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MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the City of Monterey Park is to provide excellent services to enhance the quality of life for our entire community.
MINUTES
MONTEREY PARK CITY COUNCIL
FINANCING AUTHORITY (MPFA)
HOUSING AUTHORITY (MPHA)
GEOLOGIC HAZARD ABATEMENT DISTRICT (GHAD)
SUCCESSOR AGENCY (SA)
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 7, 2024
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, February 7, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Sanchez called the meeting to order at 6:38 p.m.
FLAG SALUTE:
Mayor Sanchez led the Flag Salute. Pledge of Allegiance presented by Civic Superstar Yareli Mercado Martinez.
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, City Manager Inez Alvarez, City Attorney Karl Berger, Assistant City Manager Diana Garcia , Director of Public Works Shawn Igoe, Director of Recreation and Community Services Robert Aguirre, Community Development Director Jessica Serrano, Police Chief Scott Wiese, Interim Fire Chief Chris Thompson, City Librarian Kristin Olivarez, Director of Finance Martha Garcia, Finance Manager Laura Borjon, Recreation Supervisor Guillermo Chavez, Assistant Deputy City Clerk Helena Cho, Civicspark Fellow Olivia Williams
VIRTUALLY PRESENT: Director of Human Resources and Risk Management Christine Tomikawa.
AGENDA ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, CHANGES AND ADOPTIONS
City Attorney Berger announced the carryover of Agenda Item No. 1A from the 5:30 p.m.
Special City Council meeting to the Consent Calendar as Agenda Item No. 3H.
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PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
- Nidal Oudeh provided his perspective regarding an altercation he witnessed that required the Monterey Park Police Department to respond, incident no. 2023- 0000129, incident date: January 2, 2023, time: 7:58 p.m.
- Jenny Chan spoke about a parking ticket she received on Lincoln Avenue while she patronized a Monterey Park restaurant during the city’s Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, January 27, 2024 around 5:30 p.m. She stated that there wasn’t a “No Parking” sign posted when she parked. W hen she returned back to her vehicle, the “No Parking” signs were posted, and a parking citation issued. She mentioned that she has time stamped and geolocated evidence depicting city employees placing “No Parking” signs in the area around 7:30 p.m. She requested that the matter be investigated and for the city to waive all parking citations issued for that area during the date and time stated.
- Maychelle Yee, resident, voiced her displeasure on the amount of speaking time she was allocated at the Special City Council Strategic Planning Meeting held on February 3, 2024. She spoke about the sewer increase and lack of a Sewer Master Plan and inquired how the funds will be utilized.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
This Item was heard after Agenda Item No. 5A.
- Community Development : Civicspark Fellow Williams announced that the Draft Sustainability Plan will be available February 8- 29, 2024 for public review and comment. She communicated that the city would conduct workshops on Monday, February 12, 2024 at 6 p.m. at El Encanto and on February 22, 2024 at 6 p.m. via zoom.
- Fire Department: Interim Fire Chief Thompson provided the public with information on storm and flood preparedness . He invited the public to attend the Community Preparedness Clinic at George Elder Park on February 24, 2024.
- Library: City Librarian Olivarez spoke about all the great events taking place at the Library: Lunar New Year Adult Matinee & Movie Club on February 13, Teens Lunar New Year Junior Friend Social on February 9, and a Community Wishing Tree February 9-29. She encouraged the public to check out the booklists in celebration of Black History Month, invited the youth community to the Teen Work Readiness Workshop which prepares teens for the workplace, a Reimagining Asian Communities event on Saturday, February 24, Pokemon Party on February 16, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Clinic on Mondays and Thursday through April 11, Free Legal Assistance Clinic held on the second Tuesdays of the month, 72-29
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and informed the public to stop by the library to vote for your favorite Library Card Design February 7-21.
- Recreation and Community Services: Recreation Supervisor Guillermo Chavez thanked the community for supporting the Candlelight Vigil on January 21 and talked about the successful Lunar New Year Festival. He spoke about upcoming events at Langley Senior Center including Service Area 3 Peer Resource Center’s Lunar New Year Celebration on February 14 and the Youth Mental Health Summit on February 24. He spoke about upcoming activities: Save the Love – Love Gram with deliveries to residents February 5- 16 and Silverback Club – Langley Center Workout Class free each Thursday through March 28. He talked about upcoming workshops at Langley Senior Center: Health Talk on February 8, Empowering Minds: Senior Mental Health Workshops on February 15, and Pedestrian Safety on February 21. He reminded everyone to save the date: Spring Egg Hunt 2024 on March 28 and 24
th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival April 27-28.
1. PRESENTATION
Matters listed under presentation are informational content and for discussion only.
This Item was heard after Public Communications.
1-A. RECOGNITION OF COMMUNITY HEALING FUND MEMBERS
City Treasurer Lee reported that the Healing Fund has provided $161,571 of grant funds to victims and programs supporting the community. The City Council recognized the Monterey Park Community Healing Fund Member: Amy Lee, Anita Chu, Bryant Yang, Hans Liang, Paul Talbot, Rick Eng and Ricky Choi with a Certificate of Recognition and Appreciation for all their volunteer work in the distribution of funds.
2. OLD BUSINESS – None.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS NOS. 3A-3GH
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.
This item was heard after Staff Communications.
Action Taken: The City Council approved and adopted Agenda Item Nos. 3A – 3H on Consent Calendar, excluding Item Nos. 3C, 3D, and 3E which were pulled for discussion, separate motion, reading resolutions and ordinances by the title only and waiving further reading thereof. The approval includes the carryover agenda Item No. 1A from the 5:30 p.m. Special Meeting as agenda Item No. 3H 72-30
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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
3-A. MINUTES
Approving the minutes from the regular and special meetings of December 6, 2023.
Action Taken: The City Council approved the minutes from the regular and special meetings of December 6, 2023, on Consent Calendar.
3-B. RECEIVE AND FILE WATER FINANCING UPDATE
At the December 6, 2023, City Council meeting the Council introduced an Ordinance that set a “cap rate” on water increases at 32%, 8%, 8%, 7%, 8% for the five-year period from FY 2023- 24 through FY 2027- 28. The second reading and adoption of that ordinance occurred on December 20, 2023; the ordinance became effective January 19, 2024; the rates were scheduled for implementation on February 1, 2024.
On November 15, 2023, Council directed staff to explore bond financing for water infrastructure needs. On January 17
th the City Council authorized postponing the
implementation of the approved rates until after the City Council considers issuing bonds for infrastructure financing which was scheduled for February 2024.
It has been challenging collecting historical data for the loan documents.
Consequently, this item is being postponed to March 2024 for Council consideration. A staff report to recommend implementation of water rates will be brought to Council on February 21, 2024.
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed the water financing update, on Consent Calendar.
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3-C. FY 2023-2024 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 durin g the first six months of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023- 2024 against the FY 2022-2023 figures.
Discussion: Finance Director Garcia presented a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the city’s revenues, expenditures, five- year projection, and budget augmentations.
Action Taken: The City Council (1) received and filed the FY 2023-2024 Mid-Year Financial Report; (2) authorized the increase of Committed Catastrophic-Event by $500,000 from $5.34 million to $5.84 million; and (3) authorized an additional budget appropriation of $669,550 from various funds.
Motion: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Wong and seconded by Mayor Sanchez, 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. CONSIDERATION AND PO SSIBLE ACTION TO ADO PT A RESOLUTION TO REMOVE AN INITIATIVE MEASURE FROM THE NOVEMBER 5, 2024,
REGULAR MUNICIPAL ELECTION BALLOT CONCERNING MINIMUM WAGES
FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS
Adopting the attached resolution to the staff report will remove a ballot initiative from the November 5, 2024 regular municipal election concerning minimum wage for healthcare workers (the “Initiative”). The City Council adopted a resolution adding the Initiative to the ballot in 2022. Senate Bill 525 (2023) (“SB 525”) was chaptered on October 13, 2023 and expressly preempts the Initiative. Additionally, On January 9, 2024, the initiative proponent requested withdrawal of the initiative.
Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024- R5 removing an initiative measure from the November 5, 2024, regular municipal election ballot concerning minimum wages for healthcare workers, on Consent Calendar.
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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
Resolution No. 2024-R5
A RESOLUTION REMOVING AN INITIATIVE MEASURE FROM THE
NOVEMBER 5, 2024 REGULAR MUNICIPAL ELECTION BALLOT
CONCERNING MINIMUM WAGES FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS
3-E. ACCEPTANCE OF SGVMWD GRANT FOR THE LIFE LINE PROGRAM
The San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (SGVMWD) is awarding the city $50,000 in grant funding to assist low-income residents with their water bills. Staff requests the City Council accept the grant funds and allocate the $50,000 in grant funds to the FY 2023-2024 budget.
Action Taken: The City Council (1) a ccepted grant funding in the amount of $50,000 from the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (SGVMWD) for water bill assistance to low income residents; (2) authorized the City Manager to execute the Grant Agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with SGVMWD for this grant program; and (3) authorized the Finance Department to allocate $50,000 in grant funding to the FY2023-2024 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. BRUGGEMEYER LIBRARY IMPROVEMENTS – AWARD OF PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACT TO U.S. BUILDERS AND CONSULTANTS INC.
Capital Improvement Project (“CIP”) No. 95011 - Bruggemeyer Library Improvements project includes improvements to the library storytime room and the installation of stained- glass windows. Pursuant to Resolution No. 2023- R52, the Public Works Director solicited bids for the expansion of the Library Storytime room (Specification No. 2024- 001). The public bid opening for the Library Storytime 72-33
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room was held on January 24, 2024. Four bids were received: U.S. Builders and Consultants Inc., At Your Service Construction & Energy, Bridgerock Construct Inc., and Newbuild Construction and Restoration. Staff also solicited informal bids for the installation of stained-glass windows in the Library’s Honor Wall of Donors.
The City received only one bid from U.S. Builders and Consultants Inc. for $14,000.
It is recommended that City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a Public Works contract with U.S. Builders and Consultants Inc., the lowest responsible bidder, for the Bruggemeyer Library Improvements to include both the Storytime renovations and the installation of the stained -glass windows in the amount of $109,650, plus a contingency amount not to exceed $3,800.
CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act):
The City reviewed the environmental impacts of the proposed Ordinance pursuant to 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”). CEQA Guideline § 15301(c) (Existing Facilities) exempts the operation, repair, maintenance, alteration of existing public or private structures which involve negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. The proposed work will occur entirely within an existing structure. Accordingly, no further environmental review is required.
Action Taken: The City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a public works contract, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with U.S. Builders and Consultants Inc. in the contract amount of $109,650 for the Bruggemeyer Library Improvements Projec t and authoriz ed the Director of Public Works to approve change orders not to exceed $ 3,800 over the total contract amount , on Consent Calendar.
3-G. FIRE STATION 61 EXHA UST SYSTEM REPLACEMENT – CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION: (1) AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH AIR EXCHANGE, INC.
FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF AN EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR FIRE STATION 61 WITH OUT THE NEED FOR COM PETITIVE BIDDING; AND (2) ADDING THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF AN EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR FIRE STATION 61 TO THE 2023-2024 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
The City received $82,101.88 in grant funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program, with a matching City contribution of $8,210.19. The grant funds were awarded to the City to update the vehicle exhaust system at Fire Station 61.
The City proposes to enter into an agreement with Air Exchange, Inc. under the competitive bid executed by the City of Los Angeles for the purchase and installation of exhaust system for Fire Station 61, which includes mini rail systems, magnetic grabber and hoses, motor, fans and ancillaries.
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CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act):
The City reviewed the environmental impacts of the proposed activity pursuant to 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”). CEQA Guideline § 15301(c) (Existing Facilities) exempts the operation, repair, maintenance, alteration of existing public or private structures which involve negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. The proposed work will occur entirely within an existing structure. Accordingly, no further environmental review is required.
Action Taken: The City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a public works maintenance agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Air Exchange, Inc. in the amount of $90,312.07 for the Fire Station 61 Exhaust System Project and adopted Resolution No. 2024- R to add the Fire Station Exhaust System Project to the fiscal year 2023- 2024 Capital Improvement Program , on Consent Calendar.
Resolution No. 2024-R6
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN
AGREEMENT WITH AIR EXCHANGE, INC FOR THE PURCHASE AND
INSTALLATION OF AN EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR FIRE STATION 61 WITHOUT THE NEED FOR COMPETITIVE BIDDING AND AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2023-R52 TO ADD THE FIRE STATION 61 EXHAUST SYSTEM PROJECT TO THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (“CIP”) AND FINDING SUCH
AMENDMENT CONFORMS WITH THE GENERAL PLAN.
3-H. 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) 15061 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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This is a Carryover of Agenda Item No. 1A from February 7, 2024 5:30 p.m. Special City Council Meeting and added to this meeting under Consent Calendar Item No. 3H.
Action Taken: The City Council approved the minutes from the regular and special meetings of December 6, 2023, on Consent Calendar.
4. PUBLIC HEARING – None.
5. NEW BUSINESS
5-A. TREE MEMORIAL PROGRAM RECOMMENDATION FOR CAROL AND LARRY
SULLIVAN
Councilmember Vinh Ngo submitted a nomination for Carol and Larry Sullivan for the Tree Memorial Recognition Program for their many years of dedication and service to the Monterey Park community. Tree Memorial honorees are nominated based on the criteria established in Resolution Nos. 10485 and 11484 (Attachment 1 to the staff report).
If approved by City Council, Carol and Larry Sullivan will be honored with a Tree Memorial for their service and positive impact on the Monterey Park community.
This item was heard after Presentation.
Action Taken: The City Council authorized the City Manager to take actions to honor Carol and Larry Sullivan with a memorial tree and plaque.
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
6. CITY COMMUNICATIONS (CITY COUNCIL)
6-A. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK,
CALIFORNIA, DECLARING AND RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2024 AS NATIONAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH
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Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution 2024- R7 declaring and recognizing the month of February 2024 as National Black History Month.
Motion: Moved by Mayor Sanchez 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
Resolution No. 2024-R7
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK,
CALIFORNIA, DECLARING AND RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2024 AS NATIONAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Council Member Lo thanked the community for attending the Candlelight Vigil. He said he participated in the City Council Strategic Planning meeting and took the opportunity to thank Mayor Sanchez for his leadership as Mayor for the past year.
Council Member Yiu conveyed her appreciation to Mayor Sanchez for his term as Mayor. She thanked staff for planning and organizing the city’s Candlelight Vigil.
She mentioned that the City Council Strategic Planning Meeting was very productive and spoke about the great team dynamic between the City Council and with staff. She spoke about the city’s Lunar New Year Festival, that it was well attended with over 200,000 attendees. She shared her experience with parking at the Lunar New Year Festival and requested that the city waive the parking citations.
Council Member Ngo talked about his attendance at the various city events: Gun Violence Restraining Order training on January 18, Ribbon Cutting for Bella Vista Park Playground on January 20, Candlelight Vigil on January 21, and Lunar New Year Festival. He also announced that he attended an event celebrating Lunar New Year at the Golden Age Manor located in the city. He wished everyone a safe and Happy Lunar New Year.
Mayor Pro Tem Wong mentioned that he attended many of the same events his fellow Council Members attended. He expressed his appreciation to the staff for organizing all the city events. He stated that he attended the city’s 2024 Homeless Count on January 23 and the Boys & Gi rls Club’s Youth of the Year celebration.
He showed his gratitude and appreciation to Mayor Sanchez for his tenure as Mayor and wished everyone a Happy Lunar New Year.
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Mayor Sanchez said he also attended many of the same events his fellow Council Members attended. He talked about the city’s Roundtable event prior to the Candlelight Vigil. He briefly spoke about the City Council Strategic Planning Meeting and was very inspired by city leaders and the vision to move the city forward. He took a moment to thank staff and the City Council for all their support during his term as Mayor. He expressed his sincere gratitude to his wife for her patience and support and wished everyone a Happy Lunar New Year.
7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
8. CLOSED SESSION (IF REQUIRE D; CITY ATTORNEY TO ANNOUNCE) None.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business for consideration, Mayor Sanchez adjourned the meeting at 8:37 p.m.
__________________________
Maychelle Yee
City Clerk
Approved on April 17, 2024, at the Regular City Council Meeting