Final Minutes Approved 03/03/2026
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, February 3, 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(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, 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; and Sabrina Muhne, Deputy City Clerk.
Zoom was provided for the public to participate during Public Comment via teleconference.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. INVOCATION — Pastor Benjamin Garrett, Faith Dominion Church, offered the invocation.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.a. Mayor and City Council presented Certificates of Recognition to the South EI Monte Community Outreach Church volunteers.
4.b. Mayor and City Council presented Certificates of Recognition to the South EI Monte High School Football team and coaches for their CIF win.
4.c. Mayor and City Council presented a Certificate of Recognition to Diana Manzano, Area D Coordinator, for her service to the City of South EI Monte.
4.d. Assistant Fire Chief Paul Stump presented updates on the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
4.e. Captain Meza presented updates on the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department Temple Station.
At 6:49 p.m. Councilmember Delgado left the chambers.
At 6:53 p.m. Councilmember Delgado returned to the chambers.
5. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF
ORDINANCES
Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney, announced a request to move Agenda Item
11.a to be heard after the Consent Calendar, and two walk-on items under Correspondence Agenda Item 11.c. and Closed Session Agenda Item 13.a.
Motion by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Delgado, 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
At 7:05 p.m., Mayor Olmos called for a recess.
At 7:09 p.m., Mayor Olmos reconvened the City Council Meeting with all councilmembers present.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Olmos opened Public Comment and Public Hearings.
1. Eduardo Saucedo spoke on Agenda Items 8.a. and Agenda Item 8.b.
2. Richard Angel, resident, recognized the South EI Monte High School Football team and coaches, and spoke in support of the Brewers Baseball team's use of the city fields.
3. Roseanne Angel, resident, expressed concerns on a potential scam occurring near the AT&T store, and expressed support for Leo Briones and the Brewers Baseball team.
4. Frank Villegas, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 8.b., and expressed concerns on nitrous oxide issues in the City.
5. Danny Olmos, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 8.b., and safety issues with a night paving project occurring on Allgeyer Street.
6. Monica Ramos, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 8.b.
7. Tony Valenica, resident, spoke on drug use issues at South EI Monte High School and expressed concern on Agenda Item 8.b.
8. John Ventura, resident, expressed concerns on the paving project at Allgeyer Street, potential conflict of interest issues, the upcoming election campaigns, and called for the resignation of councilmembers and the City Manager.
PUBLIC COMMENT (CONTINUED)
There being no further public comments, Mayor Olmos closed Public Comment and Public Hearings.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
CONSENT CALENDAR (CONTINUED)
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, Regular City Council Meeting.
7.b. Adopted Resolution No. 25-104, authorizing payment of City expenditures for the period of January 15, 2026, through January 28, 2026, totaling $1,033,107.35.
7.c. Approved Resolution No. 26-006, approving First Amendment to the Contract Services Agreement with Council for Watershed Health (CWH), dated July 25, 2024, to increase the not -to -exceed contract sum in the amount of Two Hundred Nineteen Thousand Five Hundred Four Dollars ($219,504.00), for a new total not -to -exceed sum of One Million Five Hundred Eight Thousand Two Hundred Two Dollars ($1,508,202.00) and to extend the term of the agreement by one (1) year, and authorized the City Manager or designee to negotiate and execute the amendment.
Agenda Item 11.a. was heard at this time.
11. CORRESPONDENCE
11.a. LETTER FROM THE VETERANS HUNTERS PROJECT ORGANIZATION
REQUESTING A FACILITY FEE WAIVER FOR THE USE OF THE SOUTH
EL MONTE SENIOR CENTER TO HOST A MILITARY DEPLOYMENT
CEREMONY AND A MONETARY DONATION
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Joe Leal, founder of Vet Hunters Project, requested the facility fee waiver for the use of the Senior Center to host a military deployment ceremony on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
CORRESPONDENCE
Item 11.a.
(CONTINUED)
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve the facility fee waiver request submitted by the Veterans Hunters Project organization for the use of the Senior Center Dining Room in the amount of $300.00, to approve the fee waiver request for the non - waived fees associated with the reservation in the amount of $899.00, and to approve a monetary donation of $300.00 to provide refreshments for the event. 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
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8.a. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE 1286, AMENDING THE SOUTH EL MONTE MUNICIPAL CODE BY MODIFYING TITLE 15 THEREOF
ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2026 LOS ANGELES COUNTY
BUILDING CODE (TITLE 26), ELECTRICAL CODE (TITLE 27),
PLUMBING CODE (TITLE 28), MECHANICAL CODE (TITLE 29),
RESIDENTIAL CODE (TITLE 30), GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS
CODE (TITLE 31), AND EXISTING BUILDING CODE (TITLE 33), WHICH
ADOPTS BY REFERENCE, WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS,
ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS THERETO, TITLE 24 OF THE
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Gerardo Marquez, Director of Community Development and Public Works, provided a report.
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Delgado, to adopt Ordinance No. 1286, amending the South El Monte Municipal Code by modifying Title 15 thereof adopting by reference the 2026 Los Angeles County Building Code (Title 26), Electrical Code (Title 27), Plumbing Code (Title 28), Mechanical Code (Title 29), Residential Code (Title 30), Green Building Standards Code (Title 31), and Existing Building Code (Title 33), thereby adopting by reference Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations with certain amendments, additions and deletions thereto. 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
PUBLIC HEARINGS (CONTINUED)
8.b. CONSIDERATION OF FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 1287
AFFIRMING THE PLANNING COMMISSION'S RECOMMENDATION TO
APPROVE ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT 25-01 TO AMEND THE SOUTH
EL MONTE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 17.09 AND CHAPTER 5.26 TO
ALLOW COMMERCIAL CANNABIS OPERATIONS IN THE
MANUFACTURING ZONE AND TO AMEND THE EXISTING REQUIRED
BUFFER DISTANCES FROM JURISDICTIONAL BOUNDARIES TO 350
FEET AND MAINTAIN 1,000 FOOT BUFFERS FROM ALL OTHER
SENSITIVE USES
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Gerardo Marquez, Director of Community Development and Public Works, provided a presentation.
Mayor Olmos opened the Public Hearing.
1. John Ventura, resident, supported consultants conducting the vetting process for the dispensaries instead of councilmembers and staff, and expressed concerns on dispensaries that donate to political action committees.
2. Kimberly Valencia, resident, expressed concerns on changing the 1,000 -foot buffer zones and spoke on the legal obligations of Measure CM.
Discussion topics included defining jurisdictional boundary, keeping dispensaries away from schools and residential areas, pushing dispensaries towards industrial areas, the number of current parcels, current parcels availability/vacancy, legal ramifications for having no vacant parcels, resident feedback was considered, increasing the number of available parcels, restrictive zoning issues with four parcels, distance between dispensaries, actual distances from schools and other sensitive areas, and continuing to keep families safe.
There being no further public comments, Mayor Olmos closed the Public Hearing.
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, to waive full reading and introduce Ordinance No. 1287 by title only, approving the Planning Commission's recommendation and adopting Zone Text Amendment No. 25-01 to amend the South EI Monte Municipal Code Chapter 17.09 to allow retailer commercial cannabis operations as a permitted use within the Manufacturing (M) zone, to amend the South EI Monte Municipal Code Chapter 5.26 to add the Manufacturing (M) zone as a permissible zone for retailer commercial cannabis operations and amend the existing required buffer distance of 1,000 -foot buffer from all existing sensitive uses except for jurisdictional boundaries, the buffer of which will be 350 feet. Motion passed 3-2, by the following vote:
PUBLIC HEARINGS (CONTINUED)
Item 8.b.
AYES: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez, Rodriguez, and Mayor Pro Tem Delgado
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Acosta, and Mayor Olmos
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
9. GENERAL BUSINESS
9.a. CONSIDERATION OF FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 1288, AMENDING CHAPTER 5.26 OF TITLE 5 OF THE SOUTH EL MONTE
MUNICIPAL CODE THEREBY AMENDING THE CITY'S CANNABIS
REGULATIONS IN RELATION TO APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND
CRITERIA, PERMITTING AND OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS, AND
MAKE SUCH OTHER CHANGES TO ALIGN WITH LEGAL
DEVELOPMENTS
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Shelley Preisler, Associate Attorney, provided a presentation.
Discussion topics included the final decision on applicant or permittee, clarification on the resolution needed to set the selection process and criteria, and the applicant vetting process being equitable and transparent.
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, to waive the full reading and introduce Ordinance No. 1288 by title only, amending Chapter 5.26 of Title 5 of the South El Monte Municipal Code, thereby amending the City's cannabis regulations, in relation to application procedure and criteria, permitting and operational requirements, clarification changes, and other changes in order to align with legal developments and to improve the administration thereof. 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.b. FISCAL 2025-26 MID -YEAR BUDGET REVIEW
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Masami Higa, Director of Finance, provided a report.
At 9:02 p.m. Councilmember Delgado left the chambers.
At 9:05 p.m. Councilmember Delgado returned to the chambers.
This item was received and filed.
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez, to bring back an ordinance changing the Community Services Commission members from seven to five members and to continue the commission appointments to the next meeting. Motion passed 4-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Acosta
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
9.c. APPOINTMENT OF ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN AND GIRLS
COMMISSIONERS
This item was continued to the next meeting.
9.d. APPOINTMENT OF COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSIONERS
This item was continued to the next meeting.
9.e. APPOINTMENT OF PATRIOTIC COMMISSIONERS
This item was continued to the next meeting.
9.f. APPOINTMENT OF PLANNING COMMISSIONERS
This item was continued to the next meeting.
10. COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS
Councilmember Rodriguez announced he had nothing to report.
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado announced he attended the following: the Foothill Transit Governing Board Meeting.
Councilmember Bojorquez announced he had nothing to report.
Councilmember Acosta announced he attended the following: the Town HaII Meeting with District Attorney Nathan Hochman.
Mayor Olmos announced she had nothing to report.
11. CORRESPONDENCE
11.a. LETTER FROM THE VETERANS HUNTERS PROJECT ORGANIZATION
REQUESTING A FACILITY FEE WAIVER FOR THE USE OF THE SOUTH
EL MONTE SENIOR CENTER TO HOST A MILITARY DEPLOYMENT
CEREMONY AND A MONETARY DONATION
CORRESPONEDENCE (CONTINUED)
Item 11.a.
This item was heard after the Consent Calendar.
11.b. LETTER FROM THE EM/SEM JETS ORGANIZATION REQUESTING A
DONATION TO THEIR VOLUNTEERS AND PROGRAM
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Delgado, to approve a donation of $500. 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
11.c. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF A SPONSORSHIP TO THE
TEMPLE STATION SHERIFF'S OUTREACH FOUNDATION FOR THE
2ND ANNUAL SHERIFF'S GALA & AWARDS CEREMONY ON
FEBRUARY 11, 2026
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve a Silver Sponsorship with a table for 10 guests, in the amount of $2,500. 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
12. COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA
12.a. COUNCILMEMBER MANUEL ACOSTA
1. City Manager's Decision to Remove Public Safety Dept and Replace with Parking Enforcement Dept.
Discussion/Action: On December 23, 2025, the city manager replaced the Public Safety Dept with a new Parking Enforcement Dept. What tasks and duties that were performed by the Public Safety dept will not be performed by the new Parking Enforcement dept? What are the advantages of removing the Public Safety dept?
Councilmember Acosta summarized his item, referenced the fire that occurred the prior week, and directed questions to the City Manager.
Other discussion topics included that Public Safety services have been contracted to Parking Enforcement services, the maintenance team is also trained in traffic control, and the Sheriffs responsibilities.
COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA (CONTINUED)
Item 12.a.
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Mayor Olmos, to change the name of the Parking Enforcement Department back to the Public Safety Department.
Substitute Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Delgado, to leave as is. Substitute Motion passed 3-2, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Delgado, Rodriguez, and Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Acosta, and Mayor Olmos
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): None
12.b. COUNCILMEMBER HECTOR DELGADO
1. Consideration of a $5,000.00 donation to South EI Monte High School's Varsity Football Team in support of their CIF Championship Run.
Donation would help cover the cost of rings for student/athletes.
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve a donation of $5,000 to South EI Monte High School's Varsity Football Team in support of their CIF Championship Run. 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. CLOSED SESSION
13.a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — ANTICIPATED
LITIGATION: Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2) and 54956.9(e)(1): one matter
At 10:21 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, no reportable action, and at 9:57 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
14. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business coming before this body, at 10:22 p.m., Mayor Olmos adjourned the meeting in memory of Kathy Gonzalez, former City Clerk, to a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Sabrina A. Muhne, Deputy City Clerk.
Adrian Garcia, MMC, City Clerk
Gloria Olmos, ay