MINUTES
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
A regular meeting of the City Council was held in the Auditorium, Pico Rivera Senior Center, 9200 Mines Avenue, Pico Rivera, California
Mayor Camacho called the regular meeting to order at 6.02 p m on behalf of the City Council.
PRESENT Garcia, Lara, Lutz, Sanchez, Camacho
ABSENT None
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
• Justin Schmidt, Planning Commission
• Gil Perez, Veterans Commission
INVOCATION Delivered by Councilmember Lara
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Led by Giselle Ortiz, 1st grade student from Rivera Elementary
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
• A Certificate of Recognition was presented to Public Works Supervisor George Ramos in recognition of his 42 years of service to the City and his upcoming retirement.
PUBLIC HEARING
City Council
1 Public Hearing — Resolution Declaring Certain City -Owned Real Property as Exempt Surplus Land and Summary Vacation of a Public Alleyway (1500) Mayor Camacho opened the public hearing and noted that there were no oral or written communication to provide public testimony
Mayor Camacho closed the public hearing
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Dr Sanchez, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to 1) Approve Resolution No 7460 declaring certain real property as exempt surplus land pursuant to, California Government Code Section 54221 (f)(1)(B) and E, 2) Authorize a summary vacation of the alleyway pursuant to Section 8335 (b)(1)-(5) and approve a no fee disposition of the same, pursuant to Section 8356(a) of the Streets and Highways Code, and 3) Find that the conveyance of the surplus land is categorically exempt from
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CEQA under CEQA Guidelines Section 15312 Motion carries by the following roll call vote
Resolution No 7460 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PICO RIVERA, CALIFORNIA, FINDING THAT CERTAIN CITY -
OWNED REAL PROPERTY IS EXEMPT SURPLUS LAND UNDER THE
SURPLUS LAND ACT, AUTHORIZING THE DISPOSITION OF SAID
PROPERTY, AND APPROVING A SUMMARY VACATION OF A PUBLIC
ALLEYWAY PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA STREETS AND
HIGHWAYS CODE
AYES Camacho, Lara, Lutz, Sanchez, Garcia
NOES None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Art Limon, Los Angeles Lowrider Alliance
• Addressed the City Council in support of Agenda Item No 6, Agreement with the Andy Vargas Foundation and the S.O N G program
Cristina Nava
• Addressed the City Council to highlight the upcoming Latina Independent Film Extravaganza (LIFE) event scheduled for March 7, 2026, at the Cinepolis Theater Lauren Talbott:
• Addressed the City Council regarding the library updates for the month of February
Debbie
• Addressed the City Council to express public safety concerns regarding the vacant property located at 8320 Lexington and Gallatin Road, citing ongoing unauthorized access and other disruptive activities occurring at the site Letty.
• Addressed the City Council to express public safety concerns regarding the vacant property located at 8320 Lexington and Gallatin Road, citing ongoing unauthorized access and other disruptive activities occurring at the site Patricia Garcia
• Addressed the City Council to express public safety concerns regarding the vacant property located at 8320 Lexington and Gallatin Road, citing ongoing unauthorized access and other disruptive activities occurring at the site Written communication was received by the following
Robert Viera
• Addressed the City Council to express gratitude to the City for its assistance in addressing the homelessness issue at the Lowe's and Ulta Beauty parking lot. He
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also noted that several RVs have been parked in the lot for extended periods of time
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
City Council
2. Minutes
• Approved City Council regular meeting of January 27, 2026
3. Approved 10th Warrant Register of the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year (700) Check Numbers 299456-299569
Special Check Numbers. 18795
4. General Services Agreement with Inland Empire, LTD for Parks and Recreation Transportation Services. (500)
1 Awarded a General Services Agreement to Inland Empire Stages, LTD for the provision of as -needed Parks and Recreation Transportation Services, with a not -to -exceed amount of $240,000, for a three-year term with a not - to -exceed amount of $80,000 per year with the option to extend for a total of (2) years, and
2' Authorized the City Manager to execute the Agreement and any necessary amendments, in a form approved by the City Attorney
Agreement No 26-2526
5 Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning at Rivera Park and Pico Park Gymnasiums, CIP No. 50069 — Award of Construction Contract. (500) 1 Approved the plans and specifications for the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning at Rivera Park and Pico Park Gymnasiums, CIP No 50069 (Project),
2 Awarded a Construction Contract for a not -to -exceed amount of $1,307,800 to Elegant Construction, Inc. for the Project and authorized the City Manager to execute the contract in a form approved by the City Attorney; 3' Authorized the City Manager or his designee to approve change orders, as needed, in an amount not -to -exceed $200,000 (approximately 15% of the total contract amount) for construction contingency;
4 Amended the fiscal year (FY) 2025-26 Adopted Budget by appropriating $300,000 from the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Fund balance to CIP No 50069;
5 Amended the FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget by transferring $943,000 from the unassigned General Fund Balance to the CIP Fund and appropriating the same amount to CIP No 50069; and
6 Approved the Notice of Exemption (NOE) for the subject project and authorized the City Clerk to file the NOE with the County Recorder, in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act.
Agreement No 26-2527
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6. Agreement with the Andy Vargas Foundation and Associated Funding Needed for Phase 1 of the S.O N G (Sounds of New Generations) Program (500)
This item was pulled from the consent calendar for further discussion and clarification 7 Budget Calendar — Year Two of Fiscal Year 2025-27 Biennial Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 (700)
1 Received and filed the fiscal year 2026-27 Budget Development Calendar Motion by Councilmember Lutz, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 Motion carries by the following roll call vote AYES Garcia, Lara, Lutz, Sanchez, Camacho
NOES None
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS PULLED FOR FURTHER CLARIFICATION
6. Agreement with the Andy Vargas Foundation and Associated Funding Needed for Phase 1 of the S O N.G. (Sounds of New Generations) Program (500)
Parks and Recreation Director Yugar provided a brief overview of the SONG program and shared a summary of Andy Vargas's professional background Andy Vargas introduced himself and expressed his appreciation to the City for the opportunity to mentor youth in the community and provide them with a platform to showcase their talents
Mayor and City Council expressed their support for the program.
Motion by Councilmember Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Lutz to 1) Amend the fiscal year (FY) 2025-26 Budget by transferring $145,000 from the REACH Program to the General Fund, 2) Approve an appropriation of $145,000 to fund a pilot program called SONG (Sounds of New Generations) in collaboration with the Andy Vargas Foundation, and 3) Approve the Contract Instructor Agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney and authorized the City Manager to execute the Agreement and any necessary documents with the Andy Vargas Foundation Motion carries by the following roll call vote
Agreement No 26-2528
AYES Garcia, Lara, Lutz, Sanchez, Camacho
NOES None
REGULAR AGENDA None
CITY MANAGER/STAFF REPORTS
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Public Works Director Negrete provided a brief update on the following Capital Improvement Projects (CIP)
• Alebrije Dog Park — Construction is complete, with a grand opening forthcoming • City Hall Council Chambers — Currently under construction, with an estimated completion date of March 2026
• Smith Park Aquatic Center — In the process of awarding the construction contract.
• Rio Hondo Park Renovation — In the design phase and approximately 90% complete
• HVAC Improvements at Rivera and Pico Park Gyms — In the process of awarding the construction contract.
• PAD, Park — In the design phase and approximately 35% complete • Citywide Resurfacing, Overlay, and Reconstruction — In the design phase and approximately 95% complete
• ADA Sidewalk Improvements (CDBG Funded) — Currently out to bid • School Crossings Safety Enhancement (HSIP Cycle 11) — In the design phase and approximately 90% complete
• Water WeII Destruction — In the design phase and approximately 90% complete • Water Main Replacement — Currently in Phase III of construction, with an estimated completion date of June 2026
• PFAS Treatment at Plant No 3 — In the design phase and approximately 75% complete
Director Negrete highlighted that the two-year CIP Budget totals $143,277,604 and noted that the City has delivered $44 million in completed projects over the past two years. He also announced that project updates will soon be available online, allowing residents to track progress and stay informed
Mayor and City Council discussed their concerns regarding the lowest -bidder procurement process, grant tracking, and construction deadline challenges. They suggested developing a forward -facing online portal for residents to view upcoming street improvement projects and indicated that monthly CIP reports will be provided City Manager Carmona highlighted the launch of Notary Public Services by the City Clerk's Office, noting its successful implementation He also announced that the City was recently awarded an $800,000 grant by Congresswoman Linda Sanchez for the Veterans of Foreign Wars property
GOOD OF THE ORDER (INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGENCY MEETINGS, AB 1234) Councilmember Garcia reported on his attendance at a recent meeting with the Los Angeles County Sanitation District, and also noted his attendance, along with Mayor Camacho, at the senior board installations for the Friendly Senior Club, Forever Young Club, and Shade Lane Senior Club
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Councilmember Lara reported on his attendance at a Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) meeting, which included discussions on preparations for the upcoming Olympics He also attended a Southeast Water Coalition (SEWC) meeting, where they discussed the potential expansion of city membership and noted that the Pico Water District may be joining the committee He also highlighted the City's Father/Daughter Dance and requested that staff explore the possibility of identifying matching funds to supplement a reward being offered in connection with an ongoing investigation referenced by the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr Sanchez.
Councilmember Lutz and Mayor Camacho highlighted the upcoming Grand Opening of the Alebrije Dog park scheduled for February 27, 2026
Mayor Pro Tem Dr Sanchez, in light of her recent health experience, provided a brief health awareness update regarding shingles. She also commented on the upcoming Los Angeles County sales tax measure that will appear on the June 2 ballot.
Mayor Camacho reported on the recent formation of the World Cup Ad Hoc Committee, on which he and Councilmember Garcia serve, to address matters related to the World Cup He noted that additional updates will be provided to the City Council as discussions progress
Recessed to Closed Session at 7.24 p m.
ALL CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS WERE PRESENT
Reconvened from Closed Session at 7 42 p m
ALL CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS WERE PRESENT
CLOSED SESSION(S)
a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956 9(d)(4)
Initiation of litigation in one matter
City Attorney Alvarez-Glasman stated that direction was provided, no further action was taken and there was nothing further to report.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Camacho adjourned the City Council regular meeting at 7 43 p m. There being no objection it was so ordered
AYES Garcia, Lara, Lutz, Sanchez, Camacho
NOES None
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Gus i�T o V amacho, Mayor
ATTEST:
Cynthia AyaQyl', CMC, City Clerk
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct report of the proceedings of the City Council regular meeting dated February 10, 2026, and approved by the City Council on February 24, 2026
Cynthia Ayal CMC, City Clerk