Szeka Angela Cheng

The meeting agenda included the approval of the minutes from the January 5, 2026 meeting. Key discussion items involved presenting the proposed schedule and budget for city-wide special events for fiscal year 2026-2027, including feedback solicited on the presentation. Updates were scheduled for the Veterans Memorial development at Plaza Park, new Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) requirements necessitating citizenship/income documentation for youth program participants (with the City planning to cease CDBG use for these programs), and updates on various events and programs such as the Lantern Festival, Pentathlon, EggStraordinary Spring Celebration, Spring/Summer Swim Lessons, and lifeguard recruitment. Finally, the Commission was slated to discuss and continue working on items related to their workplan, which includes initiatives like creating innovative programs for various age groups and enhancing community connectivity.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and the approval of the agenda order, which included removing an item concerning the Smith Park Pool. Key actions included the introduction of the new Public Works Director. During the consent calendar, the Council approved several material demands for December 2025 expenditures, received and filed the Cash and Investment Report for December 2025, and authorized the purchase of mobile data computers and docking hardware under the State Homeland Security Grant Program. New Business involved the introduction of a revised ordinance regarding park hours (Ordinance No. 727) and the adoption of Resolution No. 26-02 identifying hours for various park activities, following clarification that pickleball court hours remain unchanged. The City Manager reported on an appointment to the League of California Cities Housing Policy Committee.

The meeting centered on interviews and the subsequent appointment to fill one unscheduled vacancy on the Planning Commission for a term ending May 31, 2026. The council established a two-vote process to select the appointee. During interviews, candidates discussed their interest in planning, their relevant experience (including legal background, construction/sustainability expertise, and personal connection to the city), and their vision for San Gabriel's future, emphasizing safety, cleanliness, preserving historic character, and sustainability initiatives such as reducing carbon emissions.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Vice Mayor Chan. Following roll call, the City Manager provided a closed session report detailing unanimously directed nuisance abatement actions regarding code violations at two separate properties, 1521 Manley Drive (owners Yahu and Yan Yu Trust) and 904 South Delmare Avenue (owners Ya, Yan Yu, and Xiau), contingent on owner non-compliance. Key discussions included the proclamation of February 2026 as Black History Month, with presentations about community programs and art exhibitions. The council approved the consent calendar in one motion. The primary substantive discussion involved the kickoff and planning for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget process. The Finance Director outlined the budget calendar, key priorities emphasizing well-maintained infrastructure, public safety (including homeless outreach), economic development, community services, and maintaining a 25% rainy day reserve. Council members asked detailed questions regarding strategies for public outreach, potential language translation services for budget meetings, the formal reporting of community budget meeting feedback to the council, and the use of online platforms for participation.

The meeting commenced with an announcement regarding the absence of one Council Member due to a family passing. During the closed session, the Council unanimously authorized the initiation of litigation to abate public nuisance for two separate properties. Key agenda items included a presentation announcing a Black History Month art event scheduled for February 21, 2026. The Consent Calendar actions involved approving January 20, 2026, meeting minutes, approving material demands for expenditures, receiving the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 General Fund Budget Update as of December 31, 2025, adopting a resolution for tax record examination authorization, adopting an ordinance amending park regulations, approving membership and budget increase for the California Contract Cities Association, authorizing a fireworks display permit, approving a five-year lease agreement for a copier, approving a sole source purchase agreement for Emergency Operations Center Management Software, and authorizing the replacement of the pool heater at Smith Park Aquatic Facility. New Business involved a kickoff discussion for the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget planning. The City Manager's report detailed upcoming presentations for Veterans' Memorial designs and announced the opening date for the Farmers' Market on April 11, 2026.