This Is the City of Montebello City Council Meeting (5/13/26)

The City of Montebello City Council held a meeting on May 13, 2026, which included a public hearing on the fiscal year 2026-2027 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME annual action plan. During the hearing, questions were raised about the allocation of over $200,000 in federal funds to a private property, the Montebello Women's Club, and the transparency and prioritization of funding decisions. City staff explained the federal vetting process and the public notice and evaluation procedures for grant applications. The council subsequently approved the action plan. Another significant agenda item was a public hearing pursuant to Government Code section 3502.3 regarding city employee vacancies, recruitment, and retention efforts. Presentations highlighted a citywide vacancy rate of 8.3%, improvements from the previous year, and ongoing challenges, particularly in the Fire Department, where multiple paramedics recently left citing workplace issues. Public comments extensively addressed concerns about fire department leadership, employee morale, retention problems, and alleged retaliation. The City Manager acknowledged these issues and emphasized ongoing efforts to address staffing and service quality. The meeting also included recognitions, proclamations, and public comments on various community matters, but no new contracts or procurement decisions were reported.