Final Minutes Approved 12/04/2025
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, November 4, 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 (arrived at 6:06 p.m.), 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; Gerardo Marquez, Director of Community Development and Public Works; Ariana De La Cruz, Director of Community Services; lyob Tessema, Director of Human Resources and Risk Management; 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 — William Gil, Knights of Columbus, offered the invocation.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.a. Ed Reece, San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) President and Claremont City Councilmember, provided a presentation on the SGVCOG.
4.b. Deputy Ayers presented the Sheriffs Department Report for the month of September 2025.
4.c. Gerardo Marquez, Director of Community Development and Public Works, presented the Code Enforcement and Public Safety Department Report for the month of September 2025.
5. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF
ORDINANCES
Mayor Olmos requested to move up Agenda Items 9.d., 9.e., and 12.b.
Councilmember Acosta requested to pull Agenda Item 7.i. from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF
ORDINANCES (CONTINUED)
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez, to approve the agenda 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
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Olmos opened Public Comment.
1. Dianna Gomez, Senior Executive Assistant/Community Liaison, requested support for Agenda Item 9.e.
2. Diana Rosas, South EI Monte Acting Library Manager, introduced herself and spoke on upcoming library programs and holiday closures.
3. Carlos Delgado, Coach for the South EI Monte Aviators, spoke in support of Agenda Item 9.d., requesting the fee waiver so the team can attend upcoming baseball tournaments.
4. Nathan Flores, business owner of the South EI Monte Training Club, introduced the business, their fitness classes, and provided a discount flyer.
5. Eduardo Sauceda, spoke on Successor Agency Resolution OB 14-07, 2024 financial paperwork that he shared with the Director of Finance, shared personal information with the council, spoke on Measure CM, and on city attorney services.
6. Richard Angel, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 12.b.1.
7. Kimberly Valencia, resident, expressed thanks for support of the Walk for Justice event, spoke on the Downtown Los Angeles art murals, expressed concerns on the Miami art district trip, and expressed concerns on Agenda Items 12.c. and 12.d.2.
8. Denise Silva, resident and Community Services Commissioner, thanked the Mayor and City Council for installing the benches at the Community Center and for the Community Bike Rides.
9. Danny Olmos, resident, thanked the Mayor and City Council for approving holding the Town Hall on Fentanyl, Nitazene, and NAS.
There being no further public comments, Mayor Olmos closed Public Comment.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, to approve the balance of 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 October 7, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting.
7.b. Adopted Resolution No. 25-091, authorizing payment of City expenditures for the period of October 8, 2025, through November 4, 2025, totaling $1,897,134.
7.c. Adopted Resolution No. 25-092, approving Amendment No. 1 to existing agreement ENP252608 between the City and County for Elderly Nutrition Program Services to receive additional funding from the County, through the Modernizing Older Californians Act ("MOCA"), and from the Nutrition Services Incentive Program ("NSIP") for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 ("FY 2025- 26"), and authorized the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement.
7.d. Adopted Resolution No. 25-093 awarding a professional services agreement to EPD Solutions, Inc. for consulting services to peer -review of a Mitigated Negative Declaration and technical studies in conjunction with the development of 1510 & 1536 Peck Road, in an amount not to exceed $48,296, and authorized the City Manager or his designee to negotiate and execute the agreement.
7.e. Waived full reading and adopted Ordinance No. 1284, an amendment to Municipal Code Section 2.64.090 authorizing the City Manager, at his discretion, to approve a salary increase in excess of five percent (5%) and up to a maximum of ten percent (10%) of an employee's base salary, when such adjustments are in the best interest of the City and consistent with budgetary appropriations.
7.f. Adopted Resolution No. 25-094 awarding a construction contract to Bridgerock Construction in the amount of $58,800 for the New Temple Park Snack Bar Rehabilitation Project, authorized the City Manager to execute the contract, and authorized a fifteen percent (15%) project contingency allowance to be used if necessary for unforeseen conditions at the City Manager's discretion.
7.g. Adopted Resolution No. 25-095, approving the three proposed policies covering 1) loan compliance, 2) grants receivable, and 3) grant reporting.
CONSENT CALENDAR (CONTINUED)
7.h. Approved an agreement for Planning Manager services provided by Wildan Engineering in the not -to -exceed amount of $65,000 and for an additional three (3) months of services if needed for an aggregate not -to -exceed amount of $130,000.
7.i. This item was heard after the Consent Calendar.
7.j. Adopted Resolution 25-097, authorizing the City to enter into a marketing agreement with the National League of Cities (NLC) for a water and sewer line service program for the residents of South EI Monte.
Agenda Item 7.i. was heard at this time.
7.i. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 25-096,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE AND INTER -CON SECURITY SYSTEMS INC. FOR
PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES
Councilmember Acosta directed questions to Rene Salas, City Manager, and Gerardo Marquez, Director of Community Development and Public Works.
Discussion topics included the costs of the contract and services received versus employed staff, expected savings, bids received, the full-time versus part-time headcount in the budget, and other budget savings.
Motion by Councilmember Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez, to adopt Resolution No. 25-096, approving the Professional Services Agreement with Inter -Con for Public Safety Services, and to authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the documents incident to that agreement. 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
Agenda Item 12.b.1 was heard at this time.
12. COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA
12.b. MAYOR PRO TEM HECTOR DELGADO
1. Consideration to approve a request from the EI Monte -South EI Monte Emergency Resources Association (ERA) for funding of $40,000 to support efforts in fighting food insecurity and providing essential services to families in need.
COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA (CONTINUED)
Agenda Item 12.b.1
Discussion topics included concerns with the amount and the organization's financial reporting, other food organizations in the community, previously providing funding without receiving audit information on South EI Monte residents served, the need to immediately provide food resources because of the government's current issues with SNAP funding, the current report's details, requesting more detailed reports, expanding community resources, giving the funding to another organization instead, and directing staff to post extensive community food resources on the City website.
Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney, provided suggested corrections to the recommendation to read as: "to approve a request from the El Monte -South EI Monte Emergency Resources Association (ERA) for funding of $40,000 to support community efforts in addressing food insecurities and providing essential services to families in need within the South EI Monte community."
Motion by Councilmember Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez, to approve funding of $20,000 to the ERA to approve a request from the EI Monte -South EI Monte Emergency Resources Association (ERA) for funding of $20,000 to support community efforts in addressing food insecurities and providing essential services to families in need within the South EI Monte community, with a mid -year financial report to be provided.
Substitute Motion by Mayor Olmos, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve a request from the EI Monte -South EI Monte Emergency Resources Association (ERA) for funding of $20,000 to support community efforts in addressing food insecurities and providing essential services to families in need within the South EI Monte community, contingent on a financial report being provided. Motion failed 2-3, by the following vote:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
Councilmember(s):
Councilmember(s):
Councilmember(s):
Acosta, and Mayor Olmos
Bojorquez, Rodriguez, and Mayor Pro
Tem Delgado
None
Main Motion passed 3-1-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez, Rodriguez, and Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Acosta
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): Mayor Olmos
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
9. GENERAL BUSINESS
Agenda Item 9.d. was heard at this time.
9.d. LETTER FROM SOUTH EL MONTE AVIATORS REQUESTING A
FACILITY FEE WAIVER FOR THE USE OF NEW TEMPLE PARK FIELD
AND SHIVELY PARK FIELD AND CONSIDERATION TO WAIVE THE
LIGHT FEES AT NEW TEMPLE AND SHIVELY PARK
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez, to approve the facility reservation fee waiver for the use of New Temple Park fields and Shively Park field in the amount of $2,250.00, and to waive the reservation light fees in the amount of $1,350.00. 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
Agenda Item 9.e. was heard at this time.
9.e. LETTER FROM THE SOUTH EL MONTE EMPLOYEES CHRISTMAS
RECOGNITION COMMITTEE REQUESTING SPONSORSHIP FOR THE
EMPLOYEE CHRISTMAS RECOGNITION DINNER DATE TBD
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to fund the Employee Christmas Recognition Dinner totaling $8,000. 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.a. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE FLAGS OF VALOR FUND
MANAGEMENT PLAN AND VETERAN SUPPORT APPLICATION
PROCESS
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Ariana De La Cruz, Director of Community Services, provided a report.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez, to approve the proposed Flags of Valor Fund Management Plan, with the City of South El Monte serving as the administrator of funds raised through the program, and to approve the proposed Veteran Support Application and selection process to guide the fair and transparent distribution of funds to local veterans in need. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Agenda Item 9.a.
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
9.b. APPROVAL OF PROPOSED DARK CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATES
AND CLOSURE OF CITY HALL FOR HOLIDAYS
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Adrian Garcia, City Clerk, provided a report.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Bojorquez, to approve going dark on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, and Tuesday, January 6, 2026, due to the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year holidays, and to authorize a City Hall closure during the Christmas holiday, from December 22, 2025, through January 1, 2026. City Hall reopens January 5, 2026. 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. LETTER FROM SOUTH EL MONTE VETERANS SENIOR BASEBALL
TEAM REQUESTING A FACILITY WAIVER FOR THE USE OF THE
BASEBALL FIELD AT DEAN L. SHIVELY PARK
Motion by Councilmember Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve the facility waiver in the amount of $6,000.00. 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.d. LETTER FROM SOUTH EL MONTE AVIATORS REQUESTING A
FACILITY FEE WAIVER FOR THE USE OF NEW TEMPLE PARK FIELD
AND SHIVELY PARK FIELD AND CONSIDERATION TO WAIVE THE
LIGHT FEES AT NEW TEMPLE AND SHIVELY PARK
This item was heard at the beginning of General Business.
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
9.e. LETTER FROM THE SOUTH EL MONTE EMPLOYEES CHRISTMAS
RECOGNITION COMMITTEE REQUESTING SPONSORSHIP FOR THE
EMPLOYEE CHRISTMAS RECOGNITION DINNER DATE TBD
This item was heard before Agenda Item 9.a.
9.f. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 25-099
CONSENTING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF DAVID DE VRIES AS
DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND APPROVAL OF THE
DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and lyob Tessema, Director of Human Resources and Risk Management, provided a report.
Mr. De Vries introduced himself to the Mayor and City Council and provided information and his background, experience, history, and connections.
Motion by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, to adopt Resolution No. 25-099 approving the employment agreement between the City and David De Vries for the position of Director of Economic Development, 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 League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo, the Love Shouldn't Hurt: Walk to End Domestic Violence event, the Halloween Spooktacular, the Active Streets Corazon del Valle event, the Town Hall on "Substance Use and Kids: What Every Parent/Caretaker Needs to Know," and the Walk for Justice event.
Councilmember Bojorquez announced he attended the following: the Active Streets Corazon del Valle event, the Halloween Spooktacular, the New Temple Elementary School Halloween Parade, and the Miami Wynwood Arts District Tour.
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado announced he attended the following: the Halloween Spooktacular, the Active Streets Corazon del Valle event, and a dinner with the Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia and his business delegation.
COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS (CONTINUED) Councilmember Rodriguez announced he attended the following: the Active Streets Corazon del Valle event, the Halloween Spooktacular, the New Temple Elementary School Halloween Parade, the Miami Wynwood Arts District Tour, and a visit to the Los Angeles Art District.
Mayor Olmos announced she attended the following: the Active Streets Corazon del Valle event, the Grand Reopening of the EI Monte New Life Center for New Beginnings Group Home, the Halloween Spooktacular, the October Night Market, the Love Shouldn't Hurt: Walk to End Domestic Violence event, the Walk for Justice event, the Greater EI Monte Community Hospital Board Meeting, a meeting with Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors staff on Whittier Narrows, two San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) Transportation Committee Meetings, two SGVCOG Olympic & Paralympic Games Ad Hoc Committee Meetings, the Los Angeles County Sanitation District No. 15 Board of Directors Regular Meeting, two Healthy South EI Monte Leadership Council meetings, the Senior Center Halloween Luncheon, the Senior Center "Giddy Up and Dust off Your Boots Rodeo," the Town HaII on "Substance Use and Kids: What Every Parent/Caretaker Needs to Know," and the SAS 99 interview.
Rene Salas, City Manager, provided a video on the Miami Wynwood Arts District Tour.
Adrian Garcia, City Clerk, provided an update on the "Passport Saturday" event.
11. CORRESPONDENCE — None
12. COUNCILMEMBERSAGENDA
12.a. COUNCILMEMBER MANUEL ACOSTA
1. Travel Approval Process
Discussion/Action: Every year the city council approves a budget for travel for the city council and all city employees. The approval of the travel has certain requirements. These requirements include professional development, any city -oriented business, and potential benefit to the city and its residents. As Tong as these requirements are met, travel is almost certain. The current city policy distinguishes between in -state and out-of-state travel. Out-of-state travel requires city council approval, while in -state travel does not. It is unclear why there is a distinction. How does out-of-state travel differ from in -state travel? And why does the city council have to approve out-of-state travel? Councilmember Acosta directed questions to the City Attorney.
This item was received and filed.
COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA (CONTINUED)
Item 12.a.
2. City Council Paraphernalia
Discussion/Action: Individual canvas tarps with city council members' names were purchased with city funds. This is highly unusual and not a typical practice. For example, city council members are not allowed to appear in the city -sponsored newsletter due to it violating political campaign laws. Are city -purchased paraphernalia depicting councilmembers' names exempted? Do their purchase with city funds violate political campaign laws? Or is it simply a city policy? And if it is a city policy, should the city council be required to approve it? Councilmember Acosta directed questions to the City Attorney.
This item was received and filed.
12.b. MAYOR PRO TEM HECTOR DELGADO
1. This item was heard before General Business.
2. Manage Electioneering and campaigning practices on Public Facilities.
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado summarized his item.
This item was received and filed.
12.c. COUNCILMEMBER RUDY BOJORQUEZ
1. Discussion to direct staff to begin identifying locations in the city for arts development districts and what needs to be done to change zoning in these locations.
Staff was directed to identify corridors and the process to rezone areas for this purpose, and bring back this item to a future meeting.
No action was taken on this item.
12.d. COUNCILMEMBER LARRY RODRIGUEZ
1. Direct staff to investigate the possibility of setting up a phone hotline for SEM Veterans to call to receive donated emergency food assistance.
Councilmember Rodriguez summarized his item and stated that he will be able to collect the food and deliver it for Veterans who call the hotline until organizations can assist.
COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA (CONTINUED)
Item 12.d.1.
Motion by Mayor Olmos, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, to set up a phone hotline for South El Monte Veterans to call to receive donated emergency food assistance. 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
2. Discussion to direct staff to begin identifying locations in the city for arts development districts and what needs to be done to change zoning in these locations.
This item was heard with Agenda Item 12.c.
13. CLOSED SESSION
At 8:55 p.m., Mayor and City Council recessed into Closed Session.
13.a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, Pursuant to California Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2) and 54969(e)(1): One matter.
At 10:00 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 10:00 p.m., Mayor Olmos adjourned the meeting in memory of Gilbert Garcia, longtime resident, to a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Sabrina A. Muhne, Deputy City Clerk.
Adrian Garcia, MMC, City Clerk
Gloria Olmos