Monterey Park, California

The council approved several spending items during the meeting, including a $1.098 million contract for street‑sweeping services (Item 10.E), a professional services master agreement up to $500 k for tax and utility services (Item 10.B), and a $30 000 allocation for audiovisual upgrades, agenda translation and other SB 707 compliance costs (Item 12.A). All motions were carried unanimously by a 5‑0 vote. The city manager’s employment agreement was also amended to extend the term and increase compensation, with the mayor set to sign the final document. Next steps include execution of contracts, budget implementation in FY 2026, and monitoring of the new spending allocations.

The council adopted several spending‑related agreements on the consent calendar, including a First Amendment to Agreement No. 2369‑AI with Fifth Asset Inc., authorizing $80,500 for debt‑management software; an amendment to Agreement No. 2444‑A with MAK Fire Protection, authorizing $115,000 annually; and an amendment to Agreement No. 2529‑A with Onyx Paving, increasing the contract amount by $445,665. All were approved unanimously on consent and will be executed by the City Manager; copies of the agreements will be forwarded to relevant agencies as required.

The council approved several spending‑related actions, including a five‑year commercial banking contract with J.P. Morgan Chase and the transfer of $4,020.83 in unclaimed monies to the General Fund. The audit agreement with The Pun Group was amended, raising the not‑to‑exceed compensation to $668,792. In new business, council members adopted Resolution 2026‑R16 authorizing a 100% wastewater lifeline discount and Resolution 2026‑R17 increasing water service deposits to $100, all passed unanimously. These actions set the city’s fiscal direction for upcoming grant applications and utility program adjustments.

Council adopted Resolutions 2026‑R5 through 2026‑R8, which collectively call for a special election on June 2 2026 and a city‑wide proposition to prohibit data centers. The motion also approved budget adjustments, appropriating $210,000 for the special election costs and an additional $100,000 for anticipated litigation. All motions were carried unanimously, and the council will file the required notices and begin preparing for the June ballot. The next steps involve finalizing the election logistics, publishing the proposition text, and monitoring campaign finance compliance.

The council reviewed and approved the FY 2025‑2026 Mid‑Year Financial Report, authorizing a $150,000 increase to the catastrophic event and working‑capital reserve and an additional $4.77 million appropriation from various funds. The council also approved the Sierra Vista Playground contract for $254,146 and other routine spending items on the consent calendar. All motions were unanimous; no opposition was recorded, and staff will implement the budget changes in the upcoming fiscal period.

The council approved several fiscal actions, including filing the 2024‑25 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) unanimously, approving a tax agreement with Camino Real Chevrolet, adopting the FY 2025‑26 salary schedule, and authorizing contracts for the Bruggemeyer Library design phase, fiber‑optic installation, 2025‑26 street rehabilitation, and curb ramp improvements. All motions were carried by unanimous or majority votes (e.g., 5‑0 for the ACFR, 4‑1 on Atlantic Boulevard bike lane deferment). Council members expressed support for the fiscal measures, noting that the contracts will be executed by staff and funded through appropriate appropriations. The next steps involve staff implementing these agreements, monitoring expenditures, and updating the budget for upcoming fiscal periods.

During the meeting the Recreation and Community Services Department staff briefed the council on progress of the Barnes Park Pool grant, noting that funding was secured and construction plans were underway. While no specific resolution on the pool itself was voted on, council members agreed to form a subcommittee dedicated to pursuing additional grant opportunities for the pool’s renovation and future use.

During the public‑communications portion, council members and community leaders debated the design of a new aquatic center at Barnes Park. The council ultimately moved to adopt Option B—a 50‑meter Olympic‑sized pool with a recreation space—by unanimous vote (5‑0) in Item 12A. The motion was seconded by Vinh T. Ngo and carried at about 64:00–66:00. Following the vote, staff was directed to use Option B in all future grant applications and to finalize full‑design drawings, secure additional funding (Measure A grant and city budget), and coordinate splash‑pad placement.

The council adopted a regular ordinance on the consent calendar that enacts a citywide prohibition on data centers, along with an accompanying ordinance to implement Measure NDC if approved by voters. The motion was waived for further reading and passed without debate, reflecting unanimous support from the council members. No public comment was taken on the ordinance itself during the meeting, but earlier comments expressed community backing for the ban. The ordinance will take effect immediately and may be subject to future voter approval of Measure NDC.

The council held a public hearing and adopted an amended urgency ordinance (No. 2274) that extends the existing moratorium on data‑center development for an additional ten months and fifteen days, effectively pausing new land‑use applications in the city until January 21, 2027. Council members Vinh T. Ngo and Thomas Wong moved the ordinance, it was seconded by Wong, and passed unanimously (4‑5 vote). In addition, the council adopted a letter‑of‑support motion for California Assembly Bill 1577 and related Senate Bills, and approved a series of resolutions (2026‑R5 through 2026‑R8) that call for a June 2, 2026 special election and a citywide proposition to prohibit data centers. The next steps include filing the ordinance, issuing the required notice, and continuing public hearings through March 18, 2026.

The council adopted a unanimous motion (Item 9.A) directing the City Manager and Attorney to prepare a draft ballot proposition that would prohibit data centers citywide while allowing housing development in Saturn Park. The motion was voted on and approved, but no actual policy change or ballot measure was adopted at the meeting. Public comments highlighted environmental and health concerns, while supporters cited economic benefits and housing needs. Staff will now develop the proposition and an Environmental Impact Report, with a follow‑up hearing scheduled for the next council meeting.

The council adopted an urgency ordinance (Item 5A) establishing a 45‑day moratorium on new data‑center permits in the Saturn Park zone. The motion, moved by Council Member Wong and seconded by Henry Lo, passed unanimously (all present members voted aye). Public comments during the meeting were overwhelmingly opposed to a data‑center, citing environmental and health concerns; council members expressed support for the moratorium as a temporary measure while staff prepares regulations. Following the vote, City Manager Vinh Ngo will draft the moratorium regulations and schedule a public hearing before the ordinance expires on March 7, 2026.

Council debated the installation of a protected bike lane on South Atlantic Boulevard between Newmark and Harding Avenues. Council members Jose Sanchez, Thomas Wong, Vinh Ngo, and Elizabeth Yang supported a bike‑lane addition, while Council Member Henry Lo opposed it due to parking concerns. The motion to restripe the roadway to its pre‑waterline configuration and defer any bike‑lane installation was carried 4–1 (Lo voting no). Staff will restripe the street and the bike‑lane issue has been scheduled for discussion at the 2026 Strategic Plan meeting.

During Item 12A the council moved to adopt the mural phrase “Faith in the Future” and later approved Artist Giorgiko’s mural for Barnes Park. Both motions were seconded by Councilmember Lo and passed unanimously (5‑0). The council directed staff to finalize the installation plan and schedule, with next steps including coordinating with the artist and filing a Notice of Completion for the project.

The council moved to approve all items on the consent calendar without debate, adopting each resolution and ordinance by a single motion. Key actions included authorizing the Citywide Maintenance District assessment (Resolution 2026‑R24), enacting a citywide prohibition on data centers (Ordinance 2278/2279), and approving several grant‑related resolutions such as the Next Generation Warning System Grant (Resolution 2026‑R25). The motion was moved by Council Member Wong, seconded by Vinh Ngo, and passed unanimously (5‑0). Following the vote, staff will file the necessary documents and begin implementation of each approved item.

The council moved to approve the Consent Calendar, which included items 9.A., 9.C., 9.D., 9.F., 9.G., 9.H., 9.I., 9.J. and 9.K.; items 9.B. and 9.E. were pulled for separate discussion. The motion was moved by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by Wong, and carried unanimously (5‑0). The council will now file the associated reports and staff will proceed with the routine actions listed on the calendar.

The council authorized the City Attorney to file an action under Government Code § 54956.9(d)(4) to render the real property at 2537‑2543 Lee Avenue marketable; the motion was moved by Council Member Ngo, seconded by Sanchez, and carried unanimously 5‑0. No opposition was recorded. The next step is for the City Attorney to prepare and file the litigation documents, after which staff will coordinate any required follow‑up actions.

The council adopted a resolution to rescind the Development Agreement No. DA‑21‑01 and repeal the Goodviews Specific Plan for 1688 West Garvey Avenue, effectively ending the existing land‑use entitlements on that parcel. The motion was moved and seconded during the consent‑calendar portion of the meeting, with all members voting in favor. The City Manager and City Attorney were directed to initiate the legal proceedings to terminate the agreement and restore prior zoning. No public debate or opposition was recorded, and the next step is the formal filing of the rescission and repeal actions.

The council reviewed the Garvey Avenue Improvements Project concept, which included three roadway alternatives and three aesthetic options. After Mayor Yang and Council Member Wong recused themselves due to a conflict of interest, the remaining members approved Alternative 1—roadway improvements with parking—and Option 2—Urban Vitality, voting unanimously (3‑0). The motion was carried by Council Member Vinh Ngo and seconded by Jose Sanchez, and staff was directed to begin preparing the PS&E for the project. Next steps involve developing detailed plans, coordinating with Metro funding, and proceeding to environmental review for the selected alternatives.

During the meeting staff presented progress on the Barnes Park pool grant, and public comments expressed enthusiasm for the project. While no vote was taken on design specifics, council members agreed to form a subcommittee to pursue additional grant opportunities for the Barnes Park aquatic center.