Final Minutes Approved 05/05/2026
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, April 7, 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 (arrived at 6:08 p.m.), 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; Gerardo Marquez, Director of Community Development and Public Works; David De Vries, Director of Economic Development; 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 — Councilmember Acosta led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. INVOCATION — Pastor Patricia Garrett, Faith Dominion Church, offered the invocation.
4. PRESENTATIONS — None
At 6:08 p.m., Councilmember Delgado arrived.
4.a. Mayor and City Council presented Certificates of Recognition to the South EI Monte High School Academic Decathlon Team.
4.b. Gerardo Marquez, Director of Community Development and Public Works, provided the 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report.
4.c. David De Vries, Director of Economic Development, provided the SEM Business Workshop Series Overview.
5. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF
ORDINANCES
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Delgado, to approve the agenda. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF ORDINANCES (CONTINUED)
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. Gloria Olmos, resident, requested the City Attorney report to the FPPC and District Attorney's Office on observations of Brown Act violations, misuse of City services by councilmembers, early campaign activity, using drones without council approval, and campaigning on the City Hall lawn.
2. John Ventura, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 12.b., the response he received to his public records request submitted in January, the March 17th Agenda Item 10.a., the Allgeyer Avenue paving project, and expressed support for the Mayor.
3. Patricia Saucedo, resident, spoke on domestic violence, the March 3rd Agenda Item 8.a., and the March 17th Agenda Item 10.a.
4. Chris Knight, CEO, EI Monte/South EI Monte Chamber of Commerce, expressed concerns on the March 17th Agenda Item 10.a.
5. Amanda Contreras, Library Manager, South EI Monte Library, shared April's library programs and the winning bookmark design from an 11th -grader at South EI Monte High School.
6. Danny Olmos, resident, recognized the City and the kids at the T -Ball opening, the Valencia family for giving out free food at the event, expressed concerns on street paving projects, and thanked Leo Briones for their organization's Christmas gifts.
7. Eduardo Saucedo spoke on redacted public records requests, investigating the bribery allegations, open lawsuits, the Arts District and the Kruze building, and the paving projects.
There being no further public comments, Mayor Olmos closed Public Comment.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Olmos requested corrections to the Minutes.
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve 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 March 3, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting, with corrections to the spellings of names on Public Comment, and to correct Councilmember Delgado's request to recess at 6:14 p.m.
7.b. Adopted Resolution No. 26-022, authorizing payment of City expenditures for the period of February 26, 2026, through March 11, 2026, totaling $3,023,211.59.
7.c. Adopted Resolution No. 26-023, accepting the completion of the Safe Routes to School Pedestrian Safety Project, ATP Cycle 5, ATPL-5352(023), authorized the City Clerk to send the Notice of Completion for recordation to the Los Angeles County Recorder's Office, and to release retention accordingly.
7.d. Adopted Resolution No. 26-024, approving a first amendment to the agreement for contract services with LOC Architects for Architectural Design Services for New Temple Park Multi-Purpose/Community Room, Snack Bar, and Restroom Rehabilitation to increase the contract sum by Seventy -Nine Thousand Eight Hundred Sixty -Seven Dollars and Fifty Cents ($79,867.50) for a new total not -to -exceed sum of Two Hundred Eighteen Thousand Two Hundred Sixty -Seven Dollars and Fifty Cents ($218,267.50) and to extend the term to November 14, 2027, and authorized the City Manager or designee to negotiate and execute the agreement.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8.a. APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 26-025, AUTHORIZING THE FUNDING OF AN APPROXIMATELY 100 -FOOT PYLON SIGN IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $884,608 AND APPROVING A
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY AND
SANTA ANITA COMMERCIAL GROUP LLC ESTABLISHING PAYMENT
CONDITIONS FOR THE FUNDING OF THE PYLON SIGN FOR THE
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1127-1223 SANTA ANITA AVENUE
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and David De Vries, Director of Economic Development, provided a presentation.
Mayor Olmos opened the Public Hearing.
1. John Ventura, resident, expressed concerns on the item and expressed concern that certain councilmembers should abstain from voting on this item due to election contributions.
2. Kimberly Valencia, resident, expressed concerns on the item.
PUBLIC COMMENT (CONTINUED)
3. Chris Knight, CEO, El Monte/South El Monte Chamber of Commerce, expressed concerns on the item and spoke on behalf of the small businesses in the City.
4. Jack Owen, Jenkins Industrial Properties, Inc., spoke on the item's MOU revisions.
5. Patricia Saucedo, resident, expressed concerns on the item.
6. Tammy Acosta, resident, expressed concerns on the item and prior public comment made.
7. Danny Olmos, resident, expressed concerns on prior public comment made.
8. Eduardo Saucedo expressed support for the item but expressed concerns with some of the project issues.
Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney, announced that a revised MOU does exist and is available at the dais and in the City Clerk's office.
There being no further public comments, Mayor Olmos closed the Public Hearing.
Motion by Councilmember Mayor Olmos to continue the item to allow time to review the MOU revisions.
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, to adopt Resolution No. 26-025, authorizing the funding of an approximately 100 -foot pylon sign on Santa Anita Avenue in an amount not to exceed $884,608 and approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and Santa Anita Commercial Group, LLC securing branding rights and establishing payment conditions for the majority funding of the pylon sign 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 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
9. GENERAL BUSINESS
9.a. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO HOST THE SEM 2026
INTERNATIONAL SOCCER WATCH PARTIES
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Ariana De La Cruz, Director of Community Services, provided a report.
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to authorize the City to host the SEM 2026 International Soccer Watch Parties events, and to appropriate from the General Fund Balance in the estimated amount of $149,253 to the City's Special Events Account (01- 151-1543-5952). 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
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): None
9.b. SPEED BUMP SURVEY ALONG MICHAEL HUNT DRIVE
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Gerardo Marquez, Director of Community Development and Public Works, provided a report.
Discussion topics included options for emergency resource vehicles, the fire department's feedback, other streets where speed bumps are working out, increasing the survey response numbers by providing a person survey option, and reviewing speed bump designs.
This item was received and filed.
10. COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS
Councilmember Acosta announced he attended the following: The Water Education for Latino Leaders (WELL) 12th Annual Statewide Conference, the Easter Eggstravaganza, and a military banner installation for U.S. Marine Corporal Albert Garcia.
Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez announced he attended the following: the National League of Cities (NLC) Congressional City Conference, a meeting with Representative Gil Cisneros', a FIFA World Cup 2026 meeting, the National Little League Opening Day, the Athens Services Irwindale Materials Recovery Facility Ribbon -Cutting Ceremony, the Spring Paint & Sip, the Easter Eggstravaganza, and a military banner installation for U.S. Marine Corporal Albert Garcia.
Councilmember Delgado announced he attended the following: the T -Ball League Opening Day, the Athens Services Irwindale Materials Recovery Facility Ribbon - Cutting Ceremony, The Foothill Transit Governing Board Meeting, and the Easter Eggstravaganza.
COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS (CONTINUED) Councilmember Rodriguez announced he attended the following: the Easter Eggstravaganza, the National Little League Opening Day, and a military banner installation for U.S. Marine Corporal Albert Garcia.
Mayor Olmos announced she attended the following: the Senior Center's St.
Patrick's Luncheon, the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) Governing Board Meetings, the SGVCOG Transportation Committee Meetings, the SGVCOG 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games Ad Hoc Committee Meetings, the National Little League Opening Day, the Los Angeles County Sanitation District No. 15 Board of Directors Regular Meeting, the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Member Listening Series, a women's caucus with Dr. Julia Ruedas, the tree planting event, the T -Ball League Opening Day, the Senior Center Easter Luncheon, the ACR Governing Board Meeting, the Greater El Monte Community Hospital Board Meeting, and the Easter Eggstravaganza.
11. CORRESPONDENCE
11.a. LETTER FROM EL MONTE/SOUTH EL MONTE COMMUNITY
OUTREACH REQUESTING A FACILITY FEE WAIVER FOR THE USE OF
THE SENIOR CENTER DINING HALL TO HOST A MEMORIAL
CEREMONY FOR BLANCA FIGUEROA AND WAIVER FOR ALL THE
FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE RESERVATION
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve the requested facility fee waiver for the use of the Senior Center Dining Hall in the amount of $300.00, and to approve the request to waive the non -waived fees associated with the reservation in the amount of $902.00. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
Councilmember(s): None
Councilmember(s): None
11.b. LETTER FROM EL MONTE/ SOUTH EL MONTE COMMUNITY
OUTREACH REQUESTING A FACILITY FEE WAIVER FOR THE USE OF
THE SENIOR CENTER CRAFT ROOM AND TO WAIVE ALL THE FEES
ASSOCIATED WITH THE RESERVATION
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve the facility fee waiver request for the use of the Senior Center Craft Room in the amount of $760.00, and to approve the Community Outreach request to waive the non -waived fees associated with the reservation in the amount of $1,792.00. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
CORRESPONDENCE (CONTINUED)
Item 11.b.
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): None
11.c. CONTINUANCE OF REQUEST FROM THE MONTEBELLO BREWERS
BASEBALL CORPORATION FOR A FACILITY FEE WAIVER FOR THE
USE OF DEAN L. SHIVELY PARK FIELD AND NEW TEMPLE PARK
FIELDS AND CONSIDERATION TO HOST TWO BASEBALL
TOURNAMENTS IN 2026
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Delgado, to approve the revised facility fee waiver request for the use of Shively Park field and New Temple Park fields in the amount not to exceed $69,700.00, and to approve the Brewers' request to host two baseball tournaments.
Motion passed 4-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): None
11.d. LETTER FROM SPIRITT FAMILY SERVICES FOR THE CITY TO CONSIDER SPONSORING THE 2ND ANNUAL FUNDRAISING
LUNCHEON "BLOOMING MINDS" THURSDAY, JUNE 4TH, 2026
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Delgado, to approve purchasing tickets up to $1,500 to cover 10 guests. 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
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): None
11.e. LETTER OF SUPPORT REQUESTED BY THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS FOR AB 1786 (HARABEDIAN) - BEST
VALUE CONTRACTING, WHICH WOULD EXTEND OPTIONAL BEST
VALUE CONTRACTING AUTHORITY TO GENERAL LAW CITIES AND
THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
Clarification was requested on how this bill could be used, how it differs from the City's current bid process, and its effect on contract law cities versus general law cities.
CORRESPONDENCE (CONTINUED)
Item 11.e.
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to send a letter of support for AB 1786 (Harabedian) to ensure the best value contracting, which would extend best value contracting authority to general law cities and the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments.
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
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): None
12. COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA
12.a. MAYOR PRO TEM RUDY BOJORQUEZ
Discussion/Action to provide a letter supporting SB 1314 Youth Over Smoke.
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve the requested facility fee waiver for the use of the Senior Center Dinning Hall in the amount of $300.00, and to approve the request to waive the non -waived fees associated with the reservation in the amount of $902.00. 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
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): None
12.b. COUNCILMEMBER LARRY RODRIGUEZ
Discussion/Action on Buffer Zone regulations for Election Campaign Solicitation near Schools and Parks.
Discussion topics included past issues with school board members' election activities, public safety issues during campaigning, the current ordinance on campaigning or electioneering, rights to walk in public areas, First Amendment rights, using Code Enforcement or the Sheriff to regulate, school versus City property, and bringing back a draft ordinance to a future meeting.
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve the requested facility fee waiver for the use of the Senior Center Dinning Hall in the amount of $300.00, and to approve the request to waive the non -waived fees associated with the reservation in the amount of $902.00. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA
Item 12.b.
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember(s): None
13. CLOSED SESSION
At 8:19 p.m., Mayor and City Council recessed into Closed Session.
13.a. PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957(b)(1) —ANNUAL
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION PURSUANT TO
TERMS OF AGREEMENT
Title: City Manager
13.b. PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6 — Conference with Labor Negotiator
City Designated Representative: Susie Altamirano, City Attorney Unrepresented Employee: City Manager
13.c. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL — ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
(Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2): One Matter
13.d. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL — ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
(Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2): One Matter
13.e. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)) Name of case: Gloria Olmos v. City of South El Monte, et al. Case Number:
2:26-cv-03344
At 10:10 p.m., Mayor Olmos reconvened the meeting with all councilmembers present.
Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney, announced City Council discussed Items 13.a., 13.b., and 13.d., reports were provided, feedback was given, no reportable action.
Regarding Item 13.c, at 9:40 p.m., Councilmember Acosta left the meeting, a report was provided, feedback was given, no reportable action.
Regarding Item 13.e., council approved a professional service agreement to provide the City with special counsel by Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC to defend the City and three named councilmembers. Motion passed 3-0-2, by the following vote:
CLOSED SESSION (CONTINUED)
AYES: Councilmember(s): Delgado, Rodriguez, and Mayor Pro Tern Bojorquez
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Acosta, and Mayor Olmos
14. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business coming before this body, at 10:11 p.m., Mayor Olmos adjourned the meeting in honor of Corporal Albert Garcia to a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Sabrina A. Muhne, Deputy City Clerk.
Adrian Garcia, MMC, City Clerk ( Gloria Olmos, Mayor