-72 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A GRANT AGREEMENT NO. 4397 WITH THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CALTRANS) TO
FUND THE MONTEBELLO MOBILITY HUB CONNECTIVITY (MMHC) FEASIBILITY STUDY THROUGH THE
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES COMPETITIVE (SCC) GRANT PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-72, authorizing the City Manager to execute a grant agreement with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to fund the Montebello Mobility Hub Connectivity (MMHC) Feasibility Study through the Sustainable Communities Competitive (SCC) Grant Program; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to take any additional related actions on behalf of the City of Montebello necessary to execute the grant agreement; and
3. Approve issuing a MMHC Feasibility Study Request for Proposals (RFP); and
4. Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Alonzo motioned, seconded by Councilmember Peralta, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
21. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-79 APPROVING A PUT OPTION AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF MONTEBELLO AND PRIMESTOR DEVELOPMENT, INC.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-79 approving the Put Option Agreement between the City of Montebello and Primestor Development, Inc. regarding the property located at 602-610 W. Whittier Boulevard (APNs:
6346-027-001, 6346-027-002, 6346-027-006, and 6346-027-019); and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Put Option Agreement and any implementing documents, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Alonzo motioned, seconded by Councilmember Peralta, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
22. PAYMENT OF BILLS: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-74 APPROVING THE CITY WARRANT REGISTER OF DEMANDS DATED AUGUST 27, 2025
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-74 approving the Warrant Register dated August 27, 2025.
Councilmember Alonzo motioned, seconded by Councilmember Peralta, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - CONTINUED
August 27, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 10
AB 1234 TRAVEL REPORTS
Members will provide a brief report on meetings attended at the expense of the local agency as required by Government Code Section 53232.3(d).
Mayor Melendez attended the Contract Cities Board Retreat.
COUNCIL/AGENCY ORALS
Announcements and requests for future agenda items.
• Ric Alonzo, Councilmember
• Danielle Romero, Councilmember
• Georgina Tamayo, Mayor Pro Tem
• Scarlet Peralta, Councilmember
• Salvador Melendez, Mayor
CLOSED SESSION - CONTINUED
ADJOURNMENT
The City of Montebello will adjourn to the next Regular Meeting on September 10, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., which can be live- streamed at https://www.montebelloca.gov (Click on Live Stream).
I, Kimberly Guillen, Senior Deputy City Clerk for the City of Montebello, hereby certify that a copy of this agenda has been posted on or before Sunday, August 24, 2025, no later than 6:00 p.m.
Kimberly Guillen, Senior Deputy City Clerk
Mayor Melendez adjourned the meeting in memory of former Montebello Mayor Phil Ramos. The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
THE MINUTES OF AUGUST 27, 2025, ARE HEREBY APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON THIS 10TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2025.
August 27, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 10 of 10
EXHIBIT - CITY OF MONTEBELLO FORECASTED AGENDA
Please note, the attached exhibit is a draft version that is to be used for reference purposes only; agenda items, information, and dates are subject to change. The exhibit will be placed at the end of the Agenda Packet.
• CITY OF MONTEBELLO FORECASTED AGENDA