MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK
HELD SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
Vol. 55 Pg. 14
1. GENERAL
The City Council met in a regular session on Tuesday, September 9, 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 Reverend Dr. Joel Van Soelen, Anaheim Christian Reformed Church. 1 D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Rebecca Valdez, Human Resources Manager. 1 E. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager France reported the following:
@ Office Aide/Passport Agent Kirk reported the success of the recently concluded 2025 Passport Walkins. The Passport Services Division reviewed and processed 1,311 applications from April through August, and 1,047 of which were during the walk-in days. Mr.
Kirk emphasized that July 2025 was the busiest month with over 350 applications. The Passport Services Division is now open by appointment only every Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. To book an appointment and for passport-related information, please visit the Passport Services page on the City's website. * OCFARemembranceDay,SeptembeMl,2025,8:00a.m.-10:OOa.m.,OCFA Headquarters Irvine.
* BP CultureFest, September 27, 2025, 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Boisseranc Park. * Congratulated Mayor Ahn for welcoming a new baby in the Ahn Family.
2. PRESENT ATIONS
Council Member Sonne stepped away from the dais for presentations. 2A. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 2025 AS.NAT10NAL HISPANIC
HERIT AGE MONTH
Council Member Franco presented a proclamation recognizing September 2025 as National Hispanic Heritage Month to California State University, Fullerton Professor Alexandro Gradilla. 2B. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 2025 AS HUNGER ACTION MONTH Council Member Hoque presented a proclamation recognizing September 2025 as Hunger Action Month to Second Harvest Food Back Director of Marketing and Public Affairs Sara Bazant.
Minutes September 9, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 15
2C. CERTIFICATEOFRECOGNITIONOFTHEAMERICANLEGION'S106"' ANNIVERSARY - SEPTEMBER 16, 1919
Vice Mayor Traut presented a certificate of recognition of the American Legion's 1 06'h Anniversary to American Legion Post 354. A certificate of recognition from Senator Strickland was presented.
2D. PRESENT ATION OF BUENA PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT LIFESAVING AWARD
AND ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY LETTER OF RECOGNITION TO
OFFICER ANTHONY CURATOLA
Police Chief Nunes presented a lifesaving award and OCFA Division Chief Schuetz presented a letter of recognition to Officer Anthony Curatola for his selfless and honorable actions while responding to an incident involving an injured motorcyclist. Certificates of recognition from Senator Strickland and Assemb!ywoman 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.
Kathie Fortney, Buena Park resident, spoke in support to prohibit the sale and use of all fireworks in the City due to its negative impact to the community.
Don Hammonds, Buena Park resident, spoke regarding the lack of affordable housing in the City and the constant increase in City service fees. Mr. Hammonds urged the City Council to reconsider their priorities and to serve the needs of the working-class Buena Park residents.
There being no additional requests to speak, Mayor Ahn closed oral communications.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR (4A - 4M)
Mayor Ahn announced that Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4A through 4M 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 - 4M:
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Franco
Traut
Franco, Traut, Hoque, Sonne, Ahn
None
MOTION CARRIED that all actions recommended on Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4A - 4M be approved.
Minutes
4A. APPROVALOFMINUTES
Recommended Action: Approval of Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings of August 12, 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 NO. 15024
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1,546,012.99 DEMAND NOS. 431955 THROUGH 432185 CANCELLED NOS. 431679 AND 431880 Minutes September 9, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 16
RESOLUTION NO. 15025
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERT AIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $3,490,304.44 DEMAND NOS. 432186 THROUGH 432408 CANCELLED NOS. 428067, 428180, 428201, 428233, 428234, 428255, 428586. 428597, 428834 AND 428835 RESOLUTION NO.. 15026
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1,317,199.36 COVERING REGULAR PAYROLL ENDING AUGUST 1 , 2025
RESOLUTION NO. 15027
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $17,766.47 COVERING RETIREE PAYROLL ENDING JuLY 31, 2025
RESOLUTION N0. 15028
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1,2a1,048.18 COVERING REGULAR PAYROLL ENDING AUGUST 15, 2025
Reports & Studies 129
4C. TREASURER'S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF JULY 2025 Recommended Action: Receive and file the reports.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Proclamations 119
4D. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 2025 AS NATIONAL HISPANIC
HERIT AGE MONTH
Recommended Action: Approve proclamation.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Proclamations 119
4E. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 2025 AS HUNGER ACTION MONTH Recommended Action: Approve proclamation.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Proclamations 119
4F. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 2025 AS CHILDHOOD CANCER
AWARENESS MONTH
Recommended Action: Approve Proclamation.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Contracts 70 C-3547 Public Works Proj. 125 PW-959 4G. FINAL PAYMENT TO G&A NELOS CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR THE MAGNOLIA
AVENUE WATER MAIN INTERCONNECT PROJECT
Recommended Action: I ) Accept the project as complete and approve a final payment to G&A Nelos Construction, Inc. in the amount of $52,654.35; and 2) Direct the Public Works Department to file a Notice of Completion.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Minutes September 9, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 17
Contracts 70 C-3474 Grants 185 Budgets 47
4H. AGREEMENT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) FOR THE FY 2025-26 ALCOHOL POLICING PARTNERSHIP (APP) PROGRAM
AND RELATED BUDGET APPROPRIATION
Recommended Action: 1 ) Accept grant funding from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control ("ABC") in the amount of $41,019 for the FY 2025-26 Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) program; 2) Approve a grant agreement with ABC for the APP program; 3) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, non- monetary changes to the agreement; 4) Authorize the Police Chief to sign any necessary documentation related to the grant; and, 5) Approve a budgetary appropriation in an amount not-to-exceed $41,019 for this purpose.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Contracts 70 C-3616 Budgets 47
41. AGREEMENTFORSERVICESWITHCENTRALIAELEMENTARYSCHOOLDISTRICT
AUTHORIZING THE CITY'S PARTICIPATION IN THE EXPANDED LEARNING AFTER
SCHOOL PROGRAM
Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve an agreement for services with Centralia Elementary School District authorizing the City's participation in the Expanded Learning Division's after school program; 2) Approve a budget amendment in the amount of $153,080; and, 3) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the agreement.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Contracts 70 C-3382
4J. AMENDEDANDRESTATEDLICENSEAGREEMENTWITHFRIENDLYCENTER,INC.
AUTHORIZING THE OPERATION OF A RESOURCE CENTER AT THE BUENA PARK
COMMUNITY CENTER AND THE WILLIAM PEAK PARK CLUBHOUSE Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve the amended and restated license agreement with Friendly Center, Inc. to operate a resource center at both the Buena Park Community Center and William Peak Park Clubhouse; 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.
Codes 64
4K. ORDINANCEADOPTINGAMENDMENTOFCHAPTER13.160FTHEMUNICIPAL
CODE REGARDING BACKFLOW AND CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROLS AND
RESOLUTION APPROVING A CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL MANAGEMENT PLAN
Recommended Action: 1 ) Adopt an ordinance amending Title 13 Chapter 13 of the Buena Park Municipal Code (BPMC) in specified Sections 13.16.010-13.16.210 related to backflow and cross-connection controls; and, 2) Adopt a resolution approving a Cross-Connection Control Management Plan.
APPROVED the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled ordinance and resolution:
ORDINANCE N0.1759
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 13.16 (BACKFLOW AND CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROLS) OF
THE BUENA PARK MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCORPORATE STANDARDS ADOPTED BY THE
STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD
RESOLUTION N0. 15029
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CiTY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING A CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL MANAGEMENT POLICY PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 13.16 (BACKFLOW AND CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROLS) OF THE BUENA
PARK MUNICIPAL CODE AND THE STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD'S CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL POL!CY HANDBOOK
Minutes September 9, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 18
Commendations 65
4L. RESOLUTION HONORING AND COMMENDING R. PATRICK DONNELLY AT THE 2025 MEMORIAL GROVE CEREMONY
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution honoring and commending R. Patrick ("Pat") Donnelly at the 2025 Memorial Grove Ceremony.
APPROVED the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION N0. 15030
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, CALIFORNIA, HONORING AND COMMENDING R. PATRICK DONNELLY AT THE 2025
MEMORIAL GROVE CEREMONY
Policies 168 Purchasing 127
4M. APPROVALOFREVISEDENVIRONMENTALLYPREFERABLEPURCHASING POLICY (EPPP) iN ACCORDANCE WITH SB 1383 REQUIREMENTS Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve an update to the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy (EPPP) that incorporates requirements set forth by California Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383).
APPROVED the recommended action.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
5. NEW BUSINESS (5A - 5C)
Contracts 70 C-3629
5A. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH EDGESOFT, INC. FOR A NEW
PERMITTING AND LAND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Edgesoft, Inc., to develop and implement a new permitting and land management system, including five years of annual subscription costs for the Community Development and Public Works Departments and Business Licensing, in the amount of $893,732; 2) Authorize the City Manager and the City Attorney to make any necessary non-monetary changes to the agreement; and, 3) Authorize the City Manager and the City Clerk to execute the agreement.
Director of Community and Economic Deveiopment Foulkes reported acquiring a new permitting and land management system with electronic plan review is intended to streamline the plan submittal, review and permit processes; enhance the business license process, and increase transparency to the public; provide a more efficient way to communicate with project applicants and other agencies; and, allow all users to manage data and workflows more efficiently and update the system's information in real time. Director Foulkes emphasized that the new system would increase the issuance of "instant permits" and minimize the need for staff review. Homeowners and business owners would also be able to conveniently submit, process, and pay for their permits online, and print them out instantly. Staff re!eased a Request for Proposals (RFP) on January 7, 2025, and received seven (7) responses. The evaluation committee determined that EdgeSoff, Inc. met the City's needs within the tirneline and budget that have been identified for the project. The projected timeline for the design, implementation and deployment of the new permitting system is 10-12 months after the project kick-off date. It was recommended that the City Council approve the proposed agreement with Edgesoft, Inc. to develop and implement a new permitting and land management system, including five years of annual subscription costs for the Community Development and Public Works Departments and Business Licensing in the amount of $893,732.
The City Council asked about turnaround time for digital project submissions; cybersecurity and potential liabiiity to the City; efforts to minimize disruption to City services during the transition; and, access to multiple language translation.
Minutes September 9, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 19
Director Foulkes explained that plan check takes about five to seven days to complete compared to seven to ten days. Another benefit of an electronic plan review is that it would streamline the process of reviewing and marking up the plan, and returning it to the applicant for revisions. All data are stored on the cloud and there are duplication efforts in case of disruptions in service. It was noted that payment processing is outsourced; therefore, no credit card information will be stored. Director Foulkes discussed the registration process for online submittal which would require entering and verification of licenses. The entire process to create and program the system would take about 4 0 to 12 months. It is anticipated that there will be a four-day-weekend disruption as the transition takes place. Finally, multiple language translation will be made available on the public portal.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Hoque
Ahn
Hoque, Ahn, Franco, Traut, Sonne
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action.
Contracts 70 C-3604 Budgets 47
5B. AMENDMENTTOPURCHASEANDSALEAGREEMENTFORCITY-OWNED
PROPERTY AT 6245 AUTO CENTER DRIVE
Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve the Amendment to the Purchase and Sale Agreement with Simpson & Simpson Holdings, LLC; 2) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, non-monetary changes to the Amendment; 3) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the Amendment in a form approved by the City Attorney; 4) Approve a budget amendment in the amount of $1.5 million from the City's undesignated Economic Development Fund balance to fund relocation and undergrounding of offsite utilities as required by SCE and CalTrans; and, 5) Authorize the City Manager take such actions as are reasonably necessary to implement the Purchase and Sale Agreement, as amended.
Director of Community and Economic Development Foulkes reported on an amendment to the purchase and sale agreement with Simpson & Simpson Holdings, LLC (Developer). The City Council approved a purchase and sale agreement for the property located along the 1-5 Freeway corridor on the south side of Auto Center Drive and east of Western Avenue on April 22, 2025 for an appraised fair market value of $2,723,625. The City and Simpson & Simpson Holdings, LLC also worked cooperatively to clarify issues involving the proposed design, timeline, and anticipated cost of offsite improvements before the closing of escrow. Following the approval of the Purchase and Sale Agreement, City staff has continued to work with SCE to finalize the design for the offsite improvements and has estimated the cost for these improvements to be $1.5 million. The Developer and their contractor reviewed the expected timeline and scope of work and deemed it acceptable. Accordingly, the City and Developer are now prepared to amend the Purchase and Sale Agreement to memorialize their agreement on post-closing responsibilities and transaction closing procedures.
Don Hammonds, Buena Park resident, spoke in opposition to the proposed development at 6245 Auto Center Drive and emphasized the need to build more affordable housing units for Buena Park residents.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Traut
Franco
Traut, Franco, Hoque, Sonne, Ahn
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action.
Minutes September 9, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 20
City Council 55
5C. SELECTION OF CITY COUNCIL DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE VOTING DELEGATE
FOR CAL CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the City Council select a voting delegate and alternate for the Cal Cities Annual Conference in October.
Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Jimenez sought City Council direction on designating Council Members to serve as the voting delegate and alternate delegate for the Cal Cities Annual Conference in October at the Long Beach Convention Center.
The voting delegate is responsible for casting votes on proposed resolutions and/or bylaw amendments. Director Jimenez confirmed that Council Member Hoque, Council Member Franco, and Vice Mayor Traut confirmed their attendance for October 8, 2025 only.
The City Council appointed Council Member Franco as the City's voting delegate and Mayor Ahn as the alternate delegate for the Cal Cities Annual Conference in October.
6. PUBLIC HEARING
No Public Hearing items.
7. COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS, CONFERENCE REPORTS AND
CALENDAR REQUESTS
7A. REPORT
Council Member Hoque reported the following:
* August 13 Boys and Girls Club Merger Celebration Event * August 13 Pacific Symphony On The Go!
* August16SuperSeniorSaturday
* August18BPPDOathofOffice
* August 26 Koreatown Signage Unveiling
* September 6 Construction Career and Apprenticeship Resource Fair Council Member Hoque thanked the City Council, LA/QC Building Trades, Western Carpenters, Community Services, Public Works, Human Resources, Police Department, OCFA, and all vendors for their involvement in the success of the September 6, 2025 Construction Career and Apprenticeship Resource Fair.
Council Member Sonne reported the following:
* August 13 Boys and Girls Club Merger Celebration Event * August 18 BPPD Oath of Office
* August 23 Little Arabia Celebration
* August 21 Annual Ice Cream Social
* August 25 Special OCPA Board Meeting
* August 26 Koreatown Signage Unveiling
* September 2 0CPA Legislative and Regulatory Committee Meeting * September 8 0CPA Regular Board Meeting
Council Member Franco reported the following:
* September 6 Construction Career and Apprenticeship Resource Fair Council Member Franco encouraged residents to sign up for volunteer opportunities in Buena Park as various nonprofit organizations are constantly seeking volunteers. Council Member Franco also acknowledged the anniversary of the state of California which is September 9, 1850.
Minutes September 9, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 21
Vice Mayor Traut reported the following:
* August 13 Boys and Girls Club Merger Celebration Event * August13PacificSymphonyOnTheGo!
* August16SuperSeniorSaturday
* August 18 BPPD Oath of Office
* August 20 UniteKnotts Press Conference
* August 21 0CFA Board Meeting
* August 23 Little Arabia Celebration
* August 26 Koreatown Signage Unveiling
* September 6 Construction Career and Apprenticeship Fair Mayor Ahn reported the following:
* August 27 ACC-QC Webinar: Understanding the Impact of Medi-Cal Changes on Orange County's Health Care Landscape
* August 27 QC Sanitation District Trustee Board Meeting * August 29 NOCC Board Luncheon with Local Mayors * September 3 QC Sanitation District Operations Committee Meeting * September 4 Cal Cities Division Meeting and Board Election @ September 6 Construction Career and Apprenticeship Fair
8. RECESS/RECONVENE
Mayor Ahn recessed the meeting at 6:18 p.m. and announced the meeting would be reconvened in the City Council Chamber. The meeting was reconvened at 6:28 p.m.
9. STUDY SESSION (9A)
9A. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING THE SALE AND USE OF SAFE
AND SANE FIREWORKS
Assistant City Manager/Director of Human Resources Fenton reported on the items calendared by the City Council related to the sale and use of safe and sane fireworks; background of the sale and use of safe and sane fireworks permissible within the City limits per Buena Park Municipal Code (BPMC) Chapter 16.08 Fireworks Sales; State law and BPMC ban of use of illegal fireworks in the City; history on referendum and special election related to sale and use of safe and sane fireworks and enforcement of illegal fireworks; adoption of an Ordinance adding a section to the BPMC for "Social Host Liability" and an increased fine for individual illegal firework violations to $1,000 in 2022; adoption of increased fines for illegal fireworks to a tiered system that increases for multiple violations within 36 months in 2025; and, ongoing public outreach and multi-faceted education campaign by the City Manager's Office, Police Department and OCFA.
Police Chief Nunes provided an update on the use of drones for enforcement during this year's Fourth of July holiday; complaints and calls for service received before, during, and after the holiday; and, PD staffing levels and overtime costs during the Fourth of July holiday. OCFA Division Chief Scheutz presented the reported fireworks injuries between 2020 and 2025; calls for service for the City of Buena Park and emphasized on the two vegetation fires and one fatality during this year's Fourth of July holiday; comparative trends between the County and the City; and, key takeaways for OCFA as it relates to fireworks response. Furthermore, Assistant City Manager Fenton explained options for City Council consideration: 1 ) maintain status quo wherein PD will continue to enforce BPMC and step up education and operations which would result for overtime and administrative costs likely to continue to rise; 2) host a community fireworks display or drone show possibly combined with new community event; and, 3) survey the community to better understand their sentiment.
Keith Reeves, Buena Park resident, spoke in favor of the sale and use of safe and sane fireworks in the City, and emphasized on the long-term harm of banning the sale and use of such type of firework to the community.
Don Harbert, The Way Fellowship Pastor and BPPD Chaplain, spoke about the negative effects of prohibiting the sale and use of safe and sane fireworks to the programs local nonprofits support, and appealed to the City Council to not take this opportunity away.
Grace Resurreccion, Buena Park resident, spoke in support to continue to allow the sale and use of safe and sane fireworks in Buena Park because many children are financially supported by local nonprofits to participate in affer-school programs, and expressed sympathy to the family of the girl who passed during the Fourth of July holiday.
Minutes September 9, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 22
Ruben Estrada, Buena Park resident, appealed to the City Council to not ban the saie and use of safe and sane fireworks in Buena Park because it will affect the children and families who depend on the profits to fund school activities and programs, and expressed sympathy to the family affected by the Fourth of July incident.
Melojean Greenfield, Bears Football and Cheer Programs Parent and Member, spoke in support of the sale and use of safe and sane fireworks in Buena Park, and, conveyed the importance of the funding for youth sports programs made through the safe and sane fireworks sales. Ms.
Greenfield asked the City Council to focus on the problem brought by illegal fireworks and not punish those who abide by the rules, celebrate responsibly, and support the community.
Mark Plechot, Kennedy High School Football Booster Organization, spoke in opposition to the ban of the sale and use of safe and sane fireworks in Buena Park because sales from safe and sane fireworks is what funds aspects of their football program.
Mirna Underwood, Buena Park resident and Boosters parent, spoke in Favor of continuing the sale and use of safe and sane fireworks in Buena Park because the sales help fund many youth programs and bring revenue to the City. Students and parents work at the booth themselves to fundraise.
Chance Vega, Buena Park resident, spoke regarding the effects of illegal fireworks in the community and it continues to be an issue. Mr. Vega indicated previously working with TnT Fireworks to fund a local youth league and now serves as President for a local foundation. The sale of safe and sane fireworks funds different aspects in youth sports such as equipment, sports field maintenance, financial assistance to single parents to name a few, and college scholarships.
Briana Graham-Ramos, Buena Park resident, spoke in support to outlaw all fireworks in Buena Park, and expressed frustration about the delayed response time during the Fourth of July holiday in relation to her police calls about illegal fireworks.
Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Jimenez acknowledged that the City received an email correspondence from Denise Fachko in support of prohibiting fireworks in Buena Park; and, Dennis Revell, Marisol Jimenez, Kim Sutter, Mayra Lopez, Candice Gibson, Patti Kirby, and Friends of Family in opposition to prohibiting fireworks in Buena Park.
The City Council commented about recommendations to nonprofits to raise funds for youth sports; total ban of fireworks for a more peaceful holiday; dangers or health effects of fireworks to people and the environment; fireworks as a cause of fires and property damage; advocating to research for the vote of the people; AB 1403 and implementing fees for use of firework permit processing, community education, enforcement on illegal fireworks, and fire suppression linked to firework activity; interest to raise revenue and expand the Police Department's drone program; host a community fireworks display or drone show; costliness and timeliness of a survey; significant financial impact brought by sale of safe and sane fireworks to community stakeholders; maintain the status quo and allocating the revenue to better serving the community; the importance of gathering community feedback prior to creating solutions to address the issue; consider a plan to assist nonprofits in the event of the total ban of sale and use of all fireworks in the City; and possible drone enforcement during the New Year's Eve.
The City Council asked about the estimate for a stand-alone election and a general consolidated election; estimate to conduct scientific poll to Buena Park voters; percentage being collected from fireworks consumers under AB 1 403; and, plan and cost to expand the Police Department's drone program.
Vice Mayor Traut, Council Member Hoque, Mayor Ahn, and Council Member Sonne recommended to poll the community to better understand their sentiment on the fireworks issue in the City. Mayor Ahn added the survey be developed by an outside consultant or specialist in the field. Council Member Franco recommended the poll be developed inhouse rather than contracting out.
Director Jimenez explained that a stand-alone election would cost the City over $I,000,000 whereas a general consolidated election would cost between $100,000 - $125,000.
Minutes September 9, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 23
Assistant City Manager Fenton explained that the City could hire a research firm to solicit poll responses at an estimated price of $30,000. The City is currently collecting one percent of the sales tax from safe and sane fireworks, but not the seven percent under AB 1403. The City Council could adopt an ordinance to enable the collection of the seven percent of the gross sales of fireworks sold in the City and use it for purposes in accordance to the Bill. The specific sales tax revenue collected from the sale of safe and sane fireworks is undetermined at this time, but staff is working with the consultant to obtain the number. Assistant City Manager Fenton stated that it is possible to develop the poll inhouse; however, there may be certain limitations such as it being less-scientific than intended.
Director of Finance Hyun indicated that the City obtains revenue from different sources such as a one percent local sales tax and one percent Measure R tax revenues. Fireworks sales, in general, are taxable, but there are provisions for nonprofits and specific exemptions that would make the sale non-taxable. Fireworks sales are not categorized by the state. Therefore, the City would have to figure out a way to get actual data. As for permit fees, the City collects a $I,010 permit per stand for the display and sale of fireworks.
Police Chief Nunes explained the plan to expand the drone program and the estimated cost to implement. The program's expansion would be comprised of a drone, an operator and a team to conduct enforcement. As for the request to implement drone enforcement during New Year's Eve, staff would have to gather data to determine the need. Another note to consider is the need to increase staff. New Year's Eve is a busy time for Police due to the activities and celebrations that occur at that time. Nevertheless, Chief Nunes indicated that he will be providing the requested data to the City Council at the next City Council meeting.
City Manager France informed the City Council about the anticipated schedule for the outreach effort which would be by the end of the calendar year.
Following the discussion, the City Council directed staff to hire an outside consultant to survey the community to better understand their sentiment on the fireworks issue (Dissent Franco); return item on community fireworks display or drone show at a subsequent City Council meeting; provide data regarding need for drone enforcement during New Year's Eve; and, draft an ordinance authorizing the collection of a fee from the sale of safe and sane fireworks pursuant to AB 1403 for City Council review and approval.
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager France reported the following:
* City Council Strategic Planning Session, September 16, 2025, 9:00 a.m., at Hilton Buena Park.
11. COMMISSION & COMMITTEE UPDATES
Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Jimenez reported that there are two (2) vacancies on the Navigation Center Oversight Commission. All interested individuals could contact Vice Mayor Traut or Director of Community Services Box.
12. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Ahn adjourned the meeting at 7:52 p.m. in memory of former EDCO Senior Vice President and long-time Buena Park resident Efrain Ramirez.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk