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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
MARCH 1, 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 Park, Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Sanchez called the meeting to order at 6:32 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, City Librarian Diana Garcia, Director of Public Works Shawn Igoe, Director of Recreations and Community Services Robert Aguirre, Director of Finance Martha Garcia, Interim Planning Director Jessica Serrano, Finance Manager Laura Borjon, Economic Development Manager Joseph Torres, Battalion Chief Chris Thompson, Senior Planner Beth Chow, Recreation Program Coordinator Alejandra Espinosa, Senior Clerk Typist Christine Sakata
VIRTUALLY PRESENT: Director of Human Resources Christine Tomikawa
AGENDA ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, CHANGES AND ADOPTIONS
None
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PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
- Sarkis Antonian, resident, voiced his concern of vehicles not stopping properly at designed stop signs throughout the city. He spoke about the amount of time it takes to cross at a crosswalk and recommended that the time be extended to accommodate individuals who may need more time.
- Larry and Carol Sullivan, resident s, thanked the Police Department for their event, Cookies with the Rookies. Larry mentioned that he is a member of the Bruggemeyer Library Board of T rustees and Carol is a member of the Library Foundation. They spoke on their efforts to support the Bruggemeyer Library by conducting community outreach to provide more books, ebooks, computers, etc.
Carol spoke about the various upcoming events; Novel-Tea at the Bruggemeyer Library, Monterey Park Women’s Club Annual Fashion Show, Cherry Blossom Festival, Library Gala, and the Lions Club Annual Pancake Breakfast.
- Maychelle Yee, resident, addressed complaints she stated she received regarding the 24- hour deadline for City Council written communications . She suggested to have the deadline extended to noon on the day of the Council meeting. She spoke about the closed session items from the March 1, 2023 City Council's Special meeting. She relayed her concerns on the lack of information related to the funding source and inquired when the funding information could be provided to the public as well as the need for the purchase and/or lease of the property.
- Adam Malouf, Monterey Park Firefighter Association, invited everyone to a BBQ fundraiser on March 25, 2023 at Barnes Park. He said all proceeds will go to the Monterey Park Lunar New Year’s victims’ fund.
- Dan Cline, representing Monterey Park Firefighter Association , voiced their opposition to the T axpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act for Agenda Item No. 3B.
- Teresa Real Sebastian, resident, announced happy first day of Women’s History Month. She recommended that the City Council consider presenting a resolution or agenda item supporting Women’s History Month. She voiced her concern on the need to repair potholes throughout the city . She requested that the City Council disclose the funding for Agenda Item 2A from the March 1, 2023 Special meeting.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
- City Clerk: City Clerk Yee provided the City Council with a progress report on the efforts made by the City Clerk’s office to provide more information to the public on how to volunteer on a city commission/board.
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- Economic Development: Economic Development Manager Torres informed residents and small businesses on resources for Los Angeles County Small Business Grants, SoCal Gas Assistance Fund, and Restaurants Care Resilience Fund. He said that qualifying microbusinesses, small companies, and nonprofits can apply for grants under the Los Angeles County Economic Opportunity Grant Program.
- Fire Department: Battalion Chief Thompson announced upcoming events hosted by the Fire Department; Community Preparedness Clinic on April 22, 2023 from 10:00 am – 12:00 p.m. and Fire Service Day Pancake Breakfast on May 20, 2023 from 8:00 am- 2:00 p.m.
- Recreation and Community Services Department: Recreation Program Coordinator Espinosa updated the city on the upcoming events for the month of March; Alzheimer’s Workshop on Tuesday , March 7th, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Shamrock Ball on Tuesday , March 16th from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Electric Park on Saturday, March 18th from 4:00 – 10:00 p.m., Karaoke Contest on Thursday, March 23 rd 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Spring Egg Hunt on Thursday, March 30th from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
1. PRESENTATION
Matters listed under presentation are informational content and for discussion only.
1-A. MONTEREY PARK COMMUNITY HEALING FUND UPDATE
City Treasurer Lee, Fund Administrator for the Monterey Park Community Healing Fund in partnership with the California Community Fund provided an update on the amount of funds raised to date, $31,000.
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: Mayor Pro Tem Wong did not participate on Agenda Item No. 3G due to a potential conflict of interest as his employer, Southern California Edison has properties listed on the weed abatement declaration list. The City Council approved and adopted Agenda Item No. 3 A, 3 C, 3F, 3G, and 3H on consent calendar, excluding item No. 3B , 3 D, & 3E which were pulled for discussion, separate motion, reading resolutions and ordinances by the title only and waiving further reading thereof.
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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: Wong (Item No. 3G)
Abstain: Council Members: None
3-A. MINUTES
Approving the minutes from the special and regular meetings of December 7, 2022 and January 18 2023.
Action Taken: The City Council approved the minutes from the special and regular meetings of December 7, 2022, and the special meeting of January 18, 2023 on Consent Calendar.
3-B. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK, OPPOSING INITIATIVE NO. 21 -0042A1, THE TAXPAYER PROTECTION AND
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY ACT
The Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act would amend the California Constitution with provisions that limit voters’ author ity and input, adopt new and stricter rules for raising taxes and fees, and may make it more difficult to impose fines and penalties for violation of state and local laws. The proposed constitutional initiative is sponsored by the California Business Roundtable.
The measure puts billions of local government tax and fee revenues at risk statewide with related core public service impacts. The measure would have significant negative impacts on the City of Monterey Park’s operations and core service delivery b y reversing the recent voter enacted Measure MP that was approved in November 2022.
Public Speakers:
- Teresa Real Sebastian asked for the staff report to be read and conveyed her support in opposition of this bill.
Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023- R12 opposing Initiative No. 21-0042A1, the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act.
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Motion: Moved by Councilmember Lo 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
Resolution No. 2023-R12
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK TO OPPOSE INITIATIVE 21 -0042A1, THE TAXPAYER PROTECTION AND
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY ACT
3-C. AUTHORIZE TRANSFER OF UNCLAIMED MONIES TO THE GENERAL FUND PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §§ 50050-50056
The City’s Finance Department maintains a listing of various deposits held by the City. If the monies remain unclaimed after three years, the City Counci l may transfer such funds to the General Fund.
Action Taken: The City Council approved Resolution No. 2023- R13 and authorized the transfer of permanently escheated unclaimed funds pursuant to Government Code Sections 50050-50056 and the City’s Administrative Policy No. 20-26 on Consent Calendar.
Resolution No. 2023-R13
A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING UNCLAIMED MONIES BE RECOGNIZED AS
PROPERTY OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK AND ORDERING ITS
TRANSFER TO THE CITY’S GENERAL FUND PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE § 50053
3-D. FY 2022-2023 MID-YEAR FINANCIAL REPORT
The City’s Mid -Year Report compares the revenues and expenditures occurring during the first six months of the fiscal year against budgeted amounts to determine appropriate adjustments; provides links between the City budget, the financial records, and the independent financial audit and; compares revenues earned and expenses made during the first six months of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022- 2023 against the FY 2021-2022 figures.
Discussion: Finance Manager Borjon presented a PowerPoint presentation on the Mid- Year Financial Report . She spoke on the general fund revenues and expenditures, budget augmentation requests, and general fund balance. Finance Director Garcia accompanied Finance Manager Borjon and answered questions from the dais . Mayor Pro Tem Wong mentioned a typo on the Mid- Year Budget Report on page 10 of the staff report. He said on the first bullet point , the date 71-42
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should be corrected to April 1, 2023. He asked questions based on page 11 of the staff report on the mid-year staffing changes. Finance Manager Borjon clarified the salary Full-Time Finance Analyst is the combination for two positions.
Action Taken: The City Council (1) received and filed the FY 2022- 2023 Mid- Year Financial Report , (2) authorized the i ncrease of Committed Catastrophic - Event by up to $500 thousand from $4.84 million to up to $5.34 million, (3) and authorized an additional budget appropriated of $1,088,719 from American Rescue Plan Act, Water, and Sewer funds.
Motion: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Wong to adopt the recommendation as noted 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
3-E. 2022 MONTEREY PARK GENERAL PLAN AND HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL
PROGRESS REPORT
This report is prepared in compliance with the California Government Code § 65400(a)(2), which mandates that each city and county prepare an annual report on the status and implementation of its General Plan. The report must be submitted by April 1st of each year to the City Council, OPR and HCD.
The 2022 General Plan Annual Progress Report summarizes the City’s progress towards implementing the Monterey Park General Plan from January 1 to December 31, 2022. Through calendar year 2022, the City has been continuously implementing the policies and programs that help achieve goals contained within the General Plan.
Discussion: Senior Planner Chow presented a PowerPoint presentation on the General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Report and summarized activities in calendar year 2022.
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed the 2022 General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Report and directed staff to forward a copy of the report to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) before April 1, 2023.
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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-F. WAIVE FURTHER READING AND ADOPT AN ORDINANCE (ZONING CODE NO. 22 -03) AMENDING TITLE 21 OF THE MONTEREY PARK MUNICIPAL CODE TO CLARIFY AND COMPLETE IMPLEMENTA TION OF THE 2020
MONTEREY PARK BUSINESS RECOVERY PROGRAM GOVERNING
OUTDOOR DINING AND ISSUING OR CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY
The Ordinance was introduced and received first reading at the February 15, 2023 City Council meeting. The original staff report (from February 15, 2023) is attached for reference. Second reading and adoption of this Ordinance is recommended. If adopted, the ordinance will take effect in 30 days.
Action Taken: The City Council waived the second reading and adopted Ordinance No. 2228 on Consent Calendar.
Ordinance No. 2228
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
3-G. ANNUAL WEED ABATEMENT DECLARATION LIST
The County of Los Angeles Department of Agriculture Commissioner/Weights and Measures (Weed Abatement Division) has submitted the annual Weed Abatement Declaration List to the City. (The Weed Abatement Declaration List (“Declaration List”) is a list of parcels in Monterey Park which have been identified by inspection to contain, or have the potential to contain, weeds, brush or other flammable materials sufficient to be considered a fire hazard.) The accompanying Resolution seeks City Council approval to declare the properties on the annual Weed Abatement Declaration List to be public nuisances which may be abated. The authority to remove properties from the Declaration List, upon request and after investigation, will be assigned to the City Manager or designee.
CEQA (CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT):
Adoption of this Resolution is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) under CEQA Guidelines § 15061(b)(3) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the Resolution may have a significant effect on the environment.
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Action Taken: Mayor Pro Tem Wong did not participate on Agenda Item No. 3G due to a potential conflict of interest as his employer, Southern California Edison has properties listed on the weed abatement declaration list. The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-R14 with the Declaration List on Consent Calendar.
Resolution No. 2023-R14
A RESOLUTION ADOPTED PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE § 39561
DECLARING THAT WEEDS, BRUSH, RUBBISH, REFUSE AND DIRT UPON
AND IN FRONT OF CERTAIN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY IN THE CITY
ARE A PUBLIC NUISANCE, AND DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO PROVIDE
FOR ABATEMENT
3-H. NORTHEAST AREA WATER MAIN IMPROVEMENTS PHASE III – AWARD OF
CONTRACT
Per Resolution No. 2022- R32, the Public Works Director solicited bids for the Northeast Area Water Main Improvements Phase III, Capital Improvement Project No. 99023. The public bid opening for this project was held on January 31, 2023.
Three bids were received: Big Ben, Inc.; Bonadiman Water Inc.; and Palp Inc. dba Excel Paving Company. Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a Public Works contract with Big Ben, Inc. for the Northeast Area Water Main Improvements Phase III project in the amount of $2,251,660, plus 10% contingency.
CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act):
The proposed project is categorically exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to 14 California Code of Regulations § 15301 as a Class 1 categorical exemption (Existing Facilities). The Project results in minor alterations to existing public facilities involving no significant expansion of the existing use. The Project is not anticipated to have any significant impacts with regard to traffic, noise, air quality or water quality.
Action Taken: The City Council (1) authorized the City Manager to execute a public works contract, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Big Ben, Inc., in the amount of $2,251,660 for the Northeast Area Water Main Improvements Phase III, Specification No. 2022-012, (2) authorized the Director of Public Works to approve change orders and contingency up to $225,166 or 10% of the contract amount; and (3) authorized a Second Amendment to Agreement 2342- AF with Terracon Consultants, Inc. for Geotechnical and testing services for this project in the amount of $30,290 on Consent Calendar.
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4. PUBLIC HEARING – None.
5. NEW BUSINESS
5-A. RESOLUTION REGARDING FIREARMS LEGISLATION AND LOCAL
REGULATION
On January 21, 2023, the City of Monterey Park experienced a MCI where 20 people were shot. Eleven of those community members died.
As our community struggles with the challenge of preserving through this tragedy, fellow citizens and residents in California and the rest of the country were almost immediately confronted with substantially similar MCIs. Indeed, just two days after Monterey Park’s MCI, the communities of Half Moon Bay and Oakland suffered similar shootings. In all, since January 2023, there w ere 73 MCIs in the United States (as of the date of this writing).
On February 15, 2023, the City Council directed that this matter be placed on the agenda for consideration.
Discussion: Council Member Lo stated for the record that he does not have any legal conflict of interest pertaining to this item but did disclose that he currently works for the California State Assembly.
Action Taken: The City Counci l adopted Resolution No. 2023- R15 supporting certain federal and state legislation regulation firearms and directed the City Manager and City Attorney to propose amendments to the Monterey Park Municipal Code (“MPMC”) to protect public health and safety from future Mass Casualty Incidents (“MCI”) as defined as amended to add language in support of AB732 authored by Assemblymember Mike Fong: Relinquishment of firearms following conviction under the Penal Code. Mayor Pro Tem Wong also directed staff to track AB733 for future discussion.
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
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Resolution No. 2023-R15
A RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL SUPPORTING CERTAIN
PROPOSED FEDERAL AND STATE LEGISLATION REGULATING THE SALE
AND AVAILABILITY OF FIREARMS AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER
AND CITY ATTORNEY TO PROVIDE OPTIONS FOR THE CITY REGULATIONS
NEEDED TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEA LTH AND SAFETY FROM MASS
CASUALTY INCIDENT (AS DEFINED)
6. CITY COMMUNICATIONS (CITY COUNCIL)
Councilmember Lo said he attended the Monterey Park Pony Little League Softball opening at Garvey Ranch Park. He wished all the teams best of luck. He mentioned that he attended the California Contract City’s Association’s (CCCA’s) monthly Board of Directors meeting. He said for this specific meeting it was used as a fundraiser event for the Monterey Park victims’ assistance. He thanked CCCA for having the event at Monterey Park’s Service Clubhouse and working with Chinatown Service Center as the non-profit fiscal agent and recognizing Brandon Tsay heroism. He thanked all the various organizations that have showed their support to Monterey Park this past month in the wake of the recent mass casualty incident. Council member Lo expressed his support of Mayor Pro Tem Wong’s request to draft a letter or statement regarding Congresswomen Judy Chu’s loyalty to the United States.
Councilmember Yiu announced her attendance at Congresswoman Judy Chu’s roundtable with Secretary of Health along with other community leaders to discuss the need for mental health resources and funding. She said she also attended a small business walk -in t our with S mall Business Administration (SBA) Administrator, Isabella Guzman, hosted by Congresswomen Judy Chu in Downtown Monterey Park. She said she also attended the Women’s Club Tea party and looks forward to the fashion show. She mentioned she also att end the Doushan and Tai Shan Associations New Year celebrations and the Top Golf groundbreaking ceremony at Quiet Cannon in Montebello.
Councilmember Ngo said he attended the United States Health and Human Services Cabinet Meeting hosted by Secretary Xavier Becerra. He mentioned he attended at the SBA meeting, Doushan’s Spring Festival, and Top Golf event. He wanted to thank the Fire Chief and Police Chief for the Townhall Public Safety Meeting that was held on February 16, 2023. He also said he attended the Senior Defense Seminar on February 19
th and thanked the City Manager for working with
multiple organizations in planning the event. He also thanked Mayor Sanchez for attending Diversion & Inclusion Panel for Bank of America at NBC Seafood Restaurant on February 22, 2023. He said that Bank of America made a pledge to match dollar for dollar all contributions made to Asian Americans Advancing Justice, as well as Chinatown Service Center on the victims’ funds.
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Mayor Pro Tem Wong said he attended the roundtable organized by Congresswomen Judy Chu, Health and Community Services Cabinet Meeting hosted by Secretary Xavier Becerra, and SBA meeting with Administrator Isabella Guzman. He asked if staff could draft a letter or statement in support of Congresswomen Judy Chu due to xenophobic remarks made by her fellow congress member questioning her loyalty to the United States. He appointed Jacob Kato to the Traffic Commission. He mentioned he would like to in vite the San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust to give a briefing to the City Council about their efforts on building housing.
Mayor Sanchez said he is thankful for the Town Hall Meeting that was held by the Police Chief and Fire Chief. He also said he attended the Cookie with the Rookie event. He mentioned he was able to attend an awards banquet at Quiet Cann on in Montebello for Mark Keppel Highschool Academic Decathlon Team, that placed first in Los Angeles County for the fourth time in a row. He requested that the Mark Keppel Decathlon Team be recognized at a future City Council meeting for their achievements.
6-A. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK IN SUPPORT OF ACA 5, CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO REPEAL PROPOSITION 8 L ANGUAGE AND PROTECTS SAME -SEX MARRIAGE (REQUESTED BY MAYOR PRO TEM WONG)
Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023- R16 of the City Council of the City of Monterey Park in support of ACA 5, constitutional amendment to repeal Proposition 8 language and protects same-sex marriage.
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
Resolution No. 2023-R16
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK IN SUPPORT OF ACA 5, CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO REPEAL PROPOSITION 8 LANGUAGE AND PROTECTS SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS – None.
8. CLOSED SESSION (IF REQUIRED; CITY ATTORNEY TO ANNOUNCE) None.
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ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business for consideration, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
__________________________
Maychelle Yee
City Clerk
Approved on April 5, 2023 at the Regular City Council Meeting