Final Minutes Approved 06/03/25
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - 6:00 PM
1415 Santa Anita Avenue, South El Monte, California 91733 Mayor Olmos called the meeting to order at 6:01 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; Masami Higa, Director of Finance; Ariana De La Cruz, Director of Community Services; lyob 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 Gloria Olmos led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. INVOCATION — Elder Raul Caracoza, First Fundamental Bible Church, La Puente, offered the invocation.
4. PRESENTATIONS
A proclamation was added under Presentation Item 4.d.
Presentation Item 4.b. was heard before Presentation Item 4.a.
4.b. Mayor and City Council presented Certificates of Recognition to the New Temple Elementary Science Olympiad Team for their outstanding achievement in earning the Gold Medal at the Los Angeles Regional Science Olympiad's Elementary tournament.
4.a. Mayor and City Council presented a Certificate of Recognition and a City Seal tile box to Deputy Kingsley K. Obichere for his service to the City of South El Monte.
4.c. Mayor and City Council presented a proclamation, "Proclaiming May 4 through May 10, 2025, as Professional Municipal Clerks Week."
PRESENTATIONS (CONTINUED)
4.d. Mayor and City Council presented a proclamation, "Proclaiming May 5-9, 2025, as Recognizing Teachers Appreciation Week and May 5, 2025, as Teachers Appreciation Day."
5. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF
ORDINANCES
Councilmember Rodriguez requested to reorder Councilmembers' Agenda Item
13.a.2.
Mayor Olmos requested to add Walk -On Item Councilmembers' Agenda Item 13.b. to the agenda. Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney, announced the item under Government Code 54954.2(b)(2) and identified the item as Councilmembers' Agenda Item 13.b., "Mayor Olmos requesting a fee waiver for Faith Dominion Church to host their celebration of 10 years of ministry in the City. Attachments have been provided to the council and made available to the public." Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez, to approve adding Agenda Item 13.b. to the agenda under Councilmember's agenda.
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
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
Councilmembers' Agenda Item 13.a.2. and 13.b. were heard at this time.
13.a. COUNCILMEMBER LARRY RODRIGUEZ
2. Donation of $500 to the New Temple Elementary Science Olympiad Team.
Motion by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to donate $500 to the New Temple Elementary Science Olympiad Team. 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
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
13.b. MAYOR GLORIA OLMOS
1. Requesting a full fee waiver for Faith Dominion Church to host their celebration of 10 years of ministry in the City.
COUNCILEMBERS' AGENDA (CONTINUED)
Item 13.b.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez, to approve a full fee waiver for Faith Dominion Church to host their celebration of 10 years of ministry in the City. 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
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
Correspondence Agenda Item 12.a. was heard at this time.
12.a. LETTER FROM SOUTH EL MONTE COMMUNITY OUTREACH
REQUESTING A FACILITY FEE WAIVER FOR THE USE OF SHIVELY
PARK FIELD TO HOST THE UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY EVENT
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve the fee waiver request in the amount of $1,100.00 for the use of Dean L. Shively Park on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to host the Unity in the Community event. 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
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
Staff requested to continue General Business Item 10.e. to the next council meeting of June 3, 2025. There being no objection, this item was continued by consensus.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez, to approve the agenda as amended and waive further readings of Ordinance 1281 and Ordinance 1282. 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
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Olmos opened Public Comment.
1. Sil Ruiz, Librarian, South El Monte Library, spoke on upcoming library events of the Oliver Chen Author Visit, and the Searching and Applying for College Scholarships workshop.
PUBLIC COMMENT (CONTINUED)
2. Richard Angel, resident, gave a shoutout to Valle Lindo School District, expressed concerns on Agenda Items 8.a. and 10.e., and supported conducting a Town Hall meeting to discuss Item 10.e.
3. Jack Owen, business owner, expressed support for Agenda Item 8.a.
4. John Ventura, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 10.e., the 2022 election results of Measure CM and Measure X, and supported conducting a Town HaII meeting to discuss Item 10.e.
5. Patricia Saucedo, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 10.e., and supported conducting a Town Hall meeting to discuss Item 10.e.
6. Pastor Tony Ozaeta thanked Councilmember Rodriguez for greeting those in attendance prior to the start of the meeting, supported the previous speaker's comments, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 10.e., and supported conducting a Town Hall meeting to discuss Item 10.e.
7. Raul Pardo, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 10.e., and spoke on concerns with city policies that favor developers, affordable housing issues, redevelopment and planning efforts, and the rotation of street maintenance.
8. Danny Olmos, resident, recognized the City for the National Day of Prayer, and expressed concerns on Agenda Item 10.e.
9. Maria Huang, resident, expressed appreciation for the City, expressed agreement with a lot of the comments, concerns on Agenda Item 10.e., and supported conducting a Town HaII meeting to discuss Item 10.e.
10. Denise Silva, Commissioner, thanked the City for the National Day of Prayer, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 10.e.
11. Eduardo Sauceda, resident, spoke on Measure CM and Agenda Item 10.e.
There being no further public comment, Mayor Olmos closed Public Comment.
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado thanked everyone who showed up to speak on Agenda Item 10.e. and expressed that this item is being continued so the issue can be further researched.
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 Consent Calendar. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
CONSENT CALENDAR (CONTINUED)
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
7.a. Approved the Minutes for the April 15, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting.
7.b. Adopted Resolution No. 25-040, authorizing payment of City expenditures for the period of April 16, 2025, through May 6, 2025, totaling $2,509,679.91.
7.c. Adopted Resolution No. 25-041, approving Amendment No. 2 to Subaward Agreement ENP 242509 between the City and County, and authorized the City Manager or designee to execute Amendment No. 2.
7.d. Adopted Resolution No. 25-042 for the offer of dedication of right-of-way easement adjacent to 11214 Rush Street and authorized the City Clerk to record the acceptance.
7.e. Adopted Resolution No. 25-043, approving the purchase of three (3) F-150 Ford Pick-up Trucks from Ken Grody Ford of Buena Park, California, and authorized the City Manager to negotiate and execute all requisite documents for the purchase.
7.f. Waived second reading and adopted Ordinance No. 1281, Establishing a City Homeless Commission.
7.g. Waived second reading and adopted 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.
7.h. Canceled the City Council Meeting of Tuesday, May 20, 2025.
7.i. Adopted the Office of the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Designation of Applicant's Agent Resolution for Non - State Agencies and designate as the Governing Board Representatives:
City Manager Rene Salas, Senior Executive Assistant to City Council/Community Liaison Dianna Gomez and Administrative Coordinator Eric Diaz.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8.a. APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION REVOCATION OF
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (CUP 23-03)
Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney, announced that there were statements.
PUBLIC HEARINGS (CONTINUED)
Item 8.a.
Mayor Olmos read the following statement: "On Item 8.a., as the Mayor, I'd like to prepare to hear with an open mind not requiring any final judgement according to Section Code 17.03.130 and possibly 17.74.070 from the South El Monte Code, and that we will practice de novo." Councilmember Rodriguez read the following statement: "On this item I had voted on this item as a Planning Commissioner, this same item is now being appealed to the council, I have conferred with legal counsel, notwithstanding my decision as a planning commissioner, I am willing to reconsider the matter with an open mind and hear all the evidence and the new testimony before making my final decision."
Mayor Olmos introduced the item and Rene Salas, City Manager, introduced Gerardo Marquez, Interim Director of Community Development, who provided a report.
Mayor Olmos opened the Public Hearing.
1. John and Sandra Mendez, appellants, acknowledged the city's concerns, requested reconsideration based on progress made and outstanding citations paid, and requested a six-month wind -down period to complete the "once in a lifetime event" commitments that have already been booked with no new bookings being made.
2. Raul Pardo, resident, spoke on the process, and in support of the appellants if they did everything right.
3. Eduardo Sauceda, resident, spoke in support of the appellants if they have done their due diligence, paid their fines, and followed the requirements, and wished them luck on whatever the council decides.
There being no further public comments, Mayor Olmos closed the Public Hearing.
Questions were directed to staff regarding the applicant's updates, and discussion ensued about conditions and liability issues that have not been addressed, a safety plan that has not been finalized, and existing business rules.
Motion by Councilmember Bojorquez, to approve Resolution No. 25-044, upholding the Planning Commission's Resolution 24-12 revoking Conditional Use Permit No. 23-03, which allows the operation of a special event facility (banquet facility) located at 1703 Floradale Avenue.
Second with amendment by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado to allow a 6 -month extension to wind down the business.
PUBLIC HEARINGS (CONTINUED)
Item 8.a.
Councilmember Bojorquez withdrew his motion.
Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney, recommended that if the extension is done, provide direction to staff that the extension is permissible to wind down the business while protecting public safety.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve Resolution No. 25-044, upholding the Planning Commission's Resolution 24-12 revoking Conditional Use Permit No. 23-03, which allows the operation of a special event facility (banquet facility) located at 1703 Floradale Avenue, and to allow a 6 -month grace period to wind down operations.
Motion passed 3-1-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): Rodriguez
9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
9.a. CONTINUED FROM THE APRIL 15, 2025, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING - CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTIONS
25-038 AND 25-039 CREATING NEW CLASSIFICATIONS AND
UPGRADING A CERTAIN JOB DESCRIPTION & PAY
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez, to approve Resolution No. 25-038, to create the new classification of Director of Economic Development and approve associated compensation ranges, and to approve Resolution No. 25-039, to upgrade the position of Director of Community Development to include Public Works and increase compensation. Motion passed 4-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Acosta
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
10. GENERAL BUSINESS
10.a. CONTINUED FROM THE APRIL 15, 2025, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING - SEEK DIRECTION FROM CITY COUNCIL REGARDING
STATE OF THE CITY EVENT DONATIONS
Mayor Olmos presented the item, and Masami Higa, Director of Finance, provided a report.
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Item 10.a.
Motion by Councilmember Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez, to reduce the South El Monte High School awards to 20 students, increase the amount awarded to Dean L. Shively Middle School to $250 for 16 students, and to increase the number of awards to the remaining middle schools to 11 students.
$1,000 x 20 students at South El Monte High School for a total of $20,000. $250 x 16 students at Shively Middle School for a total of $4,000. $100 x 11 students at Epiphany Catholic School for a total of $1,100. $100 x 11 students at Miramonte Elementary School fora total of $1,100. $100 x 11 students at Monte Vista Middle School for a total of $1,100.
Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Acosta
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
10.b. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 25-045,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXERCISE THE RIGHT TO
TERMINATE THE CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MOSS,
LEVY & HARTZHEIM, LLP AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO ISSUE A
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR AUDITING SERVICES
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez, to adopt Resolution No. 25-045, authorizing the City Manager to terminate the Contract Services Agreement with Moss, Levy & Hartzheim, LLP, and authorizing staff to issue a Request for Proposals for auditing services. 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
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
10.c. PRESENTATION AND DIRECTION ON MERCED AVENUE GREENWAY PROJECT PHASE 2 NORTH AND APPROVE 80% DESIGN
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Rene Salas, City Manager introduced Council for Watershed Health and ActiveSGV who provided a presentation.
Debbie Enos, Senior Project Manager, Council for Watershed Health, introduced Eileen Alduenda, Executive Director, Council for Watershed Health; Jason Casanova, Director of Planning and Information Design, Council for Watershed Health; David Diaz, Executive Director, ActiveSGV;
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Item 10.c.
Thelma Briseno, Senior Director of Energy and Water Programs, Climate Resolve; and Jason Fussel, Professional Civil Engineer of Tetra Tech.
David Diaz, Executive Director, ActiveSGV, Jason Fussel, Professional Civil Engineer, Tetra Tech, and Debbie Enos, Senior Project Manager, Council for Watershed Health provided a presentation.
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez, to approve the 80% design. 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
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
At 8:34 p.m., Mayor Olmos called for a recess.
At 8:41 p.m., Mayor Olmos reconvened the City Council Meeting with all councilmembers present.
10.d. INTRODUCTION, CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 1283, REPEALING CHAPTERS 3.20
THROUGH 3.36 UNDER TITLE 3 OF THE SOUTH EL MONTE
MUNICIPAL CODE
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 1283, repealing Chapters 3.20 through 3.36 of the South El Monte Municipal Code. 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
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
10.e. UPDATE ON CANNABIS BUFFER ZONE MAPS
This item was continued.
10.f. RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT PROGRAM
Mayor Olmos introduced this item, and Rene Salas, City Manager, introduced Danilo Batson, Interim Director of Public Works, who provided a report.
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Item 10.f.
Councilmember Acosta clarified that when he brought this issue up during his Councilmembers' Agenda Item, it was to bring more code enforcement on the number of vehicles stored on the street. The Parking Permit Program is great, but does not meet his request to minimize the number of vehicles parked and stored on the street until they get moved for street cleaning.
Staff was directed to go back to the drawing board and research tools that will help code enforcement/public safety officers allow the community to have more public access on the streets.
No action was taken on this item.
11. COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS
Councilmember Acosta announced he attended the following: the Easter Eggstravaganza, the South EI Monte Community Outreach (SEMCO) meeting, the Merced Avenue Greenway Community Bike Ride, the Community Bike Ride, the National Day of Prayer Breakfast, the May Night Market, and the launch of the San Gabriel Valley Electric Carshare Program.
Councilmember Bojorquez announced he attended the following: the Easter Eggstravaganza, the National Day of Prayer Breakfast, the Community Bike Ride, the launch of the San Gabriel Valley Electric Carshare Program, and the May Night Market.
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado announced he announced he attended the following: an update meeting with Assemblymember Lisa Calderon, and the May Night Market.
Councilmember Rodriguez announced he attended the following: the May Night Market, the Easter Eggstravaganza, the Community Bike Ride, and the launch of the San Gabriel Valley Electric Carshare Program.
Mayor Olmos announced she attended the following: the Senior Services Easter Luncheon, the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) Governing Board Regular Meeting, the Easter Eggstravaganza, the Spring Career and Resource Fair, the South EI Monte Community Outreach (SEMCO) meeting, the Los Angeles County Sanitation District No. 15 Board of Directors Regular Meeting, the Los Angeles County Sanitation District No. 15 Board of Directors Regular Meeting, the May Night Market, the Patriotic Commission Meeting, the National Day of Prayer Breakfast, the launch of the San Gabriel Valley Electric Carshare Program, the SEMCO Mothers Day celebration, the Senior Services Cinco de Mayo Luncheon, the New Temple Elementary School Cinco de Mayo event, a Night Market meeting, and the Community Services Commission Meeting.
COUNCILMEMBERS'
AGENDA (CONTINUED)
13.b. MAYOR GLORIA OLMOS
1. Requesting a full fee waiver for Faith Dominion Church to host their celebration of 10 years of ministry in the City.
This item was heard after Agenda Item 5.
14. CLOSED SESSION — None
15. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business coming before this body, at 9:21 p.m., Mayor Olmos adjourned the meeting to a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Sabrina A. Muhne, Deputy City Clerk.
Adrian Garcia, MMC, City Clerk
Gloria Olmos, ayor
12. CORRESPONDENCE
12.a. LETTER FROM SOUTH EL MONTE COMMUNITY OUTREACH
REQUESTING A FACILITY FEE WAIVER FOR THE USE OF SHIVELY
PARK FIELD TO HOST THE UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY EVENT
This item was heard after Agenda Item 5.
13. COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA
13.a. COUNCILMEMBER LARRY RODRIGUEZ
1. Discussion/Direction/Action to form a city committee for the LA 2028 Summer Olympics.
Councilmember Rodriguez summarized his item and stated that he wants to be a member of the committee. Mayor Olmos and
Councilmember Bojorquez expressed interest in being committee members.
Motion by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Mayor Olmos, to create an ad hoc committee for the LA 2028 Summer Olympics. 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
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
Motion by Councilmember Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez, to appoint Councilmember Rodriguez and Councilmember Bojorquez to serve as the LA 2028 Summer Olympics ad hoc committee members. Motion passed 3-2 by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez, Rodriguez, and Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Acosta, and Mayor Olmos
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
Councilmember Acosta requested that the committee make sure the information on the LA28 website for the shotgun event is updated to say South El Monte.
2. Donation of $500 to the New Temple Elementary Science Olympiad Team.
This item was heard after Agenda Item 5.