AMENDED
CITY OF MONTEBELLO
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025 AT 6:00 PM
TELECONFERENCE LOCATION
FOR COUNCILMEMBER PERLATA:
TRU BY HILTON LATHROP
161 EAST LOUISE AVENUE,
LATHROP, CA 95330
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 6:04 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.
Councilmember Peralta joined the meeting remotely per AB 2449.
City Attorney Arnold Alvarez-Glasman, City Manager Raul Alvarez, Assistant City Manager Angelica Palmeros, Management Analyst Samantha Nevarez, and Department Directors Kimberly Guillen, 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 recessed the meeting into Closed Session at 6:05 p.m. to consider the following Closed Session items:
October 22, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 8
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Government Code Section 54957
Title: City Manager
2. CALIFORNIA STATE AUDIT UPDATE
Government Code Section 54956.75
3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Negotiator: City Manager
Employee Organization: Montebello Executive Management Association
4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
I. Navarro v. City of Montebello, et al.
Case No. ADJ13310066, ADJ2613081, ADJ2548565, ADJ15539383, ADJ7472140, ADJ7964720, ADJ2654347, ADJ10708805, ADJ3507314, ADJ6779197, ADJ12495501, ADJ2613081, ADJ6773842
REGULAR SESSION - IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING CLOSED SESSION
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Mayor Melendez reconvened the meeting at 7:00 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.
INVOCATION
Led by City Clerk Jimenez.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by City Treasurer Matanga.
CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA - CITY MANAGER
City Manager Alvarez informed the Council that Item No. 5 would be moved to a future meeting.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS/PRESENTATIONS
5. PINNING CEREMONY FOR FIREFIGHTER EDGAR RAMIREZ
This item was moved to a future meeting.
6. WASHINGTON CORRIDOR TRANSIT-ORIENTED COMMUNITIES AND MULTIMODAL CONNECTIVITY
SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT
Phil Burns of the Arroyo Group provided a presentation of the project.
Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo asked if the provisions of Senate Bill 79, would affect the project.
Mr. Burns stated that the project is consistent with the bill.
October 22, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 8
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 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.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS ON ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
City Manager Alvarez announced that the City received a $1.5 million grant with the assistance of Senator Bob Archuleta to fund the Wildland Fire Station near the Montebello Hills.
PUBLIC HEARING
7. ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE APPROVING DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT NO. 03-24 (AGREEMENT NO. 4417) BETWEEN THE CITY OF MONTEBELLO AND ALTAMED HEALTH SERVICES CORPORATION IN
CONNECTION WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION OF A PRIVATE ART GALLERY WITHIN A COMMERCIAL UNIT IN THE MONTEBELLO TOWN SQUARE SHOPPING CENTER LOCATED AT 1401
NORTH MONTEBELLO BOULEVARD, MONTEBELLO, CALIFORNIA
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Introduce and waive first reading of Ordinance No. 2484 approving Development Agreement No. 03-24 (Agreement No. 4417) between the City of Montebello and AltaMed Health Services Corporation in connection with the establishment and operation of a private art gallery located at 1401 North Montebello Boulevard, Montebello, CA 90640; and
2. Determine and Find that the project (ENV. No. 13-25) is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) – Common Sense Exemption; and
3. Take such additional and/or related action that may be desirable.
Mayor Melendez stepped out for the discussion of the item.
Berenice Nuñez, Senior Vice President of Government Relations and External Affairs, provided a presentation of the item.
Councilmember Alonzo asked if the community had access to the building or if it was strictly for Altamed employees.
Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo asked how AltaMed envisions the City and community utilizing the space and inquired further about the possibility of establishing an access agreement for its use.
Maria Chavez informed informed the City Council that the facilities will be available for special events, community programs, and school events. Attendance by staff and the public will be by invitation only.
City Manager Alvarez provided further clarification on the access agreement.
Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo opened the Public Hearing at 7:58 p.m.
October 22, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 8
The City Clerk’s Office acknowledged four(4) members of the public wishing to address the City Council in support of the item. Speakers were provided three minutes to address the City Council and said speaker cards are on file at the City Clerk’s office.
Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo closed the Public Hearing at 8:15 p.m.
Councilmember Romero motioned, seconded by Councilmember Alonzo, to approve the item; the motion was approved by the following vote:
MOVED: Romero SECONDED: Alonzo APPROVED: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Tamayo, Peralta, Romero
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Melendez
City Manager Alvarez stated that the City would make an amendment to allow access agreement effectively.
REGULAR BUSINESS
8. FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 FIRST QUARTER BUDGET REPORT
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Receive and file this agenda report and the presentation on the Fiscal Year 2025-26 First Quarter Budget Report; and,
2. Amend the Compensation Plan and Table of Organization (Position Listing), Resolution No. 25-xx for certain Fire, Community Development and Finance Department classifications; and,
3. Amend the Master Position Control to reflect changes to the Table of Organization; and,
4. Approve new and updated Job Classifications for positions in Fire and Finance; and,
5. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
City Manager Alvarez stated that staff would like to make a change to staff report and remove the Economic Manager from the list to be discussed at a future meeting.
Director of Finance Michael Solorza provided a presentation of the item.
Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo requested clarification regarding the operations of the Home 2 Suites.
Mayor Melendez inquired about the potential impact on the City’s sales tax revenue and requested data regarding the resources expended during ICE raids.
Councilmember Alonzo approved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo, to approve the item; the item was approved unanimously.
9. AMEND THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 TRANSIT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR VARIOUS
PROJECTS
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Amend the Transportation Department (Transit) Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26, for a total amount of $14,181,843 in the accounts and amounts as listed on Attachments A and B; and
2. Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Director of Transportation John Soria provided a presentation of the item.
Councilmember Romero inquired about vouchers available to waive transit fares for patients being discharged from the October 22, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 8
hospital. City Manager Alvarez informed the Council that the City offers a Dial-A-Ride program that provides this service.
Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo motioned, Alonzo seconded, 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.
Councilmember Romero pulled Item No. 13.
Councilmember Peralta pulled Item No. 11.
Councilmember Alonzo motioned, Councilmember Romero seconded, to approve Item Nos. 10, 12, and 14-20; the motion was approved unanimously.
10. AMEND THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE
CARRYOVER FUNDS FOR VARIOUS PROJECTS
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Amend the adopted Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget by increasing appropriations in the various accounts and amounts as detailed on Attachment A, Capital Improvement Program; and
2. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Alonzo motioned, Councilmember Romero seconded, to approve item; the motion was approved unanimously.
11. AWARD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NO. 4419 TO TREE PEOPLE TO PRODUCE AN URBAN
FORESTRY MANAGEMENT PLAN
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Award Professional Services Agreement No. 4419 to TreePeople, Inc. to produce an Urban Forest Management Plan, in the amount of $597,500 payable from Cal Fire grant funds in Account No. 249-30- 320-6040.10 (Cal Fire Urban Forestry Management, Public Works, Trees, Contract Services Outside Contracts); and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the professional services agreement; and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Peralta spoke in support of the item and asked if the City could provide an online, accessible survey. She requested that staff ensure the community has an opportunity to provide input and that their voices are prioritized when determining where trees should be planted.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Councilmember Alonzo, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
12. AWARD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NO. 4420 TO WEST COAST ARBORIST FOR INVENTORY OF THE CITY’S URBAN FOREST AND PURCHASE OF TREES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Award Professional Services Agreement No. 4420 to West Coast Arborists, Inc. to conduct an inventory of the City's urban forest in the not-to-exceed amount of $186,000, with $180,000 payable from reimbursable Cal Fire grant funds (Account No. 249-30-320-6040.10, Cal Fire Urban Forestry Management, Public Works, Trees, Contract Services Outside Contracts), and $6,000 from Account No. 100-30-320-6040.10 (General Fund, Public Works, Trees, Contract Services Outside Contracts); and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the professional services agreement in good faith; and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Alonzo motioned, Councilmember Romero seconded, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
October 22, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 8
13. AWARD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NO. 4421 TO HERRERA’S COATINGS RESTORATION
FOR THE REFURBISHMENT OF PUBLIC RESTROOMS AT CHET HOLIFIELD, REGGIE RODRIGUEZ AND
OTHER CITY PARK FACILITIES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Find that it would be impractical, useless, or uneconomical for this project to follow the bidding procedures, and that the welfare of the public would be promoted by dispensing said procedures; and
2. By a four-fifths vote of the City Council, staff recommend authorizing the dispensing of a formal request for proposal (RFP) procedure and award a professional services agreement for the refurbishment of public restrooms at Chet Holifield, Reggie Rodriguez, and other City Park Facilities, in accordance with Montebello Municipal Code Chapter 3.21.025(C) -- Conformance with Bidding Procedures; and
3. Due to the vendor’s familiarity, experience, intimate knowledge, and dealings with epoxy restoration of walls and floors in City facilities, award Professional Services Agreement No. 4421 to Herrera’s Coatings Restoration for the amount of $75,000; and
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute the professional services agreement; and
5. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Romero spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Alonzo motioned, seconded by Councilmember Romero, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
14. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO AGREEMENT NO. 3936 WITH A & A FLEET PAINTING, INC., TO
PROVIDE VEHICLE PAINT AND BODY REPAIR SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 3936 with A & A Fleet Painting Inc. (A & A Fleet), for an additional one-year (1-year) term, to provide vehicle paint and body repair services; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 on the City’s behalf; and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Alonzo motioned, Councilmember Romero seconded, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
15. APPROVE AGREEMENT NO. 4422 BETWEEN THE CITY OF MONTEBELLO AND BLINK NETWORK, LLC
FOR THE INSTALLATION, OPERATION, MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE
CHARGING STATIONS
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve the Exclusive Electric Vehicle Charging Services Agreement No. 4422 with Blink Network, LLC for the installation, operation, management, and maintenance of the electric vehicle charging stations at City Hall; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate terms and execute the agreement on behalf of the City; and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Alonzo motioned, Councilmember Romero seconded, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
16. APPROVE SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY CLEANUP AND EMPLOYMENT PATHWAY GRANT PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize staff to submit a grant application through the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), which administers the Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway Grants Program; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all applicable documents in good faith; and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
October 22, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 8
Councilmember Alonzo motioned, Councilmember Romero seconded, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
17. ELIMINATION OF CERTAIN FUNDED VACANT POSITIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 OPERATING BUDGET
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve the elimination of certain funded vacant positions for Fiscal Year 2025-26; and
2. Approve the updated Master Position Control (Attachment A); and,
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Alonzo motioned, Councilmember Romero seconded, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
18. ADOPT A RESOLUTION DEFINING AND CONFIRMING CERTAIN POLICIES TO BE IMPLEMENTED RELATING TO MONTEBELLO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 5.90 - COMMERCIAL CANNABIS ACTIVITIES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-92 to confirm the City’s intent to cease accepting applications from any new potential cannabis operators and to establish and implement policies consistent with the provisions of Chapter 5.90 - Commercial Cannabis Activities of the Montebello Municipal Code (“MMC”); and
2. DETERMINE AND FIND that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) – Common Sense Exemption; and
3. Take such additional and/or related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Alonzo motioned, Councilmember Romero seconded, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
19. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: OCTOBER 8, 2025, CITY COUNCIL MEETING
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve said Minutes as is.
Councilmember Alonzo motioned, Councilmember Romero seconded, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
20. PAYMENT OF BILLS: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-90 APPROVING THE CITY WARRANT REGISTER OF DEMANDS DATED OCTOBER 22, 2025
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-90 approving the Warrant Register dated October 22, 2025.
Councilmember Alonzo motioned, Councilmember Romero seconded, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - CONTINUED
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).
None.
COUNCIL/AGENCY ORALS
Announcements and requests for future agenda items.
• Ric Alonzo, Councilmember
October 22, 2025: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 8
• 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 November 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., which can be live- streamed at https://www.montebelloca.gov (Click on Live Stream).
I, Kimberly Guillen, Director of City Clerk Services for the City of Montebello, hereby certify that a copy of this agenda has been posted on or before Sunday, October 19, 2025, no later than 6:00 p.m.
Kimberly Guillen, Director of City Clerk Services
Mayor Melendez adjourned the meeting at 8:58 p.m.
THE MINUTES OF OCTOBER 22, 2025, ARE HEREBY APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON THIS 12TH DAY OF NOVEMBER 2025.
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