Gloria Olmos, Mayor
Rudy Bojorquez, Mayor Pro Tem
Manuel Acosta, Councilmember
Hector Delgado, Councilmember
Larry Rodriguez, Councilmember
Rene Salas, City Manager
Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney
Adrian Garcia, City Clerk
Masami Higa, Director of Finance
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE SOUTH EL MONTE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA
October 6, 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.
Each speaker will be limited to five minutes. Time limits may not be shared with other speakers. This is the only opportunity for public input except for scheduled public hearing items. 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.
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.
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.
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 times 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 packets 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 (GC 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. Councilmembers are also required to make such disclosures and recuse themselves.
AGENDA BEGINS ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE
1. ROLL CALL
Councilmembers: Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Larry Rodriguez
3. INVOCATION
Pastor Benjamin Garrett, Faith Dominion Church
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.a. Presentation of a plaque recognizing Fire Station “Mighty 90” for their unwavering dedication, bravery, and commitment to our community.
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. CLOSED SESSION
7.a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of case: GLORIA OLMOS, an individual, Plaintiff v. CITY OF SOUTH
EL MONTE
7.b. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED
LITIGATION Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) and 54969(e)(1): Two Matters
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
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 (CONTINUED)
8.a. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 18, 2026 AND THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2026
Staff is requesting approval of the minutes for the August 18, 2026, Special City Council Meeting and the September 1, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff is requesting approval of the minutes for the August 18, 2026, Special City Council Meeting and the September 1, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting.
8.b. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 26-067, APPROVING WARRANTS FOR THE PERIOD OF SEPTEMBER 10,
THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2026
Authorizing payment of City expenditures for the period of September 10, 2026, through September 30, 2026, totaling $1,715,438.34 RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends City Council adopt Resolution No. 26-067, authorizing payment of City expenditures.
8.c. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 26-068,
APPROVING A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
CITY, THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
(SGVCOG), AND 18 PARTICIPATING PUBLIC AGENCIES FOR
ADMINISTRATION AND COST-SHARING FOR IMPLEMENTING THE
COORDINATED INTEGRATED MONITORING PROGRAM (CIMP) AND
WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (WMP) FOR THE UPPER
LOS ANGELES RIVER WATERSHED MANAGEMENT AREA
The City of South El Monte (“City”) has collaborated with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (“SGVCOG”) and 18 other public agencies to share the cost of implementing the Coordinated Integrated Monitoring Program (“CIMP”) and the Watershed Management Plan (“WMP”) required by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (“Regional Board”). Staff is requesting the City Council approve the Memorandum of Agreement (“MOA”) with the SGVCOG and 18 public agencies for continued administration and cost-sharing for implementing the CIMP and WMP for the upper Los Angeles River Watershed Management Area (hereinafter, the “2026-2029 Cost-Sharing MOA”).
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 26-068, approving the 2026-2029 Cost-Sharing MOA with the SGVCOG; and
2. Authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute the MOA.
Consent Calendar Items 8.d. and 8.e. next page.
CONSENT CALENDAR (CONTINUED)
8.d. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 26-069,
APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE MANUALS
Staff seeks City Council consideration and approval of the updated employee manuals for the Community Services Department. The manuals have been revised to ensure compliance with current rules, regulations, and best practices, and to provide clear and consistent guidance to departmental employees.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends that the City Council approve the updated Community Services, Transportation, and Aquatics employee manuals. The manuals were updated collaboratively by Community Services leadership and Human Resources to create modernized, comprehensive, and consistent operating guidelines.
8.e. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 26-071,
APPROVING ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDS FROM THE BOARD OF STATE
AND COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS (BSCC), REGARDING
PROPOSITION 64 PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY GRANT PROGRAM
AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO THE
GRANT AGREEMENT FOR THE FIVE (5) YEAR GRANT TERM
The BSCC has announced the release of the Prop 64 Public Health & Safety (PH&S) Grant Program. The Prop 64 PH&S Grant Program directs revenue from the cultivation and sale of cannabis to projects that promote public health and safety. Funding assists with law enforcement activities, fire protection, or other local programming to address public health and safety associated with the implementation of the Control, Regulate, and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act. The City has been awarded $1,000,000 through this grant program.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 26-071, accepting the BSCC Grant; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to further the award acceptance and compliance with the terms of the grant.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
General Business next page.
10. GENERAL BUSINESS
10.a. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 26-070,
APPROVING A WEEKLY FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL IN PARTNERSHIP
WITH WANDERLUST EVENTS
The City Council will discuss and consider entering a potential partnership with Wanderlust Events to host a weekly Food Truck Festival at the South El Monte City Hall parking lot. The proposed event is designed as a recurring, family-friendly gathering that highlights a diverse selection of food trucks, encourages community engagement, and supports small businesses. Staff worked with the vendor to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining responsibilities, operational provisions, and service expectations. Staff recommends approval of the proposed partnership and adoption of the accompanying MOU.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 26-070, approving a partnership with Wanderlust events for a weekly food truck festival;
2. Review and approve the proposed MOU with Wanderlust Events to host a weekly Food Truck Festival; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute all necessary documents to implement the event.
10.b. APPROVAL OF PROPOSED DARK CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATES
AND CLOSURE OF CITY HALL FOR HOLIDAYS
Each year staff requests City Council consider "going dark" on the second Tuesdays in November and December and the first meeting in January due to the Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Year holidays. This year, staff is requesting to continue to hold second meetings in November and December due to City business. Staff requests going dark on the first Tuesday in November as this date is Election Day.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends City Council:
1. Approve going dark on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and Tuesday, January 5, 2027; and
2. Authorize a City Hall closure from December 28, 2026, through December 31, 2026. City Hall reopens January 4, 2027.
General Business Items 10.c. and 10.d. next page.
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
10.c. AN INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SOUTH EL
MONTE IMPOSING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON THE
ESTABLISHMENT, APPROVAL, AND EXPANSION OF SUBSTANCE
USE DISORDER TREATMENT FACILITIES WITHIN CITY LIMITS
PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65858
The proposed interim Urgency Ordinance would establish a new temporary, citywide moratorium on the establishment, approval, and expansion of substance use disorder treatment facilities. Staff has conducted additional research regarding applicable State and federal, and initiated coordination with public safety agencies and other relevant service providers. This review has identified additional land use and regulatory considerations requiring further evaluation before the City determines whether amendments to its zoning regulations and objective development standards are necessary.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends City Council:
1. Determine that the adoption of this Urgency Ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3); and,
2. Introduce by title only, and waive further reading of Urgency Ordinance No. 1298-U, imposing a 45-day moratorium on the establishment, approval, and expansion of Substance Use Disorder Treatment Facilities within City limits, subject to the terms and exemptions contained in the Ordinance.
10.d. AN INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SOUTH EL
MONTE IMPOSING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM PROHIBITING
APPROVAL AND ACCEPTANCE OF NEW DATA CENTER LAND USE
APPLICATIONS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION
65858
The proposed interim urgency ordinance would establish a temporary fortyfive (45) day moratorium on the approval and acceptance of land use applications for Data Center facilities while the City evaluates appropriate land use classifications and development standards. The moratorium would provide time for the City to address potential compatibility, security, noise, and public health and safety concerns.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends the City Council:
1. Determine that Urgency Ordinance No. 1299-U is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption); and
2. Introduce by title only, and waive further reading of, Urgency Ordinance No. 1299-U, imposing a 45-day moratorium prohibiting approval and acceptance of new Data Center land use applications.
General Business Items 10.e. next page.
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
10.e. AN INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SOUTH EL
MONTE IMPOSING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM PROHIBITING
APPROVAL AND ACCEPTANCE OF NEW BATTERY ENERGY
STORAGE SYSTEM LAND USE APPLICATIONS PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65858
The proposed interim urgency ordinance would establish a temporary fortyfive (45) day moratorium on the approval and acceptance of land use applications for Battery Energy Storage System facilities while the City evaluates appropriate land use classifications and development standards.
The moratorium would provide time for the City to address compatibility, security, and public health and safety concerns, including without limitation, potential fire and explosion hazards, hazardous material releases, and specialized emergency response.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends City Council:
1. Determine that Urgency Ordinance No. 1300-U is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption); and,
2. Introduce by title only, and waive further reading of, Urgency Ordinance No. 1300-U, imposing a 45-day moratorium prohibiting approval and acceptance of new Battery Energy Storage System land use applications.
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.
12. CORRESPONDENCE
12.a. LETTER FROM RIZE ATHLETICS REQUESTING A FACILITY FEE
WAIVER FOR THE USE OF THE COMMUNITY CENTER
AMPHITHEATER, COMMUNITY CENTER FRONT PARKING LOT, AND
SENIOR CENTER MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM
Rize Athletics is requesting a facility waiver for the use of the Community Center Amphitheater and Senior Center Multi-purpose room to host indoor cheer practices for their 2026-2027 season. In addition, the organization is requesting the use of the Community Center front parking lot to host a fundraising event.
Correspondence Items 12.a. (Recommendation) through 12.c. next page.
CORRESPONDENCE (CONTINUED)
Item 12.a.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends City Council discuss and consider:
1. The facility reservation waiver request for the use of the Community Center Amphitheater and Senior Center Multi-purpose Room in the amount of $4,315.00; and
2. The request to use of the Community Center front parking lot to host a fundraising event.
12.b. LETTER FROM THE SOUTH EL MONTE EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION
AND CHRISTMAS RECOGNITION COMMITTEE REGARDING A
DONATION FOR THE 2026 HOLIDAY EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION
DINNER
The South El Monte Employees Association will host its annual Employee Recognition Holiday Dinner on Friday, December 4, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Rosemead. The event provides an opportunity to recognize City employees for their dedication, accomplishments, and continued service to the South El Monte community while promoting employee morale and team building.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends that the City Council approve financial assistance to the South El Monte Employees Association, not to exceed $15,000, for the 2026 Employee Recognition Holiday Dinner, and authorize the City Manager to take the necessary administrative actions to process the approved funding.
12.c. LETTER FROM SOUTH EL MONTE HIGH SCHOOL, CTE MEDICAL INSTRUCTOR HOSA CHAPTER 32293, CHRISTOPHER SEYMOUR
REQUESTING A DONATION OF $1,500 FOR THE PURCHASE OF
SPORTS MEDICINE UNIFORMS.
South El Monte High School HOSA Chapter 32293 requests a $1,500 donation to purchase sports medicine internship uniforms and help cover annual sports medicine competition expenses. The program provides students with hands-on clinical experience alongside the school’s athletic trainer and opportunities to demonstrate their skills in competitions. City Council will consider the request to support students’ training and career development in the healthcare field.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends City Council consider approving a $1,500 donation to South El Monte High School HOSA Chapter 32293 to assist with purchasing sports medicine internship uniforms and covering annual sports medicine competition expenses.
Councilmembers’ Agenda next page.
13. COUNCILMEMBERS’ AGENDA
13.a. COUNCILMEMBER MANUEL ACOSTA
Update on Decision Regarding City Manager’s Decision to Approve Unscheduled, Unapproved Projects
Discussion/Action: This item is a follow up to an Agenda Item presented on the April 28, 2026 City Council meeting. At that time, it was called upon to present the rationale for re-paving Allgeyer street with money from the contingency budget.
14. ADJOURNMENT
NEXT REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING:
Tuesday, October 20, 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 October 1, 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