Jeffrey D. Ragusa

The council meeting addressed several important agenda items, including public hearings for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant and a zoning text amendment update for inclusionary housing. Presentations were held regarding housing element implementation, tenant protection strategies, and a review of local tenant relocation assistance programs. Consent agenda items involved accepting a donation for a scoreboard installation at Almansor Park, initiating a request for proposals for shopping cart retrieval services, awarding construction and management contracts for the Sewer Lift Station No. 5 replacement, and issuing a notice inviting bids for infrastructure improvements. Additionally, the council reviewed the 2026 Strategic Plan, considered election processes for upcoming municipal vacancies, and conducted the second reading of an ordinance regarding military equipment policy.

The City of Alhambra's Comprehensive Environmental Sustainability Plan serves as a strategic, long-term roadmap to address current and future environmental and sustainability challenges. It outlines ambitious strategies and actions across multiple sectors, including energy, water, mobility, green space, waste, and public health. Emphasizing collaboration, community engagement, and social equity, the plan aims to strengthen community resilience to climate change and align local actions with regional and statewide goals, fostering a resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for Alhambra.

The City Council conducted a review of the 2026 Strategic Plan, which includes six primary goals focused on public safety, infrastructure and mobility, economic development, transparency and open governance, sustainability, and housing opportunities. Additionally, the Council participated in a media communications training session presented by Omodt and Associates to improve professional engagement and messaging strategies when working with the media.

The committee reviewed progress reports for programs utilizing Community Development Block Grant and HOME funds, including senior case management, code enforcement, housing rights center services, and home improvement programs. A working meeting was held to focus on the development of the 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan, discussing eligible activities under CDBG and HOME programs, potential funding recommendations, and the alignment of these plans with the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan. Staff provided updates on committee membership restructuring and the status of the Section 108 loan application.

The Planning Commission discussed and approved two conditional use permits: one for a vocational training school specializing in cardiovascular sonography and another for a pool and billiards hall. Additionally, the commission discussed informational reports regarding commissioner roles, responsibilities, and recent updates to State housing laws.