MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK
HELD AUGUST 12, 2025
Vol. 55 Pg. 3
1. GENERAL
The City Council met in a regular session on Tuesday, August 12, 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 Adria M. Jimenez, MMC, Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk. 1 C. INVOCATION
The Invocation was led by Jonathan Lee, Buena Park Police Department Chaplain. 1 D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Adrian Garcia, Finance Manager. 1 E. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager France reported the following:
* Pacific Symphony On The Go!, August 13, 2025, 6:30 p.m., Boisseranc Park. @ Dive-In Movies - Finding Nemo, August 14, 2025, pool opens at 7:30 p.m.; movie starts at 8:30 p.m., Peak Park Pool.
* Super Senior Saturday, August 16, 2025, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Ehlers Senior Activity Center.
* Construction Career and Apprenticeship Resource Fair, September 6, 2025, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Ehlers Event Center - Heritage Hall. * No Second City Council Meeting in August. The next Regular City Council Meeting is September 9, 2025.
* Director of Public Works/City Engineer Mikhael reported on the Peak Park Water Well Drilling Project. A feasibility and hydrogeologic study identified Peak Park as the best location for a new well. The contractor drilled to 1,300 feet while water and soil samples confirmed adequate water quality. Next steps include completing well construction and preparing the site for future facility development.
2. PRESENT ATIONS
No Presentations.
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.
Minutes August 12, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 4
4. CONSENT CALENDAR (4A - 41)
Mayor Ahn announced that Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4A through 41 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 - 41:
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Hoque
Franco
Hoque, Franco, Sonne, Traut, Ahn
None
MOTION CARRIED that all actions recommended on Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4A - 41 be approved.
Minutes
4A. APPROVALOFMINUTES
Recommended Action: Approval of Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings of July 22, 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. 15015
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERT AIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $7,738,280.05; DEMAND NOS. 431470 THROUGH 4317 42: CANCELLED NOS. 430861, 430947, 431137 AND 431139 RESOLUTION N0. 15016
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $2,126,045.79: DEMAND NOS. 4317 43 THROUGH 431 954; CANCELLED NOS. 430369 AND 431553 RESOLUTION NO. 15017
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERT AIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1 7,768.47 COVERING RETIREE PAYROLL ENDING JUNE 30, 2025.
RESOLUTION NO. 15018
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1,181 ,540.09 COVERING REGULAR PAYROLL ENDING JULY 04, 2025
RESOLUTION NO. 15019
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1,317,952.56 COVERING REGULAR PAYROLL ENDING JULY 18, 2025
Contracts 70 C-3575 Public Works Proj. 125 PW-971 4C. FINAL PAYMENT TO SOUTHERN BLEACHER COMPANY, INC. FOR THE BELLIS
PARK BLEACHER REPLACEMENT PROJECT
Recommended Action: 1 ) Accept the project as complete and approve a final payment to Southern Bleacher Company, Inc., in the amount of $47,530; and 2) Direct the Public Works Department to file a Notice of Completion.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Minutes August 12, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 5
Contracts 70 C-3583 Public Works Proj. 125 PW-975 4D. FINAL PAYMENT TO BIG BEN ENGINEERING, INC. FOR THE 6591 BEACH
BOULEVARD FIRE HYDRANT AND FIRE SERVICE LINE INSTALLATION PROJECT Recommended Action: 4 ) Accept the project as complete and approve a final payment to Big Ben Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $112,367.63; and, 2) Direct the Public Works Department to file a Notice of Completion.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Contracts 70 C-3622 Public Works Proj. PW-985 Budgets 47 4E. RESOLUTIONAPPROVINGPLANSANDSPECIFICATIONSFORTHETHELMA AVENUE COMMUNITY GARDENS PHASE 1 PROJECT, APPROVE A CONTRACT WITH GREEN GIANT LANDSCAPE, INC., AND APPROVE A BUDGET
APPROPRIATION
Recommended Action: I ) Adopt a resolution approving the plans and specifications for the Thelma Avenue Community Gardens Phase 1 Project; 2) Award a contract to Green Giant Landscape, Inc., in the amount of $936,41 5; 3) Approve a budget appropriation in the amount of $405,000 from undesignated General Fund; 4) Authorize project contingency funds in the amount of $95,000; 5) Authorize a purchase order for The Solis Group in the amount of $5,380 for administration of the Community Workforce Administration; 6) Authorize Community Workforce Administration contingency funds in the amount of $2,690; 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.
APPROVED the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION N0. 15020
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, APPROV!NG PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THELMA AVENUE COMMUNITY GARDENS PHASE 1 PROJECT IN SAID CITY
Contracts 70 C-3623 C-3624 Public Works Proj.
4F. RESOLUTION APPROVING PLANS AND
PW-985 PW-986 Budgets 47
SPECIFICATIONS FOR VARIOUS OCFA
FIRE STATION N0. 63 IMPROVEMENTS, APPROVE CONTRACTS WITH ROD-WEST FLOOR COVERING, LLC, AND PPC SERVICE INC., AND APPROVE A BUDGET
REALLOCATION
Recommended Action: 1 ) Adopt a resolution approving the plans and specifications for the OCFA Fire Station No. 63 Flooring Replacement Project; 2) Approve a budget reallocation from the Ehlers Senior Center Carpet Replacement Project; 3) Award a contract to Rod-West Floor Covering LLC, in the amount of $44,338; 4) Authorize contingency funds in the amount of $5,000 in the same purchase order; 5) Award a contract to PPC Service Inc., in the amount of $15,936.61 ; 6) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, nonmonetary changes to the contract; and, 7) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the contract.
APPROVED the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 15021
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING SPECIFICATIONS FOR VARIOUS OCFA FIRE STATION 63 IMPROVEMENTS
IN SAID CITY
Budgets 47
4G. APPROVALOFABUDGETAPPROPRIATIONFORTHECONSTRUCTIONCAREER
AND APPRENTICESHIP RESOURCE FAIR
Recommended Action: 1 )Approve a budget appropriation of $5,000 From the undesignated General Fund balance for the implementation of the Construction Career and Apprenticeship Fair.
APPROVE[) the recommended action.
Minutes August 12, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 6
Emergency Services 188
4H. RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE BUENA PARK EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN -
BASIC PLAN
Recommended Action: 1 ) Adopt a resolution adopting the City of Buena Park's Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) - Basic Plan; and 2) Authorize staff to make any necessary, non-monetary changes to the EOP at the discretion of the City Manager.
APPROVED the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 15022
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA,
ADOPTING THE BUENA PARK EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN - BASIC PLAN Police Dept. 117
41. ORDINANCE APPROVING POLICE DRONE-RELATED UPDATES TO THE BUENA
PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT'S MILIT ARY EQUIPMENT USE POLICY IN COMPLIANCE WITH ASSEMBLY BILL 481
In accordance with AB 481, any update to Policy 409 - Military Equipment Use Policy, must be submitted and approved by City Council. In compliance with AB 481, outlined below is the proposed equipment to be added to the Military Equipment Use Policy (Attachment B), as well as a proposed updated Policy 409 (Attachment C).
Recommended Action: 1)Adopt an Ordinance approving police drone-related updates to the Buena Park Police Department's Military Equipment Use Policy ("Policy"), thereby satisfying Assembly Bill 481 with respect to purchase and use of such equipment by the Department.
APPROVED the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled ordinance:
ORDINANCE N0. 1785
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA,
ADOPTING AN UPDATED MILIT ARY EQUIPMENT USE POLICY FOR THE BUENA PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT IN COMPLIANCE WITH ASSEMBLY BILL 481
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
5. NEW BUSINESS (5A - 5D)
Contracts 70 C-3582 C-3625 Budgets 47
5A. AMENDMENT NO. I TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT N0. 25-02 WITH STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES INC., FOR DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE DALE/WHITAKER COMPLETE STREETS PROJECT AND PSA NO. 25-20 WITH STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES INC., FOR DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE
WHITAKER STREET REHABILITATION PROJECT
Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement with Stantec Consulting Services Inc. for design services for the Dale/\/Vhitaker Complete Streets Project; 2) Approve Amendment No. 2 to Professional Services Agreement with Stantec Consulting Services Inc., for design services for the Whitaker Street Rehabilitation Project; 3) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, non-monetary changes to the agreement; 4) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the agreement; and, 5) Authorize a budget allocation in the amount of $20,000 from the undesignated Gas Tax fund balance for this purpose.
Senior Engineering Technician Wray reported on amendments to the Professional Services Agreement with Stantec Consulting Services Inc. Staff has been working with Stantec on the Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) for the Dale/Whitaker Complete Streets Project, which includes bikeways, crosswalks, pavement markings, traffic calming, and bus stop upgrades. During design, staff identified two additional required elements, leading to Amendment No. 1 for $22,281. The current budget also allocates $1.2 million for the Whitaker Street Pavement Rehabilitation Project, which overlaps with the Complete Streets work. Of three consultant proposals for PS&E, Willdan submitted the lowest at $95,971 ; however, as Stantec was already working on the corridor, they proposed a lower cost of $87,151. Staff recommended City Council approve Amendment No. I for the Complete Streets Project and Amendment No. 2 for the Rehabilitation Project to reduce costs, streamline construction, and avoid conflicts.
Minutes August 12, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 7
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Franco
Ahn
Franco, Ahn, Hoque, Sonne, Traut
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action.
Contracts 70 C-3626
5B. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ENGINEERING RESOURCES OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, INC. (ERSC) FOR DESIGN SERVICES OF THE KNOTT AVENUE (CRESCENT AVENUE TO ARTESIA BOULEVARD) AND 8TH STREET
REHABILITATION PROJECT
Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Engineering Resources of Southern California, Inc. (ERSC) in the amount of $280,385 for design services for the Knott Avenue (Crescent Avenue to Artesia Boulevard) and 8th Street Rehabilitation Project; 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.
Associate Engineer Miller reported on a Professional Services Agreement with Engineering Resources of Southern California, Inc. (ERSC) for design services on the Knott Avenue (Crescent Ave. to Artesia Blvd.) and 8th Street Rehabilitation Project. The 2.5-mile project includes pavement rehabilitation, curb and gutter replacement, cross gutters, sidewalks, ADA ramps, utility adjustments, traffic control plans, MUTCD-required signage, and related improvements. A Request for Proposals issued on June 26, 2025, yielded six responses; staff selected ERSC as the most qualified based on scope comprehension, schedule, cost, and experience. Design work begins August 2025 and is expected to finish by January 2026.
Council Member Traut requested that additional design elements (bike lanes, trees and landscaping upgrades) are incorporated into the plan, where financially feasible.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Traut
Sonne
Traut, Sonne, Franco, Hoque, Ahn
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action.
Contracts 70 C-3627 Public Works Proj. 125 PW-987 Budgets 47 5C. RESOLUTIONAPPROVINGPLANSANDSPECIFICATIONSFORTHECITYYARD
ROOF REPLACEMENT PROJECT, APPROVE A CONTRACT WITH LETNER
ROOFING COMPANY, AND APPROVE A BUDGET AMENDMENT
Recommended Action: 1 ) Adopt a resolution approving the plans and specifications for the City Yard Roof Replacement Project; 2) Award a contract to Letner Roofing Company in the amount of $493,775; 3) Authorize contingency funds in the amount of $50,000 in the same purchase order; 4) Authorize a purchase order for The Solis Group in the amount of $4,035 for administration of the Community Workforce Agreement; 5) Authorize Community Workforce Administration contingency funds in the amount of $500; 6) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, non- monetary changes to the contract; 7) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the contract; and, 8) Approve a budget appropriation in the amount of $48,650 from the undesignated Water Fund balance for this purpose.
Assistant Engineer Lee reported on the City Yard Roof Replacement Project for Building B at 6550 Aragon Circle, which has shown deterioration since its last major upgrade in 2012. The project will install a reinforced liquid-applied roofing system with key improvements. The project was advertised on July 10, 2025, and received nine bids, with the lowest responsible bid of $493,775 from Letner Roofing Company of Orange. The contractor is licensed and experienced with similar public projects. Staff recommended awarding the contract to Letner Roofing with a $50,000 contingency. The project, subject to the Community Workforce Agreement, is scheduled for construction from September to October 2025.
Minutes August 12, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 8
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Ahn
Franco
Ahn, Franco, Hoque, Sonne, Traut
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action.
RESOLUTION NO. 15023
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA
APPROVING SPECIFICATIONS FOR CITY YARD ROOF REPLACEMENT PROJECT IN SAID CITY
Purchasing 127 Budgets 47
5D. AUTHORIZE VEHICLE PURCHASES FOR FISCAL YEARS 2025-2026 AND 2026-2027 Recommended Action: 1 ) Authorize the Purchasing Manager to issue purchase orders in the approximate aggregate amount of $2,290,000, plus applicable taxes, for various City vehicles as described herein for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 fiscal years; 2) Authorize up-fitting costs in the approximate amount of $25,000 for each police patrol vehicle and $6,000 for each police administrative vehicle (total of $375,000 for 24 vehicles); and, 3) Determine that dispensing with competitive bidding is in the best interest of the City due to the uncertain impact of tariffs on vehicle inventories and to streamline the approval process to better facilitate local purchases.
Public Works Manager Hunt reported on planned vehicle replacements for Fiscal Years 2025- 2026 and 2026-2027. Each year, the City updates a Fleet Replacement list, which is reviewed and approved by the City Council as part of the budget process. In the last cycle, the City Council authorized $750,000 for FY 2023-2025 purchases, enabling the City to secure vehicles despite pandemic shortages. Staff recommends using the same approach for FY 2025-2027.
The City is also pursuing opportunities to buy competitively priced vehicles directly from local dealers, which supports the local economy. However, the City's lengthy approval process limits dealers' ability to hold vehicles. Municipal Code Section 3.28.080(H) allows the City Council to bypass bidding when it serves the City's best interest.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Franco
Ahn
Franco, Ahn, Hoque, Sonne, Traut
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action.
6. PUBLIC HEARING
No Public Hearing items.
7. COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS, CONFERENCE REPORTS AND
CALENDAR REQUESTS
7A. REPORT
Council Member Hoque reported the following:
@ July 28 NOCC 2025 Business Awards & Chamber Board Installation Celebration Council Member Hoque expressed her appreciation to the City's Homeless Outreach Team for their recent efforts around Knott Ave. and Lincoln Ave.
Council Member Sonne reported the following:
* July 28 NOCC 2025 Business Awards & Chamber Board Installation Celebration * July 30 Summer Concert in the Park - Bruno and The Hooligans * August 6 Summer Concert Summer Concert in the Park - New Romantics * August 6 BPPD National Night Out
@ August 11 Community Services Annual Cardboard Boat Race Minutes August 12, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 9
Council Member Franco encouraged Buena Park residents to join or volunteer for local non- profit organizations and thanked the Public Works Department for their work on the 1-5 Freeway wall cleanup.
Vice Mayor Traut reported the following:
@ July 28 NOCC 2025 Business Awards & Chamber Board Installation Celebration Vice Mayor Traut commended the increase in tree planting within City Council Districts 4 and 5, which grew from 250 trees previously to 750 more recently. Residents who would like a tree planted in their parkway are encouraged to contact Public Works.
Mayor Ahn reported the following:
* July 28 NOCC 2025 Business Awards & Chamber Board Installation Celebration The City Council congratulated Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Jimenez for being awarded the 2025 City Clerk of the Year during the North Orange County Chamber of Commerce 2025 Business Awards & Chamber Board Installation Celebration.
8. RECESS/RECONVENE
Mayor Ahn 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 6:22 p.m. g. STUDY SESSION (9A - 9D)
9A. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION FOR THE FRIENDSHIP PARK IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT CONCEPTUAL PLANS AND COST ESTIMATE
Assistant Engineer Lee reported on the Friendship Park Improvement Project. Following City Council's January 2025 direction, staff selected RJM Design Group, Inc. (RJM) for conceptual plan development with a $101,265 budget allocation from the General Fund. Community outreach began in April 2025 and included pop-up workshops, surveys, and online feedback, which gathered input on desired amenities and improvements. Key recommendations included new playgrounds, shade and seating, better lighting and traffic calming, dog waste management, exercise equipment, and turf renovation. The conceptual plan estimates are approximately $6.5-$7 million (including design and construction). Staff requested City Council guidance on moving forward with design and construction documents, funding opportunities, and implementation.
Zachary Mueting, RJM Design Group Inc., reviewed the existing conditions of the park, community outreach methodology and results, participant demographics, top community priorities, conceptual plans, playground concepts, multicultural picnic shelter, budget and RJM's recommendations.
Council Member Franco requested retaining the handball court for its cultural and historic value while also adding pickleball courts with a shared use agreement with Beatty Middle School. In addition, he suggested an amphitheater at the location.
Vice Mayor Traut requested autism-friendly sensory play.
City Council expressed support for the Friendship Park project, with feedback centering on restroom safety and cleanliness, recreation, costs, cultural elements, and safety. Discussions on costs highlighted comparisons with other local parks, with a project estimate of approximately $6.5 to $7 million and includes 1 00% consultant fee, demolition and construction, material procurement and installation contingency.
City Council Members described the park as transformative, exciting, and exceeding their initial expectations. Following the discussion, the City Council expressed support for the Friendship Park Project.
Minutes August 12, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 40
9B. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING THE RENOVATION OF THE
PEAK PARK POOL BUILDING
Associate Engineer Tran reported on the renovation of the Peak Park Pool Building. The building features locker rooms, administration rooms, pool equipment and a mechanical/storage room. In June 2022, the City hired Oldham Architects to conduct a feasibility study. The study outlined three phases of improvements: Phase l: Pool structure repairs and upgrades; Phase II:
Renovation of the pool building; and, Phase Ill: Construction of a canopy covering the pool. The Phase I upgrades were completed in October 2024.
In March 2024, staff recommended three options to consider for Phase II (pool building renovation). The three options for improvements were presented. Option 1, with an estimated cost of $2.9 million, includes renovation of the men's and women's locker rooms and replacement of the pool equipment. Option 2, with an estimated cost of $4.3 million, includes renovation of the entire interior, replacement of pool equipment, and the addition of exterior showers, lockers, ramp/stairs, and shade structures. Option 3, with an estimated cost of $8 million, includes demolition of the existing building and construction of a new facility of the same size.
Following the discussion, the City Council directed staff to proceed with Option 2, Full Renovation to include the roof installation, with an estimated cost of $4.52 million.
RECESS/RECONVENE
Mayor Ahn recessed the meeting at 8:05 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 8:15 p.m. gc. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON AN AGREEMENT WITH CENTRALIA
ELEMENT ARY SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR AN AFTER-SCHOOL EXPANDED
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM (ELOP)
Community Services Supervisor Kurata reported that at the request of Council Member Hoque the City is exploring a partnership with the Centralia Elementary School District (District) to enhance the District's Expanded Learning After School Program for students in TK-6. The District would remain the lead agency and oversee registration, chaperones, and transportation.
The City would supplement programming with sports, a food program, and dance/cheer activities at four elementary schools from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Students would be divided into two groups (TK-3 and 4-6), rotating through the City programs for one hour each. Sports games could also be scheduled between schools on selected Fridays. The City would assign one full- time Community Services Coordinator to plan and oversee the programs, supported by part- time staff to maintain a 10:1 child-to-leader ratio. The District will reimburse the City for all associated costs, estimated at $153,080, which includes $51,410 for full-time salaries/benefits $83,670 for part-time salaries/benefits, and $18,000 for recreation supplies.
Council Member Hoque commented on the importance of strengthening partnerships between the City and schools, highlighting programs such as the W.I.N.G.S. Affer-School Program and the joint use of Whitaker Park with Buena Park School District. Council Member Hoque noted her continued support for ELOP, describing it as students' first exposure to extracurricular activities, and emphasized that this program provides unique opportunities that are transformative for students and their families.
City Council congratulated Dale Kurata, Community Services Supervisor, on his upcoming retirement and thanked him for his service to the City.
Following the discussion, the City Council expressed support for staff's recommendations.
Minutes August 12, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 11
9D. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING SUPPORT FOR AB 825 (PETRIE-NORRIS)
Senior Management Analyst Fewer introduced this item as an urgency matter due to an advocacy deadline. Ms. Fewer reported that Townsend Public Affairs provided an overview of AB 825 (Petrie-Norris), legislation intended to address rising utility bills through policies affecting electrical corporations. The bill has passed the Assembly and is pending hearings in the Senate.
Key provisions include restrictions on cost recovery for undergrounding projects, creation of a Public Transmission Financing Fund, estabiishment of a clean energy permitting assistance program (PLACE), and expanded financing authority for the I-Bank. Staff noted that while CalCities currently holds a "watch" position, the legislation aligns with goals in the City's draft Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. Environmental groups have expressed support, while opponents have raised concerns regarding impacts on profits, additional regulation, costs of electrification, and local permitting processes.
Council Member Sonne stated that AB 825 is part of a broader iegislative effort to address utility affordability and wildfire mitigation, while assisting cities with project permitting. She noted that SCE rates have increased significantly over the past decade and are projected to rise further, impacting residents' ability to afford electricity. She emphasized that the bill is critical to ensuring transparency, controlling utility costs, and enabling cities to facilitate projects that expand utility availability efficiently and cost-effectively.
Vice Mayor Traut noted that AB 825 addresses wildfire mitigation, insurance issues, and energy infrastructure. He stated the bill is a productive step toward addressing rising energy costs in California, highlighted that supporters are experts aiming to reduce rates, and expressed his support for the legislation.
The City Council received an email from Nayeli Figueroa in support of this AB 825.
Tomas Castro, Climate Action Campaign, spoke in support of AB 825 and requested the City Council issue a letter of support.
David Martinez, Climate Action Campaign, noted that AB 825 addresses key factors contributing to high prices of electricity in California, including permitting, financing, and utility profits, and expressed support for the bill.
Council Member Franco inquired about the proposed $8.30 monthly rate decrease per user, potential additional savings, and the impact of a cap on profits from the first $15 billion. Senior Management Analyst Fewer explained that the legislation sets a flat rate and that wildfire mitigation fees would be charged to ratepayers, with no local actions required. Council Member Sonne noted that while the immediate savings may be modest, the bill would prevent future rate increases by 10Us and provide local assistance for clean energy projects. Questions about potential impacts on local decision-making were addressed, with staff confirming no authority would be taken away. Matt Foulkes, Community Development Director, stated that supporting the legislation would not have negative effects on the City.
Following the discussion, the City Council supported drafting a letter of support for AB 825.
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager France reported the following:
* Annual Ice Cream Social, Thursday, August 21, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Community Center * Fireworks Discussion, September 9, 5:00 p.m., City Council Meeting * Strategic Planning Session, Hilton at The Source, September 16, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
11. COMMISSION & COMMITTEE UPDATES
Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Jimenez had no report.
Minutes August 12, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 12
12. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Ahn adjourned the meeting at 8:39 p.m.
ATTEST:
City Clerk U
'I