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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
November 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, November 5, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
1. Call to Order
Mayor Yang called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m.
2. Flag Salute
Eagle Scout Troop 141 led the Flag Salute. Pledge of Allegiance presented by Civic Superstar Kara Joy Yee.
3. Roll Call
City Clerk Maychelle Yee 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 Manager Inez Alvarez
City Attorney Karl Berger
Assistant City Manager Diana Garcia
Director of Finance Martha Garcia
Director of Human Resources and Risk Management Christine Tomikawa Director of Community Development Timothy Hou
Director of Recreation and Community Services Robert Aguirre City Librarian Kristin Olivarez
Director of Public Works Shawn Igoe
Police Chief Scott Wiese
Fire Chief Jason Hing
Building Official Dennis Tarango
Transtech Building Official Consultant Ayla Jefferson
Finance Manager Laura Borjon
Police Lieutenant Bob Hung
Fire Marshal Jessica Estrella
Library Manager Linda Vera
IT Manager Martin Dinh
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Animal Control Officer William Estrada
Records Supervisor Marco Martinez
Animal Services Officer Laura Rodriguez
Program Coordinator Alejandra Sauza
Office Assistant Michelle Martinez
Virtually Present: None.
4. Agenda Revisions and Additions
City Manager Alvarez requested Agenda Item No 9.G. to be heard after Public Communications and requested the addition of Public Works in Staff Communications to be heard before Finance.
5. Public Communications
• Joseph Leon, representing the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District, thanked the City Council for his reappointment as a member to the Board.
He provided tips to residents on how to prevent and report sightings of mosquitoes and shared his experience in advocating for the month of "Movember."
• Mike Sonksen commented on an article in the Cascades Newspaper about the Barnes Park Pool Revitalization Community Engagement meetings and advocated his approval of the matter.
• Veronica Prado articulated her lifelong experience with the Barnes Park Pool and its vital importance to the community.
• Cindy Yee commented on her granddaughter's performance as the Civic Superstar during the Pledge of Allegiance, expressed her dedication to rebuilding the Barnes Park pool and shared her opinion on the City's alleged use of funds on certain projects in the City.
• Margaret Leung spoke about the history of the Scudder family's potato chip factory in Monterey Park, mentioned the disappearance of the family's dedication plaque and urged the City to locate its whereabouts. She provided information about the San Gabriel Valley Power Up Beacon's (SGVPUB) petition to save the Barnes Park pool and encouraged residents to participate.
• Edlyn Takahashi talked about her experience as the President and Board Member of the Mark Keppel High Aquatics Booster Club and relayed a comment she made ten years ago regarding an opportunity to rebuild the pool. She discussed the benefits of training in an Olympic-sized pool and articulated SGVPUB's goal to rebuild the pool.
6. Staff Communications
This item was heard after Agenda Item No. 9.G.
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6.A. Public Works
This Agenda Item was added during Agenda Revisions and Additions.
Public Works Director Igoe exhibited a PowerPoint presentation notifying the public of the dates and locations for Garvey Improvements Projects meetings and the monthly compost giveaways.
6.B. Finance
Director of Finance Garcia presented a PowerPoint presentation informing the public about the Housing Rights Workshops scheduled for the new fiscal year.
6.C. Recreation & Community Services Department
Director of Recreation and Community Services Aguirre gave a PowerPoint presentation thanking the community for a successful Monster Mash event and for participating in the Dia de Los Muertos altar at the Langley Center. He introduced the dates for the Barnes Park Pool Revitalization Community Engagement Meetings and the Pictures at the Mural program, an opportunity to take images behind the Monterey Park mural and receive a free postcard.
Recreation and Community Services Program Coordinator Sauza presented upcoming events at the Langley Center, which include the California Science Center Field Trip, the Mahjong Underground Intergenerational Mahjong Series and the Thanksgiving Lunch in partnership with the Young Women's Christian Association.
She mentioned upcoming programs, which include Game Day Tuesday, a dream catcher creation workshop, events celebrating Native American Heritage Month at Barnes Park, an opportunity to honor the veterans at the American Legion Post 397, the Letters to Santa program, the Holiday Snow Village event, Santa's Jolly Journey and the 2026 Lunar New Year Festival.
Director of Recreation and Community Services Aguirre along with the City Council, introduced Eagle Scout Award recipient Brandon Chao and presented him with a certificate for his achievement. Brandon depicted details about his Eagle Scout Project, the refurbishment of the Barnes Park sign and thanked his project coach and
scout members for their support throughout the project.
6.D. Library
Library Manager Vera provided a PowerPoint presentation with a recap of the events that occurred in the month of October, announced available media streaming and books to the public in celebration of Native American History Month and shared upcoming programming for the month of November which include, Dinovember Party, the In-N-Out Reading Program, the Coloring Club, the Teen Entrepreneurs Program, the Jr. Friendsgiving event, the Cards for Veterans workshop, the Poetry Reading and Writing workshop, a Legal Clinic, the Boba Generations event and announced the upcoming winter session of the Literacy For All Monterey Park program.
6.E. Police
Police Chief Wiese shared a PowerPoint presentation informing the residents about the implementation of Assembly Bill 413, and their timeline to begin its enforcement.
He introduced the department's brand-new patch campaign to represent Memorial and Veterans Day and the new application to reunite lost pets with their owners. 73-337
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Animal Services Supervisor Estrada, alongside Animal Services Officer Rodriguez, elaborated on the application's purpose and functionality to reunite lost pets to their owners. Records Supervisor Martinez exhibited a live demonstration on how to report and search for lost pets.
7. Presentation
None.
8. Old Business
None.
9. Consent Calendar
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. 9.A., 9.B., 9.C.,
9.D., 9.E., 9.F., 9.H. and 9.I. excluding Agenda Item No. 9.G. 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 Ngo and seconded by Council Member Wong, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Henry Lo, Vinh Ngo, Jose Sanchez, Thomas Wong, Elizabeth Yang
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: None
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
9.A. Approval of Minutes
The minutes are a record of the official actions taken at the City Council meeting.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council consider:
1. Approving the minutes from the special meeting of October 1, 2025 and the regular meetings of October 1, 2025, and October 15, 2025; and
2. Taking such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Action Taken: The City Council approved the recommendation, on Consent Calendar.
9.B. Monthly Investment Report – September 2025
As of September 30, 2025, invested funds for the City of Monterey Park total $88,615,588.06.
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Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council consider:
1. Receiving and filing the monthly investment report; and
2. Taking such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed the report, on Consent Calendar.
9.C. Purchase of Laptops and Desktop Computers for the Police Department The Chief of Police (“Chief”) requests authorization to replace the Police Department’s (“Department”) end-of-life laptops and desktop computers. Current laptops and desktops are out of warranty, no longer serviceable, and not compliant with Criminal Justi
ce Information Services (“CJIS”) security requirements. Old laptops and desktops often lead to slow computer performance, system crashes, and are open to vulnerabilities.
The Chief is requesting authorization for the IT Division to purchase 50 Panasonic laptops, 90 Dell desktop computers, and associated technology upgrades and accessories for a total amount not to exceed $400,000.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council consider:
1. Waiving bidding requirements pursuant to Monterey Park Municipal Code §§
3.20.050(2)(4) and authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to enter into an agreement with Dell Marking LP and Panasonic Connect North America Professional Services, LLC, in a form approved by the City Attorney, for desktop and laptop computers; and
2. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.
Action Taken: The City Council approved the recommendation, on Consent Calendar.
9.D. Consideration and possible action to read by title only, waive further reading, and introduce Ordinance amending Titles 16 and 17 of the Monterey Park Municipal Code by adopting the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code and the Monterey Park Amendments to the California Building Standards Code; set public hearing for December 3, 2025 Every three years California adopts updated building standards codified in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. The draft ordinance (Attachment 1 to the staff report) incorporates the 2025 codes by reference and includes limited local amendments based on documented climatic, geological, and topographic conditions and administrative needs. This cycle primarily clarifies existing requirements and updates numbering, with targeted fire and life safety provisions. The staff report also explains how the ordinance complies with AB 130 by limiting local changes that are applicable to residential units to the narrow exceptions allowed by state law, and by treating other changes as administrative or fire authority supported.
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Type Of Action: (Legislative)
The recommended action is to amend Monterey Park Municipal Code (MPMC) Titles 16 and 17 by adopting the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code (CBSC). In considering such action, the City Council acts in its discretionary legislative capacity (formulating rules that apply to all future cases). For the proposed amendments, the City Council must find that they are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions (Health and Safety Code § 17958.7). These findings, and the facts upon which they rely, are included within the draft Ordinance (Attachment 1 to the staff report). Accordingly, a Notice of Exemption has been prepared for the proposed ordinance (Attachment 2 to the staff report).
CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act):
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) and the CEQA Guidelines, the proposed Ordinance affects commercial development or businesses and is not subject to further review under CEQA for the following reasons: (1) the Ordinance is an action being taken for enhanced environmental protection (14 Cal.
Code Regs. § 15308); (2) there is no possibility that the ordinance may have a significant effect on the environment (14 Cal. Code Regs. § 15061(b)(3)); and (3) it will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment (14 Cal. Code Regs. § 15060(c)(2)).
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council consider:
1. Reading by title only, waiving further reading, and introducing the proposed Ordinance;
2. Scheduling a public hearing on December 3, 2025, for the second reading and adoption of the Ordinance; and/or
3. Taking such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Action Taken: The City Council approved the recommendation and introduced and waived the first reading of the proposed Ordinance, on Consent Calendar.
Ordinance, 1st reading
An Ordinance adopting the 2025 Editions of the California Building Code, the California Residential Code, the California Electrical Code, the California Mechanical Code, the California Plumbing Code, the California Energy Code, California Wildland- Urban Interface Code, the California Historical Code, the California Fire Code, the California Existing Building Code, the California Green Building Standards Code, the California Referenced Standards Code, the California Building Standards Administrative Code, making certain amendments based upon local conditions; and amending the Monterey Park Municipal Code to reflect such changes
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9.E. Agreement with San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority for the Operation of the South El Monte Operable Unit (SEMOU) Treatment Facility Under an agreement with the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority (WQA), the City of Monterey Park has been receiving reimbursement for costs related to the treatment of water contaminated by industrial activities from the 1940’s. The contaminated aquifer is located in an area called the South El Monte Operating Unit (SEMOU) that had been managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
On September 1, 2024, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) took over the management of the SEMOU, including the transfer of all responsibility from EPA to DTSC. The City’s agreement with WQA expired on August 31, 2024. To continue receiving reimbursement for treatment costs (now through DTSC), the City would need to enter into a new agreement with WQA.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council consider:
1. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the Agreement with the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority (WQA), in a form approved by the City Attorney, for the operation of the South El Monte Operable Unit (SEMOU) Treatment Facility;
2. Taking such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Action Taken: The City Council approved the recommendation, on Consent Calendar.
9.F. Family Court Awareness Month Resolution (As Requested by Council Member Sanchez)
The attached resolution is being brought forth to the Council for consideration at the request of Council Member Sanchez.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council consider:
1. Approving the attached resolution; and
2. Taking such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Action Taken: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-R93, on Consent Calendar.
Resolution No. 2025-R93
A resolution of the City Council of the City of Monterey Park, California, declaring the month of November 2025 as Family Court Awareness Month
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9.G. Native American Heritage Month Resolution (As Requested by Council Member Sanchez)
Agenda Item No. 9.G. was heard after Public Communications.
The attached resolution is being brought forth to the Council for consideration at the request of Council Member Sanchez.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council consider:
1. Approving the attached resolution; and
2. Taking such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Public Speaker:
• Samuel Lopez, descendant of the Gabrielino-Tongva tribe, vocalized his support of the proposed resolution to recognize the Month of November as Native American Heritage Month. He spoke about the importance of honoring Native Americans as the first settlers and acknowledged the City's support to promote cultural education within the community.
Action Taken: The City Council approved Resolution No. 2025-R94, on Consent Calendar.
Motion:
Moved by Council Member Sanchez and seconded by Council Member Ngo, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Henry Lo, Vinh Ngo, Jose Sanchez, Thomas Wong, Elizabeth Yang
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: None
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
Resolution No. 2025-R94
A resolution recognizing the month of November 2025 as Native American Heritage Month in the City of Monterey Park
9.H. National Homeless Youth Awareness Month Resolution (As Requested by Council Member Sanchez)
The attached resolution is being brought forth to the Council for consideration at the request of Council Member Sanchez.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council consider:
1. Approving the attached resolution; and
2. Taking such additional, related, action that may be desirable. 73-342
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Action Taken: The City Council approved Resolution No. 2025-R95, on Consent Calendar.
Resolution No. 2025-R95
A resolution of the City Council of the City of Monterey Park, California, declaring the month of November 2025 as National Homeless Youth Awareness Month
9.I. Movember Awareness Month
The Movember Foundation is the leading global organization dedicated to transforming men’s health. Since its inception, the Movember community has raised $1.3 billion and funded over 1,320 programs in 20 countries (https://us.movember.com/). These initiatives are saving and improving lives of men affected by prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health programs.
Each year, the Foundation challenges men to grow mustaches during Movember (formerly known as November) to spark conversations and raise critical funds for its men’s health programs.
The mustaches serve as a symbol of awareness, encouraging men to prioritize annual checkups for prostate and testicular health. As a mustache grows, it becomes a conversation starter, spreading awareness and educating communities about the health issues men face. The Vision of the Movember Foundation is to create a lasting impact on the face of men’s health worldwide.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council consider:
1. Adopting a Resolution declaring the month of November 2025 as “Movember”; and
2. Taking such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Action Taken: The City Council approved Resolution No. 2025-R96, on Consent Calendar.
Resolution No. 2025-R96
A resolution of the City Council of the City of Monterey Park declaring the month of November as "Movember," an annual event involving men growing mustaches during the month to raise awareness or prostate cancer and other male cancer and associated charities
10. Public Hearing
None.
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11. New Business
11.A. Adopt a Resolution to Cast Votes for a City Member to the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority Board
The San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority ("SGBWQA") was established by the State Legislature under Senate Bill 1679 in 1992 to develop, finance, and implement groundwater treatment programs in the San Gabriel Valley. The SGBWQA is under the direction and leadership of a 7-member board consisting of the following: one member of each of the three overlying municipal water districts, one from a city with prescriptive water pumping rights, one from a city without prescriptive water pumping rights, and two representing water producers in the San Gabriel Basin.
According to the bylaws of the SGBWQA, a city with prescriptive water pumping rights, of which Monterey Park falls under, may nominate and elect a City Member to the Water Quality Authority Board. All votes cast must be for only one candidate.
Each City with pumping rights has one vote for each 10,000 residents or the majority thereof, as determined by the U.S. Census Data. The City of Monterey Park has six votes to be cast.
This election is to fill the vacancy of the Board Member representing cities with pumping rights. The election will take place at the SGBWQA's regular meeting on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council consider:
1. Adopting a resolution voting for a City Member to represent cities with prescriptive pumping rights on the Board of the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority;
2. Directing the City Clerk to send a copy of the Resolution to the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority to receive no later than December 16, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.;
3. Taking such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Discussion: Assistant City Manager Garcia showed a staff report detailing the process of electing a City Member for The San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority.
Action Taken: The City Council approved the recommendation, approved Resolution No. 2025-R97, and appointed Robert Gonzales, City of Azusa Mayor as the representative of the Board of the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority.
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Motion: Moved by Council Member Wong and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lo, motion by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Henry Lo, Vinh Ngo, Jose Sanchez, Thomas Wong, Elizabeth Yang
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: None
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
Resolution No. 2025-R97
A resolution of the City Council of the City of Monterey Park, California, authorizing the casting of its votes for Robert Gonzales, to represent cities with prescriptive pumping rights on the board of the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority
12. City Communications (City Council) / Future Agenda Items Council Member Ngo spoke about his attendance at the Senior Safety Workshop series, the Health Fair held at the Langley Center and the Monterey Vista School Stem Night. He mentioned his participation in the Neighborhood Business Walk with Senator Sasha Renée Pérez and the Pink Patch Car Show and the Pickleball Tournament at Barnes Park.
Council Member Sanchez thanked the City Clerk's Office for the promotional materials during the 2025 Elections and the Police Department for hosting the Pink Patch Car Show. He spoke about the Dodgers' win as the World Series Champions. He reported his attendance at the Angel Awards where Member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Hilda Solis w
as awarded "Woman of the Year" and shared his appreciation to the residents that attended the Monster Mash.
Mayor Pro Tem Lo talked about his attendance at the Garvey Education Foundation fundraising event and the Pumpkin Run held by the City of Alhambra with Council Member Wong.
Mayor Yang spoke about the Little Angels
Dance Group from Korea who performed at the
Barnes Park amphitheater and her appearance at the ribbon cutting ceremony at Yihui Coffee and the Whitmore Villas. She talked about the recent events that have occurred throughout the City such as Active Shooter Training held at the Emergency Operations Center and the American Cancer Society Youth Ambassadors conference at the Bruggemeyer Library. She reported her attendance at the recent Meet-up with the Mayor at Litz Restaurant and announced future dates for the rest of the year.
13. Closed Session (if Required; City Attorney to Announce) None.
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14. Adjournment
There being no further business for consideration, the meeting was adjourned at 8:31 p.m.
__________________
Maychelle Yee
City Clerk
Approved on December 3, 2025, at the Regular City Council Meeting