Final Minutes Approved 02/17/2026
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - 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, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Member(s): TemNice Chair Bojorquez, 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; Gerardo Marquez, Director of Community Development and Public Works; David De Vries, Director of Economic 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 — Robert Yrigoyen, Parish Council President, Epiphany Catholic Church, offered the invocation.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.a. Mayor and City Council presented Certificates of Recognition to the South El Monte High School Girls Volleyball team for their triumphant win at CIF Championships.
4.b. Mayor and City Council presented Certificates of Recognition to the Los Angeles County Bookmark Contest winners from South EI Monte.
4.c. Mayor and City Council presented plaques to the 2025 Holiday Home Decorating Contest winners.
4.d. This item will be presented in February.
4.e. Deputy Ayers presented the Sheriffs Department Report for the months of October, November, and December 2025.
PRESENTATIONS (CONTINUED)
4.f. Code Enforcement Supervisor Rodriguez presented the Code Enforcement and Public Safety Department Report for the months of October, November, and December 2025.
4.g. Community Development and Public Works Director Gerardo Marquez presented the Community Development/Homeless Commission Updates.
5. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF
ORDINANCES
Councilmember Acosta requested to pull Agenda Items 7.e. and 7.f. from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve the agenda as amended. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Olmos opened Public Comment.
1. Alejandro Ibarra, Field Representative, Office of Senator Susan Rubio, provided updates on the senator's changing leadership roles in Sacramento, and announced that the nomination period for the Woman of the Year Awards is now open.
2. Colin Wu, on behalf of the owner of 9535 Rush Street, spoke on Agenda Item 10.a. and presented a mixed -use development project proposal.
3. Sebastian Diaz, on behalf of the owner of 9535 Rush Street, spoke on Agenda Item 10.a. and presented a mixed -use development project proposal.
4. Christle Chumney, Regional Administrator, LA County Library, introduced the appointment of Amanda Rodarte-Contreras, the new South El Monte Library Manager.
5. Amanda Rodarte-Contreras, Library Manager, South El Monte Library, provided updates on upcoming library programs, the African American and Black History Month Programs, and celebrating Alma Thomas' artwork.
6. Richard Angel, resident, spoke on informing residents on development projects through the newsletter and thanked the Mayor for her work in getting In -N -Out Burger in the City.
PUBLIC COMMENT (CONTINUED)
7. Robert Yrigoyen, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 7.e.
8. Eduardo Saucedo spoke on the Kruse property as a boxing facility, updating City HaII, Quimby fees, the Starlite Community and Mayans Development projects, the cannabis ordinance, councilmembers' unpaid fines, and the City's economic growth.
9. Roseanne Angel, resident, spoke on the Home Decorating Contest Winner awards, and informing residents of upcoming large developments near residential areas.
10. Denise Silva, Community Services Commissioner, commended the Homeless Commission's activities, and introduced Come As U R Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) mobile shower program.
11. John Ventura, resident, presented a letter signed by residents on Leafdale Avenue and Haig Street requesting Councilmember Acosta to read aloud, expressed concerns on paving activity at Allgeyer Avenue, being served with a restraining order, use of SB1 funds, and called for the resignation of Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez and the City Manager.
There being no further public comments, Mayor Olmos closed Public Comment.
7.e. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 26-003,
APPROVING PROJECT ACCEPTANCE AND NOTICE OF COMPLETION
FOR THE CITY HALL AND COUNCIL CHAMBER'S RESTROOM
REMODEL (CDBG), CITY PROJECT NO. 637
Councilmember Acosta directed questions to staff on the bid solicitation process, the project completion timeline, and contingency funds.
Other discussion topics included the bid selection process, council's prior approval of the project, ADA compliance, and clarification on additional project expenses.
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Delgado, to adopt Resolution No. 26-003, accepting the completion for the City Hall and Council Chamber's Restroom Remodel (CDBG) Project, to authorize City Clerk to send the Notice of Completion for recordation to the Los Angeles County Recorder's Office, and to release retention accordingly.
Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
CONSENT CALENDAR (CONTINUED)
7.f. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 26-004,
ACCEPTING THE MERCED AVENUE GREENWAY PROJECT AS
COMPLETE AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY CLERK TO FILE THE
NOTICE OF COMPLETION WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY
RECORDER
Councilmember Acosta directed questions to staff on any additional work done not part of the original scope.
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Delgado, to adopt Resolution No. 26-004, accepting the completion of the Merced Avenue Greenway Project, to authorize City Clerk to send the Notice of Completion for recordation to the Los Angeles County Recorder's Office, and to release retention accordingly. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
7. CONSENT CALENDAR — CITY COUNCIL
Motion by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Delgado, to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
7.a. Approved the Minutes for the December 2, 2025, Special City Council Meeting.
7.b. Approved the Minutes for the November 18, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting.
7.c. Adopted Resolution No. 26-001, authorizing payment of City expenditures for the period of November 27, 2025, through January 14, 2026, totaling $4,241,928.89.
7.d. Adopted Resolution No. 26-002, authorizing City of South El Monte officers holding specified titles, or their successors in office, to invest in LAIF.
7.e. This item was heard before approval of the Consent Calendar.
7.f. This item was heard before approval of the Consent Calendar.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR - SUCCESSOR AGENCY
Motion by Vice Chair Bojorquez, seconded by Board Member Acosta, to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Board Member(s):
NAYS: Board Member(s):
ABSENT: Board Member(s):
Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Vice Chair
Bojorquez, and Chair Olmos
None
None
8.a. Approved the Minutes for the November 18, 2025, Successor Agency Meeting.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS — None
10. GENERAL BUSINESS
10.a. CONSIDERATION OF ARTS DISTRICT OVERLAY AND SELECTION OF
PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and David De Vries, Director of Economic Development, provided a presentation.
Discussion topics included resident support for arts districts, the district's potential environment and reputation, the number of expected versus needed visitors for sustainability, potential impacts on cannabis buffer zones, funding options, the business options in the district, artists willing to contribute towards murals, existing murals, and other local examples.
Staff was directed to review Alternative 1: West Industrial and Alternative 2: Central Civic as preferred options for the Arts District Overlay.
This item was received and filed.
10.b. DISCUSSION RELATED TO EXPRESSIVE CONDUCT AT CITY NIGHT
MARKET AND POTENTIAL REGULATION OPTIONS
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney, provided a presentation.
Discussion topics included freedom of speech, right to protest, incidents that prompted this discussion, the potential application process, First Amendment, public safety issues, designated spaces at events, family -friendly spaces, unwanted solicitations at events, hate speech issues occurring across the country under expressive conduct, establishing code of conduct, common courtesy in public spaces, upholding speaking rights, City -hosted events versus public space area events, and the difference once violence gets involved.
This item was received and filed.
11. COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS
Councilmember Rodriguez announced he had nothing to report.
Councilmember Delgado announced he attended the following: the Employee Recognition Dinner, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District Board of Trustees Meeting, a Valle Lindo School District Christmas dance program, and a Free Food Distribution with Emergency Resources Association, Vietnamese Alliance Church, and Valle Lindo School District.
Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez announced he attended the following: the Christmas Wish Toy Giveaway, a Free Food Distribution with Emergency Resources Association, Vietnamese Alliance Church, and Valle Lindo School District, the Valle Lindo School District Christmas dance program, the Santa's Sleigh drive around, the Senior Center's Christmas Luncheon, and the Senior Center's New Year's Luncheon.
Councilmember Acosta announced he attended the following: a Free Food Distribution with Emergency Resources Association, Vietnamese Alliance Church, and Valle Lindo School District, the CIF South EI Monte High School Varsity Football game, the Employee Recognition Dinner, the Christmas Wish Toy Giveaway, the Santa's Sleigh drive around, the Senior Center's Christmas Luncheon, and the Senior Center's New Year's Luncheon.
At 9:17 p.m., Councilmember Rodriguez left the chambers.
At 9:19 p.m., Councilmember Rodriguez returned to the chambers Mayor Olmos announced she attended the following: the Senior Center's Christmas Luncheon, the Senior Center's New Year's Luncheon, the Employee Recognition Dinner, a Free Food Distribution with Emergency Resources Association, Vietnamese Alliance Church, and Valle Lindo School District, the Christmas Wish Toy Giveaway, the CIF South EI Monte High School Varsity Football game, the VACCO Industries Christmas Luncheon, the Los Angeles County Sanitation District No. 15 Board of Directors Regular Meeting, the Santa's Sleigh drive around, the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership Merry Mingle, the League of California Cities Los Angeles County Division All Cities Holiday Reception, and the Senior Center's December Birthdays & Spirit Week Social.
12. CORRESPONDENCE — None
13. COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA
13.a. COUNCILMEMBER HECTOR DELGADO
1. Consideration of $5,000.00 donation to South EI Monte High School's Volleyball Team in support of their CIF Championship Run. Donation would help cover the cost of rings for student/athletes.
COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA (CONTINUED)
Councilmember Delgado summarized his item and requested the donation due to the majority of the students not being able to afford the championship rings on their own.
Mayor Olmos clarified that the school is not allowed to purchase the rings for the students and welcomed other donations from the public.
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Delgado, to donate $5,000.00 to the South El Monte High School's Volleyball Team to help cover the cost of championship rings. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
13.b. COUNCILMEMBER MANUEL ACOSTA
1. City Manager's Authority to Approve Unscheduled, Unapproved Projects
Discussion/Action: What, if any, is the city manager's authority to approve projects under a contingency budget (Le., a construction project)? What is the interplay between a contingency budget and unscheduled or unapproved scope of work within a project? The construction contingency budget is defined as a budgeted item for unforeseen circumstances.
Councilmember Acosta referenced the letter that was presented during Public Comment, summarized his item, and directed questions to staff on current paving projects.
This item was continued to a future meeting.
2. Speed Mitigating Actions for Michael Hunt Drive
Discussion/Action: A common theme among residents that live on Michael Hunt Drive is drivers driving through the street excessively.
The installation of speed mitigating items such as speed bumps should be evaluated.
Councilmember Acosta summarized his item.
Discussion topics included prior liability coverage issues because of damage to emergency vehicles, rumble strip options, checking with the insurance carrier, nearby neighborhoods that have speed bumps, speed bump signage, stop signs with lights, and other crosswalk strips.
Staff was directed to review options and bring back at a future meeting.
14. CLOSED SESSION
At 9:47 p.m., Mayor and City Council recessed into Closed Session.
14.a. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8)
PROPERTY: 9617 Alpaca St, South El Monte, California 91733 Agency Negotiator: Rene Salas, City Manager
Negotiation Parties: Alpaca Park LLC
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment as it relates to interests in real property.
14.b. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) and (e)(1)): (four matters)
14.c. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4)): (one matter) At 12:09 a.m., Mayor Olmos reconvened the meeting with all councilmembers present.
Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney, announced City Council discussed Items 14.a. through 14.c., reports were provided, feedback given, no reportable action, and at 10:25 p.m., Mayor and City Council voted to extend the meeting past 10:00 p.m.
Motion to extend the meeting passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
15. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business coming before this body, at 12:09 a.m., Mayor Olmos adjourned the meeting in Memory of Allen J. Parker, former City Manager, to a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Sabrina A. Muhne, Deputy City Clerk.
Adrian Garcia, MMC, City Clerk
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