The City Council of San Gabriel convened on December 17, 2024, to discuss several key agenda items, including funding for community rehabilitation projects and a proposed expansion of the police department.

The meeting began with a discussion on the eligibility criteria for utilizing funds aimed at rehabilitating underdeveloped areas. City staff clarified that the funds could be allocated to specific projects in eligible areas without direct requests from residents, emphasizing a streamlined process between city and county governments.

Following this, the council moved to approve a consent agenda, which included five items. Vice Mayor Menchaca initiated a motion to approve the recommendations provided by staff, which was seconded by Council Member Chien. The motion passed unanimously with a vote of 5-0.

The council then addressed new business, focusing on a significant proposal from Police Chief Elizalde regarding the expansion of the police department. Chief Elizalde presented a multi-phase expansion program, highlighting the inadequacies of the current police station, which has been in use since 1962. He noted that the facility has outgrown its capacity, particularly in locker room space for officers.

The first phase of the proposal involves purchasing a modular structure for $277,507.78, along with an additional $65,000 for utility installations and site preparation. This structure would serve as temporary locker rooms, compliant with ADA standards, to alleviate current space issues. Chief Elizalde outlined that the second phase would involve a comprehensive assessment of the department's future needs, followed by the hiring of a project manager to oversee the construction and implementation of the expansion.

The Chief indicated that the entire expansion project could take between three to five years, depending on the findings of the master plan and the feasibility of utilizing existing structures, such as the jail, which is currently not in use for custody purposes.

The council expressed support for the proposal, recognizing the importance of providing adequate facilities for law enforcement personnel. The meeting concluded with a call for further discussions and planning regarding the police department's expansion.