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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
NOVEMBER 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, November 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 led the flag salute. Pledge of Allegiance presented by Civic Superstar Lucy Cardenas Melendrez
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: 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, Community Development Director Jessica Serrano, Director of Human Resources and Risk M anagement Christine Tomikawa, Police Chief Scott Wiese, Fire Chief Matt Hallock, Economic Development Manager Joseph Torres , Recreation Manager Christina Alatorre, Senior Librarian Cathleen Bowley , Recreation Supervisor Orlando Muro, Assistant Deputy City Clerk Helena Cho, Program Coordinator Shannon Rodriguez, Civic Spark Fellow Olivia Williams
VIRTUALLY PRESENT: Director of Finance Martha Garcia
AGENDA ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, CHANGES AND ADOPTIONS
Interim City Manager Alvarez reques ted to move up Agenda Item No. 6A after Public Communications and add Agenda Item No. 1A from the Special Meeting held at 5:30 P.M. to be heard along with the Consent Calendar items.
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PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
- Carol Sullivan and Bob Gin from the Monterey Park Library Foundation thanked everyone for a successful Library Foundation Gala. They conveyed how the funds raised from the Library Foundation Gala would be added to the efforts to purchase a vehicle and star t a “Book-Mobile” to facilitate more community outreach. They invited the community to the Women’s Club Fashion Show scheduled for May 4, 2024.
- Randye Kay talked about the conditions at the intersection of Chandler and Hellman avenues . She detailed how a traffic study is underway, however she expressed that the current conditions are different from normal. She state d how construction has affected the normal flow of traffic and a brief school closure has not provided accurate information on traffic conditi ons. She also talked about her experience attending the Traffic Commission meeting on October 19 and had some recommendations to improve public involvement in those meetings.
- Nidal Oudeh expressed his dissatisfaction with his interaction with City government, including the City Manager’s office, Human Resources, and Police Departments.
- Albert Lu, San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District, introduced himself as the new External Affairs Specialist . He highlighted the rebate programs offer ed to Monterey Park residents including household appliance and irrigation rebates. He spoke about their Community Grant Program which awards funding to non-profits and educators in the community toward Earth Day activities including a $3,000 grant to the Bruggemeyer Library . He provided the community with more information which is available on their website SGVMWD.com.
1. PRESENTATION
Matters listed under presentation are informational content and for discussion only.
Presentation Items were heard after Agenda Item No. 6-A
1-A. STATE SENATOR SUSAN RUBIO – LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
State Senator Susan Rubio presented a PowerPoint presentation sharing some of her accomplishments over the past 5 years representing Monterey Park and the San Gabriel Valley including funding for housing, education, workforce development, and child welfare. State Senator Rubio also detailed her efforts on funding higher education, oversight of the insurance industry, assisting victims of domestic vi olence, reducing gun violence, climate change and public transportation. The City Council thanked Senator Rubio for her commitment to Monterey Park. With the redistricting process, a new State Senate Representative will be elected to represent Monterey Park in the 2024 election.
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1-B. EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE UPDATES
Michael Pascual, Vice- President of Administrative Services introduced the PowerPoint presentation detailing the accomplishments and new happenings on the campus of East Los Angeles College. Vice-President of Instruction Dr. Cristina Tafoya detailed the academic history of East Los Angeles College and its diversity.
Vice-President of Student Services Dr. Miguel Duenas spoke about the various opportunities provided to students. Vice-President Pascual highlighted career path programs offered by the College and the Public Safety Academy which is a collaboration between the College and first responders that provide training toward state requirements. Dean of East Los Angeles College’s South Gate Educational Center Erica Mayorga spoke about the continuing education opportunities. The City Council had an opportunity for questions.
1-C. CITY DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
Economic Development Manager Torres presented a PowerPoint presentation detailing the City’s p roject development process and how the City approves projects. Economic Development Manager Torres provided updates on projects around the City and their various stages of development along with Community Development Director Jessica Serrano.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Staff Communications was heard after Presentations.
- Community Development: Civic Spark Fellow Williams offered an update on the City’s Sustainability Plan and the Going Green timeline and talked about two workshops available to the community to engage in discussion regarding the Sustainability Plan, virtually on November 6 at 6:00 p.m. and in- person on November 16 at 5:00 pm. She also took brief questions from the City Council.
- Library: Senior Librarian Bowley talked about the Junior Friendsgiving event taking place on November 3, the California Plants event hosted by Nature For All on November 4 and the continuing Free Legal Assistance Clinic every second Tuesday of the month in the Friends Room. She also highlighted Healthy Living for your Brain and Body on November 11, the Early Learning Resource Fair on November 18, and Mindful Coloring every Monday. Finally, Senior Librarian Bowley reminded the community of the Cover -to-Cover club reading competition from October 7 to November 18, the new Scan & Save Memory Station, and the Parks Pack which allows residents to check out outdoor equipment with their valid library card. She took brief questions from the City Council.
- Police Department: Chief Wiese provided and update on the Department’s gun safety efforts starting with the Project Child Safe, a program of the National Shooting Sports Foundation which promotes firearms safety and education. Chief 71-308
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Wiese reminded the community that the Police Department website provides information on firearms safety, firearms disposal, state firearms laws, how to recover impounded firearms and gun violence restraining orders . Finally, Chief Wiese provided information about private property signage in regard to firearms and took questions from the City Council. Interim City Manager Alvarez also provided some information regarding links on the City website to Los Angeles County resources about the process in obtaining gun violence restraining orders.
- Recreation and Community Services: Director Aguirre started out by introducing newly promoted Program Coordinator Shannon Rodriguez. Recreation Supervisor Muro thanked everyone who came out to contribute to the Dia de los Muertos Altar throughout the second half of October and extended to November 6 at the Langley Center and everyone who attended the Monster Mash on October 19 at Barnes Park. Supervisor Muro also thanked the community for participating in the Monterey Park Health Fair on October 28 and the Horrifying Halloween Dance Party on October 31. He r eminded residents about the upcoming events in November and December such as the Veterans Day commemoration and the Monterey Park Pickleball Tournament on November 11. He also talked about the Langley Center Thanksgiving Luncheon on November 22, the Letters to Santa mailbox, Holiday Snow Village on December 7, Santa’s Jolly Journey on December 16, a nd the Langley Center Holiday Luncheon on December 19.
Director Aguirre provided some updates on three park projects currently underway; Barnes Park Amphitheater, Edison Trails, and Sequoia Park . He mentioned the City of Monterey Park candlelight vigil on January 21, 2024 and the 2024 Lunar New Year Festival on January 27 and 28. Director Aguirre also took questions from the City Council.
2. OLD BUSINESS – None.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS NOS. 3A-3F
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 – 3F including the carried over Agenda Item No. 1A from the Special City Council meeting held at 5:30 p.m. on Consent Calendar, excluding Item Nos. 3A, 3D and 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 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. CONSIDERATION TO REAPPOINT JOSEPH LEON TO THE SAN GABRIEL
VALLEY MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT AS THE
REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE CITY MONTEREY PARK
The City of Monterey Park is located within the boundaries of the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District. The district is governed by a 27- member Board of Trustees, consisting of an appointed representative from each city plus the County of Los Angeles. The City Council has the authority to appoint an individual to serve as the Monterey Park representative on the Board of Trustees.
Action Taken: The City Council reappointed Joseph Leon as the City Representative on the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District Board of Trustees for a term of two years.
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-B. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH FAIRBANK, MASLIN,
MAULLIN, METZ AND ASSOCIATES TO CONDUCT PUBLIC OPINION
RESEARCH
The City is requesting to enter into an agreement with FM3 to provide public opinion research. FM3’s relevant experience conducting public opinion research has been instrumental in identifying the priorities of the residents of Monterey Park.
The City is requesting the agreement to allow for public opinion research including two budget priority surveys. The term of the agreement is throug h July 31, 2024 for an amount not to exceed $89,750.
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Action Taken: The City Council authorized the Interim City Manager to execute an agreement with Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz and Associates (FM3) in a form approved by the City Attorney; to conduct public opinion research for an amount not to exceed $89,750, on Consent Calendar.
3-C. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AMENDMENT WITH GOVINVEST, INC., FOR
LABOR COSTING MODULE SERVICES
GovInvest is currently providing a labor costing module which provides the City with the ability to provide employee salary projections by bargaining unit, track employee costs individually, measure total compensation and project anticipated staffing costs for the City budget. This First Amendment will extend the term of the Agreement by three years through June 30, 2027, and increase compensation by $70,140 for an amount not to exceed $89,640.
Action Taken: The City Council authorized the Interim City manager to execute an amendment with Gov Invest, Inc. in a form approved by the City Attorney, for labor costing module services in an amount not to exceed $89,640 and extend the term of the amendment through June 30, 2027, on Consent Calendar.
3-D. RESOLUTION DECLARING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER 2023 AS “MOVEMBER” TO RAISE AWARENESS OF PROSTATE AND OTHER MALE
CANCERS
The Movember Foundation is the leading global organization committed to changing the face of men’s health. The Movember community has raised $1.1 billion to date and funded over 1,320 programs in 23 countries (https://us.movember.com/). This work is saving and improving lives of men affected by prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and funding mental health programs.
The Foundation challenges men to grow mustaches during Movember (for merly known as November), to spark conversation and raise vital funds for its men’s health programs.
Fire Chief Hallock spoke about the origins and purpose of the event and mentioned the fundraising effort of the Monterey Park Firefighters Association Relief Fund “Movember” t-shirts available November 7.
Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution 2023- R84 declaring the month of November as “Movember.”
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Motion: Moved by Council Member 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
Recusal: Council Members: None
Resolution No. 2023-R84
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK DECLARING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER AS “MOVEMBER,” AN ANNUAL
EVENT INVOLVING MEN GROWING MUSTACHES DURING THE MONTH TO
RAISE AWARENESS OF PROSTATE CANCER AND OTHER MALE CANCER
AND ASSOCIATED CHARITIES
3-E. NOTICE OF COMPLETION – VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Pursuant to City Council Resolution No. 11701, the Public Works Director is authorized to record a Notice of Completion for Capital Improvement Projects (CIP). The City recently completed CIP 96031 – Street Rehabilitation Project (Year 1), CIP 96030 – Slurry Seal Project (Year 2), CIP 96028 – Garfield Ave Traffic Signal Improvements (HSIP Cycle 9), CIP 96001 – N. Atlantic Blvd Sewer Main Upgrade, CIP 99009 – S. Chandler Sewer Main upgrade, CIP 99015 – Sewer Point Repairs, and CIP 96007- Sewer Pipe relining. Upon completion, the work was inspected and approved by the City Engineer. It is recommended that the City Council receive and file the Notice of Completions recorded by the Public Works Director for these projects.
Action Taken: The City Council (1) received and filed the Notice of Completion recorded by the Public Works Director on September 7, 2023 accepting various sewer projects completed by GRBCON, Inc; (2) received and filed the Notice of Completion recorded by the Public Works Director on October 5, 2023 accepting the Slurry Seal Project (Year 2) completed by Onyx Paving Company, Inc; (3) received and filed the Notice of Completion recorded by the Public Works Director on October 11, 2023 accepting t he Street Rehabilitation at Various Locations Project (Year 1) completed by All American Asphalt, Inc.; and (4) received and filed the Notice of Completion recorded by the Public Works Director on October 11, 2023 accepting the Garfield Ave Traffic Signal Improvements project completed by PTM General Engineering Services, Inc.
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Motion: Moved 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
3-F. 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 intersec tions 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 phase 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 in March 2023 and is scheduled to be complete by December 2023.
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed report summarizing the status of the emergency repairs of the Monterey Pass Road water line, on Consent Calendar
4. PUBLIC HEARING:
4-A. PREFERENTIAL PARKING DISTRICT: W. 1
ST STREET FROM SHERBROOK
AVENUE TO SCHOOLSIDE AVENUE
The City received a petition to add a new preferential parking district located at W. 1st street from Sherbrook Avenue to Schoolside Avenue to the City’s existing permit parking areas. Staff investigated the proposed permit limits and the surrounding street parking conditions. It is recommended that City Council adopt a Resolution amending Resolution Nos. 10931, 11634 and 11744 to include W. 1st Street from Sherbrook A venue to Schoolside Avenue among the preferential parking districts.
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CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act):
The proposed action is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (Pub. Res. Code §§ 21000, et seq.: “CEQA”) and CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs. Title 14, §§ 15000, et, seq.) in accordance with CEQA Guidelines § 15305 (Class 5 – Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations). The project involves a negligible expansion of use; there is only a minor change in the operation of an existing use. The project would not result in significant effects related to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality and it can be adequately served by all required utilities and public services.
Public Speaker:
- Dora L. De La Cruz completed a form requesting to speak on the item but was not present when item was introduced.
Discussion: Director Igoe presented a PowerPoint presentation giving an overview of preferential parking around the city and detailed the process of determining a preferential parking district while answering questions from the City Council.
Action Taken: The City Council opened the public hearing at 9:30 p.m. to receive testimonial and documentary evidence with no registered speakers, after closing the public hearing at 9:38 p.m. and considering the evidence, adopted Resolution No. 2023-R85 amending Resolution Nos. 10931, 11634, 11744 to include W. 1 st
Street from Sherbrook Avenue to Schoolside Avenue among the preferential parking districts.
Motion: Moved 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
Resolution No. 2023-R85
A RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NOS. 10931, 11634 AND 11744
REGARDING PREFERENTIAL PARKING AREAS WITHIN THE CITY WHERE
PARKING PERMITS MAY BE USED IN ACCORDANCE WITH VEHICLE CODE §22507
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5. NEW BUSINESS
5-A. AUTHORIZATION TO ISSUE LEGISLATIVE SUBPOENAS REGARDING THE POTENTIAL REVOCATION OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. CU -89-004 (AS AMENDED AND MODIFIED) HELD BY ATLANTIC SQUARE, LLC.
On May 4, 2022, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2022- R28 to establish procedures for issuing legislative subpoenas in accordance with California law.
Legislative subpoenas to investigate matters being considered by the City Council.
During the pas t several years, it is apparent that property located at 2000- 2290 South Atlantic Boulevard, generally known as the “Atlantic Square” property, is generally in a state of vacancy and disrepair. In addition to that condition likely constituting a public nui sance under Monterey Park Municipal Code (“MPMC”) Chapter 4.30, the failure to exercise the land use approvals granted via CUP No.
CU-89-004 (as subsequently modified and amended; collectively, the “ATS CUP”) make it apparent that the City Council may wish to review and potentially revoke such land use entitlements.
To better understand why the Atlantic Square property is currently vacant, the City Attorney recommends that the City Council adopt a Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to issue l egislative subpoenas to various persons and corporations responsible for implementing the ATS CUP. Evidence gathered from such investigation will be presented to the City Council for consideration and potential action.
Public Speaker:
- Maychelle Yee, resident, spoke in opposition of the i tem and asked the City Council to take into consideration mitigating circumstances in relation to vacancies in the locations mentioned.
- Tom Kuehl , Chief Operating Officer for Terramar Retail Center (TRC), the owner of the Atlantic Square property presented the company’s goals and objectives for the property including increasing foot traffic and a collaboration with City staff to attract tenants.
Discussion: City Attorney Berger presented a PowerPoint presentation giving an overview of the property and how approval of the Item would allow for more understanding of what is occurring and what can be done to improve it. Council Members discussed the proposition of further meetings with TRC and City staff that may prevent legal action by finding workable solutions. Mayor Pro Tem Wong moved to table the Item to the next Council Meeting in order to get a more substantive response from TRC as to why there are vacancies and what their efforts have been to seek solutions.
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Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council consider (1) Adopting a Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to issue legislative subpoenas for testimony and records related to the potential revocation of CUP No. CU -89- 004 (as amended) that was originally approved via Resolution No. 9356, adopted August 29, 1989 (and subsequently modified/amended) ; and (2) Taking such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Action Taken: The City Council approved to table this item to the next regular City Council meeting.
Motion: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Wong and seconded by Council Member Lo motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Lo, Wong, Yiu
Noes: Council Members: Sanchez
Absent: Council Members: None
Abstain: Council Members: Ngo
Recusal: Council Members: None
5-B. DISCUSSION OF PENDING UPDATES TO THE MONTEREY PARK
MUNICIPAL CODE
With changes in California law, and approval of the Land Use & Urban Design and Housing Elements of the General Plan, the City Council must consider a comprehensive list of changes to the MPMC. California law requires, among other things, that the General Plan and the zoning regulations in the MPMC be consistent. The Planning Commission considered the attached Code Update Schedule during its meeting on October 10, 2023 and recommended that the City Council approve that schedule.
Discussion: Community Development Director Serrano presented a PowerPoint presentation giving an overview of why updates to the Municipal Code are necessary due to changes in California law, and General Plan amendments such as voter approved land use element in 2020 and City Council approval of Housing Element update in 2022. Director Serrano spoke about how the “Our City, Our Plan” initiative would include regulation updates and zoning changes and took questions from the City Council.
Action Taken: The City Council reviewed and approved the schedule for processing proposed updates to the Monterey Park Municipal Code (“MPMC”) as outlined in the attached “Code Update Schedule” to the staff report.
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Motion: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Wong and seconded by Council Member Yiu 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)
6-A. A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER 2023 AS
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH IN THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK (Requested by Mayor Sanchez)
This Item was heard after Public Communication
Public Speakers:
- Ellen Morales Recalde and Mona Morales Recalde spoke about the importance of tribal awareness and recognition and thanked Mayor Sanchez, the City Council and City staff for putting forth the resolution.
Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023- R86 recognizing the month of November 2023 as Native American Heritage Month in the City of Monterey Park.
Motion: Moved by Mayor Sanchez and seconded by Council Member Ngo, 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-R86
A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER 2023 AS
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH IN THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK
6-B. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING NOVEMBER 12 THROUGH NOVEMBER 18, 2023 AS LA VS. HATE UNITED AGAINST HATE WEEK (Requested by Mayor Sanchez)
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Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023- R87 recognizing the month of November 2023 as Native American Heritage Month in the City of Monterey Park.
Motion: Moved by Mayor Sanchez and 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-R87
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING NOVEMBER 12 THROUGH NOVEMBER 18, 2023 AS LA VS. HATE UNITED AGAINST HATE WEEK
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Council Member Lo spoke about attending the Latino Restaurant Association Mixer on October 21. Council Member Lo talked about the recent mass casualty event that occurred in Maine, thanked the members of the City Council for contributing to a statement on the incident and cited his personal connection to the area having attended college in Maine. Council Member Lo requested a moment for the victims of the incident at adjournment.
Council Member Yiu talked about attending the appreciation lunch hosted by Dr.
Ed Wong in honor of Police, Fire, and City staff. Council Member Yiu said she attended the Enping Association of Southern California 113- year Anniversary Celebration on October 29, the ground -breaking ceremony at Whitmore Villa, a new condominium development in Monterey Park and the USC Alf red E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science’s Student Alliance Legislative Day as a guest speaker on October 27.
Council Member Ngo talked about attending the San Gabriel Valley Mayor’s Forum on October 25 at the Marriott Hotel in Monterey Park, the Los Angeles Morality Lions Club 5 year Anniversary Gala in Alhambra on October 29, and the Whitmore Villa ground-breaking. Council Member Ngo also attended the appreciation lunch earlier that day hosted by Dr. Ed Wong.
Mayor Pro Tem Wong talked about attending many of the same events with the other Council Members in addition to the Boys & Girls Club of West San Gabriel Valley’s celebration of their Executive Director’s 10th anniversary and the El Camino District Boy Scouts Dinner on October 20. Mayor Pro Tem Wong thanked the community for participation in his latest Town Hall on October 24. He also 71-318
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mentioned he attended the San Gabriel Valley Mayor’s Forum on October 25, the Monterey Highlands PTA Spooky Bash fundraiser on October 27, Whit more Villa ground-breaking, the Alhambra Pumpkin Run which raises funds for the Alhambra Educational Foundation, on October 29.
Mayor Sanchez said he attended the Monster Mash event at Barnes Park on October 19 and Movie Night at Brightwood Elementary School on October 20.
Mayor Sanchez expressed his appreciation to Recreation and Community Services, Police, Fire , and Bruggemeyer Library for assisting in hosting the Alhambra School District Academic Decathlon Retreat on October 20 and 21. The Mayor mentioned visiting the Dia de los Muertos Altars at the Langley Center on October 24, the Spooky Bash at Monterey Highlands on October 27, the Happy Day School Halloween Celebration on October 28, the Health Fair at the Langley Center, and mentioned how he and his family celebrated Halloween by giving out candy in the neighborhood.
7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Pro Tem Wong mentioned his anticipation of the City’s concealed weapon signage and proposed that the Police Department explore a giveaway to businesses who want to post signage. Mayor Pro Tem Wong also directed staff to research self-storage businesses in the City and what, if any benefit they would provide to the community as opposed to preserving areas for mor e commercially viable opportunities and proposed staff explore artificial intelligence (AI) tools for council minutes to save staff time.
Mayor Sanchez requested an update on the Victims Fund from staff, more dialogue with East Los Angeles College regarding a possible campus tour and wished Council Member Yiu a happy birthday.
8. CLOSED SESSION (IF REQUIRED; CITY ATTORNEY TO ANNOUNCE) None.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business for consideration, Mayor Sanchez adjourned the meeting at 10:40 p.m. in memory of the victims of the Maine mass shooting , Tricia C. Asselin, Peyton Brewer -Ross, William Frank Brackett, Thomas Ryan Conrad, Michael R.
Deslauriers II, Maxx A. Hathaway, Bryan M. MacFarlane, Keith D. Macneir, Ronald G.
Morin, Joshua A. Seal, Arthur Fred Strout, Stephen M. Vozzella, Lucille M. Vi olette, Robert E. Violette, Joseph Lawrence Walker, William A. Young, and Aaron Young.
__________________________
Maychelle Yee
City Clerk
Approved on December 20, 2023, at the Regular City Council Meeting