Final Minutes Approved 3/17/2026
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, February 17, 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): Tem/Vice 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; 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 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 Shively Dance Team for their 1st Place win at the Sharp Dance Competition.
4.b. Mayor and City Council presented Certificates of Recognition to the EM/SEM Jets Cheer teams for the 2nd and 3rd Place at the Las Vegas Cheer Competitions.
4.c. Mayor and City Council presented Certificates of Recognition to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10218 for their participation in the City of South EI Monte's Veterans Day Event.
4.d. Public Works Supervisor Figueroa presented the Public Works Department Quarterly Report.
5. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF
ORDINANCES
Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney, announced an update to the attachments for Agenda Item 10.m.
Councilmember Acosta requested to pull Agenda Item 7.c. from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, 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. Eduardo Saucedo spoke on opportunities to improve the City and Whittier Narrows for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and LA28 Olympics, the Kruse property as a boxing facility, the City needing an updated infrastructure and beautification plan, and hotel needs for the Olympic visitors.
2. Robert Yrigoyen, resident, spoke on fiscal responsibility, the process for organizations requesting financial aid from council, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 10.m., and expressed support for council working together.
3. Dr. Elizabeth Evans, Superintendent, Valle Lindo School District, invited council and community members to participate in National Read Across America Week being held March 2-6, 2026.
4. Marissa Castro-Salvati, Government Relations Manager, Southern California Edison, introduced herself as a returning representative for the region.
5. Amanda Rodarte-Contreras, Library Manager, South El Monte Library, announced a closure for staff development, and provided updates on upcoming library programs.
6. John Ventura, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 10.h., expressed support for Leo Briones in regard to Agenda Item 13.a.3., and expressed concerns on Agenda Item 7.c.
There being no further public comments, Mayor Olmos closed Public Comment.
Consent Calendar Agenda Item 7.c. was heard at this time.
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
Councilmember Acosta announced clarification on changes in the proposed ordinance compared to the existing ordinance.
Gerardo Marquez, Director of Community Development & Public Works, and Shelley Preisler, Associate Attorney, provided clarification that with these changes, the distance from sensitive use areas exceed 1,000 feet and keeps potential locations away from residential areas.
At 7:21 p.m., Mayor Olmos called for a recess.
At 7:25 p.m., Mayor Olmos reconvened the City Council Meeting with all councilmembers present.
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Mayor Olmos, to not approve.
Substitute Motion by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Delgado, to 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 EI Monte Municipal Code Chapter 17.09 to allow retailer commercial cannabis operations as a permitted use within the Manufacturing (M) zone, and 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:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Delgado, Rodriguez, and Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Acosta, and Mayor Olmos
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
7. CONSENT CALENDAR — CITY COUNCIL
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, to approve the balance of 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 January 20, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting.
7.b. Adopted Resolution No. 26-007, authorizing payment of City expenditures for the period of January 29, 2026, through February 12, 2026, totaling $1,33,043.19.
7.c. This item was heard prior to approval of the Consent Calendar.
7.d. Waived the full reading and adopted 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. Adopted 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, authorized City Clerk to send the Notice of Completion for recordation to the Los Angeles County Recorder's Office, and released retention accordingly.
General Business Agenda Item 10.m. was heard at this time.
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")
Mayor Olmos announced the item, and David De Vries, Director of Economic Development provided a report.
Discussion topics included project ownership, the City's standard practice in similar situations, compromising with splitting costs, generating future revenue despite current deficit if approved, infrastructure improvements, tax revenue generated from potentially six total tenants at the location, and the property being a City investment.
AGENDA ITEM 10.m. (CONTINUED)
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, to 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 at 1127-1223 Santa Anita Avenue, and to authorize the City Manager or designee to negotiate and execute the MOU. 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
Correspondence Agenda Item 10.m. was heard at this time.
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
Mayor Olmos announced the item and Ariana De La Cruz, Director of Community Services, provided a report.
Staff was directed to obtain financial disclosures from the organization and to bring back an item on adding this requirement from any organization requesting a fee waiver.
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Delgado, to approve 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, to waive the light fees in the estimated amount of $7,740.00, and to waive the associated labor cost incurred to install and remove four (4) fences at New Temple Park in the estimated amount of $4,700.00.
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. CONSENT CALENDAR - SUCCESSOR AGENCY
Motion by Vice Chair Bojorquez, seconded by Board Member Delgado, to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
CONSENT CALENDAR - SUCCESSOR AGENCY (CONTINUED)
AYES: Board Member(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Vice Chair Bojorquez, and Chair Olmos
NAYS: Board Member(s): None
ABSENT: Board Member(s): None
8.a. Approved the Minutes for the January 20, 2026, Successor Agency Meeting.
8.b. Received and filed the 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
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Delgado, to 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. 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
10.b. CONTINUED FROM THE FEBRUARY 3, 2026, REGULAR CITY
COUNCIL MEETING - APPOINTMENT OF ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN
AND GIRLS COMMISSIONERS
Mayor Olmos read the applicants' names seeking appointment to the Advancement of Women and Girls Commission.
Councilmember Acosta nominated Kimberly Valencia for appointment. Vote failed 2-3:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Delgado, Rodriguez, and Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez
Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez nominated Evelyn Briones for re -appointment. Vote passed 55-00:
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Item 10.b.
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
Councilmember Delgado nominated Cindy Flores for appointment. Vote passed 5-0:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
Councilmember Rodriguez nominated Cecilia Rosas for appointment. Vote passed 55=0:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
Mayor Olmos nominated Sara Gaeta-Anguiano for re -appointment. Vote passed 5-0:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
Councilmember Acosta nominated Elizabeth Gutierrez for re -appointment. Vote passed 55=0:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado. Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
Mayor Olmos read the names of those appointed and re -appointed to the Advancement of Women and Girls Commission: Evelyn Briones (re -appointed), Cindy Flores, Sara Gaeta-Anguiano (re -appointed), Elizabeth Gutierrez (re- appointed), and Cecilia Rosas.
10.c. CONTINUED FROM THE FEBRUARY 3, 2026, REGULAR CITY
COUNCIL MEETING - APPOINTMENT OF COMMUNITY SERVICES
COMMISSIONERS
Mayor Olmos read the applicants' names seeking appointment to the Community Services Commission.
Councilmember Rodriguez nominated Robert Becerra for re -appointment. Vote passed 55-00:
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Item 10.c.
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez nominated Gerardo Diaz for re -appointment. Vote passed 55-00:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
Councilmember Delgado nominated Eric Velasquez for appointment. Vote passed 55-00:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
Councilmember Acosta nominated Hortencia Vasquez for re -appointment. Vote passed 55-00:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
Mayor Olmos nominated Kimberly Valencia for appointment. Vote failed 2-3:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Delgado, Rodriguez, and Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez
Councilmember Acosta nominated George Anguiano for re -appointment. Vote passed 55-00:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
Mayor Olmos read the names of those appointed and re -appointed to the Community Services Commission: George Anguiano (re -appointed), Robert Becerra (re -appointed), Gerardo Diaz (re -appointed), Hortencia Vasquez (re- appointed), and Eric Velasquez.
10.d. CONTINUED FROM THE FEBRUARY 3, 2026, REGULAR CITY
COUNCIL MEETING - APPOINTMENT OF PATRIOTIC
COMMISSIONERS
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Item 10.d.
Mayor Olmos read the applicants' names seeking appointment to the Patriotic Commission and announced the passing of Blanca Figueroa who the meeting will be closed in honor of.
Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez nominated Nydia Romero for re -appointment. Vote passed 55=0:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
Councilmember Delgado nominated Naomi Lopez for re -appointment. Vote passed 55=0:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
Councilmember Rodriguez nominated Abraham Flores -Rojo for re -appointment.
Vote passed 55-00:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
Councilmember Acosta nominated Victor Montiel for re -appointment. Vote passed 55-00:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
Mayor Olmos nominated Kimberly Valencia for appointment. Vote failed 2-3:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Delgado, Rodriguez, and Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez
Mayor Olmos nominated Deann Pinuelos for appointment. Vote passed 5-0:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
Adrian Garcia, City Clerk, announced that Abraham Flores -Rojo withdrew his application due to work conflicts.
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Item 10.d.
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, to open nominations and extend the application period for the Patriotic Commission for two weeks. 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
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
Mayor Olmos read the names of those appointed to the Patriotic Commission:
Naomi Lopez (re -appointed), Victor Montiel (re -appointed), Deann Pinuelos, and Nydia Romero (re -appointed).
10.e. CONTINUED FROM THE FEBRUARY 3, 2026, REGULAR CITY
COUNCIL MEETING - APPOINTMENT OF PLANNING
COMMISSIONERS
Mayor Olmos read the applicants' names seeking appointment to the Planning Commission.
Councilmember Acosta nominated Kimberly Valencia for appointment. Vote failed 2-3:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Delgado, Rodriguez, and Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez
Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez nominated Jeff Ortiz for re -appointment. Vote passed 4-1:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Acosta
Councilmember Rodriguez nominated Jacqueline Rubio for re -appointment. Vote passed 3-2:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Acosta, and Mayor Olmos
Councilmember Delgado nominated Leo Barrera for re -appointment. Vote passed 5-0:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Item 10.e.
Mayor Olmos nominated Kenneth Tang for re -appointment. Vote passed 5-0:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
Councilmember Rodriguez nominated Gracie Retamoza for re -appointment. Vote passed 4-1:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, and Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Mayor Olmos
Mayor Olmos read the names of those appointed to the Planning Commission:
Leonel Barrera (re -appointed), Jeff Ortiz (re -appointed), Gracie Retamoza (re- appointed), Jacqueline Rubio (re -appointed), and Kenneth Tang (re -appointed).
10.f. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 26-009, ADDING
PROVISIONS FOR DENTAL AND VISION OPT -OUT BENEFITS
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Delgado, to adopt Resolution No. 26-009, adding provisions for dental and vision opt -out benefits. 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
10.g. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 26-010, UPDATING
THE PROVISIONS OF BASIC LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, to adopt Resolution No. 26-010, updating the provisions of basic life insurance benefits. 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
10.h. DESIGN OF FREEWAY ORIENTED PYLON SIGN LOCATED AT 1223 SANTA
ANITA AVENUE
Mayor Olmos announced the item, and David De Vries, Director of Economic Development, and Milton Solomon, Vice President, Architectural Design & Signs, provided a presentation.
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Item 10.h.
Discussion topics included lower leg coverings being visible from a distance, benefits and disadvantages of the different height variations, revenue generating options from a reader board, Caltrans limitations on ads, reader board lighting potentially affecting local residents, and building material options.
Staff was directed to bring back revisions to Design Option A.
10.i. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED 2026 STATE OF THE
CITY PROGRAM
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve the proposed State of the City program. 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
10.j. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF COMMUNITY MURAL DESIGN FOR
THE UPCOMING MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS
Mayor Olmos announced the item, and Ariana De La Cruz, Director of Community Development, provided a report.
Staff was directed to make revisions including moving the American flag above the other flags, adding skeet shooting to represent the Olympic event happening in the City, making the font of South larger than the font of El Monte, change the mountains depicted as the San Gabriel Valley mountains, and to look into other local events that will be occurring that could be added to the mural.
10.k. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE 2026 BAND PERFORMANCES
FOR THE NIGHT MARKETS AND FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
Mayor Olmos announced the item, and Ariana De La Cruz, Director of Community Development, provided a report.
Staff was directed to select Steel Rod, the Flashbax, and Pulp Vixen as alternative bands if the approved bands' availability changes.
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Delgado, to approve the proposed 2026 Night Markets and Fourth of July Celebration band performances. 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
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
10.1. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF COMMUNITY MURAL DESIGN FOR
THE CITY HALL ENTRY WALL WEST OF CENTRAL AVE
Mayor Olmos announced the item, and David De Vries, Director of Economic Development, provided a presentation.
Discussion topics included changing the colors of either theme #2 or #3, adding more of the local landmarks, making sure South is bigger than El Monte, adding the City logo, the mural being on the driveway and entrance side, and asking local companies if they would donate in exchange for their name included in the design.
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")
This item was heard before General Business.
11. COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS
Councilmember Rodriguez announced he attended the following: the 693rd Quartermaster Company Deployment Ceremony.
Councilmember Delgado announced he had nothing to report.
Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez announced he attended the following: the 693rd Quartermaster Company Deployment Ceremony, and the Senior Center Valentine Luncheon.
Councilmember Acosta announced he attended the following: the Temple Station Sheriff's Outreach Foundation Gala and Awards Ceremony.
Mayor Olmos announced she attended the following: the Senior Center Valentine Luncheon, and the Temple Station Sheriff's Outreach Foundation Gala and Awards Ceremony.
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
CORRESPONDENCE (CONTINUED)
Item 12.a.
This item was heard before General Business.
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.
Councilmember Delgado summarized his item and referenced action taken earlier in the meeting that will attract future development and retailers that are going to come to the City to bring in revenue.
2. Discussion/Action/Direction on supporting our South EI Monte High School CSF program in the amount of $500.00.
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to donate $500 to the South El Monte High School California Scholarship Federation program. 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
3. Discussion/Action/Direction on the Brewers Baseball application for waiver of fees.
Councilmember Delgado summarized his item and stated for the record, "This organization has provided a number of outstanding athletes who have attended South EI Monte High School, but more importantly, outstanding young men, and I'd like us to see to continue to work with this organization."
Other discussion topics included all baseball organizations working collectively in figuring out a schedule, the status of the Brewers Baseball application, the Brewer's inquiry of total costs per month and per season, their value to the community, the application process and meeting criteria to protect residents, enforcing policy, the Brewers donations vs. field damage, prioritizing South El Monte teams and working around them first, other sports organizations that have regional players instead of City players (ex: AYSO), the Brewer's contributions to South EI Monte High School CIF finalists, and requiring the financials for all sports teams to justify where all the waivers savings are going due to parents' complaints of high sign-up costs.
COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA (CONTINUED)
Item 13.a.3.
At 10:00 p.m., by consensus, Mayor and City Council extended the meeting.
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to waive the light fees pending their application submission.
Substitute Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez, to continue the item until an application is received to know what is being waived and to discuss if a waiver should be allowed. Substitute motion passed 3-2 by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Acosta, and Delgado
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
14. CLOSED SESSION
At 10:02 p.m., Mayor and City Council recessed into Closed Session.
14.a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — ANTICIPATED
LITIGATION: Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2): one matter
At 10:40 p.m., Mayor Olmos reconvened the meeting with all councilmembers present.
Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney, announced City Council discussed Item 14.a., a report was provided, feedback was given, no reportable action.
15. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business coming before this body, at 10:41 p.m., Mayor Olmos adjourned the meeting in Memory of Blanca Figueroa, former Mayor, and Billy Trujillo, a lifelong resident, to a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Sabrina A. Muhne, Deputy City Clerk.
Adrian Garcia, MMC, City Clerk _Gloria Olmos, Mayor