Final Minutes Approved 3/18/25
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, March 4, 2025 - 6:00 PM
1415 Santa Anita Avenue, South EI Monte, California 91733 Mayor Olmos called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
1. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado and Mayor Olmos
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
STAFF PRESENT: Rene Salas, City Manager; Susie A. Altamirano, Interim City Attorney; Adrian Garcia, City Clerk; Ariana De La Cruz (via Zoom); Andres Gonzalez, Interim Director of Public Works; Gerardo Marquez, Planning Manager; and Sabrina Muhne, Deputy City Clerk.
Zoom was provided for the Public to participate during public comment via teleconference.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Councilmember Rodriguez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. INVOCATION — Alex Miramontes, Epiphany Catholic Church
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.a. Certificates of Recognition to the EI Monte/South EI Monte Jets Football Team for Winning the SGVJAAFC Citrus League Champions, Undefeated 8-0.
5. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF
ORDINANCES
Susie A. Altamirano, Interim City Attorney, announced Walk -On Agenda Item 12.b. and read the title of Ordinance 1280.
Motion by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez, to approve the agenda as amended. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): None
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Olmos opened public comment.
1. Sil Ruiz, Library Manager, South El Monte Library, shared information on using library cards to participate in the "Online Homework Help" program and to receive free passes to museums through the "Explore SoCaI Museums for Free" program.
2. Eduardo Sauceda, resident, spoke on Measure CM, the Kruse building, more space for Ben Lira's boxing program, the Cielito Lindo empty lot, the empty building at Michael Hunt Drive and Durfee Ave, and the renaming of Michael Hunt Drive.
There being no further public comment, Mayor Olmos closed public comment.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Councilmember Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): None
7.a. Approved the Minutes for the February 18, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting.
7.b. Adopted Resolution No. 25-021, authorizing payment of City expenditures for the period of February 19, 2025, through March 4, 2025, totaling $1,714,750.42.
7.c. Adopted Resolution No. 25-022, approving the 2023-24 allocation of Community Development Block Grant -Permanent Local Housing Allocation (CDBG-PLHA) Program Year 5 funds, and authorized City Manager or designee to execute any and all documents necessary to further the potential projects approved herein, including but not limited to amendments and modifications for CDBG projects with the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA).
7.d. Adopted Resolution No. 25-023, awarding a Professional Services Agreement to Hera Property Registry to administer and implement the Foreclosure Registration Program, and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement, allowing Hera Property Registry to retain an agreed -upon amount of the registration fees collected.
CONSENT CALENDAR (CONTINUED)
7.e. Adopted Resolution No. 25-024, authorizing the City Manager or designee to apply for CalHome Grant funding in the amount of $2,525,000 to assist homeowners with rehabilitation and first-time homebuyer down payment assistance, and authorized City Manager or designee to execute all necessary agreements, subject to City Attorney approval.
7.f. Authorized City Staff to publish the Notice of Inviting Sealed Bids for the South EI Monte City Hall Restroom Rehabilitation Project (CDBG).
7.g. Waived second reading and adopted Ordinance No. 1280, amending South EI Monte's Municipal Code sections 2.48.020 and 2.48.130 of chapter 2.48 to increase the number of commissioners on the Community Services Commission from five to seven commissioners and amending sections
2.50.020 and 2.50.100 of chapter 2.50 removing age restrictions.
7.h. Approved the agreement for Public Works Director services provided by Tierra West Inc. in the not -to -exceed amount of $95,000 and for an additional three (3) months of services if needed for an aggregate not -to - exceed amount of $190,000.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8.a. CONTINUED FROM THE FEBRUARY 18, 2025, REGULAR CITY
COUNCIL MEETING - APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION NO. 24-09, ADOPTING A MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION AND APPROVAL OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO.
CUP 21-13 TO ALLOW FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW 156,877 SQUARE FOOT WAREHOUSE BUILDING TO BE LOCATED AT 2222
ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD
Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney, announced Public Hearing Item 8.a. was continued to the March 18, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting.
No action was taken on this item.
9. GENERAL BUSINESS
9.a. CONTINUED FROM THE FEBRUARY 18, 2025, REGULAR CITY
COUNCIL MEETING - APPOINTMENT OF COUNCIL
DELEGATES/ALTERNATES TO VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS,
AGENCIES AND SUB -COMMITTEES
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Adrian Garcia, City Clerk, provided a report.
Appointments were made to the following organizations, agencies, and subcommittees:
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GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Item 9.a.
Organizations and Agencies
1. California Contract Cities Association
By consensus, with no objection, Councilmember Bojorquez was appointed Delegate, and Mayor Olmos was appointed Alternate.
2. California Joint Powers Insurance Authority
By consensus, with no objection, Mayor Gloria Olmos was re -appointed Delegate, and Councilmember Bojorquez was appointed Alternate.
3. EI Monte/South EI Monte Emergency Resources Association By consensus, with no objection, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado was re- appointed Delegate, and Councilmember Rodriguez was appointed Alternate.
4. Foothill Transit Joint Powers Authority Governing Board By consensus, with no objection, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado was re- appointed Delegate, and Councilmember Rodriguez was appointed Alternate.
5. Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District
By consensus, with no objection, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado remained Delegate with his current two-year appointment.
6. Los Angeles County City Selection Committee
By consensus, with no objection, Mayor Gloria Olmos was re -appointed Delegate, and Councilmember Rodriguez was appointed Alternate.
7. League of California Cities
By consensus, with no objection, Councilmember Acosta was re- appointed Delegate, and Mayor Gloria Olmos was re -appointed Alternate.
8. Metropolitan Transit Authority
By consensus, with no objection, Mayor Gloria Olmos was re -appointed Delegate, and Councilmember Rodriguez was appointed Alternate.
9. San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments
By consensus, with no objection, Mayor Gloria Olmos was re -appointed Delegate, and Councilmember Bojorquez was appointed Alternate.
10. San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership
By consensus, with no objection, Mayor Gloria Olmos was re -appointed Delegate, and Councilmember Rodriguez was appointed Alternate.
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Item 9.a.
11. Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, District No. 15 By consensus, with no objection, Mayor Gloria Olmos was re -appointed Delegate, and Councilmember Bojorquez was appointed Alternate.
12. Southeast Area Animal Control Authority
Councilmember Bojorquez was appointed Delegate. Appointment passed 3-2 by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez, Rodriguez, and Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Acosta, and Mayor Olmos
By consensus, with no objection, Mayor Gloria Olmos was appointed Alternate.
13. Southern California Association of Governments
By consensus, with no objection, Mayor Gloria Olmos was re -appointed Delegate, and Councilmember Rodriguez was appointed Alternate.
Subcommittees
14. City of South El Monte Community Disaster Council
By consensus, with no objection, Mayor Gloria Olmos and Councilmember Acosta were re -appointed as Representatives.
15. Flags of Valor Memorial Event
By consensus, with no objection, Councilmember Bojorquez was re- appointed, and Councilmember Rodriguez was appointed as Representatives.
16. New Temple Park Rehabilitation Project
By consensus, with no objection, Mayor Gloria Olmos was re -appointed, and Mayor Pro Tem Delgado was appointed as Representatives.
17. Night Markets
By consensus, with no objection, Mayor Gloria Olmos and Councilmember Bojorquez were re -appointed as Representatives.
Mayor and City Council discussed potential concerns with Councilmembers sitting on Subcommittees 18 and 19.
18. Employee Recognition Dinner
By consensus, with no objection, Mayor Gloria Olmos was re -appointed as Representative.
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Item 9.a.
19. Staff Development and Team Building Event (Picnic)
By consensus, with no objection, Mayor Gloria Olmos was re -appointed as Representative.
20. State of the City
By consensus, with no objection, Mayor Gloria Olmos was re -appointed, and Mayor Pro Tem Delgado was appointed as Representatives.
9.b. DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING VACANCY ON THE
PATRIOTIC COMMISSION
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Adrian Garcia, City Clerk, provided a report.
Susie A. Altamirano, Interim City Attorney, advised on posting requirements for a vacancy notice per the Government Code.
This item was continued to the March 18, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting.
10. COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS
Councilmember Acosta announced he attended the following: the Temple Station Sheriff's Outreach Foundation 1st Annual Sponsorship and Awards Gala, the Independent Cities Association Winter Seminar, the State of Public Safety in San Gabriel Valley, the Merced Avenue Greenway Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting, and the South EI Monte Eagles Varsity Girls Soccer Team at the CIF -SS Division 8 Championship Game.
Councilmember Bojorquez announced he attended the following: the Independent Cities Association Winter Seminar, the Planning Commission Meeting, the State of Public Safety in San Gabriel Valley, the South EI Monte Eagles Varsity Girls Soccer Team at the CIF -SS Division 8 Championship Game, and the Read Across America Read Aloud Day at New Temple Elementary School.
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado announced he announced he attended the following:
the South EI Monte Eagles Varsity Girls Soccer Team at the CIF -SS Division 8 Championship Game, and the South El Monte Eagles Varsity Boys Basketball Team at the CIF -SS Division 5 Championship Game.
Councilmember Rodriguez announced he attended the following: the Independent Cities Association Winter Seminar, the Read Across America Read Aloud Day at New Temple Elementary School, the South EI Monte Eagles Varsity Girls Soccer Team at the CIF -SS Division 8 Championship Game, and the Planning Commission Meeting.
Mayor Olmos announced she attended the following: Temple Station Sheriff's Outreach Foundation 1st Annual Sponsorship and Awards Gala, the Independent Cities Association Winter Seminar, the Merced Avenue Greenway Grand Opening
COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS (CONTINUED) and Ribbon Cutting, the Planning Commission Meeting, the South El Monte Eagles Varsity Girls Soccer Team at the CIF -SS Division 8 Championship Game, Pastor Charlie Corum's inauguration of six elders at South El Monte Community Outreach Church, and the Read Across America Read Aloud Day at New Temple Elementary School.
11. CORRESPONDENCE — None
12. COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA
12.a. Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
For the State of the City event, direct staff to use all sponsorship dollar donations for scholarships and to use general funds to pay for the event, including rental hall, giveaways, and food.
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado summarized his item.
Discussion ensued and questions were directed to the Interim City Attorney and City Manager.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez to continue the item. Motion passed by consensus.
12.b. Councilmember Bojorquez
Direct staff to send a letter to Supervisor Hilda Solis requesting to support hiring more Sheriffs in the department and retention.
Councilmember Bojorquez summarized his item.
Staff was directed to prepare a support letter including the City Council's signatures.
Mayor Olmos announced that the Flags of Valor event is May 19-26, 2025, at the Dean L. Shively Middle School's front lawn and encouraged donations.
13. CLOSED SESSION
At 7:26 p.m. Mayor and City Council recessed into Closed Session.
13.a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — POTENTIAL INITIATION OF
LITIGATION
Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2) & (e)(1)) A point has been reached where, in the opinion of the City Council, on the advice of its legal counsel, there is significant exposure to litigation against the City, based on existing facts and circumstances which the City believes are not yet known to potential plaintiff or plaintiffs. Number of Potential Cases: 1
CLOSED SESSION (CONTINUED)
13.b. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT
Title: City Attorney pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1).
At 8:04 p.m. Mayor Olmos reconvened the meeting with all councilmembers present.
Susie A. Altamirano, Interim City Attorney, announced City Council discussed Item 13.a., a report was provided, feedback was given, with no reportable action, and 13.b. was continued to a future date.
14. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business coming before this body, at 8:04 p.m. Mayor Olmos adjourned the meeting in memory of Ms. Elpidia Frias, resident, to a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Sabrina A. Muhne, Deputy City Clerk.
Adrian Garcia, MMC, City Clerk
Gloria Olmos, ayor