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MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the City of Monterey Park is to provide excellent service, foster growth and opportunity, and create a joyous and collaborative environment.
MINUTES
MONTEREY PARK CITY COUNCIL
FINANCING AUTHORITY (MPFA)
HOUSING AUTHORITY (MPHA)
GEOLOGIC HAZARD ABATEMENT DISTRICT (GHAD)
SUCCESSOR AGENCY (SA)
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 17, 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, July 17, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Wong called the meeting to order at 6:38 p.m.
FLAG SALUTE:
The Monterey Park Police Explorer led the flag salute. Pledge of Allegiance presented by Civic Superstar Grace Wang.
ROLL CALL:
City Clerk Maychelle Yee called the roll:
Council Members Present: Henry Lo, Vinh Ngo, Thomas Wong, Yvonne Yiu Council Members Absent: Jose Sanchez,
ALSO PRESENT: 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 Finance Martha Garcia, Director of Recreation and Community Services Robert Aguirre, Community Development Director Jessica Serrano, Police Chief Scott Wiese, Fire Chief Chris Thompson, I nterim City Engineer Manager Ziad Mazboudi , Recreation Manager Christina Alatorre, Public Works Manager Chris Reyes, Senior Librarian Cathleen Bowley, Animal Control Officer Laura Rodrguez, Animal Control Officer William Estrada, Economic Development Specialist Janice Huang, Assistant Deputy City Clerk Helena Cho
VIRTUALLY PRESENT: Director of Human Resources and Risk Management Christine Tomikawa
AGENDA ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, CHANGES AND ADOPTIONS
City Manager Alvarez requested to move Presentation Item No. 1A and Agenda Item No. 3B after Public Communication.
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PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
- Angie Chu, resident, addressed the idea of digital safety training with the city.
This pilot program was created due to rising crime in the city. The training is to have residents use their phones to take photos if they witness suspicious activity. She hopes to bring more awareness to the issue before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Angie showcased the opening of the non- profit “Asian Minds Matter.” This non-profit was created to address mental health awareness within the Asian Community and encouraged the c ommunity to attend the opening fundraiser.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Staff Communications Items were heard after Agenda Item No. 3B.
- Community Development and Economic Development: Community Development and Economic Development presented together. Community Development Director Serrano presented updates in the department and about the upcoming Saturn Park Advisory Review Committee (SPARC) workshop detailing the potential land uses in Saturn Park. Economic Development Specialist Huang s hared more updates on the Economic Development Strategic plan (EDSP) where they aim to reshape the City’s economic landscape in the next few years and spoke about the upcoming networking expos for small business.
- Library: Senior Librarian Bowley presented upcoming programs which include The Summer Reading Program, County Book Club, and Community Engagement Workshops.
- Police Department: Chief of Police Wiese introduced the department’s Animal Control Officers: Laura Rodriguez and William Estrada and highlighted a new Geographical Informational System (GIS) to track coyotes roaming the city.
Animal Control Officer Estrada presented a PowerPoint presentation about coyote awareness, provided safety tips on coyote prevention and who/where to contact if a coyote is spotted. Alongside Officer Estrada Officer Rodriguez spoke about the utilization of the GIS system and outreach efforts using the Cascades Newspaper and social media.
- Recreation and Community Services: Recreation Manager Alatorre presented an update on past events and the upcoming events occurring for the residents in the city which include Open Houses, Movie Nights, and Health Screenings.
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1. PRESENTATION
The matters listed under presentation are informational content and for discussion only.
1-A. MONTEREY PARK 12U SOFTBALL ALLSTARS CHAMPIONSHIP
This Item was heard after Public Communications.
Mayor Wong presented awards to the Monterey Park 12 and Under Softball team for winning the All -Star Championship and mentioned the team’s preparation for the USA Softball California State Championship.
2. OLD BUSINESS – None.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS NOS. 3B-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.
Consent Calendar Items were heard after Staff Communications.
Action Taken: The City Council approved and adopted Agenda Item Nos. 3A, 3D, 3E, 3F, 3G on Consent Calendar, excluding Agenda Item No s. 3B, 3C and 3H which was pulled for discussion, separate motion, reading resolutions and ordinances by the title only and waiving further reading thereof.
Motion: Moved by Council Member Lo and seconded by Council Member Yiu , motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Lo, Yiu, Ngo, Wong
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: Sanchez
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
3-A. MONTHLY INVESTMENT REPORT – JUNE 2024
As of June 30, 2024, invested funds for the City of Monterey Park total $93,018,485.26
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed the monthly investment report, on Consent Calendar.
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3-B. A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND PROCLAIMING 2024 AS THE
CENTENNIAL YEAR OF THE MONTEREY PARK FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Monterey Park Fire Department has proudly served the community of Monterey Park and the larger San Gabriel Valley region for 100 years. Since its founding in 1924, the Monterey Park Fire Department has served as a beacon of hope in times of need. This resolution serves as a testament to the legacy the department has had over the last 100 years.
This item was heard after Presentation Item No. 1A
Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-R51 recognizing the Centennial Anniversary of the Monterey Park Fire Department , on Consent Calendar.
Motion: Moved by Council Member Lo and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ngo, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Lo, Yiu, Ngo, Wong
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: Sanchez
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
Resolution No. 2024-R51
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK, CALIFORNIA, RECOGNIZING AND PROCLAIMING 2024 AS THE CENTENNIAL
YEAR OF THE MONTEREY PARK FIRE DEPARTMENT
RECESSED AND RECONVENED
The City Council recessed at 7:07 p.m. and reconvened with all council members present at 7:16 p.m.
3-C. CANNABIS TAX FUND GRANT PROGRAM (CTFGP) FUNDING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025
The City of Monterey Park Police Department was notified of an award of $273,899.02 from the Department of California Highway Patrol (CHP) Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program (CTFGP) for Fiscal Year 2024/2025. The police department will utilize the grant funding to reduce and mitigate the impacts of impaired driving in our community.
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Action Taken: The City Council accepted grant funds and authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with the Department of California Highway Patrol (CHP) in the amount of $273,899.02 for the Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program (CTFGP) and adopted Resolution No. 2024-R52 authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to receive and appropriate grant funds in fiscal year 2024-25, and execute an agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with the CHP in the amount of $273,899.02 for the CTFG.
Motion: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Ngo and seconded by Council Member Lo , motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Lo, Yiu, Ngo, Wong
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: Sanchez
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
Resolution No. 2024-R52
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, OR DESIGNEE, TO
RECEIVE AND APPROPRIATE GRANT FUNDS FOR THE CANNABIS TAX
FUND GRANT PROGRAM
3-D. AUTHORIZATION OF WILLDAN ENGINEERING TO PROVIDE CONSULTING
SERVICES REGARDING DRAFTING A SATURN PARK SPECIFIC PLAN AND
ASSOCIATED COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
On May 22, 2024 the City Council established the Saturn Park Advisory Review Committee (“SPARC”), a citizen’s oversight committee aimed at soliciting public input on future land uses of Saturn Park as part of the implementation of the General Plan Land Use and Urban Design Element (“GPLUE”).
Willdan Engineering is already retained by the City to undertake various land use tasks; assisting the City with drafting a Saturn Park Specific Plan (and assisting with SPARC meetings) is within the scope anticipated by Willdan’s existing agreement.
Because Willdan’s proposal for the SPARC process exceeds the City Manager’s signature authority, City Council authorization is needed to approve a task order for Willdan. Consequently, the Community Development Director requests that the City Council authorize a task order – not to exceed $100,000 with a 10% contingency – for Willdan’s services
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Action Taken: The City Council (1) authorized the City Manager to execute a task order, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Willdan Engineering for the scope of services described in Attachment 1 to the staff report in an amount not to exceed $100,000; (2) authorized the City Manager to approve a 10% contingency amount for other related activities; and (3) authorized a budget appropriation of $100,000, plus a 10% contingency (total not to exceed amount of $110,000) from the General Fund for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, on Consent Calendar.
3-E. CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FOR AN ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
PERMIT AND PERMIT FEE WAIVER ALLOWING THE ALHAMBRA
EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION TO CONDUCT ALCOHOL SALES AT THE
ELECTRIC PARK MUSIC EVENT
The City of Monterey Park launched the Electric Park music event series in 2022.
Since the October 8, 2022, inaugural event, the City has successfully hosted three Electric Park music events, each attracting an increasingly larger crowd. The event aims to foster community engagement by showcasing Electronic Music in a vibrant and positive atmosphere, enriching the residents' lives and supporting the event’s vision of MUSIC | PEOPLE | COMMUNITY. In a diverse community, music and dance act as universal languages that unite people. The fourth installment of the Electric Park music event series will take place on Saturday, October 5, 2024, in Barnes Park.
Building on the success of the “Beer Garden” introduced during the City’s 2024 Play Days Carnival, the Electric Park event committee has shown interest in collaborating with the Alhambra Educational Foundation to offer a similar feature at the upcoming Electric Park event. City staff contacted the Alhambra Educational Foundation, a IRC 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to explore this opportunity. The Foundation has confirmed its interest, and it is confident that with its experience and this collaboration, it will generate additional funds to support and enhance the educational programs of the Alhambra Unified School District.
Action Taken: The City Council approved an Alcohol Consumption permit allowing the Alhambra Educational Foundation to conduct alcohol sales at the “Electric Park” event on October 5, 2024 and approved an Alcohol Consumption permit fee waiver of $250, on Consent Calendar.
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3-F. APPROVAL OF FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH MARIPOSA LANDSCAPES, INC.
Mariposa currently performs landscape maintenance services on all City medians, and supplemental weed abatement throughout the City. Staff recommends an Amendment to their contract to add custodial services at all City parks during weekend hours throughout the year. Mariposa would be responsible for the opening of all restrooms, the removal, replacement and monitoring of all trash liners, and additionally, the cleaning of picnic tables at all City Parks. The cost for requested services is approximately $123,600 per year.
Action Taken: The City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a Fifth Amendment to Agreement 2136 -A with Mariposa Landscapes, Inc, in a form approved by the City Attorney, for maintenance services at City parks for an amount not to exceed $123,600 annually, on Consent Calendar.
3-G. AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT NO. 2241 -A WITH VALLEY MAINTENANCE
CORPORATION
On May 19, 2021, City Council approved Agreement 2241- A with Valley Maintenance for janitorial services at various City facilities. The City amended the contract to add additional services at various locations including the downtown parking lot, City parks, and to increase services at the Bruggemeyer Library. It is recommended that City Council authorize an extension of the agreement for six months through December 31, 2024, with the option for a month- to-month term until June 30, 2025. During this time, City staff will prepare a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a new janitorial contract.
Action Taken: The City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a Fourth Amendment with Valley Maintenance Corporation, in a form approved by the City Attorney, for janitorial services at various City facilities in an amount not to exceed $226,304. The Amendment extends the term for six months through December 31, 2024, with the option for a month-to-month term until June 30, 2025, on Consent Calendar.
3-H. 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 95011 – Library Improvements; CIP 95026 – City Hall Emergency Generator; CIP 96030 & 96041 – Slurry Seal Project; CIP 96031 – Street Rehabilitation at various Locations (Year 2 and 3); and CIP 96042 – Street Rehabilitation – Various Streets (SB1). 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.
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Action Taken: The City Council (1) r eceived and filed the Notice of Completion recorded by the Public Works Director on May 23, 2024 accepting the Library Facility Improvement Project completed by U.S. Builders and Consultants, Inc.; (2) received and filed the Notice of Completion recorded by the Public Works Director on May 20, 2024 accepting the City Hall Emergency Generator Replacement Project completed by PC Inc.; (3) received and fil ed the Notice of Completion recorded by the Public Works Director on April 29, 2024 accepting the Slurry Seal Project completed by Onyx Paving Company, Inc.; (4) received and filed the Notice of Completion recorded by the Public Works Director on May 30, 2024 accepting the Street Rehabilitation Project (Year 2) completed by All American Asphalt.; (5) received and filed the Notice of Completion recorded by the Public Works Director on May 30, 2024 accepting the Street Rehabilitation Project (Year 3) completed by All American Asphalt.; and (6) received and filed the Notice of Completion recorded by the Public Works Director on May 31, 2024 accepting the SB1 Street Rehabilitation Project completed by All American Asphalt.
Motion: Moved by Council Member Lo and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ngo, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Lo, Yiu, Ngo, Wong
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: Sanchez
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
4. PUBLIC HEARING
4-A. CONSIDERATION OF COSTS RESULTING FROM ABATING WEED
NUISANCES AND AUTHORIZING COLLECTION VIA SPECIAL ASSESSMENT
On February 21, 2024, the City Council determined that weeds, brush, rubbish, refuse and dirt maintained on certain private properties in the City constitute a public nuisance. The Los Angeles County Department of Agriculture Commissioner/Weights and Measures (“County”) is contracted to provide weed abatement services to the City. The County complied its annual list of properties within the City which contain, or have the potential to contain weeds, brush or other flammable materials sufficient to be considered a fire hazard (the “Weed Abatement Declaration List”). Persons identified as owning property on the Weed Abatement Declaration List were provided sufficient notice to either protest their inclusion thereon, or voluntarily remove the nuisance conditions identified on their property. The deadlines for voluntary compliance or protest have passed, and the County has abated the noncompliant properties on the Weed Abatement Declaration List.
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The final step in the City’s Weed Abatement process is for the Council to consider approving the County’s costs related to abatement and directing that these costs be collected via special assessment.
Action Taken: The City Council opened the public hearing at 8:05 p.m to receive documentary and testimonial evidence and after closed the public hearing at 8:05 p.m., with no registered public speakers and adopted Resolution No. 2024- R53, approving the Weed Abatement Clearance Charge List and authorizing collection of such costs through special assessment.
Motion: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Ngo, and seconded by Council Member Lo, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Lo, Yiu, Ngo, Wong
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: Sanchez
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
Resolution No. 2024-R53
A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE ITEMIZED WEED ABATEMENT CHARGE
LIST OF WEED ABATEMENT COSTS AND DIRECTING THE LOS ANGELES
COUNTY AGRICULTURAL COMMISSIONER TO COLLECT THESE COSTS
THROUGH PROPERTY TAX BILLINGS
4-B. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE EXTENSION OF URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 2245, PROHIBITING PERMITS FOR LAND USE
ENTITLEMENTS WITHIN THE MCCASLIN BUSINESS PARK (AKA “SATURN PARK”) FOR AN ADDITIONAL 10 MONTHS AND 15 DAYS.
On June 18, 2024, the City Council adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 2245 instituting a moratorium governing the acceptance and approval of new permits being issued for development within Saturn Park for at least 45 days, which ends on August 2, 2024. The Urgency Ordinance allows time for the Saturn Park Advisory Review Committee (“SPARC”) to receive public input regarding recommended land uses as part of the drafting of a Saturn Park Specific Plan (“SPSP”) implementing the 2020 Land Use and Urban Design Element (“GPLUE”) adopted by voters via Measure JJ. Pursuant to Government Code § 65858, the Council may, following a public hearing, extend Urgency Ordinance No. 2245 for a period of 10 months and 15 days.
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CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act)
Adopting the extension of the Urgency Ordinance is exempt from further environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq ., “CEQA”) and CEQA Guidelines (14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq.) because it establishes rules and procedures for operation of existing facilities; minor temporary use of land; minor alterations in land use; new construction of small structures; and minor structures accessory to existing commercial faci lities. The Urgency Ordinance, therefore, is categorically exempt from further CEQA review under CEQA Guidelines §§ 15301; 15303, 15304(e); 15305; and 15311. Further, the adoption of the Urgency Ordinance is also exempt from review under CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15061(b)(3) because the Ordinance is for general policies and procedure making. This Ordinance does not authorize any new development entitlements, but simply establishes policies and procedures for allowing the previously approved project to be constructed. Any proposed project that will utilize the changes set forth in this Ordinance will be subject to CEQA review as part of the entitlement review of the project. The Ordinance will not adversely impact the environment and is therefore exempt from the provisions of CEQA.
Public Speakers:
- Jim Pugh, Partner at Sheppard Mullin representing applicant Bryan Marsh , provided his solutions regarding Urgency Ordinance No. 2245, a moratorium on new development within Saturn Park. Mr. Pugh’s stated his goal to obtain an immediate economic development opportunity with the city and provided his viewpoint that a mending the draft interim ordinance will allow the opportunity to create a tangible redevelopment in the city, expand community benefits, and facilitate long-term planning in Saturn Park.
- Bryan Marsh, Chief Executive Officer of StratCap Data Center, said there is no need for an extension on Urgency Ordinance No. 2245. He detailed the benefits of data centers , the opportunity to coexist with other businesses within the community and explained extending the moratorium to the predisposed 10 months will have a negative effect on future buyers in the community.
- Maychelle Yee speaking as a resident, said the moratorium is not necessary , believing it has the potential to lose more business development within the community. She requested to have the moratorium revised and shortened to a more reasonable duration and it can be extended later, if found necessary.
Maychelle ended by encouraging the residents to speak up and participate on the decisions happening in their neighborhood.
- City Clerk Yee received and filed into the record a written communication from James E. Pugh, Partner at Sheppard Mullin, providing his opinion on the Urgency Ordinance and recommended changes.
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Action Taken: The City Council opened the public hearing at 8:07 p.m. to receive documentary and testimonial evidence and after closed the public hearing at 8:20 p.m. and (1) a dopted Interim Ordinance No. 2246 extending Urgency Ordinance No. 2245, a moratorium on new development within Saturn Park for 10 months and 15 days pursuant to Government Code § 65858 as amended to change the moratorium from 10 months and 15 days to 90 days in Section 4A and Section 12, and to add a new Section 4B “Exempted Activities. During the effectiveness this Ordinance, or any extension, the City may issue any permit or land use entitlement to any person or entity for constructing, placing, or operating within the McCaslin Business Park, i.e., Saturn Park, only if the criteria in this Section 4 are satisfied.
The City Manager, or designee, must review any application for a permit or land use entitlement to determine compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance. City employees, City boards and commissions, and the City Council are permitted to accept, process and approve certain applications for land use entitlements, including, without limitation, use permits, variances, building permits, licenses and certificates of occupancy, necessary for constructing, placing, or operating within the Saturn Park area, only for development applications that: (1) were filed with the City before April 15, 2024; (2) include or are amended to include a development agreement per Chapter 21.44 of the Monterey Park Municipal Code; and (3) obtain City Council approval of the development agreement before, or concurrent with, approval of the project entitlem ents proposed in the timely -filed application. This exemption will remain effective for the term of this Ordinance, and any extensions.”; and (2) received a filing of a public report to describe the measures taken to alleviate the condition which led to the adoption of Ordinance No. 2245 pursuant to Government Code § 65858(d).
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
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: Sanchez
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
Interim Ordinance No. 2246
AN INTERIM ORDINANCE EXTENDING URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 2245 -
PROHIBITING PERMITS FOR LAND USE ENTITLEMENTS WITHIN THE
MCCASLIN BUSINESS PARK TO CONSIDER ADOPTING A SATURN PARK
SPECIFIC PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MONTEREY PARK LAND USE
ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN
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4-C. PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL OF THE 2024 -2025 ANNUAL ACTION
PLAN AS REQUIRED BY THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT,
AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAMS
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides funding to states, counties, and cities in the form of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) funds. The City is eligible to receive both CDBG and HOME funds. The estimated City entitlement for Financial Year (FY) 2024- 25 is $576,795 in CDBG funding and $278,235.33 in HOME funding.
Before Monterey Park can receive these funds, federal regulations require that a Consolidated Plan (i.e., a five- year plan) be adopted by the City Council. The Consolidated Plan serves as the federal planning document for jurisdictions receiving CDBG and HOME Program funds. The City’s current Consolidated Plan was adopted by the City Council in 2020.
In addition, federal regulations also require the adoption of an Annual Action Plan that operates on a single program year established by the City (i.e., July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025). The Annual Action Plan outlines the City’s housing needs and priorities, as well as its programs and resources in a manner that best meets the affordable housing and community development challenges of the Monterey Park community. As required by federal requirements, the City will submit its Annual Action Plan for 2024 -2024 to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by the statutory deadline of August 16, 2024.
Public Speaker:
- Priscilla Davila, Owner and/Principal of Principal of Priscilla Davila & Associates Inc., virtually present was available for questions.
Action Taken: The City Council (1) opened the public hearing at 9 :05 p.m. to receive documentary and testimonial evidence and after closed the public hearing at 9:23 p.m.; (2) approved the Program Year (PY) 2024-25 Action Plan and funding Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) allocations totaling approximately $855,030.33 ; and authorizing submission of the PY 2024-25 Action Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and (3) authorized the City Manager, or her designee, to take all actions necessary or desirable to implement the Annual Action Plan, and Subrecipient Agreements.
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Motion: Moved by Council Member Lo and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ngo, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Lo, Yiu, Ngo, Wong
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: Sanchez
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
5. NEW BUSINESS
5-A. BALLOT PROPOSITION TO AMEND THE EXISTING MONTEREY PARK
BUSINESS LICENSE TAX AND TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
This Staff Report reviews two separate propositions that may be placed onto the November 5, 2024 ballot. The City Council may choose to place both propositions onto the ballot; choose only one of the propositions; or take no action regarding the draft propositions. If the City Council places one or more of the tax propositions onto the ballot, voters may adopt such propositions with a simple majority. If adopted by voters, the propositions would constitute a general tax. Revenue generated from such taxes may be used for any municipal purpose. These propositions would not constitute a new tax. Rather, they would amend existing taxes, i.e., those already imposed. Four affirmative votes are needed to place these propositions onto the ballot.
CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act):
These actions are exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code §§ 2100, et seq., “CEQA”) and CEQA regulations (14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq.) because they establish rules and procedures to implement government funding mechanisms; do not involve any commitment to a specific project which could result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment; and constitute an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. Accordingly, neither of the propositions constitute a “project” that requires environmental review (see specifically 14 CCR § 15378(b)(4-5)).
Discussion: Director of Finance Garcia presented a PowerPoint presentation on the proposed ballot measures.
Robb Korinke, Principal from GrassrootsLab and city consultant spoke about his involvement with many other cities looking to transition their Business License Tax requirements to better reflect the modern economy. Mr. Korinke emphasized equity and progression as the key points to the idea of businesses paying their share to the city.
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Action Taken: The City Council (1) a dopted Resolution No. 2024-R54 placing a proposition on the November 5, 2024, ballot which, if adopted by a majority of voters, would amend the City’s existing Business License Tax as amended to add an additional zero after the decimal to reflect 0.00075 in Section 3 of Resolution No. 2024-R54; (2) adopted Resolution No. 2024-R55 placing a proposition on the November 5, 2024, ballot which, if adopted by a majority of voters, would increase the City’s existing Transient Occupancy Tax; (3) determined whether to designate person(s) for filing an argument favoring each ballot proposition; (4) adopted Resolution No. 2024 -56 requesting that the City Attorney prepare an impartial analysis for the Business License Tax and adopted Resolution 2024- R57 requesting that the City Attorney prepare an impartial analysis for the Transient Occupancy Tax; (5) adopted Resolution No. 2024-58 establishing requirements for ballot arguments ; and (6) adopted Resolution No. 2024 -59 supporting ballot measures. No action was taken to designate person(s) for filing an argument in favor of ballot measures.
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
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: Sanchez
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
Resolution No. 2024-R54
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO ADD A BALLOT PROPOSITION TO THE
PREVIOUSLY CONSOLIDATED GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 5, 2024, WITH THE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THAT DATE PURSUANT TO ELECTIONS CODE § 10403
Resolution No. 2024-R55
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO ADD A BALLOT PROPOSITION TO THE
PREVIOUSLY CONSOLIDATED GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 5, 2024, WITH THE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THAT DATE PURSUANT TO ELECTIONS CODE § 10403
Resolution No. 2024-R56
A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE AN
IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF THE PROPOSITION AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT
OF BUSINESS LICENSE TAX TO FUND GENERAL MUNICIPAL SERVICE
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Resolution No. 2024-R57
A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE AN
IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF THE PROPOSITION AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT
OF THE TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX TO FUND GENERAL MUNICIPAL
SERVICES
Resolution No. 2024-R58
A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING REQUIREMENTS FOR BALLOT
ARGUMENTS FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK TO BE INCLUDED WITH VOTER INFORMATION FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 5, 2024
Resolution No. 2024-R59
A RESOLUTION OF THE MONTEREY PARK CITY COUNCIL SUPPORTING BALLOT PROPOSITIONS NEEDED TO MAINTAIN MONTEREY PARK’S LONG
TERM FINANCIAL STABILITY AND LOCALLY CONTROLLED SERVICES BY INCREASING TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX TO 13% AND MODERNIZING
THE BUSINESS LICENSE TAX, RAISING A TOTAL ADDITIONAL
APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF $900,000 ANNUALLY TO THE GENERAL FUND
6. CITY COMMUNICATIONS (CITY COUNCIL)
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Council Member Lo stated his attendance at the city’s Firework Celebration on June 29
th, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of Los Angeles Flag Ceremony in Chinatown, the annual commemorati on of The Marco Polo Bridge Incident and mentioned his appearance at the second meeting as a representative in the LAX Round Table to advocate for noise mitigation in aircrafts.
Council Member Yiu spoke of her attendance at the city’s Firework Celebration and encouraged everyone to attend next year. Council Member Yiu mentioned her participation at the Asian American and Pacific Islander Learn. Engage. Advocate.
Dream (AAPI LEAD) three-day summit.
Mayor Pro Tem Ngo conveyed his attendance at Movie Night at Th e Park and ThanksUSA in Consolidation of F olks in The Community held at the San Gabriel Mission. Mayor Pro Tem Ngo announced his participation in the Pickleball Tournament held at Barnes Park and the Vincent Chin Memorial held outside of City Hall hosted by The Chinese American Museum. Mayor Pro Tem Ngo mentioned the arrival of a Delegation from Panyu, China who visited City Hall/ hosted the Vietnam Business Delegation at the Marriot Hotel and provided updates about the Metro Agency Report . Mayor Pro Tem Ngo stated his and Council Member Yiu’s attendance at the reorganization for the new Mayor of Arcadia.
72-180
July 17, 2024
Mayor Wong spoke of his participation at many of the events mentioned by the Council and highlighted his attendance at the AAPI LEAD event and the United States Conference of Mayors in Kansas City where he spoke about connecting with the many Mayors from across the country. He mentioned that the regular meeting scheduled for August 7, 2024 will be cancelled and that there will be a special City Council Meeting scheduled for August 5, 2024.
7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
8. CLOSED SESSION (IF REQUIRED; CITY ATTORNEY TO ANNOUNCE)
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business for consideration, the meeting was adjourned at 9:5 5 p.m.
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Maychelle Yee
City Clerk
Approved on November 06, 2024, at the Regular City Council Meeting