MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK
HELD MARCH 25, 2025
Vol. 54 Pg. 225
1. GENERAL
The City Council met in a regular session on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber of the Civic Center, 6650 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, California, Mayor Ahn presiding.
1 A. CALL TO ORDER
1 B. ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Franco, Hoque, Sonne, Traut, Ahn
None
Also present were: Aaron France, City Manager; Chris Cardinale, City Attorney; and Anna Patricia B. Almquist, CMC, Assistant City Clerk. 1 C. INVOCATION
The Invocation was led by Reverend Dion Thomas, SonRise Community Christian Church. 1 D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Dale Kurata, Community Services Supervisor. 1 E. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager France reported the following:
* All City Track Meet, Friday, April 4, 2024, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., at Buena Park High School.
For information about registration, please contact the Community Services Department at (714) 562-3851 .
* Senior Korean Resource Fair, Saturday, April 5, 2025, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., at Buena Park Community Center.
* Arbor Day, Friday, April 11, 2025, 2:45 p.m., at Linden Oaks Speech and Language Development Center.
* Director of Community and Economic Development Foulkes is currently out of the office, and during his absence Senior Planner Luna will be assisting with Department-related questions and concerns.
2. PRESENT ATIONS
2A. DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD PRESENTED TO BUENA PARK POLICE
DEPARTMENT VOLUNTEER SWAT MEDIC DOCTOR ALAN OSGOOD Police Chief Nunes indicated that SWAT Doctor Alan Osgood was unable to attend the meeting. 2B. MEDAL OF COURAGE PRESENTED TO BUENA PARK POLICE OFFICERS JOSEPH
LOVETERE AND DOMINICK ESCOBEDO
Police Chief Nunes presented the medal of courage to Buena Park Police Officers Joseph Lovetere and Dominick Escobedo
Senior Field Representative Joe Pak, on behalf of Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva, presented certificates recognizing Buena Park Police Officers Joseph Lovetere and Dominick Escobedo for their courageous act.
Minutes March 25, 2025 Vol. 54 Pg. 226
2C. RECOGNITION OF EAGLE SCOUT SEAN HO, BOY SCOUT TROOP 650, FOR
EHLERS EVENT CENTER PROJECT
Community Services Supervisor Hurtado introduced Eagle Scout Sean Ho, and discussed the two benches and a pickleball cart he donated to the Ehlers Senior Center as part of his Eagle Project.
Mayor Ahn presented a certificate recognizing Eagle Scout Sean Ho, Boy Scout Troop 650, for his Ehlers Event Center Project.
Senior Field Representative Joe Pak, on behalf of Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva, presented a certificate recognizing Eagle Scout Sean Ho, Boy Scout Troop 650, for his Ehlers Event Center Project.
Vice Mayor Traut commended Sean Ho's parents for supporting him throughout his Eagle Scout journey.
3A. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Ahn 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 Ahn closed oral communications.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR (4A - 4D)
Mayor Ahn announced that Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4A through 4D 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 - 4D:
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Franco
Sonne
Franco, Sonne, Hoque, Traut, Ahn
None
MOTION CARRIED that all actions recommended on Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4A - 4D be approved.
Minutes
4A. APPROVALOFMINUTES
Recommended Action: Approve the Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings of March 14, 2025.
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. 14961
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $6,063,091 .77 DEMAND NOS. 429459 THROUGH 429694 CANCELLED NOS. 426808, 427293, 428124, 428221, AND 429183 RESOLUTION NO. 14962
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $18,425.79 COVERING RETIREE PAYROLL ENDING FEBRUARY 28, 2025
Minutes March 25, 2025 Vol. 54 Pg. 227
RESOLUTION N0. 14963
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1,103,954.36 COVERING REGULAR PAYROLL ENDING FEBRUARY 28, 2025
Reports & Studies 129
4C. TREASURER'S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2025 Recommended Action: Receive and file the reports.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Contracts 70 C-3595
4D. OPIOID USE DISORDER AND MEDICATION ASSISTED TREATMENT PROGRAM
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITIES OF BREA, BUENA PARK,
FULLERTON, PLACENTIA AND THE HOPE CENTER OF ORANGE COUNTY (HCOC)
TO HIRE AND FUND A FULL-TIME CASE MANAGER
Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve a memorandum of agreement between the cities of Brea, Buena Park, Fullerton, Placentia, and the HOPE Center of Orange County (HCOC) to fund and hire a full-time Clinical Manager to assist with service coordination and access for vulnerable populations in need of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT); 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.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
5. NEW BUSINESS (5A - 5C)
Contracts 70 C-3596 Public Works Proj. 125 PW-978 5A. RESOLUTION APPROV!NG PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND APPROVAL OF CONTRACT WITH ALL AMERICAN ASPHALT FOR THE 2024-2025 ANNUAL SLURRY
SEAL PROJECT
Recommended Action: I ) Adopt a resolution approving the plans and specifications for the 2024-2025 Annual Slurry Seal Project; 2) Award a contract to All American Asphalt in the amount of $316,750; 3) Authorize contingency funds in the amount of $35,000 in the same purchase order; 4) Authorize construction engineering funds in the amount of $35,000; 5) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, non- monetary changes to the contract; and, 6) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the contract.
Assistant Engineer Lee provided a report regarding the plans, specifications, and contract for the 2024-2025 Annual Slurry Seal Project. The 2024-2025 Annual Slurry Seal Project will include the slurry seal of existing residential streets, replacing traffic striping, and repaving curved roads. Work limits include Florence Avenue, Brenda Avenue, Belle Avenue, Myra Avenue, Miranda Avenue, Marcella Way, Marian Avenue, Greta Avenue, Hester Avenue, and Lorinda Avenue. The project was advertised for competitive bids on February 13, 2025, and six (6) bids were received and publicly opened on March 6, 2025. The apparent, lowest bidder was found to have a clerical error on the bid document that resulted in an incorrect total amount.
After review, the lowest responsible bid was determined to have been submitted by All American Asphalt of Corona, CA, in the amount of $316,750, possess the necessary licenses, and has successfully completed similar projects for the City and other cities such as Aliso Viejo, Manhattan Beach, and Riverside. Construction is anticipated to begin in April 2025 and completed by June 2025. It was recommended that the City Council award the contract for the Annua! Slurry Seal Project to All American Asphalt and approve $35,000 for construction engineering and $35,000 for contingency funds.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Hoque
Sonne
Hoque, Sonne, Franco, Traut, Ahn
None
Minutes March 25, 2025 Vol. 54 Pg. 228
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION N0. 14964
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING SPECIFICATIONS FOR 2024-2025 ANNUAL SLURRY SEAL PROJECT IN SAID CITY
Contracts 70 C-3597 Budgets 47 Public Works Proj. 125 PW-979 5B. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH RJM DESIGN GROUP INC. FOR
THE FRIENDSHIP PARK CONCEPTUAL PLANS AND COST ESTIMATE Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve a Professional Services Agreement in the amount of $101,265 with RJM Design Group, Inc. (RJM) for the Friendship Park Conceptual Plans and Cost Estimate Project; 2) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary nonmonetary changes to the agreement; 3) Authorize the City Manager and the City Clerk to execute the agreement; and, 4) Appropriate $101,300 from the undesignated General Fund balance to the Friendship Park Improvement Project account for the Conceptual Plans and Cost Estimate Project.
Assistant Engineer Lee provided a report regarding the approval of a Professional Services Agreement for the Friendship Park conceptual plans and cost estimate. Staff solicited proposals from four (4) consultants and received three (3) proposals on February 24, 2025. Affer staff evaluations and feedback from consultant references, staff recommends approving the agreement with RJM Design Group, Inc. in the amount of $101,265. RJM Design Group, Inc. has demonstrated their qualifications, experience with similar projects, and expertise in park design for other cities. Assistant Engineer Lee highlighted that RJM Design Group, Inc. prepared and completed the City's Parks Master Plan, and developed the conceptual plan for Whitaker Park. The Friendship Park Conceptual Plans and Cost Estimate Project was not included in the budget; therefore, it was recommended that the City Council appropriate $101,300 from the undesignated General Fund balance to the Friendship Park Improvement Project account for the Conceptual Plans and Cost Estimate Project.
Council Member Franco asked about the professional services agreement's coverage of the entire Friendship Park.
Assistant Engineer Lee confirmed that the professional services agreement presented would cover the conceptual plan for the entire park.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Franco
Ahn
Franco, Ahn, Hoque, Sonne, Traut
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action.
City Council 55 Policies 186
5C. RESOLUTIONAPPROVINGADMINISTRATIVEPOLICYN0.300-15.2,SUPPORTOF
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND DISABLED VETERAN BUSINESS ENTERPRISES (DVBE)
IN CITY PURCHASES
Recommended Action: 5 )Adopt a Resolution approving Administrative Policy No. 300- 16, Support of Local Businesses and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE) Policy in City purchases; 2) Authorize the City Manager's Office to issue Administrative Policy No. 300-15.2, Support of Local Businesses and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises Policy, to provide local and disabled veteran businesses increased access to City business by encouraging the purchase of supplies, materials, equipment and non-professional services from businesses located within the City of Buena Park and state-certified Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE); and, 3) Adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 3.28 (Purchasing Systems) of Title 3 (Revenue and Finance) of the Buena Park Municipal Code relating to local bidder preference.
Minutes March 25, 2025 Vol. 54 Pg. 229
Purchasing Manager Averell provided a report regarding Administrative Policy No. 300-15.2, Support of Local Businesses and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE) Policy in City purchases. Procuring supplies, materials, equipment, and non-professional services from local vendors, especially local businesses/disabled veteran businesses, located within the City of Buena Park helps to promote a healthy local economy and, therefore, benefits Buena Park residents as a whole. Purchasing Manager Averell discussed the matching preference and exceptions under the Administrative Policy. It was recommended that the City Council adopt a Resolution approving Administrative Policy No. 300-15.2, Support of Local Vendors and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE) Policy in City Purchases authorize the City Manager's Office to issue Administrative Policy No. 300-15.2, Support of Local Vendors and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE) Policy in City Purchases, to provide local and disabled veteran businesses increased access to City business by encouraging the purchase of supplies, materials, equipment and non-professional services from businesses located within the City of Buena Park and State-certified Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE); and, adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 3.28 (Purchasing Systems) of Title 3 (Revenue and Finance) of the Buena Park Municipal Code relating to local bidder preference.
Council Member Franco asked about the consideration of a geographical qualifier - regional, or local preference for DVBEs.
Purchasing Manager Averell explained the matching preference applied to a local vendor, and a local vendor/DVBE. Moreover, a local vendor is considered a Buena Park business with a valid Business License.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Hoque
Franco
Hoque, Franco, Sonne, Traut, Ahn
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution and ordinance:
RESOLUTION NO. 14965
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY N0. 300-16 SUPPORTING LOCAL VENDORS AND
DISABLED VETERAN BUSINESS ENTERPRISES (DVBE) IN CITY PURCHASES ORDINANCE NO.1750
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 3.28 (PURCHASING SYSTEMS) OF TITLE 3 (REVENUE AND
FINANCE) OF THE BUENA PARK MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO LOCAL BIDDER
PREFERENCE
6. PUBLIC HEARING
No Public Hearing items.
7. MAYOR/CITY COUNCIL REPORTS AND CALENDAR
7A. REPORT
Council Member Hoque reported the following:
* February 12 Read Across America Week at Holder Elementary School * February 12 0rchard View Gardens Grand Opening * February15AmericanaAwards50IhAnniversary
* February 18 NOCC Birthday Celebration
* March 19 Centralia Elementary School's First Annual Leadership Day * March 19 QC Sanitation District Strategic Board Meeting * March 20 QC Mosquito and Vector Control District Board Meeting Council Member Hoque thanked Street Maintenance Superintendent Porter and his team for planting more trees in District 4. Also, Council Member Hoque calendared the following items:
1 ) business visitation program for each Council district; and, 2) public safety upgrades at San Rio Drive and San Rolando Circle.
Minutes March 25, 2025 Vol. 54 Pg. 230
Council Member Sonne reported the following:
* March 12 0rchard View Gardens Grand Opening
* March 13-15 CivicWell Policymakers Conference
* March 18 AMWAY Community Meeting
* March 19 Centralia Elementary School's First Annual Leadership Day * March 19 SCE GAP/CAP Meeting on Wildfire and Windstorm Response and Recovery * March 21 0CPA Strategic Plan Update Workshop
* March 22 Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony
* March 25 0CPA Legislative Staffers Luncheon
* March 25 0CPA Pop Up Event at Buena Park Community Center Council Member Sonne reported attending the 2025 CivicWell Policymakers Conference and was elected as Treasurer to the Board. Council Member Sonne discussed one of the themes of the conference which was Building Civic Capital; and, takeaways from sessions that she attended. In subsequent City Council meetings, Council Member Sonne indicated that she plans to agendize items in relation to the matters brought forward during the conference that will benefit Buena Park residents. Council Member Sonne also reported attending the OCPA Board meeting held on March 10, 2025, wherein OCPA staff presented the mid-year budget. Staff emphasized that OCPA collects revenue solely from electricity generation which allows the agency to offer more affordable rates to its customers. Moreover, reported attending the OCPA Strategic Plan Update Workshop held on March 21, 2025. The Board discussed OCPA's priorities for the coming year and reviewed the agency's strategic plan to ensure ongoing alignment with the Board and staff to achieve goals.
Council Member Franco reported the following:
* March 12 0rchard View Gardens Grand Opening
* March 13-15 CivicWell Policymakers Conference
* March 18 AMWAY Community Meeting
* March 25 Read Across America Week at Corey Elementary School Council Member Franco reported attending the 2025 CivicWell Policymakers Conference and his takeaways from the sessions. Additionally, he announced that he will be hosting a Town Hall meeting on Saturday, April 12, 2025, 10:00 a.m. at the American Legion Post 54; invited the community to a Citywide Yard Sale that will be happening on Saturday, April 12, 2025; and, encouraged the residents to participate in Cool QC's survey on air quality. Lastly, Council Member Franco calendared a schedule on planting more trees Citywide.
Vice Mayor Traut reported the following:
* March 12 0rchard View Gardens Grand Opening
* March 12 - 22 Sister City and Friendship City Trip Vice Mayor Traut provided a brief insight about the recent City of Buena Park delegation's trip to Sister City Seongbuk-Gu and Friendship City Ansan, South Korea with potential new businesses that will be coming to Buena Park. Vice Mayor Traut thanked Mayor Ahn, Director of Community Services Box, Management Analyst Yoon, Sister City Foundation members, and Buena Park High School students for their participation. There were also meetings with the City's Sister City and Friendship City regarding funding for some aspects of the Friendship Park.
Mayor Ahn reported the following:
@ March 12 0rchard View Gardens Grand Opening
@ March 12 - 22 Sister City and Friendship City Trip Mayor Ahn shared a brief overview of the City of Buena Park delegation's trip to Sister City Seongbuk-Gu and Friendship City Ansan, South Korea, and indicated that a report regarding the said trip will be shared with the public at a subsequent City Council meeting. Also, Mayor Ahn commended Management Analyst Yoon for her assistance with translation and coordinating during the trip.
8. RECESS/RECONVENE
Mayor Ahn recessed the meeting at 5:52 p.m. and announced the meeting would be reconvened in the City Council Chamber. The meeting was reconvened at 6:06 p.m.
Minutes March 25, 2025 Vol. 54 Pg. 231
9. STUDY SESSION (9A - 9D)
9A. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING A SUBCONTRACTORS
DISCLOSURE ORDINANCE
Discuss adoption of an ordinance requiring contractors to disclose information about subcontractors working on private construction projects permitted by the City.
Director of Public Works/City Engineer Mikhael provided a report regarding a potential adoption of an ordinance requiring contractors to disclose information about subcontractors working on private construction projects permitted by the City. A Subcontractor Disclosure Ordinance (or Subcontractor Transparency Ordinance) requires any contractors performing work in the jurisdiction to disclose any subcontractors that are involved in performing the work, as well as any pending or sustained violations by the contractor of the California Labor Code. Director of Public Works/City Engineer Mikhael discussed the current process for private construction projects; permits for private construction projects; grading permit issuance; encroachment permit issuance; and the proposed subcontractor disclosure ordinance. Moreover, the proposed Subcontractor Disclosure Ordinance would not apply to public works projects completed by the City, as the City already complies with the subcontractor disclosure and labor compliance provisions of California law. Instead, the Ordinance would make public works-type disclosure requirements applicable to private construction projects.
Council Member Franco asked the applicability of the ordinance to property owners remodeling their homes or building an ADU.
Vice Mayor Traut asked about the requirement for disclosure of state and federal labor code violations; intention to not pass on additional costs to builders; and, similarity of the proposed Subcontractor Disclosure Ordinance to that of the City of Anaheim's.
Mayor Ahn asked about the current process for conducting background checks for labor code violations; cities currently implementing a similar ordinance; and departments involved in the permit issuance process for private construction projects.
Director Mikhael explained that the components of the Subcontractor Disclosure Ordinance are dependent upon the City Council's discretion. If directed to move forward, staff will return with recommendations on components at a subsequent City Council meeting. Director Mikhael assured the City Council that the administration of the ordinance requires minimal cost.
Additionally, the proposed Subcontractor Disclosure Ordinance is similar to that of the City of Anaheim's. The City of Anaheim already has an existing ordinance on the matter, and its City Council has ongoing discussion to modify some components in consideration of lessons- learned. If found that a contractor has outstanding labor code violations, the City could revoke the permit and the business license. The cities of Anaheim, Santa Ana and Irvine have an existing ordinance of subcontractor disclosure. Moreover, Director Mikhael discussed the involvement of the Community Development Department and Public Works Department in the process for private construction projects.
City Attorney Cardinale explained that labor code violations would have to be disclosed by the contractor. The City would only be involved if a subsequent investigation is conducted by the City or a complaint is received. Nevertheless, if a contractor does not comply with the disclosure requirement, then they would be in violation of the ordinance and would be required to abide by enforcement or remedial mechanism for noncompliance. Project owner, future employees and future workers would also be notified of the contractor's violation. If the City Council directs staff to proceed with the item, staff will return with components of the Subcontractor Disclosure Ordinance for City Council consideration.
Vice Mayor Traut indicated that the passing of the ordinance intends to promote transparency in the field, and to hire good actors. Moreover, Vice Mayor Traut recommended to proceed with a Subcontractor Disclosure Ordinance substantially similar to that of the City of Anaheim's as modified, and merge the City's existing permitting process with such Ordinance.
Bryan Farkas, Western States Regional Council of Carpenters representative, spoke in support of the item and its intention to discourage bad actors in the industry.
Mayor Ahn requested staff to ensure that the proposed ordinance would not affect the speed of developments in the City.
City Manager France requested the City Council establish a threshold project value for staff to incorporate into the Subcontractor Disclosure Ordinance.
Minutes March 25, 2025 Vol. 54 Pg. 232
Following the discussion, the City Council directed staff to return with a Subcontractor Disclosure Ordinance similar to that of the City of Anaheim's; merge the City's existing permitting process with such Ordinance; and, incorporate a project value threshold of five million dollars.
9B. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING PARTICIPATION IN THE
WYLAND NATIONAL MAYOR'S CHALLENGE FOR WATER CONSERVATION Senior Management Analyst Fewer provided a report regarding an interest in the participation in the Wyland National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation. The National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation is a friendly national competition among cities to see who can be the most "water wise." Mayors across the United States challenge their residents to conserve water, energy, and other natural resources with a series of informative, easy-to-use pledges online. Cities with the highest rate of participation in various city population classes are eligible to win various prizes. In 2023, Laguna Beach was one of the top four u.s. cities that participated in the campaign. This year's campaign will be held from April 1-30. Senior Management Analyst Fewer explained that participation will include creating a Mayor's Statement or Video of Support for the initiative and promoting the campaign through the City's website, social media and other marketing strategies. The Wyland Foundation will also provide a media kit to assist with marketing and promotion. There is no fee to participate in this campaign. Staff sought City Council direction to participate in the campaign and engage local schools to promote the program.
Mayor Ahn and Council Member Sonne spoke in support of the Wyland National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation and the benefits of the City's participation to the community.
Following the discussion, the City Council directed staff to proceed with the City's participation in the Wyland National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation. 9C. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING INCREASING FINES FOR
ILLEGAL FIREWORKS
Council Member Sonne calendared a discussion about options for increasing fines for violating the City's prohibition on illegal fireworks.
City Attorney Cardinale provided a report regarding options for increasing fines for violating the City of Buena Park's prohibition on illegal fireworks. Over the past few years, there has been increased concern in the community regarding the dangers to persons and property created by the use of illegal fireworks in the City, and the City Council in turn has taken up this issue on several occasions. In 2022, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1703 amending Chapter
16.08 (Fireworks Sales) of the Buena Park Municipal Code to: (a) create social host liability for property owners allowing the discharge of illegal fireworks, and; (b) increase administrative fines for discharging illegal fireworks to one thousand dollars ($1,000) per violation. Additionally, staff was directed to launch a public education campaign to increase public awareness about the dangers of illegal fireworks and the City's newly-adopted penalties for illegal fireworks usage.
City Attorney Cardinale discussed a summary of applicable law related to illegal fireworks in California, and fines associated with it; Title 16 ("Fire Safety"), Chapter 16.08 ("Fireworks Sale") of the Buena Park Municipal Code consistent with California law; and, fireworks-related fines and penalties imposed by various cities throughout California. Staff sought City Council direction on whether or not to increase the penalties associated with illegal fireworks.
Council Member Sonne indicated her desire to prohibit the use and sale of all fireworks in Buena Park due to the increase in fire risk areas in California, its impact on air quality, and its risks for fires and injuries. Council Member Sonne sought City Council support to place a measure on the ballot regarding completely prohibiting fireworks in the City.
The City Council asked about a recommended appropriate fine to impose on illegal fireworks; number of citations issued and number of injuries associated with illegal fireworks in the City in the previous year; potential savings for the Police Department if fireworks were to be eliminated in the City; social host penalties; complaints and calls for service during the Fourth of July weekend on illegal fireworks; and, collection of fireworks citation fees.
City Attorney Cardinale stated that a recommended fine of two thousand dollars per violation is reasonable and is an amount advised by the state. City Attorney Cardinale also explained the social host penalty and penalties imposed by surrounding cities on such.
Minutes March 25, 2025 Vol. 54 Pg. 233
Police Chief Nunes stated that the Police Department issued 51 fireworks citations in the past year and an estimated $40,000 was spent on Police Department staffing overtime specifically during the Fourth of July weekend. Police Chief Nunes also discussed the complaints and calls for service received by the department during such time, and provided a recommendation on expanding the window for repeat violation to 36 months, and an increase in fireworks-related fines and penalties.
Vice Mayor Traut spoke in support of expanding the window for repeat violators to 36 months, and in opposition to completely banning fireworks in the City. Nevertheless, if voters are to bring forward the same concerns regarding illegal fireworks, Vice Mayor Traut would consider placing such item on the ballot and letting the voters decide. Vice Mayor Traut also asked about examples of ballot measure initiatives succeeding in non-wildfire zones.
Council Member Sonne suggested increasing the initial fine to two thousand dollars and any subsequent fines to five hundred dollars for every repeat violation, and increasing the social host penalty to two thousand and five hundred dollars.
Council Member Franco also spoke in support of increasing the City's base fireworks fine to two thousand dollars.
Mayor Ahn suggested increasing any subsequent fines to one thousand dollars for every repeat violation.
Council Member Hoque spoke in support of Police Chief Nunes' recommendation to expand the window for repeat violators to 36 months, and an initial fee of one thousand dollars and increase in subsequent fines to one thousand dollars for every repeat violation.
Following the discussion, the City Council directed staff to prepare and return with draft a ordinance incorporating the revisions to the penalties associated with the use of illegal fireworks as follows: issue an administrative fine to any person found to have violated the code in the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000) for a first violation, two thousand dollars ($2,000) for a second violation occurring within a thirty-six-month period, and three thousand dollars ($3,000) for each additional violation occurring within a thirty-six-month period; and, issue an administrative fine to a social host in the amount of two thousand dollars ($2,000) for a first violation, four thousand dollars ($4,000) for a second violation occurring within a thirty-six-month period, and six thousand dollars ($6,000) for each additional violation occurring within a thirty- six-month period.
9D. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING THE SELECTION OF A DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE DELEGATE FOR THE APRIL 3, 2025, CITY
SELECTION COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETING
Senior Management Analyst Fewer provided a report regarding the City Selection Committee special meeting scheduled on Thursday, April 3, 2025. The special meeting is aimed to discuss the California State Senate Rules Committee's call for nominees for the South Coast Region of the Coastal Commission, and nominations for at least two regional City Council Members for these Coastal Commission seats are due no later than April 21, 2025. Senior Management Analyst Fewer indicated that Mayor Ahn is the default delegate for the City Selection Committee. Staff sought City Council confirmation of the Mayor as the delegate and asked for another council member to serve as the alternate delegate in their absence.
The City Council selected Mayor Ahn as the delegate and Vice Mayor Traut as the alternate delegate for the April 3, 2025, City Selection Committee Special Meeting.
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager France reported the following:
* Community Yard Sale, Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Ehlers Event Center.
11. COMMISSION & COMMITTEE UPDATES
Assistant City Clerk Almquist had nothing to report.
Minutes March 25, 2025 Vol. 54 Pg. 234
12. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Ahn adjourned the meeting at 7:29 p.m.
ATTEST: