Monterey Park meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Monterey Park council declares El Niño emergency, approves $1.65M vehicle contract

The Monterey Park City Council on Oct. 7 declared a local emergency for the 2026–2027 El Niño event and approved a $1,654,821 contract for city vehicle replacements, according to the meeting minutes. The council also raised the budget for a traffic control system project by $1.5 million and accepted two state traffic safety grants.

El Niño emergency declaration

The council adopted Resolution No. 2026-R82, declaring a local emergency to prepare for the 2026–2027 El Niño event. The minutes state the declaration allows for direct contract negotiations.

Contracts, budget and grants

• **Vehicle replacements:** a $1,654,821 total contract with Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc.
• **Traffic system:** the Adaptive Traffic/Traffic Responsive Control System Project budget was increased by $1.5 million, to $10.5 million.
• **SB 1383 services:** a $14,902 agreement with SGVCOG.
• **Enforcement grant:** $192,000 from the OTS Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (Resolution No. 2026-R79).
• **Safety grant:** $28,500 from the OTS Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program (Resolution No. 2026-R80).
• **Pool grant application:** the council authorized an application for an SPP Grant for Barnes Park Pool improvements (Resolution No. 2026-R81).

Negotiators appointed on 5-0 votes

The council appointed two negotiating teams. The City Manager, City Attorney, Deputy City Attorney Zachary A. Lopes and HR Director Christine Tomikawa were appointed as labor negotiators on a 5-0 vote. The City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Director of Finance, City Attorney and Linda Lee were appointed as real property negotiators, also 5-0. The minutes state no reportable actions were taken during closed session.

Deerfield hearing set for Nov. 18

The council scheduled a public hearing for Nov. 18, 2026, on the Deerfield Mixed-Use Development Project. The Planning Commission's Oct. 13 agenda listed a recommendation for the project at 740-780 W. Garvey Avenue and 220 S. Atlantic Boulevard, an Administrative Use Permit (No. 26-06) for a McDonald's drive-through and outdoor dining at 720 West Garvey Avenue, and a work study session on walls, fences and view preservation. Minutes from that meeting have not been published, so no outcome is known.

Traffic Commission takes up Vision Zero

The Traffic Commission's Oct. 15 agenda listed a presentation on the Vision Zero Plan and approval of minutes from the July 16, 2026, regular meeting. Minutes from that meeting have not been published.

Parks commission meeting cancelled

The Recreation and Parks Commission's Oct. 5 regular meeting was cancelled due to a lack of agenda items, according to a cancellation notice dated Oct. 1, 2026, by Recreation Manager Christina Alatorre. No business was conducted. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Nov. 2, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Langley Center, 400 West Emerson Avenue.

Coming up

• **Oct. 20 — Community Participation Commission:** discussion of youth-focused community events and programs, and a new business item on a Barnes Park Art Mural.
• **Oct. 20 — Commission on Aging:** safety review of fitness equipment, the table tennis room and the billiards room at the Langley Center, plus the Oath of Office for newly appointed Commissioner Jack Der-Sarkissian.
• **Oct. 20 — Library Board of Trustees:** approval of Sept. 15, 2026, minutes and of financial reports and expenditures, plus the City Librarian's report.
• **Oct. 21 — City Council:** authorization of up to $509,943.77 for four replacement police vehicles, upfitting and seven Motorola radios; a $480,092 public works contract with R.E. Schultz Construction, Inc. for Sierra Vista Playground; a professional services agreement with BOA Architecture for Fire Station 63 conceptual alternatives up to $151,200; an MOU with LACMTA to receive $199,633 in Proposition A funds for FY 2026-27; and rejection of all bids for the January 21 Memorial Project (CIP No. 95068).

All items listed for upcoming meetings are agenda items and have not yet been acted on.

Monterey Park Council declares El Niño emergency, approves $1,654,821 vehicle contract

The Monterey Park City Council declared a local emergency for the 2026–2027 El Niño event and approved a $1,654,821 vehicle replacement contract at its Oct. 7, 2026 meeting, according to meeting minutes. The same meeting produced a $1.5 million increase to a traffic control project budget, two state traffic safety grants, and appointments of labor and real property negotiators.

El Niño emergency declaration

The Council declared a local emergency to prepare for the 2026–2027 El Niño event (Resolution No. 2026-R82). The summary states the declaration allows for direct contract negotiations. The minutes summary provided does not include a vote tally for this item.

Vehicle contract, traffic projects and grants

Also approved at the Oct. 7 meeting:

• A $1,654,821 total contract for city vehicle replacements with Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc.
• An increase of $1.5 million to the Adaptive Traffic/Traffic Responsive Control System Project budget, bringing it to $10.5 million.
• Acceptance of a $192,000 OTS Selective Traffic Enforcement Program grant (Resolution No. 2026-R79).
• Acceptance of a $28,500 OTS Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program grant (Resolution No. 2026-R80).
• Authorization to apply for an SPP Grant for Barnes Park Pool improvements (Resolution No. 2026-R81).
• A $14,902 agreement with SGVCOG for SB 1383 services.
• Scheduling of a public hearing on the Deerfield Mixed-Use Development Project for Nov. 18, 2026.

Negotiators appointed on 5-0 votes

The Council appointed the City Manager, City Attorney, Deputy City Attorney Zachary A. Lopes and HR Director Christine Tomikawa as labor negotiators on a 5-0 vote. It appointed the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Director of Finance, City Attorney and Linda Lee as real property negotiators, also 5-0. No reportable actions were taken in closed session.

Meetings that produced no decisions

A Sept. 30 special community meeting did not produce formal action. The agenda stated council members would not formally convene as a body or take formal action; the event consisted of casual conversations between residents and the Mayor, with no votes or approvals recorded. It adjourned at 6:00 p.m.

The Recreation and Parks Commission meeting scheduled for Oct. 5 was cancelled due to a lack of agenda items. A cancellation notice dated Oct. 1 was issued by Christina Alatorre, Recreation Manager. The next regular meeting is Nov. 2, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Langley Center, 400 West Emerson Avenue.

Agenda items with no published outcome

The Economic and Business Development Commission met Oct. 1. Only the agenda is available; minutes have not been published, so no outcomes are reported here. The agenda listed a staff update on the Taste of Downtown MPK program, a proposal to move the Moon Festival event from September 2026 to September 2027, and the start of discussions and the approval process for the Downtown Business Improvement District 2026 Annual Report and 2027 Goals and Budget, which would go to the City Council for approval. The commission was also set to vote on minutes from its May 5, 2026 special meeting and take public comments, with speaker time limits set by Resolution No. 2026-R23.

Coming up

• Oct. 13, Planning Commission: a recommendation on the Deerfield Mixed-Use Development at 740-780 W. Garvey Avenue and 220 S. Atlantic Boulevard; Administrative Use Permit No. 26-06 for a McDonald's drive-through and outdoor dining at 720 West Garvey Avenue; and a work study session on Walls/Fences and View Preservation.
• Oct. 15, Traffic Commission: a presentation on the Vision Zero Plan and approval of minutes from the July 16, 2026 regular meeting.
• Nov. 2, 6:00 p.m., Recreation and Parks Commission, Langley Center, 400 West Emerson Avenue.
• Nov. 18: City Council public hearing on the Deerfield Mixed-Use Development Project.

Monterey Park Council approves $1.74M aquatic center design, rejects transit bids

The Monterey Park City Council made its most consequential decisions of the past two weeks at its Aug. 19 regular meeting, approving a $1.74 million design contract for the Barnes Park Aquatic Center and rejecting all bids for a transit services contract. The council also adopted a development agreement for the Celadon Mixed-Use Project and introduced ordinances to repeal the Goodviews Specific Plan.

City Council

At the Aug. 19 regular meeting, the council voted 5-0 to approve a professional services agreement with HGW Architecture for design of the Barnes Park Aquatic Center, not to exceed $1,740,000. The council also authorized a $312,400 budget appropriation for the project.

In a separate 5-0 vote, the council rejected all bids for a transit services contract and directed staff to return with options. The current contract will be extended month-to-month while new options are prepared.

The council adopted Ordinance No. 2281, approving an amended Development Agreement for the Celadon Mixed-Use Project, also by a 5-0 vote. It introduced ordinances to repeal the GoodViews Specific Plan and terminate Development Agreement No. 21-01, both on 5-0 votes.

The council approved consent calendar items 10A, 10D, and 10E. Council Member Yang recused from item 10C. The council also received and filed a January 21, 2023 Memorial Project update (5-0).

Earlier that day, the council held a special meeting that was primarily a closed session for legal consultations. The closed session covered one potential litigation case and existing litigation in Sujeyla Lopez v. Monterey Park, et al. No reportable actions were taken, and the meeting adjourned at 6:01 p.m.

Other meetings

Several other city bodies met during the past two weeks, mostly on routine or procedural matters.

• **Public safety community meeting (Aug. 11):** The City Council held a special community meeting, not a formal session, featuring a Monterey Park Police Department presentation and community comments on public safety. No formal action was taken. The meeting was held at Monterey Highlands Elementary School Cafeteria, 400 Casuda Canyon Dr.
• **Planning Commission (Aug. 11):** The commission cancelled its regular meetings scheduled for Aug. 11 and Aug. 25 because there were no agenda items. The next regular meeting is set for Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m.
• **Commission on Aging (Aug. 17):** The commission approved minutes from July 20 and appointed a commissioner to attend a Friends of the Seniors meeting.
• **Library Board of Trustees (Aug. 18):** The board approved July minutes and financial reports, received the City Librarian's report, and approved revisions to its by-laws.
• **Community Participation Commission (Aug. 18):** The commission approved July minutes, recapped a Hollywood Bowl trip, and voted to recommend supporting an art mural at Barnes Park.

Coming up

The Planning Commission's Aug. 25 meeting is cancelled; the next regular meeting is Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m.

The Environmental Commission will meet Aug. 26. The agenda includes administering the Oath of Office to new commissioners Emily Chu, Aileen Tam Ta, and Upton Ta-Beadle, selecting a Chair and Vice Chair, and a presentation on the commission's role. Public comments will be accepted with time limits based on the number of speakers.

Monterey Park Council Approves Housing Overlay Ballot Measure, 169-Unit Development

The Monterey Park City Council on Aug. 5 approved placing a housing overlay proposition on the Nov. 3 ballot and approved a mixed-use development with 169 residential units at 114 E. Garvey Ave. The council voted 5-0 on the ballot measure, which would amend the Land Use and Urban Design Element to create HOME overlays in commercial and industrial areas.

City Council actions (Aug. 5)

The council adopted four resolutions related to the ballot proposition: Resolution No. 2026-R63 adding the proposition to the ballot, Resolution No. 2026-R64 for land use policy maps, Resolution No. 2026-R65 for impartial analysis, and Resolution No. 2026-R66 for ballot argument procedures. Mayor Lo was designated to write the argument in favor of the measure.

In other business, the council approved the consent calendar, which included a $381,449.96 grant from the California Highway Patrol for the CTFGP program (Resolution No. 2026-R67) and a $175,173 contract with Maverick Elevator Service CA LLC for a library elevator. The council also approved a mixed-use development at 114 E. Garvey Ave. with 169 residential units (Resolution No. 2026-R69).

Other recent meetings

Two meetings scheduled for July 28 were cancelled. The City Council special community meeting was cancelled at 5:15 p.m. due to a lack of quorum, and the Planning Commission cancelled its July 14 and July 28 meetings due to a lack of agenda items.

The Recreation and Parks Commission met on Aug. 3 to discuss a proposed art mural at Barnes Park and consider approving minutes from Feb. 3 and April 6. No decisions were made; the meeting was agenda-only, and minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

The City Council will hold a special community meeting on Aug. 11 at Monterey Highlands Elementary School Cafeteria, 400 Casuda Canyon Dr. The meeting will feature a Monterey Park Police Department presentation followed by community comments and questions on public safety. No formal action will be taken.

The Planning Commission has cancelled its regular meetings for Aug. 11 and Aug. 25 due to a lack of agenda items. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m.

Monterey Park: July meetings yield few decisions; Council eyes housing ballot measure and $1.1M in equipment purchases ahead

Most Monterey Park advisory bodies met in late July to organize, approve minutes, and discuss programs, but few formal decisions were recorded. The City Council's July 28 special community meeting was cancelled for lack of a quorum, and both July Planning Commission meetings were cancelled for lack of agenda items. The most consequential items are on the August 5 City Council agenda, which includes a proposed November ballot measure on housing overlays and more than $1.1 million in proposed equipment and contract spending.

City Council Special Community Meeting — Cancelled

The special community meeting scheduled for July 28, 2026, was cancelled at 5:15 p.m. due to a lack of quorum. No formal actions were taken. A separate July 20 special community meeting featured a presentation from the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG); no formal Council action was taken at that event, which also included City Ad Hoc Subcommittee comments and questions.

Planning Commission — July Meetings Cancelled

The Planning Commission cancelled its regularly scheduled meetings on July 14 and July 28, 2026, citing a lack of agenda items.

Library Board of Trustees

The Library Board of Trustees held its regular meeting July 21, 2026, at the Bruggemeyer Library. The agenda included swearing in two new trustees, Fabian Raygosa and Shayda Jalali; approval of minutes from the June 16, 2026, meeting; approval of financial reports and expenditures; and a vote on recommended revisions to the Library Board of Trustees By-Laws. The board was also scheduled to receive a presentation of Junior Friends Officers for 2026/27. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published, so outcomes of the by-law vote and financial approvals are not yet confirmed.

Commission on Aging

The Commission on Aging met July 20, 2026, to elect a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for a 12-month term and to consider approval of minutes from its June 15, 2026, meeting. Minutes have not yet been published, so election results are not yet available.

Community Participation Commission

The Community Participation Commission met July 21, 2026. The agenda included approval of June 16, 2026, meeting minutes; review of logistics for a Hollywood Bowl trip on July 24, 2026; and discussion of youth-focused community events and programs. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming Up

Recreation and Parks Commission — August 3, 2026: The commission will discuss a recommendation for an art mural at Barnes Park and consider approving minutes from its February 3 and April 6, 2026, meetings.

City Council — August 5, 2026: The Council will discuss placing a proposition on the November 3, 2026, ballot to create HOME (Housing Overlay – Mixed Environments) overlays in commercial and industrial areas. A public hearing is scheduled for a mixed-use development at 114 E. Garvey Avenue proposing 169 residential units and 16,300 square feet of commercial space. The agenda also includes a proposed $381,449.96 grant from the Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program; purchase of a 2027 CNG Freightliner sewer vactor truck at $595,043 and a Caterpillar 420 backhoe loader at $177,853; and a $175,173.00 contract with Maverick Elevator Service CA LLC for library elevator modernization.

Monterey Park meeting roundup: City Council agenda included tax measure, architecture contracts, and salary schedule

The Monterey Park City Council's July 15 agenda included items touching on a ballot measure for a Transient Occupancy Tax, two architecture contract amendments totaling up to $27,300, and adoption of the FY 2026-2027 Comprehensive Salary Schedule. Minutes from that meeting have not yet been published, so it is not yet possible to confirm which items were voted on or approved.

City Council — July 15

The Council was scheduled to consider designating persons to argue in favor of a Monterey Park Transient Occupancy Tax ballot proposition. The agenda also listed an amendment to the Fire Station 61 agreement with BOA Architecture for up to $17,200 and an amendment to the Council Chambers agreement with BOA Architecture for up to $10,100.

Additional agenda items included a Memorandum of Agreement for the Upper Los Angeles River Watershed Management Program covering FY 2026–2031, a resolution approving the FY 2026-2027 Comprehensive Salary Schedule, and a public hearing regarding weed nuisance abatement costs and special assessments.

Because only the agenda is available and minutes have not been published, outcomes for these items cannot be confirmed from the record.

Traffic Commission — July 16

The Traffic Commission agenda included a request for no parking on a local 20-foot-wide street, a grants update presentation, and approval of minutes from the May 21, 2026 regular meeting. No old or new business items were scheduled. Minutes have not yet been published.

Cancelled meetings

Two regular commission meetings were cancelled in July due to a lack of agenda items:

• Recreation and Parks Commission — July 6, 2026. Next meeting scheduled for August 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Langley Center.
• Planning Commission — July 14, 2026. The July 28 Planning Commission meeting is also cancelled. Next meeting scheduled for August 11, 2026.

Coming up

• **July 20 — City Council Special Community Meeting:** The Council will attend a presentation from the San Gabriel Valley Council of Government (SGVCOG). No formal Council action is scheduled.
• **July 20 — Commission on Aging:** Election of a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for a 12-month term, plus approval of June 15, 2026 minutes.
• **July 21 — Community Participation Commission:** Approval of June 16, 2026 minutes, review of logistics for a Hollywood Bowl trip on July 24, 2026, and discussion of youth-focused community events and programs.
• **July 21 — Library Board of Trustees:** Swearing-in of new trustees Fabian Raygosa and Shayda Jalali, approval of financial reports and expenditures, a vote on recommended revisions to the Board's by-laws, and a presentation of Junior Friends Officers 2026/27. Meeting at Bruggemeyer Library.
• **July 28 — City Council Special Community Meeting:** Residents are invited to a casual conversation with the Mayor at Thai House, 2080 S. Atlantic Blvd., from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. No formal Council action will be taken.

Monterey Park Council Approves $1.9 Million Sewer Contract, Places Tax Measure on November Ballot

The Monterey Park City Council approved a $1,927,467.50 sewer rehabilitation contract and voted to place a Transient Occupancy Tax amendment on the November ballot during its July 1 meeting. The council also appointed Henry Lo as the city's new mayor.

City Council Reorganization

On June 30, the City Council unanimously appointed Henry Lo as Mayor and Jose Sanchez as Mayor Pro Tem during a special meeting. Outgoing Mayor Elizabeth Yang delivered an address before the reorganization. The new officials were installed with oaths of office and presentations.

Sewer Contract and Water Management

On July 1, the council approved a $1,927,467.50 contract with Ramona, Inc., for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Sewer Rehabilitation. The item was approved on consent, with recusals on item 10D. The council also adopted the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan, which includes a Water Shortage Contingency Plan, in a 5-0 vote.

Transient Occupancy Tax and Election Results

The council voted 5-0 to adopt a resolution placing an amendment to the city's Transient Occupancy Tax on the November 3, 2026, ballot. The council also certified the results of the June 2, 2026, Special Municipal Election in a 5-0 vote.

Other Council Actions

The council approved the HUD Program Year 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME grants (5-0). Additional consent items included a second amendment with Kimley-Horn for the January 21 memorial project engineering, a resolution declaring July as "Parks Make Life Better" Month, and a professional services agreement with Mainstream Unlimited for safety training.

The council discussed the Inclusionary Housing Feasibility Study and the Los Palos Incident local emergency without taking action. A separate special meeting on July 1 consisted only of a closed session to discuss two pending lawsuits, with no reportable actions taken.

Commission Meetings

The Recreation and Parks Commission meeting scheduled for July 6 was cancelled due to a lack of agenda items. The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 3 at 6:00 PM at Langley Center.

Coming Up

The Planning Commission meeting scheduled for July 14 has been cancelled for lack of agenda items. The next meeting is set for August 11.

The City Council will meet on July 15 to consider designating persons to argue in favor of the Transient Occupancy Tax ballot proposition. The agenda also includes amendments to agreements with BOA Architecture for Fire Station 61 (up to $17,200) and Council Chambers (up to $10,100), a Memorandum of Agreement for the Upper Los Angeles River Watershed Management Program (FY 2026-2031), a resolution approving the FY 2026-2027 Comprehensive Salary Schedule, and a public hearing regarding weed nuisance abatement costs and special assessments.