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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
March 18, 2026
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 18, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
1. Call to Order
Mayor Yang called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m.
2. Flag Salute
The Flag Salute was led by the Monterey Park Police Explorers.
3. Roll Call
City Clerk Maychelle Yee called the roll:
Council Members Present: Henry Lo, Vinh Ngo, Thomas Wong, Elizabeth Yang Council Members Absent: Jose Sanchez
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 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
Finance Manager Laura Borjon
Risk Management Manager Jule DeZiel
IT Manager Martin Dinh
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Engineering Manager/ Transtech Consultant Ziad Mazboudi Fire Marshal Jessica Estrella
Fire Battalion Chief Jon Gin
Adult and Teens Services Senior Librarian Leonie Jordan Principal Management Analyst Rebecca Bojorquez
Principal Management Analyst Michelle Marquez
Human Resources Analyst Kathleen Camacho
Senior Account Clerk Nanette Thompson
Office Assistant Michelle Martinez
Virtually present:
None
4. Telecommunications Announcement, if requested
None.
5. Agenda Revisions and Additions
City Manager Alvarez requested the addition of Agenda Item No. 8.A., Youth of the Year award, and to have this item be heard after Public Communications, followed by Agenda Item No. 7.D. and 12.A.
6. Public Communications
• Robert Monroe-Ogawa expressed his gratitude to Cindy Yee for her dedication to the City over the decades. He shared the San Gabriel Valley Power Up Beacon's (SGVPUB) internal operations, which had led to alleged discord between its members, and spoke about the City's transparency in working with SGVPUB towards grant applications.
• Sharon Woo, president of the Mark Keppel High School Alliance, shared the nonprofit's dedication to enhancing educational and developmental opportunities for students. She relayed the organization's support for the rebuilding of the Barnes Park pool as it is a vital resource in supporting their student's pathway in life and urged its prioritization. She submitted written correspondence that was received and filed with the City Clerk’s office.
• Dawn Rock shared the Monterey Park Historical Society's gratitude to Mayor Yang, Council Member Ngo and Assistant City Manager Garcia's attendance at the Laura Scudder 100-year Celebration and thanked City Manager Alvarez for the care and thoughtfulness to restoring the Scudder family plaque. She invited the community to visit their booth at the Monterey Park Cherry Blossom Festival, congratulated the Recreation and Community Services Department for receiving one million from the Regional Park and Open Space Grant and requested the money be used for the rebuilding of the Barnes Park Pool.
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• Margaret Leung, board member of the Friends of the Seniors Foundation, shared an update on the work the foundation has been doing to strengthen long-term support for the senior community. She invited the community to attend the Save Barnes Park Pool Community Award event at the Barnes Park Amphitheater.
7. Staff Communications
Staff Communication Item Nos. 7.A., 7.B. and 7.C. were heard after Agenda Item No. 12.A.
7.A. Library
Adult and Teen Services Senior Librarian Jordan presented a PowerPoint presentation about the past events that occurred in the library. She announced upcoming programming which includes: the Herstory 3 exhibition in celebration of Women's History month, Bilingual story time, a BTS listening party, a CalFresh informational workshop, the 2026 volunteer income tax assistance clinic and released the Literacy for All Monterey Park spring session schedule.
7.B. Recreation & Community Services
Recreation and Community Services Director Aguirre shared a PowerPoint presentation on updates in the department. He thanked the residents who attended the Monterey Park (MPK) Night at the Clipper's event for Japanese Heritage night. He highlighted the parks that had their tennis courts resurfaced
and provided information on upcoming parks that will soon follow. He announced the awards given to the department, which include: an Award of Excellence for the Electric Park festival and the San Gabriel Valley Pride festival from the California Park and Recreation Society; a Service to Education Government Award from the Alhambra Educational Foundation; an award for the Love For Our Elders Program, in collaboration with Mark Keppel High School and an award for the Langley Senior Center's annual Lunar New Year event from the California Parks and Recreation Society, District 13 (CPRS). He announced upcoming events occurring throughout the next month, which include the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Spring Egg Hunt, and highlighted two grants that have been awarded to the City: the Garvey Ranch trail system grant and the Barnes Park revitalization grant.
7.C. Public Works
Director of Public Works Igoe curated a PowerPoint presentation detailing the Ware Disposal Satisfaction survey and encouraged the community to provide feedback on the trash services in the City.
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7.D. Fire Department
This Item was heard after Agenda Item No. 8.A.
Fire Battalion Chief Gin showed a PowerPoint presentation about the Boys and Girls Club of the West, San Gabriel Valley and East Side's collaboration with the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation. He detailed the members act of serving coffee and donuts to the Monterey Park Fire Department and shared the upcoming date for the Disaster Preparedness Clinic.
Amber Giang, District Representative for Senator Sasha Renée Perez, alongside the City Council, presented certificates to the Boys and Girls Club members for their dedication to serving the community.
8. Presentation
8.A. Youth of the Year Award – Nathaniel Hernandez
This Agenda Item was added during Agenda Additions and Deletions and was heard after Public Communications.
Nathaniel Hernandez shared words of appreciation to the City Council and expressed his gratitude to Council Member Wong for his participation as a judge at the Youth of the Year event and his guidance to allow him to speak and make a change in his community as a youth advocate.
The City Council presented Nathaniel with a certificate of recognition for his achievement.
9. Old Business
None.
10. 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 Agenda Item Nos. 10.A., 10.B. and
10.E. except for Agenda Item Nos. 10.C, 10.D., and 10.F. which were pulled for discussion, separate motion, reading resolutions and ordinances by the title only and waiving further reading thereof.
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Motion: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Lo and seconded by Council Member Wong, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Henry Lo, Vinh Ngo, Thomas Wong, Elizabeth Yang Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: Jose Sanchez
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
10.A. J.P. Morgan Chase Commercial Banking and Procurement Card Services
On September 3, 2025, the City posted a Request for Proposal (RFP) on the City’s webpage for banking and procurement card services. Five banking institutions responded. Following the evaluation and rating of each proposal received, City staff completed in-person interviews with Bank of Montreal (BMO) and J.P. Morgan Chase. J.P. Morgan was found to be fully qualified and offered better incentives, fees, and interest rates when compared to the City’s current bank, BMO.
It is recommended that Council authorizes the City Manager to execute an agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with J.P. Morgan Chase for the City’s commercial banking and procurement card services for an initial five (5) year term.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that the City Council consider:
1. Authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with J.P. Morgan Chase for the City’s Commercial Banking and Procurement Card services. It is the City’s intent to establish an initial five (5) year contract with J.P. Morgan Chase with an option to renew every (5) years thereafter; and
2. Taking such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Action Taken: The City Council approved the recommendation, on Consent Calendar.
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10.B. Authorize transfer of Unclaimed Monies to the General fund pursuant to Government Code §§ 50050-50056
Adopting the attached Resolution will transfer $4,020.83 in unclaimed money into the City’s General Fund, following statutory public notice, pursuant to California law, as described in the City’s Administrative Policy No. 20-26 (Attachment 2 to the staff report).
Recommendations:
It is recommended that the City Council consider:
1. Adopting a Resolution authorizing the transfer of $4,020.83 in declared unclaimed monies into the City's General Fund pursuant to Government Code §§ 50050-50057 and Administrative Policy and Procedure No. 20-26; and
2. Taking such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Action Taken: The City Council approved and adopted Resolution No. 2026- R14, on Consent Calendar.
Resolution No. 2026-R14
A Resolution declaring unclaimed monies as property of the City of Monterey Park and ordering transfer of such funds to the City’s general fund pursuant to Government Code § 50053
10.C. Amendment No. 1 The Pun Group
On May 17, 2023, City Council authorized the City Manager to enter into a 3- year professional services agreement from May 17, 2023, to June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $238,000 with The Pun Group, LLP.
It is recommended that Council authorizes the City Manager to execute a first amendment to The Pun Group LLP. Agreement No. 2369-AE from July 1, 2026, for continued auditing services for an amount of $430,792, for a total not to exceed $668,792 for the term of the Agreement.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that the City Council consider:
1. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a first amendment to the professional auditing Agreement No. 2369-AE with the Pun Group, LLP to extend the term through June 30, 2031 and increase the not-to- exceed compensation from $238,000 to $668,792; and
2. Taking such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
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Discussion: Finance Manager Borjon shared a staff report recommending a five-year contract extension to ensure continuity, minimize disruption and reduce long-term costs.
The City Council ensued in a discussion regarding the potential options for a contract extension based on the best practices
presented by the Government
Finance Officers Association.
Action Taken:
The City Council approved the recommendation, as amended to extend the renewal of the contract for up to three years.
Motion:
Moved by Council Member Wong and seconded by Council Member Ngo, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Henry Lo, Vinh Ngo, Thomas Wong, Elizabeth Yang
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: Jose Sanchez
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
10.D. Approve the artwork submitted by Artist Giorgiko for a mural celebrating the United States Semiquincentennial at Barnes Park The City Council has expressed interest in increasing public art in the City of Monterey Park. In an effort to expand access to art throughout the City, and in celebration of the United States of America’s 250 years of independence, the Director has been w
orking with Monterey Park Artist Giorgiko (Darren and
Trisha Inouye) to develop a mural design that would be placed on an exterior wall of the Barnes Park Gymnasium.
On February 4, 2026, the City Council approved the Barnes Park Gymnasium as the location for a mural celebrating the United States Semiquincentennial, utilizing funds from the Recreation and Community Services Department’s General Fund, Community Beautification account.
On February 17, 2026, the Community Participation Commission voted unanimously to support installing the Artist’s design and narrowed the phase included in the mural to two choices: “All Created Equal” or “Faith in the Future”.
If the artwork (Attachment 1 to the staff report) is approved, the Artist, Giorgiko, will install the mural in time for unveiling on or before the city’s Independence Day Celebration on June 27, 2026. If approved, the City will enter into a Public Art Agreement with the artists governing the design and installation of the mural.
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CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act):
The City reviewed the environmental impacts of the proposed action 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), 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 contemplates administrative actions, including entering into an agreement and appropriating budget funds.
Accordingly, this activity is exempt from further review.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that the City Council consider:
1. Approving the artwork submitted by Artist Giorgiko for a mural celebrating the United States Semiquincentennial at Barnes Park;
2. Providing direction regarding the phase to be included within the mural; and
3. Taking such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Discussion: Director of Recreation and Community Services Aguirre introduced the Artists behind Giorgiko, Darren and Trisha Inouye, to elaborate on Agenda Item.
Darren and Trisha Inouye shared their experience working in children's art education and exhibited their
past murals that have been installed throughout
the country. They presented two phrases that will be placed on the mural for consideration, option 1: "All Created Equal" or option 2: "Faith in the Future"
Action Taken: The City Council approved the recommendation and selected option 2 phrase, "Faith in the Future" to be included on the mural.
Motion: Moved by Council Member Ngo and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lo, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Henry Lo, Vinh Ngo, Thomas Wong, Elizabeth Yang
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: Jose Sanchez
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
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10.E. Landscaping and Tree Maintenance Agreement Amendments On February 18, 2026, the City Council approved the FY 2025-2026 Mid- Year Financial Report, including additional budget appropriations for unanticipated landscaping needs throughout the City. It is recommended that the City Council approve a Seventh Amendment to Agreement 2136-A with Mariposa Landscape, Inc., a Fourth Amendment to Agreement 2368-AA with Priority Landscape Services, LLC, and a Sixth Amendment to Agreement 1284-A with West Coast Arborists, Inc. to support the City’s increase in landscaping and tree maintenance needs.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that the City Council consider:
1. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a Seventh Amendment to Agreement 2136-A with Mariposa Landscape, Inc., a Fourth Amendment to Agreement 2368-AA with Priority Landscape Services, LLC, and a Sixth Amendment to Agreement 1284-A with West Coast Arborists, Inc., in forms approved by the City Attorney, for continued commercial landscaping services through June 30, 2026; and
2. Taking such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Action Taken: The City Council approved the recommendation, on Consent Calendar.
10.F. Notices of Completion for 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 various CIP’s included in the FY 2025-26 budget. 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.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that the City Council consider:
1. Receiving and filing the Notice of Completion recorded by the Public Works Director on August 25, 2025 accepting the 2024-25 Street Rehabilitation Project completed by Onyx Paving Company, Inc.;
2. Receiving and filing the Notice of Completion recorded by the Public Works Director on September 10, 2025 accepting the Emerson Parallel Sewer Line Project completed by GRBCON, Inc.;
3. Receiving and filing the Notice of Completion recorded by the Public Works Director on September 11, 2025 accepting the Russell Street Reservoir Project completed by Crosno Construction Inc.; 74-136
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4. Receiving and filing the Notice of Completion recorded by the Public Works Director on October 3, 2025 accepting the PWC Elder Pool Improvements Project completed by Sebastian Waterworks, Inc. dba Mr. Rooter Plumbing;
5. Receiving and filing the Notice of Completion recorded by the Public Works Director on October 21, 2025 accepting the George Elder Pool Epoxy Project completed by CT&T Concrete Paving, Inc.;
6. Receiving and filing the Notice of Completion recorded by the Public Works Director on October 25, 2025 accepting the Cascades Park Epoxy Work Project completed by CT&T Concrete Paving, Inc.;
7. Receiving and filing the Notice of Completion recorded by the Public Works Director on November 9, 2025 accepting the Langley Center, Garvey Ranch Museum, George Elder Gym Roof Replacement Project completed by BEST Contracting Services, Inc.;
8. Receiving and filing the Notice of Completion recorded by the Public Works Department on December 8, 2025 accepting the Barnes Gym Exterior Painting Project, completed by U.S. National Corp. dba Jimenez Painting;
9. Receiving and filing the Notice of Completion recorded by the Public Works Department on December 11, 2025 accepting the Langley Center & George Elder Flooring Project completed by JJJ Flooring;
10. Receiving and filing the Notice of Completion recorded by the Public Works Department on February 2, 2026 accepting the Bruggemeyer Library Exterior Painting Project completed by U.S. National Corp. dba Jimenez Painting;
11. Receiving and filing the Notice of Completion recorded by the Public Works Department on February 5, 2026 accepting the Concrete Improvements Project completed by Onyx Paving Co.;
12. Receiving and filing the Notice of Completion recorded by the Public Works Department on February 9, 2026 accepting the Library Generator Project completed by Pacific Power Engineering Technology, Inc.; and
13. Taking such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Discussion:
Director of Public Works Igoe shared a PowerPoint presentation detailing the completion of projects done by the Public Works Department in the City.
Action Taken: The City Council received and filed the recommendations.
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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, Thomas Wong, Elizabeth Yang
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: Jose Sanchez
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
11. Public Hearing
11.A. Public Hearing Pursuant to Government Code Section 3502.3 Concerning Vacancies and Recruitment and Retention Efforts Government Code section 3502.3 requires the City to hold at least one public hearing per fiscal year to present the status of workforce vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts and identify any necessary changes to policies, and recruitment activities that may lead to obstacles in the hiring process. The City's recognized employee associations were provided timely advance notice of the public hearing.
CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act):
The California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) and the regulations promulgated thereunder (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15000 et seq., the “CEQA Guidelines”) require environmental review of discretionary projects that may result in a significant effect on the environment. The proposed action is not a “project” subject to CEQA because it constitutes an organizational and administrative activity that will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. (CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15060(c)(2), 15378(b)(5).) The City Council is receiving information and conducting a public hearing pursuant to Government Code § 3502.3 and is not approving or committing the City to any activity that may result in a physical change to the environment.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that the City Council consider:
1. Conducting a public hearing to present the status of vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts in accordance with Government Code section 3502.3; and
2. Taking such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Discussion: Director of Human Resources and Risk Management Tomikawa, shared a staff report portraying Monterey Park's workforce vacancies and recruitment/retention efforts in accordance with Government Code Section 3502.3.
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Action Taken: By Consensus, the City Council opened the public hearing at 8:29 p.m., received no registered speakers, closed the public hearing at 8:43 p.m. and took no further action on this item.
11.B. Annual Weed Abatement Protest Hearing
The County of Los Angeles Department of Agriculture Commissioner/Weights and Measures (Weed Abatement Division) submitted to the City the annual Weed Abatement Declaration List and resolution declaring that weeds, brush, rubbish, refuse and dirt maintained on certain private properties in the City are a public nuisance. At the regular City Council meeting on February 4, 2026, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2026-R3 approving the 2026 Weed Abatement Declaration List as posted by the County. By adopting the Resolution, the Council declared its intention to provide for the abatement of said nuisances. To complete the process, the Council must hold a protest hearing to allow parcel owners identified on the Declaration List an opportunity to object to their inclusion thereon.
CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act):
Adopting of this Resolution is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) under CEQA Guidelines § 15061 (b)(3) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the Resolution may have a significant effect on the environment.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that the City Council consider:
1. Opening the continued public hearing, receiving public comment, closing the public hearing;
2. Adopting a Resolution declaring that weeds, brush, rubbish and refuse upon or in front of specified property in the City are a seasonal and recurrent public nuisance, and declaring its intention to provide for abatement; and
3. Taking such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Discussion: Fire Marshal Estrella exhibited a staff report detailing the process of the weed abatement declaration list and noticing to the residents.
Action Taken: Mayor Yang declared a potential Conflict of Interest as her property is listed on the weed abatement declaration list, recused herself and left the dais at 8:42 p.m., returned to the dais at 8:48 p.m. and did not participate on the item. The City Council opened the public hearing at 8:43 p.m., received no registered public speakers, closed the public hearing at 8:47 p.m. and approved and adopted Resolution No. 2026-R15.
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Motion: Moved by Council Member Wong and seconded by Council Member Ngo, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Henry Lo, Vinh Ngo, Thomas Wong Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: Jose Sanchez
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: Elizabeth Yang
Resolution No. 2026-R15
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.
12. New Business
12.A. Barnes Park Pool Design Selection
This Agenda Item was heard after Agenda Item No. 7.D.
The City of Monterey Park is advancing the revitalization of the Barnes Park swimming pool, a community priority reaffirmed through the 2025 GROW Monterey Park Parks System Master Plan. The former Barnes Park pool was closed several years ago due to major leaks and structural failures, and the pool was subsequently filled for safety. In 2025–2026, the City retained Dahlin Group Architecture Planning, with Aquatic Design Group as subconsultant, to conduct community outreach and develop conceptual design options for a new aquatic center.
Dahlin conducted four community engagement events, multiple stakeholder meetings, and two citywide surveys. The final survey provided the community with an opportunity to select their preferred conceptual design. Over 1,200 survey responses were received. The community overwhelmingly favored Option B – a 50-meter competition pool with a 25-yard recreation pool, with 64% (828 responses) selecting this option. Many respondents also expressed interest in incorporating a splash pad if feasible.
At this time staff is requesting City Council direction to select a preferred option for use in all future grant applications, funding pursuits, and to guide the development of final plans, specifications, and estimates once design funding becomes available.
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Recommendations:
It is recommended that the City Council consider:
1. Selecting a preferred design option for the Barnes Park Aquatic Center Project;
2. Directing staff to use the selected option in all future grant applications, funding pursuits, and project planning; and
3. Taking such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Public Speaker:
• Margaret Leung commented on the long process of obtaining the pool conceptual design. She spoke in support of Option B and believed the concept can be improved further. She elaborated on her role in SGVPUB and the organization's goal to remain committed to transparency, cooperation, collaboration and responsible stewardship.
Discussion: Director of Recreation and Community Services Director Aguirre provided a timeline of events that had led to the current phase of selecting a design for the reconstruction of the Barnes Park Pool. He introduced members from Dhalin Architecture Interiors and Planning: Designer Nick Mcguire, Project Manager Jon Canedo and Principal Architect Daniel Berghauser, as well as Senior Project Manager Stephanie Fujimura from Aquatic Design Group to elaborate further on the designs.
Principal Architect Berghauser detailed the meetings held to inquire information on the wants of the community regarding the reconstruction of the Barnes Park pool.
Designer McGuire elaborated on the survey findings conducted throughout the research process and focused on the high points on interest presented in the surveys.
Senior Project Manager Fujimura presented the three pool conceptual designs for the City Council's consideration.
The City Council ensued in a discussion concerning the three conceptual designs for consideration and relayed their interest in developing a splash pad.
Action Taken: The City Council approved the recommendations and selected Option B, a 50-meter competition pool and 25-yard recreation pool to be used in all future grant applications, funding pursuits, and project planning. By Consensus, the City Council directed staff to research potential locations for the development of a splash pad in the City. 74-141
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Motion: Moved by Council Member Wong and seconded by Council Member Ngo, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Henry Lo, Vinh Ngo, Thomas Wong, Elizabeth Yang
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: Jose Sanchez
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
12.B. Consideration of the First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance Expanding the Lifeline Utility Rate Program and Clarifying Utility Billing and Collection Procedures, a Resolution Establishing a Wastewater Lifeline Discount, and a Resolution Increasing Water Service Deposits Monterey Park Municipal Code Chapters 6.08 and 14.12 establish utility service rules, procedures and criteria, including both the City’s and customers’ responsibilities. The attached proposed ordinance amends several sections in Chapters 6.08 and 14.12, and adds chapters 14.14 and
14.18 to expand the Lifeline Utility Rate Program and clarify billing collections and owner responsibility for water, wastewater, and other city billed utility charges.
Attached resolutions (to the staff report) replace the existing $12.06 monthly Lifeline water discount with a discount equal to 100% of the wastewater charge, currently at $22.46, from the wastewater fund; and increase utility account deposit by $50 per meter size.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that the City Council consider:
1. Waiving first reading and introducing and ordinance to expand the lifeline utility rate program and clarify billing, collection, and owner responsibility for water, wastewater, and other City billed utility charges;
2. Adopting a Resolution authorizing a 100% discount of the wastewater charge for customers residing in a single-family dwelling and participating in the Lifeline program;
3. Adopting a Resolution authorizing a deposit increase of $50 per meter size; and
4. Taking such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Discussion: Director of Finance Garcia presented a staff report explaining the amendments in the proposed ordinance and detailed the proposed resolutions for the City Council’s consideration.
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Action Taken: The City Council introduced and waived the first reading of an ordinance to expand the lifeline utility rate program and clarify billing, collection, and owner responsibility for water, wastewater, and other City billed utility charges, and approved and adopted Resolution No. 2026-R16 and Resolution No. 2026-R17.
Motion:
Moved by Council Member Wong and seconded by Council Member Ngo, motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Henry Lo, Vinh Ngo, Thomas Wong, Elizabeth Yang
Noes: Council Members: None
Absent: Council Members: Jose Sanchez
Abstain: Council Members: None
Recusal: Council Members: None
Ordinance 1
st reading
An Ordinance amending Monterey Park Municipal Code Chapters 6.08 and
14.12 and adding Chapters 14.14 and 14.18 to expand the lifeline utility rate program and clarify billing, collection, and owner responsibility for water, wastewater, and other City billed utility charges
Resolution No. 2026-R16
A Resolution setting water service account deposits
Resolution No. 2026-R17
A Resolution establishing a wastewater discount rate for eligible participants in the City’s Lifeline Program
13. City Communications (City Council) / Future Agenda Items Council Member Ngo talked about his attendance at the Laura Scudder Centennial celebration at the Historical Society Museum in Garvey Ranch Park, the MPK Clipper's Night event, the welcoming and meet up with the Fire Department from Monterey Park's Sister City, Morelia, Mexico and the recent Strategic Planning meeting at the Courtyard Marriott.
Council Member Wong echoed Council Member Ngo's words.
Mayor Pro Tem Lo acknowledged his attendance at the City's Strategic Plan meeting and requested city staff to update the city's website to contain resources for survivors and victims of domestic violence. He commented on the importance of advocating against domestic violence due to the recent allegations concerning long-time labor leader, Cesar Chavez.
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Mayor Yang reported her attendance at the ribbon-cutting event for Reework Me, a gym located on Atlantic Blvd and commented on her participation at the Bridgerton Tea Party hosted by the Library and the community walks that were hosted by Kimley-Horn. She announced upcoming city events which include the Monterey Vista Elementary's centennial celebration and the Meet up with the Mayor event at Jumping Lobster and wished Fire Chief Hing a Happy Birthday.
14. Closed Session (if Required; City Attorney to Announce) None.
15. Adjournment
There being no further business for consideration, the meeting was adjourned at 9:13 p.m.
_____________________
Maychelle Yee
City Clerk
Approved on July 1, 2026 at the regular City Council meeting.