MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK
HELD JuLY 8, 2025
Vol. 54 Pg. 328
1. GENERAL
The City Council met in a regular session on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber of the Civic Center, 6650 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, California, Mayor Ahn presiding.
1A. 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 Adria M. Jimenez, MMC, Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk. 1 C. INVOCATION
The Invocation was led by Gerardo Arenado, OCFA Battalion Chaplain. 1 D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Rosemary Nielsen, Homeless Outreach Supervisor. 1 E. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager France reported the following:
* Summer Concert in the Park, Yatchy By Nature - Smooth yacht rock of the 70's and 80's, July 9, 2025, 7:00 p.m., at Boisseranc Park.
* Dive-In Movie, Lilo and Stitch, July 10, 2025, at Peak Park Pool. Pool opens at 7:30 p.m., and the movie starts at 8:30 p.m.
* Pump Track Pop-Up, July 1-13, 2025, at Peak Park. * Summer Concert in the Park, Soto Band - Latin rhythms and dance favorite, July 16, 2025, 7:00 p.m., at Boisseranc Park.
City Manager France stated that a full Fourth of July report will be provided at the July 22, 2025, Regular City Council meeting.
2. PRESENT ATIONS
2A. PRESENT ATION OF THE 2025 MYRNA HOLMQUIST COMMUNICATIONS
SCHOLARSHIPS TO JILLIAN PENAREDONDA AND NATALIE STARK Council Member Franco and Mayor Ahn presented certificates recognizing the 2025 Myrna Holmquist scholarship awards to Jillian Penaredonda and Natalie Stark. Certificates of recognition from Senator Strickland and Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva were also presented. 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.
Carlos Rubio, Teamsters Local 911 President, thanked the City Council and City staff for a successful labor negotiation with Buena Park City Employees' Association (BPCEA).
There being no additional requests to speak, Mayor Ahn closed oral communications.
Minutes July 8, 2025 Vol. 54 Pg. 329
4. CONSENT CALENDAR (4A - 4C)
Mayor Ahn announced that Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4A through 4C 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 - 4C:
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Traut
Sonne
Traut, Sonne, Franco, Hoque, Ahn
None
MOTION CARRIED that all actions recommended on Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4A - 4C be approved.
Minutes
4A. APPROVALOFMINUTES
Recommended Action: Approval of Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings of June 10, 2025.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Finance 75
4B. RESOLUTIONS APPROVING CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
Recommended Action: 1 ) Adopt Resolutions approving the Claims and Demands.
ADOPTED the following titled resolutions:
RESOLUTION N0. 15006
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERT AIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $5,566,956.70 DEMAND NOS. 431014 THROUGH 431263 CANCELLED N0. 429246
RESOLUTION NO. 15007
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1,143,053.64 COVERING REGULAR PAYROLL ENDING JUNE 20, 2025
Contracts 70 C-3489 C-3617 C-3618 C-3619
4C. CONTRACTS WITH BIG BEN ENGINEERING INC., G&A NELOS CONSTRUCTION, INC., MIKE PRLICH AND SONS, INC., AND W.A. RASIC CONSTRUCTION FOR ON-
CALL EMERGENCY WATER REPAIR SERVICES
Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve a contract with Big Ben Engineering, Inc., to provide on-call emergency water repair services without a guaranteed minimum and a not-to- exceed amount of $300,000; 2) Approve a contract with G&A Nelos Construction, Inc., to provide on-call emergency water repair services without a guaranteed minimum and a not-to-exceed amount of $300,000; 3) Approve a contract with Mike Prlich and Sons, Inc., to provide on-call emergency water repair services without a guaranteed minimum and a not-to-exceed amount of $300,000; 4) Approve a contract with W.A. Rasic Construction to provide on-call emergency water repair services without a guaranteed minimum and a not-to-exceed amount of $300,000; 5) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, nonmonetary changes to the contracts; and, 6) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the contracts.
APPROVED the recommended action.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes July 8, 2025 Vol. 54 Pg. 330
5. NEW BUSINESS (5A - 5H)
Contracts 70 C-2112 Budgets 47
5A. AGREEMENT WITH SOUTHEAST AREA ANIMAL CONTROL AGENCY (SEAACA) FOR ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICES FOR FY 2025-26
Recommended Action: 1 )Approve an agreement with the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA) for animal control services for FY 2025-2026; 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, 4) Approve a budget amendment in the amount of $1 7'l,200 from the undesignated General Fund balance for this purpose.
Senior Management Analyst Fewer provided a report regarding an agreement with Southeast Area Animal Control Agency (SEAACA) for animal control services for FY 2025-26. SEAACA has been providing animal control services for the City of Buena Park since July 1, 2008.
SEAACA assigns a dedicated field officer to respond to animals needs as well as provide animal shelter services for the community. The total cost for SEAACA's FY 2025-26 fieid and shelter services will be $869,890.26. Moreover, SEAACA has provided a guaranteed revenue amount to the City in the form of animal licenses/fees collected, and the City would pay a "net cost" to SEAACA at the beginning of the contract while the remainder of the cost will be collected through animal licenses until end of the fiscal year. However, starting Fiscal Year 2025-26, SEAACA will no longer be offering a guaranteed amount to the City. Instead, the City will be required to pay the full amount of the contract without a guarantee for animal license/fee revenue. Senior Management Analyst Fewer emphasized that staff is committed to finding contractors that best serve the community, while considering cost. At this time, staff requested a budget amendment to cover the entire cost of the contract.
The City Council asked about the possibility of in-house animal control services; timeframe for informing the City Council of other options for animal control services; and, reason for budget amendment in the amount of $171,200.
City Manager France explained the history of contracting with other entities and that staff has not considered an in-house animal control service. However, staff will continue to look for a service provider that better suits the City's needs and the feasibility of doing the service in- house. Also, staff will return with information about possible options by October.
Senior Management Analyst Fewer explained that the reason for the budget amendment was because SEAACA examined their fee structure and found that they were not meeting the guaranteed revenue.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Traut
Ahn
Traut, Ahn, Franco, Hoque, Sonne
None
MOTION TO AMEND CARRIED to approve the recommended action.
Admin. Svcs. 112 Budgets 47
5B. REORGANIZATION PLAN FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT'S
CODE ENFORCEMENT DMSION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DMSION, AND
RESOLUTION AMENDING THE BUENA PARK TECHNICAL, OFFICE, AND PROFESSIONALS (TOPs) ASSOCIATION COMPENSATION PLAN TO ADD THE
SENIOR CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER AND HOUSING SPECIALIST
CLASSIFICATIONS
Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve the new job classification specification of Senior Code Enforcement Officer and revised job classification specification of Housing Specialist; 2) Adopt a Resolution amending the Buena Park Technical, Office, and Professionals (TOPs) Association Compensation Plan to add the Senior Code Enforcement Officer and Housing Specialist job classifications and salary ranges; and, 3) Approve a budget amendment in the amount of $22,000 from the CDBG contractual services account to fund this position.
Minutes July 8, 2025 Vol. 54 Pg. 331
Human Resources Manager Valdez provided a report regarding the addition of the Senior Code Enforcement Officer and Housing Specialist Classifications which then amends the Buena Park Technical, Office, and Professionals (TOPs) Association Compensation Plan. At its May 27, 2025 budget meeting, the City Council approved various Policy Issues regarding personnel and gave direction to proceed with the process of reorganizing the Community and Economic Development Department by adding a Senior Code Enforcement Officer. The said Policy Issue has already been included in the adopted FY 2025-27 budget. Additionally, the recent retirement of a Senior Administrative Assistant position in the Economic Development Division has allowed the Community Development and Economic Development Department to evaluate its staffing needs based on the job duties and expertise needed in this Division and proposed to reclassify the Senior Administrative Assistant position to a Housing Specialist. Human Resources Manager Valdez explained that the Senior Code Enforcement Officer will serve in a lead capacity, including some supervisory components, on the more complex code enforcement cases throughout the City, and participating in Department management meetings in the Code Enforcement Supervisor's absence. Additionally, the new Housing Specialist position will be responsible for qualifying the income of affordable housing applicants, preparing environmental reports, preparing bid documents, facilitating and supporting the underwriting process, preparing contracts, and closely working with homeowners and contractors on home improvement projects. Staff recommended that the monthly salary range for the proposed Senior Code Enforcement Officer be established at range 138, roughly $6,838 to $8,672 monthly, and the monthly salary range for the proposed Housing Specialist be established at range 132 roughly $5,926 to $7,705 monthly.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Ahn
Franco
Ahn, Franco, Hoque, Sonne, Traut
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 15008
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING THE CITY'S CLASSIFICATION PLAN AND AMENDING THE COMPENSATION
PLAN FOR THE BUENA PARK TECHNICAL, OFFICE, AND PROFESSIONALS
ASSOCIATION TO ADOPT THE JOB CLASSIFICATIONS SPECIFICATION AND SALARY
RANGES OF THE SENIOR CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER AND HOUSING SPECIALIST
POSITIONS
Minutes July 8, 2025 Vol. 54 Pg. 332
Admin. Svcs. 112 Budgets 47
5C. RESOLUTIONADOPTINGAMEMORANDUMOFuNDERSTANDINGBETWEENTHE CITY OF BUENA PARK AND THE BUENA PARK ClTY EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION (BPCEA)
Recommended Action: 1 ) Adopt a resolution approving a successor Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Buena Park and the Buena Park City Employees' Association; and, 2) Approve a budget amendment in the amount of $775,400 from the undesignated General Fund balance for this purpose.
Assistant City Manager/Director of Human Resources Fenton announced that he will provide a report of Agenda Item Nos. 5C - 5F all together and will be voted on separately.
Assistant City Manager/Director of Human Resources Fenton provided a report regarding the proposed Resolutions approving a successor Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Buena Park and the Buena Park City Employees' Association (BPCEA); amending and restating an adopted Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Buena Park and the Buena Park Technical, Office and Professionals Association (TOPs) to implement the recently adopted parity clause provision of the agreement; approving a successor Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Buena Park and the Buena Park Police Association (BPPA); and, approving an amended and restated employment agreement between the City of Buena Park and City Manager Aaron France. Moreover, the City and BPCEA agreed upon a five percent (5%) Cost of Living Adjustment each year pursuant to the two-year term employment contract, and an additional Step 7 to the salary range for each position, equivalent to two and one-half percent (2.5%) above the current Step 6. TOPs recently adopted agreement includes a parity clause, which states that if during the effective period of this agreement, the City Employees' Association receives a salary adjustment increase in a greater amount than the terms included in this agreement, the employees in this unit shall receive the same salary adjustment increase at the same time. The City reached an agreement with the City Employees' Association effective July 5, 2025, through July 2, 2027, and the agreement included a market adjustment increase which triggered the parity clause in the TOPs MOU. Therefore, all classifications in the Salary Schedule shall add a new Step 7 that is two and one-half percent (2.5%) above the current Step 6 within the pay schedule effective July 5, 2025.
Alternatively, the City and BPPA agreed upon a five percent (5%) Cost of Living Adjustment each year, an additional six and one-half percent (6.5%) salary adjustment for sworn and dispatch personnel, and an additional five percent (5%) salary adjustment for professional staff for the next fiscal year. Assistant City Manager Fenton also explained the terms and summary of significant changes to the successor MOUs with respect to BPCEA, TOPs and BPPA.
Furthermore, on June 24, 2025, the City Council took action on a Cost of Living Adjustment for general management and executive employees at five percent (5%) and a three percent (3%) market adjustment effective July 5, 2025, and an additional five percent (5%) effective July 4, 2026. Similarly, the City Council and the City Manager agreed to extend the agreement, set the City Manager's base compensation through July 2, 2027, and apply to the City Manager similar Cost of Living Adjustments and fringe benefit adjustments provided to the executive management employees including the same three percent (3%) market adjustment to the City Manager's base pay for Fiscal Year 2025-27.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Traut
Sonne
Traut, Sonne, Franco, Hoque, Ahn
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 15009
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING A NEW MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE BUENA PARK CITY EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION EFFECTIVE JULY 5, 2025, AND SuPERSEDING RESOLUTION NO. 14693
Minutes July 8, 2025 Vol. 54 Pg. 333
Admin. Svcs. 112 Budgets 47
5D. RESOLUTION AMENDING AND RESTATING AN ADOPTED MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF BUENA PARK AND THE BUENA PARK TECHNICAL, OFFICE AND PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION (TOPs)
IMPLEMENTING A PARITY CLAUSE PROVISION
Recommended Action: 1 ) Adopt a resolution amending and restating a successor Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Buena Park and the Buena Park Technical, Office and Professionals Association (TOPs) implementing the recently adopted parity clause provision of the agreement; and 2) Approve a budget amendment in the amount of $120,000 from the undesignated General Fund balance for this purpose.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Ahn
Sonne
Ahn, Sonne, Franco, Hoque, Traut
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 15010
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, TO
AMEND AND RESTATE AN ADOPTED MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
THE CITY OF BUENA PARK AND THE BUENA PARK TECHNICAL, OFFICE, AND PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION(TOPs) IMPLEMENTING A PARITY CLAUSE PROVISION Admin. Svcs. 112 Budgets 47
5E. RESOLUTIONTOADOPTAMEMORANDUMOFUNDERSTANDINGBETWEENTHE
CITY OF BUENA PARK AND THE BUENA PARK POLICE ASSOCIATION (BPPA) Recommended Action: 1 ) Adopt a resolution approving a successor Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Buena Park and the Buena Park Police Association (BPPA); and, 2) Approve a budget amendment in the amount of $4,595,200 from the undesignated General Fund balance for this purpose.
Sgt. Roger Plumlee, BPPA President, thanked the City Council, Assistant City Manager Fenton, and Human Resources Manager Valdez for a successful labor negotiation, and spoke about the generous agreement granted to the members of BPPA.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Traut
Ahn
Traut, Ahn, Franco, Hoque, Sonne
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 15011
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING A NEW MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE BUENA PARK POLICE ASSOCIATION EFFECTIVE JULY 5, 2025, AND SUPERSEDING RESOLUTION NO. 14696
Contracts 70 C-3213
5F. AMENDEDANDRESTATEDEMPLOYMENTAGREEMENTBETWEENTHECITYOF
BUENA PARK AND CITY MANAGER AARON FRANCE
Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve an amended and restated employment agreement between the City of Buena Park and City Manager Aaron France; and, 2) Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the agreement.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Sonne
Ahn
Sonne, Ahn, Franco, Hoque, Traut
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action.
Minutes July 8, 2025 Vol. 54 Pg. 334
City Council 55 Codes 64
5G. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 2.04.030 0F
THE BUENA PARK MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO SALARIES FOR CITY
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Recommended Action: 1 ) Second reading and adoption of an ordinance amending Buena Park Municipal Code Section 2.04.030 to increase salaries for City Council Members.
Assistant City Manager/Director of Human Resources Fenton provided a report regarding the second reading and adoption of an Ordinance amending Buena Park Municipal Code Section
2.04.030 to increase salaries for City Council Members. On June 24, 2025, the City Council took action on a Cost of Living Adjustment for general management employees in the amount of five percent (5%) effective July 5, 2025, and an additional five percent (5%) effective July 4, 2026, for a two-year agreement. In addition, at the City Council Meeting of June 24, 2025, an Ordinance was introduced proposing to increase the salary of City Council Members to $1,900 per month. It was noted that the new salary adjustment for City Council Members complies with Government Code 36516, and is intended to promote greater diversity on City Councils by providing increased compensation, which can enable individuals from a wider range of income levels to serve in public office while still supporting their families. Assistant City Manager/Director of Human Resources Fenton explained that the law requires salary increases for City Council Members can only take effect when one or more members begin a new term of office. This is expected to happen on December 8, 2026. Therefore, the monthly saiary for City Council Members will increase to $1,900 per month on the aforementioned date.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Sonne
Ahn
Sonne, Ahn, Franco, Hoque, Traut
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled ordinance:
ORDINANCE N0. 1755
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 2.04.030 0F THE BUENA PARK MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO
SALARIES FOR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Admin. Svcs. 112
5H. RESOLUTIONTOAPPROVEAPUBLICLYAVAILABLESALARYSCHEDULE Recommended Action: 1 ) Adopt a resolution approving a publicly available pay schedule.
Human Resources Manager Valdez provided a report regarding a proposed Resolution approving a publicly availably pay schedule. The City, as part of the City Council's Strategic Plan to provide transparency. Accessibility, and openness in its operations, has posted employees' contracts, Memorandum of Understandings (MOIJs), compensation plans, and employee pay information on the City's website. However, California Code of Regulations (CCR) Section 570.5 clarifies the requirement that "publicly available pay schedules" must be duly approved and adopted by the City Council in one document to facilitate public disclosure.
Due to the importance of correct payroll reporting on administering the PERL and CalPERS member benefits, CalPERS sent a Circular Letter to remind all employers of the law and the criteria for reporting compensation earnable. CCR 570.5 outlines the required elements necessary to meet the definition for a publicly available pay schedule and was explained during the presentation. The pay schedule for all City employees, the City Manager, the Executive Team, and City Council Members must be in a clear and easy-to-read format, and posted online upon approval. Each time a salary increase is approved, this pay schedule must be updated and approved by the City Council. Special Compensation requirements are incorporated in each respective employee contract, MOU, and Compensation Plan and were previously approved in a public meeting by the City Council. These agreements have also been posted on the City's website.
Minutes July 8, 2025 Vol. 54 Pg. 335
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Franco
Sonne
Franco, Sonne, Hoque, Traut, Ahn
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 15012
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING A PUBLICLY AVAILABLE PAY SCHEDULE AS REQUIRED BY CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 2, SECTION 570.5
6. PUBLIC HEARING
No Public Hearing items.
7. COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS, CONFERENCE REPORTS AND
CALENDAR REQUESTS
7A. REPORT
Council Member Hoque reported the following:
* June 25 BP Graduates
* June 26 Movie Under the Stars - Inside Out 2 * July 1 BP Pump Fest
* July 2 Summer Concert in the Park - The Dreamboats * July 4 Ride-A-Long with BPPD
Council Member Sonne reported the following:
* June 25 All Employee BBQ
* June 26 BP Graduates
* June 26 Fullerton State of the City
@ July 4 Ride-A-Long with BPPD
Council Member Sonne spoke regarding the incident that occurred on July 4'h involving a young girl passing due to illegal fireworks; a young child passing due to a stray bullet in July 2003.
Moreover, Council Member Sonne calendared a discussion on out!awing all fireworks in Buena Park. In addition, Council Member Sonne spoke about the immigration enforcement and detentions, and jointly calendared an item with Vice Mayor Traut for future discussion. Lastly, Council Member Sonne announced that she will be hosting a Community Meeting on July 15, 2025, 6:00 p.m., at Ehlers Event Center - Heritage Hall.
Council Member Franco calendared a discussion on a letter to Governor Newsom, the State Fire Marshal and Attorney General regarding the transportation of illegal fireworks into California.
Vice Mayor Traut reported the following:
* July 1 BP Pump Fest
Vice Mayor Traut and Council Member Sonne jointly calendared a review of options for supporting the community in response to the increase in federal immigration enforcement. Vice Mayor Traut also requested staff include in a future report polling voters on the issue of illegal fireworks in the City, election information, fireworks show license, and City-run fireworks or drone lights show.
Mayor Ahn reported the following:
* June 25 District 1 Community Meeting
Mayor Ahn requested for a full report on the Fourth of July incident at a subsequent City Council meeting; and, highlighted the 2025 Buena Park graduates and wished them the best.
Minutes July 8, 2025 Vol. 54 Pg. 336
8. RECESS/RECONVENE
Mayor Ahn recessed the meeting at 5:55 p.m. and announced the meeting would be reconvened in the City Council Chamber. The meeting was reconvened at 6:14 p.m.
9. STUDY SESSION (9A - 9C)
9A. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ARTS AND
CULTURE MASTER PLAN
Community Services Supervisor Sauceda provided a report regarding the development of an Arts and Culture Master Plan. In accordance with City Council direction at its April 8, 2025 meeting, staff met with each Council Member to discuss the proposed elements of the Master Plan and to better understand the costs associated with each component. Also, at its May 21, 2025 meeting, the Cultural Engagement Commission reviewed the item and recommended certain elements be inciuded in the RFP for the Arts and Culture Master Plan. Community Services Supervisor Sauceda explained the Arts and Culture Master Plan is a comprehensive document developed over the course of approximately one year through community engagement, research, and strategic planning. Nevertheless, the Arts and Culture Master Plan will provide strategic direction and a clear framework to support Buena Park's long-term cultural development goals which is to ensure that arts and culture remain a vibrant and integral part of the City's identity and quality of life. Staff sought City Council direction for a budget appropriation in an amount not-to-exceed $75,000 to initiate the RFP process and support the development of the Arts and Culture Master Plan.
The City Council spoke in support of moving Torward with the budget appropriation to initiate the RFP process and support the development of the Arts and Culture Master Plan. Also, the City Council asked about the difference in elements included in the proposal for the development of an Arts and Culture Master Plan; cost for developing the Arts and Culture Master Plan in-house rather than seeking a consultant; and, the development process for the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Patrick Brien, Arts Orange County President and CEO, explained that the elements and strategies in an Arts and Culture Master Plan are designed specific to the City's interests and needs. The City Council could seek alternatives and request for it to be returned for review and consideration. If awarded with this project, Mr. Brien assured the City Council that Arts Orange County will perform post-implementation assessment and meet with City staff to ensure that the Plan is according to what was agreed upon.
Director Box indicated that staff did not explore the cost of developing an Arts and Culture Master Plan in-house. There is no City staff with the knowledge and expertise to create a quality Plan compared to retaining a consultant. Moreover, Director Box discussed the cost, duration, and the process for developing the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Following the discussion, the City Council directed staff to proceed with the budget appropriation in an amount not-to-exceed $75,000 is requested to initiate the RFP process and support the development of the Arts and Culture Master Plan.
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9B. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING THE SISTER CITY PROGRAM WITH SEONGBUK-GU AND FRIENDSH!P CITY RELATIONSHIP WITH ANSAN CITY,
SOUTH KOREA
Assistant City Manager/Director of Human Resources Fenton provided a report regarding the Sister City Program with Seongbuk-gu and Friendship City Relationship with Ansan City, South Korea. In March 2025, a delegation from Buena Park traveled for 11 days to visit the cities of Ansan-si and Seongbuk-gu in South Korea. The delegates were comprised of two elected officials, two City staff members, ten Buena Park High School students, two Buena Park High School Assistant Principals, and members of the Buena Park Sister City Foundation. The Mayor of Seongbuk-gu sent a request for a delegation of 12 students and two (2) chaperones to visit Buena Park from October 18-25, 2025. The City and the Sister City Foundation typically provide all other accommodations such as hotel rooms and transportation for the delegation when they visit. Moreover, Seongbuk-gu delegates inquired about the construction of the Korean pavilion in the City, and were informed by staff about its deiay. As a result, the delegates are hesitant to proceed with the installation of their donated sculptures without a pavilion at this time.
The City also received an email from a representative of the Danwon Youth Center in Ansan City confirming their visit to the United States as part of an international youth exchange. Ansan City is currently preparing for a six-night, eight-day international youth exchange program between October 14-21, 2025. The delegation will be comprised of 12 high school students, two staff members from the youth center, and one public official from Ansan City Hall. Ansan City is requesting one to two days of cultural and educational exchange with local Buena Park youth. It was noted that the expense of the recent trip to South Korea, in addition to the cost of hosting a delegation from Seongbuk-gu and Ansan in the Fall of 2024, exceeded the $30,000 program budget allocation. Staff recommended that the City Council consider appropriating additional funds from the undesignated General Fund balance for the Sister City and Friendship City programs for expenses related to meetings, meals, airfare, transportation, and upgraded-quality cultural gifi exchanges, should the same visit schedule be planned for the future. Also, staff recommended that the City Council estabiish a criteria or guidelines for a more consistent Sister City program with student exchanges, including a budget and adequate staff time sufficient to sustain this priority. Staff sought City Council direction to accept or decline one or both requests from the South Korea cities to visit Buena Park in October 2025, and noted that both cities are awaiting a formal response from the City.
The City Council spoke regarding the value of the cultural exchange; interest in extending the program participation to ali high school students who reside in Buena Park; expanding program participation to high school students of all grade levels; increasing the budget allocation for the program; visiting other countries and exploring additional sister or friendship city relationships; initial budget allocated for the program, and the eventual increase related to expansion and inflation; limit the frequency of the Buena Park delegation visit to South Korea to once every other year; in support to host both South Korea cities in October 2025 and increase the program budget to $50,000; and, establish criteria and guidelines for program policy considerations for review at a subsequent City Council meeting. Moreover, the City Council asked about the friendship city relationship with Ansan City, South Korea; estimated cost associated with hosting the two South Korea cities to visit Buena Park in October 2025; and, fiscal impact of the upcoming visit.
Mayor Ahn explained the friendship city relationship with Ansan City developed during the City of Buena Park delegation visit in 2024.
Assistant City Manager Fenton sought City Council direction to accept or decline one or both requests from the South Korea cities to visit Buena Park in October 2025. Assistant City Manager Fenton discussed the estimated cost of the October 2025 visit, staff time that will be allocated, assistance provided by the Buena Park Sister City Foundation, and coordination with Buena Park High Schoo! to host the students from the two cities.
Following the discussion, the City Council directed staff to send a formal response accepting the request of both South Korea cities to visit Buena Park in October 2025; increase the budget appropriation amount to $50,000 for the Sister City and Friendship City programs; and, establish a criteria and guideline for a more formal and consistent program at a subsequent City Council meeting.
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9C. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A
PILOT BUSINESS VISITATION AND OUTREACH PROGRAM
Senior Management Analyst Dhauw and Management Analyst Yoon provided a report regarding the implementation of a pilot business visitation and outreach program. The purpose of this Program would be to enhance engagement with local businesses, support economic growth, and foster a business-friendly environment in Buena Park. The focus would be small- and medium-sized businesses, which are often less connected to opportunities, resources, and programs offered by the City. Senior Management Analyst Dhauw explained the proposed Program would build on several initiatives in the Community and Economic Development Department. Management Analyst Yoon discussed the key elements of the business visits.
Furthermore, the Program would be advertised using the City's website, display boards, social media platforms, direct email invitations and door-to-door flyer distribution. Interested businesses could sign up for an in-person visit from City representatives either online or by phone. City representatives, comprised of the City Council Member representing the district, City Manager or his designee, Community and Economic Development Director, and Economic Development staff, would aim to meet with approximately two to four businesses per month.
Staff sought City Council direction on the Program parameters and regarding the implementation of the Program starting with businesses in District 4, with the option to expand to other City Council districts, if desired by other City Council Members.
The City Council spoke in support of the implementation of a pilot business visitation and outreach program starting with District 4 and later expanding to other City Council districts.
Following the discussion, the City Council directed staff to implement the Program starting with businesses in District 4 and eventually expand to other City Council districts. qo. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager France reported the following:
* District3CommunityMeeting,July15,2025,BuenaParkCommunityPoliceAcademy, 6:00 p.m., at Ehlers Event Center - Heritage Hall. @ BuenaParkCommunityPoliceAcademy,JulylO,2025,6:00-9:00p.m.,atBuenaPark Police Department.
11. COMMISSION & COMMITTEE UPDATES
Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Jimenez had nothing to report.
12. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Ahn adjourned the meeting at 7:44 p.m. in memory of Jasmine Nguyen.
l" Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk IJ