Final Minutes Approved 05/06/25
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, April 15, 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, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez
STAFF PRESENT: Rene Salas, City Manager; Susie A. Altamirano, Interim City Attorney; Adrian Garcia, City Clerk; Masami Higa, Director of Finance; Ariana De La Cruz, Director of Community Services (via Zoom); Iyob Tessema, Director of Human Resources and Risk Management; Danilo Batson, Interim Director of Public Works; Gerardo Marquez, Interim Director of Community Development; and Sabrina Muhne, Deputy City Clerk.
Zoom was provided for the public to participate during Public Comment via teleconference.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Mayor Pro Tem Delgado led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. INVOCATION — Pastor David Torres, Calvary Assembly of God Church, offered the invocation.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.a. Mayor and City Council presented a framed Certificate of Recognition and a City Seal tile box to Deputy Joshua R. Rodriguez for his service to the City of South EI Monte.
Presentation Item 4.d. was added to the agenda and heard at this time.
4.d. Mayor and City Council presented a proclamation "Proclaiming April 15, 2025, as Recycling and Organics Separation in Honor of Earth Day 2025," followed by a brief update presented by Athens Services.
4.b. Deputy Munoz presented the Sheriffs Department Report for the month of March 2025.
4.c. Code Enforcement Supervisor Rodriguez presented the Code Enforcement and Public Safety Department Report for the month of March 2025.
5. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF
ORDINANCES
Councilmember Acosta requested to pull Agenda Item 7.f. for discussion.
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado requested to continue Agenda Item 9.c.
Motion by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hector Delgado, to approve the agenda as amended. Motion passed 4-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Olmos opened Public Comment.
1. Sil Ruiz, Librarian, South El Monte Library, spoke on library services and resources, the Celebrating Earth Day event, and the Celebrating Dia de Los Ninos.
2. Eduardo Sauceda commended Deputy Rodriguez and thanked him for his service to the City, commented on loitering, and decisions that will be made on the agenda items.
3. Danny Olmos, resident, commented on fixing the electrical pedestal box at Santa Anita and Central, and thanked Pastor Ben for his State of the City presentation.
There being no further public comments, Mayor Olmos closed Public Comment.
Consent Calendar Item 7.f. was pulled for discussion and heard at this time.
7.f. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTIONS 25-038 AND 25-039
CREATING NEW CLASSIFICATIONS AND UPGRADING A CERTAIN JOB
DESCRIPTION & PAY
Councilmember Acosta expressed concerns on the item, did not support the creation of a new Director of Economic Development position, and shared that the council's job is to contribute to bringing in new businesses.
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado expressed support for the item and stated that, for the record, the In -N -Out project was not done by anyone on the City Council, and was a private development started many years ago by individuals in SEMPOA, particularly Mr. Jack Owens and Mr. Ron Jenkins.
Agenda Item 7.f. (CONTINUED)
Councilmember Rodriguez expressed support for the item and requested feedback from the City Manager.
Mayor Olmos expressed support for Councilmember Acosta's opinions and expressed concerns on this item affecting the budget.
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Mayor Olmos, to not approve the item. Motion tied 2-2, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado NAYS: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Mayor Olmos
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez
Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney, announced that under SEMMC 2.04.070, "Any agenda matter on which the council is unable to take action due to a tie vote or series of tie votes on the same matter shall automatically be continued to the next regular meeting, agendized under 'Unfinished Business'." This item was continued to the next meeting, under Unfinished Business.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney, read the title of Consent Calendar Item 7.e., Ordinance 1281, "Establishing a City Homeless Commission." Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar. Motion passed 4-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez
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7.a. Approved the Minutes for the March 27, 2025, Special City Council Meeting.
7.b. Approved the Minutes for the April 1, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting.
7.c. Adopted Resolution No. 25-034, authorizing payment of City expenditures for the period of April 2, 2025, through April 15, 2025, totaling $698,820.43.
7.d. Received and filed the Housing Element Annual Progress Report for Calendar Year 2024.
7.e. Waived first reading and introduced Ordinance No. 1281, Establishing a City Homeless Commission.
CONSENT CALENDAR (CONTINUED)
7.f. This item was heard before approval of the Consent Calendar and was continued to the next meeting under Unfinished Business.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8.a. CONTINUED FROM THE MARCH 4, 2025, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.
24-09, ADOPTING A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND
MITIGATION AND MONITORING REPORTING PROGRAM, AND
APPROVAL OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. CUP 21-13 TO
ALLOW FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW 156,877 SQUARE FOOT
BUILDING TO BE LOCATED AT 2222 ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD
Mayor Olmos read the following disclosure: "I can review the item without an opinion and without bias or against on Section Code 17.74.070, due to the fact that I did make a recommendation."
Councilmember Rodriguez read the following statement: "On November 19, 2024, I had voted on this item as a Planning Commissioner, this same item is now being appealed to the City Council, I have conferred with legal counsel, not withstanding my decision as a former Planning Commissioner, I am stating for the record that I am willing to reconsider the matter with an open mind and hear all the evidence and testimony before making my decision."
Rene Salas, City Manager, introduced Gerardo Marquez, Interim Director of Community Development, who provided a presentation.
John Killen, Vice President Director of Development Management, Tait and Associates, Inc., spoke on this item representing Mr. and Mrs. Wang, owners of the property.
Mayor Olmos opened the Public Hearing.
1. Jason Baiz, Laborers' International Union of North America (LiUNA) member, spoke in support of this item moving forward.
2. Zach Strasters, Community Outreach Associate, CREED LA, thanked the council for considering the appeal and stated that they will respect the City Council's decision on this matter.
There being no further public comment, Mayor Olmos closed the Public Hearing.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguz, to adopt Resolution No. 25-035, denying the Appeal and upholding the Planning Commission's decision on November 19, 2024. Motion passed 4-0, by the following vote:
PUBLIC HEARINGS (CONTINUED)
Item 8.a.
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez
9. GENERAL BUSINESS
9.a. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 25-036,
APPROVING A REVISED SITE PLAN FOR THE PREVIOUSLY
APPROVED MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN
THE CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE AND MAGELLAN VALUE PARTNERS
(MVP) SOUTH EL MONTE I, LLC FOR A PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 825 LEXINGTON-GALLATIN ROAD
("PROPERTY").
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Rene Salas, City Manager, introduced Gerardo Marquez, Interim Director of Community Development, who provided a presentation.
Rick Martinez, Managing Director, Magellan Value Partners (MVP), presented a report and answered questions.
Prior to making his motion, Councilmember Acosta expressed that he is in favor of the project but not in favor of a warehouse, and that he would like to have the concept revisited to explore large business opportunities such as Sam's Club or Costco.
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, to adopt Resolution No. 25-036, approving the First Amendment to the MOU to replace a revised site plan for the MOU with MVP South El Monte I, LLC ("MVP") for the proposed development of property located at 825 Lexington -Gallatin Road.
Motion passed 3-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Acosta
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez
9.b. CONSIDERATION AND APROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 25-037,
APPROVING AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO PTM
GENERAL ENGINEERING SERVICES, INC. FOR SYSTEMIC SAFETY
IMPROVEMENTS AT SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS, HSIPL-5352(025), CITY PROJECT NO. 607
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Rene Salas, City Manager, introduced Danilo Batson, Interim Director of Public Works, who provided a report.
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Item 9.b.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to adopt and approve the plans and specifications for the Systemic Safety Improvements at Signalized Intersections Project, to approve Resolution No. 25- 037, awarding the Systemic Safety Improvements at Signalized Intersections Project contract to the lowest responsible bidder in an amount of $327,027.00 to PTM General Engineering Services, Inc. and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract, and to authorize fifteen percent (15%) of the total contract amount as contingency allowance to be used if necessary for unforeseen conditions at the City Manager's discretion. Motion passed 4-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez
9.c. SEEK DIRECTION FROM CITY COUNCIL REGARDING STATE OF THE
CITY EVENT DONATIONS
By consensus, this item was continued.
9.d. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF AMENDING CHAPTER 3.16 OF TITLE 3 OF THE SOUTH EL MONTE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING
THE PURCHASE OF SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Rene Salas, City Manager, introduced Masami Higa, Director of Finance, who provided a report.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez, to waive first reading and introduce Ordinance No. 1282, amending Chapter 3.16 of Title 3 of the South El Monte Municipal Code regarding the purchase of supplies, equipment, and services. Motion passed 4-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez
10. COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS
Councilmember Acosta announced he attended the following: the Community Bike Ride, the Staff Development & Team Building Event, and the League of California Cities Los Angeles County Division's Proposition 36 implementation forum.
At 7:49 p.m., Mayor Pro Tem Delgado called for a recess.
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0 At 7:51 p.m., Mayor Olmos reconvened the City Council Meeting with all councilmembers present.
COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS (CONTINUED) Mayor Pro Tem Delgado announced he announced he attended the following: the April Night Market, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District Board of Trustees Meeting, and announced that the LA 2028 Summer Olympics' Skeet and Trap shotgun events will be held at LA Clays Shooting Sports Park.
Councilmember Rodriguez announced he attended the following: the April Night Market, the Staff Development & Team Building Event, and a Valle Lindo School District performance.
Mayor Olmos announced she attended the following: a Night Market meeting, the Community Services Commission Meeting, the Greater El Monte Community Hospital Board Meeting, the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Transportation Committee Meeting, the April Night Market, a Tee -Ball League game, a State of the City recap meeting, the Quarterly All Staff Meeting, and the Staff Development & Team Building Event.
11. CORRESPONDENCE
11.a. LETTER FROM EPIPHANY CATHOLIC CHURCH REQUESTING A FEE
WAIVER FOR A TEMPORARY USE PERMIT AND CITY STAFF TIME
FOR "RECORRIDO MARCHA DEL SILENCIO"
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve the fee waiver request submitted by Epiphany Catholic Church, totaling $1,655.00, for its annual "Silent March" procession, scheduled for Friday, April 18, 2025. Motion passed 4-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez
12. COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA
Councilmembers' Agenda Item 12.b. was heard at this time.
12.b. COUNCILMEMBER MANUEL ACOSTA
Discussion/Action: With the advent of new housing and an increased number of ADU's, South El Monte streets are being overburdened with street parking. Many households own several cars, of which, some are being stored on the public street. Stored vehicles are vehicles that get moved once a week for street sweep, and are parked again until the next
COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA (CONTINUED)
Item 12.b.
street sweep. In order to minimize the burden on the public street, the city should require that no more than two vehicles be stored on the public street.
Councilmember Acosta summarized his item and clarified that this item is not a restriction on the number of vehicles people can own, but the point is having somewhere to put them. He expressed that there is an abundance of cars being sold and stored on the street, and requested to create an ordinance that limits how many cars are being stored on the street. His focus is on the cars that sit in the same spot during the week and are only moved for street sweeping. To support code enforcement efforts Staff was directed to research options to help the street parking situation.
12.a. MAYOR GLORIA OLMOS
1. Direction to Patrol Streetlights in the city and fix water drain hole at Shively behind the bleacher closer to the parking lot.
Mayor Olmos stated that she spoke with Rene Salas, City Manager, regarding the breakdown of staffs monthly patrolling of streetlights, so that item can be disregarded, and that the water drain hole at Shively Park was fixed in a timely manner.
2. Waive the fees for the South EI Monte High School Basketball Team Banquet.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez, to waive the fees for the South EI Monte High School Basketball Team Banquet. Motion passed 4-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez
3. Donation of $500 to South EI Monte Social Golf Group, a non-profit for kids in all the local sports.
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez, to donate $500 to the South EI Monte Social Golf Group.
Motion passed 4-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez
13. CLOSED SESSION - None
14. RECESS COUNCIL MEETING
Mayor Olmos recessed the meeting at 8:11 p.m. for Successor Agency Agenda Items 15 through 21.
Mayor Olmos adjourned the Successor Agency meeting at 8:14 p.m.
Mayor Olmos reconvened the City Council Meeting at 8:14 p.m.
22. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado requested that an item be brought back at the next city council meeting regarding the City putting up a reward for information leading to the arrest of the individuals involved in the homicide of Steve Yaghoubi.
City Clerk, Adrian Garcia, announced there was a city-wide internet connection issue in the area that affected the meeting's Zoom participation.
There being no further business coming before this body, at 8:14 p.m., Mayor Olmos adjourned the meeting in honor of Kourosh "Steve" Yaghoubi, to a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Sabrina A. Muhne, Deputy City Clerk. 0 Adrian Garcia, MMC, City Clerk
Gloria Olmos, Mayor