Council approves Consent calendar, including parking structure janitorial contract, 5–0

Consent calendar, including parking structure janitorial contract

5 yes, 0 no

Ross J. Maza (yes), Adele Andrade-Stadler (yes), Katherine Lee (yes), Jeffrey Koji Maloney (yes), Amy Wong (yes)

Window Replacement

3216 Concord Avenue

Replacement of seven existing windows on a single-family home with revised operations and grid patterns.

still pending

South Cordova Street Porch Remodel

134 South Cordova Street

Demolition of an existing porch roof and balcony and construction of a new covered front porch and second-floor window.

still pending

Kopan Sushi & Ramen Outdoor Patio

645 East Main Street

Construction of a new 325-square-foot detached covered outdoor dining patio in the restaurant's rear parking lot.

still pending

Exterior Alterations

517 South Chapel Avenue

Demolition of a portion of a home encroaching on a neighboring property, plus door and window updates.

still pending

Midwick/Alhambra Hills Parking

Neighbors near Cal State LA have been fighting street parking overflow. Staff will study the preferred parking districts for six weeks and bring any changes to the December 14 meeting; the university is being asked to steer students to campus lots.

What it means: Residents of the single-family neighborhoods near campus who have suffered parking overflow.

Raised 2 times this week

Financial Reserve Policy and Pension Liability Strategy

Alhambra has $266 million in unfunded liabilities, mostly pensions, and its emergency reserve sits at about 20% of annual spending versus a 30% goal. The council will adopt a new policy on how year-end surpluses get divided, keeping final say with each year's council.

What it means: The city needs roughly $10 million more to hit its 30% emergency reserve target; surplus dollars will be steered there first after replenishments.

Raised 2 times this week

City Manager Performance Evaluation

The City Council is reviewing the performance of the City Manager in a closed session. This evaluation affects city leadership, administrative direction, and municipal operations.

What it means: Alhambra residents benefit from regular oversight and evaluation of executive city leadership.

Municipal Appropriation Limit

The city is reviewing its financial reserve policies to ensure strong emergency funds and tackle long-term pension and benefit liabilities. These updates aim to safeguard Alhambra's economic stability against unexpected expenses and economic downturns.

What it means: All Alhambra residents benefit from a more financially resilient city government capable of weathering economic shocks.

Historic preservation program fees deter applications

A year after the preservation ordinance passed, only one application has been filed and it's incomplete. Residents say fees of $5,000-$10,000 for designation and Mills Act applications are far higher than neighboring cities and are killing participation.

What it means: Homeowners face up to roughly $10,000 in fees; the city may subsidize or reduce them, trading some revenue for program participation.

Environmental Sustainability

The city won a platinum-level Energy Champion award from the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments for 2024-2025, crediting its 100% renewable electricity default and sustainability plan. An implementation plan is expected soon.

What it means: All residents through lower energy use and climate action.

Preferred Parking Enforcement Expansion

The Council is reviewing recent expansions to preferred parking districts around Midwick Park, Alhambra Hills, and Hellman Avenue. Residents and officials are weighing enforcement hours and staffing resources to balance neighborhood parking access with event spillover.

What it means: Local homeowners and residents living near event zones seeking relief from outside commuter parking congestion.

Residential and Commercial Development Review

Several homeowners are proposing exterior upgrades, window replacements, and structural modifications to single-family homes across Alhambra. The Design Review Board will evaluate these projects to ensure they fit neighborhood aesthetic standards.

What it means: Homeowners seeking to modernize or repair their properties.

Commercial Outdoor Dining Expansion

Kopan Sushi & Ramen has applied to build a covered outdoor dining patio in its parking lot. The board will review the design to ensure it meets city visual and safety criteria.

What it means: Restaurant patrons and local business operators.

Meeting Schedule Adjustment

The Historic Preservation Commission's October meeting is cancelled, pushing any pending historic preservation reviews to the new year.

What it means: None directly.

Janitorial contract for downtown parking structures

What it means: $131,000 annually, far below the top bid of $711,000.