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