Monterey Park City Council Seeks to Fill Personnel Board Vacancy

The Monterey Park City Council is seeking a Monterey Park resident to fill an open seat on the five-member Personnel Board.

2.28.050 Personnel board—Appointment.

(a) The city council shall appoint the members of the personnel board in the following manner: One member from a list of three persons nominated by the personnel of the Monterey Park fire and police departments, one member from a list of three persons nominated by the remaining employees of the city, two members from the community at large, and one member from a list of three persons nominated by a majority of the four previously appointed members. A majority vote of the city council shall be required to appoint a member of the personnel board.

(b) Nominations as required in subsection (a) of this section shall be made to the council within thirty days following notification by the council that such nominations are required. In the event nominations are not received within the thirty-day period, the council may proceed to fill the vacancies by appointment from the community at large. (Ord. 1888 § 2, 1995; prior code § 2201.3)

The functions of the Personnel Board include responsibility for review of recruitment and selection procedures, hearing appeals of employee disciplines and making recommendations regarding the Personnel System Rules and Regulations.

The board meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the city council chambers.

Members of the board serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated for their duties.

Interested parties are encouraged to complete an application and submit it to the City Clerk’s office by Friday, July 19, 2019. Applications are available from the City Clerk’s office or via download from the city website.

To download an application or for general information on city boards, etc., please visit the Commissions, Committees & Boards section of the city website (http://www.montereypark.ca.gov/636/Boards-Commissions); or contact the City Clerk’s office at 626-307-1359, or in-person at 320 W. Newmark Avenue, Monterey Park, CA 91754.

Monterey Park Fire and Police Departments Encourage Fireworks Safety, Warn of Fines for Illegal Use

Illegal fireworks will be seized and fines of $2,000-$5,000 issued. Safe and Sane fireworks allowed only on July 4 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

The City of Monterey Park allows the use of fireworks on July 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. only in the city; however, they are not allowed in city parks. Permitted fireworks must be “Safe and Sane” and cannot be modified or altered (MPMC 5.48.190).

Due to the extreme fire dangers in California and to make sure everyone in the community can enjoy the holiday, the city encourages everyone to have a safe Fourth of July holiday by ensuring the use of “Safe and Sane” fireworks only, making sure children are supervised at all times, and taking care of your pets. Many times pets are forgotten during this holiday and many are sensitive to loud noises. The fireworks can scare the animals and cause them to run off. It is recommended to bring your pets indoors and play calming music while the fireworks are being ignited or seek the advice of your local veterinarian before the 4th.

Additionally, the City of Monterey Park Fire Department’s Arson Team and the Police Department have begun patrolling the city to ensure safe preservation of the community. The city has adopted a new fine schedule for the use and/or sale of illegal fireworks. Individuals failing to comply with the city’s fireworks ordinance and found with illegal fireworks or igniting fireworks before July 4 may be susceptible to fines ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 per occurrence and confiscation of the fireworks. Fireworks seized will be destroyed in the interest of public safety and the citee may be liable for the cost of destruction of confiscated fireworks.

So, enjoy the Fourth of July holiday, but remember to use Safe and Sane only within the allowable times. If you and your family would like to celebrate somewhere other than your home, join the City of Monterey Park at its Fourth of July Celebration at Barnes Park at 350 S. McPherrin Avenue. Festivities begin at 2:30 p.m. For more information about Monterey Park’s Fourth of July Celebration, visit www.MontereyPark.ca.gov/4thofJuly.

Monterey Park Fire Department Reminds Property Owners to Create Defensible Space the Right Way

Even when used with the best intentions, lawn mowers, weed eaters, chain saws, grinders and trimmers can all spark brush fires

With the large amounts of rainfall we received this past winter, vegetation growth will be more predominant than in previous years. Maintaining the growth on your property is known as “creating a defensible space.”

For those homes situated on a hillside, that defensible space can help reduce the potential for fire spread. However, ensuring that you are clearing away that growth on your property the proper way is very important. Are you doing the right thing the wrong way? For example, trying to eliminate the fire hazards around your home and, in the process, starting a brush fire?

Each year the Monterey Park Fire Department responds to fires started by residents using equipment the wrong way. Whether working to create a defensible space around your home or just mowing the lawn, if you live in a brush area you need to use all equipment responsibly. Lawn mowers, weed eaters, chain saws, grinders and trimmers can all spark a brush fire.

Do your part, the right way, to keep your community fire safe. Here’s how to do it the right way:

• Do all yard maintenance that requires a gas or electrical motor before 10 a.m. Not in the heat of the day, or when the wind is blowing!
• Lawn mowers are designed to mow lawns. Never use lawn mowers in dry vegetation.
• Use a weed trimmer to cut down dry weeds and grass.
• Remove rocks in the area before you begin operating any equipment. A rock hidden in grass or weeds is enough to start a fire when struck by a metal blade.
• In brush areas, spark arresters are required on all portable gasoline powered equipment including tractors, harvesters, chain saws, weed eaters, mowers, motorcycles, and All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs).
• Keep the exhaust system, spark arresters and mower in proper working order and free of carbon buildup. Use the recommended grade of fuel and don’t top off.
• Keep the engine free of oil and dust, and keep the mower free of flammable materials.
• Keep a cell phone nearby and call 911 immediately in case of a fire.