73-46
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
MARCH 5, 2025
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, March 5, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Ngo called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
FLAG SALUTE: Mayor Ngo led the flag salute. Pledge of Allegiance presented by Civic Superstar Ethan Mai.
ROLL CALL:
Deputy City Clerk Trang called the roll:
Council Members Present: Henry Lo, Vinh Ngo, Jose Sanchez, Thomas Wong, Elizabeth Yang
Council Members Absent: None.
ALSO PRESENT: City Treasurer Amy Lee, City Clerk Maychelle Yee arrived at 6:53 p.m., City Manager Inez Alvarez, City A ttorney Karl Berger , Assistant City Manager Diana Garcia, Fire Chief Chris Thompson, Police Chief Scott Wiese, Director of Human Resources and Risk Management Christine Tomikawa, Director of Community Development Jessica Serrano, Director of Finance Martha Garcia, City Librarian Kristin Olivarez, Director of Public Works Shawn Igoe, Director of Recreation and Community Services Robert Aguirre, Economic Development Manager Joseph Torres , Recreation and Community Services Manager Christina Alatorre, Finance Manager Laura Borjon, Planning Manager Beth Chow, Senior Planner Eliana Muñoz, Senior Children’s Librarian LV Fraizer, Recreation and Community Services Supervisor Guillermo Chavez , Economic Development Specialist Janice Huang, Office Assistant II Michelle Martinez
VIRTUALLY PRESENT: None.
73-47
March 5, 2025
AGENDA ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, CHANGES AND ADOPTIONS:
City Manager Alvarez announced the Annual Weed Abatement Protest Public Hearing scheduled for the March 5, 2025 City Council meeting will be continued to the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of March 19, 2025. She also requested to move Agenda Item Nos. 1A and 6A to be heard after Public Communications.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS:
This Item was heard after Presentation Item No. 1A. Council Member Lo left the dais at 6:53 p.m. and returned at 6:58 p.m.
- Mistress Transgender Queen spoke about the Monterey Park Police Department (MPPD) and her recommendation of equal hiring opportunities for bilingual applicants who speak languages aside from Spanish. She urged the city to hire more LGBTQ+ Police Officers within the MPPD and conveyed her advocacy towards the LGBTQ+ community.
- Fredrick Douglas spoke about the 2011 Supreme Court Case Synder v. Phelps, referencing the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and emphasized the right of free speech without discrimination.
- Javier Caltenco, Public Information Officer of the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience informed the public of low interest federal disaster loans and assistance to businesses/homeowners affected by the firestorm in January 2025.
- Bob Gin and Carol Sullivan from the Library Foundation expressed their appreciation to the City Council and residents who attended the Monterey Park Fall Classic Gala in October 2024. Mr. Gin talked to the City Council about the opportunity to purchase a Library Book Mobile with the money raised from the Gala and is currently accepting more donations. Mrs. Sullivan announced that the next Gala will be held in October 2025 and publicized tickets available for purchase for the City Council.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS:
This Item was heard after Agenda Item 6A.
- Community Development: Economic Development Specialist Huang presented a PowerPoint presentation on the updates and events occurring in Monterey Park which include s the Meet -Up with the Mayor event and the Women in Business Workshop and Networking event. Specialist Huang reminded the public about the launch of the Love Monterey Park Shop and Dine Campaign to encourage economic growth between local small businesses and shared the extension of the of the Taste of Downtown Monterey Park promotion program.
73-48
March 5, 2025
Economic Development Manager Torres recognized 360 Labs, a natural product manufacturing company located in Monterey Park and introduced Chief Executive Officer David Kerdoon, and Chief Operating Officer Reyner Schindler.
Mr. Kerdoon alongside Mr. Schindler spoke in gratitude of their time in Monterey Park and conveyed their long- term commitment to stay in the City. Mayor Ngo alongside the City Council presented a certificate of recognition to 360 Labs and expressed comments of appreciation.
City Manager Alvarez announced the departure of Community Development Director Serrano and expressed gratitude for her efforts to improve the City throughout the years.
- Library: Senior Children’s Librarian Frazier provided a PowerPoint presentation on the upcoming programs held at the Library including the 2025 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (Vita) Clinic; the Free Legal Assistance Clinic held every second Tuesday of the month; the Art Farm program for emerging authors and writers; the announcement of Woman’s History Month, where books and media written by women creators will be displayed at the Library throughout the month and the “We Can Be She-Roes” program.
- Recreation and Community Services: Recreation and Community Services Supervisor Chavez announced updates which included the success of the Valentine’s Day Dance and informed the public about the Free Education Nutrition Workshop and Health Screening Workshop. He reminded the residents to share their opinion on the Monterey Park Mural Project suggestion survey and shared upcoming events such as the monthly Disco Dance Party known as “Bloom and Boogie” , the National Fine Arts “ Art, Music and Fashion Show ” presented by the Boys and Girls Club, the 25
th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival
and the Spring Break Day Camp. Supervisor Chavez spoke about the return of the Farmer’s Market in April, open job applications for Lifeguard positions in the City and ended with the announcement of the Spring Egg Hunt at Barnes P ark and a trip to the Broad Museum provided by the Langley Senior Center.
1. PRESENTATION:
The matters listed under presentation are informational content and for discussion only.
1-A. CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE FINALISTS - DREXEL NGO, ALINA
RAMOS, EVAN LAU, AND ATHICHA CHANPRADUB
This Item was heard after Agenda, Additions, Deletions. Changes and Adoptions.
Drexel Ngo alongside Alina Ramos, Evan Lau and Athicha Chanpradub spoke about their free handsfree desktop application, Eyespeak. The app was created for individuals with disabilities to navigate the internet using their eyes and speech.
Drexel shared the team’s plan to publish their application to the public in the future. 73-49
March 5, 2025
Mayor Ngo, alongside the City Council awarded certificates to the finalists and shared words of appreciation on their accomplishment.
2. OLD BUSINESS: None.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS NOS. 3A-3H
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.
City Clerk Yee announced public speakers for Agenda Item Nos. 3E and 3F
Public Speakers:
- Mistress Transgender Queen spoke on Agenda Item No. 3E about the Housing Element Annual Progress Report and expressed her frustrations towards the City’s alleged treatment of the homeless, emphasizing respect and the necessity for affordable housing in the City of Monterey Park.
- Fredrick Douglas spoke on Agenda Item No. 3E voicing his discontent about affordable housing, claiming it to be unachievable and recommended the City of Monterey Park to act and create a plan that will combat the current homeless crisis.
- Mistress Transgender Queen articulated her opinion on Agenda Item No. 3F about neighboring cities and the lack of preparation during the wind and firestorms of January 2025 and recommended the City of Monterey Park to act and prepare for emergency events that may occur in the future.
Action Taken: The City Council approved and adopted Agenda Item Nos. 3A, 3B, 3D, 3F, 3G and 3H on Consent Calendar, excluding Agenda Item Nos. 3C and 3E which were pulled for discussion, separate motion, reading resolutions and ordinances by the title only and waiving further reading thereof. City Manager Alvarez declared an amendment to Resolution No. 2025-R11 in Agenda Item 3-D, reporting the effective start date of March 5, 2025 for Interim Director of Community Development Phillip Lanzafame be amended to March 17, 2025.
73-50
March 5, 2025
Motion: Moved by Council Member Wong and seconded by Council Member Lo, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Wong, Sanchez, Lo, Yang, Ngo
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: None
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
3-A. MINUTES
It is recommended that the City Council consider approving the minutes from the regular meeting of January 15, 2025 and the special meeting of January 21, 2025.
Action Taken: The City Council approved the minutes from the regular meeting of January 15, 2025 and the special meeting of January 21, 2025, on Consent Calendar.
3-B. MONTHLY INVESTMENT REPORT – JANUARY 2025
As of January 31, 2025, invested funds for the City of Monterey Park total $91,257,894.74.
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed the monthly investment report on Consent Calendar.
3-C. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION
DECLARING UNCLAIMED MONIES AS PROPERTY OF THE CITY OF
MONTEREY PARK AND ORDERING IT TRANSFERRED TO THE CITY’S GENERAL FUND PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §§ 50050, ET SEQ.
Adopting the attached Resolution will transfer unclaimed money that has remained in the City’s possession for at least three years (one year for unclaimed money in an amount that is less than $15) into the City’s General Fund. Unclaimed money may be escheated to the City’s General Fund pursuant to Government Code §§ 50050 to 50055, as described in the City’s Administrative Policy No. 20 -26 (Attachment 2, to the staff report), provided that the City first publishes notice in a newspaper of general circulation for at least two consecutive weeks.
Unless claimed or challenged by a verified complaint, the unclaimed monies become the property of the City at least 45 days, but no more than 60 days, after the initial public notice pursuant to Government Code §§ 50050 and 50051. The Finance Director (“Director”) caused notice to be published in the Monterey Park Progress newspaper for two consecutive weeks on January 16, 2025, and January 23, 2025 (the “Notice”). The Director has not received any claims or complaints concerning the unclaimed monies.
73-51
March 5, 2025
Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025- R10 declaring unclaimed monies as property of the City of Monterey Park and ordering it transferred to the City’s General Fund.
Motion: Moved by Council Member Wong and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Yang, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Wong, Sanchez, Lo, Yang, Ngo
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: None
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
Resolution No. 2025-R10
A RESOLUTION DECLARING UNCLAIMED MONIES AS PROPERTY OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK AND TRANSFERRING IT TO THE CITY’S GENERAL FUND PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE § 50053
3-D. ADOPTING A RESOLUTION APPOINTING AN INTERIM DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §
21221(H) AND EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. N-25-20
The current Director of Community Development, Jessica Serrano, submitted her notice of resignation from the City of Monterey Park. On February 14, 2025, the City entered into an agreement with City Management Advisors, LLC (formerly known as Peckham and McKenney), to conduct the recruitment for the upcoming vacant position. Per Government Code 2122(H), the City Council may appoint a retired annuitant to an interim position for a department head vacancy as long as the following criteria are met: 1) there is an active recruitment for the vacant position, 2) the appointment is for a limited duration during the active recruitment, 3) there is a single appointment once the contract term ends, and 4) compensation cannot exceed the maximum hourly rate for the vacant position.
City staff have connected with a retired annuitant, Philip Lanzafame, who has over 25 years of experience in Community Development, Economic Development, and housing from a nearby Los Angeles County public agency. His technical knowledge and experience will provide the Community Development Department the support needed to keep projects and daily activities moving forward in a seamless manner. Staff recommends the appointment of Mr. Lanzafame to the Interim Director of Community Development position.
73-52
March 5, 2025
Action Taken: The City Counci l adopted Resolution No. 2025- R11 requesting appointment for the position of Interim Director of Community Development pursuant to Government Code § 2122(H) and Executive Order No. N -25-20 and authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement between the City of Monterey Park and the Interim Director of Community Development in a form approved by the City Attorney, as amended to revise the effective start date of March 5, 2025 for Interim Director of Community Development Phillip Lanzafame to March 17, 2025 on Consent Calendar.
Resolution No. 2025-R11
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING APPOINTMENT PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE § 21221(H) AND EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. N-25-20 FOR
THE POSITION OF INTERIM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
3-E. 2024 MONTEREY PARK GENERAL PLAN AND HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL
PROGRESS REPORT
This report is prepared in compliance with California Government Code section 65400(a)(2), which mandates that the city prepare an annual report on the status and implementation of its General Plan. The report must be submitted by April 1 of each year to the City Council, OPR, and HCD.
The 2024 General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Report summarizes the City’s progress towards implementing the Monterey Park General Plan from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. Throughout calendar year 2024, the City has been continuously implementing the policies and programs that help achieve goals contained within the General Plan.
Discussion: Director of Community Development Serrano introduced Senior Planner Muñoz to present Agenda Item No. 3E.
Senior Planner Muñoz presented a PowerPoint presentation depicting the Monterey Park General Plan and Housing Element Report covering calendar year 2024. She stated discrepancies in the Housing Element Implementation tables provided on attachment number 1 to the staff report and ensured staff’s diligence to review the accuracy of the data before officially submitting the report to the state.
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed the 2024 General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Report and directed the City Manager, or designee, to forward a copy of the report to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (“OPR”) and the State Department of Housing an d Community Development (“HCD”) before April 1, 2025, on Consent Calendar.
73-53
March 5, 2025
Motion: Moved by Council Member Wong and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Yang, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Wong, Sanchez, Lo, Yang, Ngo
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: None
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
3-F. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION
AMENDING THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND RECEIVE AND FILE A
SUMMARY OF THE WINDSTORM AND FIRESTORM LOCAL EMERGENCY
On January 21, 2025, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-R3 declaring a local emergency due to windstorm and firestorm events beginning on January 7, 2025, as reflected in the Governor’s Executive Order dated January 12, 2025. At its January 21, 2025 meeting, the City Council authorized the City Manager to take necessary measures to protect public health, safety, and general welfare including urgency abatement and direct negotiation of contracts pursuant to Public Contract Code §§ 20168 and 22050 for the completion of capital improvement plan (“CIP”) projects.
CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act):
The City reviewed the environmental impacts of the extension under 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 Guidelines §§ 15060(c)(2), 15061(b)(3), and 15378 exempt activities that will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, activities where there is possibility that it may have a significant effect on the environment, and activities that do not constitute a “project” as defined, respectively. This activity reflects administrative changes and policy making. Accordingly, this activity is exempt from further review.
Action Taken: The City Counci l received and filed this staff report summarizing the status of windstorm and firestorm local emergency and adopted Resolution No. 2025-R12 to add projects to the Fiscal Year 2024- 25 Capital Improvement Program, on Consent Calendar.
Resolution No. 2025-R12
A RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2024 -R48 TO ADD THE CITY
HALL PARKING LOT AND CITYWIDE SOLAR, BATTERY, AND EV CHARGING STATIONS PROJECTS TO THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (“CIP”) AND
FINDING SUCH AMENDMENT CONFORMS WITH THE GENERAL PLAN
73-54
March 5, 2025
3-G. RECEIVE AND FILE STAFF REPORT SUMMARIZING THE STATUS OF THE
EMERGENCY REPLACEMENT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT SELF -CONTAINED
BREATHING APPARATUS
On December 18, 2024, City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024- R98 authorizing the City Manager to take necessary measures for the emergency replacement of self-contained breathing apparatus for the Fire Department. SCBAs are critical personal protective equipment for fire suppression staff, and the Fire Department’s current inventory is no longer supported for repairs and replacement parts as of December 16, 2024. To ensure fire suppression staff are properly protected, the current inventory of SCBAs needs immediate replacement.
The Fire Chief (“Chief”) obtained a quote from Bauer Compressors, Inc. for the replacement of SCBAs, which includes both the items and a comprehensive service warranty for $633,812.92.
The City ordered the replacement SCBAs from Bauer Compressors on December 19, 2024. The Department received the first shipment of SCBAs the second week of January 2025, which contained about 30% of the needed SCBAs and parts.
Bauer confirmed that the remainder of the order is slated to ship out the second week of March. Once the full order has been received, the necessary training and calibration will take place before the SCBA’s are deployed for use.
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed this staff report summarizing the status of the emergency replacement of self-contained breathing apparatus on Consent Calendar.
3-H. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY
MANAGER, OR DESIGNEE, TO ACCEPT CALIFORNIA LIBRARY
ASSOCIATION GRANT FUNDING AND APPROPRIATE FUNDING INTO 2024- 25 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET
The Bruggemeyer Library (“Library”) was notified of a $4,500 grant awarded by the California Library Association’s (“CLA”) Lunch at the Library Partner Project. The grant funds will be used to purchase books to distribute to families at community meal sites in the City to help build their home libraries.
Action Taken : The City Council authorized the City Manager, or designee, to accept $4,500 in California Library Association grant funding to purchase books and authorized the City Manager to appropriate the $4,500 grant funding into the 2024-25 Fiscal Year budget, on Consent Calendar.
73-55
March 5, 2025
4. PUBLIC HEARING:
4-A. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION IMPLEMENTING THE SMALL BUSINESS
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM USING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS AND A RESOLUTION TO AWARD A MEMORANDUM
OF UNDERSTANDING TO THE CHINATOWN SERVICE CENTER FOR THE
IMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE SMALL BUSINESS
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
After dissolving redevelopment agencies, the California Legislature adopted “Economic Opportunity” legislation in 2014, which allows use of public funds to promote economic development (SB 470, Wright 2013). Depending on the type of economic development a city is seeking to promote, a city may be required to make findings to demonstrate that the use of public funds towards economic development initiatives will likely create jobs, improve tax revenues, or satisfy a need for affordable housing.
The City Council’s 2024 -2025 Strategic Plan includes a goal to “Strengthen our local economy and enhance housing opportunities”. Using elements of the Economic Opportunity legislation may help advance this goal.
The SBAP presents a valuable opportunity to leverage CDBG funding to directly support the local business community. By providing targeted financial assistance, the program can contribute to the economic recovery, growth, and long- term prosperity of Monterey Park.
CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act):
The City reviewed the environmental impacts of the draft Resolution 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 Guidelines §§ 15060(c)(2), 15061(b)(3), 15378, and 15308 exempt activities that will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, activities where there is possibility that it may have a significant effect on the environment, activities that do not constitute a “project” as defined, and actions to protect the environment, respectively. This activity is for general policies and procedure- making intended to promote economic development. Any subsequent construction or development will be evaluated separately under the CEQA Guidelines.
Accordingly, the draft Resolution is exempt from further review.
Public Speakers:
- Mistress Transgender Queen addressed crimes that directly affect small businesses throughout the city and requested more protection from the Monterey Park Police Department.
73-56
March 5, 2025
Discussion: Community Development Director Serrano introduced Economic Development Manager Torres to present the PowerPoint presentation.
Economic Development Manager Torres provided Council with an amended resolution which included the following amendments: remov e the verbiage “and application forms” in Section 1G and remove in its entirety Section VII.B2 in Exhibit A. He depicted an overview of the Small Business Assistance Program , emphasizing the program’s goal to contribute to the economic recovery, growth, and long-term prosperity of Monterey Park.
Chinatown Service Center’s Community Economic Development Manager, John Lin, along with Priscila Davila of Davila & Associates, virtually present, were available for questions.
Action Taken: The City Council (1) opened the public hearing at 8:21 p.m., took testimonial evidence, and closed the public hearing at 8:24 p.m.; (2) approved the implementation of the Small Business Assistance Program (SBAP) using an initial allocation of $200,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, 20% of which would be allocated for program administration, to support local businesses f acing economic challenges and the lingering effects of the mass shooting tragedy and COVID-19 pandemic. Subject to funding availability, the City may allocate additional funds to support the program and (3) adopted Resolution No. 2025- R13 to adopt policies and procedures for distributing CDBG funds to qualified expenses and businesses and/or property owners participating in the SBAP to ensure compliance with all applicable CDBG regulations as amended to make the following changes to the resolution:
1. Remove language in Section 1G “and application forms.”;
2. Remove all language in Exhibit A, Section VII , Item B2 “Matching Requirements: Loans under this program will provide a match of one- half (50%) of eligible project costs. This means that if an improvement project is estimated to cost $50,000 overall, the City will loan $25,000 to the Applicant.”; and
3. Add language to include “and Retail Assistance” in Exhibit A, Section VII , Item C1 in Resolution No. 2025-R13.
Mayor Ngo declared a potential Conflict of Interest as he is a member of the Board of Directors for Chinatown Service Center. He recused himself from the dais at 8:21 p.m., returned at 8:41 p.m. and did not participate on the item.
73-57
March 5, 2025
Motion: Moved by Council Member Wong and seconded by Council Member Lo, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Wong, Sanchez, Lo, Yang
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: None
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: Ngo
Resolution No. 2025-R13
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR
DISTRIBUTING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS
FOR QUALIFIED EXPENSES AND BUSINESSES AND/OR BUSINESS
PROPERTY OWNERS PARTICIPATING IN THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK
SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
5. NEW BUSINESS: None.
6. CITY COMMUNICATIONS (CITY COUNCIL)
6-A. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK RECOGNIZING MARCH 2025 AS EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION MONTH (AS
REQUESTED BY MAYOR NGO)
This Item was heard after Public Communications.
Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025- R14 recognizing March 2025 as employee appreciation month.
Motion: Moved by Council Member Wong and seconded by Council Member Sanchez, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Wong, Sanchez, Lo, Yang, Ngo
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: None
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
Resolution No. 2025-R14
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK RECOGNIZING MARCH 2025 AS EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION MONTH
73-58
March 5, 2025
6-B. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK,
CALIFORNIA, DECLARING AND RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF MARCH 2025 AS AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH (AS REQUESTED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER WONG)
Public Speakers:
- Fredrick Douglas conveyed his opinion about the American Red Cross and their contributions to help Americans in time of need.
Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-R15 declaring and recognizing the month of March 2025 as American Red Cross Month.
Motion: Moved by Council Member Wong and seconded by Council Member Lo, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Wong, Sanchez, Lo, Yang, Ngo
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: None
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
Resolution No. 2025-R15
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING AND RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF MARCH 2025
AS AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH
6-C. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING AND RECOGNIZING MARCH 2-6, 2025, AS READ
ACROSS AMERICA WEEK (AS REQUESTED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
SANCHEZ)
Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-R16 declaring and recognizing March 2-6, 2025, as Read Across America Week.
Motion: Moved by Council Member Sanchez and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Yang, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Wong, Sanchez, Lo, Yang, Ngo
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: None
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
73-59
March 5, 2025
Resolution No. 2025-R16
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING AND RECOGNIZING MARCH 2 -6, 2025, AS READ
ACROSS AMERICA WEEK
6-D. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK,
CALIFORNIA, DECLARING AND RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF MARCH 2025 AS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH, A NATIONAL CELEBRATION THAT
HIGHLIGHTS THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN TO EVENTS IN HISTORY
AND CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY (AS REQUESTED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
SANCHEZ)
Public Speakers:
- Mistress Transgender Queen expressed her ambitions to advocate the civil rights of those in need of assistance in the LGBTQ+ community.
- Fredrick Douglas articulated his view on women and their contributions to society throughout history.
Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-R17 declaring and recognizing the month of March 2025 as Women’s History Month, a national celebration that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society.
Motion: Moved by Council Member Sanchez and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Yang, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Wong, Sanchez, Lo, Yang, Ngo
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: None
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
Resolution No. 2025-R17
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING AND RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF MARCH 2025 AS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH, A NATIONAL CELEBRATION THAT
HIGHLIGHTS THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN TO EVENTS IN HISTORY
AND CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
73-60
March 5, 2025
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Council Member Wong expressed his appreciation to outgoing Community Development Director Serrano for her years of dedication to the City and welcomed Interim Community Development Director Phillip Lanzafame. He spoke of his attendance at the ribbon cutting of the Merced Avenue Greenway Project in South El Monte and emphasized the project’s opportunity to pave the way for neighboring cities to begin similar ranged projects.
Council Member Sanchez recognized Ramadan and the residents in the City that participate in the practice. He highlighted his attendance to two events which included the City’s Volunteer Recognition Banquet and the American Association Dinner and congratulated the award recipients from the event.
Council Member Lo mentioned his participation in the Monterey Park Community Clean-up and recommended the opportunity to place more “No Smoking” signs throughout Monterey Park and install public ash trays in the areas where smoking is allowed. He highlighted the recent Monterey Park Police Department’s (MPPD) Town Hall Meeting and conveyed his appreciation to the MPPD’s efforts to lower the crime rates in the city. Lastly, Council Member Lo expressed his gratitude to his fellow Council Members for their diligence in implementing r esolutions that recognize the diverse cultures in Monterey Park.
Mayor Pro Tem Yang announced her attendance to newly renovated motel, Adobe Inn’s ribbon cutting ceremony and spoke about the upcoming Monterey Park Police Department Office Association’s fundraiser for the Baker to Vegas 2025 Relay.
Mayor Ngo spoke about the recent City Council special meeting, emphasizing the City’s strategic goals for the 2024-2025 year, and conveyed his appreciation to the City Leaders and staff for their continued efforts to ensure the City’s safety. He echoed his attendance at the Monterey Park Community Clean-up event and the successful effort to keep Monterey Park clean and his attendance at the Alhambra Education Foundation Gala. Lastly, he shared comments of appreciation to outgoing Community Development Director Serran o and welcomed Interim Community Development Director Lanzafame.
73-61
March 5, 2025
7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
None.
8. CLOSED SESSION (IF REQUIRED; CITY ATTORNEY TO ANNOUNCE) None.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business for consideration, the meeting was adjourned at 9: 08 p.m.
__________________
Maychelle Yee
City Clerk
Approved on April 16, 2025, at the Regular City Council Meeting