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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
OCTOBER 18, 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, October 18, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Sanchez called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
FLAG SALUTE:
The Monterey Park Police Explorers led the flag salute. Pledge of Allegiance presented by Civic Superstar Bryan Kwok
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 Treasurer Amy Lee, Interim City Manager Inez Alvarez , City Attorney Karl Berger, Interim Assistant City Manager Diana Garcia, Interim City Librarian Kristin Olivarez , 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 Management Christine Tom ikawa, Police Chief Scott Wiese, Fire Chief Matt Hallock, Economic Development Manager Joseph Torres, Fire Mars hall Jessica Estrella, Recreation Manager Christina Alatorre, Water Utility Manager Frank Heldman, Finance Manager Laura Borjon, Public Works Administrative Manager Xochitl Tipan, Information Technology Manager Stanley Ardon, Police Officer Michelle Contreras, Engineering Manager Consultant Ziad Mazboudi , Deputy City Clerk Cindy Trang , Program Coordinator Alejandra Espinosa, Civic Spark Fellow Olivia Williams
VIRTUALLY PRESENT: None
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AGENDA ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, CHANGES AND ADOPTIONS
Interim City Manager Alvarez announced an additional staff communication from the City Manager’s office.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
- Maychelle Yee, resident, brought up the inconsistency of the Spirit B us line that services the area around her daughter’s school. She also mentioned sewer issues in her neighborhood.
- City Clerk Yee received, filed, and read one written communication from Claire Simonich, Associate Director of the Vera Institute of Justice who requested the City Council’s support on the implementation of the Superior Court’s new bail policy, the Pre-Arraignment Release Protocols (PARP).
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
- Fire Department: Fire Chief Hallock talked about the upcoming Great Shakeout on October 19. Fire Marshall Estrella talked about the success of the smoke detector promotion with Domino’s Pizza for Fire Prevention Week 2023 and presented a video from the event.
- Public Works: Heard after Presentation Item No. 1-D.
Director of Public Works Igoe presented a PowerPoint presentation detailing street improvements over the past 5 years using bond measures and additional projects the Department will undertake. He also took brief questions and comments from the Council. Mayor Sanchez read an email he received from a longtime resident concerned about street improvement issues.
- Recreation and Community Services: Program Coordinator Espinosa thanked the community for coming out to the Electric Park event on October 14. She also talked about the upcoming Dia de los Muertos Community A ltar at Langley Center from October 12 to November 2 and encouraged the community to bring photos of their loved ones for inclusion in the altar. She also reminded the community of the Monster Mash event on October 19, Monterey Park Health Fair on October 28, the Horrifying Halloween Dance Party on October 31, and the Veterans Day event on November 11.
- City Manager’s Office: Interim Assistant City Manager Garcia shared the news of a Capital Improvement grant award for the Bruggemeyer Library in the amount of $1.4 million from the California State Library. She thanked Assemblymember Mike Fong, the California State Library, and Monterey Park Public Works who also participated in the application process. Interim Assistant City Manager Gar cia detailed the various projects the funding will go towards including elevator replacement to ensure accessibility, the addition of an emergency generator, 71-292
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replacement of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units, and exterior painting of the building with an energy efficient paint to help with cooling.
1. PRESENTATION
Heard after Fire Department Staff Communication.
Matters listed under presentation are informational content and for discussion only.
1-A. SAN GABRIEL VALLEY MOSQUITO & VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT
Joseph Leon, City representative on the Board of Trustees for the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District introduced District Manager Jason Farned who presented an update on the mosquito threat and how it may be affecting the city. He also took brief questions from the Council. Interim City Manager Alvarez also noted that the GOMPK app has been updated to include a link regarding the mosquito issue.
1-B. 2023 SAN GABRIEL VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (SGVCOG) UPDATE
Senior Management Analyst Mackenzie Bolger provided a presentation on the services and support that SGVCOG provides to the City of Monterey Park and surrounding areas. She also took brief questions from the Council.
1-C. LATINO RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION AND SOCAL GAS COMPANY –
MIGROGRANT PRESENTATIONS
Economic Development Manager Torres provided some background on the Latino Restaurant Association and introduced its Chief Executive Officer Lilly Rocha and Southern California Gas Company Senior Public Affairs Manager Julia Emerson who presented financial grants for three local restaurants ; Kokoro Japanese Restaurant represented by Michael Kim, Mee Do Ho Dumpling House represented by Quliong Gee, and Manduyo Korean Fusion Cuisine represented by Jenny Kim.
Each restaurant also provided a sample menu.
1-D.
YNEZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOOD PANTRY - CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
TO TAMMY SCORCIA, ALHAMBRA USD TEACHER
Tammy Scorcia spoke about her efforts to start a food pantry for the surrounding community and the grant she was awarded from the University of California, Los Angeles which allowed her to initiate the food pantry since Alhambra Teachers Association had to discontinue their efforts. The Council presented her with a Certificate of Recognition.
RECESSED AND RECONVENED
The City Council recessed at 7:31 p.m. and reconvened with all council members present at 7:50 p.m.
2. OLD BUSINESS – None.
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3. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS NOS. 3A-3J
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 Agenda Item Nos. 3A, 3B, 3E, 3G, 3I, 3J on Consent Calendar, excluding Item Nos. 3C, 3D, 3F, and 3H which were pulled for discussion, separate motion, reading resolutions and ordinances by the title only and waiving further reading thereof.
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
3-A. MINUTES
Approving the minutes from the regular meetings of August 2, 2023, and August 16, 2023 and the special meetings of August 2, 2023, and August 16, 2023 and August 29, 2023.
Action Taken: The City Council approved the minutes from the regular meetings of August 2, 2023, and August 16, 2023, and the special meetings of August 2, 2023, and August 16, 2023 and August 29, 2023 on Consent Calendar.
3-B. MONTHLY INVESTMENT REPORT – AUGUST 2023
As of August 31, 2023, invested funds for the City of Monterey Park total $65,149,960.62.
Action Taken: The City Council Received and filed the monthly investment report, on Consent Calendar.
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3-C. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT/ADVISORY SERVICES BY CHANDLER ASSET
MANAGEMENT
Staff recommends that the City begin investing with Chandler Asset Management.
The goal of external management is to maximize the return on investments within the portfolio, while minimizing risk of principal and prioritizing safety of principal and liquidity. Professional investment management of public funds is a best practice which provides substantial benefits to the City of Monterey Park. These benefits include day-to-day monitoring of investments within the portfolio, including daily analysis of available market yields; re- balancing of the portfolio's duration (average maturity) to take advantage of higher interest when available, daily credit monitoring of investment instruments, security selection and competitive shopping of investments to obtain the best execution of trades. Performance measurement against selected benchmarks and compliance will be monitored daily with the City’s investment policy and Government Code and reported to the City as part of its monthly reporting package.
Discussion: Finance Director Garcia presented a PowerPoint presentation regarding the background of the staff recommendation and the additional research conducted by the Treasury Committee and took questions from Council Members.
Mia Corral Brown, Regional Director for Chandler Asset Management was present and available for questions.
Action Taken: The City Council a uthorized the Interim City Manager to execute an agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney with Chandler Asset Management to provide investment management/advisory services for a portion of the City’s idle funds in compliance with the City’s investment policy, prioritizing safety of principal, l iquidity and return as amended to d irect staff to perform an analysis and evaluation study annually.
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
3-D. VoIP TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES AGREEMENT
The City of Monterey Park’s current telephone system is obsolete and no longer supported. This hardware and software obsolescence requires the City to replace the current systems with new products.
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The City posted a Request for Proposals (RFP) on the City’s webpage and also emailed the RFP to eight known telec ommunication services vendors. Two firms responded with a proposal. Following the evaluation of the two qualifying proposals, Intelesys was recommended to be awarded the contract. Intelesys was found to be fully qualified and able to provide timely and val uable services for the improvement of the City’s antiquated telephone system.
Public Speakers:
- Aaron Betts, Operations Manager and David Garcia, Information Technology Director for VoIP Telecommunications were present to take questions.
Action Taken: The City Council authorized the Interim City Manager to execute an agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Intelesys for the City’s Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Telecommunications services.
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
Recusal: Council Members: None
3-E. CONTINUE TO EXTEND THE EXISTENCE OF AN EMPLOYMENT
EMERGENCY FOR THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK
Since the July update, the City has filled a hard to fill Water Utility Manager, Human Resources and Risk Management Manager, Principal Management Analyst, Animal Services Officer, Program Coordinator, and 16 part -time staff. The City is still in the process of recruiting 20 full -time positions and 16 part -time classifications.
The City has utilized the employment emergency order to make significant efforts to fill key vacancies and retain current staff over the past 15 months. Staff recommends extending the employment emergency order until December 31, 2023 in anticipation of hiring 3 to 5 vacancies due to retirements in the Police and Fire Departments in December
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed the report; and continued to extend the existence of an employment emergency for the City of Monterey Park and authorized the Interim City Manager to take all practical actions needed to implement the efficient recruitment and retention of persons for employment, on Consent Calendar.
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3-F. PUBLIC HEARING FOR CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK, CALIFORNIA CONFIRMING THE 2023 ANNUAL REPORT AND THE LEVY OF ASSESSMENTS FOR
DOWNTOWN BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 FOR PROGRAM YEAR 2024
Business Improvement District No. 1 (BlD) was established in 1986 in accordance with the Parking and Business improvement Area Law of 1989 (Streets an d Highways Code §§ 36000-36004). The BID in the following discussion is business- based, meaning that an assessment is collected from businesses based upon fees rather than real property.
California law requires the BID to file an annual report with the Ci ty Clerk summarizing its activities and expenditures for the past year and proposing its budget for the upcoming year. The law also requires the BID assessments to be renewed annually after conducting a public hearing. The Advisory Committee to the BID requested that the City Council set a public hearing to consider the 2024 Levy of Assessment Fees. The BID Advisory Committee is not seeking an increase in assessments for the 2024 program year to help the businesses in the BID weather the financial burdens brought on by the COVID -19 pandemic and the current adverse economic conditions.
Annual revenue and expenditures may be found within the 2023 Annual Report contained in Attachment 2 of the staff report or at the City Clerk's office where it is available for viewing.
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed the 2023 BID Annual Report with the City Clerk and adopted Resolution No. 2023-R81 of Intent and setting the Public Hearing for November 15, 2023, for consideration of the 2024 BID assessments.
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
Resolution No. 2023-R81:
A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK’S INTENT TO
LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS WITHIN BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 FOR PROGRAM YEAR 2024 AND SETTING A PUBLIC
HEARING
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3-G. CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY (OTS) SELECTIVE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM (STEP) GRANT – FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024
The Monterey Park Police Department was notified of a tentative award of $178,000 from OTS for the FY 2023- 24 STEP grant. The police department will utilize the grant to continue its education and enforcement of traffic-related laws to reduce injury and fatal traffic collisions.
Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-R82 authorizing the Interim City Manager, or designee, to apply for, accept, and execute any documents, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) in the amount of $178,000 for the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant and if adopted, the Resolution would authorize the Interim City Manager, or designee, to receive and amend the FY 2023-2024 budget to allocate $178,000 in grant funds, on Consent Calendar.
Resolution No. 2023-R82:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER, OR
DESIGNEE, TO RECEIVE AND APPROPRIATE GRANT FUNDS FOR THE
SELECTIVE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
3-H. CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY (OTS) PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE SAFETY PROGRAM GRANT – FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024
The Monterey Park Police Department was notified of a tentative award of $25,000 from OTS for the Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program Grant. The police department will utilize the grant to educate the community on pedestrian and bicycle safety to reduce injury and fatal traffic collisions.
Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023- R83 authorizing the Interim City Manager, or designee, to apply for, accept, and execute any documents, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with the Calif ornia Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) in the amount of $25,000 for the Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program Grant and if adopted, the Resolution would authorize the Interim City Manager, or designee, to receive and amend the FY 2023- 2024 budget to allocate $25,000 in grant funds.
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
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Resolution No. 2023-R83:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER, OR
DESIGNEE, TO RECEIVE AND APPROPRIATE GRANT FUNDS FOR THE
PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE SAFETY PROGRAM
3-I. RECEIVE AND FILE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT’S 2021-2022 ANNUAL REPORT
The 2021- 2022 Fire Department (“Department”) Annual Report provides an overview of the Fire Department’s past operational year. The report highlights the Department’s goals and accomplishments. Included in the report are some of the major accomplishments made by staff during the past year, highlighting the work performed by Department staff.
To ensure residents and community members are informed of the Department’s accomplishments and efforts over the past year, the report is posted on the City’s website, under Department’s Operations page. The report will also be shared on the City’s social media accounts as well.
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed the Fire Department’s 2021- 2022 Annual Report, on Consent Calendar.
3-J. PROPOSITION A DISCRETIONARY INCENTIVE GRANT PROGRAM
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU)
Each year, the City of Monterey Park voluntarily collects and reports data for the National Transit Database (NTD) to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The NTD data includes ridership and financial information for the City’s fixed- route transit system, Spirit Bus, as well as the Dial -A-Ride program. In return, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Aut hority (LACMTA) authorizes payment of Proposition A (Prop A) Discretionary Incentive funds to each participating agency in an amount equal to the Federal Funds generated for the region by each agency’s reported data.
Action Taken: The City Council authorized the Interim City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to receive Proposition A Discretionary Incentive Grant program revenue i n the amount of $118,942 for FY 2023-2024 and appropriated anticipated revenue of $118,942 to Prop A Fund 238, on Consent Calendar
4. PUBLIC HEARING – None.
5. NEW BUSINESS
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5-A. RELEASE OF REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL AND
COMMERCIAL FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS
Staff requests City Council’s authorization to release a Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”) for new solid waste franchise agreements. The existing exclusive residential contract with Athens Services and non- exclusive commercial contract with Athens Services and Ware Disposal is set to expire on August 31, 2024. Per Monterey Park Municipal Code (“MPMC”) 6.09, the City will seek to award new solid waste franchises on a competitive basis. The RFQ is the first step of a four - step process to solicit proposals and award contracts to qualified bidder(s).
Discussion: Public Works Director Igoe and Public Works Administrative Manager Tipan presented a PowerPoint presentation detailing the requirements for the City Council to utilize a competitive bid process for awarding solid waste franchises with the City and what steps are to be taken to select a new franchisee. Staff took questions from members of the City Council. It was mentioned that a revised Attachment 1, Request for Qualifications, to the staff report was provided to the Council and public.
Action Taken: The City Council authorized staff to release a Request for Qualifications for new City-wide residential and commercial solid waste franchise agreements.
Motion: M oved by Mayor Pro Tem Wong and seconded by Mayor Sanchez 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
6. CITY COMMUNICATIONS (CITY COUNCIL)
Council Member Lo spoke about attending the Pink Patch Car show at Barnes Park on October 7, the Cambodian Ethnic Chinese Association Autumn Moon Festival on October 8 and the Bruggemeyer Library Foundation Gala on October
13. He spoke about joining other Council Members on October 13 alongside Assemblymember Mike Fong who presented a check for two million dollars in state funding for the reconstruction of Fire Station 63.
Council Member Yiu started out by thanking Assemblymember Mike Fong for presenting the state funding needed for the reconstruction of Fire Station 63 which she attended. Council Member Yiu talked about attending the Bruggemeyer Library Gala on October 13, and recognized the Police and Fire Departments who were honored at the Library Gala, for serving the City in what was a difficult year. 71-300
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Council Member Ngo talked about attending the Pink Patch Car Show, a Pickleball event on October 7, the Ten-Ten Taiwan Independence day celebration hosted by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA) in Chinatown on the morning of October 8 and the Cambodian Ethnic Chinese Association Autumn Moon Festival later that evening. Council Member Ngo said he attended the Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California 40 th Anniversary Gala at St.
Vibiana and the U.S.-Vietnam General Chamber of Commerce 5-year anniversary celebration both on October 12. He mentioned his attendance at the Library Gala on October 13 and thanked first responders who were honored that night. Council Member Ngo talked about attending the Electric Park event on October 14 and mentioned hosting California Secretary of Government Operations Amy Tong and Executive Officer of the California Victims Compensation Board at the Resiliency Center at Sierra Vista Park earlier in the day for a tour of the facility. Finally, Council Member Ngo thanked Assemblyman Mike Fong for the state funding allocation and his advocating for the City in the past.
Mayor Pro Tem Wong talked about attending many of the same events with the other Council Members and thanked Assembly man Mike Fong for the state funding. He mentioned attending the Library Foundation Gala on October 13, the Taiwan Independence day celebrations hosted by the Taiwan Benevolent Association on October 7 at Barnes Park and the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA) in Chinatown on October 8. Mayor Pro Tem Wong used this time to request a status report on the issue of signage for City facilities in relation to the gun ordinances recently approved by the Council and asked staff to look into a Los Ang eles County measure regarding human trafficking which mentioned the City of Monterey Park. Mayor Pro Tem Wong also asked staff to track city spending on contracts and consultants as to whether the city is spending on businesses that are diverse and local.
Mayor Sanchez stated that he attended the Community Clean-up event on October 7 and thank ed the City’s Facilities Division and Athens Services for their participation. He s poke about his presence at the Pink Patch Car Show and thanked the Police Department for organizing the event . Mayor Sanchez talked about hosting a townhall event on October 10 at Bella Vista Elementary School and thanked city staff, Police and Fire Department staff for participating. Mayor Sanchez also said he attended the Star Party at the Garvey Ranch Observatory hosted by the Library on October 11, the Library Foundation Gala on October 13, and the Electric Park event on October 14. Mayor Sanchez said he also participated in the presentation earlier in the day of the state funds and expressed his gratitude for Assemblymember Mike Fong’s efforts.
Mayor Pro Tem Wong had an additional comment on attending the neighborhood watch program meeting earlier that afternoon and commended the Police Department and City staff for their efforts to restart the neighborhood watch program throughout the city and encouraged residents to participate. 71-301
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7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Sanchez requested an item acknowledging Native American heritage month in November.
8. CLOSED SESSION (IF REQUIRED; CITY ATTORNEY TO ANNOUNCE) None.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business for consideration, the meeting was adjourned at 9:42 p.m.
Maychelle Yee
City Clerk
Approved on December 20, 2023, at the Regular City Council Meeting