Gloria Olmos, Mayor/Chair
Rudy Bojorquez, Mayor Pro Tem/ Vice Chair
Manuel Acosta, Councilmember/
Boardmember
Hector Delgado, Councilmember/
Boardmember
Larry Rodriguez, Councilmember/
Boardmember
Rene Salas, City Manager/Executive
Director
Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney/
General Counsel
Adrian Garcia, City Clerk/Secretary
Masami Higa, Director of
Finance/Treasurer
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE SOUTH EL MONTE CITY COUNCIL AND THE
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE SOUTH EL MONTE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AGENDA
February 17, 2026, 6:00 PM
1415 Santa Anita Avenue, South El Monte, CA 91733
PUBLIC COMMENT
Those wishing to participate during Public Comment may do so in person at the South El Monte City Hall Council Chambers, or may submit written public comments by emailing [email protected]. Emailed public comments are due by 5:00 p.m., and should be limited to no more than 250 words. Written public comments will be provided to the City Council and will be part of the record but will not be read aloud.
To participate during public comment via teleconference, see below:
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86581711880
Webinar ID: 865 8171 1880
Or call in: 1 669 900 6833, when prompted, enter 86581711880#
LIVE STREAMING OF MEETINGS
The City of South El Monte live streams the City Council Meetings over the Internet at https://www.cityofsouthelmonte.org/129/Meeting-Agendas-Minutes. After the meetings, recordings are immediately posted. NOTE: Your attendance at this public meeting may result in the streaming and recording of your image and/or voice.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if you require a disability-related modification or accommodation to attend or participate in this meeting, including auxiliary aids or services, please call the City Clerk’s office at (626) 579-6540 at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.
MEETINGS
The City Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of every month.
Regular meetings start at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1415 Santa Anita Avenue, South El Monte, California. Special and Adjourned Regular meetings start time are to be determined.
POSTING LOCATIONS OF AGENDA AND/OR CANCELLATION NOTICES Regular meeting agendas will be posted at least 72 hours before the meeting (GC 54954(a)(1)).
Agenda and Cancellation Notices can be viewed online and are also posted at the following three (3) locations: City Hall located at 1415 Santa Anita Avenue, Senior Center located at 1556 Central Avenue and the Community Center located at 1530 Central Avenue, South El Monte, California.
VIEWING OF AGENDA PACKETS
Full agenda packet can be viewed either at
https://www.cityofsouthelmonte.org/129/Meeting-Agendas-Minutes or in the City Clerk’s Office during normal business hours Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Closed on Fridays and major holidays.
ISSUES RELATED TO AGENDA
For issues related to the agenda, including a disability-related accommodation necessary to participate in this meeting, please contact:
Adrian Garcia, MMC, City Clerk
Ph (626) 443-4928
Cell (626) 926-3071
Sabrina A. Muhne, Deputy City Clerk
Ph (626) 652-3121
Cell (626) 374-1998
LEVINE ACT DISCLOSURE
Pursuant to the Levine Act (Govt Code Section 84308), any party to a permit, license, contract, or other entitlement before the City Council is required to disclose on the record any campaign contribution, including aggregated contributions, of more than $500 made by the party or the party's agents within the preceding 12 months to any City official. Participants and agents are requested to make this disclosure as well. The disclosure should be made when the agenda item is called and must include the name of the party, participant, or agent, and any other person making the contribution, the name of the recipient, the amount of the contribution, and the date the contribution was made. Council Members are also required to make such disclosures and recuse themselves.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
City Council Members with a conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act are required to make disclosure of financial interest when the item is called and recuse themselves.
AGENDA BEGINS ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Councilmembers/Boardmembers: Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Bojorquez, and Mayor/Chair Olmos
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Hector Delgado
3. INVOCATION
Robert Yrigoyen, Parish Council President, Epiphany Catholic Church
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.a. Presentation of Certificates of Recognition to the Shively Dance Team for their 1st Place win at the Sharp Dance Competition.
4.b. Presentation of Certificates of Recognition to the EM/SEM Jets Cheer teams for the 2nd and 3rd Place at the Las Vegas Cheer Competitions.
4.c. Presentation of Certificates of Recognition to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10218 for their participation in the City of South El Monte's Veterans Day Event.
4.d. Public Works Department Quarterly Report
5. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF
ORDINANCES
By motion of the City Council, this is the time to notify the public of any changes to the agenda, remove items from the consent calendar for individual consideration and/or rearrange the order of the agenda.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Speakers may provide public comments on any matter within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council, including items on the agenda. Each speaker will be limited to five minutes. Unless a majority of the Council objects, the Mayor may provide speakers more or less time to speak. All comments or queries shall be addressed to the Council as a body and not to any specific member thereof.
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2(a)(2), the Ralph M. Brown Act, no action or discussion by the City Council shall be undertaken on any item not appearing on the posted agenda, except to briefly provide information, ask for clarification, provide direction to staff, or schedule a matter for a future meeting.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR - CITY COUNCIL
Items on the consent calendar are considered to be routine and customary and are enacted by a single motion with the exception of items previously removed by a member of the City Council during "Approval of the Agenda" for individual consideration. Any items removed shall be individually considered immediately after taking action on the Consent Calendar.
Consent Calendar Items 7.a. through 7.c. next page.
CONSENT CALENDAR - CITY COUNCIL (CONTINUED)
7.a. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 20, 2026
Staff is requesting approval of the Minutes of the January 20, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff is requesting approval of the Minutes of the January 20, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting.
7.b. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 26-007, APPROVING WARRANTS FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 29,
THROUGH FEBRUARY 12, 2026
Authorizing payment of City expenditures for the period of January 29, 2026, through February 12, 2026, totaling $1,33,043.19.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends City Council adopt Resolution No. 26-007, authorizing payment of City expenditures.
7.c. ADOPTION 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
Adoption of Ordinance No. 1287, affirming the Planning Commission’s recommendation to approve zoning text amendment to 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.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends City Council waive the full reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1287, approving Planning Commission’s recommendation and adopting Zone Text Amendment No. 25-01 to:
• Amend the South El Monte Municipal Code Chapter 17.09 to allow retailer commercial cannabis operations as a permitted use within the Manufacturing (M) zone; and
• Amend the South El 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.
Consent Calendar Items 7.d. and 7.e. next page.
CONSENT CALENDAR - CITY COUNCIL (CONTINUED)
7.d. ADOPTION 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
Adoption of an ordinance 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.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends City Council waive the full reading and adopt 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, clarification changes, and other changes in order to align with legal developments and to improve the administration thereof.
7.e. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 26-008, ACCEPTING THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL IMPROVEMENTS AT LEE AVE. & GARVEY AVE. AND DURFEE AVE. & PECK RD. – MICHAEL HUNT DR.
PROJECT (HSIPL-5352 (021)) AS COMPLETE AND AUTHORIZING THE
CITY CLERK TO FILE THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY RECORDER.
On February 20th, 2024, the Engineering Department solicited bids for the Traffic Signal Improvements at Lee Ave & Garvey Ave and Durfee Ave & Peck Rd — Michael Hunt Drive. The work involved furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, services, and incidentals required for traffic signal placement, including the installation of conduits, pull boxes, signal heads, sensor units, pedestrian push buttons, traffic signal poles, traffic striping, hauling and disposal, and traffic control at Lee Ave & Garvey Ave and Durfee Ave & Peck Rd - Michael Hunt Drive. On March 26th, 2024, Calpromax Engineering, Inc. (“Contractor”) was awarded a construction contract for the Traffic Signal Improvements at Lee Ave & Garvey Ave and Durfee Ave & Peck Rd - Michael Hunt Drive Project. The final cost for the construction work completed by Calpromax Engineering, Inc. is $496,979.91.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 26-008, accepting the completion of the Traffic Signal Improvements at Lee Ave & Garvey Ave and Durfee Ave & Peck Rd - Michael Hunt Drive Project;
2. Authorize City Clerk to send the Notice of Completion for recordation to the Los Angeles County Recorder’s Office; and
3. Release retention accordingly.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR - SUCCESSOR AGENCY
Items on the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and customary and are enacted by a single motion with the exception of items previously removed by a member of the Board during "Approval of the Agenda" for individual consideration. Any items removed shall be individually considered immediately after taking action on the Consent Calendar.
8.a. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING MINUTES FOR JANUARY 20, 2026
Staff is requesting approval of the Minutes of the January 20, 2026, Successor Agency Meeting.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff is requesting approval of the Minutes of the January 20, 2026, Successor Agency Meeting.
8.b. COUNCIL TO RECEIVE AND FILE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE SOUTH EL MONTE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT’S APPROVED
RECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE FOR THE
ANNUAL PERIOD JULY 1, 2026 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027 (“ROPS 26- 27”)
On January 12, 2026, the County Oversight Board approved the Successor Agency’s ROPS 26-27 by adopting Resolution No. OB 26-1. Staff requests City Council receive and file ROPS 26-27.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends City Council and
Successor Agency Board Members receive and file ROPS 26-27.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
10. GENERAL BUSINESS
10.a. CONSIDERATION OF FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 1289,
AMENDING SOUTH EL MONTE'S MUNICIPAL CODE SECTIONS
2.48.020 OF CHAPTER 2.48 TO DECREASE THE NUMBER OF
COMMISSIONERS ON THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
FROM SEVEN TO FIVE COMMISSIONERS
Staff is seeking City Council to introduce first reading of Ordinance No. 1289, amending South El Monte's Municipal Code sections 2.48.020 of chapter 2.48 to decrease the number of commissioners on the Community Services Commission from seven to five commissioners.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends City Council waive first reading and introduce Ordinance No. 1289, amending South El Monte's Municipal Code sections 2.48.020 of chapter 2.48 to decrease the number of commissioners on the Community Services Commission from seven to five commissioners.
General Business Items 10.b. through 10.e. next page.
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
10.b. CONTINUED FROM THE FEBRUARY 3, 2026, REGULAR CITY
COUNCIL MEETING - APPOINTMENT OF ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN
AND GIRLS COMMISSIONERS
Appointments to be made to the Advancement of Women and Girls Commission, which is a five-member commission. The current terms expired on January 31, 2026.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends City Council consider appointing five individuals seeking re-appointment/appointment to the Advancement of Women and Girls Commission for a one-year term ending January 31, 2027.
10.c. CONTINUED FROM THE FEBRUARY 3, 2026, REGULAR CITY
COUNCIL MEETING - APPOINTMENT OF COMMUNITY SERVICES
COMMISSIONERS
Appointments to be made to the Community Services Commission, which is a five-member commission. The current terms expired on January 31, 2026.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends City Council consider appointing five individuals, should the City Council approve the Ordinance decreasing the number of Community Services Commissioners from seven to five commissioners, seeking reappointment/appointment to the Community Services Commission for a one-year term ending January 31, 2027.
10.d. CONTINUED FROM THE FEBRUARY 3, 2026, REGULAR CITY
COUNCIL MEETING - APPOINTMENT OF PATRIOTIC
COMMISSIONERS
Appointments to be made to the Patriotic Commission, which is a fivemember commission. The current terms expired on January 31, 2026.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends City Council consider appointing five individuals seeking re-appointment/appointment to the Patriotic Commission for a one-year term ending January 31, 2027.
10.e. CONTINUED FROM THE FEBRUARY 3, 2026, REGULAR CITY
COUNCIL MEETING - APPOINTMENT OF PLANNING
COMMISSIONERS
Appointments to be made to the Planning Commission, which is a fivemember commission. The current terms expired on January 31, 2026.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends City Council consider appointing five individuals seeking reappointment/appointment to the Planning Commission for a one-year term ending January 31, 2027.
General Business Items 10.f. through 10.i. next page.
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
10.f. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 26-009,
ADDING PROVISIONS FOR DENTAL AND VISION OPT-OUT BENEFITS Consideration and approval of Resolution No. 26-009, adding provisions for dental and vision opt-out benefits.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends City Council adopt Resolution No. 26-009, adding provisions for dental and vision opt-out benefits.
10.g. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 26-010,
UPDATING THE PROVISIONS OF BASIC LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS Consideration and approval of Resolution No. 26-010, updating the provisions of basic life insurance benefits.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends City Council adopt Resolution No. 26-010, updating the provisions of basic life insurance benefits.
10.h. DESIGN OF FREEWAY ORIENTED PYLON SIGN LOCATED AT 1223
SANTA ANITA AVENUE
Review and provide staff direction regarding design alternatives of freeway oriented pylon sign located at 1223 Santa Anita Avenue.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends the City Council review and provide staff direction regarding the design alternatives associated with the proposed freeway oriented pylon sign at 1223 Santa Anita Avenue and the preferred design, single pole, double pole or skirt, and with or without an electronic readerboard.
10.i. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED 2026 STATE
OF THE CITY PROGRAM
The State of the City address is a vital annual program designed to provide residents, business owners, and stakeholders with a comprehensive update on the City’s past year's accomplishments, financial health, strategic goals and upcoming projects. The City has historically hosted this event to foster transparency and public engagement.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends the City Council discuss, review, and approve the proposed State of the City program.
General Business Items 10.j. through 10.l. next page.
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
10.j. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF COMMUNITY MURAL DESIGN
FOR THE UPCOMING MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS
Staff is requesting City Council's approval of a proposed mural design intended to support the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and LA28 Summer Olympics public viewing events hosted by the City of South El Monte. The mural will serve as a visual backdrop for community gatherings including the City's Night Market Series, and is designed to promote civic pride, global unity, and athletic excellence while remaining compliant with intellectual property guidelines.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends City Council discuss and provide direction on the proposed community mural design.
10.k. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE 2026 BAND
PERFORMANCES FOR THE NIGHT MARKETS AND FOURTH OF JULY
CELEBRATION
Staff is requesting City Council to consider and approve the proposed 2026 Night Markets and Fourth of July Celebration band performances.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends City Council consider and approve the proposed 2026 Night Markets and Fourth of July Celebration band performances.
10.l. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF COMMUNITY MURAL DESIGN
FOR THE CITY HALL ENTRY WALL WEST OF CENTRAL AVE
Staff is requesting City Council select and approve a preferred alternative mural design to create an artistic gateway along Central Avenue visible to vehicles and pedestrians. The mural will serve as a visual landmark to welcome visitors and community members and is designed to promote civic pride, tourism, and community excellence while remaining compliant with intellectual property guidelines.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends City Council discuss and provide direction on the proposed community mural design.
General Business Item 10.m. next page.
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
10.m. APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 26-011, AUTHORIZING THE
FUNDING OF WATER MAIN EXTENSION ON SANTA ANITA AVENUE
AND PAYMENT OF $510,000 TO SAN GABRIEL VALLEY WATER
COMPANY AND APPROVING A MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY AND SANTA ANITA
COMMERCIAL GROUP LLC ESTABLISHING REIMBURSEMENT
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1127-1223
SANTA ANITA AVENUE ("PROPERTY")
The City has identified the Santa Anita Avenue corridor as a priority area for economic revitalization. The proposed development at 1127-1223 Santa Anita Avenue, which includes a new In-N-Out Burger and up to five additional tenant spaces, requires significant off-site water infrastructure improvements to meet modern fire flow and domestic capacity standards.
To facilitate this project, the City will provide an upfront payment of $510,000.00 directly to the San Gabriel Valley Water Company (SGVWC).
To protect the public’s investment, the City is entering into an MOU with the property owner, Santa Anita Commercial Group, LLC, requiring that any future refunds issued by SGVWC be paid back to the City until the full $510,000.00 is recouped.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 26-011, authorizing the funding of water main extension on Santa Anita Avenue and payment of $510,000 to San Gabriel Valley Water Company and approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and Santa Anita Commercial Group LLC establishing reimbursement requirements for the property located at1127-1223 Santa Anita Avenue ("Property"); and
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to negotiate and execute the MOU.
11. COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS
AB 1234, section 53232.3(d) requires Members of a legislative body to provide brief reports on meetings attended at the expense of the local agency (i.e., League of California Cities Conferences, ICSC conferences, etc.) at the next regular meeting of the legislative body.
Correspondence next page.
12. CORRESPONDENCE
12.a. LETTER FROM SOUTH EL MONTE NATIONAL LITTLE LEAGUE
REQUESTING A FACILITY FEE WAIVER FOR THE USE OF NEW
TEMPLE PARK FIELDS, MARY VAN DYKE PARK COMMUNITY ROOM,
SENIOR CENTER DINING ROOM, CONSIDERATION TO WAIVE THE
PARK LIGHTING FEES, AND CONSIDERATION TO WAIVE THE FEES
FOR THE INSTALLATION AND TEAR DOWN OF FIELD FENCES
The South El Monte National Little League ("SEMNLL") is requesting reservation facility fee waivers for the use of New Temple Park fields, Senior Center Dining Room, Mary Van Dyke Park Community Room, and requesting the City Council consider waiving the reservation light fees and associated labor cost incurred to install and remove four (4) fences at New Temple Park.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends City Council:
1. Discuss and consider the facility reservation fee waiver request for the use of the New Temple Park fields, Senior Center Dining Room, and Mary Van Dyke Community Room for the estimated amount of $36,825.00;
2. Discuss and consider the request to waive the light fees in the estimated amount of $7,740.00; and
3. Discuss and consider waiving the associated labor cost incurred to install and remove four (4) fences at New Temple Park in the estimated amount of $4,700.00.
13. COUNCILMEMBERS’ AGENDA
13.a. COUNCILMEMBER HECTOR DELGADO
1. Discussion/Action/Direction on funding for infrastructure projects that have the potential for our city to benefit.
2. Discussion/Action/Direction on supporting our South El Monte High School CSF program in the amount of $500.00 dollars.
3. Discussion/Action/Direction on the Brewers Baseball application for waiver of fees.
14. CLOSED SESSION
14.a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED
LITIGATION: Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2): one matter
15. ADJOURNMENT OF CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING NEXT REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING:
Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
CERTIFICATION
I, Adrian Garcia, MMC, City Clerk of the City of South El Monte, or my designee, hereby certify under penalty of perjury that a true, accurate copy of the foregoing agenda was posted on this February 12, 2026, seventy-two (72) hours prior to the meeting per Government Code 54954.2 at the following locations: City of South El Monte City Hall, Senior Center and Community Center and made available at www.cityofsouthelmonte.org.
Adrian Garcia, MMC