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CC - Minutes - 02-10-2026 (Housing Joint Meeting)MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION REGULAR JOINT MEETING FEBRUARY 10, 2026 The regular meeting of the Rosemead City Council was called to order by Mayor Armenta at 7:47 p.m., in the Rosemead City Council Chamber, located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. PRESENT: Mayor Armenta, Mayor Pro Tem Low, and Council Member Clark, Dang and Ly ABSENT: None PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Council Member Clark INVOCATION was led by Council Member Dang 1. PUBLIC COMMENT Ms. Randve Kay provided an update on the proposed data center at 1977 Saturn Street in Monterey Park, noting a potential second project at 1980 Saturn Street. She stated that the Monterey Park City Council had determined repeal of Zoning Ordinance No. 2253 is not an option and discussed the possibility of a ballot measure to prohibit data centers. Ms. Kay highlighted related state legislation (Senate Bill 978) imposing stricter development requirements and emphasized that community members would be responsible for voter outreach if a ballot measure proceeds. She encouraged residents to attend upcoming Monterey Park City Council meetings and remain engaged in zoning and development issues, noting that neighboring city residents would not be able to participate if there isa ballot to vote on. 2. PRESENTATIONS - None 3. PUBLIC HEARING - None 4. CONSENT CALENDAR ACTION: Motion by Council Member Ly, seconded by Council Member Low to approve the Consent Calendar Items A -D. Motion was carried out by the following votes: AYES: Armenta, Clark, Dang, Low and Ly NOES: None A. Claims and Demands • Resolution No. 2026-04 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN Rosemead City Council and Housing Development Corporation Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of February 10, 2026 Page 1 of 6 CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $895,444.32 CHECKS NUMBERED 121011 THROUGH NUMBER 121101, DRAFTS NUMBERED 8761 THROUGH NUMBER 8815 AND EFT NUMBERED 53846 THROUGH NUMBER 53886 INCLUSIVELY Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-04. B. Minutes Recommendation: That the City Council approve the regular meeting minutes of September 24, 2024. C. Acceptance of Annual Audit Reports for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025 The certified public accounting firm of Lance, Soll & Lunghard, LLP (LSL) was engaged by the City Council to perform an audit of the financial statements and perform compliance testing of the City of Rosemead of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. LSL conducted the audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and issued an unmodified (clean) audit opinion on the financial statements. This report provides a summary of the audit report to be used as a companion to the published Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. Also included are the Rosemead Housing Development Corporation Financial and Compliance Report, and other documents related to the financial audit. Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the City of Rosemead Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, the Rosemead Housing Development Corporation Annual Financial Statements, and other related audit reports for fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. D. Report of Purchase Orders in Excess of $10,000 The report summarizes purchase orders over $10,000 issued from October 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025, reflecting key expenditures for contracted services, community programs, and capital and technology improvements essential to City operations. Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the report on purchase orders issued more than $10,000 for the months of October 2025 through December 2025. 5. MATTERS FROM CITY MANAGER & STAFF - None Rosemead City Council and Housing Development Corporation Regular Joint Meeting Minutes offebruary 10, 2026 Page 2 of 6 6. MATTERS FROM MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL A. Discussion on Gonsalves & Sons State Lobbyist At the October 28, 2025, City Council meeting, Council Member Clark requested that a future agenda item be scheduled to allow for City Council discussion regarding the former lobbying firm Gonsalves and Sons. Gonsalves and Sons previously provided lobbying services to the City of Rosemead and is no longer under contract with the City. Recommendation: That the City Council discuss and provide direction to City staff. Council Member Clark stated that she is supportive of retaining the City's current lobbying firms for grant procurement and legislative advocacy in Sacramento. She suggested adding the firm Gonsalves & Sons for a one-year term. She noted that the city previously retained the firm and is grandfathered in for the rate of $3,000 per month. She added that Gonsalves & Sons maintains an office in Sacramento, whereas the City's current lobbyist does not. She indicated that under prior representation by Gonsalves & Sons, City officials were more frequently engaged in direct advocacy efforts, including meetings with legislators and bill authors. She noted that the firm is well-established in the Legislature and familiar with current legislative developments. She expressed concern regarding recent state legislation affecting local zoning authority and housing policy. She stated that certain proposed bills shift responsibility to cities for housing development and homelessness, while limiting local control over zoning decisions. She further noted that, following the dissolution of redevelopment agencies, cities lack financial tools to incentivize affordable housing development. Council Member Clark referenced discussions with a staff member from the office of Senator Perez regarding Senate Bill 79, which would restrict local authority over development near transit and bus corridors, including limitations on height and density restrictions. She expressed concern that residents may hold the city accountable for developments over which it has limited control under state law. She emphasized the importance of closely monitoring state legislation and ensuring proactive engagement in the legislative process. She recommended adding Gonsalves & Sons to the City's existing lobbying representation for a one-year period at a cost of $3,000 per month, without modifying current contracts, in order to strengthen the City's advocacy efforts in Sacramento. Council Member Ly stated that all firms retained by the city possess respective strengths and weaknesses, including the City's current lobbying and consulting firms. He highlighted positive outcomes achieved by the City's current state lobbyist, including securing a $1 million grant from Sacramento. He noted that the City's lobbying team and staff are working collaboratively with a clear strategy focused on legislative advocacy and securing a fair return of taxpayer funds to the City of Rosemead through grants and legislatively directed funding. Speaking in the capacity Rosemead City Council and Housing Development Corporation Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of February 10, 2026 Page 3 of 6 as a member of the City's Advocacy Committee, Mr. Ly stated that they have experienced consistent responsiveness and accessibility from the City's lobbyists via phone, text, and email communications. He further noted that one of the City's lobbyists, Mr. Lucien, is based in Sacramento and actively works in that region. Mr. Ly referenced a recent meeting with Mr. Lucien to discuss potential funding opportunities and current legislative activity in Sacramento. The City's lobbyists have participated in all Advocacy Committee meetings and have provided valuable insights. He noted that the key policy consideration is whether the City has an unmet need for additional representation or whether current lobbying services are sufficient to meet the City's objectives. While acknowledging that other Councilmembers may hold differing views, Mr. Ly expressed support for continuing with existing representation at this time. He suggested that, rather than retaining an additional consulting firm, the Council consider reaffirming expectations with the current lobbyists, including responsiveness to communications from all Councilmembers. He stated that the level of communication and follow-up reflects the engagement currently being received from the City's lobbying team. Mayor Pro Tem Low stated that, given the relatively small size of the City of Rosemead, there is concern that under representation by Gonsalves and Sons, the city may not receive the level of attention it desires. Mrs. Low noted that larger firms with multiple and larger municipal clients may prioritize those clients due to scale and capacity considerations. She further stated that while the proposed cost of $3,000 per month may be considered modest, if there is no demonstrated need for additional lobbying services, the City should not incur the expense. She emphasized the importance of fiscal prudence, regardless of the relative size of the expenditure. Council Member Dang reported that during a recent visit to Sacramento with Council Member Ly, he found the City's consultant, Mr. Lucien, to be highly engaged and responsive. He stated that when policy ideas were presented, including concepts related to Olympic -ready initiatives, Mr. Lucien responded proactively and pursued follow-up discussions. Mr. Dang noted that feedback was received promptly following those discussions. He described Mr. Lucien as responsive, deliberate, and action oriented. He further stated that, with the retention of both Mr. Lucien and Mr. Florez, the city has effectively secured the services of two consultants and has benefited from their representation. He expressed that adding a third consultant would be unnecessary and could constitute an excessive expenditure. While acknowledging that the proposed $3,000 monthly cost is relatively low, he stated that such funds could be allocated elsewhere. Lastly, he added that if communication concerns arise, Councilmembers may coordinate through the City Manager to ensure follow-up. He reiterated that additional lobbying services are not warranted at this time. He asked City Manager Kim when Gonsalves contract expired. City Manager Kim replied it was in 2023. Council Member Dang stated that, based on historical data, there has been a 10- to 12-year gap since the city previously received redevelopment-related funding. He Rosemead City Council and Housing Development Corporation Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of February 10, 2026 Page 4 of 6 noted that following the dissolution of the Community Redevelopment Agency in 2012, the City did not secure additional funds or grants that might have been anticipated. He acknowledged that while the previous lobbying firm may have been effective, the City did not get tangible benefits from past efforts. Mayor Armenta stated that she has had a positive relationship with Gonsalves and Sons and acknowledged the firm's prior support and partnership with the City. She expressed concern regarding potential precedent if the city were to consider adding the firm outside of the original bidding process. She noted that the contract with Gonsalves and Sons was awarded through a formal bidding process and emphasized the importance of adhering to established procedures. She questioned whether allowing reconsideration of this contract could set a precedent for other firms or contracts that were not initially selected to return to the Council for reconsideration. Mrs. Armenta stressed the need to maintain the integrity of the City's procurement process, ensure fairness in contract awards, and adhere to the outcomes of formal votes. Council Member Clark stated that her intention in discussing the addition of Gonsalves and Sons was to present a constructive approach rather than emphasize concerns with the existing firm. She noted that Gonsalves and Sons offer a lower cost and that the City retains the option to terminate a contract if performance issues arise. She addressed the dissolution of redevelopment agencies, noting that the action was driven at the state level by former Governor Jerry Brown, and not appropriate to blame a firm for that outcome. In addition, she recognized that Mr. Lucien has successfully secured grants for the City, which she appreciated. In contrast, the other firm had not responded to her in regard to recent legislative developments, prompting concerns regarding responsiveness and performance. Mayor Armenta emphasized the importance of adhering to established City processes. She noted that the contract in question had already been awarded through the formal bidding process. She opined that if concerns arise regarding the performance of a contracted firm, the appropriate recourse is to follow the procedures outlined for addressing performance issues, rather than reconsidering the original . contract award. No fiction was taken by the City Council. Council Comments Mayor Pro Tem Low and Council Member Dang wished everyone a Happy Lunar New Year. Council Member Ly also wished everyone a Happy Lunar New Year and Valentines Day. He also requested that staff research on providing translators at all future City meetings, including real-time translation and broadcasting options and what is Rosemead City Council and Housing Development Corporation Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of February 10, 2026 Page 5 of 6 feasible for Council direction. The purpose is to ensure all community members can be heard and represented, while also assessing the costs and logistics of implementation. Mayor Armenta agreed with Council Member Ly and highlighted an AI -based real- time translation program used by North Las Vegas for council meetings, noting it provides translated audio through headphones. The system was demonstrated at NALEO, found to be effective, and considered cost-efficient. She suggested exploring this technology for potential use in the city. She also recognized Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking and his staff for supporting a "Galentine's Day" event for female veterans in partnership with Veterans Stand Together. The event saw record attendance, including wellness and pampering activities, and was praised by Congresswoman Judy Chu. Council Member Clark reported on the recent Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Council meeting, where discussions focused on regional housing needs and the Regional Housing Trust. She stated that at the conclusion of the discussion, she noted that Senator Rubio was the original initiator of the Regional Housing Trust and acknowledged that her Council colleague Sandra Armema works for the Senator. Council Member Ly reported that the City of Rosemead received a $500,000 federal grant to renovate the nearly 30 -year-old Garvey Community Center, crediting Congressman Judy Chu and federal lobbyist David Turchin Associates for securing the funding. He noted that the next round of grants is now open and requested staff coordinate with federal and Sacramento lobbyists to pursue additional funding opportunities. Mayor Armenta asked staff to look into installing a PA system in the Rosemead Community Recreation Center. Before the renovation of the center, there was a working PA system and switchboard. 7. ADJOURNMENT - Mayor Armenta adjourned at 8:20 p.m. _ = APPROVED: Ericka Hernandez, City Cleric: ; _--- Sandra Armenta, Mayor Rosemead City Council and Housing Development Corporation Regular Joint Meeting Minutes of February 10, 2026 Page 6 of 6