CC - Item 4B - Minutes of September 9, 2025 Special & RegularMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL AND REGULAR
JOINT MEETING
SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
The special meeting of the Rosemead City Council was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Armenta
at 6:30 p.m., in the Rosemead City Council Chamber, located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard,
Rosemead, California.
PRESENT: Mayor Clark, Mayor Pro Tem Armenta, and
ABSENT: Council Member Ly (on Military Leave)
City Clerk Hernandez announced that Mayor
under AB 2449 under Just Cause.
1. CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WI'
Section 54957.6
AGENCY DES]
City Manager Kim,
Rachel Richman and
City Atl
that she
T
any
bers Dang and Low
be joining the City Council meetings
— Pursuant
Code
ORGANIZATION REPRESENTATIVES:
Vlanager/Finance Director Chua, City Attorney
a :Burke, Willia-
m, s and Sorensen, LLP
)seznead Employee Association
`City Council would go into closed session and
action at the regular 7:00 p.m. meeting.
meeting to Closed Session at 6:31 p.m.
AR MEETING
:00 P.M.
The regular meetmg>6f the Rosemead City Council was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Armenta
at 7:00 p.m., in the Rosemead City Council Chamber, located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard,
Rosemead, California.
PRESENT: Mayor Clark, Mayor Pro Tem Armenta, and Council Members Dang and Low
ABSENT: Council Member Ly (on Military Leave)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Council Member Low
INVOCATION was led by Mayor Pro Tem Armenta
Mayor Pro Tem Armenta stated there was a request to do the presentations first and
then follow with Public Comment section.
Rosemead City Council Special & Regular Joint Meeting
Minutes of September 9, 2025
Page I of 8
AGENDA ITEM 4.11
93
2.
PRESENTATIONS
A. Presentation of U.S. Army Veteran and Rosemead Resident Phillip Fong's
Centennial Birthday Recognition
The City Council recognized Mr. Philip Fong on the occasion of his 100th birthday.
Mr. Fong, a resident of Rosemead for 60 years, served honorably in the U.S. Army
during World War II, participating in the Asiatic -Pacific Campaign and the liberation
of the Philippines. Following his military service, he worked for 27 years at the Los
Angeles Times as a mechanic and supervisor. <,Mr. Fong remains active in the
community, enjoying walking, socializing,
The Council presented him with a
100th birthday.
PUBLIC COMMENT
and cooking.
plaque honoring his milestone
Resident Dr. Tom Williams, stated":he was anew residentrecently relocated to
Rosemead, introduced himself and outlined ensive experiene'p,in city planning,
ADA compliance, and environmental review: Dr. Williams has previously served on
neighborhood councils mhos Angeles, participated in early ADA ramp development
in Berkeley, prepared Enironrnental Impact Reports, and has international urban
planning experience, including 12 years in Dubai ,Dr. Williams offered to provide
guidance and advice to the City;on planning; accessibility, and infrastructure matters.
Business Owner Nathan Than; expressed concern about the presence of ICE in
Rosemead, rioting t4 the presence of federal enforcement personnel, including ICE,
in the city lias oaused dear among Iacal residents and has impacted businesses,
including workplaces such a§ auto repair shops, due to employees feeling unsafe
attending work. He'emphasizec: the perceived threat to public safety and local
economic aeti ity and�requested that the City take action to support affected families
and address community concerns.
Resident Tony Vona stated that over the past two weeks, ICE conducted a raid at a
car wash near the Rosemead Target, resulting in the detention of four individuals,
and cited a �prior, 'iiicident in June at the same plaza. He noted ongoing community
protests lughlgl}ling concerns over federal immigration raids. He acknowledged the
City CounciPs actions, including a press statement clarifying that the Sheriff's
Department do not collaborate with ICE and the efforts in the distribution of
informational "red cards" in public buildings. He urged the Council to take additional
measures to support the safety of the immigrant community, including: Considering
a resolution to train city employees to limit cooperation with federal immigration
enforcement where legally permissible; Refusing to provide resident information to
federal immigration authorities; Implementing mutual aid programs, such as
distributing food with partner organizations; Hosting educational workshops to
inform residents of their rights when interacting with immigration enforcement. Mr.
Vong emphasized that fear of enforcement has prevented some residents from leaving
Rosemead City Council Special & Regular Joint Meeting
Minutes of September 9, 2025
Page 2 of 8
4.
RM
their homes for work or essential activities, highlighting the need for proactive
measures to protect community safety and well-being.
Resident Priscilla Moreno, a longtime resident, expressed concern about the presence
of ICE in local schools and neighborhoods, stating it has caused fear among families
and reduced participation in community programs such as the Rosemead Church of
the Nazarene's food bank. She requested that the City and law enforcement refrain
from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement and take action to support
and protect affected residents.
Timothy D., an EMT, reported that immigration enforcement vehicles have
obstructed emergency response operations in Rosemead, including delaying patient
care. He expressed concern that such activity hinders first responders and urged the
City Council to consider the impact on public safety.
Resident Tiago Guerrero expre:
activities and their impact on
transparency regarding any in)
agencies and to keep residents it
workers and families and emp]
church and state in Dubhc:-<:..
PUBLIC HEARING - None
CONSENT
ACTION: Motion.by Council Member
Consent Calendaritems A, Band D, w
9
Bern about recent immigration enforcement
nmunity. He urged the City to maintain
it or limitations' with federal immigration
He noted the fear such4aions create among
.he importance of upholding separation of
4)econded by'Council Member Dang to approve
exception of C. Motion was carried out by the
dRK, DANG AND LOW; NOES: NONE;
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN
EMANDS IN THE SUM OF $2,365,003.72
CHECKS NUMBERED 119799 THROUGH NUMBER 119894,
DRAFTS NUMBERED 8294 THROUGH NUMBER 8344 AND
EFT NUMBERED 53470 THROUGH NUMBER 53500
INCLUSIVELY
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-45.
• Resolution No. 2025-46
Rosemead City Council Special & Regular Joint Meeting
Minutes of September 9, 2025
Page 3 of 8
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN
CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1,142,434.77
CHECKS NUMBERED 119895 THROUGH NUMBER 120077,
DRAFTS NUMBERED 8345 THROUGH NUMBER 8372 AND
EFT NUMBERED 53501 THROUGH NUMBER 53526
INCLUSIVELY
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-46.
B. Minutes
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the regular meeting minutes of
July 8, 2025.
C. Request to Add National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Proclamation to the
List of Approved Proclamations
The Taiwan Taipei Economic and Cultural Office. in Los Angeles submitted a request
to the Rosemead City Council to issue proclamation for Oct6ber0, 2025, known
as National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan), as part of the commemoration of
the founding of the Republic;of China (Taiwan) on October 10, 1911, the first
democratic republic in Asia,
The Republic of China is the first democratic nation iri Asia since 1912 and continues
to champion freedom and democracyin'Asa.It represents the resilience,
determination, and spirit of the' .41wanese people in their pursuit of freedom,
democracy; `and prosperity.
Recommendation That the Oty, Councit approve the request to add National Day of
the Republic : of China,(Taiwan) Proclamation for October 10, 2025, requested by the
Taiwan Taipei. Economic„and Cultural Office in Los Angeles to the list of Approved
Council Member Low requested clarification regarding a proclamation request
submitted by the Taiwan Taipei Economic and Cultural Office to recognize October
105 202S as the; l ational Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan). She inquired
whether the request was intended as a one-time special event proclamation specific
to this year,`rather than inclusion on the City's regular proclamation approval list,
which typically pertains to City -related observances and community events.
City Manager Kim explained that the City Council adopts a list of proclamations at
the beginning of each year and that a request was recently received from the Taiwan
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office to include a proclamation recognizing October
10, 2025, as the National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan). The request was
submitted late approximately within the month prior to the meeting.
Rosemead City Council Special & Regular Joint Meeting
Minutes of September 9, 2025
Page 4 of 8
Council Member Low asked for clarification to confirm that the proclamation is a
one-time recognition for 2025 and not intended to become part of the City's regular
annual proclamation list.
City Manager Kim confirmed that the request applies specifically to 2025 year.
Council Member Low stated support for the proclamation for 2025, contingent on it
not being included in the City's ongoing annual list of approved proclamations.
Mayor Pro Tem Armenta agreed with Council Member Low comments, regarding
the request from the Taiwan Taipei Economic and; Cultural Office in Los Angeles to
include a proclamation recognizing October 10, 2025. She suggested that any motion
regarding the proclamation should clearly specify that it applies only for the 2025
celebration and is not to be added to the Crty's°,ongoing annual proclamation list.
Council Member Dang requested clarification regarding the purpose of the
proclamation.
City Manager Kim explained thaf October 10 is recognized as the National Day of
the Republic of China (Taiwan), ;r"eferred 'to as the "10='0 Celebration,"
commemorating the founding of the nation "The proposed proclamation would
formally recognize this day 1n0025.
Council Member Dang asked, whether.;the celebration, is similar to the Fourth of July
in the Unite& tates.
Council�: craber Lo .,noted thaf,while the exact"historical significance of the date
was not detailed, it is irecognized as Taiwan's national day or birthday.
tarty Manager Kim rioted that GJ 0 10 Celebration marks the 114th anniversary of
the founding of the Republic of China (Taiwan), recognized as the first democratic
republic in, Asia.
Member, ang commented that the significance differs from the U.S. Fourth
noting t*14e day commemorates the founding of the Republic rather than
4ence from„another country.
Council M6ibe�16'w stated that she was not fully familiar with the historical details
and that it is�celebrated as a day for Taiwan's national birthday.
Mayor Pro Tem Armenta noted that during a previous delegation visit to Taiwan, the
trip coincided with October 10, which is recognized as Taiwan's national birthday.
She explained that October 10 is considered Taiwan's birthday and clarified the
upcoming 114th anniversary. She suggested that the City Council may wish to
consider recognizing only major milestone anniversaries, such as the 115th, 120th,
or 150th, rather than annually including each consecutive year. She noted that
including the celebration on the City's approved proclamation list annually could set
a precedent for future years. She proposed to table the item to gather additional
Rosemead City Council Special & Regular Joint Meeting
Minutes of September 9, 2025
Page 5 of 8
information and determine whether recognition should be limited to significant
milestones.
Council Member Dang stated that he was unfamiliar with the full history and
significance of the National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and expressed
uncertainty regarding the purpose and context of the proclamation. He requested
additional information from staff to better understand the historical background,
importance, and legacy associated with October 10 before casting a vote.
Mayor Pro Tem Armenta tabled the item and asked staff to invite the organization to
attend the next City Council meeting in order to provide more information about the
proclamation.
Mayor Clark agreed to postpone the it(
return so that the Council could obtai
with the request not becoming an,
preference but wanted to honor them
with Taiwan. She reiterated that ix 195
as Mayor, and the delegation was welt
freedom and their fight for liberty. A
Taiwan Sister City program and the T
our City. Mrs. Clark asked to !t
they wish to be honored, partic
freedom reflects the values our
and their government.
Mayor Prp. Tem. Armenta notes
the request to add the National
to the next Council meeting .
School Y,
this
to then ext meeting and have the delegation
iiore information. She noted she was okay
going resolution if that is the Council's
;cause the City:lias a long-standing history
she visited our Sister City Keelung, Taiwan
ling to their island and`_she appreciated their
itionally, we have connections through the
IVan,Center, demonstrating the strong ties to
temack at the next meeting to clarify how
rdin `ih,e;significance of this birthday. Their
:ands for supports the Taiwanese people
e Council expressed a desire to table Item 5C,
the Republic of China (Taiwan) proclamation
El Monte Union High School District for
Deputy Funding
The. El Monte Union High":School District contracts with the Los Angeles County
Sheriff's Department for a School Resource Deputy. Through a Memorandum of
Understanding, the :El Monte Union High School District is requesting the City of
Rosemead Ao share,>50% of the cost for the School Resource Deputy assigned to
Rosemead'High School for the 2025-2026 school year.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager to
execute the Memorandum of Understanding with El Monte Union High School
District for the 2025-2026 School Resource Deputy program.
6. MATTERS FROM CITY MANAGER & STAFF - None
Rosemead City Council Special & Regular Joint Meeting
Minutes of September 9, 2025
Page 6 of 8
7. MATTERS FROM MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL
A. Council Comments
Council Member Low requested that the City Manager and staff review potential
actions the City can take to support residents and businesses impacted by federal
immigration enforcement activities (ICE). She emphasized that these activities are
affecting members of the community and local businesses. Council Member Low
suggested the possibility of preparing information or guidance to communicate the
City's commitment to assisting residents within the, limits of the law.
Council Member Dang stated that many
are preparing for the 2028 Olympic (
executive team to develop ideas to mal{
opportunities to showcase the City Hb
Department to assist businesses with
advance of 2028. He also encouraged
consider Olympic -related special events
projects, including improvements to the
enhance the City's vistbiiity,,and reading;
Additionally. Mayor Clark it
g cities, including Los Angeles,
challenged City staff and the
"Olympic ready," highlighting
Qoordinating with the Planning
permits and ground -breaking projects in
the Parks and Recreation Department to
Additionally, he referenced public works
, as
to
toCouncil Member Dang's comments regarding the
the recent San Gabriel Valley Regional Council of
discussions ` focused:. on Olympic -related planning,
es 14 host eve1its. ,Mayor Clark referenced the San
hoc committee meeting and suggested that City staff
)artiopate in Olympic -related initiatives.
and Council Members to the City's
, scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at City Hall.
Mayor Pro Tem-Armenta addressed traffic safety concerns, specifically regarding the
installation of speed bumps'i residential areas. She stated she visited Mountain View
High,School in El Monte prior to the meeting to observe the effectiveness and noise
levels ofspeed bumps. She noted that when testing at various speeds within the speed
limit, the speed bumps did not produce excessive noise, even with windows down.
She referenced a prior survey conducted regarding speed bumps before the addition
of Mr. Gutierrez to the staff team. She emphasized ongoing community concerns
regarding vehicle speeds on long streets, like at Garvey Avenue to Graves Avenue,
and urged the Council to revisit the installation of speed bumps to improve safety for
residents and children. She noted that other cities have successfully implemented
speed bumps and questioned why similar measures have not been implemented in
Rosemead.
In regard to the public comments on ICE, Mayor Pro Tern Armenta stated there are
fears in the community related to ICE activities. She noted that some residents,
including naturalized citizens and vulnerable individuals, are experiencing
Rosemead City Council Special & Regular Joint Meeting
Minutes of September 9, 2025
Page 7 of 8
significant anxiety about potential raids. She talked about the raid at a Country Car
Wash highlighting as an example of the impact on the community. She emphasized
that the Sheriff's Department has stated it will not participate in ICE enforcement
actions in the City and reaffirmed the Council's commitment to resident safety. While
state and federal options are limited, she encouraged regional and state collaboration
to develop solutions and protect residents' rights. Mrs. Armenta requested that the
City Manager contact State Senator Sasha Renee Perez to host a "Know Your Rights"
seminar in Rosemead. Furthermore, she also suggested reporting suspected
kidnappings or violations, including contacting local law enforcement if streets are
blocked or if potential kidnappings occur. She acknowledged the need for residents
to remain vigilant and informed, encouraged community cooperation, and suggested
organizing food drive efforts, to support neighbors affected by the raids.
Council Member Low thanked residents
that the Rosemead Moon Festival will take Mace
p.m. She expressed appreciation to th6Tarks and
Works for their efforts in oraanizinji'he' event.
Mayor Pro Tern Armenta recogni
their efforts during the 4th of July
at Rosemead Park reported feelin
Mayor Pro Tem Armenta'express
Sheriff's team and cominended'
safety of residents and guest,thro
8. ADJO
Mayor Pro Tem Armenta di
and reminded attendees
from 2:30 p.m. to 11:00
Department and Public
ed the Sheriff's Department for
noted that residents and visitors
[e Sheriff's patrols and assistance.
for the collaborative efforts of the
irector Murakami in ensuring the
wring the holiday.
the Tegular City Council meeting at 8:11 p.m. and
to Closed Session, which later adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Ericka Hernandez, City Clerk
Rosemead City Council Special & Regular Joint Meeting
Minutes of September 9, 2025
Page 8 of 8