Postcards of old churches in Monrovia (Photo – Monrovia Legacy project)
The Monrovia City Council worked through a long but largely routine agenda Tuesday, June 16, adopting its Fiscal Year 2026–27 budget, approving nearly $3 million for two new fire engines, and advancing housing and preservation initiatives.
By Shashank Tongaonkar
The meeting opened with the Pasadena Humane Pet of the Month, followed by proclamations recognizing June 19 as Juneteenth National Freedom Day and June 19–25 as National Mosquito Control Awareness Week.
Most of the evening’s business moved through the consent calendar, which the council approved in a single vote. The council renewed its partnership with the Foothill Unity Center for case management services under the Housing Displacement Response Program, extending the agreement through June 2027 at a cost of up to $150,000 annually. It also approved an additional $30,000 for the Monrovia Legacy 2.0 history project with the Monrovia Historical Society, bringing the total contract amount to $120,000.
The council also approved several routine service contracts, including janitorial services with Merchants Building Maintenance (up to $1.27 million), police vehicle maintenance with S.N. Ward & Son ($300,000), graffiti removal with Superior Property Services ($38,000 annually), and utility bill printing services with Bridgecom Solutions ($153,000).
In separate actions, the council accepted completed sewer-cleaning and valve-replacement projects, renewed the Police Department’s military equipment use policy, and approved an agreement allowing Sierra Madre to train at the Monrovia Police Department shooting range through 2029.
The council also hired planning firm MIG for up to $41,500 to prepare design standards for a transit-oriented development area tied to SB 79, the state housing law taking effect July 1 that requires cities to allow denser housing near transit. The standards will help guide how future development is integrated into the area while complying with state requirements.
Two Mills Act applications were approved. Homes at 115 May Avenue, owned by Francisco and Rebekah Garcia, and 225 Highland Place, owned by Elisa Lau and David Lew, received historic landmark designations and the property tax incentives available to owners who maintain historic properties.
During staff reports, Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang briefed the council. Among council items, Mayor Tom Shevlin announced board and commission appointments for terms beginning July 1, and the council agreed to send a letter supporting AB 762, legislation that would phase out disposable vaping products statewide because of fire-safety and environmental concerns.
The council concluded the meeting by adopting its Fiscal Year 2026–27 budget, fee schedule, and position listing. It also approved the purchase of two Pierce Enforcer fire engines from South Coast Fire Equipment for up to $2.93 million, along with a contingency of approximately $293,000, representing one of the largest expenditures approved during the meeting.
The meeting adjourned in memory of Joy Jeannine Gross and Anthony Santilena after the council approved its new budget and a series of public safety, housing, and preservation measures. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, at 7:30 pm.
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