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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 21, 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 21, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Wong called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
FLAG SALUTE:
The Monterey Park Police Explorer led the flag salute. Pledge of Allegiance presented by Civic Superstar Luna Pina.
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, 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 Manager Christine Tom ikawa, Police Chief Scott Wiese, Interim Fire Chief Chris Thompson, Public Works Manager Chris Reyes, Finance Manager Laura Borjon, Recreation Manager Christina Alatorre, Fi re Marshal Jessica Estrella, Deputy City Clerk Cindy Trang
VIRTUALLY PRESENT: Financial Analyst Patricia Cruz
AGENDA ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, CHANGES AND ADOPTIONS
City Manager Alvarez requested to move Item No. 1A to the March 6 , 2024 Council Meeting. The Los Angeles County presenters were not available to present this evening.
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PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
- Nidal Oudeh spoke about public record requests through the City Clerk’s Office.
He had questions about an incident that occurred in the year 2022 involving the Police Department.
- Alex Lee spoke about improper parking citation issued during the city’s Lunar New Year event. He stated the response he received from the Monterey Park Parking Enforcement Division in his assessment is unsatisfactory.
- Jenny Chen spoke about procedural errors with her vehicle parking citation. She references Monterey Park Municipal Code Section 10.48.160 and expressed her opinion on the procedural grounds for l ack of prerequisite resolution and asked the Council to dismiss citations.
- Linda Tang, resident, spoke about the city limiting Airbnb or short-term leases to a minimum of 500 to 1000 feet distance from each other. She expressed that Airbnb is not healthy for residents and that there are over 1000 Airbnb in the city, of which half are not permitted and not paying local taxes. Public speakers Kathy Tien, Harrison Tang, and Khu Huang yielded their speaking time to Linda Tang.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
- Police Department: Police Chief Wiese introduced the Neighborhood Engagement Team (NET). Sergeant Randy Esparza, supervisor who oversees the NET introduced some of the team members in attendance: Senior N ET Officer, Corporal Izzy Flores, Outreach and Housing Navigation Coordinator Shadene Womack, and Los Angeles County Dep artment of Me ntal Health Clinician Gabriela Sanchez. They made a presentation on the 2024 Homeless Count as well as their operations.
- Recreation and Community Services: Director of Recreation and Community Services Aguirre thanked everyone for coming to the Langley Senior Center Lunar New Year celebration sponsored by the Department of Mental Health. He spoke about the success of the Teatime program at the Langley Senior Center hosted by the Department of Mental Health, the Scam Alert workshop hosted by the YWCA, Show the Love Gram, and Silverback Club Workout Class. Director Aguirre spoke about upcoming events and programs including the Youth Mental Health Summit, community engagement in the Parks S ystem Master Plan, volunteering opportunities at the Langley Senior C enter, Spring Egg Hunt, and Cherry Blossom Festival.
1. PRESENTATION
Matters listed under presentation are informational content and for discussion only.
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1-A. LOS ANGELES COUNTY EFFORTS TO ADDRESS HUMAN TRAFFICKING – UPDATE
This item was continued to the March 6, 2024 Council Meeting. The Los Angeles County presenters were not available to present this item.
2. OLD BUSINESS – None.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS NOS. 3A-3N
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 – 3N on Consent Calendar, excluding Item Nos. 3B, 3 C, 3 I, and 3K which were pulled for discussion, separate motion, reading resolutions and ordinances by the title only and waiving further reading thereof. Mayor Wong declared a c onflict of interest for Agenda Item No. 3I as he is a Board Member on the Alhambra Educational Foundation.
Motion: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Ngo and seconded by Council Member Yiu, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Lo, Yiu, Ngo, Wong, Sanchez
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: None
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: Wong (Agenda Item No.3-I)
3-A. MONTHLY INVESTMENT REPORT – JANUARY 2024
As of January 31, 2024, invested funds for the City of Monterey Park total $66,820,043.27.
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed the monthly investment report, on Consent Calendar.
3-B. 2022-2023 ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT
The City’s auditor, The Pun Group LLP, an independent auditor and one of the nation’s leading CPA firms, completed the audit of the City’s annual financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. The audited financial statements are incorporated into an ACFR.
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This is the first year that the Pun Group is performing the annual audit of the City’s financial records. The auditor issued an unmodified (“clean”) opinion on the City’s financial statements.
An unmodified opinion indicates that the financial data of the City is fairly presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States of America and the standards are applicable to the financial audits contained in Government Audit Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. These standards require that the auditors plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance as to whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and accurately reflect the City’s financial position.
Additionally, the auditors’ report does not indicate any negative findings, internal control deficiencies, or instances of noncompliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Discussion: Finance Manager Borjon presented a PowerPoint presentation on the city’s Annual Comprehensive Finance Report (ACFR) and was available to answer questions.
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed the 2022- 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
Motion: Moved by Council Member Sanchez and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ngo, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Sanchez, Lo, Yiu, Ngo, Wong
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: None
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
3-C. DIRECT THE CITY MANA GER TO IMPLEMENT THE APPROVED WATER RATES EFFECTIVE MARCH 1, 2024
Ordinance No. 2239 became effective January 19, 2024. It increases water rates by the following percentages: year 1, 32%; year 2, 8%; year 3, 8%; year 4, 7%; and year 5, 8%. These rates were scheduled to increase beginning February 1, 2024.
During the November 15, 2023 City Council meeting, Council directed the City Manager to explore bond financing in order to provide an upfront infusion of funding for water infrastructure needs. Since then, the City Manager and Finance Director have worked with a team of experts on bond financing.
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This process has taken longer than originally anticipated due to challenges in collecting historical data for the bond disclosure and loan documents. On January 17, the City Council postponed implementing the increased water rates until after the City Council considers issuing bonds for infrastructure financing.
On February 7, the City Council received a status report regarding the challenges still being encountered in the bond process.
Public Speakers:
- Consultants Michael Busch, Chief Strategy Officer of Urban Futures , Rick Simonson, Vice-President of HF & H Consultants, LLC., and Financial Analyst Cruz were virtually present and available for questions.
Action Taken: The City Council directed the City Manager to implement the approved water rates effective March 1, 2024.
Motion: Moved by Council Member Lo and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ngo, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Sanchez, Lo, Yiu, Ngo, Wong
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: None
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
3-D. 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 96004 - Traffic Signal Improvements Project HSIP Cycle 7, CIP 96029 - HVAC Improvements at Various City Facilities, CIP 96033 - 2022 Catch Basin Retrofit Device Installation, and CIP 95028 Barnes Park Amphitheater. Upon completion, the work was inspected and approved by the City Engineer. It is recommended that the City Council receive and file the Notices of Completion 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 December 4, 2023 accepting the Traffic Signal Improvements Project -HSIP Cycle 7 completed by PTM General Engineering Services, Inc.; (2) received and filed the Notice of Completion recorded by the Public Works Director on January 2, 2024 accepting HVAC Improvements at Various City Facilities completed by Carrier Corporation; (3) received and filed the Notice of Completion recorded by the Public Works Director on January 11, 2024 accepting the 2022 Catch Basin Retrofit Device Installation project completed by United Storm Water, Inc.; and (4) received and filed the 72-46
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Notice of Completion recorded by the Public Works Director on January 24, 2024 accepting the Barnes Park Amphitheater Project completed by Irwin Seating Company, on Consent Calendar.
3-E. NOTICE OF COMPLETION AND TERMINATION OF LOCAL EMERGE NCY
GOVERNING THE MONTEREY PASS ROAD EMERGEN CY WATERLINE
IMPROVEMENTS
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. The City added the Monterey Pass Road Waterline Improvements to the Ci ty’s Capital Improvement Program (“CIP”) as Project No. 99025. The project is now complete, and it is recommended that the City Council receive and file the Notice of Completion and adopt a resolution terminating the local emergency governing the Monterey Pass Road Waterline Project.
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed the Notice of Completion for CIP 99025 – Monterey Pass Road Waterline Improvements, recorded by the Public Works Director of February 5,2024 and adopted Resolution No. 2024- R8 terminating the local emergency governing the Monterey Pass Road Waterline Project, on Consent Calendar.
Resolution No. 2024-R8
A RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL TERMINATING THE
MONTEREY PASS ROAD WATERLINE LOCAL EMERGENCY
3-F. LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH THE SALVATION ARMY FOR USE OF SPACE AT THE CITY’S COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP EVENTS
The City hosts community clean- up events throughout the year to provide the community an opportunity to dispose of unwanted bulky items and electronic waste through Athens S ervices. Items collected may include usable items such as furniture, rugs, clothing, appliances, and small electronic devices. On April 5, 2023, City Council approved a License Agreement with Salvation Army to utilize space within the City’s Community Clea n-up events to collect unwanted items from the public. This partnership helps to increase waste diversion and promote the reuse of items.
In 2023, Salvation Army participated in two events and they also participated in the City’s January 2024 clean-up event. It is recommended that City Council authorize the City Manager to renew License Agreement 2355- AD with the Salvation Army for the usage of space at the City’s future clean-up events. The License Agreement with Salvation Army expires on February 14, 202 4. It is recommended that the City Council consider authorizing the City Manager to renew the License Agreement for up to three years. The City would retain the authority to terminate 72-47
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the License Agreement with or without cause upon 30 days notice to Sal vation Army.
Action Taken: The City Council authorized the City Manager to renew License Agreement 2355- AD with the Salvation Army, in a form approved by the City Attorney to utilize space within the City’s Community Clean- up events to collect unwanted items from the public, on Consent Calendar.
3-G. FLEET AND FUEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM – AWARD OF CONTRACT
On September 6, 2023 Public Works Director solicited proposals for a fleet and fuel management software system that provides vehicle tracking, maintenance scheduling, inventory management, fuel distribution management, and real -time reporting of these activities for the City’s fleet division. Two bids were received in response to the request for proposals. The Public Works Director completed his review of bids, and recommends that City Council award a contract to Faster Asset Solutions, the lowest responsible bidder, in the amount of $508,202.00, for a five year term.
Action Taken: The City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Faster Asset Solutions in the contract amount of $508,202.00 for the Fleet Management System, on Consent Calendar.
3-H. PLANNING SERVICES AUGMENTATION WITH WILLDAN GROUP, INC.
On January 26, 2024, the City executed an on- call professional services agreement with the Willdan Group to provide special planning services for tasks associated with processing the Atlantic Square land use applications. TRC is the applicant for these applications and is reimbursing the City for all of Willdan’s services.
The Community Development Director would like to supplement the City’s routine planning services with W illdan’s assistance. This need is a result of the City’s ongoing struggle in finding qualified employees to fully staff the City’s various departments.
Willdan’s professional services agreement allows the City to issue task orders for various services . Here, the requested action is to authorize the City Manager to issue a task order for supplemental planning services in an amount not to exceed $150,000 per year.
Action Taken: The City Council authorized the City Manager to utilize Willdan Group, Inc. for providing routine planning services to assist the Community Development Department, not to exceed $150,000 annually , on Consent Calendar.
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3-I. APPROVAL OF AN ALCOHO L CONSUMPTION PERMIT AND PERMIT FEE
WAIVER ALLOWING THE ALHAMBRA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION TO
CONDUCT ALCOHOL SALES AT THE HAPPY BIRTHDAY MONTEREY PARK, PLAY DAYS CARNIVAL MONTHLY INVESTMENT REPORT – JANUARY 2024
This item was heard after Agenda Item No. 3K.
The City of Monterey Park traditionally celebrates its “birthday” each May with a four-day celebration in Barnes Park, “Happy Birthday Monterey Park, Play Days.” The festivities include carnival rides, games, food trucks, and live entertainment.
At the November 15, 2023, meeting, the City Council expressed an interest in adding a “Beer Garden” to the Play Days event in 2024. City staff contacted the Alhambra Educational Foundation to confirm their interest in providing a “Beer Garden” at the Play Days carnival as a fundraiser for their 501c3 Nonprofit organization. The Alhambra Educational Foundation has experience with providing “Beer Gardens” at other events. They are confident this opportunity would provide additional funds to support and enhance the educational programs of the Alhambra Unified School District.
Discussion: A brief discussion ensued about the alcohol sales at our Play Days Carnival. John Nunez and Martin Ulloa from the Alhambra Educational Foundation were present and responded to questions posed by the City Council.
Action Taken: Mayor Wong declared a potential conflict as he serves as a Board Member on the Alhambra Educational Foundation. He left the dais and did not participate in discussion on this item. The City Council approved the Alcohol Consumption permit allowing the Alhambra Educational Foundation to conduct alcohol sales at the Play Days Carnival, May 9-12, 2024 and approved an Alcohol Consumption permit fee waiver of $119.
Motion: Moved by Council Member Sanchez and seconded by Council Member Lo, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Sanchez, Lo, Yiu, Ngo
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: None
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: Wong
3-J. ANNUAL WEED ABATEMENT DECLARATION LIST
At the February 7, 2024 meeting, the City Council adopted the Annual Weed Abatement Resolution with its Declaration List. Due to clerical error, the recommendations for the item were not listed properly on the agenda, however, 72-49
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the staff report was correct. In an abundance of caution and to eliminate any confusion, the City Council is requested to reconsider the matter and adopt the Resolution.
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.
Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024 -R9 with the Declaration List, on Consent Calendar.
Resolution No. 2024-R9
A RESOLUTION ADOPTED PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE § 39561
DECLARING THAT WEEDS, BRUSH, RUBBISH, REFUSE AND DIRT UPON
AND IN FRONT OF CERTAIN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY IN THE CITY
ARE A PUBLIC NUISANCE, AND DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO PROVIDE
FOR ABATEMENT
3-K. CONSIDERATION AND PO SSIBLE ACTION TO ADO PT A RESOLUTION
AMENDING THE MONTERE Y PARK BAIL SCHEDULE AND REQUESTING
THE PRESIDING JUDGE OF T HE LOS ANGELES SUPER IOR COURT
APPROVE THE AMENDED BAIL SCHEDULE FOR MI SDEMEANOR AND
INFRACTION VIOLATIONS OF THE MONTEREY PARK MUNICIPAL CODE
This item was heard after Agenda Item No. 3C.
In May 2021, the City Council adopted a bail schedule which the Los Angeles Superior Court Executive Committee approved for use on September 15, 2021 (the “Bail Schedule”). The Bail Schedule was adopted to allow the City the opportunity to address Monterey Park Municipal Code (“MPMC”) violations that affect the quality of life in the City and a result of Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon’s non -prosecution policy for a range of misdemeanor offenses.
Since the Bail Schedule’s adoption, the City has adopted new regulations that are not reflect ed in the Bail Schedule and, therefore, that cannot be prosecuted.
Accordingly, it is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution amending the Bail Schedule and granting the City Manager authority to amend the Bail Schedule from time to time to ensure that MPMC violations can be prosecuted.
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Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-R10 amending the Monterey Park Bail Schedule and requesting the presiding judge of the Los Angeles Superior Court approve the amended bail schedule for misdemeanor and infraction violations of the Monterey Park Municipal Code.
Motion: Moved by Council Member Lo and seconded by Council Member Yiu, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Sanchez, Lo, Yiu, Ngo, Wong
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: None
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
Resolution No. 2024-R10
A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE MONTEREY PARK BAIL SCHEDULE AND
REQUESTING THE PRESIDING JUDGE OF THE LOS ANGELES SUPERIOR COURT
APPROVE THE AMENDED BAIL SCHEDULE FOR MISDEMEANOR AND INFRACTION
VIOLATIONS OF THE MONTEREY PARK MUNICIPAL CODE
3-L. RENEWAL OF THE COUNT Y OF LOS ANGELES GENERAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT
On March 6, 2019, the then- City Council authorized the renewal of the General Services Agreement (GSA) with the County of Los Angeles (County) to provide certain services for the City. The term of that agreement was from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2024. To ensure the continuation of the services, the City would need to renew a new five-year agreement.
Action Taken: The City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a General Services Agreement with the County of Los Angeles in a form approved by the City Attorney, on Consent Calendar.
3-M. 2020 STATE HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT PROGR AM – COST SAVINGS
PROJECTS
The City of Monterey Park Fire Department was notified of a second approved modification for an increase o f $40,000 for the 2020 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP 2020 Grant). Pursuant to Resolution No. 11740 adopted by the City Council on May 6, 2015, the Interim Fire Chief is reporting to the City Council the type of money obtained and the project details.
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed this report, on Consent Calendar.
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3-N. FISCAL YEAR 2023 ASS ISTANCE TO FIREFIGHT ERS GRANTS (AFG)
PROGRAM
The City of Monterey Park Fire Department received Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) from the Federal Management Agency (FEMA) regarding a formal invitation to submit a full application for consideration of Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) funds. The Fire Department (Department) seeks to submit two separate applications for this grant funding cycle.
The first application is to replace the Department’s aging self-contained breathing apparatus. If the City is awarded grant funds for this project, the total proposed budget is $768,683.29, which includes a federal share request of $69 8,802.99, and a required applicant match of $69,880.30. The application Activity Title is Personal Protective Equipment: Respirator Decontamination System (SCBA).
The second application is to update the air compressor system at Fire Station 61.
If the City is awarded grant funds for this project, the total proposed budget is $99,511.72, which includes a federal share request of $90,465.20, and a required applicant match of $9,046.52. The application Activity Title is Personal Protective Equipment: Air Compressor/Fill Station/Cascade System Replacement.
Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024- R11 authorizing the City Manager or designee, to apply for, receive, and appropriate grant funds for the Fiscal Year 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and authorized the City’s Finance Department to appropriate money from the General Fund balance to fund the required applicant match if the grant is awarded, on Consent Calendar.
Resolution No. 2024-R11
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, OR DESIGNEE, TO
APPLY FOR, RECEIVE, AND APPROPRIATE GRANT FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2023 ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANTS PROGRAM –
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: AIR COMPRESSOR / FILL STATION /
CASCADE SYSTEM REPLACEMENT AND RESPIRATOR DECONTAMINATION
SYSTEM (SCBA)
4. PUBLIC HEARING – None.
5. NEW BUSINESS – None.
6. CITY COMMUNICATIONS (CITY COUNCIL)
6-A. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING AND RECOGNIZING MARCH 2-6, 2024, AS READ
ACROSS AMERICA WEEK (REQUESTED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SANCHEZ)
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Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-R12 declaring and recognizing March 2-6, 2024, as Read Across America Week.
Motion: Moved by Council Member Sanchez and seconded by Council Member Yiu, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Sanchez, Lo, Yiu, Ngo, Wong
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: None
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
Resolution No. 2024-R12
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING AND RECOGNIZING MARCH 2 -6, 2024, AS READ
ACROSS AMERICA WEEK
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Council Member Sanchez stated he and Mayor Pro Tem Ngo attended the Sister Cities Ad Hoc Committee meeting regarding the Sister Cities Commission. He said he participated in the Langley Senior Center Lunar New Year celebration, the San Gabriel Lunar New Year festival, and the Police Explorer luncheon at Luminarias.
He announced that the Alhambra High School Academic Decathlon Team won the Los Angeles County championship for the first time in the history of Alhambra High School, and currently ranked No. 3 for the State competition and are excited to advance to Nationals to be held in Pittsburg , Pennsylvania. He congratulated incoming Mayor Wong and Mayor Pro Tem Ngo.
Council Member Lo said he attended many of the same events as Council Member Sanchez. He shared that the Monterey Park Lunar New Year festival had a great turnout and the sister cities in the area also carried on the tradition. He concluded that he also attended the Alhambra Lunar New Year festival and the Police Explorer luncheon and reminded voters of the Primary Election on March 5.
Council Member Yiu reported she attended many of the same events that Council Members Sanchez and Lo mentioned. She said she received positive feedback from the parents of the youths enrolled in the Monterey Park Police Explorer program. She expressed her appreciation to outgoing Mayor Sanchez and congratulated incoming Mayor Wong and Mayor Pro Tem Ngo.
Mayor Pro Tem Ngo stated he attended many Lunar New Year events in the community including the Monterey Park Hope Resiliency Center’s Lunar New Year event, the City of San Gabriel ’s Festival, the Taipei Economic Cultural Office ’s Lunar New Year celebration, the Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation’s event, the Golden Dragon Parade in Chinatown, the US Chaoshan Chamber of Commerce Office’s 72-53
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Lunar New Year celebration at the Capital Seafood Restaurant, and the Bank of America Employee Asian Leadership Network . He announced that he will bring another 150 guests to Chef Tony at Courtyard Marriott Monterey Park for an event the following evening. He spoke positively about Council Member Sanchez’s work while serving as Mayor and expressed his support for incoming Mayor Wong. He concluded by sharing the passing of Larry Sullivan on February 12 and spoke about Larry’s many years of continued service to the City. He said the Sullivans have been in Monterey Park for 50- plus years and Larry served on the Library Board of Trustees for many years, was a member of the Alhambra Unified School District Bond Oversight Committee, was a docent for our Historical Museum, was an active member of the Monterey Park Lions Club, served as a Planning Commissioner for seven years, served on the Traffic Commission, Personnel Board and more. Mayor Pro Tem Ngo also shared that Carol and Larry Sullivan will be honored with tree memorial recognition.
Mayor Wong spoke about his attendance at many of the same events as the other members of Council. He said he participated in the Sustainability Plan Workshop at El Encanto on February 12
th and 13th. He announced that he attended the Boys
& Girls Club Lunar New Year drive-through celebration and many other Lunar New Year celebrations in the community. Mayor Wong talked about his appreciation for the Police Explorer program . He stated that he had a tour of Meaningful Experiences & Relationships through Community Inclusion ( MERCI) facilities located on Chandler Avenue. He thanked the Director General from the Taipei Economic Cultural Office for attending the Mayoral Installation Ceremony and expressed his gratitude for the trust instilled in him by the other Council Members.
7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Pro Tem Ngo directed staff to bring back for discussion the permitting process, code guidance and rules relating to Airbnb.
Council Member Sanchez directed staff to put together an endorsement for Senate Bill SB1094, expansion of civic education to elementary and middle schools, and Assembly Bill AB2979, the Income Taxation Exclusive Victims Compensation which would not tax qualified victims receiving compensation under this fund.
Council Member Lo requested staff to provide an update to the Council on the Complete Streets and Vision Zero policy.
8. CLOSED SESSION
None
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ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business for consideration, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m. in memory of Larry Sullivan, a longtime resident and community volunteer.
__________________________
Maychelle Yee
City Clerk
Approved on April 17, 2024, at the Regular City Council Meeting