MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK
HELD OCTOBER 8, 2024
Vol. 54 Pg. 159
1. GENERAL
The City Council met in a regular session on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber of the Civic Center, 6650 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, California, Mayor Sonne presiding.
1 A. CALL TO ORDER
1 B. ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Brown, Traut, Ahn, Sonne
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. 1 C. INVOCATION
The Invocation was led by Rabbi Lawrence Goldmark. 1 D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Sara Copping, Director of Convention Visitor's Bureau. 1 E. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager France reported the following:
* Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Jimenez informed the public regarding a Candidate Forum, hosted by the League of Women Voters, that will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2024, 7:00 p.m. at the Buena Park City Hall Council Chamber. The Candidate Forum will be livestreamed and available on the City website at www.buenapark.com. Additionally, Director Jimenez provided an election update including candidate information, voter registration, voter information guide, vote-by-mail ballots, and opening of ballot drop boxes and vote centers. It was noted that the deadline to register to vote is Monday, October 21, 2024. All Orange County voters are encouraged to sign up for OC Ballot Express to track their vote-by-mail ballot and receive notifications via text or email.
Lastly, the public may contact the City Clerk's Office for any election-related questions, and may visit the City website for candidate and Measure R information. * The public is advised to contact the Community Services Department to submit their nominations for the Halloween Home Decorating Contest from October 7-20, 2024. * OCFA Open House, Station 61, Saturday, October 12, 2024.
2. PRESENT ATIONS
2A. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING OCTOBER 18-20, 2024 AS SILVERADO DAYS Council Member Brown presented a Proclamation recognizing October 18-20, 2024 as Silverado Days to the Buena Park Noon Lions Club. 2B. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING OCTOBER 2024 AS BREAST CANCER
AWARENESS MONTH
Vice Mayor Ahn presented a Proclamation recognizing October 2024 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month to Providence St. Jude Medical Center.
Minutes October 8, 2024 Vol. 54 Pg. 160
2C. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING OCTOBER 6-12, 2024 AS FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
Council Member Traut presented a Proclamation recognizing October 6-12, 2024 as Fire Prevention Week to OCFA Division Chief Steve Dohman.
Chief Dohman thanked the City Council for the Proclamation and invited the community to the OCFA Open House at Station 61 on Saturday, October 12, 2024, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 2D. IFI WERE MAYOR ESSAY AND POSTER CONTEST
Item pulled.
2E. NORTH ORANGE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARD PRESENT ATION NOCC President and CEO Andrew Gregson and staff presented an award to Mayor Sonne for her service and inspirational leadership to the Buena Park community; and, presented an award to City Manager France for his leadership and unwavering commitment to the City. 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.
Dr. Elizabeth Swift, Buena Park resident, spoke regarding a request to establish Preferential Parking District (PPD) on Brenner Avenue.
Racquel De Leon, Buena Park resident, spoke regarding her parking concerns along Brenner Avenue, and its effect on trash pickup and street sweeping.
Kevin, Buena Park resident, spoke regarding his parking concerns along Brenner Avenue caused by Hilton Hotel staff.
Dr. Julienne Lee, Buena Park School District Superintendent, spoke regarding Measure M - Buena Park School District, School Safety, Renovation and Construction Measure.
Lisette, Buena Park resident, spoke regarding her and her parents' parking concerns along Brenner Avenue and Melrose Avenue, and requested that the City Council consider permit parking on the said streets to alleviate overcrowding and inconvenience caused by the staff and customers of Hilton Hotel.
Art Montez, Buena Park resident, spoke regarding a request to fix the communications system in the City in preparation for future emergencies and in support of City of Buena Park Measure R - Public Safety/Essential Services.
Robert Shreeves, Buena Park resident, spoke regarding his parking concerns on Brenner Avenue caused by Hilton Hotel, and in support of permit parking on the said street.
Maria, Buena Park resident, spoke regarding her experience of a parking nuisance wherein she was unable to leave the house at a time of emergency, and requested the City Council establish Preferential Parking District on Brenner Avenue.
There being no additional requests to speak, Mayor Sonne closed oral communications.
Council Member Traut asked about the timeline of proceeding with establishing a PPD.
Director of Public Works/City Engineer Mikhael explained an estimated timeline of establishing a PPD and distribution of parking permits.
City Manager France indicated that PPDs are typically reviewed by the Traffic and Transportation Commission. However, a Commission review could be omitted with City Council direction.
Minutes October 8, 2024 Vol. 54 Pg. 161
4. CONSENT CALENDAR (4A - 4F)
Mayor Sonne announced that Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4A through 4F 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 - 4F:
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Brown
Traut
Brown, Traut, Ahn, Sonne
None
MOTION CARRIED that all actions recommended on Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4A - 4F be approved.
Minutes
4A. APPROVALOFMINUTES
Recommended Action: Approve the Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings of September 24, 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. 14905
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $2,001 ,658.78 DEMAND NOS. 426955 THROUGH 4271 77 CANCELLED NOS. 423671 , 426345 AND 426762 RESOLUTION N0. 14906
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERT AIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1,051 ,271 .97 COVERING REGULAR PAYROLL ENDING SEPTEMBER 13, 2024
Proclamations 119
4C. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING OCTOBER 18-20, 2024 AS SILVERADO DAYS Recommended Action: Approve Proclamation.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Proclamations 119
4D. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING OCTOBER 2024 AS BREAST CANCER
AWARENESS MONTH
Recommended Action: Approve Proclamation.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Proclamations 119
4E. PROCLAMATIONRECOGNIZINGOCTOBER6-12,2024ASFIREPREVENTION WEEK
Recommended Action: Approve Proclamation.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Minutes October 8, 2024 Vol. 54 Pg. 162
Public Works Proj. 125
4F. REJECT ALL BIDS AND RE-ADVERTISE FOR THE PEAK PARK WATER WELL
DRILLING PROJECT
Recommended Action: 1 ) Reject all bids; and, 2) Authorize the City Clerk to re-advertise the project for bids.
APPROVED the recommended action.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
5. NEW BUSINESS (5A - 5B)
Contracts 70 C-3561 Public Works Proj. 125 PW-965 5A. FINAL PAYMENT TO ROY ALLAN SLURRY SEAL, INC. FOR THE 2023-2024
ANNUAL SLURRY SEAL PROJECT
Recommended Action: 1 ) Accept the project as complete and approve a Final payment to Roy Allan Slurry Seal, Inc. in the amount of $267,260.65; and, 2) Direct the Public Works Department to file a Notice of Completion.
Principal Engineer Alqam provided a report regarding the completion of the 2023-2024 Annual Slurry Seal Project. Work limits of the 2023-2024 Annual Slurry Seal Project included the areas north of Linco!n Avenue, south of Crescent Avenue, in between Los Altos Drive and Valley View Street. Roy Allan Slurry Seal, Inc. completed the Project and submitted a bill for work completion dated September 16, 2024. The final contract cost for this project is $281,327, which included change orders and quantity changes. It was recommended that the City Council accept the project as complete and turn the public facility over to the City for maintenance and operation.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Brown
Ahn
Brown, Ahn, Traut, Sonne
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action.
Contracts 70 C-3529
5B. AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH CMLTEC ENGINEERING, INC. FOR THE MAGNOLIA AVENUE WATER MAIN
INTERCONNECT PROJECT
Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve Amendment No. 2 to Professional Services Agreement No. 23-07 with Civiltec Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $12,120; 2) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary nonmonetary changes to the amendment; and, 3) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the amendment.
Assistant Engineer Tran provided a report regarding an amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Civiltec Engineering, Inc. for the Magnolia Avenue Water Main Interconnect Project. The project scope includes establishing a connection between the Magnolia Avenue water main and the City of Fullerton's system to offer additional water source, enhance redundancy for fire flow needs, and mitigate pressure loss in the event of a main break. Under the current PSA with Civiltec Engineer, Inc., construction support services are provided throughout the duration of the project. Nevertheless, additional support is needed to review additional construction submittals related to electrical work. It was recommended that the City Council approve Amendment No. 2 to Professional Services Agreement No. 23-07 with Civiltec Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $12,120 to cover the necessary additional work.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Traut
Sonne
Traut, Sonne, Ahn, Brown
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action.
Minutes October 8, 2024 Vol. 54 Pg. 163
6. PUBLIC HEARING
No Public Hearing Items.
7. MAYOR/CITY COUNCIL REPORTS AND CALENDAR
7A. REPORT
Council Member Brown reported the following:
@ September 26 0CCOG Board Meeting
* September 27 NOCC Small Business Forum
* October 2 Buena Park State of the City
* October 3 NOCC SHE Influences Conference and Business Expo @ October 5 Buena Park Noon Lions Silverado Ball
Council Member Traut commended Mayor Sonne, City Manager France, and the City Manager's Office staff for a successful State of the City. Additionally, Council Member Traut and Mayor Sonne jointly calendared a review and discussion of permit parking on Brenner Avenue and Melrose Avenue.
Vice Mayor Ahn reported the following:
* September 25 QC Sanitation District Board Meeting * September 28 Friendly Center's One Heart Gala
* October 2 Buena Park State of the City
* October 3 NOCC SHE Influences Conference and Business Expo @ October 3 0CPA Open House and Annual Celebration * October 5 Buena Park Noon Lions Silverado Ball Vice Mayor Ahn acknowledged the NOCC For sponsoring the SHE Influences Conference and Business Expo.
Mayor Sonne reported the following:
* September 26 QC Black Chamber of Commerce 40'h Anniversary Banquet * September 28 Friendly Center's One Heart Gala
* October 2 Buena Park State of the City
* October 3 0CPA Open House and Annual Celebration * October 4 Magnolia High School Freight Farming Ribbon Cutting * October 5 Buena Park Noon Lions Silverado Ball Mayor Sonne attended the October 3, 2024 0CPA Open House and Annual Celebration wherein Buena Park Middle School was awarded a Bright Futures grant in the amount of $20,000. Also, Mayor Sonne calendared parking solutions for the area south of Crescent Avenue, between Western Avenue and Beach Boulevard.
8. RECESS/RECONVENE
Mayor Sonne recessed the meeting at 5:57 p.m. and announced the meeting would be reconvened in the City Council Chamber. The meeting was reconvened at 6:07 p.m.
Minutes October 8, 2024 Vol. 54 Pg. 164
9. STUDY SESSION (9A - 9C)
9A. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING BEL AIR STREET TRAFFIC
CALMING OPTIONS
Assistant City Engineer Arabolu introduced Traffic Consultant Paul Martin to present the Bel Air Street traffic calming options.
Paul Martin, Traffic Consultant, discussed residents' concerns regarding speeding and traffic safety on Bel Air Street. City staff conducted a field review of the existing conditions in the area, implemented traffic calming measures to address some concerns, and collaborated with the Police Department to enforce traffic regulations. Despite these efforts, residents continue to express their concerns on speeding issues. City staff introduced several engineering treatments beyond the standard measures typically used on residential streets as well as explored pursuing a grant to implement traffic-calming measures on the roadway. On September 9, 2024, a traffic forum was conducted to discuss concerns, ideas for improvements, and plans for a grant application to secure funding for planning and implementation of possible solutions. The consultant team presented an overview of the grant application, including an anticipated project schedule, assuming the application was selected for funding and gathered feedback from residents. Ultimately, residents requested for installation of speed humps or other traffic calming options on Bel Air Street. Mr. Martin explained the advantages and disadvantages of speed humps, and listed the existing speed hump policies in Orange County. Furthermore, Mr. Martin described potential Bel Air Street Traffic Calming Treatments for City Council's consideration.
Mayor Sonne asked about the timeframe police officers were out surveying traffic on Bel Air Street; impact of speed humps on service vehicles; other Orange County cities with speed humps as part of their traffic mitigation and liabilities reported; and speed cushions as a better option.
Captain Nguyen indicated that a speed trailer was placed on Bel Air Street for three full days to monitor speed of traffic and collect data needed for this study. Police officers also patrolled the subject area during daylight.
Police Chief Nunes mentioned that according to the data collected, speeding occurred between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Assistant City Engineer Arabolu stated that according to a previous discussion by the Traffic and Transportation Commission, the City's waste management contractor, BPPD, and OCFA expressed their opposition to the installation of speed humps due to the difficulty in maneuvering heavy vehicles. As for reports on liabilities due to speed humps, staff did not have any information to provide. However, the list provided indicates a few of the cities with speed hump policies. Speed cushions, on the other hand, are less intrusive. The only disadvantage on speed cushion is that vehicles tend to swerve around them.
City Manager France explained that there would not be any iSSues in terms of service delivery.
Council Member Traut spoke in support of speed humps and speed cushions; and, for the City Council to consider to bring back a future discussion on a Citywide policy pertaining to speed humps.
Council Member Brown spoke in opposition to the installation of speed humps in the City.
Vice Mayor Ahn spoke in support of speed cushions and its effectiveness in mitigating speeding concerns. Vice Mayor Ahn also spoke in support of developing a Citywide policy for speed humps or other traffic calming measures.
Assistant City Clerk Almquist acknowledged the email correspondences received from Buena Park residents regarding the item.
Following the discussion, the City Council directed staff to evaluate traffic calming treatments for Bel Air Street; and, develop a Citywide policy for traffic calming measures.
Minutes October 8, 2024 Vol. 54 Pg. 165
9B. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING ELECTRIFYING LAWN
EQUIPMENT
Sustainability Manager Thai provided a report regarding electrifying lawn equipment. The state legislature approved Assembly Bill No. 1346, which banned the sale of gas-powered lawnmowers and leaf blowers effective January 1, 2024. While homeowners and businesses will still be permitted to use gas-powered equipment after that date, they will no longer be able to purchase such equipment in California. The Climate Action Commission was directed by the City Council to discuss and provide recommendations on potential code amendment and program details. At its July 2, 2024 meeting, the Commission moved to recommend to develop a four-year transition plan to electric lawn equipment, and funding outreach efforts for Buena Park residents, businesses based in Buena Park, and businesses licensed to work in the City. It was noted that the initial phase of the plan would involve the transition of City-owned and City- contracted equipment to an electric alternative followed by City contractors and Buena Park businesses in years 2 and 3, and small equipment owned by residents in year 4. The City, along with residents and businesses, would be able to take advantage of various rebates offered by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) to reduce equipment transition costs.
Sustainability Manager Thai highlighted that City staff will work collaboratively with stakeholders to develop implementation guidelines, outreach materials, and enforcement mechanisms for the proposed transition. A review and consideration of a Municipal Code amendment will also be agendized at a future noticed public hearing.
Vice Mayor Ahn asked about qualifications for the rebate program.
Mayor Sonne asked about the effort of electrifying lawn equipment being part of the Climate Action Adaptation Plan.
Council Member Traut spoke in support of electrifying lawn equipment and the benefits of this effort to the individuals working directly with such equipment and the community in general.
Sustainability Manager Thai explained the rebate program offered by the South Coast Air Quality Management District. To qualify, residents and businesses are required to surrender their gas-powered equipment and show proof to AQMD. Moreover, Sustainability Manager Thai indicated there is a possibility for this effort to be highlighted in the Climate Action Adaptation Plan ifl.3 million pounds of carbon dioxide is reduced before the Plan is presented.
Director of Community and Economic Development indicated that the program will begin with education. Staff will notify workers while they are out in the field and the community through use of mailers.
City Manager France sought City Council feedback on the recommended $40,000 City-rebate program and an additional $10,000 to assist small businesses that are licensed to work in the City.
The City Council expressed support for the $50,000 allocated for City-rebate program.
Following the discussion, the City Council directed staff to proceed with the transition plan recommended by the Climate Action Commission and a review and consideration of a Municipal Code amendment electrifying lawn equipment.
9C. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING A MILIT ARY BANNER
PROGRAM
Community Services Coordinator Reyes-Sanchez provide a report regarding a Military Banner Program. The proposed Military Banner Program would honor and recognize Buena Park active duty military personnel, and their banners would be displayed on City light poles. Community Services Coordinator Reyes-Sanchez discussed the two existing street banner programs. One program aims to recognize veterans who died in line of duty, and the other to recognize Buena Park High School's Top 25 Graduates. The City's current banner measurement, estimated production and installation hardware costs for each banner, and suggested locations were also noted. Staff conducted a comprehensive study of Military Banner Programs in neighboring cities and found some universally-shared criteria. Moreover, the Community Services Commission recommended a fee structure, banner format, length of display, and locations for the Military Banner program. Based on the aforementioned recommendations, Community Services Coordinator Reyes-Sanchez explained staff's proposed specifics for each category, and sought City Council direction to proceed with the implementation of the Military Banner Program which is proposed to begin in Spring 2025.
Minutes October 8, 2024 Vol. 54 Pg. 166
Mayor Sonne asked about the number of banners that could be displayed in the locations identified; and, suggested that military families not be charged for the display of banners.
Vice Mayor Ahn asked about the fees associated with the display of banners.
Council Member Traut spoke in support of the recommendation of the Community Services Commission and suggested the banners be displayed at a high-traffic location.
Community Services Coordinator Reyes-Sanchez explained that the number of banners displayed depends on the location. There is an estimate of 68 light poles in the locations identified. As for the fees associated with the display of banners, the $440 is based on the estimated cost of the banner and installation hardware.
Following the discussion, the City Council directed staff to proceed with the implementation of the Military Banner Program, waving any associated fees, which is proposed to begin in Spring 2025.
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager France reported about the Walk to School Day at Dysinger Elementary School and San Marino Elementary School on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 7:30 a.m.
11. COMMISSION & COMMITTEE UPDATES
Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk had nothing to report.
12. ADJOURNMENT
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