Final Minutes Approved 10/07/2025
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, September 2, 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, City Attorney; Adrian Garcia, City Clerk; Masami Higa, Director of Finance; Ariana De La Cruz, Director of Community Services; 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 Olmos led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. INVOCATION — Pastor Patricia Garrett, Faith Dominion Church, offered the invocation.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.a. Mayor and City Council presented Certificates of Recognition to the South EI Monte High School Internship participants for successfully completing the 9 -week internship program.
4.b. Mayor and City Council presented a Certificate of Recognition, and Captain Meza, Temple Sheriff's Station, expressed appreciation to Mr. Alan Izadi and Mrs. Julia Panasiti, Hot and Cold Plumbing Inc., for being leaders in the community and for their outstanding generosity to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department during the wildfire emergencies and periods of civil unrest.
4.c. Mayor and City Council presented a Certificate of Recognition to the owners of EI Paisano Restaurant for their thirty-three years of business in the City.
4.d. Mayor and City Council presented a "Hero Award" Certificate of Recognition to Emely Gomez, Manuel Acosta, Tammy Ann Acosta, and Alexis Acosta.
PRESENTATIONS (CONTINUED)
4.e. Ms. Sil Ruiz, Librarian, South EI Monte Library, provided a presentation on the South EI Monte Library Resources and Programs.
5. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF
ORDINANCES
Mayor Olmos requested to move Agenda Item 12.b. to be heard after Public Comment.
Staff requested to continue Agenda Item 9.a. to a date uncertain to allow staff to provide more data and information.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez, to approve the agenda as amended. 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
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Olmos opened Public Comment.
1. Patricia Saucedo, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 9.a., spoke on "Community Focus" posted on the City's website, asked questions on the city council selection process, and on the honey oil explosion federal investigation.
2. Dr. Julia Ruedas, Senior Project Manager & Policy Analyst, L.A. General Medical Center Foundation Wellness Center, spoke in support of Agenda Item 12.b.
3. Anahy Alcantara, Community Ambassador, L.A. General Medical Center Foundation, spoke in support of Agenda Item 12.b.
4. Rebecca Diaz, community member, expressed concerns on Agenda Item
9.a.
5. Vincent Diaz, community member, expressed concerns on Agenda Item
9.a.
6. Manuela Saldana, spoke in support of Agenda Item 12.b.
7. Ruby Rose Yepez, Valle Lindo School District Board of Education Trustee, thanked the City for continuous support and presence at school events.
PUBLIC COMMENT (CONTINUED)
8. Kimberly Valencia, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 9.a.
9. Tony Ozaeta, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 9.a.
10. Eve Ramos, resident, requested information on how questions can be directed to the City Council, and expressed concerns on Agenda Item 9.a.
11. Eduardo Saucedo, spoke on attorney fees used to fight Measure CM, other use of funds, and spoke on Agenda Item 9.a.
12. Frank Dieguez, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 9.a. and spoke on the Conflict of Interest statement on the agenda.
13. Roseanne Angel, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 9.a.
14. Arthur John Kingsbury Aceves, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 9.a.
15. John Ventura, resident, spoke on cannabis, a honey oil warehouse explosion at Potrero and Enloe, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 9.a., and spoke on prior city council decisions.
16. Hortencia Vasquez, resident and Community Services Commissioner, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 9.a.
17. Daniel Anaya, New Beginnings Community Church, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 9.a.
18. Maria Heng, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 9.a.
19. Monica Ramos, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 9.a.
20. Cecilia Hernandez, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 9.a.
21. Rose Saucedo, former resident, spoke on cannabis, businesses in the city, and holding a Town Hall for cannabis.
22. Jessica Bates, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 9.a.
23. Deputy Ko announced his promotion to Detective in the Temple Sheriff's Station.
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado provided brief comments in response to the comments received.
There being no further public comments, Mayor Olmos closed Public Comment.
Agenda Item 12.b. was heard at this time.
12.b. MAYOR GLORIA OLMOS
1. Consideration of conducting a town hall meeting to bring awareness and fight drug abuse for the use of Fentanyl, Nitazene, and NAS in collaboration with the Wellness Center, LAC+USC Medical Center Foundation.
Mayor Olmos summarized her item and requested a vote to hold a Town Hall on this topic.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez, to hold a Town HaII to bring awareness and fight drug abuse on the use of Fentanyl, Nitazene, and NAS. 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. CONSENT CALENDAR
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. Adopted Resolution No. 25-072, authorizing payment of City expenditures for the period of July 16, 2025, through September 2, 2025, totaling $4,789,695.89.
7.b. Adopted Resolution No. 25-073, amending the City of South EI Monte's Purchasing Manual.
7.c. Approved the RFP for comprehensive managed information technology services and authorized staff to solicit proposals.
7.d. Adopted Resolution No. 25-074, approving the City's 2025 Title VI Program to reaffirm the City meets the requirements set forth in the FTA's Title VI Circular 4702.1B.
7.e. Adopted Resolution No. 25-075, approving the Ground Lease Agreement between the City of South EI Monte and the United States Postal Services, and authorized the City Manager or his designee to negotiate and execute the agreement.
CONSENT CALENDAR (CONTINUED)
7.f. Adopted Resolution No. 25-076, amending the effective date of the medical opt -out benefit from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2025.
7.g. Approved the rejection of all proposals received for Infrastructure Valuation Services in Accordance with GASB 34 and 51, and to republish the RFP.
7.h. Adopted and approved the plans and specifications for the FY 25-26 Pavement Rehabilitation Project, approved Resolution No. 25-077, awarding the FY 25-26 Pavement Rehabilitation Project contract to the lowest responsible bidder in an amount of $1,963,000 to Onyx Paving Company, Inc., authorized the City Manager to execute the contract, and authorized twenty percent (20%) of the total contract amount as contingency allowance to be used if necessary for unforeseen conditions at the City Manager's discretion.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS — None
9. GENERAL BUSINESS
9.a. CONTINUED FROM THE JULY 1, 2025, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING - UPDATE ON CANNABIS BUFFER ZONE MAPS
This item was continued to a date uncertain.
9.b. GENERAL FUND RESERVE POLICY STUDY SESSION
Mayor Olmos introduced the item and Masami Higa, Director of Finance, provided a presentation.
This item was received and filed.
9.c. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE 2025 "CHRISTMAS WISH TOY GIVEAWAY" EVENT DONATION LETTER, AUTHORIZING TO
INCLUDE THE CITY COUNCILMEMBERS' SIGNATURES, AND THE
DISTRIBUTION OF DONATION LETTERS TO THE SOUTH EL MONTE
BUSINESS COMMUNITY
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez, to approve the 2025 "Christmas Wish Toy Giveaway" event donation letter, to authorize including the City Councilmembers' signatures, and to authorize distributing the donation letters to the South El Monte business community. 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
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
9.d. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE MANAGEMENT OF
FUNDS RAISED THROUGH THE FLAGS OF VALOR PROGRAM
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Ariana De La Cruz, Director of Community Services, presented a report.
Motion by Councilmember Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve the City collecting, managing, and directly distributing the funds to support local veterans. 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.e. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 25-078,
CONSENTING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF GERARDO MARQUEZ AS
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & PUBLIC WORKS AND
APPROVAL OF DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT &
PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Rene Salas, City Manager, presented a report.
Iyob Tessema, Director of Human Resources and Risk Management, responded to questions on the recruitment process, and Gerardo Marquez, Interim Director of Community Development, spoke on his prior experience and background.
Motion by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez, to adopt Resolution No. 25-078, approving the employment agreement between the City and Gerardo Marquez for the position of Director of Community Development & Public Works, and to authorize the Mayor to execute the employment agreement. 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. COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS
Councilmember Acosta announced he attended the following: the Community Bike Rides, the Summer Night Markets, the Movies in the Park, the Unity in the Community event, National Night Out, the South El Monte Jets opening day, Congressmember Gil Cisneros' Medicare Town Hall, the Valle Lindo School District's New Temple Elementary School playground ribbon -cutting ceremony, and the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO) Annual Conference.
COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS (CONTINUED) Councilmember Bojorquez announced he attended the following: the Summer Night Markets, the Senior Center Birthdays Social, LA28 Olympic Committee Meetings, the Community Bike Rides, City Dodger Night, the Homeless Commission Meeting, the Senior Center Prom Luncheon, and Congressmember GiI Cisneros' Medicare Town Hall.
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado announced he attended the following: the Summer Night Markets, the Senior Center Prom Luncheon, the Foothill Transit Governing Board Meeting, Congressmember Gil Cisneros' Medicare Town Hall, National Night Out, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District Board of Trustees Meeting, and the South EI Monte High School Eagles home game.
Councilmember Rodriguez announced he attended the following: the Homeless Commission Meeting, LA28 Olympic Committee Meetings, Congressmember GiI Cisneros' Medicare Town HaII, and the California Contract Cities Association Legislative Committee Meeting.
Mayor Olmos announced she attended the following: the Summer Night Markets, the Movies in the Park, National Night Out, the Senior Center Prom Luncheon, the Valle Lindo School District's New Temple Elementary School playground ribbon - cutting ceremony, the Unity in the Community event, the South EI Monte Jets opening day, Congressmember Gil Cisneros' Medicare Town HaII, the Senior Center Birthdays Social, the Los Angeles County Sanitation District No. 15 Board of Directors Regular Meeting, and the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) Governing Board Regular Meeting.
11. CORRESPONDENCE - NONE
12. COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA
12.a. COUNCILMEMBER MANUEL ACOSTA
1. Installation of Surveillance Camera and Listening Device in the Councilmembers' Office.
Councilmember Acosta summarized his item and directed questions to the City Manager.
Discussion topics included the intent of the recordings, security risks, theft and crime prevention, the council's prior vote to install additional cameras, expectations of privacy, transparency, laws about recording without permission, camera location, additional cameras, and executive privilege.
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, to remove the surveillance camera with audio attachments from the councilmember's office.
COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA (CONTINUED)
Item 12.a.1.
Substitute motion by Mayor Olmos, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to move the camera to the middle office. 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 by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado to add two cameras to the Mayor's office and to the center office.
Substitute motion by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Mayor Olmos, to continue this item to a future meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado withdrew his motion, and no votes were taken on either motion. No further action was taken on this item.
2. Update on the New Public Safety Officer Contract.
Councilmember Acosta summarized his item and directed questions to staff on the status of the new public safety officers and the RFP.
This item was received and filed.
12.b. MAYOR GLORIA OLMOS
This item was heard before the Consent Calendar.
13. CLOSED SESSION
At 9:37 p.m., Mayor and City Council recessed into Closed Session.
13.a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, Initiation of litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) (one potential case)
13.b. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, Pursuant to California Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2) and 54969(e)(1): One matter
13.c. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 Title: City Manager At 9:58 p.m., Mayor and City Council voted unanimously to extend the meeting past 10 p
.m
At 11:23 p.m., Mayor Olmos reconvened the meeting with all councilmembers present.
CLOSED SESSION (CONTINUED)
Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney, announced City Council discussed Items 13.a. through 13.c., reports were provided, feedback was given, and there was no reportable action.
14. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business coming before this body, at 11:23 p.m., Mayor Olmos adjourned the meeting in honor of Eddie Rozuk, Jr., to a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Sabrina A. Muhne, Deputy City Clerk.
Adrian Garcia, MMC, City Clerk
Gloria Olmos, Mayor