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MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the City of Monterey Park is to provide excellent services to enhance the quality of life for our entire community
MINUTES
MONTEREY PARK CITY COUNCIL
FINANCING AUTHORITY (MPFA)
HOUSING AUTHORITY (MPHA)
GEOLOGIC HAZARD ABATEMENT DISTRICT (GHAD)
SUCCESSOR AGENCY (SA)
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 15, 2023
The City Council, the Financing Authority (MPFA), the Housing Authority (MPHA), the Geologic Hazard Abatement District (GHAD), and the Successor Agency (SA) of the City of Monterey Park held a Regular Meeting of the Council in the Council Chamber, located at 320 West Newmark Avenue in the City of Monterey Par k, Wednesday, February 15 , 2023 at 6:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Sanchez called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
FLAG SALUTE:
The Monterey Park Police Explorers
ROLL CALL:
City Clerk Maychelle Yee called the roll:
Council Members Present: Henry Lo, Vinh Ngo, Jose Sanchez, Thomas Wong, Yvonne Yiu
Council Members Absent: None
ALSO PRESENT: City Attorney Karl Berger, City Manager Ron Bow, City Treasurer Amy Lee, Assistant City Manager Inez Alvarez, Police Chief Scott Wiese, Fire Chief Matt Hallock, City Librarian Diana Garcia, Director of Public Works Shawn Igoe, Director of Recreations and Community Services Robert Aguirre, Director of Finance Martha Garcia, Director of Human Resources Christine Tom ikawa, Interim Planning Director Jessica Serrano, Battalion Chief Chris Thompson, Economic Development Manager Joseph Torres, Finance Manager Laura Borjon, Deputy City Clerk Cindy Trang
VIRTUALLY PRESENT: None.
AGENDA ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, CHANGES AND ADOPTIONS
City Manager Bow announced that the December 7, 2022, council meeting minutes on agenda Item No. 3A will be pulled. He requested moving Presentation items to be heard after Public Communications, and added an additional presentation from City Treasurer Lee under Staff Communications.
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PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
- Sharon Woo, Darrin Chung, Roselyn Chin, and Kaitlyn Wong, from Mark Keppel High School, Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) and Mark Keppel High School Alliance expressed their appreciation to the first responders for their bravery on the mass casualty that happened on January 21, 2023.
- Andrew Yam and Bobbi Bruesch, members of the Garvey School Board, presented certificates of recognition to the Fire Department, Police Department, and Brandon Tsay for their heroism during the senseless tragedy that impacted the community.
- Adam Ma, represent ing Karen Bass, City of Los Angeles Mayor, presented certificates to Brandon Tsay, City of Monterey Park, the Monterey Park Fire and Police Departments.
- Janet Yam, Jimmy Ngan, Jenny Chen, Jaycan Ngan, and Jolie Ngan, residents, wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to the first responders for their service i n protecting the city and businesses. Janet Yam conveyed her support for the library strategic plan.
- Jennifer Tang, spoke on behalf of Assemblymember Mike Fong, expressed her profound gratitude towards the first responders.
- Larry and Carol Sullivan and Katherine Torres members of the Lions Club, Women’s Club, and Library Foundation offered a heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends that lost a loved one from the recent tr agedy. Larry Sullivan voiced his support of the Bruggemeyer Library’s five-year plan and supported the ordinance for public hearing Item No. 4-A. He announced that on May 30, 2023, Lion’s Club will be having their Annual Pancake Breakfast since the pandemic.
- Dennis Guttierrez, President of the Lamp Optimist C lub, expressed his sincere appreciation to the leaders and team members of the Monterey Park Fire and Police Departments.
- Jaime Rodriguez, resident, communicated his gratitude to all the first responders.
He spoke about how his own personal experience with the first responders and the continuous support he has for them.
- Elizabeth Yang, resident, thanked the first responders for their bravery on keeping families safe in the city. She also expressed her support on the Library Strategic Plan and support for Item No. 4A.
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- Caleb Kwok and Isabelle Wu, representing the Kiwanis Club of Monterey Park, expressed their gratitude to first responders for the services they provide to the community. Mr. Kwok spoke about his experience with first responders. He also thanked Brandon Tsay for demonstrating what it is to be a good citizen.
- Charles Stapleton, Monterey Park Chamber of Commerce, shared his story of starting a neighborhood watch program. He spoke on the responsibilities they all share with the first responders. He also spoke on the courage of Brandon Tsay and thanked the City Council for supporting the first responders.
- Shirley Hwong, Chairwomen for the Monterey Park Community Participation Commission, shared her history living in this city since 1976 and the commissions she served on. She mentioned how she was grateful to all the first responders and Brandon Tsay’s for his bravery.
- Scott Hara, representing Troop 329 Boy Scouts of America ( BSA), mentioned how he heard about the tragic news and expressed how much of an inspiration first responders have had on his troop.
- Jade Sandoval, Girl Scout Troop 5631 , thanked all the first responders for keeping the city safe. She spoke about the Girl Scout organization and how funds are collected from cookie sales and distributed.
- Armen Sebastian, resident, relinquished his time to Teresa Real Sebastian.
- Teresa Real Sebastian, resident, offered her deepest condolences to those that lost friends and family members on the tragic night of January 21st. She thanked the Monterey Park Police and Fire Department. She reminded the public that Monterey Park has an Emergency Operations Center that is ready for any catastrophic event. She also thanked Brandon Tsay for his courage and acting without hesitation.
- Sarkis Antonian, resident, thanked the first responders for all that they have done for the community. He spoke about the history of Star Dance Studio, and how it was featured on “Dancing with the Stars” television show.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
This item was heard after Agenda Item No. 1, Presentations.
- Library Services: City Librarian Garcia provided updates on the upcoming programs and events the library is offering for March. She mentioned the programs are Drop-in counseling to provide support following the tragic events, Herstory 2 Exhibition, Spanish Bilingual Storytime, VITA Tax Clinic, and Novel- Tea.
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- Police Department : William Estrada, Animal Control Officer , gave a brief presentation of coyote awareness and how to keep your pets and yourself safe.
Police Sergeant Arlene Chaidez invited the residents to the Public Safety Town Hall Meeting on Thursday February 16, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. at George Elder Park Community Room. She spoke on the topics that will be discussed during the meeting.
- Public Works: Director of Public Works Igoe, gave an update on the Spirit Bus , GoMPK app, and the community Clean- up event that took place on Saturday February 25, 2023 at George Elder Park from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Recreation and Community Services Department: Director of Recreation and Community Service Aguirre mentioned that Langley Center will be offering a free flu and Covid-19 vaccine clinic on Thursday, February 16 from 11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. He gave an update on the Valentine’s Celebration, Tree Memorial application, Electric Park, and Spring Egg Hunt.
- City Treasurer Lee presented an update on ways to donate to the Community Healing Fund. She also mentioned that the oversight board is independent from the Community Healing Fund.
1. PRESENTATION
Matters listed under presentation are informational content and for discussion only.
This item was heard after Public Communications.
1-A. BRANDON TSAY RECOGNITION
- Mayor Sanchez gave a presentation recognizing Brandon Tsay. Mayor Sanchez along with the City Council presented Brandon Tsay with a plaque conveying the city’s appreciation and gratitude for his courage and bravery on the tragic night of January 21, 2023.
- Mayor Pro Tem Wong thanked the first responders on their call of duty to one of the darkest moments of Monterey Park. He thanked Brandon Tsay for providing the inspiration and aspires to have the same courage and bringing that example to the community.
- Councilmember Ngo said a short poem to Brandon Tsay.
- Councilmember Yiu thanks the first responders for all their sacrifices.
- Councilmember Lo spoke about how proud he is of all the first responders. He said he was moved when President Biden recognize Brandon Tsay at the State of the Union Address.
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1-B. FIRST RESPONDERS RECOGNITION
The Monterey Park City Council provided plaques and showed their sincere appreciation to all the Monterey Park first responders on their bravery and courage during the tragic event the night of January 21,2023.
The first responders from the Monterey Police Department: Sergeant Silverman , Corporal Alvarez , Officer Alcaraz , Officer Cienfuegos, Officer Contreras, Officer Corona, Officer Crabtree, Officer Pena, Dispatcher Escandon, Dispatcher Luo, and Dispatcher Reza
The first responders from the Monterey Park Fire Department: Battalion Chief Khail
, Captain/Paramedic Birrell, Captain Blake, Captain/Paramedic I enni, Captain/Paramedic Kelley, Engineer Calloway, Engineer Chang, Engineer Gomory, Engineer Padilla, Firefighter Andrews, Firefighter/Paramedic Ayala, Firefighter Garcia, Firefighter Hart, Firefighter/Paramedic Kilburn, F irefighter McGee, Firefighter/Paramedic Respicio, Firefighter Trejo, and Firefighter/Paramedic Weissenberger
2. OLD BUSINESS - None.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS NOS. 3A-3H
Matters listed under consent calendar are considered to be routine, ongoing business and are enacted by one motion unless specified.
Action Taken: The City Council approved and adopted Agenda Item No. 3B, 3D, 3F, 3G, and 3H on consent calendar, excluding item No. 3A, 3C, & 3E which were pulled for discussion, separate motion, reading resolutions and ordinances by the title only and waiving further reading thereof.
Motion: Moved by Council Member Ngo and seconded by Council Member Yiu, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Lo, Yiu, Ngo, Wong, Sanchez
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: None
Abstain: Council Members: None
3-A. MINUTES
Approving the minutes from the special and regular meetings of December 7, 2022 and December 21, 2022.
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Action Taken: The City Council approved the minutes from the special and regular meeting of December 21, 2022, as amended to excluded the approval of special and regular meeting of December 7, 2022 on Consent Calendar.
Motion: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Wong and seconded by Council Member Lo, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Lo, Yiu, Ngo, Wong, Sanchez
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: None
Abstain: Council Members: None
3-B. MONTHLY INVESTMENTS REPORT – JANUARY 2023
As of January 31, 202 3 invested funds for the City of Monterey Park is $76,524,523.89.
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed the monthly investment report for January 2023 on Consent Calendar.
3-C. FIVE-YEAR BRUGGEMEYER LIBRARY STRATEGIC PLAN
The Bruggemeyer Library is presenting a five- year strategic planning document which contains a mission, vision, values, roles and goals, and strategic imperatives for the Library. This plan was adopted by the Library Board of Trustees at their January 2023 meeting.
Public Speakers:
- Rose Scobie, resident, voiced her support for the Library Strategic Plan.
- Jennifer Tang, President of the Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library Board of Trustees, shared her experience being on the board and voiced her support for the Library Strategic Plan.
- Travis Kaya, Vice President of the Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library Board of Trustees, spoke in support for the Library Strategic Plan.
- Andy Yam, Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library Board of Trustees, expressed his support for the Library Strategic Plan.
- City Clerk Yee received, filed , and read into the record four written communications from, Tara Kwan, Marrissa Kwok, Evelina Fernandez, and Linda Tang who all conveyed their support and their values of the strategic plan for the Library.
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Action Taken: The City Council received and filed the Bruggemeyer Library’s 5 Year Strategic Planning Document.
Motion: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Wong and seconded by Council Member Ngo, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Lo, Yiu, Ngo, Wong, Sanchez
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: None
Abstain: Council Members: None
3-D. CONTINUE TO EXTEND THE EXISTENCE OF AN EMPLOYMENT
EMERGENCY FOR THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK
City Council adopted Resolution No. 2022-R49 at the City Council meeting on June 15, 2022, declaring an employment emergency and authorized the City Manager to take all practical actions needed to implement the efficient recruitment and retention of persons for employment.
Since the employment emergency was declared, the City has been able to fill 37 key vacancies. An ongoing challenge, however, is recruiting qualified candidat es to fill vital vacancies within the Water Division. The City’s treatment system for potable water requires high level State approved certifications. These certifications are difficult to obtain and therefore results in a reduced pool of qualified applicants.
The City is recruiting for Water Utility Manager, Water Production System Supervisor, Senior Water Production System Operator, and Engineering Assistant.
While the City continues to expand its recruitment efforts for these positions, the staffing needs must be met. Operational Technical Services is providing the needed expertise to the City; the proposed Task Order No. 3 will extend its services until the City can fill its vacancies. These are positions that are directly responding to the public and/or essential to the smooth operation of municipal services including, providing potable drinking water.
Relatedly, the City continues to recruit for a Communications Dispatcher, Public Works Inspector, and Police Captain. Since December 2022, the City appointed a Police Captain, Communications Dispatcher, two Police Recruits, and Planning Technician.
It is recommended that the City Council continue to extend the employment emergency as to personnel recruitment. This will continue to allow the City Manager to (1) accelerate the testing and interview process for new employees (all candidates would continue to undergo the City’s background process); (2) after conferring with affected bargaining units, consider changing the titles of employment positions to discard outmoded descriptions and updates such titles to contemporary titles; and (3) immediately com mence the review, revision, and negotiation with bargaining units regarding desirable changes to the City’s 71-30
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personnel rules. Among other things, the City Manager would be able to temporarily appoint qualified persons to positions in accordance with Montere y Park Municipal Code § 2.28.100 and contract for the services listed in MPMC §
2.28.190.
Action Taken: The City Council (1) received and filed this report, (2) authorized the City Manager to execute Task Order No. 3 with Operational Technical Services to augment Water Division staff needs, not to exceed $285,000, (3) and continued to extend the existence of an employment emergency for the City of Monterey Park and authorized the City Manager to take all practical actions needed to implement the efficient recruitment and retention of persons for employment on consent calendar.
3-E. AWARDS OF CONTRACT TO RINCON CONSULTANTS INC., TO PROVIDE
CONSULTING SERVICES RELATED TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT, INCLUDING MONTEREY PARK MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENTS AND TECHNICAL STUDIES RELATED TO THE CITY’S
SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
The City of Monterey Park adopted the 2021- 2029 Housing Element (“Housing Element”) on January 19, 2022 and adopted an amendment to the Housing Element on November 16, 2022. Staff is currently working with the State’s Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) to certify the Housing Element.
As part of the adoption of the latest Housing Element, a set of programs were adopted for the City to implement during the 8-year course of the Housing Element cycle to achieve specified housing goals, including the creation of diverse types housing at various affordability levels throughout the City. In order to implement the programs indicated in the Housing Element, staff is seeking professional services from Rincon.
Additionally, the City Council identified climate change as a Strategic Plan priority in 2021 and 2022. To implement the City Council’s direction, the City began efforts to develop a sustainability plan known as the Monterey Park Going Green Program and requires technical assistance in analyzing data related to greenhouse gas emissions and other quantifiable data to help develop forecasts to shape and monitor programs that will be recommended as part of the City’s overall sustainability efforts.
Action Taken: The City Council authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Rincon Consultants (“Rincon”), Inc. in an amount not to exceed $301,562.50 ; and authorized budget appropriated of $70,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”) Funds for the 2022-2023 fiscal year.
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Motion: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Wong and seconded by Council Member Lo, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Lo, Yiu, Ngo, Wong, Sanchez
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: None
Abstain: Council Members: None
3-F. ACCEPT AN IN- KIND DONATION OF CHOCOLATE FROM SEE’S CANDIES WITH A RETAIL VALUE OF $56,992 ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF
MONTEREY PARK
Pursuant to Resolution No. 11776, the City Council may accept donations with a value estimated at $25,000 or greater (Attachment 1 to the staff report). Therefore, it is requested that the City Council accept an in- kind donation of chocolate from See’s Candies.
Action Taken: The City Council accepted an in-kind donation of chocolates from See’s Candies with a retail value of $56,992 on behalf of the City of Monterey Park on consent calendar.
3-G. RECEIVE AND FILE STAFF REPORT SUMMARIZING THE STATUS OF
EMERGENCY REPAIRS OF THE MONTEREY PASS ROAD WATER LINE
On August 17, 2022, City Council adopted Resolution No. 2022- R69 authorizing the City Manager to take necessary measures for emergency repair of a water main line on Monterey Pass Road. Recurring water main leaks in several areas within Monterey Pass Road between the intersections of Vagabond Drive and Brightwood street resulted in extensive infrastructure damage to the roadway and necessary water main pipe repairs to ensure continued water service to residences and businesses in the area.
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed the staff report s ummarizing the status of e mergency repairs of the Monterey Pass Road water line, and adopted Resolution No. 2023-R10 amended Resolution No. 2022-R32 to add the Monterey Pass Road Emergency Water Main Improvements as Project No. 99025 on consent calendar.
Resolution No. 2023-R10
A RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2022 -R32 TO ADD THE
MONTEREY PASS ROAD EMERGENCY WATER MAIN IMPROVEMENTS AS PROJECT NO. 99025 TO THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (“CIP”) AND
FINDING SUCH AMENDMENT CONFORMS WITH THE GENERAL PLAN
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3-H. EMERGENCY REPAIR OF WATER MAIN ON LA MERCED ROAD - ADOPT A
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACT WITH W.A. RASIC WITHOUT THE NEED FOR
COMPETITIVE BIDDING TO COMPLETE EMERGENCY WATER MAIN
REPAIRS
On December 13, 2022, Public Works staff responded to a water main break on La Merced Road in the City of Rosemead. Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Public Works contract with W.A. Rasic Construction Company, Inc. for the main line repair work without the need for competitive bidding. The contract will be for an amount not to exceed $75,000.
CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act)
Since the proposed work is a minor alteration to an existing public facility, this project is Class 1 Categorically Exempt pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-R 11 and authorized the City Manager to execute a Public Works contract with W.A Rasic Construction Company, Inc., in the amount of $75,000, without the need for competitive bidding to complete emergency repairs of the water main on La Merced Road; and appropriated $75,000 from the Water Operation Fund for the cost of the repair work on consent calendar.
Resolution No. 2023-R11
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
STANDARD PUBLIC WORKS AGREEMENT WITH W.A. RASIC
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. WITHOUT THE NEED FOR COMPETITIVE
BIDDING FOR THE EMERGENCY REPAIR OF THE WATER MAIN AT LA
MERCED ROAD
4. PUBLIC HEARING
4-A. A CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE (ZONING CODE AMENDMENT NO. 22 - 03) AMENDING TITLE 21 OF THE MONTEREY PARK MUNICIPAL CODE TO CLARIFY AND COMPLETE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2020 MONTEREY
PARK BUSINESS RECOVERY PROGRAM GOVERNING OUTDOOR DINING,
ALLOWABLE USES WITHIN THE CENTRAL BUSINESS (C- B) ZONING
DISTRICT AND ISSUING CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY
Outdoor temporary event permit regulations were first adopted on July 15, 2020, as part of the 2020 Monterey Park Business Recovery Program (the “Program”).
The Outdoor temporary event permit regulations remain valid until May 31, 2023. 71-33
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Staff prepared an Ordinance to adopt permanent regulations to enable outdoor dining uses to operate in commercial zones, subject to certain requirements.
Among other things, the Ordinance would expand allowable uses in the C-B zoning district; and clarify the Building Official’s authority to issue Certificates of Occupancy.
CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act):
Adopting this Ordinance is exempt from further environmental review because it establishes rules and procedures for operation of existing facilities; minor temporary use of land; minor alterations in land use; new construction of small structures; and minor structures accessory to existing commercial facilities. The Ordinance, therefore, is categorically exempt from further CEQA review under CEQA Guidelines §§ 15301; 15303, 15304(e); 15305; and 15311. Further, adopting the ordinance is also exempt from review under CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15061(b)(3) because the ordinance is for general policies and procedure-making. It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the Ordinance may have a significant effect on the environment. Individual projects utilizing these regulations will each be separately subject to an environmental assessment. Finally, this Ordinance is exempt from further review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15269(a) because the protection of public and private property is necessary to maintain service essential to the public, health and welfare.
Public Speakers:
- City Clerk Yee received, filed, and read into the record five written communications from Gregory Moss, Christine Lam, Karen Sam, Chuck Sam, and Joe Buonya who expressed their support for a ban on office space use on the ground floor level. City Clerk Yee also received four written communications which were received untimely from Cindy Yee, Tammy Sam, Carolina Zezatte, and Weihua Cheng who all voiced their support of the ban of office space use on the ground floor.
- Dora Leung, Greater Monterey Park Chamber of Commerce, spoke in favor of the proposal to allow both retail and office use on the ground floor.
- Sherry Cha relinquished her time to Tammy Sam.
- Lisa Yee, relinquished her time to Tammy Sam.
- Sarkis Antonian relinquished his time to Tammy Sam.
- Tammy Sam, Planning Commission Chair, stated that she is speaking for herself, and not as a Planning Commissioner. She communicated that there was an error on the February 15, 2023, City Council a genda. She said that the P lanning Commission vot ed 3 -1 to recommend O ffice Use on the ground floor of the 71-34
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Commercial Business District, not 4 -0. She expressed her concern in adding office use on the ground floor.
- Maychelle Yee, resident, voiced her concern on the transparency of the staff report and stated that it was difficult to understand. In addition, she mentioned that there are concerns from both sides and asked the City Council to hold off on making a decision and instead come up with other options.
Action Taken: The City Council opened the continued public hearing at 9:54 p.m. to take testimonial and documentary evidence; after closing the public hearing at 10:09 p.m. and consider ing the evidence submitted during that public hearing, introduced and waive first reading of an Ordinance amending Title 21 of the Monterey Park Municipal Code to clarify and complete implementation of the 2020 Monterey Park Business Recovery Program governed Outdoor Dining, allowable uses within the Central Business (C -B) zoning District, and issued certificates of occupancy, as amended to adopt a revised ordinance, that was distributed to the City Council and made available to the public, which removed all language referencing the allowable uses within the central business (C-B) zoning district and issuance of a certificates of occupancy.
Motion: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Wong and seconded by Councilmember Ngo, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Lo, Yiu, Ngo, Wong, Sanchez
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: None
Abstain: Council Members: None
Ordinance 1
st Reading, entitled:
AN OMNIBUS ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 21 OF THE MONTEREY PARK
MUNICIPAL CODE TO CLARIFY AND COMPLETE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2020 MONTEREY PARK BUSINESS RECOVERY PROGRAM GOVERNING
OUTDOOR DINING
4-B. PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL OF THE SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT TO THE 2021- 2022 HUD ANNUAL ACTION PLAN TO RECEIVE AND
ADMINISTER THE HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM (HOME) - AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN (ARP) PROGRAM
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides funding to states, counties and cities in the form of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) funds.
In 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act was enacted by Congress. The American Rescue Plan (ARP) provides funds to assist individuals or households who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, and other vulnerable populations, by providing 71-35
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housing, rental assistance, supportive services, and non- congregate shelter, to reduce homelessness and increase housing stability across the country. These grant funds will be administered through HUD's HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME-ARP). Since the City of Monterey Park is an Entitlement City, the City is eligible to receive HOME-ARP funds.
Before Monterey Park can receive these funds, the City must develop a HOME - ARP Allocation Plan that meets the requirements in the HOME-ARP Notice.
To receive its HOME-ARP allocation, the City of Monterey Park must:
• Engage in consultation with at least the required organizations; • Provide for public participation including a 15- day public comment period and one public hearing, at a minimum; and
• Develop a plan that meets the requirements in the HOME-ARP Notice.
Action Taken: The City Council (1) opened the public hearing at 10:32 p.m., receiving no documentary or testimonial evidence; (2) closed the public hearing at 10:34 p.m. and approved the Substantial Amendment to the 2021- 2022 One-year Action Plan (Action Plan) to include the HOME-ARP Program (“HOME-ARP”); (3) directed staff to prepare and transmit the final documents to the U.S . Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”); and (4) authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to take all actions necessary or desirable to implement the HOME- ARP Programs, and Subrecipient Agreements.
Motion: Moved by Councilmember Lo and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Wong, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Lo, Yiu, Ngo, Wong, Sanchez
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: None
Abstain: Council Members: None
5. NEW BUSINESS – None.
6. CITY COMMUNICATIONS (CITY COUNCIL)
Councilmember Lo said he attended and shared his experience representing Monterey Park at the State of the Union in Washington D.C on February 7, 2023.
He announced his attendance at a reception hosted by Congresswoman Judy Chu, who also serves as the Chair of the Caucus for Asian Pacific Americans.
Councilmember Yiu shared her 10-day trip to Egypt.
Councilmember Ngo expressed his excitement listening to Councilmember Lo’s stories from Washington D.C and representing Monterey Park. He spoke upon 71-36
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three words: Grieve, Heal, and Recover. He thanked Nichol Whitmen, CEO of the Los Angeles Dodger’s Foundation, for paying res pect to the fallen victims. He spoke on gathering of hope and prayers and emphasized that Monterey Park will recover from this tragedy.
Mayor Pro Tem Wong thanked Councilmember Lo for representing the city on his trip to Washington DC. He requested placing an item on a future council agenda or special session to discuss what the city could do to prevent this type of violence from occurring and steps needed to recovery and heal. He mentioned that constitutional a mendments w ere introduced in legislature to formally repeal Proposition 8 in California and inquired if staff could prepare a resolution to support ACA 5 for City C ouncil’s consideration at a future meeting. He said he attended the League of California Cities N ew Mayors and Council Members Academy in Universal City and found it to be informative and helpful as a new councilmember.
Mayor Pro Sanchez spoke on his meeting with John Tien, Deputy Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security. He announced that he attended other city’s Lunar New Year celebrations. He also reported that he attended a lunch meeting with the Anti-Defamation League who provided numerous resources and teaching on how to deal mass shooting in various situations. He stated his attendance at the Greater Monterey Park Chamber of Commerce’s Lunar New Year event that honored a fellow educator, Ten Tran, a Mark Keppel Teacher who has been teaching in the community for over 27 years. He mentioned that the 7/20 Memorial Foundation donated a wreath made with paper cranes that contai ned messages, including letters from similar organizations on mass shootings. He also requested that a gun control resolution be presented to Council at a future meeting in response to the mass shooting that occurred in the Monterey Park community.
7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS – None.
8. CLOSED SESSION (IF REQUIRED; CITY ATTORNEY TO ANNOUNCE) None.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business for consideration, the meeting was adjourned at 10 :58 p.m.
__________________________
Maychelle Yee
City Clerk
Approved on March 15, 2023, at the Regular City Council Meeting