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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
JULY 19, 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, Ju ly 19, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Sanchez called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
FLAG SALUTE:
The Monterey Park Police Explorers led the flag salute.
ROLL CALL:
City Clerk Maychelle Yee called the roll:
Council Members Present: Vinh Ngo, Jose Sanchez, Thomas Wong, Yvonne Yiu Council Members Absent: None
ALSO PRESENT: City Treasurer Amy Lee, Interim City Manager Inez Alvarez, City Attorney Karl Berger, Interim Assistant City Manager Diana Garcia, Director of Public Works Shawn Igoe, Director of Recreation and Community Services Robert Aguirre, Director of Finance Martha Garcia, Community Development Director Jessica Serrano , Director of Human Resources and Risk Manager Christine Tomikawa, Police Chief Scott Weise, Fire Captain Ryan Weddle, Finance Manager Laura Borjon, Recreation Manager Christine Alatorre, Economic Development Project Manager Joseph Torres, Deputy City Clerk Cindy Trang
VIRTUALLY PRESENT: Kristin Olivarez, Interim City Librarian
AGENDA ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, CHANGES AND ADOPTIONS
None.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
- David Zapata, on behalf Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 721, spoke in solidary with the SEIU 121 RN – GMC, Nurses Union at Garfield Medical Center, seeking fair wages and the support of the City Council. 71-210
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- Nancy Acur i congratulated Inez Alvarez as Interim City Manager and Diana Garcia as Interim Assistant City Manager and encouraged the City Council to hire within the organization and appoint them as the new City Manager and Assistant City Manager.
- Sarkis Antonion also encouraged hiring Inez and Diana. He spoke in support of the nurses and their hardship during the COVID pandemic.
- Christina Smith, on behalf of SEIU 121 RN-GMC, spoke about the working conditions due to staffing shortages and hospital budget cuts . She is seeking support from the City Council to advocate for them.
- Hakop “Jack” Katrdzhyan , on behalf of SEIU 121 RN -GMC, shared his work experience regarding the nurse shortage and outdated equipment. He asked the City Council to speak to the hospital to agree to their requests and said they are in support and stand in solidarity with SEIU 721.
- Alexis Allen, on behalf of SEIU 121 RN - GMC, spoke of inadequate staffing at Garfield Medical and sought the support of the City Council.
- Samantha Tran, on behalf of SEIU 121 RN- GMC, spoke about the reduction of her training due to inadequate s taffing. She asked for the support of the City Council so they can serve the community better.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
- Police Department: Police Chief invite d the community to the Annual National Night Out event on August 1 and the Annual Youth Golf Tournament on September 22. He introduced 3 new hires to the Police Department, Officers Maynor Yancor, Mike Ibarra, Andrew Knox.
- Recreation and Community Services Department: Recreation Manager Alatorre, talked out the great turnout from the Movie In The Park and the Hollywood Bowl events. She announced that there are two cooling centers in the City, Langley Center and the City Library. She invited the community to the next Movie In The Park featuring Back To The Future on July 20. She said summer lu nches are available at Barnes Park for minors, highlighted some of Langley Center services and programs: the senior trip to Academy Museum of Motion Pictures , and Christmas in July events. She spoke about the How Do You Rec? program and announced the newest winner, Mayor Sanchez, for sharing photos of his daughters enjoying the recreation programs.
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- Public Works Department: Director of Public Works Igoe shared that the city held a Community Climate Action Day which included a Tree Planting event held at Garvey Ranch Park on July 15 in partnership with Assembly Member Mike Fong’s office and the California Climate Action Corps. In addition, Public Works had a Free Compost giveaway the same day at Garvey Ranch Park.
1. PRESENTATION
Matters listed under presentation are informational content and for discussion only.
1-A. SAN GABRIEL BASIN WATER QUALITY AUTHORITY (WQA) PRESENTATION
City of Azusa Mayor Robert Gonzales, Board Member and City’s representative with Pumping Rights on the San Gabriel Basin WQA for water rights and Randy Schoellerman, Executive Director of WQA , presented a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Water Quality Authority, their responsibilities, funding for operation of wells, and treatments costs. They were available for questions.
2. OLD BUSINESS
2-A. GUN REGULATIONS
On March 1, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023 -R15. Section 3(B) and (C) directed the City Manager and City Attorney to make recommendations regarding various regulations that, if adopted, might reduce the likelihood of an incident similar to that of the Mass Casualty Incident (“MCI”) on January 21, 2023 that killed 11 people, critically injured nine others, and profoundly impacted the entire Monterey Park community. This Staff Report provides the City Council with an overview of the matters that may be subject to local governance.
The outline of the Staff Report is reconciled with that of Resolution No. 2023-R15.
Discussion: City Attorney Berger presented a PowerPoint presentation on gun regulations and was able to answers questions.
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed the staff report; and directed the Interim City Manager Alvarez and City Attorney Berger regarding “next steps” to be brought back for Council’s consideration includ ing proposed regulations to be implemented, an analysis on safe storage of firearms, a resolution on policy regarding seized weapons, a resolution listing items the Federal and State should do in order to ensure communities have the necessary resources and assistance to handle Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) , and to provide educational information on the City’s website in multiple languages regarding gun safety and Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO).
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3. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS NOS. 3A-3I
All items under the Consent Calendar are considered by the City Council to be routine and will be enacted by one motion. Specific items may be removed from the Consent Calendar at the request of any member of the City Council for separate consideration.
Action Taken: The City Council approved and adopted A genda Item No s. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3F, and 3H on Consent Calendar, excluding Item Nos. 3E, 3G and 3I 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 Lo 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
Recusal: Council Members: None
3-A. MINUTES
Approving the minutes from the regular meetings of May 3, 2023 and May 17, 2023 and the special meetings of May 3, 2023, May 17, 2023, May 24, 2023, and June 6, 2023.
Action Taken: The City Council approved the minutes from the regular meetings of May 3, 2023 and May 17, 2023 and the special meetings of May 3, 2023, May 17, 2023, May 24, 2023, and June 6, 2023, on Consent Calendar.
3-B. MONTHLY INVESTMENT REPORT – JUNE 2023
As of June 30, 2023, invested funds for the City of Monterey Park is $87,989,100.53.
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed the monthly investment report, on Consent Calendar.
3-C. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE MONTEREY PARK MID- MANAGEMENT
ASSOCIATION FOR THE TERM OF JULY 1, 2023 TO JUNE 30, 2025
Representatives of the City of Monterey Park (“City”) and Monterey Park Mid - Management Association (‘MMA”) met and conferred to negotiate the terms and conditions of a new Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) regarding 71-213
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employment. The parties reached an agreement on an MOU effective July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2025.
Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023- R60 approving a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) between the City of Monterey Park and the Monterey Park Mid- Management Association (“MMA”). The MMA represents various non-sworn classifications in supervisory and manager positions for the City of Monterey Park, on Consent Calendar.
Resolution No. 2023-R60
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
FOR CONTRACT YEAR 2023 -2025 BETWEEN THE CITY OF MONTEREY
PARK AND THE MONTEREY PARK MID-MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
3-D. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE MONTEREY PARK CONFIDENTIAL
EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION FOR THE TERM OF JULY 1, 2023 TO JUNE 30, 2025
Representatives of the City of Monterey Park (“City”) and Monterey Park Confidential Employee Association (“CEA”) met and conferred to negotiate the terms and conditions of a new Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) regarding employment. The parties reached an agreement on an MOU effective July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2025
Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023- R61 approving a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) between the City of Monterey Park and the Monterey Park Confidential Employee Association (“CEA”). The CEA represents various non- sworn confidential classifications in the City of Monterey Park, on Consent Calendar.
Resolution No. 2023-R61
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
FOR CONTRACT YEAR 2023 -2025 BETWEEN THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK AND THE MONTEREY PARK CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEES’
ASSOCIATION
3-E. AWARD OF BID FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO RESCUE AMBULANCES
The Fire Department (Department) currently has two frontline Rescue Ambulances (RA) in service, one is located at Station 61 and the other at Station 62. The current units have 59,469 miles (RA 61) and 63,207 miles (RA 62) respectively. Staff solicited bids for the purchase of two Rescue Ambulances. One bid was received.
Staff seeks the City Council’s consideration to award the bid to Republic EVS, LLC.
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Action Taken: The City Council authorized the Interim City Manager to execute an agreement with Republic EVS, LLC, in a form approved by the City Attorney, to purchase two Rescue Ambulances. Funds were allocated in the Fiscal Year 2023- 2024 adopted budget.
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
Recusal: Council Members: None
3-F. RENEWAL OF CONTRACT WITH WITTMAN ENTERPRISES, LLC
In 2017 staff initiated a multiyear contract with Wittman Enterprises, LLC (“Wittman”). The contract covers services related to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) billing and col lections, as well as cost recovery billing and collections for Fire Prevention. Under the Monterey Park Municipal Code (“MPMC”) Chapters
3.20 and 3.90 and in accordance with the city’s Purchasing & Contracting Policy staff seeks to renew the Professional S ervices Agreement for an additional four years, culminating in 2027.
Action Taken: The City Council authorized the Interim City Manager to execute an amendment with Wittman Enterprises, LLC, in a form approved by the City Attorney, to oversee the Fire Department’s billing and collections services. Funds were allocated in the Fiscal Year 2023- 2024 adopted budget; on Consent Calendar.
3-G. AUTHORIZING THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE NATELSON DALE
GROUP CONSULTING FIRM TO ASSIST THE CITY IN UPDATING ITS 2010
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN AND TO APPROPRIATE
$81,620 FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO THE FY2023 -24 BUDGET TO FUND
THE PROJECT
The staff is requesting the City Council to authorize the Interim City Manager to engage a consulting firm to assist the City in updating its 2010 Economic Development Strategic Plan. Monterey Park’s economic landscape has been evolving rapidly over the past decade, accelerated even more with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, updating our outdated plan is crucial to ensure the City’s economic growth, competitiveness, and resilience. By working with a consulting firm, the City can tap into its expertise, benefit from a fresh perspective, and leverage the rigorous qualifications -based selection process that helped us identify The Natelson Dale Group as the most suitable candidate for this project. 71-215
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Their knowledge, skills, and most favorable pricing structure will provide the City with an updated plan that aligns with our current economic goals and positions Monterey Park for long-term growth and success.
Public Speakers:
- City Clerk Yee received, filed and read into the records one written communication from Economic Development Advisory Commissioner Alexander Fung in support of the strategic plan and requested the opportunity to provide input.
- Alan Leverson, consultant at the Natelson Dale Group consulting firm, was available for questions.
Action Taken: The City Council authorized the Interim City Manager to enter into a professional services agreement, in the amount of $81,620, with the Natelson Dale Group, a consulting firm, in a form approved by the City Attorney, to assist the City in updating its 2010 Economic Develo pment Strategic Plan and appropriated $81,620 from the General Fund to the FY2023- 24 budget for engaging the consulting services of the Natelson Dale Group.
Motion: Moved by Council Member Ngo 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
Recusal: Council Members: None
3-H. NOTICE OF COMPLETION – 2022 CITY HALL CARPET REPLACEMENT
Pursuant to City Council Resolution No. 11701, the Public Works Director is authorized to record a Notice of Completion for the 2022 City Hall Carpet Replacement Specification No. 2022- 02. The project is now complete, and the work was inspected and approved by the City Engineer.
Action Taken: The City Council received and fil ed the Notice of Completion recorded by the Public Works Director on July 03, 2023 accepting the 2022 City Hall Carpet Replacement Specification No. 2022- 02 completed by JJJ Flooring Covering, Inc., on Consent Calendar.
3-I. 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 71-216
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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.
The design phas e was completed in December 2022 followed by research of available material and cost during the months of December and January to ensure the project could be expedited due to the significant material delivery delays.
Construction started on March 2023 and is scheduled to be complete by December 2023.
Action Taken: The City Council r eceived and filed the staff report summarizing the status of emergency repairs of the Monterey Pass Road water line.
Motion: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Wong 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
Recusal: Council Members: None
4. PUBLIC HEARING
4-A. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 21.55 ENTITLED “FIREARM HEALTH PROTECTION ZONE” TO THE MONTEREY PARK MUNICIPAL CODE
This Ordinance was drafted in accordance with Section 3(A) of City Council Resolution No. 2023-R15, adopted March 1, 2023. That Section directed the City Manager and City Attorney to draft an ordinance substantially similar to that proposed to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on February 7, 2023. If adopted, this Ordinance would add a new Chapter to the Monterey Park Municipal Code (“MPMC”) regulating firearms dealers within the City’s jurisdiction.
Specifically, the Ordinance will create a Firearm Health Protection Zone separating firearms dealers from sensitive receptors, such as residences and schools.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
The City reviewed the environmental impacts of this Ordinance under the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq. “CEQA”) and the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 Cal. Code of Regs. §§ 15000, et seq., the “CEQA Guidelines”). An Initial Study of Environmental Impacts and Negative Declaration (“ND”) was prepared pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 71-217
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15063. The public co mment period on the ND was from May 1, 2023 to May 21, 2023.
Discussion: City Attorney Berger presented a PowerPoint presentation on the item and was available to answer questions.
Action Taken: The City Council (1) opened the public hearing at 8:54 p.m. to receive testimonial and documentary evidence; (2) af ter receiving no verbal and written testimony, closed the public hearing at 9:09 p.m.; (3) after closing the public hearing and considering the evidence, adopt ed an Urgency Ordinance No. 2233 implementing the “Firearm Health Protection Zone” immediately upon a 4/5s vote.
Motion: Moved by Council Member Ngo 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
Recusal: Council Members: None
Action Taken: The City Council after closing the public hearing with no registered speakers and consider ing the evidence submitted during that public hearing, introduced and waived first reading of an Ordinance adding Chapter 21.55 entitled “Firearm Health Protection Zone” to the Monterey Park Municipal Code.
Motion: Moved by Council Member Ngo 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
Recusal: Council Members: None
Urgency Ordinance No. 2233
AN URGENCY ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 21.55 ENTITLED “FIREARM PROTECTION ZONE” TO THE MONTEREY PARK MUNICIPAL CODE
Ordinance, 1
st Reading
AN ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 21.55 ENTITLED “FIREARM
PROTECTION ZONE” TO THE MONTEREY PARK MUNICIPAL CODE
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5. NEW BUSINESS
None.
6. CITY COMMUNICATIONS (CITY COUNCIL)
6-A. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF MONTEREY PARK IN SUPPORT OF HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 3681, THE SAN GABRIEL MOUNTAINS
PROTECTION ACT (REQUESTED BY MAYOR PRO TEM WONG)
Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023- R62 of the City Council of Monterey Park in support of House Resolution No. 3681, the San Gabriel Mountains Protection Act as amended to adopt the revised version of the resolution as submitted during the council meeting as an addendum.
Motion: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Wong seconded by Council Member Lo, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Lo, Wong, Yiu, Ngo, Sanchez
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: None
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
Resolution No. 2023-R62
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF MONTEREY PARK IN SUPPORT OF HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 3681, THE SAN GABRIEL MOUNTAINS
PROTECTION ACT
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Council Member Lo thanked the community for attending the Tree Planting event.
He said he attended the Mayor Pro Tem’s townhall meeting at Langley Center, participated in CAUSE Internship Program, and met with Garvey School District Board Member , Bobbi Bruesch , regarding the new stop sign at N ew Ave and Graves Ave. He provided an update from the last LAX roundtable meeting concerning airplane noise policy and directed staff to send a letter expressing the City’s concerns to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Council Member Yiu said she attended the Tree Plaining event, had a ride along with the City’s Neighborhood Engagement Team (NET), and attended an event where Southern California Gas Company donated $5,000 through the Restaurant Care Program to Traditional Gullin Noodles , a Monterey Park business located adjacent to Star Dance Studio who was negatively impact by the city’s recent Mass Casualty Incident (MCI).
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Council Member Ngo shared that he had a ride along with the NET team, attended the Tree Planting event, and the Mayor Pro Tem’s townhall meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Wong said he attended the Southern California Association o f Governments (SCAG) Transportation Community meeting on July 6, Rosemead’s Mayoral Installation of Steve Ly on July 11, ride along with the NET team on July 13, the townhall meeting that he hosted at Langley Center on July 15, the Tree Planting event, and the Library Boad of Trustees meeting on July 18. He directed staff to follow up on the City’s posi tion on the Senate Bill 710 ( SB 710) and to include the City Council in the event planning process for the city’s Lunar New Year Festival next year.
Mayor Sanchez said he also attended Rosemead Mayoral Installation, NET team’s ride along, Junior Friends of the Library event, Farmer’s Market, Tree Planting and Free Compose events. He requested staff to promote the Historical Society and the observatory through the city’s social media accounts. He said he participated in a panel with Students Demand Ac tion of Greater Los Angeles , where local officials engaged with high school students that are pushing for gun legislation throughout the country.
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 9: 34 p.m.
__________________________
Maychelle Yee
City Clerk
Approved on October 4, 2023, at the Regular City Council Meeting