MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK
HELD APRIL 9, 2024
Vol. 54 Pg. 68
1. GENERAL
The City Council met in a regular session on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber of the Civic Center, 6650 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, California, Mayor Sonne presiding.
1A. CALL TO ORDER
1B. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Brown, Castañeda, Traut, Ahn, Sonne
ABSENT: None
Also present were: Aaron France, City Manager; Chris Cardinale, City Attorney; and, Adria M. Jimenez, MMC, Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk. 1C. INVOCATION
The Invocation was led by Rabbi Lawrence Goldmark.
1D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Swati Meshram, Planning Manager. 1E. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager France reported the following:
• Earth Day, Saturday, April 13, 2024, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., at 7720 Western Avenue, Buena Park. Free mulch, compost, shredding, and e-waste disposal will be available. • Arbor Day, Friday, April 19, 2024, 3:00 p.m., at Buena Terra Elementary School
2. PRESENTATIONS
2A. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL 2024 AS FAIR HOUSING MONTH Council Member Castañeda presented a proclamation recognizing April 2024 as Fair Housing Month to Christina Prado, Fair Housing Foundation Outreach Coordinator. 2B. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL 7-13, 2024, AS NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK Council Member Traut presented a proclamation recognizing April 7-13, 2024, as National Library Week to Ann Duarte, Buena Park Library District Interim Library Services Supervisor, Ruth Cho, Buena Park Library District Children's Librarian, and Brenda Gomez, Buena Park Library District Outreach Coordinator.
2C. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL 2024 AS DONATE LIFE MONTH Vice Mayor Ahn presented a proclamation recognizing April 2024 as Donate Life Month to Mona Castro, OneLegacy Ambassador.
Minutes April 9, 2024 Vol. 54 Pg. 69
2D. REGIONAL CENTER OF ORANGE COUNTY (RCOC) PRESENTATION Arturo Cazares, MPA, Regional Center of Orange County Director of Community Services, and Jennifer Montanez, Regional Center of Orange County Director of Case Management, provided a presentation regarding an Overview of RCOC; Eligibility for Early Start Services; Eligibility for Lanterman Services; and, other services and support RCOC offers. 2E. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL 2024 AS AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH Item taken out of order.
Mayor Sonne presented a proclamation recognizing April 2024 as Autism Acceptance Month to Arturo Cazares, MPA, RCOC Director of Community Services, and Jennifer Montanez, RCOC Director of Case Management, and Rosa Chang, M.Ed., Korean American Special Education Center (KASEC) Executive Director.
Senior Field Representative Joe Pak presented a certificate to RCOC, on behalf of Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva, recognizing April 2024 as Autism Acceptance Month. 3A. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Sonne announced the public may at this time address the members of the City Council on any matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council. There being no requests to speak, Mayor Sonne closed oral communications.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR (4A - 4L)
Mayor Sonne announced that Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4A through 4L would be acted upon by one motion affirming the actions as recommended on the agenda and agenda bills submitted and inquired if anyone present desired to have any item removed for separate consideration.
There being no requests for separate consideration, the following action was taken on Item Nos. 4A - 4L:
MOTION: Brown
SECOND: Traut
AYES: Brown, Traut, Ahn, Castañeda, Sonne
NOES: None
MOTION CARRIED that all actions recommended on Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4A - 4L be approved.
Minutes
4A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Recommended Action: Approve the Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings of March 26, 2024.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Finance 75
4B. RESOLUTIONS APPROVING CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolutions approving Claims and Demands.
ADOPTED the following titled resolutions:
RESOLUTION NO. 14824
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1,615,786.63 DEMAND NOS. 423994 THROUGH 424194 CANCELLED NOS. 420930, 423281, AND 423950 RESOLUTION NO. 14825
À RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $953,354.97 COVERING REGULAR PAYROLL ENDING MARCH 15, 2024
Minutes April 9, 2024 Vol. 54 Pg. 70
Proclamations 119
4C. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL 2024 AS FAIR HOUSING MONTH Recommended Action: Approve Proclamation.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Proclamations 119
4D. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL 7-13, 2024, AS NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK Recommended Action: Approve Proclamation.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Proclamations 119
4E. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL 2024 AS AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH Recommended Action: Approve Proclamation.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Proclamations 119
4F. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL 2024 AS DONATE LIFE MONTH Recommended Action: Approve Proclamation.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Contracts 70 C-3531 Public Works Proj. 125 PW-954
AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF FULLERTON FOR THE WATER MAIN
INTERCONNECT (MAGNOLIA AVENUE) PROJECT
Recommended Action: 1) Approve a water main interconnect agreement with the City of Fullerton; 2) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, non- monetary changes to the agreement; and, 3) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the agreement.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Contracts 70 C-3520 Public Works Proj. 125 PW-951
FINAL PAYMENT FOR THE DEMOLITION OF SEVERAL CITY-OWNED PROPERTIES
ALONG BEACH BOULEVARD
Recommended Action: 1) Accept project as complete and approve final payment to Tim Greenleaf Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $113,463.73; and, 2) Authorize the Public Works Department to file a Notice of Completion.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Transportation 148 Grants 185
4l. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION FOR FUNDS FOR THE MEASURE M2 ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUP TIER 1 GRANT PROGRAM, UNDER ORANGE COUNTY LOCAL TRANSPORTATION ORDINANCE NO. 3 FOR
THE CATCH BASIN CPS-MOD AND ARS-CL SCREEN PROJECT
Recommended Action: 1) Adopt a Resolution authorizing an application for funds for the Environmental Cleanup, Tier 1 Grant Program under Orange County Local Transportation Ordinance No. 3 for the Catch Basin CPS-Mod and ARS-CL Screen Project.
APPROVED the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 14826
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF APPLICATION FOR FUNDS FOR THE MEASURE M2 ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUP TIER 1 GRANT PROGRAM, UNDER ORANGE COUNTY LOCAL TRANSPORTATION ORDINANCE NO. 3 FOR THE CATCH BASIN CPS-MOD & ARS-
CL SCREEN PROJECT
Minutes April 9, 2024 Vol. 54 Pg. 71
Master Plan-Comp-Gen 14.2
4J. BUENA PARK GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL REPORT TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT
OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (HCD)
Consideration of the 2023 General Plan Annual Report required by the State Department of Housing and Community Development.
Recommended Action: 1) Adopt the 2023 General Plan Annual Progress Report (APR); 2) Authorize the Community and Economic Development Department to transmit the report to the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR) as required by state law; and, 3) Authorize the Community and Economic Development Department to make any changes to the report in response to comments received from HCD or OPR.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Contracts 70 C- 3532 Purchasing 127
4K. PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF CAMERAS, REPLACEMENT, AND UPGRADE
OF THE BUENA PARK POLICE FACILITY CCTV CAMERA SYSTEM
Recommended Action: 1) Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Specialized Installations for the purchase and installation of a new video surveillance system for the Buena Park Police Department Facility; 2) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, non-monetary changes to the agreement; 3) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the agreement and any documents necessary for the purchase of the hardware; and, 4) Dispense with formal bidding pursuant to Section
3.28.080 (H) of the Buena Park Municipal Code, based on a finding that dispensing with formal bidding for replacement and upgrades to the Buena Park Police Department's camera system is in the best interest of the City because it will allow the City to procure services and equipment that is compatible with existing infrastructure and needs.
APPROVED the recommended action.
ADDED ITEM
City Council 55
APPROVE A BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL EXPENSES FOR
COUNCIL MEMBER CASTANEDA'S PARTICIPATION IN THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LATINO ELECTED OFFICIALS (NALEO) POLICY INSTITUTE:
TACKLING THE HOUSING CRISIS
Recommended Action: 1) Approve a budget amendment from the General Fund to the City Council's Conferences, Meetings, and Training budget in an amount of $315 to cover meals and transportation expenses for Council Member Castañeda.
APPROVED the recommended action.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
5. NEW BUSINESS (5A)
Contracts 70 C-3533 Public Works Proj. 125 PW-955
RESOLUTION APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT WITH HARDY & HARPER, INC. FOR THE CABALLERO BOULEVARD
PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT
Recommended Action: 1) Adopt a resolution approving the plans and specifications for the Caballero Boulevard Pavement Rehabilitation Project; 2) Award a contract to Hardy & Harper, Inc. in the amount of $659,000; 3) Authorize contingency funds in the amount of $76,000; 4) Authorize construction engineering funds in the amount of $65,000; 5) Authorize a purchase order for The Solis Group in the amount of $5,380 for the Community Workforce Administration (CWA); 6) Authorize contingency funds in the amount of $1,345 for the Community Workforce Administration (CWA); 7) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, non-monetary changes to the contract; and, 8) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the contract.
Minutes April 9, 2024 Vol. 54 Pg. 72
Assistant Engineer Tran provided a report regarding the Caballero Boulevard Pavement Rehabilitation Project which includes a grind, overlay, and dig-outs of asphalt pavement from Valley View Street to Regio Avenue. Additional improvements will include utility lid adjustments, curb drain replacements, catch basin repairs, and new traffic signing and striping. Construction is anticipated to begin in May 2024, and be completed by July 2024. The City received and publicly opened five (5) bids on March 21, 2024. The lowest, responsible bid was submitted by Hardy & Harper Inc. of Lake Forest, CA, in the amount of $659,000. Staff recommended that the City Council award a contract to Hardy & Harper, Inc. in the amount of $659,000 for the Caballero Boulevard Pavement Rehabilitation Project.
MOTION: Castañeda
SECOND: Traut
AYES: Castañeda, Traut, Ahn, Brown, Sonne
NOES: None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO.14827
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE CABALLERO BOULEVARD
PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT IN SAID CITY
Contracts 70 C-3534 Police Dept. 117 Budgets 47
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH WESTERN AUDIO VISUAL
SERVICES (WAVS) FOR UPGRADES TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TRAINING
ROOM/EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER (EOC) AUDIO/VISUAL SYSTEM Recommended Action: 1) Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Western Audio Visual for upgrades to the audio/visual (A/V) system in the Police Department Training Room/Emergency Operations Center (EOC); 2) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary non-monetary changes to the agreement; 3) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the agreement; 4) Approve a budget amendment in the amount of $122,093.35 from the General Fund revenues for this purpose; and, 5) Determine that dispensing with competitive bidding pursuant to Buena Park Municipal Code 3.28.080 (H) is in the best interest of the City.
Police Captain Geyer provided a report regarding the upgrade to the Police Department training room/Emergency Operations Center (EOC) A/V system. Technology has continued to evolve since the building was built but the Training Room A/V suite has barely changed. Broken equipment has been replaced by the closest comparable models or simply left in place. As a result, the system no longer supports the room's training efforts or EOC missions and is unable to make use of new technologies to support remote training, teleconferencing, streaming video, and multi-source integration. The proposed project will comprehensively replace nearly all outdated wiring and equipment in the Training Room. The entire A/ system will be rewired and reinstalled to simplify the maintenance and troubleshooting when issues arise in the tuture.
Additionally, the existing control system will be replaced due to loss of some components. The upgrades will fulfill the present training and EOC needs and position the room for future uses.
The upgrade is anticipated to begin on July 10, 2024 and will take about three weeks to MOTION: Castañeda
SECOND: Ahn
AYES: Castañeda, Ahn, Brown, Traut, Sonne
NOES: None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action.
RECESS/RECONVENE
Mayor Sonne recessed the meeting at 5:56 p.m. and announced the meeting would be reconvened in the City Council Chamber. The meeting was reconvened at 6:02 p.m.
Minutes April 9, 2024 Vol. 54 Pg. 73
PUBLIC HEARING
Codes 64 Zone Changes 14.5
6A. ADOPT AN ORDINANCE APPROVING TEXT AMENDMENT TO TITLE 19 ZONING OF
THE BUENA PARK MUNICIPAL CODE TO CHANGE THE FENCE SETBACKS IN
COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONES
the facts and findings provided herein.
Mayor Sonne stated that this was the time and place for a public hearing to consider an Ordinance approving Text Amendment No. C-24-3 and find that the proposed Zoning Code Text Amendment is exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) and Section 15303(e).
Planning Manager Meshram provided a report regarding a change to the fence setbacks in commercial and industrial zones. The City's Planning Division received multiply inquiries from property owners and businesses proposing to install a six-foot high fence within the parking setback area to better secure parking areas overnight or during other periods of inactivity.
However, existing setback requirements only allow a 2-foot high solid fence or 3.5-feet high for a non-view-obscuring fence within the required parking setback. Fences higher than that along a street are permitted at the building setback line, but would result to a loss of existing parking spaces. The proposed amendment to Title 19 of the Buena Park Municipal Code will allow a 6- foot high decorative and non-view-obscuring fence up to the parking setback. The review process will require zoning compliance review by the Planning Division and may require a building permit from the Building Division depending on factors specific to each site.
Additionally, Planning Manager Meshram noted that the Zoning Text Amendment is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3), which only applies to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment and does not apply where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility of a significant effect. The proposed ordinance is also categorically exempt from CEQA under the Class 3 exemption set forth in State CEQA Guidelines section 15303(e), which specifically lists the construction of appurtenant accessory structures and fences as examples of activity that expressly falls within this exemption.
Mayor Sonne opened the public hearing and inquired if anyone present desired to speak. There being no requests to speak, Mayor Sonne closed the public hearing.
Council Member Castañeda asked about the text amendment's applicability to a daycare facility in District 2.
Planning Manager Meshram explained that the applicability of the ordinance would depend on the zoning of the property. Pursuant to the ordinance, commercial and industrial zone applicants could apply for a fence permit at a location that matches their parking setback line, is decorative in nature and non-view obscuring, through a zoning compliance review.
MOTION: Castañeda
SECOND: Traut
AYES: Castañeda, Traut, Ahn, Brown, Sonne
NOES: None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO.1737
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 19.528.020 (FENCE HEIGHTS) OF TITLE 19 (ZONING) OF THE
BUENA PARK MUNICIPAL CODE IN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONES CITY WIDE Minutes April 9, 2024 Vol. 54 Pg. 74
7. MAYOR/CITY COUNCIL REPORTS AND CALENDAR
7A. REPORT
Council Member Castañeda reported the following:
• March 28 Corey Elementary School's Annual Reader's Day • April 1 Elected Official Lunch and Learn with OCPA
• April 3 CA HSR and CalTrans LA to Anaheim Project Section Town Hall Meeting • April 4 Fullerton State of the City
• April 4 Middle and High School Art Show Awards and Reception • April 6 OC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Estrella Awards • April 7 Rav Cordova Celebration of Life and Memorial Service • April 9 Juneteenth Celebration Committee Meeting
Vice Mayor Ahn reported the following:
• March 27 OC Sanitation District Joint Board Meeting
• March 28 Corey Elementary School's Annual Reader's Day • March 28 WE LEAD BP Workshop
• March 30 California Dream Seoul Art Exhibition
• April 3 OC Sanitation District Operations Committee Meeting • April 4 Congresswoman Steel's City Manager and Mayor Roundtable • April 4 Fullerton State of the City
• April 4 Middle and High School Art Show Awards and Reception • April 5 Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva's 2024 Young Legislators Program Graduation Ceremony
• April 6 Spring Family Festival at Calvary Mission Church Buena Park • April 8 Anaheim Villa Assisted Living Facility Tour
• April 9 Provide St. Jude Medical Center Update Reception Council Member Brown reported the following:
• March 28 OCCOG Annual Conference
• April 3 SCAG Executive/Administration Committee Meeting • April 4 SCAG Transportation Committee and Regional Council Meeting • April 4 Middle and High School Art Show Awards and Reception • April 5 All City/Schools Track and Field Meet
Council Member Traut reported the following:
March 28 OCFA Board of Directors Meetin!
• April 5 Al Citv School rack and rield Mee
Council Member Traut reported attending the March 28, 2024 OCFA Board of Directors meeting wherein the Board received an update regarding the OCFA's Joint Powers Agreement. The saio agreement is renewed automatically every year. Therefore, no action is required from participating cities. Additionally, Council Member Traut was appointed to the Capital Improvement Program Committee for OCFA, and indicated the Committee's focus in the upcoming year. Lastly, Council Member Traut announced that him and wife Cheyenne Traut are officially homeowners in Buena Park.
Mayor Sonne reported the following:
• March 30 California Dream Seoul Art Exhibition
• April 4 2024 CCAC Annual Conference
• April 4 Middle and High School Art Show Awards and Reception • April 5 Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva's 2024 Young Legislators Program Graduation Ceremony
• April 8 OCPA Risk Oversight Committee Meeting
Mayor Sonne reported attending and participating in an Embracing Neurodiversity in Government session with Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Jimenez at the April 4, 2024 CCAC Annual Conference in San Diego, CA. Mayor Sonne thanked Director Jimenez for her hard work in putting together the session.
8. RECESS/RECONVENE
The City Council did not recess.
Minutes April 9, 2024 Vol. 54 Pg. 75
9. STUDY SESSION (9A - 9C)
9A. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING THE SECURITY UPGRADES
FOR THE WHITAKER-JAYNES ESTATE & BACON HOUSE
Assistant City Engineer Arabolu and Police Captain Nguyen provided a report regarding the proposed security upgrades for the Whitaker-Jaynes Estate and Bacon House. Since January 2023, there has been some serious security incidents at the premises, including graffiti on the exterior of the building, damage to the water fountain, unauthorized access to the service hatch located beneath the Bacon House that led to a fire, damage to the air conditioning unit, attempted glass breakage on both east and west sides of the building, and instances of transients sleeping in the garden area of the building. Staff conducted a thorough field investigation to identify the building's vulnerabilities and has taken action against the threat of unauthorized users, one of which is a lack of complete enclosure of the property. Staff presented options for City Council consideration regarding physical changes to the property to enhance and heighten security, and sought direction on how to proceed with such proposed security upgrades.
The City Council asked about considering a high pitch noise machine to deter intruders; front fencing options; and, the difference in cost of gate options.
Assistant City Engineer Arabolu indicated that a high pitch noise machine used in security systems has not been explored. The alarm system being considered is one that includes fire and burglary monitoring. As for the front fencing, Assistant City Engineer Arabolu explained that the fencing will be exactly where it is now. There may be an obstruction on the new signage.
Nevertheless, the sign would either be relocated or its configuration would need to be changed.
Moreover, there is no significant difference in costs on the gate options, but staff indicated that the 6-ft. high single swing gates would be a better option so the existing plaque would not need Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Jimenez acknowledged an email correspondence in support of the security upgrades for the Whitaker-Jaynes Estate and Bacon House from North Orange County Chamber CEO Andrew W. Gregson.
Council Member Brown provided examples of serious security incidents that occurred at the Whitaker-Jaynes Estate and Bacon House, and encouraged the City Council to proceed with the security upgrades at the premises.
Following the discussion, the City Council directed staff to immediately upgrade the fence, gates, CCTV system, and alarm system at the Whitaker-Jaynes Estate and Bacon House.
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING NORTH SERVICE PLANNING
AREA (NSPA) FUNDING OPTIONS
City Manager France provided a report regarding funding options for the North Service Planning Area (NSPA). In 2020, the NSPA opened two navigation centers for the unhoused in the cities of Placentia and Buena Park. The NSPA agreement was approved and signed by all the cities, except Anaheim, details the legal arrangement between the cities who belong to the north service planning area, and binds the group to operate the navigation centers, collectively.
Moreover, the original NSPA agreement included a funding formula for the two navigation centers. The formula was based on a variety of factors and each city in the NSPA is allocated a cost annually to fund maintenance and operations of the two navigation centers. Buena Park funds its portion of the maintenance and operation of the navigation centers from Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA)/Senate Bill 2 (SB 2) funding. City Manager France explained the source of the PLHA/SB 2 funding, and presented a breakdown of the total PLHA/SB 2 funding the City is anticipated to receive and Buena Park's portion of maintenance and operations costs for the two shelters for Fiscal Years 2019-2020 (Year 1), 2020-2021 (Year 2), 2021-2022 (Year 3), 2022-2023 (Year 4). It was noted that the City only received PLHA/SB 2 funding for Year 1. The City applied for Years 2 and 3 funding. However, no funding has been received at this time. Staff sought City Council direction on whether or not to continue utilizing PLHA/SB 2 funding for the navigation center maintenance and operations; other funding sources the City Council desires to utilize; and, potential uses of uncommitted balance of approximately $700,000 following the disbursement for Year 4.
Minutes April 9, 2024 Vol. 54 Pg. 76
Vice Mayor Ahn suggested staff to ensure other cities are contributing to their share of the maintenance and operations expenses at the navigation center. Additionally, Vice Mayor Ahn suggested to utilize the uncommitted balance of approximately $700,000 for affordable housing development in the City.
Council Member Castañeda spoke in support of Vice Mayor Ahn's suggestion to utilize the uncommitted balance of approximately $700,000 for affordable housing development in the City.
Also, Council Member Castañeda asked about the probability of Prop 1 implementation to cause a change to the formula of PLHA/SB 2 funding in the future, and the probability to allocate a certain amount of General Fund money to fund a new affordable housing or low to moderate income housing project.
Council Member Traut asked about senior affordable housing in the City. Moreover, Council Member Traut spoke in support of utilizing the uncommitted balance for some type of homelessness continuum of care.
Director of Community and Economic Development Foulkes explained that the $2 million allocated for the Orchard View Gardens Senior Housing Project came from the Low and Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund, and there is no real funding left in that category.
Mayor Sonne Asked about the conditions for use of the uncommitted balance of approximately $700,000 of PLHA/SB 2 funding; amount the City would receive if another funding source is utilized; flexibility in the PLHA/SB 2 funding to incentivize for an affordable housing project; and, possibility of increase in the uncommitted balance.
City Manager France indicated that the City would have to backfill funding the City is anticipated to receive from Years 2, 3, and 4 from the General Fund or CDBG Fund. City Manager France also explained that the use of PLHA/SB 2 funding is more restrictive compare to other funding sources. There is, however, a possibility for the uncommitted balance to increase depending on real estate transaction. Staff will bring an item at the May City Council meeting pertaining to Director of Finance Hyun explained that the City Council has the most discretion on General Fund dollars to fund public activities. Moreover, the City is dependent on sales tax revenues.
With the suggested moderate income housing efforts, there is a possibility that there would be no flexibility to balance the budget every year.
Vice Mayor Ahn spoke about her intentions to incentivize developers to come to Buena Park to build affordable housing, healthcare facility, or assisted living for seniors in the community. Vice Mayor Ahn noted that she desires for the City to continue with existing programs, and at the same time, be able to put aside funds for other substantial programs to address the needs of the members of the community.
Following further discussion, the City Council directed staff to continue paying for the navigation center maintenance and operations with PLHA/SB 2 funds; continue saving the uncommitted fund balance until the City is able to finance an affordable housing project; and, look for other possible funding options for incentivizing affordable housing. 9C. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALENDAR
Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Jimenez informed the City Council about Council Member Castañeda and Traut's absence at the April 23, 2024 City Council meeting, and inquired if other Council Members will be present in person to establish a quorum.
There is a public hearing and City Selection Committee appointment schedule for the said meeting date. Additionally, Director Jimenez sought City Council direction on whether or not to designate the second meeting in August as a Legislative Recess. Director Jimenez indicated that at last year's legislative recess, staff used the time to focus on projects, and hold staff and Commission/Committee Member trainings, to which staff was grateful.
The City Council confirmed a quorum for the April 23, 2024, City Council meeting, and directed staff to designate the second meeting in August as a legislative recess.
Minutes April 9, 2024 Vol. 54 Pg. 77
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager France announced the Volunteer Recognition: Viva Las Volunteers event on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 1:00 p.m., at the Ehlers Event Center.
11. COMMISSION & COMMITTEE UPDATES
Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk discussed that the last session of the Buena Park Community Academy ended on Thursday, April, 4, 2024. The group will have their bus tour around the City on Thursday, April 11, 2024, and is scheduled to be recognized at the April 23, 2024 Regular City Council meeting.
12. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Sonne adjourned the meeting at 7:31 p.m. The meeting was adjourned in memory of former Buena Park Police Department Corporal Mike Cook.
Sunson
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk