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MINUTES OF APRIL 15, 2025
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SAN GABRIEL CITY COUNCIL
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Menchaca called the special meeting of the San Gabriel City Council to order at 6:03 P.M. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 425 South Mission Drive, San Gabriel, California, 91776.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Ding.
ROLL CALL
Council Members Present:
Council Members Absent:
Staff Members Present:
Tony Ding, Jorge Herrera Avila, John Wu, Vice Mayor
Eric Chan, and Mayor Denise Menchaca.
None.
City Manager Mark Lazzaretto, Assistant City Attorney
Martin Koczanowicz, Community Services Director
Rebecca Perez, Chief City Clerk Sharon Clark, Fire Chief Steven Wallace; Human Resources/Risk Management
Director Edward Macias, Finance Director William
Kaholokula, Police Chief Edward Elizalde, Acting Public Works Director/City Engineer Szeka Cheng, Acting
Community Development Director Samantha Tewasart,
and Assistant City Clerk Marilyn Bonus.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT - Special Meeting of April 1. 2025 A. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR (GOVERNMENT CODE §54957.6) City Negotiators - City Manager Lazzaretto, City Attorney Lemieux, and Human Resources/Risk Management Director Macias
Regarding the following Employee Organizations - San Gabriel Police Officer's Association, San Gabriel Police Management Group, San Gabriel Firefighter's Association, San Gabriel Fire Management Group and all Unrepresented Employees.
There was no reportable action.
B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- EXISTING LITIGATION (GOVERNMENT CODE §54956.9)
Tappan Zee v. City of San Gabriel et al., COCA Case No: 2:21-CV-06167.
There was no reportable action.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Chief City Clerk Clark provided information for the public on how to view the meeting.
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA ORDER
Mayor Menchaca approved the agenda order.
2. PRESENTATIONS
A. RECOGNITION OF INCOMING MAYOR AND VICE MAYOR AND OUTGOING MAYOR
Congresswoman Judy Chu administered a ceremonial oath of office to Mayor Menchaca.
Former Arcadia Mayor Peter Amundson administered a ceremonial oath of office to Vice Mayor Chan.
The following recognized incoming Mayor Menchaca and Vice Mayor Chan, and outgoing Mayor Wu:
• Congresswoman Judy Chu
• Amber Giang, District Representative for California Senator Sasha Renee Perez
• Jayson Hugh, Field Representative for Assemblymember Mike Fong • Pablo Morales, Field Deputy for Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis • Alhambra Mayor Katherine Lee and Council Member Adele Andrade-Stadler • Monterey Park Mayor Vinh Ngo, Mayor Pro Tern Elizabeth Yang, and Council Member Henry Lo
• Rosemead Mayor Margaret Clark
• City of El Monte (certificates)
• City of La Puente (certificates)
• Mike Eng, Board Member, California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board
• Geoff Kahan (for Vice Mayor Chan)
• Victor Gau and Frank Yeh, IAPAC, AAAA, AATF, and San Gabriel Hope Lions Club
• Helena Sun of C.W.B.A.C.
• Denise Gotch
• Cerritos Councilmember Jennifer Hong
Mayor Menchaca presented outgoing Mayor Wu with a gavel plaque on behalf of the City and Council.
Outgoing Mayor Wu commented on his year of service and goals achieved; thanked his Council colleagues, City Manager Lazzaretto, City staff, and his mentor, former Mayor John Harrington; and expressed his confidence in Mayor Menchaca and best wishes to incoming Vice Mayor Chan.
Vice Mayor Chan thanked outgoing Mayor Wu and congratulated incoming Mayor Menchaca, thanked his Council colleagues for selecting him as Vice Mayor, thanked his family and friends for their support, and stated he is looking forward to serving all residents of San Gabriel.
Mayor Menchaca expressed gratitude to those attending meeting and those with her in spirit, thanked her husband and children for their support, thanked City staff for working alongside Council and her Council colleagues for their partnership, CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES Page 2 of 7 April 15, 2025 I
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reflected on her first term as Mayor, and commented on her goals for the coming year.
Council Member Herrera Avila thanked community members and elected officials who attended the meeting for their support, commended outgoing Mayor Wu for his successful term as Mayor, commended Mayor Menchaca for her first term and stated he is looking forward to her second term, and congratulated incoming Vice Mayor Chan.
Council Member Ding commended outgoing Mayor Wu, and congratulated incoming Mayor Menchaca and Vice Mayor Chan.
B. CITY'S BIRTHDAY
Mayor Menchaca made the presentation.
C. OUTSTANDING OLDER AMERICAN RIAZ (RICK) KHAN
Community Services Director Perez and Mayor Menchaca made the presentation.
RECESS AND RECONVENE
The meeting was recessed at 7:09 P.M. and reconvened at 7:30 P.M. with all Council Members present.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
Patricia Foltyn, resident, invited all to the 80th Annual Kiwanis Club and Community Services Department Pancake Breakfast and Egg Hunt, to be held on April 19, 2025, from 7:00 - 11 :00 A.M. at Smith Park.
Dr. Chasity Jennings-Nunez, resident, expressed concern about Trump Administration immigration-related initiatives and associated effects on City grant-receipt and provision of services.
Allen Co commented on his family's challenges related to housing in San Gabriel.
Mary Garcia, resident, expressed concern about on-going maintenance issues at the freeway offramp at San Gabriel Boulevard and about dead trees.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Staff requested that Item 4D be approved as amended to add Vice Mayor Chan back as the alternate to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
Council Member Herrera Avila requested that item 4F be pulled for separate discussion.
A motion was made by Council Member Ding, seconded by Mayor Menchaca, to approve Consent Calendar Items 4A - 4C and 4E as presented, and Item 4D as amended.
Motion carried by a vote of 5-0 as follows:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
DING, HERRERA AVILA, WU, CHAN, MENCHACA
NONE
NONE
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ABSENT: NONE
Regarding Item 4F, Council Member Herrera Avila questioned whether Mayor Menchaca and Council Member Wu should recuse themselves from this item. Assistant City Attorney Koczanowicz stated there was no legal conflict and they could participate. Council Member Herrera Avila requested their voluntary recusal and a postponement on consideration of the item until a formal travel policy could be adopted, and expressed various concerns related to the proposed trip.
A motion was made by Mayor Menchaca, seconded by Council Member Ding, to approve Item 4F.
Discussion included that Council has already set policy that each proposed trip will be considered on a case-by-case basis; benefits to the City of the proposed trip; contents of the staff report; benefit of a formal policy for the future; the proposed trip's compliance with Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) regulations; availability on video and in minutes of previous Council discussion on the subject; importance of connecting City staff with Sister Cities; and Form 700 disclosures related to the trip.
Motion carried by a vote of 4-1 as follows:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
DING, WU, CHAN, MENCHACA
HERRERA AVILA
NONE
NONE
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The City Council approved:
1. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of March 18, 2025.
2. Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of April 1, 2025.
3. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of April 1, 2025.
4. Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of April 8, 2025.
B. MATERIAL DEMANDS
The City Council approved March 20 and 28, 2025, Material Demands for the payment of City expenditures.
C. CASH AND INVESTMENT REPORT - MARCH 2025
The City Council received and filed the Cash and Investment Report for March 2025.
D. APPOINTMENTS TO INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES [RESOLUTION NO. 25-15]
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 25-15 confirming the Mayor's appointments of Council Members to serve as delegates, alternates and liaisons to various agencies and committees, as amended to add Vice Mayor Chan as the alternate to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
E. THEATRE FEE REDUCTION REQUEST BY SAN GABRIEL MISSION HIGH SCHOOL
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The City Council granted a partial waiver of the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse rental fee in the amount of $2,475 for the San Gabriel Mission High School's graduation ceremony on May 29, 2025.
F. APPROVAL OF A TRIP TO TAIWAN FOR MAYOR MENCHACA AND
COUNCILMEMBER WU TO TRAVEL TO NEW TAIPEI CITY TO VISIT THE 2025
WORLD MASTERS GAMES AT NO COST TO THE CITY
The City Council made the finding that the proposed trip to Taiwan for the 2025 World Masters Games is for governmental purposes and authorized Mayor Menchaca and Councilmember Wu to travel on behalf of the City.
5. PUBLIC HEARING
A. ORDINANCE NO. 716 AMENDING CHAPTER 153 OF THE SAN GABRIEL
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO HEDGE HEIGHTS IN THE RESIDENTIAL ZONES (ZTA24-004) - INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING
Mayor Menchaca opened the public hearing.
Acting Community Development Director Tewasart made the staff presentation.
Priscilla Geddis, resident, expressed various concerns about the Code change.
Mayor Menchaca closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Council Member Ding, seconded by Vice Mayor Chan, to:
1. Waive full reading and introduce Ordinance No. 716 by title only: "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of San Gabriel, California, Amending Chapter 153 (Zoning Code) of the San Gabriel Municipal Code Relating to Hedge Heights in the Residential Zones."
2. Waive future reading of the Ordinance and schedule the second reading and adoption of the Ordinance for the next regular City Council meeting.
Motion carried by a vote of 5-0 as follows:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
DING, HERRERA AVILA, WU, CHAN, MENCHACA
NONE
NONE
NONE
6. CONTINUED BUSINESS - None.
7. NEW BUSINESS
A. AGREEMENT WITH GRIZZLY ENTERTAINMENT FOR AN ENHANCED DRONE SHOW FOR THE 2025 INDEPENDENCE DAV CELEBRATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $71,000 [RESOLUTION NO. 25-17]
Community Services Director Perez made the presentation and noted that Staff Recommendation 4 was already covered in Consent Calendar Item 4D.
Clarifying discussion included sponsorships for the event, details of R.S.V.P.s for the event, planning for parking, overflow attendance outside the designated area, and pet attendance.
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There was no public comment.
Discussion included the feasibility of shuttle service.
A motion was made by Council Member Wu, seconded by Council Member Ding, to:
1. Approve a show with Grizzly Entertainment on Thursday, July 3, 2025, to include lights, lasers, up to 500 drones, at a cost of $71,000 at Gabrielino High School.
2. Authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement with Grizzly Entertainment.
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and any other necessary documents with San Gabriel Unified School District pending review and approval by the City Attorney.
4. Designate two City Council members to serve on the Council Committee for the Independence Day Celebration.
5. Adopt Resolution No. 25-17 appropriating $26,000 from the City's General Fund into account #121-714-00-27-047 for the Independence Day event.
Motion carried by a vote of 5-0 as follows:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
CHAN, DING, HERRERA AVILA, MENCHACA, WU
NONE
NONE
NONE
8. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Lazzaretto congratulated outgoing Mayor Wu on a great year and State of the City, and stated he is looking forward to a wonderful year with Mayor Menchaca.
9. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Wu reported on his attendance at the Proposition 36 Implementation Forum and thanked the City Council for its support in endorsing Proposition 36.
Council Member Herrera Avila reported on his attendance at the Proposition 36 Implementation Forum and requested that staff be directed to prepare a Sister City travel policy discussion for Council. Council Members Ding and Wu, Vice Mayor Chan, and Mayor Menchaca agreed.
Vice Mayor Chan reported on his attendance at pickleball tournament at Smith Park, a business networking meeting at Luna's Restaurant, the San Gabriel Commissioners Dinner, and a monthly Chinese American Citizens Alliance dinner; and requested to agendize a presentation item for the next Council meeting to proclaim May as Stroke Awareness Month. Council Member Herrera Avila and Mayor Menchaca agreed.
Council Member Ding reported on his attendance at a choir council fundraiser for a singer whose house burned in the Eaton Fire, a Chinese Insurance Professional Association seminar, San Gabriel Commissioners Dinner, China Service Center Wellness Fair, and Chinese Dancing Association performance in the Mission Playhouse; and announced the Thanks USA Healthcare Fair to be held on May 3, 2025, from 9:00 A.M. - 2:30 P.M. at the Mission Playhouse.
Mayor Menchaca reported on her attendance at a pickleball tournament at Smith Park, San Gabriel Commissioners Dinner, and a Community Art Event; and announced the Kiwanis Annual Pancake Breakfast to be held on April 19, 2025, from 7:00 - 11 :00 A.M.
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RECESS AND RECONVENE
The meeting was recessed at 8:57 P.M. and reconvened in Closed Session at 9:04 P.M. with all Council Members present.
10. CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR (GOVERNMENT CODE §54957.6) City Negotiators - City Manager Lazzaretto, City Attorney Lemieux, and Human Resources/Risk Management Director Macias
Regarding the following Employee Organizations - San Gabriel Police Officer's Association, San Gabriel Police Management Group, San Gabriel Firefighter's Association, San Gabriel Fire Management Group and all Unrepresented Employees.
There was no reportable action.
12. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:11 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
.
6th day of May, 2025:
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