CITY OF MONTEBELLO
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 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 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present were Mayor Tamayo, Mayor Pro Tem Romero, Councilmember Peralta, and Councilmember Melendez.
City Clerk Jimenez and City Treasurer Matanga were also present.
Councilmember Alonzo was absent.
City Attorney Arnold Alvarez-Glasman, City Manager Raul Alvarez, Assistant City Manager Angelica Palmeros, Management Analyst Samantha Nevarez, and Department Directors Kimberly Guillen, Joseph Palombi, David Sosnowski, 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
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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 6:01 p.m. to consider the following Closed Session items:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
A. Rojas v. City of Montebello
Case No. ADJ16740655
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
S. Cox v. City of Montebello
Case No. ADJ10983426, ADJ20098153
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
Claim No: GHC0093007
Claim for Damages for Jimmy Tilmon, Jr.
4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
Significant exposure to litigation in one matter
REGULAR SESSION - 7:00 P.M.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Mayor Tamayo reconvened the meeting at 7:05 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, City Council provided direction to February 25, 2026: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 11
special counsel, no action was taken, and nothing to further to report; Item No. 2, a briefing was provided to City Council, City Council provided direction to special counsel, 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 Treasurer Matanga.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Dillinger Herrera.
CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA - CITY MANAGER
None.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS/PRESENTATIONS
5. PRESENTATION BY THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS Presented by San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments President Ed Reece.
6. CITIZEN OF THE MONTH - EMILIA ALVAREZ
Presented by Mayor Tamayo.
7. CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION FOR MONTEBELLO INDIANS YOUTH FOOTBALL AND CHEER TEAM Presented by Mayor Tamayo.
8. PROCLAMATION FOR OPERATION DESERT STORM 35TH ANNIVERSARY Presented by Mayor Tamayo.
9. PROCLAMATION FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Presented by Mayor Tamayo.
City Manager Alvarez announced the upcoming events honoring Black History Month.
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.
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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
PUBLIC HEARING
10. INTRODUCE AND WAIVE FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NOS. 2487, 2488, 2489, AND 2490, AMENDING PROVISIONS OF TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE CITY OF MONTEBELLO MUNICIPAL CODE,
RELATED TO MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR
RESIDENTIAL AND MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENTS, SITE PLAN REVIEW STANDARDS, AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-09 APPROVING THE CORRESPONDING AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONING MAP CONSISTENT WITH THE MONTEBELLO 2040 GENERAL PLAN AND THE CITY’S HOUSING ELEMENT
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Introduce and waive first reading of Ordinance No. 2487, amending Chapter 17.22 titled Commercial Zones Generally of the Montebello Municipal Code (“MMC”) to establish new mixed-use development standards applicable to the C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial) and C-2 (General Commercial) zoning districts, along with related updates incorporating mixed-use development provisions into Chapter 17.22; and
2. Introduce and waive first reading of Ordinance No. 2488, amending Title 17 – Zoning of the MMC to establish Chapter 17.21 titled Objective Design Standards, to provide new objective design standards for residential and mixed-use development projects; and
3. Introduce and waive first reading of Ordinance No. 2489, amending Chapter 17.74 titled Site Plan Review of the MMC to update thresholds for when a site plan review is required, remove provisions that allow the combination of multiple discretionary entitlement approvals under a single application, and include an exception that would allow certain qualifying mixed-use or residential projects to be reviewed ministerially; and
4. Introduce and waive first reading of Ordinance No. 2490, approving the rezoning of certain properties to ensure consistency with the land use designations established by the Montebello 2040 General Plan and the opportunity sites identified in the City’s 6th Cycle Housing Element (2021-2029); and
5. Adopt Resolution No. 26-09 approving an amendment to the City’s Zoning Map to ensure consistency with the land use designations established by the Montebello 2040 General Plan and the opportunity sites identified in the City’s 6th Cycle Housing Element (2021-2029), and
6. Determine and find that the proposed amendments to Title 17 of the MMC and the Zoning Map are within the scope of, and consistent with, the 2040 General Plan, for which the City Council certified a Final Environmental Impact Report (“Final EIR”) on April 10, 2024 (State Clearinghouse No.2023050665), in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), and
7. Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
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Planning Manager Viviana Esparza, along with Assistant Planners Emilie Fernandez and Grace Hayashi, presented the item.
Mayor Tamayo opened the Public Hearing at 8:24 p.m.
The City Clerk’s Office acknowledged two(2) 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.
Mayor Tamayo closed the Public Hearing at 8:27 p.m.
Councilmember Melendez inquired about existing businesses within the affected area and whether, under the proposed zoning changes, they would become nonconforming uses. He asked staff to clarify how such businesses would be impacted moving forward.
Director Palombi responded that some businesses could become nonconforming, depending on their specific circumstances. He explained that if a business has an existing entitlement, it may seek discretionary approval to modify its use. However, if a nonconforming use ceases operation for more than six months and is no longer permitted under the new zoning, it would not be allowed to reestablish.
Councilmember Melendez also asked about the proposed revisions to Chapter 17.74, specifically regarding the increase to three residential units under Site Plan Review, and whether that number was established by state law.
Director Palombi asked for clarification and confirmed he was referring to the Site Plan Review standards. He explained that the three-unit threshold is a staff recommendation, based on a review of standards in surrounding cities. Staff believes the change will help streamline housing development while maintaining compliance with the objective design standards presented to the Council.
Councilmember Peralta addressed housing development and affordability within the proposed zoning updates. She emphasized the importance of incorporating affordability measures into new projects and referenced prior discussions regarding a potential citywide ordinance requiring a 20% affordable housing allocation.
She requested clarification on whether the proposed 20% affordable housing requirement in the C1 and C2 mixed-use commercial zones—tied to administrative review—functions similarly to a universal housing ordinance within designated higher-density areas.
Director Palombi explained that the provision operates as an inclusionary housing incentive, allowing qualifying projects that meet objective standards and do not require a zone change to proceed through an administrative review process. He noted that streamlining approvals helps reduce costs and supports project feasibility.
Councilmember Peralta expressed appreciation for the clarification and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to affordability. She also supported reducing regulatory burdens for smaller-scale developments to encourage economic activity and housing production.
Additionally, she emphasized the importance of incorporating meaningful green and open space amenities in future mixed- use developments to promote community engagement and quality of life. Director Palombi confirmed that the draft ordinance includes defined open space standards within the mixed-use development requirements.
Councilmember Peralta motioned, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Romero, to approve the item; the motion was approved by the following vote:
MOVED: Peralta SECONDED: Romero APPROVED: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Tamayo, Peralta, Romero, and Melendez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Alonzo
February 25, 2026: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 11
REGULAR BUSINESS
11. AWARD AGREEMENT NO. 4470 TO ALL AMERICAN ASPHALT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 SB1 RUBBERIZED ASPHALT STREET ENHANCEMENT PROJECT (CP 944)
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Award Agreement No. 4470 to All American Asphalt for the Fiscal Year 2025-26 SB1 Rubberized Asphalt Street Enhancement Project – CP 944 as the lowest, most responsive and responsible bidder for the amount of Two Million, Eight-Hundred Forty-Four Thousand, Four Hundred Dollars ($2,844,400); and
2. Approve a 10% construction contingency in the amount of $284,440; and
3. Authorize the City Clerk’s Office to release all-other bidder’s bonds; and
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement (attached hereto in substantial form) and all applicable change orders in good faith; and
5. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Public Works Deputy Director James Coiner presented the item.
Councilmember Peralta spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Peralta, seconded by Councilmember Melendez, to approve the item; the motion was approved by the following vote:
MOVED: Peralta SECONDED: Melendez APPROVED: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Tamayo, Peralta, Romero, Melendez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Alonzo
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. 12-19; the motion was approved by the following vote:
MOVED: Melendez SECONDED: Peralta APPROVED: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Tamayo, Peralta, Romero, Melendez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Alonzo
12. APPROVE AGREEMENT NO. 4463 WITH THE CITY OF SOUTH PASADENA FOR THE BILL OF SALE AND
RELEASE OF LIABILITY FOR THE TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF THE ACCELERANT DETECTION CANINE “DELTA”
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RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Agreement No. 4463 with the City of South Pasadena for the Bill of Sale and Release of Liability for the transfer of ownership of the Accelerant Detection Canine (ADC) “Delta”; 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 by the following vote:
MOVED: Melendez SECONDED: Peralta APPROVED: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Tamayo, Peralta, Romero, Melendez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Alonzo
13. APPROVE AGREEMENT NO. 4464 BETWEEN THE CITY OF MONTEBELLO AND THE COUNTY OF LOS
ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES FOR ACCEPTANCE OF MEASURE B GRANT FUNDING
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Agreement No. 4464 between the City of Montebello and the County of Los Angeles Department of Health Services for acceptance of one-time Measure B grant funding in an amount not to exceed $50,000; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement No. 4464 and any related documents necessary to accept the grant; and
3. Approve appropriation of grant funds by increasing appropriations by $50,000 in Account No.265-85-868- 6000.50 (Grants, Fire Department, Measure B - LA County EMS, Supplies Medical [Expenditures]) and $50,000 in Account No. 265-99-4198.29 (Grants, Misc Grants - Measure B - LA County EMS [Revenue]); 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 by the following vote:
MOVED: Melendez SECONDED: Peralta APPROVED: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Tamayo, Peralta, Romero, Melendez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Alonzo
14. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT NO. 4371 WITH CEM CONSTRUCTION CO. FOR THE DOWNTOWN SEWER REPLACEMENT PROJECT (CP NO. 919)
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 4371 with the CEM Construction Corp. to extend the term of the agreement from February 13, 2026, to June 30, 2026; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all applicable exhibits and forms that accompany the amended agreement in good faith; and
3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
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Councilmember Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Peralta, to approve the item; the motion was approved by the following vote:
MOVED: Melendez SECONDED: Peralta APPROVED: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Tamayo, Peralta, Romero, Melendez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Alonzo
15. 10-DAY REPORT ON CITY OF MONTEBELLO’S INTERIM ZONING CONTROLS FOR DATA CENTERS (URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 2491 – AMENDING TITLE 17) PER GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65858(d)
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Receive, file, and issue a 10-day report on Urgency Ordinance No. 2491 which enacted a 45-day moratorium on Data Centers, which include but are not limited to AI data enters, hyperscale data centers, or any similar data center (“Data Centers”) uses Citywide as required under Government Code Section 65858(d); and
2. Take such additional and/or related action that may be desirable.
Councilmember Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Peralta, to approve the item; the motion was approved by the following vote:
MOVED: Melendez SECONDED: Peralta APPROVED: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Tamayo, Peralta, Romero, Melendez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Alonzo
16. APPROVE PURCHASE OF A TRAFFIC UNIT VEHICLE FOR THE MONTEBELLO POLICE DEPARTMENT
USING CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL (CHP) CANNABIS TAX GRANT FUND PROGRAM (CTGFP)
FUNDING
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve purchase of one (1) vehicle for the Montebello Police Department using California Highway Patrol (CHP) Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program (CTFGP) by utilizing the procurement exemption under Montebello Municipal Code Section 3.20.050(D); and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents related to the vehicle purchase; 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 by the following vote:
MOVED: Melendez SECONDED: Peralta APPROVED: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Tamayo, Peralta, Romero, Melendez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Alonzo
February 25, 2026: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 11
17. RECEIVE AND FILE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FILE NO. 26-01, IN A FORM APPROVED BY
THE CITY ATTORNEY, WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES AND THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FOR LEAD-FREE HOMES LA PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Receive and file Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) File No. 26-01; 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 by the following vote:
MOVED: Melendez SECONDED: Peralta APPROVED: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Tamayo, Peralta, Romero, Melendez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Alonzo
18. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: JANUARY 28, 2026, CITY COUNCIL MEETING; FEBRUARY 11, 2026, CITY
COUNCIL 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 by the following vote:
MOVED: Melendez SECONDED: Peralta APPROVED: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Tamayo, Peralta, Romero, Melendez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Alonzo
19. PAYMENT OF BILLS: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-10 APPROVING THE CITY WARRANT REGISTER OF DEMANDS DATED FEBRUARY 25, 2026.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 26-10 approving the Warrant Register dated February 25, 2026.
Councilmember Melendez motioned, seconded by Councilmember Peralta, to approve the item; the motion was approved by the following vote:
MOVED: Melendez SECONDED: Peralta APPROVED: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Tamayo, Peralta, Romero, Melendez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Alonzo
February 25, 2026: City Council Meeting Minutes Page 10 of 11
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).
Councilmember Peralta, Mayor Pro Tem Romero, and Mayor Tamayo reported on their attendance at the Independent Cities Association Conference. They participated in various sessions focused on best practices in local government, strategies for generating revenue without raising taxes, economic development, the use of drones, cybersecurity, and in- house ambulance programs.
COUNCIL/AGENCY ORALS
Announcements and requests for future agenda items.
• Salvador Melendez, Councilmember
• Ric Alonzo, Councilmember
• Danielle Romero, Mayor Pro Tem
• Scarlet Peralta, Councilmember
• Georgina Tamayo, Mayor
CLOSED SESSION - CONTINUED
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ADJOURNMENT
The City of Montebello will adjourn to the next Regular Meeting on March 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, February 22, 2026, no later than 6:00 p.m.
Kimberly Guillen, Director of City Clerk Services
Mayor Tamayo adjourned the meeting at 8:51 p.m.
THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 25, 2026, ARE HEREBY APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON THIS 11TH DAY OF MARCH 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