CITY OF MONTEBELLO
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2026 AT 6:00 PM
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1600 WEST BEVERLY BOULEVARD
MONTEBELLO, CALIFORNIA
OPENING CEREMONIES
CALL TO ORDER - 6:00 P.M.
Mayor Tamayo called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present were Mayor Tamayo, Mayor Pro Tem Romero, Councilmember Peralta, Councilmember Alonzo, and Councilmember Melendez. City Clerk Jimenez and City Treasurer Matanga were also present.
City Attorney Alvarez-Glasman stated that Councilmember Ric Alonzo would participate in the meeting remotely pursuant to the “just cause” provision of the Government Code due to a physical emergency that prevents in-person attendance.
He further stated that all votes must be conducted by roll call and that Councilmember Alonzo would also participate in the Closed Session remotely.
City Attorney Arnold Alvarez-Glasman, City Manager Raul Alvarez, Assistant City Manager Angelica Palmeros, 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 Tamayo recessed the meeting into Closed Session at 6:03 p.m. to consider the following Closed Session items:
January 28, 2026: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 7
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
G. Robles Quintanar v. City of Montebello
Case No. ADJ18176656
2. 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
REGULAR SESSION - 7:00 P.M.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Mayor Tamayo 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.
INVOCATION
Led by City Treasurer Matanga.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Kyle Rocha.
CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA - CITY MANAGER
None.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS/PRESENTATIONS
3. CEREMONIAL CHECK PRESENTATIONS TO VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS Presented by Mayor Tamayo.
4. STATE OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT 2025
Chief Pelaez provided the State of the Department Presentation.
Councilmember Melendez inquired about the timeline for the fourth Fire Station and asked how many employees would be staffed there.
Chief Pelaez stated that the project should be completed within 1-2 years as they continue to secure grants for the project.
He is estimating 6-8 employees at that station.
City Manager Alvarez highlighted additional accomplishments that were completed by the Department and thanked the City Council for their continued support, and thanked the Chief for his leadership.
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.
January 28, 2026: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 7
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 seven(7) 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 the upcoming Budget Meetings around the City and invited the community to attend.
REGULAR BUSINESS
5. ADOPT SPECIFICATIONS AND PLANS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF CHET HOLIFIELD COMMUNITY GARDEN (CP 945)
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Environmental Assessment pursuant to 14 California Code of Regulations § 15301 as a Class 1 categorical exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and
2. Adopt construction plans and specifications for the Chet Holifield Community Garden project (CP 945); and
3. Authorize staff to proceed with bid advertisement for construction; and
4. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Alonzo spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Melendez inquired whether a specific group or organization would be responsible for managing the community garden at Chet Holifield Park.
Director Sosnowski informed the City Council that the City has contracted with the Los Angeles County Community Garden Council to establish the community garden. He stated that the Council designed the garden based on community feedback and the City’s Master Plan. He further explained that the Los Angeles County Community Garden Council will assist with managing the garden and that associated fees will apply.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Romero, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
6. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-06 APPROVING MONTEBELLO BUS LINES’ FISCAL YEARS 2027-29 SHORT
RANGE TRANSIT PLAN
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 26-06 approving Montebello Bus Lines’ (MBL) Fiscal Years 2027-29 Short Range Transit Plan, including the encompassed recommendations; and
2. Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Transit Director Soria introduced Senior Management Analysts Robert Fierro and Leslie Peralta to present the item.
Councilmember Peralta spoke in support of the item and thanked the department for the presentation.
Councilmember Melendez inquired about the Mobility Feasibility Study.
January 28, 2026: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 7
Senior Management Analyst Fierro informed the City Council that the City plans to retain a consultant to evaluate key commercial corridors and determine the feasibility of establishing a mobility hub. The proposed hub would serve as a transitional space between different modes of public transportation, designed to provide seamless and convenient connections for users.
Councilmember Alonzo and Mayor Tamayo spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Romero, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
7. APPROVE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NO. 4455 WITH WHITE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL TO
PROVIDE IN CUSTODY MEDICAL SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Professional Services Agreement No. 4455 with White Memorial Hospital for the provision of in custody medical services; and,
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement; and,
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Finance Director Solorza and Police Chief Lopez provided a presentation of the item.
Councilmember Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Peralta, 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 Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Peralta, to approve Item Nos. 8-15; the motion was approved unanimously.
8. AWARD AGREEMENT NO. 4451 TO LINCOLN CONCEPTS FOR FEDERAL LOBBYING SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Award Agreement No. 4451 with Lincoln Concepts, to provide Federal Lobbying Services in response to Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 26-05 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $492,000, for a three-year (3-year) term with the option for renewal of up to two (2), additional one-year (1-year) terms; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute and finalize Agreement No. 4451 with Lincoln Concepts on behalf of the City of Montebello; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to approve change orders up to an additional ten percent (10%) of the total amount for each fiscal year; and
4. Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Peralta, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
9. TREASURER'S REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2025
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Receive and file the Quarterly Treasurer’s Report for the quarter ending December 31, 2025 (Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2025-26); and,
2. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Peralta, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
10. APPROVE THE USE OF ASSET FORFEITURE FUNDS TO PURCHASE LAW ENFORCEMENT
RECOGNITION AWARDS AND DEPARTMENT UNIFORM BADGES
January 28, 2026: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 7
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve the use of $30,000 in Asset Forfeiture funds for costs associated with the purchase of law enforcement recognition awards and uniform badges; and
2. Amend the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget by increasing appropriations by $30,000 in Account No. 230-99- 6000.40 (Asset Forfeiture, Supplies - Durable); and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Peralta, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
11. APPROVE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION FOR THE YOUTH SERVICE CORPS COMPETITIVE GRANT
PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve submission of an application for the Youth Service Corps Competitive Grant Program; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to conduct all negotiations and execute and submit documents reasonably- necessary for the completion of the awarded project; and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Peralta, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
12. APPROVE SUBMISSION OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE STATE HOMELAND SECURITY PROGRAM (SHSP)
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize staff to submit a grant application to the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) for the purchase of interoperable radios, body-worn cameras, and detective vehicle-mounted gun safes; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary application forms; and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Peralta, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
13. APROVE SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION FOR THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY AFFORDABLE HOUSING
SOLUTIONS AGENCY (LACAHSA) AFFORDABLE HOUSING PRODUCTION AND PRESERVATION NOTICE
OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY (NOFA)
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve submission of a grant application to the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA) in response to the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for housing production and preservation; and,
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all grant award / NOFA documents; and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Peralta, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
14. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: NOVEMBER 12, 2025, SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING; NOVEMBER 12, 2025, CITY COUNCIL MEETING; DECEMBER 09, 2025, CITY COUNCIL MEETING; JANUARY 14, 2026, CITY COUNCIL MEETING; JANUARY 14, 2026, CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve said Minutes as is.
Councilmember Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Peralta, to approve the item; the motion was approved unanimously.
January 28, 2026: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 7
15. PAYMENT OF BILLS: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-05 APPROVING THE CITY WARRANT REGISTER OF DEMANDS DATED JANUARY 28, 2026
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 26-05 approving the Warrant Register dated January 28, 2026.
Councilmember Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Peralta, 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.
• Scarlet Peralta, Councilmember
1. Park Restroom Facility Renovations
Request Council consensus to prioritize park restroom renovations and direct staff to evaluate options for prefabricated modular restrooms, upgrades to existing facilities where feasible, and funding strategies leveraging CDBG, grants, and other available resources, and return to Council with a recommended action plan.
Councilmember Melendez suggested exploring the use of bonds to fund necessary restroom upgrades. Consensus was received.
Councilmember Peralta spoke regarding AI data centers, noting potential community and health impacts associated with such facilities. She inquired whether the City could take a proactive approach by preparing for potential development requests and exploring the possibility of prohibiting or restricting these types of businesses within the City.
• Ric Alonzo, Councilmember
1. Establish Engineer’s Day in Montebello during National Engineers Week, to highlight the impact of engineering in our community and inspire youth through engaging, hands-on activities.
2. Establish key signature recreational events to be hosted in South Montebello.
1. Consensus was received.
2. Consensus was received.
• Salvador Melendez, Councilmember
• Danielle Romero, Mayor Pro Tem
1. February marks the 35th anniversary of Operation Desert Storm. I request a resolution be passed to honor actions of our soldiers.
January 28, 2026: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 7
2. Request for additional lighting at the corner of Howard and Beverly.
3. Request to have all veterans who are active in our city to apply for a banner regardless of current address.
1. Consensus was received.
2. City Manager Alvarez informed Council that it would be best if staff evaluates the intersection for lighting. Consensus was received.
3. Consenus was received.
• Georgina Tamayo, Mayor
CLOSED SESSION - CONTINUED
ADJOURNMENT
The City of Montebello will adjourn to the next Regular Meeting on February 11, 2026, 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, January 25, 2026, no later than 6:00 p.m.
Kimberly Guillen, Director of City Clerk Services
Mayor Tamayo adjourned the meeting at 9:17 p.m.
THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 28, 2026, ARE HEREBY APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON THIS 25TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2026.
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