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MINUTES OF JULY 21, 2026
REGULAR MEETING OF THE SAN GABRIEL CITY COUNCIL
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Chan called the regular meeting of the San Gabriel City Council to order at 6:31 P.M. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 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 Herrera Avila.
ROLL CALL
Council Members Present:
Council Members Absent:
Staff Members Present:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Jorge Herrera Avila, Denise Menchaca, John Wu, Vice
Mayor Tony Ding, and Mayor Eric L. Chan.
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, Community
Development Director David Sanchez, Assistant Public
Works Director Szeka "Angela" Cheng, and Assistant
City Clerk Adam Yang.
Chief City Clerk Clark provided information for the public on how to view the meeting.
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA ORDER
Mayor Chan approved the agenda order.
2. PRESENTATIONS
A. RECOGNITION OF WORLD WAR II VETERAN MIKE VALDIVIA
Mayor Chan made the presentation and Richard Rodriquez, grandson of Mike Valdivia, and Alvin Sanchez of the San Gabriel Veterans' Memorial Coalition accepted the Certificate of Memoriam on behalf of the Valdivia Family.
B. POLICE DEPARTMENT PROMOTION RECOGNITION
Police Chief Elizalde made the presentation.
C. FIRE DEPARTMENT INTRODUCTIONS AND PROMOTION RECOGNITION CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Page 1 of 7 July 21, 2026 I
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Fire Chief Wallace made the presentation and Chief City Clerk Clark administered a ceremonial Oath of Office.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
A written comment was received from Lisa Chen, resident, requesting a ban on data center development.
Mary Garcia thanked City Manager Lazzaretto for effectuating cleanup by the freeway at San Gabriel Boulevard and thanked Public Works Director Sledd for the repair of a trip hazard by removing a tree and replacing a sidewalk portion.
Adriana Ruiz, resident, expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of her attempt to submit a protest vote for the City's Proposition 218 procedure after the deadline due to a request for accommodation due to temporary disability; and requested review, a public hearing for a report, and a written response related to the City's policies for reasonable accommodation requests.
Caleb Schimke, resident, stated his support for mixed-use and dense housing developments, building a bike network, and the City using California Native plant landscaping in future developments; requested that audits from Flock cameras be made available to the public; stated he loves the 487 Metro express bus that goes to Union Station and loves the Library; commended San Gabriel Firefighters; stated his support for opposing construction of data centers; and requested the number of traffic deaths in the City in 2025.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Council Member Wu, seconded by Vice Mayor Ding, to approve Consent Calendar Items 4A-4H as presented.
Motion carried by a vote of 5-0 as follows:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
HERRERA AVILA, MENCHACA, WU, DING, CHAN
NONE
NONE
NONE
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The City Council approved the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of July 7, 2026.
B. MATERIAL DEMANDS
The City Council approved June 26 and July 2, 2026, Material Demands for the payment of City expenditures.
C. CASH AND INVESTMENT REPORT - JUNE 2026
The City Council received and filed the Cash and Investment Report for June 2026.
D. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY
PERFORMING ARTS ASSOCIATION FOR USE OF THE SAN GABRIEL MISSION
PLAYHOUSE
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The City Council:
1. Approved the Memorandum of Understanding with the San Gabriel Valley Performing Arts Association, thus approving the waiver of certain costs and post-performance payment; and
2. Authorized the City Manager to execute the Memorandum of Understanding and any other necessary documents, pending review and approval by the City Attorney.
E. RESOLUTION NO. 26-38 APPROVING A BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR $7,000, AND APPROVAL OF A PURCHASE ORDER FOR $47,000 WITH LOS ANGELES
COUNTY TO PROVIDE THE CITY AN UPDATED PAVEMENT CONDITIONS
REPORT FOR ITS PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
The City Council:
1. Adopted Resolution No. 26-38 amending the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget by appropriating an additional $7,000 in Proposition C funds to Budget Account No. 181-800-49-22-000, for a total project budget of $47,000, including a 15% contingency; and
2. Authorized the City Manager to approve a Purchase Order to the Los Angeles County Public Works Department in an amount not to exceed $47,000, including a 1 5% contingency.
F. ONE-YEAR RENEWAL OF CENTRAL SQUARE PERMITTING SOFTWARE CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,071.77
The City Council:
1. Approved the renewal of the Central Square permitting software contract for one year at a cost of $25,071.77; and
2. Authorized the City Manager or their designee to sign the agreement, subject to City Attorney review and approval.
G. APPROVAL OF FINAL PARCEL MAP NO. 84145, A 3-UNIT CONDOMINIUM DEVELOPMENT PROJECT AT 220 WEST MISSION ROAD, PLANNING CASE NO.
TMAP 23-003
The City Council approved Final Parcel Map No. 84145 and authorized its filing with the Los Angeles County Recorder.
H. UPDATE TO THE AUTHORIZED LIST OF DESIGNATED CITY OFFICIALS TO
OPEN, MAINTAIN, AND MAKE TRANSACTIONS TO CITY ACCOUNTS AT
VARIOUS BANKS AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 26-41 removing William Kaholokula and adding Linda Tang as individuals who are authorized to transact with City financial institutions.
5. PUBLIC HEARING
A. PROPOSITION 218 MAJORITY PROTEST PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED
SOLID WASTE RATES AND NEW SOLID WASTE RATE ADJUSTMENT FORMULA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Page 3 of 7 July 21, 2026 I
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Assistant City Attorney Koczanowicz gave a brief overview of the Proposition 218 process.
Mayor Chan opened the public hearing.
City Manager Lazzaretto made the staff presentation and Athens Services Senior Vice President John Harrington provided additional details.
Clarifying discussion included the benefits to the City of having a long-term waste management contract, Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment details, California mandate requirements and effect on costs, certification of the Athens Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), and Athens Services' efforts to right-size accounts include visits to every commercial customer and consumer education.
The following spoke or provided written comment in opposition to the rate increase: Adriana Ruiz, Vice-President, and Adela Sorria, President, of Las Tunas Townhomes; Jana Boya, resident; Brendan Lenihan, resident; Eduardo R. Salas, resident; Linda Jo Nolasco, resident; Maria Elvia Hernandez-Cuellar, resident; Richard Wong; and Charlie (Yaqing) Zhou.
Henrietta Ma, resident, provided written comment in favor of the rate increase.
Norman Li, representing resident Ky Rhee, stated appreciation for trash services drivers.
Mayor Chan called for any additional protest votes to be submitted to the City Clerk. As no additional protest votes were received, he closed the period for submitting protest votes, closed the public hearing, and directed the Chief City Clerk to count the protest votes and certify the results.
RECESS AND RECONVENE
The meeting was recessed at 8:12 P.M. and reconvened at 8:40 P.M. with all Council Members present.
Chief City Clerk Clark certified that the Proposition 218 protest proceeding was conducted in accordance with applicable law, all timely protests were received and tabulated, and the results were as follows; therefore, a majority protest did not exist.
7,624 Total Assessable Parcels
3,812 50% of the Total Assessable Parcels
56 Valid Protests Received ----=-=--
Discussion included the history of negotiation with Athens Services, community outreach, compliance with Senate Bill 1383 diversion requirements, appreciation for the attendance at the meeting, refutation of kickback accusations made during public comment, fines for trash regulation violations, assistance for customers to right-size accounts, 25-year cancellation period for the Athens contract, franchise fees paid to the City, requests for additional community services from Athens, and Levine Act provisions.
A motion was made by Council Member Menchaca, seconded by Vice Mayor Ding, to adopt Resolution No. 26-39 establishing the new rates and rate adjustment methodology.
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Motion carried by a vote of 4-0- 7-0 as follows:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
MENCHACA, WU, DING, CHAN
NONE
HERRERA AVILA
NONE
6. CONTINUED BUSINESS - None
7. NEW BUSINESS
A. REVIEW UPDATED VETERANS MEMORIAL CONCEPTUAL DESIGN,
AUTHORIZE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AGREEMENT WITH DVDCREATIVE
FOR VETERANS MEMORIAL CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS, AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-42 TO AMEND THE BUDGET FOR COMPLETION OF THE
DOCUMENTS
Community Services Director Perez and DVDCreative Director of Design Gary Vasquez made the presentation.
Clarifying discussion included flagpole details, name capacity for the monument, accommodation of names in other languages, name look-up provisions, materials to be used, raised name letters to allow visitors to do rubbings of names, kudos to the San Gabriel Veterans' Memorial Coalition for their work on this project, lighting details, sponsor names on paving bricks, time-lapse video of the building process, name format, and timeline to completion of the project.
Michael Cervantes, resident, requested the font size for the names be larger than 3/8".
Denise Gotch, resident, commented on her father's military service and on the names to be included on the monument; thanked Mr. Vasquez for the design work, Community Services Director Perez for help with the process, and Public Works for putting up flags in Plaza Park; and suggested a larger font size than 3/8".
Alvin Sanchez commented that service awards should be included with the names on the memorial and thanked everyone supporting this effort.
Theresa Olivas Justiniani, resident, member and secretary of San Gabriel Veterans' Memorial Coalition, spoke in favor of Concept Design 2, and commented on the meaningfulness of the monument.
Debbie Cordero thanked the City Council, the veterans who attended the Council meeting, Community Services Director Perez and all those involved in the project, and requested enough room for names on the memorial.
Discussion included that the font for the names is still to be decided; and appreciation for the project, the Veterans Coalition, City Manager Lazzaretto, and former and current council colleagues involved in this project.
A motion was made by Council Member Menchaca, seconded by Council Member Wu,to:
1. Approve updated Concept Design 2;
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute an amendment to the agreement with DVDCreative and any other necessary documents, pending review and approval by the City Attorney; and
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3. Adopt Resolution No. 26-42 to amend the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget for an increase of $12,615 to Account #122-850-40-97-821 for the completion of the construction documents.
Motion carried by a vote of 5-0 as follows:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
HERRERA AVILA, MENCHACA, WU, DING, CHAN
NONE
NONE
NONE
In accordance with the City's Rules of Order and Decorum, a motion was made by Council Member Menchaca, seconded by Council Member Herrera Avila, to continue the meeting after 11 :00 P.M. to consider the remaining items.
Motion carried by a vote of 5-0 as follows:
AYES:
NOES:
HERRERA AVILA, MENCHACA, WU, DING, CHAN
NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
B. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS PLACING A MEASURE ENACTING AN ORDINANCE FOR A TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX ON THE NOVEMBER 2026
CONSOLIDATED GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT
City Manager Lazzaretto made the presentation.
Clarifying discussion included that if the state approves the City's request to increase the cap and the voters approve a 1 % increase, the City's total sales tax would be 12%; if the state does not approve and the voters do, the City sales tax would increase by¼%, and this item lets the voters decide.
There was no public comment.
A motion was made by Council Member Wu, seconded by Council Member Menchaca, to adopt
1. Resolution No. 26-37 Submitting a Ballot Measure to the Voters.
2. Resolution No. 26-30 Providing for Arguments and Rebuttals Relating to the Ballot Measure.
Motion carried by a vote of 5-0 as follows:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
HERRERA AVILA, MENCHACA, WU, DING, CHAN
NONE
NONE
NONE
8. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Lazzaretto thanked Finance Director William Kaholokula for his service to the City and wished him well as he moves on to his next position.
9. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
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Council Member Wu reported on his attendance at a summer concert at Vincent Lugo Park.
Council Member Herrera Avila thanked Finance Director Kaholokula for his service; and reported on his attendance at the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Annual Conference.
Council Member Menchaca reported on her attendance at the Independent Cities Association (ICA) conference, NALEO conference, and Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Caucus Reception.
Vice Mayor Ding reported on his attendance at the Independent Cities Association 2026 Summer Seminar, Latino Leaders Tour of Toyota Hydrogen Headquarters, National League of Cities HELO Connecting Hispanic Municipal Leaders, NALEO 43rd Annual Conference, City of Lakewood City Council Reorganization, AAPI LEAD National Summit, and AAPI Caucus reception.
Mayor Chan reported on his attendance at the ICA conference and at the grand opening of Complex at 704 West Las Tunas Drive.
10. CLOSED SESSION - None.
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 11 :29 P.M. in memory of Mike Valdivia.
Respectfully submitted:
SHARON F. CLARK, Chief City Clerk
Approved this 18th day of August, 2026:
ERIC L. CHAN, Mayor
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