[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6546637,"mediaKeyId","3588612-37c3487cf0061058a6c589efefb8c44e","parentId",3588612,"title","Votes at a glance: council approves rain‑barrel program, senior center remodel and historic‑preservation RFP","audioSeconds",466,"startMs",12801000,"endMs",13267000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3588612-37c3487cf0061058a6c589efefb8c44e&start=12801&end=13267","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3588612-37c3487cf0061058a6c589efefb8c44e/thumbnail_12801000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6546637/Montebello/Los-Angeles-County/California/Votes-at-a-glance-council-approves-rainbarrel-program-senior-center-remodel-and-historicpreservation-RFP","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6546637-b791000b74475d8bbc9b463ecd29ea23/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445443&Signature=Upx4D7xnaxc6ZJ7kJ1-46BC4fIQBGo~wIoIRjbNTULjxqoczriX-5kTP8pyCGQLbx1ibY8i25jMRmm0WXFMVR-meyfXBsbbUTl5WSQa6CAcCVbnJspEnTiqovHmMKKfBqN9q6BnIFo6-WtwlwUqIjhTQ-~MvRYmpB8SYPr2-AwwzfhXb33yh4ZJvDY2TbVY~g8rO615zNCTewNpUORTpxKq64-QKBHO5iqUSBRKnWNhoBfhX8BaYfsloujzyzPrULlurOsuSiZSNST4M8~lnlcoI2icJLWQ0qI0ZxVKeTJliqGaHiVTJ0-FQGRfgoR2dA5XeVLtdxh962l5j7iTMhg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Montebello","date","2025-05-29T00:56:10Z","article","At Tuesday’s meeting the Montebello City Council took several formal actions, including approving a rain‑barrel reimbursement agreement, authorizing an RFP for a citywide historic preservation program, and adopting plans for a senior center basement remodel.

Key outcomes

- Rain‑barrel giveaway program (agenda item: reimbursement agreement): Motion to approve by Councilmember Peralta; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo. Vote: Alonso — Aye; Romero — Aye; Tamayo — Aye; Peralta — Aye; Melendez — Aye. Outcome: approved. Reimbursement up to $30,000; distribution must be completed by Oct. 30, 2025.

- Historic preservation program RFP (agenda item 17): Council approved issuing a request for proposals to develop a citywide historic‑preservation program (mover: Councilmember Peralta; second: Councilmember Alonso). Vote recorded as unanimous (all aye).

- Senior center basement remodel (agenda item 22): Council approved plans and specifications for construction of the senior center basement remodel, including restroom updates, new flooring, lighting, a fitness room and a computer lab (mover: Councilmember Alonso; second: Councilmember Romero). Vote recorded as unanimous (all aye).

- Consent calendar (items 13–30) and payment of bills (item 31): The council approved the balance of the consent calendar (items 13–30) with items 17 and 22 pulled for separate discussion and then approved item 31 (warrant register/payment of bills). Motions and roll calls were unanimous as recorded.

Why it matters: The actions move several implementation items forward — a community water‑conservation program, preservation planning and facility upgrades — and clear routine fiscal items so staff can proceed with procurement and construction.

Provenance: Each vote and motion is recorded in the meeting transcript; roll calls were read on the record and recorded as unanimous for the items above.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","This is the City of Montebello Council Meeting (05/28/2025)","oneSentenceSummary","The City Council approved the rain‑barrel reimbursement agreement, issued an RFP for a citywide historic‑preservation program, and cleared construction plans for the senior center basement remodel; the consent calendar and warrant register were also approved.","taxTitle","Montebello, Los Angeles County, California","taxId",3840,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6546641,"Gateway Cities COG outlines regional projects including broadband and light‑rail extension",111,5066000,5177000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3588612-37c3487cf0061058a6c589efefb8c44e&start=5066&end=5177","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3588612-37c3487cf0061058a6c589efefb8c44e/thumbnail_5066000.jpg","/articles/6546641/Montebello/Los-Angeles-County/California/Gateway-Cities-COG-outlines-regional-projects-including-broadband-and-lightrail-extension","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6546641-410467462930decf1f637c71973265f5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445443&Signature=Vibl84VjbqezcCBoqpls9KaWv9dIbto3UYFp90rxuYqfWcrzJreRUncLVNQox3MEJR1p6i5lbpYay~PgGouJG-J9dmN~dPpJM1Gqswc1Lm3IsV1YFVXS7h0fTc~Rmrzx4QDuB62p3UL-f~ql78SHZVDLEh1-SF8nWzkefgVcXFyS2BYfeKrL9vPSWEGpT1zT8xSUDkCxq~44nCf~koRjhobQzXcwACNBc-wv5mNoRxIpdARPBmIvozaehH4dfpq2Dj7SsOEmgqTl67ytghsb~3CCzoGUxsjFzad5Ux8UPxrW2ZhPB4ciu328G0IO2XwDgw-hpBYS8sGPzAsI3Pvzqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hector de la Torre, executive director of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, told the Montebello City Council the COG is coordinating regional projects including broadband infrastructure, homeless services funded through Measure A and an eastside light‑rail extension.

De la Torre said the COG includes 27 cities and 11 unincorporated areas and stressed the benefits of regional coordination on transportation signal synchronization, housing and homelessness, and broadband projects. He told the council the COG has helped secure Measure A allocations to ensure cities receive direct funds for homeless services and noted the region’s broadband initiative will provide redundant 10‑gigabit connectivity into city facilities.

Why it matters: Regional coordination through the COG can affect project timelines, funding and intercity infrastructure that cross Montebello’s borders — including transit alignments and broadband service that can support municipal operations and community access.

Councilmembers thanked de la Torre and emphasized the importance of the COG in aligning projects across neighboring cities; there were no formal actions from the presentation.","Gateway Cities Council of Governments Executive Director Hector de la Torre briefed the council on regional efforts — broadband redundancy, homeless funding from Measure A and the eastside light‑rail extension — and described the COG’s role coordinating transportation, housing and economic development across 27 member cities.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6546645,"Council approves rain‑barrel giveaway program with up to $30,000 reimbursable from regional water agencies",663,12122000,12785000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3588612-37c3487cf0061058a6c589efefb8c44e&start=12122&end=12785","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3588612-37c3487cf0061058a6c589efefb8c44e/thumbnail_12122000.jpg","/articles/6546645/Montebello/Los-Angeles-County/California/Council-approves-rainbarrel-giveaway-program-with-up-to-30000-reimbursable-from-regional-water-agencies","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6546645-78b673e7e31f4aea9b7363c6a34d906e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445443&Signature=ICDUlkgpKNKTBbVuvBrcrRlvz9mWqi47qoGt3J-OKM~ys2gaJz8fsp2xvwbHhURJNWl~2M4Fw5e5Bxwg9OXHWhyLJ0H9TaLnKlKZqkdB13qHLn9Dpyh1rTswd2RizvJ9u4L2Mwd5Ut~wZSzfy0LtUTYQMmbIJ1jwhYYEIA4ev4iyBh1mm0QnDvvashi0FuA3l1w2m-yAGBwkc6XAnxOUvwTqTZGHtxqZB9SlByQ8AFkZyKgRe5BRZU267s2bSRFc9bOmc6AW1ZqXJOlcT45OkzN8~xw3PqQ9G3s4STSPfxSCf49KJa2pHTvbSXLdiYa8zdPZMVC7CYz29j7lg3m2sQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council voted unanimously to approve an expense‑reimbursement agreement that will let Montebello distribute rain barrels to residents at no net cost to the city.

Jeremy Melendez and Director of Public Works Cesar Roldan described a planned program to distribute approximately 300 rain barrels across the city (targeting roughly 60 barrels per council district). The program will be funded through a member‑agency allocation from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and Central Basin Municipal Water District; the city expects reimbursement of up to $30,000 for the barrels and associated distribution costs provided certain reporting and distribution deadlines are met.

Melendez said the barrels must be distributed by Oct. 30, 2025, to qualify for reimbursement and that recipients will be required to complete a brief application and show proof of Montebello residency. The planned distribution model includes three events (City Hall for Districts 1–3, Montebello City Park for District 4 and Chet Hollyfield Park for District 5) and a first‑come, first‑served pickup model; staff said barrels will be loaded directly onto resident vehicles and walk‑ups will not be permitted for safety and efficiency.

The council moved, seconded and approved the agreement without dissent (roll call recorded as unanimous). Councilmember Peralta made the motion and Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo seconded.

Why it matters: The program aims to support water conservation and drought resilience for homeowners and to reduce stormwater runoff. The city will reimburse Central Basin after the distribution and must provide documentation, distribution logs and an estimated water savings report within 30 days of program completion.

Next steps: Staff will finalize logistics, coordinate outreach (including translated materials where needed) and publish pickup dates and registration details once the reimbursement agreement paperwork is complete.","Council authorized a reimbursement agreement and the city to distribute up to 300 rain barrels (about 60 per district) funded through a Metropolitan/ Central Basin member agency allocation; distribution must be completed by Oct. 30, 2025.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6546650,"Montebello budget preview sparks questions over paramedic fee, park funding and economic focus",548,5938000,6486000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3588612-37c3487cf0061058a6c589efefb8c44e&start=5938&end=6486","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3588612-37c3487cf0061058a6c589efefb8c44e/thumbnail_5938000.jpg","/articles/6546650/Montebello/Los-Angeles-County/California/Montebello-budget-preview-sparks-questions-over-paramedic-fee-park-funding-and-economic-focus","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6546650-fc1eb708f25e6a550616dcbb056b16d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445443&Signature=jS6YU~iwsr~qVH44jhLnWKcx1qzpgAfC0t~CW5AtTpBgAPxHH0GKDgHfxe4AMEPmVpCTgTj0D9aRkkGP9yKt15uGR4iN3zpQh0VvvDjR4ccjRkWJJQi83QvW1s0-2ZlzjVT4ETqCHBHcjChrBJvEqUrNGQWcDjqB6DtRfKZYRM53MOvmYna1BjSc~XsPboXYhqCgt5nhlKxf8rhQV1MyGQS6PyD-OQJ~qt51to5W2w9kCHNkjx8GFgbV4EmBJYwq5F-GhLNtXSaMaTXkbIY2nI56wTS-SFsJorWTcAp-Z1ENN~XKAKfA~1dZ3FaBgPb8qSUaNcppPxnzWP3NjPToiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council reviewed a budget overview and engaged staff on revenue sources, program priorities and areas of concern during Tuesday’s meeting.

Director of Finance Michael Salazar presented the fiscal overview and described key revenue streams and cost pressures. Councilmembers raised several substantive concerns during Q&A: the city’s paramedic fee (about $600 per ambulance/paramedic response), a nearly $800,000 urban‑forestry Cal Fire grant that is now frozen, and a perception that recent economic development activity is concentrated north of Whittier Boulevard rather than distributed citywide.

On a privately owned billboard discussed during the presentation, Salazar said the sign is owned and operated by Premier Media under a development agreement with the property owner, Brixmor. “Per the development agreement … the city will receive for the first five years $90,000 a year,” Salazar said, adding that payments escalate over time and that the city will receive emergency‑messaging and community advertising opportunities from the sign once Caltrans gives final activation approval.

Councilmember Peralta called for revisiting the paramedic fee, saying it disproportionately affects vulnerable residents and that some residents delay calling 911 over the charge. “I think this is something that targets our vulnerable populations,” Peralta said, asking staff to prioritize review of that fee as the budget process continues.

Other topics raised during discussion included the loss of the Cal Fire tree‑planting grant that would have provided roughly $800,000 for planting and an urban forestry management plan; renewed emphasis on park maintenance and restroom renovations; and a request for greater outreach so economic benefits reach southern districts. Councilmembers also questioned a large increase shown in Home2Suites hotel expenditures and asked staff to explain rising equipment lease and debt payments (staff said the roughly $3,000,000 figure includes vehicle and equipment leases, including fire apparatus and utility vehicles).

Why it matters: Councilmembers framed the budget debate around equity and basic services — ensuring vulnerable residents are not priced out of emergency response, making parks usable and safe, pursuing tree canopy and urban forestry funding, and broadening economic investment across more neighborhoods.

Next steps: Staff will return with fee‑schedule updates, follow up on the Cal Fire grant status and provide additional explanations for the Home2Suites and lease/debt numbers as the council moves toward budget adoption in June.","City finance staff presented the draft budget and revenue picture; councilmembers pressed staff on a $600 paramedic fee, frozen Cal Fire urban forestry grant (~$800,000), concentration of economic development north of Whittier Boulevard, and hotel/lease expenditures.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6546655,"Montebello officials briefed on new wildfire rules, \"Zone 0\" defensible‑space guidance",2677,8556000,11233000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3588612-37c3487cf0061058a6c589efefb8c44e&start=8556&end=11233","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3588612-37c3487cf0061058a6c589efefb8c44e/thumbnail_8556000.jpg","/articles/6546655/Montebello/Los-Angeles-County/California/Montebello-officials-briefed-on-new-wildfire-rules-Zone-0-defensiblespace-guidance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6546655-86c5b909329a39db021d65676bb7da12/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445443&Signature=QkKbIeKa8SSjwD4wxlX5iRs~6mBfZLT55L8ENPoHBnNG7denQIVdahQX1l~Zuad8xyn4YHwRIyEUZ5byE~utRqrqXPThftXxCbBM~xZ1klHb--JHU2bXN3W8MKoRgn3UCZY1bgHs7jYjhSLRVJ6eihG41zystilkbxUly-UEouFJI-vLUgT010L6JiBUrIWqZnkly-m4R88jbPQBqWZJUUvpzRGcak8CVXvADWtcWvpOgx8YkEXfRSfN2tqMFfKZAuNsLVtCxj8MgrMUMECzkN4vpFqM3pSK6NE5P~LKJzi6URKH1PwTDDK2QUxo5WKmi~zmWxMonOWbxNbC9nwxxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Montebello officials and residents heard a detailed public briefing on wildfire risk, new state building standards and neighborhood-level vegetation management Tuesday night as the city was identified in parts as a very high fire hazard severity zone.

Retired fire marshal Captain Rich Snyder, who led the presentation, said homeowners must combine vegetation management with “home hardening” to reduce risk from embers and radiant heat. “We are not going to be able to stop these fires, but we can keep them from destroying the homes,” Snyder said, summarizing the state’s approach of preventing structure ignitions rather than relying on suppression alone.

The presentation described three main ignition paths — direct flame contact, radiant heat and embers — and emphasized that embers can travel blocks and ignite mulch, vents and eaves even after the main fire front passes. Snyder highlighted recent test data from industry groups showing that the first 5 feet around a home is especially vulnerable; the state has introduced a new regulatory concept often referred to in the briefing as “Zone 0” targeting that area for reduced combustibles and ember‑resistant details.

Why it matters: The briefing warned that standard firefighting resources cannot protect densely built neighborhoods during extreme wind‑driven wildfires and that coordinated household and neighborhood mitigation reduces the chance of home loss. The new state guidance and code changes discussed will affect new construction standards and, over time, retrofit expectations for existing homes in very high fire hazard areas.

Supporting details: Snyder described vegetation and plant species that commonly increase risk (examples cited included Italian cypress, juniper and certain drought‑tolerant shrubs like rosemary and lavender when planted too close to structures). He demonstrated how embers in gutters, deck undersides and attic vents can smolder and later ignite buildings, and he urged retrofits such as ember‑resistant vents and screening for under‑deck areas.

Council members asked about outreach and enforcement. Councilmember Romero and Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo noted city efforts that have begun door‑to‑door outreach and neighborhood walk‑throughs in foothill areas and asked staff to continue community education and translation for non‑English speakers. City staff said outreach and coordination with property owners adjacent to hillsides — including a referenced walk with the Army Corps of Engineers and other stakeholders — are already underway.

The presentation also listed voluntary programs and certification pathways residents can pursue — for example, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) wildfire preparedness guidance and Department of Insurance materials mentioned during the briefing — and identified potential grant opportunities and the creation of a local Fire Safe Council as next steps.

Ending: Fire staff said additional community meetings and materials will follow; the council did not take immediate regulatory action at the meeting but directed staff to continue outreach and to prepare for anticipated changes to building and vegetation rules.","Fire officials told the City Council Montebello has areas mapped as very high fire hazard severity and outlined new state-driven building- and vegetation-management requirements, including a focus on the first 5 feet around a structure called \"Zone 0.\"","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: council approves rain‑barrel program, senior center remodel and historic‑preservation RFP

Gateway Cities COG outlines regional projects including broadband and light‑rail extension

Council approves rain‑barrel giveaway program with up to $30,000 reimbursable from regional water agencies

Montebello budget preview sparks questions over paramedic fee, park funding and economic focus

Montebello officials briefed on new wildfire rules, "Zone 0" defensible‑space guidance