CC - Minutes - 09-09-2025MINUTES 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 Council Members Dang and Low
ABSENT: Council Member Ly (on Military Leave)
City Clerk Hernandez announced that Mayor Clark would be joining the City Council meetings
under AB 2449 under Just Cause.
1. CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS — Pursuant to Government Code
Section 54957.6
AGENCY DESIGNATED ORGANIZATION REPRESENTATIVES:
City Manager Kim, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Chua, City Attorney
Rachel Richman and Donald Le from Burke, Williams and Sorensen, LLP
EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION: Rosemead Employee Association
City Attorney Richman announced the City Council would go into Closed Session
and that she would report out any Council action at the regular 7:00 p.m. meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Armenta recessed the special meeting to Closed Session at 6:31 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING
7:00 P.M.
The regular meeting of 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 the Public Comment section.
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Minutes of September 9, 2025
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3. 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, gardening, and cooking.
The Council presented him with a commemorative plaque honoring his milestone
100" birthday.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
Resident Dr. Tom Williams, stated he was a new resident, recently relocated to
Rosemead, introduced himself and outlined his extensive experience in city planning,
ADA compliance, and environmental review. Dr. Williams has previously served on
neighborhood councils in Los Angeles, participated in early ADA ramp development
in Berkeley, prepared Environmental 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 Thrin, expressed concern about the presence of ICE in
Rosemead, noting that the presence of federal enforcement personnel, including ICE,
in the city has caused fear among local residents and has impacted businesses,
including workplaces such as auto repair shops, due to employees feeling unsafe
attending work. He emphasized the perceived threat to public safety and local
economic activity and requested that the City take action to support affected families
and address community concerns.
Resident Tony Vong 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 incident in June at the same plaza. He noted ongoing community
protests highlighting concerns over federal immigration raids. He acknowledged the
City Council's actions, including a press statement clarifying that the Sheriffs
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
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Minutes of September 9, 2025
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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 expressed concern about recent immigration enforcement
activities and their impact on the community. He urged the City to maintain
transparency regarding any involvement or limitations with federal immigration
agencies and to keep residents informed. He noted the fear such actions create among
workers and families and emphasized the importance of upholding separation of
church and state in public.
4. PUBLIC HEARING - None
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
ACTION: Motion by Council Member Low, seconded by Council Member Dang to approve
Consent Calendar items A, B and D, with the exception of C. Motion was carried out by the
following votes: AYES: ARMENTA, CLARK, DANG AND LOW; NOES: NONE;
ABSENT:LY
A. Claims and Demands
• Resolution No. 2025-45
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN
CLAIMS AND DEMANDS 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 Septemher 9, 2025
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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 a proclamation for October 10, 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 in Asia since 1912 and continues
to champion freedom and democracy in Asia. It represents the resilience,
determination, and spirit of the Taiwanese people in their pursuit of freedom,
democracy, and prosperity.
Recommendation: That the City Council 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
Proclamations.
Council Member Low requested clarification regarding a proclamation request
submitted by the Taiwan Taipei Economic and Cultural Office to recognize October
10, 2025, as the National 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.
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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 City's ongoing annual proclamation list.
Council Member Dang requested clarification regarding the purpose of the
proclamation.
City Manager Kim explained that October 10 is recognized as the National Day of
the Republic of China (Taiwan), referred to as the "10-10 Celebration,"
commemorating the founding of the nation. The proposed proclamation would
formally recognize this day in 2025.
Council Member Dang asked whether the celebration is similar to the Fourth of July
in the United States.
Council Member Low noted that while the exact historical significance of the date
was not detailed, it is recognized as Taiwan's national day or birthday.
City Manager Kim noted that the 10-10 Celebration marks the 114th anniversary of
the founding of the Republic of China (Taiwan), recognized as the first democratic
republic in Asia.
Council Member Dang commented that the significance differs from the U.S. Fourth
of July, noting that the day commemorates the founding of the Republic rather than
independence from another country.
Council Member Low 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
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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 item to the next meeting and have the delegation
return so that the Council could obtain more information. She noted she was okay
with the request not becoming an ongoing resolution if that is the Council's
preference but wanted to honor them because the City has a long-standing history
with Taiwan. She reiterated that in 1992, she visited our Sister City Keelung, Taiwan
as Mayor, and the delegation was welcoming to their island and she appreciated their
freedom and their fight for liberty. Additionally, we have connections through the
Taiwan Sister City program and the Taiwan Center, demonstrating the strong ties to
our City. Mrs. Clark asked to bring this item back at the next meeting to clarify how
they wish to be honored, particularly regarding the significance of this birthday. Their
freedom reflects the values our country stands for and supports the Taiwanese people
and their government.
Mayor Pro Tem Armenta noted that the Council expressed a desire to table Item 5C,
the request to add the National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) proclamation
to the next Council meeting.
D. Memorandum of Understanding with the EI Monte Union High School District for
School Year 2025-2026 School Resource 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 to 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
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Minutes of September 9, 2025
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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 surrounding cities, including Los Angeles,
are preparing for the 2028 Olympic Games. He challenged City staff and the
executive team to develop ideas to make Rosemead "Olympic ready," highlighting
opportunities to showcase the City. He suggested coordinating with the Planning
Department to assist businesses with permits and ground -breaking projects in
advance of 2028. He also encouraged the Parks and Recreation Department to
consider Olympic -related special events. Additionally, he referenced public works
projects, including improvements to the City gateway, as potential opportunities to
enhance the City's visibility and readiness.
Mayor Clark stated in relation to Council Member Dang's comments regarding the
2028 Olympic Games, that at the recent San Gabriel Valley Regional Council of
Governments (COG) meeting, discussions focused on Olympic -related planning,
including opportunities for cities to host events. Mayor Clark referenced the San
Gabriel Valley COG's first ad hoc committee meeting and suggested that City staff
explore ways for Rosemead to participate in Olympic -related initiatives.
Additionally, Mayor Clark invited residents and Council Members to the City's
annual September l Ph remembrance ceremony, scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at City Hall.
Mayor Pro Tem Armenta addressed traffic safety concerns, specifically regarding the
installation of speed bumps in residential areas. She stated she visited Mountain View
_*alr School in El Monte prior to the meeting to observe the effectiveness and noise
_iedels of speed 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 Tem Armenta stated there are
fears in the community related to ICE activities. She noted that some residents,
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Minutes of September 9, 2025
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including naturalized citizens and vulnerable individuals, are experiencing
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 for their comments and reminded attendees
that the Rosemead Moon Festival will take place on Saturday from 2:30 p.m. to 11:00
p.m. She expressed appreciation to the Parks and Recreation Department and Public
Works for their efforts in organizing the event.
Mayor Pro Tem Armenta recognized and commended the Sheriff's Department for
their efforts during the 4th of July celebrations. She noted that residents and visitors
at Rosemead Park reported feeling safe due to the Sheriff's patrols and assistance.
Mayor Pro Tem Armenta expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the
Sheriff's team and commended Public Safety Director Murakami in ensuring the
safety of residents and guests throughout the city during the holiday.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro Tem Armenta adjourned the regular City Council meeting at 8:11 p.m. and
reconvened the special meeting back to Closed Session, which later adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
with no reportable action taken to report.
Ericka Hernandez, City
APPROVED:
Margare lark, Mayor
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Minutes of September 9, 2025
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