Final Minutes Approved 07/01/2025
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, June 17, 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/Board Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Member(s): TemNice Chair Delgado, and Mayor/Chair
Olmos
ABSENT: Councilmember/Board None
Member(s):
STAFF PRESENT: Rene Salas, City Manager; Susie A. Altamirano, 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 — Councilmember Acosta led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. INVOCATION — Pastor Benjamin Garret, Faith Dominion Church, offered the invocation.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.a. Mayor and City Council presented a Certificate of Recognition to Ms. Esther De La Rosa, a Tong -time South EI Monte resident, for her 100th Centennial Birthday.
4.b. Deputy Melgar presented the Sheriffs Department Report for the month of May 2025.
4.c. Code Enforcement Supervisor Rodriguez presented the Code Enforcement and Public Safety Department Report for the months of April and May 2025.
4.d. Public Works Maintenance Supervisor Jose Figuera presented the Public Works Department Report.
5. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF
ORDINANCES
Motion by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve the 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
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Olmos opened Public Comment.
1. Stephanie Hernandez, Field Representative, Office of Congressmember Gil Cisneros, introduced herself and the Congressman's office, shared that they are available to help the community among the fear of the ICE raids, shared that the Congressman held a Town Hall in the City of Azusa, and that he hopes to hold another Town Hall in the City of South El Monte.
2. Kimberly Valencia, constituent, expressed concerns on recent ICE detention activity, and requested the Council to support propositions, campaigns, and community partnerships offering support and resources to individuals impacted by the raids.
Councilmember Acosta requested that Mayor Olmos announce the informational resources available on the City website.
There being no further public comments, Mayor Olmos closed Public Comment.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR — CITY COUNCIL
Motion by Councilmember Bojorquez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, 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
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
7.a. Approved the Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of June 3, 2025.
7.b. Adopted Resolution No. 25-053, authorizing payment of City expenditures for the period of June 4, 2025, through June 17, 2025, totaling $1,639,504.96.
7.c. Adopted Resolution No. 25-054, approving Amendment No. 1 to the professional services agreement for Citation Processing Services between the City and Phoenix Group Information Systems.
CONSENT CALENDAR — CITY COUNCIL (CONTINUED)
7.d. Adopted Resolution No. 25-055, approving Amendment No. 1 to the contract services agreement between the City and WGJ Enterprises, Inc., for citywide striping maintenance services.
7.e. Approved the RFP for an infrastructure valuation service in accordance with GASB 34 and 51.
7.f. Approved the issuance of an RFP to provide peer review of a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) and related technical studies, subject to minor revisions by the City Attorney, and authorized the City to solicit proposals.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR - SUCCESSOR AGENCY
Motion by Vice Chair Delgado, seconded by Board Member Acosta, to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion passed 5-0 by the following vote:
AYES: Board Member(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Vice Chair Delgado, and Chair Olmos
NAYS: Board Member(s): None
ABSENT: Board Member(s): None
8.a. Approved the Minutes for the Regular Successor Agency Meeting of April 15, 2025.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9.a. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE AB 2561 REQUIREMENTS Mayor Olmos opened the Public Hearing.
There being no public comments, Mayor Olmos closed the Public Hearing.
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Rene Salas, City Manager, provided a report.
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez, to approve the findings from staff that all AB 2561 requirements have been met.
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. GENERAL BUSINESS
10.a. FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2025-2026 ANNUAL BUDGET STUDY SESSION Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Rene Salas, City Manager, introduced Masami Higa, Director of Finance, who provided a report.
Discussion ensued on the cost -saving options presented, additional cost-cutting options, prioritization of projects and services, opposition to using reserve funds, and opposition to raising taxes on residents and businesses.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez, to cut the City Council travel budget, go out to RFP for IT Services, look at the insurance premium offer for employees, eliminate the Public Safety Department, and eliminate the vacant Code Enforcement Officer position.
Substitute Motion by Councilmember Acosta, to amend the main motion to not include elimination of the Public Safety Department.
Second Substitute Motion by Mayor Olmos, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to amend the main motion to not include elimination of the Public Safety Department and to not include elimination of the vacant Code Enforcement Officer position. Second Substitute Motion failed 2-3, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez, Rodriguez, and Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
Substitute Motion seconded by Mayor Olmos_ The Substitute Motion failed 2-3, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez, Rodriguez, and Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
Main 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
Staff was directed to bring back the amended budget numbers to the next regular meeting.
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026 Annual Budget Study Session was received and filed.
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
10.b. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 25-056, ADOPTING THE CITY'S FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2025-26 GANN
APPROPRIATION LIMIT
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to adopt Resolution No. 25-056, establishing the City's Appropriation (Gann) Limit at $195,006,820 for FY 2025-26. 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. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS TO HOMELESS COMMISSION Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Adrian Garcia, City Clerk, provided a report.
Mayor Olmos read the applicants' names seeking appointment to the Homeless Commission.
Mayor Olmos nominated Roberto Yrigoyen for appointment. Vote passed 55=0:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
Councilmember Rodriguez nominated Joshua Jasso-Ortega for appointment.
Vote passed 55-00:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado nominated Adrean Flores for appointment. Vote passed 5-0:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
Councilmember Bojorquez nominated Michael Short for appointment. Vote passed 55=0:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
Councilmember Acosta nominated Maria Heng for appointment. Vote failed 2-3:
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Item 10.c.
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez, Rodriguez, and Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
Mayor Olmos nominated Rudy Leija for appointment. Vote passed 5-0:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): None
Mayor Olmos read the names of those appointed to the Homeless Commission:
Roberto Yrigoyen, Joshua Jasso-Ortega, Adrean Flores, Michael Short, and Rudy Leija.
11. COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS
Councilmember Acosta announced he attended the following: the South EI Monte High School Graduation Ceremony, the Miramonte Elementary School graduations and promotions, the Monte Vista School graduations and promotions, the Dean L. Shively Middle School graduations and promotions, the New Temple Elementary School's Kindergarten Graduation, the Senior's Father's Day Luncheon, the Community Bike Ride, a virtual briefing by Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, a briefing by Los Angeles City Mayor Karen Bass, the Western States Regional Council of Carpenter's Grand Opening of their Carson training facility, and made the following statement: "Although I was unable to attend the No Kings rally on Saturday, June 17th, I want to say that I don't stand with kings or authoritarian rule, or the deportation of hard-working contributing members of our community. I believe in fairness, respect, and doing what's right for the people we serve and the community we are part of. I believe in the power of peaceful expression, and I stand with our California Senator Alex Padilla and all the hardworking immigrants that make America great."
Councilmember Bojorquez announced he attended the following: the South El Monte High School Graduation Ceremony, the Community Bike Ride, the Monte Vista School graduations and promotions, the Dean L. Shively Middle School graduations and promotions, the LA28 Olympic Committee Meeting, the Senior's Father's Day Luncheon, and a Town Hall with Congressmember Gil Cisneros in Azusa.
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado announced he announced he attended the following: the South EI Monte High School Graduation Ceremony, the Senior's Father's Day Luncheon, and a Town HaII with Congressmember Gil Cisneros in Azusa, and the City HaII walkthrough with the South EI Monte High School Interns.
COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS (CONTINUED) Councilmember Rodriguez announced he attended the following: the Community Bike Ride, the South EI Monte High School Graduation Ceremony, the New Temple Elementary School's Kindergarten graduations, the Dean L. Shively Middle School graduations and promotions, the LA28 Olympic Committee Meeting, a meeting with Congressmember Gil Cisneros in Washington, D.C., and a meeting with Congressmember Susan Rubio in Azusa.
Mayor Olmos announced she attended the following: the the New Temple Elementary School's Kindergarten graduations and promotions, the New Temple Elementary School's student field trip, the Community Services Meeting, the Greater EI Monte Community Hospital Board Meeting, the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) Governing Board Regular Meeting, the SGVCOG Transportation Committee, the South EI Monte High School Graduation Ceremony, the Miramonte Elementary School graduations and promotions, the Healthy South EI Monte Leadership Council, the City Hall walkthrough with the South EI Monte High School Interns, the Monte Vista School graduations and promotions, the Senior's Father's Day Luncheon, a City Mayor's meeting with Congressmember Susan Rubio, a Town Hall with Congressmember Gil Cisneros in Azusa, a virtual briefing with Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, the Los Angeles County Sanitation District No. 15 Board of Directors Regular Meeting, the Eyes of Joy Charity Golf Tournament, and the Planning Commission Meeting.
12. CORRESPONDENCE - None
13. COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA
13.a. COUNCILMEMBER MANUEL ACOSTA
1. Discussion/Action: An ordinance be written to mitigate foul odors of tobacco and marijuana smoke.
Councilmember Acosta summarized his item.
Staff was directed to work with the City Attorney to bring back examples of ordinances adopted by other cities for the council to consider.
No action was taken on this item.
2. Discussion/Action: Consider holding a Town Hall meeting with experts and organizations that have direct experience with cannabis and the impact cannabis businesses have on a community.
Councilmember Acosta summarized his item and reported his findings on prior Town Hall meetings.
Discussion ensued on clarifying information in the written report, clarifying cannabis businesses' potential location options, experiences with prior public engagement on this topic, the prior council's activity on
COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA (CONTINUED)
this topic, the current council dealing with regulating the voter -approved measure, the topic being discussed in public comments is not the same topic as the buffer zone issue, solutions being provided by the residents, the 2022 election activity history, experiences that other cities have with dispensaries, and listening to resident concerns.
Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney, provided advice on options for holding a Town Hall with a quorum versus a non -quorum, and consideration of the Council to approve costs related to staff and resources.
Motion by Councilmember Acosta to hold a Town Hall meeting with experts and organizations that have direct experience with cannabis and the impact cannabis businesses have on a community.
Substitute Motion by Mayor Gloria Olmos, seconded by
Councilmember Acosta, to amend the motion that the Town Hall meeting be held with a council meeting. Substitute motion failed 2-3, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez, Rodriguez, and Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
No further action was taken on this item.
13.a. MAYOR OLMOS
1. Discussion/Action: Consideration of purchasing benches with handles to be placed at the Community Center.
Mayor Olmos summarized her item.
Rene Salas, City Manager, responded to questions regarding the price per bench, the expected quantity, and location options.
Staff was directed to look for grant money or donors to pay for the benches.
No action was taken on this item.
14. CLOSED SESSION
At 8:21 p.m. Mayor and City Council recessed into Closed Session.
CLOSED SESSION (CONTINUED)
13.a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION - Initiation of litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) (one potential case).
At 8:43 p.m. Mayor Olmos reconvened the meeting with all councilmembers present.
Susie A. Altamirano, Interim City Attorney, announced City Council discussed Item
13.a., reports were provided, feedback was given, no reportable action.
14. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business coming before this body, at 8:44 p.m., Mayor Olmos adjourned the meeting in honor of Edward Rozuk, IV, to a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Sabrina A. Muhne, Deputy City Clerk.
Adrian Garcia. MMC, City Clerk
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Gloria Olmos, Mayor