CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, April 21, 2026 - 6:00 PM
1415 Santa Anita Avenue, South El Monte, California 91733 Mayor Olmos simultaneously called the Special City Council Meeting and the Regular City Council and Successor Agency Meeting to order at 6:01 P.M.
1. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Councilmember/Board Acosta, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Member(s): Chair Bojorquez, and Mayor/Chair Olmos
ABSENT: Councilmember/Board Rodriguez
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 — Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez 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 and Scholarships to the 2025 Harvard Day Essay Contest Winners.
4.b. Mayor and City Council presented a proclamation for California 175 & America 250 in honor of the 175 Years of California's Statehood and the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
At 6:18 p.m., Councilmember Delgado requested a recess.
At 6:20 p.m., Mayor Olmos reconvened the City Council Meeting with all councilmembers present.
4.c. Denaee Amaya, Director of Government Affairs, Athens Services, provided an update on Senate Bill 1383 Compliance and presented proposed franchise agreement changes by Athens Services.
PRESENTATIONS (CONTINUED)
4.d. David De Vries, Director of Economic Development, provided an overview of the Arts District April 9th Open House.
4.e. Deputy Ayers presented the Sheriffs Department Report for the month of March 2026.
4.f. Code Enforcement Rodriguez presented the Code Enforcement and Parking Enforcement Report for the month of March 2026.
5. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF
ORDINANCES
Councilmember Acosta requested to pull Consent Calendar Item 7.d. for discussion.
Councilmember Delgado recognized Steven Ly, Councilmember, City of Rosemead, who was in attendance
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve the agenda as amended. Motion passed 4-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Rodriguez
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Olmos opened Public Comment.
1. Robert Yrigoyen, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 7.d., Agenda Item 4.c., and on murals in the Arts District.
2. Steven Ly, Councilmember, City of Rosemead, spoke on Agenda Item
10.a., and expressed support for Agenda Item 13.a.
3. Eduardo Sauceda spoke on the Goals for Life program with Ricky Ellis, the passing of his neighbor Hortencia Barrera and his mother Rosario Almeida Sauceda, expressed thanks for using the Senior Center for his mother's Celebration of Life, and spoke on existing lawsuits in the City.
4. John Ventura, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Items 7.c., and 7.d.
5. Patricia Saucedo, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 13.b., the Special Agenda Meeting and Regular Agenda Meeting occurring at the same time, and Agenda Item 7.d.
PUBLIC COMMENT (CONTINUED)
Chris Knight, CEO, EI Monte/South EI Monte Chamber of Commerce, approached the podium and requested to yield her time to John Ventura, which was denied due to the rules listed on the agenda.
6. Kimberly Valencia, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 7.d.
7. Amanda Rodarte-Contreras, Library Manager, South EI Monte Library, shared National Library Week, and upcoming library programs.
8. Danny Olmos, resident, recognized Sheriff Manuel Acosta, Jr., and expressed concerns on the Arts District, cannabis, massage parlors, and psychic readers.
There being no further public comments, Mayor Olmos closed Public Comment.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR — CITY COUNCIL
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, to approve the Consent Calendar as amended, for the City Council Meeting. Motion passed 4-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Rodriguez
7.a. Approved the Minutes for the March 17, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting.
7.b. Adopted Resolution No. 26-026, authorizing payment of City expenditures for the period of April 2, 2026, through April 15, 2026, totaling $1,629,087.68.
7.c. Approved a Request for Proposals (RFP) for professional services for the Pavement Management Program (PMP) 2026 Update and authorized staff to solicit proposals.
Consent Calendar Item 7.d. was heard at this time.
7.d. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 26-027,
APPROVING PROJECT ACCEPTANCE AND NOTICE OF COMPLETION
FOR THE FY 25-26 PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT, CITY
PROJECT NO. 644
Discussion topics included clarification on typos and the final cost, the project schedule, paving on Allgeyer Street, the contingency budget, common practice, the Pavement Management Program (PMP), the project completion timeline, and questions were directed to the City Manager on project decisions.
CONSENT CALENDAR (CONTINUED)
Councilmember Acosta called for an independent investigator to confirm that Allgeyer Street was chosen for repaving only because the equipment was on the corner, and to find out why some of the surrounding streets were not paved.
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to accept the completion for the FY 25-26 Pavement Rehabilitation Project, City Project No. 644, to authorize the City Clerk to record the Notice of Completion and to release retention accordingly. Motion passed 4-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Rodriguez
8. CONSENT CALENDAR - SUCCESSOR AGENCY
Motion by Board Member Delgado, seconded by Vice Chair Bojorquez, to approve the Consent Calendar for the Successor Agency Meeting. Motion passed 4-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Board Member(s):
NAYS: Board Member(s):
ABSENT: Board Member(s):
Acosta, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez,
and Mayor Olmos
None
Rodriguez
8.a. Approved the Minutes for the March 17, 2026, Successor Agency Meeting.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS — None
10. GENERAL BUSINESS
10.a. DISCUSSION ON CREATION OF A SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE SAN
GABRIEL VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS' SGV FORWARD
PROJECT PROPOSAL ON GARVEY AVENUE
Mayor Olmos announced the item, and Rene Salas, City Manager, provided a report.
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Delgado, to appoint Mayor Olmos and Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez to serve as San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments' SGV Forward Project subcommittee members.
Motion passed 4-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Rodriguez
At 8:08 p.m., Councilmember Delgado left the chambers.
At 8:11 p.m., Councilmember Delgado returned to the chambers.
11. COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS
Councilmember Acosta reported he attended the following: a South EI Monte Business Workshop Series meeting, the Arts District Open House & Scoping Meeting, Water Education for Latino Leaders (WELL) Watershed Learning Labs Program with Valle Lindo School District, the funerals for former Mayor Blanca Figueroa and resident Rosario Sauceda, and the April Night Market.
Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez reported he attended the following: a Community Bike Ride, the All -Staff Meeting, and the April Night Market.
Councilmember Delgado reported he attended the following: the April Night Market.
Mayor Olmos reported she attended the following: a Senior Center Baby Shower for Wendy Cayco, a South EI Monte Business Workshop Series meeting, Dr.
Monica Sanchez' Campaign Kick Off Rally, the funerals for former Mayor Blanca Figueroa and resident Rosario Sauceda, the Senior Center Spring Bingo Social, the Los Angeles County Sanitation District No. 15 Board of Directors Regular Meeting, 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 Greater EI Monte Community Hospital Board Meeting, and the April Night Market.
12. CORRESPONDENCE — None
13. COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA
13.a. COUNCILMEMBER HECTOR DELGADO
Direct staff to look into the feasibility of a new transit route with City of Rosemead, EI Monte, and South El Monte. This would target local residents to provide a more localized transit system for our communities.
This item was received and filed.
13.b. COUNCILMEMBER MANUEL ACOSTA
1. Measure CM, approved by voters in November 2022 (53.6% YES), authorized up to three cannabis retail businesses. The City Council subsequently adopted a 1,000 -foot buffer zone, allowing four locations.
In 2025, the buffer was reduced to 350 feet, increasing potential locations to 104.
Given significant public interest and ongoing community concerns expressed at council meetings, the Council should consider placing a referendum on Measure CM on the November 2026 ballot.
COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA (CONTINUED)
Item 13.b.1.
Discussion topics included having the citizens gather signatures to bring this topic back to the ballot, citizens brought it to the ballot the first time and council introduced the competing measure, and misinformation on the topic.
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Mayor Olmos, for council to place a repeal initiative for Measure CM
on the November 2026 ballot. Motion tied 2-2, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Delgado, and Mayor Pro Tem
Bojorquez
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Rodriguez
Per SEMMC § 2.04.070, due to a tie vote, this matter was automatically continued to the next Regular City Council Meeting Agenda, to appear under "Unfinished Business."
13.c. MAYOR GLORIA OLMOS
1. Follow up on previous request regarding misuse of City property and City services for Campaign or Electioneering by current Councilman on his videos.
Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney, requested clarification on identifying the City property, and permissible and non -permissible use of public property for campaign videos.
This item was received and filed.
2. Follow up re -requesting proper financials from ERA or for them to refund the City of $55,000. That was gifted to them.
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Mayor Olmos, to hire an independent financial auditor to investigate the Emergency Resource Association.
Substitute Motion by Councilmember Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Delgado, to continue the item for the City Manager to specifically request financials with a deadline to respond, and to have the City Attorney investigate if the cost of the audit is worth it. Motion tied 2-2, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Delgado, and Mayor Pro Tem
Bojorquez
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Acosta, and Mayor Olmos
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Rodriguez
COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA (CONTINUED)
Item 13.c.2.
Main Motion tied 2-2, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Delgado, and Mayor Pro Tem
Bojorquez
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Rodriguez
Per SEMMC § 2.04.070, due to a tie vote, this matter was automatically continued to the next Regular City Council Meeting Agenda, to appear under "Unfinished Business."
14. CLOSED SESSION - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY
MEETING
At 9:09 p.m., Mayor and City Council recessed into Closed Session for the Regular City Council Meeting.
14.a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, Pursuant to California Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2) and 54956.9(e)(1): one matter.
14.b. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8)
Property: APN 8119-005-911
At 9:54 p.m., Mayor Olmos reconvened the meeting with all councilmembers present.
Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney, announced City Council discussed Items 4.a. and 14.b., reports were provided, feedback was given, no reportable action.
5. CLOSED SESSION - SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
At 9:55 p.m., Mayor and City Council recessed into Closed Session for the Special City Council Meeting and, by consensus, extended the meetings past 10:00 p.m.
5.a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION:
Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(1):
Name of case: Gloria Olmos v. City of South El Monte, et al. Case Number:
2:26-cv-03344
At 10:02 p.m., Mayor Olmos reconvened the meetings with all councilmembers present.
Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney, announced City Council discussed Item 5.a., report was provided, feedback was given, no reportable action.
15. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business coming before this body, at 10:03 p.m., Mayor Olmos adjourned the Special Meeting and the Regular City Council & Successor Agency Meeting to a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Sabrina A. Muhne, Deputy City Clerk.
Adrian Garcia. MMC, City Clerk Gloria Olmos, Mayor