Final Minutes Approved 07/15/2025
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, July 1, 2025 - 6:00 PM
1415 Santa Anita Avenue, South El 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, 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 Bojorquez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. INVOCATION — Pastor Gary Clouse, Valley Community Outreach, offered the invocation.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.a. Mayor and City Council presented a proclamation to Ariana De La Cruz, Director of Community Services and to the Community Services staff, proclaiming "the Month of July 2025 as Parks Make Life Better Month."
5. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF
ORDINANCES
Councilmember Acosta requested to move Agenda Item 12.a.1. to be heard before Agenda Item 9.d.
Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney, announced that staff is requesting to continue Agenda Item 7.e. to the July 15, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting, to continue Agenda Item 9.a. to the September 2, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting, and Walk -On Agenda Item 9.d. requires two-thirds approval from the council.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez, to approve the agenda as amended. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF ORDINANCES (CONTINUED)
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. Dalila Galvan, resident, requested Councilmember Acosta to speak on her behalf due to illness, and expressed concerns on a scam solicitation she received from the National Police Association requesting donations on behalf of the South El Monte City Council.
2. Michael Grijalva, Teamsters Local 986, opposed Agenda Item 7.e.
3. Lisa Ducharme, Region Commissioner, American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO Region 908), spoke in support of Agenda Item 9.b., requesting the fee waiver so they can continue to keep the costs minimal for the players and introduced the Every Player in the Community (EPIC) program for special needs players.
4. Denise Silva, resident and Community Services Commissioner, expressed concerns on Agenda Items 7.e. and 9.d., and shared other cost-cutting ideas.
5. Dr. Elizabeth Evans, Superintendent, Valle Lindo School District, recognized the City and thanked the Public Safety Department for supporting the schools at ceremonies and events.
6. Winston Vega, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 7.e., and shared that he has seen positive changes at the schools since the Public Safety Officers have been assisting with parking and traffic flow issues.
7. Monica Ramos, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 9.d., and concurred with the prior speakers' comments on the traffic issues at the schools.
8. Pastor Ben Garrett, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 9.d.
9. John Ventura, resident, expressed pride in seeing the Parks & Recreation staff honored at the meeting, shared his work history with the City, expressed concerns on the holding of the June 26th Special City Council Meeting, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 9.d., and spoke on the votes against a Town Hall to discuss cannabis buffer zones.
10. Irma Peniche, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 9.d.
PUBLIC COMMENT (CONTINUED)
11. Maria Heng, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 9.a.
12. Joe Martinez, Public Safety Supervisor, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 9.d.
13. Emma Ramos, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 9.a.
14. Danny Olmos, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 9.d.
15. Eduardo Sauceda, resident, spoke on a public records request status, spoke on Agenda Item 9.d., and the cannabis measure.
16. Ruby Rose Yepez, expressed kudos to the Parks & Recreation team and their receiving recognition from the City, and spoke on Agenda Item 9.d.
17. Letter from Lester Pascual, resident, was read aloud by the Mayor expressing concerns on Public Safety issues and concerns on Agenda Items 9.a. and 9.d.
There being no further public comments, Mayor Olmos closed Public Comment.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve the Consent Calendar 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
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
7.a. Approved the Minutes for the June 17, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting.
7.b. Adopted Resolution No. 25-058, authorizing payment of City expenditures for the period of June 18, 2025, through July 1, 2025, totaling $1,027,597.57.
7.c. Adopted Resolution No. 25-059, approving Subaward ENP252608 by and between the County and City for Elderly Nutrition Program Services from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and authorized the City Manager or designee to execute agreement.
7.d. Adopted Resolution No. 25-060, accepting the completion of the FY 24-25 Pavement Rehabilitation Project, authorized the City Clerk to send the Notice of Completion for recordation to the Los Angeles County Recorder's Office, and released retention accordingly.
CONSENT CALENDAR (CONTINUED)
7.e. This item was continued.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8.a. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 25-061,
APPROVING SPECIAL ASSESSMENT FOR UNPAID TRASH
COLLECTION FEES AS OF MARCH 31, 2025, DELINQUENT AND
OUTSTANDING AT JUNE 1, 2025
Mayor Olmos introduced the item and opened the Public Hearing.
1. Denaee Amaya, Director of Government Affairs, Athens Services, shared that she is available to answer questions on delinquent accounts.
2. Eduardo Sauceda, resident, spoke on outstanding bills and late fees.
There being no further public comments, Mayor Olmos closed the Public Hearing.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to adopt Resolution 25-061, approving the Report of delinquent accounts to be placed as a Special Assessment on the FY2025-2026 property tax roll and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to submit to the Los Angeles County Assessor the delinquent account Report. 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
8.b. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 25-062,
APPROVING THE ANNUAL LEVY OF THE SEWER SERVICE FEE FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026
Mayor Olmos introduced the item and opened the Public Hearing.
There being no public comments, Mayor Olmos closed the Public Hearing.
Motion by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez, to adopt Resolution No. 25-062, adopting the Written Report and approving the annual levy of the Sewer Service Fee for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 at $35.37 per sewer unit. 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
9. GENERAL BUSINESS
9.a. CONTINUED FROM THE JUNE 3, 2025, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING - UPDATE ON CANNABIS BUFFER ZONE MAPS
This item was continued to the September 2, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting.
9.b. LETTER FROM SOUTH EL MONTE AMERICAN YOUTH SOCCER
ORGANIZATION REQUESTING A FACILITY FEE WAIVER FOR THE
USE OF DEAN L. SHIVELY PARK FIELD AND CONSIDERATION TO
WAIVE THE LIGHT FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE RESERVATION
Mayor Olmos introduced the item.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve the facility fee waiver request for the use of Shively Park field in the amount of $41,000.00, and to waive the reservation light fees at Shively Park, estimated at $12,450.00. 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
9.c. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 25-063,
AMENDING AND STREAMLINING THE PROVISIONS FOR MEDICAL
OPT OUT AND ADMINISTRATION LEAVE
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Masami Higa, Director of Finance, presented a report.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to adopt Resolution No. 25-063, amending and streamlining the provisions for Medical Opt -out and Administrative Leave. 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
Agenda Item 12.a.1. was heard at this time.
12.a. COUNCILMEMBER MANUEL ACOSTA
1. A Review of City Reserves and its Purpose.
Councilmember Acosta summarized his item and requested a definition or policy on when it is appropriate to dip into the City reserves.
COUNCILMEMBER MANUEL ACOSTA (CONTINUED)
Item 12.a.1.
Discussion ensued on the reserves increasing, new business economics and developers, budget cuts, the existing reserve policy, clarification on staffs direction
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Mayor Olmos, to create a policy where reserves will be used during economic uncertainties, especially to cover short-term deficits.
Councilmember Rodriguez and Mayor Pro Tem Delgado requested clarification on the direction to bring back a new policy.
Substitute Motion by Mayor Olmos, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to stay within the policy and use the reserves as needed.
Councilmember Rodriguez requested clarification on how this action differs from the existing policy.
Second Substitute Motion by Councilmember Bojorquez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, to continue this item so staff can provide a presentation on the existing policy and to provide recommendations on how to expand on that policy. Second Substitute Motion passed 5-0, 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
The Substitute Motion and the Main Motion were withdrawn.
9.d. FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2025-2026 ANNUAL BUDGET ADOPTION
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Masami Higa, Director of Finance, provided a brief report.
Councilmember Acosta shared additional cost-cutting ideas such as a temporary hiring freeze, compared in-house public safety service versus contracted public safety service, looking for grants, reducing the number of community events, reducing the number of hours for one-time community events, reducing the frequency of the newsletter, reducing crime saturation, and reducing janitorial frequency.
Other discussion topics included adopting the budget and later amending it with the other cost-cutting ideas, the prior surplus, public input, prior budget decisions, the reserves.
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Item 9.d.
Motion by Mayor Olmos, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve the budget, minus the cost-cutting measure number four to outsource the Public Safety Division. 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
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez, to adopt Resolution No. 25-064, FY25-26 Proposed Budget. 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
10. COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS
Councilmember Acosta announced he attended the following: the Rio Hondo College Foundation's A Taste of Rio event, a Parks & Recreation community pool party, and the annual Temple Station Explorer Scholarship Award Ceremony, and the League of California Cities Disaster Recovery Checklist and Best Practices for Municipalities webinar.
Councilmember Bojorquez announced he had nothing to report.
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado announced he had nothing to report.
Councilmember Rodriguez announced he had nothing to report.
Mayor Olmos announced she attended the following: the Rio Hondo College Foundation's A Taste of Rio event, the annual Temple Station Explorer Scholarship Award Ceremony, and a Parks & Recreation community pool party.
11. CORRESPONDENCE - NONE
12. COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA
12.a. COUNCILMEMBER MANUEL ACOSTA
1. A Review of City Reserves and its Purpose.
This item was heard before Agenda Item 9.d.
COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA (CONTINUED)
Item 12.a.
2. South El Monte Public Safety Officers Less Expensive than Contract Public Safety Officers.
This item was skipped due to action being taken on Agenda Item 9.d., and no action was taken on this item.
3. Special City Council Meetings
Councilmember Acosta summarized his item and directed questions to the City Attorney.
Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney, responded to questions related to specific criteria per Government Code 54956, and the procedural process for calling of a special meeting.
No action was taken on this item.
12.b. MAYOR GLORIA OLMOS
To revisit Agenda Item 9.a. from the June 3, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting agenda, that specifies the now safe buffer of 1,000 feet in regards to the cannabis. To keep it at 1,000 feet. Not to change it to 600 feet.
This item was skipped due to Agenda Item 9.a. being moved to the September 2, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting, and will be discussed at that time.
No action was taken on this item.
13. CLOSED SESSION
At 8:06 p.m., Mayor and City Council recessed into Closed Session.
13.a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL — ANTICIPATED LITIGATION - Pursuant to California Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2) and 54569(e)(1):
Two Matters.
At 8:30 p.m., Mayor Olmos left Closed Session.
At 9:09 p.m., Mayor Olmos reconvened the meeting with all councilmembers present.
Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney, announced City Council discussed Item 13.a., a report was provided, feedback was given, and there was no reportable action.
14. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business coming before this body, at 9:12 p.m., Mayor Olmos adjourned the meeting in honor of Esther De La Rosa, to a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Sabrina A. Muhne, Deputy City Clerk.
Adrian Garcia, MMC, City Clerk
Gloria Olmos, M